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Today is Saturday, October 10, 2026
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Cheng Yang, 20, of 1128 B W. Florence St, Whitewater, has been charged with a hit and run – injury, a felony.
Harling Gamez Rodriguez, 24, of 424 W Forest Ave, Whitewater, has been charged with possession of narcotic drugs, a felony.
Jose A Morales, 46, of 494 W. Whitewater Street, Whitewater, has been charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence – fifth offense, a felony.
Editor’s note: These cases have not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, each defendant is presumed innocent of all charges.
After hosting three large wrestling tournaments this season, the Whippets had the opportunity to host their first dual meet of the season on Thursday night. The Monroe Cheesemakers made their way to Whitewater to participate in a first ever dual meet against each other. Whitewater has often seen Monroe in tournaments but due to distance never scheduled a dual meet. This all changed as Monroe and Whitewater are both part of the Rock Valley Conference in the Rock Division. The coaching staff knew this was going to be a challenging home dual meet as Monroe has a very solid team this year.
The dual started off at 138 pounds where Curtis Rossmiller came out strong but could not keep up the pace against a defending state qualifier and ended up getting pinned in the match. Traysen Thomason (144) followed up with a very well wrestled match picking up the decision to get the Whippets on the board. After a couple of weights going against the Whippets, Sebastian Cuellar (165) got things moving in the right direction for Whitewater in a tough match, coming up with a big pin to put the home team down 9-17. Jesus Barajas (175) followed with a very good match, nearly pinning his opponent on a couple of occasions but ended up getting a 10-3 victory and closing the gap to 12-17. Payton Lyon (190) put the Whippets on top with a second period pin. Ethan Barels followed with a very hard fought match coming up just short before Junior Soto got a forfeit at heavyweight putting the Whippets up 24-20 with five weights to go. At 113 Jasen Porras had the opportunity to see his way back on the mat after an early season injury, wrestling a very good match winning 8-4 and putting the Whippets up 27-24 with three to go. Jarvis Porcaro (120) got a major decision 12-4. Freshman Brady Friend walked out on the mat knowing that a victory by him would seal the win for the home team. Brady showed lots of grit, wrestling potentially the best match of the season winning 7-4 and sealing the win for the Whippets 34-25. The win improved their record to 7-1 on season and 3-0 in the conference.
The team is next in action on Thursday night, January 18, when they host the Jefferson Eagles. This will mark both Parents Night and Senior Night for the team. JV will start at 6:00 with the varsity competing at 7:00. The team would love to see a packed house in their battle against Jefferson.
Article and Photo Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
As a lifelong educator, now retired, I hope to lend my experience and passion for public school education to my local school board. Having worked as a coach, teacher, principal and superintendent I am well aware of the changing cycles within education. As a parent I saw my sons benefit from quality instruction as they both graduated from Whitewater High School and moved into success in college and their professional careers. I want the best possible experience for every student in the Whitewater schools.
School boards across Wisconsin have been handcuffed by an archaic funding system built upon a formula based on 1993 spending limits. Local taxpayers have been dealt an ever increasing burden where local referendums become necessary just to maintain existing programs. Funding limits cause school leadership to become more creative while teacher pay and benefits fall further behind other costs of living.
While our district is striving to retain quality educators, the challenges grow with each passing year. Valuing staff is crucial. Where salaries may not be competitive with other fields; appreciation, recognition and support can help offset those fiscal gaps.
It is my intention to make every effort to build trust in our school leadership. Open transparent honest actions are one of the key ways to build that trust. Open communication, a reduction of closed meetings and involving all pertinent stakeholders in decision making is how this is accomplished.
Having lived in Whitewater for eighteen years, my family has benefitted greatly from all it has to offer. My hope, if the electorate will give me the opportunity, is to give back to this very special district and community with my passion for education.
I can be contacted for more information or to respond to any question or concerns by email or text.
Yours in Education, Jeff Tortomasi rocktorto@gmail.com cell/text 715-905-0909
Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by Jeff Tortomasi. The use of the Whitewater Unified School District logo on the homepage should not be construed to imply endorsement by the district.
In an effort to cultivate a sense of community engagement and fulfill graduation requirements, Whitewater High School proudly announces the success of its recent afternoon of service projects in recognition of MLK Day. Staff and students worked collaboratively to create meaningful opportunities for service learning that positively impacted our community.
Through a collaborative effort between dedicated staff and enthusiastic students, WHS successfully implemented a diverse range of service projects. From environmental initiatives to outreach programs, students were able to choose projects aligned with their interests, creating a dynamic and impactful experience for all involved. The Whippets’ first day of service learning demonstrates our commitment to fostering not only academic excellence but also in nurturing responsible, compassionate citizens who actively contribute to the well-being of our community.
The success of these service projects extends beyond fulfilling graduation requirements; it leaves a lasting impact on the community and fosters a sense of accomplishment among the participating students. WHS looks forward to building on this success in future service-learning initiatives, continuing to empower students to make a positive difference in the world around them.
Article Submitted by Kate McNulty, Whitewater High School
kmcnulty@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Laura Masbruch, LouLou Wade, and Kiana Aranda
Our in-office pantry has received tons of toiletry donations over the past month!
For those who aren’t aware, we have a pantry in our office’s back room (at 133 S. Franklin Street – Whitewater), where any community member can pick up toiletry/household items. We do not require an application or any documentation for a person to utilize this service. It is here, free of charge, for anyone needing extra support. The Bethel House client pantry is available during open office hours: Mon-Thurs 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Please note if staff is out or meeting with clients, the pantry may not be accessible, so it is best to schedule an appointment by calling 262.473.2715 or emailing casemanager.bethelhouse@gmail.com.
A special thank you to the following individuals/groups for their recent donations (including a handful of anonymous donations dropped off/sent to us):
Stephanie McDonald & her network of friends/colleagues
UW-Whitewater Circle K (@uwwcirclek)
St. Patrick Catholic Church
First United Methodist Church of Whitewater
First English Lutheran Church – Whitewater
Donations are always welcome! Our most needed items right now are: toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, hand soap, cleaning wipes/sprays, bandaids/first aid items, and body wash. We are NOT in need of toothbrushes, toothpaste or bar soap. We keep updated details on our website (along with “kit” donation ideas) here: http://www.bethelhouseinc.org/donate.html
International performer, and Whitewater local, Andreas Transø will share stories, songs, and more at The Wright House in Whitewater on Friday, January 19 at 7 p.m.
In a performance with Andreas, you can expect everything from poetry to spoons playing, ancient ballads to original songs…all woven with bits of history and good humored jokes. Prepare for an embracing and jolly performance, with tears from laughter or inspired by swelling powerful performances of beautiful stories gathered and well-toned by an experienced and ever-ripening young seanchaí.
Link for registration: jollyseanchai.eventbrite.com
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has issued yet one more Wind Chill Advisory, continuing until 9 a.m. on Wednesday. They indicate that the coldest chills will be from late Monday night until Tuesday morning.
Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers
7 p.m. CST| Fox
The Green Bay Packers pulled off a massive 48-32 upset win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday as the No. 7 seed in the NFC. As a result, they’ll head to the Bay Area to take on the top-seeded 49ers on Saturday night.
Five takeaways on packers.com
Homepage image: Aaron Jones from packers.com
Obituaries
Sally A. Schutte, age 73, of Whitewater, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 21, 2026, while at Hearthstone Memory Care in Whitewater. Sally was born on November 6, 1952, to Roy and Elsie (Rohloff) Haas. Sally married William Schutte in the spring of 2003. Sally grew up on the family farm in the Town of Hebron and graduated from Jefferson High School. She dedicated nearly her entire career to Fort HealthCare, where her hard work and versatility shone through various roles. Over the years, she served in housekeeping and medical records, Center for Dermatology. Sally … Read more
Zachariah “Zach” Schoenke, 41, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. He was born April 4, 1985, to Keith W. Schoenke and Kathleen Schoenke in Fort Atkinson, WI. He grew up and graduated from Whitewater High School in 2003. Zach worked various jobs over the years but was currently working at Cracker Barrel in Janesville. He was a big Packers Fan and liked to play fantasy football. He enjoyed reading, cooking, and watching horror shows. Zach fiercely loved his son, Lincoln, his sisters, Cami and Cary, his mom and stepdad, and his aunt Robin. He will be dearly … Read more
Carla Winn, 82, died September 5, 2026. Funeral Service will be at 12:00 PM, Saturday, September 12, 2026, at East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218, followed by a burial at 2:00 PM at White Chapel Memorial Garden 1806 N Oliver Ave. Carla is preceded in death by her parents, Vivian Dwight and Wilma Lois Krehbiel; and sister, Jennifer Krehbiel. She is survived by husband, Stephen; daughter, Ashley (Clint) Gagel, of Overland Park; siblings, Paul (Kay) Krehbiel, of Socorro, NM, Lynn (Bill) Oetting, of Wichita, Ellen (John) Querner, of Wichita, Teresa Woodson, of Lawrence, KS, … Read more
Susan Miller Celebration of Life There will be a gathering of friends and acquaintances at Susan’s Farm Store to celebrate Susan’s life on Saturday, September 19th from 2-5 p.m. at N6623 Lake Lorraine Rd., Delavan, Wisconsin
Our loving mother, JoAnn E Harrop, age 95, passed away on September 11, 2026. Our sorrow is deep, but we are filled with gratitude for the many years we had with her. Even as her mind was failing, she remained strong and appreciative of all who cared for her. JoAnn was born on January 13, 1931, daughter to Fred Braun and Evelyn Braun {Storck). She was raised in Whitewater, Wisconsin by her grandparents, Otto and Edith Storck. She attended Whitewater High School and helped at the Storck tavern where she met her husband Earl C. Harrop. They married on November … Read more
Russell O. Johnson “Russ,” 88, passed away on September 4, 2026 in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Russell was born on July 12, 1938, in Janesville, Wisconsin. Russ grew up in Janesville, and after high school he joined the Air Force on May 1, 1958, serving as an aircraft mechanic until June 12, 1962. He then worked at Parker Pen in Janesville for a time, where he met his future wife, Avis. After marrying Avis Mason in April 1964, Russ worked for Gillman Manufacturing for a time, then began a career at Dana until its closing in 1980. In 1981, Russ started working … Read more
Marcia Zingg, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, businesswoman, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, at the age of 75. Marcia will be remembered for her unwavering love, remarkable strength, generous spirit, and lifelong devotion to her family. She shared 40 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Jeffrey Zingg, who considered her not only his wife but also his best friend, business partner, and the love of his life. Together, Marcia and Jeffrey built a successful life rooted in perseverance, hard work, laughter, and love. As entrepreneurs in Whitewater, Wisconsin, they owned and managed new car franchises and … Read more
Amanda Jean Hunter was born to Ralph and Malinda (Thomas) Hunter of Whitewater, Wisconsin, on October 6, 1976. She passed away on August 4, in Fort Worth, Texas, where she lived with her family. Amanda passed peacefully in the hospital, surrounded by her loved ones. Amanda was a kind-hearted free spirit with an unmistakable hippie warmth. Generosity, spontaneity, a quick wit, a macabre sense of humor, and an open heart were traits that she embraced. She was a tireless champion of those in need, an innate characteristic that became among the best of her qualities. She proved to be a … Read more
Ellen Eichmiller, 82, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Ellen was born on September 10, 1943, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to Chester “Guy” and Irene (née Holmen) Steig. She married the love of her life, Paul Eichmiller, on December 7, 1963, and together they made their home in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Ellen spent much of her working life as a secretary at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she formed many lasting friendships and memories. Ellen cherished her family and friends and treasured the time she spent with those closest to her. She was known for her love of … Read more
Janet Quinn, age 71, of Jefferson passed away on Thursday, August 20th. Janet was born on December 22nd, 1954 in St. Joseph, MI to Robert Mounsey and Edith Christison Mounsey. She was a granddaughter to Herbert Bragg Mounsey, Charlotte Mounsey, and Ester Christison West. She married Michael Durden in 1979 and later married Eury Quinn Jr. (J.R.) in 1988. Janet grew up in Benton Harbor, MI, and subsequently lived in New York and Arkansas before moving to Wisconsin in 2016. She was a dedicated caregiver to her disabled Mother, and worked as a custodian for various employers over the years. … Read more
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