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Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. The department has previously indicated to The Banner that Rock County residency is not required to enroll in their classes.
Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our first 2024 ATV Safety Education Course on January 9, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and January 20, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Rock County Fairgrounds – Craig Center, 1301 Craig Ave, Janesville, WI 53545. Students will need to attend both sessions to graduate.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, is required to complete an ATV Safety Education Course in order to legally operate an ATV or UTV in areas open to the public within the State of Wisconsin. It is recommended that participants are at least 12 years of age or turn 12 shortly after the class.
ATV Safety Education Course – Class #1
Session 1: January 9, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. @ Rock Co. Fairgrounds – Craig Center
Session 2: January 20, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. @ Rock Co. Fairgrounds – Craig Center
Registration is now open. Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat. https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/atv-education
Class size is limited to thirty students. Upon submission of the registration form, the submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with course information. The course fee of $10 per student will be collected at the first session. If the student is under 18 years old, a parent/guardian will need to attend the first session with the student. Students will receive course materials at the first session. Please direct any questions to Deputy Trevor Lund at trevor.lund@co.rock.wi.us
Tuesday night, December 19, the Whippet Boys’ Basketball Team hosted the conference-leading Jefferson Eagles in the first of two Rock Valley matchups this season. Leading 37-35 at halftime, everything was clicking for Whitewater early on. Marcos Sagrero had 18 points, and the team played with tenacity on defense – generating turnovers, getting out in the fast break, and putting Jefferson in a pickle by getting to the free-throw line early.
In the second half, however, the Eagles made adjustments and just enough plays down the stretch to overcome the two-point halftime deficit. The Whippets had opportunities at the rim and the free-throw line, but could not capitalize on the hot shooting in the first half of the game. Despite Sagrero’s career-high 23 points, Jefferson pulled away in the end to win 71-65 in a highly competitive contest and remains undefeated in the Rock Valley Conference. Whitewater falls to 2-6 overall.
Let’s get ’em next time Whippets!
Whitewater High School hosts Milwaukee Academy of Science on Thursday, December 21.
Article Submitted by Shane Cullian and Michael McCabe
Whitewater High School Boys’ Basketball Coaches
scullian@wwusd.org, mccmi01@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The Whitewater Area Regional Ministry (WARM) of the United Methodist Church presented the Christmas cantata, “A Journey to Joy,” a beautiful brand new work by Joseph M. Martin, on Sunday, December 10 at First United Methodist Church. Presentations took place at the 10 a.m. worship service and at a 4:00 p.m. concert. The 35-voice choir included singers from the community, including UW-Whitewater, as did the 17-piece orchestra.
Soloists for the presentation were Jen Crone, Nathan Roley, Barb Taylor and Kay Ebert. The choir was conducted by Christine Hayes and accompanied on piano by James Athas. The work is a joyful blend of traditional carols and contemporary selections all telling the Christmas story. Scripture and narration interjected throughout the cantata was delivered by The Rev. Dan Fahs and The Rev. Beth Staniforth-Seamster.
Christine Hayes said, “The cantata, “A Journey to Joy,” truly proved to be prophetic. Bringing together 50 singers and instrumentalists lifted our souls as we prepared this beautiful music. The musicians represented the Whitewater community, churches and university. As we rehearsed each week, the messages of peace, love, hope and joy rang out. Presenting this Christmas message to hundreds, either in person or watching virtually, culminated in a joyous and emotional experience for the audience and performers. We are deeply appreciative of Joe Mansfield, who gifted us with memorial funds, making these two performances possible. It will carry us all through the Holy Christmas season. May we all carry the joy of Christmas in our hearts.”
A video of the cantata may be viewed here. The cantata begins at 19:50 on the recording.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from UW-Whitewater.
A total of 50 students from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater were hired before graduation.
The following University of Wisconsin-Whitewater students [who consider Whitewater to be their home] recently graduated and were hired before graduation:
Patrice Achu, who graduated with a DBA in business administration.
Brett Knowlton, who graduated with a BBA in finance.
Chloe Welak, who graduated with a BBA in supply chain management.
April Wright, who graduated with a A.A. in fine arts.
Conner Young, who graduated with a B.S. in legal studies.
The holidays can be tough for hospitalized patients and their loved ones – especially if they need blood. Please spare a moment this season to give the life-changing gift of blood and hope for these families. Donors will receive a $20 e-gift card* as thanks! This includes those who have already made an appointment.
OLD WHITEWATER ARMORY
Thursday, 12/21/23 (1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
146 W. NORTH ST.
WHITEWATER, WI 53190
*Donors will receive an email from Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin <noreply@tangocard.com> 4-7 business days after their donation with a link to redeem $20 at a vendor of their choice, including Amazon, Starbucks, Target, Walmart and 60 more. Donors must have a valid email address on file with us prior to their appointment, or update it at the time of their donation.
Please make an appointment at this link or by calling Lynn at 262-473-2997. If you are a new donor to Versiti, use the link and then click on “login” and follow the directions under “new donors.”
WHAT A COMEBACK! On Monday night, December 18, down 5 with under 2 minutes to go, the Whippet Girls’ Basketball Team was able to claw back and make a buzzer beater layup to force overtime! The Whippets owned the overtime and left Marshall with a 53-49 overtime win!
Video of Danielle DePorter’s layup that sent the game to overtime (no sound):
https://www.hudl.com/v/2MuRut
Comments Courtesy of Justin Crandall
Whitewater High School Athletic Director
jcrandall@wwusd.org
Justice Sandra Day O’Connor was an American icon, the first woman on our Nation’s highest court. She spent her career committed to the stable center, pragmatic and in search of common ground. Defined by her no-nonsense Arizona ranch roots, Justice O’Connor overcame discrimination early on, at a time when law firms too often told women to seek work as secretaries, not attorneys. She gave her life to public service, even holding elected office, and never forgot those ties to the people whom the law is meant to serve. She sought to avoid ideology, and was devoted to the rule of law and to the bedrock American principle of an independent judiciary. Justice O’Connor never quit striving to make this Nation stronger, calling on us all to engage with our country and with one another, and her institute’s work to promote civics education and civil discourse has touched millions. She knew that for democracy to work, we have to listen to each other, and remember how much more we all have in common as Americans than what keeps us apart.
As a mark of respect for the memory and longstanding service of Sandra Day O’Connor, retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that on the day of her interment [Tuesday, December 19], the flag of the United States shall be flown at half‑staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on such day. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
.
On Saturday, December 16, the Whitewater Girls’ Wrestling team was up early and traveled to Mount Horeb High School to participate in the first annual Mount Horeb Girls’ Wrestling Invite.
Whitewater had a great showing with the most girls of any of the schools participating and all wrestling very well. Of the nine girls that were competing, seven came home with a top two finish.
Leading the way for the Whippets were Lauren Buehler and Giulia Ristagno, each winning their respective weight class. Buehler had two first period pins on her way to the championship, and Ristagno also had two pins on her way to her first championship in wrestling. Lauren was also recognized with the Most Outstanding Wrestler Award, voted on by the coaches at the tournament.
Coming in second place included Ema Aranda, Katie Rojas-Reyes, Atreya Wilson, Myia Cobb, and Marianna Kubicz. All five of these girls wrestled very well on the day, coming up just short of the championship.
The coaching staff is very happy with the progression the girls are making as many are new to the sport of wrestling. They are next in action when they travel to East Troy to compete against New Berlin.
Article and Photo Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
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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