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Today is Saturday, October 10, 2026
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Whitewater, WI – WE DID IT!
The Irvin L. Young Library “Promoting Learning; Engaging the Community” Campaign
Leadership Committee is thrilled to announce that it met and exceeded its capital campaign
fundraising goal for a new library.
The Whitewater Common Council presented the library with a challenge in 2021 to raise half of the $6 million needed for a renovation and expansion of the library, with the Council borrowing the other half in January 2024 if the library completed the fundraising in time. The library raised more than $2,300,000 to be added to the library reserves of $840,000.
“We deeply appreciate the Whitewater community’s generosity to help us complete the campaign much sooner than expected; more than 260 people made gifts of all sizes.” said Jim Winship, Campaign Chair. He thanked the Campaign Leadership Committee – Doug Anderson, Brienne Brown, Kelly Davis, Richard Haney, Anne Hartwick, Jon Kachel, Ginger Katzman, Jennifer Motsko, and Gayle Stettler.
“The Whitewater community has come together in a tremendous way to make the new library, which is expected to open in 2025, a reality. The vision that was presented to me by the library board that hired me back in 2001 has finally come to pass.” said Stacey Lunsford, Library Director.
We are also pleased to announce that Fort Community Credit Union made an especially generous gift of $100,000 to help get the campaign ‘over the top.’ As with other businesses and individuals that made significant gifts, they will be prominently recognized in the new building.
There are still recognition opportunities available and gifts are still welcome until the end of the year. These include remembering or honoring someone through 100 Extraordinary Women TM or recognizing your family or business through a wall tile.
The renovated library will add even more value to the Whitewater community. It will offer more space and features where people can connect, read, learn, create and feel welcome. There will be 4,400 square feet of additional space and the current space will be re-designed to be more welcoming and accommodate new features.
For more information contact Stacey Lunsford, Library Director at 262 473-0530.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department.
ACCREDITATION ASSESSMENT TEAM INVITES PUBLIC COMMENT
A team of assessors from the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group (WILEAG) will arrive on November 14, 2023, to examine all aspects of the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office policy and procedures, management, operation, and support service.
Verification by the team that our agency meets the WILEAG Board’s state of the art standards is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation. Our agency was initially accredited in 2017, and this will be the second reaccreditation process. Reaccreditation occurs every three years.
As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments by telephone. The public may call 262-741-4677 on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Telephone comments are limited to ten minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with WILEAG’s standards. A copy of the standards is available upon request. Please contact Captain Josh Staggs at 262-741-4481 for further information.
Persons wishing to offer written comments about the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office’s ability to meet the standards for accreditation are requested to write to the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group, WILEAG at 7625 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, WI 53214.
Once the WILEAG Board’s assessors complete their review of our agency, they report back to the full WILEAG Board, which will then decide if our agency will be granted accreditation status.
Accreditation status is granted for three years, during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.
For more information regarding the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group, please write to WILEAG at 7525 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, WI 53214 or executive.director@wileag.info
Antonio Jermaine Statam, 36, of 300 block N Tratt St., Whitewater, has been charged with physical abuse of a child, repeater; and two counts of felony domestic battery, domestic abuse assessments, domestic abuse repeater, repeater.
Yefferson Guzman, 18, of 200 block N Fraternity Ln., Whitewater, has been charged with false imprisonment; strangulation and suffocation; misdemeanor battery; and disorderly conduct.
Life on the lake is easy, especially when the fish are biting, the jokes are funny, there’s a ‘couple two three’ beers in the bucket and the Green Bay Packers are on the field. From the warmth of their shanty ‘up north,’ old pals Marvin and Lloyd spin wit, wisdom and hilarious songs about life, love and the one that got away. Don’t miss this Wisconsin musical tradition, featuring songs like “When On Thin Ice,” “Ode to a Snowmobile Suit” and “The Wishing Hole.”
Since 1998, Guys on Ice has played to sold-out houses throughout Wisconsin and played for audiences as far away as California, New York and Oregon.
Tickets are available at www.youngauditorium.com. There is an additional service charge for tickets purchased at the door.
| Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the office of the governor. Gov. Evers, Insurance Commissioner Houdek Encourage Wisconsinites to Sign Up for Healthcare Coverage During Open Enrollment |
| Wisconsinites statewide can sign up for affordable, high-quality health insurance from Nov. 1, 2023, to Jan. 15, 2024 |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) Commissioner Nathan Houdek, today urged Wisconsin residents to sign up for high-quality, affordable healthcare coverage during the 11th annual ‘Open Enrollment’ period. On Wed., Nov. 1, 2023, open enrollment will begin and continue through Jan. 15, 2024. During this limited time, Wisconsinites are eligible to enroll in one of the health plans available on the individual health insurance marketplace. Those who already have insurance through the marketplace can also renew, update, or upgrade their health plans during this period. “Healthcare shouldn’t just be for the healthy and wealthy, and that’s why expanding access to healthcare has been a top priority of my administration since Day One,” said Gov. Evers. “I encourage folks to explore all the available plans and take advantage of the Open Enrollment period so we can continue building a healthier, stronger state together.” In 2020, Gov. Evers’ OCI DHS Health Care Coverage Partnership launched WisCovered.com as an accessible resource for consumers looking for information about health coverage. By visiting WisCovered.com or calling 2-1-1, Wisconsinites can get connected with free, expert help to better understand their coverage options and determine if they qualify for subsidized health insurance premiums through the marketplace or free coverage through BadgerCare. “Shop around on the marketplace to find a high-quality plan that covers doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, and more. There are a lot of options out there, and you might even qualify for a health insurance plan at low or no cost,” said OCI Commissioner Houdek. “Talk to a licensed insurance agent or broker, use the chat tool on WisCovered.com, or call 2-1-1 to find a free expert who can help you one-on-one. Don’t wait—get signed up for health coverage today.” The individual health insurance market has expanded substantially statewide, growing eight percent from 2019 to 2021. During the Open Enrollment Period last year, 221,128 Wisconsinites signed up for health insurance, which is the highest enrollment in Wisconsin since 2018. Much of the enrollment increase is tied to the subsidies enhanced by the American Rescue Plan Act and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act. Last year, 89 percent of Wisconsinites who enrolled on HealthCare.gov qualified for these cost savings. Additionally, the successful Wisconsin Healthcare Stability Plan (WIHSP) has held down rates on the individual marketplace. Without WIHSP, rates on HealthCare.gov would have increased by 18.2 percent for the 2024 plan year, based on a weighted average. Wisconsin’s individual health insurance market also has the second-most insurers in the nation. Wisconsinites in all 72 counties can choose from at least three different health insurance carriers on HealthCare.gov. An interactive map of health insurers available by county can be found here. Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by kalhh from Pixabay. |
The volleyball program held its end of season banquet on Tuesday, October 30th at Whitewater High School.
The program thanked several people who helped make the season so successful!
The families who support athletes and coaches, and for the car rides, the snacks, the dinners, bus food, and love! There has never been a time when this program has not felt the love and support of all of our families and we are thankful!
To team parents- Nikki Amundson and Nicole Grosinske who have been so supportive of anything we have needed this season, from scheduling concessions, hosting pasta and taco parties, and helping wherever we needed! We thank them for all their support this season!!
Bob Mischka, Pictures
Bob is ever present supporting Whippet Athletics. We are so fortunate to have him capture these moments for our student athletes and thank him for his support of Whippet Athletics and our Volleyball program!
Justin Crandall, Athletic Director, Kendra Riddle, Assistant
A huge thank you to our AD who works behind the scenes to ensure we are scheduled correctly, have the right bus times, have the gym set up, announcers, etc. The program would like to thank our Athletic Director, Justin Crandall, for his support of our program all year long, and Kendra for her support of athletics!
Our Coaching Staff and Managers:
Coach Tori Miller-JV2, Coach Amarion Isbell, JV1, Coach Ariel Feiertag, Varsity Assistant, Coach Rosie Jaskolski, Varsity Assistant
Managers: Jasmine Kilar and Chloe Crandall were thanked for their work as junior managers this year!
The Athletes:
The JV1 and JV2 athletes were honored by their coaches for their commitment to the team. Many great attributes were shared about each individual athlete, and we are so proud of the growth each one has shown within the season!
The varsity squad and seniors were honored! The Varsity squad ended up 3rd in conference behind East Troy and Delavan and in front of Jefferson and Monroe. The athletes were each honored for their commitment to the program. In addition, several awards were received.
The members of the varsity volleyball program were:
- Grace Coleman, Sophomore, Setter/Right side
- Kaia Jones, Sophomore, Outside Hitter
- Savannah O’Neil, Junior, Defensive Specialist
- Sydney Schilt- Junior, Right Side
- Ava Alvarado, Junior, Defensive Specialist
- Zoe Kohl, Junior, Defensive Specialist, Pin Hitter
- Cali Grosinske, Junior, Setter/Outside Hitter
- Falyn Krahn, Junior, Outside Hitter
- Ella Spear, Junior, Libero
- Marina Linos, Senior, Setter and RS
- Aidyn Amundson, Senior, Middle Blocker
- Meg Roselle, Senior, Middle Blocker
- Manny Mbifi, Senior, Middle Blocker
Several Post Season awards were also handed out:
Whippet Growth goes to a player who soaked up any information coaches could give and always strived to get better every chance she could. Whippet growth and Captain award went to Manny Mbifi.
Whippet Spirit goes to an athlete who selflessly gave to her teammates, and was a positive supporter of her teammates. The Whippet Spirit Award and Captain award went to Meg Roselle.
Whippet Heart goes to an athlete who gave their entire self to this program. They showed heart to their teammates in word and action. This Whippet Heart and Captain award went to Marina Linos.
Whippet Perseverance goes to an athlete who never quit no matter how hard things got. Never complaining, always keeping a positive mindset even when the injury took her senior season away. This Whippet Perseverance and Captain award went to Aidyn Amundson.
Defensive player of the year goes to an athlete who refused to let balls hit the ground. We would often hope to direct the hits toward this defender. She led us in digs (127) and attitude! Defensive Player of the Year goes to Ella Spear. Ella also made her mark in the record books- she entered into the TOP TEN list for single season digs at 9th with 127, and career digs at 9th!
Offensive Player of the Year goes to someone whose stats speak for themselves. Leading us in kills with 114 (3.86 per set), Offensive Player of the year goes to Calli Grosinske. Calli Grosinske also garnered her 1000th assist this season and ended with 1021 assists, launching her to 4th in our TOP TEN record books!
All Conference selections were also made by the coaches within the Rock Valley Conference.
The Whippets had two athletes receiving All Conference Honorable Mention and they were: Falyn Krahn and Marina Linos.
The Whippets had two athletes receive All Conference FIRST TEAM Honors and they were Calli Grosinske and Ella Spear!
It was a pleasure coaching these athletes and they are all set to do great things in the future! After roughly 20 years coaching in some capacity at Whitewater High School, this was head coach Mary Kilar’s last year. It has been an absolute pleasure working with the athletes, coaches, staff and families! I will now become a super fan! Thank you for all the wonderful memories! Go, WHIPPETS!
Article and Photos Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
Caregivers deserve thanks every month of the year, and November is the month to remind us of that. Keeping a person with dementia safe, content, fed and cared for is a 24-7 job. Understandably caregivers often feel alone and unappreciated. This month we are saying to caregivers, “You are appreciated!”
Say Thank You Do you know someone who is caring for a person with dementia? Just saying Thank You acknowledges their work and makes them feel valued. Express gratitude for the small and large things they do for their loved one.
Make a Friend Get to know about the life of this caregiver, what she/he likes, what her hobbies are, maybe take note of her birthday and send a card. Learn what is most difficult about her caregiving job. Giving her a chance to share with someone who is actively listening can be very comforting.
Send a Thank You Note Often, writing instead of speaking makes it simpler to show gratitude. Choose a beautiful card and send it through the mail. Such a simple thing can make someone’s day. Perhaps you have a parent who is being cared for by one of your siblings. Your non-judgmental expression of appreciation will mean a lot.
Include a Gift Card! Take your thank you card up a notch and include a gift card for a take-out meal, gas, a massage or pedicure. The options are endless.
Encourage Self Care Being a caregiver is emotionally and physically taxing. Caregivers need to be encouraged to take a break and care for their own needs. Look into Whitewater’s ’”Rockin’ Respite” program where caregivers can drop off their loved ones two days a month and know they are receiving social and emotional stimulation. The loved one is paired with a volunteer whose job it is to give their full attention to their friend-for-a-day. An activity director keeps everyone busy with crafts, light exercise, games. music and puzzles. Caregivers can make necessary appointments, go shopping, have lunch with a friend, relax at home or have an undisturbed nap. Contact Jennifer at Seniors in the Park (jfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0535) to find out more.
THANK YOU, CAREGIVERS!
For more information, go to https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/getting-help-alzheimers-caregiving
*******
This article submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors in the Park (SITP) to help inform the community about dementia and to support caregivers and their loved ones. New members are always welcome! Contact Jennifer jfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262 473 0535. More resources for caregivers:
https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center
Did you know Whitewater has a 1,000+ year old archaeological site located within our city limits? Join us on November 6th at 6:00 p.m. at Irvin L. Young Memorial Library for a family-friendly presentation that dives into the mysteries of Whitewater’s Effigy Mounds and mound builder culture. This free event is being sponsored in collaboration with the Wisconsin Historical Society, Whitewater Unified School District, Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, Whitewater Parks and Recreation, and the Landmarks Commission in honor of Native American Heritage Month.
The program will be led by Wisconsin Historical Society staff archeologist, Dr. Amy Rosebrough. The presentation will promote a greater historical and cultural understanding of Whitewater’s Effigy Mounds to highlight this important community landmark.
Dr. Amy Rosebrough is an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and she received her doctorate for region-wide re-analysis of Wisconsin’s effigy mounds and mound builders. In her current position at the Wisconsin Historical Society, she manages archaeological and burial sites data, assists Wisconsin’s citizens with archaeological questions, and serves as a subject matter expert.
The presentation will be held on Monday, November 6 at 6:00 p.m. in the library’s Community Room located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. There is no cost or registration to attend. For additional information, visit the library’s website at www.whitewaterlibrary.org or call 262-473-0530.
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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