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Today is Saturday, October 10, 2026
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Emilia Houwers is state-bound and will be playing in the WIAA Girls Tennis tournament on Thursday, October 12! She qualified for State at the Sectional Tournament in La Crosse on Wednesday, October 4.
Please use the link below if you’d like to order a State Tennis T-Shirt to support Emilia Houwers. Orders are due Sunday, October 8, at midnight and should arrive by Wednesday so that you can wear them on Thursday.
https://whitewatertennisstate23.itemorder.com/shop/home/
Photo courtesy of Bob Mischka.
MADISON — As previously announced, on Sat., Oct. 7, 2023, and Sat., Oct. 14, 2023, the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin will be flown at half-staff coinciding with the Final Alarm Ceremony and Silent Procession at the Wisconsin State Firefighters Memorial Park in Wisconsin Rapids, which is hosted by the Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial, and in honor of Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day. In May, Gov. Evers signed Executive Order #197 ordering the flags to be flown at half-staff on Sun., May 7, 2023, in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service during National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, on Sat., Oct. 7, 2023, in recognition of the Final Alarm Ceremony at the Wisconsin State Firefighters Memorial, and again on Sat., Oct. 14, 2023, as required by state statute in observance of Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day during Fire Prevention Week, October 8 through October 14.
“Each and every day, Wisconsin firefighters risk their own health and safety in order to serve their neighbors in their greatest time of need, and we owe them an incredible debt of gratitude for keeping our communities safe,” said Gov. Evers. “On Firefighters Memorial Day and throughout the year, we honor their immense sacrifice and remember the selflessness and bravery of those firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty.”
Previously, National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend had been held in October, but beginning in 2023, was moved from October to May by the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation. However, in Wisconsin, Wis. Stat. 995.225(1) still designates each week annually during which October 9 falls as Fire Prevention Week and designates the Saturday at the end of Fire Prevention Week as Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day.
Executive Order #197 subsequently orders the flags to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Oct. 7, 2023, in recognition of the Final Alarm Ceremony at the Wisconsin State Firefighters Memorial, and on Sat., Oct. 14, 2023, in honor of Fire Prevention Week, which features observances, ceremonies, exercises, and activities related to fire safety education, and culminates with the observance of Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day in recognition of the firefighters of this state who made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties over the course of the year. A copy of the governor’s Fire Prevention Week proclamation is available here.
The Whitewater Girls’ Swim Team competed against Elkhorn and PSC (Prairie School/St. Catherine’s) on Tuesday, October 3. The Whippets placed second overall by earning themselves some personal best times.
Some best times include:
- Payton Peacock had an impressive split in the 200 Medley Relay
- 200 Freestyle – Atreya Wilson and Lucy Davis
- 200 IM – Emerson Dunham
- 50 Freestyle – Adalynn Frye and Payton Peacock
- 100 Freestyle – Marijose Verduzco
- 500 Freestyle – Zoe Zei
- 100 Backstroke – Marijose Verduzco and Adalynn Frye
- 400 Freestyle Relay – there were some quick splits which included Adalynn Frye, Atreya Wilson, and Lucy Davis
- Makayla Bazeley won by 15 seconds in the 200 Freestyle and 7 seconds in the 100 Freestyle
The Swim Team is back in the Whippet territory on Tuesday (10/10). We hope to see you all there!
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
The Whitewater Volleyball Team hosted Jefferson on “Play for Trey” Night on Tuesday, October 3, and swept them in three straight sets (25-21, 25-19, 25-17).
Play for Trey was an event started by former Whippet volleyball player Gina (Hollingshead) Serna in 2010, after Treyton was killed by a drunk driver following a volleyball match in East Troy. Coach Mary Kilar stated, “This team has never let his memory die. The team continues to honor his memory in collaboration with the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) group from the high school. Talking about destructive decisions and their impact is something we should all be doing, especially with our young people. One bad choice can lead to significant consequences, and in this case, a death of a young boy at a mere 7 years old. Our volleyball team recommits each year to understanding our impact, and striving to make a positive one.”
And, tonight, we played some of the best volleyball on the season. “I felt we started and finished aggressively on both offense and defense. We saw great leadership, energy, and ‘finish mentality’ from our whole crew tonight! Icing on the cake was Calli Grosinske, Junior, surpassing 1000 assists on the night! “I was so happy for Calli, she works hard and is seeing the court so well. I was excited for her, what a great accomplishment, and only a junior. She is just getting started! And, she finished with another double-double, 11 kills, 11 digs, and 1 ace. She is understanding how to read the opponent, and found many of her kills simply by seeing the court!
As a team, we again saw great, consistent play from our Middles, Meg Roselle and Manny Mbifi. “They are beginning to read hitters and get hands on a ton of balls for us. Their blocking and net play has improved all season”. Meg finished with 1 kill, 1 dig, and 1 block, and Manny finished with 4 kills and 1 block.
Falyn Krahn and Sydney Schilt put up some nice offensive points for us. Falyn finished with 7 kills, 2 aces, and 9 digs. Sydney finished with a kill and a dig. Ava Alvarado finished with 2 digs and is leading with her communication in the middle back position. Zoe Kohl has been consistent for us behind the serving line and finished with 3 aces and 6 digs. “I was so happy to see Zoe continue to serve aggressively. She is scoring some much-needed points for us!”
Ella Spear had a night as libero tonight! She read the hitters and led through her communication and play. She ended with 20 digs and an ace! “Ella strives to lead this team, and she does this day in and day out. She works just as hard in practice as she does in matches. She is a true leader.”
Savannah O’Neil plays a dual role for us as Libero on JV1 and serving specialist for Varsity. She is so consistent with her serve and grabbed one dig on the night.
Marina Linos really stepped up her serving and aggressive play at the net. She was blocking and scoring for us! She had one of her best matches for us and finished with 1 kill, 4 aces, 17 assists, 9 digs, and a block! “Marina knows this game so well. It was fun to see her put it together and lead us to a sweep!”
Next up the Whippets travel to Fall River with the JV1 and Varsity squads on Thursday, October 5.
Article Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
Action Photo Courtesy of Bob and Peter Mischka
The City of Whitewater – Department of Public Works will collect leaf and yard waste during the established dates in October and November with no appointment needed.
- Residents may place their bagged yard waste on the curb no earlier than Saturday, October 21, for collection during the week of October 23 – October 27, 2023.
- Residents may place their bagged yard waste on the curb no earlier than Saturday, November 4, for collection during the week of: November 6 – November 10, 2023 and November 13 – November 17, 2023.
However, all bags must be brought to the curb for final collection by Wednesday, November 15. Bio-Bags left outside in the elements during the winter months will NOT be collected during the spring collection.
*Dates may be subject to change in the event we experience accumulating snow during this time.
For residents who miss the collection deadline of November 17, a dumpster will be available at the City garage (150 E. Starin Rd.) between November 20 – December 1, between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. *Please note the facility will be closed on Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24.
Spring collection will be dependent on weather conditions.
Yard waste is defined as leaves, weeds, grass clippings, and yard and garden debris. Yard waste must be bagged in 30 gallon or smaller biodegradable, clear or transparent bags only. Yard waste will not be collected if not properly bagged or placed in non-transparent or black bags. The City offers Bio-Bags, in the fall only, at the Finance Department. Residents may also use the compost site to dispose of leaf and yard waste. The compost site is open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. The compost site will close for the season at 6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.
Residents requesting brush collection should call 473-0560 to make an appointment for pick up on Tuesdays.
NOTICE: City Ordinance Chapter 12.08 – Street Obstructions, Section: 12.08.010 – Residents are prohibited from depositing any yard waste debris on city streets or right of ways other than City of Whitewater designated days.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week we are responding to a request from September for a view of the outside of the old Esterly School once located at the west end of Center Street. This building was constructed around 1860 and used as the spacious home of George Esterly, Whitewater’s most prominent industrialist in the 19th century. When the Esterly company left Whitewater in 1892 and George Esterly died in 1893, the house became available. At the same time, the nearby Union School (Big Brick, corner of Center and Prairie Streets) was being taken over by Whitewater’s new high school program so elementary school children were moved from the Union School to this building beginning in 1894. The Esterly School was used until 1927, when it was razed for the new Whitewater High School building (old Franklin Junior High School, not extant).
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(4458PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
On Behalf of the U W Whitewater Community Optimist Club Al Hutchison, President, hands check over of $2000 to the WUSD Emergency Fund to Lanora Heim (right) and Jaclyn Tueting Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent & School Board Secretary.
These funds came from our trivia night which we would like to thank the community for their support.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Public Library.
Community members are invited to attend a free screening of the film “Wisconsin Pride” at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Monday, October 9 at 5:30 p.m. See Wisconsin history through a new lens in this PBS Wisconsin documentary which brings hidden LGBTQ+ stories forward, and reconsiders our state’s history in that light. LGBTQ+ history is Wisconsin history. Learn about trailblazing Wisconsinites who, when faced with intolerance, responded by creating community, living authentically, fighting for rights and having pride in themselves.
The two-hour documentary is a collaboration between PBS Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Historical Society and will be presented in two parts with a short intermission in between each hour. An informal community discussion will follow the film. The screening is cosponsored by The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area and Whitewater Pride.
Ellen Penwell, President of the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area states that, “the League is proud to partner with the Irvin L Young Memorial Library in support of programming that advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, which align with the League’s policy and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in principle and practice.”
There is no cost or registration to attend. The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact the library at 262-473-0530 with questions.
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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