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The Whitewater Volleyball team gritted out a 5-set win against visiting Wilmot (31-33, 25-22, 25-15, 23-25, 15-11). “It was nice to battle out a first home match win. I was pleased we did not quit. Although we had some lapses where we saw too many unforced errors, we recovered and for a young team, that is what I am looking for.”
In scouting Wilmot, we knew what we wanted to do and where to capitalize. “We spent some time in film so we could see what we wanted to do. And, while I think we could have selected some shots better, I felt we did a nice job with our game plan.” Serving continues to be an area we must improve upon; however, we saw more aces tonight with 17 as a team.
Our middles, Emmanuella Mbifi (3 kills, 2 block assists, 1 ace) and Meg Roselle (2 kills, 1 block), are beginning to run a faster offense and are understanding how to work with the setters to connect. “Both Meg and Manny came through with some key plays at the net and blocks. I was excited to see this begin to come together for them.”
Calli Grosinske continues to be a leader for us in her court awareness and shot selection. She posted her first double-double tonight racking up 20 kills, and 14 digs. She also served tougher for us tonight picking up two aces. “Calli is a player we look to lead us. She is beginning to find comfort in this role and leading her team in tough moments.” Marina Linos set a solid match and is picking up her defense. She had 23 assists, 6 digs, and 4 aces. Marina is a selfless player always looking to support her team.
Savannah O’Neil is a serving specialist for us and continues to score points for us with her consistency. Ava Alvarado, defensive specialist, played consistently for us in the backcourt. “Ava is a smart player who is beginning to trust her training and instincts. She is solid in both serve receive and defense.”
Falyn Krahn (9 kills and 5 service aces), Zoe Kohl (2 kills, 2 aces, 14 digs), and Sydney Schilt, put up some nice offense and defense for us. “We count on Zoe and Falyn a ton. Defensively, they are coming through in key moments. Both had some nice digs, aces, and serve receptions. I am always impressed with Zoe’s willingness to go wherever the team needs her! Falyn is playing so consistently for us. She is so fast on defense and makes some aggressive plays. She is smart in the front court, and is beginning to refine her shot selection. Sydney is playing some front row for us, and puts up a solid block and is fast on defense. Sydney is also a solid serve receiver and helps us to run a faster offense.
Ella Spear leads us as the libero and had 3 aces and 19 digs. Ella works so hard in her role and continues to lead her team through her aggressive defense.
I was so proud of our team tonight. We battled through some ups and downs and were able to grit out a win. The Whippets will be back in action next Thursday (9/7) against Delavan-Darien at home for Parents’ Night. JV1 and JV2 will start at 5:00 PM and Varsity at 6:30 PM. Hope to see you there!
Article and Team Photo Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
Action Photo Courtesy of Peter and Bob Mischka
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.
The Whitewater Community Foundation Board is seeking a Program Coordinator to help plan and organize the programs and activities of the Whitewater Community Foundation.
Title: Program Coordinator for the Whitewater Community Foundation
Reports to: Foundation President
Hours: 20 hours per week at $18.00 to $20.00 per hour
Starting date: ASAP
Position Summary: This position is responsible for planning and organizing the programs and activities of the Whitewater Community Foundation under the direction of the Foundation Board of Directors. This includes the responsibility of developing, interpreting and recommending program goals and objectives, policies, procedures, and courses of action according to the established guidelines of the Board and sound administrative practices.
The Whitewater Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Essential duties and responsibilities: Includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Serves as the Foundation’s chief point of community contact for Foundation programs and activities.
- Communicates with community stakeholders on Foundation programs and activities.
- Develops and distributes press releases, the Foundation annual report and other public information materials as approved and directed by the Board.
- Maintains the Foundation website and social media platforms.
- Administers the Foundation Scholarship Program, the Community Action Grants, and the Conduit Accounts and Agreements.
- Prepares and coordinates monthly reports for Board meetings and coordinates special projects and follow-ups as required.
- Demonstrates a commitment to the Foundation mission and vision.
Application deadline: Until position is filled.
Interested candidates should submit a letter of application and resume to Chairperson@Whitewatercommunityfoundation.org Direct questions to Chairperson@Whitewatercommunityfoundation.org
More information about the Whitewater Community Foundation can be found at whitewatercommunityfoundation.org and on Facebook.
The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to “enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures.”
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Fort HealthCare.
Each year, thousands of educators, caregivers, health and aging professionals, and older adults across the country focus their efforts on one goal: preventing falls. That is why Fort HealthCare is collaborating with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and the Falls Free® Initiative to observe Falls Prevention Awareness Day on September 23, and throughout the entire month of September and October.
Falls are a leading cause of injury for people aged 65 and older, but they are not an inevitable part of aging. There are proven ways to prevent them. Fort HealthCare’s fall prevention screening community events will empower older adults to stay active, independent, and safe in their homes and communities.
Bringa Johnson, Physical Therapist at Fort HealthCare, has an interest in fall prevention, and is helping to coordinate the efforts this year with multiple locations, dates, and times for community members to participate. Bringa describes these screenings as “providing a brief assessment on a person’s risk to have a fall based on questions and physical tests. Based on the initial screenings, less or more further testing can be completed and should not take longer than 10 minutes. Recommendations for further fall prevention can be made based on the screenings.”
These free balance assessments appointments will be offered at various locations starting Wednesday September 13th at Club 55 in Lake Mills and will be offered at four other locations in Fort HealthCare’s service area through October 27th. The schedule of events, addresses, and contact information to make an appointment is below:
- Club 55 (Lake Mills): Wednesday September 13th from 9a-12p – 920-728-2176
- Jefferson Senior Center: Wednesday September 20th from 9a-12p – 920-674-7728
- Cambridge Community Outreach: Wednesday October 11th from 11a-1p – 608-423-8142
- Whitewater Senior Center: Thursday October 12th from 12p-3p – 262-473-0535
- Fort Atkinson Senior Center: Friday October 27th from 8:30a-10a – 920-397-9913
Wisconsin leads the country in the highest rate of deadly falls. Bringa notes, “Wisconsin has the deadliest rate from a fall in the country and I’ve seen the significant physical, emotional and financial effects from falls; all of these have played a role in why I’m passionate on falls screenings and prevention.”
To find out more about Falls Prevention Awareness Day, go to www.ncoa.org/FPAD. For questions about the fall prevention screenings at Fort HealthCare, please contact Bringa by calling 920-563-9357 or by emailing Bringa.Johnson@forthc.com.
About NCOA
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. NCOA empowers individuals with trusted solutions to improve their own health and economic security—and protects and strengthens federal programs that people depend on as they age. Working with a nationwide network of partners, NCOA’s goal is to improve the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030. Learn more at ncoa.org and @NCOAging.
About the Falls Free® Initiative
Led by the National Council on Aging, the Falls Free® Initiative includes 43 states and 70 national organizations, professional associations, and federal agencies working collaboratively to bring education, awareness, and evidence-based solutions to local communities. Falls Free® seeks to provide hundreds of thousands of older Americans with the resources and education needed to reduce their risk of injury. For more information, visit: www.ncoa.org/FallsFreeInitiative.
About Fort HealthCare
Fort HealthCare is committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities, with a vision to be the healthiest community in Wisconsin. As the leading healthcare provider in the region, it is our goal to reach as many members of the community as possible with health and wellness messages, providing tools and resources to help individuals improve their health and quality of life, while collaborating with several partners to positively improve the population’s health overall on a long-term basis. For more information, visit FortHealthCare.com.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
In honor of Labor Day on Monday, this week’s image shows two men working in the Whitewater Condensery, later known as the Hawthorn Mellody Milk Plant, in Whitewater. This image is probably from the mid-20th century and is a rare look inside an industrial plant in Whitewater.
The historical society wishes everyone a great Labor Day holiday.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(#2514P Whitewater Historical Society)
Join us for an informational meeting and brainstorming session on Monday, September 11th at 6 PM in the Community Room of the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library. The event is open to anyone in the community who is interested in learning more about the Whitewater Effigy Mounds Preserve and would like to help conserve it for future generations.
NOTICE: Effective Wednesday, September 13, 2023 the hours of operation for the compost site will change from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. to 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. This will remain in effect until the site closes for the season on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. However, the site will still remain open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. through November 11, 2023.
For additional questions or concerns contact the Streets Department at (262) 473-0560.
The Whitewater High School Girls’ Tennis Team started off conference play on Tuesday, August 29, by defeating Jefferson 6-1.
Singles:
- No. 1 – Emilia Houwers defeated Amy Kamenick 6-4 , 6-1
- No. 2 – Jackie Franco defeated Hannah Werning 6-4 , 6-2
- No. 3 – Liz Servin defeated Maryam Perez-Hernandez 6-4 , 6-2
- No. 4 – Vicki Ramirez defeated Ava Geyer 7-6 (8), 3-6 , 11-9
Doubles:
- No. 1 – Maritza Vidales & Stephanie Wence lost to Aeryn Messmann & Breleigh Mengeldef 6-1 , 6-3
- No. 2 – Vanesa Wence & Leah Newmann defeated Piper Crabtree & Vanessa Ganser 6-7 (10), 6-4, 10-7
- No. 3 – Isabel Aranda & Aimee Servin defeated Olivia Miller & Jenifer Vasquez 6-3, 6-3
The team returns to action Friday at 4:15 when they take on out-of-conference opponent Wayland Academy at home.
Article and Photo Submitted by Baron West
Whitewater High School Head Tennis Coach
bwest@wwusd.org
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
After nearly six months of discussion and sometimes tense negotiation, the City of Whitewater Common Council (“Council”) and the Whitewater Unified School District School Board (“Board”) have agreed on the terms for a new six year agreement to operate the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center. At the conclusion of the most recent joint meeting of the two bodies on August 21 the Council voted unanimously to approve the terms that had been nailed out in that evening’s discussion. The Board’s agenda, however, did not call for action, choosing instead to discuss the matter in closed session at their regular meeting on August 28. Later in open session the Board voted unanimously to approve the same terms that the Council had approved a week previously.
The agreement, which will be effective on January 1, 2024, provides for the following:
The city will pay $258,000 towards operating expenses in 2024, and will be responsible for any shortfalls. This payment will escalate by 3% per year.
WUSD will contribute a fixed $178,000 towards operating expenses in 2024, with future annual payments increasing by 3%.
Both the city and the district will pay a $100,000 annual capital expense contribution. This payment will remain unchanged for the first three years, after which a determination will be made as to whether it needs to be increased.
An advisory board which is anticipated to include a representative from both bodies plus three community members with relevant experience will provide oversight of WAFC. Previously this has been the responsibility of the city Parks & Recreation Board.
The Council and Board will meet again in joint session on September 11 at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Building to discuss various remaining issues, including the disposition of the estimated nearly $222,000 in deficits that the city estimates that the district will owe for the period from July, 2021 through the end of 2023.
A proposed written agreement will be drafted by legal counsel, possibly necessitating one more meeting before it is ready to be signed.
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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