Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Friday, October 9, 2026
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Fort HealthCare Reminds Patients of BadgerCare Plus & Medicaid Renewals
Fort HealthCare wants to remind patients under BadgerCare Plus or Wisconsin Medicaid to submit their renewals in time to maintain coverage. The state of Wisconsin renews healthcare benefits between June 2023 and May 2024. If you have an assigned renewal date of August 2023, you must renew by August 17, 2023. If you have a renewal date of September, you can renew your benefits from August 14, 2023, through September 15, 2023. It is important to renew your benefits as soon as possible to avoid any delays in coverage or gaps.
What is a renewal?
When you apply for benefits, you give details to the state of Wisconsin, such as your household income, insurance, and financial assets, to qualify for coverage. To maintain your benefits, you must update your information every year.
There are three ways to find your renewal month:
- Through the letter received from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
- Through the access.wi.gov website. If you do not have an account, you can create one to view your “Benefits Renewal Overview.”
- Through the MyACCESS app, use the same username and password for access.wi.gov, or you can create an account through the app.
How do I complete my renewal?
You can complete your renewal in several ways, such as online, through the mail, or by phone. If you are renewing your benefits online, you can log into access.wi.gov and click “Benefit Renewals Due For.” If you do not have an account, you can create one. If you are renewing by mail, fill out the form that was sent to you in the mail and return it. If you are renewing by phone, keep in mind that wait times may be long, but there is an option to ask for a call back, so you don’t have to wait in line. Once you renew your benefits, you can keep them until the next renewal date. If you do not renew your benefits in your assigned month, your benefits will come to an end. You have 90 days to submit a late renewal; however, you might have a gap in coverage and will need to reapply four months after your renewal month. To avoid gaps in coverage and delays, renew your coverage as soon as you are able to. For more information on renewals and renewal dates, visit https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forwardhealth/renewalstatus.htm.
“Book Club: The Next Chapter”
Tuesday, August 8, 1 p.m.
(Comedy) Rated PG-13; 1 hour, 47 minutes. (2023)
A sequel to the 2015 hit: follow the four book club best friends as they venture to Italy for sightseeing, adventures and romance. Returning cast includes Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, Mary Steenbergen, Andy Garcia, Don Johnson and Craig Nelson.
Saturday – August 5th
Registration – 8:00 a.m. at Badger Bob’s Bar & Grill, W8497 County Rd A, Delavan.
Ride start time – 9:00 a.m.
Bring a tractor to drive or just come along for the ride. Entry fees of $10 per rider and $20 per tractor include a lunch wristband for the approximate 12:00 p.m. lunch stop at Rick’s Eastside Pub & Grill, 561 E Milwaukee St., Whitewater. The antique tractors return to Badger Bob’s around 4:00 p.m. for raffles, live auction, food and fun!
Funds raised go to support youth in agriculture through scholarships and educational opportunities.
The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Franz W. from Pixabay.
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is hosting a Chess Club meeting on Tuesday, August 8 at 6:00 p.m. This is a new group that is open to everyone in the community of all ages.
All skill levels, whether you are a beginner or an expert or anywhere in between, are welcome to join. A limited number of chess boards will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring a chess set and/or clock if possible.
There is no cost or registration to attend. The library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-568-2782.
The Whippet High School Volleyball Program, under the direction of Head Coach Mary Kilar, recently welcomed 73 youth from entering kindergarten through 8th grade to their youth volleyball skills camp. The high school team members and coaching staff worked with the youth for a three-day camp covering passing, setting, serving, and attacking. Special thanks to our local businesses Culver’s, Rocky’s, McDonald’s, and Brain Freeze for supporting some treats for the campers! Fun was had by all!
The youth are invited to Youth Night on August 31st when the Whippets take on Wilmot at home for a match. Youth will be invited to the court prior to warmups of the varsity match to make a tunnel for the athletes and after the match to pass with the Whippets! JV matches start at 5:00 p.m. and Varsity at 6:30 p.m.
Article and Photos Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
marykilar10@gmail.com
It’s time once again for #flashbackfriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week we begin a series of photos taken by our late member George Scharfenberg, who was always there with a camera taking photos of local businesses in the 1990s and early 2000s. Here he documents the Speedway gas station sometime in the early 2000s. It was located where the auto parts store is at the intersection of West Main Street and Elizabeth Street.
Speedway was a popular late 20th century chain of gas stations that also served as convenience stores, but many have closed or been renamed. Competition in the gas station/convenience store field has been heavy during the past 20 years as seen in Whitewater with the Casey’s and Kwik Trip chains.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
Photo from the George Scharfenberg collection, Whitewater Historical Society.
1 IF BY LAND—2 IF BY SEA (OR LAKE)! They arrived by bus and by boat and some by car. And they all had a great time. Saturday, July 29th the Whitewater Lions Club hosted the B O L D (Blind Outdoor Leisure Development) fishing and fun day on the water. The Lions greeted the VIPs (Visually Impaired Persons), their family members, chaperones, and guide dogs. After enjoying a great lunch of brats, burgers, salads and yummy homemade desserts, the guests were guided to the Whitewater Lakeshore where they met the members of the Lake Association who volunteered to take some of them to go fishing. Others had the option of cruising the lake or even waterskiing, assisted by members of the Southern Wakes United Waterskiing Team, The Boat House, and Whitewater Lake Boat Rentals.
A very tired group of the VIP’s, Lions, and fantastic volunteers returned to the clubhouse for some refreshments and awards for best fish, waterskiing, tubing, and having a great day in the sun.
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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