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

News & Events

WHITEWATER WEATHER

To add an event, click here to go to the Community Calendar.  Then, click on Submit Event.

Helpful Links

Search our Archives

To search our archives, enter a search term in the search box, then press enter to search.

Ben Heller, WHS ’09, Pitched One Inning Vs. Brewers

July 22, 2023
Heller pitching on 7/21/23 – Photo courtesy of Tim Zuehlke

Update 7/21/23 @ 9:20 p.m. – Heller pitched the 7th inning: struck one out swinging, walked one, Tapia grounded into a double play.

Dick Enstad indicates the following regarding Ben Heller, WHS ’09, a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves:

“Ben Heller is not a starting pitcher for the Braves. He is in the bullpen and performs middle relief. He could appear in any of the games this weekend.”

The Atlanta Braves (62-33) are playing the Brewers (54-43) on Friday at 7:10 p.m., Saturday at 6:15 p.m., and Sunday at 1:10 p.m. It appears that Spectrum cable subscribers can watch the games on channel 29. Brewers now lead the NL Central.

Braves won 6-4.

The Library Presents The Buzz on Beekeeping

July 21, 2023

Want to know more about beekeeping? Interested in how you can support local honeybees and other pollinators even if you aren’t going to keep bees? Community members are invited to a free workshop at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Tuesday, July 25 at 5:30 p.m.  

There will be a basic discussion on beekeeping in the Midwest, presented by Stephanie Slater, President of the Walworth County Beekeepers Association and the 2022 Wisconsin Honey Producers Association Beekeeper of the Year. Come prepared with all of your honeybee questions!  

The library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. There is no cost or registration to attend. Contact Sarah French with questions or accommodation requests at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-568-2782. 

Seniors in the Park Presents Colossus: The Forbin Project

July 21, 2023

“Colossus: The Forbin Project”
Tuesday, July 25, 1 p.m.
(Science Fiction/Thriller) Rated PG-13
1 hour, 41 minutes. (1970)

It’s been said that science fiction anticipates the future and reality. Equate that with AI or artificial intelligence. In this well-regarded classic film, an Elon Musk type electronics genius builds a super computer with a mind of its own; or so he thinks, until he learns, so have the Soviets. When the two artificial intelligences begin to communicate with each other,
machines-world domination over human beings is imminent. Stars Eric Braeden, Susan Clark and William Schallert.

Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Former State Representative

July 21, 2023
 
Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #207 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., July 22, 2023, in honor of former State Rep. Michael Endsley, who passed away peacefully on July 13, 2023, at 61 years old. 

“On behalf of the state of Wisconsin, I share our deepest condolences with Andrew, Katie, Beverly, Michelle, and the entire Endsley family on Michael’s passing,” said Gov. Evers. “He was a hardworking businessman, dedicated public servant, avid history buff, enthusiastic Green Bay Packer fan, and by all accounts, a great father and friend to all those who knew him. He will be missed.”

Endsley was first elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2010, where he served two terms representing Wisconsin’s 26th Assembly District. While in the Assembly, he chaired the Aging and Long-Term Care Committee and was vice-chair for the Jobs, Economy, and Small Business and Small Business Development Committees. 

In 2014, Endsley was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) that later developed into early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. A dedicated advocate and committed public servant, Endsley spent his time learning about Alzheimer’s disease, educating others, and helping all those affected by the disease and other dementias.

Memorial services for former State Rep. Endsley will be held on Sat., July 22, 2023, in Sheboygan Falls.

Ben Heller, WHS ’09, pitched one inning vs. Brewers (Updated)

July 20, 2023
Heller pitching on 7/21/23 – Photo courtesy of Tim Zuehlke

Update 7/21/23 @ 9:20 p.m. – Heller pitched the 7th inning: struck one out swinging, walked one, Tapia grounded into a double play.

Braves won 6-4.

Dick Enstad indicates the following regarding Ben Heller, WHS ’09, a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves:

“Ben Heller is not a starting pitcher for the Braves. He is in the bullpen and performs middle relief. He could appear in any of the games this weekend.”

The Atlanta Braves (62-33) are playing the Brewers (54-43) on Friday at 7:10 p.m., Saturday at 6:15 p.m., and Sunday at 1:10 p.m. It appears that Spectrum cable subscribers can watch the games on channel 29. Brewers now lead the NL Central.

Fairhaven Announces Renovation Plan

July 20, 2023

Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater, WI has announced a $10 million renovation plan to update and add Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF) Assisted Living units to our 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors in our main building. Renovations are set to start during the month of September and once completed in the summer of 2024, will provide a total of 47 units along with added lounges on each floor. On our 3rd and 4th floors will be a total of 24 units which will feature a walk-in kitchenette, living space and a fully accessible bathroom with walk-in shower. Our second floor, which will consist of 23 units, will offer a more intensive level of services and care. Each floor will operate independently offering the services that we currently have on our 4th floor Assisted Living.

Paul Kuenning, Fairhaven’s President/CEO said he believes this renovation will offer the community and surrounding area a level of service and care that is currently and will be needed in the future. This will ensure that Fairhaven may continue its mission as a visible ministry of God’s love for older men and women and to offer a community where “Life is Added to Years.”

We have started our communication with residents/family members/loved ones and plan to share our renovation progress to the community via our Facebook page @Fairhaven Senior Services.

Fairhaven is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with the United Church of Christ that has been a part of the Whitewater community for over 60 years.

Architects of the renovation are Eppstein Uhen Architects of Milwaukee and Madison, with Dan Schindhelm serving as project manager. VJS Construction Services of Pewaukee is the contractor, with Chris Sauve, Vice President, overseeing the construction.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Fairhaven Senior Services.

Our Readers Share: Steve Watson Adds Poetry to His Nature Photos (Updated)

July 20, 2023
Morning dove, flying above. 
Soaring past the trees.
Makes it look like a breeze.
Chipmunk darts across the trail. 
Airborne leaps, 
Into the grassy veil.

Osprey is a daring bird.
From on high it dives unheard. 
Headlong into the water.
Flies away with its slaughter. 

Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing not only more of his fascinating photos but his poetic talent besides.

— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share.  Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com or click on “submit a story” near the top right of our homepage.  Thanks for thinking about this!

Updated 7/21/23 @ 8:15 a.m. – Osprey photos rearranged for proper sequence.

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: Summer Scene on Prairie Street

July 20, 2023

It’s time once again for #flashbackfriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. The third image in our series showing Whitewater streets in summer is this view taken on N. Prairie Street. Like the other views, it shows a long line of mature street trees. How those trees in the city must have helped keep the houses cool in summer!

Join us next week for the last of our series of summer street views in Whitewater.

#2253PC, Whitewater Historical Society

Obituaries

Obituary: Sally A. Schutte, 73

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

Obituary: Zachariah “Zach” Schoenke, 41

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

Obituary: Carla Winn, 82, of Kansas

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

Celebration of Life: Susan K. Miller

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

Obituary: JoAnn E Harrop, 95, of AL

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

Obituary: Russell O. “Russ” Johnson, 88

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

Obituary: Marcia Zingg, 75

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

Obituary: Amanda Jean Hunter, 49

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

Obituary: Ellen Eichmiller, 82

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

Obituary: Janet Quinn, 71, Jefferson

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