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Today is Wednesday, October 7, 2026
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The Whippets continued their steady improvement Saturday, September 26, at the 88th Annual Midwest Invitational in Janesville, putting together another strong performance against the deepest field they will see all season.
Racing in near-perfect conditions, Whitewater lined up against a field of 50 teams, with the overwhelming majority competing at the Division 1 level. The Midwest Invitational provides a level of competition that is arguably even more challenging than the WIAA State Meet, giving the Whippets an opportunity to race alongside some of the best teams and athletes in the state. The Whippets took full advantage of the opportunity, recording numerous lifetime and season-best performances.
Girls
- Virginia Nelson continued to lead the way, running a lifetime personal record of 21:32.
- Melody Smith clocked 23:18, her second-fastest time of the season.
- Ema Aranda finished in 23:44, her third-fastest time of the year.
- Peyton Comfort ran 25:36, her fastest time of the season.
- Madelyn Taylor also posted her fastest time of the year, finishing in 26:59.
The girls finished 36th.
Boys
- Tyler Carollo continued his strong season with a lifetime personal record of 18:12.
- Marcus Roe continued his impressive improvement, running a lifetime PR of 19:24.
- Marcus Roselle finished in 20:03, his second-fastest time of the season.
- Wyatt Esch ran 20:33, his second PR of the season.
- Angel Kilar posted a lifetime PR of 21:29.
- Jameson Rothwell ran a lifetime PR of 21:53.
- Hunter Runnoe continued his progress with a lifetime PR of 23:19.
- Horatio Nelson also recorded a lifetime PR of 23:31.
- Ian Agen finished in 28:01, his second-fastest time of the season.
With the regular season winding down, the Whippets have one final opportunity to put their progress on display before championship racing begins.
Next up: the Whippets travel to Green Lake on Friday, October 2, for their final regular-season race. The unique night race will be contested entirely under the lights, illuminating the course as athletes complete two laps of the 2,500-meter loop.
The championship season is almost here—and the Whippets are continuing to build momentum at exactly the right time.
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
Photos courtesy of Coach McKenzie and Mike Kilar.
The Whippet Girls’ Tennis Team had its last match of the conference season. The team celebrated its last game with its Senior Night. Jordyn Weeden and Mady Joseph were the seniors the team honored in the match.
Photo and Article Submitted by Greg Stewart
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Tennis Coach
gstewart@wwusd.org
Join University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Art Education students for a three-part art workshop series at the Whitewater Public Library! The classes are best for ages 11-17 but all ages and skill levels are welcome.
Participants will develop an original artwork over several months, building skills and confidence along the way. Attend one session or join all three to see your idea grow from an initial sketch into a finished acrylic painting. All classes will take place at 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Meeting Room 2.
Tuesday, September 29 – Drawing
If possible, bring a personal object that you feel represented by and that you would like to draw. It can be very deep, but also a bit casual and kind of silly as well. Whatever you feel connected with!
Tuesday, October 27 – Watercolor
Tuesday, December 1 – Acrylic Painting
The classes are free and no registration is required. The Whitewater Public Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. For more information, visit whitewaterlibrary.org, email library@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0530.
Updated 9/27/26 @ 1:30 p.m. to add Friday hours for Seniors in the Park.
Seniors in the Park will be viewing a family comedy on Tuesday at 1 p.m. It is rated PG-13 and is 1 hour, 39 minutes in length.
It’s about a Super Mom who lands a profitable gig on TV’s “Shark Tank” who switches roles with her breadwinner husband, who struggles to adapt as a stay-at-home Dad to their three daughters. Think: a modern updating of “Mr. Mom”! Starring Mandy Moore, Nate Bergatze, Colin Jost, and Will Forte.
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $15 and non-residents is $20. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
Due to copyright issues, Seniors in the Park is no longer able to publicly announce the movie titles being shown. If you wish to find out each month’s titles that Projectionist Mark Dorn has selected, you may call Seniors in the Park at 262-473-0535. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., and Friday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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Your Whitewater High School Boys’ Soccer Team returned to their winning ways with a dominant 5-1 victory over conference rivals Jefferson. The first half was a very even contest with both teams pushing for a win. Elijah Gutierrez opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a great strike on a beautifully played ball from Wesley Baker. 3 minutes later Jefferson equalized when a ball split the Whippet defense and a communication error led to the ball in the back of the net. Wesley Baker reestablished the lead in the 24th minute with yet another set piece goal for him, and after that, Whitewater never looked back.
The remainder of the first half and the entire 40 minutes of the second were one way traffic. Dahlton Vogel scored in the 44th minute with an assist from Elijah Gutierrez, and then 7 minutes later, Elijah scored a brace with a beautifully placed penalty. Ben Crone scored his first goal of the season and ended Whitewater’s scoring at 5. Anjay Manana played a perfect ball through the center that Ben converted with ease.
Defensively, WHS picked up 3 yellow cards, which is never ideal, but the defending itself was sound. A back 4 led by Frank Mbifi helped to keep Jefferson scoreless; Jefferson only registered 2 shots in the entire second half.
Your Whippets travel to Monroe on Tuesday (9/29) and Big Foot on Thursday (10/1) where they look to turn this conference win into a winning streak.
Article and Graphic Submitted by Sam Burns
Whitewater High School Head Boys’ Soccer Coach
dburns@wwusd.org
September 25th, 2026 – The Whitewater Police Department is announcing the arrest of Gecobea M. Leach, (44-year-old male of Madison) in connection with a First-Degree Reckless Homicide investigation stemming from an incident that occurred in the City of Whitewater in July of 2026.
On September 22, 2026, Whitewater Police Department Detectives, along with members of the Whitewater Police Department SRT [Special Response Team], Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a coordinated operation on the east side of Madison that resulted in the arrest of Leach. Leach was arrested on the charge of First-Degree Reckless Homicide related to the July 2026 incident in Whitewater. During Leach’s arrest and subsequent execution of search warrants at residences associated with the investigation, law enforcement officers also recovered large quantities of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. Due to the quantities of controlled substances recovered, federal charges are anticipated in addition to the state charges stemming from the Whitewater investigation.
Leach was transported and confined in the Walworth County Jail on the First-Degree Reckless Homicide charge. Additional charges remain pending. This investigation remains active and ongoing. No additional information regarding the circumstances of the incidents, the evidence recovered, or potential additional charges will be released at this time to prevent jeopardizing the investigation.
The Whitewater Police Department would like to thank Homeland Security Investigations, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance and partnership throughout this investigation.
The Whitewater Police Department remains committed to holding individuals accountable for serious crimes committed in our community and to keeping drugs off our streets and out of our community. It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, the arrestees/defendants are presumed innocent of all charges. Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Whitewater Police Department at (262) 473-0555 or submit anonymous tips through www.P3Tips.com.
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Social Security continues to play an important role in a retirement strategy. Do you know how to take full advantage of what Social Security offers? First Citizens Investment Services can help. Together, let’s rethink your retirement – whether you are in the planning stages or enjoying retirement now.
This free and open to the public event will be held at the First Citizens State Bank Main office at 207 W Main Street in Whitewater on Tuesday, October 6th. We’ll start with some light refreshments at 5:15 and then at 5:30 pm we’ll come together to talk about Social Security basics and strategies with extra time to answer your questions.
This event is free and open to the public.
To RSVP, or If you have questions, please call 262-473-1408 or email FCIS@firstcitizensww.com.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by First Citizens State Bank.
Grab the kids, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to READ, WALK & EXPLORE!
A Story Book Walk is NOW OPEN at Cravath Lakefront Park, featuring The Splash Chronicles: Protecting Our Waterways!
Follow the story page by page as you make your way through the park. Kids can enjoy a great story, get outside and moving, and learn along the way about why protecting our lakes, rivers, and waterways is so important.
This special Story Book Walk is brought to our community through a partnership between the City of Whitewater and Protect Wisconsin Waterways, combining reading, outdoor fun, and environmental education into one great family adventure.
Read a page. Walk to the next. Discover the story. Explore the park.
Cravath Lakefront Park
NOW through October 31, 2026
It’s FREE, there’s no registration, and you can visit whenever it works for your family.
The story is already out there waiting for you — come start your adventure! The entire book is available in both English and Spanish!
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¡Agarren a los niños, pónganse sus zapatos para caminar y prepárense para LEER, CAMINAR y EXPLORAR!
¡Un Paseo de Cuentos ya está ABIERTO en Cravath Lakefront Park, con el libro The Splash Chronicles: Protecting Our Waterways!
Sigan la historia página por página mientras recorren el parque. Los niños pueden disfrutar de una gran historia, salir y moverse, y aprender en el camino por qué es tan importante proteger nuestros lagos, ríos y cursos de agua.
Este paseo especial de cuentos llega a nuestra comunidad gracias a la colaboración entre la Ciudad de Whitewater y Protect Wisconsin Waterways, combinando lectura, diversión al aire libre y educación ambiental en una gran aventura familiar.
Lean una página. Caminen a la siguiente. Descubran la historia. Exploren el parque.
Cravath Lakefront Park
AHORA hasta el 31 de octubre de 2026
Es GRATIS, no hay registro, y pueden visitarlo cuando les funcione a la familia.
La historia ya está ahí esperándolos — ¡vengan a comenzar su aventura! Todo el libro está disponible tanto en inglés como en español.
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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