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Today is Thursday, October 8, 2026
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Katie Grady, Eric Grady and Alexis Genthe, of Culver’s of Whitewater, are WUL Hometown Heroes, and have been nominated by Brian Robinson “For the countless ‘Donate While You Dine’ fundraisers that Culver’s has done for businesses, organizations and individuals; for their donations of coupons and custard; and for their care and compassion.”
Following is the full nomination from Brian:
“When thinking of the Hometown Hero process, one needs to look no further than that of the Owners (Katie & Eric Grady) and Manager (Alexis Gunthe) of Culver’s in Whitewater. On top of the countless “Donate While You Dine” fundraisers that they have done for businesses/organizations and more recently that for the staff member David who passed away, it is their smile, care and compassion that is what this nomination is for.
When Fairhaven residents come over on the bus for lunch, they go out of their way to open the doors on the way in and out, take the extra time to talk with us at the register when our pace is a little bit slower, converse with us around the table and last but not least….serve up one heck of a meal. You can tell that the staff takes after their owners and manager in how they go about their day to day and we are extremely fortunate to have such an amazing ownership/leadership team here in Whitewater. Thank you Katie, Eric and Alexis for all you do not just for the Residents and Staff from Fairhaven, but for everyone that is lucky to cross your paths!”
WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.
Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com
NCWIT Wisconsin held its annual awards ceremony on Sunday afternoon, May 31, at Alverno College in Milwaukee. Each year, students are invited to apply for the Aspirations in Computing Award, recognizing students for their accomplishments in the world of technology. Winners of the award are passionate not only about pursuing careers in STEM fields themselves, but also about helping the next generation of students grow and learn in technology. Wisconsin recognized 98 students from across the state this year as either Winners, Honorable Mentions, or Rising Stars. All five Whitewater High School students who applied were recognized among the 42 Winners.
All 5 five are members of the Ferradermis FIRST Robotics Competition Team, four of whom graduated with the Class of 2026 after four years on the team, and all five have studied Computer Science through multiple courses at WHS. Margaret Brown plans to attend UW-Whitewater in the fall to study Cybersecurity. Erison Dreksler will be attending Marquette University to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering. Ace Hudec will be studying Media Arts and Game Design at UW-Whitewater, and Rae Breisath will be at UW-Milwaukee studying Computer Engineering and Information & Technology. Emilie Bruns is finishing her sophomore year at WHS and eventually plans to study computer science in college.
Article and Photo Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Computer Science Teacher
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
The mom and dad. The dad has a bit of pink on him.
Their babies at about 4 and 5 days old.
The mom and the babies at 5 and 6 days old.
Our thanks to Cindy Ziebarth for sharing these sweet photos.
— 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. Thanks for thinking about this!
City of Whitewater Special Plan & Architectural Review Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of Site Plan and Certified Survey Map Review for
Lifetime Manufacturing, LLC.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/251285720714059?p=pZPSnp4kakbXU19rSj
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,37850344# United States
Phone conference ID: 378 503 44#
City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Appeal for Class B Alcohol and Beer license denial for Danielle R Parsell, The Flowing Well,
old Coyote Grill.
Whitewater Municipal Building, Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor, 312 West Whitewater St.,
Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/246653225377651?p=9bl77io8KqDClPZ1fk
Meeting ID: 246 653 225 377 651
Passcode: vx3xZ94v
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,801459485# United States,
Phone conference ID: 801 459 485#
City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes 2026-R-19 Resolution Approving the Amendment to Development Agreement with
Becker & Bolton LLC.- Community Development; 2026-R-20 Resolution Approving the Development Agreement for Lifetime Manufacturing LLC.- Community Development; Proposal to hold occasional Council meeting in each of the city’s five aldermanic districts.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/217793904993597?p=2MfhUxjLnfIvNVEVcO
Meeting ID: 217 793 904 993 597
Passcode: vz7t5ga2
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,725962477# United States,
Phone conference ID: 725 962 477#
City of Whitewater Comprehensive Plan Work Group – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual Only
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/26756731785846?p=20nTxDjrGkp4WMjf2Y
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,805464270# United States
Phone conference ID: 805 464 270#
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion regarding electronic message sign in Flat Iron Park;
Discussion and possible action regarding Birge Fountain.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West
Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/26611226516241?p=YDRJ0E6UG6TPdg9EWJ
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,750222820# United States
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@lauramasbruch
The trial of a former UW-Whitewater wrestler who was in a relationship with UW-W gymnast Kara Welsh when she was killed on August 30, 2024 has been postponed for a second time, per online records. The trial of Chad Richards, now age 24, was originally scheduled for December 2025. Last summer a judge pushed the trial back to June 9, 2026, but last week the trial was pushed back again. The trial is now scheduled to begin on November 30. Circuit Court Judge Estee Scholtz has reserved up to eleven days for selection of a 12-person jury and trial. Richards continues to be held in the Walworth County jail under a $1 million cash bond.
At the status conference on May 29, 2026, defense attorney Joshua Hargrove made a record “as to the volume of discovery and believes it to be about 1500 pages printed and that the other report is nearly 3x that size.”
The original Banner story identifying Richards as the defendant in the first-degree intentional homicide case may be viewed here. A criminal complaint alleges he shot Welsh, 21, eight times. Richards allegedly claimed to police that Welsh grabbed the gun first and he took it away from her, then shot her because he feared for his life. Richards called 911 after the shooting. If convicted he would likely serve life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Dear WHS Band Alumni,
For the 28th year, we will be putting together an alumni band for the July 4 parade. If you’re going to be in this part of the country for the holiday, please consider joining us! I know that some of you have been playing professionally while others haven’t touched it since graduation – ALL are welcome! Instrument loans are available [IF you let me know right away!!] as are fingering charts! No marching is involved; we’ll be sitting on a flatbed truck!
There will be no rehearsal, but if you want to see the music ahead of time, I can email scans to you. Our “uniform” for the parade consists of ANY WHS Band T-shirt. (I just happen to have some pretty nifty WHS Band shirts still available at the low price of $5). Or just wear something red.
The parade starts at 10 AM, the normal time. We’ll plan to meet at Lincoln Elementary School (Prince St. between Highland and Walworth) around that time although we will be near the end of the parade. Do not attempt to drive up Prince Street that morning; best bet for close parking is in the Middle School (old HS) lot off Elizabeth Street. Drummers talk to me about the best way to get your equipment onto the truck.
For added incentive, there will be the traditional gathering at the beer tent after the parade. (OK, soda for you recent alumni).
PLEASE LET ME KNOW ASAP IF YOU’RE COMING so I know how many chairs, stands & copies of music we need. Also, please forward this to any other WHS Band Alumni you know from any decade, right up to the class of 2026 – my list of email addresses is far from complete.
Hope to see you there!
With the current construction at WHS, logistics will be different this year – stay tuned!
Dr Don W Deal [WHS Band Director 1979-2012 and again in 2020]
University of Dubuque Spring Semester 2026 Academic Dean’s List
DUBUQUE, Iowa – The University of Dubuque congratulates the following students on being appointed to the Spring Semester 2026 Academic Dean’s List.
Full-time students in good academic standing (registered for and having earned 12 or more letter grade credits for the term) who earn a term grade point average of 3.5 or above and who do not have any grades of Incomplete for the term are named to the Dean’s List. Once grades have been submitted for any Incompletes, the Office of Academic Affairs will review eligibility again for possible placement on the Dean’s List for the given term.
Dean’s List is awarded for the fall and spring semesters only and may be awarded retroactively.
About the University of Dubuque
The University of Dubuque (UD) is a private, coed university founded in 1852 that offers undergraduate, graduate, and theological seminary degrees as well as other educational opportunities with the intention of educating and forming the whole person. Here, the value of an education is measured in helping our students find their calling in life through academics, community, character, vocation, and stewardship. Our approach to learning is based on professional programs with a liberal arts core, and we prepare students to find their purpose and make meaningful contributions to the world. https://www.dbq.edu/
Whitewater, WI
Halee Peters
Lucille Troxel
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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