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Today is Thursday, October 8, 2026
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“Everything, Everywhere, All at Once”
Tuesday, December 27, 1 p.m.
(Action/Adventure/Comedy)
Rated R (violence, language)
2 hours, 19 minutes (2022)
Look forward to the future and the new year, as we enter the Multiverse, a theoretical reality that includes a possibly infinite number of parallel universes. In this adventure, an aging Chinese immigrant (Michelle Yeoh) is swept up in an insane adventure, in which she alone can save our world, by exploring other universes connecting with the other lives she could have led. Also stars Jamie Lee Curtis. This film has garnered a lot of 2023 Oscar buzz. As the 2023 Golden Globe and Academy Awards approach, Seniors in the Park will be screening the nominated films.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Since its opening in 1993, the Young Auditorium on the UW-Whitewater campus has been known locally and in surrounding communities as a “jewel” — an unusually large premier performing arts venue for a community of Whitewater’s size. The facility has 1300 seats and a 400 square foot stage, and is fully accessible. It hosted dozens of dance, music, theatre, comedy, and university events every year. The auditorium is fortunate to be in close proximity to Milwaukee and Madison, as oftentimes touring groups that are on the schedule at venues there have added a stop in Whitewater, usually with a more affordable ticket price. Guests also appreciate the convenient, free parking.
Since the start of the pandemic the Young has been largely dark, with a notable exception of the Holiday Gala on December 3, and until recently it had lost nearly all of its staff. That is in the process of changing, particularly with the appointment, effective December 5, of Jay Craggs as director. Jay’s twenty-five year tenure at UW-W has included serving as assistant director for facilities, University Center; technical director of Young Auditorium; and as a music and communication instructor. Craggs holds an M.A. in arts, entertainment and management from Columbia College and a B.M. in music education from UW-W. He’s had experience on both sides of the entertainment industry, as both a performing artist (electric guitar/vocals) and in booking events. In announcing Jay’s appointment, Eileen Hayes, dean of the College of Arts and Communication, said, “We look forward to benefiting from his depth of experience in the arts and entertainment industry as well as his business acumen as he joins the hardworking and dedicated staff of the Young Auditorium.”
The Young staff also includes longtime staff member Michael Morrissey, now serving as Event Manager; Brian Breezer, Marketing Specialist; Harley Faustrum, Stagehand; Heather Haywood, Office Manager; and Josh Werner, technical director.
Craggs told the Banner that he is excited for this new opportunity, and is already actively seeking bookings, hopefully even on late notice for the spring semester. Watch for further information in the near future.
On Christmas Eve, Saturday, the First United Methodist Church choir will be singing at the 7 p.m. service. Communion will be celebrated at the 11 p.m. service. An elevator provides easy access to the sanctuary, which is on the second floor. If you are unable to join us live, please consider watching the livestream on our YouTube channel. The service will also be archived there.
Although there are normally two worship services on Sunday, at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., on Christmas Day there will be only one service at 9 a.m.
Click on this link for a message from our Pastor, Dan Fahs. https://www.facebook.com/fumcwhitewater/videos/3301068420141630
A warm welcome to all!
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
“Christmas Greetings” to everyone from the Whitewater Historical Society. This image is from the society’s collection of holiday “penny” post cards, popular during the first two decades of the 20th century.
On the back of this card sent to Miss Ida Edwards, the sender wishes Ida a Merry Christmas and “lots of presents.” The card is postmarked December 21, 1910.
Join us next week for greetings for the New Year!
(post card in the manuscript collections of the Whitewater Historical Society)
The Whitewater Boys’ Swim Team competed against a tough and very fast Badger Co-op on Tuesday, December 20th.
The Whippets logged many best times on the night; those include:
- In the 200 Medley Relay, we had a few notable splits: Miles Nickelsburg – 28.81 (50 FR), Xavier Zei – 45.22 (50 BR), David Enns – 30.70 (50 FR)
- 200 Freestyle Crew all had best times: Jack Hefty – 2:13.73, Sam Nickelsburg – 2:51.77 (4 second drop), Onyx Thompson – 3:01.33 (20 second drop)
- All 50 Freestyles went best times: Cruz Aranda – 26.28, Myles Morse – 30.44, David Enns – 33.30
- Sam Nickelsburg tried out the 100 Fly for the 1st time and had a great time of 1:22.43
- Myles Morse and David Enns continued to swim fast on the night both dropping significant time in the 100 Freestyle.
- Tyler Arnett continues to have a strong performance in the 500 Freestyle, winning the event and going a season best time of 5:30.46.
- Miles Nickelsburg tried out the 500 for the 1st time in his career, swimming a great time of 6:42.77
- Tyler Arnett and Miles Nickelsburg, after a short break from the 500 Freestyle, were back in the water swimming a 100 Backstroke where both swam great times.
- Xavier Zei continues to drop more time in the 100 Breaststroke going a 1:47.20
- Miles Nickelsburg (1:05.60) and Cruz Aranda (1:00.49) both had great splits in the 100 Freestyle.
The boys are back in action on Tuesday, January 3rd at 5:30 p.m. in Elkhorn.
Article and Team Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Co-Head Boys’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
Action Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Whitewater’s girls’ basketball team traveled to Brodhead for a conference game Tuesday night, December 20.
The Whippets got a spark on offense early in the game when Kindyl Kilar hit a jump shot within the first two seconds, forced a turnover in transition, and then Danielle DePorter hit a 3-point shot. That gave us confidence and momentum. We battled on defense throughout the game keeping the score within 9 with 9 minutes left in the second half.
Foul trouble changed that momentum, and Brodhead went on a 19-point scoring run to win 66-32.
Mayte Navejas led the team with 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. Kindyl Kilar followed with 8 points and DePorter added 5.
Article Submitted by Kristen Lippens
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
klippens@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
According to the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office, a winter storm warning will be in effect for our area from Thursday at 9 a.m. until Saturday at 6 a.m. This will be for a combination of snow, (moderate to heavy at times Thursday), blowing/drifting snow, and plummeting temperatures with bitterly cold wind chills.
While it remains uncertain if we will see new snow Thursday night through Friday, the combination of fresh snow on the ground and very strong wind gusts will create significant travel impacts across southern Wisconsin. Wind gusts between 45 and 55 mph are expected Thursday night through Friday. This will likely result in significant blowing and drifting of snow, and periods of blizzard conditions.
In addition to the snow and wind, very cold temperatures will build into the area Thursday. Wind chills between -25 and -35F are possible between Thursday night and Sunday morning with Wind Chills at their lowest Friday morning. Anyone who becomes stranded while traveling between Thursday night and Saturday night will quickly find themselves in a life threatening situation!
Total snowfall for our area is projected to be between 2-4″. Wind gusts nearly as high as 50 mph are expected around midday on Friday. Wind chills may be as high as -35 degrees F in the early morning hours on Friday, and may continue to be around -20 degrees F through Saturday morning.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Hans from Pixabay.
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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