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Today is Thursday, October 8, 2026
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Saturday, May 30 features a Community Youth Sports Day at Whitewater High School from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event is free to all children with soccer games, a bike rodeo and more.
This event is sponsored by Whitewater United FC, the Whitewater Police Department and the Immigrant Support Coalition.
Ron Binning writes “Yesterday’s back yard was also amazing. We don’t see a Scarlett Tanager very often or a fawn 1 or 2 hours old. It could barely stand or walk.”
Our thanks to Ron Binning for sharing more amazing nature 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!
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team was represented on both the D3baseball and American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) All-Region Teams.
Gradin Taschner (Neenah, Wis./Neenah) was selected to the All-Region First Team for both D3baseball and ABCA. The junior right-handed pitcher for the Warhawks highlighted one of the top pitching staffs in the nation. As a team, the Warhawks were 9th in ERA and 9th in WHIP. Taschner himself, ranked 12th in the nation among qualified pitchers with a 0.96 WHIP. In 2026, Taschner was 5-0 with five saves, with just a 1.84 ERA in 49.0 innings pitched.
Joining Taschner on the D3baseball First Team is Evan Olson (Kimberly, Wis./Kimberly). Olson was one of the Warhawks’ top bats, hitting a .362 average with an 1.138 OPS. Olson had a team-high .518 on-base percentage, drawing 29 walks and being hit by 26 pitches. The 26 HBP is a single-season record at UWW and ranked 8th most in the nation for 2026. Olson was selected to the All-Region Third Team by the ABCA.
Jackson Spring (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles North) earned Second Team honors from both D3baseball and ABCA. Spring led the Warhawks with a .373 batting average, starting at shortstop in all 49 games of the 2026 campaign. Spring had a team-high 63 hits, hitting nine doubles, five triples, and five home runs for a 1.067 OPS.
Joining Spring on the D3baseball Second Team, were two of the other standout Warhawk pitchers, Ben Lee (Amherst, Wis./Amherst) and Sam Steuber (Muskego, Wis./Muskego). Lee made 10 starts for the Warhawks with a 5-1 record, with a 2.76 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. Steuber Led the Warhawks with an 8-0 record on the mound, pitching 59.1 innings with a 2.88 ERA and 1.11 WHIP.
In addition to the Second Team D3baseball honors, Lee was selected to the ABCA All-Region Third Team.
Rounding out the All-Region Teams, Andy Thies (Tallahassee, Fla./Lawton Chiles) and Jackson Koenig (Blaine, Minn./Blaine) were both selected to the D3baseball Third Team. Andy Thies (Tallahassee, Fla./Lawton Chiles), the Warhawks starting second baseman, was one of the Warhawks power hitters, helping the team hit the 7th most home runs in the nation with 61 as a team. Thies tallied 13 home runs himself, with a .300 average at the dish. In addition to the athletic accolade, Thies was also named the WIAC Max Sparger Scholar Athlete this season. Read More….
Jackson Koenig (Blaine, Minn./Blaine) was recognized as a two-way played by D3baseball. On the mound for the Warhawks, Koenig went 7-0 with a team-high 64.0 innings pitched. Koenig record a complete game shut-out, going 9.0 innings with only two hits against UW-Stout on April 25th. For that outing, Koenig was named to the D3baseball Team of the Week. At the dish, Koenig had 14 hits in 54 at-bats, with two doubles, two triples, and two home runs in the 2026 season.
The Warhawks finished the 2026 season with a 43-6 record, reaching the NCAA Tournament for the 27th time in program history. UW-Whitewater also put together a school-record 36-game winning streak, finishing the WIAC season with a perfect 28-0 record on their way to the second-highest winning percentage in school history.
D3baseball All-Region IX
First Team
- Evan Olson (Kimberly, Wis./Kimberly)
- Gradin Taschner (Neenah, Wis./Neenah)
Second Team
- Jackson Spring (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles North)
- Ben Lee (Amherst, Wis./Amherst)
- Sam Steuber (Muskego, Wis./Muskego)
Third Team
- Andy Thies (Tallahassee, Fla./Lawton Chiles)
- Jackson Koenig (Blaine, Minn./Blaine)
ABCA All-Region IX
First Team
- Gradin Taschner (Neenah, Wis./Neenah)
Second Team
- Jackson Spring (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles North)
Third Team
- Evan Olson (Kimberly, Wis./Kimberly)
- Ben Lee (Amherst, Wis./Amherst)
John’s Disposal was closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day. As a result, Thursday’s route is delayed to Friday.
The 17th annual VetsRoll trip took place, May 17-20, 2026, taking nearly 200 American Veterans, Rosie the Riveters and 125 volunteers on a free four-day trip to Washington, D.C. VetsRoll honors America’s Senior Veterans.
Ron Slapinski, Whitewater, was selected as one of the nationwide honored Veterans to take part in this 14-bus caravan on Badger Coaches, that departed Machesney Park, Illinois in the early morning of May 17, 2026.
Ron served from 1970-1974. He was an Air Force Sergeant E4. His service was spent at:
*Lackland Air Force Base, Texas for Basic Training
*Lowery Air Force Base, Colorado, Tech School Training
*KI Sawyer Air Force Base, Michigan, General Duties
*RAF Bentwaters, Woodbridge, England Flight Line, Various Duties
The Veterans were escorted to Washington D.C. and back with 35 motorcycles and various police, first responders and fire departments.
During their travels, the Veterans toured all the Major American Military Memorials:
*National Museum of the USAF at Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio
*U.S. Marine Corp Memorial, Washington, D.C.
*WWII Memorial, Washington, D.C.
*Vietnam Memorial, Washington, DC.
*Korean Memorial, Washington, DC.
*Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC.
*Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, DC.
The convoy left Washington D.C. Early on Wednesday, May 20, for a long trip home. They were greeted by thousands of community members, supporters, a parade, and a large fireworks display.
If you are interested in volunteering, donating or applying as a veteran for next year‘s trip, you can find more information on the VetsRoll homepage. VetsRoll.org
Editor’s Note: Submitted by Ron Slapinski’s PROUD Air Force wife, Sharon Reigstad.
Pre-register at: whitewaterunitedfc.com
As was previously reported on The Whitewater Banner, a Whitewater resident was pronounced deceased at a hospital following a single vehicle crash in the Town of Newark in Rock County on May 18, 2026. On May 26 the Rock County Medical Examiner’s Department [RCME] released the identity of the victim as being Erik G. Gonzalez Machuca, age 33.
The RCME indicated that “A forensic examination was completed on May 19, 2026. Preliminary results of the examination confirm that Mr. Gonzalez Machuca died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. Additional testing is underway at this time. This incident remains under investigation by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office and the Rock County Medical Examiner’s Department.”
Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026
Place: Downtown Clinton, WI from 208 Allen St. to 260 Allen St.
Time: 9 am to 2 pm
Cost: Free to visitors and drivers
Website: http://www.rockfordas.org
Facebook: Rock-Ford A’s
Info about the event:
One of the Midwest’s largest Ford Model A events, hosted by the village of Clinton, WI on Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 9 AM – 2 PM. C’mon over and bring your friends and family!
This is a free event and our 38th Annual Model A Day! You’ll have a chance to talk to the owners and get an up-close look at these beautiful old Fords from 1927-1932. If you are the proud owner of a Ford Model A, this is a great time to meet other owners from around the Midwest. Guests and villagers are welcome to dress in period apparel. There will be a balloon artist, vendors, music, great food from Pat’s Brew & Que and Pop’N Delites Kettle Korn, Myrt’s Ice Cream, door prizes, silent auction, raffles, grand prize drawing and more! Step back in time to the 1920’s and 30’s! Come to this annual unique event and wander through downtown streets, enjoying over 100 beautiful antique Ford Model A vehicles, and eight local restaurants. For more information or to be a vendor, send an email to: rockfordas.modela.club@gmail.com or call/text Sue: 608-295-2590. Plenty of parking ~ mark your calendar! FREE Admission! FREE Registration! Free dash plaque to registered drivers!
Plenty of food and area restaurants available. All proceeds will be donated to the Clinton Public Library and to the Clinton Community Outreach Program Food Bank!
Lodging – 10+ major hotels in nearby Beloit, WI
Directions: WI Hwy. 140 & County Hwy. X
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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