Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Thursday, October 8, 2026
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Al Stanek caught this photo on the Ice Age Trail.
Our thanks to Al Stanek for sharing this beautiful photo.
— 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!
UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey A. King and Willie Warhawk were excited to visit Aropa Designs — a fixture in the community for almost 40 years. At the downtown shop, which offers custom and contract screen-printing and embroidery on a wide variety of apparel products, they were joined by co-founder Tom Spear, who started the business with his brother Tim in the back of a bar. Tom is now helped by his wife, Ann, and two of their kids, Sage and Slate. (Shout out to double alum Ann Spear, who earned a BSE in elementary education in 1990 and an MSE in reading and elementary education in 1996, and worked for the Whitewater Unified School District for more than 30 years!)
View the video here:
Every year Aropa Designs prints more than 3,000 T-shirts for UW-Whitewater to hand out when first-year and transfer students experience painting Warhawk Drive and running into Perkins Stadium during our signature Warhawk Welcome event. It’s another shining example of a local business working closely with the university and leaning into what they do best to benefit the Whitewater community.
Mascot on Main showcases community businesses and organizations like Aropa and the many positive relationships they have with the university. To view more Mascot on Main highlights, visit our YouTube playlist.
To find out more about Aropa Designs, visit https://www.aropadesigns.com/
Jefferson County has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). This award is considered the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.
GFOA evaluated Jefferson County’s budget for the fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2026. An impartial panel determined that the budget satisfied “nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity’s budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications device,” as noted in the GFOA press release. Those who earn the award are rated “proficient” in the four main categories and all fourteen of the criteria within the categories.
Jefferson County’s budget also received special recognition for strategic goals and strategies, signifying that this aspect of the budget earned the highest possible score from each of the three GFOA reviewers.
“Jefferson County’s continued recognition from GFOA reflects the skill, dedication, and professionalism of our Finance Department and the entire team behind this budget,” said Michael Luckey, Jefferson County Administrator. “This is evidence of the County’s commitment to being a transformative government as called for in our Strategic Plan through careful planning, transparency, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.”
Jefferson County is one of just five Wisconsin counties to receive the most recent Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and the most recent Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, which is also presented by GFOA.
“These awards reflect the trust and confidence we have in (Jefferson County Finance Director) Marc DeVries and his team,” noted Finance Committee Chair George Jaeckel. “Marc oversees the budget with the conservative views our community values while maintaining fluidity to allow for the purchases necessary to serve the people of Jefferson County.”
To serve residents with outstanding fiscal responsibility, Jefferson County will continue to submit financial documents that comply with the highest established reporting standards.
For more about Jefferson County: jeffersoncountywi.gov
Last Bugle Call
We honor and remember the following Whitewater area veterans who passed away since last Memorial Day. “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” General George S. Patton.
Taps
22 May 2025 – 25 May 2026
Bruce Bucholtz
Kenneth D. Eggleston
Walter F. Eichman
Louis W. Golembiewski
Ronald Gosh
Clarence E. (Bud) Hansen Jr.
Michael J. Higgins
Richard D. Kilpin
John D. Koebler
Leonard J. Larsen
Kelly S. O’Donnell
Stephen Thorngate
We apologize if we have omitted the name of any veteran. It is not intentional. We only know what we see reported in the media and other sources.
Steven R. Smith, Adjutant, William Graham Post 173, Whitewater American Legion
If you have a worn American flag, you can drop it off at the flag drop for proper disposal. Located at 292 S. Wisconsin St.
If you’re a Veteran, consider joining American Legion Post 173, or your local post.
Thank you
Steve GO NAVY Watson
Our thanks to Steve GO NAVY Watson for this helpful reminder.
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Review and discussion of updated Capital Improvement Project Plan and Borrowing
Requirements; Review and Discussion of potential policy concepts related to fiscal management and
budgetary practices
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.
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/22802858602943?p=eENK9PjoSvnCdsileP
Meeting ID: 228 028 586 029 43
Passcode: KR7qT2n9
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663 United States
Phone conference ID: 424 306 282#
City of Whitewater Board of Review – Tuesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
City of Whitewater Aquatic Center Committee – Tuesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible recommendation on Engineering Audit proposal award.
Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center, Large
Meeting Room 580 S. Elizabeth St. Whitewater, WI
53190
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/210153510526973?p=q0pBJLhyuyvOUQEHse
Whitewater Unified School Board – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner) – Includes potential November operating referendum, Closed session regarding preliminary consideration of allegations of misconduct against a District employee.
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
6:00 p.m.
———————————————–
6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83039116695?pwd=nGaWlsWf5Ube2585gESOQbR1KpxFxb.1
– Passcode: 002157
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 830 3911 6695
– Passcode: 002157
City of Whitewater Board of Zoning Appeals – Thursday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Property Location: 328 W Main Street Parcel #/OT 00036
Variance Requested: To allow driveway asphalt to be up to the property line.
Reason for Request: To allow easier parking and wheelchair ramp access
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Thursday, May 28, 2026 – 5:00 PM
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:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83198282604?pwd=cDdLWjUvTTRqRUQ4UVcwQWcrcW1BUT09
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 831 9828 2604
Passcode: 137945
City of Whitewater Ethics Board – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda
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.
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/2967478053654?p=JEESDGICrxf7EyvfjJ
Meeting ID: 296 747 805 365 4
Passcode: 3wv9RX7y
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,528687501# United States,
Phone conference ID: 528 687 501#
Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff for Memorial Day |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #296 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Mon., May 25, 2026, as the state and nation recognize Memorial Day to honor and remember the nation’s fallen heroes, as well as the family members and loved ones they left behind. “Memorial Day marks a tradition that has been part of our nation’s history for more than 150 years, and today, we pay tribute to the selfless service members who have given their lives in the line of duty to defend and protect the freedoms, principles, and values we hold dear,” said Gov. Evers. “From soldiers and sailors to marines and airmen, our service members exemplify great courage, selflessness, dedication, and determination, and those who sacrificed their lives for this country will forever be heroes. Today, we join the loved ones, friends, and colleagues of our fallen service members in mourning their loss and sharing our deepest condolences and gratitude for their loved ones’ service.” Executive Order #296 will be in effect from sunrise to 12 p.m., as is customary, on Mon., May 25, 2026, and is available on Gov. Evers’ website. |
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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