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Today is Thursday, October 8, 2026
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City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes First reading of ordinance regarding Unnecessary or Preventable Calls for Emergency Services; discussion/direction regarding minimum housing sizes; discussion/direction regarding Starin Road neighborhood development plan; discussion regarding request to increase quota of beer/liquor Class A (off premises) licenses; presentation of 2022-23 budgets.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Community Room
312 W. Whitewater St.
This will be an IN PERSON and a VIRTUAL MEETING. (not in person).
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us 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/85202017406?pwd=eDBFUENaT1VIM1BFR2grRWNnRmhwQT09
Passcode: 966725
Or Telephone:
1 929 205 6099
Webinar ID: 852 0201 7406
Passcode: 966725
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission (In Person and Virtual) – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Landmark Hotel restoration update, Converse House nomination as a local landmark, Starin Park water tower update.
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor
312 Whitewater Street
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/452658125
You can also dial in using your phone.
1 (646) 749-3122
Access Code: 452-658-125
The Rock County Sheriff’s Office recognizes that there are a lot of fun activities surrounding
Halloween and encourages everyone to prioritize safety. Children and youth look forward to Trick
or Treating, and we want everyone to enjoy the festivities. Below are some Halloween safety tips.
Trick or Treaters
• Do not Trick or Treat alone.
• An adult should accompany kids under 12 years old.
• Trick or Treat at lit houses. Do not approach a dark residence.
• Look both ways before crossing a road, and do not run.
• Carry flashlights or glow sticks to be more visible.
• Fasten reflective tape to candy bags and costumes.
• Take a cellphone and call 9-1-1 if you see anything suspicious.
• Do not enter any residence. Remain outside.
• Wait to eat any treats until after an adult checks them for safety.
Do not eat any treats that are not in factory-sealed packaging.
Drivers
• Drive slow and watch your surroundings. Turn your headlights on.
• Take extra time to check for kids at intersections and when entering and exiting driveways.
• Avoid using electronic devices; focus on driving.
• Do not drink and drive. If you drink, get a sober ride home.
We wish everyone a safe and fun Halloween!
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by M. Harris from Pixabay.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was posted to the WIAC website.
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater claimed the outright Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) women’s volleyball championship with a 26-24, 25-18, 25-23 victory over UW-Eau Claire at Kris Russell Volleyball Arena on Oct. 28.
The first-place finish is the league-leading 18th in program archives. The Warhawks (23-5 overall, 7-0 WIAC) also secured the No. 1 seed for the WIAC Tournament (presented by Culver’s) – receiving a bye into the semifinals. The six-team event will begin with first round contests on Nov. 1, and will be followed by semifinal matches on Nov. 3. The championship game will be held Nov. 5 with the winner earning the conference’s automatic NCAA bid. All matches will be played at the higher seed.
Against UW-Eau Claire (21-7, 4-3), Jenna Weinfurt and Erin McNeil combined for nine kills in the first set to lead the Warhawks to a 26-24 win.
UW-Whitewater jumped out to a quick 8-3 lead in set two. Kirsten Anderson and McNeil teamed up for a towering block that forced an early Blugold timeout. UW-Eau Claire worked their way back into the set pulling to within four, 15-11, forcing a UW-Whitewater timeout. The Warhawks scored five of the next six out of the break to extend the advantage to 20-13 when the Blugolds tried to halt the UW-Whitewater momentum. A fantastic rally on set point led to a UW-Eau Claire attack error to seal the 25-18 set two victory for the Warhawks.
Set three featured small runs by each team with the squads stealing momentum back-and-forth. One of those runs gave the Blugolds a 19-14 advantage. The Warhawks rattled off the next four to pull within one and force a UW-Eau Claire timeout. A McNeil tool of the block out of the break tied it up. From that point, the teams traded points with the Blugolds calling their final timeout of the set with the Warhawks leading 23-22 following a kill from Anderson.
UW-Eau Claire registered the first point out of the timeout but Weinfurt made it match point with a powerful kill. A great set from KellyAnn Sotiros close to the net went out to Weinfurt who went high off the top of the block for the kill sealing the 25-23 win.
Weinfurt hammered down a match-high 14 kills hitting .355 in the contest. Hannah Proctor led the Warhawks at the net defensively with four blocks including one solo. In the backcourt, Morgan Jensen tallied nine digs. Sotiros posted 24 assists in the match.
Arianna Barrett led the Blugolds with 11 kills, while Sheridan Dettmann had 11 digs and Charlie Nelson 32 assists.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
As evidenced by the list below, many communities in Southeast Wisconsin move trick or treating to a weekend day when October 31 falls on a weekday. Fort Atkinson’s children will trick or treat this year on Sunday, October 30 from 1-4 p.m. For at least the past many years, however, Whitewater has always remained traditional with trick or treat on October 31 regardless of the day on which it falls.
How many readers remember growing up in a community where you wouldn’t have dreamt of going out trick or treating till it was nearly dark? (Was that ever the case in Whitewater?) This writer’s trick or treating curfew was 9 p.m., and the last doorbell was rung at about 8:55. Our city didn’t ever have to tell us when to trick or treat; Halloween was October 31, we started out when it was dusk, got home when our parents told us to, and a few mischievous kids took soap along!
Saturday, Oct. 29
Bay View (Milwaukee): 5 to 8 p.m.
Campbellsport: 2 to 4 p.m.
Cedarburg: 5 to 8 p.m.
Dousman: 4 to 7 p.m.
Elkhart Lake: Track & Treat at Road America: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Elm Grove: 5 to 7:30 pm.
Grafton: 5 to 8 p.m. Participating homes must have their porch light(s) on
Lisbon: 5 to 8 p.m.
Lyons: 3 to 5 p.m.
Merton: 5 to 8 p.m.
Oconomowoc: 6 to 8 p.m.
Pewaukee (city and village): 4 to 7 p.m.
Port Washington: 4 to 7 p.m.
Richfield: 3 to 6 p.m.
Sussex: 6 to 8 p.m.
Trenton: 4 to 6 p.m.
Watertown: 4 to 7 p.m.
Waupun: 4 to 6 p.m.
West Allis: 4 to 7 p.m. Leave your porch light on if you are participating
West Bend: 4 to 6 p.m.
West Milwaukee: 4 to 7 p.m. Residents should turn on a porch light if participating
Sunday, Oct. 30
Addison: 3 to 6 p.m.
Bayside: 1 to 4 p.m.
Belgium: 4 to 7 p.m.
Brown Deer: 1 to 4 p.m.
Butler: 4 to 6 p.m.
Cudahy: 5 to 7 p.m.
Fort Atkinson: 1 to 4 p.m.
Fox Lake
Fox Point: 1 to 4 p.m.
Franklin: 4 to 7 p.m.
Glendale: 1 to 4 p.m.
Greendale: 4 to 7 p.m.
Greenfield: 4 to 7 p.m.
Hales Corners: 4 to 7 p.m.
Hartford: 4 to 6 p.m.
Jackson (village): 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Lake Geneva: Noon to 5 p.m.
Lannon: 2 to 5 p.m.
Mequon: 4 to 7 p.m.
Milwaukee: 1 to 4 p.m.
Mukwonago (town and village): 4 to 6 p.m.
Neosho: 1 to 4 p.m.
New Berlin: 4 to 7 p.m.
Oak Creek: 4 to 7 p.m.
Pleasant Prairie: 3 to 6 p.m.
Plymouth: 3 to 5 p.m.
Random Lake: 3 to 5 p.m.
Rochester: 1 to 4 p.m.
St. Francis: 5 to 7 p.m.
Saukville: 4 to 7 p.m.
Shorewood: 1 to 4 p.m.
Theresa: 2 to 4 p.m.
Thiensville: 3 to 6 p.m.
Wales: 4 to 6 p.m.
Wauwatosa: 1 to 4 pm. Neighborhood associations may have varying hours
Wheatland: 2 to 5 p.m.
Whitefish Bay: 1 to 4 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 31
Big Bend: 6 to 8 p.m.
Bristol: 4 to 7 p.m.
Brookfield (city): 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Burlington (city and town): 6 to 8 p.m.
Caledonia: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Cedar Grove: 4 to 6 p.m.
Delafield (city and town): 4 to 7 p.m.
Delavan (city): 4 to 6 p.m.
Dover: 6 to 8 p.m.
East Troy: 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Elkhorn: 5 to 7 p.m.
Genoa City: 4 to 7 p.m.
Germantown: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Kenosha: 4 to 7 p.m.
Menomonee Falls: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Mount Pleasant: 5 to 7 p.m.
Muskego: 6 to 8 p.m.
Nashotah: 4 to 7 p.m.
North Prairie: 4 to 7 p.m.
Town of Norway: 5 to 7 p.m.
Paddock Lake: 4 to 7 p.m.
Racine: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Randall: 4 to 7 p.m.
Salem Lakes: 4 to 8 p.m.
Sheboygan: 4 to 7 p.m.: People are asked to turn on a light outdoors if they are taking part
Sheboygan Falls: 4 to 7 p.m.
Sturtevant: 5 to 7 p.m.
South Milwaukee: 5:30 to 7;30 p.m.
Somers (town and village): 4 to 7 p.m.
Summit: 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Twin Lakes: 4 to 7 p.m.
Union Grove: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Waterford (town) 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Waterford (village) 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Waukesha (city): 5 to 7 p.m.
Yorkville: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
By Angela Kelm
Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
UW-Whitewater
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team registered another instant classic win at Perkins Stadium Saturday, defeating UW-River Falls 30-27 on a field goal with no time remaining. The Warhawks picked up the win in front of a stellar crowd in excess of 13,000 at The Perk during the university’s annual Homecoming celebration.
Saturday’s game was a battle of two halves, the first dominated by UWW, the second by UWRF. Still, the Warhawks found a way at the end to come out on top in epic fashion – a 49-yard field goal that hit the crossbar and bounced through the uprights with no time remaining.
The Warhawks were firing on all cylinders from the get-go. UWW’s defense forced a three-and-out on the opening drive and the offense put up points in their first opportunity of the game. The seven-play, 38-yard drive was capped by an Evan Lewandowski (Buffalo Grove, Ill./Lake Zurich)–Sam DeLany (Delafield, Wis./Kettle Moraine) connection from four-yards out. Jeffery Isotalo-McGuire (Phoenix, Ariz./Pinnacle) added the extra point for the early 7-0 lead.
The defense handed the ball right back to the Warhawk offense as Thomas Wojnowski (Oak Creek, Wis./Oak Creek) picked off the Falcon quarterback on the first play of the next drive. Returning it down to the UWRF 23, Wojnowski gave the offense great field position that turned into a 38-yard field goal for Isotalo-McGuire and a 10-0 lead.
Two possessions later, just over a minute into the second quarter, Preston Strasburg (Fort Atkinson, Wis./Fort Atkinson) punched it in from the one-yard line. The point after made it 17-0 UWW.
UW-River Falls responded putting together an 11-play, 89-yard drive capped by a touchdown pass to get on the board. A bad snap on the extra point had the Warhawks barreling down on the holder and forcing an incomplete pass to keep it 17-6.
UW-Whitewater’s next drive stalled ending in a punt, but the defense continued to impress. Kyle Gallagher (Niles, Ill./Notre Dame College Prep) got to UWRF quarterback Kaleb Blaha for a sack and loss of 11-yards to force third down. Later in the drive, on fourth down, Shane McGrail (Plainfield, Ill./North) sacked Blaha for a loss of 17 to bring the Warhawk offense back out at the Falcon 36.
Six plays later, Isotalo-McGuire added three more, splitting the uprights from 30-yards out for a 20-6 lead with just over two minutes to go.
The defense gave the offense one more opportunity in the first half, forcing a punt with a minute to go. Tamir Thomas (Menomonee Falls, Wis./Menomonee Falls) opened the drive with a 24-yard scamper up the middle to midfield. Lewandowski followed with a pair of completions to Steven Hein (St. Charles, Ill./North) and Tommy Coates (Chicago, Ill./De La Salle Institute) to get the offense down to the Falcon 17. On the next play, Lewandowski handed to Thomas who went up the middle for 17-yards and the touchdown. Isotalo-McGuire stayed perfect on the day making it 27-6.
UWRF completed a pass with 29 seconds to go before Reed Farrington (Edgerton, Wis./Edgerton) and Justin Allen (Huntley, Ill./Huntley) teamed up for another Warhawk sack to send UWW into the intermission with all of the momentum.
The third quarter was all UW-River Falls. Scoring on their first drive the Falcons added more points following a Warhawk turnover to pull to within seven, 27-20, with 15 minutes left to play.
Late in the fourth, with UWRF driving, Gallagher exploded off the corner and sacked Blaha once again forcing a 4th-and-13 from the UWW 31. The Warhawks nearly got to Blaha on the next play, but he was able to find a receiver just past the first down marker out of the scramble. UWRF scored a touchdown on the next play and knotted the game at 27-27 with the extra point.
The teams traded punts with UWW regaining possession at their own 43 with about 30 seconds to go. On 3rd and 10, Strasburg went up the middle for a first down to the River Falls 44 with head coach Kevin Bullis signaling for the timeout with 11 seconds to go. Lewandowski hit DeLany to get UWW into field goal range. The Warhawks called timeout with five seconds left. As the field goal crew set up, the Falcons called timeout to try and ice Isotalo-McGuire.
After the brief break, the field goal unit set, a good hold followed a good snap and Isotalo-McGuire put his full boot into the 49-yarder. The kick was dead center, coming down on the top of the crossbar and bouncing through for the field goal with no time remaining.
With wins Saturday, UW-Whitewater and UW-La Crosse are now tied for the top spot in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. UW-Platteville fell to UW-Stout taking them out of a tie for the top spot with two weeks of regular season play remaining.
WHITEWATER HS CLASS OF 1973 – SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR 50TH CLASS REUNION
Mark your calendars for Friday & Saturday, September 8 & 9, 2023, when the WHS Class of 1973 will celebrate our 50th Class Reunion!
Get details, update your contact information, connect with friends, register to attend, and watch for reunion information updates through our class website: www.whitewaterhsclassof73.com or on our Whitewater High School Class of 1973 Facebook page. Please share this with other classmates to be sure we get the word out and reach as many as possible.
The JV Whippet Swimmers competed at JV Conference in Elkhorn on Tuesday, October 25. The Whippets showed up to compete as many of our swimmers took home some new hardware including the following:
🏆In the 200 Freestyle Relay – Georgia Esch, Atreya Wilson, Lucy Davis, and Michelle Abarca placed 8th overall.
🏆In the 100 Breaststroke, Atreya Wilson placed 5th overall with a best time of 2:55.01.
🏆In the 400 Freestyle, Lucy Davis with a 7th place finish!
🏆In the 400 Freestyle Relay – Lucy Davis, Georgia Esch, Michelle Abarca, and Atreya Wilson placed 7th overall.
We also had some impressive swims and best times including the following:
✔In the 50 Freestyle – Michelle Abarca 36.29, Angela Hudec 42.35, and Sanibel Fox-Simes 52.69.
✔In the 100 Freestyle – Michelle Abarca 1:25.12, Lucy Troxel 1:28.87, and Sanibel Fox-Simes 1:57.81.
✔In the 100 Backstroke – Georgia Esch 1:40.86 and Angela Hudec 1:44.36.
✔In the 100 Breaststroke – Atreya Wilson 1:40.06 and Lucy Troxel 1:48.88.
We are so proud of our JV Whippet Swimmers! What an awesome way to end the season; we are so excited to see what is in store for these swimmers next season!
Article and Photos Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Swim Coach
sreynolds@wwusd.org
Wisconsin Badger Bench built by Rod Berg
Two items added to the ONLINE Silent Auction! A “Heart Prairie” cedar chest and a Wisconsin Badger bench – both built by the late Rod Berg – the last custom pieces built by Mr. Berg specifically for First English Lutheran Church.
Here’s a clickable link to the silent auction.
About Our Auction
The Women of the ELCA at First English Lutheran Church (Whitewater, Wisconsin) conduct an annual Christkindlmarket. This year, the fundraiser will take place inside the church as well as out in the parking lot on November 5th, 2022. The ONLINE Silent Auction, that takes place earlier from October 10th – 31st, is part of this fundraiser.
Monies raised assist charities in the local area as well as in the larger world.
They include:
-Bethel House
-Lutheran Social Services
-ELCA World Hunger Appeal
-Whitewater Food Pantry
-Lutheran World Relief (shipping fund)
-Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless
-Lutherdale Bible Camp
-Lutherdale camper scholarships
-Campus & Community spaghetti suppers
-Women of the ELCA
-Seminary scholarships
About WELCA’s Christkindlmarket
A Christkindlmarkt is a European street market held during advent with a history that goes back to medieval times. At these markets, farmers came to town to shop and to offer their wares.
Villagers bought and sold homemade Christmas decorations and traditional handicrafts, such as hand carved nutcrackers and straw ornaments. Linens were also sold at Christkindlmarkets.
From open-air stalls, food and drink were served. The early markets were usually held in front of churches and were looked at as part of a church visit.
The name, Christkindlmarket, can even be attributed to Martin Luther. He suggested that children exchange gifts because of das Christkind, the Christ Child
Here’s a clickable link to the silent auction.
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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