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
News & Events
To add an event, click here to go to the Community Calendar. Then, click on Submit Event.
Helpful Links
Search our Archives
To search our archives, enter a search term in the search box, then press enter to search.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by UW-Madison Extension
UW-Madison Division of Extension Community Food Systems Program is organizing a 2-day virtual summit for Wisconsin food entrepreneurs! The 2022 FEED Summit will be held virtually on November 14th and 15th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Community Food Systems Program’s Food Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development (FEED) Initiative is a statewide program that promotes food entrepreneurship training and net-work development for value-added producers and individuals facing structural barriers to food entrepreneurship.
Extension will kick off the statewide, virtual conference on Monday (Nov 14th) morning at 10 a.m. with a keynote from an exciting Wisconsin entrepreneur – Peter Robertson of RP Pasta and Tribe 9 Foods. Tuesday (Nov 15th) morning at 10 a.m. will start with a keynote from the inspiring owners of the Spring Green-based restaurant named Homecoming – Leah Spicer and Kyle Beach. Participants will have the opportunity to ask the keynotes questions directly in the virtual session!
Community Food Systems Program Manager Lindsey Day Farnsworth stated: “We’re organizing this conference to maximize participants’ opportunities to connect with and learn from experienced food entrepreneurs and food business development experts on topics ranging from co-operative development to financing to food safety.”
Breakout sessions will go in-depth into key aspects of a thriving business model, including: Value Propositions, Key Partners, Customer Relationships, Key Resources, Key Activities, Customer Segments, Revenue Streams, Marketing Channels, and Cost Structures. Each session will feature one of Wisconsin’s premier business experts who will introduce an experienced Wisconsin-based food entrepreneur to share examples from their entrepreneurial journey.
Statewide Food Entrepreneurship Specialist, Jessica Jane Spayde, stated: “We’re using the Business Model Canvas to ground the amazing stories that our Food entrepreneur speakers will share – and to provide business foundations content that is accessible to Wisconsin’s aspiring food entrepreneurs.”
These business model sessions will help entrepreneurs better understand how to utilize the “Business Model Canvas” framework to improve their business model while providing a useful structure for the virtual conference sessions. Each breakout session includes time for summit participants to ask the speakers questions.
Registration starts at $55 for participants registering by October 31 and at $75 for Exhibitors. All are welcome to this learning, connecting, and promotional space to help your food business THRIVE!
Register here: https://foodsystems.extension.wisc.edu/feed-summit-2022/
A limited number of scholarships are available upon request. For additional information about the FEED Summit email Extension Community Food Systems Food Entrepreneurship Specialist Jessica Jane Spayde at Spayde@wisc.edu.
Tuesday night’s WIAA regional soccer play-in game between the Whitewater Whippets and the Spartans of Martin Luther was an entertaining end to end battle for the full 80 minutes.
Martin Luther scored an early goal to give them the lead; however, seconds later, a beautiful ball in from Avery Janovec and a brilliant scissor kick finish from Victor Hernandez tied the game. The Spartans took the lead again shortly after, but a smart bottom corner shot from Sebastian Cuellar once again tied the game. The last 20 minutes of the first half were dominated by the Whippets. With some sustained pressure, Victor Hernandez assisted Chris Cortes’ first ever varsity goal to give the Whippets the lead at half time.
The second half continued just as the first and was heavily contested on all parts of the pitch. Martin Luther managed to tie the game at 3 and then take the lead 4-3 minutes later. They weren’t ahead for long because Victor Hernadez played another magnificent ball and assisted Chris Cortes again. With the score tied at 4 all, extra time and penalties looked imminent. However, with 86 seconds left in the game, Martin Luther delivered the final blow of the contest.
Despite the loss, the Whitewater Whippets can end their season with their heads held high because of their wonderful performance on a cold and windy night. We say goodbye and thank you to our seniors and wish them luck in all future endeavors. Improvement from the beginning of the season to the end is all we can really ask for, and our boys delivered. Thanks for the great season!
Article Submitted by Sam Burns
Whitewater High School Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach
dburns@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
During Homecoming Week, The Whitewater Unified School District, along with Nelson’s Bus, conducted their annual “Stuff the Bus.” All the schools in the district collected food for the Whitewater Food Pantry to help them get ready for the holidays. As part of the homecoming tradition, the high school had bonus items for each class to earn extra points for their class. The Freshman class came out in first place this year, earning extra points for their class.
Each of the schools in the district worked hard collecting food throughout the week. 3,020 pounds of food were donated, loaded onto a bus, and dropped off at the Food Pantry on Friday, October 14.
Community members were also given the opportunity to donate food or money to this awesome cause. A total of $5,525 was donated with $5,000 of that coming from the Kachel Family, for which we are truly grateful!
What a great way for a community to come together for a worthwhile cause!
Article and Photos Submitted by Amy Houwers
Whitewater High School Student Council Advisor
ahouwers@wwusd.org
The Whippet Volleyball Team finished 4th at the RVC Conference tournament to place 3rd overall to finish the season behind McFarland and Brodhead. The Whippets saw East Troy first in the tournament and beat them in a 2 set sweep 25-17, 25-17.
Next up the Whippets saw Brodhead and fell in 2 sets 20-25 and 11-25. To finish the playoff round, the Whippets battled Evansville for third place. In a hard-fought match, they fell in three sets 25-21, 23-25, 10-15.
Points from finishing the conference play 8-1 and then tournament play in 4th, has the Whippets placing 3rd in the RVC behind McFarland and Brodhead.
Statistical leaders included Caleigh Yang with 24 digs, Aidyn Amundson with 5 blocks, Cali Kopecky with 4 aces, Calli Grosinske with 40 assists, and Kindyl Kilar with 41 kills and 5 blocks.
“With the conference play and tournament behind us, we look to extend our season against Monroe on Tuesday. This team has battled all season, and we want nothing more than to extend our time on the court together. We hope many will join us in the gym on Tuesday!”
The Whippets will now host Monroe to begin playoffs on Tuesday, October 18th at 7:00 p.m. Hope to see you there!
Article Submitted by Mary Kilar
Whitewater High School Head Volleyball Coach
mkilar@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.
Terry Phelps is a WUL Hometown Hero “For volunteering as a firefighter for the Whitewater Fire Department for nearly 50 years.”
In addition to his volunteer work as a firefighter, Terry taught for 25 years at Gateway as an instructor in firetruck and driver operations. He managed all of that in addition to his full-time job as a machinist at Whitewater Manufacturing.
Terry was recently featured in Spectrum News 1: https://spectrumnews1.com/wi/madison/news/2022/09/07/-it-s-been-a-good-ride—whitewater-firefighter-set-to-complete-50-years-of-service-before-his-retirement
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
Emilia Houwers finished her season in the WIAA State Tennis Tournament at the Nielsen Tennis Stadium in Madison on Thursday, October 13. Emilia, unfortunately, lost in the first round to Sophie Vande Slunt of Saint Mary’s Spring Academy 4-6, 1-6.
What is not lost is that Emilia became one of the few WHS tennis players to qualify for the State Tennis Tournament in singles two times and is only a Junior! Congratulations, Emilia, on a great season!
On Thursday afternoon, before the team left for Madison, Whitewater High School began the tradition of the “Whippet Walk” which will be repeated for any individual or group that advances to a state-level competition in academics, athletics, the arts, or activities. The tennis team was followed through the student-lined hallways by the Whitewater High School Marching Band playing the school song.
Article and Photos Submitted by Greg Stewart
Whitewater High School
gstewart@wwusd.org
Additional Photos Courtesy of Justin Crandall
“CODA”
Tuesday, October 18, 1 p.m.
(Comedy/Drama/Music)
Rated PG-13; 1 hour, 51 minutes (2021)
As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), Ruby is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family’s fishing business is threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between pursuing her passion at music college, and her fear of abandoning her parents. Winner of three Oscars: Best Picture, Supporting Actor and Screenplay.
| Gov. Tony Evers ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Oct. 15, 2022, in honor of Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day, as required by state statute, during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 9 through Oct. 15, 2022. “Wisconsin firefighters exemplify the best our state has to offer, putting their health and safety on the line to take care of their neighbors and serve their communities,” said Gov. Evers. “From fire prevention education to emergency response, we are grateful for their service. On Saturday, we honor and remember the fallen heroes who are no longer with us and share our deepest condolences with their families, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. The legacy of their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.” Fire Prevention Week is observed annually to recognize firefighters’ efforts to keep families and communities safe and to encourage Wisconsinites to take personal steps to have a planned and practiced home fire escape plan. The week will feature observances, ceremonies, exercises, and activities related to fire safety education and prevention. During Fire Prevention Week, the state of Wisconsin also recognizes Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day to honor the firefighters of this state who have made the ultimate sacrifice in performance of their duties over the course of the year. A copy of the governor’s Fire Prevention Week proclamation is available here. Previously, Gov. Evers ordered the flags to be flown at half-staff on Oct. 1, 2022, coinciding with the Final Alarm Ceremony and Silent Procession at the Wisconsin State Firefighters Memorial Park in Wisconsin Rapids, which is hosted by Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial Inc. in recognition of Firefighter Memorial Day. Executive Order #176 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Sat., Oct. 15, 2022, and is available here. |
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
Other Recent Posts
Click on the title to view the post. To open the post in a new tab, press Ctrl (Cmd on a Mac) while clicking on the title.
