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.
Nate Parrish, President & CEO of First Citizens State Bank, is pleased to announce that Darcy Rallo has been promoted to the Chief Human Resources Officer at the Whitewater Main Office, located at 207 W Main Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin.
With more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry, Darcy has built a strong background in human resources, retail banking leadership, employee development, and operational management within community banking. Prior to joining First Citizens State Bank, she held leadership and human resources roles with First National Bank and Trust Company, supporting workforce development, employee management, training programs, and HR operations. Darcy has served as Director of Human Resources at First Citizens State Bank for the past three years, where she provides strategic leadership in HR operations, employee engagement, and organizational development. She earned her SHRM certification in 2020, is certified in Situational Leadership, and recently completed the Graduate School of Banking Human Resource Management School, further advancing her expertise in human resources leadership and community banking.
In making the announcement, Nate Parrish said, “Since joining First Citizens State Bank, Darcy has continued to elevate our Human Resources area through trust building, greater accessibility for our employees, and a consistent commitment to fostering a professional and supportive work environment. She has been actively engaged in Bank functions and has assumed additional leadership responsibilities along the way.”
Darcy commented, “I’m honored to step into the role of Chief Human Resources Officer at First Citizens State Bank. My journey here has been shaped by incredible colleagues, meaningful challenges and a shared commitment to doing what’s right for our people and communities.”
First Citizens State Bank, locally owned and operated since 1863, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work, and do business. The bank takes pride in building lasting partnerships with organizations, businesses, and individuals throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. First Citizens State Bank has Full-service offices in Whitewater, East Troy and Palmyra. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
Written by Abigail Dotzler | Photos by Joe Kusumoto/USOPC, Craig Schreiner
With a supportive community at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater behind him, John Boie has achieved his dreams.
Boie — a UW-Whitewater alum, academic advisor at the Academic Advising and Exploration Center and two-time Paralympic gold medalist — shares his success with the friends, family and teammates that have spurred him to achieve.
On July 8, the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame will welcome Boie into its ranks during a ceremony at the Marcus Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee. Because of his monumental achievements in wheelchair basketball, Boie will be the first Paralympic athlete to be inducted.
Boie was first introduced to wheelchair basketball at a camp held by UW-Whitewater when he was 11 years old. He played through a season the next fall and fell in love with the sport. Boie still returns to that camp every summer — now as a camp coach.
Boie felt the love as soon as he arrived at UW-Whitewater as a college student.
“[Wheelchair basketball provided] a big community [for me] to have coming into college and friends that I still have today,” Boie said.
In 2014, following an illustrious career on the Warhawk men’s wheelchair basketball team, he graduated from UW-Whitewater with a bachelor’s degree in human resource management. He continued his education at UW-Whitewater with a master’s degree in human resource management and a master’s degree in accounting.
Boie has remained on campus as an academic advisor, working with students during their academic journey to ease their path to a degree and their intended profession.
“UW-Whitewater has such a strong tradition of wheelchair basketball, and we’re really excited to have someone who is a continuous and long-time member of our community just really excel at a state level, and national level, and global level,” said Marissa Gruel Hainstock, director of Academic Advising and Success and Boie’s supervisor.
Boie continued in his basketball journey, competing in the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo, earning his first gold medal and recognition at the White House. He tried out for Team USA for nine years before finally making the cut for the 2020 Paralympics.
Boie almost never left the court at his first Paralympics.
“[It felt] like I’d finally reached the goal I set when I was 11 years old,” he said.
The time, effort and dedication Boie puts into his sport give him the skills to achieve his dreams. He won gold again at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
Boie credits part of his success to Jeremy “Opie” Lade, his long-time friend, coach and fellow Warhawk. Lade, who led the UW-Whitewater men’s wheelchair basketball team to six national championships, coached Boie during his time on the UW-Whitewater wheelchair basketball team and has encouraged Boie through his entire basketball career.
“He’s kinda always been in my corner since I was little. He gave me my first basketball chair when I was a little kid,” Boie said. “Opie was a heck of a coach. [He] prepared me for Team USA… and we even play on different club teams in the U.S., so he and I get the opportunity to play against each other.”
Boie continues to pour himself into the wheelchair basketball community — both on and off campus. He officiates tournaments, scrimmages with the Warhawk men’s wheelchair basketball team, and serves as a role model to all student-athletes. Preparing the next generation of gold medalists and Hall of Fame inductees, Boie inspires students to compete, to work hard and to succeed.
“I can still connect with students — especially student athletes,” Boie said about his role as an academic advisor. “Because I know what it takes to compete at a college level and beyond.”
While this latest recognition from the Wisconsin Hall of Fame is “still pretty surreal” for Boie, he’s incredibly excited.
“I’m thankful for all the people that have helped me get there: family, friends, and community — and that includes the Warhawk community of our campus.”
He’ll represent Team USA again this September at the 2026 International Wheelchair Basketball Federation World Championships in Ottawa.
Editor’s note: This article was provided by UW-Whitewater.
The Whitewater Police Department would like to make residents aware that over the past several days, officers have responded to multiple reports of vehicles and residences being entered during the overnight and early morning hours.
The Whitewater Police Department is reminding all residents to take preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of these crimes. Residents are strongly encouraged to:
- Lock all vehicle doors, even when parked at home or in your garage.
- Remove valuables, wallets, purses, firearms, and electronics from vehicles or keep them out of sight.
- Ensure all residence doors and windows are locked before going to bed or leaving home.
- If your home has a sliding patio door, place a door wedge, security bar, or similar object in the track to prevent the door from being forced or slid open.
The Whitewater Police Department has increased extra patrols throughout the community and is utilizing a variety of proactive enforcement tactics in an effort to identify and arrest those responsible. Detectives are actively investigating these incidents and are narrowing down the identity of the suspects involved.
If you or someone you know has recently been the victim of a vehicle entry or burglary, please contact the Whitewater Police Department immediately. Even small details or information may assist detectives in identifying the suspects and solving these crimes.
Residents who observe suspicious activity are encouraged to call the Whitewater Police Department right away at (262) 473-0555. If an emergency is occurring, call 911 immediately.
The Whitewater Police Department appreciates the community’s assistance and cooperation as we continue working to keep our neighborhoods safe.
Editor‘s note: This press release was issued by the Whitewater Police Department.
��Thinking of purchasing your first or a new home?
First Citizens State Bank is holding its annual Homebuyers workshop on June 3rd at 5:30 pm at the main office in Whitewater and all are invited.
During this free event, you’ll walk through the financing process and have your questions answered. Learn about how to apply, qualify, and then purchase your new home. Discuss downpayment assistance programs, hear about the current housing market from trusted local realtors Jon Marshall from Tincher Realty and Linda Platner from Platner Realty, and learn about insuring your new home from expert, in-house, insurance agent, Kasey Reed – you’ll get a full picture of what it takes to make your homeownership dream a reality.
Start down your path to homeownership today.
RSVPs are appreciated by contacting Katie Lehman at 262-473-1401 or klehman@firstcitizensww.com or on the Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1FYXw944CU/
Member FDIC
Equal Housing Lender
#PathToHomeownership #ReachForYourDreams #CommunityBanking
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater renews their title sponsorship for the Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, 5K, Fit Kid Shuffle, and 5K Teams event! The University has supported the event ever since its inaugural race in 2013. The DWS team is excited to work with the University again this year to continue this event’s success!
The 14th annual DWS will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026. The DWS is excited to announce that the start and finish line for both courses will be held at the university again due to the great turn out from last year! The courses will end at Perkins Stadium, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s football field; participants will be cheered on as they run through the stadium, ending with a huge celebration! The University has gone above and beyond to support the DWS by providing the assistance of volunteers, University Police, and other staff members to ensure the safety and quality of the event.
UW-Whitewater is a premier academic institution driven by the pursuit of knowledge, powered by the spirit of innovation, and focused on transforming lives. UW-Whitewater offers many academic programs that range from study of the arts, business, education, humanities, natural sciences, and technology programs that benefit undergraduate, graduate, and online learners. All these programs can be offered at the associate, bachelor, masters, and doctoral levels. These programs prepare students to become lifelong learners, leading them to a successful life and productive careers.
The University also helps support and staff the Kids Korral; an all-day child-care service that is free to all runners the day of the event. On race day, participants’ children have a morning of safe and fun play with certified caretakers from Aspiring Educators, some of whom graduated or are pursuing education from the University itself.
Participants will also have open entry to William’s Center during race day, having access to the showers, bathrooms, and other facilities that the University is providing! The DWS team is thankful for the University’s continued support of our 14th Annual Race!
To register for the 14th annual DWS and to learn more about its sponsors, charity partners, and the University’s involvement, visit www.RunWhitewater.com/Register.
Photo courtesy of Tom Ganser.
Ron Binning recently was able to capture this photo of a male Rose-breasted Grossbeak and a male Baltimore Oriole at his bird feeder.
Is the Baltimore Oriole named for the city? Per Wikipedia, the species received its name from the resemblance of the male’s colors to those on the coat-of-arms of 17th-century Lord Baltimore.
Our thanks to Ron Binning for sharing this beautiful sight from his bird feeder.
On Saturday, May 23rd at 2:00 p.m. members of American Legion Post 173 will gather in the center of Hillside Cemetery to decorate the veterans’ graves at the cemetery. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H clubs and all other community members are invited to participate. Post 173 will provide the flags.
Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2026 who took a step closer to graduation last night, Monday, May 18 by presenting their portfolios. The Portfolio event is an opportunity for seniors to reflect on their time at WHS, share examples of their academic work and their involvement in activities in and outside of school, and describe their postsecondary plans and career goals. We are extremely grateful to our teachers, community volunteers, and families who joined in the event.
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.
