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.
The Whippet Baseball Team competed against Evansville and unfortunately came out on the losing end by a score of 6-3. The Whippets took the lead 2-0 in the bottom of the first inning and held the lead until the 4th inning. The Whippets cut the deficit to two runs in the bottom of the 6th inning.
Leading the offense was Wyatt Nickels who had two hits on the night.
Marcos Sagrero handled the starting pitching duties and went 3 ⅓ innings. Wyatt Nickels and Marc Jones each pitched in relief.
The Whippets will be in action again on Thursday, April 21st, when they travel to Evansville for a 4:45 p.m. start time.
Article Submitted by Michael Hookstead
Whitewater High School Head Baseball Coach
mhookstead@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The Whitewater Whippet Girls’ Soccer Team hosted Milwaukee High School of the Arts on Tuesday, April 19.
The Whippets won by a score of 12-0, with goals from Sophia Garcia (1’, 6’), Mayte Navejas (4’, 40’), Teona Krivykh (9’), Andrea Alcala (13’), Adriana Dixon (14’), Belle Peterson (16’), Isabella Aranda (18’), Michelle Abarca (22’), Vivi Hauck (29’), and Caelyn Caputo (30’).
Marina Linos played in goal for the Whippets.
Article Submitted by Maddy Blain
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
On Friday, April 15th, the Whippet Baseball Team hosted Big Foot for a doubleheader.
The first game saw the Whippets fall 3-0. Marcus DePorter pitched six strong innings. The Whippets could only manage to record two hits against a very tough lefty for Big Foot.
The second game saw the Whippets get their first win on the year with a 7-5 victory. Wyatt Nickels pitched a phenomenal game with Marc Jones coming in and closing the game out on the mound. Offensively, the Whippets broke out with 10 hits while only striking out five times.
The Whippets will be in action again on Tuesday, April 19th, when they host the Evansville Blue Devils. Come on out for a 4:45 p.m. start time, and cheer on your Whippets.
Article Submitted by Michael Hookstead
Whitewater High School Head Baseball Coach
mhookstead@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
The Whippet softball team lost to East Troy 11-10, on April 14, in a game played in the cold, windy weather. Both teams fought through the elements and put on a good show for everyone in attendance.
Whitewater scored five runs in the top of the first inning to take an early lead. East Troy scored three runs in the bottom of the first and four more in the third inning to take a 7-6 lead. Going into the seventh inning down 10-7, the Whippets rallied for three runs to tie the score. In the bottom of the seventh, the first batter for East Troy got hit by a pitch. That runner then went to second on a wild pitch and then got to third on a groundout. With one out, Jenna Pope snagged a hard groundball at first, touched the base and threw home. On a close play at home, East Troy’s runner slid under the tag for the winning run.
Falyn Krahn led the Whippets with 3 hits and 3 runs. Makaylyn Benes added 2 hits, including a double and a run batted in.
Jenna Pope pitched the first four innings for Whitewater, while Gaby Kubicz came in to finish the game.
Article Submitted by Ron Sdano
Whitewater High School Head Softball Coach
rsdano@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
| Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the office of the state treasurer. |
| State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski visited Lakeview Elementary School on April 12 to present the Whitewater Unified School District’s (WUSD) record-breaking annual distribution of over $80,000 from the Common School Fund. Treasurer Godlewski was joined by Senator Janis Ringhand, Representative Don Vruwink, State Librarian Tessa Michaelson Schmidt, and WUSD and community leaders for the event. This visit comes after State Treasurer Godlewski, who serves as Chair of the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) and oversees the $1.3 billion Common School Fund, announced that the BCPL’s effective management of the fund has resulted in another record-high distribution of $40.6 million for public schools in every corner of the state. Whitewater Unified School District will receive $81,186 to focus on funding books and technology. “Our kids are our future, and I am proud that the diversified investment strategy of the BCPL has provided this record-breaking distribution to make sure they have what they need to thrive in our public schools. Despite the economic challenges of the past few years, the BCPL has been able to invest wisely to provide these critical resources for our K-12 public school libraries. Whether it’s addressing the digital divide or building literacy skills, it’s great to see how these funds are making a difference,” said Godlewski. The Common School Fund is a crucial source of revenue for school libraries, and this distribution provides the sole source of funding for over 90% of public school libraries. Earnings from the BCPL’s investment portfolio are distributed annually to every public school district in Wisconsin to enhance students’ educational experience and to help them gain access to books and technology, which are key to their success. “Ensuring our students have access to the books and technology they need is essential to helping them reach their full academic potential,” said Assistant State Superintendent for the Division for Libraries and Technology and State Librarian Tessa Michaelson Schmidt. “The Department of Public Instruction is grateful for the BCPL’s wise stewardship of the Common School Fund, which provides these essential dollars to public school libraries across Wisconsin.” On her Facebook page, Godlewski added, “I also want to give a special shout out to Lakeview’s Library Leaders, who dressed as their favorite book characters and were excellent hosts!” “Whitewater Unified School District is excited for the opportunities that this $81,186 in literacy-focused funding from the Common School Fund and State Treasurer Godlewski will bring. This funding will support and cultivate students’ love of reading, and support increasing the use of technology in our District’s libraries. New digital platforms along with multimodal learning are daily occurrences in our libraries engaging our wide variety of learners. Our community is ever-changing and it is our role as educators to meet those changes head-on and provide for our families. The Common School Funds provided by the State of Wisconsin help us provide these new and improved opportunities for all of our students,” said Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty. The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL), chaired by State Treasurer Godlewski, oversees $1.3 billion in state trust funds. This includes the Common School Fund, which makes annual distributions that fund books and technology for every school district in the state. As part of her role as board chair, the State Treasurer has prioritized Wisconsin investments and has integrated Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations into the investment strategy. One of her first actions as board chair was to roll back a climate change gag rule which prevented staff from discussing climate change and how it impacted investments. In today’s low-interest-rate environment and with the uncertainty of the financial market, this level of distribution would not be possible if the Trust Fund remained invested solely in loans and bonds, as required under statute from 1848 through 2015. The updated investment strategy has led to the diversification of the Common School Fund that added millions to future distributions and will continue to pay dividends to Wisconsin schoolchildren for generations to come. In the last biennium, the BCPL has made $570 million in new portfolio investments, which includes $165 million for financing essential economic development, infrastructure, and other community projects and purchases in Wisconsin. |
Whitewater traveled to Janesville Parker to play a non-conference match on Tuesday, April 12.
The Whippets won over the Vikings by a score of 7-2.
Whitewater goals came from Natalia Sortino (2’), Teona Krivykh (32’), Vivi Hauck (40’), Mayte Navejas (42’, 55’), Adriana Dixon (57’ – PK), and Caelyn Caputo (71’). Parker’s goals were scored by Emma Dyer and Jaylynn Basic.
Whippet goalkeeper Marina Linos had three saves for Whitewater. Jeanne Pitteloud played in goal for Janesville.
Article Submitted by Maddy Blain
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).
The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced they are hosting a free online student loan debt relief workshop on April 21. The workshop will help student loan borrowers prepare for the end of the federal student loan payment pause, which the Biden administration recently extended from May 1 through August 31.
“With student loan payments resuming in September, it is more important than ever for borrowers to explore their student loan repayment options and make a plan for repayment today,” said DFI Secretary-designee Cheryll Olson-Collins. “Borrowers should take time now while payments are still paused to look into repayment options such as income-driven repayment plans, which may lower monthly payments, and check their eligibility for student loan forgiveness. Not waiting until the last minute to make a plan is important and will help ensure a smooth return to repayment.”
“As student loan payments resume, borrowers should watch for dishonest offers of loan forgiveness or savings from consolidation from debt relief scammers,” said DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski. “Borrowers with questions should attend this informational workshop to learn more about the many resources consumers can access without paying any fees.”
Join the “Student Loan Debt Relief Workshop: How to Avoid Scams, Use Free Repayment Tools and Save Money” on April 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. by registering for free here.
During this workshop, student loan borrowers will learn about current student loan debt relief scams to avoid and how to use the free Wisconsin Student Loan Repayment Tool, created by Savi. Savi’s student loan experts will answer questions about student loan repayment and explain how their tool can help borrowers navigate the complexities of federal student loan repayment plans, forgiveness programs, and lowering student loan payments. Using Savi’s tool may help borrowers reduce their monthly payments and optimize their repayment plans. On average, users of this tool save $156 each month and have a lifetime savings of $28,308. Student loan borrowers can find additional free repayment resources on DFI’s LookForwardWI.gov website.
DFI and DATCP encourage student loan borrowers to create a repayment plan now to help ensure a smooth return to repayment and to beware of fraudsters taking advantage of this transition period. Borrowers with questions are encouraged to call the Wisconsin Student Loan Help Hotline at (833) 589-0750 or contact Federal Student Aid. Student loan borrowers who have been the victim of a scam should report it by filing a complaint online, emailing datcphotline@wisconsin.gov, or calling DATCP’s Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 422-7128.
The Whippets played host to Evansville in a conference game this past Saturday, April 9, and came out on top 15-9 for their first win of the season.
The game went back and forth as Whitewater took a 3-run lead in the first inning, only to see Evansville tie it up in the second inning. Evansville went up 5-3 in the top of the third, but the Whippets plated two runs to tie it at 5-5. Whitewater scored 3 runs in the 4th inning to go up 8-5, but Evansville scored 3 runs in the fifth to tie it at 8-8. Evansville took a 9-8 lead in the 6th, but Whitewater blew the game open by scoring seven runs in the bottom of the 6th to complete the scoring.
Jenna Pope, Falyn Krahn, and Lexi Juoni led the way with three hits each. Shyan Lesperance and Cali Kopecky contributed two hits each. Krahn drove in four runs while Gaby Kubicz drove in three runs.
Jenna Pope pitched 4 1/3 strong innings, while Gaby Kubicz went the final 2 2/3 innings to get the win.
The Whippets play a conference game at home against Big Foot on Tuesday, April 12th. Game time is 5:00.
Article Submitted by Ron Sdano
Whitewater High School Head Softball Coach
rsdano@wwusd.org
Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
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.
