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Today is Thursday, October 8, 2026
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Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services’ Aging and Disability Resource Center.
The Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services’ (WCDHHS) Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) has released its 2022 “Welcome to Medicare” workshop schedule. These popular educational sessions are designed for individuals who will become eligible for Medicare in coming months. Individuals turning 65 years of age or those over 65 and planning to retire should attend one of the available workshops.
Attendees will receive information about Medicare and Medicaid options. “It is vitally important that individuals eligible to receive Medicare are aware of the different parts of Medicare, including Part A and Part B, as well as the prescription drug coverage,” says Elder Benefit Specialist Julie Juranek. “Being knowledgeable about premiums and penalties for not having creditable prescription drug coverage will help people make sound choices when exploring available plans.”
The “Welcome to Medicare” workshops will be offered at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Health and Human Services building (1910 County Road NN, Elkhorn) on the following dates:
- February 17, 2022
- April 21, 2022
- June 16, 2022
- August 18, 2022
- October 20, 2022
- December 1, 2022
RSVPs are highly recommended by calling (262) 741-3366.
About the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your personal situation.
On February 13, The Whitewater Lion Club will be celebrating their 46th Annual Fish-A-Ree on Whitewater Lake and Rice Lake. The event kicks off with a Freewill Drive-Thru Pancake Breakfast from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM The Lions will be serving their famous light and fluffy pancakes, home-cooked scrambled eggs, and yummy sausages. Milk and juice are available also. The Best of Fish in six species competition is from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM with winners to be announced at 3:00 PM. The winner of the 50/50 raffle and the bonus winner will also be drawn at 3:00 PM.
Also starting on the 13th is their second annual Online Auction. Check out the wide variety of items. There is something there that will be attractive to everyone. Check them out at BiddingOwl.com. Bidding starts Feb.13 thru Feb. 20th.
The following information was provided by the City of Whitewater.
February 7, 2022 – Dredging began Wednesday, February 2 on Cravath and Trippe Lakes as part of the Lakes Drawdown Project. After many weeks of preparation with a controlled burn, skinning snow and vegetation from the top and laying wood matting, Stout Construction was able to begin removing dredged material from both lakes last week.
The controlled burn helped to stop vegetation in the planned dredged areas. The skinning of snow and vegetation cleared the ground for direct access to cold temperatures. The areas to be dredged need 18 inches of frozen ground to allow for excavating equipment to drive on and remove materials.
Due to the warmer temperatures we have experienced, not all areas to be dredged had enough frost to begin the process. Wood matting was placed in many locations that did not freeze to allow for the equipment to drive over without sinking.
Because of warmer temperatures, crews are forced to alter their planned dredging times. When temperatures rise along with the sun warming the ground, crews must stop the process to keep equipment from sinking. In the past week, crews have been dredging when temperatures drop and skies are cloudy, including working through the evening and early morning hours. This process will continue in the upcoming weeks.
Crews were able to dredge over 20 hours on Trippe Lake and 10 hours on Cravath Lake this past weekend due to colder temperatures. When the sun began to warm the ground and temperatures rose, crews had to stop. They will resume evening dredging on Wednesday, February 9.
To learn more about the Lakes Drawdown Project and receive weekly updates, visit https://www.whitewaterwi.gov/520/Lakes-Drawdown-Updates or contact Parks and Recreation Director, Eric Boettcher at (262) 473-0122 or
EBoettcher@whitewater-wi.gov.
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Library Building Project
Community Room
431 W. Center Street
Whitewater, WI 53190
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82903521022?pwd=ZFZWQ2Myd1dLQm1Ua3ljR1p3bi9OUT09
Meeting ID: 829 0352 1022
Passcode: V0DtPVdV
Dial 1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 829 0352 1022
Passcode: 73647248
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Lakes dredging update; Resolution Providing for the sale of $5,195,000 General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2022A; Request for approval of Development Agreement with Bower’s House LLC (Greg Aprahamian) for redevelopment of building known as the White Elephant building, SE
corner of Main and Second Streets
This will be an IN PERSON MEETING as well as a VIRTUAL MEETING
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us in person, or via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83574761734?pwd=Mys4WGdYTzZwcXNVeHRNaTZ5eGY4UT09
Passcode: 394331
Or Telephone:
Dial: 1 929 205 6099
Webinar ID: 835 7476 1734
Passcode: 394331
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by Jefferson County. Future announcements this season regarding Jefferson County snowmobile trails will appear in the Sports section of the Banner.
All Jefferson County Snowmobile Trails will open at 8:00 am on Thursday, January 27, 2022.
This includes all County Trails – both north and south.
Some trails may be closed due to open water.
Plowed fields may be rough.
Please ride safely.
Please stay on the marked trails and obey all signage.
Please call the Snowmobile Alliance 24-hour Hotline at 920-699-SNOW (7669) daily for current information. Snowmobile trails in adjoining counties may be closed. Trail users should check with each county to determine trail status.
Editor’s note: The following information was received from the Young Auditorium.
Originally scheduled for the week of Monday, January 31st – Saturday,
February 5th, Young Auditorium regrets to inform you that the upcoming residency by
Missoula Children’s Theatre has been cancelled.
While alternate dates for another MCT residency have been discussed, Young Auditorium cannot
guarantee a rescheduled event in 2022. We are currently in the process of issuing full refunds for all
those who pre-purchased tickets for the final performance. Please be patient as checks for the total
purchase amount may take up to 10-weeks to arrive.
Young Auditorium apologizes for the inconvenience and looks forward to a time when we can safely
welcome Missoula Children’s Theatre back for another amazing residency…complete with a full
complement of local children to round out the cast.
Editor’s Note: This information was provided by the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce that they are celebrating their 80th Anniversary in 2022. The Chamber was incorporated in March of 1942 and is an organization dedicated to helping Whitewater Area businesses and the community thrive.
After two years of postponed, canceled, and abbreviated events and activities they are hopeful to make 2022 a year of celebration and community.
They are kicking off the year with Conversations & Cocoa on Monday, January 31st. The Chamber is inviting its partners, local business owners & staff, and residents to stop into the Discover Whitewater offices in downtown Whitewater between 10:30 am and 2:30 pm that day to take a mid-winter break and chat about our community. Visitors to the office on January 31st can also participate in the Chamber’s “Love Local” February campaign by filling out a love letter heart for their favorite local business/organization. The Chamber will deliver these “love letters” on Valentine’s Day.
In April the Whitewater Chamber will be hosting their Annual Awards & Celebration Dinner and will be commemorating 80 years of serving businesses and the community. Details about this event will be released in February along with invitations and registration materials. Current, former, and prospective Chamber members are encouraged to attend and help celebrate this milestone anniversary. The Chamber would also like to invite the community to share any photos, documents, or mementos they might have regarding the Chamber’s activities over the past eight decades for a timeline project. Items can be dropped off in the Discover Whitewater offices at 150 W Main Street in downtown Whitewater or emailed to info@whitewaterchamber.com.
Many great things are planned for 2022! For more information about Chamber events or anything Chamber-related please be sure to visit their website at https://www.whitewaterchamber.com/, follow them on Facebook, or contact Kellie Carper, Exec. Director at (262) 473-4005.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The Walworth County Health & Human Services Department stated in its January 13 weekly report, “It is possible that the next few weeks will be very difficult across many sectors as the COVID-19 case surge overlaps with potential increases in influenza and other respiratory illnesses. Remember, stay home if you are sick, wash your hands regularly, and cover your cough.“
- The county’s COVID-19 transmission level this week more than doubled to 1735 cases per 100,000 from 686 cases per 100,000 last week. This is the highest level of the pandemic. As a result the county is now in the CDC’s critically high transmission level. All 72 counties in the state are at the critically high level, driven by the Omicron variant.
- Hospital capacity is at unsustainable levels, with only 4.4% of ICU beds available.
- 23.5% of tests are positive, an all time high.
- Experts estimate that the state will reach its peak in cases within the next one to two weeks.
- Influenza cases are on the increase. Cases of “flurona,” a simultaneous flu and COVID infection, are being diagnosed. It’s not too late to get a flu shot. Public Health is hosting a special free flu vaccine clinic on Thursday, January 20 from 4-6 p.m at 1910 County Road NN, Elkhorn. The clinic is open to all community members, age six months and older. Vaccines will be available while supplies last.
Testing is still available at UW-Whitewater
Free, fast COVID-19 tests available to anyone 5 years or older
To receive a rapid-results test – available in about 15 minutes – register first at wihealthconnect.com. Those who test positive through the rapid-results test are urged to get a confirmatory PCR test.
Individuals do not have to be experiencing symptoms or be a close contact of someone with COVID-19 to get a test, nor do they need to live in the community where the testing site is located.
Whitewater campus
Monday and Wednesday, Esker Hall, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, Esker Hall, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free parking is available in lot 4, with overflow in lots 18 and 19
Testing is also available by reservation at the Whitewater Walgreens.
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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