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Today is Thursday, October 8, 2026
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Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Whitewater Area Chamber launched its brand-new Whitewater Storytelling Festival, a celebration of the art of storytelling, October 15-16. This brand-new festival brought to town locally, regionally, and nationally known storytellers and lots of visitors who enjoy a good tale! It was a collaborative event, harnessing the talents, skills, and resources of multiple organizations and individuals in the Whitewater community and the Whitewater Chamber can’t thank those partners enough for their help in bringing this event to our home.
We kicked off the weekend on Friday, October 15th with some campfire stories down by the Cravath
Lakefront fire pit and enjoyed tales from some locals and visitors alike. The evening was beautiful, and
we were blessed with amazing weather as the rains cleared just in time. We saw a steady flow of story
seekers all day on Saturday, October 16th enjoying the sunny skies and many tales of the talented
storytellers. Children took advantage of the crafts and special storytelling sets, and many folks spent
time in one or more of the available workshops. We moved indoors on Saturday night at the Cultural
Arts Center where we saw a standing room only audience enjoy the stories of three most amazing
tellers. Others in town that evening took advantage of an open-mic night at our local bookstore, The
Book Teller.
We were assured by many of our festival visitors, both local and out-of-town, that they will return next
year! We were excited to hear that as we definitely plan to repeat this festival and grow it over the next
three years. We have the distinct privilege of the use of JEM Grant funds awarded by the WI Department of
Tourism and we are excited to look to planning for next year. We are working with other regional
storytelling festivals to ensure that our event is put on the calendar as one not to miss. Our hope is that
this festival becomes something that Whitewater is known for each year!
We would like to extend a very big thank you to our generous event sponsors for supporting the festival,
Novel Sponsors Generac and storytelling patrons Rosa Spellman & family, Chapter Sponsor Lavelle
Industries, and Bookmark Sponsor Fort Community Credit Union.
We look forward seeing everyone at the festival and welcoming new visitors to the community. Be sure to follow the Chamber’s Facebook page for updates on other events that the Chamber is planning! For questions about anything Chamber related please contact Kellie Carper, Exec. Director at (262) 473-4005.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Starting October 24, 2021, everyone in Wisconsin has to use ten digits to make a local phone call. This means you’ll have to dial the area code plus the seven-digit phone number. Calls dialed with only seven digits will not be connected.
All parts of the country are gradually going through this transition. The change is related to creation of a new national suicide prevention lifeline, 988. The problem is that in many areas there are seven digit numbers beginning with 988.
In Wisconsin, this change impacts area codes 262, 414, 608, and 920. People in the state’s other two area codes, 534 and 715, already must use 10-digit dialing for local calls.
During the transition to 988, Americans who need help should continue to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK) and through online chats. Veterans and Service members may reach the Veterans Crisis Line by pressing 1 after dialing, chatting online at www.veteranscrisisline.net, or texting 838255.
The image on the homepage, “Vintage Western Electric Rotary Dial Telephone, Model 302, Made In USA, Produced From 1937 – 1958” by France1978 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda
Community Room, 1st Floor
312 W Whitewater St
(This will be a hybrid meeting.)
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/259427581
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: 1 (646) 749-3122
Access Code: 259-427-581
Whitewater Community Development Authority –Seed Capital Screening Committee – Monday @ 5:00 p.m.
Innovation Center- Room 202
1221 Innovation Drive
Closed session: Discussion and consideration of Capital Catalyst Fund Grant Application from Safepro Technologies, Inc.
Reconvene to take action on closed session item as needed.
Whitewater Unified School District School Board Regular Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m. (Closed session) 7:00 p.m. (Open session)
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right hand corner.)
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Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
William D. Kyle Board Room
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
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6:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89237022730?pwd=eGkxL3VQV2FqaXJKdE5qRVdhdzVjUT09
– Password: 349689
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 892 3702 2730
– Password: 349689
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Closed Session – Agenda includes review the terms of School Resource Officer (SRO) agreement
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Open Session resumes at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
Agenda includes naming of baseball field, Approval of revised 2021-22 budget, Approval and certification of 2021-22 tax levy
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88093907797?pwd=NExlWmIzWkJMQXBTcnpXaWVhSXhzdz09
– Passcode: 074585
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 880 9390 7797
– Passcode: 074585
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PUBLIC NOTICE: The health and safety of District employees, School Board, and the community is a top priority. As such, some Board members may participate virtually. Members of the public may attend in-person on a first come, first serve basis by submitting a Google Form: https://forms.gle/GHARNb6ARzcVn7qHA, 24 hours prior to the meeting time. A capacity of 20 individuals is set for in-person attendance. Additionally the meeting will be live streamed via Zoom for those individuals unable to attend in-person.
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If participants wish to speak on Agenda Items they may speak regarding specific issues on the agenda at the time the Board discusses that item. A Citizen Comment Request should be filled out prior to speaking. In accordance to Board Policy 187, personal criticism and/or derogatory remarks directed at School Board members or employees of the district will not be tolerated. Should there be a number of citizens planning to speak, the President will announce the total time for citizen comments and divide the time between speakers equally with no more than three minutes allotted to each participant.
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City of Whitewater Common Council Special Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Cravath Lakefront Room – Second Floor
This will be an IN PERSON MEETING as well as a VIRTUAL MEETING.
Agenda: Renegotiation of contract and services with Whitewater Fire
Department. You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88170485645?pwd=SUpFMVE0SjhreVNSdmtCU3BNK3c3Zz09
Passcode: 183756
Or Telephone:
Dial 1 312 626 6799 or 1 888 475 4499 (Toll Free)
Webinar ID: 881 7048 5645
Passcode: 183756
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Board of Directors Meeting
Agenda
Location: Municipal Building – Community Room (First Floor)
312 W. Whitewater Street
This will be an IN‐PERSON MEETING as well as a VIRTUAL MEETING.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83722331716
Or One tap mobile hands‐free:
US: +13126266799,,84370930146#,,,,*641837#
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the Whitewater Historical Society.
Its time once again for #flashbackfriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
Football is in full swing on college campuses, including the UW-Whitewater. This week’s view is the Hamilton Gym and Hamilton Field, the center of the university’s sports life prior to 1966 and 1970. Built in 1915, the Hamilton Gym was used for indoor sports until 1966, when the Williams Center opened. Hamilton Field was the location of college football until 1970, when the new Warhawk Stadium (Perkins Stadium) was completed. Hamilton Gym lived on for recreation and other purposes until 1983, when it was demolished.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society collections.
(5513PC Whitewater Historical Society)
| Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the Fort Atkinson Community Theatre. From Broadway to Fort Atkinson, theatres around the world have struggled in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many have “gone dark” and some may have even closed their doors for good. Thankfully, with health risks starting to subside, live theatres are reopening, and the licensing company Music Theatre International (MTI) is giving them the perfect opportunity to “stage” a comeback. In April of this year, MTI announced the creation of a brand-new musical revue called All Together Now!, which is meant to serve as a fundraiser for revitalizing local theatres. The show features selections from several of their most popular musicals such as Mary Poppins, Rent, Les Miserables, Mamma Mia!, and many more. Described as a “global event celebrating local theatre,” All Together Now! will only be performed during the weekend of November 12-14, creating a sense of musical togetherness on a worldwide scale. Fort Atkinson Community Theatre (FACT) is thrilled to be participating in All Together Now!, which will be the group’s first stage performance since November 2019. Director Jason Teeter has gathered an incredibly talented cast of twenty-seven voices from around the area, including Stephanie Aegerter, Maddy Buchta, Molly Button, Cathy Daly, Molly Ebel, Tessa Fitzsimmons, Annalis Goeschko, Norman Goeschko, Kaile Goodman, Anne Grover, Christine Hamele, Alexia Klein, Jason Konz, Niina Ajango Konz, Kassie Kucken, Eric Lonsdale, Amy Lothary, Paul Lothary, Brenda Nitardy, Jodi Ratcliff, Becky Schultz, Tim Stachowiak, Grae Szabo, Amelia Teeter, Holly Teeter, Jason Teeter, and Karen Wydeven. Performances will be held at First United Methodist Church, 320 S. Main St., Fort Atkinson, with dates and times as follows: Friday, November 12 – 7:30 pm Saturday, November 13 – 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm All Together Now! is a fundraiser for FACT, and while admission is free, donations are highly encouraged. Cash, check, and credit card will be accepted at the door, or you may donate online at www.fortfact.org. Come and sing along, All Together Now! |
No. 3 Warhawk Football Edges UW-River Falls
Chris Lindeke, Assistant Athletic Director, Strategic Communications and Branding – University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
October 23, 2021
Box Score: https://uwwsports.com/sports/football/stats/2021/uw-river-falls/boxscore/15414
The No. 3 ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team took the lead with just under three minutes to play Saturday and held on late for a 34-28 victory at UW-River Falls in a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference contest.
After the Falcons (5-2 overall, 2-2 WIAC) tied the game with 5:41 left in the fourth quarter, Jaylon Edmonson returned the ensuing short kickoff 46 yards to the UW-RF 19-yard line.
From there, Matt Maldonado put his 28-yard kick through the uprights to give the Warhawks (7-0, 4-0) a 31-28 advantage.
On the ensuing kickoff return, Daniel Baggett forced a fumble that was recovered by Kyle Koelblinger at the Falcons’ 14-yard line.
Three plays later, Maldonado hit a 31-yard field goal to double the UW-W lead to six with 1:51 on the clock.
On the first play from scrimmage on the next drive, Koelblinger picked off Kole Hinrichsen at midfield, and UW-Whitewater ran out the clock for the win.
Quarterback Max Meylor threw for 166 yards and three touchdowns. Tamir Thomas and Alex Peete led the Warhawks’ rushing attack with 83 and 74 yards, respectively. Derek Kumerow posted five receptions for 64 yards to lead all receivers.
Koelblinger led the defense with four tackles, two interceptions and one fumble recovery. Linebackers Shane McGrail and Aaron Sturdevant tied for the team high with six tackles apiece.
UW-Whitewater scored touchdowns on its first two offensive possessions and forced three-and-outs defensively on UW-River Falls’ first two possessions.
After a 41-yard punt return by Dain Hudson that was moved back to the Falcons’ 40-yard line on a penalty, the Warhawks took six plays to find the end zone. After a third-and-12 completion from Meylor to Ryan Wisniewski, Tyler Holte caught a 6-yard touchdown from Meylor at the 10:34 mark of the first quarter.
Thomas set up UW-Whitewater’s next touchdown with runs of 22 and nine yards, respectively. Meylor hit Wisniewski for a 23-yard score to make it 14-0 with 6:33 to play in the period.
UW-River Falls tallied 21 unanswered points in the second quarter to take a 21-14 advantage into halftime.
After a UW-W punt, the Falcons drove near midfield. On third down, Niko Lemke recovered a UW-RF fumble to give the Warhawks the ball at the Falcons’ 44-yard line.
From there, UW-Whitewater tied the game at 21-21 on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Meylor to Sam DeLany with 10:16 remaining in the third quarter.
Following a UW-River Falls punt, the Warhawks took the lead on a 10-play, 70-yard drive that included a 16-yard pass from Meylor to Kumerow on fourth-and-4 from the Falcons’ 33-yard line. Edmonson ran for 11 yards, and Peete completed the drive with a six-yard scoring run with 2:51 to go in the frame.
A turnover deep in UW-W territory set up UW-River Falls’ game-tying touchdown and set the stage for the final six minutes of action.
UW-Whitewater hosts UW-Eau Claire during Homecoming next Saturday, Oct. 30, at 1 p.m. at Perkins Stadium.
Bethel House is hosting a fund-raising five-course dinner catered by Black Sheep with wine
pairing at the Staller Estate Winery on November 5 at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds support Bethel
House, Whitewater’s grass-roots nonprofit providing hope and housing to homeless families
with children in the Whitewater area. The cost is $75 per person.
Given the risk of the Covid variant, in order to stay safe and healthy while gathering, the plan is:
– Tables are spread out on both the upper and lower levels of Staller’s large event space;
– All the servers will wear masks;
– Attendees are encouraged to register for the dinner with people you know, for a table
size of 2, 4, 6, and 8.
The difficulty of supporting families experiencing homelessness and at great risk of becoming
homeless in these challenging times is described by Bethel House Executive Director Kristy
Weinberg:
“This has been such a difficult year for many families. Some have experienced hardship
because they contracted Covid and were very sick. Some lost their jobs because their
employer lost their business. Some have had to choose between their job and caring for
their children. Many have experienced additional issues with domestic violence or a mental
health crisis. The pandemic has taken its toll on everyone, but some have suffered
extensively. We do what we can. Sometimes that means giving more help than we usually
provide towards their rent or electric bills so they don’t get evicted. Often it means simply
giving a ride to an appointment, finding beds for the kids, or even just picking up a pack of
diapers. And in all cases, that means being a safe, listening ear for them to open up and
share their struggles.”
If you are interested in attending the dinner on November 5, email
becca.bethelhouse@gmail.com or call 262-473-2715. Donations can be mailed to Bethel
House, 133 S. Franklin Street, Whitewater, 53190.
Editor’s note: The following information was provided by Whitewater Arts Alliance.
The annual Whitewater Arts Alliance Members’ Show (and sale) will be exhibited in a hybrid format online at whitewaterarts.org and at the Whitewater Cultural Arts Center, 402 West Main Street, from Friday, Nov. 19th to Sunday, Dec. 19th. Except for Thanksgiving week (11/25 – 11/28), the gallery will be open Friday through Sunday each week from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. The virtual show will be available for viewing all month long. The Whitewater Arts Alliance will be recording a virtual reception to display on our youtube channel. Viewing the exhibit is free of charge and open to everyone interested in the visual arts. The city of Whitewater asks that visitors wear masks in the Cultural Arts Center regardless of vaccination status.
The WAA Members’ Show welcomes art pieces by Whitewater Arts Alliance members in any 2-D or 3-D medium completed during the last two years. The Alliance encourages each participant to submit three to four pieces. All participants will be entered in a blind drawing for a free 2022 WAA membership. The drawing will be Sunday, Nov. 21.
Anyone can become a member of the Whitewater Arts Alliance by completing a membership form and choosing their membership type. Check out whitewaterarts.org and click on “About” and “Become a Member” for more details.
Show visitors will also have an opportunity to vote for their favorite pieces on exhibit in-gallery or online.
Participating members of the Whitewater Arts Alliance are to bring their art and completed forms (unless submitted by email at wwartsalliance@gmail.com) to the Cultural Arts Center gallery on Sunday, Nov. 14 between 2:00 and 6:00 P.M. Current forms are on the WAA website whitewaterarts.org on the “forms” menu. Artists are to pick up their art pieces after announcement of the viewers’ choices on Sunday, Dec. 19 at about 2:30 P.M.
Exhibit Guidelines
1. Submitted pieces should represent work done during the last two years.
2. Submitted pieces must be original. If a piece references or reproduces a photograph,
the artist is to have taken the original photograph(s).
3. Submitted 2-dimensional pieces must be wired and ready for hanging.
4. Pedestals are available for 3-dimensional pieces, but if a display case is needed, the artist is to
provide it.
5. Members may submit up to a maximum of four pieces.
6. Complete the licensing contract to merchandise images (whitewaterarts.org). At the WAA website, click on “Forms” and then click on “Members’ Show Licensing Agreement.”
7. Complete the general insurance release form for liability while pieces are on exhibit at the CAC (whitewaterarts.org). At the WAA website, click on “Forms” and then click on “Members’ Show Insurance Release.” At the bottom of the insurance release form, you will find information tags for three art pieces. Complete one of the tags for each art piece to be submitted for the show. Attach the tag so that it can be viewed easily from the front.
8. Email digital copies of your art (JPEG format) to wwartsalliance@gmail.com for the virtual show.
9. Bring art pieces, completed forms (items 6 and 7 above, and unless emailed to wwartsalliace@gmail.com) to the CAC gallery on Sunday, Nov. 14 between 2:00 and 6:00 P.M. or at another time by special arrangement.
10. Pick up art after announcement of viewers’ choice award on Sunday Dec. 19 after 2:30 P.M.
The Cultural Arts Center is located on 402 West Main Street in the historic White building near the Birge Fountain. Parking is behind the building. An elevator is available for access from the parking lot entrance.
Big thanks to our sponsor, First Citizens State Bank!
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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