Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
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Today is Wednesday, October 7, 2026
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GET YOUR EATING PLANS READY!
This Saturday, the toughest decision you should have to make is…
“What do I eat FIRST?!”
Come hungry and work your way through 10+ delicious food options at the Whitewater Food Truck Fest! Grab something savory, find something sweet, go back for seconds!
These are just some of the great food choices you can enjoy Rocky Rococo Pizza and Pasta; Kona Ice of Madison; Sampa-Tacos LLC; Lefty’s Chicago Style Hot Dogs; Berry Good Donuts; We Got Soul LLC;Naan Stop Fusion;Steve’s Deli Dog House & Catering of Janesville; The Cha House
Matt & Lynda Lee LIVE | 2–4 PM
FREE All-You-Can-Handle Bouncy House | 1–5 PM
Food Trucks serving | 11 AM–6 PM
Saturday, September 26
Cravath Lakefront Park, 341 S. Fremont Street
Bring the family. Bring your friends. Most importantly… bring your appetite!
VIP Services is launching its annual autumn food drive to raise awareness about hunger in Walworth County and generate donations of nonperishable food items and pet food for area residents and their companion animals facing food insecurity.
Donations are currently being accepted at Culver’s, Associated Bank, and Ace Hardware in Whitewater. All three locations have collection bins set up in their lobbies, and the public is encouraged to stop by with contributions of nonperishable food and pet supplies.
The drive will culminate on Thursday, October 8, with a day-long collection event open to the public in the church hall at St. Patrick Church in Whitewater. Community members can drop off their donations on that date between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
All donations collected throughout the drive will directly benefit the Whitewater Community Space.
For more information, please contact VIP Services at vipservices-inc.org.
The Jefferson County Planning and Development Department is selling 2026 Plat Books to the public. Those interested can purchase copies for $35 each at the Jefferson County Courthouse, while supplies last.
A county plat book is a collection of maps that shows how land tracts are divided into municipalities and lots. It depicts land ownership, property boundaries, acreage, and other details about the land within a county’s borders.
The freshly updated 2026 Jefferson County Plat Book features a larger format that provides easier viewing of details and showcases new aerial photography completed in 2025. Employees from the Jefferson County Planning and Development team exhibited the Plat Book at the Wisconsin Land Information Association annual conference in February, earning a blue ribbon for First Place in their category.
“This is our first Plat Book produced entirely in-house, leveraging our employees’ land expertise and design skills,” said Matt Zangl, Jefferson County Director of Planning and Development. “These books are a great resource or gift for anyone who appreciates the rural spaces, agricultural land, parks and recreation resources, and all of the cities, towns, and villages that make Jefferson County a special place to call home.”
“Our Plat Books are especially useful when planning hunting excursions,” said Zangl. “They can differentiate land types, help identify parcel lines, and clarify property ownership.”
To purchase a Plat Book, visit the Jefferson County Courthouse, Land Information and Zoning Department (Room C1040), between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cash, check, and credit card are accepted. If you have questions or would like more information, call 920-674-7254.
For more about Jefferson County:
jeffersoncountywi.gov
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
This week we present Timothy H. Dorr and his locally-famous racing horse “Punky.” Timothy Dorr was a blacksmith and farrier in town from 1880 to 1920. He was also a noted horse racer and “Punky” was his prize horse. In the background you can see his shop that was along Whitewater Street. Whitewater Street was a downtown location for many shops along with the old Winchester and Partridge Wagon Factory, but alas, most have been lost to time.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(3472P, Whitewater Historical Society)
| Gov. Evers Announces October 5 Deadline for Pardon Applications to be Eligible for Consideration Under Evers Administration |
| Gov. Tony Evers today announced that Mon., Oct. 5, 2026, will be the final day to submit an application for a pardon in order to be eligible for consideration before the end of Gov. Evers’ second and final term as governor, which concludes January 2027. Any person wishing to be considered for a pardon before the end of the year should mail their application by 11:59 p.m., Mon., Oct. 5, 2026. The pardon application, instructions, and answers to frequently asked questions about the pardon process can be found on the governor’s website at www.evers.wi.gov/pardons. “Reinstating the pardons process and offering over 2,000 second chances to folks across our state has been one of the most important undertakings of my administration, and I am incredibly grateful to every person and member of the Pardon Advisory Board who has dedicated their time, effort, and expertise to fulfilling this worthy mission,” said Gov. Evers. “I encourage folks who are interested to apply by the deadline and sincerely hope to see this good work continue in earnest in the years ahead.” The Wisconsin Constitution grants the governor the power to pardon individuals convicted of a crime. A pardon is an official act of forgiveness that restores rights lost when someone is convicted of a felony, including the right to serve on a jury, hold public office, and hold certain professional licenses. A pardon does not expunge court records. Under Executive Order #30, individuals convicted of a Wisconsin felony may apply for a pardon if they completed their sentence at least five years ago and have no pending criminal charges. Individuals currently required to register on the sex offender registry are ineligible for a pardon. Executive Order #130 established an expedited review process for applications that meet stricter criteria, including a greater length of time elapsed since sentence completion and the nonviolent nature of the offenses. A pardon is not a commutation. For information regarding the commutation process and eligibility in the state of Wisconsin, visit the commutation information page on Gov. Evers’ website. The governor’s Pardon Advisory Board continues to review pardon applications, and the office will process as many applications as possible by the end of the term. Gov. Evers looks forward to growing an already record number of pardons issued, having granted another 210 pardons earlier this summer, bringing his total number of pardons granted during his time in office to 2,237 and counting. The pardon application, instructions, and answers to frequently asked questions about the pardon process can be found on the governor’s website at www.evers.wi.gov/pardons. Applicants who are unable to meet the October 5 deadline are encouraged to wait until the next gubernatorial administration to apply, as the application document and process may be changed by a future administration. Editor’s note: Since mail does not leave Whitewater on the date it is deposited, an application would have to be mailed by Saturday, October 3 to be considered timely. Actually, mailing by October 2 would be safer. |
Whitewater 6 Catholic Central 1
1 Singles Taryn Rothwell (WW) def Brett Proctor (BCC) 6-0, 6-1
2 Singles Maddie Joseph (WW) def Nikki Neu (BCC) 6-1,6-0
3 Singles Jordyn Weeden (WW) def Emma Pechous (BCC) 6-1,6-0
4 Singles Ruth Lopez Lopez (WW) def Jenny Pechous (BCC) 6-2,6-0
1 Doubles Claire Bergsma/Cerice Dempsey (BCC) def Abby Treder/Izzy Lawton 6-4,6-3
2 Doubles Isabel Serna/Sophia Walenton (WW) def Sophie Pastiu/Emily P (BCC) 6-0,6-0
3 Doubles Serina Soto/Emma Schultz (WW) def Tatum Beio/Johana Benitez (BCC) 6-0,6-0
Scores Submitted by Greg Stewart
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Tennis Coach
gstewart@wwusd.org
As Kikkoman Foods prepares to begin production in Jefferson, the company announced a $250,000 gift to the Jefferson County Parks Department to support local native prairie restoration efforts. Yuzaburo Mogi, Kikkoman Corporation Honorary CEO and Chairman of the Board, presented the gift during a grand opening event on September 18 at Kikkoman’s new manufacturing facility.
“This is a huge win for everyone in Jefferson County and beyond who enjoys the prairies and landscapes that define the places we call home,” said Kevin Wiesmann, Jefferson County Parks Director. “My team is honored to accept this gift and eager to begin planning the restoration process.”
“On behalf of the board and my fellow residents, we thank Kikkoman for this generous gift,” said Jefferson County Board Chair Steve Nass. “It will greatly advance our mission to preserve and protect the natural beauty we cherish in Jefferson County.”
For more about Jefferson County Parks: parks.jeffersoncountywi.gov
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Jefferson County Parks.
The Whitewater Public Library invites you to join us on Monday, September 28th at 2:00 p.m. for
a fun and fact-filled educational program about raptors presented by the Hoo’s Woods Raptor
Center! Meet three of the raptors that make Hoo’s Woods their home. Please note that this
program is best suited to ages 5 and up.
If you have any questions, please contact Deana Rolfsmeyer at (262) 458-2788 or
drolfsmeyer@whitewater-wi.gov
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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