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The city and Discover Whitewater have installed a new electronic message board in Flat Iron Park (where the Birge Fountain is located). The sign will replace the banners that have been hung over Main Street at various times to encourage voting and announce pancake breakfasts and other events.
Michelle Dujardin of the Parks and Recreation Department told The Whitewater Banner that the department is in the process of creating a policy that will address what kinds of messages may be placed on the sign and what the charges will be for an announcement. The Banner will post this information as it is provided to us.
Tuesday, May 5 is the opening outdoor market day!! And the taco truck will be there too!!! So excited to be back and be with everyone again. The market will be back in the parking lot at Cravath Lakefront Park.
Expect to see Kristie’s Creative Kitchen, RedBud Acres, MY Farm, Murphy Farms. The Vegetable Stand, Good Dog Farms, Books By Kimberly, Wood Street Bakery, Kettle Moraine Honey, Jazzed up Marshmallows, Small Batch by Jackie, 3D Printastic, Studio 84, Morningside Farms, and Best Taste!! The Whitewater Fire/EMS will also be present!
We will have a few new vendors this year too. Veggies are already starting to come in for some. The Vegetable Stand will have fresh asparagus and even horseradish plants
Samuel Phoenix Celebrates 90 Years
On April 10, members of the Samuel Phoenix Chapter, NSDAR [National Society Daughters of the American Revolution], celebrated its 90th anniversary with a tea party and historical program at the Terraces of Lake Geneva. The guest of honor was State Regent Gena Selby.
Looking back, the year was 1936, a pivotal year in America, marked by New Deal reforms, natural disasters, cultural milestones and a decisive presidential election. The Great Depression was still deeply influencing our world. The Social Security act became operational. Our President Franklin Delano Roosevelt won a decisive victory over his opponent showing strong support for his New Deal politics. But here in southeastern Wisconsin, in Delavan, other monumental things were happening. Hazel Eugenia Vanderpool Elithorp was organizing a new chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. They petitioned the National Society for adoption and it was accepted and adopted. The Charter read: Whereas certain members of the National Society of the American Revolution, did, under the authorization of the National Board of Management, on the 18th day of April, 1936, organize a Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, in the City of Delavan State of Wisconsin. The chapter honored its organizing Regent, Mrs. George Elithorp, by naming the chapter after her ancestor, John Melchert Vanderpool. ancestor.
Other founding officers were Fannie Smith Spurling, Vice Regent; Agnes More Hazard, Secretary; Marvel C. Hobart, Treasurer; Nellie M. Castle Betzer, Chaplain; Miriam Kirkpatrick, Historian; and. Laura Sage Jones, Registrar. Other notable members were Florence Schuyler Ballantyne, Ruth Barker Crowe, Mary Alice Francisco and Geneva Bowler Llewellyn.
Thirty years later, a new board and members decided that the name was too long and petitioned the National Board again and this time asked for a name change to Samuel Phoenix Chapter. Samuel Phoenix and his brother were the founders of Delavan. The national board approved the name change and on April 18, 1936, it became official. Today our membership covers southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Presently, we have 47 members with a few more waiting approvals. We are a service organization that meets monthly. For more information, you may contact Peggy Schutt, Registrar, 608-201-8162, pjs3130@gmail.com. You can also see our announcements on Facebook by entering our chapter name.
Photo names:
Front, left: Sonette Tippens, State Regent Gena Selby, State Vice Regent JaNelle Powers, Peggy Schutt; Middle: Judy Bartlett, Barbara Fadowski, Joanne Laufenberg, Chris Brookes, Kay Sargent, Charlene Staples, Jennifer Muraski, Carolyn Schultz; Back: Janet Zimmerman, Joyce Pagel, Kim Kohls, Brenda Harmon, Kelly Talty, Mary King.
Kettle Moraine Oak Opening State Natural Area gets national recognition for its beauty and biodiversity
Palmyra, Wis.,—The Kettle Moraine Oak Opening State Natural Area is being nationally recognized for its old trees, beauty and biodiversity. It will be formally inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN) during an event in Palmyra on May 16, 2026.
The Kettle Moraine Oak Opening is the 11th Wisconsin location to be recognized, joining more than 320 forests nationwide recognized in the Old-Growth Forest Network.
“We’re grateful for the hard work of those who keep the trails open and take care of this place so that old trees, wildflowers and the life they harbor can continue to flourish in Jefferson County, Wisconsin. We’re honored to welcome this place into the national Network.” said Nick Sanchez, Forest Conservation Manager with the Old-Growth Forest Network.
The OGFN is a nonprofit working to recognize at least one forest in every forested county in the United States, creating a roadmap of family-friendly hikes that showcase the beauty, complexity and diversity of the nation’s oldest forests.
Designated as a State Natural Area in 1991, the Kettle Moraine Oak Opening lies in the heart of the jumbled and rugged landscape of the interlobate moraine, an area of glacially-formed kettles, kames, and gravelly hills and ridges. The area is a mixture of oak opening and oak woodland dominated by open-grown bur and black oaks well over a century old. Small dry prairie openings occur on gravel knobs and steep south and west-facing ridges.
The Oak Opening State Natural Area can be accessed via a 1.5-mile portion of the Blue Spring Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail which runs from the southwest corner of the property to the northwest corner. This is a small portion of the 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail, which follows the extent of the last glacier.
“It’s exciting that the Ice Age Trail passes through a place now officially recognized as old-growth forest,” says Melissa Pierick, Director of Marketing and Community Relations for the Ice Age Trail Alliance. “The Trail already connects people to some of Wisconsin’s most remarkable landscapes. This designation highlights just how special those experiences can be. Now as hikers walk among the old oaks, they’ll appreciate the beauty, history and biodiversity that make the Kettle Moraine Oak Opening so extraordinary.”
Public Invited to recognition ceremony and hike
The day’s festivities will begin with a brief recognition ceremony at Rushing Waters, beginning at 10 a.m. The ceremony will include remarks from Old-Growth Forest Network staff, Walworth/Jefferson Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance volunteers, and Friends of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit volunteers.
Following the ceremony, there will be guided, interpretative hikes through the State Natural Area (3 miles roundtrip). Attendees will learn more about the forest, trees, and Ice Age Trail. An alternative shorter hike will be offered.
Hikers are encouraged to carpool from Rushing Waters due to limited parking at the Bald Bluff Nature Trail. Attendees should register on the OGFN’s website oldgrowthforest.net/upcoming-events.
May 16 Event Details:
10 a.m.: Recognition Ceremony Rushing Waters (N301 Co Rd H, Palmyra)
Followed by Guided Hike: starting at Bald Bluff Scenic Overlook Parking area on Hwy H.
Free Registration at: oldgrowthforest.net/upcoming-events.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by the Ice Age Trail Alliance.
Learn more at whitewaterreferendum.org
For four weeks, Whitewater resident James Olm has been covering different aspects of the Hope Shelter for Ukrainian Refugees in Przemysl, Poland. The last episode, fittingly titled “Distributing Hope” outlines the details of managing supplies in and out of the Shelter to Ukraine, as well as finishing up an interview with one of the Ukrainian refugees.
Please scroll down for the video.
UW-Whitewater adds lettermark logo to Warhawk athletics brand
Written by Chris Lindeke | Graphic by Chris Hilbelink
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has unveiled a lettermark logo to enhance and expand the visual identity of Warhawk Athletics while honoring its longstanding tradition of athletics excellence.
The “W”-shaped lettermark was designed to be a complement to the Warhawk head logo that has been a prevalent part of the university brand for the last 25 years, as intercollegiate teams built UW-Whitewater into a consistent, national powerhouse.
“When I talk to recruits and their families, or connect with alumni, I’m reminded that our brand is about more than a logo — it’s about what it stands for,” said Ryan Callahan, assistant chancellor and director of intercollegiate athletics. “This new mark captures that intensity. It feels competitive, confident, and authentically Warhawk.”
The lettermark embodies the spirit of Warhawk Athletics — the stories that lead up to championship moments and the pride felt across campus and the broader community.
The new mark is not a replacement or rebrand. It is an intentional addition to an already strong identity.
“This is not a departure from who we are — it’s an evolution,” said Ann Stadler, assistant chancellor for marketing and communications. “We wanted to create something that feels uniquely ours — something that honors where we’ve been and represents where we’re going.”
The new logo was designed by Chris Hilbelink, art director of University Marketing and Communications, in partnership with Warhawk Athletics. A focus group that included UW-Whitewater students, faculty, staff, alumni, and stakeholders engaged with university leaders to share feedback throughout the creative process.
The lettermark will begin appearing later this year across select athletics applications, including warm-up gear, uniforms, digital platforms, and merchandise available through the UW-Whitewater Bookstore.
UW-Whitewater brand identity and guidelines »
UW-Whitewater Athletics has claimed 21 team national championships, including 18 in the last 25 years, and is an established, perennial national power as a member of NCAA Division III. Warhawks champion a cultural tradition of student-athletes prepared to succeed far beyond sports. In 2024-25, each of the Warhawks’ 20 programs achieved a team grade point average above 3.0, and Warhawk teams engage in thousands of hours of community service annually.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by UW-Whitewater.
By Al Stanek
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
On April 20 a group of people who feel strongly about Whitewater’s future had a minor success when the Common Council voted to lend wastewater utility reserve funds to a private developer for a housing development along the railroad tracks east of what used to be “Strands on the Floor at Bluff Road Marketplace.”
Common Council members had turned down a 0% loan of public funds to the developer on April 9 but at the April 20 special meeting gave the project the go ahead with the revolving loan to be at 3.5%. The vote was 5-2, with councilmembers Hicks, Majkrzak, Orin Smith, Singer and Sahyun voting in favor. Brian Schanen and Michael Smith voted no. The meeting was held on Greg Majkrzak’s last day on the council, with Gavin Kelleher to be sworn in as the District 2 member the next day.
A majority of council members appeared to be swayed by Comptroller Jeremiah Thomas’s argument that the money currently earns “roughly” 3.5% interest and this would at least be a break-even situation. There was an assertion by city staff that it could be a “money-maker.”
The city manager argued that the city Plan Commission and Community Development Authority had both reviewed the project and endorsed it. One council member pointed out that the Plan Commission does not routinely review financing details.
What wasn’t considered thoroughly by council members was the city’s financial advisor’s caution that the agreement would have city staff reviewing and paying the project costs with reimbursement by revolving loan funds contributed by wastewater utility reserves which would “take considerable staff time.” There was also mention by the consultant of the potential to use a state funded revolving loan program which would require payment of a higher interest rate by the developer.
Another of the city’s financial advising firm suggestions is that they consider a commonly used standard “PAYGO” agreement or ‘pay-as-you go” revolving loan program where the developer pays as the project progresses rather than have funding in place, got little or no discussion at last night’s meeting although it may have been discussed in closed session in an earlier meeting. The consultant’s report suggested that under PAYGO “the developer takes the majority of the risk.”
Other concerns were raised by citizens over the lack of experience on the part of the developer, the appropriateness of public funding favoring one developer over another and the lack of the agreed upon loan interest not capturing any compensation for the risk of failure of the project.
The development calls for 14 modular homes to be built on relatively small lots adjacent to an active railroad line. Four units would be built at a time. The developer is projecting that the homes will be selling in the low to mid $300’s, which would be lower than most other current developments. A city authored financial analysis of the developer’s ability to have adequate financial backing to complete the project at each phase indicated only 15% of the cost of constructing each phase of four homes would be covered by the developer.
Concerns voiced over the acknowledged inexperience of the developer did not sway the council members who voted in favor of the agreement rather than slowing down the process or to consider putting out a similarly financed project out to bid by other developers. It was noted that while much of the property that is involved is owned by the city, other parcels are privately owned.
City Press Release
The following press release regarding the project was provided by the city on April 22.
Additional document provided by the city
The following memo, written by Rachelle Blitch, city director of financial and administrative services, was sent to the city manager and Common Council on April 22. A copy was distributed to the press.
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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