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.
Beginning on March 30, a Whitewater resident and former video producer of Whitewater’s Landmark Trek, is now on a different kind of trek. James Olm is now eight miles from the border of Ukraine, volunteering at the Hope Shelter for Ukrainian refugees in Przemysl, Poland. Along with any other volunteer work they need him to do, the shelter also would also like him to create videos – a la Landmark Trek – to get the word out about the efforts at the shelter and their dire need for funds.
The video series is titled One Safe Place – The Hope Shelter, and the first episode, The History, can now be viewed at:
https://youtu.be/0ElSavgLLTA
It is Olm’s intention to have as many videos produced as possible, during his last three weeks of work. He hopes people find them educational, news-worthy, emotional, and personal.
Virtual Hike Around Geneva Lake
Wednesday, April 15, 11:00 am
Starin Park Community Building
Join Helen Brandt from The Geneva Lake Museum, as she takes you on a wonderful virtual hike around Geneva Lake via vintage postcards.
Helen will provide commentary on Geneva Lake’s historic homes, camps, and shoreline. She will also provide insight into some of the owners of the historic mansions.
Refreshments will be served and multiple chances to win a door prize.
Call 262-473-0535 with questions.
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced today that he is seeking applicants for the Rock County Circuit Court – Branch 7. The appointment will fill a vacancy being created by Judge Barbara W. McCrory’s retirement, effective May 15, 2026. The new judge will complete a term ending July 31, 2027. To apply, please email a completed application form and supporting materials to GOVJudicialAppointments@wisconsin.gov. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Mon., April 27, 2026. The application can be found on the “Apply to Serve” page on Gov. Evers’ website at: www.evers.wi.gov. Applicants with questions about the judicial selection process may contact the Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel at (608) 266-1212. |
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has provided the following guidance as of Sunday afternoon:
- Multiple rounds of rain and storms are expected through midweek, bringing 1-3 inches of total rainfall.
- Rounds of storms over similar areas (especially south-central to southeastern Wisconsin) will lead to ponding of water and river rises.
- Flash flooding becomes possible by midweek, as well as in localized areas in each individual round of rainfall.
- Severe storms are possible each day Monday through Wednesday.
- Monday: Primary concern across central Wisconsin, but this placement may shift north or south.
- Large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes are expected within storms that develop.
- Tuesday: Concern across all of southern and central Wisconsin, timing remains in question.
- Large hail, damaging wind, and isolated tornadoes possible.
- Training storm potential, exacerbating flooding concerns.
- Wednesday: Storm development possible across all of southern and central Wisconsin possible, placement remains in question.
- Hail, damaging winds, and flooding are the main hazards of concern.
- A trend southward may result in the primary hazard becoming only heavy rain and flooding.
- Monday: Primary concern across central Wisconsin, but this placement may shift north or south.
City of Whitewater Board of Canvass – Monday @ 9 a.m.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building, Community Room, 312 W. Whitewater St.,
Whitewater, WI 53190.
SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION CANVASS – Monday @ 3:30 p.m.
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
William D. Kyle Board Room
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda – Click on “meetings” in upper right corner
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
4:30 p.m
City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for an Adult Daycare located at 1202 E Bluff Road for Kori Gainey d/b/a Camp Buckaroos. Tax Parcel # /A323600001; Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council the creation of a Razing Buildings Ordinance; Discussion and possible recommendation to Council an ordinance creating section 19.09.291 Family Child Care Centers, and subsections 19.19.030 (H), 19.33.030 (T), and
19.48.020(E), amending subsections 19.15.030(H) and 19.18.030(H) to define permitted and conditional uses for Family Child Care Centers and Amending definition sections 19.09.177 and 19.09.173 Group Child Care Center and Adult Day Care Center; Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council the sale of Parcel #’s /A444300002 and /A444200002 located in the Whitewater Technology Park on Innovation Drive and Greenway Court; Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council the removal of the Deed Restrictions for the following Tax Parcel #’s /A503200002, /A323600001, /A323600002,
/A503200001, /A410400001, /A410400002 /A414000003 and /A410400004 located along Bluff Road.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/22978734336476?p=S92iio5SmtdhODPPg4
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,798199952# United States
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 798 199 952#
Innovation Center Advisory Panel – Tuesday @ 8:30 a.m.
Agenda includes Summerset Marine Update. [Community Development Director Mason Becker indicates there is not a closed session, contrary to the agenda.]
Conference Room 115, Innovation Center, 1221
Innovation Drive, Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/223974812562312?p=RMjuPeV6z9qpoz3d9D
Meeting ID: 223 974 812 562 312
Passcode: 4TA95by3
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,428501574# United States, New York City
Phone conference ID: 428 501 574#
Whitewater Unified School District Strategic Planning Work Group – Tuesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:15 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the meeting:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/254146705455586?p=h6Ihftga6U4cVgckqY
Telephone:
Meeting ID:
Passcode:
Phone Conference ID:
+1 929-229-5663,,13806312#
254 146 705 455 586
yi3f4rt6138 063 12#
City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on lease agreement with Whitewater Food Pantry for use of the Armory; Update on Aquatic Center Committee and WAFC Capital Campaign progress; Discussion and possible action on application for open gym use of the Cravath Lakefront Building for morning yoga.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West
Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190
*In Personand Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/236264863713354?p=XBf4OyVgUYAZjLwE9Y
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Monthly Meeting – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Redevelopment Resources Presentation, Home renewal program; Removal of Deed Restrictions on CDA’s Bluff Road Properties, Strategic planning
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/281051194021987?p=AH8FmLLo19qpnRXlDc
Meeting ID: 281 051 194 021 987
Passcode: Hu2if9jb
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,727727534# United States, New York City
Phone conference ID: 727 727 534#
Para la traducción al español, por favor vea abajo.
On Thursday, April 9, 2026, at approximately 5:42 pm, officers from the Whitewater Police Department responded to the Mobil Gas Station located at 804 W. Walworth Avenue in the City of Whitewater for a report of a robbery that had just occurred.
Officers arrived on scene moments after receiving the initial call and quickly secured the scene. Officers began canvassing the area for the suspects. Initial information indicated that two male suspects fled the store on foot, running southbound away from the gas station. As officers initiated their search, four separate citizens approached law enforcement at various times and identified themselves as witnesses to the incident. These individuals provided extremely detailed and consistent statements regarding the robbery. In addition, the witnesses supplied valuable video evidence capturing key moments of the crime, both before and after.
Through witness observations and video footage, it was determined that the suspects had coordinated the robbery with a third individual acting as a getaway driver staged nearby. Further video evidence showed the suspects removing the license plates from the getaway vehicle prior to committing the robbery in an apparent attempt to avoid identification. Utilizing the City of Whitewater’s Flock Safety camera system, officers were able to identify and track the suspect vehicle, described as a white Buick sedan. Within minutes, a Walworth County Sheriff’s Deputy located the vehicle as it was a few miles outside of Whitewater, headed back towards the Kenosha/Racine area. Walworth County initiated a high-risk traffic stop a short distance outside the City of Whitewater and safely took all three suspects into custody without further incident.
Marquise Robinson (22 of Racine), Ramone Hargrove-McKinley (20 of Racine), and Savanna Plaza (18 of Kenosha and charged as Party to the Crime for all below listed charges) were the three individuals that were ultimately transported to the Walworth County Jail, where they were confined on the following charges:
Robbery
Possession with Intent to Deliver THC
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Disorderly Conduct
Retail Theft
The Whitewater Police Department would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the citizens who came forward to assist officers during this investigation. Their willingness to provide detailed information and share video evidence played a critical role in the swift apprehension of the suspects. This case is a strong example of how community partnership and vigilance can directly contribute to public safety.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the
Whitewater Police Department.
The Whitewater Police Department would like to thank the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this incident. It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, the arrestees/defendants are presumed to be innocent of all charges.
Editor’s note: WMTV15 featured this story on their news report.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
El Departamento de la Policía de Whitewater interviene en un robo y detiene a tres sospechosos que huían del lugar.
El jueves 9 de abril de 2026, aproximadamente a las 17:42 horas, agentes del Departamento de la Policía de Whitewater acudieron a la gasolinera Mobil situada en el número 804 de W. Walworth Avenue, en la ciudad de Whitewater, tras recibir una denuncia de un robo que acababa de producirse.
Los agentes llegaron al lugar momentos después de recibir la llamada inicial y aseguraron rápidamente la zona. Los
agentes comenzaron a peinar la zona en busca de los sospechosos. La información inicial indicaba que dos sospechosos
varones habían huido de la tienda a pie, corriendo hacia el sur, alejándose de la gasolinera. Mientras los agentes
iniciaban la búsqueda, cuatro ciudadanos distintos se acercaron a las fuerzas del orden en distintos momentos y se
identificaron como testigos del incidente. Estas personas proporcionaron declaraciones extremadamente detalladas y
coherentes sobre el robo. Además, los testigos aportaron valiosas pruebas en vídeo que captaban momentos clave del
delito, tanto antes como después.
A partir de los testimonios de los testigos y de las imágenes de vídeo, se determinó que los sospechosos habían
coordinado el robo con una tercera persona que actuaba como conductor de la huida y que se encontraba esperando
cerca del lugar. Otras pruebas de vídeo mostraban a los sospechosos retirando las matrículas del vehículo de huida
antes de cometer el robo, en un aparente intento de evitar ser identificados. Gracias al sistema de cámaras de seguridad
Flock Safety de la ciudad de Whitewater, los agentes pudieron identificar y rastrear el vehículo sospechoso, descrito
como un sedán Buick blanco. En cuestión de minutos, un agente del sheriff del condado de Walworth localizó el vehículo
a pocos kilómetros de Whitewater, cuando se dirigía de vuelta hacia la zona de Kenosha/Racine. El condado de
Walworth llevó a cabo una parada de tráfico de alto riesgo a poca distancia de la ciudad de Whitewater y detuvo de forma
segura a los tres sospechosos sin más incidentes.
Marquise Robinson (22 años, de Racine), Ramone Hargrove-McKinley (20 años, de Racine) y Savanna Plaza (18 años,
de Kenosha, acusada de complicidad en todos los cargos que se enumeran a continuación) fueron las tres personas que
finalmente fueron trasladadas a la cárcel del condado de Walworth, donde quedaron recluidas por los siguientes cargos:
Robo
Posesión de THC con intención de distribuirlo
Posesión de parafernalia relacionada con drogas
Alteración del orden público
Hurto en comercios
El Departamento de la Policía de Whitewater desea expresar su más sincero y profundo agradecimiento a los ciudadanos
que se prestaron a colaborar con los agentes durante esta investigación. Su disposición a proporcionar información
detallada y a compartir pruebas en vídeo fue fundamental para la rápida detención de los sospechosos. Este caso es un
claro ejemplo de cómo la colaboración y la vigilancia de la comunidad pueden contribuir directamente a la seguridad
pública.
La investigación sigue en curso. Se ruega a cualquier persona que disponga de información adicional relacionada con
este incidente que se ponga en contacto con el Departamento de la Policía de Whitewater.
El Departamento de la Policía de Whitewater desea agradecer a la Oficina del Sheriff del condado de Walworth su
colaboración en este incidente. Cabe señalar que este caso aún no ha concluido. A menos que se dicte una sentencia
condenatoria, se presume que los detenidos o acusados son inocentes de todos los cargos.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has announced a leadership change in the Warhawk gymnastics program. Jennifer Regan, head gymnastics coach and lecturer of kinesiology, will not be returning for the 2026-27 academic year.
“I’d like to thank Coach Regan for her oversight of the gymnastics program and contributions to UW-Whitewater,” said Ryan Callahan, assistant chancellor and director of athletics. “We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
Regan served as the head coach of the Warhawk gymnastics program for 24 seasons. During her tenure, UW-Whitewater secured 13 top three finishes in the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association (NCGA) Championship while Warhawk gymnasts earned more than 150 All-America honors.
Assistant coach Chloe Edgren, a UW-Whitewater alum and former Warhawk gymnast, will be the Interim Head Coach starting May 23. Edgren competed for the UW-Whitewater gymnastics team from 2014 to 2018. A two-time All-American, Edgren was a member of the 2014, 2017 and 2018 national championship teams. Edgren returned to UWW as an assistant coach in the fall of 2020.
“Chloe’s success as an All-American and member of three national championship teams as a student-athlete, coupled with her experience as an assistant coach, have prepared her well for this opportunity,” Callahan said. “We have full confidence in Chloe’s ability to lead the gymnastics program for the near future.”
Editor’s note: This announcement was posted to the UW-W gymnastics page.
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.
