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Today is Wednesday, October 7, 2026
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Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Roberta’s Art Gallery.
After almost a year of community conversations, research, and planning, the Whitewater Forward DRAFT Comprehensive Plan is now available for public review!
Thank you to everyone who has contributed ideas, shared feedback, attended meetings, or otherwise participated in the planning process. Your involvement has been essential in shaping a plan that reflects the community’s priorities and vision for Whitewater’s future.
Review the DRAFT plan online at WhitewaterForward.com.
You are also invited to learn more, ask questions, share your feedback, and CELEBRATE at our upcoming public open house:
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
6:00 to 7:30 pm
Whitewater Municipal Building | Second Floor Conference Room
Thank you again for helping plan Whitewater’s future. We look forward to hearing from you!
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Whitewater Forward.
Six informational sessions will provide opportunities to learn about the operational referendum and ask questions
The Whitewater Unified School District will host six informational sessions in October to provide community members with information about the operational referendum on the November 3 ballot and opportunities to ask questions.
Superintendent Samuel Karns, and Director of Business Services, Bob Chady will host the sessions at the Whitewater Public Library, 431 W Center Street. Community members are invited to attend any of the following sessions:
● Thursday, October 1 at 6:30 p.m., Meeting Room 2
● Thursday, October 8 at 1:00 p.m., Meeting Room 2
● Friday, October 9 at 9:30 a.m., Meeting Room 2
● Friday, October 9 at 1:00 p.m., Meeting Room 2
● Monday, October 12 at 9:30 a.m., Meeting Room 1
● Tuesday, October 13 at 6:30 p.m., Meeting Room 2
The sessions will address the district’s financial needs, how referendum funding would be used, the estimated property tax impact, and potential effects if the referendum is not approved.
“We want our community members to have clear, accurate information about the operational referendum before they cast their ballots,” said Superintendent Samuel Karns. “These sessions will provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about the district’s financial situation, understand what the referendum would mean for our schools and taxpayers, and ask questions directly.”
The WUSD School Board approved a four-year, non-recurring operational referendum that will appear on the November 3 ballot. If approved by voters, the referendum would allow the district to exceed its state-imposed revenue limit by $5.5 million annually beginning in the 2027-28 school year and continuing through 2030-31.
The proposed funding would replace the district’s current four-year non-recurring operational referendum, $4.4 million annually, which voters approved in 2022 and expires at the end of the 2026-27 school year.
Referendum funding would help the district maintain student programs and academic opportunities, student support services, individualized instruction, intervention, reasonable class sizes and student-to-staff ratios, services for students with disabilities and other learning needs, as well as competitive staff compensation.
If approved, the estimated increase in the district’s mill rate would be an increase of approximately $0.40 per $1,000 of assessed property value over current rates. For a home valued at $300,000, the estimated property tax impact would be an increase of approximately $120 per year.
For more information about the proposed operational referendum and answers to frequently asked questions, visit www.whitewaterreferendum.org.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.
Summerset Marine Construction will celebrate construction of its new 150,000-square-foot facility on Thursday, September 24, at 2 p.m. at the corner of Innovation Drive and Howard Road in Whitewater, with a ceremonial groundbreaking.
The approximately $15 million project, already underway, will bring manufacturing, offices and customer service operations together under one roof, complemented by a large outdoor product storage yard. The facility will support approximately 80 existing jobs and accommodate plans for up to 60 additional positions over the next five years.
Led by CEO and owner Larry Chapman and Vice President of Finance Matt Arend, Summerset is investing in space to support its operations and future growth while strengthening its presence in the Whitewater community. The company, begun in 1990, manufactures and sells high-quality docks, piers, and lift systems.
Riley Construction and Rizzo Development Group have been leading on the planning and construction of the project.
The development also marks the completion of the Whitewater University Technology Park, bringing an initiative that began more than 15 years ago to a significant milestone. The September 24 construction celebration will recognize the project’s progress and its role in supporting local employment and continued business growth.
For more information on Summerset Marine Construction, visit https://summersetmarine.com.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the City of Whitewater.
Seniors in the Park has had requests for this film based on the popular romance novel by Colleen Hoover that was many weeks on the NY Times Bestseller List.
After prison, a woman attempts to reconnect with her daughter, but faces resistance from everyone, except a local bar owner with ties to her child. As they become closer, she must confront her past mistakes to build a hopeful future.
This film is rated PG – 13; with a running time of one hour, 54 minutes (2026).
Film at SIP Tuesday, September 22, 1 pm
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $15 and non-residents is $20. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
Due to copyright issues, Seniors in the Park is no longer able to publicly announce the movie titles being shown. If you wish to find out each month’s titles that Projectionist Mark Dorn has selected, you may call Seniors in the Park at 262-473-0535. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Whitewater Public Library and Associated Bank invite you to “World of Words/Mundo de Palabras,” a bilingual story time! Storytime starts at 4:00 p.m. in Meeting Room 1 on Monday, September 21st. There will be stories, crafts, and snacks! Registration for this event is preferred but not required.
PremierBank is excited to partner with the Whitewater Public Library to offer a financial literacy class for homeschool students ages 4–15. Designed to support a wide range of age groups, the interactive program will introduce important money and math concepts through hands-on activities and discussions. The class will be part of the library’s “Homeschooling Hangout” series and aims to make learning about saving, spending, budgeting, and banking both fun and approachable for young learners. Join us on Tuesday, September 22nd at 10:00 a.m. in Meeting Room 1 at the library!
If you have any questions, please contact Deana Rolfsmeyer at (262) 458-2788 or drolfsmeyer@whitewater-wi.gov
Updated 9/21/26 @ 8:15 a.m. to delete Aquatic Center Committee meeting.
Whitewater Public Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Review and Approval of the Draft 2027 budget
Whitewater Public Library, Meeting Room 2
431 West Center 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 webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/282112322429093?p=ZjyIo0oXnqN2633OXv
Meeting ID: 282 112 322 429 093
Passcode: o83bC26D
Telephone: +1 (929) 229-5663
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda Discussion and possible action to recommend updated permit fee schedule to Common
Council for approval; Update on library’s future budget needs; Discussion and possible action to recommend the revised Capital Improvement Plan policy to Common Council;
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West
Whitewater Str, 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.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/273167261824049?p=giAPv9nwi855ypZua7
Meeting ID: 273 167 261 824 049
Passcode: ku3ns7ub
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,109934576# United States
Phone conference ID: 109 934 576#
City of Whitewater Comprehensive Plan Work Group – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
City of Whitewater Joint Common Council and Plan and Architectural Review Commission – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda: Review, discuss and direct staff and RDG regarding the Whitewater Forward
Comprehensive Plan Draft.
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/244428826568895?p=9mmmg4i8Sdu7rd4nkD
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,347949726# United States,
Phone conference ID: 347 949 726#
Join Us for Bethel House’s Annual Fall Dinner!
We are excited to invite you to our 2026 Annual Fall Dinner on Friday, November 6th at Forever Young in Palmyra, located across from Rushing Waters!
Tickets are $75 per person and include:
Admission to the event
A delicious five-course meal prepared by Chef Maria at Annie’s Burger Town
Two complimentary drinks
Live music 50/50 raffle
Silent auction baskets
Tickets can be purchased:
• Online through the Bethel House website under the Events tab
• In person at the Bethel House office, Monday–Thursday
• By contacting any Bethel House Board Member
We would also like to extend a huge thank-you to all of our confirmed 2026 Fall Dinner Sponsors! Your continued generosity and support mean so much to Bethel House and the local families we serve. 
Interested in becoming a 2026 Fall Dinner Sponsor? We would love to have you join us! Sponsorship details are listed below. Please contact Bethel House Director Angeline at director.bethelhouse@gmail.com by October 2nd to secure your sponsorship.
We can’t wait to gather with our amazing community for an evening filled with great food, music, fun, and meaningful support for local families! 
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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