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Today is Thursday, October 8, 2026
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The Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee of the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area will hold the third and final Book Club discussion on our spring book selection, An Eye for an I: Growing Up with Blindness, Bigotry, and Family Mental Illness by James Bonilla, on Monday evening, April 13th, 6:15 PM-8:00 PM, at The Whitewater Public Library, 431 W Center St, in Whitewater.
This powerful narrative offers an intersectional analysis of disability, racism, and mental illness, inviting readers to empathize, be inspired, and consider their own potential for social change. Our discussion on April 13th will cover chapters 31-42.
ACQUIRE THE BOOK TODAY! A limited supply of books are available at The Book Teller (call 262-269-9109 to hold a copy to purchase) and local libraries. You can also order the book from Amazon.
The LWV Book Club was formed to help our members and friends engage in meaningful discussions of current notable books dealing with public policy issues of interest to the League. You do not need to be a member of the League to participate and refreshments will be served. For questions or further information please contact Dwight C. Watson, dwight.watsondcw@gmail.com, or Deb Gamble, 23debg@gmail.com
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook.
Congratulations to the WHS Forensics team for an outstanding season of public speaking. The team finished their final individual competition last week in Lake Mills. Five of the seven members will be moving on to the state WISDAA competition on April 18th. Students going to state are Peyton Comfort and Sophia Noonan in Acting Solo Serious, Atreya Wilson in Impromptu Speaking, Grace Coleman in Oratory, and Lucy Davis in Poetry.
Article and Photo Courtesy of Jim Mc Culloch
Whitewater High School Forensics Coach
jMcCulloch@wwusd.org
Library Presents Badger Talk Low Brass Ensemble Performance
Whitewater Public Library is excited to host a Badger Talk performance featuring University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Low Brass Ensemble. A collective of the Trombone Choir and Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble, the ensemble performs original compositions, transcriptions, and arrangements across genres, showcasing the expressive potential of low brass in every form.
In this program, they will delight audiences with 45 to 60 minutes of music from a recent or upcoming concert. There is also an opportunity for informal interaction with the performers after the concert.
Discover the bold, resonant voice of the UW–Madison Low Brass Ensemble, where the power of sound meets the artistry of collaboration. Directed by Professor Tom Curry and Professor Mark Hetzler, two leading low brass educators and performers, this ensemble showcases the full spectrum of low brass brilliance—from the thunderous depths of the tuba to the soaring warmth of the trombone and euphonium.
Badger Talks reflects our tradition of the Wisconsin Idea — to extend the resources of the university to citizens of the state. Over 300 Badger Talks are hosted around the state each year, featuring faculty and staff with expertise in a variety of disciplines. Talk topics range from cutting edge discoveries to happiness in the workplace and everything in between. Professional, community, and civic organizations, as well as schools, are invited to request a UW–Madison speaker. For more information about Badger Talks or to find a speaker for your next event, contact 608-262-3880 or badgertalks@uwmad.wisc.edu.
This event will be held in Meeting Room 1 of Whitewater Public Library at 431 W. Center St. in Whitewater on April 10, 2026 at 5:30 PM.
This program is for all ages. Registration is preferred but not required. Visit whitewaterlibrary.org/events to register in advance. You may also email hswanson@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0113 to register, or with any questions.
This 4th of July, we have the honor of celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary, and we want to make it truly unforgettable- by recognizing the people who make our freedom possible.
We are inviting Veterans and Active-Duty Military to be part of the Whitewater 4th of July Parade as our honored Grand Marshals.
- Proudly represent your branch
- Wear your uniform (if you’d like!)
- All branches welcome
- Active Duty and Veterans Invited
This is more than a parade- it’s a chance for our community to come together and recognize the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who have served our country.
If you have served, we would be honored to have you join us. If you know someone who has served, please encourage them to participate.
Contact Jennifer Jackson at: 262-473-0535 or JJackson@whitewater-wi.gov
LIBRARY CLOSED ON 4/3 FOR SPRING HOLIDAY
The Whitewater Public Library is closed on Friday, April 3, for their spring holiday. Staff will not be available via phone or email. However, online resources may be accessed 24/7/365 via the library’s website at whitewaterlibrary.org.
The library will return to normal operating hours on Saturday, April 4 at 9:00 a.m.
The Whitewater Public Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. For more information, visit whitewaterlibrary.org, email library@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0530.
Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Samuel Karns continues to provide a monthly newsletter for constituents of the district as well as the community at large. Here are just a few highlights from his last two newsletters, together with links to the publications.
February newsletter
- “Building Our Future Together” – strategic planning efforts included 11 focus groups, 6 community sessions, and one special working group meeting.
- “Teaching and learning” – Two highly rated math programs will be piloted during the second semester.
- WI Seal of Biliteracy – The district has been approved to award this seal to graduating students who have mastered two or more languages.
- Community partnership: Graduates will have the opportunity to have their photo displayed in a downtown storefront.
- The complete newsletter may be viewed here.
March newsletter
- Strategic planning for the next 3-5 years continues.
- The Whippet Wire newsletter was sent by postal mail to all residences in the district.
- Director of Teaching and Learning Terilyn Robles was selected to speak at the WI Association for Bilingual Education Conference.
- The state Forward exam will soon be administered to grade 3-8 students, with the pre-ACT and ACT exams being taken by high school students.
- Pupil services: Health care resources for uninsured and underinsured individuals are listed. Gratitude is expressed to volunteers who support a variety of resources in the community, including the Food Pantry and the Community Space.
- Multilingual learning: Seven languages are represented within the student population!
- Technology: Planning is ongoing for an infrastructure overhaul.
- The first annual Whippet Works was held, with representation from a variety of local business, industry, and organizations.
- The complete March newsletter may be viewed here.
Join the Death Café: Community Talks on Life, Loss & Legacy
The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Walworth County is excited to partner with East Troy Area Intergenerational Community Center and Citizens Bank of Mukwonago to offer Death Cafe, a social program dedicated to destigmatizing conversations associated with death. The program takes place monthly on the third Tuesday of every month, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the East Troy Area Intergenerational Community Center, 2043 Division Street, Door #7, East Troy, Wisconsin.
Join us for a relaxed gathering where anyone can share tea, cake, and real conversations about death. There’s no judgement—just people coming together to talk honestly.
“We’re thrilled to build on the success of our Living with Death program,” says Jake Sawyers, Dementia Care Specialist at the ADRC. “After the October Living with Death event, participants expressed a strong interest in having these meaningful conversations more regularly. We’re proud to now offer the monthly Death Café in our community, providing a welcoming space for ongoing discussion.”
To register for this free program or for more information, please call 262-741-3273 or email Jake Sawyers at jsawyers@co.walworth.wi.us.
About the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your personal situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Walworth County ADRC.
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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