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My name is Terri Jones, and I have been proud to call Whitewater home for 24 years. I have served as an educator for more than a decade. I am a two‑time alumna of the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and a Master of Science in Mass Communication with an emphasis in Higher Education. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of supporting countless students on their collegiate journeys and celebrating their successes.
I firmly believe that every student deserves equitable access to a high‑quality education. My goal is to support, resource, and advocate for students—especially those who may not have the ability or opportunity to advocate for themselves. As a first‑generation college graduate, I understand the challenges many students face, and that lived experience motivates me as I seek election to the WUSD School Board.
While I do not have children of my own, I bring extensive experience working with students of all ages and backgrounds. For example, I helped initiate the Little Scholars Pen Pal Letter Exchange with Lincoln Elementary School and recently collaborated with the Battle of the Books competition. As an avid reader, I am passionate about promoting literacy and nurturing a lifelong love of learning.
On the UW–Whitewater campus, many know me affectionately as “Mother Hen,” a nickname that reflects the care, mentorship, and encouragement I strive to provide. I support students by attending fundraisers, student‑led events, athletic competitions, and other campus activities. I also prioritize building strong relationships with parents, alumni, and community members to ensure students feel supported from every angle.
I believe I have been called to serve as a steward for this community and to use my skills to advocate for our youth. I stand firmly by the CORE value that students are our number one priority. I also believe deeply in the saying, “It takes a village,” because it truly does. I am ready to connect, partner, and collaborate with anyone who shares the goal of supporting the well-being and education of the children in our district.
If you believe in my commitment and feel I can bring meaningful contributions to the WUSD School Board, I humbly ask for your support in the April 7 election. Please confirm all election details through official sources.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Terri Jones. The Whitewater Banner welcomes a submission to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com from Common Council, School Board or Town Board candidates for the city and nearby towns.
It is never too early to prepare for the aging experience. It is going to happen to all of us and the more prepared we are, the more likely we will age gracefully. A number of doctors and experts were asked to come up with a mantra – a short slogan that encapsulates a core truth about physical and mental health. Here are some of them.
Aging is a good thing.
Getting old makes you wiser, more resilient, more accepting and happier. Do your best when changes and challenges come into your life. Focus on what you can do, not what you can’t.
The way to health is through the gut.
The gut talks to the brain and to the immune system, the two most important organ systems for maintaining health and preventing age-related diseases. Keeping your gut healthy through diet and activity is your best defense.
Sleep is important but not important enough to lose sleep over.
Sleep is when our body pushes the reset button for our brain and prepares it for the next day. But some of us get so anxious that bedtime becomes a battleground. If you can’t stop thinking about your problems, try to find behaviors that turn off your brain and you might nod off, such as deep breathing, reading a few pages of something not too stimulating, tensing and relaxing your muscles, or drinking some warm milk. Don’t hesitate to get professional help when needed.
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For more information on aging gracefully, click here https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/7-holistic-tips-to-age-gracefully
This article is submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors in the Park to help educate the community about dementia and to support patients and their care partners. New committee members are very welcome! Call Debbie to volunteer dandrus@whitewater-wi.gov 262 473 0535
Lisa Huempfner Running for Re-Election for Whitewater Unified School District Board
Lisa Huempfner has announced her candidacy for re-election to the Whitewater Unified School District (WWUSD) School Board, reaffirming her commitment to supporting all students and strengthening the community through high-quality education.
A current board member, educator, and longtime community advocate, Huempfner brings extensive experience in education, including a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and a career spanning teaching, assessment development, and teacher training. As an Associate Professor of Spanish at UW–Whitewater, she has also worked closely with local schools, fostering partnerships and supporting bilingual education initiatives.
“Healthy schools are at the heart of thriving communities,” said Huempfner. “I am committed to ensuring that every child—regardless of background—has the opportunity to succeed.” Huempfner cites the district’s evolving needs, including the recent growth of the immigrant student population after the pandemic, as a key motivation for continuing her service. She emphasizes the importance of expanding multi-language programming, strengthening early literacy efforts, and increasing outreach to families. She also prioritizes student mental health, school safety, responsible technology use, and the well-being of teachers.
During her time on the Board, Huempfner has supported the adoption of new reading and math programs and efforts to improve attendance and close achievement gaps. Given the heavy property tax burden felt by many constituents, she has also urged the district to seek ways to cut costs while at the same time advocating for more state funding. She plans to continue building partnerships with the university, local businesses, and community organizations to expand academic and career-readiness opportunities for students.
A dedicated parent and community member, Huempfner has been actively involved in local schools, youth athletics, literacy initiatives, and outreach to Spanish-speaking families. Her background growing up in a working-class Wisconsin family informs her commitment to representing diverse perspectives and finding solutions that benefit all students.
“I believe in listening, collaboration, and leading by example,” Huempfner said. “Together, we can continue to move our district forward.”
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Lisa Huempfner. The Whitewater Banner welcomes a submission to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com from Common Council, School Board or Town Board candidates for the city and nearby towns.
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
There’s no better way to treat an early case of spring fever than by taking in a performance of Whitewater Middle School’s production of Walt Disney’s “Dare to Dream JR” in the James M. Stewart Auditorium at Whitewater High School on Apr. 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. and Apr. 11 at 2 p.m. Tickets (Apr. 9 – Pay What You Can, Apr. 10 and 11 – $10 adults, $5 students) are available an hour before the performances. Also, 30 minutes before the performances, Tom Ganser’s photos from the WMS productions of “Seussical” (2023), “Far Fetched Fairytales” (2024), and “Annie” (2025) will be shown.
Under the direction of MacKenzie Gehrke and assistant director Alyssa Orlowski, the cast includes Ellie Accetta, Alanna Alaniz, Lucy Baldwin, JJ Boss, Finley Bunger, Evangeline Burdine, Noah Clarksen, Kinleigh Dvorak, Mary Horner, Neema Kejo, Amelia Lefaive, Leah Lenartowski-Schramm, Madalynn Lesar, Rafaela Los, Karlee Luna, Samantha O’Donnell, Laylah Ortiz, Owen Pinzino, Donovan Ross, Elin Rothwell, Avery Schultz-Majkrak, Monserrat Serna, Sylvia Straight, Lily Tranel, Oliver Villanueva, Felicity Volbright, and Aubree Wojtkunski.
Led by Kat Dunham, the crews include Evie Baker, Corbin Bunger, Alejandra Escobar, Tucker Marshall, Anabelle Ries, Rayhane Savadogo, Hannah Scott, Mason Taylor, Angie Zeferino-Hernandez, and Arlo Zotti.
”Dare to Dream JR” is a musical revue that follows an eager group of trainees on their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio. As the group sets out to help each other discover their dreams, they work together to explore the power of dreams to unite, inspire, and make anything possible.
Drawing from a century of beloved Disney films, “Dare to Dream JR.” includes the classics “Be Our Guest” from “Beauty and the Beast,” “When You Wish Upon a Star” from “Pinocchio,” and “Let It Go” from “Frozen.” Also appearing for the first time in a Disney stage musical are fan-favorites from “The Princess and the Frog,” “Coco,” and “Encanto.”
This musical revue is a thrilling mix of contemporary songs, timeless classics, and brand-new medleys that are sure to surprise and delight Disney lovers of all ages. “Dare to Dream JR” turns a century of Disney magic into a theatrical celebration of music, creativity, and the dreams that live inside us all.
In-person absentee voting for the city at the Municipal Building begins Tuesday, March 24 and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through April 2, and until 5:00 p.m. on April 3. Go to 2nd Floor, City Clerk’s Office, at 312 W Whitewater St.
Information for in-person absentee voting in the nearby towns may be found in this previous Banner article.
To see who is on your ballot, simply enter your address on this website.
The Jefferson County Spring Clean Sweep will be held on Friday, April 10 from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 11 from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the Jefferson County Parks Shop, 1555 South Industrial Drive in Jefferson. The event is open to households, farms, and small businesses to properly dispose of their hazardous waste.
We require phone pre-registration (920-674-7430) for this event. Households and farms, please register by Wednesday, April 8 at 4:00 p.m.; you are welcome to bring items from multiple residences/families. Small businesses, please register by April 3 or earlier. You will complete an inventory record of items you have and will receive an estimated disposal cost (based on weight) payable at the event.
Fees for households and farms are $10 cash per trunkload, $50 cash per truckload, and $100 cash per truck and trailer. Businesses may pay by credit card or company check. Additional fees are charged for tires, cylinders, and large quantities of light bulbs.
What is considered hazardous waste? Typically, any product that contains any of the following words: “Danger, Warning, Caution, Poison, Flammable, or Corrosive.” These items should be brought to a Clean Sweep event. For a full list of accepted hazardous waste, go to https://www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/planning_and_development/clean_sweep___recycling_events/index.php.
New for 2026, we are accepting one-pound propane cylinders. Jefferson County is excited to add this service and provide a safe recycling option for residents. The cost is $5 per cylinder.
Please note: Unused prescription drugs, electronics, appliances, and latex paint will not be accepted at this event. Latex paint may be dried out and tossed in your trash; empty paint containers should be recycled.
For information about this event or other upcoming events, go to https://www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/planning_and_development/clean_sweep___recycling_events/index.php or contact Kim at 920-674-7430 or kimb@jeffersoncountywi.gov.
Editor’s note: Whitewater residents are welcome to participate in the event even if they don’t live in Jefferson County.
The Whippet Track and Field Team had their first meet of the season, competing at UW Whitewater in the Nelson-Daniel Classic. Named after legendary Whippet coaches Phil Nelson and Jack Daniel, the meet featured 36 teams from Wisconsin and Illinois. The Whippets competed their hearts out, many of them running in a huge meet like this for the first time.
In the girls competition Sydney Schildt showed why she is one of the top sprinters in the area finishing 6th overall in a very talented 55M dash final, running the fastest time ever for a Whippet sprinter indoors, running 7.47. Mya Graves-Koran dropped a half second off her time from last year in the 55M hurdles running 10.83 and giving the Whippets a lot to look forward to in the girls hurdles. Running the 1600 and 800 for the Whippets, Virginia Nelson came close to personal bests in her first races of the year running 6:09.57 for the 1600 and 2:49.18 for her 800. Lucy Davis and Atreya Wilson competed in the shot put setting marks of 20′ 11.5″ and 27′ 11.5″ respectively. Rounding out the competition for the Whippets was the 4X200M Relay composed of Isabelle Cohen, Peyton Comfort, Sydney Schildt and Mya Graves-Koran, Cohen and Comfort running indoors for the first time.
In the boys competition Juniors Frank Mbifi and Emiliano Olivares started things off with personal bests in the triple jump each making it to the finals in a talented triple jump competition. Olivares hit a mark of 38′ 7.75″ finishing 9th while Mbifi leapt to a 39′ 8.5″ mark placing 8th. Freshman, Cason Boudreau finished 11th overall in the 55 M hurdles narrowly missing the finals and running an outstanding time of 9.59. Teammate Ty Bucholtz lit up the track finishing second in his first ever indoor hurdle final. Bucholtz time of 7.99 was one of the fastest hurdle races ever run by a Whippet hurdler indoors., setting a high bar for the rest of the season. The 4X800M Relay team of Ty Carollo, Angel Kilar, Carson Miller, and Wyatt Esch raced to a 16th place finish overall, while Vinnie Juette, Aaron Garcia, Anjay Magana, and Evan Leising nailed their handoffs and sprinted to a 13th place finish in 1:41.32 in a hotly contested speed relay race. Sprinters Vinnie Juette, Langdon Coburn, Trevor Piper, and Leon Kimbrough got after it in the 55 M dash and though they did not reach the finals, they also set the bar high for Whippet sprinters this season. Caleb Pechous toured the track for the Whippets racing in his first ever indoor 400 giving it everything he had and in shot put competition the Whippets were represented by Austin Retzlaff and Harry Ritchie in the big man competition.
In what would be one of the most exciting events of the evening, Langdon Coburn came to compete in the pole vault competition. As the crowd began to gather at the south end of the Kachel Center, near the pole vault area, the bar kept going higher and so did Langdon. As his competitors fell off one by one Coburn kept going. When he vaulted 12′ 6″ to win the competition, many thought the event might be over as 12′ 6″ was his personal best, but Coburn had other ideas. As the bar went to 13′, Langdon had two narrow misses before soaring to a new personal best. Next, the bar was raised to 13′ 6″ and Coburn did not disappoint. When the dust settled Langdon was the Nelson-Daniel Champion in the vault with a new personal best of 13′ 6″.
All in all it was a great night to be a Whippet. The coaching staff is so proud of all of the student-athletes who competed on the evening, many in their first ever varsity competition giving us all a lot to look forward to this season.
Candidate for City Council District 4: Brian Schanen
I am seeking re-election on April 7 to the Whitewater Common Council representing District 4 on the city’s west side because of my deep love for this community. If re-elected, I am committed to addressing affordability, expanding business opportunities, and ensuring transparency in local government.
Growing up I was involved in Boy Scouts, earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout, and helped my dad on his hobby farm. I learned the importance of honesty, respect, hard work, civic engagement, and servant leadership. These are values that I live every day, that I bring to my campaign and are central to my work on council.
My wife Heather and I met as students at UW-Whitewater and quickly fell in love with the community. While the university brought us here, it was the people, businesses, and events that made us stay. We are avid supporters of local businesses, events, and organizations – a Friday night fish fry at Rick’s, a Sunday morning breakfast at Jessica’s, a birthday at Fanatico’s, Tuesday trivia at Beer Here, a 4th of July on Cravath lakefront, Kiwanis Pancake Day, Cars & Coffee in the Kettle Moraine, the Fire Department pancake breakfast, a movie at Cinemas of Whitewater, busy restaurants after a Warhawk or Whippet win (among many, many other things) these experiences aren’t small, they are what makes Whitewater special.
As your council representative, I prioritize listening to residents, asking questions, and digging into the details. Whether it’s a small neighborhood concern or a long-term city plan, I work to ensure decisions are thoughtful, informed, and in the best interest of our community. I strongly support our residents, city staff, and our fire, EMS, and police departments.
First Term Accomplishments
Over my first term representing Whitewater’s west side meaningful progress has been made.
• Expanded owner-occupied housing, with over 50 new units well underway
• Strengthened programs to rehabilitate aging homes and convert rentals back to owner-occupied housing
• Supported business growth in the business park, with multiple developments in progress
• Expanded business retention visits citywide, helping support projects like a major expansion at Lavelle
• Increased access to healthcare through a partnership with Edgerton Hospital that brought an urgent care into the city. Since then, Edgerton Hospital has also opened a new pain clinic here.
• Improved transparency by reducing closed sessions, increasing public notice visibility via social media, and expanding lake committee participation
Vision for a Second Term
Affordability is one of the biggest challenges facing our community. I am focused on responsible budgeting and easing the property tax burden for residents.
At the March 17 Council meeting, I introduced a series of ideas to improve accountability and control spending, including:
• Placing limits on when the city can go to referendum
• Capping the level of city debt
• Making better use of funds as the result of tax increment districts to help all residents.
• Increasing transparency when it comes to the number of city employees
• Other ideas can be seen in the council agenda item
If re-elected, I will work to move these ideas forward immediately, along with strengthening our ethics code to increase accountability.
As a member of the Finance Committee, I am also advocating for a clearer and more strategic approach to capital planning—ensuring we can maintain our roads, lakes, and parks while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.
Supporting local businesses is another key priority. I want to simplify processes like permitting and licensing so business owners can focus on growth. For example, I believe we should streamline duplicative approval processes that currently require multiple committees to review the same items.
We must continue building on the momentum in our business park by attracting high-quality employers that create good-paying jobs without overburdening city resources.
I will continue to be an advocate for owner-occupied housing, the lakes, and local healthcare.
I have more information on my priorities on my Facebook Page.
Voting Information
If you live on the west side of Whitewater (wards 6-8), I respectfully ask for your vote on April 7.
In-person absentee voting at the Municipal Building begins March 24 and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through April 2, and until 5:00 p.m. on April 3.
For full voting details, and to see what is on your ballot please visit myvote.wi.gov.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Brian Schanen. The Whitewater Banner welcomes a submission to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com from Common Council, School Board or Town Board candidates for the city and nearby towns.
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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