News

Nate Parrish, President & CEO of First Citizens State Bank, is pleased to announce that Jessica Islas has been promoted to Assistant AML/CFT/OFAC [Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism/Office of Foreign Assets Control] Officer at the Whitewater Main Office, located at 207 W Main Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin.

A member of the Whitewater community, Jessica has been with First Citizens State Bank since 2019. Throughout her tenure, she has served in several key roles, including Teller Supervisor, Bookkeeping, and AML/CFT/OFAC Assistant, gaining valuable experience in retail banking operations, regulatory compliance and operational support. Her broad knowledge of the bank’s operations combined with her dedication to providing exceptional service and ensuring regulatory compliance, has prepared her well for her new role as Assistant AML/CFT/OFAC Officer. Jessica’s promotion reflects both her commitment to professional excellence and First Citizens State Bank’s dedication to developing talent from within.

In making the announcement, Nate Parrish said, “We are excited to congratulate Jessica on her promotion to Assistant AML/CFT/OFAC Officer. She has been an integral part of our BSA [Bank Secrecy Act] team, consistently stepping up to strengthen our compliance efforts. This promotion is well deserved, and we look forward to her continued success in this role.”

Jessica commented, “I’m honored to step into the role of Assistant AML/CFT/OFAC Officer at First Citizens State Bank. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an organization that values integrity, compliance and strong customer relationships. I look forward to continuing to support our customers and communities by helping safeguard the bank through effective risk management and regulatory compliance.”

First Citizens State Bank, locally owned and operated since 1863, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work, and do business. The bank takes pride in building lasting partnerships with organizations, businesses, and individuals
throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. First Citizens State Bank has Full-service offices in Whitewater, East Troy and Palmyra. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Whitewater officers responded to a residence on S. Summit Street for a reported physical domestic abuse incident in progress. Upon arrival, officers immediately secured the scene, separated the parties involved, and investigated the reported incident. As a result of the initial investigation, arrests were made related to the domestic disturbance.

While officers were investigating the incident, they observed evidence in plain view indicating illegal controlled substances were present inside the residence. Due to the nature of their findings, detectives with the Whitewater Police Department responded to assist with the investigation. Detectives subsequently obtained a search warrant for the residence. The search warrant resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of suspected illegal narcotics and drug-related items, including the following:

• 26 grams of psilocybin mushrooms
• 10.78 pounds of marijuana/THC
• Cocaine
• Amphetamine
• Suspected Ketamine (currently undergoing additional laboratory testing for confirmation)
• Numerous items of drug paraphernalia
  As a result of the investigation, Timothy Zeimet, a 38-year-old Whitewater resident, was arrested and confined in the
  Walworth County Jail on the following charges:
• Possession with intent to deliver psilocybin mushrooms
• Maintaining a drug trafficking place
• Possession with intent to deliver marijuana/THC
• Possession of cocaine
• Possession of amphetamine
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
  
  Additionally, Emily Seidl, a 30-year-old Whitewater resident, was arrested and confined in the Walworth County Jail on the following charges:
• Disorderly conduct – domestic abuse enhancer
• Battery – domestic abuse enhancer
• Possession with intent to deliver psilocybin mushrooms
• Maintaining a drug trafficking place
• Possession with intent to deliver marijuana/THC
• Possession of cocaine
• Possession of amphetamine
• Possession of drug paraphernalia

The Whitewater Police Department is committed to conducting thorough, professional, and impartial investigations into every incident reported to our agency. We take every complaint, allegation, and criminal investigation seriously, regardless of its nature or complexity. Keeping drugs off our streets and out of our community is a priority for this department, and we remain committed to actively investigating drug-related offenses while working to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone who lives, works, and visits Whitewater. This investigation remains active. Additional charges may be referred as evidence continues to be processed and laboratory analysis completed.

The Whitewater Police Department reminds the public that criminal charges are merely accusations. Unless a judgement of conviction is entered, the arrestees/defendants are presumed to be innocent of all charges. Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Whitewater Police Department at (262) 473-0555 [option 4] or submit anonymous tips through www.P3Tips.com.

Editor’s note: This press release was received from the Whitewater Police Department.

Dare to Dream JR. is a vibrant musical revue that weaves together timeless classics, contemporary favorites, and reimagined medleys to celebrate a century of Disney magic. An eager group of young trainees attend their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio, where they must first discover their own dreams in order to help others achieve theirs. The team works together to explore the power of dreams to unite, inspire, and make anything possible. Featuring songs from 24 Disney films, including Tangled, The Lion King, Toy Story, The Princess and the Frog, and Encanto, this musical revue is jam-packed with show-stopping dance numbers, new twists on classic songs, and a powerful message that will surprise and delight Disney lovers of all ages.

Performance Schedule

All performances will take place at the Historic Sprague Theater, 15 W. Walworth Street, Elkhorn, Wisconsin.

• Friday, July 17, 2026 — 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, July 18, 2026 — 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday, July 19, 2026 — 2:00 p.m.
• Friday, July 24, 2026 — 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, July 25, 2026 — 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday, July 26, 2026 — 2:00 p.m.

Tickets Available Now

Tickets for all performances are $10.00 and are on sale now.

Tickets can be purchased online at lakeland-players.org.

About Lakeland Players Ltd.

Lakeland Players Ltd. is a nonprofit community theater organization dedicated to enriching the community through quality theatrical productions, educational opportunities, and youth programming. Based at the Historic Sprague Theater in Elkhorn, Lakeland Players provides opportunities for performers and audiences of all ages to experience the joy, creativity, and impact of live theater.

The Wisconsin DNR has issued an Air Quality Advisory until at least Noon CDT Friday.

• The primary concern is wildfire smoke (PM-2.5) originating from fires in northeastern Minnesota and western Ontario.
• Surface stations confirm that air quality has reached “Hazardous” (Maroon) levels across much of southern WI.
• A gradual west to east clear-out of the smoke is expected through the daytime hours Friday, leaving most areas free of smoke by Friday afternoon (perhaps lingering a little longer along the immediate shoreline of Lake Michigan north of Milwaukee).
• The latest model guidance suggests smoke will return to southern WI this weekend behind a cold front: Arrival window of roughly 5 AM to Noon Saturday morning. Continued northerly winds could allow the smoke to thicken Saturday night, then light & variable winds could allow it to linger into Sunday.

Moving/Garage Sale for Ukraine

Moving/Garage sale – one day only – Saturday, July 18, 9 am-4 pm. Twin beds set, queen bed set, patio set, dining set, other furniture, tools gardening, table linens, glassware, misc.  All money will go toward the Hope Shelter for Ukrainian refugees, in Przemysl, Poland.  Come support Ukraine and find treasures at the same time!  Storm/heavy rain date, Sunday, July 19.

1180 Blooming Field Dr, #304
Whitewater, WI  53190

Due to the heat and air quality advisory, the Unity Walk is being postponed to a later date.  Caminata por la Unidad cancelada debido al exceso de calor.

Editor’s Note: The above was provided by the Unity Walk Committee.

Kevin Wood of Michigan will give his portrayal of Lincoln on Thursday, July 16 from 10:00 am-11:30 am in the air-conditioned Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main Street.  A brief Q & A will be a part of the program.  Light refreshments will also be served.

Additionally, we have an E-Flat Tenor Horn on display as part of the “Heritage 250: A Living Legacy” exhibition.  This horn was played at the Lincoln-Douglas debate in 1858.  Members of the 1st Brigade Band will be on hand during the program to share information about the horn.

Whitewater High School Class of 1986 40th Reunion

Mark your calendars! Friday, July 31st: Casual gatherings at Staller’s Winery and/or Second Salem

Saturday, August 1st: Golf, Walking through Whitewater, WHS tour, and Reunion Dinner

We’re excited to invite you to this fun-filled weekend with casual gatherings and the more formal reunion dinner. Please fill out this form (https://forms.gle/jFf2EAsCb5gJG13VA) by Wednesday, July 15th, so we can reserve a spot for you at dinner.

Join us for one, two, or all of the events. We look forward to reconnecting and catching up with everyone.

Purchase a Class of ’86 T-shirt for $20.00

For more information, please contact Carey (Mach) Fero @ cmfero@yahoo.com or Lisa (LoBono) Hyland @ lisahyland@sbcglobal.net

City of Whitewater Invites Residents to Shape the Community’s Future Through Community Survey

The City of Whitewater is inviting residents to help shape the community’s future by participating in the 2026 City of Whitewater Community Survey.

Beginning this week, randomly selected households will receive a survey by mail asking for feedback on City services, community priorities, and future planning initiatives. The survey is being conducted by ETC Institute, an independent research firm, and is designed to provide statistically valid results that will help guide future City planning, budgeting, and investment decisions.

The survey includes questions on a variety of topics, including public safety, streets and infrastructure, utilities, parks and recreation, housing, economic development, communication, and overall quality of life in Whitewater. The information collected will help City leaders better understand residents’ priorities and identify opportunities for improvement.

“Resident feedback is one of the most valuable tools we have as we plan for Whitewater’s future,” said City Manager John Weidl. “Whether you’ve lived here for decades or are new to our community, your perspective helps us make informed decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of our residents.”

The survey takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete. Randomly selected households may return the completed paper survey using the enclosed postage -paid envelope or complete the survey online using the information included in their mailing. All responses will remain confidential and will only be reported in summary form.

Following the initial mailing period, the City will make the online survey available to all Whitewater residents who wish to participate . Residents completing the public online survey will be asked to provide their address to verify residency.

Responses from the randomly selected households will be used to produce the survey’s statistically valid results. Responses submitted by residents outside the random sample will be analyzed and reported separately. If enough responses are received from the broader community, ETC Institute will provide a comparison between the statistically valid sample and the community-wide responses, allowing City leaders to identify any similarities or differences in resident perspectives.

Residents who complete the survey will also have the opportunity to enter a drawing to win a $500 prepaid Visa gift card.

The City encourages every resident who receives a survey to participate. Later this summer, all residents will also have the opportunity to share their thoughts through the public online survey.

The survey results will be presented to the Whitewater Common Council and City staff and will help guide future planning, budgeting, and policy decisions.

Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage from Image by andibreit from Pixabay.

Friends of Studio 84,
The summer is a busy and exciting season here at Studio 84. The artists are creating, growing and having fun. We are meeting lots of new people and sharing the mission of Studio 84 as we travel to markets and events. Our summer fundraising event takes us to the golf course and we hope that you will support the studio and our event.

Golf “Fore”Art
Friday, August 14, 2026 from 8:00 am-4:00 pm

Spring Creek Golf Center
4787 Yandry Road
Whitewater, WI
920-563-4499

If you don’t play golf, come out and visit! Studio 84 artists will have new products for sale. There will also be free art activities available for everyone to enjoy. You can also support the studio with a donation and then spin the prize wheel to see what you win!

How can you help us continue to provide arts opportunities to all?
 Make a monetary donation to be a sponsor.
$ 1,000 Event Sponsors
$ 500 Driving Range and Putting Green Sponsors
$ 250 Hole Sponsors
All sponsors will receive a Studio 84 tote bag with surprise gifts from studio artists. There will also be signage on the course the day of the event and appreciation to sponsors given on Studio 84’s social media and in the studio.

 Donate items for the prize wheel table.
 Call Spring Creek and schedule a tee time with your friends.
 Share information about Golf “Fore” Art with your family,
friends, and neighbors.
 Visit Studio 84 at the studio, or an event.

Your interest and support of Studio 84 is greatly appreciated.

Creatively yours,
Lynnette Gmur, Director