News

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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.

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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.

Updated 4/11/23: Mark Dorn indicates that the two winners of the Super SIP Cinema Contest will be drawn at this showing.

“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”

Tuesday, April 14, 1 pm

(Psychological Drama)

Rated R (language); 1 hour, 53 minutes.

With her life crashing down around her, Linda (Rose Byrne), attempts to navigate her child’s mysterious illness, her absent husband (Christian Slater), a missing person, and an increasingly hostile relationship with her icy therapist (Conan O’Brien). A Best Actress Oscar nomination (and Golden Globe winner) for Rose Byrne in a stunning, exhausting, disturbingly brilliant performance. 

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/ 

A Memory Café is an informal social gathering for those living with early-stage memory loss and their care partner. The Whitewater Public Library is hosting a Memory Café on Monday, April 13 at 10:30 a.m. in Meeting Room 1. Please join us to reminisce, play Bingo, enjoy refreshments, and engage in good company.

Register in advance at librarymemoryproject.org or by contacting Jess Schmid at 262-458-2785 or jschmid@whitewater-wi.gov.

The Whitewater Public Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. For more information and a full calendar of events, visit whitewaterlibrary.org.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday from the Whitewater Historical Society. Floods and high water are often seen in the spring and this week’s image shows Cravath Lake flooding by the Milwaukee Street Bridge. The date is unknown but the photo shows a good view of the Old Stone Mill. Here’s hoping we don’t get big floods this spring.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(3719P, Whitewater Historical Society)

Holocaust Remembrance Concert

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
LIGHT RECITAL HALL
950 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190
Join us for a powerful and moving Holocaust Remembrance Concert, honoring International Holocaust Remembrance Day through music and reflection. This special performance pays tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and remembers the lives lost during one of history’s darkest chapters. Experience an evening of solemn beauty, hope, and remembrance as we come together to reflect and never forget.
Adults $7; those age 65+ or under 18, $4. Tickets may be purchased here or at the door. See parking information below.

UWW Percussion Ensemble

Thursday, April 16, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
LIGHT RECITAL HALL
950 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190
Adults $7, those age 65+ or under age 18, $4
Experience the thrilling range and rhythmic intensity of the UW-Whitewater Percussion Ensemble as they present an electrifying concert of large-scale works for percussion alongside intricate quartets for smaller ensembles. From powerful, driving pieces to finely crafted chamber works, this performance showcases the full spectrum of percussion artistry. Join us for an unforgettable evening of bold sound, dynamic energy, and musical innovation.Tickets may be purchased here or at the door. See parking information below.

Hawk Kor, Harmonia, Concert Choir

LIGHT RECITAL HALL
Sun, 4/19/2026 @ 7:30 PM
950 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190  
Adults $7, those age 65+ or under age 18, $4
Join us for an inspiring afternoon of choral music featuring UW-Whitewater’s Hawk Kor, Harmonia, and Concert Choir. From rich harmonies to soaring melodies, these talented vocal ensembles will present a diverse program that celebrates the beauty and power of the human voice. Don’t miss this showcase of musical excellence and heartfelt expression. Tickets may be purchased here or at the door. There is no charge for parking on the weekend.

University/Community Band

Monday, April 20, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
The Young Performing Arts Center
930 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190

Join the University/Community Band for an uplifting concert that brings together talented musicians from both campus and the local community. This diverse ensemble performs a wide range of music, from beloved classics to exciting contemporary works, creating an engaging and spirited experience for all audiences. Don’t miss this celebration of collaboration, music, and community spirit! Tickets may be purchased here or at the door. See parking information below.

Jazz Ensemble II Spring Concert

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 @ 7:30 PM
LIGHT RECITAL HALL
950 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190
Adults $7, those age 65+ or under age 18, $4
Get ready for a lively evening with Jazz Ensemble II as they take the stage for their Spring concert, performing a vibrant mix of classic jazz favorites and fresh new arrangements. This talented group brings energy, swing, and soulful improvisation to every piece, celebrating the rich tradition and evolving sound of jazz. Join us for a night full of rhythm, passion, and unforgettable grooves! Tickets may be purchased here or at the door. See parking information below.

Symphonic Wind Ensemble

Sunday, April 26, 2026 @ 3:00 PM
The Young Performing Arts Center
930 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190
Adults $7, those age 65+ or under 18, $4

Immerse yourself in the powerful and rich sounds of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, featuring UW-Whitewater’s finest wind and percussion musicians. This dynamic ensemble performs a diverse repertoire ranging from timeless classics to contemporary masterpieces, delivering vibrant and thrilling performances. Join us for an inspiring afternoon that showcases the passion and precision of wind ensemble music at its best. Tickets may be purchased here or at the door. There is no charge for parking on the weekend.

Parking information

Parking: A permit is required to park in University lots and on Prince Street north of Main Street during events that take place Monday – Thursday. The closest lots are Lots 1 and 2. Permits may be purchased at the kiosk at the Visitors’ Center on Starin Road. To purchase a permit online, visit uww.aimsparking.com and follow these steps:

1. Select: Purchase UW-W Special Event Permits

2. Agree to Terms of Service

3. Select Event Type: CENTER OF THE ARTS

4. Select the event you are attending

5. Select Permit Type: EVENT GUEST

6. Dates will automatically fill in

7. Click Add Vehicle

8.  Enter license plate, make, model and color vehicle; Click ADD

9. Follow the remaining prompts to complete registration process

NOTE: Your license plate is your permit; be sure to enter plate correctly to avoid tickets. Plates not entered correctly are subject to $5 tickets. Do not park in stalls with any type of sign. If you need to change your plate, call 262-472-1011 during business hours Mon-Fri 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Thank you to the Whitewater community for the first four Community Native Tree Sales! Unfortunately, the 2026 Tree Sale is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. The Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission [UFC] wants to THANK YOU for your support and would like to remind you that we are always in need of committed community members to serve on UFC. If you’d like to make a positive difference in Whitewater, go to the city website and apply today if you are interested! Thank you for your understanding.

Add some sparkle to the start of spring by taking in a performance of Walt Disney’s “Dare to Dream JR” musical revue by the Whitewater Middle School Players in the James M. Stewart Auditorium at Whitewater High School on April 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. and April 11 at 2 p.m.

Tickets (April 9 – Pay What You Can, April 10 and 11 – $5 students, $10 adults) 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.

The show is based on four important Walt Disney principles for a fulfilling life that are more important today than ever before.  First, Think.  Second, Dream.  Third, Believe.  And Finally, Dare.

Editor’s note: Photos and copy courtesy of Tom Ganser.

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

The following are unofficial April 7 election results for the competitive area races based on reports from Jefferson, Rock and Walworth Counties. All results are subject to review by the local Boards of Canvassers.

City of Whitewater Common Council

Councilmember at Large
Orin Smith 1081
Aubrey Thompson 861

Councilmember, District 2
Gavin Kelleher 190
Sean Liebherr 46

Councilmember, District 4
Chuck Mills 210
Brian Schanen 375

Town of Lima

Town Board Supervisor 4
Lee Taylor 158
Brandon Pattermann 101

Town of Richmond

Town Board Supervisor 3
Tim Baker 358
Larry Gard 243

Town Board Supervisor 4
Mike Bergman 289
William Lange 283

Whitewater Unified School District School Board (3 will be elected)
Stephanie Hicks 2044
Lisa Huempfner 2053
Terri Jones 1849
Christy Linse 1707

State Race
Justice of the Supreme Court – Chris Taylor is projected to win, with nearly 60% of the vote.

Editor’s note: The following announcement was posted to the City of Beloit website on April 7. John Weidl has served as Whitewater’s city manager since November 2022 after serving as the interim manager for three months. Beloit’s population is approximately 36,000, while our city’s population is about 16,000. The latter number, of course, includes many UW-Whitewater students.

Beloit City Council Announces City Manager Finalists

The Beloit City Council has selected two candidates to advance in the search for the next City Manager. Both candidates will appear in a community forum next week.

The community forum is scheduled for 6pm Monday, April 13, at Beloit Public Library, 605 Eclipse Blvd. The city anticipates that the event will be livestreamed and recorded.

The candidates are:

• Daniel Ortiz Hernandez: Ortiz Hernandez has been in municipal management for 13 years. He currently serves as assistant city manager in Ennis, Texas, where he helps lead more than 240 employees across 12 departments with a combined budget of $74 million; he started in this role in 2024. He has previously served as city administrator in Kimball, Nebraska, and city manager in Wasco, California, and Webster City, Iowa. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State University and a Master of Public Administration with an Urban Management concentration from Arizona State University. He is an ICMA Credentialed Manager and a graduate of the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program at Harvard Kennedy School.
• John Weidl: Weidl has been in municipal management for 15 years and has served in the U.S. Air Force. He currently serves as city manager in Whitewater, Wisconsin, where he oversees 140 employees and a combined budget of $24 million. He has previously served as village administrator and economic development director in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, and as city administrator, clerk-treasurer, and director of public works in Princeton, Wisconsin. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University and is an ICMA Credentialed Manager, Certified Economic Developer, and Certified Public Manager. He is currently completing his Doctor of Business Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Following the community forum, the candidates will participate in additional interviews on Tuesday, April 14. The City Council is expected to make a final selection by Monday, April 20.

The City Council invites the public to submit questions for the candidates for the community forum to publiccomment@beloitwi.gov. Questions should be submitted no later than April 11, 2026. Not all submitted questions will be asked. The City Council reserves the right to select, combine, or adapt submitted questions to address key themes, and may ask additional questions of its own.

The FIRST Robotics Seven Rivers Wisconsin District Event took place at the La Crosse Center from Thursday, April 2 – Saturday, April 4, featuring 33 high school teams from Wisconsin as well as a visiting team from Indiana. Ferradermis competed hard, going 9-2 in qualification matches and ranking 5^th at the end of qualifications. The team played 12 total qualification matches but only earned ranking points for 11 of them because of a red card disqualification when our robot accidentally knocked over another robot during a match.

During alliance selections, Ferradermis moved up to become the captain of the #4 seeded alliance and invited Team 171 The Cheese Curd Herd from Platteville and Team 8782 TroBotics from New Auburn to join them for the playoffs. After victories over the #5 seed and #1 seed, Ferradermis was bumped to the lower portion of the double-elimination bracket by the #3 seed. They then lost their rematch with the #1 seeded alliance, the eventual champions, to end their weekend in third place overall.

Points earned from this competition combined with the previous competition at Lakeland College qualified the team to compete in the State Championship Event at Brookfield East High School from April 17-19. It is at the end of this event, that it will be determined which Wisconsin teams will represent the state in Houston for the World Championships.

Team members traveling to La Crosse included Chacha Binagi, Rae Breisath, Emilie Bruns, Asher Downs, Erison Dreksler, Georgia Esch, Alex Fletcher, Mason Genung, Vivian Harris, Nina Heim, Cooper Housel, Ace Hudec, Jayden Kehrer, Colby Long, Carson Miller, Preston Miller, Al Nelson, Sam Raupp, Julian Rennells, Johan Servin, Owen Taylor, Letty Trautman, Elora Wildermuth-Breitzman, Paxton Wilson, and Mily Zeferino-Hernandez.

In addition to competing on the field, several members volunteered to take shifts at the safety glass station, and seven students joined the team choir to perform the national anthem during opening ceremonies. Eight members served as team ambassadors, giving tours to VIPs. Students also rotated through scouting shifts, and the Impact Team presented for the judges. Team members staffed the team pit throughout the event, working on the robot between matches, talking with judges, and selecting the recipients of their pit awards. Safety Captain Nina Heim received the Safety All-Star Award based on nominations from other teams.

On the way to the event, students experienced a UW La Crosse campus tour, visited the Mississippi Valley Archeology Center as a tribute to this season’s archeology theme, stopped at the Dahl Auto Museum, and spent a couple of hours bowling, a team tradition.

Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor
lmasbruch@wwusd.org