News

Mariana Aranda, a student from Whitewater, whose major at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is Finance, is one of 23 Warhawks who completed ConnectED, a professional development training program, as part of their student employment at the university’s student union.

ConnectED, a self-paced training program, encourages students to explore career pathways, strengthen their resumes, and connect with resources across campus while preparing for success after graduation. Students in the program were required to complete a suicide prevention course, two educational events, and five professional development opportunities.

UW-Whitewater’s University Center, the central hub of the Whitewater campus, offers a wide variety of activities and services designed to enhance the college experience. The UC sponsored more than 130 events during the 2024-25 academic year. Visit uww.edu/uc to learn more.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s image is one from 1998, taken by intrepid society photographer George Scharfenberg, who chronicled the comings and goings of downtown businesses in the 1990s and 2000s. It is the festive Christmas window of Ginny’s Ladies Apparel store that opened in late 1998 and lasted a few years in the downtown. The society hopes you are doing some of your Christmas shopping in downtown Whitewater!

Join us in the next two weeks for Christmas and New Year’s Greetings.

(George Scharfenberg Collection, Whitewater Historical Society)

Walworth County Supervisor District 4 Al Stanek filed non-candidacy papers with the Walworth County Clerk’s Office indicating it is his intention not to run for the Supervisor office in the upcoming April 7, 2026 Spring Election.

Those interested in running for County offices may contact the Walworth County Clerk’s Office. The deadline for filing the Campaign Registration Statement, Declaration of Candidacy and Nomination papers is 5:00 p.m., January 6, 2026

Editor’s note: County Supervisor is a paid position. District 4 represents the western part of the City of Whitewater. A map and further information is available on The Banner here.

So far this year, WHS has had five Auto II students pass their Manual Transmission ASE test. Also, 14 Auto I students have passed their ASE Brakes test this semester.

Autos Teacher Justin Buntrock stated, “This is an incredible feat for our young Whippets. I am very proud of each and every one of them. These are very rigorous tests with content covering diagnostics, theory, repair, and replacement.”

Since 1972, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent non-profit organization, has worked to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals.

Article and Photos Submitted by Justin Buntrock
Whitewater High School Autos Teacher
jbuntrock@wwusd.org

On the early morning hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025, Whitewater Police received a report of a male suspect who was actively entering vehicles near the intersection of W. Main St and Second St. Jose De Jesus Pena Flores, 38, of [210 S. Franklin St.], Whitewater, was identified as the responsible individual, and was arrested. Pena Flores was subsequently linked to a number of additional thefts.

At this point in the investigation, the following criminal charges are being referred to the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office: Burglary (Wis. Stat. 943.10(1)(a)), Theft from Motor Vehicle (Wis. Stat. 943.20(1)(a)), Entry into Locked Vehicle (Wis. Stat. 943.11), Misappropriate ID info (943.201(2)(a)), Credit Card Theft (Wis. Stat. 943.41(3)(a)), Resisting or Obstructing an Officer (Wis. Stat. 946.41(1)), and Disorderly Conduct (Wis. Stat. 947.01).

In the course of the investigation, officers have collected a large amount of property suspected to have been stolen within the last two months. If you were a victim of a theft during that approximate timeframe, please contact Detective Lieutenant Anthony Heilberger (aheilberger@whitewater-wi.gov) or Officer Tim Swartz (tswartz@whitewater-wi.gov) at the Whitewater Police Department (262-473-0555) to provide a description of your stolen property. Please be prepared to provide any serial numbers and detailed descriptions of your property.

It is noted that this case has not been concluded. Unless a judgement of conviction is entered, the arrestee/defendant is presumed innocent of all charges.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Whitewater Police Department. Per Wisconsin Circuit Court Access, Pena Flores has been charged with Misappropriate ID Info – Obtain Money, a felony, as well as the following misdemeanor charges: Receiving or Concealing Stolen Property greater or equal to $2500, and Theft – Moveable Property greater or equal to $2500.

On Sunday, December 14th, the LWV Whitewater Area presented its 2025 Making Democracy Work award to community photographer Tom Ganser.  Tom was recognized for his work photographing democracy in action and telling stories with his pictures that focus on civic pride.  

Since 2010, the League’s Making Democracy Work award has annually honored individuals in our community whose work or volunteerism exemplifies the League’s core values of nonpartisanship, diversity, equity and inclusion, and belief in the value of an open and fair democracy.  Tom Ganser is at every civic event with his camera.  He takes pictures at no charge to local civic organizations that represent Democracy in Action; therefore, he Makes Democracy Work.  His pictures are often seen on the front page of the local newspapers, capturing the community at work, play, service, and worship. His images capture multigenerational folk from diverse backgrounds. You might recognize him in action at School Board Meetings, town hall events, local elections, church engagements, Art Alliance exhibits, parades and celebrations, and sporting events. 

Midge Gill, LWV Whitewater President, and Ellen Penwell, League Treasurer, gave tribute to Tom along with community members Margaret Wheeler and Majorie Stoneman, both of whom mentioned the photo documentary services he has generously provided to organizations and events they have organized. 

The LWV Whitewater Area urges all residents of Walworth and Jefferson counties to pay great tribute and respect to Tom Ganser for all he represents and has accomplished on behalf of his fellow citizens.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the League of Women Voters Whitewater Area. Photos are courtesy of Julia Ross.

Tom Ganser compiled a 20-minute video featuring some of his favorite photos. It may be viewed here: Whitewater is My Kind of Town

Updated 12/18/25 @ 9 a.m. to add information from Whitewater Fire/EMS press release.

On Tuesday, December 16th, 2025, at approximately 6:20 p.m., the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a head-on vehicle crash on County Road A, east of McCabe Road in the Town of Sugar Creek.

Emergency personnel arrived to find two vehicles involved in the crash, with a total of three patients having sustained injuries. Emergency medical care was provided at the scene, with three patients being transported.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a vehicle driven by a 30-year-old male from Algonquin, Illinois, was traveling westbound on County Road A when it crossed the centerline and struck a vehicle traveling eastbound.

The vehicle traveling eastbound was occupied by a 68-year-old female driver from the Town of Lyons and a 74-year-old female passenger from Elkhorn.

Both drivers were transported to hospitals by helicopter. The female passenger was transported by ambulance.

The 68-year-old female driver was pronounced deceased at a local area hospital at 9:24 p.m.

Names are being withheld at this time pending notification of next of kin.

The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the crash. Assisting at the scene were the Whitewater Fire and EMS Department and UW Health Med Flight. County Road A was closed in both directions during the incident and investigation with assistance from the Walworth County Department of Public Works.

Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office.

The Whitewater Fire/EMS press release included the following information:

Whitewater Fire and EMS were dispatched to the intersection of County A and McCabe Rd for a reported head-on motor vehicle collision with injuries. Upon arrival, crews located the incident in the 7000 block of County A in the Town of Sugar Creek, east of McCabe Rd. One patient had self-extricated from a vehicle prior to arrival. The second vehicle contained two patients who required extrication.

Due to the mechanism of injury, Flight for Life and Med Flight were requested to the scene to transport two
patients. Landing zones were established at the Millard Community [Covenant] Church parking lot and on North Lake Dr. One additional patient was transported by ground to a local hospital.

County A was closed to all traffic during the incident and remained closed following the response to allow
the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department to conduct their investigation.

Whitewater Fire and EMS extend gratitude to Flight for Life, Med Flight and the Walworth Co Sheriff’s Department for their assistance in managing this incident.

Whitewater Leads has over 100 FREE books available at the Whitewater PremierBank lobby through Christmas.  The books are meant for kids, newborn through fifth grade.  They are absolutely free; take as many as you need for Christmas gifts, stocking stuffers, etc.  The books are new and like new.  First come, first served.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Whitewater Leads.”

Editor’s note: The photo on the homepage was not taken of the books that are available.

Update 12/18/25 @ 1:35 p.m. – We Energies reported at approximately 1:20 p.m. that power had been restored, citing the cause of the outage having been “tree contact outside trimming zone.” Any customer who is still without power may call We Energies at 800-662-4797.

At approximately 12:30 pm on Thursday, December 18, many local properties apparently experienced repeated brief power outages, which were ultimately followed by a sustained outage at about 12:40. We Energies indicates that approximately 3900 customers in the area are without power. Crews are being dispatched to determine the cause, and the initial estimate for restoration is shown as 3:30 pm.