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Today is Thursday, May 14, 2026
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As was previously reported on The Whitewater Banner, on July 23, 2024 a Jefferson County jury found Pedro Mayorquin Landero Jr. [age 23, now of Crystal Lake, IL] guilty of two charges in connection with an assault that happened in May, 2021 on the UW-Whitewater campus. The defendant was found guilty of attempted robbery with use of force and battery.
Per Wisconsin Circuit Court Access, on August 2, Judge Bennett J. Brantmeier sentenced Landero Jr. as follows:
For the attempted robbery with use of force conviction:
“4 years, with an Initial Term of Confinement in Prison of 2 years, and the maximum time to serve on Extended Supervision of 2 years. The Court finds that the Defendant is eligible for the Challenge Incarceration Program “Boot Camp.” The Court finds that the Defendant is eligible for the Substance Abuse Program. The Court STAYS this sentence places the Defendant on Probation for 3 years.“
For the battery conviction:
“Court withholds sentence and places the Defendant on Probation for 1 year, with conditions: —to serve 6 months in the Jefferson County Jail, with work-release privileges. The Court indicates there will be testing for alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substances; a failed test will result in work-release privileges being revoked.”
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It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
This month we are featuring summertime images from the Scholl glass negative collection, taken between 1890 and 1910. We start with a summer view of a picnic, probably around 1900. Several views of this old farmstead are in the collection, and it appears to be abandoned and in a state of disrepair. Perhaps the people in the photo are the owners who no longer inhabit the farmstead. In any event, note the hats on all of the people except one. They are “boaters,” a type of hat very popular for summer in the early 1900s. Even the women are wearing versions of this popular style.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(3753GP, Whitewater Historical Society)
For 30 years, Bethel House has provided support to Whitewater community members who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of losing their housing.
To help celebrate the organization’s milestone, SSM Health recently donated $1,000 in support of its mission. The gift helped to jumpstart the organization’s celebratory campaign to raise at least $3,000 by seeking $30+ donations.
“Bethel House is 100% locally funded and receives no financial assistance from the state or federal government,” said SSM Health Community Health Director Megan Timm. “SSM Health is proud to help support the great work they are doing in Walworth and Jefferson counties.”
Bethel House provided over $6,000 in financial assistance to 17 families from January-March 2024. They were able to stop four evictions from taking place and kept nine kids in their homes and schools.
“Of these impacted families, 64% were single-parent households, and two-thirds of the families had at least one person working full-time in the household,” Timm said. “This really shows that we are currently in an environment where many families are struggling to make ends meet.”
Last year, Bethel House provided nearly $23,000 to assist 80 local families with emergency assistance. In addition, Bethel House has a transitional housing program for families who are trying to establish stable housing.
“We are so humbled by the generous investment SSM Health made towards our efforts to keep local children and families housed. Support from community partners who believe in our mission is critical to our ability to provide our crucial services to families who need us,” said Bethel House Executive Director Megan Hartwick. “We’re so thankful to the whole team at SSM Health for their understanding of the importance of supporting families with stable housing.”
To learn more about Bethel House or to contribute to its 30-year celebration campaign, visit http://www.bethelhouseinc.org/.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by SSM Health.
Get ready to listen to the instrumental ensemble Bonzo Squad! Thursday night, August 1, they will be at the Cravath Lakefront park for Concerts in the Park starting at 7:00 pm. Admission is free and for all ages.
Update: Rain won’t keep this group away! We will still have the concert, but, it will be inside the Cravath Lakefront Community Building.
Listen to some of their work before tonight by heading to: https://bonzosquad.com/listen
Bonzo Squad
Bonzo Squad is an instrumental jazz ensemble based in Chicago IL, with a focus on presenting fun, eclectic music with a high level of musicianship. The group consists of Bonzo himself, born Corbin Andrick, who plays the flute and the saxophones. Completing the line up are Andrew Lawrence on keyboards, Andrew Vogt on bass, and Zack Marks on drumset. The band formed in 2014 through playing a weekly residency at Lilly’s in Chicago.
In 2017, they released their first, self-titled album, which received a coveted 4-star review from Downbeat Magazine. The track “Lemons” was added to Spotify’s popular “The State of Jazz” playlist. In 2019, Bonzo Squad released their sophomore record,
“There’s Always Tomorrow.” They also moved their residency from Lilly’s to the Arrogant Frog, and finally to aliveOne, where they are still performing live every Thursday night.
Bonzo Squad kept active during the Covid-19 pandemic, producing a series of virtual livestreams on Facebook and YouTube. They released the live album “Live At aliveOne” in 2020, and were nominated by the Chicago Reader as one of the best jazz bands in
Chicago, in their 2020 best of poll.
In addition to their weekly residency at aliveOne, Bonzo Squad has produced tribute shows to Stevie Wonder and Vulfpeck through the Jazz Record Art Collective in Chicago, IL. They have also presented numerous educational clinics at High Schools,
both in person and virtually.
[From Bonzo’s website]
Editor’s note: The following press release was issued by the Rock County Sheriff’s Department on July 30, 2024. Previous Banner articles regarding this crash were published on April 14, April 17, and April 22.
Original Release
On 04/13/2024, at approximately 1204 hours, Rock County Deputies, Jefferson County Deputies, Whitewater Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol along with several fire / EMS agencies responded to a three-vehicle crash at Highway 12 and East County Line Road in Lima Township, Rock County. An adult male and two adult females were declared deceased at the scene of the
crash. A third adult female passed away days later from injuries sustained from crash.
Updated Release
The Rock County Sheriff’s Office concluded its investigation and on 07/29/24, Lexus D. Boedecker, 24, Elkhorn, Wisconsin, was arrested on four counts of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle – controlled substance, one count of operating with a detectable amount of a controlled substance, two counts of injury by intoxicated use of a vehicle-controlled substance. Boedecker was taken into custody with the assistance of the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office. Boedecker was transported to the Rock County Jail and has a future court date of 08/26/24 at 1:00 P.M.
“Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicity, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.”
There is also a posting at the Archdiocese of Milwaukee website.
Editor’s note: The above announcement was provided by the St. Patrick Catholic Parish.
UW-La Crosse announces May 2024 graduates
The following area students completed degree requirements at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in May.
UW-La Crosse, founded in 1909, is one of 13 four-year institutions that comprise the Universities of Wisconsin. UWL has more than 10,400 full and part-time students enrolled in 101 undergraduate, 28 graduate and two doctoral academic programs.
UW-La Crosse, a top-ranked national university, is the No. 1 public university in Wisconsin with fewer than 25,000 students. See more at www.uwlax.edu
Students earning degrees in May include:
HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, DEGREE, MAJOR(S), HONORS (if listed)
Whitewater, WI
Bryce Hibbs, Bachelor of Science, Communication Studies Major: Organizational and Professional Communication Emphasis, Honors
Josie Hintz, Bachelor of Science, Finance Major; Business Analytics Major, Highest Honors
Obituaries
Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, a proud Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026. Larry was born June 7th, 1949, to Levon and Charles Hartung in Chicago, IL. Larry enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1968 and served 3 consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. During this time, he became pen pals with his future wife, Candy, via a connection through his father. In 1970, he came home on leave to marry Candy. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on October 31st, 2025. During … Read more
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more
Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!
Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, age 89, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026. Gladys was born on December 26, 1936, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Theresa Egnoski Riley. She was married to Walter Sobolik Sr., and later married James A. Hildebrandt in 1976. Gladys was a hardworking woman who spent her life caring for others. She worked in school kitchens, restaurants, factories, and cleaning services. She concluded her working career as a full-time nanny. In that role, she lovingly cared for Andrew, Daniel, and Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, who became part of her chosen family. Gladys is survived by her sons, Wally … Read more
WHITEWATER – Nan Rowley died on April 15, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on September 4, 1935, in a little house on the prairie in the Town of Johnstown, Wisconsin, the daughter of Wayne L. Wilbur and Florence (McQuillen) Wilbur. Nan attended primary schools in the towns of Johnstown and Richmond and in the City of Whitewater. Nan graduated with honors from Whitewater City High School. On June 19, 1954, Nancy and Ken Rowley were united in marriage in Whitewater and went to live on the Rowley family farm in Richmond. Over the years, Nan served … Read more
Marion H. Gorniak (nee Pfeiffer), 74, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1951, to the late Harvey and Loraine (nee Drifke) Pfeiffer in Fort Atkinson, WI. On June 2, 1969, she was united in marriage to Alan Gorniak. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and cooking, especially her rhubarb pies. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her. Those Marion leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband, Alan Gorniak; stepson, Alan Bauer; sister, Sue Ann Schultz, other relatives and friends. … Read more
Ruth Irene (Phelps) Justis, 88, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away Friday morning, April 10, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO, with her family by her side. Ruth was born June 3, 1937 in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Charles and Ada Mae (Maly) Phelps. She joined the Marine Corps in 1956. During her time there, she met and married her husband, Forest Wayne “Wayne” Justis in 1957. They shared 62 years of marriage and to this union, 2 children, Charles and Dorene, were born. Ruth grew up in Whitewater, WI., the oldest of three children. Ruth graduated from … Read more
Dorothy C. Kau, age 101, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Fort Memorial Hospital. Dorothy was born on March 18, 1925 in Eagle on the family farm, the daughter of John and Katherine (Faestel) VonRueden. Dorothy was a 1942 graduate of Palmyra High School. On May 21, 1949, Dorothy was united in marriage to Alvin E. Kau at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Eagle and the Lord blessed their union with 8 children. Alvin and Dorothy enjoyed 50 years of marriage together until Alvin’s death in the year 2000. Dorothy enjoyed being a farm … Read more
Dorothy E. McCracken, 95, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida. Born on April 14, 1930, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Carl and Joyce Meyer, Dorothy grew up in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School. She then worked for a photographer and hand painted his first colored portraits, until she got married. She and her first husband, Bernard Wafle, owned and operated a 179-acre dairy farm in Helenville, Wisconsin, for 25 years before relocating to Ocala, Florida, in 1979. Dorothy later married Earl McCracken, in Ocala, Fl. She also shared a special companionship later in life with … Read more
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