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Local Resident Volunteers in Poland on the Border of Ukraine: Video shared

April 11, 2026

Beginning on March 30, a Whitewater resident and former video producer of Whitewater’s Landmark Trek, is now on a different kind of trek. James Olm is now eight miles from the border of Ukraine, volunteering at the Hope Shelter for Ukrainian refugees in Przemysl, Poland. Along with any other volunteer work they need him to do, the shelter also would also like him to create videos – a la Landmark Trek – to get the word out about the efforts at the shelter and their dire need for funds.

The video series is titled One Safe Place – The Hope Shelter, and the first episode, The History, can now be viewed at:

https://youtu.be/0ElSavgLLTA

It is Olm’s intention to have as many videos produced as possible, during his last three weeks of work. He hopes people find them educational, news-worthy, emotional, and personal.

Virtual Hike Around Geneva Lake Offered

April 11, 2026

Virtual Hike Around Geneva Lake 
Wednesday, April 15, 11:00 am
Starin Park Community Building

Join Helen Brandt from The Geneva Lake Museum, as she takes you on a wonderful virtual hike around Geneva Lake via vintage postcards.

Helen will provide commentary on Geneva Lake’s historic homes, camps, and shoreline. She will also provide insight into some of the owners of the historic mansions.

Refreshments will be served and multiple chances to win a door prize.

Call 262-473-0535 with questions.

Gov. Evers Seeks Applicants for Rock County Circuit Court

April 11, 2026
 
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced today that he is seeking applicants for the Rock County Circuit Court – Branch 7. The appointment will fill a vacancy being created by Judge Barbara W. McCrory’s retirement, effective May 15, 2026. The new judge will complete a term ending July 31, 2027.

To apply, please email a completed application form and supporting materials to GOVJudicialAppointments@wisconsin.gov. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Mon., April 27, 2026. The application can be found on the “Apply to Serve” page on Gov. Evers’ website at: www.evers.wi.gov.

Applicants with questions about the judicial selection process may contact the Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel at (608) 266-1212.

Multiple Rounds of Rain & Storms Possible Through Wed.

April 11, 2026

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has provided the following guidance as of Sunday afternoon:

  • Multiple rounds of rain and storms are expected through midweek, bringing 1-3 inches of total rainfall.
    • Rounds of storms over similar areas (especially south-central to southeastern Wisconsin) will lead to ponding of water and river rises.
    • Flash flooding becomes possible by midweek, as well as in localized areas in each individual round of rainfall.
  • Severe storms are possible each day Monday through Wednesday.
    • Monday: Primary concern across central Wisconsin, but this placement may shift north or south.
      • Large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes are expected within storms that develop.
    • Tuesday: Concern across all of southern and central Wisconsin, timing remains in question.
      • Large hail, damaging wind, and isolated tornadoes possible.
      • Training storm potential, exacerbating flooding concerns.
    • Wednesday: Storm development possible across all of southern and central Wisconsin possible, placement remains in question.
      • Hail, damaging winds, and flooding are the main hazards of concern.
      • A trend southward may result in the primary hazard becoming only heavy rain and flooding.

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings

April 11, 2026

City of Whitewater Board of Canvass – Monday @ 9 a.m.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building, Community Room, 312 W. Whitewater St.,
Whitewater, WI 53190.

SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION CANVASS – Monday @ 3:30 p.m.
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
William D. Kyle Board Room
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda – Click on “meetings” in upper right corner
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
4:30 p.m

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of a Conditional Use Permit for an Adult Daycare located at 1202 E Bluff Road for Kori Gainey d/b/a Camp Buckaroos. Tax Parcel # /A323600001; Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council the creation of a Razing Buildings Ordinance; Discussion and possible recommendation to Council an ordinance creating section 19.09.291 Family Child Care Centers, and subsections 19.19.030 (H), 19.33.030 (T), and
19.48.020(E), amending subsections 19.15.030(H) and 19.18.030(H) to define permitted and conditional uses for Family Child Care Centers and Amending definition sections 19.09.177 and 19.09.173 Group Child Care Center and Adult Day Care Center; Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council the sale of Parcel #’s /A444300002 and /A444200002 located in the Whitewater Technology Park on Innovation Drive and Greenway Court; Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council the removal of the Deed Restrictions for the following Tax Parcel #’s /A503200002, /A323600001, /A323600002,
/A503200001, /A410400001, /A410400002 /A414000003 and /A410400004 located along Bluff Road.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/22978734336476?p=S92iio5SmtdhODPPg4
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,798199952# United States
Find a local number
Phone conference ID: 798 199 952#

Innovation Center Advisory Panel – Tuesday @ 8:30 a.m.
Agenda includes Summerset Marine Update. [Community Development Director Mason Becker indicates there is not a closed session, contrary to the agenda.]
Conference Room 115, Innovation Center, 1221
Innovation Drive, Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/223974812562312?p=RMjuPeV6z9qpoz3d9D
Meeting ID: 223 974 812 562 312
Passcode: 4TA95by3
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,428501574# United States, New York City
Phone conference ID: 428 501 574#

Whitewater Unified School District Strategic Planning Work Group – Tuesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:15 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the meeting:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/254146705455586?p=h6Ihftga6U4cVgckqY
Telephone:
Meeting ID:
Passcode:
Phone Conference ID:
+1 929-229-5663,,13806312#
254 146 705 455 586
yi3f4rt6138 063 12#

City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on lease agreement with Whitewater Food Pantry for use of the Armory; Update on Aquatic Center Committee and WAFC Capital Campaign progress; Discussion and possible action on application for open gym use of the Cravath Lakefront Building for morning yoga.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West
Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190
*In Personand Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/236264863713354?p=XBf4OyVgUYAZjLwE9Y

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Monthly MeetingThursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Redevelopment Resources Presentation, Home renewal program; Removal of Deed Restrictions on CDA’s Bluff Road Properties, Strategic planning
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/281051194021987?p=AH8FmLLo19qpnRXlDc
Meeting ID: 281 051 194 021 987
Passcode: Hu2if9jb
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,727727534# United States, New York City
Phone conference ID: 727 727 534#

Park & Rec Presents “Baile Corazón Folklórico” – Sunday/Domingo

April 10, 2026

Police Dept. Responds to Robbery and Arrests Three Suspects Fleeing Scene

April 10, 2026

Para la traducción al español, por favor vea abajo.

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.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

UW-W Announces Leadership Change for Gymnastics Program

April 10, 2026

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has announced a leadership change in the Warhawk gymnastics program. Jennifer Regan, head gymnastics coach and lecturer of kinesiology, will not be returning for the 2026-27 academic year.

“I’d like to thank Coach Regan for her oversight of the gymnastics program and contributions to UW-Whitewater,” said Ryan Callahan, assistant chancellor and director of athletics. “We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”

Regan served as the head coach of the Warhawk gymnastics program for 24 seasons. During her tenure, UW-Whitewater secured 13 top three finishes in the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association (NCGA) Championship while Warhawk gymnasts earned more than 150 All-America honors. 

Assistant coach Chloe Edgren, a UW-Whitewater alum and former Warhawk gymnast, will be the Interim Head Coach starting May 23. Edgren competed for the UW-Whitewater gymnastics team from 2014 to 2018. A two-time All-American, Edgren was a member of the 2014, 2017 and 2018 national championship teams. Edgren returned to UWW as an assistant coach in the fall of 2020. 

“Chloe’s success as an All-American and member of three national championship teams as a student-athlete, coupled with her experience as an assistant coach, have prepared her well for this opportunity,” Callahan said. “We have full confidence in Chloe’s ability to lead the gymnastics program for the near future.”

Editor’s note: This announcement was posted to the UW-W gymnastics page.

Obituaries

Obituary: Marion Jauch Burrows, 96

Marion Jauch Burrows (Feb. 2, 1930 – June 5, 2026) Her sparkling eyes, warm laugh, and generous ways were gifts Marion brought into this world, touching family members and friends alike over the ninety-six years of her life. She was born and raised in Lombard, IL, and in the course of her life lived with her husband and growing family in Abilene, TX, St. David’s, PA, Arkadelphia, AR, Ada, OK, and Colorado Springs, CO, before settling in Whitewater, WI, in 1965. Generosity of heart, compassion toward those in need in and beyond her community, and an unwavering commitment to fairness … Read more

Obituary: Patricia “Pat” Bailey, 70, of Woodbury, MN

Patricia “Pat” Lynn Bailey, age 70, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026 with her daughter by her side. Pat was born February 21, 1956 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to John and Ruth (Hudock) Prentice. After a brief time in Ann Arbor, the Prentice family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where Pat grew up as part of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater community, where her father served as University Registrar. Pat attended the University School and later graduated from UW Whitewater with a degree in Elementary Education. Although she did not pursue teaching, she built a meaningful career in Human … Read more

Obituary: Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83

Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83, long time resident of Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, June 4th, 2026. He was born on January 10, 1943, to his late father and mother, Evaristo and Carmen in Spain. In 1973 he moved to the United States as a sheep herder. On August 21, 1981, he was united in marriage to Cyndie Esperante in Colorado. Gemelino also worked in Mining and construction for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, raising sheep and growing things in his garden, and flowers. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife … Read more

Obituary: Mary Ann Warner, 86, of Dodgeville

Mary Ann Warner died peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Crestridge Assisted Living in Dodgeville. Her physical heart failed, but her actual, loving heart never did. Ann was born June 28, 1939 to Mary and Charles Kearns in Iowa. She moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin and graduated with many dear friends in the class of 1957. Ann married John Warner on September 19, 1959. They lived in Whitewater, Sturgis Michigan, and finally settled in Janesville where they built a beautiful life and raised their family. Together, they ran a business, traveled, played cards, and enjoyed their lives. When they became … Read more

Obituary: Patricia Jacobson, 81

Patricia Ann Jacobson (Bureau), age 81, of Whitewater, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI. Born on September 2, 1944, in Marquette, MI, to the late Donald and Margaret Bureau, Pat grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She graduated from Graveraet High School, attended Michigan State University, and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University. Pat dedicated her professional life to shaping young minds, working as an elementary and junior high school teacher in both Flint, MI, and Whitewater, WI. At the heart of Pat’s life was a beautiful, … Read more

Obituary: Lois Lauritzen, 92, of Brookfield

In loving memory of Lois Lauritzen, age 92, who passed away on June 1, 2026 at Lakewood Memory Care in Brookfield. Lois led an active life full of devotion to family and friends. Born July 14th, 1933 in Silvis, IL, daughter of Harry and Elsie Wilson, she grew up in the Quad Cities with older brother Harry Wilson Jr. Lois graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL with a degree in physical education. She met her husband Paul Lauritzen on the college tennis team. Their marriage on June 12th, 1955 lasted 59 years until Paul’s death on September 26th, … Read more

Obituary: Donald Walter Triebold, 91

Donald Walter Triebold passed on to his eternal home on May 21, 2026. Don was born on April 23, 1935, in Evanston, IL, to the late Frederick W. and Mildred (nee Stecher) Triebold. Through his teen years, Don lived and worked on the family’s dairy farm, where he developed a life-long work ethic. His first eight years of education were in a one-room country schoolhouse, in which all eight grades were taught by one teacher. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1953 and then graduated from UW Whitewater in 1958 with a degree in Business Education. He continued his education, and earned a Master’s … Read more

Obituary: William Kincaid Davis, 84, of Evansville

William Kincaid Davis, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, May 19 at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg. He was born on November 1, 1941, in Madison, Indiana, the second son of Salvation Army Officers Agnes (Dixon) and William C. Davis. He attended several schools in Indiana and Illinois, including University of Illinois Experimental High School (Champaign), and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1964 and his master’s degree from UW-Whitewater in 1972. He had an expansive career in education, beginning as an English teacher in Whitehall, Thornton Township (IL) and … Read more

Obituary: Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79

Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed from this life onto the next on Monday, May 4, 2026. She was born on January 16, 1947, to the late John and Mary (Presser) Fritz in St. Stefan, Austria. Maggie immigrated from Austria with her parents and brother, became a US citizen, and grew up and attended school in West Allis, WI and then graduated with a teaching degree from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Maggie served as a substitute, English, and German language teacher in the Whitewater, Elkhorn, Delavan, and Palmyra schools and at Divine Word Seminary. Maggie … Read more

Obituary: Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, 76, of Fort Atkinson

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