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Per Fox6now.com on July 23, 2024, “A Jefferson County jury on Monday, July 22 found Pedro Mayorquin Landero Jr., [age 23, now of Crystal Lake, IL], guilty of two charges in connection with an assault that happened on the UW-Whitewater campus in May 2021. Mayorquin Landero Jr. was found guilty of attempted robbery with use of force and battery. The jury found him not guilty of second-degree sexual assault.” Information regarding the testimony in the case may be found in the Fox6now.com article.
Per Wisconsin Circuit Court Access, Judge Bennett J. Brantmeier ordered the defendant’s bail to be revoked, and set a sentencing hearing for 8/2/24 at 9 a.m.
A previous article appeared on the Banner when the suspect was charged. It included the following:
“Per the UW-W Police Facebook page, it was reported that a daylight stranger sexual assault occurred on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at approximately 12:26 p.m. The alleged perpetrator was apparently depicted in surveillance video, and was described as a white male, possibly Hispanic with a tan complexion, in his late teens or early 20’s having an athletic build. The male traveled to and from the assault location on a dark colored soft tail mountain bike. During the assault the suspect stated he was from Virginia. Per Fox6, the alleged assault occurred in the area of UW-W’s parking lot #18. No information was provided regarding the victim or the nature of the assault.
Chief Matthew Kiederlen posted the following on the Facebook page at approximately 8:40 p.m. on May 24: “I want to thank the community and university members who provided information and leads. I am happy to report the alleged offender is currently in custody. I truly appreciate the hard work of the officers involved, the assistance of our City of Whitewater Police partners and the bravery of the individual who came forward. If you ever need assistance please don’t hesitate to contact us!”
According to an article dated July 22 on WeAreGreenBay.com, “A Wisconsin native is receiving quite the contract extension with the Denver Broncos after signing a four-year, $80,000,00 deal.
After signing the extension, Hartford’s Quinn Meinerz, who played for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, will play on Denver’s offensive line through 2028.
A third-round pick in 2021, Meinerz was the 98th overall pick and made an immediate impact for the Broncos. He appeared in 15 games and started nine contests as a rookie before emerging as one of the league’s top guards in 2022…..
Known as a bruiser, Meinerz has gained a reputation as a powerful run blocker and helps his running backs fight for extra yards. In the passing game, according to Pro Football Focus, Meinerz allowed the fourth fewest pressures of any guard with at least 625 snaps in 2023……”
Editor’s note: The photo on the homepage is captioned: Quinn Meinerz is a member of the 2019 D3football.com Preseason All-America team. (Photo by Michael McLoone) Additional photos and information regarding Meinerz’s UW-W career may be found here.
The City of Whitewater is thrilled to announce the winners of the highly anticipated Whitewater Wind Up, a business plan competition designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in our community. After months of hard work and dedication, the winners were selected following the final presentations in May, with the Community Development Authority (CDA) meeting on July 18th to allocate funds to the standout entries.
First Place: Barista Cat Cafe
The grand prize of $71,153.92 was awarded to Barista Cat Cafe, an innovative concept that combines a cozy coffee shop with a cat adoption center, offering patrons a unique and heartwarming experience. Please note that to receive the full award, Barista Cat Cafe must seek two additional quotes for their planned renovation, ensuring responsible and efficient use of the funds.
Runner-Up: Stellar Vintage
Stellar Vintage, a dynamic business specializing in curated vintage clothing and accessories, was awarded $33,302.83. This recognition acknowledges the business’s potential to add value to our community through sustainable fashion and unique offerings.
The Whitewater Wind Up began in early 2024, attracting a diverse range of participants with creative business ideas. The competition aimed to support entrepreneurs in developing and refining their business plans, providing them with valuable feedback from industry experts and community leaders.
Economic Development Director Taylor Zeinert expressed enthusiasm for the winners, stating, “The Whitewater Wind Up has demonstrated the incredible talent and innovation present in our community. We are proud to support Barista Cat Cafe and Stellar Vintage as they embark on their exciting ventures. These businesses not only enhance our local economy but also contribute to the unique culture and vibrancy of Whitewater.”
The CDA’s decision to allocate funds to these promising businesses underscores the commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth within the community. The support provided through this competition will enable Barista Cat Cafe and Stellar Vintage to implement their business plans and make a positive impact on Whitewater.
The Whitewater High School Class of 1984 held their 40th reunion on July 20, 2024, at the Second Salem Brewing Company in Whitewater.
Classmates came from as far as San Jose, California, Tokyo, Japan, to New York City and all the places in between to chat and reminisce about their time at Whitewater High School. A total of 65 WHS graduates were able to attend the reunion.
The class would like to thank all of the faculty and staff, past and present, who created the memorable experiences they had for the four years at Whitewater High School.
Submitted by Gregory Stewart.
Madison Brass Band Performs Summer Concert in Whitewater
The Madison Brass Band is eagerly anticipating their performance as part of the City of Whitewater Summer Concerts In The Park Series on July 25th, 2024, at 7:00 PM at Cravath Lakefront Park (341 S Fremont St, Whitewater).
We invite all to join the Madison Brass Band, with Musical Director John Lynch for a festive concert featuring uplifting music from diverse compositional voices including Bernstein, Shostakovich, Gershwin, Puccini and concluding with a medley of favorite Disney tunes.
The concert will begin with a world premiere of First Suite Fanfare, a composition by Dr. Erika Svanoe, a graduate of Whitewater High School, who has dedicated the work to Dr. Don Deal, who was the Band Director at Whitewater High School from 1979 to 2012. Dr. Svanoe is a conductor and composer for wind band, known for her lyrical melodies, nods to classic literature, musical deconstruction, humor, and pastiche. Her works have been performed by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, the United States Navy Band, and the National Concert Band of America. Her music has been featured on Wisconsin Public Radio, in Bandworld’s Top 100, and the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series. Her first major work, The Haunted Carousel, won the 2014 NBA Young Band Composition Contest. Her first album, “The Music of Erika Svanoe,” was recorded by Andrew Boysen, Jr. and the University of New Hampshire Wind Symphony, and released in 2022.
Founded in 2002, The Madison Brass Band, a group of talented amateur musicians, has earned recognition for their outstanding performances, including appearances at prestigious events like the Wisconsin State Convention of the National Band Association and the Wisconsin State Music Conference. In 2012, they ventured into competitive Brass Band events and achieved Champion of the Second Section in their first NABBA Competition. The band’s dedication is further exemplified by their collaborations with renowned clinicians like Joe Parisi, Scott Teeple, Colin Holman, Mark Taylor and Phillip Harper. Under the direction of new Musical Director John Lynch, the band continues to thrive with outstanding performances and a commitment to musical innovation.
Admission is free. It is suggested to bring chairs or a blanket, as well as food and drink; very limited seating is available at tables adjacent to the parking lot.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madisonbrassband/
On the web: madisonbrass.com
Nigerian Reggae Dub-Fusion Rock Trio Jimmy Sugarcane Closes Savory Sounds Concerts This Thursday!
This Thursday, July 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., the Savory Sounds Summer Concerts ends with Jimmy Sugarcane. Jimmy Sugarcane’s Nigerian heritage and formerly London-based operation has yielded an interesting perspective and a distinctive blend of sounds and styles. Jimmy Sugarcane, as reggae/dub-fusion artists, is an active dancehall force in Madison and highlighted by Wisconsin Public Radio’s 30 Minute Music Hour.
To further the Nigerian cultural experience, Holisac’s Taste of Africa, a restaurant and catering service in Madison, will be offering unique and tasty Nigerian food items. Be sure to come hungry to this unique cultural experience!
This week’s band is sponsored by Olm and Associates.
- Location: Flat Iron Park (next to the Birge Fountain), 402 W Main St, Whitewater.
- Rain or Shine: Normally held outdoors on the lawn, in the event of rain, the concerts are moved indoors to the Cultural Arts Center.
- Seating: Bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets but if the concert gets moved indoors you won’t need them.
- Food & Refreshments: Food and other refreshments will be available from the food vendor or bring your own lunch.
- Parking: CAC lot and city street parking is available with additional parking is available at First English Lutheran Church.
Our sponsors for the summer series are:
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the City of Whitewater.
Elizabeth Street will be closed between Melrose Street and Laurel Street.
NOTICE: On Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 6:00 a.m., Elizabeth Street will be closed between Melrose Street and Laurel Street for a street repair. Detour will include using Laurel Street, Pleasant Street, and Melrose Street. Paving is scheduled to be completed early in the week of July 29, weather dependent, and the street opened to traffic as soon as the asphalt cools.
Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
For other requests, visit https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/RequestTracker.aspx.
Versiti is the primary blood supplier for Southeastern Wisconsin hospitals, including Lakeland and Fort Memorial.
Donors with these types A-, B-, O-, O+ will receive a $20 e-gift card, which may be used at Walmart and a large number of other merchants, when they make an appointment and enter “SPLASH” in the appointment notes.
Appointments are encouraged. Please click here or contact Lynn at 262-473-2997 or lynnbinnie@yahoo.com. Walk-ins are also welcome as time allows. Please note that several appointments are still open for double red cells. Be sure to take note of the new location at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center.
Obituaries
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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