News & Events

Natureland Park will be closed to the public beginning Monday, July 29, 2024. The park will reopen on Friday, September 6, 2024. Natureland Park is located at W8338 Territorial Road in Whitewater.

During this time, Walworth County Public Works will replace the two parking lots, add concrete walkways at the log cabin, and install a concrete patio for a new ADA-accessible picnic table on the north side of the cabin.

Throughout the project, the park and parking lots will be closed to ensure public safety. The public is asked to drive with caution and be mindful of contractor vehicles and equipment staging by the park entrance on Territorial Road.

During the closure of Natureland Park, the County’s two remaining parks, Price Park Conservancy and White River County Park, will be open for use and scheduling of events. Learn more about our parks at https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/306/Parks

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Walworth County.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced today his appointment of Theresa Beck to the Jefferson County Circuit Court – Branch 2. The appointment will fill the vacancy being created by Judge William F. Hue’s resignation. Beck will complete a term ending July 31, 2025. “Theresa Beck’s breadth of experience and her strong roots in the community will serve her well in this new role,” said Gov. Evers. “She will be a great judge for the people of Jefferson County.” Beck has been an assistant district attorney in the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office since 2010. In this role, she has prosecuted a broad caseload, ranging from traffic offenses to homicide. She also has gained extensive experience with juvenile matters, including juveniles in need of protection and services and termination of parental rights cases. Prior to her work in the district attorney’s office, she was an attorney at the Law Offices of Monogue & Witt from 2000 to 2008 and a partner at Beck & Kiewit Law Offices from 2009 to 2010. During her time in private practice, she focused on family and juvenile law while also gaining experience with probate, bankruptcy, and guardianship. “Theresa Beck is a wonderful addition to the Jefferson County Judiciary,” said Jefferson County Assistant District Attorney Brookellen Teuber. “Throughout her career, Theresa has demonstrated her commitment to the rule of law and will treat everyone in her courtroom with dignity and respect.” Beck lives in Jefferson and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and Marquette University Law School. She has previously served as the president of the Jefferson County Bar Association, as a member of the Jefferson County Human Services Citizen Review Panel, and was a member of the former Jefferson County Juvenile Drug Court. “I am humbled and extremely honored to accept the appointment to the Jefferson County Circuit Court,” said Beck. “I am grateful to Gov. Evers for this opportunity to serve the citizens of Jefferson County and for all the support and encouragement I received from my family, friends, and members of our legal community. My commitment to exemplifying our community values remains steadfast while ensuring an impartial, fair, and efficient judiciary.” Editor’s note: The above press release was issued by the office of the governor on July 26.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

This image of four dapper gentlemen in downtown Whitewater has no identification, but we know it is from 1914. How? Behind the gentlemen you can see that the corner building has been demolished. In 1914, the old building on this site was replaced with the new Commercial Bank Building. Most of the buildings in downtown Whitewater existed by 1900, so dating early twentieth century images can be difficult. But if the Commercial Bank or the older building on the site is shown, we can tell if the photo predates or postdates 1914. In this case, we know it was 1914 because the construction was taking place. Note in the background the Walworth Hotel, now the Landmark Building. It was built in 1890.

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

(2210PC, Whitewater Historical Society)

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!”

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.