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Today is Monday, June 15, 2026
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Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by the Whitewater Police Department on June 1, 2026.
The Whitewater Police Department is providing an update regarding the recent investigation into multiple overnight vehicle entries and residential burglaries that occurred in the City of Whitewater during the month of May.
As a result of an ongoing investigation conducted by the Whitewater Police Department Detective Bureau, with assistance from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater Police Department, Sheboygan Police Department, Sheboygan County MEG Unit, Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Department, Sheboygan Falls Police Department, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), two suspects were identified and taken into custody without incident in the City of Sheboygan in connection with these crimes.
During the investigation, Detectives identified Lamar Early, (19 years old, with no fixed address), as one of the suspects involved. The second subject that was taken into custody will not be identified at this time but may have pending charges connected to this case as Detectives continue to investigate. After the suspects’ arrests, Detectives executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of Sheboygan Falls where additional evidence related to the Whitewater crimes was recovered.
Lamar Early is currently confined in the Sheboygan County jail on their charges and will be transferred to the Walworth County jail at a later date. Lamar Early was arrested for the following offenses that occurred in Whitewater:
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
- Burglary
- Unauthorized use of an individual’s personal identifying information or documents (4 counts)
- Theft of a firearm
- Theft
- Financial transaction card crimes
- Trespassing
- Disorderly Conduct
The Whitewater Police Department would like to thank the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater Police Department, Sheboygan Police Department, Sheboygan County MEG Unit, Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Department, Sheboygan Falls Police Department, and DCI for their assistance and collaboration throughout this investigation. No further information will be released at this time as this investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone who may have additional information related to these incidents is encouraged to contact the Whitewater Police Department at (262) 473-0555 or at www.P3Tips.com where you can remain anonymous.
The Whitewater Police Department also reminds residents to continue taking preventative measures by locking your vehicle and residential doors and windows and removing valuables from vehicles. The Whitewater Police Department appreciates the community’s support, vigilance, and cooperation as officers and detectives continue working hard to keep the community safe and hold criminals accountable for their actions.
Editor’s note: On May 21 The Banner published a previous press release from the Whitewater Police Department related to this investigation. Residents were strongly urged to lock their residence and vehicle doors, among other precautionary steps.
According to Wisconsin Circuit Court Access, Lamar Early was indicted in Sheboygan County Court on June 1, 2026 for “Possess Firearm-Convicted of a Felony” as a repeater. His address is shown as 501 East 1st Avenue # D, Elkhorn, WI 53121. None of the other charges have yet been filed in Sheboygan County or Walworth County. Unless a judgment of conviction is entered, the defendant is presumed innocent of all charges.
Versiti is the primary blood supplier for Southeastern Wisconsin hospitals, including Aurora Lakeland Medical Center and Fort Memorial Hospital. They are also the primary provider for all of the veterans’ hospitals in the state.
Visit versiti.org/WI to make an appointment.
Appointments may also be booked by calling Lynn Binnie at 262-473-2997.
Katie Grady, Eric Grady and Alexis Genthe, of Culver’s of Whitewater, are WUL Hometown Heroes, and have been nominated by Brian Robinson “For the countless ‘Donate While You Dine’ fundraisers that Culver’s has done for businesses, organizations and individuals; for their donations of coupons and custard; and for their care and compassion.”
Following is the full nomination from Brian:
“When thinking of the Hometown Hero process, one needs to look no further than that of the Owners (Katie & Eric Grady) and Manager (Alexis Gunthe) of Culver’s in Whitewater. On top of the countless “Donate While You Dine” fundraisers that they have done for businesses/organizations and more recently that for the staff member David who passed away, it is their smile, care and compassion that is what this nomination is for.
When Fairhaven residents come over on the bus for lunch, they go out of their way to open the doors on the way in and out, take the extra time to talk with us at the register when our pace is a little bit slower, converse with us around the table and last but not least….serve up one heck of a meal. You can tell that the staff takes after their owners and manager in how they go about their day to day and we are extremely fortunate to have such an amazing ownership/leadership team here in Whitewater. Thank you Katie, Eric and Alexis for all you do not just for the Residents and Staff from Fairhaven, but for everyone that is lucky to cross your paths!”
WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.
Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com
NCWIT Wisconsin held its annual awards ceremony on Sunday afternoon, May 31, at Alverno College in Milwaukee. Each year, students are invited to apply for the Aspirations in Computing Award, recognizing students for their accomplishments in the world of technology. Winners of the award are passionate not only about pursuing careers in STEM fields themselves, but also about helping the next generation of students grow and learn in technology. Wisconsin recognized 98 students from across the state this year as either Winners, Honorable Mentions, or Rising Stars. All five Whitewater High School students who applied were recognized among the 42 Winners.
All 5 five are members of the Ferradermis FIRST Robotics Competition Team, four of whom graduated with the Class of 2026 after four years on the team, and all five have studied Computer Science through multiple courses at WHS. Margaret Brown plans to attend UW-Whitewater in the fall to study Cybersecurity. Erison Dreksler will be attending Marquette University to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering. Ace Hudec will be studying Media Arts and Game Design at UW-Whitewater, and Rae Breisath will be at UW-Milwaukee studying Computer Engineering and Information & Technology. Emilie Bruns is finishing her sophomore year at WHS and eventually plans to study computer science in college.
Article and Photo Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Computer Science Teacher
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
The mom and dad. The dad has a bit of pink on him.
Their babies at about 4 and 5 days old.
The mom and the babies at 5 and 6 days old.
Our thanks to Cindy Ziebarth for sharing these sweet photos.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
City of Whitewater Special Plan & Architectural Review Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of Site Plan and Certified Survey Map Review for
Lifetime Manufacturing, LLC.
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/251285720714059?p=pZPSnp4kakbXU19rSj
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,37850344# United States
Phone conference ID: 378 503 44#
City of Whitewater Alcohol Licensing Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Appeal for Class B Alcohol and Beer license denial for Danielle R Parsell, The Flowing Well,
old Coyote Grill.
Whitewater Municipal Building, Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor, 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.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/246653225377651?p=9bl77io8KqDClPZ1fk
Meeting ID: 246 653 225 377 651
Passcode: vx3xZ94v
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,801459485# United States,
Phone conference ID: 801 459 485#
City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes 2026-R-19 Resolution Approving the Amendment to Development Agreement with
Becker & Bolton LLC.- Community Development; 2026-R-20 Resolution Approving the Development Agreement for Lifetime Manufacturing LLC.- Community Development; Proposal to hold occasional Council meeting in each of the city’s five aldermanic districts.
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.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/217793904993597?p=2MfhUxjLnfIvNVEVcO
Meeting ID: 217 793 904 993 597
Passcode: vz7t5ga2
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,725962477# United States,
Phone conference ID: 725 962 477#
City of Whitewater Comprehensive Plan Work Group – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual Only
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/26756731785846?p=20nTxDjrGkp4WMjf2Y
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,805464270# United States
Phone conference ID: 805 464 270#
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion regarding electronic message sign in Flat Iron Park;
Discussion and possible action regarding Birge Fountain.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West
Whitewater Str, 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/26611226516241?p=YDRJ0E6UG6TPdg9EWJ
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,750222820# United States
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@lauramasbruch
The trial of a former UW-Whitewater wrestler who was in a relationship with UW-W gymnast Kara Welsh when she was killed on August 30, 2024 has been postponed for a second time, per online records. The trial of Chad Richards, now age 24, was originally scheduled for December 2025. Last summer a judge pushed the trial back to June 9, 2026, but last week the trial was pushed back again. The trial is now scheduled to begin on November 30. Circuit Court Judge Estee Scholtz has reserved up to eleven days for selection of a 12-person jury and trial. Richards continues to be held in the Walworth County jail under a $1 million cash bond.
At the status conference on May 29, 2026, defense attorney Joshua Hargrove made a record “as to the volume of discovery and believes it to be about 1500 pages printed and that the other report is nearly 3x that size.”
The original Banner story identifying Richards as the defendant in the first-degree intentional homicide case may be viewed here. A criminal complaint alleges he shot Welsh, 21, eight times. Richards allegedly claimed to police that Welsh grabbed the gun first and he took it away from her, then shot her because he feared for his life. Richards called 911 after the shooting. If convicted he would likely serve life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Dear WHS Band Alumni,
For the 28th year, we will be putting together an alumni band for the July 4 parade. If you’re going to be in this part of the country for the holiday, please consider joining us! I know that some of you have been playing professionally while others haven’t touched it since graduation – ALL are welcome! Instrument loans are available [IF you let me know right away!!] as are fingering charts! No marching is involved; we’ll be sitting on a flatbed truck!
There will be no rehearsal, but if you want to see the music ahead of time, I can email scans to you. Our “uniform” for the parade consists of ANY WHS Band T-shirt. (I just happen to have some pretty nifty WHS Band shirts still available at the low price of $5). Or just wear something red.
The parade starts at 10 AM, the normal time. We’ll plan to meet at Lincoln Elementary School (Prince St. between Highland and Walworth) around that time although we will be near the end of the parade. Do not attempt to drive up Prince Street that morning; best bet for close parking is in the Middle School (old HS) lot off Elizabeth Street. Drummers talk to me about the best way to get your equipment onto the truck.
For added incentive, there will be the traditional gathering at the beer tent after the parade. (OK, soda for you recent alumni).
PLEASE LET ME KNOW ASAP IF YOU’RE COMING so I know how many chairs, stands & copies of music we need. Also, please forward this to any other WHS Band Alumni you know from any decade, right up to the class of 2026 – my list of email addresses is far from complete.
Hope to see you there!
With the current construction at WHS, logistics will be different this year – stay tuned!
Dr Don W Deal [WHS Band Director 1979-2012 and again in 2020]
Obituaries
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
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
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
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