News & Events

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.

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.