UW-Stevens Point undergraduates honored for scholastic achievement
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point honored more than 2,872 undergraduate students for attaining high grade point averages during the fall semester of the 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time undergraduates who earned grade points of 3.90 to 4.0 (4.0 equals straight A) are given the highest honors designation. High honor citations go to those with grade point averages from 3.75 to 3.89 and honor recognition is accorded to those with grade point averages from 3.50 to 3.74.
Personalized certificates of scholastic achievement are sent to those who earned highest honors distinction.
Students who received honors include:
Whitewater, WI
Wyatt Anderson, Honors Giovanni Anello, High Honors Grace Wood, Honors
City of Whitewater Conducts Business Retention & Expansion Visit with HEXPOL – Whitewater
The City of Whitewater Community Development Department recently completed a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) visit at HEXPOL’s Whitewater facility, continuing the City’s ongoing efforts to support local employers and strengthen the community’s economic base. Mason Becker, the City of Whitewater’s Community Development Director, and Karin Silvius, Executive Director of the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce, met with Adrienne Weber, Human Resources Manager at HEXPOL’s Whitewater facility. The visit focused on workforce needs, operations, and the company’s long-term commitment to the Whitewater community.
HEXPOL currently employs approximately 40 people at its Whitewater location and is actively hiring for six positions. The facility operates two daily production shifts, along with a third shift dedicated to maintenance, and is a UFCW union facility. Most employees live in Whitewater or the surrounding area, reinforcing the company’s strong local roots. “BRE visits are an important way for the City to stay connected with our existing employers and understand how we can support their success,” said Mason Becker.
“HEXPOL is an international company that is a valued manufacturing employer in Whitewater, providing stable jobs and actively investing in its workforce.” Adrienne Weber emphasized the company’s focus on people and community. “Our goal is to be a preferred employer in the Whitewater area,” Weber said. “We’re proud that the majority of our employees come from the local community, and we continue to focus on creating a safe, respectful, and rewarding workplace. We are always looking for ways to further partner with the city. ”
Karin Silvius noted the importance of companies like HEXPOL to the City’s economic health. “Employers who offer quality jobs and career opportunities are critical to Whitewater’s long-term vitality,” Silvius said. “HEXPOL’s continued hiring and investment demonstrate confidence in both their workforce and the community.”
About HEXPOL
HEXPOL is a global leader in polymer compounding and engineered rubber materials, serving customers in a wide range of industries including automotive, construction, industrial, and consumer products. Headquartered in Sweden, HEXPOL operates manufacturing facilities around the world, with a strong emphasis on quality, safety, innovation, and sustainability. The Whitewater facility plays an important role in the company’s North American operations.
The City of Whitewater’s Community Development Department, in conjunction with the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce, will continue BRE visits throughout 2026, meeting with local businesses including manufacturers, financial institutions, healthcare providers, and other organizations to identify opportunities, address challenges, and support sustainable economic growth within the City of Whitewater.
Chamberlain University and SSM Health Open Enrollment for Wisconsin Aspiring Nurse Program
Partnership offers tuition support and guaranteed employment pathway as Wisconsin faces sustained nursing shortage
Chamberlain University and SSM Health are offering a new pathway to nursing careers with tuition support and guaranteed jobs, as enrollment opens January 5, 2026, for the Chamberlain Aspiring Nurse Program in partnership with SSM Health.
This partnership offers students a direct, employment-focused pathway by combining tuition support with immersive clinical experience at SSM Health facilities and the opportunity for employment upon graduation and passing the NCLEX exam. In return, students commit to joining SSM Health’s workforce.
Through the program, prospective students in Wisconsin earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree online from Chamberlain University.
Wisconsin faces a significant gap between nursing workforce needs and available education opportunities, according to the Wisconsin Hospital Association’s 2025 Health Care Workforce Report[1]. While the state’s registered nurse workforce grew 10% between 2020 and 2022, that growth couldn’t keep pace with demand. With tens of thousands of qualified applicants turned away from nursing schools nationwide each year, the Aspiring Nurse Program addresses this gap by creating accessible pathways for residents of Wisconsin and northern Illinois who live within 50 miles of an SSM Health facility. [Examples: SSM St. Mary’s Hospitals in Madison and Janesville]
Program Details: Enrollment Opens: January 5, 2026 Program: Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through Chamberlain University Benefits: Tuition support, clinical training at SSM Health facilities, pathway to RN licensure and employment at SSM Health Commitment: Students agree to join SSM Health’s nursing workforce upon completion
“This program is more than a solution to the nursing shortage—it’s a bold reimagining of how we grow and support the next generation of nurses,” said Amy Wilson, DNP, Chief Nurse Executive for SSM Health. “By investing in education and clinical experience from day one, we’re not only preparing students for success, we’re strengthening the future of patient care across our communities.”
Chamberlain University, an Adtalem Global Education (NYSE: ATGE) institution, educates, empowers, and emboldens a diverse community of healthcare professionals who seek to advance the health of people, families, communities, and nations. Chamberlain has the largest school of nursing in the U.S., with both on-campus and online degree programs. Chamberlain is comprised of the College of Nursing and the College of Health Professions, offering a variety of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs. Chamberlain University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Visit Chamberlain.edu for more information, and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About SSM Health Nationally recognized for quality and innovation, SSM Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit, fully integrated health system working to advance health equity and empower all people to achieve their full potential.
With care delivery sites in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin, SSM Health provides convenient access to high-quality community-based services as well as world-class academic medicine, clinical trials and research studies. The organization’s footprint includes hospitals, physician offices, outpatient and virtual care services, senior care, comprehensive home care and hospice services, a fully transparent pharmacy benefit company, a health insurance company and an accountable care organization. As one of the largest employers in every community it serves, the organization’s 40,000 team members and 15,000 providers are dedicated to fulfilling SSM Health’s Mission: “Through our exceptional health care services, we reveal the healing presence of God.” For more information, visit ssmhealth.com or find us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
KENOSHA, WI – Carthage College recognizes Alexander Clarksen from Whitewater for their academic achievement and being named to the Fall 2025 Dean’s List.
Dean’s List honors are accorded to Carthage students who achieve a minimum 3.5 grade-point average while carrying at least 12 letter-graded credits in a given semester.
About Carthage
Carthage College is breaking records with its largest enrollment ever. Founded in 1847, Carthage blends the best liberal arts traditions with innovative programs that shape careers, hands-on learning that fuels discovery, and faculty mentorship that drives student success – all on a stunning Lake Michigan campus in Kenosha, Wisconsin, midway between Chicago and Milwaukee.
The Senior Leadership Team behind Rainbow’s new Strategic Vision & Execution Plan: This group has spent the last 12 months working alongside InVantage Consulting to ensure Rainbow Community Care remains a steady, proactive leader in healthcare for South-Central Wisconsin. They’re moving forward with one shared roadmap and one clear mission: to serve patients and families better. Pictured from left to right in back are Carol Brown (Rainbow President & CEO), Michael Maier (Chief Financial Officer), and Mike Bernhagen (Director of Business Development). In front from left to right are Shauna Lambrecht (Nurse Practitioner), Brooke Fuchs (Director of Quality & Compliance), Michelle Smith (Director of Human Resources), Angie Zastrow (Senior Director of Hospice Services), Mindy Triebold (Director of Social Services), Kate Stauffacher (Senior of Director of Innovation), and Dr. Thom McGorey (former Rainbow Medical Director who recently retired).
Rainbow Community Care is pleased to announce the successful completion of a year-long, intensive strategic planning endeavor designed to strengthen its organizational leadership and future planning capabilities. Funded by a $30,000 Capacity Building Grant from the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation (GWCHF), the initiative has positioned Rainbow to provide more sustainable, aligned, and effective care across the community for decades to come.
The program, known as the “Visionary Community Leaders Initiative: Steering Rainbow’s Future in Community Wellness,” was focused on shifting the organization from making reactive decisions to adopting a clear, proactive strategy. Senior leadership spent the last year working with experts from InVantage Consulting to develop a new Strategic Vision & Execution Plan (SVEP)—a comprehensive, long-term roadmap guiding all operations, from care delivery to community partnerships.
For the patients and families of rural South-Central Wisconsin, this means Rainbow Community Care is now better equipped to handle the changing health care industry landscape. Key outcomes include: Clarity on Core Values: Rainbow refined its organizational values, creating a consistent cultural foundation for all staff, ensuring every interaction is aligned with the mission. Proactive Planning: The leadership team adopted a disciplined approach to goal setting, using new digital tools to track progress and hold departments accountable to the shared vision. Stronger Governance: The Board of Directors now uses a “governing dashboard,” providing them with clear, timely data for better oversight and support of the executive team.
“This grant gave us the structure and shared language we needed to operate with unity and clarity,” said Carol M. Brown, President & CEO of Rainbow Community Care. “It has empowered our leaders to lead with greater confidence and our Board to govern with sharper insight. We are moving forward with a clear, shared roadmap that ensures we can meet the growing needs of our community for years to come.”
The initiative’s success was confirmed in June 2025 with the Board of Directors’ formal approval of the new Strategic Vision & Execution Plan. Rainbow Community Care extends its sincere gratitude to the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation for its vital investment in the organization’s strategic planning capability. This framework will have a lasting impact on Rainbow’s ability to serve local patients and families live well throughout aging, illness, and loss.
ABOUT RAINBOW COMMUNITY CARE Founded by volunteers in 1990, Rainbow Community Care is a local, independent, and non-profit provider of services that supports patients and families throughout the entire journey with aging and serious illness. Highly regarded for excellence in hospice care, palliative care, advance care planning, grief support, parish nursing, and volunteer programs, we care for people living in their homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes in rural South-Central Wisconsin as well as the Rainbow Hospice Care Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from Rainbow Community Care.
On Saturday, January 10, some of Whitewater High School’s HOSA-Future Health Professionals members participated in the “live zoom” of regional competition in an event area of their choice. Several of our HOSA students competed in December in Round 1 which consisted of an online test, and then on Saturday some of the events had a Round 2 that was required. Later on in January we will find out if any of our students advanced to the State HOSA competition that will be held in Wisconsin Dells in April. Good luck to all of our Whippet competitors.
Alexis Wildenberg and Charlotte HajewskiMaddie Taylor and Mady StevensAlondra Verduzco
Competing on Saturday were Alexis Wildenberg and Charlotte Hajewski in CPR/First Aid; Cyrus Hudec, Mady Stevens, and Maddie Taylor in Biomedical Debate; Karlee Villegas-Korbel in Sports Medicine, and Alondra Verduzco in Sports Medicine.
The HOSA organization is new at Whitewater High School this fall and is intended for students pursuing a career in a health profession. HOSA students are advised by Ms. Lynn Weilbrenner.
Article and Photos Submitted by Lynn Weilbrenner Whitewater High School HOSA Advisor lweilbrenner@wwusd.org
City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m. Agenda includes rezoning of all city parks to Institutional, Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council Childcare Ordinance, Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council the creation of a Razing Buildings Ordinance, Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council regarding creation of a permit expiration ordinance, Discussion and possible recommendation to Common Council regarding increasing number of wall signs permitted on a business. Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St. *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/22371977662228?p=BW6FGKLsfJMvgKRJnw Dial in by phone +1 929-229-5663,,159349400# Phone conference ID: 159 349 400#
Innovation Center Advisory Panel – Tuesday @ 8:30 a.m. The agenda has not been posted as of 1/11.
City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 5:15 p.m. Agenda includes public art on electric boxes Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd Floor 312 W. Whitewater St. *In Person and Virtual Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23709701252747?p=Qu1V1zSretC3jVdM2R Telephone: +1 929-229-5663 US Webinar ID: 237 097 012 527 47 Passcode: oM6CS3vz Phone conference ID: 761 487 627
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m. Agenda includes Pre-3 TIF Request: Review and Discussion [open session, followed by closed session, followed by another open session]; Community Engagement Center discussion in closed session, followed by open session. 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: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83198282604?pwd=cDdLWjUvTTRqRUQ4UVcwQWcrcW1BUT09 Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 Webinar ID: 831 9828 2604 Passcode: 137945
The Dodge County Sheriff’s Office on Friday identified a man who died Thursday morning, January 8 after a crash with a semi-truck east of Beaver Dam. Justin Dean, 33, of Whitewater was pronounced dead at the scene of a crash along County Highway A near Prospect Road in the Town of Burnett.
According to the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, Dean was reportedly driving erratically along County Highway A when he hit a semi, head-on. The driver of the semi, a 38-year-old Burnett man, was not hurt. The crash remains under investigation.
As part of its ongoing Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) program, the City of Whitewater Community Development Department recently met with leadership from PremierBank – Whitewater to discuss collaboration opportunities and better understand how the bank is serving local residents and businesses.
Mason Becker, Community Development Director, and Karin Silvius of the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce met with Melissa Overdahl, Branch Manager, and Joel Kohl, Vice President & Loan Officer, at PremierBank’s Whitewater branch. The discussion focused on PremierBank’s range of personal and commercial banking services, lending products available to the community, and ways the City and PremierBank could partner more closely in the future.
PremierBank shared its strong commitment to Whitewater and noted that the Whitewater branch currently employs seven staff members, including bilingual team members who help serve the Latino community. The bank offers personal banking services for both residential and commercial customers and maintains dedicated lending funds to support local needs. “We have the resources to meet the full range of financial needs for residents in the Whitewater area, from everyday deposit products like checking and savings accounts, to competitive loan options for small businesses, consumers, and homebuyers. What truly sets us apart though is that we are a community bank, with local ownership, where all decisions are made locally, allowing us to respond quickly, and tailor solutions to our customers’ needs. We pay local taxes and reinvest in the Whitewater area through philanthropy, including donations to local nonprofit organizations,” said Kohl.
During the visit, PremierBank expressed interest in exploring partnerships that could help address housing affordability and homeownership opportunities, particularly for first-time homeowners. Workforce topics were also discussed, with the bank indicating that its current staffing needs are being met and that it frequently employs UW –Whitewater students. The PremierBank team also shared interest in expanding internship opportunities for high school students and highlighted its ability to provide advancement opportunities, which has contributed to strong employee retention. “The BRE program is about listening first and building long-term relationships,” said Becker. “PremierBank is clearly invested in Whitewater’s future, and conversations like this help identify ways we can align local resources, housing initiatives, and business support tools to strengthen the community.”
The City of Whitewater’s Community Development Department will continue BRE visits throughout 2026, meeting with local businesses including manufacturers, financial institutions, and other organizations to identify opportunities, address challenges, and support sustainable economic growth within the City of Whitewater.
