News

The City of Whitewater Community Development Department recently conducted a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) visit with Fort HealthCare, focusing on its Whitewater Clinic located at 1461 W. Main Street. Economic Development Director Mason Becker and Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Karin Silvius met with Jim Nelson, Chief Financial Officer, and Tiffany Pernat, LPN, for a discussion centered on local health services, workforce needs, community partnerships, and upcoming opportunities. The Fort HealthCare Whitewater Clinic, which provides basic clinical care, women’s health, rehabilitative care, and hosts the Rock River Community Clinic, emphasized its long-standing commitment to the Whitewater community. The Whitewater Clinic continues to play a vital role in providing accessible healthcare for local residents and university students.

The Fort HealthCare Whitewater Clinic operates in a leased 18,000-square-foot space, with Rock River Community Clinic occupying one-third of the building. During the visit, Fort HealthCare leadership praised previous communitywide health collaborations and expressed strong interest in renewing local partnerships aimed at improving long-term health outcomes. Nelson noted Fort HealthCare’s appreciation for the previous “W3 – Whitewater Working for Wellness” initiative and voiced support for similar cross-sector efforts involving the City of Whitewater, UW-Whitewater, and local employers. “We are always grateful for local businesses and institutions that want to be active partners in the health and well-being of the community,” said Mason Becker, the City of Whitewater’s Economic Development Director. “Fort HealthCare plays a critical role in our region, and our BRE visit reaffirmed their commitment to accessible, community-focused care.”

Like many healthcare providers across Wisconsin, Fort HealthCare continues to face workforce challenges—particularly in specialized areas such as obstetrics and pediatrics—and currently has approximately 50 full-time equivalent openings across its system. Despite these challenges, Fort HealthCare leadership reported improvement in contracted staffing and continues to draw employees from Jefferson, Walworth, and Rock Counties. The team also discussed broader healthcare system realities, including reimbursement rates and the number of patients without insurance—an important factor for regional healthcare providers. Fort HealthCare noted that about 60% of patients at its patients lack insurance, underscoring the need for continued statewide efforts supporting access to care.

“These visits allow us to hear directly from healthcare leaders about their needs and opportunities,” said Karin Silvius, Executive Director of the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce. “Strengthening relationships with providers like Fort HealthCare helps us plan for a healthier, more connected community.”

The City of Whitewater’s BRE program focuses on maintaining strong relationships with local employers, identifying opportunities for partnership, and supporting long-term economic and community vitality.

“We appreciate Fort HealthCare’s honest dialogue and their strong commitment to Whitewater,” Becker added. “Our department will continue working with local businesses to promote sustainable growth and ensure Whitewater remains a supportive environment for employers and residents alike.”

For more information on the City of Whitewater’s Business Retention & Expansion Program, interested businesses can contact Mason Becker at: mbecker@whitewater-wi.gov.

There is still time to enter the Whitewater Parks and Recreation 2025 Chili Cook Off! Deadline to register is Thursday, December 11th. You can either fill out the form and send it to JJackson@whitewater-wi.gov, drop it off in person, or follow the QR code on the form to register online. If you have any questions please call 262-473-0535.

The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office indicates that after rain in the morning on Thursday, a period of brief but intense snowfall and gusty winds is anticipated during the afternoon commute along an arctic front. They indicates that “Snow squall warnings may be needed. The front will cross southern Wisconsin from 2 PM through 7 PM… A snow squall can bring sudden white-out conditions and light snow accumulation on roads. Temperatures will quickly drop below freezing behind the front. Any puddles or slush and snow on roads will quickly turn to ice. 

Keep Fire Hydrants Clear of Snow for Community Safety

Clearing Snow from Fire Hydrants can Save Lives…
A clearly visible and accessible fire hydrant can save your home—or even your life. When hydrants are buried in snow, firefighters may lose valuable time locating and accessing them during an emergency.

Residents are encouraged to assist in keeping hydrants clear throughout the winter season. Your efforts help protect your household, your neighbors, and the entire community.

Please follow these guidelines:

• Know the location of the nearest fire hydrants.
• Ensure hydrants are shoveled out after every snowfall.
• Clear at least 3 feet of snow around each hydrant to provide firefighters with enough room to work safely and efficiently. Taking a few minutes to remove snow from around a hydrant near your home can save precious minutes during a fire emergency. The City of Whitewater thanks all community members who help keep fire hydrants
  accessible.

Rainbow Community Care, a trusted independent healthcare provider serving Jefferson, Dodge, and surrounding counties, is excited to announce that its commemorative 35th Anniversary Cookbook, Nourishing Body & Soul is officially available for purchase.

This long-awaited, community-sourced cookbook, which features over 300 recipes, is a
beautiful, heartfelt keepsake filled with the best-kept family secrets and cherished
stories from the very people who built Rainbow: volunteers, local families, dedicated
healthcare workers, and community supporters. All have been part of Rainbow’s 35-
year journey of providing compassionate care to rural South Central Wisconsin. Every
page is a testament to the power of neighbors caring for neighbors.

“This is more than just a cookbook,” said Dana Traynere, Rainbow Community Care
Clinical Liaison. “Every recipe tells a story of connection and community, celebrating the
true spirit of local, independent healthcare. Proceeds directly support our ability to
provide compassionate care to patients and families across Jefferson, Dodge, and
surrounding counties.”

Support a Great Cause and Secure Your Copy Today:
The cookbook is the ideal holiday gift and a wonderful way to support the Rainbow
Hospice Foundation.
Physical Cookbook – $25
Early Bird Special – $20 (Limited Time Offer!)
Digital E-book (Amazon) – $9.99
Important Delivery Note: To ensure you have it in time for holiday gifting, order now!
Physical books are scheduled to be printed and shipped for Mid-December delivery.
How to Secure Your Copy:
Copies are now available for immediate order through multiple convenient options:

 Online: Visit https://rainbowcommunitycare.org/Foundation to secure your copy
today.
 By Phone: Call (920) 674-6255 to order a hard copy.
 In-Person: Visit us at our Jefferson or Inpatient Center offices or the Rainbow
Thrift Shoppe in Fort Atkinson.

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.

This is the link to the ordinances.

On Dec. 4-5, UW-Whitewater will host the December Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents Meeting. Some of the committee meetings and full board meetings are open to the public.

The agenda for the meetings may be viewed here.

Parking permits are required and may be purchased on the app or at the Visitor’s Center on Starin Road.

If you plan to visit the University Center on these days, please note that some sections of the building will require a security screening before entering.

The Whitewater Public Library has completed their 13-month Building Expansion and Renovation Project and will fully reopen the library building to the public on Monday, December 8.

Whitewater City Manager John Weidl states: “The Whitewater Public Library expansion is one of the best examples of what this community can do together. Residents and donors stepped up with $3 million in private support, and the city was proud to match that commitment with a $3 million investment. The result is a $6 million project that modernizes a key public facility and expands learning, gathering, and opportunity for every age group in Whitewater. Our support does not stop at the building. The city recently funded new public use laptops and will invest in additional makerspace equipment in 2026, including upgraded 3D printing and scanning, audio and podcasting tools, and other hands-on learning technology. Thank you to everyone in the community who made this possible, and on behalf of the elected officials and staff, we wish the Whitewater Public Library continued success for years to come.”

The expansion adds an additional 4,400 square feet to the library. The new spaces include three additional study rooms, two of which are equipped with HDMI TVs, an expanded Makerspace, a new Teen Area, an expanded Children’s Area, Meeting Rooms equipped with upgraded AV, a full kitchen, and a hearing loop, and new furniture throughout the building. Meeting and study rooms are reservable online, by phone or email, or in person.

Library Board president Jennifer Motszko states: “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our incredible library staff, Studio GC, and Miron for their dedication and partnership throughout this project. We are deeply grateful to the many community members who contributed their time, energy, and money to bring this vision to life. The beautifully reimagined Whitewater Public Library now offers a welcoming community gathering space that truly reflects the spirit of Whitewater.”

A grand opening event is planned for Friday, February 6 at 5:30-7:30 p.m. Library Director Diane Jaroch states, “We are very excited to welcome the community back to the library, and we can’t wait to showcase our beautiful building at the Grand Opening. We are so grateful to everyone who made this vision a reality.”

To best utilize the new library spaces, library staff has planned a full calendar of events, details of which can be found on the library’s website at whitewaterlibrary.org/events. Children’s programs, technology classes, chess club, family game night, teen events, an Itty Bitty Art Show, and a Winter Reading Challenge for all ages are just a few of the offerings coming up this winter. All library programs are always free and open to the public.

The Whitewater Public Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. For more information, visit whitewaterlibrary.org, email library@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0530.

Snow Placement Prohibited on Public Streets and Alleys

In accordance with City Ordinance 12.08.015 – Snow
Residents are not permitted to deposit snow or ice on any public street, alley, gutter, sidewalk, or other public ground within the city limits.
Section 12.08.015 includes the following provisions:
(a) No person shall plow, shovel, blow, push, or otherwise place snow or ice in any street, alley, gutter, sidewalk, or public ground within the City.
(b) Any person who violates this ordinance is subject to:

• A fine of not less than $75 and not more than $150, plus the costs of prosecution.
• Additional charges if the city must remove the snow or ice. Removal costs will be billed to the property owner at the Street Department’s going rate for time, materials, and equipment.
• If the City contracts removal services, the exact contracted cost will be billed back to the property owner.
• Unpaid charges may be applied as a special tax and lien against the property and added to the next tax roll or collected through legal action.
  
  Important Reminders:
• Do NOT place snow in the roadway. It is dangerous, illegal, and obstructs snowplow operations.
• Snow from driveways and sidewalks should be placed on your own lawn or private property—not in any public right-of-way.
• City crews do not clear snow from the ends of private driveways, even if it was deposited there by plows.
• Please consider assisting neighbors who are unable to clear their sidewalks, walkways, or driveways.
• Remind children playing outside to remain alert for snowplows and emergency vehicles.
  Your cooperation helps keep our community safe and ensures efficient winter maintenance operations.