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Santa is making his annual visit to First Citizens State Bank in downtown Whitewater! 

Stop by before the Whitewater Parade of Lights to take your picture and share some treats and refreshments with the jolly ol’ man himself. He’ll be in our lobby at the main office on Friday, December 5th from 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm (Parade starts at 6 pm).

Plus – Write a letter to Santa and be entered into a random drawing for Culver’s Gift Cards. You can pick up a blank copy at the bank ahead of time or we’ll have some on hand.

We’ll also be accepting non-perishable food items for the Whitewater Food Pantry.

Ho-Ho-Ho Happy Holidays!

Alyx Karges-Kiernan graduates from Marquette University

This past summer, Alyx Karges-Kiernan of Whitewater, WI, graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Karges-Kiernan earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in Dentistry.

Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university that draws over 7,600 undergraduate and 3,600 graduate and professional students from nearly all states and more than 60 countries. In addition to its nationally recognized academic programs, Marquette is known for its service learning programs and internships as students are challenged to use what they learn to make a difference in the world. Find out more about Marquette at marquette.edu.

First Citizens State Bank will be holding their annual Free Community Shred Day in conjunction with Customer Appreciation Day. This year’s theme is “Pumpkins, Perks, and People We Appreciate.” Community members are invited to bring old papers and sensitive documents to First Citizens State Bank’s Whitewater main office at 207 W Main Street for secure disposal on Friday, October 17th from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Papers should be free of plastic or metal objects and in containers that can be easily lifted. Staff members will be available to assist with the drive thru used for easy access. Then, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, all are invited to stop inside the bank to enjoy a delicious lunch, popcorn and treats. There will also be games and giveaways as well as the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win fun raffle baskets. Proceeds will be donated to The Bethel House. This event is free and open to the community. Check out www.firstcitizensww.com for more information.

Jean Linos, Licensed Insurance Broker, will be holding a meeting at Seniors in the Park on Thursday October 9th @ 2pm to review the upcoming plan & benefit changes for the Medicare Advantage & Prescription Drug plans for 2026. 

Have you received your 2026 Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter and you do not understand it?  Or are you unhappy with what it is telling you?  Come attend a meeting with local Medicare broker Jean Linos with ePlatinumHealth to get your questions answered.  She will explain the upcoming changes in the Medicare marketplace related to Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription drug plans.  She will be reviewing high level plan & benefit changes with the following companies plans for 2026:  Aetna, Anthem, Dean Health, Humana, Quartz, UnitedHealthcare and Wellcare.  Bring your ANOC letter and your questions to this important meeting with your local Whitewater Medicare broker to get some clarity of the changes coming in 2026.

At a time when digital threats are escalating and data breaches dominate headlines, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s School of Continuing Education is offering a new, fully online Cybersecurity Certificate designed to empower professionals with the knowledge and skills to protect critical information.  This flexible, self-paced certificate is made up of eight in-demand courses, including Communication and Network Security, Security Architecture and Engineering and Security Operations. Learners can start anytime and access coursework on their own schedule from their computer or mobile device.  Cybersecurity, also known as information security, plays a vital role in safeguarding personal data, intellectual property, and corporate systems. With cyberattacks growing more sophisticated and frequent, organizations across all industries are investing heavily in security infrastructure and skilled professionals to manage it. Our Cybersecurity Certificate is just one of the many career-building learning opportunities at UWM’s School of Continuing Education. To learn more about Cybersecurity or our other programs, go to https://uwm.edu/sce/program_area/career-building/.   In addition to the Cybersecurity Certificate, UWM offers an extensive Data Analysis program with new courses in the areas of Blockchain Technology, Data Analytics and Visualization with Excel, reflecting the school’s commitment to equipping learners with future-ready skills. More information can be found at https://uwm.edu/sce/program_area/data-analysis/ or by emailing sce-data@uwm.edu.  About UWM’s School of Continuing Education    The UWM School of Continuing Education is the largest provider of professional development in southeastern Wisconsin, delivering over 1,000 programs to more than 15,000 participants each year. As part of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, which is recognized as one of the nation’s top research universities, Continuing Education offers individual courses, certificate programs, onsite training, events and conferences, as well as personal enrichment learning opportunities for all ages. Our conference center, complete with classrooms, computer labs and livestream capabilities, is located in downtown Milwaukee.  Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Milwaukee.

FREE Concert in the Park TOMORROW – Don’t Miss It!

Grab your lawn chairs, blankets, and your favorite people – because The Palmyra Eagle Community Band is playing LIVE and FREE at Cravath Lakefront Park on Tuesday, August 12th at 6 pm. This is a local favorite you don’t want to miss!!!

[From the band’s website] “The Palmyra-Eagle Community Band brings programs that feature a real slice of home town band music. Music to put a Smile on Your Face and the Tap in Your Toe. Our band numbers over 40 dedicated musicians that perform year round, from our first concert on Fat Tuesday through our Christmas concert the first Sunday in December. Our performances include selections from the mid-nineteenth century to present day. They include Sousa, Civil War, light classical, opera, 40s, polkas, marches, Dixieland, Broadway, show music and much more. We take pride in developing themed concerts based on a historical event, such as World War II, the Civil War or a period of music such as Sousa, the 40s and American Pops.”

We are super excited to be back on Tuesday nights for the Concerts in the Park Series. Our partnership with the City Market is truly unique and we are looking forward to Summer 2025!!

FREE Concerts will start at 6 pm! City Market 4-7 pm. ALL at Cravath Lakefront Park.

There is a limited amount of seating on benches next to the parking lot. Bring a chair or blanket, and, if you wish, bring supper or pick it up from the City Market vendors.

Be sure to watch our Facebook Page for any weather impact updates.

Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Van Dyne Fire Department Safety Officer, Firefighter, and Emergency Medical Responder Amie Sue Lee

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff across the state from sunrise until sunset on Thurs., July 24, 2025, in honor of Van Dyne Fire Department Safety Officer, Firefighter, and Emergency Medical Responder Amie Sue Lee, who passed away due to injury complications sustained in the line of duty earlier this month. “On behalf of the state of Wisconsin, Kathy and I share our deepest condolences with Amie’s husband, Mark, as well as the many loved ones, friends, colleagues, including those at the Van Dyne Fire Department, and all those who knew and loved Amie during this difficult time,” said Gov. Evers. “Amie dedicated her life to public safety and serving others, and her passing leaves behind a void in the lives and hearts of all who had the privilege of working, laughing, and serving alongside her.” Amie Sue Lee proudly served the Van Dyne Fire Department for 14 years. First joining as a firefighter and emergency medical responder in 2011, Amie was quickly promoted as the Van Dyne Fire Department’s safety officer. Responding to many emergencies throughout her career, Amie was dedicated to public service and helping others in their time of need. Outside of her service with the Van Dyne Fire Department, Amie also volunteered in her community and served on the EAA Medical Team for 11 years, as well as the Lifefest Medical Team for 10 years. Services for Amie Sue Lee will be held on Thurs., July 24, 2025, in Oshkosh.

Edgerton Hospital President & CEO Named Rhodes State College 2025 Outstanding Alumni

LIMA, Ohio – Since 1988, each year Rhodes State College has recognized one alumnus who has been exemplary in their career, service to community, and to the College with the Outstanding Alumni Award. To date, the College has honored 37 graduates, representing 19 of the College’s degrees including health sciences, technology, engineering and human service.

The 2025 Rhodes State College Outstanding Alumni Award recipient was Marc Augsburger, a 1988 graduate of the former Lima Technical College, now Rhodes State College, with a degree in Nursing. Marc has dedicated over 36 years to advancing rural healthcare. Marc furthered his education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wright State University in 2002, an MBA with a Healthcare emphasis from Baker College of Graduate Studies in 2006, a Customer Experience Post Graduate Certificate from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in 2021, and most recently, a Rural Hospital CEO Certification from the National Rural Hospital Association in 2024.

Born and raised in Bluffton, Ohio, Marc began his healthcare journey immediately after high school as a clinical nurse, gaining experience in cardiac stepdown units, special care units, emergency departments, and as a helicopter flight nurse for eight years. He transitioned into nursing management, where he successfully led emergency departments of varying sizes in both Ohio and Michigan.

Marc’s pursuit of excellence led him to executive leadership roles, beginning as Vice President of Operations at Caro Community Hospital (CCH) in Michigan. In 2009, he accepted the position of President and CEO at Horn Memorial Hospital in Iowa.  Marc returned to Caro Community Hospital as President and CEO in 2013 and guided the hospital’s acquisition by McLaren Healthcare in 2018.     

Since March 2021, Marc has led Edgerton Hospital and Health Services. Under his guidance, EHHS has seen remarkable growth, highlighted by a $3.8 million Governor’s Healthcare Infrastructure grant in 2022 and expansion into Mental and Behavioral Health Services and Orthopedics.

Marc’s leadership extends beyond hospital walls. An active Rotarian, he has served as president in Iowa and Michigan, president-elect in Wisconsin, and held district leadership roles. He maintains strong ties with hospital associations, currently serving on the Wisconsin Hospital Association’s Information Center Board and Public Policy Council and previously representing hospitals on the American Hospital Association’s Region 5 Policy Board.

Reflecting on his career, Marc credits Lima Technical College as the cornerstone of his professional journey, stating, “The decision to complete the nursing program at Lima Technical College was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It truly set my healthcare work career in stone, providing great faculty, valuable clinical experiences, and opening doors to opportunities I could have only dreamed of.”

Augsburger was honored at the 2025 Rhodes State College Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 3, 2025, and gave remarks to the 2025 Spring graduating class.

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Edgerton Hospital is a Critical Access Hospital.  It merited a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital Best Practices in Patient Satisfaction designation, in 2024 and 2025, from the National Rural Health Association (NRHA).  The hospital serves the communities of Edgerton, Milton, Whitewater, and surrounding communities.  Founded in 1923, the facility offers inpatient, outpatient, surgical, diagnostic, emergency, orthopedics, pain management, swing bed, and rehabilitation services.  For additional information about Edgerton Hospital, please visit www.edgertonhospital.com

Fort Community Credit Union [FCCU] is thrilled to announce the 3rd annual Common Cents Kids Camp, set to take place on Tuesday, July 22 from 1:00-5:00 pm at FCCU’s Home Mortgage Store, 732 Madison Ave, Fort Atkinson.

This engaging camp aims to empower children grades 2-5 with financial skills. Participants will learn the basics of money management, budgeting, and saving in a fun, interactive environment. The camp will be taught by FCCU’s Certified Financial Coaches using hands-on activities, games, and unique experiences to reinforce what is learned.

“We believe that financial education is crucial for the next generation. Our Common Cents Camp is designed to make learning about money fun and accessible, ensuring that children develop a positive relationship with finances from an early age “said Whitney Townsend, Director of Business and Community Development at FCCU.

The camp is free and open to all kids in grades 2-5. Registration can be completed online by visiting
https://link.fortcommunity.com/KidsCampInfo2025. Space is limited, register today to invest in your child’s financial wellness!

Join us for an unforgettable day of fun at FCCU’s Common Cents Kids Camp, where every child can discover the joy of saving!

The spring semester Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls has been released by Registrar Kelly Browning. It honors 1,491 students.

To be named to the Dean’s List, a full-time undergraduate must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a scale of 4.0, or midway between an “A” and “B” average. Area students are listed below by name, hometown and major.

About UW-River Falls:

Founded in 1874, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls is a regional public university dedicated to student-centered learning and academic excellence. With more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs, UWRF is committed to preparing students for success and service in a global society. Learn more at uwrf.edu. 

Whitewater, WI

 Emma Olson, Horticulture
 Gwen Truesdale, Agricultural Engineering