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Today is Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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All are welcome for Trunk or Treat at First United Methodist Church, 145 S. Prairie Street, Whitewater.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by the First United Methodist Church.
The Rock County Medical Examiner’s Department indicates that the person who died following a motor vehicle crash on October 20, 2025 was Terri L. Apgar, age 56 of Whitewater. The incident took place in the 1100 block of East County Highway N in the town of Lima and was reported to authorities at approximately 7:57 a.m.
Per the press release, Mrs. Apgar was pronounced deceased at the scene. Preliminary results of the forensic examination confirmed that she died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. It is indicated that the incident remains under investigation by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office and the Rock County Medical Examiner’s Department.
A previous article concerning the crash appeared here.
Date: Monday, November 10, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Willow Brook Golf Course, N9035 Hwy 89, Whitewater, WI 53190
Whitewater Community Foundation is excited to invite the community to a special social event on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at Willow Brook Golf Course. This event will provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about who we are, what we do, and how you can get involved!
The evening will feature a short presentation at 6:00 PM, featuring our team, highlights of our recent projects and exciting updates on what’s ahead for our community.
Join us for an evening filled with inspiration, connection, and community spirit. Whether you are a long-time supporter or new to our organization, this is a wonderful chance to engage with our mission and discover ways to participate in our initiatives.
Light refreshments will be served. We encourage everyone to bring friends and family!
For more information, please contact: info@whitewatercommunityfoundation.org
We look forward to seeing you there!
Our Website: https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitewatercommunityfoundation
Editor’s note: This invitation was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.
Update: The Old Main fire took place on February 7, 1970, not 1971.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. It’s UWW Homecoming week, so here is a nice view of Old Main, probably from the 1960s. It is also a lovely fall photo. Before the 1970 Old Main fire, the UWW had one of the prettiest campus entrances in the state system.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(5092PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
The Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club is selling florist-quality, red poinsettia plants for $20. Orders are due the second week of November, and the plants will be delivered December 5 and 6.
Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club Co-President Corey Davis said, “We are delighted to be able to sell florist-quality poinsettias again this year, with the funds helping children in our community and the world as well as brightening your holidays.”
If you would like a plant, please contact any Kiwanian or contact Al Stanek at albertstanek@gmail.com
Whitewater Kiwanis is a group of dedicated volunteers who help both children of the Whitewater community and the world. Over the past several years the club raised funds to make possible the installation of the city’s first piece of inclusive playground equipment, a We-Go-Round, in Starin Park. Annual donations are also made to provide shoes and winter clothes for students, as well as support for organizations such as the Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, The Community Space, and the Whitewater Youth Soccer Club.
If you have an interest in helping youth in Whitewater, you can check out Whitewater Kiwanis on Facebook and join the Club by contacting Corey Davis at davisc@uww.edu.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.
Poinsettia Sale to Benefit Children
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Whitewater Breakfast Kiwanis Club.
DHS Reminds Wisconsinites to Take Action Against Mosquito Bites
Continued protection recommended after a horse in Wisconsin tests positive for Eastern equine encephalitis
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) encourages Wisconsinites to continue to protect themselves against mosquito bites after the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
EEE is a rare but serious disease. No human cases of EEE have been reported in the state so far this year. Since 2011, three of the seven human cases of EEE disease in Wisconsin occurred during the month of October, a time of year when many people think mosquitoes are no longer active. EEE virus spreads to humans, horses, and other animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire EEE virus by feeding on infected birds. The virus is not spread person to person, directly between animals, or between animals and humans.
Some people with EEE may develop fever, headache, chills, and vomiting. The illness may become severe resulting in encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), disorientation, seizures, coma, or death. Approximately 30% of people who develop severe EEE disease will die, and those who do survive often have long-term neurologic problems. Adults over 50 and children under 15 are at the greatest risk for developing severe EEE disease. There is no specific vaccine or treatment for EEE illness available for people.
Wisconsin residents and visitors should take steps to reduce exposure to mosquitoes when spending time outdoors. Mosquito activity and the risk of EEE, West Nile virus, and other diseases spread by mosquitoes will continue during the fall until there is a hard frost (temperatures below 28 degrees Fahrenheit for at least four straight hours). DHS offers these tips to protect against mosquito bites:
- Apply an insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 to exposed skin and clothing.
- Before heading outdoors, treat clothing with permethrin; do not apply permethrin directly to skin.
- Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning hours, when certain mosquitoes that can spread illness are most active.
- Wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Find more information on illnesses spread by mosquitoes and additional ways to Fight the Bite on the DHS website.
Edgerton Hospital Celebrates Launch of X-Ray Services and Ribbon Cutting at Whitewater Urgent Care
Edgerton Hospital and Health Services proudly celebrated the official launch of X-ray services at its Whitewater Urgent Care location on Monday, October 20. The milestone was marked with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted in partnership with the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce, welcoming community members, ambassadors, and local business leaders.
Located at 757 E. Milwaukee St., Whitewater, Urgent Care is open seven days a week [from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.] and provides accessible, walk-in care for patients with non-emergency medical needs. With the addition of on-site X-ray, the facility now offers enhanced diagnostic capabilities to help patients receive quick, comprehensive care close to home.
“We’re thrilled to officially offer X-ray services in Whitewater,” said Marc Augsburger, MBA, BSN, RHCEOC, President & CEO of Edgerton Hospital and Health Services. “Our goal is to make healthcare as convenient and accessible as possible for our surrounding communities. By adding X-ray and maintaining extended urgent care hours, we’re ensuring that patients can get the care they need without having to travel far.”
Edgerton Hospital Urgent Care treats a wide range of conditions, including sprains, minor fractures, cuts, infections, and other urgent, non-life-threatening concerns. The clinic’s walk-in model eliminates the need for appointments and supports patients with busy schedules or unexpected healthcare needs.
The launch of X-ray services marks another step in Edgerton Hospital’s ongoing commitment to expanding local healthcare access throughout southern Wisconsin.
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About Edgerton Hospital and Health Services
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.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from Edgerton Hospital and Health Services.
Authors, storytellers, and other guests are often invited to visit Whitewater’s Book Buddies program to share their unique insights on the importance of reading. This year, we have learned a lot about animal characters in stories and books. On October 6, Book Buddies welcomed Gayle Stettler who spoke about Wisconsin author Sterling North and his pet raccoon, the experience of which North formed the basis of his popular book, Rascal.
On Monday, October 13, Tammy Tomomitsu visited Book Buddies with her mini-donkey Otis and goat pal Geoffrey. The children were allowed to pet the animals while they asked a lot of questions and used their imagination to develop stories about Otis.
Book Buddies is a free, community after-school literacy program that pairs caring adult volunteers with children in grades Kindergarten through Grade 5. Volunteers read with their younger book buddies, thereby stimulating the child’s love of reading and hopefully improving reading skills. Guests who visit Book Buddies further demonstrate how enjoyable reading can be!
For more information contact Barb Penington at bookbuds1@gmail.com.
Editor’s note: This submission was provided by Barb Penington. Photos courtesy of Janie Anderson and Barb Penington.
Obituaries
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
Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more
Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!
Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, age 89, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026. Gladys was born on December 26, 1936, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Theresa Egnoski Riley. She was married to Walter Sobolik Sr., and later married James A. Hildebrandt in 1976. Gladys was a hardworking woman who spent her life caring for others. She worked in school kitchens, restaurants, factories, and cleaning services. She concluded her working career as a full-time nanny. In that role, she lovingly cared for Andrew, Daniel, and Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, who became part of her chosen family. Gladys is survived by her sons, Wally … Read more
WHITEWATER – Nan Rowley died on April 15, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on September 4, 1935, in a little house on the prairie in the Town of Johnstown, Wisconsin, the daughter of Wayne L. Wilbur and Florence (McQuillen) Wilbur. Nan attended primary schools in the towns of Johnstown and Richmond and in the City of Whitewater. Nan graduated with honors from Whitewater City High School. On June 19, 1954, Nancy and Ken Rowley were united in marriage in Whitewater and went to live on the Rowley family farm in Richmond. Over the years, Nan served … Read more
Marion H. Gorniak (nee Pfeiffer), 74, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1951, to the late Harvey and Loraine (nee Drifke) Pfeiffer in Fort Atkinson, WI. On June 2, 1969, she was united in marriage to Alan Gorniak. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and cooking, especially her rhubarb pies. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her. Those Marion leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband, Alan Gorniak; stepson, Alan Bauer; sister, Sue Ann Schultz, other relatives and friends. … Read more
Ruth Irene (Phelps) Justis, 88, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away Friday morning, April 10, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO, with her family by her side. Ruth was born June 3, 1937 in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Charles and Ada Mae (Maly) Phelps. She joined the Marine Corps in 1956. During her time there, she met and married her husband, Forest Wayne “Wayne” Justis in 1957. They shared 62 years of marriage and to this union, 2 children, Charles and Dorene, were born. Ruth grew up in Whitewater, WI., the oldest of three children. Ruth graduated from … Read more
Dorothy C. Kau, age 101, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Fort Memorial Hospital. Dorothy was born on March 18, 1925 in Eagle on the family farm, the daughter of John and Katherine (Faestel) VonRueden. Dorothy was a 1942 graduate of Palmyra High School. On May 21, 1949, Dorothy was united in marriage to Alvin E. Kau at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Eagle and the Lord blessed their union with 8 children. Alvin and Dorothy enjoyed 50 years of marriage together until Alvin’s death in the year 2000. Dorothy enjoyed being a farm … Read more
Dorothy E. McCracken, 95, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida. Born on April 14, 1930, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Carl and Joyce Meyer, Dorothy grew up in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School. She then worked for a photographer and hand painted his first colored portraits, until she got married. She and her first husband, Bernard Wafle, owned and operated a 179-acre dairy farm in Helenville, Wisconsin, for 25 years before relocating to Ocala, Florida, in 1979. Dorothy later married Earl McCracken, in Ocala, Fl. She also shared a special companionship later in life with … Read more
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