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Today is Wednesday, May 13, 2026
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The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater at Rock County is partnering with Mercyhealth to expand access to healthcare education and serve a key need in Wisconsin and stateline communities for nurses, technicians, and other healthcare professionals.
The newly named Mercyhealth Medical Sciences Hub includes the Rock County campus’s state-of-the-art nursing simulation center and skills labs supporting learning in maternity education, pediatrics, and geriatrics. The space, which opened in 2024, is a result of a collaboration between the Rock County campus and Edgewood University, which provided the technology — including the mannequins used in the simulation labs. Mercyhealth’s half a million dollar gift ensures the upkeep and regular enhancement of the spaces.
“UW-Whitewater is committed to addressing the needs of the region,” said Chancellor Corey King. “Together, with Mercyhealth, we’re making an investment in today and the future — ensuring our healthcare workforce is well-educated, robust and adaptable. The Mercyhealth Medical Sciences Hub on the Rock County campus offers hands-on engagement and learning opportunities. It provides our students with valuable real-world experiences desired by employers.”
“Mercyhealth is proud to grow our partnership with UW-Whitewater at Rock County and Edgewood University. Creating opportunities for nursing students within our community is about more than education — it’s about building the future of healthcare. We’re excited to train and empower the nurses who will care for generations to come,” said Kara Sankey, vice president of operations at Mercyhealth.
The latest agreement expands the healthcare education partnership between UW-Whitewater at Rock County and Mercyhealth, which includes facilities investments and academic collaborations.
The university recently announced a Bachelor of Science in medical sciences degree with emphases in radiology and sonography. Students in the program will spend their final two years working with Mercyhealth for hands-on learning in their field.
URock is also part of a collaborative nursing program with Edgewood University. Students take two years of classes on the Rock County campus and are able to finish out their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree on site without having to leave the area.
“The opportunities afforded to students through the Mercyhealth Medical Sciences Hub help keep our workforce talent local, which is so important to the health of our community,” said Tricia Clasen, assistant vice chancellor of the UW-Whitewater at Rock County and dean of the College of Integrated Studies. “Our students already have such a positive impact in Janesville and throughout Rock County, and this partnership with Mercyhealth ensures the long-term investment into this program and into the education of future healthcare professionals.”
Per the agreement, Mercyhealth will continue to be embedded into URock’s medical sciences programs, including in workforce development, microcredential opportunities, and other future collaborations.
Mercyhealth’s gift will also be recognized as a lead gift of UW-Whitewater’s Our Stories. Our Future. campaign, which formally launched over the summer. The university is more than halfway to its goal of raising $50 million for the current and future welfare of the university.
A recipient of the Universities of Wisconsin Regents Business Partnership Award in 2023, Mercyhealth has been a collaborative partner of UW-Whitewater for more than 20 years. It is the exclusive healthcare provider for Warhawk Athletics, a perennial national contender that consistently ranks among the top 20 NCAA Division III athletic programs.
Mercyhealth will be celebrated as a university partner October 17 as part of the UW-Whitewater football game against UW-Stout at Perkins Stadium.
Whitewater, WI – Nate Parrish, President of First Citizens State Bank, is pleased to announce that David Barnett has joined the Bank as Vice President – Commercial & Mortgage Loan Officer at the Whitewater Main Office, located at 207 W Main Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin.
David has over 37 years of experience in banking, beginning with an entry level role and building up to Commercial Lending. He is a graduate of the Southeastern Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Arts as well as the University of Colorado with a Graduate Banking Degree. David has called Southeast Wisconsin his home for more than 17 years.
In making the announcement, Nate Parrish said, “We are thrilled to welcome David to our lending team. With his extensive background in both community and larger banking institutions, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. His expertise and commitment to customer service make him a strong addition to our bank and the communities we serve.”
David enjoys spending time outdoors, golfing, hiking, biking and fly fishing. He is the past President of the Lake Geneva West Chamber of Commerce and is a housing commissioner with the Walworth County Housing Authority.
David commented, “I’m proud to be part of a community-minded bank valuing personalized service. From the main office to the surrounding South-Eastern Wisconsin communities, I’m eager to put my experience to work providing lending solutions that truly make a difference for families and businesses.”
First Citizens State Bank, locally owned and operated since 1863, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work, and do business. We are proud of the partnerships we have established with organizations, businesses and individuals in Southeastern Wisconsin. First Citizens State Bank has Full-service offices in Whitewater, East Troy and Palmyra. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) is thrilled to announce a new fundraising event, serving as its primary operational fundraiser.
The 1st Annual Celebration of Hope will take place on Wednesday, October 15th from 4:30-6:30pm at the Country Inn & Suites in Fort Atkinson (1650 Doris Drive). The two-hour cocktail event will feature networking, education, a raffle, and a short program at 5:45pm. The program will highlight RRCC’s high-quality and affordable patient care, share patient stories, and focus on the critical impact RRCC has on the overall health and wellbeing of our communities.
“We are so excited to launch this new event in support of our mission to provide quality, comprehensive health care to all,” states Dr. Olivia Nichols, RRCC CEO/Executive Director. “We hope members across our communities will join us for a beautiful night of inspiring optimism, honoring progress, and providing hope for a healthy future.”
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased until 11:59pm on Tuesday, October 14th. Individual tickets are $100 and include heavy appetizers and one beverage. Full table purchases (10 tickets) are also available for $850 and include appetizers and the one beverage for each individual at the table. Tickets can be purchased through RRCC’s website at: https://secure.givelively.org/event/rock-river-community-clinic-inc/2025-rrcc-celebration-of-hope
“We are hopeful to maximize the event space and have up to 150 community members join us for this celebration and to support the health care services for all those who depend on us, “ Dr. Nichols adds. “We are deeply grateful for the support already shown for the event, and look forward to engaging more individuals, organizations and businesses in our efforts.”
The event is being supported through generous sponsorships for local businesses, and additional sponsors are still being sought. FCCU is serving as the Platinum Sponsor ($5,000) and Maas Brothers, Fort Healthcare, Crave Brothers Farmstead and Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation are committed as Gold Sponsors ($2,500). Silver Sponsors ($1,000) are Rainbow Community Care, First Citizens State Bank, and Watertown Family Practice, and Katzman Family Farm, Richter Heating & Air Conditioning, Paddy Shack, Paddy Coughlin’s Pub, Cloute, Inc., Yes! Watertown, and Rock River Dental have confirmed Bronze Sponsorships ($500).
“We’d like to extend our sincere appreciation to FCCU for serving as our platinum sponsor for the Celebration of Hope,” states Nichols. “That level of generosity will help us achieve our fundraising goals with the event, along with the committed support of 14 other sponsors. We are still actively looking for additional sponsorship support before our deadline of September 26th.”
Additional details about the event, including the full sponsorship form and raffle donation form, please visit or email marketing@rockrivercommunityclinic.org.
Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) is a community health center that provides comprehensive and cost-effective health care services to ensure all community members have access to the care they need. Serving families in Jefferson, Dodge, and Walworth County, RRCC includes medical clinics located in Whitewater and Watertown, and one dental clinic located in Fort Atkinson.
At RRCC, all community members are welcome and accepted, regardless of ability to pay, with discounted prices for patients who are uninsured or underinsured (high deductible plans). RRCC also provides care coordination services to help patients overcome barriers to accessing healthcare (e.g., transportation), and helps to coordinate referrals. Bilingual staff (Spanish & English) are available to support patients and their families. By increasing access to health care services, offering care at affordable costs, and assisting with healthcare navigation, RRCC works to create a healthier, more equitable, community. For clinic hours and directions, visit www.rockrivercommunityclinic.org
The Whippet volleyball program is making great strides this season with three teams: JV2, JV1, and Varsity. Every player at each level is working hard and improving with every practice and game.
The Varsity team, in particular, has been dedicated to learning the game, as many of the players are new to this higher level of competition. They’ve committed to each other, working every day to get better. This season, they’ve had some great battles against strong teams like Stoughton, Johnson Creek, Vader., and St. Joseph’s Kenosha.
Our first conference match was on the road in Monroe. While the team’s performance wasn’t what we know they’re capable of, they showed impressive resilience by regrouping and playing tough against some very solid teams at the recent Dodgeland Invite.
Stat leaders for the season so far include:
● Blocks: Sydney Schilt- 2
● Kills: Sydney Schilt-24 (1.6 per set)
● Digs: Jasmine Kilar- 80 (5.3 per set)
● Assists: Mya Graves-Koran- 72
● Aces: Jasmine Kilar- 5
Catch us in action this Thursday at home against East Troy! We’d love to see you there to support our team!
Article and Photos Submitted by Mary Kilar
Great opportunity to get out on the beautiful and scenic Ice Age Trail located right here in our backyard! And it’s FREE! Learn more at: https://www.iceagetrail.org/mammoth-hike-challenge/
Join us for our Annual Fall Dinner Fundraiser!
Tickets are $75 each and include a 5-course dinner & wine pairings, and support to Bethel House.
Click the button or scan the QR code below to purchase your tickets online through our Donor View platform:
Or click the button below to download our Fall Dinner Ticket flyer.
Complete the requested details and mail your payment to:
Bethel House
133 S. Franklin Street
Whitewater, W 53190
The next Wright House Concert is on October 17 at 7pm. The Star Cat Lovers (Alerdale & Katy Daixon Wimer) are performing live!
A Story of a Shared Life
Through songs, poems, tunes, and anecdotes, this warm duo tells the story of their life together.
Alerdale Wimer is a musician and teacher. Katy Daixon Wimer is a poet and healing artist who sings. They’ve been secretly performing together for 22 years. Now they’re bearing their emotional insides to the world. Be prepared to swim the depths with them and allow disgustingly cute love to fill your heart holes.
Register on Eventbrite: https://starcatlovers.eventbrite.com
Edgerton Hospital’s Urgent Care in Whitewater officially opens on Monday, September 15th. The facility is ready to provide convenient, same-day care to meet Whitewater’s healthcare needs close to home. X-ray imaging services will be available starting November 1st.
The clinic is located at 757 E. Milwaukee Street, Suite C, 608-561-6740.
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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