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Today is Saturday, October 10, 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
Sally A. Schutte, age 73, of Whitewater, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 21, 2026, while at Hearthstone Memory Care in Whitewater. Sally was born on November 6, 1952, to Roy and Elsie (Rohloff) Haas. Sally married William Schutte in the spring of 2003. Sally grew up on the family farm in the Town of Hebron and graduated from Jefferson High School. She dedicated nearly her entire career to Fort HealthCare, where her hard work and versatility shone through various roles. Over the years, she served in housekeeping and medical records, Center for Dermatology. Sally … Read more
Zachariah “Zach” Schoenke, 41, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. He was born April 4, 1985, to Keith W. Schoenke and Kathleen Schoenke in Fort Atkinson, WI. He grew up and graduated from Whitewater High School in 2003. Zach worked various jobs over the years but was currently working at Cracker Barrel in Janesville. He was a big Packers Fan and liked to play fantasy football. He enjoyed reading, cooking, and watching horror shows. Zach fiercely loved his son, Lincoln, his sisters, Cami and Cary, his mom and stepdad, and his aunt Robin. He will be dearly … Read more
Carla Winn, 82, died September 5, 2026. Funeral Service will be at 12:00 PM, Saturday, September 12, 2026, at East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218, followed by a burial at 2:00 PM at White Chapel Memorial Garden 1806 N Oliver Ave. Carla is preceded in death by her parents, Vivian Dwight and Wilma Lois Krehbiel; and sister, Jennifer Krehbiel. She is survived by husband, Stephen; daughter, Ashley (Clint) Gagel, of Overland Park; siblings, Paul (Kay) Krehbiel, of Socorro, NM, Lynn (Bill) Oetting, of Wichita, Ellen (John) Querner, of Wichita, Teresa Woodson, of Lawrence, KS, … Read more
Susan Miller Celebration of Life There will be a gathering of friends and acquaintances at Susan’s Farm Store to celebrate Susan’s life on Saturday, September 19th from 2-5 p.m. at N6623 Lake Lorraine Rd., Delavan, Wisconsin
Our loving mother, JoAnn E Harrop, age 95, passed away on September 11, 2026. Our sorrow is deep, but we are filled with gratitude for the many years we had with her. Even as her mind was failing, she remained strong and appreciative of all who cared for her. JoAnn was born on January 13, 1931, daughter to Fred Braun and Evelyn Braun {Storck). She was raised in Whitewater, Wisconsin by her grandparents, Otto and Edith Storck. She attended Whitewater High School and helped at the Storck tavern where she met her husband Earl C. Harrop. They married on November … Read more
Russell O. Johnson “Russ,” 88, passed away on September 4, 2026 in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Russell was born on July 12, 1938, in Janesville, Wisconsin. Russ grew up in Janesville, and after high school he joined the Air Force on May 1, 1958, serving as an aircraft mechanic until June 12, 1962. He then worked at Parker Pen in Janesville for a time, where he met his future wife, Avis. After marrying Avis Mason in April 1964, Russ worked for Gillman Manufacturing for a time, then began a career at Dana until its closing in 1980. In 1981, Russ started working … Read more
Marcia Zingg, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, businesswoman, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, at the age of 75. Marcia will be remembered for her unwavering love, remarkable strength, generous spirit, and lifelong devotion to her family. She shared 40 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Jeffrey Zingg, who considered her not only his wife but also his best friend, business partner, and the love of his life. Together, Marcia and Jeffrey built a successful life rooted in perseverance, hard work, laughter, and love. As entrepreneurs in Whitewater, Wisconsin, they owned and managed new car franchises and … Read more
Amanda Jean Hunter was born to Ralph and Malinda (Thomas) Hunter of Whitewater, Wisconsin, on October 6, 1976. She passed away on August 4, in Fort Worth, Texas, where she lived with her family. Amanda passed peacefully in the hospital, surrounded by her loved ones. Amanda was a kind-hearted free spirit with an unmistakable hippie warmth. Generosity, spontaneity, a quick wit, a macabre sense of humor, and an open heart were traits that she embraced. She was a tireless champion of those in need, an innate characteristic that became among the best of her qualities. She proved to be a … Read more
Ellen Eichmiller, 82, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Ellen was born on September 10, 1943, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to Chester “Guy” and Irene (née Holmen) Steig. She married the love of her life, Paul Eichmiller, on December 7, 1963, and together they made their home in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Ellen spent much of her working life as a secretary at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she formed many lasting friendships and memories. Ellen cherished her family and friends and treasured the time she spent with those closest to her. She was known for her love of … Read more
Janet Quinn, age 71, of Jefferson passed away on Thursday, August 20th. Janet was born on December 22nd, 1954 in St. Joseph, MI to Robert Mounsey and Edith Christison Mounsey. She was a granddaughter to Herbert Bragg Mounsey, Charlotte Mounsey, and Ester Christison West. She married Michael Durden in 1979 and later married Eury Quinn Jr. (J.R.) in 1988. Janet grew up in Benton Harbor, MI, and subsequently lived in New York and Arkansas before moving to Wisconsin in 2016. She was a dedicated caregiver to her disabled Mother, and worked as a custodian for various employers over the years. … Read more
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