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Walworth County and United Way of Walworth County Announce Seventh Round of Funding for Local Nonprofits and Veterans Organizations
For this round of funding, Walworth County has earmarked $161,900 for the United Way to distribute to local 501(c)(3) nonprofit and 501(c)19 Veterans service agencies. Eligible agencies can request between $1,000 and $9,000. Applications are due on January 31, 2026. The goal is to issue the awards in early March. If all dollars are awarded, this will be the final round of funding.
Applications are available at https://unitedwaywalworth.org/arpa-grant. Qualifying 501(c)(3) or 501(c)19 agencies interested in applying may also contact UWWC CEO Brian Holt for an application at (262) 374-4474.
“As we enter this seventh and likely final round of ARPA funding, we’re proud of the impact these grants have had in strengthening local nonprofits and Veterans organizations over the past several years,” says United Way of Walworth County CEO Brian Holt. “This program has provided critical resources to help agencies serve our community, and we encourage all eligible organizations to take advantage of this last opportunity to apply.”
A board of United Way of Walworth County committee members will select the grant recipients. Organizations with 501(c)3 and 501(c)19 tax-exempt status may apply. These organizations must also maintain their principal place of business in Walworth County, conduct business in Walworth County, and serve people within Walworth County.
This project is being supported in whole or in part by federal award number FAIN #SLFRP 2146 awarded to Walworth County by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
UW-Stevens Point undergraduates honored for scholastic achievement
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point honored more than 2,872 undergraduate students for attaining high grade point averages during the fall semester of the 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time undergraduates who earned grade points of 3.90 to 4.0 (4.0 equals straight A) are given the highest honors designation. High honor citations go to those with grade point averages from 3.75 to 3.89 and honor recognition is accorded to those with grade point averages from 3.50 to 3.74.
Personalized certificates of scholastic achievement are sent to those who earned highest honors distinction.
Students who received honors include:
Whitewater, WI
Wyatt Anderson, Honors
Giovanni Anello, High Honors
Grace Wood, Honors
City of Whitewater Conducts Business Retention & Expansion Visit with HEXPOL – Whitewater
The City of Whitewater Community Development Department recently completed a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) visit at HEXPOL’s Whitewater facility, continuing the City’s ongoing efforts to support local employers and strengthen the community’s economic base. Mason Becker, the City of Whitewater’s Community Development Director, and Karin Silvius, Executive Director of the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce, met with Adrienne Weber, Human Resources Manager at HEXPOL’s Whitewater facility. The visit focused on workforce needs, operations, and the company’s long-term commitment to the Whitewater community.
HEXPOL currently employs approximately 40 people at its Whitewater location and is actively hiring for six positions. The facility operates two daily production shifts, along with a third shift dedicated to maintenance, and is a UFCW union facility. Most employees live in Whitewater or the surrounding area, reinforcing the company’s strong local roots. “BRE visits are an important way for the City to stay connected with our existing employers and understand how we can support their success,” said Mason Becker.
“HEXPOL is an international company that is a valued manufacturing employer in Whitewater, providing stable jobs and actively investing in its workforce.” Adrienne Weber emphasized the company’s focus on people and community. “Our goal is to be a preferred employer in the Whitewater area,” Weber said. “We’re proud that the majority of our employees come from the local community, and we continue to focus on creating a safe, respectful, and rewarding workplace. We are always looking for ways to
further partner with the city. ”
Karin Silvius noted the importance of companies like HEXPOL to the City’s economic health. “Employers who offer quality jobs and career opportunities are critical to Whitewater’s long-term vitality,” Silvius said. “HEXPOL’s continued hiring and investment demonstrate confidence in both their workforce and the community.”
About HEXPOL
HEXPOL is a global leader in polymer compounding and engineered rubber materials, serving customers in a wide range of industries including automotive, construction, industrial, and consumer products. Headquartered in Sweden, HEXPOL operates manufacturing facilities around the world, with a strong emphasis on quality, safety, innovation, and sustainability. The Whitewater facility plays an important role in the company’s North American operations.
The City of Whitewater’s Community Development Department, in conjunction with the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce, will continue BRE visits throughout 2026, meeting with local businesses including manufacturers, financial institutions, healthcare providers, and other organizations to identify opportunities, address challenges, and support sustainable economic growth within the City of Whitewater.
Chamberlain University and SSM Health Open Enrollment for Wisconsin Aspiring Nurse Program Partnership offers tuition support and guaranteed employment pathway as Wisconsin faces sustained nursing shortage Chamberlain University and SSM Health are offering a new pathway to nursing careers with tuition support and guaranteed jobs, as enrollment opens January 5, 2026, for the Chamberlain Aspiring Nurse Program in partnership with SSM Health. This partnership offers students a direct, employment-focused pathway by combining tuition support with immersive clinical experience at SSM Health facilities and the opportunity for employment upon graduation and passing the NCLEX exam. In return, students commit to joining SSM Health’s workforce. Through the program, prospective students in Wisconsin earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree online from Chamberlain University. Wisconsin faces a significant gap between nursing workforce needs and available education opportunities, according to the Wisconsin Hospital Association’s 2025 Health Care Workforce Report[1]. While the state’s registered nurse workforce grew 10% between 2020 and 2022, that growth couldn’t keep pace with demand. With tens of thousands of qualified applicants turned away from nursing schools nationwide each year, the Aspiring Nurse Program addresses this gap by creating accessible pathways for residents of Wisconsin and northern Illinois who live within 50 miles of an SSM Health facility. [Examples: SSM St. Mary’s Hospitals in Madison and Janesville] Program Details: Enrollment Opens: January 5, 2026 Program: Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through Chamberlain University Benefits: Tuition support, clinical training at SSM Health facilities, pathway to RN licensure and employment at SSM Health Commitment: Students agree to join SSM Health’s nursing workforce upon completion “This program is more than a solution to the nursing shortage—it’s a bold reimagining of how we grow and support the next generation of nurses,” said Amy Wilson, DNP, Chief Nurse Executive for SSM Health. “By investing in education and clinical experience from day one, we’re not only preparing students for success, we’re strengthening the future of patient care across our communities.” How to Apply: Prospective students can learn more about the program and enroll at chamberlain.edu/aspiring-nurse-program/wisconsin [1] Wisconsin Hospital Association 2025 Health Care Workforce Report: https://www.wha.org/data-publications/reports/workforce/2025 About Chamberlain University Chamberlain University, an Adtalem Global Education (NYSE: ATGE) institution, educates, empowers, and emboldens a diverse community of healthcare professionals who seek to advance the health of people, families, communities, and nations. Chamberlain has the largest school of nursing in the U.S., with both on-campus and online degree programs. Chamberlain is comprised of the College of Nursing and the College of Health Professions, offering a variety of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs. Chamberlain University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Visit Chamberlain.edu for more information, and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. About SSM Health Nationally recognized for quality and innovation, SSM Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit, fully integrated health system working to advance health equity and empower all people to achieve their full potential. With care delivery sites in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin, SSM Health provides convenient access to high-quality community-based services as well as world-class academic medicine, clinical trials and research studies. The organization’s footprint includes hospitals, physician offices, outpatient and virtual care services, senior care, comprehensive home care and hospice services, a fully transparent pharmacy benefit company, a health insurance company and an accountable care organization. As one of the largest employers in every community it serves, the organization’s 40,000 team members and 15,000 providers are dedicated to fulfilling SSM Health’s Mission: “Through our exceptional health care services, we reveal the healing presence of God.” For more information, visit ssmhealth.com or find us on Facebook and LinkedIn. |
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.
KENOSHA, WI – Carthage College recognizes Alexander Clarksen from Whitewater for their academic achievement and being named to the Fall 2025 Dean’s List.
Dean’s List honors are accorded to Carthage students who achieve a minimum 3.5 grade-point average while carrying at least 12 letter-graded credits in a given semester.
About Carthage
Carthage College is breaking records with its largest enrollment ever. Founded in 1847, Carthage blends the best liberal arts traditions with innovative programs that shape careers, hands-on learning that fuels discovery, and faculty mentorship that drives student success – all on a stunning Lake Michigan campus in Kenosha, Wisconsin, midway between Chicago and Milwaukee.
Grow with us: www.carthage.edu
The Whippet Boys’ Swim Team competed at the Stoughton Invitational on Saturday, January 10th, finishing 5th overall while racing against Division 1 programs and swimming college-format events. The boys stepped up to the challenge and put together a strong day of racing!
Meet Highlights:
- 400 Medley Relay
- A Relay (Cruz Aranda, Caleb Kluck, Langdon Coburn, Mateo Bazeley) finished 5th overall. Mateo Bazeley had a really nice split of 50.80 in the 100 freestyle portion.
- B Relay (Wyatt Esch, David Enns, Sam Nickelsburg, Eloy Rodriguez) finished 12th overall. David Enns had a strong 100 breaststroke split of 1:18.61.
- 200 Freestyle – Mateo Bazeley placed 3rd with a time of 2:00.17.
- 50 Freestyle – Wyatt Esch finished 10th with a time of 25.62.
- 400 IM – Cruz Aranda finished 4th with a time of 4:35.93.
- 100 Freestyle – Sam Nickelsburg placed 11th, touching in 1:03.52.
- 200 Freestyle Relay
- A Relay (Langdon Coburn, Caleb Kluck, Mateo Bazeley, Cruz Aranda) finished 2nd with a time of 1:35.77
- B Relay (Wyatt Esch, Eloy Rodriguez, Sam Nickelsburg, David Enns) finished 12th with a time of 1:55.23
- 500 Freestyle – Caleb Kluck placed 13th with a time of 6:31.88
- 200 Backstroke – Langdon Coburn placed 7th with a time of 2:16.41.
- 400 Freestyle Relay
- A Relay (Cruz Aranda, Mateo Bazeley, Caleb Kluck, Langdon Coburn) finished 2nd overall with a time of 3:35.74
- B Relay (David Enns, Sam Nickelsburg, Eloy Rodriguez, Wyatt Esch) finished 10th with a time of 4:15.93
Racing against larger programs in a college-style meet gave the boys great experience and showed the continued progress of this group as the season moves forward.
The Whippets are back in action on Tuesday, January 13th against Delavan-Darien!
Senior Night — be sure to come out and cheer on our seniors and the rest of the team.
️ Swimming starts at 5:30 pm 
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
Congratulations to the Boys’ Varsity Wrestling Team for winning the Clinton Invitational on Saturday, January 10. Bringing home individual gold were Gabe Crane and Austin Retzlaff. There were lots of big wins on the day and a couple big come from behind wins. The Whippets won the tournament by 1 point.
Congratulations to the girls’ team for taking 5th out of 32 at Muskego. Top finishers for the Whippets included Ema Aranda 4th and Madi Kubicz 6th. Many girls had winning records on the day.
Finally, the JV competed at home hosting a 17 team JV regional. Yuver Meija will represent Whitewater at Wausau in the state JV finals. Just missing out on a trip were Franklin DiFiore and Carlos Salinas.
Article and Photo Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Obituaries
Patricia “Pat” Lynn Bailey, age 70, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026 with her daughter by her side. Pat was born February 21, 1956 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to John and Ruth (Hudock) Prentice. After a brief time in Ann Arbor, the Prentice family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin, where Pat grew up as part of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater community, where her father served as University Registrar. Pat attended the University School and later graduated from UW Whitewater with a degree in Elementary Education. Although she did not pursue teaching, she built a meaningful career in Human … Read more
Gemelino Paris Esperante, 83, long time resident of Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, June 4th, 2026. He was born on January 10, 1943, to his late father and mother, Evaristo and Carmen in Spain. In 1973 he moved to the United States as a sheep herder. On August 21, 1981, he was united in marriage to Cyndie Esperante in Colorado. Gemelino also worked in Mining and construction for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, raising sheep and growing things in his garden, and flowers. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife … Read more
Mary Ann Warner died peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Crestridge Assisted Living in Dodgeville. Her physical heart failed, but her actual, loving heart never did. Ann was born June 28, 1939 to Mary and Charles Kearns in Iowa. She moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin and graduated with many dear friends in the class of 1957. Ann married John Warner on September 19, 1959. They lived in Whitewater, Sturgis Michigan, and finally settled in Janesville where they built a beautiful life and raised their family. Together, they ran a business, traveled, played cards, and enjoyed their lives. When they became … Read more
Patricia Ann Jacobson (Bureau), age 81, of Whitewater, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI. Born on September 2, 1944, in Marquette, MI, to the late Donald and Margaret Bureau, Pat grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She graduated from Graveraet High School, attended Michigan State University, and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University. Pat dedicated her professional life to shaping young minds, working as an elementary and junior high school teacher in both Flint, MI, and Whitewater, WI. At the heart of Pat’s life was a beautiful, … Read more
In loving memory of Lois Lauritzen, age 92, who passed away on June 1, 2026 at Lakewood Memory Care in Brookfield. Lois led an active life full of devotion to family and friends. Born July 14th, 1933 in Silvis, IL, daughter of Harry and Elsie Wilson, she grew up in the Quad Cities with older brother Harry Wilson Jr. Lois graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL with a degree in physical education. She met her husband Paul Lauritzen on the college tennis team. Their marriage on June 12th, 1955 lasted 59 years until Paul’s death on September 26th, … Read more
Donald Walter Triebold passed on to his eternal home on May 21, 2026. Don was born on April 23, 1935, in Evanston, IL, to the late Frederick W. and Mildred (nee Stecher) Triebold. Through his teen years, Don lived and worked on the family’s dairy farm, where he developed a life-long work ethic. His first eight years of education were in a one-room country schoolhouse, in which all eight grades were taught by one teacher. He graduated from Whitewater City High School in 1953 and then graduated from UW Whitewater in 1958 with a degree in Business Education. He continued his education, and earned a Master’s … Read more
William Kincaid Davis, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, May 19 at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg. He was born on November 1, 1941, in Madison, Indiana, the second son of Salvation Army Officers Agnes (Dixon) and William C. Davis. He attended several schools in Indiana and Illinois, including University of Illinois Experimental High School (Champaign), and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Eau Claire in 1964 and his master’s degree from UW-Whitewater in 1972. He had an expansive career in education, beginning as an English teacher in Whitehall, Thornton Township (IL) and … Read more
Magdalene “Maggie” Stetter (nee Fritz), 79, of Whitewater, Wisconsin passed from this life onto the next on Monday, May 4, 2026. She was born on January 16, 1947, to the late John and Mary (Presser) Fritz in St. Stefan, Austria. Maggie immigrated from Austria with her parents and brother, became a US citizen, and grew up and attended school in West Allis, WI and then graduated with a teaching degree from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Maggie served as a substitute, English, and German language teacher in the Whitewater, Elkhorn, Delavan, and Palmyra schools and at Divine Word Seminary. Maggie … Read more
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
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