News & Events

Grace Chen, a fifth-grade student at Lincoln Elementary in Whitewater, has written and illustrated an original book entitled Dawn of a Day which has won a second place award in the State Delta Kappa Gamma Nettesheim Literary Competition for 2026. According to Grace her book, which she both wrote and illustrated, “is the story of the peacefulness of the forest when the animals arise.” She completed her project while attending the Book Buddies program. From there, Grace’s book was submitted for judging at the local and then the state levels of Delta Kappa Gamma.

Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. Whitewater has a local chapter which supports this literary competition and other projects enhancing education in the community.

Editor’s note: This article was submitted by Barbara Penington.

Rock River Community Clinic Opens Johnson Creek Clinic

Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) is pleased to announce the opening of its new dental clinic, located on the first floor of the newly renovated Fort HealthCare Johnson Creek Clinic. After more than two decades of providing dental services at the Fort HealthCare Handeyside Clinic, this transition marks a significant step forward in expanding access to dental care in Jefferson County. The clinic will officially begin serving patients on Monday, March 30, 2026.

“The move to Johnson Creek allows us to maintain and expand access to dental care for our community,” said Dr. Olivia Nichols, CEO/Executive Director of Rock River Community Clinic. “As the only Medicaid dental provider in the greater Jefferson County area, we are grateful for the outpouring of support to make this possible.”

In the next few months, RRCC will be adding medical and behavioral health services to the Johnson Creek Clinic. By integrating patient services, RRCC will minimize overhead costs and maximize patient access to affordable services. The Johnson Creek clinic was made possible through the generous support of major donors, including Jones Dairy Farm, Fort Community Credit Union, First Citizens State Bank, the Otto Bremer Trust Foundation, Roots & Wings, the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation, and Delta Dental. Ongoing support from Fort HealthCare, the Greater Watertown Community Foundation, and Watertown Regional Medical Center was also crucial to the project’s success.

“With medical, dental, and behavioral health care under one roof, we reduce barriers to accessing care and improve patient health outcomes through integrated care,” states Dr. Nichols. “This expansion will aid us – the collective greater Jefferson County region – in reducing health disparities.”

As part of its capital campaign, RRCC also secured funding to relocate its Watertown clinic and renovate its Whitewater clinic. The Whitewater expansion will utilize the previously vacant lower suite for administrative offices, creating additional space to support the continued growth of medical services. By late summer, RRCC plans to transform the Watertown clinic into an outpatient, youth-focused behavioral health center.

In 2024, RRCC medical & dental clinics served 3,176 patients across 8,250 visits. In 2025, those numbers increased to 4,291 patients for a total of 12,417 visits across all clinic locations. With these expansions, RRCC projects serving 6,800 patients annually by 2028, totaling an estimated 23,000 visits.

RRCC will host a public open house in late summer, offering community members an opportunity to tour the clinic and learn more about RRCC’s mission to provide quality, comprehensive health care for all.

To learn how you can support Rock River Community Clinic, visit RockRiverCommunityClinic.com/support-us/, or contact Dr. Nichols at director@rockrivercommunityclinic.org or 262.472.6839.

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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.

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

NATIONALLY KNOWN DISNEY EXPERTS TO SPEAK AT UW-WHITEWATER

This spring, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will host two nationally recognized Disney experts for on-campus events at the University Center. On April 9 at 6:00 p.m., Disney author and prominent podcaster Michael Bowling will speak about a variety of Disney business and creative greats, including Walt Disney and Roy Disney. Author and historian Todd James Pierce will speak on April 23 about the Sherman Brothers, the song-writing duo behind Mary Poppins and other classic Disney films. Both presentations are free and open to the public, but the university encourages advance registration.

Michael Bowling is a prominent Disney historian, author, and podcaster known for his deep expertise in the life and legacy of Walt Disney. Bowling is most recognized as the host of the “Connecting with Walt” podcast, which explores the historical connections between Walt Disney’s personal life, his business ventures, and the development of Disney theme parks and films. Bowling’s presentation, on Thursday, April 9 at 6:00 p.m., will focus on the career journey of several Disney Legends. Each Disney great’s career journey was a meandering one, often marked by hardships along the way before ultimately cementing Legend status.

Following Bowling’s presentation, there will be a meet-and-greet reception, with light appetizers, also open to the public. Register for the April 9 Michael Bowling event at this website: https://my.uww.edu/SignUp/Public/Register/17906

Two weeks later, on Thursday, April 23 at 6:00 p.m., scholar Todd James Pierce will speak on campus. Pierce is the author of such Disney histories as Making Mary Poppins: The Sherman Brothers, Walt Disney, and the Creation of a Classic Film and other books about the history of the Walt Disney Company and Disney Legends. Pierce will share stories of the Sherman brothers’ unusual career journeys. Each man’s journey was marked by career changes, and each moved away from early professional dreams. However, those changes ultimately helped them both quite a bit and eventually led them to Disney Legend status as the songwriting duo behind some of the most beloved showtunes of all time, not only for Mary Poppins, but other Disney classics such as The Jungle Book, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and The Parent Trap. Pierce’s presentation will also be followed by a meet-and-greet with the author. That reception is also open to the public and will include light appetizers. Register for the April 23 Todd James Pierce event at this website: https://my.uww.edu/SignUp/Public/Register/17907

Both speakers are presented by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater office of Continuing Education. Many people are like the Sherman Brothers and do not always have a direct career path. Continuing Education has exceptional programs for everyone in their lifelong learning journey. Learners can strengthen their skills with affordable, high-quality workshops, classes and trainings designed for adults and professionals. Youth and teens develop their talents in fun programs led by award-winning coaches and staff. Special sessions and hands-on learning opportunities help students stay on track to graduation.

City of Whitewater Public Test of Voting Machines – Monday @ 1:00 p.m.
City of Whitewater Municipal Building, 2nd floor Cravath Lakefront Conference Room, 312 W.
Whitewater St.

City of Whitewater Special Plan & Architectural Review Commission Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda: Discussion regarding the conceptual plan for Lifetime Manufacturing, LLC to be located on
Innovation Drive.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/25470476485762?p=YdfFegw14nr8jKcToM
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,830535706# United States
Phone conference ID: 830 535 706#

Whitewater Public Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Library Building general update, and CLOSED SESSION, not to reconvene, performance evaluation for the library director.
Cravath Lakefront Conference Room
312 W Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI, 53190
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85960263284?pwd=s9WCaxz4f92bcuGW4gbcQ9ijFc7iUD.1
Meeting ID: 859 6026 3284
Passcode: Mk9rwvHw
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US

Whitewater Aquatic & Fitness Center Committee – Tuesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes tour of the center
Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center, Large Meeting Room 580 S. Elizabeth St. Whitewater, WI
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23336223628734?p=DcwrDTHLMYHJ97aqgb
Please note that although every effort will be made to provide for virtual participation, unforeseen
technical difficulties may prevent this, in which case the meeting may still proceed as long as there is a
quorum. Should you wish to make a comment in this situation, you are welcome to call this number:
(262) 473-0108.
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone,
or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23024647953882?p=0xWG70oJJ3JEQ1YW1K
Meeting ID: 230 246 479 538 82
Passcode: pa7ka3GW
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,717102861# United States
Phone conference ID: 717 102 861#

City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and update regarding the status of the Whitewater Community Foundation
Account application for the Starin Park Water Tower.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater Str, Whitewater, WI, 53190
Wednesday, April 01, 2026 – 6:00 PM
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/25871725976972?p=Ef8wmtk6R27O2UAJMR
Dial in by phone
+1 929-229-5663,,442154238# United States, New York City
Phone conference ID: 442 154 238#

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Our last entry in historic Whitewater fires is one that occurred in 1969. This image of Whitewater Street shows, on the right side, the large mill and grain elevator known for much of the 20th century as the Dadmun Mill, just north of the railroad depot. It was built in the 19th century and served farmers until it burned in May of 1969. Many of the buildings on the left side of the photograph were razed for the Whitewater fire department building constructed in 1968, now the Municipal Building. With the demolition of the buildings for the fire department in 1968, the fire at the Dadmun Mill in 1969, and the big fire north of the Dadmun Mill (part of the old Winchester and Partridge factory) in 1976, this part of Whitewater Street changed dramatically in the late 20th century.

Step into the colorful, chaotic world of The Cat in the Hat Live – where Dr. Seuss’s timeless story leaps off the page and onto the stage! Since 2018, this vibrant family production has toured extensively through New Zealand and Australia, delighting audiences young and old. Now, the internationally loved show is bringing its magic to audiences across the United States. Get ready for a theatrical adventure full of fun, imagination, and laughter!‍

Adapted for the stage by the National Theatre of Great Britain in 2009, this faithful production brings to life the classic tale of Sally, her brother, and their overprotective pet Fish on a rainy afternoon – and, of course, the one and only Cat in the Hat. Complete with Thing One and Thing Two, expect a whirlwind of mischief, chaos, and creativity that celebrates the joy of imaginative play.‍

Running for approximately 50 minutes with no interval, this high-energy production is perfect for kids aged 3 and up – and anyone young at heart. Whether you’re introducing your little ones to this childhood favorite or reliving the magic yourself, Cat in the Hat Live is the perfect family theatre outing.‍

Pay What You Wish means exactly that!

Tickets may be purchased here.

At The Young Performing Arts Center, we’re committed to making the arts accessible to everyone, so for select performances, we’ve removed fixed ticket prices and invite you to contribute whatever feels right for your experience. It’s a great opportunity to explore something unique, exciting, and truly world-class—on your terms.

The Young Performing Arts Center is located at 930 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI. Parking for this performance is free of charge in lots 1 and 2 off Prince Street north of Main Street. Lot 2 is generally the most convenient to the entrance.

“One, Two, Three”

Tuesday, March 31, 1 pm

(Satire/Screwball Comedy) Rated PG-13; 1 hour, 44 minutes (1961). 

Our second annual April Fools’ Day Best Comedy Ever series continues with this Jimmy Cagney “tour de farce,” playing a frazzled Coca-Cola executive in West Berlin on the other side of the Iron Curtain in post war Germany. Stars Horst Buccholz, Pamela Tiffin, Arlene Francis and Red Buttons. Written/Directed by Billy Wilder (“Some Like it Hot,” “The Apartment,” “Sabrina,” “Sunset Boulevard.”).

Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $15 and non-residents is $20. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/