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Today is Tuesday, June 16, 2026
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The City of Whitewater Community Development Department recently conducted a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) visit with Fort HealthCare, focusing on its Whitewater Clinic located at 1461 W. Main Street. Economic Development Director Mason Becker and Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Karin Silvius met with Jim Nelson, Chief Financial Officer, and Tiffany Pernat, LPN, for a discussion centered on local health services, workforce needs, community partnerships, and upcoming opportunities. The Fort HealthCare Whitewater Clinic, which provides basic clinical care, women’s health, rehabilitative care, and hosts the Rock River Community Clinic, emphasized its long-standing commitment to the Whitewater community. The Whitewater Clinic continues to play a vital role in providing accessible healthcare for local residents and university students.
The Fort HealthCare Whitewater Clinic operates in a leased 18,000-square-foot space, with Rock River Community Clinic occupying one-third of the building. During the visit, Fort HealthCare leadership praised previous communitywide health collaborations and expressed strong interest in renewing local partnerships aimed at improving long-term health outcomes. Nelson noted Fort HealthCare’s appreciation for the previous “W3 – Whitewater Working for Wellness” initiative and voiced support for similar cross-sector efforts involving the City of Whitewater, UW-Whitewater, and local employers. “We are always grateful for local businesses and institutions that want to be active partners in the health and well-being of the community,” said Mason Becker, the City of Whitewater’s Economic Development Director. “Fort HealthCare plays a critical role in our region, and our BRE visit reaffirmed their commitment to accessible, community-focused care.”
Like many healthcare providers across Wisconsin, Fort HealthCare continues to face workforce challenges—particularly in specialized areas such as obstetrics and pediatrics—and currently has approximately 50 full-time equivalent openings across its system. Despite these challenges, Fort HealthCare leadership reported improvement in contracted staffing and continues to draw employees from Jefferson, Walworth, and Rock Counties. The team also discussed broader healthcare system realities, including reimbursement rates and the number of patients without insurance—an important factor for regional healthcare providers. Fort HealthCare noted that about 60% of patients at its patients lack insurance, underscoring the need for continued statewide efforts supporting access to care.
“These visits allow us to hear directly from healthcare leaders about their needs and opportunities,” said Karin Silvius, Executive Director of the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce. “Strengthening relationships with providers like Fort HealthCare helps us plan for a healthier, more connected community.”
The City of Whitewater’s BRE program focuses on maintaining strong relationships with local employers, identifying opportunities for partnership, and supporting long-term economic and community vitality.
“We appreciate Fort HealthCare’s honest dialogue and their strong commitment to Whitewater,” Becker added. “Our department will continue working with local businesses to promote sustainable growth and ensure Whitewater remains a supportive environment for employers and residents alike.”
For more information on the City of Whitewater’s Business Retention & Expansion Program, interested businesses can contact Mason Becker at: mbecker@whitewater-wi.gov.
There is still time to enter the Whitewater Parks and Recreation 2025 Chili Cook Off! Deadline to register is Thursday, December 11th. You can either fill out the form and send it to JJackson@whitewater-wi.gov, drop it off in person, or follow the QR code on the form to register online. If you have any questions please call 262-473-0535.
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office indicates that after rain in the morning on Thursday, a period of brief but intense snowfall and gusty winds is anticipated during the afternoon commute along an arctic front. They indicates that “Snow squall warnings may be needed. The front will cross southern Wisconsin from 2 PM through 7 PM… A snow squall can bring sudden white-out conditions and light snow accumulation on roads. Temperatures will quickly drop below freezing behind the front. Any puddles or slush and snow on roads will quickly turn to ice.
Keep Fire Hydrants Clear of Snow for Community Safety
Clearing Snow from Fire Hydrants can Save Lives…
A clearly visible and accessible fire hydrant can save your home—or even your life. When hydrants are buried in snow, firefighters may lose valuable time locating and accessing them during an emergency.
Residents are encouraged to assist in keeping hydrants clear throughout the winter season. Your efforts help protect your household, your neighbors, and the entire community.
Please follow these guidelines:
- Know the location of the nearest fire hydrants.
- Ensure hydrants are shoveled out after every snowfall.
- Clear at least 3 feet of snow around each hydrant to provide firefighters with enough room to work safely and efficiently. Taking a few minutes to remove snow from around a hydrant near your home can save precious minutes during a fire emergency. The City of Whitewater thanks all community members who help keep fire hydrants
accessible.
Rainbow Community Care, a trusted independent healthcare provider serving Jefferson, Dodge, and surrounding counties, is excited to announce that its commemorative 35th Anniversary Cookbook, Nourishing Body & Soul is officially available for purchase.
This long-awaited, community-sourced cookbook, which features over 300 recipes, is a
beautiful, heartfelt keepsake filled with the best-kept family secrets and cherished
stories from the very people who built Rainbow: volunteers, local families, dedicated
healthcare workers, and community supporters. All have been part of Rainbow’s 35-
year journey of providing compassionate care to rural South Central Wisconsin. Every
page is a testament to the power of neighbors caring for neighbors.
“This is more than just a cookbook,” said Dana Traynere, Rainbow Community Care
Clinical Liaison. “Every recipe tells a story of connection and community, celebrating the
true spirit of local, independent healthcare. Proceeds directly support our ability to
provide compassionate care to patients and families across Jefferson, Dodge, and
surrounding counties.”
Support a Great Cause and Secure Your Copy Today:
The cookbook is the ideal holiday gift and a wonderful way to support the Rainbow
Hospice Foundation.
Physical Cookbook – $25
Early Bird Special – $20 (Limited Time Offer!)
Digital E-book (Amazon) – $9.99
Important Delivery Note: To ensure you have it in time for holiday gifting, order now!
Physical books are scheduled to be printed and shipped for Mid-December delivery.
How to Secure Your Copy:
Copies are now available for immediate order through multiple convenient options:
Online: Visit https://rainbowcommunitycare.org/Foundation to secure your copy
today.
By Phone: Call (920) 674-6255 to order a hard copy.
In-Person: Visit us at our Jefferson or Inpatient Center offices or the Rainbow
Thrift Shoppe in Fort Atkinson.
ABOUT RAINBOW COMMUNITY CARE
Founded by volunteers in 1990, Rainbow Community Care is a local, independent, and
non-profit provider of services that supports patients and families throughout the entire
journey with aging and serious illness. Highly regarded for excellence in hospice care,
palliative care, advance care planning, grief support, parish nursing, and volunteer
programs, we care for people living in their homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing
homes in rural South-Central Wisconsin as well as the Rainbow Hospice Care Inpatient
Center in Johnson Creek.
On Dec. 4-5, UW-Whitewater will host the December Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents Meeting. Some of the committee meetings and full board meetings are open to the public.
The agenda for the meetings may be viewed here.
Parking permits are required and may be purchased on the app or at the Visitor’s Center on Starin Road.
If you plan to visit the University Center on these days, please note that some sections of the building will require a security screening before entering.
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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