Children’s Museum of Rock County Moves Forward with Updated Plans

Hey guys, a great new development was just achieved at our local hospital! Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center–Janesville and Javon Bea Hospital–Riverside have successfully performed their first dual leadless pacemaker procedures. This marks a significant medical advancement for both the Madison/Janesville area and the Rockford region, as these are the first procedures of their kind conducted in these locations. Let's learn a bit about it!What is a Dual Leadless Pacemaker?A dual leadless pacemaker is an innovative, wireless device implanted directly into the heart to regulate the heartbeat without the need for wires. This technology provides a safer and more effective option for individuals who may not be suitable candidates for traditional pacemakers.Patients who benefit from this type of pacemaker include those who:Have a history of cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infections or are at high risk for infection.Have limited access for transvenous pacing due to venous anomalies, occlusion of axillary veins, or the necessity of these veins for other medical devices.Have a bio-prosthetic tricuspid valve.Advantages of a Leadless PacemakerUnlike traditional transvenous pacemakers, the leadless pacemaker eliminates several potential complications, such as pocket infections, hematomas, lead dislodgment, and lead fractures. According to Dr. Imdad Ahmed, Director of the Mercyhealth Arrhythmia Center, these devices also offer cosmetic benefits, as they do not require a chest incision or a visible pacemaker pocket. Additionally, they are compatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), making future diagnostic procedures more accessible for patients.Comprehensive Care at Mercyhealth Arrhythmia CenterThe Mercyhealth Arrhythmia Center, an extension of the Mercyhealth Heart and Vascular Institute, is dedicated to providing specialized care for patients with heart rhythm disorders. Led by board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist Dr. Imdad Ahmed, the center employs a patient-centered approach to diagnosing and managing arrhythmias.With a commitment to delivering high-quality care in a timely manner, the Mercyhealth Arrhythmia Center serves patients across southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.Huge shoutout for these medical professionals doing some important work in our community! For more information, visit mercyhealthsystem.org/arrhythmia

Nestled near the picturesque Delavan Lake, the Waterfront Pub and Grill offers a delightful dining experience that combines hearty Wisconsin fare with warm hospitality. During my recent visit, I indulged in their renowned Hand-Battered Fried Cheese Curds and the delectable Chicken French entrée, accompanied by a refreshing tap beer.Hand-Battered Fried Cheese CurdsAs a quintessential Wisconsin appetizer, cheese curds hold a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. The Waterfront Pub and Grill elevates this classic by using premium white cheddar cheese curds, hand-battered in-house to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior. Each bite offered a satisfying crunch, revealing the warm, gooey cheese within. Paired with their homemade ranch dressing, these curds were a testament to the state's rich dairy heritage and set a high standard for this beloved snack.Chicken FrenchFor the main course, I opted for the Chicken French—a dish that showcases the kitchen's commitment to quality and flavor. The fresh chicken breast was dipped in a Parmesan batter and cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful bite. Served atop garlic-smashed potatoes, the ensemble was generously drizzled with a creamy white wine garlic butter sauce that added depth and richness to the dish. The accompanying fresh grilled asparagus provided a crisp contrast, balancing the meal beautifully.Tap Beer SelectionComplementing the meal was a pint of locally brewed beer from their diverse tap selection. The Waterfront Pub and Grill takes pride in offering a variety of craft beers, including regional favorites like Spotted Cow from New Glarus Brewing Company and Pig Farmer from Duesterbeck's Brewing Company.Ambiance and ServiceThe pub exudes a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with decor that reflects the charm of the surrounding lake area. Large windows offer glimpses of Delavan Lake, enhancing the dining experience with scenic views. The staff was attentive and friendly, ensuring that we felt welcomed and well-cared-for throughout our visit. Go check it out!

The Janesville Jets, in partnership with the Mercyhealth Development Foundation, are set to take the ice for a meaningful cause with their annual Stick It to Cancer event on Friday, March 7, and Saturday, March 8. Facing off against the Minnesota Wilderness, the Jets will use this special weekend to raise funds and awareness for cancer patients in the community.Game Night for a CauseFans attending the games at Janesville Ice Arena (821 Beloit Ave.) will have the opportunity to bid on special edition Jets jerseys, worn by players throughout the weekend. The live auction will take place during intermissions, with proceeds benefiting the Mercyhealth Development Foundation to support local cancer patients. Winning bidders will receive their jerseys immediately after Saturday’s game.The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. on both nights, and fans are encouraged to pack the arena in support of Mercyhealth Cancer Center and the Jets’ commitment to making a difference.A Strong Partnership for Community HealthMercyhealth serves as the exclusive medical provider for the Janesville Jets, ensuring players receive top-tier care both on and off the ice. This annual Stick It to Cancer event continues to strengthen that partnership, using the power of sports to give back to those affected by cancer.Don’t miss this exciting weekend of hockey, community support, and fundraising as the Jets look to Stick It to Cancer!

We want to know what your favorite, locally owned gym is in the Janesville area?

Explore Rock County with the Ultimate Cocktails PassportIf you're looking to explore more of Rock County's bars and restaurants you may want to hop on the Rock County Cocktails Passport. This booklet offers over $750 in savings on food and drinks across more than 44 local establishments for $20 (plus $4.95 shipping and handling)How It Works:Purchase Your Passport: Order online through PayPal or Venmo.Visit Participating Venues: Present your passport at any listed bar, brewery, or restaurant to enjoy exclusive deals.Get Validated: Have your server sign and date your passport upon redemption.Participating locations span various towns, including Janesville, Beloit, Milton, and more. Each venue offers unique promotions, from buy-one-get-one-free drinks to discounts on meals. Participating Janesville establishes include Lucky's Saloon, Whiskey Ranch, Wiggy's Saloon, Sneakers, Sidelines, Sammy's Hilltop, Russ's Park Place, Barkley's Burgers, Brews, and Dawgs, Boegy's, Charlie's Place, Alta May's, DTS, Fast Eddy's, Hammy's Roadside Bar, and more! Bonus Feature: Scavenger Hunt GameEnhance your experience with the built-in scavenger hunt. Match items pictured in the passport to those at the venues, get them initialed by staff, and earn raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes up to $250 at the end-of-year party!What Users Are Saying:"We absolutely love our passport book. It's perfect for date nights, girls' night out, or just exploring new places.""Great way to get to know establishments you may have never patronized.""Great deals and lots of fun participating in the scavenger hunt!"Get Yours Today:Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore and support local businesses while enjoying significant savings. Order your Rock County Cocktails Passport now and start your journey through the best bars and restaurants the area has to offer. For more information and to purchase, visit the official website.

The ZONTA Club of Janesville invites the community to celebrate International Women’s Day with an engaging and interactive event, “Telling Herstory,” on Thursday, March 6, 2025. This free, public event will be held at The Woman’s Club, 108 S. Jackson, Janesville, WI, and aims to honor the contributions of women throughout history.A Celebration of Women’s StoriesThe evening will begin with a social hour at 4:30 PM, featuring complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres, providing attendees with a chance to connect and reflect on the achievements of women past and present.At 5:30 PM, the main program, Telling Herstory, will feature ZONTA members portraying influential women from history and sharing their inspiring stories. Community members are encouraged to participate by dressing as their favorite historical woman and preparing a short story or speech to share. Those interested in contributing to the program should contact Edie Baran at ediebaran@gmail.com.Why This Event MattersInternational Women’s Day serves as a global reminder of the progress women have made and the work still to be done in achieving equality. ZONTA International, the organization behind this event, is dedicated to empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. Their mission is to ensure that women have equal access to resources, leadership roles, and live free from violence.Whether you come as a participant or a spectator, this event promises to be an evening of education, empowerment, and inspiration.For more information, visit the Janesville Zonta Facebook page, email janesville_president@zontadistrict6.org, call 608-931-5705, or send a message via Facebook.Don’t miss this chance to honor the incredible women who have shaped history—and to celebrate the ones making history today!

Janesville aviation and automotive enthusiasts are in for a rare treat this summer as the B-29 Doc History Restored Tour makes a special stop at Pistons and Props on July 18-19, 2025, at Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport. This two-day event will offer the community a unique opportunity to witness living history, with ride flights and cockpit tours available aboard the legendary B-29 Doc, one of only two airworthy B-29 Superfortresses remaining in the world.A Flying Tribute to HistoryOriginally built in Wichita, Kansas, during World War II, B-29 Doc is a fully restored bomber that serves as a flying museum, honoring the men and women who built, maintained, and flew these aircrafts. Mark Novak, B-29 Doc’s chief pilot, expressed excitement about the tour stop in Janesville.“This is more than just an airplane—it’s a piece of history in flight. We’re honored to share Doc’s story with the Janesville community and give people a chance to experience what it was like to fly aboard one of these incredible bombers,” said Novak.Visitors will have the chance to explore the aircraft up close through cockpit tours, where they can step inside and see the intricate controls that powered this WWII icon. For those seeking an even more immersive experience, ride flights aboard the B-29 Doc will be available. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.b29doc.com/rides, with early booking recommended due to limited availability.Pistons and Props: A Celebration of Aviation and AutomobilesPistons and Props, now in its second year, is an annual event that blends vintage aircraft, classic cars, and educational experiences. Hosted by Propel Forward, a local nonprofit, the event aims to preserve history while inspiring the next generation. Joshua Gowey, President of Propel Forward, emphasized the significance of this year’s lineup.“Having B-29 Doc at Pistons and Props takes this event to a whole new level. Our goal is to engage local youth and create meaningful connections to history, and this is the perfect way to do that,” Gowey stated.Attendees can expect a variety of attractions, including:Classic car and aircraft displaysInteractive exhibits for all agesLive flyovers and ride aircraftThe “Salute to Veterans” tribute (Friday evening)Aviation-themed kids' activities (Saturday)Live music, food, and drinksA new addition this year, the Salute to Veterans tribute on Friday, July 18, will honor those who have served with airplane rides, a motorcycle show, live music, and a hot air balloon glow.Tickets for Pistons and Props, including the Friday night Salute to Veterans Bike Show and Saturday’s Car Show, will be available for purchase in Spring 2025 at www.pistonsprops.com. Early online purchases will offer a discounted rate, and parking will be free.Whether you’re an aviation buff, a classic car lover, or just looking for a fun family outing, Pistons and Props 2025 promises to be an unforgettable event.For more details on B-29 Doc’s visit, ride flight bookings, and tour stops, visit www.b29doc.com.

For February's poll we want to know what your favorite locally owned bar is in the Janesville area! Let us know if we missed any!

The Children’s Museum of Rock County (CMRC) has announced plans to break ground on its long-anticipated museum in downtown Janesville in spring 2025. The project will transform the historic former Chase bank building at 100 W. Milwaukee Street into a dynamic space for children and families, combining renovation and new construction.With more than $11.5 million raised to date, the CMRC has exceeded its $10 million Let’s PLAY Together capital campaign goal. However, the organization is keeping the campaign open to ensure the project delivers a top-tier experience for Rock County families.“Our community has truly rallied around this project,” said John Westphal, CMRC President and Capital Campaign Chair. “We’ve surpassed our initial goal, but we want to create the best possible museum. Every additional dollar will go directly into enhancing the museum’s features and offerings.”The renovation plans include preserving the historic anchor building while demolishing the old drive-thru addition to make way for a modern extension. JP Cullen, selected as the general contractor in August, is expected to begin demolition and construction work this spring. To prepare, local firm Angus-Young has been tasked with finalizing construction documents and securing precise cost estimates from contractors.A standout feature of the upcoming museum will be a robust agricultural exhibit, made possible by over $1 million in contributions from Rock County’s agricultural community. The CMRC Board remains committed to incorporating this unique, locally inspired experience into the museum’s design.The museum’s construction is expected to take 10 to 13 months, with an anticipated opening in 2026. Alongside the physical build, the CMRC plans to hire its first executive director in 2025 to oversee operations and programming.“This museum will be a game-changer for our community,” Westphal emphasized. “We’re incredibly excited to see the vision come to life.”For more information on the project and ways to contribute, visit the CMRC website at kidsatplayrc.com.

The Hedberg Public Library is gearing up for its fourth annual Book Fest, scheduled for Saturday, June 21, 2025. This year’s highlight will be keynote speaker Maggie Ginsberg, an acclaimed Wisconsin author whose debut novel, Still True, has received widespread recognition.Published by the University of Wisconsin Press in September 2022, Still True has garnered numerous accolades, including the 2023 WLA Literary Award for Fiction. The novel also earned honorable mention for the 2022 Edna Ferber Fiction Book Award, was a finalist for the Chicago Writers Association’s 2023 Book of the Year, and won a silver medal at the 2023 Midwest Book Awards in the Literary/Contemporary/Historical Fiction category. Additionally, it was named a finalist for the Women’s Fiction Writers Association’s STAR Award for Outstanding Debut.Book Fest has a history of featuring celebrated authors, with past keynotes including Wisconsin Poet Laureate Dasha Kelly Hamilton in 2022, New York Times bestselling humorist Michael Perry in 2023, and USA Today bestselling author Ann Garvin, Ph.D., in 2024.The event offers a full day of activities at the library, designed to celebrate and support the local literary community. Writers can participate in craft-focused workshops and an author fair, where they can showcase, sign, and sell their books. The festivities will also include an exclusive author reception with Maggie Ginsberg on Friday, June 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.To foster inclusivity and creativity, the Book Fest committee is now accepting workshop proposals and applications for the author fair. Writers from all backgrounds, including those who are traditionally published, self-published, or from underrepresented communities, are encouraged to apply. More details and submission forms are available on the Hedberg Public Library website.Book Fest 2025 is made possible with support from the Friends of Hedberg Public Library. For updates and additional information, visit the library’s website at //www.hedbergpubliclibrary.org/book-fest.