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Airing of the quilts show features local artistry
The Rock County Historical Society (RCHS) invites the community to experience the color, creativity, and craftsmanship of local quilters at the Airing of the Quilts show, a two-day event featuring nearly 100 handcrafted quilts. Taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, the exhibit will span the picturesque RCHS campus at 450 N. Jackson Street in Janesville. This celebration of quilting tradition will display quilts both indoors and outdoors, transforming the historic grounds into a colorful tapestry. Attendees will enjoy an ice cream social, live quilting demonstrations, and a Storybook Walk – making it an engaging event for all ages.
Quilting enthusiasts will have the opportunity to observe skilled local quilters demonstrating quilting techniques – including quilt embellishment, paper piecing, free-motion quilting, utilizing vintage machines, and building a barn quilt. A wide variety of quilt styles, sizes and designs will be on display at the show. “There are so many talented quilters in our region who are eager to display their beautiful works,” said Kathy Boguszewski, RCHS Board Member. “People love seeing the wide variety of quilts on display – especially in such a beautiful setting. With the combination of quilts, ice cream, and our Storybook Walk, this event offers a perfect weekend of
fun. It’s an especially great outing for Mother’s Day!” A fitting feature of the event is the Storybook Walk, which will highlight “The Quilt that Grandma Made” by Kristin Caulkins. The book will be displayed page-by-page on signposts along a scenic walking route, encouraging early literacy, outdoor exploration, and quality family time. The event is made possible thanks to generous sponsors, including the Rock County Dairy Promotion Council, Festival Foods, and Candace and Dave Thompson. Tickets for the event are $5 per day; free for people age 12 and under, and available at the event. For more information,
See QUILTS, Page 3
Celebrate Mother’s Day at botanical gardens with live music, blooms Rotary Botanical Gardens invites the public to celebrate Mother’s Day 2025 surrounded by natural beauty, live music, and meaningful memories. On Sunday, May 11, enjoy the first Sounds of Summer concert of the season, and take part in a touching Mother’s Day Dedication Package – a thoughtful way to honor the mothers, grandmothers, and inspiring women in one’s life. Whether one is a mom, has a mom, or knows a mom, this special day offers something for everyone. Bring a picnic, relax in the Gardens, and spend quality time with loved ones among the blooms. The Mother’s Day Dedica-
tion Package is $40. It includes: A personalized Mother’s Day card; a botanical-themed watercolor print by Marsha Mood; two admission passes to the Gardens; recognition of the honoree’s name (in honor or in memory) displayed on a decorative board in the Gardens from May 10 through June 15. Enjoy a walk through spring’s most vibrant floral displays, featuring daffodils, lupines, foxgloves, salvias, poppies, peonies, irises, magnolias, lilacs, redbuds, and more. The dedication deadline is May 5. How to make a gift: Online please visit www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org; in person
please drop off the donation at 1455 Palmer Drive, Janesville; by phone please call 608-7523885. Multiple tributes may be made. A gift of $80 includes two dedications. All proceeds benefit Rotary Botanical Gardens, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to horticultural excellence, environmental stewardship, and community enrichment. Sounds of Summer will be held on May 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. Enhance the visit with the first Sounds of Summer concert of the year, featuring live classical and acoustic performances by:
See GARDENS, Page 3
Rabies confirmed in Rock County bat A bat submitted to the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene from Rock County has tested positive for rabies. While no human contact with the bat has been reported, this case serves as a reminder that rabies – a fatal disease – remains present in the community’s wildlife. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals,
such as pet cats and dogs. It is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Bats are the most common carrier of rabies in Wisconsin and the leading source of rabies transmission to humans, though rabies can be found in other wild mammals like skunks, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes. Bats can transmit rabies through small or seemingly un-
See RABIES, Page 3
Milton house fire leads to fatality Lakeside Fire and Rescue was alerted by the Rock County 9-1-1 Center at 4:16 a.m. on Friday, April 25, of a wireless 9-1-1 call reporting a house fire on Ansley Avenue in the City of Milton. A passerby reported seeing flames through the front window of the residence. Lakeside Fire and EMS units from Station 3 of Milton and Station 2 of Edgerton were dispatched, with the first units on scene in 3 minutes, 53 seconds. The 9-1-1 caller did stop when she observed a car in the driveway and didn’t see anyone outside, believing someone might still be in the residence, and attempted to raise someone by knocking on the front and rear doors.
The first arriving Lakeside fire units, knowing the potential of someone still being in the residence, made immediate access into the home with one crew entering through the front door and a second crew entering through the rear door, and found an adult female deceased in the front living room area of the house. There was evidence that the fire may have smoldered for an extended length of time prior to being discovered. The fire is believed to have started in the living room of the house. The origin and cause of the fire is under investigation by a team of resources involving Lakeside Fire and Rescue, Rock County Sheriff’s Office,
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Rock County Medical Examiner, and the Wisconsin State Fire Marshall’s Office. All indications are that the fire was unintentional, and a tragic accident. The deceased was the sole resident and occupant of the home, with family living out of the immediate area. The actual cause of death is being investigated by the Rock County Medical Examiner, with more detailed analysis being conducted over the weekend. Fire damage to the residence was contained primarily to the living room area, with extensive smoke damage throughout the first floor.
See FATALITY, Page 3
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noticeable bites. Though often found outdoors, bats can enter homes through small gaps in window screens, chimney caps, door frames, or other openings larger than ¼ inch by ½ inch. If any locals discover a bat in their home, contact Rock County Public Health for guidance on next steps.
PHOTO SUBMITTED Rock Valley Publishing
Karla Keller holds one of her handcrafted quilts that will be featured in the upcoming Airing of the Quilts show at the Rock County Historical Society.
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