Lynn Binnie

Whitewater School Board/Whitewater Education Association Bargaining Session – Wednesday @ 3:45 p.m.
Agenda: Exchange 2024-25 proposals
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street

City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Approval of Proposed Scope of Work to be
performed by SEWRPC for phase one of the Comprehensive Lake Management Plan for Cravath and Trippe Lakes.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*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.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89512410529?pwd=S0xrUzJBUzlrNjF6d1ZvbFlTQWc2Zz09
Meeting ID: 895 1241 0529
Passcode: 519198
Dial 1 312 626 6799

City of Whitewater Special Common Council Meeting – Wednesday, @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda: Discussion and Possible Action regarding Interviewing and Appointing of Interim Municipal Judge.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
*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.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87127076222?pwd=wxPtUDQztDcWQ_ntZqbYyE73IWWujw.RvK1-Rz-fAlmtbk_
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 871 2707 6222 Passcode: 095330

The $21,169 grant will support the production of critical incident mapping data for first responders

The Whitewater Unified School District has been awarded a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) to fund the mapping of all district buildings, ensuring compliance with state mandates and bolstering the district’s security and emergency responsiveness.

Under the provisions of the 2017 Wisconsin Act 143 and 2021 Wisconsin Act 109, schools are eligible to apply for grant funding to cover the expenses associated with obtaining digital maps of buildings required by the Office of School Safety (OSS), a division of the DOJ. These maps must include site-specific data, such as building numbers, floor identifiers, room numbers, and other features, to serve as resources for first responders in case of critical incidents.

The district will receive the $21,169 grant to fund the production of the required critical incident mapping data for the OSS.

“We appreciate the Whitewater Police Department’s role in advocating for the critical incident map grant. Additionally, we want to thank John Houwers, Director of Technology, who contributed tremendously to the completion of this process,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent, “Access to digital maps will significantly improve our district’s security measures and aid first responders in emergencies. We are appreciative of this grant opportunity and the benefits it will offer to WUSD’s existing safety plan.”

Public, private, and tribal schools may apply for up to $5,000 in WI Act 109 grant funding per building, with a district limit of $200,000. These funds must be used for site-specific critical incident mapping data to improve security and increase situational awareness for first responders.

To learn more about Act 143, Act 109, and the DOJ School Safety Grants, visit www.doj.state.wi.us/office-school-safety/school-safety-grants.

Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.

By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football program has a “Week of Giving” planned for April 29 through May 3. The week features community service and educational engagements. 

Monday, April 29 — Reading with the Warhawks at Washington and Lincoln Elementary Schools
Warhawk football players will partner with children at both Lincoln and Washington Elementary Schools in Whitewater to read books. 

Tuesday, April 30 — UWW Football Visits Fairhaven
The UW-Whitewater football team will make an appearance at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater to visit and play games with residents. 

Wednesday, May 1 — Warhawks Cure Cancer, NMDP* Presentation
Representatives from the National Marrow Donor Program will be presenting to the Warhawk football team about the work they do every day to save lives through marrow transplants. 

Thursday, May 2 — Warhawks Cure Cancer, NMDP* Recruiting Event on Campus | Event Flyer
Warhawk football and representatives from the NMDP will hold a recruiting event for the donor registry from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the south side of the University Center at UW-Whitewater. The Warhawks encourage anyone interested in learning more about becoming a marrow donor or joining the registry to visit the booth!

Friday, May 3 — UWW Football Outdoor Cleanup Project
The Warhawk football team will assist the UW-Whitewater facilities crew with various projects at the outdoor athletic complexes on campus. 

*NMDP is a global nonprofit leader in cell therapy. With their partners, NMDP drives groundbreaking research, treatment and support to cure blood cancer, blood disorders and beyond. NMDP has previously been known as Be The Match and the National Marrow Donor Program, but the mission has remained: Find cures. Save lives. 

With warmer weather upon us, Lincoln Family Teacher Partnership wanted to get ahead of bike safety month in May and purchased over 100 helmets for students at Lincoln Elementary School. Every single student had the opportunity to have a helmet ordered for them!

We want to impress upon all our readers within the community the importance of bike safety and remembering to watch out for bicyclists.

Stay safe and have a healthy summer!

Warmly,
Lincoln Family Teacher Partnership

Editor’s note: This announcement was submitted by Tamela Acker. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Jyotirmay Datta Chaudhuri from Pixabay.

Editor’s note: Although the following press release was issued on April 5, 2024, no progress has been reported in locating the subject children. Their photos may be found here.

In September 2023, Walworth County Child Protective Services contacted the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office for assistance in locating Ava (age 6), Ezekiel (age 13), Justice (age 12), and Perpetua (age 15) Bushey, of Whitewater, WI. The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office has conducted an extensive investigation into their whereabouts. Early in the investigation, it was found that the family had suddenly left the state of Wisconsin and was believed to be in the southern part of the United States. Walworth County Child Protective Services has issued a civil warrant to check on the welfare of the children.

The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office has consulted with the Walworth County District Attorney’s Office for review. The Walworth County District Attorney’s Office has determined there are no criminal violations of the law at this time.

Both our agency and the Walworth County Child Protective Services have followed up on numerous leads and are working with outside law enforcement agencies in an attempt to locate the children. We reached out to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and are looking for the community’s help in locating these children and checking their welfare.

The primary concern for locating the children is to determine if they are receiving proper medical care related to their medical needs. Court orders are in place to allow Walworth County Child Protective Services to take custody of the children if located. There are no concerns for violence to the children and there are no concerns for harm to the public.

Anyone with information, please contact Walworth County Child Protective Services at 262-741-3200.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Reference #2001829

 
Young children and their caregivers are invited to “Music & Art Wonder Club,” a free class at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Monday, April 29 at 5:45 – 7:00 p.m. Participants will explore a world instrument petting zoo, create an upcycled process art project, and engage in a whimsical music and movement program with instrument and movement props. Best for ages 3-8; all ages welcome.

The class is taught by Noelle Larson, a Board-Certified Music Therapist, graduate of Whitewater High School and Berklee College of Music, and the owner of Circle of Song Music Therapy, LLC. Noelle has a passion for helping clients and participants to “Connect, Thrive, and Come Alive Through Music,” strengthen family relationships, learn adaptive coping strategies, and experience wonder and joy through the delight of participating in live music making.

There is no cost or registration to attend. The library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-473-0530.

Nearly seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s including 110,000 in Wisconsin. As an Alzheimer’s Association Volunteer advocate, it is my honor to raise my voice on their behalf. I understand firsthand the impact this disease has on Wisconsin families. My wife, Pat, of 53 years was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at Mayo Clinic in 2018. Her decline from this devastating disease has been difficult to watch. I recently attended the 2024 AIM [Alzheimer’s Impact Movement] Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C. with my fellow Alzheimer’s Association advocates from across the country. The attendance was 1,000 strong. The purpose was to meet with our members of Congress to call for support of the NAPA Reauthorization Act, the Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act, the BOLD Reauthorization Act and the AADAPT Act. Each of these bills will ensure that the nation continues to prioritize addressing Alzheimer’s and dementia as major health issues. These programs will promote early detection, implement dementia interventions, and help support the needs of caregivers. Thank you to Congressman Bryan Steil for listening to those of us impacted by Alzheimer’s. Please join me and the Alzheimer’s Association in encouraging Rep. Steil to advance the policies that will continue making progress in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

This issue is not Red or Blue; it is Purple
Randy Cruse
Whitewater

Editor’s note: The following press release was issued by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The photo of a measles skin rash on the homepage is from the CDC.

Following a confirmed case of measles, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), in coordination with Public Health Madison & Dane County and Rock County Public Health, are working to identify and directly notify people who may have been exposed to the measles virus.

The investigation has identified the following exposure locations in public settings for which a full list of exposed people cannot be obtained.

Individuals who were at the following locations may have been exposed to measles.

• Kwik Trip, 603 W. Madison Ave. Milton, WI, on Sunday April 21, 2024, between 2:30 and 5 p.m.
• SSM Health Dean Medical Group – Janesville, 3200 E. Racine St., Janesville, WI, on Monday, April 22, 2024, between 1 and 5 p.m., and SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Janesville, 3400 E. Racine St., Janesville, WI, on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• uBreakiFix, 2810 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI on Monday, April 22, 2024 between 5 and 7:30 p.m.
• Noodles and Co., 110 Limestone Pass, Cottage Grove, WI on Monday, April 22, 2024 between 5:15 and 7:45 p.m.

People at these locations during those dates and times should check their measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination status as soon as possible. Wisconsin residents can find their immunization records using the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR). Instructions are available in English, Spanish, and Hmong. If you are unable to access your records, please contact your doctor’s office or your local health department.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be spread from person to person through the air and can stay in the air for up to two hours after a sick person coughs or sneezes. After exposure to someone with measles, symptoms can take from seven to 21 days to show up.

Symptoms of measles include:

• Runny nose
• High fever (may be greater than 104°F)
• Tiredness
• Cough
• Red, watery eyes, or conjunctivitis (“pink eye”)
• A red rash with raised bumps that starts at the hairline and moves to the arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.

If you develop any symptoms of measles, stay home (do not go to work, school, shopping, or use public transportation) and call your doctor’s office or clinic before visiting so they can take precautions so that other patients are not exposed to the virus. For free, confidential assistance finding a doctor or community clinic near you, dial 211.

The MMR vaccine is available at area doctor’s offices or clinics, local health departments, and some local pharmacies. If you do not have health insurance, or your insurance may not cover vaccines, the Vaccines for Children and Vaccines for Adults programs may be able to help.

For more information about measles, visit the DHS measles webpage. Additional information regarding this investigation will be released as necessary.