Lynn Binnie

David Arthur McComb, 63, Whitewater, lost his life on Mon., April 6, 2020 in an accident while doing what he loved

David Arthur McComb, 63, Whitewater, lost his life in an accident while doing what he loved; working on the farm while listening to music on his headphones.

David was born on October 2, 1956 in Pittsburgh, PA to Arthur and Vera (Lynd) McComb. He served his country in the United States Coast Guard and later received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture from Penn State University. David married Barbara Jane Arnold on April 28, 1984 in Bethlehem, PA. He and Barb moved to Whitewater in 1988 to live on the Lynd family farm. David worked for Associated Spring Company in Milwaukee for 23 years. Of the many projects he was involved in, the making of springs for the Mars rover and the Webb Space Telescope were the most notable. He and Barb owned and operated Amramp of SE Wisconsin since 2016. David enjoyed running Amramp and helping others to maintain their independence. He is remembered by his family for his strong family values, smile, love of laughter and his quiet manner. He was a wonderful example of father and husband to all the men in the family.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Barb, Whitewater; children Tom McComb, Whitewater, Libby McComb, Elkhorn; Brothers Donald McComb, Whitewater, Scott (Cathy) McComb, Chugiak, Alaska, Jay (Kim) McComb, Hendersonville, TN, Mark (Autumn) McComb, Whitewater; special friends Ken and Karen Foye (Portsmouth, NH), Ken Latzko and Louise Rheem (Carmel,NY); 21 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A private graveside service with military honors will be held at Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater. A celebration of David’s life will be held on the family farm later in the fall. The family would like to thank the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department and the City of Whitewater Rescue Squad for their service.

He will be missed!

Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.

Online Condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Carol A. Ott, 66, of Whitewater, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2020 at her home

Carol A. Ott, 66, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2020 at her home.  Carol was born on March 6, 1954 to the late Eugene and Dorothy (Pollock) Robbins.  She was a 1972 graduate of Whitewater High School and then attended Blackhawk Technical College and received an Associate’s Degree in Food Science.  On December 2, 1972 in Fort Atkinson, WI, Carol married Roger Ott.  She worked for many years in Jefferson at the Tyson Food Plant.  She also worked in the Purina Plant and most recently at Nasco.  Carol loved to go deer hunting, garden, ride motorcycles, sew and was a classic car enthusiast. 

Carol is survived by her loving husband, Roger Ott, son: Levi (Sarah) Ott and their son, Vallyn; brothers: Eugene and Dale Robbins; sister: Kathy Knaack; 2 brothers-in-law, 2 sisters-in-law, 5 nieces, 5 nephews, and many friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents and a niece, Christine Robbins.

A private family burial will take place.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton are assisting the family with arrangements.

Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton

www.albrechtfuneralhomes.com

AARP Innovation Labs Launches “AARP Community Connections” Platform to Find Help, or Give It, During Pandemic

MADISON, WISCONSIN – AARP Community Connections, a new online platform launched by AARP Innovation Labs this week,allows users to organize and find local volunteer groups to help pick up groceries, provide financial assistance or lend emotional support to neighbors, friends and loved ones.

“Across Wisconsin and the entire country, these informal online groups – also called “mutual aid” groups – help communities stay connected at a time when people must practice social distancing to stay safe,” said AARP Wisconsin State Director Sam Wilson.

“We may need to be physically isolated, but we don’t have to feel alone,” said Andy Miller, Senior Vice President of AARP Innovation Labs. “Through this innovative platform, people in need of help from – or who want to offer help to – their communities are empowered to engage. In this unprecedented time, AARP remains committed to helping the 50-plus population, and AARP Community Connections is one more way we’re innovating to improve our communities.”

AARP Community Connections includes multiple resources to help those who are feeling isolated, depressed, overwhelmed or anxious. Users are able to:

  • Request a call from an AARP volunteer, or a trained counselor; 
  • Easily create an account with Savo to make connecting with their families easier;
  • Join “The Mighty,” a safe, supportive online community for people facing health challenges and their caregivers.

Social isolation was a common problem, even before the coronavirus pandemic. A 2020 study, published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine and supported by AARP Foundation, reported 43 percent of adults age 60 or older said they had felt lonely.

And while social isolation and loneliness are serious health issues by themselves, they can also exacerbate existing health problems, such as lung disease, heart disease and diabetes, Wilson explained.

AARP Community Connections helps people reach out to volunteers in their community who are willing to help their neighbors with their unique needs. The platform is live and completely free to use, and AARP membership is not required. For more information, visit www.aarpcommunityconnections.org.

SSM Health Seeking Donations of Personal Protective Equipment

Dr. Roberta Wedl of SSM Health Dean Medical Group Whitewater indicated, “Our organization is accepting donations of medical supplies. If community members have items that are appropriate for donation, they would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. We urge everyone to continue to stay at home and practice social distancing to the greatest extent possible.”

The information shown below describing needed items and how to donate may also be found at click here.

Your Donations. Your Community.

How You Can Help During the COVID-19 Outbreak

SSM Health has received hundreds of generous offers from companies and individuals wanting to donate supplies, personal protective equipment or money to help prepare the medical community for an expected increase in COVID-19 cases. We will direct donations to the areas of greatest need in the coming weeks.

Your generosity is deeply appreciated, particularly at times like this. LEARN MORE ABOUT PLANNED GIVING. CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATES

Connect with Your Local SSM Health Foundation About PPE Donations

If you are looking for more information on how you can donate personal protective equipment (PPE) in your area, please reach out to representative of your local foundation and they can direct you on how you can best help. Thank you in advance for your generosity as we work to ensure the health and safety of our patients and communities during this pandemic.

THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS ARE IDENTIFIED AS HIGH PRIORITY NEEDS:

  • FDA-approved surgical masks and respirators
  • N95 masks
  • Thermometers — infrared and forehead with disposable covers
  • Footwear covers
  • Goggles or eye protection
  • Disposable isolation gowns
  • Tyvek contamination suits
  • Face shields or industrial grinding shields with head harness and plastic shield
  • Hand sanitizer bottles or bulk
  • Sanitizing wipes
  • Nasopharyngeal swabs (nasal type, not Q-Tip-type cotton swabs)

FOR QUESTIONS OR TO COORDINATE A DONATION DROP-OFF, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SSM HEALTH FOUNDATION:

UW-W to Offer an Online Master of Science in Business Analytics

Beginning fall 2020, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will offer the first online Master of Science in Business Analytics in the University of Wisconsin System.

“We are pleased to offer this new program,” said Paul Ambrose, graduate program coordinator and associate dean of the College of Business and Economics. “The data analytics emphasis in our MBA program and the graduate certificate in business data analytics have both grown significantly in the last three years. The Master of Science in Business Analytics offers a degree option for recent graduates and professionals who want to specialize in business analytics.”

Business analytics approaches data from a business perspective. Integrating data science, managerial acumen and effective communication, business analytics can inform decision-making across all areas of the business — including operations, marketing and finance.

The 30-credit master of science program can be completed 100 percent online in about 24 months on a part-time basis. The curriculum layers foundational theories, advanced tools and techniques, and practical applications of analytics in business. In addition, the program is aligned with the Certified Analytics Professional (CAP®) Handbook. CAP is the premier global professional certification for analytics professionals.

It is now easier and faster for organizations to acquire data, and software advances have made data analysis more affordable and accessible. As a result, qualified business analysts are in high demand. According to the latest Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers related to analytics — including operations research analysts, market research analysts and management analysts — are expected to grow faster than average, and opportunities are best for professionals with at least a master’s degree.

“UW-Whitewater is recognized for the excellence and affordability of its graduate business programs,” said John Chenoweth, dean of the College of Business and Economics. “Accreditation by AACSB International is part of our DNA, and it ensures the degrees we confer will be respected by employers and other institutions. Both online and traditional on-campus students can be confident they’ll receive a world-class business education.”

For more information on the M.S. in Business Analytics, contact Andrew Ciganek, department chairperson of Information Technology and Supply Chain Management, at gradbus@uww.edu or 262-472-1945.

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April 7 Election Still Going Forward: Absentees Must Still Be Witnessed; Extension for Mail-In Absentee Ballots Appealed to U.S. Supreme Court (UPDATED 4/6)

  • The 2020 Spring Election and Presidential Preference Vote is still on for Tuesday, April 7.
  • Due to a shortage of poll workers, Whitewater will be voting in only one polling place: The “Old” Armory.
  • Some 100 clerks around the state indicate that they do not have enough poll workers to staff even one polling place.
  • Milwaukee plans to have only 5 polling places, compared with the previous 180.
  • Per a ruling by U.S. District Judge William Conley on April 2, absentee ballots may be received until Monday, April 13 at 4 p.m. However, the Republican Party has appealed this extension to the U.S. Supreme Court, so it is possible that absentee ballots received after April 7 might not be counted.
  • New: Due to a ruling on Friday evening by the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, absentee voters still need to have someone witness their ballot. That court, however, declined to issue a stay on the extension of the deadline for absentee ballots to be received.
  • Clerks may not announce results of the election until April 13.
  • Gov. Evers called on the Legislature to meet in Special Session on Saturday, April 4 at 4 p.m. to consider changes to the election. Mr. Evers’ proposal would allow an all-mail election, sending a ballot to every registered voter who has not already requested one by May 19, and extending the time for those ballots to be received to May 26.
  • New: It was reported that there was a sparse turnout of legislators for the Special Session; there was no debate on Gov. Evers’ proposal, and the session concluded with no action. The Special Session may convene again on Monday, but it appears unlikely that there will be any action. UPDATED 4/6/20 – The Wisconsin State Journal reports that today “the GOP-led Assembly and Senate have again adjourned the special session until after the election. In less than a minute Monday, the chief clerk of the Assembly convened and adjourned the session until Wednesday. No lawmakers were present for the session. The Senate made a similar move earlier in the day.”
  • New: Also on Saturday, an appeal was filed in the U.S. Supreme Court by Republicans, seeking to block the extension for mail-in ballots to be received until April 13. Consequently it is possible that the deadline will still be April 7 when the polls close.

Wallace Merle Robeson died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at Fairhaven

Wallace Merle Robeson

November 24, 1930 – March 21, 2020

Wallace Merle Robeson died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday March 21, 2020, at Fairhaven Retirement Community in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Wallace, known as Wally to all, was the only child of Paul D. and Mary (Doubleday) Robeson, born on November 24, 1930 at home in Bradford Township, Rock County, Wisconsin.

Wally studied in one-room country schools and graduated from Clinton High School in the class of 1948. He attended Milton College for three semesters and after completing the requirements for a Bachelor of Education degree in Secondary Science Education, Wally graduated from Wisconsin State College in 1952. He served as a student pastor of the Methodist churches in Jasper and Trosky, Minnesota for one school year.

In August, 1953, Wally and twenty other collogues sailed for Turkey. Wally’s assignment was to Tarsus American College (TAC), a secondary boarding school for boys in Tarsus, Turkey, the hometown of St. Paul, the apostle. Wally taught classes in health, general math, chemistry, biology, bookkeeping, and was school treasurer during his three years there.

Wally met Ruth C. Sowter at an annual meeting between board schools in Istanbul, Turkey. After a short courtship by letter, they married on June 13, 1955 in Izmir, Turkey. In 1956, Wally and Ruth returned to the United States where Wally enrolled in the Graduate School of Theology at Oberlin College in Ohio. Ruth worked in her librarian profession while earning her PHT (Putting Hubby Through). Wally was awarded his Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1960.

The couple were given career appointments to the Near East Mission by the United Church Board for World Ministries and returned to Turkey in August 1960. From 1960 to 1965 they lived in Izmir where Wally was the business manager of the school. In December, 1961 they welcomed to the world their one and only daughter who was the light of their lives. From 1965 to 1966, Wally was the principal of a boarding middle school in Talas, a small town in central Anatolia. Much to his dismay, he was forced to close the school in 1966 due to a lack of funds. For the next year, the family lived in Madison, Wisconsin where Wally earned his Masters of Administration in Secondary Education.

Wally spent the majority of his career as the principal of TAC from 1967 to 1988. He touched the lives of many through his years of service. He taught his students the importance of being individuals and worked hard to raise independent thinkers. Many of Wally’s students went on to become prominent businessmen, doctors, CEO’s, and politicians in Turkey. Wally and Ruth opened their home to international teachers to make them feel at home and were like parents to the students whose families were far away. Wally and Ruth retired to Fairhaven Retirement Community in 1996.

Wally is survived by his daughter, Mary Heather (Dogan Satir); three granddaughters: Ayse Celik (Ural Celik), Zeynep Goktepe, and Ipek Goktepe; Troy Marinkovic who was like a grandson; and his pride and joy Aria Celik, his beloved great granddaughter; he is also survived by many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Ruth. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Two Physicians Unaware of Local Confirmed COVID-19, but both say, “That being said….”

The physicians at SSM Dean Medical Group Whitewater provided this response to whether they are aware of any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Whitewater:

Roberta Wedl, M.D.: “I am unaware of any confirmed cases in Whitewater. That being said, from a practical matter, I cannot imagine that it is NOT here; we just have not found it yet.”

Nathaniel Besch, D.O.: “I am not aware of local community spread of the virus.  That being said we as a community should behave like there is viral spread in the community. Distance yourself from others. Stay home unless absolutely necessary. If we do this we can minimize viral spread and keep our community safe.”

No Foolin’ – Today is Officially Census Day; Please Act Now if You Haven’t Already

April 1st Census Day Reminder from the City of Whitewater

Don’t Forget to Respond! – The 2020 Census is open for self-response online at 2020Census.gov, over the phone by calling the number provided in your invitation (844-330-2020 – English, 844-468-2020 – Spanish), and by paper through the mail.

The census provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for you and your community. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data.

The results of the census also determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and they are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts.

It’s also in the Constitution: Article 1, Section 2, mandates that the country conduct a count of its population once every 10 years. The 2020 Census will mark the 24th time that the country has counted its population since 1790.

How Great to Post Something that’s “Normal:” City Compost Site is Opening this Sat., 4/4!

Compost Site Opening Information

The compost site will open for the season on Saturday, April 4, 2020, at 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. The compost site will also open on Wednesdays beginning April 8, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The City will provide a loader for loading chips and compost into residents’ trailers and trucks beginning Saturday, April 4. This loader will be available the first Saturday of every month until the site closes for the season. *Please allow enough time for unloading as the compost site will close promptly at the posted times.*

If you have any questions, please call the Streets Department at 473-0560.