Lynn Binnie

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal and state tax deadlines have been extended to July 15. You do not have to file a request for this extension. The deadline for the first quarterly payment for those filing estimated taxes has also been extended to July 15 with no penalties or interest.

AARP has suspended tax preparations until further notice because of the COVID-19 outbreak. AARP states, “We will continue to assess whether we can open again in some or all sites for the remainder of the (extended) tax season. Check the web page periodically or call 1-888-227-7669 for updates about the status of Tax-Aide sites. Those with tax appointments at Seniors in the Park will be called when and if tax preparers will be returning. Those filing Homestead only, have the option of filing with their 2020 tax return next year.

Reasons why you might consider filing soon in spite of the deadline:

• One of the most common reasons to file taxes early is to receive a faster tax refund. Currently IRS indicates they are still processing most refunds within 21 days. Who knows what delays might occur later if COVID-19 gets a lot worse. Filing your return electronically with direct deposit into your bank account is the fastest way to get your refund.
• If you have already completed your tax return, you should still send it in as soon as possible but can delay submitting payment until the new July 15 deadline, according to Ben Riley, CPA on kiplinger.com. By filing your completed 1040 earlier, you will have more time to make and plan for the potential financial moves necessary to arrange your payment. It also allows the IRS to review your tax return and agree to your tax liability. In the event you made an erroneous tax deduction, claimed a tax credit you should not have, or made an arithmetic mistake, you will have more time to prepare in the event IRS disagrees with the information stated on your return.
• By delaying filing, there could be greater potential for identity fraud. By allowing scammers more time to file a return and claim a refund on “your” behalf, the opportunity to defraud you of your refund is greater.

Can you wait until July 15 to make 2019 contributions to your IRA or HSA? As of March 21, the Treasury has not provided guidance on whether there will be a deadline extension for making contributions to your health savings account or individual retirement accounts.

COVID-19 and Commencement

Dear Warhawks,

We understand the challenges facing students during these extraordinary times.  We also recognize the sacrifices our students and others are making. The spread of COVID-19 has compelled us to make difficult choices that put the safety of our students, their families, our employees, and our communities first.  This was not the semester anyone expected.

At the same time, we are guided by a principle of assisting all students’ progress toward their degrees.  We are especially committed to assisting students to meet the requirements for graduation this semester and are doing everything we can to fulfill that commitment through alternative means of course delivery.

However, given the circumstances facing our university, our community, the nation and the world, we have decided we cannot hold an in-person graduation ceremony as scheduled in May. 

This decision is consistent with Governor Evers’ Executive Order barring mass gatherings.  As a result, we are considering alternative ways to mark the tremendous achievement of graduates.

We are looking at a number of options and we want to hear your voices. Here is a link to a survey: https://uwwhitewater.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9EJyglXLZ8iaTuR (Banner note: the survey is also printed below this letter)

It offers options for celebrating our students and their accomplishments. We ask that you respond no later than 5 p.m. Friday, April 3.

This is a decision I was hoping we would not have to make and I know it is disappointing to so many. We will celebrate commencement one way or another, and we will do our best to honor the desires of our graduates.

I thank you again for all of your support and understanding in these difficult times.

Sincerely,
Dr. Dwight C. Watson
Chancellor

Survey sent to graduating seniors:
Dear Warhawks, 
Please tell us about who you are:

• May 2020 graduating senior
• Student
• Faculty/Instructional staff
• Administrator/non-instructional academic staff/university staff
• Family member
• Community member
• Other, please identify:

We want your opinion. We will not have May commencement in person, would you prefer

• Virtual commencement broadcast on May 16
• Commencement postponed until August or September
• Commencement postponed and held in concert with the December commencement
• Other comments:
  

Thank you for your feedback, understanding and support as we navigate this unprecedented situation and find an alternative way to celebrate the Class of 2020.

Office of the Chancellor

Following the directive of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and in an effort to reduce exposure risk to city staff and emergency responders to the COVID-19 virus, the City of Whitewater Police Department has put into place the following safety measures:

> In-person parking ticket payments will no longer be accepted. The City of Whitewater accepts Visa, MasterCard, personal checks or cash for payment of parking tickets. Payments can be made by putting the payment and ticket number in an envelope and placing it in the payment drop boxes in the south vestibule of the Whitewater Municipal Building, via the U.S. Postal Service (DO NOT SEND CASH), by calling 262-473-0555, option 1 with credit card information, or electronically by accessing the following Payment Services Network link: https://www.paymentservicenetwork.com/payeeid.asp…

> All DMV services are being suspended until further notice. Residents are encouraged to conduct all DMV related business through the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation website.

> Please make all open records requests online or by phone. Call 262-473-0555, option 1 Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. or email us at police@whitewater-wi.gov. Records request forms can be located on the City Of Whitewater website at:  click here.

> Officers will no longer be administering court ordered preliminary breath tests. If this requirement was set through Alcohol Treatment Court, it has been recommended that you contact Wisconsin Community Services (WCS)/Jefferson County Alcohol and Drug Treatment Courts: 920-674-8723 *from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri* or 920-674-8719 *after hours*

> Please limit in-person lobby complaints to emergencies. If you wish to speak with an officer or need to file a report, please call 262-473-0555, option 4.

We sincerely appreciate your adherence to these guidelines so that we may continue to keep our community safe. Thank you!

This ghost town-like photograph of Downtown Whitewater was taken by Ron Binning on Thursday, March 19 at 8:21 a.m. Before the COVID-19 social distancing mandate there would have been the cars of many breakfast diners at Jessica’s Restaurant. These days, Jessica’s does serve breakfast beginning at 8:00 a.m., but it’s on a carryout basis only.

As we continue to cooperate with the mandates and strong recommendations of federal and state officials, how about being grateful for the blessings of living in a community that isn’t densely populated and yet filled with people who care about each other? Infections are unfortunately sure to come, but hopefully by helping to “flatten the curve” we’ll contribute to keeping our hospitals and medical professionals from being overwhelmed.

Scott Brautigam, Assistant Chief of the EMS Division of the Whitewater Fire Department, told the Banner, “The emergency room is not the place to be tested and a test order (if appropriate) would need to come from your primary doctor. Just because you are experiencing flu like symptoms it does not mean you need to call 911 or go to the ER….Please don’t call 911 if you just have questions about COVID-19. Prevent overloading 911 with non-emergency calls by dialing 211 with questions or immediate needs related to the coronavirus. You may also text “COVID19” to “211-211,” or visit the website for statewide resources that will be continuously updated.

Our Rescue Squad is composed of well trained individuals who are ready to serve you, 24/7, in a true medical emergency. The flyer shown below from the Whitewater Fire Department gives insights into the types of situations where it IS appropriate to call 911. At the bottom of the post is a list of contacts at the various health systems that can assist with non-emergency situations in this challenging time.

When to seek Emergency Medical Care (any one of the following, may seek care for other reasons also)

• Moderate to severe difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest (not just with coughing)
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

Below are various health systems hotlines, links to virtual visits and general information on COVID-19.  If you don’t have symptoms above but are concerned, call/contact one of the below before seeking care in person. If you meet criteria, frequently virtual care physicians can order COVID 19 testing at drive thru sites.

Advocate Aurora

Advocate Aurora COVID-19 Hotline 1-866-443-2584

Information & virtual visits https://www.advocateaurorahealth.org/coronavirus-disease-2019

Ascension

Ascension National COVID-19 Hotline 1-833-981-0711.

Virtual care for a $20 fee at https://healthcare.ascension.org/Specialty-Care/Online-Care.

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin (CHW)

Virtual CHW urgent care visits https://childrensfromhome.com/landing.htm

General information https://chw.org/patients-and-families/coronavirus

Fort HealthCare

General information and link to virtual visits https://www.forthealthcare.com/

Froedtert

Direct patients to call their provider.

General information https://www.froedtert.com/coronavirus

Mercy

Virtual Mercy visits https://mercyhealthsystem.org/service/virtual-visit-now/

General information https://mercyhealthsystem.org/alert/coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/

ProHealth Care

ProHealth COVID 19 Hotline 262-928-4499

Virtual ProHealth Visits https://www.prohealthcare.org/medical-services/virtual-visits/

SSM/ Dean Health

Virtual SSM visits https://ssmhealth.zipnosis.com/

General information https://www.ssmhealth.com/coronavirus-updates

UW Health

UW Health COVID 19 Hotline 608-720-5300

General information https://www.uwhealth.org/covid-19/2019-novel-coronavirus/53156

A Banner reader wrote:

“As a resident of Whitewater, I have been looking for volunteering opportunities within the community during this time of need. I love the information for restaurants and thinking this would be somewhat similar, posted on the Banner. I have reached out to individual organizations but didn’t know if there were others trying to do the same. Maybe the information is hard to pull together but thought it worth the note. Thanks for all your efforts.”

Just this past weekend, Living Word Fellowship stepped forward to offer grocery shopping and errand service for those who have difficulty getting out. Their information is listed on the “Whitewater Responds to the COVID-19 community impact: Resources available for the community” post.

Though we recognize that many volunteer opportunities are not currently available due to the social distancing mandate, some residents probably have more time available than usual that they could dedicate towards serving others. If you can offer ways that these people might be of service, please email whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thank you.

Also, shown below is information on the new Volunteer Wisconsin website. Currently there don’t seem to be any opportunities listed in our general area.

COVID-19 Response Initiative launched on Volunteer Wisconsin website to connect volunteers and organizations to address pressing needs

As COVID-19 cases continue to increase in Wisconsin, significant community needs are developing in response to individuals having to self-quarantine and practice social distancing and the closure of schools, businesses, and other community resources.

To connect potential volunteers and organizations addressing these pressing concerns, the United Way of Wisconsin, Serve Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Volunteer Coordinators Association created the COVID-19 Response Initiative on the Volunteer Wisconsin website.

“Many of the needs that communities across our state are currently facing and those that will arise in the coming weeks will require the assistance of volunteers to help provide critical services, such as food distribution, supplementing staff at medical or care facilities, services for children, and transportation to essential medical visits,” said Charlene Mouille, Executive Director of United Way of Wisconsin.

The Volunteer Wisconsin website will provide a centralized location for organizations throughout the state to post information on projects addressing these needs and for people interested in helping others search for COVID-19 response projects in their local communities,” said Jeanne Duffy, Executive Director of Serve Wisconsin 

The COVID-19 Response Initiative can be found on the Volunteer Wisconsin website at www.volunteerwisconsin.org.

Property owners whose assessments changed received a notice earlier this month from Accurate Appraisal, LLC. In the letter that accompanied that notice, it was indicated that “Open Book” was scheduled for Mon., 3/23 and Tues., 3/24 at the Municipal Building. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the mandate for social distancing, Accurate will be conducting Open Book by telephone rather than at the Municipal Building. Appointments are being made by clicking on the green button on the top of this page: http://accurateassessor.com/ and selecting Whitewater. Then choose a date and time and enter your personal information. Open Book is an opportunity for property owners to obtain information regarding their assessment, and, if desired, to provide reasons for why they believe their assessment may not be accurate. If you do not have Internet access you may call Accurate Appraisal at 1-800-770-3927 to schedule an appointment.

As you are probably aware, 2019 was a “seller’s market” in many parts of the United States, and Whitewater was no exception. At this time the job of the assessor is to make the best possible estimate as to what a property would have sold for on December 31, 2019. Historically, Accurate Assessor’s estimates have, on average, come very close to actual sales prices. They estimate that “the City will see another 6.5% to 7% increase for residential properties for 2020. Ranches saw the biggest increase, between 8.5% and 10%.”

Readers will recall that we have featured this offer from The Black Sheep in our “Whitewater Responds to the COVID-19 community impact: Resources available for the community” post:
“Beginning Wednesday, March 18, and every Tuesday through Friday, for as long as they can or until the schools reopen, you can come to The Black Sheep between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. or between 3:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. to receive a meal that you can heat at home or a fruit, cereal, yogurt, and sandwich option. We believe no one should go hungry. Please call or text to let them know one day in advance how many meals you will need the next day and what time you will be arriving. Their phone number is (262) 613-7119 or you may send them a Facebook message.”

Owner/Chef Tyler Sailsbery’s generous offer is featured in an article by Jonah Beleckis in The (Janesville) Gazette on Sunday, March 22. The article describes how discouraged Tyler was when the social distancing mandate dramatically impacted his business, but he garnered hope from a very generous tip for his employees together with the thought that he could help the community in this difficult time by providing free meals. If you’re a subscriber or you don’t get foiled by the paywall, you may read the article here.

Below is Tyler’s response to the article as posted on his Facebook page:

“It’s because of all you we have been able to hand out 254 completely free meals in the last three days. We know the need is only going to grow. I have a lot of good people in my corner. I am thankful for all that everyone does in this community. Matthew Sylvester-Knudtson, Lisa Dawsey Smith, Marjorie Stoneman, Rose Luna, Peter Zaballos, Kristine Zaballos, Jenny Hagen, Jen Kaina, Sara Kuhl, Maggie Laughner . A huge shout all of my staff who jumps on board and jumps in. So so many of our guests and friends that support and contribute. Thank you Jonah Beleckis for sharing goodness and positivity in a dark time.”

And this from the Black Sheep’s Facebook page: 

“My cart looked a little bit different at the restaurant supply store. Aside from being overflowing. I don’t think I’ve ever bought ranch, bagged lettuce, macaroni noodles, baby carrots, a few hundred pounds of meat or pre-made pasta sauce to name a few.

But I needed to know that no matter what, we had food for these kiddos next week when the school took a much desvered break from their lunch program for spring break.

In the last 3 days The Black Sheep has served 254 free meals to kids, families, and the older adult population . We were able to do so largely because of our faith that this will get better, but also because people are kind and generous. So many have already joined us in our mission to serve our community, and we know that so many more will.

I had to make that run out to that supply store because I’ve spent so many days moved and crying. Receiving notes and requests like the ones in this picture. Where siblings are finding food for their other siblings willing to give up a meal themselves. A selflessness no one should have to choose.

Again I’m thankful for people’s kindness and generosity and their words of encouragement and donations. I’m thankful for Dana reaching out and letting me know that A’viands would be dropping off meat and cheese on our bar (while I was on my way to the restaurant supply store) because they shut down their on campus cafe. I’m thankful for all the people that reached out for all the things that I forgot. (Like more ziplock bags and cupcake cups @Jen kina)

I’m thankful that this community rallies around not only my restaurant but all of businesses here that are trying to make this community better. Especially thankful for my staff that are working like crazy to make sure we can still sell food but even more importantly give it away.

This too shall pass.”