Free, Fast COVID-19 Tests Offered at UW-W to Anyone 5 Years or Older

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by UW-Whitewater.

Free, fast COVID-19 tests available to anyone 5 years or older

To receive a rapid-results test – available in about 15 minutes – register first at doineedacovid19test.com or call 1-800-635-8611. Those who test positive through the rapid-results test are urged to get a confirmatory PCR test. Banner notes: 1) The test is self-administered with a nasal swab. It is only slightly uncomfortable. 2) The PCR test is also available at the UW-W testing site, and those with symptoms are encouraged to return for that test even if their rapid test is negative. It takes several days to get the result for the PCR test.

Individuals do not have to be experiencing symptoms or be a close contact of someone with COVID-19 to get a test, nor do they need to live in the community where the testing site is located.

Whitewater campus

Williams Center, 907 Schwager Drive, second floor, adjacent to Sideline Café
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
Free parking is available in lot 11

Rock County campus

Lower Level of Allen Hall, Rooms AH16 and AH17
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays

(No testing available Monday, Sept. 6, Labor Day)

Additional sites

Community members who wish to get tested can also consult the COVID-19 Community Testing Site page on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website. That page currently lists testing sites across the state, including those in Walworth, Jefferson and Rock counties.

UW-W’s Balanganayi Named Preseason All-American for UW-Whitewater Football

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by UW-Whitewater.

Mackenzie Balanganayi, a native of Whitewater, WI, was one of four members of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team who have been selected to D3football.com’s 2021 Preseason All-America team.

Senior offensive linemen Kyle Gannon (Waukesha, Wis./West) and senior defensive lineman Mackenzie Balanganayi (Palatine, Ill./Palatine) garnered first team accolades. Senior defensive back Mark McGrath (Lisle, Ill./Lisle) and senior running back Alex Peete (Ringwood, Ill./Johnsburg) earned second team honors.

All four players helped the Warhawks finish with a 13-2 record in 2019, including a 6-1 mark in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The team won the WIAC championship for the 37th time and reached the Stagg Bowl (NCAA Division III national championship game) for the 10th time in program history.

Gannon helped the Warhawks average 30.1 points per game and a conference-leading 195.7 rushing yards per game in 2019. He collected second team D3football.com All-West Region and first team All-WIAC recognition. In 2020-21, Gannon was selected second team Academic All-America by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

Balanganayi, the 2019 WIAC Defensive Player of the Year and D3football.com West Region Defensive Player of the Year, totaled 42 tackles, including nine sacks. He finished the year as a second team D3football.com All-American. In 2020-21, he was named a National Strength and Conditioing Association All-American for his commitment to strength and conditioning.

McGrath joined Balanganayi on the All-America second team in 2019 with 59 tackles and three blocked kicks. Peete, a 2018 D3football.com second team All-American and 2019 first team All-WIAC and D3football.com All-West Region running back, tallied 14 rushing touchdowns and rushed for more than 1,000 yards for the second straight year in 2019.

UW-Whitewater’s 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gannon, Balanganayi and McGrath were each named 2020 Preseason All-Americans, and were joined by linebacker Kaleb Kaminski offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz.

The Warhawks’ 2021 campaign kicks off Saturday, Sept. 4, at Perkins Stadium against Carthage.

WHS Whippets 24 / Big Foot Chiefs 19 @ Perkins Stadium on Aug. 20 (UPDATED with details & photos)

Editor’s note: Thanks to Bob Mischka for this report and photos.

Brock Grosinske
Carter Friend

The Whippets opened their 2021 football season with a hard-fought 24-19 win over Big Foot played at the UW-W Perkins Stadium on Friday, August 20. Senior quarterback Brock Grosinske completed 6 of 16 passes for 112 yards and ran for 59 yards and 3 TDs. Senior running back Carter Friend carried 32 times for 155 yards and 1 TD. Next up is a non-conference game at Portage on Friday, August 27.

$100 COVID-19 Vaccine Reward Program Encourages Wisconsinites to Get Vaccinated by Labor Day

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by a press release from the Governor’s office.

Editor’s note: Per this article on foxbusiness.com, the FDA on August 23 granted full approval for the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for individuals age 16 and over. (Children age 12 through 15 are still eligible to receive a vaccine under the FDA’s emergency use authorization.)
Wisconsinites will receive $100 by getting vaccinated now through September 6
OSHKOSH — Gov. Tony Evers today with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced Wisconsin residents who receive their first dose of any COVID-19 vaccine from a Wisconsin provider between August 20 and September 6 can collect a $100 Visa gift card. Wisconsinites ages 12 and older are eligible for the reward, and proof of insurance, I.D., or citizenship are not required to be eligible for the vaccine or to receive the $100 reward.

“As our kids start returning back to school, and with the Delta variant spreading rapidly across the state, we all need to step up and stop the spread, and our COVID-19 vaccines are the best tools we have to do just that,” said Gov. Evers. “From now through Labor Day, if you’re a Wisconsin resident and you get your first COVID-19 shot here in the state, you will get $100 bucks. It’s that simple: get vaccinated, get $100. I’m calling on all eligible Wisconsinites who have not gotten their COVID-19 vaccine yet to step up, roll up their sleeve, and do their part to help protect our state and put an end to COVID-19.” 

In order to receive the $100 Visa gift card, Wisconsin residents will need to fill out the form available at 100.wisconsin.gov. Information submitted will be used to verify that individuals received their first vaccine dose from a vaccine provider located in Wisconsin between August 20 and September 6. Visa cards will be mailed to the individual’s Wisconsin address and may take up to six weeks to be mailed to participants.

For more information on the reward program, visit the DHS $100 reward page or call 844-684-1064. Language assistance is available. To find a COVID-19 vaccine location in your community, visit Vaccines.gov or call 2-1-1 or 877-947-2211. 

“COVID-19 is continuing to spread and mutate into highly transmissible variants like the Delta variant. Fortunately, the science and data are showing us that we can protect ourselves and our loved ones by getting vaccinated,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “The vaccines are extremely safe. They are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. And they are critical to protecting our kids, our healthcare workers, and the most vulnerable people in our state. Let’s not give COVID-19 the opportunity to keep mutating: roll up your sleeve, get your vaccine, and claim your $100.”

Many Wisconsinites face financial barriers to access the COVID-19 vaccine—factors such as transportation, childcare, or the inability to take time off from work which can make it difficult for many to get vaccinated. The $100 COVID-19 Vaccine Reward Program will provide some additional support to those wanting to get protected against COVID-19. In addition to this reward, Wisconsinites can call 2-1-1 to get assistance finding transportation. There are also some services being offered by national companies listed on the COVID-19 Vaccine Incentives webpage. For those who have been financially impacted by the pandemic, visit the COVID-19 Response Resources webpage for a list of available support services. 

The $100 COVID-19 Vaccine Reward Program is part of the ongoing effort to stop the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant by encouraging Wisconsinites to get vaccinated. Wisconsin continues to experience an increase of COVID-19 cases, driven by the Delta variant. The Delta variant is much more contagious than the original strain of COVID-19. With the original strain of COVID-19, an infected person was likely to infect two other people who are likely to infect two additional people for a total of six cases from one infection. With the Delta variant, an infected person is likely to infect five people which can lead to an approximate total of 30 cases from just one infection.

While vaccination is the most important layer of protection against COVID-19, with the high-level of disease transmission in Wisconsin, DHS is urging everyone to add more layers of protection including masking up indoors and staying home when feeling sick.

To stay up-to-date on COVID-19 and to learn more about how to stay protected, subscribe to the DHS COVID-19 Weekly Newsletter
The image on the homepage, “100 Dollar Bills” by Philip Taylor PT, is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Whippet Booster Club Hosting Cookout at WHS on September 10

The 2021 Whippet Booster Club Cookout and Membership Drive will take place on Friday, September 10th at WHS (please see flyer). Since we were not able to host this event last fall, it is exciting to get this popular event rolling once again.

Please consider joining the fun on the 10th by enjoying a cookout prior to the Whippet varsity football game. This is also the same night for the new field dedication, so there will be all sorts of excitement.

While enjoying a burger or hot dog meal for $8.00, consider becoming a member of the Whippet Booster Club by signing up for a membership. The Booster Club has contributed significant funds in support of Whippet Athletics thanks to our various fundraisers, and memberships are one of those fundraisers.

Submitted by Elvia MezaKlosinski
Whippet Booster Club

Local Resident Peggy Race Book Launch Desiree, The Music of My Soul – Wed., 8/25

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by Peggy Race.

Join local Whitewater resident and author Peggy Race on Wednesday, August 25, at 7:00 p.m. for a virtual book launch.

Peggy’s first memoir, Desiree, The Music Of My Soul, has been released by Black Rose Writing!

The book launch event will be hosted by Kathie Giorgio, author and studio owner of the AllWriters’ Workplace and Workshop in Waukesha. Peggy started writing the book in the AllWriters’ Once-A-Month Write-A-Book Workshop, and she finished it in coaching with an AllWriters’ faculty member.

Peggy will read from the book and there will be a Q & A discussion.

Here is the description of the book:
Staunch and rooted to her childhood values, Peggy engages in a battle to overcome a failed marriage, the sudden, heartrending loss of her second husband and her own self-doubts. While sandwiched between each layer of uncertainty, Peggy fights her way forward through the love of her dogs.

Amid personal tragedy, Peggy’s life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Desiree, a rescued Hurricane Katrina dog. Fueled by the serendipitous connection, Peggy deploys an unending passion for answers as she searches for purpose. As Peggy unravels Desiree’s significance in her life, she looks beyond the confines of loss and discovers her true self.

Desiree: The Music of My Soul is a poetic and soul-stirring love story which captures one woman’s journey of strength and self-discovery that transcends grief and loss. Filled with hope and inspiration, Desiree: The Music of My Soul, symbolizes the resilience of the human spirit.

This is a Zoom event and registration is required. Register in advance for this meeting with the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArc-yhrjIsHdEMVKhUot-D_whxI9GNhd9T?fbclid=IwAR2O9XtXtUKg1k0mze96JxRcvUmqjO-fUuRYkxuY5brscIou2jPD3Tsew8g

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Please come to help us celebrate Peggy’s success, and maybe you can start dreaming of your own success too!
The book is available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Desiree-Music-My-Soul-Memoir/dp/168433747X
Learn more about Peggy at www.peggyrace.com

UW Extension: It’s been a tough last year… WeCOPE Program to be offered FREE virtually!

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by UW-Madison Extension.

WeCOPE is designed to help you discover strategies that will help you to become more aware of the mind-body connection and gain skills to respond to stress you may experience in your daily life. You will learn several skills such as mindfulness, positive reappraisal, savoring, and gratitude, among others.  

WeCOPE is a 7 session, evidence-based program that helps adults cope with life stress.  WeCOPE is based on the work of Dr. Judith Moskowitz and has been shown to reduce stress and depression, increase positive affect, and improve health behaviors in randomized trials.  Dr. Moskowitz’s work is based on the research that even in the context of life stress such as serious illness or death of a loved one, positive emotions can and do occur and have unique coping correlates and adaptive consequences.

Our workshops are designed with you in mind. We offer multiple opportunities for you to reflect on your personal life and circumstances and share with other participants if you would like. You will never be asked to disclose anything that you do not want to share. We also offer opportunities for you to practice with mindful breathing and meditation. We encourage you to engage where you feel comfortable. There is no role playing or mandatory sharing in our workshop. We welcome you to attend just as you are for each session. 

You can attend this FREE classes from the comfort of your home or wherever you are, as the class will be offered via Zoom, and participants will be able to connect via computer or dial in by phone. The program will take place Mondays and Thursdays 11 am – Noon September 9th – 30th 2021. Please register at go.wisc.edu/WeCOPEkrw​.

If you have any questions please contact:

  • Walworth County – Amanda Kostman – amanda.kostman@wisc.edu​

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides affirmative action and equal opportunity in education, programming and employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, gender, creed, disability, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or parental, arrest or conviction record or veteran status. To get additional contact information for your local Extension office, go to http://counties.extension.wisc.edu.

This Week’s City & School Board Meetings – Update: Item Added to CDA Closed Session

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission
Arboretum Sponsorship Subcommittee
Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront Room-2nd Floor
312 W. Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
(This will be a hybrid meeting)
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/453738501
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3311
Access Code: 453-738-501

Whitewater Unified School Board Monday @ 5:30 & 7:00 p.m.
Agenda – Click on “meetings” in upper right hand corner.

PUBLIC NOTICE: The health and safety of District employees, School Board, and the community is a
top priority. As such, some Board members may participate virtually. Members of the public may
attend in-person on a first come, first serve basis. A capacity of 20 individuals is set for in-person
attendance. Additionally the meeting will be live streamed via Zoom.
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Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
School Board Workshop (5:30pm – 7:00pm) and Regular Meeting
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5:30 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89282642657?pwd=bkJsejBKYTVnRm80REx2anBQdnFCdz09
– Passcode: 459238
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 892 8264 2657
– Passcode: 459238
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Closed Session
———————————————-
Open Session via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84202670444?pwd=N3pjMTVab1B1RnFobjcvbmdhV0N0UT09
– Passcode: 346850
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 842 0267 0444
– Passcode: 346850

Downtown Whitewater Board of Directors Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Update 8/23/21: Due to the air conditioning being down at the office, this meeting has changed to virtual only.
Agenda
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89888169484?pwd=QU9YaTZnOVNlOEtVU1hxTExaM
EpRZz09

City of Whitewater Finance Committee MeetingTuesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
City Manager’s Conference Room (2nd Floor)
Meeting will be held in BLENDED format (in-person and virtual). You may join meeting in person at
the City Manager’s Conference Room or from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/509678133
You can also dial in using your phone.
(For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.)
United States: 1 (872) 240-3311
Access Code: 509-678-133

City of Whitewater Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee Wednesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
Virtual Meeting
Wed, Aug 25, 2021 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (CDT)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/561445365
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (312) 757-3121
Access Code: 561-445-365

City of Whitewater Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes closed session on Deliberating sale of Vacant Land (Lot 1, Certified Survey Map No. 4442) located
on East Main Court. and Consideration of Façade Loan Application for proposed remodel of premises
located at 136 W. Main Street (Ilmi Shabani, Owner). Update: Added to closed session: Deliberating sale of Vacant Land (Part of Lot 1, Certified Survey Map No. 3050) located on Universal Boulevard.

Location: Municipal Building – Community Room (First Floor)
312 W. Whitewater Street
This will be an IN‐PERSON MEETING as well as a VIRTUAL MEETING.
Citizens are welcome and encouraged to join us in person, or via computer, smart
phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion
periods.
Please click the link below to join the Zoom webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88156034170?pwd=VitrOHN4TCtmUUpHb2tZUXpyNUNodz09
Passcode: 538914
Or Telephone:1 312 626 6799 or 1 877 853 5257 (Toll Free)
Webinar ID: 881 5603 4170
Passcode: 538914