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(UW-W press release) The spring 2021 commencement at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will be held in a hybrid format, allowing graduates an opportunity to cross the stage in cap and gown and receive their degrees in person, and providing the speeches, music and other traditional elements in a virtual format. About 1,775 students from both the Whitewater and Rock County campuses are expected to participate.

“We know from students and their families that crossing the stage is a powerful and emotional moment in the academic journey,” said Chancellor Dwight C. Watson. “Our Warhawks have worked to achieve this important milestone under remarkably difficult circumstances. We are happy to offer our graduates the opportunity to take this important step in person.” 

On Friday, May 14, students will be recorded crossing the stage at either Young Auditorium or Kachel Fieldhouse in cap and gown as their names are read. Masks must be worn at all times and social distancing must be observed in keeping with the university’s COVID-19 protocols. Graduates will be contacted regarding their specific line-up time and location.

Then, on Saturday, May 15, the entire recorded ceremony — including students crossing the stage — will be shared online at 1 p.m., allowing graduates to watch it with their friends and family members. The video will also be available for viewing at a later time.

Photographers will be on hand to take photos on May 14 as students cross the stage, and students will receive printed commencement booklets. Because of limitations on gatherings, we cannot accommodate any guests. And, because of space limitations, the ceremony is reserved for 2021 graduates.

The Commencement Committee, in close consultation with students, university leadership, and the Emergency Operations Committee, carefully and thoroughly considered different options for the format of the ceremony. It was determined that an outdoor ceremony was not possible because Perkins Stadium, the only venue large enough to accommodate a graduating class of this size and their guests, is not available due to renovations beginning this spring and continuing into the summer. The hybrid option at Kachel Fieldhouse/Young Auditorium provides for an indoor opportunity for students to cross the stage and receive their degrees in person, in keeping with social distancing practices for safety.

More information on UW-Whitewater’s spring 2021 commencement will be released at a later date. This information and any additional updates will be posted to uww.edu/commencement. 

Graduation regalia for both undergraduate and graduate students is available for purchase from the University Bookstore. Caps, gowns, tassels and diploma frames can be purchased either in-store or through the University Bookstore website. 

(Tree House submission)

(Walworth County Highway Dept. press release)
ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY SEASON
APRIL 1 – NOVEMBER 1

Please be aware of the Adopt-A-Highway groups as you are traveling Walworth County roads. You may
encounter groups of volunteers cleaning up trash on the side of state and county roads to improve our
county’s aesthetics.

If you currently maintain a section and are in need of supplies, please contact Walworth County Public
Works for replenishment (262-741-3367). Please remember to be aware of your surroundings and to make
this a safe and productive volunteer program. Do not pick up litter on medians, bridges, in tunnels,
overpasses or around other structures that would pose a danger. If you see suspicious items, do not touch
the item, contact Walworth County Public Works (262-741-3114, Option 1).

If you are part of or know of a group that is interested in adopting a road section to maintain, please contact
Walworth County Public Works for information (262-741-3367).

The City of Whitewater Common Council adopted an ordinance on July 21, 2020 that requires the wearing of face coverings in all public buildings, with limited exceptions. On March 16, 2021 the Council extended the effective date of the ordinance through June 30, 2021. The action of the WI Supreme Court on March 31, striking down the governor’s emergency orders including the mask mandate, has no effect on Whitewater’s ordinance.

(League of Wisconsin Municipalities email) – Wisconsin Supreme Court Strikes Down Governor’s Successive Emergency Orders This morning, March 31, 2021, the Wisconsin Supreme Court held that the Governor exceeded his authority under Wis. Stat. § 323.10 by issuing successive states of emergency based on the same public health emergency basis. Fabick v. Evers, 2021 WI 28. The Court held “that Wis. Stat. § 323.10’s duration-limiting language forbids the governor from declaring successive states of emergency on the same basis as a prior state of emergency, and that the governor may not reissue a new emergency declaration following legislative revocation of a state of emergency declared on the same basis.” Accordingly, the Court held that Executive Orders #82, #90, and #105 are void. Consequently, Emergency Order #1, which was issued under Executive Order #105 and established the Governor’s statewide mask mandate (set to expire April 5, 2021), is also void. Read the Court’s full decision here.

Wisconsin leads the nation in getting available shots in arms

MADISON (March 30) — Gov. Tony Evers, with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), today announced everyone age 16 and over will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine starting April 5, 2021. Wisconsin currently leads the nation in being one of the most efficient vaccinators for getting available shots in arms. With increased vaccine supply and an accelerated vaccination pace in recent weeks, the state is able to push the eligibility date four weeks earlier than expected. “We knew all along our COVID-19 vaccination program would be a massive undertaking, and we’re proud Wisconsin is currently leading the country in these efforts and that we’re now able to give all Wisconsinites 16 and older the opportunity to get vaccinated,” said Gov. Evers. “This marks a major milestone in our state’s fight against this virus and gets us closer to overcoming this pandemic and bouncing back together. Thank you to all the folks in public health, vaccinators, and staff helping make this possible.” While everyone will be eligible starting April 5, some areas of the state may have a higher demand for vaccinations and may have waitlists. Vaccine providers will prioritize anyone previously eligible such as public-facing essential workers and people with medical conditions. There continue to be many options available for getting vaccinated, including through DHS, federal, and local community-based vaccination clinics, pharmacies, healthcare providers, local and tribal health departments, and employers.  More information about each of these options is available on the COVID-19 where to get vaccinated page. Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is the only COVID-19 vaccine authorized for individuals age 16 and 17. To find a local vaccine provider visit the COVID-19 vaccine provider map or visit https://vaccinefinder.org. Individuals can also call the toll-free vaccine hotline at 1-844-684-1064 with questions or help registering for a vaccination appointment. The hotline is also available in Hindi, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish. Certain vaccine providers are using the COVID-19 Vaccine Registry. Anyone can register for an appointment using the COVID-19 vaccine registry. After you register, you will be notified when you are able to schedule an appointment. Appointments are based on whether a vaccine provider in your area uses the registry for scheduling and has available vaccine, and your place on the waitlist. Other vaccine providers may use their own scheduling system. “We have built-up a strong network of vaccine providers across the state. Every community is different, some providers may have openings and others may have waitlists but I assure you that anyone who wants a vaccine will be able to get one in the coming weeks,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work to reach 80 percent community immunity in Wisconsin.” Since the first shipment of an U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-authorized COVID-19 vaccine arrived in mid-December, Wisconsin continues to be a national leader in administering vaccine quickly and has administered over 2.7 million doses. As of March 29, more than one million people have been fully vaccinated and more than a quarter of Wisconsin residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine. As more Wisconsinites get fully vaccinated and COVID-19 disease rates remain high, it is critical for everyone to continue good public health practices. Masking up, staying physically distant, washing hands, and getting tested continue to be crucial tools for protecting ourselves and our communities against COVID-19. People who are fully vaccinated can review recently released post-vaccination guidance. For information, resources, and data related to Wisconsin’s COVID-19 vaccination program, visit the COVID-19 vaccine webpage. Make sure you are protected from COVID-19 vaccine scams with these simple tips.

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MADISON (March 29)  — Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) today announced that one million people in Wisconsin have completed their COVID-19 vaccine series and are fully vaccinated against the disease. “We’re happy to see folks in Wisconsin doing their part and getting vaccinated when it is their turn,” said Gov. Evers. “Keep up the good work, and we’ll be back to our Wisconsin way of life before you know it.”  Wisconsin has ranked consistently among the top in the nation and first in the Great Lakes States for number of doses administered per 100,000 people, and is first in the nation in percentage of doses administered. Additionally, more than 1 in 2 Wisconsinites age 65 and older have been fully vaccinated and nearly 3 in 4 have received their first dose. This puts Wisconsin fourth nationally for number of doses administered per 100,000 people age 64 and older.  Since first receiving vaccine in mid-December, Wisconsin has continued to ramp up vaccination efforts. Last week the state opened up eligibility to people with certain medical conditions representing the largest eligibility group to date. Vaccine providers in Wisconsin have administered over 2.7 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine since the program began, averaging roughly 50,000 doses per day over the past seven days.  “Being fully vaccinated using any of the three safe and highly effective vaccines available provides the best protection from COVID-19,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “Having one million Wisconsinites who have completed their vaccine series is yet another strong indicator that our vaccine program is working. Thank you to our vaccinators for getting us to this milestone.”  For more information, resources, and data related to Wisconsin’s COVID-19 vaccination program, visit the COVID-19 vaccine webpage. You can also follow @DHSWI on Facebook, Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram for more information on COVID-19.

A quote shared by Stacey Lunsford, Library Director: “It’s one of the greatest gifts that reading can give a person: easy access to peace inside, even when the world outside is in shambles.” – Jennifer Williamson

(Whitewater Public Library submission) The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library offers a new take-and-make craft kit every week! Stop by the library, grab your craft kit, and follow along with the instructional video. The library posts videos to our Facebook page and YouTube channel. Links to the library’s social media pages can be found at whitewaterlibrary.org.

Coming up…
• April 5th – Craft for adults
• April 12th – Craft for kids
• April 19th – Craft for adults
• April 26th – Special Arbor Day Craft
• May 3rd – Special World Migratory Bird Day Craft
*The library will take a break from weekly crafts after the first week in May. Crafts will resume on June 7th, 2021.

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/289529669
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (312) 757-3121
Access Code: 289-529-669
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/289529669

City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes American Rescue Plan Act
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/117660421
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3412
Access Code: 117-660-421
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/117660421

City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Thursday @ 3:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Effigy Mounds Preserve – Report on LIDAR Survey and recommendations by Amy
Rosebrough, State Archeologist (Blackmer)
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/804418477
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240‐3212
Access Code: 804‐418‐477
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/804418477

Whitewater Fire Department Board of Directors – Thursday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes EMS Staffing Committee update
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
meet.google.com/kov-vvqg-gvn
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 574-337-3647
Access Code:
608 900 211
New to Google Meets? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
meet.google.com/kov-vvqg-gvn

(Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club submission) The Whitewater Breakfast Kiwanis Club partnership with the Whitewater Community Foundation, the City of Whitewater, and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has currently raised $17,000 to enable children with disabilities to more fully enjoy the playground in Starin Park, with $23,000 more needed.   Plans are underway to provide a “We-Go-Round,” which is a merry-go-round designed to allow wheeled-mobility devices to fit in comfortably so all children can enjoy the experience. The “We-Go-Round” has a center post wheel for all children to use and create the spinning motion from inside and outside.

“This piece of equipment will make a huge difference to children with disabilities in Whitewater.  All children can play together on the ‘We-Go-Round.’  We are seeking our community’s help with donations to make this a reality,” said Jean Bromley, President of the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.

The “We-Go-Round” encourages social play for all children as both riders and pushers while they cooperate to make a fun experience for all. The children pushing work on motor planning and coordination through engagement of their muscles and joints. Kids utilize balance skills, along with core, lower and upper body strength. They will also use their cognitive skills for problem solving. This new equipment will bring imaginative play and the ability for all kids to socialize, no matter their degree of mobility.

“A huge thank you goes to the Kiwanis Club for wanting to add this fun piece of equipment to Starin Park,” said Eric Boettcher, Parks and Recreation Director. “This new We-Go-Round will be a great addition allowing all children to participate and enjoy the playground. That is exactly what a playground should be, a place for
everyone to enjoy their experience.”

UW-Whitewater will provide an in-kind contribution of $10,000 for the installation.  The Whitewater Community Foundation has set up a fund for the project and donations can be made now.  To donate, visit http://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/donate/. Click the Donate Now button and the site will ask you to choose a dollar amount, how often you wish to donate and which cause you wish to support as there are additional options for donations. Donors can also choose to share a note of why you are gifting the money to the cause. Donations may be tax deductible.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.