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By Al Stanek
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
February 19, 2021

Whitewater area citizens will be able to get an update and offer questions and comments on the Cravath and Trippe Lakes drawdown project at a phone-in and online public meeting scheduled for this Wednesday (February 24).

Whitewater’s Cravath and Trippe lakes, connected by dams near the former American Legion Building on Wisconsin Street, have become overgrown with algae and weeds over the years and the multiyear project is designed to restore them closer to their original condition and offer increased recreational opportunities.

Information on how to access the 5:30 February 24^th meeting can be obtained through this Banner link or by visiting the City of Whitewater website at www.whitewater-wi.gov/Calendar; paging down to February 24 on the calendar, highlighting the Lakes Drawdown Meeting and hitting “more details.” For those not familiar with using the “Zoom” link online meeting tool, make a note of the meeting ID number and passcode and dial any of the toll-free phone numbers. You will be asked to enter the meeting number and passcode on your phone keypad to listen in to the presentation. When the public comment period begins you will be advised how to “raise your hand” to be called on and then on how to “unmute” your phone if you are interested in putting forth a question or comment.

At a preview of the public information opportunity at the February 18^th Common Council meeting Whitewater Parks and Recreation Director Eric Boettcher had both good news and bad news regarding the effort. Boettcher pointed out that Cravath Lake in the downtown area had drained essentially as expected and that “syphons” on the eastside’s Trippe Lake continue to allow flow even in sub-zero conditions. He added, however, that it is more than likely that additional syphons will need to be installed in Spring to enable Trippe Lake to drain sufficiently before dredging can take place next Winter.

The Trippe Lake “syphons” are underwater intake grates placed several feet below the main dam’s water entry point. They are connected to 12-inch tubes that direct the flow over the dam and ultimately into neighboring Cravath Lake. Boettcher explained that when enough of Trippe Lake is drawn down as expected later this year a controlled burn of the remaining plant life on both lakebeds will be conducted and both lakes will be dredged of some of the accumulated silt. The plan is to begin refilling the lakes in the Spring of 2022. The original plan had called for refilling this year.

In other water related issues the Common Council discussed the appropriate sizing of the proposed new water tower on the City’s southwest side and took initial steps to acquire a one-acre parcel just over the “bridge to nowhere” on Indian Mound Parkway. The project is intended to stabilize water pressure and replace the capacity provided by the Starin Park Water Tower and an adjacent ground level reservoir that were both constructed in 1889. City Manager Cameron Clapper and council members were quick to point out that there are no plans to remove the Starin Park Water Tower. The 131-year-old structure (believed to be the second oldest in the state) is often referred to as “Witches Tower” because of local legend connecting it to alleged paranormal events. Councilman Jim Allen jokingly advised that “the witches have a 99-year lease on the tower.”

On a somewhat related matter the Common Council voted to make an offer to purchase a home adjacent the City Water Plant on Fremont Street. The house at 336 North Fremont Street is between the Water Plant and another home owned by the city and backs up to Starin Park. The Council decided to pursue the opportunity only if an appropriate price can be negotiated.

The February 18 Council meeting also featured an update on plans to close existing Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) Districts in hopes of being able to again use that development tool. The plan includes being able to use the final year of the revenue from the City’s largest TIF District to fund efforts to make housing more affordable in Whitewater and possibly provide funding for housing rehabilitation. The opportunity is the only one of three potential uses that advisors say the City has available under a state authorized TIF District extension program. Numerous other Wisconsin communities have reportedly taken advantage of this program. It is expected to generate somewhere around $2 million for community development.

Statement from UW-Whitewater Chancellor Dwight C. Watson on Governor Evers’ budget address

“When Wisconsin invests in its public universities, the dividends are outstanding. UW-Whitewater alone accounts for more than a half-billion dollars in annual economic impact in our region, supporting more than 4,400 jobs. We provide an exceptional academic experience for students while keeping costs affordable. In addition, our role as a COVID-19 testing center shows that our service mission to the community has never been stronger. On behalf of the Warhawk family, I’d like to extend thanks to Governor Evers for this budget proposal, which represents not only an investment in higher education, but an investment in Wisconsin’s future.”

UW System President Tommy Thompson statement on Gov. Evers’ budget proposal

MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson issued this statement today
on Gov. Tony Evers’ budget proposal:
“Governor Evers’ budget for the UW System will allow us to tackle some of Wisconsin’s most pressing
challenges: expanding online education to meet market demands, tackling prison recidivism to save
taxpayer money, leveraging our freshwater resources for economic and environmental gain, expanding
opportunity for our neediest students. The budget shows that the Governor recognizes the value we can
deliver to all Wisconsinites, as we have during the COVID-19 pandemic. Where there is a problem, the UW
wants to help – and the Governor’s budget will allow us to do just that on some of Wisconsin’s toughest
problems. We look forward to working with the legislature to deliver a positive budget for UW.”

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Committee – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/905424965
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (571) 317-3112
Access Code: 905-424-965
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/905424965

Whitewater Unified School District Board – Monday @ 7:00 p.m.
Agenda includes homeless outreach and Ratification of the Whitewater Education Association (WEA) 2020-21 Collective Bargaining Agreement (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner of page)
URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82463949173?pwd=ZS9ObVdNZmFxSzNBWXRZN1l3RTZOQT09
Passcode: 028806
Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 824 6394 9173
Passcode: 028806

SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION CANVASS – Tuesday @ 9:00 a.m.
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner of page)

City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 4:30
Agenda
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/696309717
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Access Code: 696-309-717
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/696309717

Whitewater University Technology Park Board Meeting – Wednesday @ 8:00 a.m.
Agenda
Online via WebEx Conference WebEx Connection Information:
Meeting number (access code): 133 105 5820
Meeting password: Mf6frCpx45U
Join by phone
+1-415-655-0001 US Toll
+1-855-749-4750 US Toll Free

Lakes Drawdown Community Meeting – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda
City of Whitewater is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/94328678246?pwd=dlljR2tmb0hoZFlGb0sxOXhCdHlZZz09
Meeting ID: 943 2867 8246
Passcode: 845632
You can also dial using your phone.
+1 312 626 6799 US
Meeting ID: 943 2867 8246
Passcode: 845632

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Citizens are welcome, and encouraged to join us via computer, smart‐phone or
telephone.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/635977541
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (224) 501‐3412
Access Code: 635‐977‐541
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/635977541

(Submitted by Gio Anello) Winter blues have you down? Are you missing live theater? Well the wait is over as Mukwonago High School proudly presents “Little Shop of Horrors” February 19, 20, 26, 27 at 7 p.m. and February 21 and 28 at 2 p.m.! The show can be seen LIVE at the Greenwald Foundation Performing Arts Center at Mukwonago High or can be viewed online via livestream for those who would feel safer watching it from the comfort of their own homes!

This dark comedy has a little bit of everything from upbeat music to slow, loving songs, from ethical dilemmas to greed and envy, and everything in between! “Little Shop of Horrors” has something for everyone and will be sure to leave you laughing until you’re short of breath as well as on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.

Bringing this show to life under the direction of Mr. Allen Zablocki are Jacob D’Amour as Seymour, Jessica Cottourone as Audrey, Eva Metrusias as the Voice of the Audrey II, Gio Anello as the Dentist, Marek Nettesheim as Mr. Mushnik, along with Monique Noll, Norah Samuels, Layla Nowak, Gwen Gunderson, Abi Knoerschild, and Erin Parrilli as the Urchins. Supporting these characters are the talented ensemble members Alyssa Natrop, Gabe Pett, Ryan O’Connor, Leighton Jeske, David Winarski, Julia Rady, Zoe Eineichner, Coleman Strand, Adrian Hudz, Ethan Forster, Maddie Whilhelm, Kaylyn Geuder , Zoe Pilant, Angelina Rodriguez, and Maddy Fleischer.

A limited number of in-person tickets are available for $15. Livestream the event for $15 (single viewer) or $35 (family pass). Tickets can be bought by going to https://www.showtix4u.com/events/GFPAC.

Please be aware that masks are required to be worn by audience members at all times. If you have a reason to not wear a mask, please purchase a virtual ticket.

The cast, crew, and creative team have been working very hard to make this show a possibility and a success. We would like to thank the Mukwonago Area School District administration for all of their support and permission to present this show in such a complicated time. We look forward to performing for and seeing YOU there!

(Walworth County Public Health submission) Walworth County Division of Public Health has opened vaccine registration for additional future eligible groups for COVID-19 vaccination via a form on the county website. These populations will tentatively be eligible to begin to receive vaccination on March 1, 2021 dependent on vaccine supply. The eligible groups that can begin registering include:

• Education and child care staff
• Individuals enrolled in Medicaid Long-Term Care programs
• 911 operators
• Utility and communications infrastructure workers
• Public transit workers
• Food supply chain workers
• Non-frontline health care personnel
• Staff and residents in congregate living settings
• Mink husbandry workers

For details and a complete list of vaccine eligible groups, please visit the Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services Vaccine Eligibility Page and the State Disaster Medical Advisory Committee guidance on Phase 1b. Although vaccine eligibility has further expanded, individuals who previously met eligibility criteria and have not yet received a vaccine are still eligible to be vaccinated.

Due to a nationwide vaccine shortage, vaccinations will likely take several weeks or months. There are a significantly large number of people included in the eligible groups and vaccine availability remains limited. Not everyone in these groups will be able to be vaccinated immediately.

Vaccination is not currently open to all public facing essential workers or the general public. The Public Health Division asks that those outside of the current eligible categories refrain from using these forms to register.

There is no fee associated with COVID-19 vaccination and no one will contact you to collect credit card information or seek payment.

Air Quality Alert

Start 4:09 PM CST, Friday, February 19

End 3:00 PM CST, Sunday, February 21

Source: U.S. National Weather Service

…AIR QUALITY ADVISORY ISSUED FOR SOUTH CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN… The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued an Air Quality Advisory for Particle Pollution which will remain in effect until 3:00 PM CST Sunday, February 21. This advisory affects people living in Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Lafayette, Marquette, Milwaukee, Monroe, Ozaukee, Racine, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha Counties.

Due to stagnant air increasing fine particle concentrations, the air quality index is expected to reach the UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS level. Sensitive groups include children, elderly people, individuals with respiratory and cardiac problems, and anyone engaged in strenuous outdoor activities for a prolonged period of time. For more information on current air quality, please see: https://airquality.wi.gov