Virtual Coding Club will be hosted via Zoom meeting June 4th and 18th at 3:30 p.m. Interested coders can earn to create their own filters, memes and more using JavaScript. They can create and share their own unique projects and learn from others. No previous coding experience is required. This club is recommended for ages 10 – 18.
Coders can register on the library’s website to receive an invitation to participate:
whitewaterlibrary.org
By Lisa Dawsey Smith
Whitewater Banner Staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The Common Council met virtually again on June 2. City Manager Cameron Clapper reported that the major street and utility reconstruction projects on Milwaukee St./Elkhorn Road and Clay Street are progressing well. The Cravath Lakefront Park amphitheater structure has arrived and is being installed. The Municipal Building reopened on June 1. Citizens having business in the building are encouraged to wear a mask. A virtual town hall meeting that will include a city operations and university update, resources for businesses, and Q&A will be held on Thursday evening at 5:30. The public is encouraged to participate. Information regarding registration is found on the Banner.
Finance Director Steve Hatton indicated that the state Public Service Commission (PSC) held a public hearing on May 26 in response to the rate case that was filed for the water utility. There were no public comments at the hearing. It is anticipated that a decision will be announced within the next ten days, likely resulting in an increase of approximately $3.54 per month for an average residential user of 3,000 gallons. The city is required to implement whatever decision the PSC announces. There was no way for the city to have known when the case was submitted in May, 2019 what the extraordinary economic situation would be today.
Police Chief Aaron Raap reflected on the tragic death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the resulting protests around the nation. Mr. Raap spoke of his and the department’s philosophy of community policing and their policies around use of force, including the fact that citizen complaints against an officer are reviewed by four persons in the chain of command, including himself. The Chief indicated that he expects the community to hold the personnel accountable, and encourages citizens to file a complaint any time they experience or see a police action that they feel is inappropriate, as well as reporting if they see something good occur. Our officers are trained in deescalation, fair and impartial policing, and positive interactions with the public. Chief Raap will be issuing a public statement on Wednesday, June 3.
An ordinance prohibiting the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores was adopted. Although there is no such establishment in the city at this time, it was indicated that such animals often come from “mills” where poor treatment routinely contributes to poor health, behavioral issues and the like. Megan Nicholson, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Humane Society, congratulated the Council for the action, indicating that we are the first municipality in Wisconsin with such an ordinance, although similar measures have been adopted in many cities and states around the nation.
Finance Director Steve Hatton reported on the annual financial audit by Johnson Block CPAs. Johnson Block issued an unqualified (or “clean”) opinion. The auditors commented on the operating deficit for the Aquatic and Fitness Center, something which city staff have been devoting considerable attention to since the city took over the operations. Otherwise it was a good year for the city financially. The organization has a goal of maintaining a 20% unassigned fund balance, a target which was reached for the first time in many years at the end of 2019, with a 22.5% “reserve ratio.” This provides a cushion which can be used in case of unanticipated major events.
The following individuals were appointed to the Library Board: Doug Anderson and Lisa Dawsey Smith as regular members, and Steve Smith and Jennifer Motszko as alternate members.
According to a press release, the City of Whitewater will be holding a virtual Town Hall meeting Thursday, June 4
at 5:30 p.m. to discuss updates concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with city operation updates, the agenda includes updates on resources for businesses and updates from the university. The meeting will then open up for a question and answer period, allowing citizens to interact and ask questions.
Due to Coronavirus concerns, this will be a virtual meeting (not in person). Citizens are welcome and encouraged to attend the virtual Zoom meeting by registering at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EQrxnGfiRxCFSUUJMSEz7Q. After registering, a confirmation email willbe sent with instructions to join the virtual meeting via a computer, smart phone or telephone.
Agenda
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers on June 2 released a video statement following the death of George Floyd and the ongoing unrest, urging Wisconsinites to offer their compassion, support, and action to the Black community. This includes calling on the Legislature to pass Assembly Bill 1012, relating to use of force practices. The video message is available here. Over the past few days, we have been grieving as another Black life was extinguished before our eyes. His name was George Floyd. He was 46. His life matters. His family deserves justice. And he should still be alive today. But his death was not an anomaly. We hear the echo of the words of Eric Garner. We relive the pain of the death of Black Wisconsinites like Dontre Hamilton, Sylville Smith, Ernest Lacy, and Tony Robinson. We listen to the call and repeat, answered by generations of Black voices who’ve marched before in these very same streets. George Floyd’s death—and the lives taken before him—are symptomatic of the disease we’ve failed to adequately treat for four centuries. Racism has never really gone away—it has only manifested itself in different ways, from incarceration rates to health outcome disparities, the wage gap to education inequity, and in good intentions. These past few days, millions have gathered to memorialize George Floyd, to demand change and accountability, and to call on this country to keep its promise of justice, fairness, and equity. There was no empathy or humanity in George Floyd’s death, but there must be empathy and humanity in our response to it. We must see the trauma, fear, and exhaustion of being Black in our state and in our country. We must reject the efforts of those who seek to undermine and distract from the pain of generations of injustice. We must condemn all those who encourage violence against Black lives. We must offer our compassion, we must offer our support, but most of all, we must offer our action. We can start with accountability for unacceptable use of force by certain law enforcement officers in our country and our state. So, I am calling on the Legislature to immediately pass Assembly Bill 1012 that would reform our use of force policies by prioritizing preserving life and minimizing the use of force and send it to my desk for signature. I am also calling for local government leaders to join us in demanding change, and I am asking for partners to step up in every corner of this state and put in the work that needs to be done. This legislation is an important first step, but we know the solution to racism isn’t in one bill or one person. I know I don’t have all the answers–no one does. This is on all of us, together. We need systemic change to address the racism in our state and our country. We must be willing to face it, with clear eyes and open hearts, recognizing that folks who look like me have been part of creating, exacerbating, and benefiting from the systems that we must now turn to dismantle. We must confront society’s comfort with racism. We must reestablish trust with communities of color. We must be willing to listen, we must be willing to be uncomfortable, we must be willing to do the work. We must lay bare the notion that this is not who we are. It is who we have been. It is who we are. But it is not who we have to be tomorrow. I have seen hope in those who’ve joined this cause in support, who’ve lent a hand to a neighbor, who’ve showed up with brooms and dustbins in hand to help clean up our neighborhoods. We must use this dark moment to begin to be an example for the rest of the nation. Wisconsin will lead, we will listen, and we are going to put in the work. Please be kind to each other, support each other, and keep each other safe tonight and in the days ahead. We have work to do tomorrow, together. |
(WHITEWATER – Whitewater Arts Alliance Submission) The Whitewater Arts Alliance will be hosting the Wisconsin Regional Art Program (WRAP) exhibit that features the works of non-professional Wisconsin artists at Whitewater’s Cultural Arts Center, 402 West Main Street, from June 7 through June 27. Visitors will be asked to participate in health and safety measures in light of COVID-19, to include wearing a mask at all times (masks will be provided), entering via the elevator and exiting via the front door (unless they require the elevator), and keeping six feet apart. There will be a ten-person maximum in the building at all times.
Artists from Wisconsin will be exhibiting art in a variety of media including 3 D and photography. Artists and art-advocates alike are invited to view the exhibit free of charge. The exhibit will run from 2 to 4 p.m. beginning June 7th and running through June 27 on the following days: Fridays (for at risk individuals only – age 65 and over or with immunocompromised health conditions), and Saturdays and Sundays for all others.
A FREE reception to meet the artists will be Sunday, June 7 from 2 – 4 p.m. and will take place outside (the reception will be cancelled if it rains). There will be no food. Individuals who would like to attend should RSVP to this free reception only by e-mailing wwartsalliance@gmail.com or calling 262-374-2499. A maximum of 45 people will be able to attend in order to keep six feet apart.
WRAP was established to encourage Wisconsin citizens with a serious interest in art – people who make art purely for the love of it, rather than for fame and fortune. The purpose of WRAP is to encourage nonprofessional artists to develop their abilities. The Wisconsin Regional Art Program consists of many artist workshop/exhibits that meet throughout the year statewide. Each one has a different artist demonstration or slide lecture and a different judge to lead the afternoon critique. Artists may enter as many Wisconsin Regional Art Workshops as they like. The program is run by the Association of Wisconsin Artists (AWA), formerly named WRAA.
Artists winning a State Exhibit Award are eligible to compete for monetary awards at the State Day in Madison. In order to enter the State Exhibit you must be a member of the Wisconsin Regional Arts Program – you can join the organization at any time before the state exhibit by going to wraawrap.com and click on the tab to register.
The first Rural Art Exhibit was held at the Memorial Union during Farm and Home Week in 1940. Under the guidance of John Stuart Curry, the exhibit grew rapidly, expanding from 30 nonprofessional artists in 1940 to over 100 by 1947. The energy and enthusiasm of Curry’s successor, Aaron Bohrod, the WRAP directors, James Schwalbach and Ken Kuemmerlein, and the help of the AWA have continued to make the exhibition and workshops cornerstones of activity for nonprofessional artists throughout the state.
WRAP is developed and administered by the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Liberal Studies and the Arts. WRAP exhibits and workshops began in 1940 to encourage the creative growth of non-professional artists from rural areas.
Big thanks to our sponsor!
The mission of the Whitewater Arts Alliance is to promote the visual and performing arts through an alliance of artists, individuals, educational resources, and organizations to promote creativity and diversity that will serve to educate and enrich the lives of the residents of the Whitewater community and surrounding areas.
WE HAVE SOME VERY EXCITING NEWS! Due to the overwhelming amount of requests to still hold a 5K Run, we are offering a VIRTUAL 5K Run Walk for the Homeless. This Virtual 5K run/walk is being hosted by Whitewater Community Fundraising Partners which consists of Whitewater High School Alumni and community members working to make a difference in our community. For additional information on this organization, please visit the following website: www.whitewatercfp.com
Proceeds from this run will be benefiting the students in the Whitewater Unified School District, which are either homeless or on the verge of being homeless. In April of 2019 the Whitewater School District reported they had 66 homeless youth. (Janesville Gazette). This is a staggering 3% of the student population for a small community.
So…what is a virtual run, you ask? This is an opportunity to have fun and enjoy a run while respecting social distancing and still benefiting others. You simply register to take part, submit your time once you complete your run or walk and once all results are entered by June 21, results will be provided and swag bags will be mailed.
Each participant will receive the following in their swag bag:
1. T-shirt (dri-wick performance t-shirt)
2. Race Bib
3. Finisher Wristband
4. Coupons for local businesses who have sponsored the run/walk
PLUS, we are providing awards based on 10 year increments.
We are also offering a really fun way to win a gift certificate to a Culver’s of Whitewater: Put your photo of yourself while either running, or after you finish your run and our committee will pick one winner to receive this special prize. Simply post your picture on Whitewater Community Fundraising Partners Facebook page.
Register today to help make a difference in our area youth: https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Whitewater/VirtualWCFP5KRunWalk
If you are not able to walk or run, we are accepting donations and you can simply click on the same link.
As published to the UW-Whitewater campus announcements page here today UW-Whitewater announced a reopening of the Children’s Center for essential childcare needs. The announcement listed below also details safety measures being taken by the center during this time of Covid-19.
Children’s Center safety measures
UW-Whitewater’s Children’s Center has once again opened to offer essential childcare. Using recommendations from the CDC and the Department of Children and Families to ensure the safety of the children and staff, childcare services began on Tuesday, May 26 for a limited number of children.
To provide a safe environment for families, children and staff, the Children’s Center is following several new safety measures:
For those individuals who have access to and are entering the Roseman Building during this time, we ask that you please avoid entering the lower level (Children’s Center area) and use an entrance that is closest to your destination, so that you do not need to walk through the hallways on the lower level. The Children’s Center groups will only use their designated spaces and will not enter the other areas of Roseman.
As published to the UW-Whitewater announcements page here, Chancellor Dwight Watson released the following letter to the campus community:
Message from Chancellor Watson regarding Phase 1 of return to work
Dear Colleagues,
At UW-Whitewater, our primary concern remains the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and the public who may visit our campuses. Last week, the state’s Department of Administration announced that as of June 1, the state is in Phase 1 of the State Government Badger Bounce Back Plan.
Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan explained, “Phase 1 means that state office buildings partially reopen, but only for employees who do not have the ability to work from home and/or are providing services that agency heads determine have limited alternatives in service delivery for the general public. Social distancing requirements are strictly enforced within the workplace, including in individual and shared workspaces. Remote work is highly encouraged. Gatherings of only 10 people or less are allowed.”
At UW-Whitewater, Phase I will not change the way we are currently operating. We ask that those who are working remotely continue to do so. If you have extenuating circumstances that warrant your return to campus, please work with your supervisor. Those employees who have continued to report to the campuses should also continue to do so. Divisions are working on plans to bring employees safely back to campus. If you have questions, please contact your supervisor.
Thank you for all that you do for our students and our university.
Stay safe and be well.
Sincerely,
Dr. Dwight C. Watson
Chancellor
Per a press release from Jefferson County Parks, the following information is noted as changes to operations for Jefferson County Parks:
Restrooms will be open at the following Jefferson County Parks:
“Use at your own risk” Jefferson County Parks playgrounds include:
Camping in Jefferson County Parks (reservation required):
Walk-in Campsites at Dorothy Carnes and Cappie’s Landing open for rental starting June 1, 2020
Jefferson County Park Shelter Rentals:
Shelter rentals limited to 100 people per event.
Please see: https://www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/departments/parks/shelter_rentals_camping_group_permits/departments/parks/park_shelter_rental.phpfor more information.
Kanow Park: Closed due to high water
Jefferson County Trails remain open to the public for walking, hiking, biking, and other outdoor recreation. For the safety of all users we kindly remind all patrons to observe the recommended safety protocol while out.
Practicing Social Distancing—and Good Judgment—on Trails
More Information on COVID-19
For the most up to date information on the COVID-19 outbreak please visit the Jefferson County Health Department at:
https://www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/departments/health/Coronavirus.php
Office Hours
Office hours in the Jefferson County Courthouse are limited. Please contact our office at
920-674-7260 or email at parks@jeffersoncountywi.gov prior to arrival.
Phone and voice mail messages will be returned as quickly as possible.
As volunteer Medical Advisor for the WWUSD, over the past several months I have been involved in many discussions with administrators, health personnel, school board members, teachers, and staff regarding the management of district responsibilities amid the COVID-19 crisis. I would like to offer a big shout out to these individuals who are working tirelessly to plan and carry out not only the education of our students during this unusual time, but also celebratory school events within the confines resulting from the global pandemic. As a public entity, the school district is accountable to the people and must at all times consider the health and safety of their students, staff, and community as a first priority. I have seen, firsthand, how these caring leaders work (at all hours) within the limits of state restrictions, legal requirements, public safety concerns, and liability coverage in order to plan the most meaningful events for their students. Thank you to the administration, school board, teachers and staff of the WWUSD for your time and efforts. We appreciate you.
Roberta Wedl, M.D.