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On Wednesday, May 13, the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down the state’s stay at home order by a 4-3 vote. It is the first time that such an order in any state has been overruled by a state supreme court. Although the Republican-controlled legislature, which filed the suit, had asked for a six day stay to the ruling, that did not occur. The Governor stated in an MSNBC interview that he will meet with legislative leaders on Thursday, but indicated that the rule-making process that would now be required in order to impose any restrictions takes a minimum of two weeks. Currently businesses of any type could open unless prohibited by county or municipal ordinance.

Click here for an article in the Wisconsin State Journal.

Click here for the Supreme Court opinion.

For a statement by Governor Evers click here.

The Whitewater Police Department shared this memo:
TO: Walworth County Law Enforcement
FROM: Zeke Wiedenfeld, Walworth County District Attorney
RE: Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules “Safer at Home” Unenforceable

I am writing this memorandum in response to questions law enforcement is likely receiving from citizens and businesses about the Safer at Home Order and the Wisconsin Supreme Court decision that was issued today. The Supreme Court held that the “Safer at Home” Order is unenforceable. The Supreme Court’s decision is effective immediately, which means that businesses can immediately open and people can immediately travel and gather in large groups, until the Department of Health Services, legislature, or local government passes laws, orders, or rules stating otherwise….

The Department of Health Services, State Legislature, the County Board, or your local municipality, would still have the power to act and pass legislation or ordinances similar to the safer at home order. It appears that Dane County and the City of Madison have already passed legislation similar to the safer at home order. The Supreme Court held that the Department of Health Services does have the ability to pass some orders related to public safety, so it is possible that there could be new, but more limited, DHS orders signed by the Secretary in the near future.

As I explained above, there is still the potential (and it is very likely) that some restrictions will be put in place by the State and/or local government in the near future, so please keep in mind that the law could change very quickly. Private businesses still have the right to impose Safer at Home restrictions on their customers and employees. It is expected that the public will use its own good judgment in taking necessary precautions to keep themselves and other citizens safe….

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After initially asking its residents to voluntarily continue to follow the Safer at Home orders, the Rock County Public Health Department late on Wednesday evening issued an order extending “Safer at Home” until May 26, unless rescinded earlier. Since the beginning of the May, Rock County has seen its total number of COVID-19 cases rise more than 50 percent from 222 reported by the Department of Health Services on May 1, to 380 on Wednesday.
For the latest information about COVID-19 in Rock County, visit the Rock County Public
Health Department’s website, www.co.rock.wi.us/publichealth

This year twenty-one Lincoln Pandas braved the new world of online math competitions by participating in the Noetic Learning Math Contest.

This contest is a semiannual problem-solving contest for elementary and middle school students that is normally given in school as a paper and pencil test.  The goal of the competition is to encourage students’ interest in math, to develop their problem-solving skills, and to inspire them to excel in math.

The Team Winner (the top scorer of each grade-level team) will receive a medal and a certificate.  Students who qualify for the National Honor Roll (the top 10% of students in the nation) will receive medals, web recognition, and certificates.  Students who qualify for the National Honorable Mention (the top 50% of students) will receive ribbons, web recognition, and certificates.  Ribbons and certificates will also be awarded to participants who placed in 1st through 6th place. Due to this year’s move to online schooling, students will receive their certificates and medals at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year.

Grade 4 Results

1st place, Team Winner, and National Honorable Mention:  Jayden Kehrer

2nd place:    Israel Wence

3rd place: Alexander Morales Alonso

4th place: Evan Leising and Virginia Nelson

5th place: Ben Ehrmann

6th place: Cristian Aranda, Laith Bergstrand, Tyler Babcock, Alondra Verduzco, Kaitlin Fuller, and Alyna Miranda

Grade 5 Results

Of note:  Three of our 4th grade students (Ben Crone, Eli Kuzoff, and James Grabinski) participated at the 5th grade level.

1st place, Team Winner, and National Honor Roll:  Eli Kuzoff

2nd place and National Honorable Mention:  Ben Crone and James Grabinski

3rd Place:  Jacek Egnoski and Xavier Ortiz

4th Place:  Evelyn Alcala and Tylen Bucholtz

5th Place:  Genesis De Jesús Zamora and Malcolm Baker

Congratulations to our Lincoln Pandas!

Lisa Griep, Food Services Supervisor for the Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) and her team, the “WUSD COVID-19 Lunch Squad,” were awarded the WUL Hometown Hero Award on Monday “For their dedication, talents and caring each week as they plan, prepare and pack thousands of meals for students during the COVID-19 Crisis.” Lisa’s team members are:  Tootie Behrens, Cindy Ziebarth, Pam Duerst, Elizabeth Dempich, Julie Dempich, Patty Germundson, Lisa Hough, Joyce Leverenz, Carol Kuchan, Storm Langhoff, John Meyer, Susan Stone and Josie Czerpak.  As of last week, they have served 54,695 meals (Breakfast and Lunch) to students in our community. 

The Prep Team of Tootie Behrens, Cindy Ziebarth and Pam Duerst work an additional 3-4 days a week preparing and portioning the next week’s distribution.  Joyce Leverenz and Patty Germundson have secured several bag donations to place the meals in for distribution.  

Nelson Bus is providing transportation to four distribution sites.

Meals are distributed to any student under age 18 on Mondays from 11 a.m.-Noon at the following seven sites: 

Washington Elementary

Whitewater Woods, Newcomb Street

Whitewater High School

Twin Oaks Mobile Home Park, N. Walton Drive

Wright’s Mobile Home Park, N. County Line Rd

Garden Apartments, N. Tratt Street

Lincoln Elementary

Following is a message from Lisa Griep, who leads the WUSD Food Services:

 “To the untrained eye, packing a lunch does not seem to take much effort.  However, planning, preparing and packing a week’s worth of meals for hundreds of students requires exceptional staff to utilize and demonstrate their many talents. We could not complete this daunting task without the pure determination, dedication and talent demonstrated by my ‘COVID-19 Lunch Squad.’ 

I’m blessed and honored to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of individuals who put students and their families above their own needs and personal safety. The WUSD COVID-19 Lunch Squad simply ROCKS!!!  They all deserve a ‘Virtual High Five’!!”

WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.   

 Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com 

There are a number of places where you can get a COVID-19 test, but before you go looking for one you should discuss your symptoms with a doctor. You may contact your own primary provider, or you may take a self-assessment that is offered online by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. They state that you can expect a call back from a medical provider within an hour, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you have been told that you need to be tested, your test may be covered by insurance if you have a “comprehensive health insurance plan.” All comprehensive health insurance plans must pick up 100% of the cost of coronavirus testing, as well as any visit to the emergency room, doctor’s office or urgent care center that may have led to that testing. That includes any COVID-19 test deemed appropriate by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Comprehensive health plans are individual, employer-sponsored or exchange plans that meet the coverage requirements spelled out in the Affordable Care Act. If you’re insured by a short-term plan or another plan that isn’t ACA-compliant, your insurer may not cover the costs associated with your test. Be careful, though, as shown by this NPR article, there can be unexpected costs.

There is one provider in the general area, “The Doctor’s Office” in Darien and Janesville, that is advertising a cost of $130 for a test. They do not accept insurance, and they recommend calling ahead to inquire about doctor availability. Fort Memorial Hospital is offering drive through testing by appointment, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday; 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m. Saturday & Sunday, but you should check with them at (920) 648-7696 regarding costs and insurance coverage.

The only way to get a free test without insurance is to go to one of the mobile clinics that the State is setting up, generally operated by the National Guard. Unfortunately there are none nearby currently, and be advised that sometimes people report having to wait for hours to get tested. Before going be certain that you have been told by the online assessment or by a physician that you need to be tested. Current locations are listed below, but we suggest that you consult this page. Those tested should bring their own pen and tissues.

Burlington High School, drive through – May 13-15, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Telfer Park, 2101 Cranston Road, Beloit, drive through – May 14-21, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Krueger Park, Moore & House Streets, Beloit, drive through – May 14-21, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Alliant Energy Center, Madison, drive through – May 14 – “ongoing,” 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Carlo Nevicosi, Deputy Director, Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services, told the Banner that his office has been attempting to have a mobile clinic in the county, but there are no plans yet. Of course a person who believes that they may have an active case would not want to wait for a clinic to be set up.

All fourth graders in the Whitewater Unified School District are connecting by doing a big read of the book Bob by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead. Bob is the story of a girl named Livy and the friendship she has with a green creature she discovered in a closet at her grandmother’s house. Livy tries to help Bob figure out who he is and get him home to his family.

Each fourth grader was given a copy of the book to read independently or listen in Google Meets as guest readers throughout the district read it out loud. Students also meet together to talk about the book and to share projects they have created. One activity they are participating in is “Where in Whitewater is Bob?” Pictures of Bob, created by Lincoln paraprofessional Lori Hintz, have been placed around the community. Students have been given a map and clues to try to find Bob. Then they share selfies of themselves with Bob. If you see Bob around the community, please say hello, but do not disturb him.

UW-Whitewater’s Media Arts and Game Development (MAGD) program has a student group GAMED (Game and Media Entertainment Developers) that held their first-ever virtual Game Jam on April 24-26, 2020. During this 48 hour period from Friday at 5:00 p.m. to Sunday at 5:00 p.m., three groups of students (13 total participants) created three different video games. Here are links to the three games created: https://engineereddreams.itch.io/i-know-you-are-what , https://lebrra.itch.io/indiana-duck, https://zaidisx.itch.io/the-watcher

The student organization GAMED has been in existence since 2012. The organization has grown from about 10 members a few years ago to over 30 motivated and talented students. The Watcher, one of the games that was developed during the weekend of April 24-26 is quite popular and has been downloaded over 600 times; the group that created this game plans to make a sequel this summer. GAMED hosts Game Jams approximately three times per semester for students in the club and on campus.  This organization has greatly increased the student experience in game development which offers real world experience and will help students as they pursue a career in game development. Students also participate in the Global Game Jam once a year that is a much larger scale and involves people from all over the country that work to develop a game with the same topic in 48 hours.

Game Jams help game developers learn what it takes to build a video game from start to finish. They build skills in learning how to work in a very limited time frame. Since Game Jams are often 48 hours it really forces prioritizing what needs to get done to achieve a minimum viable product and to build problem solving skills to overcome any errors that appear during the short development time frame.

Normally Game Jams have been held on the UW-Whitewater campus in person, with the exception of a Community Game Jam held in August of 2019. That was a week-long Jam that created a single player puzzle game that week. Here is the link to the game created. https://wesmcw.itch.io/cave-of-uncertainty

GAMED (Game And Media Entertainment Developers) is a student organization which gives creative students of all areas and skills a central place to make games. Whether you’re a developer, designer, programmer, artist, musician, audio technician, or are just interested in getting behind the scenes of video games – this is the place! We build up teams to collaborate on projects, help and support each other grow in personal endeavors, and put on periodic events such as game jams and charity gaming marathons to give members opportunities to add to their resumé and pursue their gaming goals. Whether you’re a seasoned vet or completely new to the scene, come have some fun, meet new friends, get some experience, and develop fun video games with us! For information, contact Jake – kleinja25@uww.edu or Wes – McWhorteWT14@uww.edu.

Although the applause and cheers for the Whitewater High School Players Nov. 21-24, 2019, production of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” has long since subsided, applause arouse again with the announcement on Apr. 20 of WHS students receiving 2019-2020 Jerry Awards for their contributions to the staging of this Disney classic.

WHS seniors Lauren Harkness and Carter Waelchli were honored with a Jerry Award for their Lead Performance portrayals of Ariel, the mermaid, and Ursula, the villainous sea witch, respectively.

Also recognized with a Jerry Award for their stage management expertise were Josie Hintz, Hailey Long, and Emma VanDaele.

VanDaele was selected by the cast and crew of the production to receive the Spirit Award.

The Jerry Awards encourage, recognize, and honor excellence in Wisconsin high school musical theater.

The program began in the 2009-2010 school year as the Tommy Awards, and was renamed in 2017-2018 season to The Jerry Awards after philanthropist and arts supporter W. Jerome Frautschi.

Musicals of participating schools are reviewed by a panel of educators, theater experts, and industry professionals who provide valuable feedback and advice, and honor the achievement of schools and individuals with category-based awards. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only 80 of the 130 participating schools statewide were able to complete their productions and compete for Jerry Awards. 

The much-anticipated culminating show of Madison Overture Center’s Jerry Awards 2019/20 program will go on as planned on Sunday, June 7 at 7 p.m. via Facebook Live. The 90-minute show, featuring video clips of musical theater performances (including performances by Harkness, VanDaele, and Waelchli), student and school awards, and special guests can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/JerryAwards/.

Regarding Harkness’s performance, one reviewer wrote “Harkness is a phenomenal performer.  She is a dynamic and spunky Ariel.  Harkness sings with clarity, control, and a strong emotional connection to the music.  Harkness is also able to blend beautifully with the chorus and to belt out above the entire ensemble like she did at the finale.”

Harkness mused, “Over the past 4 years the WHS Drama Department and The Jerry Awards have given me countless opportunities that have shaped me into the person and performer that I am today. I wouldn’t be committing to go to school for music stage theatre if I didn’t learn and grow with these programs. The WHS theatre program has given me so much to be thankful for.  Jim McCulloch and Liz Elliott have taught me hard work and how to be a leader and I take those skills with me everywhere I go.”

One of the reviewers described Waelchli as “a force of nature as Ursula and the ultimate evil diva.  Kudos to Waelchli and the six ensemble members that were Ursula’s tentacles.  Waelchli’s bold and fierce acting choices were out of this world.  He thrived on the energy of the audience” and a second reviewer pointed out, “Carter’s voice was deep and gritty, adding to the feel of Ursula being an evil witch, even when Ursula is trying to seem innocent.”

“I’m really happy that I won a Jerry Award,” Waelchli shared.  “The theatre has always been a big passion of mine, and getting acknowledged for a performance feels really good. This award was a nice taste of normalcy given the COVID-9 pandemic, (and) it was nice to connect people again through congratulatory messages. I’m really appreciative of the WHS theatre program. I would not have gotten anywhere without the help of Mr. McCulloch or Ms. Elliott or anybody else who’s involved. I’m grateful that they’ve let me be a part of so many great shows.”

In considering the contribution of the stage managers, a reviewer wrote, “Josie Hintz, Emma Van Daele, Hailey Long did a nice job of managing this production.  Cues were clean, timely, and fluid.  They had numerous moving set pieces and a kaleidoscope of light cues.  There were no technical aspects that took me out of the theatrical moment.  This can be attributed to a well-organized and efficient stage management team.  They made stage management look ‘easy,’ with their care and conscientiousness.”

I’m incredibly grateful for the Jerry Awards program, Hintz reported, “and the opportunities and recognition they give to high school theater programs like ours. Winning a Jerry Award is exciting, and it feels great to have all of my hard work and dedication recognized. Everyone works extremely hard to make these shows a success, so I’m also very grateful for how the Jerry Awards promote the WHS theater program and all of its participants.”

Additional nominations for Jerry Awards for the WHS Players’ production of “Disney’s Little Mermaid” included for Outstanding Lead Performance–Henry Bresser, Ella Willman, and Chris Porcaro; Outstanding Supporting Performance–Anderson Waelchli and Sophie Mayer; Outstanding Direction–Jim McCulloch; Outstanding Overall Design; Outstanding Set Design–Jim McCulloch and Kat Dunham; Outstanding Costume Design–Karen McCulloch and Deborah Blackwell; Outstanding Lighting Design–Jim McCulloch; and Outstanding Sound Design–Tony Hansen.

Gov. Tony Evers announced last week that one thousand ethnically diverse micro-businesses that have suffered losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be eligible to receive grants of $2,000 each under a new state program.

The $2 million initiative is focused on supporting ethnically diverse micro-businesses that have not received SBA Paycheck Protection Program or state disaster relief.

“Small businesses in our minority communities face special challenges,” Gov. Evers said. “Many have not received federal or state assistance yet because they are unbanked or don’t have the relationships to financial institutions that other businesses do. Yet these micro-businesses are often the heart and soul of their communities and an important pathway for minority entrepreneurs.”

Businesses may apply if they:

• Are for-profit, Wisconsin-based and at least 51% minority-owned;
• Started operating prior to Jan. 1, and were operating as of Feb. 29 this year;
• Have no more than five (5) full-time equivalent employees, including the owner. Sole proprietorships are also eligible;
• Operate in the retail, service or hospitality industries; and
• Have not received any federal assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program, or state aid through the Small Business 20/20 program. 

The Ethnic Minority Emergency Grants will be marketed and administered in collaboration with Wisconsin’s 19 ethnic and diverse chambers of commerce, regional economic development organizations and other partners across the state.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will provide funding for the initiative.

“WEDC is committed to assisting all businesses – of every size and type — throughout Wisconsin,” said WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. “Our work with minority chambers of commerce and businesses is an opportunity to reach a critical sector of our business community.”

“The support from WEDC is a huge win for ethnic businesses in the State of Wisconsin,” said Marjorie Rucker, Executive Director of The Business Council, Inc. “Formulating partnerships with entities such as WEDC to provide grants to small ethnic businesses in the service, hospitality and retail industry during this crisis shows a real understanding and true leadership of our partners and our state leaders.”

More information about the program is available from the organizations listed in the FAQ, available here.

The J-Hawk Aquatic Club is offering a FREE Virtual Race May 15th-17th. Anyone can complete it at any time between Friday and Sunday evening.

Events:
Child Duathlon:  1 mile run, 5 mile bike, 1 mile run
Sprint Duathlon:  1 mile run, 13 mile bike, 3.1 mile run
Olympic Duathlon:  2 mile run, 27.5 mile bike, 6.3 mile run
5K Run – 5K Walk
10K Run – 10K Walk
9-10 yr old 2 Mile Run/Walk
8&Under 1 Mile Run/Walk 

There is something for everyone! 

Challenge your friends and family, near and far, to get outside and be active.  Pick your race, mark your course, complete it, then submit your time.  Easy!  Age group results will be sent out and posted. 

Take a picture before, during, or after your race!  We plan to share on Facebook & Instagram. 

Register Here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Whitewater/JHawkVirtualDuathlon5Kand10KRace

Questions?
Text or Call Cheri at 608-449-5150 or email j_hawkswim@charter.net