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Carol A. Ott, 66, of Whitewater, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2020 at her home

Carol A. Ott, 66, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2020 at her home.  Carol was born on March 6, 1954 to the late Eugene and Dorothy (Pollock) Robbins.  She was a 1972 graduate of Whitewater High School and then attended Blackhawk Technical College and received an Associate’s Degree in Food Science.  On December 2, 1972 in Fort Atkinson, WI, Carol married Roger Ott.  She worked for many years in Jefferson at the Tyson Food Plant.  She also worked in the Purina Plant and most recently at Nasco.  Carol loved to go deer hunting, garden, ride motorcycles, sew and was a classic car enthusiast. 

Carol is survived by her loving husband, Roger Ott, son: Levi (Sarah) Ott and their son, Vallyn; brothers: Eugene and Dale Robbins; sister: Kathy Knaack; 2 brothers-in-law, 2 sisters-in-law, 5 nieces, 5 nephews, and many friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents and a niece, Christine Robbins.

A private family burial will take place.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton are assisting the family with arrangements.

Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton

www.albrechtfuneralhomes.com

AARP Innovation Labs Launches “AARP Community Connections” Platform to Find Help, or Give It, During Pandemic

MADISON, WISCONSIN – AARP Community Connections, a new online platform launched by AARP Innovation Labs this week,allows users to organize and find local volunteer groups to help pick up groceries, provide financial assistance or lend emotional support to neighbors, friends and loved ones.

“Across Wisconsin and the entire country, these informal online groups – also called “mutual aid” groups – help communities stay connected at a time when people must practice social distancing to stay safe,” said AARP Wisconsin State Director Sam Wilson.

“We may need to be physically isolated, but we don’t have to feel alone,” said Andy Miller, Senior Vice President of AARP Innovation Labs. “Through this innovative platform, people in need of help from – or who want to offer help to – their communities are empowered to engage. In this unprecedented time, AARP remains committed to helping the 50-plus population, and AARP Community Connections is one more way we’re innovating to improve our communities.”

AARP Community Connections includes multiple resources to help those who are feeling isolated, depressed, overwhelmed or anxious. Users are able to:

  • Request a call from an AARP volunteer, or a trained counselor; 
  • Easily create an account with Savo to make connecting with their families easier;
  • Join “The Mighty,” a safe, supportive online community for people facing health challenges and their caregivers.

Social isolation was a common problem, even before the coronavirus pandemic. A 2020 study, published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine and supported by AARP Foundation, reported 43 percent of adults age 60 or older said they had felt lonely.

And while social isolation and loneliness are serious health issues by themselves, they can also exacerbate existing health problems, such as lung disease, heart disease and diabetes, Wilson explained.

AARP Community Connections helps people reach out to volunteers in their community who are willing to help their neighbors with their unique needs. The platform is live and completely free to use, and AARP membership is not required. For more information, visit www.aarpcommunityconnections.org.

SSM Health Seeking Donations of Personal Protective Equipment

Dr. Roberta Wedl of SSM Health Dean Medical Group Whitewater indicated, “Our organization is accepting donations of medical supplies. If community members have items that are appropriate for donation, they would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. We urge everyone to continue to stay at home and practice social distancing to the greatest extent possible.”

The information shown below describing needed items and how to donate may also be found at click here.

Your Donations. Your Community.

How You Can Help During the COVID-19 Outbreak

SSM Health has received hundreds of generous offers from companies and individuals wanting to donate supplies, personal protective equipment or money to help prepare the medical community for an expected increase in COVID-19 cases. We will direct donations to the areas of greatest need in the coming weeks.

Your generosity is deeply appreciated, particularly at times like this. LEARN MORE ABOUT PLANNED GIVING. CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATES

Connect with Your Local SSM Health Foundation About PPE Donations

If you are looking for more information on how you can donate personal protective equipment (PPE) in your area, please reach out to representative of your local foundation and they can direct you on how you can best help. Thank you in advance for your generosity as we work to ensure the health and safety of our patients and communities during this pandemic.

THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS ARE IDENTIFIED AS HIGH PRIORITY NEEDS:

  • FDA-approved surgical masks and respirators
  • N95 masks
  • Thermometers — infrared and forehead with disposable covers
  • Footwear covers
  • Goggles or eye protection
  • Disposable isolation gowns
  • Tyvek contamination suits
  • Face shields or industrial grinding shields with head harness and plastic shield
  • Hand sanitizer bottles or bulk
  • Sanitizing wipes
  • Nasopharyngeal swabs (nasal type, not Q-Tip-type cotton swabs)

FOR QUESTIONS OR TO COORDINATE A DONATION DROP-OFF, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SSM HEALTH FOUNDATION:

UW-W to Offer an Online Master of Science in Business Analytics

Beginning fall 2020, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will offer the first online Master of Science in Business Analytics in the University of Wisconsin System.

“We are pleased to offer this new program,” said Paul Ambrose, graduate program coordinator and associate dean of the College of Business and Economics. “The data analytics emphasis in our MBA program and the graduate certificate in business data analytics have both grown significantly in the last three years. The Master of Science in Business Analytics offers a degree option for recent graduates and professionals who want to specialize in business analytics.”

Business analytics approaches data from a business perspective. Integrating data science, managerial acumen and effective communication, business analytics can inform decision-making across all areas of the business — including operations, marketing and finance.

The 30-credit master of science program can be completed 100 percent online in about 24 months on a part-time basis. The curriculum layers foundational theories, advanced tools and techniques, and practical applications of analytics in business. In addition, the program is aligned with the Certified Analytics Professional (CAP®) Handbook. CAP is the premier global professional certification for analytics professionals.

It is now easier and faster for organizations to acquire data, and software advances have made data analysis more affordable and accessible. As a result, qualified business analysts are in high demand. According to the latest Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers related to analytics — including operations research analysts, market research analysts and management analysts — are expected to grow faster than average, and opportunities are best for professionals with at least a master’s degree.

“UW-Whitewater is recognized for the excellence and affordability of its graduate business programs,” said John Chenoweth, dean of the College of Business and Economics. “Accreditation by AACSB International is part of our DNA, and it ensures the degrees we confer will be respected by employers and other institutions. Both online and traditional on-campus students can be confident they’ll receive a world-class business education.”

For more information on the M.S. in Business Analytics, contact Andrew Ciganek, department chairperson of Information Technology and Supply Chain Management, at gradbus@uww.edu or 262-472-1945.

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April 7 Election Still Going Forward: Absentees Must Still Be Witnessed; Extension for Mail-In Absentee Ballots Appealed to U.S. Supreme Court (UPDATED 4/6)

  • The 2020 Spring Election and Presidential Preference Vote is still on for Tuesday, April 7.
  • Due to a shortage of poll workers, Whitewater will be voting in only one polling place: The “Old” Armory.
  • Some 100 clerks around the state indicate that they do not have enough poll workers to staff even one polling place.
  • Milwaukee plans to have only 5 polling places, compared with the previous 180.
  • Per a ruling by U.S. District Judge William Conley on April 2, absentee ballots may be received until Monday, April 13 at 4 p.m. However, the Republican Party has appealed this extension to the U.S. Supreme Court, so it is possible that absentee ballots received after April 7 might not be counted.
  • New: Due to a ruling on Friday evening by the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, absentee voters still need to have someone witness their ballot. That court, however, declined to issue a stay on the extension of the deadline for absentee ballots to be received.
  • Clerks may not announce results of the election until April 13.
  • Gov. Evers called on the Legislature to meet in Special Session on Saturday, April 4 at 4 p.m. to consider changes to the election. Mr. Evers’ proposal would allow an all-mail election, sending a ballot to every registered voter who has not already requested one by May 19, and extending the time for those ballots to be received to May 26.
  • New: It was reported that there was a sparse turnout of legislators for the Special Session; there was no debate on Gov. Evers’ proposal, and the session concluded with no action. The Special Session may convene again on Monday, but it appears unlikely that there will be any action. UPDATED 4/6/20 – The Wisconsin State Journal reports that today “the GOP-led Assembly and Senate have again adjourned the special session until after the election. In less than a minute Monday, the chief clerk of the Assembly convened and adjourned the session until Wednesday. No lawmakers were present for the session. The Senate made a similar move earlier in the day.”
  • New: Also on Saturday, an appeal was filed in the U.S. Supreme Court by Republicans, seeking to block the extension for mail-in ballots to be received until April 13. Consequently it is possible that the deadline will still be April 7 when the polls close.

Charitable Giving “Nonitemizer” Deduction included in CARES Act

While many in our community are navigating the CARES act for reasons pertaining to their small business or for income assistance during this time of uncertainty, there is also a charitable contribution provision that is worth noting for members of the Whitewater community looking to support COVID-19 relief efforts as well as continuing the efforts of other non-profits.

The CARES Act creates a $300 “nonitemizer” deduction for 2020. For individuals who do not itemize deductions on their tax returns there is still an incentive for increased charitable giving.

The deduction:

  • Is in full effect as of Friday, March 27 and will apply to donations made for all of 2020
  • Only for people who do not itemize their taxes
  • Donors who itemize their taxes are eligible for the existing charitable deduction
  • Only for cash donations (not in kind)
  • Can be used by the charity for any purpose (not limited to COVID-19 relief efforts)

Safer-at-home: Cybersecurity tips for those working from home

Working from home? Here are a few tips to help keep you safe!

Don’t Share Your Computer: When possible, use one computer for work and a different computer for everything else. Never let your kids or other family members use your work computer. And don’t forget to lock it every time you walk away from it!

Verify All Incoming Phone Calls: Cyber criminals are willing to take advantage of the fact that many Americans are now working from home. Without access to our office phones, we’re answering phone calls from numbers we might not recognize. Cyber criminals are taking advantage of large numbers of people suddenly working from home. Attackers, pretending to be from the IT department are calling and asking for credentials and passwords. If anyone calls asking for this, do not give them any information, take down their phone number and call your supervisor and the local authorities.

Update your computer: Make sure you are updating the latest patches and upgrades. Unpatched computers are easy targets for cyber criminals.


Don’t fall for a Phishing Scam: When you receive an email, never click on any links provided before verifying the authenticity of the sender. Cyber criminals will often send emails that appear to be from coworkers, friends, families or reputable companies. Trust but verify everything these days!

Be mindful of Malware: Malware attacks are often instigated via email. Once malware has been installed on your system, anything you access the cyber criminals can access.

Don’t forget about your phone: Many of us are using our personal smartphones for work these days. Cyber criminals are sending malicious text messages asking for the receiver to open a link. Additionally, there are mobile applications that track your data!

Be cautious with WiFi: A lot of us are using our own WiFi routers at home. Make sure your router is password protected.

Passwords, Passwords, Passwords: Make sure you are using strong passwords for everything! If you are overwhelmed with password management consider a password manager to help keep you safe!

This information provided by: Cybersecurity Center for Business. Brian S. Dennis, Director.

Two Physicians Unaware of Local Confirmed COVID-19, but both say, “That being said….”

The physicians at SSM Dean Medical Group Whitewater provided this response to whether they are aware of any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Whitewater:

Roberta Wedl, M.D.: “I am unaware of any confirmed cases in Whitewater. That being said, from a practical matter, I cannot imagine that it is NOT here; we just have not found it yet.”

Nathaniel Besch, D.O.: “I am not aware of local community spread of the virus.  That being said we as a community should behave like there is viral spread in the community. Distance yourself from others. Stay home unless absolutely necessary. If we do this we can minimize viral spread and keep our community safe.”

Crisis Response Program for Small Businesses Launched by Thrive Economic Development

Crisis Response Program Launched in Jefferson and Dodge Counties
Back to Business will provide tailored assistance to employers in the region impacted by COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 global pandemic brings unprecedented challenges for small businesses in our region and throughout the US. Thrive Economic Development (ThriveED) and the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Whitewater are ready to address the challenges our businesses are facing.

Today, the two entities are announcing the Back to Business program for businesses with fewer than 500 employees, located in Jefferson and/or Dodge County.

Back to Business is a community business crisis response program that will assist small businesses affected by COVID-19, by delivering help and hope designed to ensure that our businesses survive, recover and are ready to grow post-pandemic.

“We know this is an incredibly challenging time for businesses in the Jefferson and Dodge county region,” noted ThriveED President Vicki Pratt, CEcD. “This program is about being responsive to our employers and helping them to understand and access available resources.”

To date, three federal packages have been signed into law. More could come. Programs include:

Economic Injury Disaster Loan
Paycheck Protection Program
Small Business Debt Relief Program
Emergency Economic Injury Grant
Navigating these programs and resources can be a daunting task for a business. That’s where Back to Business can help.

“Whether it’s helping a business determine its eligibility for new loan and grant programs created by federal, state or local legislation, or helping them understand forbearance options that might be available to them from lenders, landlords and suppliers, our goal is to provide personalized guidance,” noted Kevin Kaufman, Director of the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center at UW-Whitewater.

The program will utilize the Wisconsin SBDC’s existing model of providing no-cost, confidential consulting to businesses by tapping into its network of consultants with a wide range of specialties, including legal, accounting and risk management.

“Our region will bounce back from this, stronger than ever,” Pratt added. “We’re ready to help support and assist employers so they can get back to business.”

Back to Business is available starting today, April 1st, and will remain available through the end of July of 2020. Services are offered virtually and are provided free of charge. More information, as well as the intake form to request services, can be found on the ThriveED website, which can be viewed here.

Whitewater businesses are eligible to participate in this program.