News

(Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce press release) This year has proven to be one filled with many challenges and disappointments, but it has also given us opportunities find ways to come together as a community to support each other. To embrace this spirit of collaboration and support, the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations from the community for their annual awards. The chamber’s membership has already taken time to submit their nominations and now we are asking the Whitewater community to provide input on this important process. We want to be able to honor the many individuals, businesses, and organizations that make Whitewater the great hometown that it is! The award categories are listed below, and to submit your nomination(s), if possible, please print this form, fill it out, scan and email it to the chamber at info@whitewaterchamber.com by Friday, December 18^th. If that is inconvenient, feel free to simply provide the following information in an email: your name (and business if appropriate), phone number, email address, name of business/individual you are nominating, a brief explanation of why you are nominating them for the award, and which award you are nominating them for. If you have any questions please contact the chamber at (262) 473-4005.

Good Neighbor Award

Given to an individual in the Whitewater community who can be described as an outstanding citizen who represents Whitewater at its very best. This person makes a positive difference in Whitewater by improving the quality of life and embracing the community spirit!

Service Excellence Award

Presented to a business that demonstrates hometown hospitality by delivering excellent customer service and care to their guests/customers/clients and the community.

Lifetime Impact Award

Presented to a business, individual, or organization that has been a part of the community for 20 years or longer, positively impacting community development and growth.

Discover Whitewater Award

Presented to the business, individual, or organization that creates a warm, welcoming, and unique experience for travelers and guests to enjoy in the Whitewater community.

Pandemic Pro Award

Presented to the business that made the most of the multiple opportunities this year to successfully “pivot” their business practices in innovative ways and remain open for the community.

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Recently the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has, for the first time, started providing COVID-19 data for each municipality and school district in the state. This is particularly helpful for Whitewater, as the previous information that was enumerated by census tract did not isolate the portion of the city that is located in Jefferson County. The statistics for the seven days ending December 12 reflect a very high new rate of confirmed cases, in spite of the fact that the majority of UW-W students had already left two weeks before that period. As of the morning of December 11, UW-W had reported only 14 new cases among students and staff versus the 74 cases identified in the city as a whole.

It might be speculated that the increasing rate compared with the week ending 12/5 could be partially related to gatherings over the Thanksgiving holiday. Whitewater’s rate might also be influenced by the recent ready availability of rapid testing at UW-W.

Fifteen deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported in the city; eighteen have been reported in the school district. It is believed that the majority of the deaths in the city have taken place in senior residences.

New daily confirmed cases reported as an average over the last 7 days and rate per 100,000 population:

City of Whitewater	Average new daily cases	Rate per 100,000 population
12/5	7.14	48.4
12/12	10.57	71.6
Whitewater Unified School District
12/5	9.29	46.1
12/12	13.14	65.2

Rates per 100,000 population for selected municipalities as of 12/12

Madison	35.1
Jefferson	39.4
Palmyra	49.5
Fort Atkinson	50.6
Jefferson County	53
Entire state of WI	65
Milton	66.5
Walworth County	67.5
Milwaukee	67.8
Rock County	67.8
Whitewater	71.6
Elkhorn	73.6
Janesville	78
Cambridge	80

(UW-W press release)

UW-Whitewater is extending its COVID-19 “surge testing” to help meet the needs of the community during the holiday season. On Monday, UW System President Tommy Thompson said COVID-19 “surge testing” sites will operate at least until Christmas, with days and hours varying by individual site. UW-Whitewater plans to remain open into early January.

The 22 sites across Wisconsin located on or near UW System university campuses provide free, rapid COVID-19 tests to community members as well as students and employees. Since opening in early November, the sites have now administered about 100,000 Abbott BinaxNOW tests. Of those, UW-Whitewater has administered 8,675 of these “surge” tests since Nov. 9.

In addition to the surge testing site, UW-Whitewater’s University Health and Counseling Services has administered nearly 9,500 tests to current students and continues to offer the service.

“UW-Whitewater has a long, proud history of helping our communities during critical times. And we continue to do so today and into 2021,” Chancellor Dwight C. Watson said. “I want to thank UW System, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, along with our staff who have supported these important efforts. As our students say, get tested and ‘know before you go.’ If you are traveling for the winter break, please test before you leave so that you will know your status if you choose to visit with others during the holidays.”

Originally, UW System officials estimated the sites would operate for about six weeks, or through mid-December. Thanks to added support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to meet the demand, surge testing will continue.

Hours for COVID-19 testing at UW-Whitewater will continue from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday until Tuesday, Dec. 22. The site will be closed Dec. 23 through Jan. 3 and will reopen on Monday, Jan 4. The hours will remain 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Testing is located at the Kris Russell Volleyball Arena in the Williams Center and free parking is available in lots 7 and 9 on Warhawk Drive.

Pre-registration is required at doineedacovid19test.com

“We believe this timeframe will allow our community members to be tested prior to the holiday and then be able to test once the New Year begins,” Watson said.

Additional testing information can be found at https://www.uww.edu/warhawks-return/testing

Banner note: Results from the rapid testing are generally emailed in less than an hour. Anyone who tests negative but has been experiencing possible COVID-19 symptoms, as well as anyone who tests positive, is offered a PCR test, for which the results may not be available for several days.

(For HealthCare submission) Fort HealthCare is offering scholarships totaling over $25,000 to students pursuing careers in healthcare. Scholarships are being offered by the Fort HealthCare Partners, Fort HealthCare Medical Staff and Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Students interested in applying can complete an application online at www.FortHealthCare.com/scholarships. Applications need to be submitted by March 1, 2021 to be considered for that calendar year. Completing one application makes you eligible for each scholarship applicable to the degree you are pursuing. 

Applicants must be residents, high school graduates from Cambridge, Fort Atkinson, Helenville, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Lake Mills, Palmyra, Sullivan, or Whitewater, or employees at Fort HealthCare. While grade point average is important, it is not always the primary consideration. Information about your community involvement/volunteer work is also requested. Additional criteria specific to each scholarship are listed below.

Fort HealthCare Partners Scholarships

Health Career Advancing Scholarships

Health Careers Advancing Education Scholarships are awarded to candidates who currently hold a degree or certification in a healthcare field and are now enrolled in a course of study that leads to an advanced degree in a healthcare field.

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High School Student Applications

Scholarships are awarded to graduating high school students pursuing a career in the healthcare field.

Woody Finn Memorial Scholarship

In memory of Woody Finn, a long-time dedicated volunteer of Fort Memorial Hospital, a scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a career in health care who serves regularly in a volunteer role.

For more information about the Partners scholarships call (920) 568-5276.

Fort Memorial Hospital Medical Staff Scholarship

The Fort Memorial Hospital Medical Staff sponsors several $1,000 to $3,000 scholarships totaling $10,000 in memory of Dr. Robert Handeyside. Graduating seniors, who reside or attend school in the Fort HealthCare service area (Cambridge, Fort Atkinson, Helenville, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Lake Mills, Palmyra, Sullivan, and Whitewater) and have chosen a career in the health field, are eligible for this scholarship.

For more information about Medical Staff Scholarships, call (920) 568-5194.

Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation Scholarships

Scott W. Hulstein Scholarship

The Scott W. Hulstein Scholarship was set up by his parents, Gerrit and Rebecca Hulstein, in his memory.  A scholarship is awarded to a high school senior or an undergraduate currently enrolled at a college or technical school pursuing a degree in the health care field.

Cynthia McKinley Kolasinski Scholarship

Cynthia McKinley Kolasinski Scholarships will be awarded to students studying medicine or nursing at an accredited institution of higher learning. Per the trust established by Ms. Kolasinski, preference will be given to medical students beyond their second year and nursing students beyond their first year.

-more-

Estelle Stinson Chase & Peter A. Chase Scholarship

The Estelle Stinson Chase & Peter A. Chase Scholarship awards Fort HealthCare employees who are studying nursing (LPN, ADN, BSN Completion, MSN) at an accredited college or university. Consideration is given to the applicant’s service and involvement in the community and Fort HealthCare, excluding job related activities. 

Dr. Donald and Barbara Williams Scholarship

This Scholarship was established by Dr. Donald and Barbara Williams in recognition of the important role Fort HealthCare employees play in providing excellent care for the people we serve. Applicants must be an employee in good standing at Fort HealthCare and pursuing education in a health care field.

Wanda L. Draeger Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Wanda L. Draeger, RN, who was an OB nurse at Fort HealthCare for 45 years.  Applicants must be currently enrolled and have completed at least one year in an accredited nursing school.

Arthur and Nancy Nesbitt Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Mr. and Mrs. Nesbitt in appreciation for the excellent care provided by Fort HealthCare’s nurses.  Applicants must be employees of Fort HealthCare in good standing and enrolled in an accredited nursing program during the 2019-2020 school year.

Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established to provide philanthropic support for Fort HealthCare’s mission and strategic priorities. The Foundation’s focus areas are Living Healthier, Providing Exceptional Care, Providing Benevolent Care and Advancing Careers in Health Care. For more information about Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation visit www.forthealthcare.com/Foundation or contact us at foundation@forthc.com.

Seventeen homes in Whitewater are featured in the “Deck the House” tour, with dozens of other homes in Fort, Jefferson, Cambridge, Watertown and Johnson Creek. Pictured on our homepage is 159 N. Esterly Ave. You have until Sunday, December 20 to vote for your favorite.

Enjoy the tour!

Here’s a link to the interactive map.   Take the family on a drive to see all of the homes all lit up for the holidays!  Then vote for your favorites.

Vote for your Top 3 Favorites in each area!

Voting is now open (until December 20th).  Vote for your top three homes here.   Keep up with the latest news at the Deck the House Facebook link.

Winners will be announced on December 21st!

Top vote getters in each community will be announced December 21^st and receive prize packages from each of their respective communities.

The top vote getter from each community will advance to the next voting round to crown the countywide winner by year’s end. The countywide winner will receive a holiday prize package from the Jefferson County Tourism Council. Be sure to check back on our Jefferson County Tourism Facebook page for additional updates on how to vote for the countywide winner.

It has been quite a year.  We at the Jefferson County Area Tourism Council wish you and yours a peaceful, safe, and happy holiday season!

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes recommendation of sign ordinance rewrite to Common Council
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/253660853
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 253-660-853

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes first reading of sign ordinance rewrite, extension of COVID-19 emergency and facial coverings requirement, purchase of jetter/vacuum truck for Wastewater Treatment Dept., agreement with Strand Associates for engineering services contract,
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/94568135470?pwd=dnRkZ1dyczl4RW4vTjl1S3lBVllRZz09
Passcode: 569904
Or Telephone:
US: +1 929 205 6099
Webinar ID: 945 6813 5470
Passcode: 569904

City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/188005941
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Access Code: 188-005-941

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
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

By Al Stanek
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
December 12, 2020

A request for volunteers to assist a local woman facing homelessness has produced an overwhelming response according to the director of a local organization dedicated to providing transitional housing and case management to Whitewater families.

Kristy Weinberg, Executive Director of Bethel House, told the ‘Banner’ that she is not normally prone to tears but that the response to last week’s request changed that. “My day began with tears of joy just one day after an article appeared asking for volunteers,” said Weinberg. “The response was overwhelming.”

An area single mother of three reported purchasing a modest trailer home in spring and paying a workman to make improvements including wiring, plumbing and furnace repair. The workman abandoned the project and the family found themselves in an unheated trailer as winter weather approached. Her outreach to Bethel House resulted in responses that included a local remodeling contractor, a heating contractor, a local cabinet store, and a dozen or more offers of remodeling and/or financial assistance along with a contribution of insulation.

The working mother and her three children are being housed in one of Bethel House’s transitional housing units. The remodeling project is currently being evaluated to determine the best approach to assisting the family.

Bethel House is a Whitewater non-profit operating out of the First Congregational Church and overseen by a volunteer board representing eight area churches. It relies on financial assistance from churches as well as grants and individual and corporate contributions. As well as transitional housing, Social Worker Weinberg and interns from the UW-Whitewater Social Work program assist families with a wide range of counseling and support. The organization currently operates seven transitional housing units, all of which are currently occupied. They also provide emergency financial assistance for families at risk of homelessness.

Weinberg indicated that local transitional housing needs often exceed demand especially in the winter months. Cash and other contributions are always welcome according to Weinberg. Information is available at the Bethel House website (www.bethelhouseinc.org) or by calling 262-473-2715.

The City of Fort Atkinson announced on Friday, December 11 the names of the four finalists for their city manager position. One of the four is Cameron Clapper, who has served as Whitewater’s city manager since 2012. Prior to that he served as interim city manager for four months upon the resignation of city manager Kevin Brunner, with whom he had worked as assistant city manager for two years.

The other finalists are Richard Downey, Administrator of the Village of Kronenwetter, WI; Rebecca Houseman Lemire, Clerk/Treasurer of the Village of Darien; and Brian Wilson, Administrator of the Village of Belleville, WI.

Fort Atkinson’s prior city manager, Matt Trebatoski, resigned in November to become administrator of the City of Oconomowoc. Trebatoski joined Fort Atkinson in 2006 as clerk/treasurer and was named city manager in 2014.

Fort Atkinson’s population is 12,368, compared with Whitewater’s 15,035; however, since the latter’s population includes many university students, Fort’s longterm population is larger. Fort’s operating budget for 2021 is approximately $11,063,000; Whitewater’s is approximately $9,641,000.

Coincidentally, Fort Atkinson is being assisted in its search process by Public Administration Associates, LLC, a firm in which Kevin Brunner is a partner.