News

18-minute Common Council meeting endorses 1:1 grant application for “White Elephant” building renovation

By Lisa Dawsey Smith
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

The Common Council’s meeting on October 20 adjourned after only 18 minutes, which was described as being the second shortest meeting in recent memory.

City Manager Cameron Clapper provided this update:
– The city will soon be submitting for reimbursement of COVID-19 related expenses from the Routes to Recovery state program that is funded by the federal CARES Act. Over $300,000 in costs have been booked, so the city hopes to receive its maximum potential reimbursement of $242,611.
– The Finance Committee has completed its three budget review meetings, and staff is completing the final 2021 budget proposal to be presented to the Council on November 5.
– In-person absentee voting is under way in the council chambers. As of October 16 there had been 2255 absentee ballot requests, and 1269 ballots had already been returned.
– Leaf collection will begin on Monday, October 26.

The Council authorized the submission of an application for a Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Community Development Investment Grant which has been requested by the property owner of 183 W. Main Street, commonly known as the White Elephant building. The grant, if approved, would help to provide funding for a major renovation of the building. The required matching funding would be provided by the property owner.

Council member Carol McCormick was excited to announce that work had been completed on Clay Street, and “it looks terrific.”


We’re All In Grant Program Phase 2 Announced for Wisconsin Small Businesses

(News release from Whitewater Community Development Authority)

Governor Evers has announced Phase 2 of the We’re All In Small Business
Grant program, providing $5,000 to at least 10,000 Wisconsin small businesses.

With COVID-19 affecting many small businesses statewide and in Whitewater, this grant will assist with the
cost of health and safety improvements, wages and salaries, rent, mortgages and additional funding needs.
The grant is funded by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

To qualify for the We’re All In Small Business Grant, the business needs the following:
• the business started operating prior to January 1, 2020 and operated in 2020;
• the business is Wisconsin-based and for-profit; it employs 50 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE)
employees, including the owner; and
• it has more than $0 but less than $1 million in annual revenues.

Businesses will NOT be eligible for the grant if they are part of a national chain, unless the business is a thirdparty franchise; the business must not be a governmental unit or primarily engaged in any of the following
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes beginning with:
• 111XXX – Crop Production
• 112XXX – Animal Production or Aquaculture
• 5311XX – Lessors of Real Estate
• 813XXX – Nonprofit Organizations

If applying for the grant, businesses will need their 2019 tax information and identify the North American
Industry Classification System (NAICS) code: This information may be included in a business’s tax return, or
through the NAICS website: https://www.naics.com/naics-code-description/.

Businesses interested in applying for the We’re All In Small Business Grant can visit the Department of
Revenue website at https://www.revenue.wi.gov from Monday, October 19th through November 2nd
.
“I hope to see all small businesses in Whitewater take advantage of this grant,” said Cathy Anderson,
Economic Director for the City of Whitewater. “This is open to everyone and most will qualify. I would love to
see those who could use this boost receive the assistance they deserve in order to continue to thrive in our
community.”


For more information or questions, contact Cathy Anderson, Economic Developer Director at 262-473-0148 or
CAnderson@whitewater-wi.gov.


The City of Whitewater provides efficient and high-quality services which support living, learning, playing and
working in an exceptional community. Visit www.whitewater-wi.gov for community information and updates.

Library Reopening to the Public on Mon., Nov. 2

(Irvin L. Young Memorial Library news release) After several months of being closed to the public and only providing curbside pickup service, the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library will reopen to the public on Monday, November 2. During our closed time, new bi-polar ionization filters were installed in our HVAC system to improve the air quality and additional Plexiglas shields were installed. The Library will provide the following services during the hours listed.

Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The Library is Closed to the Public – Curbside Pickup Service

Curbside pickup will be moving to the north side entryway on Center Street.

Monday-Friday from 12:30 -7:00 p.m.; Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The Library is Open to the Public – Services Available

Individuals may:

  1. Use a computer for one hour.
  2. Use the photocopier.
  3. Pick up holds.
  4. Browse the stacks to choose materials for checkout.
  5. Make an appointment to use the Makerspace (a separate enclosed space) for no more than two hours.

Unavailable Services

Individuals may not

  1. Use the library as a gathering place or remain after their business is concluded to read or do work.
  2. Play in the children’s area.
  3. Schedule an in-person meeting or event in the Community Room.
  4. Purchase items from the Friends of the Library Book Shop.

The Family Restroom is available for use. Other public restrooms have been locked. Limited staffing means we can only regularly sanitize one public restroom.

The City of Whitewater passed an ordinance in July that requires that individuals wear masks in public spaces. (Banner note: Gov. Evers’ emergency order requiring masks has been extended to November 21. The city’s ordinance continues through December 31.) People entering the library will be required to wear a mask at all times. If you do not bring one, one will be provided for you. Staff will not provide one-on-one services to people who are not wearing a mask correctly.

If a patron is unable to wear a mask for medical reasons, they will be limited to 15 minutes for use of the photocopier, without staff assistance. Otherwise we encourage those individuals to use our curbside pickup service and digital library materials available from the convenience of home.

Dr. Thomas Gibson named chancellor of UW-SP; Dr. Katy Heyning, former UW-W Dean of College of Education & Professional Studies, was a finalist

Dr. Thomas Gibson named new chancellor of UW-Stevens Point

Appointment takes effect January 11, 2021

Photo of Dr. Thomas Gibson Description automatically generated
MADISON, Wis.—Dr. Thomas Gibson, who served as Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice Provost at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, has been named the 15th Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, which has campus locations in Stevens Point, Wausau, and Marshfield.

The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents today unanimously approved Gibson’s appointment, following a recommendation made by a selection committee. Gibson will assume the leadership post on January 11, 2021.

Gibson was hired as Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice Provost at Bowling Green State in July 2016. In that role, he served as an advocate for the academic and social development of students, devised policies for student success, and advised the president and provost on student issues, among other things. He has overseen the Dean of Students office; residence life; diversity, equity and inclusion; student health, wellness and recreation; the women’s center, Title IX, and Clery reporting; and Greek life.

Previously, he was associate vice president of student affairs at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind.; associate dean for student development at York College, City University of New York in New York City; and employed in other roles at York College. Gibson has held numerous other positions related to student success in higher education.

“Dr. Gibson is a fantastic fit for UW-Stevens Point,” said UW System President Tommy Thompson.  “I am confident his background in student affairs coupled with his high-energy engagement with everyone he connects with will build an even better university for the entire region and our great state.”

“I am honored to have this opportunity to serve as the 15th chancellor at UW-Stevens Point,” said Dr. Gibson.  “UW-Stevens Point has a rich history and culture, and dedicated students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders that I am looking forward to joining.”  

“We were fortunate to have a deeply talented group of applicants, which I think speaks to the excellent leadership opportunity UW-Stevens Point represents,” said Regent Karen Walsh, chair of the Search and Screen Committee. “This campus is a vital part of central Wisconsin life, and Dr. Gibson is committed to strengthening those relationships and creating new pathways for student success.”

“Dr. Gibson brings a breadth of experience that has equipped him to lead in a number of areas that are important to UWSP right now, including fund raising and making our campuses more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. As a student affairs professional who also served as Vice Provost at Bowling Green State University, he is well placed to foster increased collaboration between Student Affairs and Academic Affairs,” said UW-Stevens Point Professor of English Mary Bowman, vice chair of the Search and Screen Committee.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Gibson to the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point as UW-Stevens Point’s next chancellor,” said UW Regent President Andrew S. Petersen.  “Tom has a terrific professional background and an infectious enthusiasm that will serve him and the community of Stevens Point well as he assumes this exciting leadership position.”

The Special Regent Committee for the UW-Stevens Point Chancellor Search that recommended Gibson to the full Board of Regents includes Regents Walsh, José Delgado, Cris Peterson, and Olivia Woodmansee. President Thompson concurred in the recommendation.

The Search and Screen Committee includes members of the Special Regent Committee; Bowman; Scott Wallace, Professor of Business and Economics, UW-Stevens Point ; Dyllan Griepentrog, UW-Stevens Point student; Denny Peterson, retired Delta Dental president and CEO; and Marc Young, director of recruitment, UW-Stevens Point. Non-voting members of the committee include Julie Tharp, professor of English, UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield, and Ann Herda-Rapp, Campus Executive, UW-Stevens Point at Wausau.

Gibson will earn $247,500 as chancellor.

…

Whitewater Area League of Women Voters Promotes Early Voting Options

(Whitewater LWV news release) The League of Women Voters-Whitewater Area is promoting Vote Early Day on Saturday October 24, 2020. We are joining a nationwide effort of over 2,000 nonprofits, businesses and election administrators to encourage citizens to take advantage of all voting options before the November 3rd Election.

By voting early, last minute problems can be avoided. Early voting decreases lines and wait times on Election Day. Most importantly, it keeps us and our loved ones safe during this pandemic by ensuring that no citizen will have to choose between their health and their vote.

In-Person Absentee Voting (also called Early Voting):

In recognition of this Vote Early Day, the City of Whitewater has added Saturday morning October 24 to their existing Early Voting schedule. The City of Whitewater In-Person Absentee Voting (Early Voting) takes place in the Whitewater Municipal Building as follows:

Tuesday October 20 9am -5pm
Wednesday October 21 1pm -5pm
Thursday, October 22 1pm -5pm
Friday, October 23 9am -5pm
Saturday, October 24 9am-12pm
Monday, October 26 9am -5pm
Tuesday, October 27 9am -5pm
Wednesday, October 28 1pm -5pm
Thursday, October 29 1pm -5pm
Friday, October 30 9am -5pm

For those residing outside Whitewater city limits, please check with your Municipal Clerk for dates and hours to Vote Early.

Return your Absentee Ballot Immediately

If you have received an Absentee Ballot, please fill it out and return it to your Clerk’s Office as soon as possible. Please make sure the Return Envelope has your signature and date as well as a witness signature and address. Time is running out to return these ballots by mail. Expect a minimum of 10 days for mail delivery to reach your Clerk’s Office by the November 3 deadline. If it is not there on November 3, your ballot will not be counted.

In light of this, the League STRONGLY encourages that you drop your ballot off in person at your Clerk’s Office or drop it off at the Secure Drop Box at the Whitewater Municipal Building Vestibule (Whitewater voters only). You can also drop off your ballot at your polling place on Election Day.

There is wisdom in curbing our expectations of immediate election outcomes. With an increased number of Absentee Ballots, a delay in election results means that the system is working as it should to ensure the integrity of our election process.

Your VOTE is your Voice. Be heard on Election Day.

The League is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!

“Bats of Wisconsin” Virtual Program offered via the Whitewater Public Library Oct. 28 at 4 p.m.; Registration required

(Whitewater Public Library submission) The Whitewater Public Library is offering “Bats of Wisconsin” virtually on Wednesday, October 28th at 4:00 p.m. Those who attend “live” via zoom may win a DIY bat house kit.
Registration is at whitewaterlibrary.org.

Wildlife in Need Center (WINC) is a non-profit wildlife hospital and education center located in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. They take in over 3,000 injured, sick, and/or orphaned wildlife patients every year with the intent of releasing them back into the wild after they’ve recovered. Through their programs, their education team is committed to engaging people about the wildlife they may encounter in their communities.  Erin Toohey is the Education Coordinator at WINC. The program, Bats of Wisconsin, will have a short introduction about WINC and what it is the center does, and then will dive into information about Wisconsin’s species of bats, why they’re important, and how community members can help them.

This Week’s virtual city meetings (Updated with Plan Commission subcomittee meeting to review proposed sign ordinance amendments)

Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Includes entering into a contract with the chosen architectural firm to begin the conceptual design phase of the project plan. Click here for full agenda.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/658457413
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Access Code: 658-457-413#

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Includes authorization of submission of a grant application to WI Economic Development Corp. for a community development investment grant. Click here for full agenda.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/91380905179?pwd=TW9zZ0RVdjhBSHRZK1RhcjZpYjhQQT09
Passcode: 947384
Or Telephone:
Dial 1 929 205 6099 Webinar ID: 913 8090 5179
Passcode: 947384#

City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Includes Storybook Walk and Kiwanis Starin Park Playground Project. Click here for full agenda.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/861236557
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Access Code: 861-236-557#

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Includes consideration of sale of Lot 1, CSM #4555 in Business Park. Click here for full agenda.
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#

City of Whitewater Plan & Architectural Review Commission
Subcommittee meeting for review of proposed amendments to Ordinance 19.54 – Sign Regulations
Friday @ 9:00 a.m.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/150231437
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3412
Access Code: 150-231-437#

In Person Absentee Voting today thru Oct. 30; Local candidates listed; Info available on vote411.org

The following races are on the City of Whitewater ballot:
(R) = Republican; (D) = Democrat; (I) = Incumbent

President: Donald J. Trump (R) (I); Joe Biden (D)
U.S. House District 5: Scott Fitzgerald (R); Tom Palzewicz (D)
State Assembly District 43: Beth Drew (R); Don Vruwink (D) (I)

Jefferson County District Attorney: Monica Hall (D) (I)
Jefferson County Clerk: Audrey McGraw (R) (I)
Jefferson County Register of Deeds: Staci Hoffman (R) (I)
Jefferson County Advisory Referendum: Should the state legislature pass a constitutional amendment that entrusts the redistricting process to an independent nonpartisan commission? Yes or No


Walworth County District Attorney: Zeke Wiedenfeld (R) (I)
Walworth County Register of Deeds: Michele Jacobs (R); Cairie Virrueta (D) (I)
Walworth County Treasurer: Valerie Etzel (R) (I)
Walworth County Clerk: Kim Bushey (R) (I)

A personalized ballot may be obtained by entering your address on www.vote411.org. That site also contains responses to questions and video interviews for a number of candidates.