News

Editor’s note:  The Banner’s policy is not to publish letters to the editor. We deemed it appropriate to publish the following submission expressing an individual’s views due to the fact that we previously posted an organization’s advocacy for the Whitewater Unified School District referendum.  The Banner will provide the opportunity to the District Superintendent and/or School Board President to submit a response to this statement. Otherwise the Banner will not be publishing anything further, prior to the election, regarding the school referendum except for the material that the district previously distributed.

By Henri Kinson

The Whitewater School District last lost a referendum 25 years ago.  The never-ending stream since has, unfortunately, generated an arrogant and daft board.

Start with the Covid shutdown.  When discussing options, the district took a survey in which 75% of parents wanted some sort of in-person instruction.  Showing less concern for its kids than any school in the area, Whitewater shut down anyway.  Didn’t the board know that kids might leave and take their state money with them?  Of course, but why should they care when they know that taxpayers will bail them out?  Whitewater lost 200 kids and $10m in the process (and it now needs the referendum to make up for it). 

What about academics?  Everyone knew after the initial shutdown that kids weren’t learning anything.  Since all the other districts were staying open, didn’t the board know that poor achievement would lead to fewer parents with an interest in academics moving to or staying in Whitewater?  Yes, but why should they care when they know taxpayers will bail them out with a referendum?  Whitewater’s test scores tanked, with its ACT scores falling to the bottom third in the state and the district now losing $2m every year to kids transferring out.

OK, but that’s only two (admittedly huge) knuckleheaded decisions, right?  Hardly.  Last year, the board got $3m in Covid money from the feds to spend pretty much however it liked.  So it upgraded its football fields for $2m and put $1m away for pensions.  Didn’t they know that it would be asking for money this year for stuff that really mattered?  Of course, but why should they care when they know that taxpayers will bail them out with a referendum?

It’s not just dumb decisions that the never-ending money encourages, but arrogance as well.  You needn’t look any farther than the referendum material itself to see what I’m talking about.  Did the district ever mention the money it lost from the shutdown in the referendum materials it sent you?  Why should it?  Did it mention its plummeting test scores, or highest in the area spending and state aid it loses as a result?  Ha!  Did it mention why it paid $2m for a football field before it addressed the more important things in the referendum?  Please.  Has it ever suggested it was a mistake to callously dismiss three quarters of the parents and kids it’s supposedly here to serve by shutting its doors in their face?  Never.

When Whitewater last lost a referendum, I remember hearing that people look for a reason to vote no.  You certainly have several, from the parents, kids, and revenue it drove away, to the record spending and lost state aid, to the fields and pension goodies.  The biggest, however, is the contempt the district shows towards us because we pass every referendum they send to us no matter how irresponsibly it acts.  We must stop subsidizing such negligence, or we will continue to get it.  Please vote no.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This is the second of three vintage post card views in our walk down Main Street.

This view is along Main Street between Franklin Street and Prairie St., north side, now part of the Main Street Historic District. The view was probably taken around 1900-1910, given the look of the early automobile in the photo. Post cards were often “colorized” in this fashion and the same view would also be available in black and white.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(2190PC, Whitewater Historical Society)

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

Per the National Weather Service (NWS), Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office, “A line of thunderstorms moved eastward across southeast Wisconsin during the late morning and early afternoon hours on Wednesday, October 12, 2022. This line of storms possibly produced several short-lived tornadoes, as well as some wind damage. The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan office will be conducting storm surveys of several locations across southeast Wisconsin on Thursday, October 13. Stay tuned for later updates as the storm surveys are completed.”

NWS issued a tornado warning for Jefferson and Waukesha Counties on Wednesday at approximately 11:30 a.m. Shortly thereafter the warning was extended to Walworth County. Students in Whitewater public schools were quickly moved to tornado shelter areas, which in many cases are restrooms.

At 11:36 a.m. NWS received a report from Whitewater’s Emergency Management Office of several trees and powerlines down in the city.

At 11:45 a.m. NWS passed on a report from a member of the public who indicated they observed “rotation/condensation funnel in contact with the ground just south of Highway 12 and Highway 59.” NWS defines a condensation funnel as “A funnel-shaped cloud associated with rotation and consisting of condensed water droplets (as opposed to smoke, dust, debris, etc.)” No other reports were received regarding such a sighting in this area.

The tornado warning expired at 12:15 p.m. There have apparently been no reports of significant damage in the city.

The tornado sirens were not activated. Police Chief Dan Meyer offered the apology below via social media. Although the sirens are sometimes heard inside buildings, depending upon various factors, it should be noted that they are not designed for this purpose. Those who have a cell phone should receive a warning in that manner; it is recommended that those without a cell phone obtain a weather radio, or at least monitor on a television or radio when there is threatening weather. The primary purpose of the sirens is to warn persons who are outside to seek cover immediately.

“Good evening Whitewater,

I am aware there are a number of questions being asked regarding why the tornado sirens were not activated during today’s storm. I want to make sure it’s clear that our department is responsible for activating the sirens manually. We are in the process of reviewing this, but simply put, the sirens should have been activated today. We will be addressing the issue by ensuring our policy is updated to more clearly indicate when the sirens need to be activated to reduce any ambiguity.

I want everyone to know that the safety of everyone in our community is our number one priority, and we will do everything we can to ensure this doesn’t happen again. I apologize for any confusion or fear that this may have caused.

Sincerely,

Chief Dan Meyer”

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area.

The League of Women Voters of the Whitewater Area reminds voters to get ready to
vote in the upcoming November 8 General Election. On the ballot this election in
Whitewater and surrounding communities in Walworth and Jefferson counties are
candidates running for US Senate, US House of Representatives, Wisconsin Governor,
Lt Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, and State Senate
and Assembly District seats. Many communities and school districts also have important
referendums on the ballot. The League encourages voters to start their candidate
research before they cast their ballot, so they are informed whether they vote by
absentee ballot or on Election Day.

Walworth and Jefferson County voters can access nonpartisan information on
candidates running for federal and state offices and read their local referendums by
using the League’s voter guide on VOTE411.org. Enter your street address, ask to view
your ballot and then link to read candidates’ responses to the League’s questionnaires.
VOTE411 is a one-stop shop for statewide election information and provides simple
tools to help Wisconsin voters navigate the voting process. These include candidate
information, voter registration tools, polling place information and other helpful Election
Day resources. Voting is the best way to make the change you want to see in your
community, and VOTE411 empowers voters to use their voices. Nearly 25.4 million
voters have found the information they needed thanks to VOTE411, many of them
young people and first-time voters.

The League of Women Voters of Whitewater Area is a nonpartisan political organization
that advocates for informed and active participation in government. More information at
lwvwhitewater.org

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Rock River Community Clinic.

Rock River Community Clinic is currently accepting applications to fill two AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer positions for the 2022-2023 school year.

“Through our membership with the Wisconsin Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (WAFCC), we are proud to continue serving as a host site for AmeriCorps VISTA positions,” states Olivia Nichols, CEO/Executive Director of Rock River Community Clinic. “We are looking for individuals who have a passion for, and interest in, the healthcare industry and who are looking to gain experience within a role that can have a real positive impact on the patients and communities we serve.”

The benefits of the year-long program offered to VISTA members include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly living stipend, $100/month housing allowance, $750 relocation reimbursement (if eligible), AmeriCorps health allowance, End of Service Segal Education Award ($6,495) or cash stipend ($1,800), student loan forbearance/deferment (if eligible), and more. The benefits are fully supported and provided by the AmeriCorps Program.

“The AmeriCorps VISTA program provides a great opportunity not only for our organization, but also for those interested in learning more about the healthcare industry,” Nichols adds. “These positions provide our team with the additional support needed to advance our programs and initiatives within the community.”

WAFCC VISTA members and associates help create access to quality health care for the uninsured and underserved populations in Wisconsin. They focus their efforts on building the organizational, administrative, and financial capacity of safety net clinics. Projects may include reducing substance/opiate abuse, implementing Standards of Excellence, researching grants, and gathering data on social determinants of health. Rock River Community Clinic is specifically seeking applicants to support the growth of their behavioral health referral services, and another that would be focused on advancing and improving clinic systems and procedures.

‘Accessing behavioral health services is a critical need in the community and one we’re dedicated to supporting,” Nichols states. “This VISTA member would assist with deepening our referral process, the integration of behavioral health care opportunities, and the optimization of telehealth to increase patient access. Our systems and procedures position would focus their efforts and talents on improving our data dashboards, supporting quality improvement initiatives, and leading outreach efforts for clinic initiatives.

Full details of the program, including complete job description of the two Rock River Community Clinic positions available, can be viewed on the RRCC website at: https://rockrivercommunityclinic.com/americorps-vista-volunteers/. Interested applicants or individuals with questions can contact Nichols at RRCC directly at 262.472.6839 or director@rockrivercommunityclinic.org or Connor Doppler, WFACC Manager at 763.567.9572 or Connor.Doppler@wafcclinics.org. Applicants will be considered until November 1st.

Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) provides comprehensive and cost-effective health care services to
ensure all community members have access to the care they need. Serving families in Jefferson, Dodge,
and parts of Walworth County, RRCC includes three medical clinics located in Whitewater, Watertown,
and Jefferson, and one dental clinic located in Fort Atkinson. Referrals for behavioral health care services
will be available in Whitewater and Watertown locations soon.

At RRCC, all community members are welcome and accepted, regardless of ability to pay, with
discounted prices for patients who are uninsured or underinsured (high deductible plans). RRCC also
provides care coordination services to help patients overcome barriers to accessing healthcare (e.g.,
transportation), and helps to coordinate referrals. Bilingual staff (Spanish & English) are available to
support patients and their families. By increasing access to health care services, offering care at
affordable costs, and assisting with healthcare navigation, RRCC works to create a healthier, more
equitable, community. For clinic hours and directions, visit www.rockrivercommunityclinic.org

On October 3 an ambitious group of Builders Club members from Whitewater Middle School, together with a number of other community members, made fast work of harvesting hundreds of pumpkins and squash from Rollie Cooper’s field on Wildwood Road. The harvest was organized by April and John Borsodi. WMS Assistant Principal and Builders Club Advisor Ben Holzem walked with the students from the school and cheered on their efforts. By the end of the afternoon John Borsodi had delivered three trailers of pumpkins and squash to The Community Space. Rollie claimed that an excellent growing season had produced at least 50% more produce than what was delivered to The Community Space last year.

Editor’s note: The following announcement was received from the city Department of Public Works.

The City of Whitewater – Department of Public Works will collect leaf and yard
waste during the following established dates in October and November.

Residents may place their bagged yard waste on the curb no earlier than Saturday, October 22, for collection
during the week of:
• October 24 – October 28, 2022

Residents may place their bagged yard waste on the curb no earlier than Saturday, November 5, for collection
during the week of:
• November 7 – November 11, 2022
• November 14 – November 18, 2022

However, all bags must be brought to the curb for final collection by November 14. Bio-Bags left outside in the elements
during the winter months will NOT be collected during the spring collection.

*Dates may be subject to change in the event we experience accumulating snow during this time.

For residents who miss the deadline of November 18, a dumpster will be available at the City garage (150 E. Starin Rd.)
between November 21 – December 2, between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please note our facility
will be closed on Thursday, November 24, and Friday, November 25. Spring collection will be dependent on weather
conditions.

Yard waste is defined as leaves, weeds, grass clippings, and yard and garden debris. Yard waste must be bagged in 33
gallon or smaller biodegradable, clear or transparent bags only. Yard waste will not be collected if not properly
bagged or placed in non-transparent or black bags. The City offers Bio-Bags, in the fall only, at the Finance Department.

Residents may also use the compost site to dispose of leaf and yard waste. The compost site is open on Saturdays from
8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. The compost site will close for the season at 6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, November 16, 2022.

Residents requesting brush collection should call 473-0560 to make an appointment for pick up on Tuesdays.

NOTICE: City Ordinance Chapter 12.08 – Street Obstructions, Section: 12.08.010 – Residents are prohibited from
depositing any yard waste debris on city streets.

For additional questions or concerns, contact the Streets Department at (262) 473-0560. For other requests, visit
https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/RequestTracker.aspx.