News

(UW-Whitewater submission) The following Whitewater students are UW-Whitewater’s 2021 Greek chapter presidents: Anai Parker, who is studying psychology, is president of Alpha Kappa Alpha; Devin Lewis, who is studying human resource management, is president of Alpha Phi Alpha; and Joseph Senyah, who is studying psychology, is president of Phi Chi Epsilon.

UW-Whitewater currently has 23 active Greek chapters, which stem from national organizations. They offer leadership, personal fulfillment through philanthropy, and opportunities to forge lifelong relationships with peers and alumni. The Greek Community does its best to excel in all ways possible and at the same time, represents Warhawk spirit through academics, sports, social events, leadership, and much more.

While the individual goals of each chapter are different, the overall mission of the presidents of the chapters are largely centered around engagement and commitment to campus.

“As the president of either a fraternity or sorority, we are the face of our organizations,” said Neil McCants, president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Phi Beta Sigma fraternity. “The president’s role can be an overwhelming position to handle, but just like anything that gets difficult, you have to dig deep, use your resources and do what you need to do to be successful.”

For more information on the presidents of the Greek chapters or the Greek community at UW-Whitewater visit https://www.uww.edu/career-and-leadership-development/student-involvement/greek-community.

(WI Dept of Revenue press release, March 18) The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued news release yesterday indicating that the federal income tax filing and payment due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15, 2021 to May 17, 2021. The IRS will provide formal guidance in the coming days. As a result, the Wisconsin individual income tax return filing and payment due dates are extended to May 17, 2021. Wisconsin law provides for an extension of time and waiver of interest and penalties when the IRS extends filing deadlines during a presidentially-declared disaster.

“This has been a hard year for everyone. People are still trying to catch up financially and emotionally. Extending the tax deadline to May 17 should help make things a bit easier for those who need the extra time,” said Department of Revenue Secretary Peter Barca.

• Individuals do not have to file any extension forms to be eligible for this new due date.
• No interest or penalties will accrue during the period of April 15, 2021 to May 17, 2021. Interest and late filing fees will apply beginning May 18, 2021.
• No underpayment interest will apply for failure to make quarterly estimated individual income tax payments for the 2020 tax year.
• This relief is solely for 2020 individual income tax returns and payments that are normally due on due April 15, 2021.

• This relief does not apply to:
o 2021 estimated tax payments for individuals, the first payment of which is due April 15, 2021, or
o to any other returns or tax payments due to the Department of Revenue.

“Roughly, half of all taxpayers in Wisconsin have already filed their tax returns, and most have received refunds, on
average over $800,” noted Department of Revenue Secretary Peter Barca. “We are still processing returns and issuing refunds and other credits that Wisconsinites rely on such as the Homestead Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit.”

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue notes that most services are found online at www.revenue.wi.gov
Customer service phone number:
• Individuals: (608) 266-2772

(UW-Whitewater submission, March 10) The Joint Committee on Finance announced today that the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will host the first of three locations chosen for in-person public hearings on the next state budget.

“First, I want to thank the Joint Committee on Finance for choosing UW-Whitewater for one of these important meetings. It is such an honor to host a meeting in which committee members will seek feedback from people across Wisconsin on the priorities for next state budget. This is a critical part of the budget process,” Chancellor Dwight C. Watson said. “This is also a great time for members of the legislature and the state to get to know more about our amazing university, and to see their financial support of UW-Whitewater at work. This is simply a wonderful opportunity for UW-Whitewater and our community.”

The format will be similar to past hearings and attendees will be asked to fill out a form upon arrival to be added to the queue to testify. Those attending in-person will be required to wear a facial covering and practice social distancing as part of campus COVID-19 protocols.

The event, on Friday, April 9, will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m. The location on campus will be announced in the coming days.

The other in-person hearings will take place in Rhinelander and Menomonie.

A virtual public hearing is also scheduled, and pre-registration will be required for the virtual hearing. The registration process and details are in development and will be released as soon as possible via the new JFC website, which is also a portal for constituents to provide input: www.legis.wisconsin.gov/topics/budgetcomments. The JFC has also developed a dedicated email address for input only: budget.comments@legis.wisconsin.gov.

(The Pauquette Center submission) The Pauquette Center for Psychological Services has named a new Executive Director. On January 1, 2021, Dr. Lesley Chapin succeeded Dr. Thomas Hayes, who had held that position for the past 25 years. Dr. Chapin took over the day-to-day operations at the same time the Pauquette center opened its 8^th clinic in Whitewater.

In 2020, the Portage based psychological services company began operations in Madison, and expanded consultation and training services throughout the state. Dr. Chapin was instrumental in those projects, and was the logical choice to succeed Dr. Hayes. Dr. Chapin continues active work as a psychologist, with her home office in the Madison clinic. Dr. Hayes will continue to work out of the Portage office, and continues in his role as President and Chief Executive Officer.

The Pauquette Centers for Psychological Services has operated continuously since 1965. It operates clinics in Portage, Columbus, Baraboo, Sauk Prairie, Reedsburg, Richland Center, Madison, and Whitewater at the Innovation Center. There are currently over 40 professional staff that provide an array of psychological, psychotherapy and counseling services, serving primarily rural Wisconsin.

Ginny Coburn submitted this photo, which was taken by her grandson Langdon. She writes, “This bald eagle has been a frequent visitor to Trippe Lake recently. Langdon Coburn took this photo about March 1 using his cell phone and a pair of binoculars.  In late February the eagle was seen flying southeast with a large branch in its talons, an indicator of nest building.”

Our thanks to Langdon and Ginny Coburn for sharing this great photo with us.

— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share.  Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com or click on “submit a story” near the top right of our homepage.  Thanks for thinking about this!

NEA Big Read Book Giveaway Day at Irvin L. Young Memorial Library – Monday, April 5th 12:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Monday, April 5th is our book giveaway day! Stop in and pick up a free copy of this year’s NEA Big Read selection The Latehomecomer. Available while supplies last.

(Studio 84 submission) Spring is traditionally a time of new growth and renewal and spring 2021 will be a welcome ‘ReLeaf ‘ from the troubles that 2020 brought us!

You are invited to join Studio 84 (virtually) for our Annual Gala Night with a bonus Cupcake Battle Fundraiser on April 17th  The virtual gala is free to attend as it always has been when we gathered in person. 

Since we won’t be meeting in person, we knew everyone would be missing the food and especially the cupcakes. So as a fundraiser we will have bakers competing for the honor of your vote as the best decorated and the best tasting cupcakes.  You can purchase your cupcake tickets on our website at www.studio84inc.org.   Only 48 cupcakes tickets will be available and they sell for $20. You will receive up to a dozen cupcakes and can pick them up curbside  on April 17  from 12-2 at Studio 84. Enjoy your cupcakes as you watch the gala event that night starting at 5 pm. Enjoy meeting some of our artists  as they talk about why they love  art and a few other things.  As always you can shop for all your favorite artist’s items during the event.   

Money raised from this event will go to help support our programming in the arts for people with disabilities.

Two entries into the Cupcake Battle are Katie Krueger and Susie Feurestein. Baker Katie says, “I’m a UW-Whitewater alum and current MBA student with an unstoppable addiction to baking boozy cupcakes. On top of that, I’m passionate about how the arts can impact our lives. So when I got the opportunity to support Studio 84 through baking cupcakes, it was a no-brainer! If you liked my chocolate boilermaker cupcakes from last fall, you’ll LOVE what I’m whipping up for the ReLeaf Cupcake Battle.” 

Cupcake Baker Susie states, “I work for the University of Whitewater and that is how I heard about this wonderful event.  I was curious what Studio 84 was, not being from Whitewater. I immediately looked up the website.  Wow!  I was very impressed with the art, the videos and the organization.  Since I love baking, I thought why not throw my baking hat into the ring.  It is a win win, I get to bake and contribute to the Gala.  I hope for a successful evening for Studio 84 and that many will enjoy the wonderful cupcakes made by all!”

For details on theSpring ReLeaf Gala Event and to order  your cupcakes  visit Studio 84 online at www.studio84inc.org.

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

Read below for information about the new eligibility criteria for receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. As of early morning on Sunday, March 21, some appointments are available on Wednesday, March 24 at the Whitewater Walgreens. See the bottom of this post for further information.

Beginning Monday, March 22, individuals age 16 and older with certain medical conditions that have a greater risk of severe infection from COVID-19 will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Those groups can be found on the DHS COVID-19 vaccination page. The decision is based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and supported by Wisconsin’s medical experts.

Banner note: The most common factor for eligibility is those whose BMI (body mass index) classifies them as “overweight,” or having “obesity.” This link provides a BMI calculator in which a person simply enters their height and weight. According to this site, approximately two-thirds of adults in Wisconsin fit this criteria.

Eligibility includes individuals with the following conditions:

• Asthma (moderate-to-severe)
• Cancer
• Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)
• Chronic kidney disease
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Diabetes mellitus type 1 or 2
• Down syndrome
• Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
• Hypertension or high blood pressure
• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant, blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines
• Liver disease
• Neurologic conditions, such as intellectual disabilities and dementia
• Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30-39 kg/m2)
• Overweight (BMI of 25-29 kg/m2)
• Pregnancy
• Pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues)
• Severe Obesity (BMI 40 kg/m2 or more)
• Sickle cell disease
• Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder)

Individuals with these medical conditions will have multiple vaccination options, including through community-based clinics, health care providers, local health departments, and pharmacies.

Additionally, DHS updated eligibility to include all clergy, restaurant workers (as part of the food supply eligibility group) and further expanded public safety to include judges, prosecutors and district attorneys in addition to public defenders.

You must live, work, or study in Wisconsin.

Banner note: www.vaccinefinder.org is a site where users may enter their zip code to find locations where vaccine appointments may be available. One may, if desired, specify which of the three vaccines they prefer. If you are directed to Walgreens, you will need to sign in to an existing account or establish a new one. When you reach the page that says, “See if you’re eligible in Wisconsin,” if you are under age 65 and qualify due to one of the above reasons, check “high risk medical condition.” The Whitewater Walmart was also offering the vaccine on a drive-through basis last week, but does not appear to have any appointments at this time.

Be An Informed Voter on Election Day!

(LWV-Whitewater Area press release) The League of Women Voters of the Whitewater Area reminds voters to get ready to vote in the upcoming April 6 Spring Election. On the ballot this election in Whitewater and surrounding communities in Walworth and Jefferson counties are candidates running for common council, school board, village and town boards, clerks and treasurers, and municipal judge as well as a state race for Superintendent of Public Instruction. The League encourages voters to start their candidate research before they cast their ballot, so they are informed voters whether they vote by absentee ballot or on Election Day. 

Walworth and Jefferson County voters can access nonpartisan candidate information for many local races 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. Candidate responses to a selection of local races has now been posted on VOTE411.org.

In addition to the voter guide on VOTE411.org, the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin has created a fact sheet for the State Superintendent of Public Instruction with information on the role and responsibilities of this elected office and why it matters in the lives of everyday Wisconsinites. This fact sheet is available on LWVWI’s website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/state-superintendent-public-instruction.

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 lwvwhitewater.org and like us on Facebook!

Banner note: A video of the Whitewater Unified School Board Candidate Forum which was held on March 13 is available at this link. All of the active candidates: Tom Ganser, Larry Kachel, and Maryann Zimmerman, participated. Andrea M. Svec’s name will be on the ballot, but she is no longer actively seeking to be elected. The Banner also invited candidates to provide information about their background and views. A link to their responses may be found here.

Banner note: A video of the City of Whitewater Common Council Candidate Forum which was held on March 13 is available at this link. Candidates running for City Council are Carol McCormick (District 1), Brienne Diebolt-Brown (District 3), Greg Majkrzak (District 5), Neil Hicks (District 5), Lisa Dawsey Smith (At-Large), and Daniel Machalik (At-Large). All of the candidates participated in the forum. The Banner also invited candidates to provide information about their background and views. A link to their responses may be found here.

Spectrum News (Channel 1 on Whitewater’s Spectrum cable service) featured a video interview and article on March 16 titled, ‘I Plan on Being Here’; Restaurant Owner Remains Optimistic Despite Challenging Year.” Tyler Sailsbery, chef and owner of the Black Sheep, discusses the pivots his restaurant has made in staying afloat during the pandemic. Click here for the interview and article.