News

By Al Stanek
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

The Whitewater Common Council this month authorized an application to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a grant to fund the early efforts at creating an arboretum within Starin Park.

An arboretum is essentially an outdoor museum of trees and shrubs intended to provide educational opportunities for children and adults by identifying and preserving a diverse network of native and imported trees and plants. As a living outdoor classroom an arboretum demonstrates the essential value to humans that trees and shrubs provide by enhancing air quality and helping tamp down increasingly warmer summer temperatures. The non-profit Arbor Day Foundation estimates that a medium sized tree provides the equivalent temperature reduction of 10 room size air conditioners each running 20 hours per day.

The DNR Urban Forestry Grant is expected to reimburse up to $25,000 of city and volunteer efforts to plant and maintain new trees and shrubs within the nearly 35-acre park. Starin Park borders the UW-Whitewater (UWW) campus and its 7.6-acre Chopp Arboretum and the 1873-initiated Salisbury Arboretum effort to label UWW trees that started out as a 5.2-acre effort. The grant is also designed to encourage city private property owners to plant trees to replace those being removed and to increase and diversify the citywide tree inventory.

Tree planting advocates stress the importance of tree and shrub planting to reduce the impact of “Climate Change” which is widely believed by the scientific community to be one of the greatest threats to the Earth’s atmosphere and its ability to maintain reasonable temperatures and abundant clean air.

Humans and animals take in oxygen from the atmosphere and exhale carbon dioxide as a by-product. The combination of growing human and domesticated animal populations along with the significant impact of burning coal and fossil fuels is creating an environment that most scientists believe might not be able to support future generations. The Arbor Day Foundation identifies carbon dioxide as the single most destructive “greenhouse gas” affecting climate change.

The concept of an arboretum at Starin Park was initiated by Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission (UFC) member and retired educator Jim Nies. Mr. Nies estimates that there are currently as many as 50 unhealthy trees in Starin Park today that will soon need to be replaced. It is estimated that the park currently contains roughly 650 trees. Whitewater City Forester Brian Neumeister estimates that the park has lost over 20 trees in just the last three years. The initial UFC-led city effort is hoping to plant as many as 150 trees next year to replace removed and dying trees with a wider variety of native trees.

The UFC is a permanent sub-committee of the City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Board which consists of a representative of that board, the City Plan Commission and up to five citizens. Currently only four of the five citizen UHC appointments are filled. City residents interested in joining the UFC can contact City Clerk Michele Smith at (262) 473-0102.

The city supported volunteer group is in the process of establishing partnerships with the UW-Whitewater, the Whitewater Unified School District, the Starin Park Neighborhood Association and other interested businesses and individuals. A fund-raising effort is underway to cover the initial cost of purchasing trees and shrubs and producing educational materials. UFC member Bill Chandler is leading the effort to generate financial support from individuals, businesses and foundations. He can provide information by calling (414) 630-3598.

The UFC has already placed nearly 30 informational tree tags identifying common trees at Starin Park as a sample of the type of information to be provided. Expanded tree tagging will continue for existing trees as well as for future new plantings. In depth information on each tree will ultimately be available via an on-line program called PlantsMap. The UFC’s early efforts have recently resulted in formal accreditation of the Arboretum at Starin Park by the international arboretum accreditation agency ArbNet.

The image on the homepage, “Starin Park Treeline” by UWW University Housing is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the City of Whitewater Department of Public Works.

The Water Utility will begin its semi-annual water main and hydrant flushing program on Monday, September 27, through Friday, October 1, 2021. Flushing of water mains is necessary in order to continue to deliver clean, safe water to our citizens. If we have more repairs than expected throughout the week, we may have to continue flushing into the following week.

Flushing of water mains and hydrants can cause some discoloration of water. Caution should be exercised in
washing of white clothing. Discoloration of water due to flushing WILL stain white clothing. We notify the public
in all local media outlets; therefore, we cannot be responsible for stained clothing. If discoloration is detected,
run the cold-water faucet until the discoloration clears. While we are still flushing in your area, the water may
take a while to clear up. You may want to wait until we have left the area and the water settles down before
running your water tap. If reduced pressure is experienced after flushing, you may have to clean the aerators
on your house faucets.

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

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the College of Arts & Communication, Department of Art & Design, Crossman Gallery. The image on the homepage is a tapestry by Ger Xiong.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is pleased to welcome “Hyphenated” in exhibit at the Crossman Gallery September 20, 2021 through November 5, 2021. An opening reception will be held on September 21, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Admission is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, and Tuesday from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm. Masks are required for anyone entering a campus building. For the most current safety guidelines, please visit the Warhawks are Back webpage at uww.edu/warhawks-are-back. The Crossman Gallery is located at 950 W. Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190 in the Greenhill Center of the Arts. 

“Hyphenated” features fourteen BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and two-spirit (2S+) artists, and showcases technically diverse artworks of regional, national and international artists addressing a range of personal experiences and emotions in response to markers of identity that for some, reference both ancestry and citizenship. Materials include works on paper, mixed-media installation, metal, clay, textile and paint.

Through process, material and concept the invited artists address the themes of personal and attributed identification.  Each artist, through their authentic lens, speaks to perceived hierarchies, notions of “otherness” and diversity that structure their lives. As a way to resist assimilation and celebrate authentic intersectional identities, the artists address a broad range of topics (historical and contemporary) related to the idea of “hyphenated identity.” The artists employ diverse materials and processes ranging from 3D-printed ceramics, metalwork, and printmaking to centuries old hand woven textile techniques that confront and complicate the imperative to assimilate.​

“Hyphenated” is curated by Teresa Faris, Professor of Art and Design. “Historically, in this country,  hyphenated identities have often been used as a way to ‘other’ anyone who did not/could not assimilate into the dominant ‘American’ culture. Today, some people are choosing to use hyphenated identities as a way to reclaim an authentic voice and to resist assimilation. Through artwork we are able to see the complexities of this theme in ways that are inviting, confrontational, quiet, loud and thought provoking,” says Faris. The exhibit includes remarkable works by Brian Fleetwood, CK Ledesma, Dakota Mace, Ger Xiong​ (alum), Juvana Soliven, Kyle Patnaude, Linda Tien, matt lambert, nibiiwakamigkwe, Roberto Torres, Sanna Stabell, Taekyeom Lee and Tanya Crane, and William Thomas (alum).

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the League of Women Voters – Whitewater Area.

The League of Women Voters-Whitewater Area is excited to again be hosting the annual State of the City and State of the Schools Addresses on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. 

This year we are fortunate to once again have Whitewater City Manager, Cameron Clapper, who will be speaking on a variety of topics including city budgeting, an update on the Cravath Lake project and COVID-19. Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, will be joined by Business Manager Benjamin Prather as they celebrate both the student and staffs’ accomplishments, as well as looking forward to the year ahead.

This event will be virtual. To attend live, please join the webinar by using the URL: bit.ly/lwv-ww_stateofcityandschools Passcode: 817513. Or, join us by telephone: Dial (312) 626-6799, Webinar ID: 899 2723 8868, Passcode: 817513. The event will also be livestreamed on the LWV-WW Facebook page (facebook.com/lwvwhitewater.org), as well as recorded for future broadcast on the City of Whitewater local access channel, Channel 990.

The League of Women Voters 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!

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by UW-Whitewater.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has received the Program of Study Validation from the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. This recognition extends to the Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Technology with a Networking and Security emphasis offered by the College of Business and Economics.

“It is an honor to earn this designation from the National Security Agency,” said Roger Yin, professor of information technology and co-director of the Cybersecurity Center for Business at UW-Whitewater. “This is one of the most difficult designations to receive, as the university is assessed on its research, program offerings, multidisciplinary approach, performance in cyber competitions and other factors.”

“Our IT major with an emphasis in Networking and Security delivers hands-on, practical instruction with heavy engagement and involvement with community and corporate partners,” said Andy Ciganek, department chair of information technology and supply chain management. “The NSA designation validates the high-quality instruction delivered by our professors and establishes UW-Whitewater as a first-choice destination and leader in cybersecurity education in the Midwest.”

Students graduating from the program can receive a certificate to show that they have completed the requirements of a  CAE Program of Study. Though graduates will be entering a high-demand field, the credential will further enhance their professional prospects.

Government officials and industry leaders have raised the urgency of their cybersecurity efforts in the wake of attacks against critical infrastructure and businesses. However, the demand for trained workers is reaching a crisis level, and the current talent shortfall was estimated at 500,000 workers in a recent presentation to a congressional subcommittee. In an effort to close the skills gap, the CAE-CD program sets standards for cybersecurity curriculum and academic excellence and encourages integration across academic disciplines.

The CAE-CD program also prioritizes community outreach and leadership. Collaboration with a business center that provides community services and business outreach is integral to a successful application. The Cybersecurity Center for Business at UW-Whitewater is hosted by the College of Business and Economics. The CCB provides cybersecurity education and training for businesses, local governments, and educational institutions throughout Wisconsin and portions of Illinois.

“Our application received high marks, along with praise for the Cybersecurity Center for Business,” said Yin. “The reviewers stated that the university and the CCB set a new standard for other aspiring institutions to emulate.”

“I applaud the effort and persistence by our staff in the information technology and supply chain management department,” said Paul Ambrose, interim dean of the College of Business and Economics. “This achievement helps highlight the college’s commitment to meeting the ever-evolving needs of Wisconsin’s businesses and workforce through relevant, innovative curriculum and state-of-the-art resources.”

Students graduating as early as December 2021 can obtain the certificate for completing a CAE-CD Program of Study. The program validation will be effective through August 2026 and can be renewed upon review.

For more information, contact Roger Yin at 262-472-5473 or yinl@uww.edu.

On Wednesday, September 22, Whitewater High School Staff will host the first annual Parent University addressing topics such as Redefining Ready, the new WHS Honors Recognition System, Advanced Placement courses, cybersecurity, Securly Home, digital parenting, using Infinite Campus, accessing mental health resources, school safety, understanding Early College Credit, getting to know Google Classroom, academic career planning/portfolio, the After School Study Center, youth apprenticeship, work study, and career certifications, clubs and activities, and scholarships. Staff will also be available for school tours and an open question and answer session.

WHO: Parents/Guardians of WHS students

WHEN: Wednesday, September 22, 2021, 4:00 pm until 7:30 pm

WHERE: Enter WHS through the main entrance, MPR/main gym entrance, or auditorium entrance, and someone will be there to help you find your first session.

WHAT: Check out the session descriptions and session schedule at https://sites.google.com/wwusd.org/whs-parent-university/home, and come for the sessions that interest you the most.

WHY: Learn about programs offered at WHS, get your questions answered about high school, meet the staff, and explore WHS!

Questions?
Contact Principal Mike Lovenberg at mlovenberg@wwusd.org or 262-472-8100.

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by a press release from the Governor’s office.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has announced that eligibility for the $100 COVID-19 Vaccine Reward Program will be extended to Sun., Sept. 19, 2021. The program opened Aug. 20 and is available to anyone ages 12 and up in Wisconsin who gets their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine by Sept. 19.  Between Aug. 20 and Sept. 1, more than 65,000 Wisconsinites received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This extended deadline provides an opportunity for even more people to get vaccinated. “We’re excited to see so many Wisconsinites across the state rolling up their sleeves to get the COVID-19 vaccine to help protect the health and safety of themselves and others and claiming their $100 reward,” said Gov. Evers. “I’m glad to be able to extend this program to give others the opportunity to take advantage of this great offer, and to do their part to help protect our state and stop the spread of the Delta variant.” In order to receive the $100 reward, Wisconsin residents will need to register by filling out the form available at 100.wisconsin.gov or call 844-684-1064 to register over the phone. Information submitted will be used to verify that individuals have a valid first COVID-19 vaccine dose reported to the Wisconsin Immunization Registry (WIR) between Aug. 20 and Sept. 19.  Rewards cards will be mailed to the individual’s Wisconsin address and may take six to eight weeks to be mailed to participants. Registration for the program will remain open until Sept. 30, 2021, but only those who receive their first COVID-19 vaccine dose within the program window are eligible for the $100 reward.  For more information on the reward program, visit the DHS $100 reward page or call 844-684-1064. Language assistance is available. To find a COVID-19 vaccine location in your community, visit Vaccines.gov or call 211 or 877-947-2211.  “The science and data are showing us that we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the highly contagious Delta variant by getting vaccinated,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “All three COVID-19 vaccines are extremely safe and highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Getting vaccinated now can help protect our state as we brace for this current surge, and it can put $100 in your pocket.” The $100 COVID-19 Vaccine Reward Program is part of the ongoing effort to stop the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant by encouraging Wisconsinites to get vaccinated. Wisconsin continues to experience an increase of COVID-19 cases, driven by the Delta variant. The Delta variant is much more contagious than the original strain of COVID-19. While vaccination is the most important layer of protection against COVID-19, with the high-level of disease transmission in Wisconsin, DHS is urging everyone to add additional layers of protection including wearing a mask, staying home when feeling sick, and thinking carefully about the activities you are attending.