News

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

Free, fast COVID-19 tests available to anyone 5 years or older

To receive a rapid-results test – available in about 15 minutes – register first at doineedacovid19test.com or call 1-800-635-8611. Those who test positive through the rapid-results test are urged to get a confirmatory PCR test. Banner notes: 1) The test is self-administered with a nasal swab. It is only slightly uncomfortable. 2) The PCR test is also available at the UW-W testing site, and those with symptoms are encouraged to return for that test even if their rapid test is negative. It takes several days to get the result for the PCR test.

Individuals do not have to be experiencing symptoms or be a close contact of someone with COVID-19 to get a test, nor do they need to live in the community where the testing site is located.

Whitewater campus

Williams Center, 907 Schwager Drive, second floor, adjacent to Sideline Café
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
Free parking is available in lot 11

Rock County campus

Lower Level of Allen Hall, Rooms AH16 and AH17
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays

(No testing available Monday, Sept. 6, Labor Day)

Additional sites

Community members who wish to get tested can also consult the COVID-19 Community Testing Site page on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website. That page currently lists testing sites across the state, including those in Walworth, Jefferson and Rock counties.

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by a press release from the Governor’s office. Editor’s note: Per this article on foxbusiness.com, the FDA on August 23 granted full approval for the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for individuals age 16 and over. (Children age 12 through 15 are still eligible to receive a vaccine under the FDA’s emergency use authorization.)

Wisconsinites will receive $100 by getting vaccinated now through September 6

OSHKOSH — Gov. Tony Evers today with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced Wisconsin residents who receive their first dose of any COVID-19 vaccine from a Wisconsin provider between August 20 and September 6 can collect a $100 Visa gift card. Wisconsinites ages 12 and older are eligible for the reward, and proof of insurance, I.D., or citizenship are not required to be eligible for the vaccine or to receive the $100 reward. “As our kids start returning back to school, and with the Delta variant spreading rapidly across the state, we all need to step up and stop the spread, and our COVID-19 vaccines are the best tools we have to do just that,” said Gov. Evers. “From now through Labor Day, if you’re a Wisconsin resident and you get your first COVID-19 shot here in the state, you will get $100 bucks. It’s that simple: get vaccinated, get $100. I’m calling on all eligible Wisconsinites who have not gotten their COVID-19 vaccine yet to step up, roll up their sleeve, and do their part to help protect our state and put an end to COVID-19.”  In order to receive the $100 Visa gift card, Wisconsin residents will need to fill out the form available at 100.wisconsin.gov. Information submitted will be used to verify that individuals received their first vaccine dose from a vaccine provider located in Wisconsin between August 20 and September 6. Visa cards will be mailed to the individual’s Wisconsin address and may take up to six weeks to be mailed to participants. 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 2-1-1 or 877-947-2211.  “COVID-19 is continuing to spread and mutate into highly transmissible variants like the Delta variant. Fortunately, the science and data are showing us that we can protect ourselves and our loved ones by getting vaccinated,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “The vaccines are extremely safe. They are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. And they are critical to protecting our kids, our healthcare workers, and the most vulnerable people in our state. Let’s not give COVID-19 the opportunity to keep mutating: roll up your sleeve, get your vaccine, and claim your $100.” Many Wisconsinites face financial barriers to access the COVID-19 vaccine—factors such as transportation, childcare, or the inability to take time off from work which can make it difficult for many to get vaccinated. The $100 COVID-19 Vaccine Reward Program will provide some additional support to those wanting to get protected against COVID-19. In addition to this reward, Wisconsinites can call 2-1-1 to get assistance finding transportation. There are also some services being offered by national companies listed on the COVID-19 Vaccine Incentives webpage. For those who have been financially impacted by the pandemic, visit the COVID-19 Response Resources webpage for a list of available support services.  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. With the original strain of COVID-19, an infected person was likely to infect two other people who are likely to infect two additional people for a total of six cases from one infection. With the Delta variant, an infected person is likely to infect five people which can lead to an approximate total of 30 cases from just one infection. 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 more layers of protection including masking up indoors and staying home when feeling sick. To stay up-to-date on COVID-19 and to learn more about how to stay protected, subscribe to the DHS COVID-19 Weekly Newsletter.

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by Peggy Race.

Join local Whitewater resident and author Peggy Race on Wednesday, August 25, at 7:00 p.m. for a virtual book launch.

Peggy’s first memoir, Desiree, The Music Of My Soul, has been released by Black Rose Writing!

The book launch event will be hosted by Kathie Giorgio, author and studio owner of the AllWriters’ Workplace and Workshop in Waukesha. Peggy started writing the book in the AllWriters’ Once-A-Month Write-A-Book Workshop, and she finished it in coaching with an AllWriters’ faculty member.

Peggy will read from the book and there will be a Q & A discussion.

Here is the description of the book:
Staunch and rooted to her childhood values, Peggy engages in a battle to overcome a failed marriage, the sudden, heartrending loss of her second husband and her own self-doubts. While sandwiched between each layer of uncertainty, Peggy fights her way forward through the love of her dogs.

Amid personal tragedy, Peggy’s life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Desiree, a rescued Hurricane Katrina dog. Fueled by the serendipitous connection, Peggy deploys an unending passion for answers as she searches for purpose. As Peggy unravels Desiree’s significance in her life, she looks beyond the confines of loss and discovers her true self.

Desiree: The Music of My Soul is a poetic and soul-stirring love story which captures one woman’s journey of strength and self-discovery that transcends grief and loss. Filled with hope and inspiration, Desiree: The Music of My Soul, symbolizes the resilience of the human spirit.

This is a Zoom event and registration is required. Register in advance for this meeting with the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArc-yhrjIsHdEMVKhUot-D_whxI9GNhd9T?fbclid=IwAR2O9XtXtUKg1k0mze96JxRcvUmqjO-fUuRYkxuY5brscIou2jPD3Tsew8g

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Please come to help us celebrate Peggy’s success, and maybe you can start dreaming of your own success too!
The book is available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Desiree-Music-My-Soul-Memoir/dp/168433747X
Learn more about Peggy at www.peggyrace.com

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission
Arboretum Sponsorship Subcommittee – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront Room-2nd Floor
312 W. Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
(This will be a hybrid meeting)
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/453738501
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3311
Access Code: 453-738-501

Whitewater Unified School Board – Monday @ 5:30 & 7:00 p.m.
Agenda – Click on “meetings” in upper right hand corner.
PUBLIC NOTICE: The health and safety of District employees, School Board, and the community is a
top priority. As such, some Board members may participate virtually. Members of the public may
attend in-person on a first come, first serve basis. A capacity of 20 individuals is set for in-person
attendance. Additionally the meeting will be live streamed via Zoom.
———————————————-
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
School Board Workshop (5:30pm – 7:00pm) and Regular Meeting
———————————————–
5:30 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89282642657?pwd=bkJsejBKYTVnRm80REx2anBQdnFCdz09
– Passcode: 459238
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 892 8264 2657
– Passcode: 459238
———————————————-
Closed Session
———————————————-
Open Session via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84202670444?pwd=N3pjMTVab1B1RnFobjcvbmdhV0N0UT09
– Passcode: 346850
———————————————-
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 842 0267 0444
– Passcode: 346850

Downtown Whitewater Board of Directors Meeting – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Update 8/23/21: Due to the air conditioning being down at the office, this meeting has changed to virtual only.
Agenda
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89888169484?pwd=QU9YaTZnOVNlOEtVU1hxTExaM
EpRZz09

City of Whitewater Finance Committee Meeting – Tuesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
City Manager’s Conference Room (2nd Floor)
Meeting will be held in BLENDED format (in-person and virtual). You may join meeting in person at
the City Manager’s Conference Room or from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/509678133
You can also dial in using your phone.
(For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.)
United States: 1 (872) 240-3311
Access Code: 509-678-133

City of Whitewater Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee – Wednesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
Virtual Meeting
Wed, Aug 25, 2021 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (CDT)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/561445365
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (312) 757-3121
Access Code: 561-445-365

City of Whitewater Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes closed session on Deliberating sale of Vacant Land (Lot 1, Certified Survey Map No. 4442) located
on East Main Court. and Consideration of Façade Loan Application for proposed remodel of premises
located at 136 W. Main Street (Ilmi Shabani, Owner). Update: Added to closed session: Deliberating sale of Vacant Land (Part of Lot 1, Certified Survey Map No. 3050) located on Universal Boulevard.

Location: Municipal Building – Community Room (First Floor)
312 W. Whitewater Street
This will be an IN‐PERSON MEETING as well as a VIRTUAL MEETING.
Citizens are welcome and encouraged to join us in person, or via computer, smart
phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion
periods.
Please click the link below to join the Zoom webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88156034170?pwd=VitrOHN4TCtmUUpHb2tZUXpyNUNodz09
Passcode: 538914
Or Telephone:1 312 626 6799 or 1 877 853 5257 (Toll Free)
Webinar ID: 881 5603 4170
Passcode: 538914

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by Walworth County UW-Madison, Division of Extension

Walworth County UW-Madison, Division of Extension is pleased to once again offer the Aging Mastery Program®, a ten-session, five week, health and wellness package offered to residents age 55 and over. The program was developed by the National Council on Aging (NCOA).

The goal of the Aging Mastery Program® is to empower older adults to make and maintain small but impactful changes. The classes will explore 10 key topics: navigating longer lives, physical activity, sleep, healthy eating and hydration, financial fitness, medication management, advanced planning, healthy relationships, falls prevention, and community engagement. For each of these classes, we will provide basic educational materials developed from highly trusted sources, a checklist of potential next steps, and a system for tracking behaviors. Participants will earn points for positive actions and rewards.

This is a wonderful opportunity for older adults to participate in, and reap the benefits of this cutting-edge wellness program. The program is valued at $60 and currently being offered, at no cost, to class participants free until October of 2021.

Register today to reserve your space! Mondays & Wednesdays from September 27th – October 27th from 11:00 am to Noon

Important! Those wishing to participate must register prior to the class to receive the class materials as well as the virtual zoom link and/or phone number. The registration link: https://go.wisc.edu/wiamp

For more information about The Aging Mastery program, and other Extension programs, please contact Walworth County Extension Office at 262-741-4961 or email amanda.kostman@wisc.edu.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides affirmative action and equal opportunity in education, programming and employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, gender, creed, disability, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or parental, arrest or conviction record or veteran status.

Welcome back to #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society!

Historically, a process known as threshing often occ​urred on many area farms in August. Before modern combines, crews would visit a farm, bringing with them steam-powered threshing machines. Depending on the size of the crop, it could take several days to complete the threshing process, which involved separating the grains from the stalks (usually feed oats).

This image from our glass plate negative collection shows the steam engine and the stacks of stalks left over on an unidentified local farm around the turn of the twentieth century.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society collections!

(2790GP, Whitewater Historical Society)

The Whitewater Historical Society collects, preserves, and interprets the history of Whitewater and the surrounding area. Be sure to join us next week for more from the Society’s collections. Please “like” us on Facebook, and check out our website at whitewaterhistoricalsociety.org!​ 

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services

We have launched our 2021 Community Health Improvement Plan Cycle themed Connecting Communities. One of the steps in the process is collecting community feedback. Let your voice be heard and complete a Community Health Survey here: https://bit.ly/2VELNzc Survey responses will be accepted through September 30, 2021.

Hemos lanzado nuestro Plan de Mejorar la Salud Comunitaria 2021 con el tema Conectando Comunidades. Uno de los pasos del proceso es recolectar respuestas de la comunidad. Deje que su voz se escuche y complete una Encuesta de Salud Comunitaria aquí: https://bit.ly/2VELNzc