News

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Arboretum Report: DNR Grant update and next steps;
Purple Martin Report: Funding of PM house #3
Cravath Lakefront Room 2nd floor
312 W. Whitewater St.
(This will be a hybrid meeting)
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/940598565
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Access Code: 940-598-565

Downtown Whitewater Board of Directors – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda – Virtual Meeting
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89492152017?pwd=cHFhSVluYXo3bGNQZDBxRkhiMj
E3UT09

Whitewater Unified School District Board – Monday @ 7:00 p.m.
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Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right hand corner) includes  Report of Preliminary Third Friday of September Student Count and Enrollment
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
William D. Kyle Board Room
419 South Elizabeth Street
7:00 p.m.
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7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82811372039?pwd=bGJmdzBCRVpkK3VIY0RoQXZ6VTEvUT09
– Passcode: 509411
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 828 1137 2039
– Passcode: 509411

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 by submitting a Google Form: https://forms.gle/FVTddjN1GNyDm5kx8, 24 hours prior to the meeting time. A capacity of 20 individuals is set for in-person attendance. Additionally the meeting will be live streamed via Zoom for those individuals unable to attend in-person.
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If participants wish to speak on Agenda Items they may speak regarding specific issues on the agenda at the time the Board discusses that item. A Citizen Comment Request should be filled out prior to speaking. In accordance to Board Policy 187, personal criticism and/or derogatory remarks directed at School Board members or employees of the district will not be tolerated. Should there be a number of citizens planning to speak, the President will announce the total time for citizen comments and divide the time between speakers equally with no more than three minutes allotted to each participant.
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City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes development of Capital Improvement Program for 2022-23
City of Whitewater Municipal Building
City Manager’s Conference Room (2nd Floor)
Meeting will be held in a BLENDED format (in-person and Virtual). You may join the meeting
in person in the City Manager’s Conference Room located on the 2nd floor of the Municipal
Building or from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/530273725
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: 1 (312) 757-3121
Access Code: 530-273-725

City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wed. @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda includes 2021/22 WAFC Fee Schedule, Halloween Program And Events Discussion And Recommendation,
No Mow May Discussion
(Virtual Meeting)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/650006053
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (786) 535-3211
Access Code: 650-006-053

Editor’s note: All City of Whitewater residents are eligible to use this service, even if they live in the Jefferson County portion of the city.

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the Walworth County Dept. of Health & Human Services.

Free Financial, Legal & Safety Resource Session for Older Adults and Their Families

The Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services’ (WCDHHS) Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) will host the annual Safe and Savvy Senior Day, a free, in-person information and resource session for older adults and their families. The Safe and Savvy Senior Day will be held on Saturday, October 9^th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the WCDHHS building at 1910 County Road NN in Elkhorn.

“Many older adults and their family members are not aware of the important legal documents and actions that should be taken care of as they age,” says WCDHHS Adult Protective Services Specialist Karen Gillingham. “Safe and Savvy Senior Day will help them understand some of the essentials, such as advance directives, power of attorney for health care and finance, and burial trusts.”

During the event, attendees can learn about current scams and ways to protect themselves and their assets; meet with Veteran Services staff; complete a free memory screen; drop off unused medications; receive a flu, shingles or COVID-19 vaccination; get valuable information from the ADRC and/or Lakeland Health Care Center; and check out the new Mobile Health Hub.

Safe and Savvy Senior Day will be held at the WCDHHS building at 1910 County Road NN in Elkhorn. RSVPs are highly recommended by calling (262) 741-3366 or emailing kgillingham@co.walworth.wi.us. Current CDC guidelines suggest wearing a mask indoors in public settings if you are in an area of high transmission to maximize protection from the Delta variant and possibly prevent spreading it to others. If you are unable to attend in person and would like more information, please contact the ADRC at (262) 741-3400.

About the ADRC: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the general public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and help provide options available to meet the needs of your personal situation.

The image on the homepage, “International Day of Older Persons” by Campbelltown City Council is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

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

Students at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater have reported a 70% COVID-19 vaccination rate as of Sept. 24 — reaching the milestone five weeks ahead of the recently extended UW System deadline of Oct. 31. Vaccinated UW-Whitewater students are now eligible for the UW System drawing of 70 scholarships valued at $7,000 each that will take place later in the fall. UW-Whitewater students who have not yet been vaccinated or reported their vaccination can still be eligible for the scholarship drawing, as long as they complete the vaccination series and report their record by Oct. 31.

“Congratulations to our Warhawks for achieving the 70% vaccination rate. This is a university-wide accomplishment, and I’d like to extend my thanks and appreciation to all the students, faculty and staff who have participated in our vaccination efforts,” said Jim Henderson, interim chancellor. “We also received generous support from alumni and donors to fund weekly $500 drawings, totaling an additional $20,000 in vaccine incentives.” 

Employees, including faculty and staff, report a 91% vaccination rate. All of these figures are based on vaccination records submitted by students, faculty and staff to UW-Whitewater and verified by staff.

“From the beginning of the pandemic, the UW-Whitewater community has prioritized the wellbeing of the entire Warhawk family and that helped us chart a successful path through this challenging time,” Henderson said. “Our efforts do not stop at this milestone. I strongly encourage students, faculty and staff who have not yet done so to get vaccinated if they are able, and to report it to UW-Whitewater as soon as possible.”

Banner note: The following vaccination rates were reported by the UW System as of September 22. On September 24, UW-Oshkosh and UW-Whitewater both reported having achieved the 70% level.

UW-Madison: 93% 

UW-Milwaukee: 81%

UW-La Crosse: 75%

UW-Eau Claire: 74%

UW-Whitewater: 69%

UW-Oshkosh: 66%

UW-Stout: 65%

UW-River Falls: 61%

UW-Green Bay: 58%

UW-Superior: 51%

UW-Platteville: 49%

UW-Stevens Point: 49%

UW-Parkside: 41%

Starting this Saturday, the Wisconsin National Guard is returning to Jefferson County to help boost access to testing for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. 

PCR testing will be available at the Jefferson County Health Department every Saturday from Sept. 25 to Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Jefferson County Health Department is located at 1541 Annex Road, Jefferson.

Pre-registration at https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov is recommended, but not required. Anyone 12 months of age or older is eligible for testing. 

County health officials say that persons with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested, regardless of vaccination status. Those who get tested because they have symptoms or were potentially exposed to the virus should stay away from others pending test results and follow the advice of their health-care provider or a public health professional. 

The following individuals should get tested: 

• People who have symptoms of COVID-19.

• People who have had a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

• People who are fully vaccinated should get tested three to five days after exposure, and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.

• People who are not fully vaccinated should quarantine and be tested immediately after being identified, and, if negative, tested again in five to seven days after last exposure or immediately if symptoms develop during quarantine.

• People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who are prioritized for expanded community screening for COVID-19.

• People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who have been asked or referred to get testing by their school, workplace, healthcare provider, state, tribal, or local health department.

People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past three months and recovered, as long as they do not develop new symptoms, do not need to get tested after a known exposure to COVID-19.

Health officials remind the public that COVID-19 vaccines are very effective at preventing illness, hospitalization and death. 

“Wisconsin surveillance data clearly support this and show the surge in COVID-19 cases continues to be driven by cases among people who are not fully vaccinated,” said Jefferson County epidemiologist Samroz Jakvani. “Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community from COVID-19.”

To find a COVID-19 vaccination site, visit www.vaccines.gov, text your zip code to 438829, or call 211. 

People also may call (844) 684-1064 or (800) 232-0233. 

Many pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, or your local pharmacy chain) might offer walk-in vaccinations. Call ahead to ensure availability. 

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the Young Auditorium.

Whitewater’s premier performing arts facility prepares for a full schedule of LIVE in-person events.

The time is here! With an exciting new season about to begin, tickets are NOW on sale for
all Young Auditorium 2021-2022 season performances. Join us for live concerts, comedy shows, professional
theatre, family friendly entertainment and more as Whitewater’s premier performing arts center returns with an
amazing performance lineup.

Young Auditorium season highlights include a side-splitting comedy show from Wisconsin’s own Charlie
Berens, and the triumphant return of a Young Auditorium favorite, the Church Basement Ladies. With
additional performances by rock supergroup The Hit Men, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers (not peppers), the
National Players Theatre and more…there truly is something for everyone. There’s even a performance by
America’s Got Talent finalists Catapult: Magic Shadows and That Golden Girls Show, an adults-only
salute to the classic television show…using puppets!

To purchase your tickets TODAY, or for a complete listing of season performances including dates, times, and
ticket prices, please visit the Young Auditorium website at www.youngauditorium.com.
• The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra performance scheduled for October 2nd has transitioned from a
ticketed event to a MEMBER EXCLUSIVE concert. This event will not be open to the general public.
• The EmiSunshine performance originally scheduled for October 7th has been postponed. A new date will be announced shortly.

Social distancing measures are currently in place for all performances. Please visit the War Hawks Are Back! website,
which outlines operating practices for the UW-Whitewater campus. Modifications of these practices should be anticipated. UW-Whitewater will continue to use information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State of Wisconsin, county health departments and the University of Wisconsin System to guide the decision-making processes across campuses. Banner note: As is indicated on the above website, currently facial coverings are required at the auditorium as part of the UW-W campus. Ticketholders should plan to check the website for possible changes before each performance.

Young Auditorium 2021-2022 Season-At-A-Glance
MARQUEE PERFORMANCES
The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra – Member Exclusive Concert – Saturday, October 2
Catapult: Magic Shadows – Wednesday, November 3, 2021 – 7:30pm
Charlie Berens – Saturday, November 6, 2021 – 7:30pm
Griffin Theatre: Letters Home – Tuesday, November 9, 2021 – 7:30pm
Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas – Sunday, December 12, 2021 – 3:00pm & 7:00pm
Mamma Mia! Sing Along Film – Saturday, January 22, 2022 – 3:00pm
John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party – Friday, February 11, 2022 – 7:30pm
Church Basement Ladies: 20th Anniversary Tour – Sunday, February 27, 2022 – 2:00pm & 6:00pm
Red Hot Chilli Pipers – Thursday, March 31, 2022 – 7:30pm
That Golden Girls Show – Sunday, April 10, 2022 – 7:30pm
Borealis Dance: id.ego – Tuesday, April 12, 2022 – 7:30pm
National Players Theatre: A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Tuesday, April 19, 2022 – 7:30pm
National Players Theatre: A Raisin In The Sun – Wednesday, April 20, 2022 – 7:30pm
The Hit Men – Saturday, April 30, 2022 – 7:30pm
Emi Sunshine – Rescheduled Date TBD

FAMILY SHOWS
Magic Morgan & Lilliana – Saturday, October 9, 2021 – 3:00pm
The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) – Sunday, November 14, 2021 – 3:00pm
Florentine Children’s Opera: Hansel & Gretel – Sunday, January 23, 2022 – 3:00pm
Missoula Children’s Theatre Residency & Show – Saturday, February 5, 2022 – 2:00pm
Family Fun Day – Saturday, February 12, 2022 – 1:00pm
School House Rock LIVE! – Friday, February 18, 2022 – 6:30pm
The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Saturday, April 23, 2022 – 3:00pm

Once again, tickets for all Young Auditorium 2021-2022 performances can be purchased online at
http://www.youngauditorium.com. Tickets will also be available by phone (262-472-2222) or in-person or at the
main box office located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts atrium on the UW-Whitewater campus.
UW Whitewater Ticket Services
950 West Main Street – located inside the Greenhill Center of the Arts –
(262) 472-2222
(Hours: Monday – Friday 9:30am – 3pm)

Editor’s note: The following information was provided by the office of the governor. Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Navy Fireman First Class Kenneth E. Doernenburg Who Lost His Life During the Attack on Pearl Harbor

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today signed Executive Order #133 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Sept. 25, 2021, in honor of Navy Fireman First Class Kenneth E. Doernenburg, who lost his life during the attack on Pearl Harbor.   “As Navy Fireman First Class Kenneth E. Doernenburg is finally laid to rest in the place he once called home, we reflect on and remember his sacrifice in service to our country,” said Gov. Evers. “We honor his memory and join in mourning his loss.”  Navy Fireman First Class Kenneth E. Doernenburg, assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, lost his life on Dec. 7, 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The ship, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, was attacked by Japanese aircraft and sustained multiple torpedo hits that quickly capsized the boat, claiming the lives of 429 crewmen, including Navy Fireman First Class Kenneth E. Doernenburg. Navy personnel recovered the remains of the deceased crew between 1941 and 1944 and interred unidentified remains, including those of Navy Fireman First Class Kenneth E. Doernenburg, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) exhumed USS Oklahoma Unknowns in 2015 for scientific analysis and possible identification and the DPAA laboratory identified Navy Fireman First Class Kenneth E. Doernenburg, who was accounted for on March 25, 2021.   Navy Fireman First Class Kenneth E. Doernenburg will be laid to rest with full military honors at Elmwood Cemetery in his hometown of Antigo, Wisconsin on Sat., Sept. 25, 2021.

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

The City of Whitewater’s prospective attempts to regulate where convicted sex offenders can reside after being released from prison got an initial review at the September 21 Common Council meeting. A draft ordinance was distributed with potential passage of a sex offender residency ordinance as early as the next scheduled Common Council meeting.

City Attorney Wally McDonell advised council members that although Wisconsin requires convicted sex offenders to register with the state it allows individual communities to decide if they want to pass ordinances regulating where a convicted sexual offender may live within a given community. The City of Whitewater does not currently have such an ordinance.

The draft ordinance included several potential components designating specific “child safety zones” where sexual offenders would be prohibited from taking up residence. It also would prohibit residency by a convicted sex offender who was not a city resident at the time that his or her offense occurred. State and federal requirements allow for a convicted sex offender to return to the community in which they resided at the time of the offense.

Consideration of a sex offender residency ordinance was initially suggested by the Whitewater Police Department. The department reported the results of a preliminary review indicating that roughly 150 Wisconsin municipalities have sexual offender residency ordinances. That compares to the 600 individual city and village members reported by the Wisconsin League of Municipalities. It was suggested that communities that lack a sex offender residency ordinance may experience a disproportionate influx of released sex offenders.

City Attorney McDonell urged careful review of the proposed ordinance and pointed to the potential liability if the city passed an overly restrictive ordinance that could be challenged on US Constitutional grounds.

The issue first arose at the September 7 Common Council meeting and several people provided public input at that time. The ability to provide input electronically at the September 21 meeting was hampered because the meeting was not able to be livestreamed on smart phone or computer. The meeting was broadcast on cable and the recording is available to be viewed on the city website.

In other business a request from Johns Disposal for a 4.4% rate increase for garbage pick-up was approved, the lakes drawdown project was reported as being on schedule, and the Landmarks Commission presented a report with concerns regarding the upkeep of the Effigy Mounds Preserve, located west of Indian Mound Parkway, and the potential need to relocate visitor pathways. Parks & Recreation Director Eric Boettcher is researching requirements and options and will report back.

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Our thanks to Tom Ganser for generously sharing these photos.