News

Division of Motor Vehicles Announces Online Driver License Renewals & Road Test Waivers for Certain Drivers

Renew Regular or Probationary Driver ​License – NEW: Begins May 11

  • You may be eligible to renew your driver license online and receive your new license in the mail. 

Requirements:

  • You are a US Citizen
  • You are 64 years of age or younger
  • Your probationary or regular license is unexpired or has been expired for less than one year​
  • You hold a Class D or Class DM license only

You will not be able to use this online process to renew your regular or probationary license if:

  • You would like to apply for an original (first time) REAL ID-compliant driver license. First time REAL ID applicants must visit a DMV Customer Service Center.
  • Your driver license has been expired for more than one year.
  • Your driver license is suspended, revoked or canceled in Wisconsin or any other state.
  • You hold a Commercial Driver License​
  • Your Federal Medical Card (Fed Med) is expired or your commercial driver license (CDL) is surrendered for not providing a current Fed Med card.
  • You need a duplicate commercial learner permit (CLP) or motorcycle instruction permit.
  • You wish to change an eyeglass or contact lens restriction.
  • You have applied for four driver license duplicates online within the last year.
  • The Social Security Number on record does not verify with​Social Security Online Verification (SSOLV).
  • You have had a legal name change since your driver license was last issued.
  • You are not a U.S. citizen (non U.S. citizens must visit a DMV customer service center to apply).
  • Your photo is not on file at Wisconsin DMV or your photo on file does not meet current DMV photo standards.
  • You wish to update or disclose an invisible disability.

  • All driver licenses that expired on or after March 12 are extended until July 25, 2020.
  • NEW: Drivers under the age of 18 who have completed a driver education course, behind the wheel training, and 30 hours of supervised driving may qualify for a road test waiver beginning May 11, 2020.
  • Road test appointments can be made online beginning, Friday, May 8. Testing, by appointment only, begins May 26, 2020.
  • DMV Customer Service Centers will have expanded hours May 11 to 22, 2020, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Knowledge tests will be given and Instruction Permits will be issued.

DMV in-person services are now limited to the following by appointment only (no in-person vehicle services):

  • Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs)
  • Voters needing identification and using the Voter ID Petition Process – View ID card petition process
  • New Wisconsin residents who need a driver license or ID to vote

To make an appointment, call (608) 264-7447. Due to high call volumes, callers may expect longer waiting periods.

Vehicle related services can be done online​​​​​​​​​​.​

Our Readers Share – Ron Binning: Young College Women Share Positive Messages Downtown

One sunny morning in late April, Ron Binning drove through downtown and noticed these two young college women putting positive messages in chalk up and down Main Street. “Pretty cool,” was Mr. Binning’s comment.

— Our thanks to Ron Binning for sharing this cheerful photo.

— 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!

CDC Warns About 6 New Possible COVID-19 Symptoms to Look Out For

Centers for Disease Control Warns About 6 New Possible COVID-19 Symptoms to Watch For

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. CDC’s original list of symptoms to watch for that might be related to COVID-19 were fever, cough, and shortness of breath. On April 27 the agency added an additional six symptoms to that list: chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of smell or taste.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.  Per CDC, people with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell

Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.

This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you have any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.

CHECK UPDATES on the Restaurant/Business/Church Page – DEAN CLINIC INFO HAS BEEN UPDATED

Newly Posted Business Announcements

SSM Health Dean Medical Group makes temporary changes to services in Whitewater

(May 6, 2020) – As part of our ongoing effort to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, SSM Health Dean Medical Group – Whitewater will be temporarily relocating and will work out of the SSM Health Dean Medical Group – Fort Atkinson clinic located at 740 Reena Ave, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538.

Though temporarily working from the Fort Atkinson location, Roberta Wedl, MD, Nathaniel Besch, DO, Tiffany Allen, APNP and Summer Schuler, APNP want to reassure patients that they will continue to strive to provide exceptional service and personalized care.

Patients may schedule appointments with their Whitewater providers at the SSM Health Dean Medical Group – Fort Atkinson location by calling 920-563-0888. The Fort Atkinson clinic is open Monday through Friday between 8 am and 5 pm.

“Maintaining a strong patient relationship is the goal of all providers and staff during this time of temporary change, says Dr. Nathaniel Besch. “We sincerely appreciate our patient’s flexibility and understanding. We look forward to being back in Whitewater and will continue to take excellent care of you and your loved ones.  

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and SSM Health is evaluating community safety and needs on an ongoing basis. We will continually assess the right time to resume services at this location.

Robin’s Nest IV
We are offering curbside pickup of retail items and gift certificates. Gift certificates can also be mailed. Call the salon 262-473-3104, Facebook message, or email robinsnestww@hotmail.com with your request. Please leave first & last name and phone number. Messages will be checked mid-day Mon-Fri. We will contact you to make arrangements for pickup.
Update on Appointments:
Our plan is when we get the heads up to return to the salon is when rescheduling will begin.
If you HAD an appointment scheduled during the shut down you are on the list. We will contact you in order of who was cancelled first to last.
If you DIDN’T have an appointment scheduled and would like to be on the list please call the salon or message us with first & last name and phone number to be added to the list. The list is growing fast; please call ASAP to be added.
Thank you to all who have reached out to us. Your kindness means a lot. Stay safe – we miss you all.


LSM Chiropractic announces that their clinic has reopened during the week of April 20.

Restaurants – The Banner recently mailed letters to 40+ restaurants inviting them to provide info re: hours, specials, etc. A few have responded and their listings have been updated.

Special Notices (The Banner will be happy to provide detailed information for other restaurants as it is provided to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com or by the “submit a story” button on the masthead of our website.)

Subway – Westside
Monday to Friday -10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Order online on Subway App or Subway.com. Call ahead for pick up 473-7827. Restaurant open for Carry Out.
Deals offered stating 5/5/20: Remote Order Footlong Buy One Get One Free placed online or through Subway App only.
Family Take Out Special In Store only. Buy Two Footlongs Get one free.
10% off Catering Orders $75 or more.

 Rick’s Eastside Pub: 1. Serving our complete menu  Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Sat, Sun 11-2 and 4-8   
2. Serving Friday Fish Fry all day  11-8pm
3. Call for daily specials and soups.
4. No carryout charge and you can pay over the phone with a credit card.
https://www.rickspubandgrill.com/; https://www.facebook.com/rickseastsidepub/; 473-9879

SweetSpot: When we wrote our COVID-19 Safety Plan for The SweetSpot, we promised our employees, customers, and community that we would take the safest known route as we navigate this time of uncertainty.Wisconsin’s Safer at Home Order is the safest known route at this time and as a non-essential service, it is our responsibility to stay closed until the order is lifted. And so, we’ll see you when the order is lifted. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has purchased gift cards and reached out to stay in touch. You’re helping keep us strong during this turbulent time and we are so grateful. We miss you all so much and can’t wait until it’s safe for us to gather again. Until then, please be safe and be well.

Rosa’s Pizza😕 We recommend all orders to be placed through our website OrderRosas.com. All orders are prepaid through our website and that can help limit any interactions. We also recommend using the curbside pickup option when ordering for takeout. Please use the website (or app) directly and not via google. They use a higher price that we can’t control and take a percentage of each order. Special will not be available on eatstreet.

*Half and Half pizzas are not an option online. If you’d like to order that, please enter in the notes section.
*Cheesy Breadsticks include 1 dipping sauce
*Delivery Fee 2.50
*Additional Toppings available for normal charge.
*Pizzas for special are for the original style only.
*We deliver outside of town in the lake area. Roughly Territorial Rd down P or 89.

Rick’s Eastside Pub:

The Black Sheep: “Check out our new monthly menu, to-go cocktail options, and varying specials on our website or facebook page.” Delivery and curbside pick-up of meals. For delivery, order online click here, and pay online or over the phone, and we will bring your order to your door. We will knock or ring your doorbell, set your order outside your door, and wait to make sure you get your meal. As part of our commitment to the environment, you can choose between compostable/recyclable to-go containers or real plates and silverware for a deposit and get a refund when you drop them off later or leave them outside at your next delivery. For curbside pickup, order online or over the phone. Once you arrive at the Sheep, just give us a call at 262-613-7119, and we can run your food out to your car.

Restaurants/Stores Providing Meals by Pickup (See Section below for Delivery)

841 Brewhouse (Wed. to Sun.,11 a.m. – 2 p.m. & 4-8 p.m.) Full menu, no min. order, call it in & we’ll have it ready for you.
Arby’s – Drive thru open 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; hoping to be offering carryout soon.
Brain Freeze – Drive thru, walk-in, or phone orders for pickup – (262) 458-2334
Casey’s General Store
Cozumel Mexican Restaurant
Culver’s (Drive thru only; no walk-ups)
Domino’s
Fanatico (Closed Monday; Sun., Tues.-Sat. 4-9 p.m.)
Gus’ Pizza Palace – We are open for pick-up and delivery. You can find us on Eatstreet too. Open 4:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. 7 days, 262-473-3562 – We hope everyone in our community will stay Healthy and Safe.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
Jessica’s Family Restaurant 8 AM to 2 PM Monday through Thursday.
Friday 8 AM to 8 PM.
Saturday & Sunday 8 AM to 2 PM!
Jimmy John’s
La Piazza Pizzeria (Open 4-9 p.m.)
La Preferida
Las Chicas Mexican Restaurant – We have a drive-thru window.
McDonald’s
Pizza Hut
Qdoba – Per a new corporate policy, beginning on 3/23 our inside doors will be locked and we will be switching to online orders only. The outside doors will be open. We will not be taking call in orders. Spread the word for all the ones who enjoy take out still.  
Rick’s Eastside Pub 1. Serving our complete menu  Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Sat, Sun 11-2 and 4-8   
2. Serving Friday Fish Fry all day  11-8pm
3. Call for daily specials and soups.
4. No carryout charge and you can pay over the phone with a credit card.
https://www.rickspubandgrill.com/; https://www.facebook.com/rickseastsidepub/; 473-9879
Rocky Rococo
Rosa’s Pizza
Second Salem Brewery
Subway – westside (Open 9 a.m. – 9 pm.)
Taco Bell (Drive thru only; no walk-ups)
Taco Fresco
The Black Sheep
Toppers Pizza – Offering curbside pickup; call the restaurant when you arrive and they will bring the food to your car.

Restaurants Providing Delivery

841 Brewhouse – Wed. to Sun., 4-8 p.m. Full menu, $10 min. order, $3 delivery fee which goes directly to staff. (Delivery zone encompasses Whitewater city limits only.)
Domino’s
Fanatico (Open 4-9 p.m.)
Gus’ Pizza Palace We are open for pick-up and delivery. You can find us on Eatstreet too. Open 4:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. 7 days -262-473-3562 – We hope everyone in our community will stay Healthy and Safe.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
Jimmy John’s
La Piazza Pizzeria (Open 4-9 p.m.)
Pizza Hut
Rocky Rococo
Rosa’s Pizza
Second Salem Brewery
Taco Fresco
The Black Sheep
Toppers Pizza Order up at http://www.toppers.com. Let us know in the special instructions section if you’d prefer contactless delivery and the driver will notify you upon arrival and leave your order at the door.

Bars/Restaurants Not Open

Beijing Buffet
Brass Rail Saloon & Eatery
Casual Joe’s
China House
Fat Jacks Sports Bar & Grill
Mad Boar
Subway (Eastside)
The SweetSpot Cafe and The Bakeshop
Tokyo

Businesses

Bicyclewise Covid 19 Hours & Operations : From our Governor: Bicycle Shops ARE essential.

We believe riding, while using safe practices, can help people get through this difficult time and we’d like to be available as long as riding is allowed, we’re able and it’s sensible. We have significantly shortened store hours. If the limited hours don’t work for you, please call us and we’ll try to find a way to work with you.
Along with shortened hours (see bottom of page), we’ve instituted some operational changes.

    We are following protocols such as social distancing and disinfecting
    Please call in advance if at all possible.
    The doors will be locked until customers arrive.
    We will come out to get or return your bike for repairs.
  As always, we’ll call when your repair is ready.
    We’re happy to help with bike or product sales but please call first.

We care deeply about our customers, community, friends, and families and wish to help in whatever way we can as long as we can do so safely for you & us.  Best wishes. Things are changing, call 1st 262-473-4730
COVID-19 Hours: Sun./Mon. – Closed; Tues. – Fri. 10-2; Sat. 9-2
                                We will happily make other arrangements if possible.
                             Awarded America’s Best Bike Shop 5 consecutive years!

Quiet Hut Sports: To my dear customers, many of whom are also my friends, I thought it would be a good idea to explain why Quiet Hut Sports is going to remain closed until further notice. Even though bicycle shops are permitted to remain open under Governor Evers’ essential services designation, I cannot take the risk because of my underlying heath issues and more importantly to me, my wife Cheryl’s underlying health issues. Both of us have asthma and heart valve issues. Cheryl has issues with lung weakness and has had pneumonia twice in the last 6 years. I cannot in good conscience put her at risk as I cannot do my job and maintain a social distance of safety. I am sorry to my customers that depended upon me for their bike service that I cannot be there for them at this time. Bike riding, walking, hiking and just being outside in the sun is healthy when social distancing is observed. During our walk yesterday after dinner we observed many young people in Cravath Lake Park gathering and enjoying sports and walking together in groups. This further helped me decide to remain closed as people are not practicing safe social distancing protocol as recommended by our health care experts. I ask that you all practice what our health care professionals recommend as it will help flatten the curve and save lives. So I ask that you pray for each other, practice social distancing, wash your hands often spread the Word and not the virus. See you when this is over. Be Safe. Dave Saalsaa

Walgreens: Introducing new services for seniors (age 55+), for a limited time until further notice, to help protect our customers at higher risk during COVID-19. Seniors hour every Tuesday from 8-9 a.m. for a limited period of time. Free standard shipping on all Walgreens.com orders, excluding photo products. Weight restrictions apply. See Walgreens.com/Shipping for more information. Drive-thru Shopping: Select products available at Walgreens locations with drive-thrus. Products are subject to availability and purchase quantity restrictions apply.

Walmart: We know our older customers could be more vulnerable to the coronavirus and to better support them, Walmart is offering special shopping hours. From March 24 through April 28, Walmart stores will host an hour-long senior shopping event every Tuesday for customers aged 60 and older. This will start one hour before the store opens. Our Pharmacies and Vision Centers will also be open during this time. (Since the store normally opens at 7 a.m., the senior shopping event is from 6-7 a.m.)

Winchester True Value: To all our TRULY VALUED customers, especially our senior citizens. We will do what we can to help. Give us a call at 262-473-4264, we’ll check our shelves, call you back, get a method of payment, and meet you at the front door with your purchase. Otherwise our hours are 8 am to 7 pm M – F Sat 8 am to 5 pm and Sun 9 am to 4 pm. Thanks and hope to see you soon and don’t forget our chicks are on their way!!

Churches
In view of the “Safe at Home” order, it can be assumed that all churches will no longer be holding worship services until further notice. We are, however, happy to post any messages received from churches.

Congregational Church UCC: “The Congregational UCC is actively exploring how we can connect differently — online and beyond — to bring our community together in meaningful ways that foster hope and reassurance while our doors are closed.”

CrossPointe Community Church: “Due to the CDC guidelines, we at CrossPointe Community Church will not be gathering corporately. But we are providing our Sunday morning services online through our YouTube channel. To access this channel, go to our website at crosscc.org and follow the link provided. We encourage you through this uncertain time to trust in our Lord and know that He is our provider, promise keeper, healer, light in the darkness.”

First English Lutheran Church: (4/1)  Out of concern for the most vulnerable among us, First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater has canceled all worship services and activities until further notice.  You can visit firstenglishlutheranchurch.360unite.com and then click on “visit our Facebook page” to find videos posted by Pastor Steve and Karil Bilgen Curran, our Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator as well as music posted by our Director of Music, Sarah Read Gehrenbeck . Please call PH#262-473-5076 with any questions.

First United Methodist Church: Our worship services are suspended. We are offering an abbreviated Facebook live service each Sunday at 10 a.m. The video will be archived on Facebook videos, and the audio will also be archived on our website: click here.

Kettle Moraine Baptist Church: “Join us online! Though we cannot meet in person, Pastor Steve Kindstedt will be live-streaming and recording Bible studies and sermons during normal Sunday service times (9:30 Bible Study; 10:45 Worship; 6:00 p.m. Worship) via our Facebook page (facebook.com/KettleMoraineBaptistChurch). As always, audio recordings of sermons are accessible on our website, kmbcwi.org. If you need someone to talk to or to pray with, or you’re interested in doing a Bible study with someone, don’t hesitate to call 262-473-2224 or email Pastor Steve, kmbc@kmbcwi.org.”

Living Word Fellowship: All are welcome to join our online worship services Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. There are two ways to tune in: (1) through the live stream on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ww.living.word.fellowship/; or (2) through a Zoom Video Conference Call (check our calendar on www.living-word-fellowship.com/calendar.html for the Zoom meeting link). We also have multiple options throughout the week for getting plugged into prayer times and Bible studies via video call, and those details are on our website. Reach out to us at 262-458-4580 or email information@living-word-fellowship.com for more information.

St. Patrick Catholic Church: In this time of Safe at Home St. Patrick Parish has suspended all Masses, activities and prayer services until further notice.  Please join us online!  Facebook St. Patrick Catholic Church Whitewater and website Stpatrickwhitewater.org.  Facebook event page has all our live Masses, prayers and other items in which you can participate.  Our website has information on our parish including Daily Living as a Quarantined Catholic, Formed, Online Contributions and so much more.  You can also contact any staff member via email or voicemail, we want to hear from you.  We want to stay connected to you so stay connected to us online.  

UW-Whitewater Offering Sample Size of its Free Online Class “Beer Matters”

Calling all craft beer lovers, homebrewers and history buffs! UW-Whitewater Continuing Education is excited to announce a two-week “sample” of its popular massive open online course (MOOC) “Beer Matters” later this month. 

“Beer Matters, the Sampler” is a free online class, open to anyone 21 and older. The class begins May 20, 2020 and will take a deeper look at Prohibition: who were the major players, what were the underlying issues, and why is it still relevant today. Participants will also have the opportunity to discuss their favorite craft brews, share homebrewing resources and events, and get to know each other in the online classroom. Karl Brown, assistant professor of history at UW-Whitewater and former professional brewmaster in the U.S. and Europe, will teach the course.

“Beer Matters, the Sampler” is completely free, but registration is required. Beer pairings are suggested each week and the class content will be complemented with a virtual meet up on June 3.

Join us this month to learn why beer matters. Bottoms up!

Register online at http://www.uww.edu/ce/beer-matters. Contact Kari Borne at bornek@uww.edu with questions. 

Whitewater Lions: Thank You to all who Participated in May Day Basket Fundraiser

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!

The Whitewater Lions would like to thank everyone who participated in our first annual May Day Basket fundraiser.  It was nice to help put some smiles on peoples’ faces in these trying times.  All proceeds from our fundraisers are distributed back into our community.

Stay healthy, safe and sane!

Our Readers Share – Dawn Hunter: “Pandemic Painting” – Please click to see the entire image

Dawn Hunter is a retired educator who taught for 22 years.

Ms. Hunter states, “In my retirement I have taken every opportunity to explore and expand my knowledge of and passion for the visual arts.  All the time experimenting and creating.  Always enjoying the process and sometimes the product.”

She continues, “Time.  There is never enough, but be careful what you wish for.  The Pandemic has given me time to paint, “Caw and Rona – Nesting in Place,” a 12”x18” acrylic.  The name was inspired by our new normal.”

— Our thanks to Dawn Hunter for sharing her striking painting.

— 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!

Whitewater 8th Grade Students Invited to Write an Essay; Awards to be Given by Kiwanis

The Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club is sponsoring a writing project during this spring’s home-based schooling. It is designed for current Whitewater 8th grade students only, and consists of two parts, complete either or both: 1] A short story of 500 words or less on any subject and 2] An essay on the person influencing me the most, also up to 350 words. Both can be sent via an e-mail attachment and each will be read and evaluated by at least three Kiwanians. Do not identify a person in the body of the work; use a pseudonym. Your work will be read without your identification to eliminate bias. Include your name, address and phone number. Readers will be evaluating content, originality and a completeness of thought.

Submit by May 29; reading to be done by June 19 with awards made the week of June 22, 2020. Awards are: First place $50.00, second place $20.00, third place a Kiwanis certificate.

For any questions call 262-473-6710. Send your e-mail and attachment[s] to ajnuhous@gmail.com

Whitewater Arts Alliance Presents the Madison Watercolor Society Virtual Exhibition

Whitewater Arts Alliance Logo

On May 1st, 2020, the Whitewater Arts Alliance launched a virtual exhibition on the WAA website of work created by members of the Madison Watercolor Society (MWS). This virtual exhibition will be on display through May 31st, 2020. The show will be made available here:   https://www.whitewaterarts.org/madison-watercolor-society-virtual-exhibition

A quote from MWS President, Elizabeth Sawyer Kelly:  “Founded in 1983, the Madison Watercolor Society (MWS) promotes an interest in watercolor painting as well as the promotion of watercolor painting as a unique and lasting form of artistic expression. MWS provides a supportive environment that encourages the development and enhancement of each member’s technical skill and creative journey. Activities of MWS include monthly member critiques, networking and information sharing, workshops led by nationally recognized artists and regular group exhibitions.  MWS’s dynamic strength is evidenced by the rich diversity of visual voices represented by the membership.

Membership in the MWS is obtained through a jurying process: prospective members must attend a minimum of three meetings prior to applying for membership and then, once the application is received, the prospective member must present a sample of their work to the jurying committee that makes the final membership decision. For more information about MWS and the art its members create, please visit our website at http://madisonwatercolorsociety.org/members.htm.

The May 2020 Whitewater Arts Alliance Virtual Show represents MWS’s first virtual show. We are excited to provide art to our community, as well as a wider community, through these virtual images. At this time when so many of our normal day-to-day activities have been disrupted by COVID-19 we are glad that we can provide these images as both “balm” and distraction. There is no question that the arts community and artists have been impacted by the coronavirus: we cannot gather for meetings; we cannot have Gallery Nights; we cannot market our art in our regular, normal way; and we know that it is a new challenge to make it possible for others to see what it is we do. But, in the midst of these challenges and hardships, there are also possibilities for growth and development: finding out how to reach a broader community that may find art is restorative, art brings peace, and art heals is a potential benefit to the trials we all face; learning and using technology new to us may well expand our abilities in all sorts of previously unrealized and unexpected ways; thinking of new ways to support our arts community and recognizing what our arts community does for the human soul may well be a hidden outcome to these dark and troubling days; and, finally, making new friends through the medium of technology will enrich our lives. MWS is grateful for the Whitewater Arts Alliance support of the arts and their committed support to make it possible for MWS to show their work in the midst of a pandemic. Thank you.”

Big thanks to our sponsor, First Citizens State Bank!

The mission of the Whitewater Arts Alliance is to promote the visual and performing arts through an alliance of artists, individuals, educational resources, and organizations to promote creativity and diversity that will serve to educate and enrich the lives of the residents of the Whitewater community and surrounding areas.