News

In the gorgeous sunshine of Sunday afternoon, April 26, approximately 25 Whitewater High School staff members and some of their family members met in the high school parking lot to pick up yard signs to be delivered to each of the 150 seniors in the Class of 2020. 

Ms. Kate McNulty and Ms. Teri Hamilton, senior class advisors, had carefully divided the graduates into groups based on the proximity of their addresses, and staff members set off individually or in pairs to make as much noise as possible and celebrate the members of the senior class while maintaining social distancing guidelines. 

Seniors and their families received messages at 12:15 letting them know to put on their Whippet Wear and get ready for a surprise delivery between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Although a few of the graduates were at work during that time, the vast majority of families were home and came out to take photos with their signs after being alerted to the delivery by the honking of car horns, the banging of pots and pans, and the ringing of bells. 

Whitewater High School is proud to celebrate the Class of 2020! Go, Whippets!

The Kiwanis Whitewater Breakfast Club Board of Directors met virtually in April to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the Whitewater community, and decided as a group that in addition to their regular $1,000 donation to the Whitewater Food Pantry and $1,000 to Bethel House, the club would also donate an additional $1,000 to The Community Space and $1,000 to the First United Methodist Church to assist them in their extraordinary efforts to feed those in need.

Lorrie Koppein, president of the Kiwanis Whitewater Breakfast Club, said, “The need in our community for meals is large, and we are so very happy and blessed to be able to assist some of the groups making a huge impact every day here in Whitewater.”

The Kiwanis Whitewater Breakfast Club is made up of dedicated volunteers who help children in the Whitewater community and the world, all with 100 percent of funds raised going directly to projects and zero to administrative costs.  Each year, the club distributes approximately $20,000, with over half going to the Whitewater Unified School District, including Ferradermis FIRST Robotics Team, ELL Summer School Transportation, shoes for students, Badger Boys State and Badger Girls State, and college scholarships.  Kiwanis helped to build and maintain the Flowing Well Shelter, the shelter and accessible playground at Starin Park and Treyton’s Field of Dreams, the WHS football field lights and press box, as well as adopting a highway to clean up.  In addition, the group donates to the Whitewater Youth Soccer Club, the Friends of the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center Family Partnership Fund, the Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House and more.

Funds are raised through annual Pancake Breakfasts that have been served continuously since the 1950s, the Discover Whitewater Series Half-Marathon Pancake Breakfast since it began, and yearly poinsettia and lily plant sales. More information can be found on the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club Facebook page.

14-year-old Wyatt Anderson, a Whitewater resident since 2016, has been active in scouting since he became a Tiger in 1st grade in Griffith, IN. He continues with BSA Troop 264 out of the Griffith Lutheran Church. As he began thinking about his Eagle project, Wyatt decided to focus his energy during the Safer at Home order on how he could best help his greater community. Having heard news about how there was a shortage of masks and other protective gear for health professionals and others, Wyatt decided to develop a project that would address the mask shortage.

As of late April, Wyatt and his team have made and delivered 393 masks to first responders and social service agencies. His deliveries have included the police departments of Whitewater and UW-W, Palmyra Police/Fire/EMS, as well as Fairhaven, Mercyhealth, Behavioral Health, Meals on Wheels of Lake County, IL, and many other organizations. Wyatt hopes to continue with the project into early May.

Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America. Since its inception in 1911, only four percent of Scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy review process. The Eagle Scout rank has been earned by over 2.5 million youth. Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges. The Eagle Scout must demonstrate Scout Spirit, an ideal attitude based upon the Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Eagle Scouts are presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout.

Thanks to Wyatt for carrying out this worthy project, and best wishes for the completion of the Eagle Scout requirements.

The Whitewater Community Food Pantry (WCFP) wants to let the community know that individuals and families in need of help who live in the school district can now come every 3 weeks for all “monthly” groceries (cereal, soup, canned goods, meat, dairy, bakery, etc.,) and weekly for bread (from Panera and Walmart), pizza and milk.  The WCFP’s guidelines have changed due to the current COVID-19 situation. We are located at 146 W. North Street on the second floor of the “Old” Armory. We ask all patrons to wear masks and practice social distancing.  No more than five patrons are allowed on the pantry floor at a time.  Hours are still 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. on Wednesday & Thursday. We appreciate the generous donations from Festival Foods, the Hunger Task Force and the numerous private donations of pizza, milk, etc.

April 28 – Gov. Tony Evers today directed the Department of Natural Resources to reopen several state parks, forests, and recreational areas originally closed due to unprecedented crowds and out of an abundance of caution to protect public health. The DNR will reopen 34 state parks and forests on May 1, 2020 under special conditions to help minimize overcrowding, allow for social distancing requirements, and to promote a safe and enjoyable experience for staff and visitors. “Outdoor recreation is important for both physical and mental health, and I know how important it is to Wisconsinites to get outside and enjoy Wisconsin’s natural resources and spring weather,” said Gov. Evers. “With a few adjustments, like closing one day a week for maintenance and reduced hours of operation, folks should be able to get outside and enjoy our parks safely and respectfully.”   “Amid the immense uncertainty of this crisis, we are very fortunate to have such beautiful spaces in which to ease our minds and take care of ourselves,” Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes said. “I am glad that we are able to reopen these spaces with new safety guidelines, so that people can enjoy our state parks and forests while we continue to prioritize public health and safety.” Here are the latest Wisconsin state park property updates: ADMISSION REQUIRED STARTING MAY 1 An annual park sticker and/or trail pass will be required to visit state parks and trails. Annual stickers will be available for purchase with credit card by phone 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. seven days a week by calling toll free: 1-888-305-0398. We thank you in advance for your patience as we may be experiencing heavy call volumes. Annual passes are NOT available for purchase at individual properties. Visitors must have an annual admission sticker adhered to their vehicle or proof of purchase for entry. Once proof of purchase is shown, visitors must place proof of purchase on the dash of the windshield while parked within the boundary of the property. The 2020 annual vehicle admission sticker is valid through Dec. 31, 2020.   HOURS OF OPERATION State parks and forests will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, a change from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Properties will be closed to the public every Wednesday for maintenance and upkeep. Northern Forests, Flowages, Lower Wisconsin Riverway, and Wild Rivers will be open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.  Specific properties listed below. Black River State Forest Brule River State Forest Chippewa Flowage Flambeau River State Forest Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest Governor Knowles State Forest Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest Pike Wild River Pine-Popple Wild River Turtle Flambeau Flowage Willow Flowage Hunting and fishing will be allowed on all open properties in accordance with legal season structure and hours. Access to some areas may be limited to walk-in or water access only. The following properties will remain closed for the health and safety of the public, staff, and property integrity: Gibraltar Rock state natural area Pewit’s Nest state natural area Parfrey’s Glen state natural area Dells of The Wisconsin River state natural area BOAT LAUNCHES DNR boat launches are open at open state properties. All anglers and recreational boaters should practice social distancing and keep travel to a minimum. If individuals can lawfully access Wisconsin’s rivers and lakes, they are free to navigate upon them while engaging in outdoor recreation.  TRAILS All linear/rail trails are open to the public, which includes ATV trails. The Ice Age Trail remains open. An annual state trail pass is required for anyone age 16 or older biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding or in-line skating on certain trails. A state trail pass is NOT required for walking or hiking. The annual trail passes are valid through Dec. 31 of the year they are issued. RESTROOMS AND BUILDINGS Restrooms at all state properties will be closed. This includes the closure of restrooms on properties currently open to the public. All other facilities will remain closed, including towers, shelters, playgrounds, nature centers, headquarters, contact stations and concession buildings. Attractions where social distancing cannot be achieved will be closed as needed at various properties. PRE-DETERMINED SAFETY CAPACITY LIMITATIONS At times, many properties will likely reach their pre-determined safety capacity. When this happens, visitors may be denied entry to the park until existing visitors leave. Visitors are encouraged to explore other DNR recreation areas or visit during non-peak hours before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. State Parks likely to temporarily prohibit additional visitors include: Copper Falls Devil’s Lake Governor Dodge Governor Nelson Harrington Beach Hartman Creek High Cliff Interstate Kinnickinnic Kettle Moraine Southern Unit Lapham Peak Perrot, Rib Mountain Roche-a-Cri Whitefish Dunes Willow River   CAMPING AND EVENTS Camping, group camps and shelters will remain closed until May 26. Refunds will be issued to all customers. Limited numbers of remote, backpack and boat-in campsites are available on a first-come first-serve basis. A list of some of the properties offering this type of camping include: Brule River State Forest Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area Dunnville Wildlife Area Flambeau River State Forest Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest Governor Knowles State Forest Meadow Valley State Wildlife Area Tiffany Wildlife Area Van Loon State Wildlife Are Willow Flowage Volunteer activities remain suspended at DNR properties. All events and special event permits are canceled until May 26. The public should follow simple steps to prevent illness and avoid exposure to this virus including: Avoid social gatherings with people of all ages (including playdates and sleepovers, parties, large family dinners, visitors in your home, non-essential workers in your house); Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water; Covering coughs and sneezes; Avoiding touching your face; and Staying home.  This is a rapidly evolving situation and we encourage you and the public to frequently monitor the DHS website for updates, and to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram. Additional information can be found on the CDC website.

….Unfortunately you can’t drop off your own hair.

MADISON, April 27 – Gov. Tony Evers today announced the another turn of the dial in expanding allowed operations for nonessential businesses, providing even more opportunities for businesses to get back to work in a safe and responsible way.  The Emergency Order, signed today by Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm, allows nonessential businesses to do curbside drop-off of goods and animals. This will allow businesses like dog groomers, small engine repair shops, upholstery businesses, and others to safely open. Today’s order also allows outdoor recreational rentals, such as boats, golf carts, kayaks, ATVs, and other similar recreational vehicles. Additionally, automatic or self-service car washes would be able to operate. All of these businesses must operate free of contact with customers by providing payment options online or over the phone, enact proper disinfecting practices, and operations must be able to be performed by one staff member. “No one wants to reopen our economy as much as I do, and we’re working to do everything we can to make sure we can do so as soon as we safely and responsibly can. That’s why today we announced a new order that, coupled with our Safer at Home order that went into effect last week, turns the dial a notch by allowing non-essential businesses to do more than they were able to do before,” said Gov. Evers. “This order means that every business across our state can do things like deliveries, mailings, curbside pick-up and drop-off, and it’s an important step in making sure that while folks are staying safer at home, they can also continue to support small businesses across our state.”  Today’s order builds upon the last turn of the dial. When the Safer at Home order was extended last week, a number of additional options were made available for businesses to safely serve the public, including: Golf courses were opened this past weekend; All businesses are allowed to offer curbside pick-up, allowing customers to purchase goods online or over the phone from a local store; Construction businesses can do aesthetic or optional construction work so long as it is performed by a single person ;Public libraries can provide curbside pick-up of books and other library materials; Arts and crafts stores can offer expanded curbside pick-up of materials necessary to make face masks; and Landscaping businesses can do aesthetic or optional lawn care so long as it is done by a single employee.  Emergency Order #34 is available here and goes into effect at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2020. If you have questions regarding Emergency Order #34, please review the frequently asked questions document available here. In addition to the requirements outlined above, all essential and nonessential businesses must continue to follow social distancing and safety practices required under the Safer at Home order, available here. A document summarizing these safe business practices by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is available here. Businesses can visit WEDC.org for additional resources on taking the necessary steps to keep workers, businesses, and customers safe.

Whitewater and the Last Pandemic—the 1918 Influenza

Carol Cartwright, Whitewater Historical Society

Whitewater’s citizens are going through a tough time right now. Most of us are staying home while some workers carry on so the rest of us have essential services while keeping safe. We, literally, have never seen anything like this. But, we were due.

While the United States had some health epidemics, like polio, in the last 100 years, nothing has hit like Covid-19 since the fall of 1918, when another severe, highly contagious, new strain of influenza raced through the country in a matter of weeks. People called it the “Spanish Flu,” because they thought it came from Spain. It did not. No one knew where it really started, but traveling World War I soldiers had a large role in the spread of the disease.

The 1918 influenza virus had many similarities to Covid-19. It was highly contagious and often developed into pneumonia. Some people died within a couple of days of getting sick. Others fought a long respiratory battle and eventually recovered, while others just had severe flu.

The 1918 influenza virus was most severe in people in the prime of life, ages 19-42.

Older people fared better, suggesting that the flu was related to a less severe virus that older people may have had in the past. Like today, young children were not severely affected.

The new virus swept through army camps in the spring of 1918 and in September, there were 4,500 cases (including two men from Whitewater) and 100 deaths at the Great Lakes Naval Station near Chicago. Historians have concluded that the sailors at the Great Lakes Naval Station were the “super spreaders” of the influenza in the Midwest.

On October 10, the Whitewater Register ran four articles on the epidemic. The paper reported that there were 200 cases among the 3,200 residents of the city. And, many cases were reported in the “local” columns from rural towns such as Cold Spring, LaGrange, and Lima.

Guidelines for flu prevention were similar to advice given today. Citizens were told to avoid sick people, keep their hands clean and away from faces, not to spit in public, cover their noses and mouths if they sneeze or cough, and use clean handkerchiefs frequently (“Kleenex” not being invented until 1924). Because the 1918 virus was transmitted just like COVID-19, wearing masks was recommended and people were encouraged to make their own. And this stern warning was issued: if you have any type of sickness, stay away from people, go to bed, and isolate yourself in your home.

Wisconsin officials, in one of the few states that had a strong public health department, ordered churches, theaters, and public amusements closed, but it is unclear whether everyone complied, and businesses remained open. It was never officially announced in Whitewater that these rules were in effect.

Throughout October and into November, the Register printed many illnesses and deaths from the 1918 influenza. Stories about entire families having the flu were common. And, like today, health care workers were hit hard. A Whitewater woman, Mrs. Anna Pester, attended the funeral of Miss Emma Wegner who was a trained nurse in Milwaukee and died of influenza herself.

By the middle of November of 1918, flu cases had decreased in the area and in early December citizens were encouraged to go Christmas shopping in downtown Whitewater. But, it was too soon for people to congregate.

On December 12, the Whitewater Register reported that cases had surged in Whitewater once again. Accounts were grim and included four young men who died within four days of each other in the local hospital and a young couple who died within 36 hours of one another, leaving children aged 3 and 18 months. Even the operator of the hospital, Mrs. Florence Wheeler, became sick, but, fortunately, she survived.

This second wave of the 1918 virus brought more stringent local public health measures. Houses with flu cases would be posted with “quarantine” signs, doctors were required to report all cases of flu within 24 hours, and theaters and churches could only have gatherings if they physically separated people. Dances, meetings, social events, and public entertainment were not allowed.

The peak of the second wave ended in January of 1919, but illnesses and deaths from the flu were reported into March. The pandemic in Wisconsin ended by April, but not before 103,000 had been infected and 8,459 died.

Footnote: The Whitewater hospital depicted in the photograph above was located near the modern water tower near Cravath and Wood Streets on the northeast side.  At the time it was founded in 1909, it was common to keep hospitals on very large lots more toward the edge of heavy residential neighborhoods due to contagious diseases.  The hospital burned in 1925 and no one was able to successfully start up another one due to the costs involved. Perhaps it was a factor that a 10-bed hospital had opened in Fort Atkinson in 1921. Additionally, the Great Depression started in 1929.

CORRECTION: Per Carol Cartwright, “after the hospital pictured burned, another small hospital operated at the corner of Main and Whiton Streets from 1925 to around 1940…The Historical Society has no photos of it.” This would have been at the southwest corner of Main and Whiton, apparently in the building that is still located at 907 W. Main Street. If anyone has any information about this hospital, please email whitewaterbanner@gmail.com.

— Our thanks to local historian Carol Cartwright, President of the Whitewater Historical Society, for this comprehensive report on the pandemic that occurred just over a century ago. As Ms. Cartwright stated, “That pandemic has a lot in common with today’s pandemic.” Surely, though, our current one will be curtailed with far less loss of life than the estimated 50 million deaths worldwide in 1918-19.

Note: The picture of a patient being loaded into an ambulance on the homepage, though taken during the pandemic, was not taken in Whitewater.

— 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. Please indicate whether you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter or if you prefer to remain anonymous.  At least for now, no more than two submissions per person, please.  Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com or click on “submit a story” near the top right of our homepage.  Thanks for thinking about this!

The Plan & Architectural Review Commission and the Common Council held their first-ever virtual meetings on April 20 and 21 respectively. Shown below are brief summaries of the highlights of their sessions.

PLAN COMMISSION: Request to rezone Mound Park Acres subdivision, located on Meadowview Court, behind the Burtness auto dealerships. The nearly 11 acre site was first approved for a single family development in 2000, with various plans having been discussed, and sometimes approved, since that time. The Planned Community Development under which the property had been zoned was no longer applicable, leaving the property in limbo. Craig Pope requested for the property to revert to R-1 zoning for 21 single family homes. The Commission recommended approval to the Common Council, with a stipulation that there be no blasting (if needed for construction of basements) without city approval.

COMMON COUNCIL:

• Newly reelected members Jim Allen, Lynn Binnie, and Matthew Schulgit were sworn into office by Clerk Michele Smith.
• Lynn Binnie was elected Council President, and Jim Allen, President Pro Tem. Patrick Singer was thanked for his twelve years of service as Council President.
• Appointments to Commissions, Committees & Boards: Alcohol Licensing – McCormick, Palmer, Schulgit; Birge Fountain – Allen; CDA – Allen, Singer; Landmarks: Schulgit; Library: Brown; Parks & Rec: McCormick; Plan: Binnie (regular), Brown (alternate); Technology Park: Singer; Fire Dept: Binnie; Public Works: Binnie, McCormick, Schulgit; Finance: Allen, Palmer, Singer; Community Involvement: Brown
• City Manager Report: Cameron Clapper reported on local matters pertaining to the COVID 19 pandemic. A number of staff continue to work from home. Those who are working on site are practicing social distancing. It was indicated that there have been confirmed cases in Whitewater, with community spread, but thus far there appear to be a fairly limited number.
• Thanks was expressed to the poll workers and voters for the Presidential Preference and Spring Election on April 9, which took place during the Safer at Home order. Clerk Smith indicated that she has not been made aware of any suspected infections as a result of the election.
• Rezoning of Mound Park Acres: The recommendation of the Plan Commission was approved, and the second reading was waived.
• Award of Bid to RR Walton & Company: Walton, the low bidder, was awarded the $364,063 contract for an Industrial Drive watermain project and a stormwater project at Walworth Ave. and Court/Pleasant Streets.
• After a closed session, sale of land to Kwik Trip at the roundabout for the appraised value of $229,000 was approved. No action was taken on the discussion of a possible property purchase south of Trippe Lake.