Congratulations to Jasmine Kilar for being Whitewater Unified School District’s Reading All Star this week!! Jasmine, we are honored to have you as our Reading All Star! Keep up your love of reading!
News
Bird Scooters Landing in Whitewater (UPDATED – They’re Still “in Flight,” But Expected Soon )
Update 7/13/21 – Although the scooters had been scheduled to deploy on July 6, Bird rep Michael Covato, told the Banner on July 12, “Our shipping provider experienced some delays due to the additional demand following relaxed Covid restrictions. We are currently in the process of expediting the shipment to ensure the scooters arrive as quickly as possible. While I do not have an exact date at this point in time, I believe it will be sometime next week.”
Update: Michael Cavato of Bird told the Banner that the cost for using the scooters will be $1 to unlock and 39 cents per minute. He stated, “Given the geographic size and layout of Whitewater, this means that scooters can be an extremely affordable, quick, environmentally friendly, and fun way to navigate the area. In addition, we frequently put out various promotions that we hope our riders keep an eye out for in the app to receive discounts.” Also note that shown below is reduced pricing for riders with certain qualifications.
The City of Whitewater is partnering with shared electric scooter company, Bird Rides to bring e-scooters to the city on a one-year pilot program contract. The scooters are available beginning July 6th through a mobile phone application and riders pay to use the scooter per minute, at no cost to the city.
“We are happy to welcome Bird to the City of Whitewater. We look forward to having the scooters available for all residents and visitors to get around town and think it will be a nice addition to the community,” said Cameron Clapper, Whitewater City Manager.
The company plans on offering scooters to help reduce carbon emissions, as well as traffic congestion on
roadways. The scooters also offer residents without automobiles another transportation option.
The electric scooters can be used on roads and in bike lanes with a maximum speed of 15 mph. Scooters must
be parked out of the way of pedestrians and never blocking driveways. Riders are required to be 18 years or
older to access the scooters. They are also encouraged to wear a helmet on every ride and required to obey all
standard rules of the road.
To use the scooters, a renter will download the Bird app to their phone and create an account they will use for
each ride. Using the map in the Bird app, riders will find the closest Bird. It can be reserved up to 30 minutes in
advance. To start the ride, the renter will scan the Bird’s QR code with the app, hit the throttle on the right to go
and pull the brakes to slow. After the ride, renters will use the kickstand to keep the Bird upright and park it
away from public pathways in an approved parking spot found in the app. The rider will submit a picture of the
scooter to ensure the ride is complete and the scooter is parked.
Riders will be able to use the Community Mode allowing anyone with a Bird account to report or provide feedback on vehicle-related issues such as poorly parked or damaged vehicles in their area. Riders will be asked to provide the Bird ID number and the specific issue they are experiencing, then a Bird team member will be assigned to correct the issue. Community Mode can be accessed by tapping the yield sign on the bottom left of the Bird map.
Bird advises riders to check the app for the most up-to-date vehicle charge information, service area locations, and pricing.
For more details on how to use a Bird scooter, visit https://www.bird.co/blog/how-to-bird- beginners-guide-shared-scooter-riding/.
“Having an additional option for transportation will be very helpful for many residents,” said Clapper. “This will
also be a nice option for those who are visiting the city and want a new way of getting around and enjoying
what our city has to offer.”
Bird offers the following programs that are available for all who qualify:
● Community Pricing- Bird’s Community Pricing Program offers a 50% discount to low-income riders, Pell grant recipients, select local nonprofit and community organizations, veterans, and senior citizens. It’s designed to be the most inclusive micro mobility discount program available anywhere. To sign up for the Community Pricing Program, download the Bird app, create an account, and email your proof of eligibility to access@bird.co. Visit https://www.bird.co/blog/need-know-bird-expanded-community- pricing-program/ for more details.
● Free Rides for Healthcare Workers and Emergency Personnel- Bird is proud to offer free rides to healthcare workers and emergency personnel. To sign up, simply email a copy of your medical identification card along with your name and phone number to together@bird.co. Eligible riders will receive two free 30-minute rides per day for as long as it takes to help our communities to recover from this global health crisis. Visit https://www.bird.co/blog/bird-providing-free-mobility-healthcare-workers- crisis/ for details.
https://www.bird.co/es/contact-us/.
Source: City of Whitewater press release
UW System Presidential Search Committee Includes a UW-W Vice Chancellor and a UW-W Student
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Edmund Manydeeds III, President of the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents, on July 9 appointed a 19-member Search and Screen Committee to help identify the next UW System President. Tommy Thompson has served as Interim President since July, 2020, succeeding Ray Cross, who had served as President since 2014. The committee will be chaired by Regent Vice President Karen Walsh.
A “non-traditional” UW-Whitewater (UW-W) student, Corey Saffold, who is a Regent, was named as a member of the committee. Saffold is a senior majoring in criminology. Per his LinkedIn page, he is the Director of Safety and Security for the Verona Area School District. Prior to his role with the district, Saffold served as a City of Madison Police Officer for a decade.
Also named to the committee is Dr. Artanya Wesley, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at UW-W since July 2019. Previously she served as Dean of Students beginning in 2016. Prior to arriving at UW-W, she served as Senior Academic Planner for Student Affairs at UW System Administration and Dean of Students at UW-Platteville. She has worked in higher education specifically in student affairs for the past 13 years.
Other members of the committee are:
- Warren Anderson, Senior Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, UW System
- Robert Atwell, Regent
- Rebecca Blank, Chancellor, UW-Madison
- Amy Blumenfeld Bogost, Regent
- Johannes Britz, Provost, UW-Milwaukee
- Michael Falbo, Regent President Emeritus
- Deborah Ford, Chancellor, UW-Parkside
- Rob Manzke, Chief of Staff, Chancellor’s Office, UW-Stevens Point
- Sabrina Mueller-Spitz, Associate Professor of Biology, UW Oshkosh
- Geoffrey Peterson, Professor of Political Science and American Indian Studies, UW-Eau Claire
- Dr. Ashok Rai, Regent
- Glendali Rodriguez, Interim Provost, UW-Stout
- Paul Shain, Vice Chair, Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association, and President/CEO, Singlewire Software, LLC
- Jon Shelton, Associate Professor, and Chair, Democracy and Justice Studies, UW-Green Bay
- Dennis Shields, Chancellor, UW-Platteville
- Olivia Woodmansee, Regent Emeritus and Student, UW-La Crosse
“President Thompson has reminded us of the power of the Wisconsin Idea,” said Manydeeds. “We saw this during the height of the pandemic, when we opened campuses to community testing and vaccinations. Our next president should keep that focus while meeting the many challenges ahead.”
“We are grateful for the leadership of President Thompson, who provided exemplary guidance during the pandemic and has positioned us for future success,“ Walsh said. “I’ve often said that the next UW System president is watching us, and our progress during Covid-19 will no doubt be noticed by potential candidates.”
According to a press release, the Committee is expected to convene in August, when Manydeeds will charge the Committee with its mission, review search procedures, and begin the national search. The Committee will schedule listening sessions at UW System’s 13 universities in September, when additional faculty, staff, and students will be invited to participate.
A subcommittee will review and suggest needed changes to the prospectus that was developed for the presidential search that fell apart in June, 2021 when the only finalist, University of Alaska System president Jim Johnsen, withdrew his name from consideration on the same day the search committee planned to meet and seemed likely to recommend his hiring to the Board of Regents. The search had been controversial from the start when the previous Board of Regents President, Drew Petersen, named no faculty or staff members to the search committee, a break from tradition. That committee had only nine members, six of whom were active or emeritus Regents in addition to two chancellors and a provost.
The Search and Screen Committee will engage the assistance of a national search firm to identify and screen candidates. The Committee will determine and interview candidates; a Special Regent Committee to review finalists will be appointed later in the fall. The successful candidate will require the approval of the full Board of Regents.
First United Methodist Church: Come Celebrate Pastor Susan!
First United Methodist Church (photos courtesy of Tom Ganser) 
(Local) Bresser Family was introduced at a worship service at Cravath Lakefront Park on July 3, 2011. (Henry, on left, a WHS ’20 grad!) 
Susan Bresser receiving her WUL Hometown Hero Award
Pastor Susan Bresser has been appointed to First United Methodist Church in Waukesha beginning August 1.
Please join us at 9 a.m. at FUMC, 145 S. Prairie St., Whitewater, for worship and then stay for a reception, starting at about 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 18.
We at First United Methodist Church have been privileged to have Pastor Susan for the past 10 years where she has worked hard for all of the Whitewater Area Regional Ministry.
You are also welcome to attend Pastor Susan’s final worship service, which will include a “Releasing Prayer,” on Sunday, July 25.
Bid for Robotics State Championship Ends in Semi-Finals
Article Submitted by Laura Masbruch
Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor and Banner Volunteer
lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Whitewater High School’s FIRST Robotics Team Ferradermis competed in the unofficial Wisconsin State Championship in Manitowoc at the Lakeshore Robotics Education Center on Saturday, July 10. The team’s day ended in the semi-finals, with a hard fought battle that included the entirety of the Ferradermis alliance that won the first of four qualifier events on June 19, along with the captain of the runner-up alliance from that same day. The teams knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses well.
After a long day dealing with a sudden and unusual component failure, the students rallied and put in a strong performance in each of their final two qualification matches. This left the team ranked 8th going into alliance selections, where they were selected as the first pick of Team 930, the Mukwonago BEARS. The third member of the alliance was Team 5903, the ThorBots, from Westby High School.
The Ferradermis alliance faced off in the semi-finals against the eventual state champion alliance led by Team 8002, The Knack, from Lake Country School. The Knack was joined by Team 1259, Paradigm Shift, from Pewaukee High School, and Team 6421, the WarriorBots, from Muskego High School. The highlight of the day was when the second semi-final match ended with a perfectly level double-triple climb, meaning that all 6 robots on the field pulled themselves up on the bars in the center of the field and held their shield generator switches in the level position.
The spirit of “coopertition” was strong in Manitowoc, as many teams pitched in to help each other out. Ferradermis would especially like to thank Paradigm Shift for loaning a gear kit and the Mukwonago BEARS for helping diagnose our component failure. It is always amazing to watch as teams who may soon be playing against each other on the field are working hand in hand to make everyone a stronger competitor.
Full results from the championship event are available at https://www.thebluealliance.com/event/2021wilscmp#results
Students in grades 9-12 interested in joining the team are invited and encouraged to attend the Laser Lights Off-Season Competition at Kettle Moraine High School with the team on Saturday, July 24, and/or join the team for our annual Robotics Boot Camp beginning on Saturday, July 31. Both events will provide an opportunity for students to learn more about the team and FIRST Robotics in general. For more information, contact Laura Masbruch at lmasbruch@wwusd.org.
On June 19, Ferradermis was pleased to do a Behind the Bumpers interview with Tyler Olds from FIRST Updates Now. Team members Andrew Rollette, Reilly Aschenbrener, Lauren Rollette, Elijah Grall, and Jazmin Cederberg took part in the interview where they explained the different features of the robot. You can watch our episode of Behind the Bumpers below:
This Week’s City Meetings – Includes CDA Public Hearing on New TIF Districts Thurs. @ 5:30 p.m. – UPDATED for Special CDA Meeting on Mon.
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors Special Meeting – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda: Closed session for Deliberating Master Vacant Land Listing Contract with H2C Commercial Real Estate Services LLC for marketing City-owned properties, followed by open session
THIS WILL BE A VIRTUAL MEETING ONLY.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/662076325
You can also dial in using your phone.United States: 1 (408) 650-3123
Access Code:662-076-325
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/662076325
City of Whitewater Plan and Architectural Review Commission – Monday @ 6:00 p.m.
THIS WILL BE A VIRTUAL MEETING ONLY
Agenda includes public hearing for consideration of an amendment to conditional use permit to allow for an impound lot behind the auto sales located at 515 E. Milwaukee Street; public hearing for consideration of a conditional use permit to build a HVAC building at 521 S. Putnam Street.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/929173597
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: 1 (224) 501-3412
Access Code: 929-173-597
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting
starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/929173597
City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Community Room
Municipal Building-1 Floor
312 W Whitewater St
AGENDA includes Discussion And Possible Action Regarding The Removal And Replacement Of Bricks
Along Whitewater Street And Fremont Street.
JOINT REVIEW BOARD, CITY OF WHITEWATER
TAX INCREMENTAL DISTRICTS NO. 10-14 CREATIONS
AND ANNUAL MEETING – Thursday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda
The meeting will be held at the Whitewater Municipal Building 1st Floor Community
Room located at 312 W. Whitewater Street. Virtual meeting attendance is also possible.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/93591647729?pwd=MDJEbGR1d2FremthNTJnbm9DQWdwdz09
Passcode: 442443
Or Telephone:
Dial 1 312 626 6799 or 888 475 4499 (Toll Free)
Webinar ID: 935 9164 7729
Passcode: 442443
WHITEWATER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA
Topic: Public Hearing regarding the proposed project plans, boundaries and creations of
Tax Incremental Districts No. 10 – 14 (See Public Hearing Notice which was published
on June 24, 2021 & July 1, 2021).
Location: Municipal Building – 1st Floor – Community Room
312 W. Whitewater Street, Whitewater
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 webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/91699862144?pwd=MnZGaUlxSzNHSExlOU1CdUJraFk4QT09
Passcode: 605056
Or Telephone:
Dial 1 312 626 6799 or 833 548 0276 (Toll Free)
Webinar ID: 916 9986 2144
Passcode: 605056
Summer School Musical Photo Recap
Thank you to Tom Ganser for this wonderful array of photos from the WUSD Summer School Musical, “Madagascar, Jr.” performed July 8-10 at Whitewater High School.
Our Readers Share – Carol McCormick: Beautiful Rainbow, “Always a Sign of Hope”
Carol McCormick reported that she took this photo of a “beautiful rainbow over Trippe Lake to the south on Sunday, July 11 around 8:30 pm. Always a sign of hope! And, hopefully, a sign of rain!”
Our thanks to Carol McCormick for sharing this beautiful photo with us.
— 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!
Local Students Named to UW-MKE Dean’s List
The following individuals from our area have been named to the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for the Spring 2021 semester. UWM is the second largest university in the State of Wisconsin, with more than 21,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
Whitewater, WI
Abigail Childs, Letters & Science Undergrad
Catherine Strait, Education Undergraduate
Eleanore Treder, Business Undergraduate
National Weather Service: Severe Drought Continues in Our Area
DROUGHT INFORMATION STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MILWAUKEE/SULLIVAN WI 200 PM CDT Thu Jul 9 2021 ...No changes in the drought status across southern WI... .Synopsis: The latest Drought Monitor did not change from last week and shows Abnormal Dryness (D0) across northern Marquette, Green Lake and Fond du lac Counties. Extreme Drought (D3) continues across Kenosha, southeastern Walworth and extreme southwestern Racine Counties. Severe Drought (D2) continues across the remainder of Racine and Walworth Counties as well as southeastern Rock County. Moderate Drought (D1) continues across the remainder of southern Wisconsin. .Precipitation: Precipitation the past week through the early morning of July 7th was well below normal across much of southern WI, but rainfall of 1 to 2 inches fell over portions of northern Marquette, Green Lake, Fond du Lac, and Sheboygan Counties. Large portions of Ozaukee and Milwaukee County had a little over one half inch of rain on average. Far southeastern Wisconsin in the D2 and D3 areas saw little to no rainfall. 90-Day precipitation deficits across southern Wisconsin south of I- 94 averaged 4-8 inches with the highest departures across Lafayette, Green, Rock, Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha Counties. The highest departures of 6 to 8 inches represent around 50% of normal. This includes the Severe Drought (D2) and Extreme Drought (D3) areas. Much of Sauk, Columbia, Dodge, Washington, Ozaukee, and the southern portions of Sheboygan, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, and Marquette Counties have a 2 to 4 inch deficit, which is 50% to 80% of normal. Hydrologic Conditions: Streamflows are below normal across much of Racine, Kenosha, and portions of Walworth County. Otherwise, normal streamflows are reported across much of southern WI. .Summary of Impacts: 35% to 50% of topsoil and subsoil moisture across the drought area of southern Wisconsin is considered short or very short of moisture. Crops over far southern WI are exhibiting areas of stress. .Drought Mitigation Actions: None reported. .Local Drought Outlook: There are better chances for rain the remainder of this week into early next week over far southern WI. One half inch or greater of rainfall is possible south of I-94. The Climate Prediction Center indicates greater chances for above normal temperatures and above normal rainfall for the 6 to 14 day periods. The 3 to 4 week outlook favors equal chances for above or below normal temperatures and rainfall. This means there is not a good signal one way or the other. The 3 month outlook through September indicates better than normal chances for above normal temperatures, and equal chances for above, below, or normal precipitation, which means there isn`t a good signal that indicates one solution over another. Banner note: The Weather Service uses the following five levels to categorize a drought. We are currently in D2 (Severe Drought). Red text color added by the Banner. Intensity and Impacts None D0 (Abnormally Dry) D1 (Moderate Drought) D2 (Severe Drought) D3 (Extreme Drought) D4 (Exceptional Drought)