News

(Whitewater Unites Lives submission) Sarah Linn is a WUL Hometown Hero, and has been nominated for “Helping Gabriela Marquez Gomez by teaching her English and giving her support.” 

Gabriela lived in Whitewater for about 10 years until she returned to live in Mexico in 2008.

She says, “While I lived in Whitewater my teacher Jorge Islas and a special friend Sarah Linn helped me to learn the language and support me in my learning process. I am so proud of them – Jorge Islas Martinez and Sarah Linn are my heroes who I (will) admire forever.”

Jorge Islas Martinez was recently awarded the Hometown Hero recognition for his dedicated work helping the Latino community.

WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.   

 Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com 

(UW System press release, Dec. 31) MADISON, Wis.— University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson today issued this statement on a new CDC antigen test study:
“We are pleased to have partnered with the CDC on the study the agency released today, which identifies
the Sofia rapid-results antigen test as an appropriate use for congregate settings such as for our residence
hall population. This study affirms the efficacy of our testing efforts to stop the spread of the virus, by
enabling us to quickly identify students who may have the virus and quarantine them away from other
students while administering a confirmatory PCR test. We established protocols last fall for symptomatic
students to get a PCR test, which is consistent with results of this study. In addition, the accuracy of a
negative result on the Sofia test allowed our students to live and study on campus successfully. We will
embark on an even more aggressive testing program using the Sofia rapid-results test during the spring
semester. We also continue to encourage members of the public to take advantage of our surge testing
sites using the free Abbott BinaxNOW rapid-results test when they become operational again January 4.”

The Whitewater Community Fundraising Partners joined up with Tyler Sailsbery of The Black Sheep, along with his staff, to sponsor 140 meals to feed our community youth and their families. The Black Sheep staff and WCFP volunteers packaged the meals one night and delivered them the following morning. The recipients appreciated the thoughtful and delicious holiday meals! The Whitewater Community Fundraising Partners is a nonprofit organization of classmates from the WHS class of 1982, plus friends. See www.whitewatercfp.com for more details.

Whitewater Fire Department

(Whitewater Fire Dept. Facebook post)  · When you are clearing your driveways and sidewalks today, don’t forget to give your local hydrant some love! It makes our jobs much easier and allows us to better protect lives and property. We found one this morning that had already been cleared, thanks to all those who help us and their fellow citizens out.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Revenue – Arms length sales recorded in December, 2020

Satyen & Neera Bhatnagar, owners of the Subway Restaurant on Main St., told the Banner that they “will be closed for remodel from 3 p.m. 2nd January to 8th January 2021. We will be reopening on 9th of January 2021.
Sorry for inconvenience.”

Separately, the sign on the door at the Baymont Inn indicates that they are temporarily closed and suggests calling the Super 8 (which is under the same ownership) for lodging. An employee at the Super 8 told the Banner that Baymont is going to be closed “for a couple months.”
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Pictured here is a New Years postcard postmarked January 1, 1913. It was sent from Mary R. to a S.W.W. Burgett, both of Whitewater. In her note, Mary sends “greetings for the new year!” In the early twentieth century, postcards were an especially popular way to send a short note to friends and family on special occasions, holidays, and sometimes just to say hi. Mary’s postcard only cost her one cent to send! What are your family’s New Year’s traditions and memories?

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

(Burgett Family Postcards Collection, Whitewater Historical Society)​

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year. Thank you for reading The Whitewater Banner.