Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Tuesday @ 10 a.m. Click here for agenda; click on “meetings” in upper right hand corner. 10:00 a.m. via Zoom Online https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82633476623? pwd=UG5vTS9HQnE0V2VxY3daME9VMzB2UT09 Passcode: 580350 Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799 Webinar ID: 826 3347 6623 Passcode: 580350
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m. Includes presentation of 2021 budget proposal, staff update on strategic plan and 2020 objectives, virtual vs. in-person city meetings, and potential sale of lot 3B in the Business Park. Click here for agenda To join Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/94650836786?pwd=U2Y2ckw4Z1VrcG1DaHBWdkdnT3JYUT09 Passcode: 701901# Or iPhone one-tap : US: +13126266799,,94650836786#,,,,,,0#,,701901# or +19292056099,,94650836786#,,,,,,0#,,701901# Or Telephone: US: +1 312 626 6799 Webinar ID: 946 5083 6786 Passcode: 701901#
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Thursday @ 4:30 p.m. Includes 2021 budget proposal review (1 of 3 meetings) Click here for agenda https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/845158093 You can also dial in using your phone. (For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.) (224) 501-3412 One-touch: tel:+12245013412,,845158093# Access Code: 845-158-093
(News release) WHITEWATER, WI., October 1, 2020 – As part of a new initiative to smash the stigma surrounding mental illness, UW-Whitewater’s Active Minds Organization will partner with UW-Whitewater Sustainability and Working for Whitewater’s Wellness, Inc. to plant tulips in the Campus Memory Garden as well as the Cravath Lakefront Park. In honor of the Yellow Tulip Project, the social distancing-style planting event will take place on October 9th and 10th.
Due to Covid-19, masks must be worn at all times and social distancing guidelines will be enforced. Registration is also required to participate in the Hope Garden Bulb Planting Ceremony, as the event is limited to 25 participants. Please sign up using the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4ca4ae23a3fdc16-hope
This event is brought to Whitewater by the UW-W Active Minds Organization, UW-W Sustainability Office, Working for Whitewater’s Wellness Inc., the City of Whitewater, the Whitewater Unified School District, and Seeds of Hope. Stay updated on The Yellow Tulip Project by following @ytp_whitewater on Instagram.
The Yellow Tulip Project, founded by Julia Hansen, was created to combat the increasing rates of suicide through productive conversations, community interaction, and eradication of the stigma. The nonprofit organization partners with schools and publics to plant Hope Gardens to instill a sense of hope and happiness within communities. (theyellowtulipproject.org)
Yellow Tulips represent happiness and hope. After a long winter, tulips offer a reminder of perseverance and the renewal of spring. The flowers will be planted in the fall and bloom during the following spring season. Active Minds will plant three thousand yellow tulips with the purpose of bringing awareness to mental health and combatting suicide rates.
The UW-Whitewater Active Minds Organization dedicates their mission to creating conversation about mental health among America’s youth. UW-W Graduate Taylor Stevens explained, “Active Minds creates a safe space for myself and others on campus to express ourselves and feel safe.” Email activeminds@uww.edu or call 608-963-5721 to learn additional information. You can find more information here: https://activemindswhitewater.weebly.com/the-yellow-tulip-project.html
W3, inspired by the Blue Zones Principles, envisions Whitewater to be a community where people live longer, happier, healthier lives. W3 facilitates programs and partnerships to affect sustainable improvements for everyone in our community. W3’s strategic priorities focus on: Being Active, Eating Well, Healthy Minds and Connection.
About UW-W Sustainability: The UW-Whitewater Sustainability Office strives to improve the education and awareness of environmental sustainability issues in our academic curriculum, student life, campus operations, and local community. Educating the campus and communities we serve about the global challenges we face and the role sustainability solutions can play in addressing them, while pursuing tangible sustainability projects to improve campus operations, allows the UW-Whitewater Sustainability Office to help our university address the three values of sustainability (environmental stewardship, economic feasibility, and promotion of social justice) in meaningful ways.
Some Mental Health Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
“Irresistible”(Comedy/Drama) Tuesday, October 13, 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Rated R (Language),1 hour, 41 minutes (2020). In a small northern Wisconsin town, retired Marine Colonel/farmer Jack Hastings (Chris Cooper) becomes a national star when a YouTube video of his protest for undocumented migrant farm workers’ rights goes viral. Wanting to capitalize on this moment of liberal support in a Purple state, Democratic strategist Gary Zimmer (Steve Carrell) taps him for the Democratic Party, to win back the district. One problem, Hastings is actually a Republican. Political fun in America’s Dairyland ensues. Written and directed by former “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart.
Masks are required and you must register for a seat either by calling (262-473-0535), emailing or going online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/
Gov. Evers Directs Department of Health Services to Limit Indoor Public Gatherings
(Press release) MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today directed Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Andrea Palm to issue Emergency Order #3 limiting public gatherings to no more than 25 percent of a room or building’s total occupancy. See full the order and list of exemptions here.
This directive is effective at 8 a.m. on Oct. 8, 2020, and will remain in effect until Nov. 6, 2020, and applies to any gatherings at locations that are open to the public such as stores, restaurants, and other businesses that allow public entry, as well as spaces with ticketed events. A frequently asked questions document is available for review here.
“We’re in a crisis right now and need to immediately change our behavior to save lives,” said Gov. Evers. “We are continuing to experience a surge in cases and many of our hospitals are overwhelmed, and I believe limiting indoor public gatherings will help slow the spread of this virus. Folks, we need your help and we need all Wisconsinites to work together during this difficult time. The sooner we get control of this virus, the sooner our economy, communities, and state can bounce back.”
Earlier today, the governor also announced an additional $100 million in support for Wisconsin’s small businesses, including lodging, event venues, and others in the tourism industry, who are struggling in the wake of the pandemic without additional federal supports.
“The unfortunate reality is this: the disease activity level of COVID-19 in Wisconsin is so high that going to a gathering puts you at very high risk of exposure,” said DHS Secretary-designee Palm. “We know gatherings are a key way this virus spreads, so we must act to limit indoor gatherings to stop the spread, reduce illness, and save lives.”
Today, DHS reported an increase of 2,020 confirmed cases of COVID-19; 18 new deaths, and the seven-day average of new daily COVID-19 cases is 2,346 up from 836 one month ago. According to DHS’ Disease Activity dashboard and as of Sept. 30, 2020, 45 of Wisconsin counties meet the threshold of a very high disease activity level, which means that there are more than 350 cases per 100,000 people in that county. All other counties reported high case activity levels. This means Wisconsinites should assume they will likely be exposed to the virus if they leave home and should practice all safety precautions.
Wisconsinites should take the following steps to stay safe and help stop the spread of COVID-19:Stay home whenever possible; Wear a mask; Wash your hands frequently; If you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, get tested; Get the flu shot to help reduce the strain on healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic;Challenge misinformation and talk to friends and families about the importance of these safety precautions. For up-to-date information about Wisconsin’s COVID-19 response, visit the DHS COVID-19 webpage. We also encourage you to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram for more information on COVID-19.
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com October 5, 2020
This very lengthy article provides the following information:
The text of Gov. Evers’ cautionary radio address on October 1
A health alert from Jefferson County regarding a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases
Updated data on case incidence and positivity in Walworth County and Whitewater. Walworth’s case incidence has significantly declined, in no small part due to declining cases at UW-W. However, with a 7-day case incidence of 25.9, the county is still considered to be “very high risk” under the Jefferson County model that WUSD is no longer using as guidance. Meanwhile, Jefferson County is currently reporting a 7-day case incidence rate of 36.8.
WUSD’s current data, which indicates that since September 1 there have been nine positive cases among students and one staff member. In-person classes resumed fulltime for 4K – 5th grade on September 28; grades 6-12 are due to begin a hybrid model on October 12.
UWWs current data, showing that last week there were only nineteen students and four staff with positive tests. In the previous four weeks there had been a total of 371 students and 15 others. No new positives were reported on October 5.
Banner note: Per this state website, Rock and Walworth County both have “high” COVID activity levels, and Jefferson County has a “very high” level.
MADISON (Oct. 1) — Gov. Tony Evers today delivered the Democratic Radio Address encouraging Wisconsinites to take precautions to put the brakes on the pandemic and keep their family, friends, employees and co-workers, and neighbors safe.
Hi, folks. Governor Tony Evers here. We are seven months into the COVID-19 pandemic, and right now, it’s not slowing down—it’s actually picking up speed. That’s why I issued a new statewide face coverings order to help us try and contain this virus and stop the spread. But folks, if we are going to get this virus under control, then wearing a mask is the absolute least we need you to do. We have got to put the brakes on this pandemic to keep our friends, family, employees and co-workers, and neighbors safe so that we can get through this pandemic together. And yes, it starts by wearing a mask whenever you are out and about, but we also need folks to understand that wearing a mask is not a substitute for social distancing. If you are planning to host a backyard barbeque with your extended family or a group of friends, please reconsider. If you are planning an event for your community or organization, please host it virtually. If you want to get out and support a local restaurant, enjoy it outside while wearing a mask or grab it to go. Skip the play dates, dinner parties, family get-togethers, and work conferences, or any other gatherings with people you don’t live with for the time being. And of course, wear a mask whenever you are around others who are not members of your household.
This virus is real and is devastating our communities and will continue to do so until we all get on the same team. Let’s get through this together, Wisconsin, by staying apart. Thank you.
DAILY CASE INCIDENCE PER 100,000 PEOPLE – WALWORTH COUNTY
End Date
New cases/14 days
Incidence
New cases/7 days
Incidence
9/15
527
38.8
403
59.2
9/22
648
47.7
245
36
9/29
379
27.9
134
19.7
10/5
302
22.2
176
25.9
DAILY CASE INCIDENCE PER 100,00 PEOPLE – CITY OF WHITEWATER (WALWORTH COUNTY PORTION)
End Date
New cases/14 days
Incidence
New cases/7 days
Incidence
9/15
345
206.8
284
340.4
9/22
419
251.1
132
158.1
9/29
180
107.9
48
57.6
10/5
60
35.9
7
8.43*
* Note: the 7 day incidence may be inaccurate, as UW-W reported more cases than the State showed for the entire city.
TEST POSITIVITY RESULTS – CITY OF WHITEWATER (WALWORTH COUNTY PORTION)
End Date
# Tests Reported – 14 days
# Positive
Positivity %
# Tests Reported – 7 days
#Positive
Positivity %
8/22
216
27
12.5%
103
6
5.8%
8/29
240
19
7.9%
128
13
9.2%
9/7
421
77
18.3%
274
60
21.9%
9/20
958
404
42.2%
571
204
35.7%
9/29
663
180
27.1%
236
48
20.3%
10/5
379
60
15.8%
115
7
6.1%*
Note: the 7 day positivity may be inaccurate, as UW-W reported more cases than the State showed for the entire city
TEST POSITIVITY RESULTS – WALWORTH COUNTY
End Date
# Tests Reported – 14 days
#Positive
Positivity %
# Tests Reported – 7 days
# Positive
Positivity %
% of Those with Positive Results Who Reported being Asymptomatic
Total Deaths
8/22
2386
277
11.6%
1071
112
10.5%
11.4%
25
8/29
1972
210
10.6%
901
98
10.9%
11.1%
27
9/7
1953
228
11.7%
986
129
13.1%
10.9%
32
9/22
2689
648
24.1%
1249
245
19.6%
9.7%
34
9/29
2504
379
15.1%
1255
134
10.7%
9.75%
35
10/5
2189
302
13.8%
864
176
25.6%
?
35
WUSD is providing the following “COVID Tracking Data” on its website at this link.
COVID TRACKING DATA
On September 23, 2020 the WUSD School Board voted to suspend the utilization of a community level metric.
Below is the cumulative and daily average of close contact, symptomatic, COVID positive staff and students.
COVID Tracking Data
Cumulative
Daily Average
Number of Close Contact Staff
16
3
Number of Symptomatic Staff
17
1
Number of (+) Staff
1
1
Number of Staff Quarantined in total since Sept 1 (sum of above)
34
Number of Close Contact Students
41
14
Number of Symptomatic Students
38
11
Number of (+) Students
9
6
Number of Students Quarantined in total since Sept 1 (sum of above)
88
Total Number of Positive COVID Cases
10
7
Number of Days of School
22
Data from September 30 Updated 10/1/2020
UWW has established the following dashboard which provides useful information. It is found at this link.
COVID-19 Dashboard
The COVID-19 pandemic is an ever-changing situation and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater actively monitors and reviews a series of health, safety, and resource metrics to guide decision-making with regard to university operations. These metrics are considered in combination and consultation with recommendations and orders from the state and county health departments before any changes in operations are made.
Last Updated 10/5/2020 at 8:25 PM
COVID-19 cases reported to UW-Whitewater
New reports – Week of Oct. 4 – Oct. 10
Previous week
Cumulative reports since March 2020
Students
0
19
393
Employees
0
4
15
Other
0
0
3
Unknown
0
0
1
Dashboard is updated on business days with available data. Numbers include cases reported through university-coordinated testing, as well as those reported through the COVID-19 Hotline, which may include testing that occurred off-campus through other health clinics/providers. Student employees are counted in the student numbers. The “Other” category is defined as any positive cases reported to UW-Whitewater who are neither students nor employees and may include visitors to the university, contractors or vendors, or others who have been to the university in person. These numbers represent individuals who have had direct contact with the campuses. Individuals who are working or attending solely in a remote manner and not living in University Housing are not included.
Regional Metrics
University Health and Counseling Services (9/17-10/2)
Walworth County (9/16-9/29)
Rock County (9/16-9/29)
Jefferson County
Wisconsin (7-day average)
Percent Positive
30% (74/244*)
11.54%
13.13%
19.2%
17.1%
Time to complete contact tracing
100% of contacts are initiated within 48 hours**
84% of contacts are initiated within 48 hours
35% of contacts are initiated within 48 hours
Not Available
N/A
Healthcare system capacity level
No crisis management of care
No crisis management of care
No crisis management of care
Not Available
19% Available (Based on Immediate Bed Availability)
Total cases per 100,000
n/a
338.2
329.5
474.8
511.4
*UHCS percentage positive is based on PCR testing performed at the University Clinic site of students only. Case totals are represented by (Total Positives/Total PCR Tests)
**To avoid duplication, UHCS actively partners with Walworth, Rock, and Jefferson Health Departments. County Health Departments do tracing of positive cases and UHCS employees do tracing of contact cases.
Previous 7 days of PCR Tests Administered
PCR* Test Date
# of PCR Tests Administered
9/24/20
8
9/25/20
11
9/28/20
6
9/29/20
4
9/30/20
12
10/1/20
7
10/2/20
11
*PCR testing is conducted on symptomatic individuals and individuals with positive Antigen testing results.
Total All PCR Tests
# of PCR Negative
# of PCR Positive
Percentage Positive
849
638
228
26.3%
Previous 7 days of Antigen Testing Administered
Antigen* Test Date
# of Antigen Tests Administered
# of Antigen Negative Results
# of Antigen Positive Results
Percentage Positive
9/24/20
26
26
0
0.0%
9/25/20
101
101
0
0.0%
9/28/20
73
71
2
2.8%
9/29/20
101
100
1
1.0%
9/30/20
93
89
4
4.5%
10/1/20
78
78
0
0.0%
10/2/20
86
85
1
1.2%
Total All Antigen Tests
1,419
1,370
49
3.6%
*Antigen testing is conducted on asymptomatic and random volunteers.
(Jefferson County Parks Dept. News Release) The Jefferson County Parks Department was awarded a grant from the Greater Watertown Area Health Foundation to install a Born Learning Trail.
The Born Learning Trail is a series of 10 interactive signs that offer fun, active learning activities for young children and their families. It helps parents, caregivers and communities create quality engagement opportunities.
The signs will be installed in both English and Spanish translations along the Glacial River Bike Trail in Jefferson. For nearby parking see the map below. (“Parking here” is in rather faint print.) The sign install will be just north of and very near the parking lot.
The project will be installed by local volunteers on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 @ 4:00 p.m. (weather permitting). The trail kits included hardware, and reinforced, full color metal signs as well as a series of stencils which will be used to create the fun interactive part of the project. We would also like to thank the following local businesses for donating project supplies:
Goyer Ace Hardware:
Paint (for asphalt surface)
Paint foam rollers & paint trays
Lemke Fence:
10 – 4×4 pre-treated posts
Anyone interested in helping to install the trail is encouraged to contact Mary Truman at 920-674-7260 or jeffcoparks@jeffersoncountywi.gov
