News

Whether you live and/or are employed in the city of Whitewater (including the school district), it will be appreciated if you take about ten minutes to complete a survey about our community. Your participation will help to design a promotional campaign “to help the city compete for and attract residents, visitors, and businesses, and enhance revenue for existing businesses as well.” Background information on the survey is provided following the below links.

Whitewater residents link here:
https://tinyurl.com/WhitewaterResident

Commuters link here:
https://tinyurl.com/WhitewaterCommuter

New Grant Surveys Whitewater Residents for Promotional Campaign

(City press release) – Wis. October 26, 2020- A survey funded by a new grant award will collect the experience of living and working in Whitewater and help boost local marketing efforts. The survey will inform a promotional campaign to help the city compete for and attract residents, visitors and businesses, and enhance revenue for existing businesses as well.

USDA Rural Development recently awarded UW-Madison Extension a $48,000 Rural Business Development
Grant to meet a need identified by Whitewater businesses during a previous effort. While conducting a small
business retention and expansion project in Whitewater via a separate USDA grant awarded last year,
business owners frequently mentioned a desire to promote the city and connect the residential, visitor and
university markets.

The new grant will utilize the structure and mission of the Whitewater Marketing Alliance to meet that business-
identified demand. The Alliance includes the City of Whitewater, Downtown Whitewater, the Whitewater Chamber of Commerce, the Whitewater Unified School District, UW-Whitewater and the Greater Whitewater
Committee.

“We’re building off previous strategies from the Alliance and leveraging additional resources to understand the
resident experience,” said Steven Chmielewski, the UW-Madison Extension Community and Economic
Development educator who wrote the successful proposals for both the business retention as well as
community marketing grants.

The Whitewater Marketing Alliance previously used community input to inform a promotional campaign around
words that residents used to describe their city. That effort resulted in signs for area display.
“We hope this survey will give us some additional insight about what our citizens want and need from their
community,” said Kristin Mickelson, PR & Communications Manager for the City of Whitewater. “The more we
know, the more we can deliver as a city. We want to continue to thrive for our current residents, future
residents and all visitors for years to come.”

“It’s important that all parts of our community have a voice in shaping not only the future of our community but
the ways in which the community is marketed to visitors, students, those who work in the area and future
residents,” said Lisa Dawsey, President of Downtown Whitewater, Inc.

The majority of businesses operating in Whitewater are small businesses, meaning they have fewer than 50
full-time employees and less than $1 million in gross revenue. The new grant also includes market analysis of
the Whitewater trade area to inform retail and trade opportunities.

Results from the community survey will be used in a set of tools to promote the city, including messaging and
outreach, in addition to workshops on how to apply the tools.

For additional information and inquiries about the survey, contact Steven Chmielewski, Community
Development Educator with UW-Extension at (262) 548-7781 or steven.chmielewski@wisc.edu.

Well, actually six open and one closed meeting.

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes arboretum report; purple martin house fundraising plan; effects of damming waterways
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/710263909
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3311
Access Code: 710-263-909

Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees Personnel Committee – Monday @ 12:30 p.m.
Agenda: Performance review for the Library Director
(Link not provided here, since the committee will be adjourning to closed session immediately and not reconvening in open session.)

Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Board of Trustees Meeting – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes contract for architectural services regarding building project.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/849204917
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (786) 535-3211
Access Code: 849-204-917
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/849204917

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes adoption of 2021 budgets
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Nov 17, 2020 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/95698203506?pwd=b2F2cVJMalFpTU94elZvSXR3Y2FPZz09
Passcode: 612298
Or Telephone:
Dial 1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 956 9820 3506
Passcode: 612298

City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Board – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes COVID-19 program and facility updates, strategic plan review
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/956207821
You can also dial in using your phone.
1 (646) 749-3122
Access Code: 956-207-821

City of Whitewater Community Involvement & Cable TV Commission Meeting Agenda
Thursday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes census; COVID-19
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/214536125
You can also dial in using your phone.
1 (669) 224-3412
Access Code: 214-536-125

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority – Thursday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes 2021 goals and objectives; HUD qualifications for housing
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/635977541
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (224) 501-3412
Access Code: 635-977-541

UW System to lead massive surge testing effort for Wisconsin

Federal push is first using Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 tests

(UW System press release, Nov. 4) — University of Wisconsin (UW) System campuses, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), will serve as the first “surge testing” sites for a new rapid-results COVID-19 test available to members of the community, UW System President Tommy Thompson announced today.

The 250,000 Abbot BinaxNOW tests provided by HHS amplify the System’s robust testing program for students and will assist in identifying people who may have the novel coronavirus, Thompson said.

“Our universities are perfectly positioned to help Wisconsin combat the spread of COVID-19,” Thompson said. “This is the Wisconsin Idea in action, and a recognition of our existing work to keep our students, faculty, and staff as safe as possible during the pandemic.

“This surge testing plan is a terrific example of cooperation by federal, state, and local governments to urgently respond to the outbreak and that UW System is pleased to lead.”

It is the first time a federal surge testing operation will use Abbott BinaxNOW rapid point-of-care tests that provide a result within 15 minutes. Federal surge testing provides additional temporary federal support to areas that have seen a recent spike in coronavirus cases.

“The Trump Administration is standing up surge testing sites to support areas hard hit by COVID-19. Surge testing is one of many tools the federal government can deploy to assist local leadership to reduce community spread of the virus, and receiving a COVID-19 test result within 15 minutes from the BinaxNOW will help identify those who may be infected so we can protect others from the virus,” said HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Adm. Brett Giroir, M.D. “The intent of surge testing efforts is to help local, state, and federal public health experts identify new cases, including those that may be asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic.”

The federal government purchased Abbott BinaxNOW diagnostic tests on August 27 to ensure equitable distribution of the first 150 million units – one day after an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) was issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Testing is a critical component in our battle against COVID-19,” said Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams. “Not everyone develops symptoms, so someone could be spreading the virus without knowing it. If you or your loved ones are worried you may have come into contact with COVID-19, please make an appointment to get tested. It’s easy and most importantly – free! Please also continue to do your part to stop the spread of COVID-19 by following the three Ws: wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance. We owe this to our community and our friends and family members to protect them.”

Campuses are currently establishing testing sites with medical support provided by eTrueNorth under contract with the federal government. Some sites will open as early as this week. Testing will be available at no cost. Individuals do not have to be experiencing symptoms or be a close contact of someone with COVID-19 to get a test, nor do they need to live in the community where the testing site is located.

Individuals seeking to be tested will register online, proceed to the testing site, administer the test themselves under supervision, and label it for processing.

Register for a free test at www.doineedacovid19test.com. Participants will also retrieve results by logging into this portal after receiving an email that informs them that their results are ready.

The state Department of Health Services will be supplying an additional 30,000 PCR tests as part of the effort. Individuals who test negative using the BinaxNOW test but also are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or who test positive but do not have symptoms are urged to get a confirmatory PCR test.

UW System’s partnership with HHS complements its ongoing partnership with Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, which is separately helping supply 350,000 COVID-19 tests to the UW System.

“This new initiative represents the continued commitment from both the Trump and Evers administrations to help our campuses and campus communities battle the pandemic,” said Regent President Andrew S. Petersen. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to expand our testing as we build a culture of responsibility among students and seek to maintain safety for students, employees, and the community.”

Banner note: Reminder information regarding UW-W testing:

The testing site is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, at the Kris Russell Volleyball Arena in the Williams Center, 907 W. Schwager Dr., Whitewater, WI 53190. Free parking is available in lots 7 and 9 on Warhawk Drive. Please note, during Thanksgiving week, testing will be offered Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday only (Nov. 23-25), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Anyone 5 years and older can get a test. Pre-registration is required at doineedacovid19test.com. This is a rapid antigen test (nasal swab). People will receive their results within 15 minutes; space is set aside for people to safely distance while they wait.

Individuals who test negative using the rapid antigen test, but also are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or who test positive but do not have symptoms, are urged to get a confirmatory PCR test. A free PCR test will be available immediately to those who qualify on site. 

Tickets for this dinner will be available at the front door.

(UW-W Campus announcement – Nov. 13)

Important message from Chancellor Watson on COVID-19

Dear Colleagues,

Today, I need to have a frank conversation regarding COVID-19 and our community. Wisconsin is in the midst of a surge, including nearly a week of record-breaking positive cases. The state continues to see increases in the numbers of people hospitalized and deaths. UW-Whitewater’s positive test rates are also on the rise.

Our state is at a critical point in this pandemic. It is important that everyone do their part to curb the spread. Locally, if we want to keep our university healthy and safe, and to continue to function on campus, we must flatten the curve. How do we do that? Testing. Everyone needs to get tested – students, faculty and staff. This critical action will help stop community spread by identifying those who are contagious but not showing symptoms.

We expect students to be tested before they leave for home or elsewhere for the Thanksgiving holiday. Students who live in the residence halls will be tested twice upon their return post-Thanksgiving. UW System President Tommy G. Thompson is requiring this for all UW System campuses. President Thompson asks that we all spread a culture of responsibility and not COVID-19. Additional information on this measure will be sent to students in the coming days.

Faculty and staff should also be tested twice if they plan to be on campus.

While testing is critically important, there are other steps you can also take to help keep our community safe:

• Commit to staying home unless leaving is essential. What is essential? This would include going to work, to class, for groceries and prescriptions.
• Do not gather with people outside of your immediate living situation.
• Wear your mask. Face coverings help stop the spread.
• Wash your hands often and thoroughly.
• Remain a minimum of six feet from others, even if you are wearing a mask.
• If you aren’t feeling well, stay home. If you show symptoms, get tested, stay home and isolate.

We can’t wait for someone else to do what it takes to stop the spread of COVID-19. Each of us has the ability and opportunity to flatten the curve. By committing to getting tested and following the guidelines, we can change the trajectory of this virus.

Sincerely,

Dr. Dwight C. Watson
Chancellor

Banner note: The remainder of the fall semester, including final exams, will be conducted remotely beginning Saturday, November 21. Per the Warhawk COVID-19 Dashboard, during the week of November 8-14 there were the following new positive tests reported: 44 students, 2 staff, 1 other, and 1 unknown. The weekly report is, however, updated on Monday morning for the previous week, and sometimes reflects a significant increase from this Friday morning report. The spring semester begins on January 19.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Revenue – Sales recorded in October, 2020

1264 W. Court St.	$160,000
701 E. Clay St., Unit 1, Bldg. C	159,000
1266 Black River Ct.	310,000
1277 E. Bluff Rd., Unit 13	178,000
195 S. Maple Ln.	260,450
213 S. Ridge St.	76,800
277 S. Janesville St.	183,000
310 Amber Dr.	230,000
315-317 S. Prince St.	220,000
320 N. Tratt St.	2,000,000
332 Amber Dr	225,000
603 E. Cravath St.	200,000
915 W. Conger St.	135,000
404 S. Summit St.	129,900
440 S. Woodland Dr.	189,000
731 E. Milwaukee St.	105,000
826 W. Walworth St.	169,000
830 E. North St.	55,000
920 E. Chicago St.	19,500
964 W. South St.	117,500

Click here for the auction site.

(UW-W press release – Nov. 11)

Sustainability efforts win UW-Whitewater national recognition

The U.S. Department of Education has named the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater a Green Ribbon School, one of only five colleges nationwide to be so designated in 2020.

The award is based on “three pillars” of the green school philosophy, with honorees demonstrating progress in reducing environmental impacts, such as waste, water, energy, greenhouse gases, and transportation in the areas of facilities, grounds, and operations; improving health and wellness through coordinated school health, with consideration to air quality, contaminant control, acoustics, daylighting, thermal comfort, school nutrition, and outdoors physical activity; and offering effective environmental and sustainability education that emphasizes hands-on, real-world learning, civic engagement, STEM connections, and green career preparation.

UW-Whitewater will celebrate the national award with a virtual ceremony held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, with University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson and UW-Whitewater Chancellor Dwight C. Watson offering remarks.

“UW-Whitewater strives to embody the Wisconsin Idea, with collaborative learning opportunities that thrive within, and outside of, the classroom,” said Chancellor Watson. “I am proud of the efforts of our sustainability team as well as the many efforts across campus to reduce environmental impacts, improve health and wellness, and offer environmental and sustainability education.”

Award recipients are normally invited to a summer ceremony in Washington, D.C., where they receive a sustainability plaque. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony was canceled and the plaque was mailed to campus. Wes Enterline, UW-Whitewater’s sustainability director, said the goal of applying for the accolade was to bring awareness to the many sustainability efforts across campus, spanning many departments and academic disciplines.

“Many of those efforts are visible and easy to recognize, like our Monarch Waystation in the Campus Prairie or the water bottle fillers installed in water fountains across campus,” said Enterline. “But one of the pillars the award is based on emphasizes improving health and wellness — something we don’t always think of when it comes to sustainability. In fact, sustaining ourselves is key to being sustainable as an institution, and the fact that this award recognizes that shows how well-rounded the criteria are.”

Enterline became the first coordinator of the university’s sustainability efforts shortly after graduating from UW-Whitewater with a B.S. in sociology and a minor in environmental studies in 2008, after first earning a BBA in computer–end user technology in 2002. Early initiatives of the office included establishing the Campus Garden, which occupies a half-acre lot next to the Ambrose Health Center and produces about 2,000 pounds of food a year, more than 10,000 pounds of which has been donated to area food pantries since 2013.

Enterline also stresses the importance of colleagues across campus who partner with the Sustainability Office to promote green initiatives, reduce waste or introduce environmental issues into academic programs. He cites Eric Compas, professor of geology, geography and environmental science, who he says “not only guided me as a nontraditional student by challenging our class to conduct the first greenhouse gas inventory of the entire Whitewater campus in 2008, but is a consistent voice of advocacy for environmental issues on campus and beyond.” He also highlights Frank Bartlett, director of University Housing, who helped establish the first sustainability position and continues to participate in finding innovative solutions with a sustainability mindset.

Another critical source of the success of the team’s sustainability initiatives has been the involvement of student interns over the years, who learn tangible skills including time and project management, organization, interpersonal communication and independent research and analysis that can be applicable to a wide range of future careers.

Emily Peters, a biology major from Sussex, has been involved in establishing a Monarch Waystation in the campus Nature Preserve. Peters Emily led the effort to win a Monarch Waystation designation for the prairie from Monarch Watch, a nonprofit organization dedicated to education, conservation and research for the monarch butterfly and other pollinators. To earn the designation, she applied for a grant and won a contribution of several hundred plants representing a $1,000 in-kind donation to the university.

“Because of the size of our prairie, we were able to get 400 milkweed plants,” said Peters, who coordinated the planting and marking of the plants.

In the summer of 2020, Peters was able to secure an internship with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

“While at the DNR, I was lucky enough to see beautiful high-quality remnant prairies in the Walworth County area, some even right outside of Whitewater. Seeing these remnant areas so close by has helped to get a better understanding of what our nature preserve could become with the regular care and restoration efforts it has been receiving over the years.”

“Emily is a great example of the value of having an active sustainability program that promotes and supports having a space for students to learn more about resource utilization, environmental protection, reduction of waste, and how to live and thrive as responsible and engaged citizens today and beyond graduation day,” said Enterline.

“The real impact of sustainability projects is when these practices are implemented and embraced by the entire campus community. Then we start to fulfill the role of our university as a steward of natural and financial resources in the best interests of our students’ futures.”