AMES, Iowa (June 18, 2020)- More than 12,500 Iowa State University students have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the spring semester 2020 Dean’s List. Students named to the Dean’s List must have earned a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 9 credit hours of graded course work.
Whitewater, WI
Ashley Elizabeth Young, Junior class year, Veterinary Medicine
Freemasons Sponsor Second Red Cross Blood Drive Against COVID-19
Jefferson, WI: Freemasons of Jefferson County Lodge #9 are partnering once again with the American
Red Cross to sponsor a blood drive in support Red Cross efforts to provide much needed blood in the
fight against COVID-19. The blood drive will be held at the Jefferson County Masonic Center, 617
Masonic Blvd, in Jefferson, on Tuesday, June 30th, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“Again, the American Red Cross and Jefferson County Lodge #9 are partnering together to maintain a
sufficient blood supply during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic,” said Heather Olsen, Donor
Recruitment Manager for the American Red Cross. “Since Wisconsin has ‘opened for business,’ it is very
easy to think that we’re done. But the real story is that we are not yet through this pandemic, and a
reliable supply of blood donations is absolutely critical to the fight against COVID-19. Our partnership
with Jefferson County Lodge is a significant part of maintaining that supply.” To date, over 1.9 million Americans have contracted COVID-19, and just over 100,000 have died. Here in Wisconsin, there have been 19,400 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with just over 600 deaths.
“We urge the people of Jefferson and surrounding communities to come out and donate blood,” said
David Medici, Secretary of the Lodge. “The Red Cross has robust protocols for ensuring blood donors will
be protected during their donation period, so there’s really no reason to worry. Giving blood, especially
now, is safe and it is something that is desperately needed. Please come and donate.”
About Jefferson County Lodge #9: Jefferson County Lodge #9 is a constituent Lodge of the Grand Lodge
Free and Accepted Masons of Wisconsin, and a member of the global fraternity of Masons. Its members
are drawn from all cultures, races, nations, political affiliations, and professions, united by a common
devotion to character development and service to the communities and nations in which they live. As
such, the Lodge encourages any good man who seeks to improve himself and his community to join us in
in a united effort to be a force for good to all mankind.
MADISON, Wis.— Press Release — University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents President Andrew S. Petersen today announced that former Governor Tommy G. Thompson has agreed to serve as UW System Interim President effective July 1. The decision comes after consultation Thursday with the Board of Regents, which offered uniform support.
Thompson is a well-known champion of Wisconsin’s public universities, and he has called for a renewal of the Wisconsin Idea, the principle that the UW System serves all parts of the state. He is the state’s only four-term governor and his bipartisan policy proposals have had a lasting impact on the state. As a former U.S. Secretary for Health and Human Services (HHS), Governor Thompson’s health policy experience will be critical as universities respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. He chairs the UW System Business Council and helped lead a public-private campaign to fund UW-Madison’s BioStar Initiative with the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.
“The University of Wisconsin System is the state’s most valuable asset, and I will be its biggest advocate and its toughest evaluator,” Thompson said. “No other institution in the state can do more to improve lives, communities, and Wisconsin’s economy.”
Petersen said he asked Thompson to serve as Interim President because of his legacy of bringing people together and finding common ground.
“Governor Thompson is a statesman who offers the kind of leadership the UW System needs right now,” Petersen said. “I have witnessed his collaborative yet direct leadership style. He is perfectly suited to serve as Interim President.”
Regent Karen Walsh praised the selection.
“I have known Governor Thompson since he was in the state legislature, and he understands the importance of the UW System to the state of Wisconsin, including the key role that academic research plays in economic development,” Walsh said. “He is a pragmatic leader who seeks solutions. He has my confidence.”
Born in Elroy, Wis., Thompson, 78, earned his bachelor’s and law degrees from UW-Madison. He was elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 1966 and became minority leader in 1981. He won election as governor in 1986 and won an unprecedented four terms, which makes him the longest-serving governor in Wisconsin history. As governor he remained committed to a strong university system, faculty research, and the Wisconsin Idea. He stepped down during his fourth term to become HHS secretary under President George W. Bush, a role where he oversaw an increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health and enhanced local public health preparedness.
He is currently a senior fellow with the Bipartisan Policy Center and chairman and chief executive officer of Thompson Holdings. He serves on the board of directors of Centene Corporation; United Therapeutics Corporation; Physicians Realty Trust; and TherapeuticsMD, Inc.
At his request, Thompson will be paid the minimum under Board policy, $489,334 salary annually.
Board of Regents policy vests the Regent President with authority to name an Interim President. No vote of the Board is required, but Petersen consulted with Board members Thursday and a uniform consensus developed around Governor Thompson’s appointment.
The Board of Regents will not commence a search for a permanent president for at least a year. Under the terms of his contract, Thompson will serve until a new president is hired and takes office.
Current System President Ray Cross will remain with the System as a consultant for 90 days after he leaves office June 30 to assist Thompson’s transition into the role.
See bio of Thompson.
Barb Quast and Pat Chaput are this week’s WUL Hometown Heroes. They were nominated, “For volunteering as co-managers of the Whitewater Community Food Pantry, and for working tirelessly at least 4-6 days a week for many years to help provide food to the Whitewater 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
Juneteenth celebrates June 19, 1865, when Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and delivered the news that slaves in Texas had been liberated two years earlier, in January 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Today’s celebration couldn’t come at a more fitting time, as citizens across the country, including Whitewater, have taken to the streets to call for racial justice.
| Gov. Evers Announces Juneteenth Flag to Fly Over the State Capitol Building in Celebration of Juneteenth |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced on June 16 that the Juneteenth flag will be raised over the Wisconsin State Capitol beginning at sunrise on Fri., June 19, 2020, in celebration of Juneteenth. “As a state that sees some of the most disparate outcomes for Black Wisconsinites, it is as important as ever that we recognize and reflect on our history, celebrate Black resiliency, and move forward in solidarity and strength toward a more racially equitable and just society,” said Gov. Evers. “This year, Juneteenth has particular significance as we find ourselves in the midst of a movement for racial justice and an end to systemic racism,” said Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes. “We have won significant freedoms since 1619, but our work will not be over until all Black lives matter by way of equity and the opportunity to thrive.” Juneteenth is formally recognized and celebrated in 47 states and the District of Columbia, with Wisconsin joining as the 32nd state to recognize this day in 2009. This is the first time that the Juneteenth flag has flown at the State Capitol building in state history. Wisconsinites are welcome to view the flag at the East entrance of the State Capitol and are encouraged to practice social distancing and wear masks. The Rainbow Pride Flag will be temporarily removed and will resume flying over the East wing of the State Capitol building on Sat., June 20, 2020. The U.S. flag and Wisconsin state flag will continue flying on the East wing flagpole above the Juneteenth flag. The POW-MIA flag will continue flying on the North wing flagpole as it does every day. |
Bingg’s Restaurant, N416 Twinkling Star Rd,, previously the location of Saxes Lone Star Inn, has constructed an attractive new deck to respond to the increased interest in outdoor dining due to the pandemic. Owners Ed and Chrissy Gaggioli state, “All meals are served using disposable dishes and cutlery for your safety. Hours are currently 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with dinner menu service beginning at 5 p.m. Friday menu is different, with fish fry added, entrees and a few other items abridged from the daily menu.”
Reservations (262-203-9830) are recommended, especially on Fridays. The current menu is available at https://binggs.hrpos.heartland.us/menu; carryout orders may be placed online.
Per a press release from Whitewater Community Fundraising Partners on June 14,”The City of Whitewater has just issued permits for two IN-PERSON running events to be hosted on June 28 and July 12. Both events will begin and end at Starin Park. Each run is a fundraiser helping local organizations.”
Put Homelessness to Rest 5K on June 28: All proceeds benefit the homeless youth in the Whitewater School District. Whitewater Community Fundraising Partners is working directly with the school district to make a difference. Register today at: https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Whitewater/Homelessness5Konsiteevent. If you are not comfortable yet doing an in person event, you can take part in our virtual run/walk. Please register at the same link as above.
The J-Hawks will be hosting the 2nd run on July 12, a 5K socially distanced run/walk. This is also a fundraising event. The J-Hawks offer both swim lessons and competitive swimming and provide both FREE and REDUCED lessons to youth in the district who receive either free or reduced lunches respectively. Register today at: https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Whitewater/JHawk5KRunWalk
THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO GET OUT THERE AND RUN WITH OTHERS AND MAKE AN IMPACT IN THE LIVES OF OUR YOUTH.
WE ARE BEYOND GRATEFUL TO THE CITY OF WHITEWATER!!!!
Tune in to the library’s Facebook page, Monday, June 22nd at 10 a.m. for a new craft video. Register to reserve your craft kit on the library’s website. A staff member will call and schedule a curbside pick-up time for craft kits.
Banner note: since the announcement states, “craft video released,” we assume that it will also be available after the stated time.
WCF News Release – The Whitewater Community Foundation was approached by an
anonymous donor wishing to raise more funds for the COVID-19 Community Recovery
Fund. This fund supports non-profits and government agencies that have been affected
by COVID-19. The Foundation has already given a round of grants to non-profits in
Whitewater, but we know that more is needed. The anonymous donor is willing to match all donations to the COVID-19 Community Recovery Fund up to $5,000 for donations made between now and July 6th.
Please help the Foundation benefit from this match offer by donating today at
https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/donate/. Donations can also be mailed to the
Foundation at: Whitewater Community Foundation
PO Box 428
Whitewater, WI 53190
By Lisa Dawsey Smith
Whitewater Banner Staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
The City of Whitewater Common Council met virtually on June 16, with a number of citizens also participating.
City Manager Cameron Clapper announced that another free COVID-19 testing event will take place in Elkhorn on June 22 and 23. He also introduced Cathy Anderson, the new Economic Development Director for the Community Development Authority. Ms. Anderson comes to the position from Granite Falls, MN, where she served for over three years as Executive Director for the Granite Falls Economic Development Authority. Previous to that she served as Executive Assistant for the Walworth County Economic Development Alliance for over six years. The Discover Whitewater Series half marathon and 5K are still scheduled for September 20; however, there will be a cap of 150 runners on each race. The Fit Kid Shuffle, Half Marathon Relay, Pre-race Dinner, Whitewater Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, and other events will not be held this year. The race route is being changed somewhat, partially due to road construction.
The sale of $5,195,000 General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds was authorized. Ehlers Inc. representative Greg Johnson reported that it had been a competitive sale, with six bidders. The low bid, which was accepted, was offered by Bankers Bank of Madison in cooperation with First Citizens State Bank. The true annual interest cost for the 20 year bonds will be 1.6699%, a very attractive rate that will result in $549,000 in savings in principal and interest compared with the pre-sale projections. The proceeds will pay for capital projects, particularly road and utilities reconstruction, and will also help to pay off two previous borrowings at lower interest rates.
The City Manager’s March 18, 2020 Declaration of Emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic was ratified, with an ending date of December 31, 2020 unless canceled or extended before that date. This declaration is intended to help qualify the city for any state and federal emergency funding that may be available.
The Wastewater Treatment Compliance Maintenance Annual Report to the state was adopted. Congratulations was expressed to Superintendent Tim Reel and his staff for another excellent report, with all grades of A except for one B.
The first reading of an ordinance repealing the R-2A Residential Increased Occupancy Overlay District was approved. This ordinance, enacted in 2016, has allowed property owners in a specific district generally to the south of the university to apply for increased occupancy designed to accommodate student renters. It was indicated that due to the declines in university enrollment in recent years there is no longer a need for increases in student housing. There was no public comment on the matter. City Attorney Wallace McDonell provided an opinion regarding the legal nonconforming use that would continue under specified conditions for properties that already received the R-2A zoning.
An agreement for professional services related to the lakes dredging project with Ayres Associates was approved. Council member Jim Allen requested that in view of current economic conditions, the State Department of Natural Resources be contacted to determine whether they would be willing to extend their approval of our project for one year.
This being the fifth virtual meeting for the Council, President Lynn Binnie requested a discussion regarding rationale for and effective use of virtual City meetings. A wide variety of opinions was expressed, with Jim Allen being the strongest proponent of resuming in person meetings for the next meeting on July 21. Other members expressed concerns regarding the potential for an increase in COVID-19 infections after the 4th of July holiday, and questioned whether it was too early to return to normal practice. All seemed to agree that when in-person meetings resume, everyone present in the room will be required to wear a mask, and that the capacity of the chambers would have to be limited. City Attorney McDonell indicated that the Council typically allows public comment on many matters that do not require this under state law. Mr. Binnie indicated that virtual meetings are actually more convenient for many members of the public, for e.g., seniors who do not drive at night or do not wish to risk exposure to the virus, parents with young children, people who may be interested in only one agenda item that is late in the meeting. Though not everyone is able to view/participate in the meetings online, virtually everyone has a telephone. A motion was made by Mr. Allen to begin “hybrid” meetings (a combination of in-person and virtual) effective July 21. The motion did not pass, with three votes in favor, three votes opposed, and Brienne Brown abstaining. The question was then asked as to how many members would currently expect to attend a meeting in person. Only Jim Allen answered in the affirmative, with other members referring to health concerns of their own and their families. Two other members indicated that they live with family members who are health care professionals who are at risk for being exposed, and they felt that it would be inappropriate for them to run the risk of exposing others in a meeting.
City Manager Clapper and Parks & Recreation Director Eric Boettcher reported on reopening plans for the Aquatic and Fitness Center. Their current plan was to open the fitness center and the lap pool effective July 6. There are a number of CDC requirements that must be followed, including frequent sanitation of surfaces. The locker rooms will not be open. Concerns regarding opening the leisure pool included safety of lifeguards who are frequently called upon to assist young children exiting from the slide, and a question as to how revenues would compare with expenses. It was reported that the summer is typically not a strong utilization period for the leisure area unless temperatures are unusually cool or hot. A motion to recommend to the Parks & Recreation Commission to open the fitness center and the lap pool effective July 1 was passed unanimously.
In view of recent national events and local protests, Lynn Binnie introduced a Resolution in Support of Racial Justice. The Banner will publish a separate article on this subject by June 20.
President Binnie jested that after more than three and a half hours it must be time to end the meeting, as his second cordless telephone was running out of charge. The meeting adjourned slightly after 10 p.m.