(Whitewater Unites Lives submission) Patty Harmon is a WUL Hometown Hero “For organizing both the CROP Hunger Walk, which benefits local food pantries, and the Campus & Community Spaghetti Meals.”
Patty said, “What a surprise and honor! Thank you!”
The nomination includes, “She works hard, along with Mariann Scott, for the CROP Hunger Walk organizing, getting out the word, filing out the paperwork and also creating packets for each walker. This year with COVID – 19 she has worked tirelessly to make sure that CROP Hunger Walk can still be successful. Proceeds go to the Whitewater Community Food Pantry, the Warhawk Pantry at UW-W and The Community Space.
Patty also is the organizer, along with Margie Hammerl, for the Campus & Community Spaghetti Meals. This is held at the Congregational UCC on Monday nights and feeds the students as well as the community a warm meal of spaghetti, salad, garlic bread and dessert. This takes a lot of planning to assure that there is enough food for everyone. Patty always has a smile on her face and a positive attitude. She is always willing to give a helping hand!”
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
On Friday, October 16th, students in Mrs. Camden Harlan’s English 12 virtual class at Whitewater HS were honored with guest speaker, award-winning actor, storyteller, and voiceover artist, Joshua Kane, as part of a residency with UW-Whitewater. Also joining the conversation was Young Auditorium’s Education and Community Engagement Coordinator, Keriann Kirkeng, as well as WHS Associate Principal, Nathan O’Shaughnessy.
Mr. Kane was wonderfully entertaining and brought a wealth of experience, exuberance, and artistic flair to Mrs. Harlan’s virtual classroom. Mr. Kane reminded students that as they prepare to enter the adult world, “It’s less important to be right, than it is to be kind… You don’t have to be right, you just have to be authentic.” He encouraged students to be the moviemaker of their story every single day; to ask themselves who they are, how they’re handling their camera; to make sure they back up in order to see the whole picture. Full of energy and wisdom, Mr. Kane enlightened students’ perspective on today’s societal issues, the pandemic, their education, and that “silly makes the world go round.”
By Lynn Binnie Whitewater Banner volunteer staff whitewaterbanner@gmail.com October 17, 2020
This very lengthy article provides the following information:
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 barely be “very high risk” under the Jefferson County model that Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) is no longer using as guidance. Whitewater’s case incidence, 24.0, is now essentially mirroring that of Walworth County. Meanwhile, Jefferson County is currently reporting an extraordinarily high 7-day case incidence rate of 56. The statewide case incidence is reported to be 44.9.
WUSD’s current data, which indicates that since September 1 there have been twelve positive cases among students and three staff members. In-person classes resumed fulltime for 4K – 5th grade on September 28; grades 6-12 began a hybrid model on October 12.
UWWs current data, showing that last week there were only eight students and two staff with positive PCR tests. In the initial four weeks of the semester there had been a total of 371 students and 15 others. In the past three weeks there have been 39 students and 5 others with positive PCR tests.
Erica Bergstrom, MPH, Walworth County Health Officer, included this note in the county’s Oct. 15 COVID update: “Since March of 2020 Walworth County Public Health staff have managed more than 30,000 COVID-19 test results and 111 COVID-19 outbreaks, this is thousands more communicable disease reports than are typically seen in this county in a year, let alone 7 months. If you interact with a local public health employee please give them your thanks; be they from Walworth County or anywhere else in the state. Their work is difficult and often underappreciated. They’ve maintained dignity and grace in very trying times. Thank you local public health staff.”
Per this state website, Walworth County has a “high” COVID activity level, and Jefferson and Rock Counties have “very high” levels. The state as a whole is currently rated in the “very high” activity level. Per the state, “COVID-19 remains very contagious and most people in Wisconsin are still at risk of getting sick from the virus.”
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
10/16
308
22.6
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
10/17
42
25.1
20
24.0
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%
10/17
175
42
24.0%
80
20
25.0%
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%
9.49%
35
10/16
1803
308
14.6%
1142
176
15.4%
9.47%
36
Note: On May 12, 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) advised governments that before reopening, rates of positivity in testing (ie, out of all tests conducted, how many came back positive for COVID-19) of should remain at 5% or lower for at least 14 days. If a positivity rate is too high, that may indicate that the state is only testing the sickest patients who seek medical attention, and is not casting a wide enough net to know how much of the virus is spreading within its communities. Wisconsin’s current positivity rate is 23.91%.
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 current number of close contact, symptomatic, COVID positive staff and students.
District COVID Tracking Data Sept 1 – October 14 (updated October 15)
Cumulative
October 14
STAFF
Close Contact Positive Person
24
5
Showing Symptoms
30
0
Tested COVID-Positive
3
1
Total Quarantined Staff
57
STUDENTS
Close Contact Positive Person
78
19
Showing Symptoms
122
44
Tested COVID-Positive
12
3
Total Quarantined Students
212
Totals
Number of Positive COVID Cases
15
Number of Days of School
32
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 10/16/2020 at 8:15 AM
COVID-19 cases reported to UW-Whitewater
New reports – Week of Oct. 11 – Oct. 17
Previous week
Cumulative reports since March 2020
Students
8
15
418
Employees
2
1
18
Other
0
0
3
Unknown
0
0
0
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 (10/1-10/15)
Walworth County (9/29-10/12)
Rock County (9/30-10/13)
Jefferson County
Wisconsin (7-day average)
Percent Positive
24% (30/126*)
11.40%
21.81%
19.8%
20.8%
Time to complete contact tracing
100% of contacts are initiated within 48 hours**
95% of contacts are initiated within 48 hours
49% 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
16% Available (Based on Immediate Bed Availability)
Total cases per 100,000
n/a
321.6
573.4
631.8
627.9
*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
10/7/20
8
10/8/20
9
10/9/20
7
10/12/20
6
10/13/20
5
10/14/20
6
10/15/20
4
*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
922
706
249
26.1%
Previous 7 days of Antigen Testing Administered
Antigen* Test Date
# of Antigen Tests Administered
# of Antigen Negative Results
# of Antigen Positive Results
Percentage Positive
10/7/20
99
98
1
1.0%
10/8/20
60
58
2
3.4%
10/9/20
60
60
0
0.0%
10/12/20
123
123
0
0.0%
10/13/20
159
157
2
1.3%
10/14/20
62
62
0
0.0%
10/15/20
69
67
2
3.0%
Total All Antigen Tests
2,223
2,161
62
2.9%
*Antigen testing is conducted on asymptomatic and random volunteers.
RIPON, WI (10/15/2020)– Area students were named to various honor societies during the Awards Convocation in the spring of 2020.
Clarice Bergman of Whitewater, Wisconsin was named to the Sigma Tau Delta (English) honor society
Lydia Wiley Deal of Whitewater, Wisconsin was named to the Sigma Pi Sigma (Physics) honor society
Ripon College, founded in 1851, is Wisconsin’s best-value private college and a national leader in liberal arts education, devoted to ensuring every student realizes their unique potential. Ninety-six percent of alumni are employed, in graduate school or student-teaching within six months. In recognition of its academic excellence, the college was awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa in 1953, placing it among a select group of the nation’s top colleges. Ripon has the highest earning graduates in Wisconsin, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard. Ripon ranks first in Wisconsin and third in the Midwest on Washington Monthly’s list of “Best Bang for the Buck” colleges. The College has the highest minority graduation rate in the nation. Ripon is consistently recognized as a “Best Value” and “Best 383 College” by The Princeton Review and a Top Tier National Liberal Arts College by U.S. News & World Report. For more information about Ripon College, visit ripon.edu.
(Whitewater Kiwanis submissiom) The Kiwanis Whitewater Breakfast Club members held their final meeting of the fiscal year via zoom on September 29 by inducting five new members, installing the Board Members for 2020-2021, and announcing the Kiwanian of the Year.
Kiwanis Governor Roger Krogstad installed Jean Bromley as President of the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club for 2020-2021, and also presented the Past President’s pin to Lorrie Koppein. The slate of officers is as follows: Jean Bromley, President; Ed Schweitzer, Vice President; Lorrie Koppein, Immediate Past President; Patrick Taylor, President Elect; Corey Davis, Treasurer; John Newhouse, Secretary; and Shirley Grant, Assistant Secretary. Krogstad recognized Rick Norman for his 25 years as club Treasurer and installed Corey Davis as his replacement. Rollie Cooper was recognized for his many years on the board and many contributions to the club. Additional board members are: Steve Smith, Rick Norman, Jerry Grant, and Marjorie Stoneman.
Lorrie Koppein was voted Kiwanian of the Year
Governor Roger also inducted five new members to the club: Cathy Anderson, Elvira Kau, Sara Marquardt, Caroline Pate-Hefty, and Al Stanek.
Elvira Kau has been inducted into the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club
Sara Marquardt has been inducted into the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club
Caroline Pate-Hefty has been inducted into the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club
Al Stanek has been inducted into the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club
Lorrie Koppein was honored as the Kiwanian of the Year for her exemplary work and dedication to the Kiwanis Breakfast Club. Lorrie will be serving as Lieutenant Governor of Division 4 of the Wisconsin-Upper Michigan Kiwanis District.
The Kiwanis Whitewater Breakfast Club is made up of dedicated volunteers who help both the Whitewater community and the world, all with 100 percent of funds going directly to projects and zero to administrative costs. Last year, the club distributed more than $20,000, with donations to the Whitewater Unified School District, including shoes for students and scholarships; in addition the club donated to the Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, The Community Space and First United Methodist Church that served free meals during COVID. Kiwanis helped to build and maintain the Flowing Well Shelter, the shelters at Starin Park and Treyton’s Field of Dreams, the WHS football field lights and press box, as well as adopting a highway to clean up. In addition, the group donates to the Whitewater Youth Soccer Club, the Friends of the Whitewater Aquatic Center Family Partnership Fund and more. More information can be found on the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club Facebook page.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.
(J-Hawks submission) The J-Hawks are doing a November calendar raffle. Tickets are $10 each. Winners are drawn daily. Over $1600 in prizes! Multiple chances to win, too (winning tickets are thrown back in the tub).
Coach Cheri Zimdars said, “I’ll send you a picture of your ticket numbers and you can pay using venmo or mailing a check to J-Hawk at 430 Assembly Court, WW. For those that live close, The calendar stub will be dropped off at your home.”
Winners will be announced on the J-Hawk Facebook page, then emailed or texted.
They would love to have your support for this fun event.
People can buy tickets from any J-Hawk family members that they know. For those who do not know any of the J-Hawk family members, please feel free to contact Coach Cheri at j_hawkswim@charter.net.
(Press Release from United Way Jefferson/North Walworth Counties)
We recently received a shipment of 6,000 disposable, non-medical masks through a health partnership via the United Way of Wisconsin. The masks are packaged in boxes of 50 and are available to any local nonprofit group/ organization that could utilize them for their staff, clients and/or volunteers. If there isn’t a great enough need from organizations/groups, they will be offered to any community member.
If you have a need for these free masks, please reach out with your desired quantity and we can arrange a time for me to drop them off or for them to be picked up at our United Way office in Fort Atkinson.
Thank you,
Megan Hartwick Executive Director United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties unitedway@idcnet.com 920.563.8880 734 Madison Avenue Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
Vitamin D, sometimes known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is in the limelight for its possible effect on COVID-19. Several vitamin D studies have encouraging results, but it is too early to definitively say that it can help prevent or fight the virus.
Vitamin D is historically known for supporting bone health, cell growth and the immune system. One of our primary sources is the sun, as UV rays can trigger vitamin D synthesis in the body. Questions about its benefits have even surrounded pandemics before.
“During the Spanish Flu outbreak in 1918, patients who were in an enclosed tent without sunshine fared worse than those who were able to spend regular time outside,” says SSM Health Infectious Disease physician Dr. Amanda Carlson. “Obviously, the research then was observational and conclusive evidence was lacking.”
Now, as the world puts COVID-19 under the microscope, researchers are again turning to vitamin D. One study out of Boston University found that patients who had sufficient vitamin D levels were less likely to have severe COVID-19 complications and were 51-percent less likely to die, compared to patients who had lower vitamin D levels. Another study found that adequate levels of vitamin D may actually decrease your risk of being infected by COVID-19 in the first place.
However, just like with the Spanish Flu, this research is again observational.
“These are very important studies because we don’t have a COVID-19 cure and continue to learn a lot about how to treat the virus,” says Dr. Carlson. “However, they’ve come with some scrutiny because higher levels of vitamin D are often seen in younger populations. Younger people tend to be healthier in general, which might allow their bodies to better fight COVID-19. We need a randomized study that would match variables between two groups to be able to say that vitamin D does in fact have a connection.”
In the meantime, should you start taking vitamin D supplements regularly?
“Vitamin D deficiency is very common, so many primary care providers already ask patients to take daily pills, especially during seasons when they aren’t exposed to very much sunlight,” says Dr. Carlson. “So if you start a regiment, you’ll receive all the proven benefits and any COVID-19 defense could be an added bonus.”
Vitamin D supplements are easy to find, as they are sold over the counter. Dr. Carlson adds that before taking any supplement, you should talk to your primary care provider about usage and dosage recommendations.
