COVID-19 vs. seasonal allergies: How do you tell the difference?

(Press release from SSM Health)

It’s allergy season for many people in south-central Wisconsin, and this fall is unlike others they’ve been through before. COVID-19 and seasonal allergies share many symptoms, including:

  • Cough
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose

But there are notable differences between the two. Allergy sufferers more commonly experience itchy, watery eyes or sneezing. COVID-19 symptoms can include fever, body aches, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

SSM Health Allergist Dr. Ashleigh Olson says this is something frequently being brought up by patients.

“The main question I ask them is whether symptoms are different than baseline, and if so, they need to be evaluated,” says Dr. Olson. “In addition, allergies should respond to allergy medications. COVID-19 will not. So that’s another way someone might be able to tell the difference between the two.”

In terms of prevention, masks are critical to slowing the spread of COVID-19. They will also offer some protection against seasonal allergies because they can block some larger particles from being inhaled. However, masks should not be your only line of defense against allergies. Smaller pollen or mold particles can still get through many face coverings.

Dr. Olson also regularly sees patients with asthma. Some of them have expressed concerns that their symptoms are due to COVID-19 infection.

“My biggest advice for asthmatics is we want them to keep their asthma as controlled as possible,” says Dr. Olson. “That way, if they do get sick, they are at a better starting point than if it was uncontrolled.”

If you have any questions about your allergies, asthma or COVID-19, please reach out to your primary care provider.

League of Women Voters sponsoring Annual State of the City & Schools Addresses, Thurs. 9/24

The League of Women Voters-Whitewater Area is excited to again be hosting the annual State of the City and State of the Schools Addresses on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Presenters include Whitewater City Manager Cameron Clapper and Whitewater Unified School District Administrator Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty.

Due to COVID-19, this event will be virtual. To attend live, please join the webinar by using the URL: https://zoom.us/j/95439454509?pwd=WnFpbnlLbEtVazE5WHVzZmFCc0FaUT09 – Passcode: 119066.

Or, join us by telephone: Dial (312) 626-6799, Webinar ID: 954 3945 4509, Passcode: 119066#. This event will be recorded and afterwards will be made available to the public.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!

Library to Offer “Lincoln on Slavery, Emancipation, and Equality” Virtually on September 29 at 4 p.m.

(Whitewater Public Library Submission) Mr. Lincoln (Kevin Wood, Michigan resident historian and actor) shares his ever-evolving perspectives on the subjects of slavery, emancipation, and equality, including the relationship between the races during his times. Visit the Irvin L. Young Library’s Facebook page or YouTube channel to view live programs and past events.

Double fatality crash on Sunday on Cty Highway N west of WI 26 (Updated on 9/21)

Banner note: The Banner contacted the Sheriff’s Office to question whether it was the Ford Edge that drifted into the opposing lane. Sgt. Rowley confirmed that this was the case.

Update on 9/21 from the Sheriff’s Office: “After reviewing reports and consulting with the Rock County District Attorney’s Office, the only charge the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will be moving forward with at this time
for Mr. Zembroski is OWI 3rd. This crash remains under investigation by the Rock
County Sheriff’s Office.”

Michael Hilliger of Whitewater recognized by Best of the Midwest Media Fest for “The Gems of Whitewater”

Michael Hilliger at the Whitewater Community Television station, 2018 (Courtesy of Michael Hilliger)

Michael Hilliger of Whitewater was recognized by Best of the Midwest Media Fest, for his work on the series “The Gems of Whitewater.”

He won one of the top prizes for “Best Program Produced by a College Student.”  Last year he got an Achievement Award, and won a Series Excellence Award this year.

Michael works for the Whitewater Television Station during the summer and attends the Wisconsin University at Stout, the rest of the year.

Full Story found on the Janesville Gazette site.  You can view the full series at https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=53 or by clicking on the episodes below:

Episode 1: The Artesian Well

Episode 2: The Birge Fountain

Episode 3: The Train Depot

Episode 4: The Bur Oak Tree

Episode 5: War Memorials

Episode 6: The Water Tower

Free USDA-sponsored meals offered to all children/youth up to age 18 even if not enrolled in WUSD; Order form provided

BACKGROUND

Meals will be offered to all students — both learning in person and those learning virtually.

For the remainder of calendar year 2020, as long as the funding is available from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), meals will be provided at no charge to all children up to age 18 even if not enrolled in WUSD and students enrolled in school if over age 18.

IN PERSON LEARNING DAYS

Elementary (Kindergarten – 5th Grade)

Bus riders will arrive at noon. Students walking to school or being dropped off by a parent/guardian and eating school lunch should arrive at noon (12:00 p.m.).

Students will go to the cafeteria to get their meal and return to their classroom to eat the meal.

Middle School

Students will get their meal from the cafeteria and spread out among the cafeteria, gym, and outside areas (weather dependent).

High School

Students will get their meal from the MPR and spread out in and around the MPR.

VIRTUAL LEARNING DAYS

Kindergarten – 12th Grade

Families will have the opportunity to order to-go meals (breakfast and/or lunch) on a weekly or daily basis. The meals can be picked up between 12:30 and 1:00 p.m. at the following locations:

  • Lakeview – Custodial door at the back of the building near the shed and dumpsters
  • Lincoln – Door #7 (same side of the building as the main office)
  • Washington – Kitchen door in staff parking lot
  • Middle School – Custodial door in circle drive
  • High School – Main door in the circle drive

You may order and pick up meals for one or more days per week. For example, you could order meals and pick them up each day of the week. Or, you could order all meals for the week on Monday, for example. In this situation, you would be receiving all the same meal item.

Meals are only available for pick up on regularly-scheduled school days.

Orders for pick up the following day must be submitted by 10:00 a.m. the day before. For example, when ordering a meal for pick up on Thursday, you must submit your order by 10:00 a.m. Wednesday.

The to-go meals order form for the week of September 21 is available online via the link below:
https://sites.google.com/wwusd.org/wusd-covid-19/food-service


The new order form is posted at the end of each week for the following week.


As a reminder, these meals (breakfast and lunch) are provided at no charge to students, and are available for pick up at each of our five schools between 12:30 and 1:00 p.m. on school days.  These meals are available for all children up to age 18 even if not enrolled in our district and students enrolled in school if over age 18.


Students learning in person and eating breakfast and lunch at school will also receive free meals.


Meals should not be ordered online for students in grades kindergarten through 5 for days they are attending in person.  However, meals should be ordered online for middle and high school students on days they are attending in person for small group instruction.


Orders for pick up the following day must be submitted by 10:00 a.m. the day before.  For example, when ordering a meal for pick up on Thursday, you must submit your order by 10:00 a.m. Wednesday.


Sincerely,
Lisa Griep
Food Service Supervisor

—


Estimadas Familias:


El formulario de pedido de comidas para la semana del 21 de septiembre está disponible en línea a través del siguiente enlace:
https://sites.google.com/wwusd.org/wusd-covid-19/food-service


El nuevo formulario de pedido se publica al final de cada semana para la semana siguiente.


Como recordatorio, estas comidas (desayuno y almuerzo) son gratuitas para los estudiantes, y están disponibles para ser recogidas en cada una de nuestras cinco escuelas entre las 12:30 y la 1:00 pm en días escolares. Estas comidas están disponibles para todos los niños hasta los 18 años de edad, incluso si no están inscritos en nuestro distrito y también para los estudiantes inscritos en la escuela si son mayores de 18 años.


Los estudiantes que estén aprendiendo en persona y desayunando y almorzando en la escuela también recibirán comidas gratis.


Las comidas no deben ser ordenadas en línea para los estudiantes en los grados de kindergarten a 5º en los días en que asisten en persona.  Sin embargo, las comidas deben ser ordenadas en línea para los estudiantes de la escuela media (middle school) y preparatoria (high school) en los días que asisten en persona para la instrucción de grupos pequeños.


Las órdenes para ser recogidas al día siguiente deben ser sometidas antes de las 10:00 a.m. del día anterior.  Por ejemplo, cuando ordene una comida para ser recogida el jueves, debe entregar su pedido antes de las 10:00 am del miércoles.


Sinceramente,
Lisa Griep
Supervisora de Servicios de Alimentación

Walworth County absentee ballots already requested were mailed 9/17; Jefferson will be close behind

From City Clerk Michele Smith, Sept. 20

The City of Whitewater has received over 1,500 requests for absentee ballots to date.  The Walworth County ballots were mailed out on 9/17/20.  Jefferson County ballots have not yet arrived, but are expected to be mailed out on 9/18/20.

For those who prefer to hand deliver their voted ballots to City Hall, there is a secure ballot drop box located in the vestibule of the Whitewater Municipal Building, 312 W. Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI.  The vestibule is open 24 hours per day, is lighted, and monitored by cameras.

All completed absentee ballots, including Voter’s Signature, Witness Signature and Witness Complete Address on the certificate Envelope, must be received by the municipal clerk on Election Day in order to be counted.

To register to vote or to receive an absentee ballot, you may go to myvote.wi.gov or contact the City Clerk’s office at (262) 473-0102.

UW-W’s Fairhaven Lecture Series returns this fall. Join us online, won’t you? Starts Mon., 9/21

Since 1983, faculty experts from UW-Whitewater have been presenting free public lectures on topics from art and history to current events and influential people. Join us online this fall, as we explore one of the most important issues in our lives today: Election 2020.

The 2020 election season will be like no other in U.S. history. An unconventional incumbent president, an international pandemic, and social and economic unrest will be on voters’ minds this fall. How will these people and events shape campaign messages? What can we learn from past elections in trying times? What will the results mean for 2021 and beyond? Join us this fall as we take a deep dive into Election 2020.

Lectures in the Fall 2020 series will be held virtually. Lectures may be held live via WebEx or pre-recorded and videos of all lectures will be posted to this page. Check individual title for information. Videos of lectures can be accessed for free any time after they are posted below.

Follow us on social media for updates and release: facebook.com/UWWFairhavenLecture   For videos of past series click here.  Any other questions, please contact Kari Borne at  bornek@uww.edu or 262-472-1003.

September 21 at 3:00 p.m.A Recap of the 2020 Presidential Nomination ProcessSusan Johnson, associate professor, Political Science and assistant dean, College of Letters and SciencesThis lecture will be held via WebEx. Click here to join the event.
September 28 at 3:00 p.m.COVID on the Campaign Trail: The Role of COVID-19 in 2020 U.S. Presidential Campaign CommunicationCorey Davis, professor, CommunicationThis lecture will be held via WebEx. Check back for a link to participate.
Who Owns the Central Bank? Monetary Policy, Government and Elections – Eylem Ersal, associate professor, Economics 
Supreme Court Appointees from Bush to Trump: The More Things Change, the More Things Change – Jolly Emrey, associate professor and chair, Political Science 
Natural Disasters, Man-made Calamities & the Economy: Making or Breaking the Incumbent President in an Election – Krastina Dzhambova, assistant professor, Economics 
One Week Left: The Final Days of the 2020 Campaign and What to Look for on Election Night – Eric Loepp, assistant professor, Political Science
Presidential Elections in Times of Crises – Dick Haven, professor emeritus, Communication
Election Results: Winners, Losers, and What Happens Next – Political Science Faculty Panel
Presidential Transitions: Understanding the Period between Campaigning and Governing – Louis Fucilla, assistant professor, Political Science
Fiscal and Monetary Policy Responses to Covid-19 and its Implication on Presidential Elections – Narendra Regmi, assistant professor, Economics

The content of each lecture in the Fairhaven Lecture Series is the intellectual property of the individual presenter.

“Beethoven at 250” Begins Music Mosaics Concert Series

(UW-Whitewater Department of Music submission) The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Music always begins its Music Mosaics Concert Series with MungHee Chung’s incredible prowess over keys in black and white, and this year is no exception. In honor of Beethoven’s 250th Birthday, Chung will perform a solo piano concert comprised entirely of Beethoven’s compositions. This year all of the music concerts will be delivered digitally and tickets for this digital concert are on sale now through September 27, 2020. The link for digital content will be sent to ticketholders on September 28, 2020 and will be available for viewing through October 12, 2020. Single tickets are $13, and family viewing tickets (2+ individual viewers) are $26. These ticket rates include all taxes and fees. Call for tickets at 262-472-2222 or at https://tickets.uww.edu

Chung’s concert “Beethoven at 250” includes three Beethoven piano sonatas (No. 3 from early period; No. 23  from middle period, and No. 31 from late period). He wrote 32 piano sonatas during his lifetime. Though almost every composer has different styles that evolved throughout their life, Beethoven’s three styles had more distinctions between them. The early period was influenced by Haydn and Mozart, his sonatas have more traditional forms and styles.  His middle period pieces are very virtuosic and dramatic.  His late period is more soul-searching, somewhat introverted, and not too technical (very much like Brahms’s late period piano pieces).

“The three sonatas show vast range of emotions and pianistic ability.  When thinking about beautiful melodic composers, Chopin and Schubert (for his Lied) come to mind, but Beethoven’s Sonata 31 displays a beautiful, almost haunting, sobbing melody,” shared Chung about the music performed for this concert.

The Music Mosaics concert series benefits the UW-Whitewater Music Department’s Scholarship Fund, allowing the department to recognize students for their musical talents and academic excellence. 

Don’t miss the start of the Music Mosaics concert series with “Beethoven at 250.” Tickets for this digital concert are on sale now and are available through September 27, 2020. The link for digital content will be sent to ticketholders on September 28, 2020 and will be available for viewing through October 12, 2020. Single tickets are $13, and family viewing tickets (2+ individual viewers) are $26. These ticket rates include all taxes and fees. Call for tickets at 262-472-2222 or at https://tickets.uww.edu