Katy Heyning, Former UW-W Dean of the College of Education & Professional Studies, Named a Chancellor Finalist at UW-SP

Katy Heyning, PhD

Sept. 14 – According to a news release from the UW System, Dr. Katy Heyning, currently Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, State University of New York at Brockport, has been named as one of four finalists for Chancellor of UW-Stevens Point. Heyning served at UW-W for over eighteen years, including nearly nine years as Dean of the College of Education & Professional Studies before taking the position in New York in 2018. The other candidates are listed below.

Deborah Bordelon
Provost and Executive Vice President, Columbus State University
Columbus, GA

Jeanine Gangeness
Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs-Rochester, and Dean, School of Graduate Studies, Winona State University
Winona/Rochester, MN

Thomas Gibson
Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice Provost, Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, OH

Women Who CARE Hosting Mask Decorating Fundraiser to Support Trauma-Informed Care Project

FORT ATKINSON (Fort HealthCare submission) – Women Who CARE is hosting “30 Days of Masking,” a personal face covering decorating event and fundraiser, running now through the end of October. They invite the public to participate by purchasing a pre-made mask decorating kit for $10, use the kit components to decorate the mask that’s included, and then submit a photo of the final product by sharing the image on Women Who CARE’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/fortwomenwhocare) and/or on your personal social media accounts using the hashtag #forthealthcare. Kits can be purchased online at www.forthealthcare.com/maskevent while supplies last. Proceeds will support the Trauma-Informed Care training project in partnership with Every Child Thrives.

How to order your mask decorating kit(s)

$10 will secure one mask kit, but participants can order more than one kit. Women Who CARE will also gladly accept any donation amount above what is needed for a kit to help enhance the services they can offer the Trauma-Informed Care training project. More detailed instructions for placing an order can be found online at www.forthealthcare.com/maskevent.

Kits will be available starting the week of September 21st. When a kit order is received, a Women Who CARE member will contact you to arrange delivery or pickup of your kit(s).

Pickup locations will be available in Fort Atkinson, Lake Mills, and Whitewater, or by other special arrangement if necessary.

Dwight Heaney, Fort HealthCare Foundation Executive Director, states, “You can submit photo(s) of your mask creation as soon as your design is completed, up until October 21st.”

Women Who CARE and Fort HealthCare will be sharing the images on their respective social media accounts to increase awareness about their cause and to encourage others to participate in the event as well. Interested individuals can also follow posts about this event on the Women Who CARE’s Facebook page.

Heaney adds, “We encourage the community to join us as an individual, as a whole family, or even for a small group project or team building event. It can also be a fun thing to do with neighbors or coworkers – while following proper social distancing guidelines, of course! No artistic ability is required. Just have some fun with it!”

Trauma-Informed Care

Childhood trauma can have a lifelong impact on an individual’s health and well-being. When medical providers are aware of such history, it can be helpful to treat recurring health issues. Trauma-Informed Care is a clinical method for understanding the impact of adverse childhood experiences on your health. Proceeds from Women Who CARE’s “30 Days of Masking” event supports training about Trauma-Informed Care for Fort HealthCare’s clinical teams.

About Women Who CARE

Women Who CARE has its roots in the Women’s Giving Circle established by the Fort Memorial Hospital Foundation in 2004. A group of area women gathered for lunch once a quarter for information and inspiration about their health and well-being. Member contributions were gathered to fund various services at Fort HealthCare. A wide variety of projects were included over the years including hospital equipment, new health and wellness services, and scholarships.

In 2014, a group of members had an idea to expand the way the group functioned. Their idea was to engage the membership to determine ways in which the group could make a measurable impact on the health and well-being of people in our area. From that beginning, a Leadership Committee was formed, and the group set out to identify opportunities for service. For more information about Women Who CARE, visit www.forthealthcare.com/wwc.

Scott Brautigam is a Hometown Hero

(Whitewater Unites Lives Submission) Scott Brautigam is at WUL Hometown Hero.  He was nominated “For going above and beyond his role as the Assistant EMS Chief to keep the community and the EMTs safe during this difficult, ever-changing, worldwide pandemic; for his loyalty and dedication to the Whitewater Fire Department, and for the countless hours he spends helping others.”

His nomination includes, “He has a heart of gold. He worries for his EMTs and their families to make sure they are safe and healthy. He is loyal and dedicated to the Whitewater Fire Department.  The countless hours he spends and the other EMTs spend on helping people are tremendous.  I am thankful for them all.”

Scott said, “I am honored to be able to be a part of the Whitewater Fire Department and to be able to serve the community that my family and I live in.  It’s a team effort that requires all the EMT’s.  We are a great team that is always here and ready to help the community when needed.”

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 

Monday School Board meeting to act on Instructional Plans beginning 9/28; Revised Jefferson County document provides guidance

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

At its August 10 meeting the WUSD School Board voted that at a special meeting on Monday, September 14, depending upon the status of COVID-19 in the area and the schools, they hoped to affirm that the schools would be returning to fulltime in-person instruction as of September 28. Consequently the agenda for Monday’s open meeting at 7:00 p.m. includes discussion of that matter.

On August 10 the board had adopted the school reopening guidance of Jefferson County Health Department that indicated that in-person instruction should not begin unless the COVID positivity rate in the area was under 8%. The district’s plan was to use a blended rate for Jefferson, Rock, and Walworth counties based on the percentage of students enrolled from each county. As of August 10, the blended rate was calculated as 8.2%. It appears that the blended rate would not have dropped below 8% at any time since then. However, on August 20 Jefferson County revised its guidance, and the board adopted that revision at its August 24 meeting. This guidance utilizes daily case incidence as defined below, with the risk levels also shown.

Daily Case Incidence: The daily case incidence number (per 100,000) will determine whether a jurisdiction is green, yellow, orange, or red COVID activity levels using the criteria described under the COVID-19 Risk Level definition below. This is calculated using a 7-day rolling average with a lag time of one day. This lag time may increase based on processing and reporting times for tests being conducted.

COVID-19 Risk Level Case Incidence
COVID Risk Level Case Incidence Red (Very High Risk ) >25 daily new cases per 100,000 people
Orange ( High Risk ) 10<25 daily new cases per 100,000 people
Yellow ( Medium Risk ) 1<10 daily new cases per 100,000 people
Green ( Low Risk ) <1 daily new case per 100,000 people

As of September 9, the weighted average stood at 16.48, placing the district in the orange (high risk) category. In that category, Jefferson County’s recommendations are as follows:

1st priority for re-opening: Grades pre K-5 and in-person special education services at grade
levels preK-8 open if conditions for pandemic resilient teaching and learning spaces can be
achieved at scale; districts, states, and federal government invest in healthy buildings and
healthy classrooms; in the absence of conditions for pandemic resilient teaching and learning
spaces, schools continue with remote learning.

2nd priority for re-opening: Grades 6-8 and in-person special education services at grade
levels 9-12 open if conditions for pandemic resilient teaching and learning spaces can be
achieved at scale; districts, states, and federal government invest in healthy buildings and
healthy classrooms; in the absence of conditions for pandemic resilient teaching and learning
spaces, schools continue with remote learning.

Not a priority for re-opening: Grades 9-12 maintain remote learning for all learners; districts,
states, and federal government invest in remote learning.


As readers are probably aware, there has been a significant spike in positive test results for UW-W students, most of which would likely not yet be reflected in the case incidence numbers that the state reported on September 9.

Here is the access information for Monday’s open session:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82311903275?pwd=dnBhMGdSKzRJU0NYNEswWk5ydDArZz09
– Passcode: 849620
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799 – Webinar ID: 823 1190 3275 – Passcode: 849620

Assembly District 43 Candidates Forum Scheduled Virtually on September 26 from 10-11 a.m.

(League of Women Voters submission) The League of Women Voters-Whitewater Area and the League of Women Voters of Janesville, with the support of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, will be co-sponsoring a virtual candidate forum on September 26, 2020, 10-11 a.m., for the State Assembly District 43 race. Candidates for AD43, Don Vruwink (Democratic incumbent) and Beth Drew (Republican challenger), have confirmed their participation in the live, online forum.

In-person candidate forums rely on questions presented to the candidates in real time by voters in attendance, Because this forum will be virtual out of concern for the health and safety of all involved, we are soliciting candidate questions from voters in Assembly District 43 in advance of the forum date. If you live in AD43 and have questions for the candidates, please submit them electronically via our Google Form at http://bit.ly/lwv-ww-candidatefallforum no later than Thursday, September 24.  Or mail your questions to LWV Whitewater Area, 417 N Fremont St, Whitewater, WI 53190

In addition to questions received in advance, there will also be an opportunity to submit questions during the one-hour virtual forum. Candidate questions prepared jointly by the LWV-Whitewater Area and LWV Janesville will be used only if there are not enough questions provided by the public. The League does not accept questions targeted to specific candidates. 

To attend the virtual forum live, please join the webinar by using the URL:  https://zoom.us/j/92415906847?pwd=VXhvZTM0cURJc05LcnY1YXBVUUpXQT09 Passcode: 140443. Or join us by telephone: Dial (646) 558-8656, Webinar ID: 924 1590 6847, Passcode: 140443. This forum will be recorded and made available to the public once the event is over.


The League 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 websites LWV-Whitewater Area (https://lwvwhitewater.org), LWV of Janesville (https://www.lwvjvl.org/) and LWVWI (https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin). Like us on Facebook!

City Announces Grand Opening for Cravath Lakefront Park’s New Amphitheater – Thurs., 9/17

(City of Whitewater Press Release, September 10) – The City of Whitewater is excited to announce the grand opening of the Cravath Lakefront’s new Amphitheater on Thursday, September 17, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.


The Amphitheater project began in mid-2019 and was made possible through the generous sponsorship by the Frawley Family, Whitewater Rotary and the Whitewater 4th of July Committee. The project was recently completed and will be a great venue for years of entertainment at Cravath Lakefront Park.


The amphitheater is equipped with a roof, electricity, additional electrical outlets, sound system and lighting. New sod and landscaping was also planted to put the finishing touches to the new addition to the park. Plaques with the names of those involved in sponsoring the amphitheater are displayed in front.


The grand opening celebration will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a live performance by the NEW PIANO GUYS, Wisconsin’s own dueling piano entertainment. Learn more about these performers at www.newpianoguys.com.


Due to COVID-19 and the state mask order, safety precautions have been prepared to ensure citizens feel safe if they choose to attend. Picnic tables and lawn seating will be spaced out to accommodate social distancing guidelines for this event. There will be approximately 16 picnic tables provided, but attendees are also encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair. Families are encouraged to stay together and keep a six-foot distance from other families, as designated by squares painted on the grass. Although the program is outside, masks are strongly encouraged.


In addition, one Family Fun Night will be held at the amphitheater on Thursday, September 23, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. to allow for a safe family event to end the summer. Families are invited to see David Stokes, Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education Teacher of the Year and an “Aldo Leopold” award winner. David uses
live creatures and animal artifacts, songs and short stories to make learning fun. This event will also be social distanced for a safe viewing for families who feel comfortable attending.


If you have any questions about the amphitheater or the events, contact Eric Boettcher, Parks and Recreation Director at EBoettcher@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-473-0122.


View images and learn more about the amphitheater at www.whitewater-wi.gov/438/Parks-Recreation.

Virtual City/School Meetings for 9/14-18

City of Whitewater Plan Commission – Mon. @ 6:00 p.m.
Includes work session on new sign ordinance
More information
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/758038309
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (571) 317-3112
Access Code: 758-038-309

Whitewater Unified School District School Board Special Meeting – Monday; Closed session @ 6:30 p.m.; Open session @ 7:00 p.m.
Closed session pertains to specific student concerns
Open session includes instructional plans beginning 9/28
More information – click on “meetings” in upper right hand corner
Closed session access:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82572597724?pwd=bVBVWXZNOHRQYjVNMWF3SFA0a0Jxdz09
– Passcode: 990237
Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 825 7259 7724
– Passcode: 990237
Open session access: (7:00 p.m.)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82311903275?pwd=dnBhMGdSKzRJU0NYNEswWk5ydDArZz09
– Passcode: 849620
– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 823 1190 3275
– Passcode: 849620

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tues. @ 6:30 p.m.
Includes Councilmember Aldermanic District 5 applications and possible swearing in of new member; Authorizing moving of polling location for November 3 election from University Center to Kachel Field House; City’s actions regarding prevention of COVID-19 infections
More information
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/95166380642?pwd=ZDhMQkFteUpJZm55bDRLRG1lQWlmUT09
Passcode: 141226#
Or iPhone one‐tap :
US: +13126266799, 141226#
Or Telephone:
Dial 1 312 626 6799 Webinar ID: 951 6638 0642
Passcode: 141226#


USA Track and Field Officially Certifies the Discover Whitewater Series

WHITEWATER (Discover Whitewater submission) – The new route for the Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon and 5K is officially USA Track and Field (USATF) certified. 

The USATF only certifies courses that meet certain requirements, such as having the correct distanced route. Runners need to know that the race they are running is the exact distance of a half marathon or 5k. Most runners would like to compare race times on different courses, which can only be achieved if they are certified to be the same distance. When a runner’s race time is accepted as a record, it can allow him or her to prequalify in much larger races.  

“The DWS is incredibly excited to once again be both USATF and CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association) certified,” said DWS Executive Director Jeffery Knight. “What is most important to the entire DWS team is to put on a quality race that exceeds all safety expectations.” 

Just like the DWS, the USATF strives for competitive excellence. This is why the DWS is not only USATF certified but also certified by the CARA. CARA abides by the Best Practices Guidelines, which ensures that all certified races have medical staff on hand, insurance coverage, and several other safety measures.  

Safety is incredibly important to the entire Discover Whitewater Series team. That’s why we’ve put in place many new safety measures, such as social distancing guidelines and a special race start that allows for people to stay separated. Read more about our safety changes at https://runwhitewater.com/StillRunning.  

CARA certification ensures a quality race. From requiring a back-up timing system to ensuring that course marshals will be present on the course, the DWS follows all of the Best Practices Guidelines. Combined with the DWS’ USATF certification, this year’s event will be both safe and competitive.  

To learn more, check out the CARA Best Practice Guidelines at https://cararuns.org/. Visit the USTAF’s website at https://www.usatf.org/.  

About the DWS 

The goal of the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its greatest features, while keeping everyone in the community active. All the proceeds from the race are donated to five local non-profit partners: Bethel House (which provides interim housing for homeless families), Whitewater LEADS, Working for Whitewater’s Wellness (W3), Whitewater Unified School District and the J-Hawk Aquatic Club. The DWS partners with the city, business community, university and the school district to make this a tremendous event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit www.runwhitewater.com. 

Winchester TrueValue Donates Hand-Sanitizer, KN-95 Masks and Hand Soap to WUSD

Winchester TrueValue was happy to donate cases of hand-sanitizer, KN-95 masks and hand soaps to the Whitewater Unified School District on Tuesday. The donation was part of Education Heroes Safety Campaign sponsored by TrueValue Foundation.

Pictured are: Carolyn Pate-Hefty, District Administrator of WUSD; Steve Johnson, owner of Winchester TrueValue; and Matthew Sylvester-Knudtson, Business Manager of WUSD.

WW Youth Traveling Basketball Club Registering Girls, Grades 4-8, until next Wed., 9/16


Whitewater Youth Basketball Traveling Club (WWTYBC) is looking for girls from 4th-8th grades interested in playing basketball this year. Badger Developmental League (BDL) starts at the beginning of January and goes until the end of March of 2021. Practice would begin during the first week of December. There are no definite times or dates for a start as of now. The league is looking for a number of how many will participate for each grade level in the community. BDL wants an idea of what they will have for teams when the league starts. There will be no fee for play until we know more about what is going to happen with the league. We need to know a yes or a no. Unfortunately, a maybe will be considered a no.  This is not ideal but this is what BDL is asking for.  We are only opening registration through Whitewater Park and Rec until next week Wednesday, Sept. 16.   Once teams are solidified, a player fee and uniform order will be arranged.  WWTYBC needs and appreciates your cooperation, patience and understanding during these times. If you have any questions, please email wwytbc@gmail.com.