News

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

A primary measure of the spread of COVID-19 in a community is the positivity rate, which is generally calculated as the percentage of people with positive results out of all of the test results that have been reported in the past 7 or 14 days. The Whitewater Unified School District Board has indicated that, based on advice from the Jefferson County epidemiologist, in order for fulltime in-person classes to resume, the blended 14-day positivity rate for Jefferson, Rock and Walworth counties should be less than 8% and continue on a downward trajectory for 14 days. Some school districts have used a target of 5%.

The tables below show both the 14 and 7 day test results for the city and Walworth County. (Only the Walworth County portion of Whitewater can be computed, as the census tract for the Jefferson County portion of the city extends as far as Palmyra.) A dramatic increase in the number of positive test results, as well as the positivity rate, is noted in the city. Although it was inevitable that an increase would occur with the return of the UW-W students, the rate of increase is concerning.

It is also notable that the COVID-19 related deaths in Walworth County have increased from 26 to 32 in the past two weeks. The Banner received the following reply from the county public health team in response to our inquiry about this rapid increase: “In the past two weeks, the Walworth County Division of Public Health has reported 6 additional deaths, bringing the county’s death total to 32. Five of the 6 deaths occured in healthcare settings of either hospitals or long term care facilities. Walworth County had their youngest death thus far, of an individual in their upper 50s. The other five individuals were over the age of 65. All six individuals had significant underlying health conditions. These deaths highlight how devastating COVID-19 can be for individuals with underlying medical conditions and remain a reminder for our community to protect those who may be at risk for severe complications from this disease.”

COVID-19 TEST 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%

COVID-19 TEST 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

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.

Note that the Warhawk Dashboard has not been updated since Friday morning, whereas the statistics above are through Monday.

Last Updated 9/4/2020 at 11:06 AM

COVID-19 cases reported to UW-Whitewater

	New reports – Week of Aug. 30-Sept. 5	Previous week	Cumulative reports since March 2020
Students	22	6	35
Employees	1	3	7
Other	0	0	0

Dashboard is updated daily 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 (8/21-9/3)	Walworth County (8/18-8/31)	Rock County (8/19-9/1)	Jefferson County	Wisconsin (7-day average)
Percent Positive	6% (9 of 142*)	9.81%	6.7%	11.8%	8.7%
Time to complete contact tracing	N/A	96% of contacts are initiated within 48 hours	78% 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	20% Available (Based on Immediate Bed Availability)
Total cases per 100,000	n/a	190	130	220	170

*UHCS percentage positive is based on PCR testing performed at the University Clinic site of students only.

Additional UW-Whitewater metrics

Capacity for isolating/quarantining individuals on campus

100 of 113 rooms available

The university is also monitoring the current PPE supply and supply chain, staffing levels across both campuses, and compliance of university safety protocols.

(Whitewater Public Library Submission) Families are invited to visit the Irvin L. Young Library’s Facebook page or YouTube channel to view live programs and past events. Craft kits are located outside the library’s south doors Monday – Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. No need to register or call ahead.

By Lisa Dawsey Smith
Whitewater Banner staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

At their September 1 meeting, Common Council members discussed the possibility of adopting an ordinance that would limit the size of indoor and outdoor gatherings on private property, perhaps until UW-W is scheduled to end the in-person fall semester on November 24, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of particular concern noted by council members was the large size of some outdoor gatherings that were held by college students this past weekend. Two citizens spoke against the idea, while one student spoke in favor. One of those who spoke in opposition stated that it was unrealistic to expect students not to party, and they should simply follow the consequences. Both citizens were concerned about the impact to permanent residents of the city. Several members of the University administration, including the chancellor, indicated that such an ordinance would be a helpful tool in addition to the Social Contract which students have been asked to follow. While expressing some reservations, council members were generally favorable towards drafting a proposal, to potentially be considered at a special meeting on Wednesday, September 9.

The proposed ordinance may be found here.

Citizens wishing to provide feedback to council members may find contact information for the Common Council here. Public input can also be provided during Common Council meetings. Those wishing to join virtual meetings will find information to do so at the top of each Common Council agenda found here.

City Manager Cameron Clapper indicated that staff is hard at work developing the 2021 budget proposal, to be introduced at the October 6 meeting. He also announced that a second electronics recycling event for the year will be held on September 12. Applications are currently being received for the new Equal Opportunities Commission. The application is available in electronic form here. The city has created this commission in hopes to holistically consider equity, diversity and inclusion within city employment, boards and commissions and community. It was indicated that applicants should have some personal or professional experience in matters related to eliminating racism or other forms of discrimination.

City Clerk Michele Smith gave an overview of the preparations for the November election. While she anticipates that there will be the largest election turnout ever, she believes it is likely that a large majority of the votes will be absentees. In the 2016 Presidential election there were a total of 7042 votes, 19.5% of which were absentees. In the Presidential primary this past April, early in the pandemic, 77% of the votes were absentees. The state Elections Commission on September 1 mailed an application for an absentee ballot to every registered voter if they had not already requested a ballot. This is not a ballot; it is only the application. Fortunately the Elections Commission has hired temporary staff to assist with the processing of the applications, though the city staff will also have a heavy workload. A ballot dropbox has been installed in the Whitewater street vestibule, which is open 24/7. Ballots are due to arrive at the Clerk’s office on September 16, although Michele felt this date might be questionable. Ballots that have already been requested by that date are supposed to be mailed out the very next day. In-person absentee voting may not take place, per a recent law, until October 20.

After a brief discussion, it was agreed upon to continue with virtual city meetings. This decision is anticipated to be discussed again monthly.

McKinley Palmer, who was attending his last meeting representing Aldermanic District 5 due to moving out of the district, was thanked for his dedicated service.

To view the recording of the Common Council meeting from September 1, 2020 please find that available on Vimeo here.

Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Tues. @ 10 a.m. via Zoom Online
More information – click on “meetings” in upper right hand corner
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89554435073?pwd=SmpaaHg4N3c0RXkwcWZtcnVCNnA0UT09
Passcode: 009038
Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799 – Webinar ID: 895 5443 5073# – Passcode: 009038

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee – Tues. @ 6:00 p.m.
Includes capital improvements budget for 2021 and construction project updates
More information
Join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/971149533
You can also dial in using your phone.
1 (646) 749-3122
Access Code: 971-149-533#

City of Whitewater Police and Fire Commission Regular Meeting – Wed. @ 6 p.m. via gotomeeting
Includes interview of detective lieutenant candidate in closed session, followed by announcement in open session
Further information
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/752887501
You can also dial in using your phone. 1 (872) 240-3311
Access Code: 752-887-501#

City of Whitewater Common Council Special Meeting – Wed. @ 6:30 p.m.
Consideration of ordinance prohibiting certain mass gatherings during COVID-19 pandemic
Additional information including the proposed ordinance
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join us via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/92478478559?pwd=eExVaE8rczRuUGllVWw0YVljT0hPUT09
Passcode: 602521
Or iPhone one-tap : +13126266799,602521#
Or Telephone:
Dial +1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 924 7847 8559#
Passcode: 602521#

City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Thurs. @ 3:30 p.m.
Includes Everett and Ellen Long house as Local Landmark
More information
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/630924741
You can also dial in using your phone: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 630-924-741

(Fort Atkinson Public Library Submission) On Tuesday, September 15 at 6:30 p.m. the Dwight Foster Public Library will present “Frozen in Time: Finding and Identifying the WC Kimball” live on Facebook and Zoom.

In 2019 a team of divers, historians and shipwreck enthusiasts found and identified a new shipwreck in northern Lake Michigan. Though the W.C. Kimball was not unlike many other schooners that sailed the inland seas during the late 1800’s, it’s the incredible condition she is in now that makes her one of the most significant finds ever.

Diver and artist Cal Kothrade tells the story of how shipwreck hunter Ross Richardson found the Wisconsin built vessel, and of the diverse team that would eventually solve the mystery of what this sail away’s name is. Through video, photographs and artwork, Cal discusses the condition of the wreck today and the forensic clues which led to its identification, as well as what the ill-fated ship and crew’s final hours might have been like.

Registration to participate in the Zoom discussion is required. Register at fortlibrary.org. No registration is required to watch the presentation on Facebook.

Providing care for a friend or family member can be a rewarding experience, but it often provides challenges too. Over 65 million family caregivers in America provide a vast array of emotional, financial, nursing, homemaking and other services on a daily or on an intermittent basis and often find themselves struggling to meet the needs of both their loved one and themselves.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an educational workshop series designed to provide tools caregivers need to better care for themselves. Participants will learn how to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate feelings, find life balance, increase their ability to make tough decisions and locate helpful resources.

The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Walworth County is sponsoring Powerful Tools for Caregivers at Health and Human Services in Elkhorn from October 6, 2020 to November 10, 2020. This program was adapted from a model from Stanford University and has been tested and evaluated.

Classes consist of six, 2 ½ hour sessions held once a week. Two experienced leaders conduct each class. Interactive lessons, discussions and brainstorming help you take the “tools” you choose and put them into action for your life.

Sessions are every Tuesday for six weeks and begin on October 6, 2020. Classes will be held at Health and Human Services (1910 County Road NN, Elkhorn) from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required, and there is a one-time $10 charge. For more information or to register, contact Anna Goodrum at 262-741-3309.

Dozens of white egrets (over 60 counted) taking advantage of the drawdown on Trippe Lake. Breakfast is easy pickings in the shallow water!

Our thanks to Carol McCormick for submitting this interesting picture.

— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share.  Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com or click on “submit a story” near the top right of our homepage.  Thanks for thinking about this!

UW-Whitewater Departments of Music, Art and Design and Continuing Education

(WHITEWATER, WIS.)— The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is planning a September filled with Bach, cellos and oil painting. Continuing Education and Professor Benjamin Whitcomb are moving Cello Fest Clinic outdoors on Sunday, September 13. This event is available to all ages from middle school to adult, with a maximum of 75 registrants, focusing on the Bach suites. Later in the month cellist and department of music professor Whitcomb will collaborate with Bethann Moran Handzlik, department of art and design lecturer, who will oil paint. The collaboration is called “Bach Suites for Cello: A Relational Performance Aural and Visual”.  The 90 minute event will be performed twice the first on September 18 outdoors at the James R. Connor University Center and the second on September 22 in the Nature Preserve with a rain date of September 24.

Cello Fest Clinic is accepting registrations online until noon on September 7, 2020. Cello Fest Clinic begins with registration from 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. and then runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. with a performance at 4:00 p.m. The repertoire for the day focuses on Bach suites, but if students have worked on one or more movements, or a Bach etude that is also something to bring to work on. Participants will have individual coaching and a masterclass on the unaccompanied music they are working on along with time to practice them.

Whitcomb will present a session on the Bach suites, including how they are structured and various aspects of performance practice. A similar presentation will be given on some famous etudes and how to get the most out of them. A reading session will acquaint participants with additional repertoire for unaccompanied cello. The final concert will consist of unaccompanied repertoire. Find out more about Cello Fest Clinic.

The other Bach related events are unique collaborations between cellist Benjamin Whitcomb and painter Bethann Moran Handzlik, Whitcomb will perform the “Bach Suites for Cello” and Handzlik will respond to the music by painting. This allows for both a musical and visual interpretation of the Bach Cello suite. The first collaborative called “Bach Suites for Cello: A Relational Performance Aural and Visual” will be performed outdoors at the James R. Connor University Center, September 18 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. and the second on September 22 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. in the Nature Preserve, with a rain date of September 24 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. The Nature Preserve is next to Perkins Stadium and runs along West Schwager Drive and Fremont Road. 

These two events are great opportunities to learn more about the Bach Suites and how they inspire musicians and artists alike.

(City of Whitewater Submission) The City of Whitewater will be holding an Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday, September 12, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in LOT B (Across from Train Depot and Cravath Lakefront).

Items the contractor charges for:

All TV’s – $20.00

Old Tube CRT Computer Monitors – $10.00

Microwaves – $5.00

Exercise Equipment – $5.00

Items they accept: Computers, Laptops, Monitors, Printers, Circuit Boards, Servers, Modems, Scanners, Hard Drives, Cables, Keyboards, Mice, Power Cords/Wires and much more….

All Electronics, TV’s, Stereos, VCR’s, DVD’s, Power Tools, Small Appliances, Gaming Systems, Cameras, Exercise Equipment, Telephones and much more…

(Items they do not accept: Household Batteries, Light Bulbs, Large Appliances and anything with Freon)

Cash and Checks Only…NO Credit Cards will be Accepted!!

The shelter is located on Bluff Road and is a resting place for bicyclists. The property is also used by the Whitewater 4-H.