News

Gov. Evers Declares State of Emergency Following Protests; Supports Right to Peacefully Protest but Laments “Actions of a Few”

Gov. Evers Declares State of Emergency in Wisconsin
 
MADISON, Aug. 25 — Gov. Tony Evers today signed Executive Order #86 declaring a state of emergency following protests in communities across Wisconsin. Executive Order #86 proclaims a state of emergency in Wisconsin, directs state agencies to continue assisting the state response, and calls to state active duty additional elements of the Wisconsin National Guard to support first responders and protect critical infrastructure and cultural institutions. The state of emergency declaration comes as earlier today Gov. Evers released a statement regarding protests in Wisconsin last night.

On Monday, at the request of local officials, the governor announced he authorized the Wisconsin National Guard to help protect critical infrastructure and assist in maintaining public safety and the ability of individuals to peacefully protest in Kenosha County. Following protests on Monday night, Gov. Evers today announced he is authorizing increased Wisconsin National Guard support for Kenosha County to 250 members and will continue to adjust to meet local needs.

The National Guard may not be used to impede the ability of people to peacefully protest or impede the ability of the media to report on this situation. Pursuant to Section 321.39(1)(a) of the Wisconsin Statutes, the governor ordered into state active duty members of the Wisconsin National Guard deemed necessary to support to local law enforcement and first responders in Kenosha. Any Guard members called to active duty may only be used to provide support to local law enforcement and to protect critical infrastructure and cultural institutions necessary for the well-being of the community, and to provide support to first responders such as the Kenosha Fire Department.

This is the statement that was released earlier on Tuesday:
Gov. Evers Releases Statement on Last Night’s Protests
 
MADISON, Aug. 25 — Gov. Tony Evers today released the following statement regarding last night’s protests: 


“The ability to exercise First Amendment rights is a critically important part of our democracy and the pursuit of justice. But there remains a line between peaceful assembly and what we saw last night that put individuals, families, and businesses in danger.


“We cannot forget the reason why these protests began, and what we have seen play out over the last two nights and many nights this year is the pain, anguish, and exhaustion of being Black in our state and country. But as I said yesterday, and as I’ll reiterate today, everyone should be able to exercise their fundamental right—whether a protester or member of the press—peacefully and safely. We cannot allow the cycle of systemic racism and injustice to continue. We also cannot continue going down this path of damage and destruction.


“We are assessing the damage to state property and will be increasing the presence of the Wisconsin National Guard to ensure individuals can exercise their right safely, protect state buildings and critical infrastructure, and support first responders and fire fighters.


“Tonight, and in the days ahead, if you are going to protest, please do so peacefully and safely. Please do not allow the actions of a few distract us from the work we must do together to demand justice, equity, and accountability.”


Brian Robinson is a Hometown Hero

(Whitewater Unites Lives submission) Brian Robinson is a WUL Hometown Hero, and has been nominated “For going more than the extra mile at Fairhaven since the lockdown due to COVID-19 by providing a mix of programming on the in-house TV channel, from travel adventures, interesting foods, animal adventures, and music; by organizing BINGO games which sometimes last for weeks; by inviting a parade of vintage vehicles and horses through the campus and Prairie Village, and by organizing special treats for all of the apartment residents twice a week.”

The nomination includes:  “Brian is the Leisure Services Director at Fairhaven.  I know that it is his job to provide all kinds of experiences for the residents who live in Fairhaven, but Brian has been going more than the extra mile since we have been on lockdown due to COVID-19.    Everything he does helps us cope with the tedium that can be brought on due to the virus.”

Brian said, “I am just a small part of all of the wonderful things going on here.”  He says his work is focused on helping to keep the spirits high at Fairhaven with sidewalk chalk, cards, letters and pen pals, etc. 

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 

Governor’s Task Force on Student Debt Releases Final Report

MADISON, Wis., Aug. 18 – The Governor’s Task Force on Student Debt announced today the release of its final report on student debt prepared at the request of Gov. Tony Evers. The report outlines eight recommendations for how Wisconsin can provide relief, education, and protection to its student debtholders now and in the future. Read the final report on the task force website here.

“I want to thank the folks who served on this critically important task force to help us find solutions to address the growing crisis of student debt in Wisconsin,” Gov. Evers said. “I’m grateful for all their good work, and now that we have their final report and recommendations, we have to get to work considering how these recommendations could be implemented to help people across our state.”

After months of research, listening sessions, consultation with external experts and colleagues in other states, the Governor’s Task Force on Student Debt finalized its 120-page report during a WebEx meeting on August 12, 2020. The electronic report includes 37 proposed solutions and eight recommendations approved by the task force during previous meetings. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the task force convened and completed its work virtually. The task force was chaired by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld.

“While student loan debt is a large and complex issue, the task force aimed to address what can be done by the State of Wisconsin to assist borrowers with their student debt, provide clear and useful information, and suggest proactive measures to combat student debt,” DFI Secretary Blumenfeld said. “In forming the final eight recommendations, the task force considered solutions to help borrowers before they borrow, while they are enrolled in a postsecondary program, and after they graduate or leave their program. The final eight recommendations provide a multi-faceted and multi-generational approach to solving Wisconsin’s student debt problem. Now, we must collectively move forward on the hard work ahead, as outlined in this report.”

The task force submitted the following eight recommendations to Gov. Evers for consideration: 1) create a Borrower Bill of Rights and Student Loan Ombudsman; 2) enhance proprietary school regulations and reinstate the Educational Approval Board; 3) improve financial literacy education; 4) increase need-based, targeted aid for postsecondary education and create a statewide promise program; 5) strengthen student loan counseling; 6) consider targeted loan forgiveness programs; 7) promote refinancing opportunities with other states; and 8) create a state student debt relief tax credit. These recommendations are the result of expansive dialogue between experts from government, industry, academia, and student loan borrowers.

The Governor’s Task Force on Student Debt was created by Executive Order #67 to address the growing student debt crisis in Wisconsin. The 32-member task force included borrowers, industry leaders, legislators, financial aid experts, and lenders to share a broad spectrum of ideas and experiences to inform the work of the task force. To learn more and read the final report, visit the task force website.

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Our Readers Share – Carol McLernon: Little Free Libraries; UPDATE: Four More Libraries Identified

This Little Free Library is literally little enough (in height) for Soren Binnie to reach a book for himself. (Photos courtesy of Erik Binnie)
Soren Binnie enjoying a book that he selected

By Carol McLernon

This stay-at-home time provides an opportunity to visit the Little Free Library in your neighborhood. Because the little libraries operate on a bring-one-take-one basis, books are always available. And . . . just because the word little is in the name, doesn’t mean the books are just for children. Adults may find or add their favorite genres as well.

The concept for Little Free Libraries originated in Hudson, Wisconsin and began here in Whitewater about 8 years ago. Irvin L. Young Memorial Library director, Stacy Lunsford, was one person who was involved with idea. Her father, Lynn Sorenson, built one and placed it in front of her house. Dawn Hunter painted one from a kit acquired from the Little Free Library website and positioned it on Center Street in front of the library.

Look for outdoor libraries at: 1560 W. Wildwood Road, 1134 W. Walworth Street, and the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library at 431 W. Center Street.

Indoor little libraries may be less accessible. Volunteers of Studio 84 at 121 W. Center Street are using this time to refurbish the box which houses the books at their location. Work should be completed soon. The little library on the UWW campus is inside Winther Hall on Prairie Street near room 1005. Doors may be open when students return to classes.

(Banner note: These libraries are stocked and registered on littlefreelibrary.com; there are probably others in the city/area that are not registered. If you are aware of or host another (unofficial) little free library, please email the Banner at whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. By the way, “Little Free Library” is a trademark of the not-for-profit organization, Little Free Library Ltd. The organization indicates that it “takes action only against organizations or individuals that use our registered marks to sell products and services without our permission.” )

More information is available at littlefreelibrary.org

Copies of some of the books I’ve authored are new additions to the libraries. Sanitized and autographed, I’m making them available because I want young people to enjoy reading about Wisconsin’s colorful history.

Autobiographical information about the pioneer priest, Father Mazzuchelli, James Doty, Juliette Kinzie, Henry Dodge, Lt. Jefferson Davis, and Black Hawk inspired me to write their stories. I especially want future generations to read about Black Hawk’s childhood.

“String of Hope” tells about Louisa, a slave girl at Fort Winnebago (Portage, Wisconsin) and her owner Juliette Kinzie, the first white woman to see Geneva Lake. My books are written for fourth graders but adults have enjoyed them as well.

Additional information provided by Mary Salverson:

The Delta Kappa Gamma local chapter of Key Women Educators has 3 Little Libraries in and around Whitewater.  They are located outside the Railroad Depot Museum, Starin Park and Wright’s Trailer Court.  We started the first Little Library in 2012 at Wright’s Trailer Park.  Our chapter was able to get several grants from our State organization.  We worked with the Whitewater High School Building Materials II class to construct 2 of our libraries.  We have not registered these 3 libraries because of the added expense for our organization.  Our members and friends donate books for us to use in the libraries which we stock during the warm weather from April to November.  (We have not been doing the Starin Park Little Library this period because of the pandemic.)  We have all levels of books for everyone.  We certainly appreciate all of the book donations that we find in the Little Libraries!  Thank you!  

— Our thanks to Ms. Salverson for this addition to our article.

Yet another library: Thanks to Ruth Stradinger, who wrote to say that she also hosts a library at 587 W Harper St.

— Our thanks to Ms. McLernon for sharing this informative story with our readers, and for sharing some copies of the books that she has written.

— 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!

Upcoming City & School Virtual Meetings

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission
Monday, 4:30 p.m.
Includes landscape guidelines review; development of future Starin Park Arboretum
More information
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/348491629
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122
Access Code: 348-491-629

WUSD School Board Regular Meeting
Monday, 7:00 p.m.
Includes Jefferson County Health Department: Reopening Jefferson County Schools and Addressing the Spread of COVID-19; 2020-21 Budget hearing and adoption
More information (Click on “meetings” in upper right hand corner)
via Zoom Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86143287592?pwd=NkFwRFFHRjFNTzF4ZDV4OGFhTmN2Zz09
Passcode: 961099
Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799; Meeting ID: 861 4328 7592; Passcode 961099

City of Whitewater Community Involvement & Cable TV Commission Meeting Agenda
Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.
More information
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/123534789
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122
Access Code: 123-534-789

City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Board of Directors
Thursday, 5:30 p.m.
Includes status of loans; closed session and possible action upon return to open session: discussion of terms of sale by the CDA of Vacant Land (Business Park, Lot 3, CSM #4555).
More information
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/444709229
You can also dial in using your phone.
(Toll Free): 1 877 309 2073
1 646 749 3129
Access code 444-709-229




UW-W Students Are Returning; What’s the Status of COVID-19 in Whitewater?

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 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%.

  • As of August 22, the 14-day positivity rate for the Walworth County portion of the city is 12.5%. It is not possible to calculate the rate for the Jefferson County portion, as that is part of a census tract that includes Palmyra. During the past two weeks the rate has fluctuated from 9.45-12.5%.
  • During the past fourteen days, the results of 216 tests were reported, of which 27 were positive.
  • Walworth County’s 14-day positivity rate is currently 11.6%. Up until recent days the county’s rate has consistently been lower than the city’s.
  • Out of those testing positive in Walworth County, 11.4% reported having no symptoms. These people are particularly concerning, as they may unknowingly transmit the virus.
  • There is a hopeful sign: the city’s positivity rate has significantly declined in the past 7 days. In this period 103 tests were reported, with only 6 positive results, representing a 5.8% positivity rate. Some readers might speculate that there could be a degree of correlation with the governor’s order requiring the use of facial coverings beginning August 1.

Particularly with the return of thousands of students from many parts of the state and country, including some areas which may have greater rates of infection than ours, continued compliance with infection control precautions is essential. Whenever possible avoid spending significant amounts of time, especially indoors, with people outside your household, and remember your mask.

UW-W Returns as Title Sponsor for Discover Whitewater Series

WHITEWATER– August 19, 2020 (Discover Whitewater press release) – The Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon and 5K is more than just a race; it is a way to impact and give back to the Whitewater community.  

The generosity from sponsors creates opportunities for Whitewater’s schools, athletics and so much more. As a valued aspect of this community, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UW-W) has recommitted as a Title Sponsor for the eighth annual DWS, scheduled for Sept. 20, 2020. 

Thanks to the contributions of UW-W, the DWS is able to offer a fun and competitive event that showcases the beauty of Whitewater and highlights the UW-W campus. The new course route allows participants to see more of the UW-W campus than they have in the past.  

“The new DWS course showcases more of Whitewater than ever before,” said DWS Executive Director, Jeffery Knight. “UW-W has always been a huge supporter of the race and we are thrilled to be highlighting the University’s campus. Without the University’s continuous generosity, we wouldn’t be able to plan such an incredible athletic event for the community.” 

In addition to UW-W’s sponsorship, Aladdin Food Services provides food for race participants and volunteers. Aladdin supplies the food for a majority of the UW-W campus’s dining options.  (Banner note: UW-W’s dining purveyor formerly did business as A’Viands; however, in December, 2019 its parent company, Elior North America, rebranded all of its higher education accounts to a single brand, Aladdin Food Management Services, LLC.)

In previous years, UW-W Dining Services in partnership with Aladdin has provided the pre-race dinner celebration for participants. While there may not be a pre-race dinner this year, participants and volunteers will still have plenty of opportunities to taste many of the delicious options that Aladdin Food Services has to offer.  

Many UW-W students volunteer for DWS to earn volunteer hours and support the community. Typically, different campus organizations will also volunteer by manning many of the water stations that provide hydration to all participants. The DWS team is so grateful that even students come out and support the City of Whitewater.   

“UW-Whitewater is pleased to help support the Discover Whitewater Series and have been onboard since the beginning,” Chancellor Dwight Watson said. “We are a proud partner in this event, and so many others, that showcase all that Whitewater has to offer. Whitewater is a great place to learn, live, work, play and run!” 

Between providing volunteers, facilities, and food service UW-W is involved in almost every aspect of putting together the DWS. 

UW-W’s sponsorship helps DWS grow and helps to create a fun event that the whole community of Whitewater can come together for. Proceeds from the race are donated to five local charities: Bethel House, UW-Whitewater Athletics, Working for Whitewater’s Wellness (W3), Whitewater Unified School District and the J-Hawk Aquatic Club.  

The DWS team looks forward to another year working alongside UW-W. To learn more about the University and all that they do, check out  http://www.uww.edu/.  

About the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 

The University was founded in 1868 and officially joined the University of Wisconsin System in 1971. Our campus has continued to grow and evolve ever since, and we hope you’ll come be a part of the next stage in our story. Our university recently had a significant milestone in our history. In 2018-19, UW-Whitewater celebrated its 150th anniversary. This is an outstanding accomplishment and speaks both to our legacy of excellence, and our ever-growing impact in our region and in Wisconsin. More recently, the UW-System board of regions announced that UW-Whitewater is the most affordable four-year college in Wisconsin. For more information visit www.uww.edu.  

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. 

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Names Fort Healthcare a Winner of the Milwaukee Top Workplaces 2020 Award

Per a press release issued by Fort HealthCare:

Fort HealthCare has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2020 honor by The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by
employee engagement technology partner Energage , LLC. The anonymous survey uniquely measures 15
drivers of engaged cultures that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment,
execution, and connection, just to name a few. This is the tenth time that Fort HealthCare has proudly
received this award.

“In times of great change, it is more important than ever to maintain a connection among employees,”
said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “When you give your employees a voice, you come together to
navigate challenges and shape your path forward based on real-time insights into what works best for
your organization. The Top Workplaces program can be that positive outcome your company can rally
around in the coming months to celebrate leadership and the importance of maintaining an employee-
focused culture, even during challenging times.”

Nancy Alstad, Fort HealthCare Senior Director of Human Resources commented, “This recognition
signifies that our employees continue to feel valued and proud to be part of Fort HealthCare; it is our
employees’ enduring commitment to our mission and each other that sustains us and keeps us focused on
quality patient care. We are so incredibly honored to receive this award for a tenth time!”

About Fort HealthCare
Fort HealthCare is committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities, with a vision
to be the healthiest community in Wisconsin. As the leading healthcare provider in the region, it is our
goal to reach as many members of the community as possible with health and wellness messages,
providing tools and resources to help individuals improve their health and quality of life, while
collaborating with several partners to positively improve the population’s health overall on a long term
basis. For more information, visit FortHealthCare.com.

About Energage
Energage offers a fully unified SaaS platform, plus support and professional services, to help
organizations recruit and retain the right talent. As a B-Corporation founding member, Energage has
committed itself to the purpose of making the world a better place to work together. Based on 14 years
of culture research, the engine behind 51 Top Workplaces programs across the country, and data
gathered from over 20 million employees at 60,000 organizations, Energage has isolated the 15 drivers
of engaged cultures that are critical to the success of any business, and developed the tools and expertise
to help organizations measure, shape and showcase their unique culture to achieve a sustainable
competitive advantage. For more information, please visit energage.com. Follow us on Twitter
@teamenergage and Facebook and LinkedIn @energage.