News

“Global Big Day” – eBird’s Annual International Bird Count on Sat., May 9 – You may participate from your own home

On 9 May, birding’s biggest day is back! 

Global Big Day is an annual celebration of the birds around you, and this year is no different. While not everyone may be able to leave home to bird this year, Global Big Day is still an opportunity to check in with the birds in and around where you live. Join us on 9 May and be a part of a global birding community by sharing what birds you see around you with eBird. 

Participating is easy. Wherever you are, you can be a part of the global community of birders on 9 May. Please remember to always put safety first and follow all local safety guidelines and closures. You can enjoy birds from inside your home and still be part of Global Big Day. 

If you can spare at least 5 or 10 minutes, report your observations to eBird online or with our free eBird Mobile app. If you have more time, submit checklists of birds throughout the day at different times. Can you find more birds in the morning, or the evening? You never know what you might spot. Your observations help us better understand global bird populations through products like these animated abundance maps brought to you by eBird Science.

This year, Global Big Day will focus  on the number of checklists we can collect as a global team. Last year, 35,209 eBirders from 174 countries collected an astounding 92,284 checklists in a single day. Will you join us on Global Big Day to make 2020 the year that we surpass 100,000 checklists of birds in one day? Help us set a new checklist record!

How to participate

  • Get an eBird account: eBird is a worldwide bird checklist program used by millions of birders. It’s what allows us to compile everyone’s sightings into a single massive Global Big Day list—while at the same time collecting the data to help scientists better understand birds. Sign up here. It’s 100% free from start to finish.
  • Watch birds on 9 May: It’s that simple. You don’t need to be a bird expert or go out all day long, even 10 minutes in your backyard counts. Global Big Day runs from midnight to midnight in your local time zone. You can report what you find from anywhere in the world.
  • Enter what you see and hear in eBird: You can enter your sightings via our website or download the free eBird Mobile app, which makes adding what you see even easier. You can enter and submit lists while out birding, and the app tracks how far you’ve walked so you can focus on enjoying the birds. While you’re downloading free apps, try out the Cornell Lab’s Merlin Bird ID app for help with identification. Please enter sightings before 13 May to be included in our initial results announcement.
  • Watch the sightings roll in: During the day, follow along with sightings from more than 170 countries in real-time on our Global Big Day page.

Contributing sightings is easy with the free eBird Mobile app. Download for iOS or Android.

Global Big Day Pro Tips

Last year’s Global Big Day set a new record, with 92,284 checklists of birds collected on one day. On 9 May, we hope you’ll be a part of birding’s next world record. And no matter what you do, have fun, enjoy the birds you find, stay safe, and share your sightings on eBird. Because in our world, every bird counts.

eBird is the world’s largest biodiversity-related citizen science project, with more than 100 million bird sightings contributed each year by eBirders around the world. A collaborative enterprise with hundreds of partner organizations, thousands of regional experts, and hundreds of thousands of users, eBird is managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

— Our thanks to Sherry Stanek, Whitewater Urban Forestry Chair, for making us aware of Global Big Day.

There Was a Glitch – May Bulk Trash Pickup Clarified

Recently the City announced that there would be bulk trash pickup on every Thursday during the month of May. Unfortunately there was a misunderstanding between John’s Disposal and City staff. Per John’s, in prior years the extra bulk pickups have only been scheduled around the student housing near campus.

We are sorry for the inconvenience to those residents who put items out for the May 7 pickup that were not picked up. Obviously the terrace lawns would look nicer if it’s not too much trouble to take the items back until the citywide pickup on May 14. If, however, that is inconvenient, no fines will be issued for items that are left out until the 14th.

The bulk pickup on May 21 will again only be campus focused. May 28 will be an all city pickup.

Apologies for the confusion on this matter.

Brad Marquardt
Department of Public Works Director

Our Readers Share – Laura Triebold: “The Joy of Being Back on American Soil”

— Our thanks to Laura Triebold for sharing the frightening experience that she and her husband had, together with their gratitude for being back in the States.

— 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-W Chancellor & Cabinet Members Provide COVID-19 Related Update

On May 6 the UW-W Chancellor and Cabinet members provided an update regarding COVID-19 related matters. Some highlights:

  • Chancellor Dwight C. Watson indicated that he is “brutally optimistic” regarding the fall.
  • It is not yet known whether fall classes will be able to be held on campus. A decision date has not been set. Most if not all summer classes will be held online.
  • Scenario planning is taking place in conjunction with the System.
  • Before the COVID-19 concerns, student applications for the Whitewater campus were up 4% compared with last year, and Rock was ahead by 30%. Now the SOAR (orientation) event registration is 5% behind last year. Housing applications, however, at 3709, are ahead of last year by 180.
  • UW-W has been awarded $8.2 million by the CARES funding. $4.1 million of that amount is designated for students.
  • Artanya Wesley, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, indicated that 68 of the 200 employees in her division are on a 3-month furlough. 99 students are still living in the residence halls, and another 56 students have not been able to retrieve their belongings. 88 students/staff are still on meal plans.
  • The Child Care Center will soon be reopening for the summer.
  • COVID-19 revenue losses and increased expenses total $10.2 million. After negotation with vendors, the shortfall is $7.74 million. State funding is being reduced by 5% = $2.15 million.
  • Behavioral Health counselors are available to provide telehealth services to students.
  • Greg Rutzen, Vice Chancellor for Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement, reported on Founders Day / Warhawk Day of Caring on April 21. $24,000 was donated to the Warhawk Emergency Fund, which now has a balance of over $100,000 to be used to help students who have urgent needs. Over a hundred messages were received from alumni and other supporters. You may visit this site to enjoy seeing them.
  • The university is being guided by the Badger Bounce Back Plan as well as the Resocialization Plan of the NCAA.
  • In response to a student question, if classes are conducted online in the fall it is not anticipated that there would be a reduction in in-state tuition; however, there is a possibility of a concession for out-of-state tuition.

Taxi Service is Operating on a Modified Schedule

Whitewater’s Ride Share (taxi) program is operating until further notice on the following temporary COVID-19 hours:

  • Monday-Thursday (Non-Session) – 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Friday-Saturday (special) – 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
  • Sunday-7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

These hours represent the schedule that is normally followed when UW-W is not in session, except that the Friday/Saturday hours are currently shorter than usual. These changes are likely to remain in effect until (a) bars reopen, and (b) University of Wisconsin Whitewater reopens.

There will not be restrictions on trip by trip purpose, but are observing few requests that are not one of these three purposes: (a) medical appointment; (b) grocery/supply run; (c) job commutes.

Instead of trying to multi-load customers, they are being spaced out to provide drivers with adequate time to sanitize the vehicle between each party. Disinfectants and sanitizing wipes are constantly being purchased and used as often as possible to keep up with the need to keep the community safe.

Prices

  • $3.25- Base Fare within Whitewater City Limits
  • $2.50- Students within Whitewater City Limits
  • $2.25- Elderly/Disabled Fare within Whitewater City Limits
  • $2.25- Additional Rider within Whitewater City Limits
  • $9.50- Agency Fare within Whitewater City Limits
  • $3.25- After 9 pm for all passengers
  • $9.50- Package Delivery
  • $6.50- Beyond Service Area- Base Fare plus $2.00/mile
  • Wait Time- $0.40/minute after 1st 3 minutes

Need a ride? Whitewater has partnered with Brown Cab Service, Inc. to get you where you need to go with the Whitewater Ride Share program. Call 920-563-6303 and give the location you desire to be picked up or dropped off. 

Kay Robers Receives Hometown Hero Award

Kay Robers was awarded the WUL Hometown Hero Award on Wednesday, May 6, “For her motivating and caring leadership at The Community Space, and for facilitating donations and inspiring many volunteers so that community members can gather food, clothing and household items in a warm, caring environment.”

Kay said, “None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for the volunteers, donors and clients that keep us going.  It takes a village, and we have the most awesome village that ever existed.” 

Kay has been involved in The Community Space and what was previously called The Clothes Closet for more than 20 years. 

Hometown Hero Award Kay Robers

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 

Common Council Meeting of May 5 Highlights

The Common Council held its second virtual meeting on May 5. Highlights included:

  • Parks & Recreation Director Eric Boettcher gave an update on the lakes drawdown. Cravath Lake is down 4-5′, with a particularly low level in the southern portion. Trippe is only down 2-3′. Based on the recommendation of our consultants, several siphons will be installed at the Trippe spillway to move more water. More bedrock will also be removed from the Cravath ledge. It is expected that bids will be solicited for dredging in the early fall, with the work to be completed in December/January. The city hopes to be able to assist in facilitating the permit process for private dredging projects.
  • City Manager Cameron Clapper reported that the Police Department patrol force has divided into six teams, and is working twelve hour shifts, to minimize disruption in case of any COVID-19 exposures. The Public Works departments have also separated into teams.
  • Steve Hatton, Finance Director, reported that taxi fares are down, but it is anticipated that the State DOT will be making the city whole through federal funding. Various other revenues, including fines, are down.
  • Authorization was provided to begin the process of issuing a total of $5,420,000 in General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds to refinance approximately $2,280,000 of short-term debt, and also provide funds for street, water system, and sewerage projects, together with Fire Department equipment. Mr. Hatton confirmed that, in accordance with City policy, the municipality will be retiring at least an equivalent amount of debt in 2020.
  • The first reading was approved to increase the minimum fee to $100 for cutting grass that a property owner has not taken care of, the same as is charged for snow removal.
  • Discussion regarding the possibility of mailing every registered voter an absentee ballot application resulted in a request of the city staff to provide a plan for increasing absentee ballot participation without such a mailing.
  • A 3-year agreement with the Whitewater Professional Police Supervisors Association was approved. In 2022 the members will pay 15% of the cost for their health insurance, the same percentage as currently being paid by all city staff. Wages will not increase in 2020, but will increase by .25% in 2021 and .50% in 2022.

Gazette to End Saturday & Sunday Print Editions

Per an announcement in the May 6 newspaper, The (Janesville) Gazette will end its Saturday and Sunday print editions, trimming print publication to five days a week as economic pressures on the news industry continue to mount amid the COVID-19 crisis. The Gazette has delivered seven editions a week for 32 years. The change goes into effect June 1.

The decision comes as the paper faces a falloff in advertising and subscriber revenue that’s worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s a measure the newspaper’s ownership had been discussing “for some time,” said Mary Jo Villa, Gazette publisher and Adams Publishing Group regional president.

“I absolutely believe it is the appropriate and necessary step to ensure we remain viable and have the ability to publish quality local journalism for many years to come,” Villa said in a statement. “The COVID crisis further put into perspective how important it is that we size our organization in a manner that ensures we can continue to provide the quality of journalism our communities deserve.”

The Gazette will continue to deliver news and advertising on GazetteXtra.com, the paper’s website, seven days a week, Villa said.

The elimination of two print editions a week will result in a total of six employees being laid off—some in the newsroom and some in the circulation and distribution divisions. The layoffs are effective at the end of May.

As the newspaper industry grapples with changing realities in business, one common response is to decrease the frequency of print products or end publication on certain days of the week, Villa said.

In an interview, Villa said The Gazette’s weekend papers have tended to be the most costly to produce given typical staffing at the printing plant in Janesville, which Adams Publishing also owns and manages.

The decision ends a seven-day-a-week print schedule established in 1988 to capitalize on advertiser demand and growth in preprinted advertising inserts. During most of The Gazette’s 175 years of publication, the paper printed five days a week.

In the last few years, the demise of local advertisers, including Shopko, Sears, Boston Store, JCPenney, Pick ’n Save and Maurer’s Market, among others, has hurt Gazette revenue, Villa said.

The COVID-19 crisis brought on a worsening falloff in advertising revenue, in part because many businesses have temporarily shuttered during the pandemic. In response to losses in ad revenue and the fallout of the novel coronavirus crisis, Adams Publishing in late March instituted a reduction in employee work hours at The Gazette and its other publications.

Villa said the Friday paper will become a “weekend” edition.

“We are not eliminating any content,” Villa said. “Most of the Sunday content will be in Friday’s edition, which will become a weekend edition. I believe each edition Monday through Friday will be improved, particularly as we recover from the COVID crisis and things such as sports and community events return.”

The Gazette will continue to deliver around-the-clock coverage of breaking news and sports every day, including weekends, via GazetteXtra.com.

Villa said The Gazette plans to launch an emailed newsletter to deliver readers the latest news.

The same assortment of pre-printed retail shopping fliers typically inserted in Sunday’s paper will be distributed in the Wednesday and Friday print editions. Villa said the Friday edition will include a bonus volume of games and comics.

Under the shift, subscription prices for The Gazette won’t change because Saturday and Sunday content previously printed both online and in print will continue to be available to subscribers online.

The Friday weekend edition will be delivered the same as other weekday papers, and the newsstand price for the Friday edition will be $2.50. The Sunday paper, which will cease at the end of this month, now costs $4 at newsstands. Monday through Thursday editions will sell for $1.50, which is the current newsstand price for weekday editions.

Gazette circulation surveys show at least 70% of the paper’s readers receive The Gazette’s content through online and multimedia channels.

Villa said she expects some backlash from readers who prefer to read news in print or who can’t or won’t read the paper via an electronic device.

“There is a slice of our readership that don’t have computers, they don’t have tablets, they don’t have smartphones. And I anticipate those individuals will be very disappointed,” Villa said. “But to perpetuate delivery seven days (a week) for what’s probably 20% of our customer base at the peril of the other 75% to 80% isn’t a good business strategy in my opinion.”

The Gazette is among several area newspapers owned and operated by Adams Publishing Group, a family-owned company headquartered in Minnesota. Adams acquired The Gazette and the Janesville printing facility in June 2019 in a sale by the Bliss family, who had operated The Gazette since the 1880s.

Adams media holdings in southern and southcentral Wisconsin include the Beloit Daily News, the Daily Jefferson County Union in Fort Atkinson and the Watertown Daily Times.

Division of Motor Vehicles Announces Online Driver License Renewals & Road Test Waivers for Certain Drivers

Renew Regular or Probationary Driver ​License – NEW: Begins May 11

  • You may be eligible to renew your driver license online and receive your new license in the mail. 

Requirements:

  • You are a US Citizen
  • You are 64 years of age or younger
  • Your probationary or regular license is unexpired or has been expired for less than one year​
  • You hold a Class D or Class DM license only

You will not be able to use this online process to renew your regular or probationary license if:

  • You would like to apply for an original (first time) REAL ID-compliant driver license. First time REAL ID applicants must visit a DMV Customer Service Center.
  • Your driver license has been expired for more than one year.
  • Your driver license is suspended, revoked or canceled in Wisconsin or any other state.
  • You hold a Commercial Driver License​
  • Your Federal Medical Card (Fed Med) is expired or your commercial driver license (CDL) is surrendered for not providing a current Fed Med card.
  • You need a duplicate commercial learner permit (CLP) or motorcycle instruction permit.
  • You wish to change an eyeglass or contact lens restriction.
  • You have applied for four driver license duplicates online within the last year.
  • The Social Security Number on record does not verify with​Social Security Online Verification (SSOLV).
  • You have had a legal name change since your driver license was last issued.
  • You are not a U.S. citizen (non U.S. citizens must visit a DMV customer service center to apply).
  • Your photo is not on file at Wisconsin DMV or your photo on file does not meet current DMV photo standards.
  • You wish to update or disclose an invisible disability.

  • All driver licenses that expired on or after March 12 are extended until July 25, 2020.
  • NEW: Drivers under the age of 18 who have completed a driver education course, behind the wheel training, and 30 hours of supervised driving may qualify for a road test waiver beginning May 11, 2020.
  • Road test appointments can be made online beginning, Friday, May 8. Testing, by appointment only, begins May 26, 2020.
  • DMV Customer Service Centers will have expanded hours May 11 to 22, 2020, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Knowledge tests will be given and Instruction Permits will be issued.

DMV in-person services are now limited to the following by appointment only (no in-person vehicle services):

  • Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs)
  • Voters needing identification and using the Voter ID Petition Process – View ID card petition process
  • New Wisconsin residents who need a driver license or ID to vote

To make an appointment, call (608) 264-7447. Due to high call volumes, callers may expect longer waiting periods.

Vehicle related services can be done online​​​​​​​​​​.​