News

Who Are the Candidates for WUSD District Administrator?

Kellie Bohn, with son Cooper (Genoa City district website)

Kellie Bohn

Kellie Bohn began her career in education teaching music and band in both Clintonville, WI and Whitewater, WI. After receiving her Masters’ Degree from UW-Madison, she became the Middle School Principal at Brookwood Middle School, Genoa City — a position she held for fourteen years. In 2015 she became the Superintendent of the Genoa City Jt. 2 School District.

The Genoa City Jt. 2 School District is a 4K-8th grade district in Southeastern Wisconsin. Although the district website states, “Both schools have consistently earned the state report card rating of “Exceeds Expectations,” per the WI Department of Public Instruction Accountability Report Card for 2018-19, released in November, 2019, Brookwood Elementary School received a rating of 77.7 (“exceeds expectations”), and Brookwood Middle School received a ranking of 63.5 (“meets expectations”). The district served 526 students between the two schools. Presumably most middle school graduates from the district would enroll at Badger High School or New Visions (public) Charter School in Lake Geneva.

Per the Genoa City district website, “in addition to holding licenses for Principal, Director of Curriculum and Instruction and Superintendent, Ms. Bohn is a Past-President of the WI Association of Middle Level Educators. She has presented at conferences on the topics of assessment, beginning teacher programming, the referendum process and time/task management.”

Caroline Pate-Hefty

Caroline Pete-Hefty

Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty has been in education for nearly twenty years, most of which appears to have been focused on the area of special education. She currently serves as the Director of Student Services at Maywood-Melrose Park-Broadview School District 89, a role she has been in for seven years. Per the district’s website, the focus of Student Services is serving students with disabilities. District 89 has an enrollment of approximately 4800 students, K-8th grade, and is located in metropolitan Chicago, south of O’Hare Airport. The district has six “commendable schools” and three “underperforming schools,” per https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/District.aspx?districtId=06016089002

Dr. Pate-Hefty previously served as the Director of Special Education at Harlem (IL) Consolidated School District from 2008 to 2013. A state audit of the district during that period is reported to have prompted changes in special education. Ms. Pate-Hefty has also gained experience by serving as Principal of Walter Lawson Children’s Home, which serves persons with intellectual disabilities, for a year and a half and serving as a teacher for six years. She holds a Doctor of Education degree from National Louis University (2017), a Master of Arts degree from Concordia University (2007), and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin (2002). Dr. Pate-Hefty holds a Superintendent Endorsement for Illinois. (Source: https://www.fsd145.org/Page/3300)

Dr. Pate-Hefty’s LinkedIn biography states, “…responsible to oversee and support 9 schools serving 5000 students. I am a passionate educator with extensive district level experience; excellent communication, problem solving, human capital management and finacial management skill. Strong commitment to educational excellence for all students.”

Please see the post titled, “WUSD School Board Announces Two Candidates for District Administrator” for an invitation to community forums next Tuesday and Wed., 4/21-22 to introduce the candidates. There is also an opportunity to submit questions online through noon on Thurs., 4/16, although questions may also be submitted online during the forums.

Terrie Parenteau Awarded Hometown Hero Award

Terrie Parenteau, a member of the First United Methodist Church in Whitewater, WI, was awarded the WUL Hometown Hero Award on Wednesday for “For her Dedication of Time, Talent and Treasure with the First United Methodist Church in Making Nutritious, Delicious Meals for the Entire Community during the COVID-19 Crisis and beyond.”

For many years, Terrie has been the lead provider of weekly meals for university students and community members via the church.  Terrie and church members organized Whitewater Responds in March to feed hungry people due to COVID-19. She and her team have provided over 2,000 packaged, homemade meals for all of those in need during the crisis. This includes college students, families, senior citizens, and first-responders.  

One day Terrie Parenteau looked in the mirror and said, “I am not ready to be this old yet, what can I do?” and that is when she began her missions to give back to the community through WeCare and University Free Lunch. When asked why she does this, Terrie responded, “Because I can and I enjoy giving to the community.” She is amazed by the community support! She believes that it takes many people not only in this time of crisis but the years of support when feeding Whitewater.  Terrie is truly an inspiration to the Whitewater community and the many people she has touched.

All who would like to donate to this program are welcome to mail donations to the First United Methodist Church, 145 S. Prairie St., and state that they would like to donate to this cause.

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 

Hometown Hero Award Terrie Parenteau
WUL member Julie DuVal presents the award to Terrie at the church

Did You File Your Taxes Yet? Wait – It’s Not Really “Tax Day” Today; Also, Stimulus Payments are Starting to Arrive – Check Your Bank Account

Recently WJW Fox 8 TV in Cleveland, Ohio has been running a new feature during their morning newscast called “What Day is IT?” Many are finding that losing track of the calendar is part of everyday life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently it wouldn’t be shocking if you didn’t realize that April 15, normally “tax day,” is today.

If you haven’t yet filed your income taxes, the good news is that it doesn’t matter if you’re sick, quarantined, or perfectly healthy but trying to keep others safe by sitting at home, you now have a new one-time July 15 deadline for filing your 2019 returns. No late-filing penalty, late-payment penalty or interest will be due. The delay is designed to give a break to taxpayers who may be having a hard time making ends meet, as hours are cut and workplaces are closed to combat the spread of the virus.

Estimated Tax Payments: The Internal Revenue Service had also announced that any estimated tax payments for 2020 that would normally be due on April 15 could also be delayed until July 15 without penalty. This resulted in an odd situation: it appeared that the deadline for filing April 15 estimated taxes would come later than the usual June 15 payment. On April 9, however, the IRS announced that the due date for the June payment had also been extended to July 15. This means that any individual or corporation that has a quarterly estimated tax payment due on or after April 1, 2020, and before July 15, 2020, can wait until July 15 to make that payment, without penalty.  

Extension of time to file beyond July 15

Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the July 15 deadline can request an extension to Oct. 15, 2020, by filing Form 4868 through their tax professional, tax software or using the Free File link on IRS.gov. Businesses who need additional time must file Form 7004. An extension to file is not an extension to pay any taxes owed. Taxpayers requesting additional time to file should estimate their tax liability and pay any taxes owed by the July 15, 2020, deadline to avoid additional interest and penalties.

Further Analysis of the Election Outcome, Including Comparison of In-person vs. Absentee Voting for 2020 vs. 2016 (Plus a few corrections)

A comparison of the 2016 Spring Primary/Presidential Preference Election with the same 2020 election is shown in the table below. The dramatically lower turnout this year (approximately 28.8% of pre-registered voters plus 108 same day registrants) was undoubtedly influenced by several factors, including: 1) UW-W in-person classes having been suspended, 2) In 2016 there were competitive Presidential races in both parties, and 3) The COVID-19 pandemic.

YearTotal ballots castIn-person election dayAbsentee ballots castAbsentee ballots issued
201645534037516Unknown
202019724451527 (77% of total)Approx. 1800

Per City Clerk Michele Smith, sadly, approximately 72 absentee ballots were found to be ineligible to be counted. This unusually high number was likely a result of many people voting absentee for the first time. 17 lacked the voter’s signature on the envelope, 40 had no witness signature/address, 7 were postmarked after April 7, and 8 were received after April 7 with no postmark.

Having reviewed the final reports, a few corrections are in order.

CORRECTION: THE VOTE TOTAL IN WALWORTH COUNTY DISTRICT 4, OF 704 TO 401 WAS CORRECT, BUT ALL VOTES WERE IN THE CITY. (Previous report:”The only local race that was contested was for Walworth County Supervisor, District 4, where incumbent Jerry Grant led Kerstan Roeven by 690 to 373 votes. Including township votes, Grant won by 704 to 401.”)

CORRECTION: THE BANNER OMITTED A SECOND CONTESTED WALWORTH COUNTY SUPERVISOR RACE, IN DISTRICT 3. Brian Holt received 203 votes, and Tim Brellenthin, 116. Holt was declared the winner over incumbent Brellenthin, with the county-wide vote being 1211 to 1143.

CORRECTION/ADDITION: A few percentages (designated by a *) in the tables below have been changed slightly. Additionally, the raw number votes for the Democratic presidential candidates receiving less than 2% have been added.

Results in the Democratic Presidential Preference Primary:

CandidateWhitewaterState (96% of precincts reporting)
Joe Biden58% *63%
Bernie Sanders37% *31%
Elizabeth Warren 2%1%
Raw number of votes for other candidates: Amy Klobuchar (8), Andrew Yang (8), Michael R. Bloomberg (8), Pete Buttigieg (5), Tulsi Gabbard (3), Uninstructed (8), Write-in (2)

Wisconsin Supreme Court

CandidateWhitewaterState (96% of precincts reporting)
Jill J. Karofsky68%54%
Daniel Kelly32%46%

Court of Appeals Judge, District 2

CandidateWhitewaterDistrict (100% reporting)
Lisa Neubauer73%54%
Paul Bugenhagen Jr27%46%

State Referendum (“Marsy’s Law”)

WhitewaterState (96% of precincts reporting)
Yes76% *75%
No24% * 25%

Common Council: Three incumbents were reelected without opposition: Jim Allen (at Large), Matthew Schulgit (District 2), and Lynn Binnie (District 4).

Whitewater Unified School Board: There were three open seats, with three candidates. Incumbents Casey Judd and Steven J. Ryan were reelected, and former Board member Thayer A. Coburn was returned to office.

Walworth County Public Health : 3 COVID Deaths; Rise in Confirmed Cases Linked to More Testing; “Community Spread” in all Communities Including Whitewater

April 13 – Walworth County has 45 laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19. The rise in cases is
partially attributable to an increase in private laboratories receiving authorization to test
for COVID-19. This provides physicians opportunities to test people who are not
severely ill. Delays in testing data have also skewed Walworth County’s numbers. Late
last week, Public Health received results for tests that were performed in late March.
Public Health has monitored the suspected cases while awaiting lab confirmation and
observed some recovering fully before testing data was available.
The increase in confirmed cases has not overwhelmed available health care resources.
“Our health care systems are strong and our health care workers are doing phenomenal
work,” stated Erica Bergstrom, Public Health Officer. “We are hopeful because we are
seeing people recover, including some who have been hospitalized.”


Walworth County also experienced its first three COVID-19 deaths, all older adults.
“This virus is particularly hard on those 65 and older. These people also had multiple
underlying conditions that complicated their medical care,” added Bergstrom. “We
extend our sympathies to the families and friends of those we recently lost. We must
continue to work together to protect our most vulnerable neighbors.” The Division of Public Health is not publicly releasing the locations of the deaths or
confirmed cases, although this information is being shared with dispatch centers.

“The virus is widespread throughout our communities,” Bergstrom stated. In response to a question from the Banner, Carlo Nevicosi, Deputy Director, Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services, indicated that “We’ve detected community spread in all major Walworth County communities.” Previously Mr. Nevicosi had confirmed that Whitewater is considered a major county community, so this would indicate that here there have been one or more instances of the virus having been spread beyond the originally infected household. “If you have been in close contact with a confirmed case, you will be notified. Please continue to adhere
to physical distancing practices to control the spread of the infection,” Bergstrom concluded.


Public Health advises that if you feel sick, stay at home. Remain at home until you are
fever-free for three days without fever-reducing medication, have significant
improvement in symptoms, and seven days have passed since your symptoms first
appeared.


This is a rapidly evolving situation. For the latest information, visit the CDC’s website,
the DHS website, or the Walworth County website at www.co.walworth.wi.us.

Not to Be Outdone, Some of the WUSD Admin Team Also Made a Video, “What Administrators Do When the Building is Empty” – It’s a Wild One!

Members of the Whitewater Unified School District Admin Team produced a 7 minute, 26 second video titled, “We Miss You WHS – Corona-closure 2020.” If you thought the teachers and other staff had fun with their video, you haven’t seen anything yet! The actors are: Tom Grosinske, Washington Elementary School Principal; Mary Kilar, Lincoln Elementary School Principal; Mike Lovenberg, Whitewater High School Principal; and Nathan O’Shaughnessy, Whitewater High School Assistant Principal.

To view the video, please click here.

UW-Whitewater Online to provide quality education for adult distance learners

With more than 20 years of excellence in online learning, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is expanding its reach with the launch of UW-Whitewater Online, a site that unites 40 online degree and certificate programs.

With UW-Whitewater Online, students can expect to receive a rich and engaging learning experience paired with access to a wide range of student support services. All programs are 100 percent online, which will allow students to learn at their own pace and when it’s convenient for their busy lives. Classes provide the same accredited curriculum as the on-campus programs and will be taught by the same nationally recognized faculty. This will provide remote students with the perfect blend of personal attention and academic rigor they need to succeed while juggling their other commitments.

UW-Whitewater has long been a pioneer in online education. Over 20 years ago, UW-Whitewater launched one of the first fully online Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs in the nation and the first in Wisconsin. In January, UW-Whitewater’s online MBA was ranked No. 25 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The online bachelor’s program was rated No. 48 in the nation in the same report. 

“We have the experience, expertise and capacity to deliver high-quality curriculum to adult learners throughout the world. While quality is one of the top attributes adult learners look for when choosing an online program, convenience and value are also critical. The new UW-Whitewater Online will deliver on both,” Chancellor Dwight C. Watson said.

This strategic initiative to brand the online degree program was started 12 months ago and is part of a broader vision for the future of the university with the ultimate goal to increase applications and enrollments. By bolstering enrollments, the program will positively impact the university, the local community and the economy.

“Now more than ever, technology, globalization and public health are radically transforming the way people live, work and learn,” Interim Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Greg Cook said. “We’re proud to extend the reach of our exceptional academic programs with new degree offerings from UW-Whitewater Online.”

UW-Whitewater Online was designed for adult learners who are seeking to complete a degree off-campus and 100 percent online. These are individuals who are at a point where they need an advanced degree to progress in their career or take on a new challenge. These are students who would have previously not considered an on-campus program at UW-Whitewater but are able to pursue their education thanks to the convenience of an online degree.

For more information about the degree programs, to hear student testimonials or to sign up for a test-drive, visit uww.edu/online.

Hospital Physician Becomes First at Versiti Blood Center of WI to Donate “Convalescent” Plasma to Help COVID-19 Patients

Children’s Wisconsin Physician donates to Versiti Convalescent Plasma Program

BANNER NOTE: Versiti is conducting a blood drive at the Old Armory in Whitewater on Tues., 4/14. To make an appointment please click here.

Milwaukee, Wis.– April 6, 2020 – As coronavirus cases continue to spread across the state, Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin has collected its first convalescent plasma donation in an effort to help treat COVID-19 patients.

Dave Lal, M.D., pediatric oncologist at Children’s Hospital Wisconsin, and professor of pediatric surgery at The Medical College of Wisconsin, was the first to donate as part of Versiti’s convalescent plasma program. Dr. Lal donated at Versiti’s downtown Milwaukee donor center.

“I have a unique opportunity to help others,” said Dr. Lal. “Even in my own community, I know people who are really struggling and who are critically sick. So if I can help any one of those people, it would give me much joy.”

Lal tested positive for coronavirus in March and suffered mild symptoms such as fatigue and muscle aches. He was tested for COVID-19 after learning that he was exposed to someone who had tested positive. Following hospital practices and CDC guidelines, he immediately stopped working and quarantined at home. According to Children’s, more than 100 employees and patients were tested as a result of Dr. Lal’s case. All results were negative.

The plasma donations will be provided to hospitals participating in Versiti’s convalescent plasma program. One plasma donation can be used to treat multiple patients.

Individuals who have contracted COVID-19and have fully recovered have developed antibodies to the virus, These antibodies may help patients seriously ill with COVID-19 in their recovery.

Potential donors must first be proven to have had a COVID-19 diagnosis through a positive lab test result, and must then have a negative test result 14 days after recovering from symptoms,” said Versiti Senior Medical Director Dan A. Waxman, M.D. “It’s a very collaborative effort with our hospital partners who will be working to identify and verify the donors.”

The plasma treatment – approved by the FDA as an Emergency Investigational New Drug (EIND) – could offer hope to the hundreds of patients who continue to be diagnosed. This treatment would be used by hospitals for the most severely affected patients.

“Many of our hospital partners have already requested the donations,” said Dr. Waxman. “They are anxious to begin the program.”

Individuals who have contracted COVID-19 and have fully recovered have developed antibodies to the virus. These antibodies may help patients seriously ill with COVID-19 in their recovery. The plasma donation process takes 30-40 minutes and is the same as with other plasma donations, using an apheresis machine which separates the blood components.

Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin is a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Milwaukee that specializes in blood services, esoteric diagnostic testing, organ, tissue and stem cell donation, medical services and leading-edge research. We advance patient care by delivering life-saving solutions grounded in unparalleled medical and scientific expertise. The collective efforts of Versiti affiliates result in improved patient outcomes, expanded access to care, and cost efficiencies for healthcare systems nationwide. For more information, visit Versiti.org/Wisconsin.

Walworth County Reports First Death Attributable to COVID-19 (Updated)

A Walworth County resident has died due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, per a press release on April 12. The patient is an adult in their 80’s. UPDATED: In response to a question from the Banner, Carlo Nevicosi, Deputy Director of Walworth County HHS, indicated that “The case was laboratory-confirmed for COVID-19.”

“It is with great sadness that I confirm that a Walworth County resident has passed away due to COVID-19”, said Elizabeth Aldred, Health and Human Services (HHS) Director. “This is a sad day for Walworth County. Our entire community feels the weight of this loss.”

The release did not indicate where the individual had lived. Walworth County HHS recently indicated that COVID-19 has been confirmed or suspected in every major community in the county. In a telephone conversation with a Banner staff member on April 7, Carlo Nevicosi, Deputy Director of the Walworth County Department of Health & Human Services, confirmed that there are “confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19” in Whitewater. Mr. Nevicosi stated that he was not at that time authorized to release any further information regarding the nature of those cases.

The Walworth County Division of Public Health continues to monitor the spread of the disease and implement practices to reduce transmission.

“We know that many Walworth County residents are concerned about what impact this virus may have on themselves and their loved ones. This is a rapidly evolving public health event that we are taking very seriously” added Aldred. “This is a time to remind everyone of the importance of taking precautions to protect those at higher risk, especially the elderly and people with serious underlying health conditions.”

To reduce risk of getting sick, Public Health advises everyone to follow these simple steps:

  • Following the Safer at Home Order
  • Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes.
  • Avoid touching your face.
  • Stay home when sick.

This is a rapidly evolving situation. For the latest information, visit the CDC’s website or the DHS website.

For the latest information about COVID-19 in Walworth County, visit:

https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/856/COVID-19.

Municipal Board of Canvassers to Complete the Spring Election Vote Count on Monday, 4/13, 3:00 p.m.

Agenda

Municipal Board of Canvassers

City of Whitewater Municipal Building – Community Room

312 W. Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190

April 13, 2020 – 3:00 p.m. (Just to clarify, we have been told we can start reviewing the absentee envelopes earlier in the day, but cannot begin counting them until 4:00.  We are going to start with our paperwork at 3:00.  If we finish before 4:00, we will have to wait until 4:00 to count.)

In accordance withWis. Stats. § 7.52 and 7.53(m), and pursuant to the order of the United States District Court Judge William M. Conley dated April 2, 2020, the City of Whitewater Municipal Board of Canvassers will convene on the date(s) and time(s) indicated above to canvass the April 7, 2020 Preferential Preference and Spring Election absentee ballots and conduct the Municipal canvass if required.

The Municipal Building will be open to the public during the counting.

If you are disabled and need assistance, please call (262) 473-0102 before this meeting to make arrangements for reasonable accommodations.

Michele Smith, Clerk
City of Whitewater