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Today is Monday, July 22, 2024
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In a 4 minute, 35 second slideshow, many of the WHS teachers and other staff sent encouraging (but occasionally odd) messages to their students during the “Safer at Home” order, otherwise known as “Study at Home” order. You may watch by clicking here.
Running a Small Business or Nonprofit and Feeling Overwhelmed by Emergency Funding Information? Editorial by Lisa Dawsey Smith
You are NOT alone. And it can be difficult to not have comprehensive, easy to navigate information at your fingertips.
For any of the conversations that I’ve had in the past weeks with local business I’ve started with the caveat: None of us are experts right now whether it be a economic development organization like a Chamber of Commerce or a local media outlet. We’re sifting through just as much information as you are and pulling together reliable resources for you to have quality information in your hands. The best source I’ve found? Your bank. You have a working relationship with your bank and they know you and your business needs better than anyone else. Does that mean you’ll likely get a live person on the phone in the instant that you need them? Maybe not but they’re doing their best to catch up and many have assured me that they will get back to you just as soon as they can!
Now you’ve heard about the CARES act and all of the programs that it created. There’s a lot of information in that to unpack. There’s the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, and an available advance to that loan. There are provisions for possible loan forgiveness. There’s another program called the Paycheck Protection Program available through existing SBA lenders. There’s an online portal, and one that involves forms that an approved SBA lender has to submit. Confused yet? You’re not alone. So go ahead and call your bank or credit union, leave a voicemail message and while you’re waiting to hear back check out the information compiled by the US Chamber of Commerce located here; it’s an easier to digest format for the information. https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/cares-act-small-business-guide
And remember, you are not alone.
(3/23/20) Taking another step in the effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, Governor Tony Evers said on Monday that he plans to issue an order on Tuesday ordering all nonessential businesses to close. Details on which businesses will be allowed to stay open have not yet been announced, but are expected to be similar to the restrictions in other states such as California, Illinois, and Ohio. Best guess is that essential services are likely to include health care providers, grocery stores, restaurant carry-out services, farms, critical manufacturing, utility companies, law enforcement, and government operations. The governor promised to give “nonessential” businesses a grace period to close down, although hair and tanning salons were already shuttered last week.
“Folks, this is important. Time is of the essence,” Evers said. “This isn’t something I thought we’d have to do, it’s not something I wanted to do and it’s not something that I take lightly.”
(Banner comment) You may find it to be worth four minutes to read the article, “The Severity of the Next Several Weeks Depends Upon Our Actions Now,” by Andy Slavitt, former head of the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services. Click here for the post on medium.com.
Finally, here are some good tips for your essential shopping trips.
The District’s tentative timeline for selection of a new Administrator:
HYA Job Posting: January 25-March 13 (HYA = Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates)
Online Survey: February 10-24
Leadership Profile Report presented to Board: Monday, March 2
HYA Screening Interviews: Until Friday, March 20
Slate presented to Board: Monday, March 23 (NOTE: The Board does have a closed session on 3/23 for this purpose.)
Board initial interviews: April 6, 7, 9
Board meets to identify finalists: After the last interview
Finalist Interviews: April 13-?
Board meets to identify preferred candidate: Within a few days of the finalists’ interviews
Target for public announcement: May 1
District Administrator assumes responsibilities: July 1, 2020
District Characteristics:
- Approximately 2000 students
- 43% economically disadvantaged students
- 14% ELL (English Language Learner) students
- 17% students with disabilities
- 37% students of color, predominately Hispanic/Latino
- 82% of High School students are engaged in music, arts, and/or athletic programs.
- In 1960 Whitewater put into effect the first unified school district in WI, separating all school business and budget matters from the city council control.
Interview & Online Survey Participants
The consultants (HYA) spoke with 25 individuals and analyzed 517 online survey responses. Participants in the online survey: 181 students, 158 parents, 140 employees, 38 community members.
(Added on 3/21 at 10 p.m.) It may be of interest to note that the percentage ratings on some portions of the survey reflected much ratings on the part of community members and employees than those of parents and high school students. (It must be noted that there were only 38 community members participating in Whitewater.) The consultants indicated that it is not unusual to have a decline in ratings when a respondent is closer to the “consumer” experience in the district. The Banner was only able to find one other HYA survey in the state, but the difference in rankings between constituencies was much greater in Whitewater than in Green Bay. Shown below is the response to the question: “Please rate the overall quality of education in the District.”
| All | Community Member | Employee | Parent | Student | |
| Whitewater | 56% | 74% | 82% | 47% | 39% |
| Green Bay | 51% | 47% | 53% * | 52% | 46% |
- Green Bay’s survey had three categories of employees: Administrator (95 responses) = 68%, Certified/Licensed Staff (666 responses) = 53%, and Support Staff (219 responses) = 47%. Whitewater’s employees were all in one pool.
Strengths of the District (as identified by the interviews and surveys)
- Every group noted that Whitewater is a small, safe, friendly community in which to live and that the community shows tremendous support for the school district.
- Tremendous support for WUSD referendums.
- Quality staff: caring and dedicated.
- Growing diversity in the student population.
- Area Quality of Life: friendly community, environmental opportunities, University presence, proximity to Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago. “All groups highlighted the Whitewater area as a great place to live, work and recreate.”
- Stable dedicated school board
- District facilities are well maintained.
Top 5 District Strengths
- Technology is integrated into the classroom.
- Facilities are well maintained.
- District schools are safe.
- The district employs effective teachers, administrators, and support staff in its schools.
- District technology infrastructure is sufficient to support 21st century learning.
Challenges, Concerns, Issues Facing the District
- The district needs to create a central communication port where parents (especially) can look for information.
- Increasing mental health needs of students
- Increase in special education needs
- Changing demographic needs including poverty and homelessness
- Local housing shortage
- Enrollment challenges, particularly the net loss with open enrollment students
Desired Characteristics of New District Administrator
- Relationship builder
- Strong communicator
- Celebrates diversity
- Trustworthy and open minded
- Fosters community engagement
- Visible and accessible
- Sets high expectations
Top Five Desired Strengths for New Administrator
- Foster a positive, professional climate of mutual trust and respect among faculty, staff, and administrators
- Be visible throughout the District and actively engaged in community life
- Recruit, employ, and retain effective personnel throughout the District and its schools
- Understand and be sensitive to the needs of a diverse student population
- Establish a culture of high expectations for all students and personnel
(Added on 3/21 at 10 p.m.) The complete survey report may be found here.
The leadership profile may be found here.
(Well, unfortunately due to the social distancing requirement, there may not be much fellowship or fun, but at least there is still food!)
The Senior Nutrition Program – Senior Dining is currently serving meals. The Senior Dining locations are temporarily providing meals on a take out basis only. The following locations are currently serving Monday through Friday: Elkhorn – Sedgemeadow Apartments, Delavan – Lake Comus Apartments, Lake Geneva – The Terraces and Whitewater – Brookdale Apartments. Reservations are still required 1 business day in advance by Noon. Call (262) 741-3333 for reservations or see the dining site manager.
3/18/20 – Walworth County Division of Public Health announced today that there is now one confirmed case in Walworth County. This individual recently traveled domestically and at the recommendation of Walworth County Division of Public Health, voluntarily self-isolated upon returning to the community. Out of respect for the patient’s privacy, no additional information will be provided.
“We are in daily contact with this individual to monitor their symptoms and ensure they are receiving support to be able to isolate at home,” said Erica Bergstom, Public Heatlh Officer.
At this time Walworth County is not included in the list of identified locations with community transmission.
Walworth County Division of Public Health is keeping track of this outbreak. We are working with our local, state, and federal partners to deal quickly and effectively when people have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been around people that have been infected with the coronavirus. Walworth County Division of Public Health will directly notify close contacts of any identified cases.
This is a rapidly evolving situation. For the latest information, visit the CDC’s website or the DHS website. For current updates for Walworth County click here.
NOTE FROM THE BANNER: Please be diligent in handwashing and social distancing. We’re all encouraged to remain at home as much as possible, and when it’s essential to go out, maintain at least 6 feet from other people. There is particular concern about younger people, who may develop such a mild infection that they’re not even aware that they’re ill, but can still spread the virus to others — particularly to seniors and others with compromised immunity, for whom this virus can be fatal.
Protecting Yourself
While there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, Mercyhealth urges everyone to remain vigilant but not panic. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash your hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19. This helps prevent spreading the disease to others. Facemasks are crucial for health workers and people who care for someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
Most patients with COVID-19 symptoms are at low risk for having the disease. If you have concerns, Mercyhealth Virtual Visit Now is a safe, convenient way to get expert medical advice from the comfort of your home. With Virtual Visit Now, you help reduce the risk of spreading germs to patients and staff at the urgent care clinic. Mercyhealth cannot diagnose COVID-19 through Virtual Visit Now, but your remote care provider can screen you, answer your questions, and recommend what you should do next.
3/15/20 Whitewater Unified School District is closing effective immediately due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Due to the increasing number of corona-virus cases in Wisconsin, the increased concerns of parents, students, and staff, and the large number of closures in surrounding communities and states, it is in the best interest of the health and safety of Whitewater students and community to close schools beginning tomorrow. There will be no school for students tomorrow, Monday, March 16 and schools will remain closed until at least April 6. All school and extracurricular activities are cancelled.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jim Shaw, PhD, District Administrator
Queridas Familias:
El Distrito Escolar Unificado de Whitewater está cerrando en
vigencia inmediatamente debido al brote de COVID-19
Debido al creciente número de casos de corona-virus en
Wisconsin, la creciente preocupación de los padres, los estudiantes
y el personal, y la gran cantidad de cierres en las comunidades y
estados circundantes, es lo mejor para la salud y la seguridad de
los estudiantes de Whitewater y la comunidad cerrar las escuelas a
partir de mañana. No habrá escuela para los estudiantes mañana
lunes 16 de marzo y las escuelas permanecerán cerradas hasta al
menos el 6 de abril. Todas las actividades escolares y
extracurriculares se cancelan.
Sinceramente,
Dr. Jim Shaw, PhD
Administrador del Distrito
*************Due to the above announcement late today that Whitewater schools would now be closed beginning immediately, the city has decided to close the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center. Some maintenance projects normally scheduled for the summer will be moved up so that the center can take full advantage of the downtime.
Obituaries
A celebration of life for Dave Triebold will be held July 27 at Triebold Farms, with festivities beginning around 11:30 am. A rememberance service will take place at 12:30 pm. A pig roast will follow, and the pool will be open. The family encourages you to stay through the evening for a bonfire as well. Contact Kris (262)949-5474 or Kath (414)412-4385 with questions.
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James Paul Fisher, 86, known by friends as JP or Jay, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at UW Hospital, Madison, with his immediate family by his side. His body finally surrendered to a heart attack after battling heart and kidney ailments for many years. Born in Fond du lac, Wisconsin, on October 25, 1937, to Lorraine and James Fisher, JP was a resident of Elkhorn and then Whitewater, Wisconsin. At age 2 JP was diagnosed with polio. Through daily therapy administered by his mother and grandmother, he overcame this life threatening virus, and with a prognosis of limited … Read more
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Shirley M. Messier, 86, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on July 8, 2024. Shirley was born to Erwin and Leona Reese on May 20, 1938, in Farmington, Wisconsin. Shirley (“Shirttail”) attended the local country school, then set out on her own, taking a job doing factory work. On August 24, 1957, she married Blaine Messier in Jefferson, Wisconsin. They had three daughters, Michele (Shelly), Terry, and Karen. Shirley spent many years being a working wife and mother, finally retiring from Polymer Technologies / MacLean Fogg in Whitewater. Shirley loved country music and spent her retirement years going to George Jones … Read more
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Patricia Ann ParrBorn 7/20/42Departed to Heaven 5/10/23 About herself, Patricia often said “I love life, I love God, He always has taken care of me, and He always will”. Patricia died peacefully at Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, after a long and courageously fought season of declining health. Patricia was born in Beaver Dam, to a lovely family, which included her older brother Dennis and not too long after, her lifetime best friend and little sister Mary. They grew up on an idyllic “Gentlemen’s Farm” outside of Jefferson, with horses and many animals. Her parents, Floyd and Kathryn owned the … Read more
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Marjorie Alice “GG” Roloff, 89, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Golden Years in Lake Geneva, WI. She was born July 31, 1934, to Fred and Martha (Arndt) Papcke, in Whitewater, WI, the fifth of eleven children. GG attended South Heart Prairie School, across the road from the family’s home farm. She is a Whitewater High School graduate. On April 19, 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Eric. She worked a variety of jobs over the years. Her most memorable of those being the local canning factory and as a crossing guard. After retiring, she and Eric would … Read more
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Marilyn Mae Fuerstenberg, 81 of Whitewater, WI., passed away on June 27, 2024, at Agrace Hospice in Janesville, WI. Marilyn was born May 27, 1943, in Geneva Township, to Raymond and Doris Kilpin. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her two younger brothers, Mike and Donny Kilpin. Marilyn married William (Bill) Fuerstenberg on September 21, 1963. Bill and Marilyn lived in Whitewater. Together they raised three children, taking the family on yearly vacations and camping trips throughout the years. Marilyn worked for Walworth County Health and Social Services as a Child Protection Social Worker. She dedicated 25 years … Read more
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Jerome Francis Burke, age 76, of Whitewater, WI, passed away unexpectedly following a brief illness on June 27, 2024. Jerry was born in Evanston, IL on May 13, 1948 to Stephen and Catherine Burke. He grew up in Glenview, IL, where he graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Grade School and then Loyola Academy (Wilmette). Those early days spawned treasured, lifelong friendships. He went on to graduate from St. Joseph’s College (IN) with a BA in Economics, and it was there thathe met his beloved wife, Eileen. They married shortly after graduation and were blessed to share their lives … Read more
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Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz passed away Sunday, June 30th in home beside family and friends in Milford, Delaware from a long battle with cancer. Angelica E. Vicente Santa Cruz was born on February 24, 1965. She was the daughter of Doña Carmen Santa Cruz Valdez and Don Luis Vicente León, who allowed her to share a life of family union with her four brothers: Braulio, Carmen Rosa, Edgar and Juan. She was born in Lima-Peru and grew up in the Ventanilla district of the constitutional province of Callao of Peru. She completed her primary studies at the La Merced … Read more
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Lowell V. Youngs, 87, of Whitewater passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024 in Madison. Lowell was born on September 4, 1936 in Wyoming to Isaac and Violet (Doble) Youngs. He grew up in the very small town of Veteran, Wyoming, where he was one of nine students in his graduating class. After graduating, Lowell attended the University of Colorado, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 1958. Lowell was drafted into the US Army in 1960 and selected to be in the Army Band, where he gladly carried a clarinet instead of a gun. He was … Read more
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Robert Karl Webb passed away peacefully with his loving wife Adrienne by his side on June 14, 2024, at Hearthstone Memory Care in Whitewater, WI. Dr. Webb was born in Trenton, Missouri on September 29, 1926, to parents Karl and Esther (Kull) Webb. During World War II, he served in the Navy aboard the USS Pennsylvania and was honorably discharged in 1946. He received his undergraduate and doctorate degrees in music from the University of Illinois in Urbana. Dr. Webb was a composer and taught in the public schools of Moberly, Missouri, and was the director of the Hobart, Indiana … Read more
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