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By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
In a 3 hour meeting on August 10, the Whitewater Unified School District School Board extended the reopening plan that it approved in its July 27 meeting for another two weeks, ending on September 25. The motion was passed 6-1, with Jennifer Kienbaum dissenting. Under the plan, 1/4 of the elementary students will each attend in-person learning with cohorts of four to eight students on the days of Tuesday – Friday from 12:30 – 3:00 p.m. 4K students will be in school two mornings or afternoons per week. Middle School and High School students will only attend a single orientation session during the first week of September, and then be online for the rest of the month. Special arrangements will be made as needed for ELL students, those who are at risk, and those who are unengaged by online learning.
The board also voted that at a special meeting on September 14, depending upon the status of COVID in the area and the schools, they hope to affirm that the schools will be returning to fulltime in-person instruction as of September 28. (Note: the Banner story initially said “regular meeting.”)
Before making the decision, the board heard from the epidemiologist with the Jefferson County Health Department, who explained his rationale in recommending that school districts not return to in-person education until the 14-day positivity rate of COVID-19 testing is below 8%. Pam Streich, Educational Consultant with Jefferson County, clarified that the county does not have the authority to close a school; they may only make recommendations. They look at not only the positivity rate, but also the hospitalization rate, the community spread, whether the trend is up or down, and other factors. District Administrator Caroline Pate-Hefty indicated that the district is computing a positivity rate that utilizes the rates for Jefferson, Rock, and Walworth counties, adjusted for the percentage of the students who reside in each of the counties. That rate is currently 8.2%.
Dr. Pate-Hefty indicated that 658 students have registered thus far, out of an expected enrollment of approximately 1900. 22% of the enrollments have selected the virtual model. Parents will be able to change the model of choice for their student(s) at the end of each quarter of the school year.
The board adopted a policy that any students who are exempt from the requirement to wear a face mask will be encouraged to wear a face shield. (Note: the Banner story initially said “required.”) Members also voted to utilitze as a guiding document the Jefferson County Health Department metrix, retitled the “Jefferson Health Department Reopening County Schools and Addressing the Spread of COVID-19” plan which was just released on August 10.
WHITEWATER, WIS – The Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce along with the City of
Whitewater, the Whitewater Marketing Alliance, the Tourism Council, Downtown Whitewater,
and the Greater Whitewater Committee want to support the university in its efforts to ensure that
the university students feel safe and welcome upon their return to campus and to Whitewater!
We would like YOUR help in creating a warm and welcoming environment as the university
students return for their fall semester. We have Welcome Warhawks yard signs that we are
inviting local residents to put in their front yards, and local businesses to hang in their storefront
windows or put out in front of their businesses. While starting or returning to college in a new
town away from the comforts of home can be scary, this year is particularly challenging. Let’s
showcase the warm and friendly nature of Whitewater and welcome the students with open arms
in the best social distanced way we can!
We want to paint the town purple during the move-in period, August 21st through September
2nd, to show the students they are an important part of the Whitewater family. The signs are
available now and can be picked up at the chamber offices, 150 W. Main Street, Monday – Friday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Message from Chancellor Watson on Fall Athletics
Dear Warhawks,
On Monday, I, along with the other chancellors in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC), held a meeting to vote on conference competition for the Fall of 2020. The decision was made that there will be no conference competition and championships for the 2020-2021 academic year for football, women’s soccer, women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s cross country. Universities will retain the autonomy to establish practice opportunities within the limitations stipulated by the NCAA throughout the 2020-21 academic year.
A decision on the future winter sports will be made at a later date.
Please find WIAC Commissioner Danielle Harris’ statement here.
The WIAC Chancellors all agreed that keeping our student athletes and our coaches and staff safe is what matters most. The health and safety of our community members is the first of our guiding principles at UW-Whitewater, and this decision falls in line with those principles.
The WIAC member chancellors did not believe it was prudent to continue competition if we could not test student athletes regularly. The close contact of these sports makes it extremely difficult to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The WIAC member universities simply do not have the capacity to test student athletes, coaches and staff with enough regularity to keep them safe during practice and competition.
I know this is disappointing news for many on our campus and beyond. The Warhawk fan base is national, and it simply won’t feel like fall without our teams in action. I join the legions who are saddened by this news. Yet, it is the right decision.
Our student athletes will have questions, and Athletic Director Ryan Callahan and the coaches will be available to answer them.
Athletic Director Callahan and our talented team of coaches will work hard to engage our student athletes in safe activities that allow them to continue to build relationships with team members and continue to develop as athletes. Athletics is planning a student athlete town hall on Aug. 6. Additional information will be communicated as it is made available.
This decision may have you questioning our return-to-campus plans. Please understand that athletic competition is much different than a classroom situation, where face coverings can be used and social distancing can be maintained. We continue our efforts to mitigate potential exposure on campus for our students, faculty and staff. This decision does not impact those efforts, and we will to return to classes as planned on Sept. 2, 2020.
Warhawk Athletics is powered by tradition and has a storied history of excellence that will not change because of this decision. There is a sense of loss that accompanies this decision, but nothing can change the pride that we have for Warhawk Athletics.
Sincerely,
Dr. Dwight C. Watson
Chancellor
Additional Press Release from UW-W:
The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference has released its “Return to Play” plan for the 2020-21 academic year.
The WIAC has canceled conference seasons and championships in football, women’s soccer, volleyball and men’s and women’s cross country. Institutions will be permitted to conduct practices/training sessions within the limitations stipulated by the NCAA throughout the 2020-21 academic year.
League discussions will continue regarding plans to conduct a predetermined, limited number of contests against outside competition in football, women’s soccer and volleyball during the 2021 spring semester.
The WIAC has suspended competition for women’s tennis and golf. Conference seasons and championships in those sports will be moved to the spring semester. Institutions will be permitted to conduct practices within the limitations stipulated by the NCAA during the fall semester.
“I am proud of the conference and our fellow member institutions for putting together a plan to return to play as soon and as safely as possible,” Interim Athletic Director Ryan Callahan said. “While I’m disappointed that our teams won’t be able to compete this fall, I’m confident in the abilities of our head coaches and support staff to create an atmosphere of learning and growth with our teams through other opportunities during the fall semester.
“As has been the case throughout this process, the health and well-being of our student-athletes and staff will be at the forefront of discussions moving forward.”
A decision on the winter sports season will be determined at a later date.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will post a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page no later than Tuesday, August 4.
A virtual Town Hall Meeting with department administrators will take place Thursday, August 6, at a time to be determined. It will be announced on uwwsports.com and the Warhawks’ social media channels.
To submit a question to the UW-Whitewater athletic department, click here.
City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission - via go to meeting online or by phone: +1 (872) 240-3212 Access Code: 470-050-157 -Monday at 4:30 p.m. - - More information
Whitewater United School District School Board - via Zoom online - Passcode: 346754 or by phone: 1-312-626-6799- Webinar ID: 852 2829 6363- Passcode: 346754 -Includes fall instruction plan, unaudited financial statements for 2019-20 year. More information - click on "meetings" in upper right corner. Monday at 7:00 p.m.
City of Whitewater Finance Committee - via go to meeting online Phone: 1 (646) 749-3122 Access Code: 803-626-381 - includes budget calendar, routes to recovery grant funding. More information - Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.
Whitewater Unified School District School Board - via zoom online - Passcode 734493 Phone: 1-312-626-6799- Webinar ID: 856 4731 5478 - Passcode: 734493- Includes unaudited financial statements for 2019-20 fiscal year. More information - click on "meetings" in upper right corner. Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. (Note: Closed session begins at 6:15 p.m. - for separate login info click on "more information" above.)
| MADISON – July 24, 2020 — Gov. Tony Evers announced today that the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin will be flown at half-staff on July 25, 2020, in honor a recently identified Korean War Soldier whose remains have been returned to Wisconsin for burial. Army Cpl. Francis J. Rochon of Superior will be buried with full military honors on Saturday, July 25, in Foxboro, Wisconsin, after the Department of Defense positively identified his remains 70 years after his death. “This is a great yet somber day,” said Gov. Evers. “We humbly remember Cpl. Rochon’s brave sacrifice to our nation and offer our condolences to his family as they now find closure after so many years and lay Cpl. Rochon to rest eternally in his home state and community.” Rochon was a member of the 2nd Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Sept. 1, 1950, after fierce fighting near Changnyeong, South Korea. The Army officially declared Rochon deceased on Dec. 31, 1953, and declared his remains non-recoverable Jan. 16, 1956. Rochon’s unidentified remains were buried at a cemetery in South Korea in January 1951 and reinterred in 1956 to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. He was disinterred in 2018 for possible identification by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. To identify Rochon’s remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological analysis, as well as circumstantial evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis. Rochon will be buried at Summit Cemetery in Foxboro. His military awards include the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge. Executive Order #81 is available here. |
WHITEWATER, Wisc., (SPECTRUM NEWS) — The national VA wheelchair games recently came to a close with quite a few Wisconsinites placing in their events.
The national wheelchair games had to turn virtual this year due to coronavirus. This means that participants had to record their event from home and send it in to be judged. LeToi Adams, an Army veteran from Whitewater says it was quite an adjustment but she wouldn’t miss the games for anything.
Click here for the complete article in Spectrum News.
Due to the increasing number of positive COVID-19 cases, the Irvin L. Young Library will be closing its doors again on Friday, July 24 at 5:30 p.m. Curbside pickup will resume on Monday, July 27. Please see the information below.
Obituaries
Edward W. HamiltonApril 3,1941 – October 26, 2024 Edward “Edjo” Wickman Hamilton, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at home. Ed was born in Evanston, Illinois and moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin with his family when he was eight years old. He attended Whitewater High School and then graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater with a bachelor of science degree. He also served two years in the army. He moved to Davenport, Iowa in 1971 and worked at John Deere Davenport Works until he retired in 2001. Then he followed a dream, moved back to Whitewater and … Read more
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Verne Paul Schrank was born on March 9, 1930 at home on the family farm in Lima Township, Rock County, to Arthur and Marie (Witte) Schrank. He attended the Sturtevant one room school which closed when he graduated in 1944. He attended Whitewater High School and graduated in 1948. Verne farmed with his parents until 1967 when he moved to Whitewater and worked for the Whitewater Unified School District as a custodian – courier for 27 years. Verne served on various boards at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, as well as playing on the dartball team for many years. Verne … Read more
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After a long full life, Janine Marie (Dickerson) Weiss was called home to the Lord. Janine was born on April Fool’s Day, 1930 in Milwaukee. She grew up enjoying Trolleys, dancing and school with her sisters, Donna Domagalski, Marcyl Howel, Karen Moczynski and her parents, Glenn and Lucille Dickerson. In 1950, she married Frederic Weiss in a little church in Three Lakes WI. Shortly after, the first of 5 kids was born with the next 2 shortly after. Denice Lucille (Edward DeGroot), David Arthur, and Dana Lynn (Stephen Lind). After a breather Debra Beth (Alyn Jones) and Donna Raye (Dale … Read more
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Raymond Miles, 96, Whitewater, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Our House Senior Living in Whitewater. Raymond was born on February 10, 1928, in Elkhorn, WI to Rueben and Norma Miles. He served in the US Army. On June 18, 1955, Raymond married Waverly Sutherland in Whitewater, WI. He enjoyed a long and successful career as a Livestock Dealer. In retirement, he cherished time spent with his family and remained informed on the farming community. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Waverly of Whitewater, sons Eddie of Madison and Todd (Barbara) Miles of Sarasota FL, … Read more
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Connie Jean Sukowski embarked on her next big adventure on the evening of Friday, November 8, 2024. Connie enjoyed decades of adventures with friends and family. She spent 36 years teaching 2nd and 3rd grade students in the Palmyra Eagle School District, working alongside many cherished colleagues and friends. Connie and her husband, Patrick Theodore Sukowski, shared 55 and a half years of marriage. Together they raised four children: Peter, Allan, Ann and Kevin Sukowski. She took great joy in watching her five grandchildren grow into amazing adults: Sonora Sukowski, Brianne Hebbe, Jared Gundrum-Sukowski, Nolan Causey, and Lore Lai Schimmel. … Read more
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Nancy Lou Hallock Cooper passed away November 8, 2024 due to complications of lungcancer. Nancy was born on April 20, 1936 in Springfield, MA to Howard and Barbara (Corliss) Hallock. As a child, Nancy spent every summer in her beloved Piermont, NH where she and her brothers “helped” the local farmer with his chores, including riding in the truck with the milk cans every morning. She enjoyed swimming in the local brooks, picking berries, going to the nearby library, visiting with cousins, and playing croquet every evening. As she grew older, she spent time as a camper and then a camp … Read more
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James Robert Trier (Jimbo), passed away on November 10, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on December 22, 1934, in New Holstein, WI, to George and Frances Trier. He spent his later years residing in Whitewater, WI. Jim began his teaching career as a high school mathematics teacher and then dedicated 55 years of his life to education as a mathematics professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He was the chairman of the faculty senate as well. He had a passion for math and an engaging teaching style, which made him a student favorite. He was known for telling … Read more
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Juan Manuel “Manny” Rodriguez, 56, of Whitewater, WI, passed away on Oct 31, 2024. He was born in Fort Atkinson, WI, on November 14, 1967 to Ponciano and Blanca Rodriguez. He graduated from Whitewater High School and continued his education at Gateway, earning a degree in marketing. He had a love for helping people and worked in healthcare for over 30 years as a CNA. He enjoyed shooting darts with his lifelong friends: Robert Bramley, Brian Quass, and Todd Piper. To know Manny, you knew he had a love for his Washington Redskins, now known as the Commanders. He loved to play … Read more
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James Trier, Whitewater, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at Edgerton Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 2:00 pm at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Whitewater. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Whitewater. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 1:00 pm until the time of the service. A full obituary will follow. Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.
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