In response to COVID-19, the Village of Whitefish Bay is urging ALL voters to request an absentee ballot for the November 3, 2020 election. Voting absentee reduces public contact with our poll workers and staff. 50% of Whitefish Bay voters have already requested absentee ballots for the November 3 Election!

Offices to be elected for the November 3rd election include: President of the United States, State Senator, Representative to Assembly, District Attorney, and Milwaukee County Clerk, Treasurer and Register of Deeds.

Your request must include a copy of your WI photo ID.

Please remember that your ballot must be received at Village Hall (not postmarked) by 8:00 pm on November 3, 2020.

2020 Annual District Bulletin: The Annual District bulletin was recently distributed to Whitefish Bay School District families. Additional hard copies of the Annual Bulletin can be obtained by contacting the District Office at 414-963-3901. View the digital Annual Bulletin here.

2020-2021 Back to School Information: Read the full District opening plan, understand your learning options, and more on the District’s Back to School webpage.

All are invited and welcome to attend. Link for virtual meetings, agendas and more.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, initial numbers of suspected drug overdoses in Wisconsin show a 117% increase in 2020 compared to 2019 with 325 suspected overdoses between March to July compared to 150 suspected overdoses in 2019 (report). The North Shore Health Department’s assessment of drug overdose deaths in Milwaukee County also indicated an increased number in 2020 compared to 2019. Preliminary numbers show a 48% increase in the number of drug overdose deaths from 2019 to 2020 between January and May. From January to May of 2020 in Milwaukee County there were 23.5 deaths per 100,000 people compared to 15.9 deaths in the same time period for 2019.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 could play a major role in impacting rates of drug overdoses and overdose deaths. Various factors associated with the pandemic including pandemic fear, emotional distress, and unemployment could potentially contribute to increasing rates of overdoses in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also highlights that stress due to the pandemic could contribute to increase use of prescription medications, non-prescription medications, illegal drugs, or a return to use after remission.

Though it is vital that people practice social distancing and limit close contacts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during this pandemic, managing mental health and stress should also be a priority as we navigate through the rest of the year. Here are some healthier ways to cope with stress from the CDC:

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug use and addiction, please call the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline either at 211 or at (833) 944-4673.

For the most recent updates on COVID-19 in the North Shore, visit our website. We also encourage you to frequently monitor the DHS website and CDC website.

County Executive David Crowley announced the County is beginning efforts to receive feedback for the 2021 budget.

One option for community members to participate is by completing a 15 minute exercise that allows the participant to balance the budget through an interactive budget tool. This gives you an opportunity to prioritize County services and how you would close the deficit.

Another option is by joining one of three (3) Budget Open Houses conducted by the County. The open houses will be online and log-in information can be found on their website. The dates and times will be Tuesday, August 25 at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 2 at 12:00 p.m., and Tuesday, September 8 at 6:00 p.m.

We’re thrilled to inform you that after a long lay-off the Friends will once again begin accepting book donations. Mark your calendars for 10:00 am to Noon on Saturday, August 29. If you have donations of books, music and movies, you can drive through the library parking lot and place them in the provided containers. If you are looking to make a large donation of items (10 or more boxes) please contact Friends at friendswfblibrary@gmail.com.

WFBPL will begin Chapter 3 of Renewing Library Services, “Moving Forward @WFBPL” on Monday, August 31. Our new hours beginning that we are as follows:

Please keep your library visits to 30 minutes or less. A limited number of study tables are available for a single person’s use for 1 hour a day. Library computers are available for up to 1 hour per day. Thanks for protecting staff and other patrons by wearing your mask. (Masks are required and we can provide you with one if you don’t already have one.) Library computers are available for up to 1 hour per day.

Our curbside pickup is easy and contactless! Place materials on hold through CountyCat. When you receive a notification that items are ready for pickup, go here to schedule your pickup - https://calendly.com/wfblibrary/curbside-pickup-schedule.

Please consider paying your fines on line or making a tax-deductible donation through CountyCat or by mailing a check to:Whitefish Bay Public Library, 5420 N Marlborough Dr, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217. Our revenues are down this year so every little bit counts - Thank you!

Letter to Students and Their Families: The Whitefish Bay Public Library aims to provide excellent library service and to work to keep our community safe during these unprecedented times. We do so by following various state and national guidelines and recommendations which has resulted in changes to how we offer library services. We want to share how the library will serve you and your family as we enter the 2020-2021 school year within the boundaries of our “Grab & Go” service model.

The Whitefish Bay Farmers' Market is every Saturday through October 19, 2020 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. The Farmers Market is located in the Aurora Parking Lot (325 E Silver Spring Dr.).

The Whitefish Bay Farmers Market is working to provide as much space as possible for vendors and customers to shop safely. Social distancing should be practiced, face masks are required, and hand sanitizer is available. Please click here to view a full list of Whitefish Bay Farmers Market guidelines for customers.