News

Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States. The three-day weekend it falls on is called Labor Day Weekend.

Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor. “Labor Day” was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City. In 1887, Oregon was the first state of the United States to make it an official public holiday. By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, thirty states in the U.S. officially celebrated Labor Day.

Canada’s Labour Day is also celebrated on the first Monday of September. More than 80 countries celebrate International Workers’ Day on May 1, the ancient European holiday of May Day. May Day was chosen by the Second International of socialist and communist parties to commemorate the Haymarket affair, which occurred in Chicago on May 4, 1886.

Source: Wikipedia

The Banner appreciates the use on the homepage of the image by ilham arief from Pixabay.

Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is pleased to announce the promotion of Whitney Townsend to the role of Chief Strategy Officer (CSO).

Since joining FCCU in January 2018, Whitney has played a significant role in advancing the credit union’s strategic initiatives, enhancing member experiences, and fostering innovation across the organization. Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated strong leadership, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to helping FCCU adapt and thrive in an evolving financial services environment.

In her new role as Chief Strategy Officer, Whitney will lead the development and execution of FCCU’s long-term strategic vision, working closely with executive leadership and teams across the organization to identify growth opportunities, strengthen member value, and support organizational excellence. The position requires strong strategic thinking, collaboration across multiple disciplines, data-informed decision making, and the ability to drive meaningful organizational change.

“Whitney’s leadership, creativity, and dedication to our members and team have made a lasting impact on FCCU,” said Sue Johnson, President/CEO of Fort Community Credit Union. “Her ability to see the bigger picture, turn ideas into action, and lead through change makes her exceptionally well-suited for this role. We are excited to have her help guide FCCU’s future growth and strategic direction.”

Throughout her career at FCCU, Whitney has championed initiatives designed to improve member experiences, strengthen operational effectiveness, and position the credit union for long-term success. Her promotion reflects FCCU’s commitment to developing leaders from within and investing in the future of the organization.

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve FCCU in this new capacity,” said Whitney Townsend. “FCCU has an incredible team, a strong commitment to our members, and a powerful mission. I look forward to working with our employees, leadership team, and Board of Directors as we continue building a strong future for our members and the communities we serve.”

Fort Community Credit Union congratulates Whitney on this well-deserved promotion and looks forward to the continued leadership and vision she will bring to the organization.

About FCCU: Established in 1940, Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is a member-owned financial cooperative open to anyone living or working in Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Rock, Walworth, or Waukesha counties. With branch locations in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Watertown, and Whitewater, FCCU holds $419 million in assets and has more than 21,000 members. For more information about FCCU and the products and services they offer, visit fortcommunity.com or call (920) 563-7305.

Our thanks to Ron Binning for sharing this beautiful photo.

— 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. Thanks for thinking about this!

Feeling crafty? Community members are invited to Fiber Fridays at the Whitewater Public Library. This is an informal gathering to create, relax, and have fun! Participants are welcome to bring their own fiber art project such as knitting, crochet, embroidery, sewing, etc. The library will also provide some basic supplies, tools, and materials, including a sewing machine. This program is for adults and there is no cost or registration to attend. Drop by if you can!

Fiber Fridays will take place at 5:00-6:30 p.m. on the following Fridays in Meeting Room 2:

• September 11
• October 16
• November 6

The Whitewater Public Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. For more information and a full calendar of events, visit whitewaterlibrary.org.

Sarah French, Assistant Director, Whitewater Public Library
Office: 262-458-2782
sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov

NOTICE: John’s Disposal will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.
Please note the following route change:

• Thursday’s route is delayed to Friday

Residents with questions may contact John’s Disposal at (262) 473-4700 or by email at office@johnsdisposal.com. Additional information is available at www.johnsdisposal.com.

Brad Marquardt
Director of Public Works
(262) 473-0139
bmarquardt@whitewater-wi.gov

School District Wellness Committee – Tuesday 9/8 @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
——————————-
This meeting is not available virtually.

City of Whitewater Public Works Committee Meeting – Tuesday 9/8 @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
Cravath Lakefront Room, 2nd floor
312 W. Whitewater St., Whitewater, Wisconsin
——————————-
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/258923163043652?p=CiwMhQVeT6h0ArQoMY
Telephone: +1 929-229-5663,,522079737#
Meeting ID: 258 923 163 043 652
Passcode: 2zn9zB9v
Phone conference ID: 522 079 737#

Open art workshops will be taking place in Whitewater on two Tuesdays in both September and October.

They are set for 5 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 15 and 29 and Oct. 13 and 27 at Wisconsin Makers, 200 E. Clay St in Whitewater.

Classes include copper enameling, copper tooling with fire color, wet or dry felting, wool appliqué (embellishing clothing with wool) and fabric collage (making book covers, pouches, clothing patches and so on).

The fee for each session is $25, materials included, with payment that night. Register for the class of your choice by calling instructor Leani Schoor at (608) 421-4078 or emailing her at leanischoor@gmail.com.

Having earned her bachelor of science degree in art education and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Schoor taught art at Jefferson High School for 38 years. She is the owner of Studio 2154 in Madison.

Located at the corner of East Clay and Wisconsin streets in Whitewater, Wisconsin Makers is a makerspace or community workshop. The building is accessible and air-conditioned. 

Information submitted by Christine Spangler

Steve Watson shares photos of the first pandion haliaetus (osprey) he has seen this year. The photos were taken at Cravath Lake on the morning of September 3.