A “harvest moon” is the full moon that falls closest to the beginning of fall. This moon earned its name because farmers relied on moonlight to harvest their crops late into the night in the days before electricity. With the biggest harvests occurring in the fall, this particular full moon’s illumination was especially significant, according to NASA. [USA Today]
Former UW-Whitewater baseball player Dan Gnatzig, a Whitewater native, is set to be inducted into the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2025 later this month.
Dan Gnatzig was a member of the UW-Whitewater baseball team from 2002-05. A model of consistency, Gnatzig was a staple in the outfield for all four years of his career. He helped lead UW-Whitewater to Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles in 2003, 2004 and 2005, as well as league tournament titles in 2003 and 2004. Gnatzig made three NCAA Tournament appearances and two Division III World Series appearances, helping the Warhawks to a national title in 2005. Gnatzig is a two-time all-region honoree (2004, 2005) and a two-time All-WIAC pick (2003, 2005). He is ranked among the top ten in the program record book in multiple season categories. In the program’s career record book, Gnatzig is ranked third in runs (187), sixth in at bats (619), eighth in hits (215) and eleventh in runs batted in (141). A native of Whitewater, Wisconsin and a graduate of Whitewater High School, Gnatzig earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education with a health licensure in 2005.
Gnatzig and 12 additional Warhawks will be recognized for their contributions to Warhawk Athletics as part of the UW-Whitewater football team’s game against UW-Platteville on Saturday, October 25, at 1 p.m. Inductees will be part of the Homecoming Parade, which begins at 10 a.m., will be honored at halftime of the football game and at the annual Hall of Fame Banquet, which begins following the contest at 4:30 p.m. at the University Center’s Hamilton Room.
For bios of all UW-Whitewater Hall of Fame Class of 2025 inductees, click here.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by UW-Whitewater Athletics. Photos of Dan Gnatzig courtesy of UW-Whitewater Athletics.
Come enjoy encouraging Christian music and a challenging message from the Bible, presented by the Southland Ministry Team! The SMT is a traveling ensemble (vocal and instrumental quartet) whose purposes include supporting the local church in music and preaching, encouraging young people to live for God, and promoting the opportunities of Southland Christian Ministries. The SMT also offers print and digital resources designed to help in spiritual growth.
The public is cordially invited.
For more information regarding the concert, please call the church at 262-473-2224 or send an email to kmbc@kmbcwi.org.
“Dungeons & Dragons: Twenty-Sided Tavern” at the Young Auditorium, 930 W. Main St., Whitewater
Tuesday, October 14 & Wednesday, October 15, 7:00 p.m.
Tickets start at $46
Free parking is available in lots 1 and 2 (lot 2 is the most convenient to the venue).
The global phenomenon that is DUNGEONS & DRAGONS is now live on-stage in an experience that Nerdist calls “Rip-roaring funny,” and “Truly a wonder to behold!” Join us for an interactive fantasy adventure where you choose your heroes, battle monsters and help three adventurers on an epic quest to save the world. A blend of theatre, gaming and one-of-a-kind storytelling, this show is for you whether you are curious about D&D, a die-hard gamer or a lover of adventure. No matter what quest you conquer, this experience will never be the same twice!
“The Life of Chuck”
Tuesday, October 14, 1 pm
(Drama/Fantasy/Whimsy)
Rated R (language); 1 hour, 51 minutes (2025).
Based on a short story by Stephen King. Praised for its deep, thought-provoking themes about life, death and human connection. Three chapters in the life of an ordinary man, Charles Krantz (Tom Hiddleston). Also stars Mark Hamill.
Seniors in the Park is located in Starin Park, 504 W. Starin Road. Although there is no charge to attend, regular participants are encouraged to join Seniors in the Park. The annual fee for residents of the Whitewater Unified School District is $10 and non-residents is $15. The funds support about half of the cost of our front desk staff person for 15 hours per week. The rest comes out of our fundraising monies. If you cannot afford the fee, we have a fund that will cover it for you. Fees are accepted at the Starin Park Community Building or online at https://schedulesplus.com/wwtr/kiosk/
On Thursday, October 16, join Josh Schoemann, Republican Candidate for Governor, for a meet and greet at 841 Brewhouse! 5:30 – 7pm.
This is an excellent opportunity to talk with Josh, hear about his vision for the future of Wisconsin, and share your thoughts!
RSVP to host Mike Smith – 262.366.0467
Editor’s Note: The above announcement was provided by the campaign. The Whitewater Banner is pleased to provide candidates whose name will be on area ballots the opportunity for a limit of one post each during the primary and the general campaigns. All of the announcements during the primary campaign will feature the homepage image used on this post. The Banner does not endorse candidates.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This week’s image is a rare one depicting the old Union School and Universalist Church at the corner of Center and Prairie Streets. On the left is the Union School, the second elementary school in Whitewater built in 1854. It was demolished for the old “Big Brick” elementary and high school built on this site in 1884. That building burned in 1927 and the site is today the “Big Brick Park.” The church is the Universalist Church, built in 1868-69. In 1921 it became “Salisbury Hall,” a cafeteria site for the Normal School (UWW). It sold subscription meals to both students and faculty. It burned in 1929 and houses were built on the site (southwest corner of Center and Prairie Streets). This image dates to c.1880.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(3285ST, Whitewater Historical Society)
LWV Whitewater Area Program on The Art of Healing: Exploring Mental Well-Being Through Creative Expression
The League of Women Voters Whitewater Area is pleased to announce a public program on The Art of Healing: Exploring Mental Well-Being Through Creative Expression on Thursday, October 16th, 6:30PM – 8:00PM at the Cultural Arts Center – Whitewater Arts Alliance, 902 W Main Street, Whitewater. Overflow parking is available in the First English Lutheran Church parking lot, 401 W Main Street, and on Park Street.
The program will be a panel discussion on the profound connection between creative expression and mental wellness, moving beyond the traditional framework of therapy to explore the arts as a powerful tool for resilience, healing, and self-discovery. A diverse panel of experts will share their unique perspectives on how engaging in the arts can foster emotional processing and improve overall mental health.
Panelists include: Kristen Monday, pre-K-12th-grade art teacher and certified art therapist; James Olm, composer, lyricist, and librettist; Verónica Soria-Martínez, UWW Assistant Professor of Art Education; Christian Ellenwood, composer, clarinetist, and UWW Professor of Music; Professor Emerita Barbara Grubel, recently retired from 22 years of dedicated service in the UWW Theatre/Dance Department; and, Caleb Flack, Assistant Professor in the School Psychology Graduate Program within the UWW Department of Psychology.
Please join us as the panelists share the therapeutic benefits of creative expression, explore the science behind these benefits, share real-world applications, and discuss how to make the arts accessible to a wider audience for personal and community healing.
You do not need to be a League member to attend and refreshments will be served. For questions or further information please contact Dwight C. Watson, dwight.watsondcw@gmail.com.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook.
| October Peak Day Is Almost Here! |
| As the seasons change, millions of migratory birds are taking off on their incredible journeys across plains, seas, mountains, crossing multiple international borders along the way. This natural event brings us together to celebrate the second peak date of World Migratory Bird Day, on Saturday, 11th of October. This year’s theme, “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities,” has inspired global action with energy and purpose. Together, we are raising awareness on the threats birds face and driving change to create a world where both birds and people can thrive together. Conservationists, educators, and citizens around the globe have answered the call to create bird-friendly cities and communities in celebration of World Migratory Bird Day. From community cleanups and educational workshops to policy advocacy and art contests, their efforts show a shared commitment to protecting migratory birds and their habitats. |
| Why “Shared Spaces” Matter More Than Ever |
| Migratory birds face major challenges in and around the urban landscape. Urban growth destroys habitats, light pollution disorients flocks, and window collisions kill millions of birds every year. The World Migratory Bird Day 2025 campaign proposes practical ways for governments, businesses, and individuals to create bird-friendly cities and communities. Actions being encouraged through this year’s campaign include: – Plan bird-friendly cities: protect habitats in urban development. – Plant native plants: provide food, shelter, and support pollinators. – Prevent collisions: use bird-safe glass or window films. – Dim the lights: reduce nighttime light during migration. – Avoid pesticides: choose organic methods to protect insects and water. – Say “No” to plastic waste: prevent ingestion and entanglement. – Keep cats away: keep cats indoors, leashed, or in enclosures. – Educate & advocate: raise awareness and support bird-friendly policies. |
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Sherry Stanek from World Migratory Bird Day.
Renee L. Sassman, 68, of Whitewater, WI passed away peacefully on Monday, October 6, 2025 at Rainbow Hospice Center in Johnson Creek, WI.
Renee was born on February 19, 1957 in Elkhorn, WI the daughter of Raymond and Ramona (Wambold) Sdano. She grew up in the Whitewater area and graduated from Whitewater High School. Renee was united in marriage to Gary Sassman on October 15, 1977 at the Whitewater United Methodist Church and the Lord blessed their union with two children, Erin and Jonathan. Renee will be remembered for her kindness, her empathy toward others and her sense of humor. She enjoyed working in her flower gardens and spending time with those closest to her. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be deeply missed by those she leaves behind.
She is survived by: her loving husband, Gary Sassman of Whitewater; her children, Erin (Tim) Haak of Fort Atkinson and Jonathan Sassman of Whitewater; her granddaughter, Jane Haak of Fort Atkinson; and her siblings, Rochelle (Les) Ahrens of Palmyra, Rick Sdano of Whitewater, Roxanne (Mike) Rappold of Whitewater, Ron (Robin) Sdano of Whitewater, and Roger (Joyce) Sdano of Whitewater. She is further survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Renee is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Ryan Sdano.
Renee will be laid to rest during a private family service at Hillside Cemetery in Palmyra.
Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com