News

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.

St. John’s Masonic Lodge

226 W Main St, Whitewater

Fall Roast Pork Dinner

Date: Thursday, Oct 30th

Dine In or Carry Out

Time: 5-7 pm

Adults $15, Children 12 and under $5

Tickets in advance or pay at the door

Meal:

Roast Pork Loin

Mashed potatoes and gravy

Corn

Cole Slaw

Dinner roll

Dessert 

UW-Whitewater was recently ranked No. 1 in student experience by The Wall Street Journal, and the university’s partnerships with local businesses enhance the programming and atmosphere behind the ranking. Underground Cutz, located in downtown Whitewater, partners with campus departments to offer free haircuts for Warhawks at select events during the academic year. Chancellor Corey King and Willie Warhawk celebrated the partnership in a visit to Underground Cutz over the summer.
Please scroll down to see the video.

Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by UW-Whitewater.

On Oct. 2, the Fort Atkinson-Eli Pierce Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented Recording Secretary Vicki Schicker with its 2025 Americanism Recognition. DAR chapters and state societies are encouraged to salute the patriotic and civic volunteer service of individuals or groups within their community and the Daughters of the American Revolution. This recognition is managed and distributed at the chapter and/or state levels. The works and activities of the intended recipient must be nonpolitical and meet the high standards of the DAR mission. Schicker is the first such local honoree. Each October to celebrate DAR’s anniversary and the National Day of Service, the Fort Atkinson-Eli Pierce Chapter now will honor one member with this award. The chapter feted Schicker for her work not only in DAR, but also with the Jefferson Historical Society and Museum, Rainbow Hospice Care and her church community.

Pictured here, Schicker, left, is presented a certificate by Jessica Punzel, chapter corresponding secretary and registrar and Wisconsin Society DAR Insignia Committee chair and Page Committee co-chair

Organized in 1899, the Fort Atkinson Chapter of DAR was one of the earliest and largest chapters in Wisconsin for many years. In 1992, it merged with the Eli Pierce Chapter, which was founded in Whitewater in 1941.

Today, chapter members reside in Fort Atkinson, Watertown, Lake Mills, Jefferson, Whitewater, Milton, Janesville and surrounding communities, as well as in several other states.

As was previously announced on The Whitewater Banner, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission on September 27, 2025 approved the application of Whitewater Solar, LLC to construct a very large solar project in the towns of Cold Spring, La Grange, and Whitewater. On that date, Yvette Loiselle, one of the intervenors in the case, told The Banner that she was certain that the group will redouble their year-long efforts to oppose the massive “solar farm.” Three intervenors spoke at the City of Whitewater Common Council on October 7, and Loiselle indicates that their next steps are to attend the upcoming area town board meetings, and they are hopeful that citizens will attend the meetings to express their views on the proposed project.

Town of Cold Spring, N1409 Fremont Road – October 9, 7:00 p.m. – (Loiselle indicated “The Town of Coldspring will not let us speak and has stated they will allow the Whitewater Solar to speak.”)

Town of La Grange, N7899 Cty Hwy H – October 13, 7:30 p.m.

Town of Whitewater, W8590 Willis Ray Road – October 15, 6:00 p.m.

Editor’s note: The Banner does not have a position on this matter.

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Steve Watson writes:

Milkweed seeds popping their pods.
Another fall sign gives a nod.
Songbirds are mostly gone.
The air is silent of their songs.
Sun pokes through morning haze.
Ducks break the pond’s mirror glaze.

Our thanks to Steve Watson for these beautiful autumn photos.

— 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!

The Whitewater Food Pantry received a great gift of food items on Sept. 30 with the delivery of 1,980 pounds of food collected during Whitewater High School’s Homecoming Week Food Drive organized by the Student Council. Also received, but weight unknown, was a truckload of food collected by Ketterhagen Motor Sales Inc. as part of the “Fill a Ford” program. Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser.

For the second consecutive year, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater retained the No. 1 ranking among Wisconsin public schools in student experience and social mobility according to The Wall Street Journal’s 2026 College Pulse rankings.

The national publication’s annual study was developed and executed through independent surveys of approximately 120,000 verified college students and recent graduates in the United States in collaboration with research partners College Pulse and Statista.

“This recognition speaks directly to our university’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the student experience through a focus on student success,” said Chancellor Corey A. King. “Through the dedicated efforts of our faculty and staff, we have built impactful pathways that support students holistically and promote upward social mobility. Warhawks benefit from a unique blend of academic and co-curricular high-impact practices that fosters inclusive excellence and a sense of belonging — all of which align with our mission of access, affordability, and transforming lives. I am proud of our faculty and staff who make student success an institutional priority every day.”

Wisconsin’s #1 public university for student experience

The Wall Street Journal’s measure of satisfaction with student experience included questions about campus facilities, including food, housing options, and extracurricular activities, as well as the sense of community on campus, mental health support, safety, and social scene.

“We are thrilled to be recognized by The Wall Street Journal, and feel the programming we offer at UW-Whitewater backs up the study’s results,” said Kristin Fillhouer, vice chancellor for student affairs. “When our students come here, they can expect high-quality support to ensure a smooth transition to becoming a college student and the care and services they need along their path to graduation.”

First-year students celebrate Warhawk tradition as soon as they set foot on campus each fall. During their first days on campus, they’re invited to paint Warhawk Drive purple and run out of a student tunnel onto the turf at Perkins Stadium, home of the six-time national champion UW-Whitewater football team.

The university supports nearly 200 clubs and organizations, 26 Greek organizations, a wide selection of intramural and club sports, and hundreds of special events throughout the year.

Students in UW-Whitewater’s 15 residence halls can engage in a variety of programs to support and complement their academic experience, including Learning Communities, leadership opportunities, and more. Warhawk Dining offers 15 restaurant options across six campus locations, with options available until midnight for students’ convenience.

Mental health support for students was recently boosted by a new partnership with Mantra Health, which offers free telehealth support 24 hours a day, seven days a week for all Warhawks.

Hundreds of students take advantage of the award-winning Center for Students with Disabilities. Serving students with disabilities has been a central mission of UW-Whitewater for more than 50 years. Free tutoring services are also available through Campus Tutorial Services.

UW-Whitewater graduates climb the ladder

The Wall Street Journal’s measure of social mobility rewards universities that take in the highest proportion of students coming from lower-income families while maintaining high graduation rates, having a positive impact on graduate salaries, and minimizing the costs of attending the college.

UW-Whitewater annually offers more than $2.5 million in scholarships and approximately $5 million worth of employment opportunities to students.

The university is home to nearly 4,000 first-generation college students. Nearly 35 percent of undergraduate students on the Whitewater campus and 58 percent of the student population on the Rock County campus identify as first-gen.

More than 98 percent of the university’s graduates are employed or attending graduate school one year after receiving their degree. Many of these students are already hired by employers, accepted to graduate school, promoted by their current employers, or starting their own businesses prior to walking across the commencement stage. The university has recognized thousands of these students over the last decade in its Hired Before Graduation campaign.

UW-Whitewater also earned high marks in overall ranking and best salaries among graduates, finishing second and third in the categories, respectively, among public schools in the state.

Editor’s note: This press release was received from UW-Whitewater.

Katherine Staniszewski of Whitewater, WI, has been named to the 2025 spring trimester Dean’s List at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Main Campus in Davenport, Iowa.

Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest college in the chiropractic profession, has campuses in Davenport, Iowa, and Port Orange, Florida.