Welcome to “Hadestown,” where a song can change your fate. Winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards,® including Best Musical and the 2020 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Album, this acclaimed show from celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and original director Rachel Chavkin (“Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”) is a love story for today… and always.
“Hadestown” intertwines two mythic tales—that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone—as it invites you on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Mitchell’s beguiling melodies and Chavkin’s poetic imagination pit industry against nature, doubt against faith and fear against love. Performed by a vibrant ensemble of actors, dancers and singers, “Hadestown” is a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience that grabs you and never lets go.
Tickets range from $35 to $115, including tax and fees. Tickets may be purchased from Ticket Services at 262-472-4444 or in person at the Greenhill Center for the Arts, 930 W. Main Street. The office is open from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tickets may also be purchased online.
The Young Performing Arts Center is located at 930 W. Main Street, Whitewater. There is no charge for parking in lots 1 and 2.
Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our first 2026 Snowmobile Safety Education Course on October 28, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and November 7, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., at the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, 200 East U.S. Highway 14, Janesville, WI 53545. Students must attend both sessions to graduate.
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1985, is required to complete a Snowmobile Safety Education Course to legally operate a snowmobile in areas open to the public within Wisconsin. Students should be at least 12 years of age or turn 12 shortly after the class.
Snowmobile Safety Education Course
Session 1: October 28, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office Session 2: November 7, from 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. @ Rock County Sheriff’s Office
Registration is now open. Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat. https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/snowmobile-education Class size is limited to thirty (30) students. Upon submission of the registration form, the submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with course information. The course fee of $10 per student will be collected at the first session. If the student is under 18 years old, a parent/guardian will need to attend the first session with the student. Students will receive course materials at the first session. Please direct any questions to Deputy Trevor Lund at trevor.lund@co.rock.wi.us.
Editor’s note: This press release was received from the Rock County Sheriff’s Office.
WAUKESHA, JEFFERSON COUNTIES COMPLETE NEW TRAIL CONNECTION BETWEEN OCONOMOWOC, WATERTOWN
Waukesha County and Jefferson County marked the completion of nearly 12.5 miles of new trail connecting the counties and providing a regional off-road route between Oconomowoc and Watertown.
Officials celebrated the completion of Jefferson County’s Interurban Trail and the final western segment of Waukesha County’s Lake Country Trail during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in early September at the 2nd Street Lake Country Trail Trailhead in Oconomowoc.
“We’re proud to invest in a trail that gives residents and visitors more opportunities to bike, walk and enjoy the outdoors while connecting communities across the region,” Waukesha County Director of Parks and Land Use Dale Shaver said.
The Waukesha County portion completes a 1.2-mile off-road segment of the Lake Country Trail between the Jefferson County line and W. 2nd Street in Oconomowoc. The trail runs within an existing We Energies utility corridor and features a 10-foot-wide asphalt surface. The project also includes a new trailhead parking lot at W. 2nd Street.
The project extends the existing 14.5-mile Lake Country Trail and connects it with Jefferson County’s Interurban Trail extension.
“Completing the Interurban Trail connection to Oconomowoc is a significant milestone,” Jefferson County Director of Parks Kevin Wiesmann said. “This project has been years in the making, and it’s a great example of what counties and communities can accomplish when we work together.”
The project was supported by We Energies, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation, Earl and Eugenia Quirk Foundation and Oconomowoc Rotary.
“The Lake Country/Interurban connection is the culmination of efforts throughout the years by Waukesha and Jefferson counties to create a trail that families can enjoy. We are pleased that the City of Oconomowoc was able to help with the last section,” City of Oconomowoc Mayor Matt Rosek said.
“This trail crosses two counties and multiple municipalities. We all benefit from it running through our communities. We are grateful the counties prioritized a trail system, and it will be a wonderful amenity people will use for decades to come,” Rosek added.
About the Lake Country Trail
The Lake Country Trail is a multiuse trail in Waukesha County. The newly completed western segment extends the existing 14.5-mile trail and provides an off-road connection from Oconomowoc to Jefferson County and Watertown.
About the Interurban Trail
Jefferson County’s Interurban Trail is an 11-mile paved, multiuse trail that provides a regional connection between Jefferson County and Oconomowoc. The completed extension connects with Waukesha County’s Lake Country Trail, creating a longer regional route for bicyclists, walkers and other trail users.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Jefferson and Waukesha County Parks Departments.
Ken Dahnert has exemplified the spirit of service, generosity, and community partnership through more than 25 years of unwavering support for Warhawk Athletics. As the owner of Rocky Rococo’s in Whitewater, Dahnert has become a trusted friend and dedicated advocate for countless UW-Whitewater student-athletes, coaches, and programs.
His impact extends far beyond financial contributions. Dahnert regularly provided team meals during academic breaks, sponsored hospitality rooms throughout the year, and worked closely with coaches to ensure camps and clinics were well supported with food and resources. His commitment to the success of Warhawk Athletics has been evident in every aspect of his involvement.
A steadfast supporter of the annual Warhawk Auction & Raffle, Dahnert has consistently been one of the event’s leading donors and supporters, helping generate critical resources that benefit student-athletes across multiple sports. He has also provided employment opportunities to numerous UW-Whitewater students and student-athletes, offering valuable work experience while supporting their educational pursuits.
Known for his generosity and hospitality, Dahnert routinely went above and beyond to assist visiting teams and guests, helping create a welcoming experience for all who came to Whitewater. His selfless dedication, loyalty, and lasting contributions have left an indelible mark on Warhawk Athletics and the university community.
Dahnert will be recognized for his contributions to Warhawk Athletics during the halftime of the UW-Whitewater football game on October 24 followed by the Hall of Fame banquet in the University Center’s Hamilton Room. Further information about the day’s events may be found here.
Unleash your inner chef at the library! Teens are invited to experiment with easy recipes in the library kitchen. Join us on October 5th at 5:00 p.m. for pizza bagels and recipe planning for November. Play video games and talk about your favorite books while you wait for your food to finish.
Updated 9/28/26 @ noon: Italics indicate material that was added at this time.
BURN THIS
by Lanford Wilson Directed by Bruce Cohen
In a loft filled with grief, passion, and unresolved longing, Lanford Wilson’s “Burn This” explores what happens when the lives we’ve carefully constructed collide with emotions we can no longer suppress. As grief gives way to desire, certainty unravels, and carefully built defenses begin to crumble. What emerges is an emotionally charged portrait of love, vulnerability, and the impossible choices we face when our hearts demand more than our plans allow. As love and loss blur the line between freedom and responsibility, this searing drama asks a timeless question: What are we willing to leave behind in our pursuit of escape—and what will it ultimately cost? Intimate, raw, and deeply human, Wilson’s acclaimed drama reminds us that escaping reality often comes at a price. This production contains mature content and explicit language and is not recommended for young children.
Lanford Wilson (1937-2011) was a Pulitzer Prize winning playwright who wrote “Burn This” in 1987. The play was performed for the first time later that year, making its way to premiere Off-Broadway and later on Broadway. The play was revived on Broadway in 2019 where it was nominated for three Tony Awards.
Seats are limited. Don’t miss out—reserve yours today!
Thursday, October 1 at 7:30 p.m. (Sold out)
Friday, October 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 4 at 2:00 p.m.
Performances will take place in the Hicklin Studio Theatre located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for age 65+ and $13 for under age 18. There is no charge for parking from Friday through Sunday.
Tickets are on sale and can be purchased in advance online at tickets.uww.edu, by phone at (262) 472-2222, or in person at the Ticket Services window. There is a $2 surcharge for tickets purchased at the event. The Hicklin Studio Theatre and the Ticket Services window are located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts at 950 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Ticket Services hours are 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Gov. Evers Orders Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Firefighters Who Have Given Their Lives in the Line of Duty
MADISON — As previously announced, on Sat., Sept. 26, 2026, and Sat., Oct. 10, 2026, the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin will be flown at half-staff coinciding with the Final Alarm Ceremony and Silent Procession at the Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial Park in Wisconsin Rapids, which is hosted by the Wisconsin Fire & EMS Memorial.
In May, Gov. Evers signed Executive Order #290 ordering the flags to be flown at half-staff on Sun., May 3, 2026, in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service during National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend. Executive Order #290 also ordered the flags to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Sept. 26, 2026, in recognition of the Final Alarm Ceremony, and again on Sat., Oct. 10, 2026, in observance of Wisconsin Firefighter Memorial Day during Wisconsin Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4 through Oct. 10, 2026, as established by state statute.
“We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Wisconsin’s firefighters and EMS professionals for all that they do and sacrifice to answer the call and help folks in their darkest hours,” said Gov. Evers. “These brave individuals run towards danger, risking themselves for the health and safety of others. Today, we honor and remember those who’ve tragically lost their lives in the line of duty and recognize their service by lowering the flags across the state of Wisconsin. We remember their service and sacrifice, and Kathy and I share our deepest condolences with the families, loved ones, and colleagues who miss them every day.”
Previously, the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend had been held in October, but beginning in 2023, the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation moved the observance from October to May. However, in Wisconsin, Wis. Stat. 995.225(1) still designates each week annually during which October 9 falls as Fire Prevention Week and designates the Saturday at the end of Fire Prevention Week as Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day.
Executive Order #290 subsequently orders the flags to be flown at half-staff on Sat., Sept. 26, 2026, in recognition of the Final Alarm Ceremony, and on Sat., Oct. 10, 2026, in honor of 2026 Fire Prevention Week, which features observances, ceremonies, exercises, and activities related to fire safety education, and culminates with the observance of Wisconsin Firefighters Memorial Day in recognition of the firefighters of this state who made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties over the course of the year.
This Saturday, 9/19 from 1-3 PM, we will be hosting Canoe Battleship at the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center! Never played Canoe Battleship? It is a family friendly, fun event where teams in two separate canoes try to sink the opposing canoe. Team members can utilize buckets, kickboards, and other equipment to splash water towards their opponent or block incoming water in their attempts to stay afloat. The event is $10 per team! Recommended team size is 3-4 people. The event will be taking place in the lap pool. Canoes will be provided. Children age five and under should be accompanied by an adult in the canoe. Register in person at the WAFC front desk or online at https://secure.rec1.com/WI/whitewater-wi/catalog by selecting the ‘Special Events’ tab and looking under ‘WAFC Special Events’ for Canoe Battleship.
Spectators who are strictly watching and not entering the water do not need to pay an admission fee. If you wish to swim however and have not paid to be part of the event, then daily admission applies: $5 for kids 3-12, and then $8 for residents 13+ and $10 for non-residents 13+.
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Jamie Lowery, WAFC manager.
The City of Whitewater hosting a Dolly Parton inspired book drive from September 8 through September 25, 2026. All books collected during the drive will be donated to Whitewater LEADS to support local children and families. Community members are encouraged to donate new or gently used children’s books for newborns through primarily fifth grade. Donations should be clean, in good condition and ready for another child to enjoy.
Books may be dropped off at:
Whitewater Municipal Building, first floor
Whitewater Public Library
Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center
This book drive supports the City’s strategic goal to foster a vibrant, engaged and welcoming community by bringing people together to encourage childhood literacy and help put more books into the hands of Whitewater children.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by dassel from Pixabay.
Stacie Collins, outreach program coordinator in the Office of Continuing Education, promotes the UW-Whitewater doctor of business administration degree. The first in-person AMA Regional Marketing Conference since 2019 returned to Hyland Hall on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, with students from 28 universities coming to campus to network, hear speakers and compete in sales and marketing competitions. (UW-Whitewater Photos/Craig Schreiner)
Written by Jessica Berge | Photo by Craig Schreiner
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics has made history as the first business school in the United States to earn the Business School Impact System [BSIS] label from European Foundation for Management Development Global, one of the world’s most prestigious business education accreditation bodies.
The College of Business and Economics, Wisconsin’s largest business school, joins an elite group of 105 schools worldwide recognized for independently verified, measurable societal impact.
The BSIS label is awarded to business schools that can demonstrate — through independently verified, evidence-based assessment — measurable impact across seven dimensions: financial, educational, business development, intellectual, regional ecosystem, societal, and image. Approximately 105 schools across 30 countries hold the distinction; the College of Business and Economics at UW-Whitewater is the first in the United States to be awarded.
“This is not a ranking or a self-reported award,” said Paul Ambrose, dean of the College of Business and Economics. “This is the result of an independent, globally recognized process that required us to prove in a data-backed manner that what we do in this college transforms lives and strengthens our region. We are extraordinarily proud to be first in the United States to meet that standard.”
“UW-Whitewater has long been recognized for academic excellence in business, and we have proudly leveraged that expertise to help our students, our communities, and our workforce thrive,” said Chancellor Corey King. “This certification affirms that longstanding commitment at the highest global level and further distinguishes UW-Whitewater as a national model for what regional public universities can achieve through academic excellence, innovation, and meaningful community impact.”
The assessment, conducted by EFMD experts in May 2026, evaluated the college across its 12-county primary impact zone, a region that spans southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois and is home to 76% of the college’s student body. Key findings included:
$423 million in total annual regional economic impact, including direct, indirect, and induced effects
75% of graduating students take their first job within the region
11,400 college alumni actively working within the zone
98% employment and graduate school placement rate
$3 million in new business investments generated by the Small Business Development Center in a single year
Recognition as the 2025 Enactus USA National Champion, with student-led community revitalization generating approximately $1 million in local economic impact
Federal partnerships with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the National Science Foundation (NSF) on cybersecurity workforce development
UW-Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics holds dual accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the global standard-setting body for business education, in both business and accounting — a distinction shared by fewer than 1% of business schools globally. It is now the only U.S. institution to add EFMD BSIS certification to those credentials.
The BSIS certification must be renewed on a three-year cycle, ensuring CoBE’s impact is continuously measured, documented, and improved.
For the full BSIS impact report and additional information, visit uww.edu/cobe or the EFMD BSIS page at efmdglobal.org.
About EFMD Global
EFMD Global, based in Brussels, Belgium, is one of the world’s leading accreditation bodies for business education, with membership spanning more than 900 organizations in 90 countries. The Business School Impact System (BSIS) is EFMD’s comprehensive impact assessment tool, evaluating schools across more than 130 indicators. Learn more at efmdglobal.org/bsis.
About the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics
Wisconsin’s largest business school, the college offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs to more than 5,000 students. The college holds dual AACSB accreditation in business and accounting and is the only institution in Wisconsin to offer an AACSB-accredited Doctorate of Business Administration. Learn more at uww.edu/cobe.
