News & Events

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.

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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.

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.