Updated on 12/12/25 @ 1 p.m. to correct the Cold Weather Advisory information for Friday night.
The City of Whitewater is dissected by the Jefferson and Walworth County lines, which results in a mixed message for tonight’s Cold Weather Advisory. Technically the Jefferson County portion of the city will be under the Advisory, but the Walworth County portion won’t be under that Advisory until Saturday night! In any case, it will be very cold.
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has issued a Cold Weather Advisory that includes Walworth County from 7 p.m. on Saturday until 10 a.m. Sunday. Jefferson County, though, has a Cold Weather Advisory beginning Friday from midnight Friday until 10 a.m. on Saturday.
Highs on Saturday and Sunday are anticipated to be in the single digits. Wind chills for the Whitewater area are projected to be about -17 degrees F on Friday night and -25 degrees F on Saturday night.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. At this time, you are probably starting to receive Christmas cards, and today, many of these are popular family photo cards. Here is a family photo that is similar to those you are receiving today. It is the Waldi family, taken around 1915. J. A. H. Waldi was the manager of the McAlister Dry Goods store in downtown Whitewater (where Main Street Shops is now located). His wife, Beatrice is probably the seated woman and one of the other women is probably daughter Margaret, who, according to the 1912 Whitewater City Directory, is living with the couple on Fremont Street.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
Editor’s note: The memorial service time has been changed to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 13.
Stephen Thorngate, 99, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, died in his sleep on November 29, 2025. He was born on July 15, 1926, in Shanghai, China, to George III and Helen Shaw Thorngate, who were medical missionaries in nearby Liuhe. Upon graduating high school in Alfred, New York, in 1944, he enlisted in the Navy and served mostly on hospital ships in the Pacific. Returning to the United States after the war, he attended Milton College in Milton, Wisconsin, Alfred University in Alfred, New York, and medical school at Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio. He did his residency at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. In the course of his long career as a general surgeon, he served the communities of Monterey, California; Hyden, Kentucky; Clarksburg, West Virginia; and Park Falls, Wisconsin. Doc, as he was often called by his friends and acquaintances, loved to sing, and had a wonderful sense of humor. He sang in barbershop choruses in most of the communities he lived in. He often came up with clever spontaneous quips, which were then added to his collection of predictable (and highly quotable) comments. He was a lifelong learner, particularly interested in Biblical archaeology and history of any kind.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of nearly seventy years, Beverly Burdick Thorngate; his parents; his three brothers, George Thorngate IV, David Thorngate, and Philip Thorngate; his beloved in-laws, Russell and Dora Burdick, Marjorie and Wayne Munns and Joan Case; and great-granddaughter Cora Jane Thorngate-Gales. He is survived by his four children, Diane Griffith (Paul), Stephen Thorngate II (Lisa), Patricia Thorngate, and Russell Thorngate; thirteen grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held for Stephen at The Connecting Church, 720 E. Madison Ave., Milton, WI 53563, on December 13 at 1:30 PM. The Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services Milton is assisting with arrangements.
Ferradermis hosted 24 FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics teams, including the Whitewater Middle School Iron Dragons, for a competition at Whitewater High School on Sunday, December 7. Approximately 250 middle and high school students competed throughout the day, meeting with judges and putting their robots to the test on the field.
The Whitewater Middle School Iron Dragons on the field and in the pit
Team 8680 Kraken-Pinion from Homestead High School placed 1st overall, winning both the Inspire Award and the overall robot competition. The WMS Iron Dragons, coached by Kerry Ramsden, ranked 14th in robot qualification matches and 18th overall when award points were included.
This year’s FTC game shares the same archeology-based theme as FIRST Lego League and the high school FIRST Robotics Competition. In the FTC game, robots need to collect artifacts (green and purple wiffle balls) and load them into the classifier in a particular pattern in order to achieve maximum points. The pattern required is randomized at the beginning of each match, and robots can use vision to decode the motif and determine the pattern required. FTC robots must fit in an 18” cube and play on a 12’ square field. During the first 30 seconds of each match, the robots are programmed to operate autonomously, and for the remaining 2 minutes, the robots are under the control of a student drive team.
WUSD Superintendent Samuel Karns addressed the crowd during opening ceremoniesFerradermis members Margaret Brown and Al Nelson served as emcees
FTC teams play in 2 or 3 qualifying competitions each season, and the WMS Iron Dragons will compete again on February 8 at the Skirmish of Brookfield.
All FIRST Robotics events are run by volunteers, and it takes about 90 volunteers to host events such as the Whitewater FLL Challenge Regional and Whitewater FTC Qualifier held at Whitewater High School this fall. There are both technical and non-technical volunteer roles available. If you are interested in volunteering at a future robotics event or working with the district teams as a volunteer, please reach out to Laura Masbruch at lmasbruch@wwusd.org.
Volunteers for the event included robotics team parents, 30 members of Ferradermis, students and mentors from other area robotics teams, and Ferradermis alumni Zach Brantmeier, Reilly Aschenbrener, Wesley Salverson, and Bennett Miles.
Article and Photos Submitted by Laura Masbruch Whitewater High School Robotics Advisor lmasbruch@wwusd.org
Maribeth “MB” McLaughlin entered into Eternal Life on Monday, December 1, 2025, age 75. Survived by her daughter Molly McLaughlin (Matt) and her grandsons Jacob and Zachary, and her sister Cathy (Jamie) Heber. Further survived by her fond nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, other family and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Rosemary Goeglein, brothers Eugene “Buff” and Wally, and sister-in-law Mary.
Visitation to be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Memorial Mass to begin at 11:00 AM.
Nitardy Funeral Home of Whitewater is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.nitardyfuneralhome.com.
Update 12/11/25 @ 3:00 p.m. Due to the projected weather forecast of 4 degrees and the minus 25 degree windchill we have postponed this event until Saturday, December 20th at 11:00 a.m.
National Wreaths Across America Day at Heart Prairie Cemetery
The national nonprofit organization, Wreaths Across America (WAA), has announced that Heart Prairie Cemetery, located in the Town of LaGrange, Walworth County, will join the mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach by serving as an official location for the 2025 National Wreaths Across America Day. This marks the first time both Heart Prairie Cemetery and Walworth County will participate in this significant nationwide program.
Wreaths Across America began as a simple gesture of gratitude and has grown into a nationwide movement. Dedicated volunteers and communities across the country have come together to remember our nation’s fallen heroes, honor their service, and teach the next generation the importance of freedom. In 2025, more than 4,900 locations will participate by placing wreaths on National Wreaths Across America Day, which will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
The event at Heart Prairie Cemetery is being organized by Peggy Schutt of Delavan’s Samuel Phoenix Chapter, National Daughters of the American Revolution, along with Cemetery Sexton James Holden. Thanks to the chapter’s sponsorship, funds have been raised from individuals, families, and service organizations. These efforts will allow for the placement of 42 wreaths on the headstones of fallen service members resting at Heart Prairie Cemetery on County Highway O in the Town of LaGrange.
Local dignitaries scheduled to attend the event include Senator Steven Nass, Representative Brienne Brown, and John Scholtz, Walworth County Veterans Service Officer. The Whitewater American Legion Post 173 will also be present to assist with the ceremony and honor the occasion with a gun salute.
The public is warmly invited to attend this historic event and participate in honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s fallen heroes.
Editor’s note: The above press release was submitted by Pat Blackmer.
Whitewater High School Music Masters Ensemble performed at Fairhaven on November 12. The concert included three songs by the entire group and six students performing solo numbers. Photo gallery courtesy of Tom Ganser.
HELLO, WHITEWATER! Today, I, Aubrey Thompson, am announcing my candidacy for Whitewater City Council- At Large.
My family and I have been residents since 2018. We came to Whitewater because of the affordable market-priced rental we leased, and stayed because of the small-town vibe. My family enjoys many community activities here in Whitewater, with some of our favorites being events at Flat Iron Park, use of City Parks (including the Skate Park), Farmers’ Markets, Holiday Parades, and Independence Day Fireworks.
Our family is active within the community as entrepreneurs and volunteers. We are a family of “creatives” with a passion for music, art, and nature.
Our children attend Whitewater School District; with one who recently graduated and is moving onto a career with the U.S. Marine Corps. Both our children have been active in sports within the school district and outside the school district.
With great faith and perseverance we began our Handyman business here in Whitewater and have been truly blessed by our neighbors who hired us over the years. Many of our customers have become our friends, and we are better people because of them. We strive to be open and honest, offer quality solutions, and a workmanship warranty that customers have told us is the reason we are re-hired for new jobs. I know that sounds like an ad for our business, but I say all this to elucidate some of our common-core principles: honesty, trust, communication, and creative problem-solving.
I cannot sit still for long. I enjoy being helpful and purposefully engaged in work. I also enjoy volunteering. In the past, I volunteered at Root Pike WIN trash cleanups in Racine, while more recently I volunteer with the Whitewater Creek Coalition as the President.
Neighbors, I imagine you asking me, “ok, but what’s your training?” I hold an Associate’s Degree in Civil Engineering (focus in Wastewater treatment) from Gateway Technical College. While there, I was equipped with knowledge in water treatment/chemistry, Stormwater preservation methods, 3- D architectural design, estimating, project management, construction materials, and a vast array of other skills related to civil construction and environmental engineering. I love learning, and continue my education in a variety of self-propelled learning mediums. Namely, books, scientific studies, and free online courses from Hillsdale College and MIT.
I am a former municipal engineering technician from Village of Mt. Pleasant. I am a former Quality- Control Supervisor at Millennium Forms in Elkhorn (where I also performed a variety of duties such as EHS Supervisor, R&D Manager, Vendor Quality liaison, Industrial Wastewater Operator, and point of contact for Walcomet, EPA, DNR). Most currently, I am an entrepreneur of our Handyman business.
I am running for City Council and humbly ask for your vote, because I want to see smart and transparent fiscal spending. I want to see our city continue to improve infrastructure and safety. I want to see growth in our city’s economy by bringing in diverse, (what I call) “fair-wage-plus” jobs. I want to see my Neighbors be able to pay their bills with income leftover each month. The ability to save money and be charitable, grows prosperity within our families and our community.
What I stand for: 1) Safe, Affordable Homeownership – Encourage repairs of existing single-family homes, build new affordable single-family houses, and oppose taxpayer-subsidized apartment projects that don’t fit Whitewater’s needs.
2) Economic Growth – Retain existing business and attract a diverse mix of small, medium, and large businesses to expand the local job market and match a broad range of skill sets.
3) Community Safety & Quality of Life – Improve existing infrastructure, safety of residents, and environmental standards; while also supporting family-friendly programs that strengthen neighborhood bonds and celebrate Whitewater’s unique culture.
Whitewater, I ask for your vote come April 7, 2026. Until then, I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you!
Contact me at: 608-279-0811 Aubrey.whitewater@protonmail.com
Editor’s note: Al Stanek, who is completing his second term on the County Board, told The Banner that he is encouraging others who show an interest to attend this meeting. Though he has enjoyed his service and feels he has made some significant contributions, Al indicated that he is willing to serve again only if there are no other qualified candidates. Whitewater has two seats, Stanek’s (D-4) and another (D-3) that includes portions of the east and south sides of the city along with various towns currently held by Brian Holt. The deadline for filing nomination papers is January 6, 2026.
Walworth County to Hold Informational Workshop for Interested Residents and Potential County Board Supervisor Candidates
County Administrator Mark Luberda will hold an informational meeting for interested residents and potential County Board Supervisor candidates who would like to learn more about the duties and responsibilities of County Board Supervisors. The meeting will take place:
Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 6 p.m. County Board Room 114, Walworth County Government Center 100 W. Walworth Street, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
The workshop will provide an overview of Walworth County government and the responsibilities and time commitment generally required of County Board Supervisors. The 90- minute class will provide an overview of what an individual could expect while serving on the Board. This will include outlining the wide range of services provided by County government, summarizing the County’s budget, highlighting some of the legal rules under which Supervisors must operate, addressing the relationship between the County Board and other elected and appointed officials, reviewing the committee structure, and discussing typical time commitments.
If you’re interested in running for County Board Supervisor, County Clerk Susi Pike will be available with nomination packets and can assist you in completing them.
For more information or to register, please contact County Administration at (262) 741-4357 or email countyadministration@co.walworth.wi.us.
District 3 [the city portion is depicted in the orange]
District 4 appears in the orange in this map.
The district maps on the county website may be viewed here.
The Whitewater Arts Alliance is happy to announce a series of three festive ornament-making workshops this December, designed to bring creativity and connection to three unique community groups. Participants will craft whimsical Santa ornaments made from paintbrushes, transforming everyday tools into joyful holiday keepsakes. Each workshop will feature the same ornament project, with all supplies provided and several helping hands on site to support attendees.
The first workshop will be held on Wednesday, December 10, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cultural Arts Center for English as a Second Language (ESL) students.
The second will take place on Thursday, December 11, from 1 pm-2:30 pm. at the Cultural Arts Center for members of the Whitewater Dementia Friendly Initiative.
The final session will be hosted for the residents at Mulberry Glen on Friday, December 12, from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m.
“These workshops reflect the Alliance’s commitment to inclusive, joyful art experiences,” said Gallery Director, Kim Adams “We’re thrilled to offer a welcoming workshop where creativity can flourish across generations and backgrounds.”
