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ALDI is Coming: What’s That Mean for Whitewater Grocery Co.?

By Brienne Diebolt-Brown
Board of Directors
Vice President, Ownership & Outreach, Grants
Whitewater Grocery Co.

Whitewater Grocery Co. incorporated in 2017 after our only grocery store closed. Local leaders had numerous talks with corporate and family-owned grocery stores and came from those meetings with the message that Whitewater wasn’t worth the investment. And we knew we could prove them wrong!

We are thrilled that together we have drummed up enough excitement to entice Aldi to take another look at our wonderful city. It’s a win for our entire community! This wouldn’t have happened without all of our hard work and the investment of almost 900 store owners. It won’t stop us from continuing our efforts to create a community-owned grocery store that supports local vendors and farmers as well as the rest of Whitewater’s merchants. 

Our local leaders knew that the community could support a grocery store, and the Whitewater Grocery Co.’s board of directors did the research to find out how to do it. The GroCo’s mission has always been to bring fresh, affordable, and local food options to town. We have worked with national experts for six years to research the needs and the buying capacity of Whitewater. We have paid for four market studies as the retail market has changed. And, we recently received a $46,300 feasibility grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to solve the problem of Whitewater’s East Side USDA [U.S. Dept. of Agriculture] Food Desert. 

Back in February, the Community Development Authority (CDA) voted to buy land near downtown Whitewater with the intention of locating Whitewater Grocery Co. along with at least one other local business in a new building on that land. The city is still a partner in this endeavor. Developing this piece of land on the east side of downtown will wipe the USDA Food Desert designation off the map and create an anchor store to help revitalize downtown businesses. We are tentatively looking at June 2024 as the day we break ground. 

Whitewater Grocery Co. is continuing to work with the City of Whitewater, the CDA, and our own feasibility firm to bring that vision to life. In the last month, we updated our own market study with the addition of an Aldi, and the market looks good. There is plenty of room for an affordable corporate grocer (that does not specialize in local and organic) on the west side of town, and a locally-owned, affordable grocer that will sell natural and organic food (with a focus on local producers and great customer service) closer to the east side of town.

As the saying goes, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” Whitewater is a vibrant community and we know our town will benefit from a centrally located grocer with a focus on local foods.

Be on the lookout for a call of support when the City of Whitewater announces their agenda to vote on TID [Tax Increment District] financing for our future store.

WHS Automotive Students Earn ASE Certification

Shown in the photo with their teacher, Justin Buntrock, are the eight students who passed certification to earn their ASE. Buntrock is second from the left in the front row.

Whitewater High School, one of the few high schools in Walworth County fortunate enough to have an automotive program, had the opportunity for students to earn their entry-level Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. The ASE certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is a nationally recognized certification and an industry standard for most mechanics in the industry. Entry-level certification is the first step in building career credentials as an automotive service professional. “The ASE Entry-Level certification tests are designed to indicate a substantial level of practical, knowledge-based readiness for the workforce in those seeking a career in the automotive service industry,” said Mike Coley, ASE Education Foundation president. “These tests are intended for students in career and technical programs and are a predictable gauge for future success with ASE professional-level certifications.”

Sixteen students in our Automotives I and II courses taught by Mr. Justin Buntrock took advantage of this opportunity. Of those students, eight passed their certification to earn their ASE. We as a district and technology education department are very proud of these young men for this achievement. It is a very rigorous test and very content heavy on theory and automotive repair skills and knowledge. In addition to earning their ASE certification, these students are also being provided customized mechanic shop shirts as an acknowledgement of their efforts. Thank you to Mr. Brent Mansky, WHS principal, for providing this reward to our students! Students who have earned their certifications are: Brakes ASE certificate awards: Nolan Legge, Gavan LaFlash, Nate Holden, AJ Canipe and Logan Voegeli. MLR(Maintenance and light repair) ASE certificates: Scotty Krebbs, Justin Johnson and Jacob Raglin.  

Editor’s note: The photos and most of the content of this article are courtesy of Justin Buntrock.

Whitewater Chamber Celebrating Great Growth Over the Last Year! (Updated)

Editor’s note: 4/25 @ 10:40 a.m. – Corrections made to sponsors.

The Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating great partnership growth in the last year as they commemorate another year of success and honor the community and local businesses at their annual dinner on Friday, April 28th. The Chamber has seen over 20 new partner businesses join since January of 2022, returning the Chamber to membership levels not seen since 2018. The new partners, from a wide range of industries and business sizes, are a true representation of the local and regional business community.

The Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome all their new partner businesses who have joined the organization in 2022 & 2023. Please join the Chamber in supporting these local and regional businesses that have dedicated themselves to serving the community of Whitewater and supporting the efforts of the Chamber in helping the community grow and thrive.

United Way of Walworth County, Inc.Ridgeview Coaching
Duesterbeck’s Brewing CompanyMr. Plumber, LLC
Nordskov, LLCOn the Bias Designs
Live Life Spiritual Direction, LLCUnderground Cutz
Badgerland Computers & NetworkingWhitewater Home Repair LLC
The Vinery Stained Glass Studio 2023 Silver SponsorDormAdvertising 2023 Silver Sponsor
The Boat House of Whitewater BaristaCats Café
Walworth County Fair/Agricultural Society 2023 Gold SponsorTDS Telecom 2023 Gold Sponsor
Doctor Sealgood Mr. Fixer Upper, LLC
Imhoff Financial Services Agency Anderson Commercial Group
Edgerton Hospital and Health Services Pet Supplies Plus

Discover Whitewater is excited for our future and the future of Whitewater! The Whitewater Chamber of Commerce invites other local businesses to join the organization and take advantage of the many benefits and opportunities to help guide the growth and direction of Whitewater. Come be a part of innovation and creativity that defines the Whitewater business community.

For information about Chamber membership and the benefits of becoming a partner in Whitewater please contact Executive Director, Kellie Carper at (262) 473-4005 or by email at info@whitewaterchamber.com.

City Board of Review Scheduled for Tuesday is Canceled

According to a notice from the City of Whitewater, the Board of Review scheduled for Tuesday, April 25 has been canceled. Board of Review is the body that hears property owners’ claims that their property assessment is incorrect. A new date and time will be forthcoming.

Obituary: Jeffrey “Jeff” Allan Bolduc, 64, of Jefferson City, TN

JEFFREY ‘JEFF’ ALLAN BOLDUC, age 64, of Jefferson City, TN passed away suddenly and was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on April 16, 2023. He was a loyal employee of SumiRiko Tennessee, Inc. as an environmental engineer. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater. He was also partners with his wife in the Red Door Gallery and JV Photography Studio, where he was an amazing photographer and was just completing his final stages of Certification with PPA (Professional Photographers of America). Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Thomas and Marilyn Bolduc of Whitewater, WI; special brother-in-law, Andy Ward of Niota, TN. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 34 years, Vickie Ward Bolduc; father and mother-in-love, Phillip and Barbara Ward of Sweetwater, TN; a brother and sister and their families, special family members among which were treasured nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, Godson, many dear and precious friends and co-workers, and many cherished children and families who came through the studio doors over the past 18 years. Jeff was a mighty man of God. He was a prayer warrior and an avid student of the Scriptures. He lived out those Scriptures in his everyday life with everyone he encountered. His love for the mountains of East Tennessee was immense. He and Vickie loved spending an afternoon there in a special place in Greenbrier where she would sit on the bank watching him fly-fish. They enjoyed and cherished life together and spent every possible moment at each other’s side. In fact, it was a very rare occasion they were ever apart. He was a dedicated, loving, and faithful husband who doted on Vickie. He was a trustworthy and reliable friend to many. He loved a good laugh and sports, especially UT basketball, football and baseball; Wisconsin Badgers football and basketball; and was a life-long fan of the Packers.

Memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 30, 2023 at Farrar Funeral Home, 411 W. Broadway Blvd., Jefferson City, TN with Rev. Mickey Rainwater officiating. Visitation will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to two ministries Jeff loved; GodSong Ministries, PO Box 208, Athens, TN 37371. www.godsongministries.com; or Hearts of Christ Children’s Ministry, PO Box 1738, Morristown, TN 37816. www.heartsofchrist.org. At Vickie’s request, we are asking you to bring to the service with you an index card or the like, with special, meaningful, funny, and  memorable moments with Jeff for her to have as a loving keepsake. There will also be blank cards available at the service as well. Special thanks to God-sent angels who cared for Jeff at Fort Sanders Regional Hospital in Knoxville – Josh, Ryan, and Beth. Vickie is forever grateful for the care and compassion you showed to both of them. Another Celebration of Jeff’s Life Service will be planned for friends and family back home on Sunday, May 7, 2023 at First Baptist Church, Niota, TN at 2:00 p.m.

WHS Music Masters & Jazz Band Performed for WMS Music Students

Whitewater High School Students from Music Masters Ensemble and Jazz Band performed at Whitewater Middle School on April 14th. All WMS Music students were in attendance and the WMS Jazz Band performed with the WHS Jazz Band on one piece of music. Congratulations to all on a fine performance! 

Photo credit: Karen Tordera

The Discover Whitewater Series is CARA Certified for 11th Year

The Discover Whitewater Series is CARA Certified for the 11th Year in a Row

The Discover Whitewater Series (DWS): Half Marathon, Half Marathon Team Event, 5k, and W3 Fit Kid Shuffle is excited to announce that the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA)  has certified the DWS for the eleventh year in a row! The 11th annual DWS will be held on Sunday, September 17th, 2023. 

CARA operates as a non-profit organization committed to serving and advocating for the running communities in the region. CARA provides accessible opportunities for all runners to train, race, learn, be social, and volunteer. They currently have over 11,000 members and over 1,300 programs and events each year. 

Due to the high standards of a CARA certification, the DWS is able to ensure that the race is a safe and professional event for all participants. The DWS is the only Wisconsin race certified by CARA! Along with safety, CARA has high standards for race quality and enjoyment that the DWS is pleased to achieve. In addition to the high-quality running experience this certification provides, CARA races are also able to qualify runners for highly competitive marathon races such as the Chicago and Boston Marathons. 

“We are proud to uphold some of the toughest standards for safety.” said DWS Executive Director Jeffery Knight, “we also send out surveys to our runners to ensure we have met the standards of each and every participant”. 

The DWS is a premium race event for the community for all ages to enjoy. As you go through the course see some of Whitewater’s finest features and be assured that safety and quality is the DWS’ top priority. To register for the 11th Annual DWS, visit www.RunWhitewater.com/Register.

For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight, Executive Director at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com.

About the DWS

The goal of the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its greatest features, while keeping everyone in the community active. All the proceeds from the race are donated to five local non-profit partners: Bethel House (which provides interim housing for homeless families), Whitewater LEADS, Working for Whitewater’s Wellness (W3), Whitewater Unified School District and the J-Hawk Aquatic Club. The DWS partners with the city, business community, university and the school district to make this a tremendous event that benefits all who participate. For more information about the race visit www.runwhitewater.com.

 

Obituary: Edna (Peyer) Park, 87, of Sauk City

Edna (Peyer) Park, age 87, passed away April 19, 2023 at her home in Sauk City, Wisconsin.  She was born the fourth of five children to Carl H. and Aurora D. Peyer in Peoria, Illinois on April 4, 1936.  Edna graduated from Galesburg High School in 1954.  She completed her Bachelor’s degree in 1957 at Illinois State University and her Master’s degree there in 1962.

                Her career in education began in Illinois at Lisle Community High School where she taught mathematics and psychology from 1957 to 1960; she served as a counselor and school psychologist at Deerfield High School from 1962 to 1968 and completed her career teaching remedial mathematics for fifteen years (1981 to 1996) at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.  Edna’s greatest joy was to see students achieve success and gain self-confidence.

                On December 18, 1965 Edna married Joe Charles (Chuck) Park and they made Whitewater Lake their home for 48 years.  They traveled extensively throughout their 58-year marriage both before and during their retirement.  When she wasn’t globe-trotting, she was active in The League of Women Voters and Habitat for Humanity.  She served as co-chair of the International Student Host Family program at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater for a number of years and was active in the Foreign Foods club at the university which later became the Gourmet Club.  She loved music, she loved to play bridge, she liked the creativity of sewing and quilting and was considered to be a gourmet cook.  After moving to Sauk City in 2013, Edna became a member of the Free Congregation of Sauk County.

                Chuck and Edna were blessed with two wonderful children: Laura Park of Los Angeles, California and David Park of New Orleans, Louisiana.  Their personalities, talents and interests enriched the lives of their parents.

                Along with her loving husband and children, Edna is survived by cousins and nieces and great nieces and great nephews as well as her many friends.  A private memorial service will be held in accordance with her wishes.

Obituary: Thomas Marshall, 72

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Thomas Marshall.

Tom was born on February 17, 1951, in Fort Atkinson, WI. After a 13-year battle with Parkinson Disease, he passed away peacefully at his home on April 20, 2023, with his family by his side.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Jean (Klitzke) Marshall, and two brothers, Jeff and Ronald Marshall. He grew up on his family farm on Howard Road and graduated from Whitewater High School. Over the years he was employed at Frohling Farm Equipment, Mountain View Equipment, Walworth County Highway Department, owned/operated a small excavating company, and developed Nature Dr subdivision. When he wasn’t at work, he still loved to work. His happy place was operating a chain saw or brush mower and burning brush in his woods. He planted hundreds, if not thousands, of trees to make up for it. He was a natural at running equipment, had his pilot’s license and an airplane until it wasn’t practical. He filled in the gap with other petroleum powered hobbies which included cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles, etc. He also enjoyed hunting, playing softball and tennis.

Tom spent the last 25 years of his life with his soul mate, Donna Marshall (Shoenbeck). Together they enjoyed taking trips with the Mad City Corvette Club and enjoying winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama, as much as they enjoyed everyday time with family, attending church and Brewer games.

Tom leaves behind his wife, Donna, son Jon (Michelle) Marshall, daughter Laura (Tommy) Schmeckel; five grandsons Tanner, Tucker, Dylan, Ryan, and Evan; stepdaughters Lori (Michael) Moore and Traci Bates as well as their children Ella, Quintin, Madesyn, Noah, and Liam. Tom is also survived by two sisters, Sally (Mike) Lange and Donna (Neal) Meier.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 24, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 145 S. Prairie St., Whitewater, WI 53190. A private burial will follow in the Richmond Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Friends are encouraged to drive their old collector cars to the church in honor of Tom.

As an expression of sympathy, you may wish to consider memorials to Rainbow Hospice, First United Methodist Church of Whitewater, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

The family would like to express a special thank you to family, friends, as well as the Kendra, Sara and Gretchen from Rainbow Hospice and the church congregations of First United Methodist Church and Millard Community Church. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Macbeth Coming to UW-W Stage; WHS Grad Carter Waelchli is in the Cast

The College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater announces the final show of the 2022/2023 Theatre/Dance season with “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare. Directed by Bruce Cohen, this production will run in Barnett Theatre April 25-29 at 7:30 p.m. and April 30 at 1 p.m. Tickets ($16) are on sale for the performances and can be purchased in person, online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. The Barnett Theatre and UW-Whitewater Ticket Services are located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts at 950 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190.  

WHS Grad Carter Waelchli, who is studying Theatre Education at UW-W, is a member of the cast, serving in the role of Ross/Understudy Banquo. This is Carter’s third mainstage show at UW-W. Their previous performance credits include Bill in “Perfect Wedding,” and Marplot in “The Busybody.” This is Carter’s first Shakespeare show, and they’re excited to share this story.

Returned home and celebrated for victory in battle, the triumphant warlord, Macbeth believes that becoming King might be possible. Driven by mystical and sinister prophecies, he and his Lady set out on a path of butchery to slake their lust for power. A story of lost humanity and deadly ambition, Shakespeare’s tragic play is a murderous thriller. 

On choosing this production director Cohen states, “Ultimately, Macbeth is a cautionary tale of political ambition and corrupted power. These themes were front and center during the reign of James I and, sadly, remain contemporary and evergreen to this day.” 

The cast for the UW-Whitewater production of “Macbeth”  includes Antonio Parra as Macbeth, Erin McKee as Lady Macbeth, Bryce Giammo as Banquo, and Makayla Fedler, Dyamond Jackson, and Abby Frey as the three witches.  

You don’t want to miss this thrilling performance of “Macbeth” in Barnett Theatre April 25-29 at 7:30 p.m. and April 30 at 1 p.m. Get your tickets today in person, online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling (262) 472-2222. There is a $2 surcharge for tickets purchased at the door at the time of the event. The Barnett Theatre and UW-Whitewater Ticket Services are located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts at 950 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190.