News & Events

First Citizens State Bank is kicking off their Community Days with a Customer Appreciation Luncheon on Friday, September 20th, from 11 am to 1 pm at the main office in Whitewater (207 W Main Street). BBQ lunch, complete with apple pie will be served. In addition, there will be popcorn, contests, games, and giveaways. Fun-filled raffle basket tickets will be on sale all week with proceeds supporting the Bethel House. Head on down, enjoy some delicious food and comradery while the bank says “Thank you!”

Community Days then continue with three public shred days:
– Whitewater: Saturday, Oct 5th 9 am – 12 pm
207 W Main Street, Whitewater
– East Troy: Friday, Oct 11th 10 am – 1 pm
2546 E Main Street, East Troy
– Palmyra: Friday, Oct 18th 10 am – 1 pm
111 E Main Street, Palmyra

Round up and bring your sensitive documents for secure disposal. There will be a professional shred truck on site and employees will be available to help toss those old files and bills. These events are free and open to the public.
www.firstcitizensww.com

Update 9/18/24 @ 9:50 a.m.: The Banner stated that ALDI accepts WIC EBT cards. We received this correction from Daniel Clausen, WIC Director/Project Coordinator, Walworth County Dept. of Health & Human Services, Div. of Public Health: “At this time ALDI is not a WIC-approved store throughout the state of Wisconsin and they do not have the ability to process eWIC transactions (or our Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program paper vouchers). They are likely set up to accept FoodShare EBT, which is a separate program from WIC. I wanted to share this to clear up any confusion and avoid having one of our WIC families try to utilize their benefits at ALDI and be denied and uncertain of the reason.” Our apologies for this error.

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Whitewater lost its last free-standing grocery store, Sentry, in December of 2015. Efforts to attract a new store have finally been rewarded with the impending opening of ALDI at 1380 W. Main Street, between Walmart and Culver’s. The property was made available by the demolition of the Hawk Bowl and Apartments, with space still available for additional construction to the west of ALDI.

ALDI is rather unique in some ways, so particularly for those who haven’t shopped in one before, we offer this introduction.

When does ALDI open?

The store will have a “soft” opening on Wednesday, September 18. Generally a soft opening occurs without significant advertising, but ALDI is promoting the “sneak peek” with the store fully open. The ribbon cutting will take place on Thursday, September 19 at 8:50 a.m. Regular store hours will be seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. And the name is ALDI, not ALDI’s.

Are Trader Joe’s and ALDI related? Where’s the name ALDI come from?

• It’s a common misconception. They share a common history but are not related.
• The chain was founded by two brothers in 1946 when they took over their mother’s store in Germany.
• The business was split into two separate groups in 1960 over a dispute over selling cigarettes. One of the brothers believed that doing so would increase shoplifting.
• The name ALDI is short for Albrecht-Diskont, which translates into English as “Albrecht Discount.”
• Today ALDI Nord (North) operates in northern Germany and owns the Trader Joe’s chain in the U.S. ALDI Süd (South) operates in southern Germany and owns the ALDI chain in the U.S.
• ALDI has more than 2300 stores in 38 states and is based in Batavia, Illinois. The company in March, 2024 announced ambitious growth plans to open 800 new stores by the end of 2028.

Remember your quarter

ALDI says that one of the approaches they use to keep costs down is to store all of their carts in a central location at the store entrance. In order to obtain a cart, a customer must insert a quarter in an unlocking device on the handle. Sometimes a departing customer will turn over their cart to another customer without expectation of receiving a quarter in return, but it’s best to develop a plan where a customer will always have a quarter in hand. Amazon sells a wide variety of quarter holder key chains; sometimes ALDI itself sells them. Some people even keep a quarter keeper on their reusable bag. The customer gets the quarter back when they return the cart. Undoubtedly if someone leaves a cart in the parking lot someone else will find it worthwhile to return it for a quarter!

When’s the best time to shop?

ALDI’s specials, which are advertised in a circular that most local residents probably see inside of one of the “shoppers” in the postal mail, are effective beginning on Wednesday. When those products run out, they’re gone. There are no rain checks. Shopping early on Wednesday is considered to be the best time.

What are ALDI finds, otherwise known as The Aisle of Shame?

Near the checkout aisles are shelves plus frozen food chests that feature “ALDI Finds.” Devoted ALDI shoppers often refer to the section as “ The Aisle of Shame.” New products appear once a week, generally on Wednesday morning, although some stores put them out starting on Tuesday afternoon. Some of these products are seasonal items, and many of them are brought in on a one-time basis. Some savvy shoppers suggest using a degree of willpower in this area, as it’s easy to get a little carried away with impulse buying. There are at least three Facebook groups named “Aisle of Shame Community” where people share their comments about products that they purchased, which probably includes some items that weren’t actually in The Aisle of Shame. Sometimes customers are posting that one of their favorite items is no longer found at their store and they’re hoping someone can tell them where they’re still carried.

Remember your reusable bags

ALDI takes various approaches to encourage sustainability, one of which is to not provide complimentary bags. They sell reusable bags, but for a customer who arrives without their own bag there are three options: purchase a reusable bag, buy a paper bag for about 12 cents or find a box in an aisle that’s nearly empty, place the remaining items on another box, and take the empty box.

You’ll pack your own bags or boxes

ALDI has no baggers. Whether you use a self-service or attended lane, after you check out you take your purchases to a separate counter to pack them.

What forms of payment are accepted?

ALDI accepts cash or all major credit cards: American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa. They do not accept checks. Editor’s note: Please see the correction at the beginning of the article re: WIC. ALDI is not a WIC approved store.

Will they have pickup ordering?

The store will not have pickup orders. Early in October, however, they expect to be participating with DoorDash and Instacart for delivery.

Will you be able to buy absolutely everything on your shopping list?

Sorry to say, it’s possible that there may be something on your list that you don’t find at ALDI. Whitewater’s store will be 20,000 square feet, somewhat larger than Janesville’s. The average grocery store from other major companies is approximately 38,000 square feet. ALDI carries fresh produce, fresh meat & seafood, frozen foods, bakery, beverages, dairy, pet supplies, baby items, household essentials, seasonal products, beer, wine, etc., but with its smaller size it can’t carry everything that a huge grocery store may have. That’s why one Whitewater resident who loves ALDI says she always goes there first. One good thing: they should be able to quickly replenish their stock, as they will receive deliveries every day. This person expects to shop at ALDI frequently, and less frequently at a different store for what she can’t find at ALDI.

Does ALDI carry brand names?

Over 90% of ALDI’s products are “house brands,” as they believe that generally provides the best value. The main reasons that they will stock a brand name is if 1) they can’t find a house brand that they feel measures up well to a brand name, or 2) customers have expressed a strong interest for them to carry a particular brand name. When ALDI does stock brand names for a particular product, it will usually be not more than one or two brand names. They do carry some organic foods as well as gluten-free ones under the  liveGfree brand.

What if you don’t like a product?

From the ALDI website: “ALDI Twice as Nice Guarantee Return Policy

We believe we have the best quality products around.  We’ve designed and tested our brands to meet or exceed the national brands in taste and quality. We’re so confident in our products that every item in our stores is backed by our unbeatable Twice as Nice Guarantee.*

If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with the quality of any product, we will gladly replace the product AND refund your money. To receive the Twice as Nice Guarantee, the product packaging and any unused product must be returned to your local ALDI store manager.**

*Please note that a receipt is required to receive a refund in the original form of payment.  Customers who do not provide a receipt will receive an ALDI Merchandise Credit gift card equal to the current retail price of the returned item.

**The Twice As Nice Guarantee does not apply to non-food ALDI Finds items, alcohol, national brands and non-quality related issues.”

Are there any Grand Opening Specials?

Special inducements on Thursday include: 1) The first 100 customers on September 19th will receive a Golden Ticket that could be worth up to $100. An ALDI employee will hand out laminated numbered cards. 2) On September 19th the first 100 customers will receive a bag of ALDI goodies. An ALDI employee will hand out a free eco-friendly bag stuffed with ALDI products. 3) On September 19th look for an ALDI employee to receive your Free ALDI Shopping Tote! Quantities are limited, so make sure you get to the store early to enjoy all of the festivities! Continuing from September 19-22, enter for a chance to win a $500 Gift Card! Look for the signs inside the store to scan the code and enter your details for a chance to win a $500 ALDI Gift Card!  [See the store’s website for details of these offers.]

Have more questions? Don’t bother trying to call.

ALDI stores have unlisted phone numbers. Try checking the FAQ section on their website, or ask a staff member when you’re in the store.

By Jeff Angileri
Executive Director, University Marketing and Communications

As the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater begins a new academic year, preliminary numbers show a steady growth in enrollment.

According to figures released on September 16 by the Universities of Wisconsin, UW-Whitewater is one of eight universities to show enrollment growth. Enrollment for fall 2024 at UW-Whitewater is 11,784, an increase of 262 students, or about 2.3%, from last year. 

It is the largest enrollment at the university since the fall of 2020.

“We are proud of our overall enrollment growth, because it reflects deep, ongoing efforts from colleagues across both campuses to support our students and ensure they are retained year over year,” said Chancellor Corey A. King. “Our strong retention rate combined with the tremendous efforts of our recruitment team is what is driving this continued growth.”

The university recently unveiled One Stop, an online and in-person office centrally located on campus that is designed to help students get their questions answered as efficiently as possible — whether about financial aid, financial services, scholarships, advising appointments, course registration, or other matters. The effort is aimed to better support the increased number of students on campus.

“We’re thrilled that more students are choosing to join the Warhawk family,” said Jackie Briggs, assistant vice chancellor for enrollment and retention. “UW-Whitewater’s commitment to student success, great teaching, inclusivity, and affordability continue to resonate. 

“A college degree is an outstanding investment. Our exceptional outcomes, including our Hired Before Graduation campaign participation, mean that a student’s investment of resources at UW-Whitewater is all the more worth it.”

The Rock County campus, included in the 11,784 figure, is expected to hold steady at nearly 700 students. Almost 140 Rock County campus students live in university housing on the Whitewater campus. 

UW-Whitewater boasts Wisconsin’s largest accredited school of business and licenses more new teachers than any other university in Wisconsin. More than 79 undergraduate majors — including newer programs like cybersecurity and legal studies — and 24 graduate programs are now offered at UW-Whitewater.

On the Rock County campus, construction is underway on new medical simulation labs to enhance the hands-on experience for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a collaborative degree program in partnership with Edgewood College.

The university’s official census will take place on the 10th day of instruction. 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Editor’s note: The following press release regarding systemwide enrollment was received from the Universities of Wisconsin.

Universities of Wisconsin preliminary enrollment up overall despite federal student aid disruptions, lack of tuition promise, campus closures

Eight universities show enrollment growth

Listen: President Rothman audio message about preliminary enrollment

MADISON, Wis.—Enrollment at the Universities of Wisconsin (UWs) this fall increased by more than 1,000 students overall, including higher enrollments at eight universities, according to preliminary estimates based on first-day student counts.

The increase comes despite severe challenges caused by the disruptive roll out of a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) financial aid form and a lack of funding for the Wisconsin Tuition Promise, said Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman. Branch campus closures also likely had an impact, he said.

“The fact that overall enrollment is up at the UWs despite the federal FAFSA fiasco is proof positive that Wisconsinites know that education unlocks opportunities,” Rothman said.

The overall enrollment estimate of 163,589 is the highest since 2020.

The most significant impact on enrollment was FAFSA completion, which was down about 9 percent in the state compared to last year, Rothman said.

“We simply didn’t see the typical late surge of enrollments that we would have in normal years and that comes down to FAFSA completion and uncertainty over financial aid awards – something that could have been helped with a tuition promise for the fall 2024 cohort,” said Rothman.

Rothman noted that the $855 million 2025-27 state budget request approved by the Board of Regents includes funding for an expanded tuition promise for fall 2025 and would provide the resources to preserve access at existing branch campuses. Should the budget be approved, he also would not recommend a tuition increase for the 2025-26 or 2026-27 academic years.

“Today’s enrollment growth marks our second year of increases in the face of significant headwinds,” said Rothman. “The consequences of public funding of our universities in the bottom 10 of the nation is making access and affordability much more difficult than it should be. Our hope is the legislature will provide relief for parents and students seeking the educational opportunities at our UWs.”

Overall, headcount enrollment is up by 1,058 students, according to the preliminary estimates, reflecting increases at UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse, UW-Madison, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Superior, and UW-Whitewater offset in part by declines at other universities.

Official enrollment counts will be released later this fall based on the 10^th day of enrollment.

The preliminary headcount enrollment estimates are:

• UW-Eau Claire: 9,969
• UW-Green Bay: 10,749
• UW-La Crosse: 10,438
• UW-Madison: 51,729
• UW-Milwaukee: 22,517
• UW Oshkosh: 13,127
• UW-Parkside: 3,875
• UW-Platteville: 6,419
• UW-River Falls: 5,093
• UW-Stevens Point: 8,263
• UW-Stout: 6,870
• UW-Superior: 2,756
• UW-Whitewater: 11,784
• Total: 163,589

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The Universities of Wisconsin serve nearly 163,600 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, these 13 public universities are Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in the state five years after earning a degree. The universities provide a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. Learn more at wisconsin.edu.

Whitewater High School – Class of 1957
Class Reunion on Aug. 17, 2024 at 841 Brewhouse in Whitewater
Photo by Tom Ganser (tganser33@gmail.com)