By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
A month has passed since Terry Daniels closed his Sentry store in Whitewater, and the mourning continues over what is believed to be a sorely needed amenity in the community: a retailer devoted solely to selling groceries.
A number of community groups are working with city officials to explore whether a retailer of Daniels’ Sentry’s ilk can re-emerge in the community.
The Community Development Authority (CDA) discussed its contribution to the effort Dec. 17, and further dialogue is planned through a variety of different entities in the months ahead.
“There is a feeling in the community of a severe need,” said Jeff Knight, who chairs the CDA. “From my own standpoint, there is a need. My neighbors also think there is a need.”
While plans have yet to take form, CDA members said they are willing to do their part to hold a citywide meeting to hear residents’ concerns and ideas about the lack of a grocery store. Grassroots groups devoted to the effort will likely take part in the meeting, as will city officials.
Announcement of the exact date of the community meeting is expected in late January or early February.
Council member Stephanie Goettl (formerly Abbott), who serves on the CDA, acknowledged the interest within the community and the number of groups taking part in the exploration of post-Sentry grocery store ideas.
“If all these groups come together and do the same thing, I think the impact will be greater,” Goettl said.
In the months leading up to Sentry’s closure in Whitewater, management cited competition from its behemoth neighbor, Walmart, as part of the impetus to leave. The Arkansas-based mega-retailer began selling groceries in Whitewater about five years ago alongside its traditional department store fare.
Despite being high on residents’ wish lists, Knight readily acknowledged a new grocery store would need to come to fruition through a number of economic factors in the private sector.
“It still has to be market-driven,” Knight said.
Daniels continues to run grocery stores under the Sentry nameplate in Janesville and Walworth.
