Marion Ampride
to be razed

By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Although fuel pumps will remain, Marion has lost one of its two convenience stores.

Tina Novak, manager of Ampride convenience stores at both Marion and Hillsboro, announced last week that the Marion store had closed and would be torn down.

“The gas will remain there but will be card-only,” Novak wrote in a social media post.

One customer, who declined to have his name in the paper, said the closing broke his heart. He and his family will miss being able to shop there, he said.

Employees emptied shelves and cabinets Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, loading supplies into boxes for a trip to Hillsboro.

Novak said that rumors of air conditioning problems and problems with employees were false, but Jerry Fenske, director of owner company Cooperative Grain and Supply, disagreed.

“The overall poor condition of the building and continued struggle to staff the business are primary reasons for the closure,” Fenske said. “We have recently had issues with the air conditioning unit and walk-in cooler system that both need replaced and do not make financial sense to do so.”

Employees have been offered jobs at the Hillsboro store, Novak said.

Remaining stock was sold Friday at half price.

A small building will be built to manage fuel pup readings, Novak said.

She said customers with concerns could contact her at (620) 947-3400.

“This was not an easy decision, and it took many discussions and meetings to try and find a solution, but unfortunately the ultimate decision was made to close the store,” Novak wrote in her announcement.

One addition is planned.

“In the coming months the location will be adding a bulk ice and water dispensing machine that we hope will be a valued service to the community,” Fenske said.