Lincolnville cafe closes
Saturday was the last day Tammy's Café was open for business at Lincolnville.
In a handwritten notice on the door, restaurant operator Tammy Benewiat said the closure was as much a surprise to her as to everyone else.
She and her husband Dan recently made improvements to the building including new siding, a new sign, and a separate new refrigeration unit.
She thanked area farmers for their support during the time she has been in business.
According to information received Monday at the Lincolnville City Council meeting, the Benewiats decided to close the business when they found out the premium for insuring the building would be raised substantially.
In a letter to the city, Dan Benewiat stated that they felt the city was not supporting them. He said they wanted the city to do something to lower the Marion County Fire District #5 rating from a nine to an eight, which, according to fire chief Lester Kaiser, would lower insurance premiums an estimated 10-12 percent.
Lack of water availability is the biggest hindrance to a better fire district rating, according to a memo received from Kaiser. The only way to alleviate the problem, he said, is to have access to a rural water system.
Although a rural water district was formed in the area several years ago, the system has not been built.
"The city can't do anything about it," council woman Gail Burns said.
Mayor Victor Burns said he had not been contacted by the Benewiats.
Council woman Karen Hurt said the issue is mute because the Benewiats have put the café and their Lincolnville home on the market.
"Why didn't he (Dan Benewiat) come to the city before closing and putting up 'For Sale' signs?" she wondered.
City employee Joe Vinduska said he was told they plan to be out of town sometime in October.
The Benewiats could not be reached for comment.
