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November 7, 2009

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Mackinaw Residents Saddened by the Loss of Town Grocery Store

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By WEEK Producer

Story Published: Sep 4, 2008 at 4:46 PM CST

Story Updated: Sep 4, 2008 at 5:40 PM CST

Just one day after the massive fire that destroyed Mackinaw's only grocery store, the reality for some people is just setting in.

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Residents stood on street corners, and drove past the I-G-A grocery store viewing its charred remains.

People are still in shock the building, which has been a landmark in Mackinaw for more than a century, has burned down.
And residents say old habits die-hard.

"It's like when your electricity goes off in your house, you still flip on switches....I still am halfway out the door going to get something at the I-G-A and realize that it's not there", said store owner Jon Thetard.

"We're gonna have to go to Minier, the I-G-A there or Morton or Pekin...hopefully the town will support the Zehrs and go to Minier", said store owner, Melissa Lessard.

The family that owned this I-G-A, the Zehrs, also own the I-G-A in Minier.

The village Mayor says he is looking to get transportation for those unable to drive so they can to their shopping in a nearby town.

Since the initial fire was put out yesterday, firefighters have had to suit up two more times to extinguish flames in the store.

View Oldest Comments First

Friday, Sep 5 at 4:31 PM LA wrote ...

Econ 101 for LL. Small stores can't purchase in bulk and pay more for same products. Residents like having convenience of store in town and willing to support store by paying a little more. Others only use it when convenient for them and complain they aren't getting the bargains from the mega store. Many small towns would be thrilled to have the convenience of a local store which also helps support and strengthen the community. May there not be many who feel as you do. Blessings to the Zehrs!

Friday, Sep 5 at 4:02 PM Jan wrote ...

who cares if the prices arent convinent for you. I'd much rather pay that than drive ten or 15 miles & waste gas which in the long run would cost what a trip to the store would of. I live in Cuba & it only has one store. Yes,i dont agree with all the prices but id rather pay that than drive ten miles to either lewistown or Canton. Mackinaw residents i feel for your loss.

Friday, Sep 5 at 3:23 PM Tiffany Pomeroy! wrote ...

I am so upset the Iga is gone. I have only been in mackinaw now 4 years. Mrs. Zehr and I had become so close that when saw after I found out I cried. She always put her heart in sole to make us support the IGA. Many people that it was over priced but at least we had something that if we needed something right away we didn't have to drive to Pekin. The IGA is a major lost for everyone of Mackinaw. As we pass it each day I cry because I know what hard work the Zehr's had went to get that store! :|

Friday, Sep 5 at 11:52 AM Ben Sparks wrote ...

So yea, you may not agree with the prices there, but noone cares. If you don't like it then go somewhere else, noone is forcing you to shop at IGA. Personally i've thought the prices were reasonable being they are a small town store, and i believe a lot of others agree. Yea, i've been unhappy with IGA before about some of there procedures, but I'm not trying to bring it up just because it burnt down. So get over it. Like i said No one is forcing you to shop/buy your food at IGA.

Friday, Sep 5 at 11:47 AM Ben Sparks wrote ...

You have got to be kidding me LL, must be to scared to state your name with your criticism. Why don't we keep all politics aside eh? Think of it like this, that store is there for your convenience. So you don't have to run to Minier, Pekin, Morton, or Bloomington for food. You may not realize it but you pay for convenience all the time. Hell a lot of shipping stores charge 69 cents for .42 cent stamps, and they still sell...because its convenient for the customer.

Friday, Sep 5 at 11:42 AM Outsider wrote ...

Hey LL, you need to get a heart, nothing like kick'in someone when they are already down... go shop someplace else if you don't like the prices.

Friday, Sep 5 at 11:08 AM pw wrote ...

Response to LL: Instead of knocking this family while they are down, maybe we can focus on how convenient it is to have a local grocery store, how much community support this family has shown, and how we as a community can help them for once. $$ isn't everything.

Friday, Sep 5 at 10:51 AM Dawn Roszhart wrote ...

The IGA will be truly missed by my family, the women that work there became my friends these past two years and encouraged me and showed concern for my children and I. It was more than just a place to buy groceries for most. That's what is so great about a small town.

Friday, Sep 5 at 9:09 AM LL wrote ...

LETS LOWER SOME OF THE PRICES WHEN YOU REBUILD

Friday, Sep 5 at 6:17 AM Amy and Steve Powell wrote ...

we are so saddened to hear about this great loss to the community! Our thoughts and prayer go out to the Zehrs and all the others who have been affected by this great loss! Although we live all the way in PA now Mackinaw is always our hometown and I always enjoyed stopping into the store when I came home. We look forward to the rebuild. I know the great Mackinaw community will pull together as it always does!

Thursday, Sep 4 at 9:15 PM Peggy wrote ...

The IGA was an intergral part of this community- whenever there was a charity event of any kind the Zehr's would come forward and donate plenty! They are such good people and we all look forward to a speedy rebuild so we can shop with them again.

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