Tri-County News

Now’s the time to support local businesses


Jean Matua “From the Heart”

I know I say this a lot: local businesses are crucial to the health and vitality of our communities.

Right now, some of our favorite businesses are hurting because of road construction. Highway 15 has been closed to through traffic for a month, and it’s already difficult. Some businesses along Highway 15 in Kimball have suffered 30-75% losses, just when summer drive-by traffic should be at a peak and business should be great. And the road won’t be done for another two months!

What can you do? Pick the businesses you really want to still be here on the other side of this current crisis. Then make a point of going there and doing some business. All they want is a chance to do business, and you can help. Whether it’s a quick lunch stop, a bottle of wine or pack of beer for dinner, or picking up some milk and dessert on your way home, it’s right there waiting for you.

It is possible to reach all the businesses along Highway 15, and on Maus Drive. It’s not even that difficult. That small stretch of the highway just north of Highway 55 has parts that are gravel and parts that are barely paved. But there’s easy access via the driveway into AM Maus & Son (from Highway 55), and it is possible to drive on Highway 15 to get to these businesses. Drive carefully, please!

It’s not just those businesses that are hurting. When customers decide to go elsewhere for groceries, for instance, they may also get gas somewhere else. Or they may not pass downtown businesses on their way.

It’s a hard time, even though temporary, but YOU can help! Please do your part to help support all of these businesses affected by road construction. This, too, shall pass.

And don’t forget: in two years it will be businesses in downtown hurting when Highway 15 is closed there for summer work.

What affects one, affects us all. We’re all in the same economic “boat,” and it’s time to bail water.

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