There was a flurry of activity around the former Pamida building Wednesday, as several semi-trailers began unloading equipment into the empty facility. Property owners say a new store will soon open in the local community.
According to Rick Stephens of Stephens Properties, the venture will be a full service grocery store, offering another shopping option for the people in the county. Stephens said once open, the store would employee between 60 and 80 people.
“We bought the store building when Pamida closed (in 2005).  Several feasibility studies have been done on the highest and best use for the building and the consensus of the studies was a full service grocery store,” Stephens said.  “We’re excited about the prospect of a new store with expanded shopping options for our county.  Competition is good for business and good for the people shopping here.”
The fit-up for the new store will take several months and at this point Stephens did not offer a target date for the opening. He added, however, he hoped to host a grand opening before the end of the year.