By Verda Seeklander

A larger group than expected turned out for a special meeting called by the Hazelton Development Corporation last Thursday, April 17, to discuss re-opening of the grocery store in Prairie Village Mall. The HDC Board of Directors has been exploring options to reopen the store since its closing last December.

HDC secretary Bev Voller and president Kent Weiser briefed those attending with details of some of the steps they have taken.

Some of the options that have been pursued included 1) providing information to larger grocery chains asking them to consider opening a satellite store in Hazelton; 2) working with other local grocery stores who might be interested in expanding their business to Hazelton; and 3) placing ads searching for an independent person to lease the space for a grocery store. So far, they said, the process can not be considered a failure because some of their contact(s) remain interested in working with the HDC if the community approves the next step in the process.

Voller and Weiser suggested that the next step include a community fund raising campaign in which an LLC (Limited Liability Corporation) will be formed, a new renter/operator sought, and a Board of Directors will oversee the operation of the grocery store.

The HDC will send out a bulk mailing this week to the communities most affected by the lack of a grocery store in Hazelton. The mailing will present the new information along with a request for them to consider making an investment. Anyone interested in investing will be asked to sign a pledge for whatever amount they would like to invest. The amount pledged will be collected after all pledges are received and as soon as the HDC has everything in order to move ahead with the plan. HDC board members stated that a minimum of $500.00 is needed to become a voting member of the LLC; however, any amount under that would also be appreciated.

Community members agreed that a grocery store is a vital part of a growing community. New families and long time residents want and, in fact, expect the convenience of a local grocery store. High fuel costs were also mentioned as a reason for not wanting to go out of town to buy groceries. Then, too, there is the inconvenience; its time-consuming; and, in some cases, it is a definite hardship for the elderly in the community.

Anyone interested in investing in this project may contact HDC, PO BOX 383, HAZELTON, ND, 58544 or call 782-4368.