HUMBOLDT Keeping a grocery in town has become a personal mission for Cole Herder, Humboldt administrator.
Herder updated city council members of his efforts Monday.
Moons Hometown Market announced its closure a month ago.
Herder said several agencies have offered their services, including Thrive Allen County and Allen County GROW. This, he hoisted a thick notebook, is full of information, and Im adding to it each day.
Herder said he felt obligated to double-down in seeking a solution, being as how Humboldt lacks an economic development director, a role he has accepted by default.
His interest is sparked in part by the loss of sales tax revenue with the grocerys impending closing.
I dont know how much that will be, but its going to hurt, he said.
Ill spend the time to find a solution. We just have to be patient, noting it took several years for Iola to entice G&W Foods to open a store there.
Council members made suggestions, including that a smaller store focusing on good fresh produce and meats and without items easily found at Dollar General, just up the road, may be a solution. Some said specialty items might be a drawing card.
Herder was careful not to discount the importance of Dollar General, which has dairy products and some pre-packaged meat products, as well as non-perishable commodities.
Im open to ideas from anyone on the council or anyone in town, he concluded.
Fresh produce will be available April through October on Eighth Street just to the east of City Hall through a farmers market. Council members gave their blessing to blocking off the street from 8 to 11 a.m. each Saturday.
Calvin Parker, president of Allen County Farmers Market, said he thought being downtown necessitated by the stores closing would be more convenient for local residents. The market, in its 10th year, also has a presence in Iola each Thursday evening.
IN OTHER NEWS, council members:
— Approved a change in Humboldts cereal malt beverage licensing to permit 6 percent beer to be sold by retail merchants, effective April 1. Kansas made the change to the more potent beer earlier to mirror that of most other states. The consequence, Herder said, is that 3.2 beer, the former standard, became difficult for retailers to find.
— Spring cleanup will be April 26 north of Bridge Street; April 27 on the south side. Brush and limbs will be picked up on April 29.
— The citywide garage sale will be May 4.
