It was like getting punched in the gut last Tuesday when Susan's Corner Grocery Store burned down.
For years the retail sector has been shrinking in Rainy River and losing one of the cornerstones of what is left really made my stomach turn.
From what I heard around town just about everyone else was feeling the same way... and I am sure that owner and operator Susan Carpenter and her staff felt even worse and likely still do.
For a number of days everyone was in shock... now that that has passed everyone is wondering what will happen.
Many people, especially seniors living near the store, depended on the quaint old grocery store. Those who can only get to the store on foot found it convenient at its locale.
I have heard many people say they hope Susan chooses to rebuild and that they look forward to a new and modern store in that location.
Whether she does or doesn't is up to her.
I am sure she is looking at all her options and will make a decision soon.
She as a business owner has been very good for Rainy River. She worked hard to keep her older building looking good, with frequent paint jobs to both the inside and out. She also has been President of the Chamber of Commerce; a group that has been very proactive in working towards a better future for the community. Susan has also sat on the local economic development committee. She also supports many causes via donations from the store.
Susan and her store have been pillars in our community. We owe both of them a huge debt of gratitude and know that if Susan's is not rebuilt there will be a huge void in Rainy River that will be hard to fill.
–Until then, Ken