Convenience stores will be prime locations

In recent years, McCook has had more convenience stores than most other towns of similar size. Up and down U.S. Highways 6-34 and 83 passing through town on B Street, customers could choose from two Casey's locations, two Gas 'n Shop stores and and Kabredlo's shop.

Now -- as the result of Casey's purchase of the Gas 'n Shop group -- McCook will lose the two Gas 'n Shop locations. Casey's is closing them for business reasons, figuring that the shutdowns will bolster business at the east and west Casey's stores.

It's an understandable business decision, especially on the west side of town, where the Casey's and Gas 'n Shop stores are both easily accessible by drivers on B Street. East McCook presents a different challenge, since the Casey's location is east of the 6-34 and 83 intersection, while Gas 'n Shop is just to the east.

Customers will have to adjust, remembering that the nearest convenience store is to the east, not west, when they turn off 83 on to B Street.

For the community of McCook, the major concern is how the vacated store space will be used. For competitive reasons, Casey's probably will not want to sell them to other convenience stores.

However, there is still hope for alternate uses. That's shown by other developments in recent years, including new uses for the former Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, A&W Root Beer, Wiemer's Dairy Queen, Steve's Total and Valentino's buildings.

What those business changes have shown us is that B Street is a heavily traveled business route, and that locations facing the through-town highway are in high demand. Over time, it is likely that the Gas 'n Shop locations will also find new uses. But, even so, the Gas 'n Shop stores will be missed. They served the McCook area well for a number of years.

Banquet Tickets Available

If you haven't yet bought your tickets for Saturday night's McCook Chamber banquet, don't fret: tickets will be available at the door. The cost is $25 per person. It will be well worth the money as the ticket will entitle you to a gala setting, an appearance by Gov. Dave Heineman and a review and preview by the 2005 and 2006 Chamber presidents, Bob Bonge and Richard Stull.

In addition, you will get to watch as McCook's most prestigious individual awards are presented.

The banquet and program will be at the McCook Memorial Auditorium, starting with a social time at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:45. The banquet is the biggest event of the year for McCook's business and professional people. You're cordially invited to join them for the festivities.