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 Though Lincoln IGA observed a soft opening on Monday, March 7th,
the ribbon cut marked the official return of the store. Joining Lee
and Sutton behind the ribbon were all the staff on duty Wednesday
morning along with several community representatives. Among the
group and representing Logan County was Circuit Clerk Kelly Elias
and County Clerk Theresa Moore. From the city was Mayor Tracy
Welch, Ward three Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs, Ward four Alderwoman
Kathy Horn, Lincoln Fire Chief Bob Dunovsky, and City Clerk Peggy
Bateman. Also on hand was Logan County Fair Queen Caroline Ahrends,
Lincoln Economic Advancement & Development Director Andrea Runge,
and Logan County Tourism Director Alice Roate.
The event was led by Lincoln Daily News’ Nila Smith and Karen
Hargis.
As everyone gathered behind the ribbon, Smith noted that ribbon
cutting events usually include words such as courage, strength,
tenacity and investment in community. She noted that those words
were the purest definition of Charlie Lee and all the staff at the
Lincoln IGA. But she said moreover, this was a day of celebrating
the dedication of Charlie, Corey and all the staff who vowed to come
back and have done so.
Charlie Lee said, “Thank you all for coming. We could never have
gotten re-opened without our staff. So appreciate them. We
appreciate Lincoln, they have been supportive every step of the
way.”
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Horn said she was also appreciative of the store’s return. She said
that many people were thrilled to have the store return, and noted
that many, including herself, had missed the IGA deli and were
excited to be able to return to it.
Rohlfs said that as a representative of Ward three, she was excited
to see the store come back. She noted the many times that the IGA
has supported local organizations and how important that kind of
community spirit and spirit of giving is that Charlie displays.
Mayor Tracy Welch also spoke saying that he felt that Horn and
Rohlfs had spoken well. He concluded saying “Lincoln is very
fortunate to have Charlie and his IGA family and we are so proud to
have you back.” He went on to say he wished the store many years to
come in the community.
The large group gathered then squeezed in for a group photo before
the cut. Then with the prompt of three, two, one, snip, Lee with
the assistance of Sutton cut the ribbon of the new store.
[Nila Smith] |
