Caledonia loses gas station, solutions being sought

Caledonia has lost its sole gas station, but the North Queens Board of Trade is holding a public meeting to find a solution.

In a Facebook post, owner Willis Fancy says rules from his supplier requiring payment the day after delivery, and not enough traffic to the station means he could not continue. The next closest gas station is in Greenfield, a 20 minute drive away.

North Queens Board of Trade president Laura Lee Johnson says the community has lost other services before, such as banking, but buying fuel is a more urgent need.

“You can do  banking online, but you can’t buy gas online,” says Johnson.

She adds there has already been some interest from other business owners in the community to take on the service, as well as interest in forming a community cooperative.

“We’re hoping to find solutions at the meeting and that it will be a very positive meeting for everybody.”

The public meeting will take place Jan. 7 at 7 pm at the Fire Hall in Caledonia.