"Beyond Grattan Centre"
8/23/2010 12:53:00 PM
Jorgensen's Super Market closing in Greenville
The Daily News
GREENVILLE - A fixture in the Greenville grocery business is closing its doors.
Jorgensen's Super Market announced plans to close its Greenville store today. Shoppers have been told the bakery is closed already and vendors are being told not to restock any products.
The store is expected to remain open for about two weeks while stock is liquidated.
A stocker at the store for about seven years, who did not want to release his name, said he learned of the impending closure while on vacation. He said a note was placed on the time clock today notifying employees and a letter is being issued to vendors about not delivering more products today.
The employee said he isn't surprised that the store is closing given the fierce competition for grocery retailers within a couple miles of the store.
"There's not really a whole lot there. There's just not much business," he said. "Wal-Mart, Walgreens and Meijer is taking its toll on that store. They just can't keep up with the volume purchases you can get there."
Jorgensen's stopped selling Spartan Stores products in December and announced plans to sell its First Choice Pharmacy in June to Walgreens, which has a location almost directly across West Washington Street.
The employee said he will miss his coworkers and customers the most, especially the small-town feel Jorgensen's offered compared to larger grocery retailers such as Meijer and Wal-Mart.
"Over the years you build up relationship with your customers. They become like family members and trusted friends," he said. "This is the last of hte community businesses with a small town feel. You're not going to get that at one of the big-box stores. It's the last place in town with that kind of customer service."
The employee pointed out Jorgensen's is the last store in Greenville with grocery baggers.
" It's just a sign of the times I guess," he said. "It's sad. It's really sad. I feel bad for the other employees who have a lifetime of service there."
In a statement signed by the Jorgensen family, the company acknowledged the decision to close the store is "very difficult" and the grocer has had a "very long history" in Greenville.
"We appreciate our customers' patronage and our associates' success in making this store a clean, friendly place to shop over the years," the statement says.
The Jorgi's Marketplace, which opened in 2008 on Greenville's north side under ownership of the Jorgensen family, will remain open. The closing in Greenville also is not expected to affect Jorgensen's Super Market in Edmore or the company's chain of Save-A-Lot stores in West Michigan.
Aug. 19, 2010
Michigan's Early Canada Goose Season Opens Sept. 1
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment reminds hunters that the early Canada goose hunting season opens statewide Wednesday, Sept. 1.
Early goose season, designed to target resident giant Canada geese, runs through Sept. 10 in the Upper Peninsula and in Huron, Tuscola and Saginaw counties, and through Sept. 15 elsewhere in Michigan.
Prospects for the upcoming goose season are excellent; the resident Canada goose population is estimated at 300,000 birds, the second highest population ever recorded. Hunters may take five Canada geese daily during the early season.
Wildlife officials remind hunters that a number of Canada geese in Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties within the Kalamazoo River watershed were covered with crude oil following the Enbridge pipeline rupture in late July. Hunters who observe oil-covered geese or other oiled wildlife should report them to 800-306-6837, the Enbridge wildlife response hotline.
Geese that were rescued, cleaned and released sport double leg bands, one of which reads: “Oil Spill Bird Contact Michigan DNRE 1-517-336-5030.” Hunters who harvest the birds can call the phone number to get more information. The Michigan Department of Community Health suggests that adverse health effects from consuming these birds are unlikely.
Troops on leave should consider short-term plates
U.S. military personnel and other Michigan motorists have the option of buying temporary license plates for vehicles they drive infrequently, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land reminded them today.
“Instead of buying a full-year license plate, military personnel and other drivers should consider these less-costly plates,” Land said. “They're a great alternative for service members home for a short time.”
A 30-day plate costs one-tenth of the vehicle's annual registration fee or $20, whichever is more, plus a $10 service fee. A 60-day plate costs one-fifth of the registration fee or $40, whichever is more, plus a $10 service fee. The plate is a paper permit that must be displayed in the vehicle's rear window.
People can apply for the temporary plates at any Secretary of State office. They will need to bring proof of Michigan no-fault insurance and proof of ownership, such as the vehicle's Michigan title or expired plate registration.
Drivers with disabilities encouraged to bring ‘Pump Guide' along during travels
Find full-service gas stations with online resource
Motorists with disabilities can make their travels easier by remembering The Pump Guide as they prepare for a long Fourth of July weekend, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land advised Michigan residents today.
The Pump Guide is an online directory of gas stations statewide that offer travelers with disabilities full service at self-service prices. The site, found at www.ThePumpGuide.com , was created by Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America, a nonprofit organization.
“Before hitting the road, your first visit should be to The Pump Guide,” Land said. “You can map out your trip ahead of time with the knowledge that full-service gas stations are ready to assist you.”
To qualify for refueling assistance, drivers are required to display a state-issued disability license plate or placard.
Michael Harris, executive director of the veterans group, joined Land in promoting The Pump Guide. Harris, who is a paraplegic, came up with The Pump Guide idea during a 2001 business trip.
“I discovered that finding a full-service station was often hit or miss, and I realized that other drivers with disabilities had the same problem,” Harris said. “The Pump Guide offers help for drivers with permanent or temporary physical challenges. It's a great way to encourage independence while traveling.”
The Pump Guide's online program allows users to:
· Search for stations by county
· Identify stations near a specific location or by ZIP code
· Plan a trip using directions that include participating stations along the route
More than 900 gas stations participate in The Pump Guide program. In addition to locations and hours, the guide lists those stations that include car washes, ATMs, accessible restrooms and other amenities. The paralyzed veterans organization gets its information from an annual mailing to gas stations.
Land and Harris' organization first partnered in 2005 when they unveiled The Pump Guide bookmark campaign. The ongoing campaign provides residents who receive a disability license plate or placard with a bookmark printed with the guide's online address. The reverse side of the bookmark encourages people to renew their vehicle and watercraft registration online instead of visiting a Secretary of State office.
In addition, the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America also advocates the installation of “Fuel Call” buttons throughout Michigan. The button is mounted near the gas pump and when it is pushed, the button will notify the gas station attendant that a customer needs help pumping gas. The service is then provided at self-serve prices to individuals with disabilities. Already, about 50 stations on the Pump Guide offer a Fuel Call button.
Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America is celebrating almost 50 years of service. It offers advocacy and assistance for veterans who have spinal cord injuries or diseases.
Additional information about the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America can be found at www.michiganpva.org .
KENT COUNTY SHERIFF ON-LINE REPORTING SERVICE
