By Joe Morey News Editor
A recent poll was placed on the Lac Courte Oreilles Today group page asking the membership, “Would you like to see the Tribe invest in a small C-Store/Grocery on the Rez somewhere near New Post?”
The poll results showed strong support among tribal membership for a small store/gas station operation to be placed in or near New Post. Some suggestions included at the corner of Hideout Road and County Hwy CC, which would be closer to Six Mile community, but still serve that part of the reservation.
The vote totals were 159 in favor and 13 against it. The Facebook group has strict membership rules limiting participation to members, their spouses and long-time employees to insure people in the group page have a strong tie to the Lac Courte Oreilles community.
The issue was first brought up in a tribal council meeting in May between TGB members and Blue Stone Strategy Group. Some council members asked Blue Stone to look at the feasibility of opening another C-Store in that area.
Currently, many dollars from New Post are spent in the Radisson community, which is much closer than traveling to the LCO Country Store and Quick Stop commercial area.
Tribal member Cassandra Hanlon posted she thinks it’s a good idea because tourism in the area of the Chippewa Flowage is a big industry.
Glenda Barber, newly-elected TGB member, said she supports the idea because tribal members living in New Post shouldn’t have to drive 15 miles for a gallon of milk or loaf of bread. She added, when it comes to New Post, there is always an excuse not to serve them because they are so remotely located.
“Even if it wasn't profitable it was greatly needed,” Glenda said. “Some of the other Council members agreed and said basically what Cassandra Hanlon said in her post. Tourism is a big industry.”
Hanlon went on to say, “New Post is always left out, forgotten. Nothing for the kids to do, no playground, activities... oh wait there is a basketball court, that's it. Lots of elders live there that don't leave the area, lots of families that could benefit from a store. Any business needs some time to turn a profit. I see this as a positive idea with our tribal members in mind all the while the amount of tourism in that area is quite large.”
Aaron DeBrot said he thinks it would work if it were a small manageable store.
“A store with just the essentials. Light food, house care, laundry care items,” DeBrot said. “Doesn’t have to be a huge operation that’s going to break the bank and have items going to waste, just something to hold residents over until they can make it out to Country store or Hayward.”
Jeff Tribble said, “A small convenience store with bait and tackle and other light outdoor supplies would be ideal to attract locals and tourists.”
Denny Reyes, manager of the Landing Resort on the Flowage, said he has mentioned to TGB in the past about locating a small C-Store at the resort. New Post resident John Baker agreed with Reyes.
Daeshele Larson said, “I think a good spot would be the corner right after N where there used to be that old road but yup a good gas station / convenient store would be perfect there.”