The Sears Hometown Store has been in business on East Walnut Street since 2007.—Staff Photo by Bryce Mayer
A major retail anchor is pulling out of downtown next month.
The Sears Hometown Store at 247 E. Walnut St. is closing its doors after over 12 years in North Vernon. The store is advertised to go out of business July 7 (see advertisement on page 7A today), but a store clerk said the outlet will likely remain open until July 23 as it tries to sell of remaining merchandise.
Owner-manager Nikki Day declined to comment to the Plain Dealer. The North Vernon woman has owned and managed the store since January 2017.
"I hate to see any businesses close in town," said North Vernon Mayor Mike Ochs. "This is quite a blow to our community and is very disheartening for me as mayor. Sears was a good place where people could go to buy tools, lawnmowers, appliances and other quality merchandise. I wish there was a way we could keep it open, but we can't. Sears stores like this are closing all across the country."
The building where Sears is located, formerly the site of Caradonna's 5 and 10 Cent Store, Danner's, Dollar General and the North Vernon Antique Mall, is owned by Howard and Martha Morgan of North Vernon.
Lonnie Pike opened the Sears outlet there in 2007, selling the business to Pam Graham in 2012.
"The building is in excellent shape, with a brand new roof, and is in a great location," Martha Morgan said. "We hate to see Sears go. I think something good could go in there." Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Jennings County Animal Control is going on the road to Indianapolis this weekend to try and get as many as 15 pets adopted and out of the local animal shelter.
North Vernon Police Officer Shane Trepanier and the department's new K9, Zobi, had a busy first week of patrol after recently graduating from K9 training school.
Barns dot the landscape in Jennings County at numerous farms big and small. Those barns included more than a few that are historical structures dating back as much as 150 years.
Last week's 2018 Jennings County Fair is in the record books and despite some weather issues to start, the end brought out large crowds.
Alexis Harsh named MVP for Lady Panthers Senior Alexis Harsh was named the 2018 Most Valuable Runner for the Jennings County High School girls track and field team.
Bigtime thrills for horse racing fans Oh the majesty, the glory, the history that oozes from the Twin Spires and all over the place at Churchill Downs, making the spine tingle for all who visit this magnificent sports landmark. That was especially the case Saturday evening during Downs After Dark at this famous Louisville horse track only about 60 miles south of North Vernon. It was a night for topnotch thoroughbred horse racing, including the Stephen Foster Stakes, a Grade 1 event. It was also a special night for turf fans to see Justify, fresh off his Belmont Stakes victory the previous week which made him the 13th Triple Crown winner in history.
The last night of the Jennings County Fair, an old fashioned barn dance was held in the livestock arena. Fair board president Randy Shepherd estimated over 100 people braved the hot and humid weather to enjoy it and then stayed for the fireworks display later that night.
ABOVE-Keith Swinney, center, was joined by other members of his band as they played from atop a hay wagon for the dance.
