Between road construction and the coronavirus, businesses in the area have faced many challenges: some more than others. ìIt’s been quite the nightmare,î said Don Cronkhite, owner of The Prairie Jeweler. Along with other non-essential businesses in the area of Old Meridian and McLaughlin roads, COVID-19 shut him down for two months. If that wasnít enough, construction in the area restricted access to his store. Today, however, a portion of McLaughlin Road is open, which allows access to the businesses at the intersection with Old Meridian Road.The construction also prevented walk-through traffic to his store.Cronkhite said the double-barreled obstacles about put him out of business. ìBut I have a lot of loyal customers who have called,î he said. Cronkhite said he is approaching retirement and does not want to take out a long term loan for his business. ìHopefully, things will pick up,î he added.The situation presented fewer issues for Lisa Day, owner of Farmer Jim’s Feed. ìAnimals and pets have to be fed,î she said. So she was permitted to stay open because feeding animals is essential. The store has two entrances, and customers can come in on the opposite side from road construction. Day said some of the larger stores ran out of dog food, which helped her store. She said her store has been using all recommended and necessary sanitary preventive measures.For Paws Veterinary Clinic is also considered essential and has remained open. Customers have to call when they arrive, and a staff member comes to the car and takes the pet inside for treatment.
