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Byemoor Store faces closure, seeks new owner

When eight years back in Jan. 2009 Twila Buchwitz took over the Byemoor Store, little did she realize that one day she would have...
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Byemoor Store faces shutdown by the end of February if someone from the community doesn’t step up.

When eight years back in Jan. 2009 Twila Buchwitz took over the Byemoor Store, little did she realize that one day she would have so much difficulty in handing over a "community hub," which this store has become for this small town and finding a new owner.

At that time her son Ryder was three years old and her second son, Bronc was just two months old. This store has been a steadfast family business, which has helped all community members from running errands outside of Byemoor for most cases.

But after having her third son, Colter in Aug. 2011 and expecting her fourth now, Buchwitz has had to decide between priorities, compelling her to make the difficult decision of selling the store.

"I have had to make the very difficult decision that it was time to move on," Buchwitz said. "The store has been a second home to our family."

It was here that her kids have all learnt to work the till at a very young age, helping out with dusting, sweeping and stocking.

"I've been very lucky that I have had the opportunity to work here and raise my kids simultaneously, in this environment," Buchwitz added. "I have often had people giving me a helping hand with them, when I was busy sorting mail, helping a customer, unloading deliveries, it is endless and it really has taken a village to help raise our kids."

Looking back Buchwitz is grateful, but she also wants to ensure that the store and all their hard work for the past eight years is continued.

"The store is an integral part of the community," Buchwitz explained. "It is the only store in our area for miles. It has a post office, groceries, gas station, hair salon and coffee shop and is a hub for community news, funeral announcements and monetary collections."

According to Buchwitz if she is unable to find someone by the end of Jan. 31, she would have to shut it down next month, which would mean Byemoor will have none of the conveniences that it does.

"It would be a huge loss and be inconvenient for a lot of Byemoor and area residents, if we lost the store," Buchwitz said. "But if no one shows interest in purchasing soon, I will have to select a closing date."