News from April 28, 2005 issue


Tolu Grocery is for sale
Customers needing a sandwich or kitchen staples have been more like family than customers to Ted and Donna Perryman and Larry and Naoma Tinsley.

Today, 25 years after the foursome opened the Tolu Grocery, they've put the business up for sale.

The rural grocery store is a focal point in the Crittenden County community lying on the Ohio River. It's the only business in town aside from the post office, so it's a meeting place, a place to catch up on the latest news and check on residents past and present.
"We're just tired," explains Naoma Tinsley. "We feel like we don't put enough energy into it and that someone new could do better."

The Perrymans literally raised four kids in the store, and Jodi, their oldest, worked in the family business for many years. Most of the Tinsley's nieces and nephews worked at the store for a brief time, so it's truly been a family affair.

Despite regular customers who stop in for lunch ­ which locals call Happy Hour ­ Tinsley said there are still new faces that pop in.

"Some come in and say they didn't know we were here," she laughs.

There have been some inquires from people interested in purchasing the store, and Tinsley hopes someone will step forward and continue its operation.

Three of the four current owners grew up in Tolu, and even today the Perrymans live across the street and the Tinsleys reside just down the road.

"Having the store helped us get re-acquainted with old friends and make new friends," said Naoma.

"It's really been a good experience," she added.

Country grocery stores are a dying breed. Once a staple of every community, today only three remain in Crittenden County's rural outposts, including the stores at Mattoon and Dycusburg.

Whether you're after a bologna sandwich or a gallon milk, they're mighty handy.

 

Board negotiating with Belt
The Crittenden County Board of Education is negotiating contract details with John W. Belt for the job of school superintendent.

Belt, 57, a retired Union County educator, administrator and Crittenden native, confirmed Tuesday night that he is currently talking with school board representatives about the position. Belt's career at Union County began as a teacher in 1970. He had spent his last 11 years as assistant superintendent of the district before retiring in 2001.

The Crittenden School Board met behind closed doors Monday night to select a new superintendent, but did not reveal its selection to the public because contract negotiations and other formalities must be completed before it will make an official announcement. That announcement is expected Monday night as part of a special called board meeting beginning at 5:45 p.m. The meeting agenda includes another scheduled executive session behind closed doors. If contract negotiations are finalized by then, Belt could be introduced as the new superintendent during that meeting.

Five finalists were vying the superintendent's post including Acting Superintendent Janie Tomek, New Hampshire superintendent Jim Turbeville, Butler County principal Bert Hensley and doctoral student and Crittenden County native Nancy Stalion.