Keeping local businesses alive

As a long-time (14 years) La Conner resident I have appreciated having certain local services such as a local bank branch, a grocery store, a pharmacy and a local newspaper. It has meant that I don’t need to travel far for services, supplies and information. I like personally knowing the people with whom I do business. This is the advantage of small-town living.

Then I read the stunning news of the closure of the La Conner Drug Store! I have steadfastly used their pharmacy for my several prescriptions refusing mail-order offers of “convenience,” and “better prices” with large corporations like Walmart and Rite Aid. I did my part to ensure a local pharmacy, to no avail.

Thankfully, although a few banks have come and gone, WaFd remains to continually offer personal banking services. And the Pioneer Market has remained steadfast, with a good selection of products.

Last, but not least, the La Conner Weekly News is in serious jeopardy of being discontinued. It has been for sale for over a year, with no serious offers emerging. Thus the owner, Ken Stern, may be forced to walk away, leaving our town with no access to local news for the first time in over a century. What a travesty. We need a buyer for our paper!

Sincerely,

Eileen Engelstad

Shelter Bay

Engelstad is the Weekly News longtime prufreder