Staff writer
The addition of two new businesses and expansion of a third in recent months is bringing new life to Lincolnville, a northern Marion County town with a population of approximately 220.
Along U.S. 56/77, Key Convenience Store opened in September. Operator Cheryl Key said business from highway traffic has steadily increased. Tables and booths in the store provide places to relax and enjoy sandwiches or snacks.
L B Liquor opened for business last week. The store was closed for several years. Dan and Rusty Love of Lincolnville are the owners.
Pilsen Packrats has a new home. Joe and Tish Vinduska of Lincolnville are renting the former Teimeier’s store building. Their Friday night estate auctions attract crowds, lining the streets with cars.
The Vinduskas recently began a Pilsen Packrats Flea Market that is open all day Saturday and Sunday the first weekend of each month. The event expanded from six vendors in February to 18 in March. Vendors came from as far away as Emporia and Manhattan. According to Tish Vinduska, response has been good so far, and all 18 vendors have registered to return next month.
Pilsen Packrats employs four people part time.
Kurt Spachek of Pilsen State Bank in Lincolnville is happy to see the increased commercial activity.
“It’s a resurgence,” he said. “It gets people back into town. I saw more vehicles on Main Street on Saturday than I have seen in years.”
He said people from outside the area have expressed appreciation for the convenience store.
Mayor Barb Kaiser also is pleased with the increased activity. She said it brings more people into the town.
Bailey’s Tavern continues to draw regular customers. Steve Komarek has owned the business for about three years. It is open daily except Sunday.
The town also has an Agri-Producers grain elevator and two hair salons.
Increased business activity brings increased revenue to the town. According to Marion County Treasurer Jeanine Bateman, Lincolnville, like other small towns, receives a percentage of sales taxes collected in the county, based on its mill levy and population. The town’s portion comes directly from the state.