Modern-day ghost town?
When Kingfisher's Inn closes its doors Sunday it will be a great loss to the county lake and the Marion community.
The restaurant has had a large out-of-town clientele and the loss of customers will be felt in other businesses in the community as well.
A sagging economy and low volume and support from local residents were among the reasons Bob and Kathy Sprowls decided to close the doors.
It's a harsh wake-up call for the Marion community. How many more businesses will close their doors because local people won't support them? If the trend continues we soon won't have a choice about shopping (or eating) out of town. There won't be any local businesses to support.
If businesses begin closing, owners will leave, taking whole families away from Marion. That means less school enrollment resulting in less money for school districts, tax support, and all the things that keep a community alive. We'll be left with a modern-day ghost town.
Kingfisher's Inn has been for sale for some time. Local economic developers should be working to bring in a buyer. Buyers look for a forward-thinking, progressive community. Local support will be a strong selling point. Potential buyers may look for business incentives. Restaurant buyers also may consider liquor-by-the-drink a selling point.
If we care anything about keeping Marion vibrant and alive, we'd better wake up and start supporting local businesses and being progressive thinkers.
— DONNA BERNHARDT
