DECATUR -- It was a long time in the making but Decatur at last has a new Walmart Neighborhood Market. The store is located on the corner of Roller Avenue and Main Street in Decatur.
Lora Randall, manager of store No. 4217, greeted approximately 50 dignitaries and honored guests during the grand opening ceremony at 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 7. Members of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce, school board and city council were on hand to lend their support for the new business.
Newly-elected mayor, Bob Tharp, recounted a decades-old story about two close friends and hunting buddies, one a retailer, the other a chicken farmer. Both would eventually become industry leaders in their fields.
The story, as Tharp told it, included a request from Lloyd Peterson: "Mr. Sam, how about building a Walmart in Decatur?"
"Now, Mr. P., you know that dog just don't hunt," Walton replied.
According to the story, this did not sit well with Peterson, so he responded by building a store that resembled the floor plans for Walmart stores of the day. It was called the Decatur General Store and stood on the spot where now, more than 30 years later, the new Walmart Neighborhood Market is located and open for business.
Blake Evans, a Peterson family member, was on hand to realize his grandfather's dream.
The program began with the Presentation of Colors by VFW Post 1674, Siloam Springs. Frank Lee, post commander, presented a flag to Randall.
As the colors were posted, the National Anthem was performed by the nine members of the Decatur High School band under the direction of Kristin Wages. Band members present for the event included Sofia Killebrew, Austin Hamilton, Lizzy Hiasman, Ryan Shaffer, Dylan Frydrychowski, Mailee Xiong, Ger Vang, Sara Moppin and Isabel Rodriguez.
After the recognition of guests and introduction of the management team, three checks in the amount of $1,000 each were presented to the Decatur Parks and Recreation Department, Iva Jane Peek Memorial Library and Decatur Northside Elementary School Special Education. Accepting these checks were Ike Owens on behalf of the parks department, C.L. Abercrombie on behalf of the library, and Jeff Gravette on behalf of the school.
Just before the ribbon cutting, store employees led guests in the traditional Walmart cheer -- which included the squiggly.
The program concluded with the ribbon cutting performed by Tharp and Randall using a giant pair of scissors. With a count of 1, 2, 3, the scissors made quick work of the ribbon and the decades-old dream of one of Decatur's most honored residents was realized.
The store hours are 6 a. m. until 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 752-4341 or check online at walmart.com.
General News on 01/14/2015