STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Metcalfe County Judge/Executive Larry Wilson said Oct. 6 there had been no formal announcement that Houchens had withdrawn its application for an Edmonton grocery store. His Facebook statement challenged an earlier report that the company had backed out.
Wilson said there had also been no verbal message saying Houchens was not coming. He said he had met with people that day and planned additional conversations during the week.
Wilson also said he received confirmation that Houchens had signed a five-year lease. He reported work at the old IGA parking lot that day, but his statement did not establish whether the work was connected to the proposed store.
“I know we can support a grocery and I am not going to stop until we have one,” Wilson wrote.
Glasgow News 1 reported Oct. 6 that the Barren River Area Development District said Houchens had withdrawn. That account cited news partner WNKY’s reporting and a district statement attributing the withdrawal information to Edmonton officials.
The district said city officials attributed the decision to negative Facebook comments. Its statement also said the city was awaiting a letter from Houchens formally accepting or withdrawing from the project.
According to the earlier report, Houchens was selected as the grant recipient at the Sept. 17 Metcalfe County Fiscal Court meeting and was the only eligible applicant. The report listed contributions of $75,000 from the City of Edmonton and $500,000 from the Metcalfe County Fiscal Court.
Key facts:
– Wilson addressed the grocery project in an Oct. 6 Facebook statement.
– He said no formal withdrawal announcement had been made.
– Wilson said Houchens signed a five-year lease.
– The district’s withdrawal account came from Edmonton officials.
– Houchens was selected as the grant recipient Sept. 17.
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