Five decades in business: Dollar General takes over rural KS supermarket

SILVER LAKE ( KSNT ) – A supermarket that has served the community of Silver Lake since 1969 is closing to make way for a Dollar General store.

On Jan. 13, Wehner’s announced the Silver Lake location would be closing its doors . When asked in January, store management said the other Wehner’s Thriftway location in Rossville wasn’t at risk of closure.

“It is with mixed emotions and a sense of profound gratitude that we write to you today,” the Facebook announcement read. “The Wehner family has had the honor of being part of the grocery business since 1915 and, more specifically, serving the Silver Lake community since 1969. The journey has been filled with cherished memories, dedicated service, and the warmth of community bonds.”

Dollar General will be opening a DG Market at the former supermarket location at 10020 NW US-24. Dollar General told 27 News the store opening is slated for the coming months but said construction could alter the date.

DG Market stores offer produce, frozen food, dairy products, fresh meats and other general merchandise. Dollar General said they expect to employ 10-15 employees depending on the needs of the store.

“The Company’s fresh produce offering includes a curated assortment of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, apples, strawberries, potatoes, sweet potatoes, lemons, limes, salad mixes, and more,” Dollar General wrote in a press release. “Dollar General’s produce set offers the top 20 items typically sold in traditional grocery stores and covers approximately 80% of produce categories most grocery stores carry.”

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