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Ken’s Tackle will not rebuild
Published 10:48am Friday, February 1, 2013An early morning fire on Dec. 27 destroyed Ken’s Tackle, a local fishing landmark on the west side of Otter Tail Lake.
The owners on Thursday said they will not rebuild it.
“With a heavy heart, we are writing to notify you we have decided to not rebuild Ken’s Tackle,” said Kim Peterson, who co-owned the store with husband Gary. “While a life-changing decision, we are at that point in our lives where we need to find more time for friends and family. Maybe this was God’s way of helping us find time.”
Ken’s Tackle has been the go-to place for bait and tackle on Otter Tail Lake since 1972, and the Petersons took over ownership in 2005.
“It was an old building,” said Gary. “The interior was all wood, and the exterior was all wood, and it doesn’t take long for something like that to go.”
The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Department has stated that the fire was accidental.
The Peterson’s letter to The Daily Journal thanked the firefighters for their hard work in keeping the neighborhood safe, and expressed appreciation to customers and the community.
“Thank you to all of our great customers and friendships we have made over the past eight years of ownership,” said Gary. “It has been a great business thanks to all of you. Every one of you will be missed with your daily stop-ins. Kim and I now have a better understanding of the hard work and dedication small business owners possess. I ask everyone to continue to support the local community so that we can keep the community thriving.”
The Petersons plan on staying in the community, enjoying all that Battle Lake and Otter Tail Lake have to offer.
