GRAND FORKS, N.D. (Valley News Live) – A Grand Forks business owner is using social media to make light of a pothole problem she says is affecting her store and surrounding businesses.
Kay Rone, Owner of Northern Roots Boutique, has been posting videos about the ongoing pothole issue around her store. The store is located near the Columbia Mall.
“I like making lemonade out of lemons. We had all the potholes right outside our store and some customers actually said, it’s hard for them to get in or they don’t want to wreck their vehicle. So it’s a real thing of that. But, I said, ‘You know what? Life’s too short. We have to have some fun,’” Rone said.
Rone said the issue goes beyond just filling the holes. She said it could affect business.
“It does affect people just coming or making a quick trip. It’s a talk of the town that there’s potholes everywhere. We’re not the only city that has it. We do live in a nice, clean city. It’s a great place to live. I think us concentrating on the potholes, there’s a little bit overkill maybe sometimes. But, I just like making light of it and having fun with it,” Rone said.
Rone said the problem has persisted for months. She was sent a letter from the Columbia Mall addressing the roadways and letting her and other business owners know repairs are happening.
“It’s a process to take. It is construction season and it will take a little bit longer. But, I don’t think just filling the potholes are going to solve it. It really does need a good work around to get it going again. To drive more businesses to come to the mall and actually be tenants of the mall too,” Rone said.
Rone encouraged drivers to slow down and continue supporting local businesses.
“Slow down and don’t forget about our businesses. There’s always something else in the world that’s worse than going over a pothole. Again, make lemonade out of it and have good, and still continue to shop with us,” Rone said.
The Columbia Mall did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Rone said she plans to post more videos. To watch her videos, you can click here.
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