Fifteen months ago the heart of population-21 McAdoo, Texas—the Crosby County Fuels coop that served farmers needing seed, drivers needing gas, and locals needing coffee— took a direct hit from a tornado. The unincorporated community instantly lost its gathering spot, its fuel, and its retail center. (McAdoo’s post office was also damaged beyond repair, and several residences were hit as well; thankfully there were no personal injuries.)
Rebuilding on a nearby lot began almost immediately, but it took hours of sorting through parts inventory, cleanup of the old site, and finishing out the new building before McAdoo once again had its center back.
This Friday morning, McAdoo looks to boost its numbers considerably, when the coop flings its doors wide for a grand reopening.
The facility has been open for business for a while, explained CEO Steve Riley, but it’s time to present a plaque to mark the organization’s thanks, and to invite those who haven’t yet set foot in it to see for themselves.
“We just want to show appreciation for the McAdoo community, for going through adversity,” said Riley.
Complimentary pastries, coffee and soft drinks will be served from 9 to 11 a.m. The store is located on FM 264 in McAdoo, situated a few miles north of US 82 in the middle of a rectangle that also serves Dickens, Crosbyton, Ralls, Floydada, Dougherty, Matador and Roaring Springs.
Riley explained that the coop stocks all kinds of seed, farm chemicals, batteries and parts, and pumps fuel. Its new look is sleeker, with sheet-metal wall coverings, wood trim, polished concrete floor and a trendy industrial look. It’s fair to say that those who patronized the old facility—in place since 1958—will be in for a surprise.
New features, such as electronic wheel balancers, make service even speedier, Riley said. It’s not necessary for customers to be coop members to purchase goods or services.
The coop’s board of directors are Mark Shoepf, president; Joe Cargile, vice president; Bobby Bender, secretary/treasuruer; Russ Edinburgh, Connor Wilmeth, Brad Aycock and Dusty Cornelius.
McAdoo residents “are really proud of this new store,” Riley said. “It’s their store.”
