advertisement

MotoMart replacing gas tanks, pumps

For at least the next week and a half, Chester is down to one gas station with operable pumps.

Employees at the MotoMart station on West Holmes Street told the Herald Tribune on Monday that the gas tanks and pumps are in the process of being replaced.

Employees are hopeful to once again offer fuel service by Aug. 11.

The convenience store portion of the station remains open. The two new 12,000-gallon tanks were expected to be installed on Wednesday by United Petroleum Service, which is the general contractor on the project.

MotoMart's construction leaves Casey's General Store on State Street as the lone refueling option for motorists for now, after the Camptown Casey's closed in February.

Chester Mayor Tom Page is relieved that MotoMart is anticipating to be back in full service in time for the Aug. 21 solar eclipse, when thousands of visitors are anticipated to descend upon the city to view the event.

"I am now a believer," he said. "I think we are going to get a lot of people in town and Patti Carter has done an excellent job in coordinating activities and directions for people.

"I think we'll be on top of it."

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency estimates between 13,000 and 50,000 people could be in town for the eclipse. The Chester school district has called off school for the day and emergency services have been urging city residents to stay home.

"We're treating this as an ice or snow day and reminding people if they don't need to get out, stay home," said Chester Grade School Principal Tim Lochhead, during the school board's July 20 meeting.

Workers with United Petroleum Service talk to Erik Hemann, of Hemann Excavating, on Monday. The 12-foot deep hole will be home to two 12,000-gallon gas tanks at the MotoMart on West Holmes Street. Pete Spitler/Herald Tribune