May 11, 2016 - Reports to Shelby County Today (SCT) by local residents of rodent infestation at two businesses in Center have been a regular thing lately as the businesses doors have been closed for some time now.
SCT has made inquiries and has confirmed the reason for the doors being closed at Dollar General and Family dollar is due to a pest control issue involving rats.
Texas Department of State Health Services representative Chris Van Deusen confirmed for SCT that a routine inspection was performed at Dollar General on January 29, 2016 and at the Family Dollar on March 29, 2016 and evidence of rodent activity was discovered at both locations.
"It sounds like one or maybe both of them have closed. We didn't order them closed or anything like that, but we did find rodent activity, evidence of that when we did our inspections," said Van Deusen.
Van Deusen could not confirm the stores closed their doors because of the rodent activity; however, he said it would be encouraged for anyone to take whatever steps they may need to take to make the needed corrections.
Center City Manager Chad Nehring could only confirm having heard rumors, and assistance has been offered to the businesses. Both businesses abut a forested area which could be an area where rodents nest.
"The [Economic Development Corporation] has reached out to them to request whether or not, one or both, were interested in some physical improvements over there to help clean up that general area. Just business retention and development project," said Nehring.
No issues have been reported to the city for any other businesses involving rodents, according to Nehring.
Attempts to contact Dollar General and Family Dollar were made by SCT.
Family Dollar, public and media relations, responded with the following statement: "Please know the safety of our associates and customers is our first priority, and we take situations like this very seriously. At this time, we are working with the owner of the property and pest control services to address any issues. We have made the decision to self-close this location until the issue is resolved. At this time, we plan to reopen this store on May 23.
"In the meantime, we encourage our customers to shop at the nearest Family Dollar location at 5169 State Highway 87 S in Shelbyville."
As of the time of this report, Dollar General has not responded to SCT inquiries.
Dollar General has other stores in Shelby County whose doors are open in Joaquin, Tenaha and Timpson.
