The global pandemic has hit almost everyone whether you are in a large metropolis or in a small town.
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GLENDO – The global pandemic has hit almost everyone whether you are in a large metropolis or in a small town. Some have survived as the world is coming out of hibernation and some have not.
The Glendo Trading Post and Motel has had some challenges with the coronavirus, but is a survivor.
When asked about how COVID-19 has affected their business, Mills smiled ear to ear and replied, “Everyone loves to fish. They’ve been doing a lot of fishing.”
Their business is one of the few that has not suffered a great loss, and Mills comments that they are “lucky.” She also agreed that fishing in Wyoming was unofficially essential.
“My motel business is way down,” she said.
The Trading Post is unique in that it is usually a one-stop shop for fishermen and sportsmen, but with the restrictions of no overnight camping, most of the business has been from day-travelers. The Trading Post is not only a convenience store, but the building also houses a five-room motel, a laundromat, a beauty shop, bait and tackle shop.
“Glendo is mostly a destination, and not a pass-through,” Mills said. “People come to go to Glendo State Park to fish. They have walleye, bass, perch, crappie and rainbow trout.”
In any business there is always the normal daily challenges that can range from employees to payroll to upkeep. In the pandemic there is another set of challenges as Mills explains.
“Getting cleaning supplies has been one of the biggest challenges,” Mills said. “Even the supplier doesn’t have the supplies. We are doing just fine, and I’ve had to make some of my own stuff.”
The motel which runs close to 50 percent capacity during the year, has been down due to the fact that there are not a lot of fishermen who are doing overnight stays.
“I think it’s because people are more aware of their surroundings, and they want to feel safe when they sleep,” she said. “They don’t want to be afraid of the corona.”
Mills said that the community as a whole is ready for all the restrictions to be lifted.
“Two of the other businesses in town; well, three of eight are totally closed down to nothing but drive-up service,” she said. “And there is another one that closed completely. Some may not recover.”
Although the town has suffered, Mills is optimistic that Glendo will recover. Her encouraging words to the community is very simple. “Summer is coming,” she said.
