"We are in limbo," says Robin Wilch of Groves Bear store
"We are in limbo," explains Robin Wilch of Groves' Bear store.
The North Main Street business owner says that in order to go forward three parties need to agree on something: a structural engineer, her insurance adjustor and a representative of the state, who approves building code occupancy.
Until that happens the business remains closed to customers.
"Nobody wants to take the responsibility in writing (to allow her to reopen her shop)," she says,
She hopes that the logjam will start to move on Thursday (Feb. 25). That's when a representative of the State Department of Commerce will visit the store to make an examination.
Wilch believes that the report that representative will file will be available by Monday (March 1).
Until then the telephone still rings from customers out of state and overseas who are interested in purchasing teddy bears. Most of those persons have no idea of the problems with the Groves building roof.
Last Thursday the shop was closed because of problems with the roof. Those problems were caused by heavy snow on the roof.
The ceiling inside the store shows obvious problems. The outside wall shows problems, but it is more difficult to detect. The photo on the home page demonstrates that the south outside wall has collapsed slightly inward since the braces were placed on the building.
Stories Posted This Week
Monday, August 10, 2026
- Pirate girls tennis 2nd at Lima City tourney
- Professor Parquet on the passing of Don Nelson
- Bluffton historical society to discuss upcoming events, fundraising
- Bluffton Public Library hosts Mobile Health Clinic on Aug. 13
- 2026 PorchFest preview: Tommy Jenkins, Cat Dailey, Szabo Trio
- Chair massages offered at the Senior Center
- Bluffton Senior Center to host Spa Day
Sunday, August 9, 2026
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Friday, August 7, 2026
- BHS Junior Class to hold Post Prom fundraiser on Sept. 13
- Aug. 23 anniversary celebration at Tri-County Family Assembly of God
- Pirate boys golf 10th at L-B Invite
- Save these dates: Four more months of America 250 events in Bluffton
- Lens turns Bluffton's NNO fireworks to neon
- Should all beavers beware of Buc-ee's logo litigation?
- Letter: As Ohio grows, conservation must become part of the conversation
- 2026 Lincoln Highway Buy Way sales August 13-15
- History you can taste: Bluffton celebrates local businesses on Aug. 8