"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
Thursday, August 13, 2026
- Families and customers create an oral history of memorable Bluffton businesses
- Local students travel to France, Monaco and Italy
- Move on Up: New drug for COVID-19 exposure
- Back to School Days at Bluffton Public Library
- 50 for 250 performances at Bluffton Public Library
- Community meal on August 20 at Bluffton Senior Center
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
- Obituary for centenarian Lois Jean Andreas
- Thomas "Tom" J. Basinger served in the U.S. Army
- President Sider to present Aug. 25 State of the University address
- August 10 council recap: Spending increase for Benroth bridge repairs
- MHCO requests zoning change for construction of senior duplexes
- WIP Wednesday: 1915 kitchen gets a charming DIY remodel
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
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