Cashier Veronica Vinroe handles the lunchtime rush at Boltz' convenience store. Businesses like the store are expected to suffer when the INDSPEC plant in Petrolia shuts down later this year.

PETROLIA — A sleepy little town woke up after the Indspec Chemical Co., a staple for the borough of Petrolia, announced in March that it would be closing its chemical production plant.

With a population just over 200 people, the town relies heavily on industry to stimulate the economy, and Indspec is among three chemical companies that economically sustain the borough.

Dave Kelly of Bruin worked at Indspec for 37½ years.

Kelly said the void will be tangible. When production ceases, the plant will remain, silently sitting in clear view from the town's main road.

A reminder, like a grave.

Kelly said he fears the lack of jobs will be another reason for local youth to leave.

“It's hard enough to get on with these plants up here,” he said. “It's bad enough that there's not enough jobs for young (local) kids, and they have to move away.”

With only a handful of businesses located in Petrolia, the economic burden of losing the foot traffic of more than 200 Indspec workers also could be difficult.

Across the street from the plant, Harry Boltz, and his wife, Cinda, who is the borough council president, own a gas station and convenience store, Boltz's.

Boltz worked at Indspec for 37 years, 32 of which he also was on the union committee. He retired six years ago. Cinda worked at the plant for 33 years. They have lived in Petrolia on and off for 45 years.

“Petrolia's not a go-to destination,” Boltz said. “(The closing is) really gonna devastate the community.”

A full story appears in the Sunday Butler Eagle.