We are on the precipice of a crisis that will severely impact the future success of the PA
Pilot Program and other initiatives for enhanced use of the beautiful trails in Potter
County. I am the current owner of the White Pine Country Store, Café & Lodge, formerly
Germania Country Store. The previous owners were aware, as I was at the time of
purchase, that the fuel delivery system needed replacement. Unfortunately, they did
extraordinarily little to address the situation prior to the sale.
The decision to leave my home and family (out west) of 26 years was difficult and I had
many concerns and lots of apprehension. An amazing friend of mine, a pastor, told me
to “just look for the signs, you will know what path you should take, HE will guide you.” I
saw many signs, but they were not so clear to me. With mixed emotions I decided to
leave my life-long career as a funeral director and make the leap. The entire ride to
Pennsylvania was filled with great anticipation and lots of fear that I walked away from
an amazing company and job to run a little country store. The day of the closing during
our final walkthrough, my impressive realtor called me over to the book about
Germania’s history in the store window and I read about a man named George Rexford
and his family moving to Germania and beginning the Germania Country Store. I found
my true sign, as my family name is Rexford. Though I am not sure there is any direct
relation, after seeing that I was sure I made the right decision.
George Rexford erected the building as one of the earliest settlers in the region. He
began operating a Country Store and that tradition has been uninterrupted since then.
White Pine AKA Germania Country Store is a part of the fabric of this community, and I
am committed to continuing this fine tradition.
Gasoline was introduced to the services provided in 1921 and again has been
continually available. At present there are three independent small business owners
providing fuel for the ATV/UTV/Snowmobiling community. Two of the three are under
order to replace tanks. In addition, two of the three are for sale. Kinney’s Country Store
and Cherry Springs Country Store are both on the market. Should these two businesses
close while awaiting sale or cease fuel delivery of part of their sale, the consumer will be
left with only White Pine. I am currently under order to cease fuel sales after September
12, 2024, unless a viable plan for replacement is secured. Currently the availability of
fuel is critical to the needs of the ATV/UTV and Snowmobiling community. My monthly
average gasoline sales since assuming ownership is 1,078 gallons. Ninety-eight percent
of fuel sales are for ATV/UTV users. In addition to having to pay higher wholesale costs
due to our location and tank size, we also must submit to the same level of inspections
as the larger operations such as Nittany Minit Mart and Kwik Fill. To break even my
price approximates $5.00 per gallon. Despite this product not being a revenue
generator, I am willing to commit to continued sales as I recognize the impact that the
product has on the continued success of the PA Pilot Projects and multiple tourism
initiatives in place to attract increase attention to our beautiful trails. The availability of
fuel also enhances customer traffic flow to my neighboring locally owned small businesses, namely The Germania Hotel and The End of the Trail at Waldheim
Restaurant.
The recent flood event further illustrated that White Pine Country Store with it’sits fuel
service is part of the CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE of Galeton and Germania.
Residents utilized our supply for their generator needs during the crisis. Furthermore,
Tri-Country utilized our supply to meet their emergent needs.
I purpurchased the property and business with accumulated life savings and have been
using the remainder of those savings to navigate the start-up period. I have invested
$300,000.00 in the operations. I have received three quotes for the replacement project
each at $160,000.00. As previously mentioned, this product does not generate any
revenue for the store but serves to meet the needs of the ATV/UTV and snowmobile
communities as well as enhancing the success of the PA Pilot Project and other
initiatives related to tourism in our great Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and associated agencies; DCNR and Department
of Tourism have done a remarkable job in promoting and enhancing access to and use
of our pristine trails. Unfortunately, these initiatives did not fully assess or address the
critical infrastructure needs, namely easy access to fuel for their machines. Without fuel
our enthusiasts will lose faith in our majestic trails and numerous small independently
owned businesses. Decreased community satisfaction and decreased use of our trails
will only serve to trickle down to impact the flow of business to our independent small
businesses.
Given the age of the current system, it does pose a significant risk to the delicate
ecosystem. My property abuts a beautiful stream that is populated with fish. A new
system would ensure enhanced protection for our ecosystem that is equally important to
the success of Pilot PA and other tourism initiatives. I am currently under verbal order by
the EPA to cease fuel delivery as of September 12, 2024. In the past month I have
garnered signatures of support for governmental intervention for close to 1,000
customers of White Pine, letters of support from my two neighboring independent small
businesses: End of the Trail at Waldheim and Germania Hotel. In addition, Senator
Dush and Representative Causer have indicated their support for grant assistance for
our project. Lastly, three of the major Sportspersons organized have generated letters of
support for the use of funds gleaned from the licensure fees that they pay to assist in
funding this project.
Residents aware of the pending cessation of gasoline sales are attempting to find
workable solutions to their needs. These include maintaining 55 gallon55-gallon drum
supplies of gasoline at their camps. Consider the dangers associated with transporting
gasoline to fill these drums as well as the catastrophic consequences of those drums
washing away in a similar flood situation.
Germania was once a vital community of hardworking people tilling the land and
resources to build their dream. The focus on tourism and enhancement of the natural
resources at hand serve to provide an opportunity for Germania Galeton to revitalize.
Visitors to the store comment regularly their interest in returning to God’s Country.
People buying existing properties and rehabbing and refurbishing will only serve to
improve the success of our small business entrepreneurs. The burden of infrastructure
to this continued success of the businesses and PA Pilot Project and other tourist
programs should not rest squarely on the shoulders of the independent small business
owner.
Our failure to address this critical issue in a timely manner will rest totally in the hands of
our duly elected trusted servants. Our communities are aware of the ramification of a
failure to actively address the situation. It is my sincere hope that the voice of the people
be heard. The following interventions are needed to ensure the continued availability of
fuel for our residents and sports enthusiasts.
- A government agency with authority to obtain additional time from EPA so that a
viable solution can be reached. - Coordination of appropriate governmental bodies to ascertain how each can
contribute to the mediation of the issue.
Over the past thirty days, we have garnered the signatures of 1000 residents and
visitors recognizing the negative impact that no fuel will have on them. We have letters
of support from our neighbor businesses. Senator Dush and Representative Casey
have pledged their support.
Most grateful for your time and consideration of this valuable venture. I welcome your
prayers and any sources of funding that you may know of as we continue to address the
matter.