By Zach Arbogast

zarbogast@oglecounty

news.com

After years of talks between Casey’s and the Depot, the Forreston community staple is staying put.

Earlier this summer, Eileen and Keith Anderson announced they would be selling the railroad-themed Depot gas station at 314 E. Main St. (ill. 72) to Casey’s General Store.

Casey’s, based in Ankney, Iowa, already has stores in several Ogle County communities, including Polo, Oregon, Mt. Morris, Byron, Hillcrest, and Stillman Valley.

The Casey’s stores in Oregon and Byron were replaced with larger versions last year, and the Mt. Morris Store opened in late October.

The chain has had its eye on the Depot since 2012.

In November of 2015, Casey’s officials finally made an offer the Andersons felt was right.

However, according to a press release issued Monday afternoon by Tracey Anderson, co-owner and manager of the store, after a year’s worth of negotiations, a mutual decision was recently reached to “table” the project indefinitely.

According to a press release, Casey’s and The Depot could not come to an agreement on certain easement terms which involved Anderson Transportation Company, also owned by the Andersons and next door to the Depot.

Tracey thanked all the loyal customers for their support.

The Depot will undergo a restructuring period through mid-December, at which point it will be back in “full operation,” the press release said.

Tracey declined to give further details on the easement disagreement. Casey’s could not be reached for comment.