Local business makes final effort to keep its doors open

By Linda Trest, Staff Writer
Posted 2/12/20

Squeaky Clean Laundry, at Main and Fourth streets in Gerald, is a 24-hour laundromat. People take advantage of the always-open policy to buy snacks and use the bathroom.

Vandalism has been an …

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Local business makes final effort to keep its doors open

Posted

Squeaky Clean Laundry, at Main and Fourth streets in Gerald, is a 24-hour laundromat. People take advantage of the always-open policy to buy snacks and use the bathroom.

Vandalism has been an ongoing problem and so have drug deals on the premises.

Gene Martin owns the business. He also owns Central Electric and other businesses in Sullivan. He and his wife Monique are growing weary of the constant repairs. They also receive complaints from customers who are sometimes afraid to enter the business after dark when unsavory characters are hanging around.

The Martins installed seven new security cameras on the property Monday. These cameras will provide better images of those perpetuating any future vandalism.

Monique Martin says the Gerald police have responded to past complaints, but little can be done to stop the ongoing problems.

“I know we have been told in Sullivan too, that for non-violent offences, there is little that can be done,” Monique observed.

Most vandals are aware that the Gerald Police Department does not provide 24-hour coverage in town. Monique noted that when the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office was notified, after hours, about some of the problems, she was told to wait until a Gerald officer was back on duty before reporting it.

Police have told the Martins that the old cameras did not provide quality images that could positively identify suspects. They believe the new cameras will take care of that problem.

Once the suspects can be identified, hopefully the vandalism can be curbed. This will then allow a successful and important business in town to remain open.