The Peru Gazette

October 5, 2021 Peru – Relax, Liberty’s Garage customers. Your favorite gasoline and diesel fuel provider should be pumping fuel again before you know it. Owner Karen Champagne commented, “The job started about two weeks ago. It’s going very well. If that continues, we should be selling gas by about November and diesel fuel a few days later. 

The work involves replacing the service station’s five storage tanks behind the building, the two retail pumps out front, and the connecting lines. Karen admits holding her breath while the contractor dug up the old underground tanks. But, she said, “Thankfully, none of the tanks were leaking, and there was no soil contamination.” Champagne is replacing the old tanks with one above-ground tank holding three grades of fuel.  Liberty’s will store its waste oil inside the building.

Not selling fuel for six to eight weeks reduces income; however, mechanics Robert Desotelle, Todd Martineau, and Donald Westerkamp volunteered to work overtime, enabling the station to service more vehicles. Meanwhile, staff accountant Donna Downs continues with her regular office duties, plus making many phone calls to help the contractor, the Church Oil Company, expedite its work.

Converting to the new pumps has been coming for a long time because the industry expects stations to have self-service pumps. Liberty’s has been one of the few stations where customers have had to either walk inside to pay or use its higher-priced full-service pump. Elderly and disabled customers don’t have to worry. Liberty’s will continue to offer them the full-service option. 

The only problem thus far is the fact that both Karen and Donna miss their customers. After only two weeks, they’re lonesome. Unfortunately, the new self-service pumps could lead to more loneliness.  Karen hopes that’s not what will happen. She said, “The new pumps will give customers alternative ways to pay, but we want our customers to come inside if they’d like. We enjoy getting to know our customers.” 

That comment is no surprise. Along with good fuel and competent service, a warm, friendly greeting has always been one of the things people have come to expect and appreciate at Liberty’s Garage.