No Water No Gas? Naches Chinook Center Closed

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Story Published: Jun 25, 2009 at 4:42 PM PST

By Melissa Wagner

It's been the place to gas up and grab a burger for years in Naches. But when the Chinook Center Texaco closed, it caught a lot of motorists off guard. In fact, in the short time KIMA was there, more than a dozen people pulled in looking for a bite, only to be told they'd have to head farther down the highway.

After hours on the road, some motorcyclists desperately needed a break, and a good meal. But after getting all their gear off, all they got was disappointment.

If you're looking for fuel you've come to the right place. But there is nothing else about the store that is open. No restaurant, no way to get any goods or candy for your long trip. You're out of luck. The Chinook Center was told to make major repairs to its water line. " There was sewage running on the surface of the ground," said Gordon Kelly with the Yakima Health District.

That was 8 months ago. Owner, Ed Norton spent $8,000 on repairs, but that wasn't enough. Now he'll likely have to come up with another $200,000 to tie the water line into the city to be up to code. Norton says he's trying to work with the city, but he can't afford the changes required. He's hoping to do about half of what is asked and thinks that could still meet code. " They want it all or nothing," said Norton.

But Naches City Administrator, Jeff Ranger told KIMA the city ordinance is clear. He couldn't comment on Norton's plans because the store owner hasn't paid to have the city review them. That costs $1000. So for now, the doors will stay locked.

Ed Norton told me he's not sure what will happen if he can't afford to make the repairs. He knows he can't just keep the gas going at the pump. With that, he'll only break even. He says if he sells the place, he'd have to find a buyer willing to put the money into the improvements.

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