The newest and only store opens in Independence

WARREN COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - Nearly 15 years after the last business in the Warren County town of Independence closed, lifelong resident, Kenny Green, opens a convenience store.

Green put two soda machines in front of the building over a decade ago, but he says the community wanted more.

"I put the pop machines outside," Green said. "Then everybody said 'Why don't you open a store?'. It's been a while [since a business was in Independence] and it will take a while for people to get used to it being here. But it will work."

Green said he has been thinking about the idea ever since he put the soda machines out front. Finally, on Saturday at 6:00 a.m., Pa Pa Kenny's opened for business.

Green hopes it puts convenience back in the convenience store for the people of Independence.

"It's convenient if you need anything," Green said. "If you sit down for a meal and you don't have milk, you would have to drive six miles to get it. Then six miles back. A lot of people just did without."

Green said at one point, Independence had two businesses. One burned down, and the other closed. He hopes Pa Pa Kenny's will stay in the community for a while.

"I'm relatively young so [I'll run the store] for 10 or 15 years," Green said. "Then maybe one of the kids will take over."

Green admitted the store isn't big, but it will save his friends time and money.

"[They'll] save on gas and time," Green said. "I'm optimistic. I told [people of the community] if I don't have something ask me. If possible I'll get it in."

Right now, Pa Pa Kenny's is open seven days a week from six in the morning until eight at night.