And, with summer approaching, seasonal residents who used to rely on a local store are going to be disappointed.

“With the nice weather, travelers that come up for the summer need to go down there,” Pulitzer said.

It’s to all of these people that Deyoe and Labombard, a former manager of the AuSable Forks Aubuchon Hardware, are trying to cater.

“We want to do something to help the town,” Deyoe said. “It’s not about me. It’s about filling a need that we have here.”

And the timing seems to be right.

“Our (town) board just made the decision to buy local, whenever it’s feasible,” Douglas said.

The closest store offering plumbing, paint, pine and similar supplies is Ward Lumber in Jay.

While Deyoe and LaBombard have the support of the community, they’re next trying to find the means to move forward.

“I can’t do it by myself,” Deyoe said. “I hope the signatures will let some investors, or the banks, see that this is going to work.”

“There’s no reason why a hardware store shouldn’t work in AuSable Forks,” Pulitzer said. “I think everyone would like to see a local person do well.”