Witmer’s Feed and Grain to rebuild mill

DAMASCUS, Ohio – Because of high demand, Witmer’s Feed and Grain will rebuild the Garfield grain mill lost to fire in June.

A June 17 fire completely gutted the old mill at 15970 State Route 534 in Mahoning County resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages. At the time, owners and managers of Witmer’s were undecided whether or not to rebuild the mill.

“We had many options, but there is just such a need out in that area for a little mill like ours,” said Phyllis Porter, office manager. “We don’t want our customers out there to have to travel to Columbiana. We want it to be business as usual.”

The 1920s building was a total loss, and Witmer’s also lost its inventory of bagged feed; cat, dog and rabbit feed; a grain mixer; and office equipment.

Construction will begin within the next two weeks, and Porter said they hope to have it up and running in about 60 days.

As for this year’s harvest, the Garfield location will not accept wheat, but they will take oats as usual. Wheat needs to be taken to the Columbiana location, 3770 Renkenberger Road.

Porter said they are delivering feed to the Garfield mill Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

For information call Witmer’s Feed and Grain at 330-482-4321 or 330-537-4631.