Local businesses: The ins and outs

The following is a round-up of local business activity:

Boondocks Shop and Save

407 N. 2nd St. in Troy

Open starting April 1 from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday

Phone: 295-4725

Brian and Robbie Tackett moved to Troy three years ago from Bowling Green, Ky., to get away from the rat race back East.

“We like it here for all the good people,” Brian Tackett said. “But it is problematic to drive 60 miles for bargain prices.”

Also owners of a towing service, the married couple is about ready to open their second business, a consignment and thrift store. Customers will find everything from tires to shower curtains to kitchen appliances.

“Everything will be new in the box,” Brian Tackett said. “And offered at a significant discount. It’s like Walmart without groceries or clothes.”

Kootenai Valley Tax

501 E. Missoula St. in Troy

Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday

Phone: 295-7900

Kip Hartman drove through Troy so many times on his way to Lake Koocanusa or Bull Lake, he could not help but notice the lack of a tax service. Already the owner of a Kootenai Valley Tax in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Hartman opened his second branch in January.

“Things are going well, great really,” Hartman said.

Hartman, 29, has been in the tax and financial services business for eight years.

Krafty MK Sewing

305 S. 6th St.

Open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday

Phone: 334-3292

Misty Koch started quilting as a hobby while transitioning between jobs. After crafting quilts for the grandchildren, Koch found a new inspiration on Pinterest.

“I saw these designs for car-seat covers,” Koch said. “Now, I’m sewing like crazy. Things have picked up quite a bit.”

Koch, who also works at Libby Care Center, primarily offers infant car-seat covers and tote bags.

Polaris Seed, Ltd.

Available 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Phone: 291-6175

Gutters, windows or floors, Andrew Maling can do it all. The handyman who lived in the Yaak for 17 years moved to Troy nine years ago.

“I’m very thankful for all the work that comes my way,” Maling said. “I’ve dug crawl spaces and built foundations.”

Welch’s Recycling

Available starting June 1

Phone: 295-4638

Former Troy City Councilman Dennis A. Welch is interested in recyclable materials such as aluminum, steel and copper. Once he gets a few things in order, he plans on making Saturday collection trips. Welch said there is a possibility he could hire a part-time helper.

Big Sky Business Supply

35208 U.S. 2

Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday

Phone: 293-7662

After three years offering janitorial and gift items, Ricky Tuin is closing his supply-store doors.

“It’s a slow economy,” Tuin, also the owner of Big Sky Sprinklers, said.

With closure expected at the end of the month, the store is offering increasingly high discounts.

“We’re at everything 40 percent off this week, then 50 percent next week and 60 percent during the final week,” Tuin said.

Troy Bike Shop

103 E. Spokane Ave.

Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday

Phone: 295-4381

After 38 years selling and repairing bicycles, Dennis Hedge, a lifelong workaholic, is ready to relax. It’s about time.

“I’m 69-and-a-half years old,” Hedge said. “Seventy is coming up.”

A retired elementary teacher of 40 years, Hedge has seen quite an evolution in American’s attitudes toward bikes.

“It used to just be for kids in the summertime, then fitness came in and adults got into it,” Hedge said.  “They buy good bikes.”

Hedge got into the business after a man saw him disassembling and sanding a bike for his son. Asked if he fixed flat tires, Hedge heard potential.

A closing date is yet to be determined, but the shop has 18 bikes left to sell. New orders may still be placed.

Libby Café

411 Mineral Ave.

Open 6:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. everyday

Phone: 293-3523

The breakfast and lunch spot will celebrate 20 years next week.

“We opened March 22, 1994,” Paulette Njirich, who co-owns the restaurant with her husband, Gary, said. “And we’ve been open every day but Thanksgiving and Christmas ever since.”

The couple moved from Reno 20 years ago in search of a comfortable spot in the Pacific Northwest. A friend pointed out Libby, and they quickly grew enamored with the natural beauty and people.

In celebration of their anniversary, the café is offering specials at 1994 prices.

“We want to thank our loyal customers and tourist friends who keep coming back,” Paulette Njirich said.