Habitat for Humanity opens ReStore in Cape

There's an old door resting against the garbage bin outside my apartment complex that's been there for more than a week.

If you don't make it to the garbage bin when it's empty -- shortly after garbage pick up -- the landlord asks tenants to store our trash on our back patios because the garbage collector doesn't like to pick trash off the ground when the dumpster overflows.

Glancing at the patios, I can tell who's punctual and who's not.

Fortunately for those of us producing more debris than space permits, Habitat for Humanity will provide another outlet.

According to Robin Cole, development chairman for Habitat, "There's a new game for getting rid of stuff in Cape Girardeau."

Habitat has secured a location for a ReStore, a Habitat component across the nation for the resale of recycled building materials, at 117 N. Middle St.

It's been a year in the making, and new board members of the Habitat subcommittee, Nancy Grand and Melissa Haberkorn, took the lead in the ReStore effort.

Local real estate agent Tom Meyer, who is vice president of the board, was instrumental in finding a central location.

Robert Cotner, property owner of the old Mid-America Teen Challenge Thrift Shop warehouse at the location, wanted to support Habitat in its effort to collect donations to improve houses, so he offered a discounted 5-year lease.

The 9,000 square-foot facility, with high ceilings and a loading dock, is ideal for this type of operation, Meyer said.

Some of the materials that will be accepted at the ReStore include cabinets, fans, flooring, hardware, insulation, lighting, lumber, paint, plumbing fixtures, gutters, shutters, tools, windows and my personal favorite -- doors.

The items will be resold "to every person looking for a bargain," Cole said, and the price tags should be consistent or less than merchandise on eBay.

Proceeds will help Habitat build houses.

ReStore will have its donor grand opening July 16, and the store will open for business 30 to 60 days later.

Donors must drop off their used material during store hours, but Cole said Habitat is looking for a covered truck or van for pickup service.

The Habitat subcommittee is also looking to hire a part-time store manager.

• Roger Elledge, owner of Sikeston Motor Company, purchased Wieser Hyundai from Jerry Wieser last Friday and renamed it Cape Hyundai.

Elledge's son, Roger II, is managing the car dealership at 386 Siemers Drive. He said he looks forward to providing the people in the Cape Girardeau area the best possible deals on their new and pre-owned vehicles.

The Elledges bring 42 years and three generations of experience to Cape Hyundai, and the Cape Hyundai service department can work on many different makes and models of vehicles, not just Hyundai, according to Roger II.

• Rick and Barb Geiss from Wisconsin are bringing a Culver's to Cape Girardeau at 295 N. Kingshighway in early October. Ground will be broken toward the end of June.

Culver's restaurants are known for their frozen custard and butterburgers.

The restaurant will staff up to 75 people, 20 to 25 of whom will be full-time, according to Rick Geiss.

"We think it's the perfect city for a Culver's and a great place for us to live," said Geiss, adding that he plans to be involved with the community. "We never hesitate to locate in a city with lots of restaurants because nothing compares to a Culver's."

Tim Krakowiak is the business editor of the Southeast Missourian. Contact him at 301 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702-0699, tkrakowiak@semissourian.com or (573) 335-6611, extension 137