John and Wesley Buck are following through on a dream that John has been thinking about for several years.

They are opening a new sporting goods and apparel store called Main Street Sports, in downtown Albion.

“This is something I’ve been thinking about for many years, and we hope it will fill a need for the area,” said John. The plan is not to compete with local businesses, but to add to the products available locally, he said.

Several months have been devoted to planning, connecting with inventory suppliers and remodeling a portion of the Azonic Products building to accommodate the store.

They have finished interior renovation of the 1,100 square foot store space on the building’s east side. Racks and slat walls have been installed, and they are now in the process of stocking the merchandise.

Wesley Buck, John’s father, is owner-operator of Azonic Products. He has re-arranged Azonic’s operations to accommodate the store. John and Wesley are partnering with John’s younger sister, Haley, who will work in the store full time. Other family members will assist in the store part-time.

John plans to remain in his position as chief deputy at the Boone County Sheriff’s office, and Wesley will continue to manage Azonic Products as well.

Full story in the Feb. 28 Albion News/Boone County Tribune.