Change in Havre business district

A longtime downtown Havre business is relocating because of a pending sale of the property, according to the business' manager.

John Roberts has operated Big Sky Exxon at 501 First St. since 1984. The service station has been at that location since 1952.

Roberts said he is currently looking for a new location to house the Exxon and U-Haul businesses. He said he has until the end of this month to move.

The owner of the property, Delores Heltne, refused to comment about a pending sale.

Rumors are circulating that the property has been sold to a fast food franchise, but Heltne won't comment on that.

Roberts said Koefod Realtor Dick Bohn last month gave him a letter signed by Heltne telling him to vacate the property.

Roberts said he is not pleased with the recent sale. He said he put in a bid on the property, and he was upset that another offer was taken.

Roberts said he is now taking it in stride and is focused on finding a new location.

"People are going to miss me over here," he said.

He is already talking to a property owner in Havre about a new location, but said nothing is definite yet. He said it is going to take a lot of time and money to recreate a suitable location for the business.

"It's not going to be easy to find a place for the U-Hauls," he said. "... but I'm a survivor.... We're going to find something."