On Friday, United Cooperative, Beaver Dam, signed over ownership of the Reedsburg United Cooperative Hardware Hank to Steve and Linda Behn, a local Reedsburg business man and his wife, who were interested in owning and operating a hardware store.

"We were not actively trying to sell the hardware store," said Karl Beth, United Cooperative vice president and chief operating officer, "but when we were approached by Steve's realtor, we began to consider it. After careful analysis we determined that the hardware business was not a core business for United Cooperative and that our customers and the community's hardware needs would be well served by selling the hardware store to Steve."

Behn possesses a passion for the hardware business and looks forward to accommodating the hardware needs of the Reedsburg community.

"I enjoy working with people; I had my own construction business for 25 years and felt this was a good opportunity to continue serving the Reedsburg community," Behn said.

The Reedsburg hardware store will continue to fill propane tanks and sell United Cooperative's line of feed and lube oil, in addition to offering the other products and services associated with a small-town hardware store.

Customers who paid their fuel bills and monthly statements at the hardware store can now do so at the brand new United Cooperative agronomy and energy location at 1360 Laukant St., in Reedsburg, or mail payments to the main office. Fuel orders can also be placed at the Laukant Street location or call the United Cooperative Baraboo energy office at 1-(800)-439-2715.