The new Midwest ACE Hardware store in Junction City is open for business.

The ribbon cutting and grand opening for the new store at 602 Caroline Avenue on the west side of the city was held Thursday morning.

Mayor Mick McCallister noted during the ribbon cutting ceremony, that a lot of people are excited about having another store of this magnitude and service in the community.

The business is owned by Scott and Karalee Ridder. They also own and operate the Midwest ACE Hardware store in Manhattan.

Karalee Ridder said the store has 12,000 square feet of retail space. “It’s going to have hardware, your basics, lawn and garden, paint. But it also has some niche items.” Some of those include sporting goods, fishing and hunting, appliances and mattresses.  Ridder said they have hired 11 employees from Junction City to work at the store.