By Paige Gurgainers

A ribbon cutting was held at Country Market in Sibley on Wednesday, March 19. The new owners, Rakesh Basham and Harshavardhan Vanka, welcomed the Greater Minden Chamber members, customers, fellow business owners and Sibley Mayor Robert Smart.  

“We want to welcome you here to the Town of Sibley,” Smart said. “It’s a pleasure having you here. We appreciate your business. We would love to see this store back to how it was years ago, and I know that’s your goal and we are going to help you get there.” 

BBQ plates were served free of charge to attendees as well as a raffle giving away a gas card, some Red Bull merch and a fishing pole supplied by professional angler and outdoors spokesperson for Webster Parish Homer Humphreys.  

Humphreys, who partners with Basham and Vanka, sells gear, bait, lures, poles and anything else you may need to have a successful day fishing, at Country Market.  

The store offers just what you would expect to find at a convenience store – gas, beverages, snacks, tobacco and a deli. But the owners understand the significance of the business in the town and how it has been a staple for many decades. That is why they have made a commitment to show support for local organizations and Lakeside High School.  

“We aren’t just a person who comes into town and does business, then takes the money with us. We definitely want to give back to the community, so we are already collaborating with Lakeside school and other places that needed help,” said Vanka. “All the money that we make through the raffles and giveaways will be going to the school. We just sponsored the FBLA. They won a competition and are going to compete in Baton Rouge. We try to do our best to support them.” 

Oh, Country Market now has Louisiana Lottery!