09/21/2026
Ok, here we go…. BUILDING UPDATE!
I’ve had many people ask me about the status of the building. I thought this would be the best way to keep my customers informed.
On Monday July 31, we submitted our paperwork to the state for our building permit. According to their state/DHS policy, they have 10 days to respond. This did not happen.
On August 23, we were informed by Melanie from the state /DHS that the ONLY revision needed for our blueprints for this building were typos. The architect quickly corrected the typos the same day and then resubmitted the paperwork. Again, per policy, Melanie / DHS has ANOTHER 10 days to respond, (now a due date Sept 4) which they again failed to do.
On September 15, Melanie with DHS responded, and now informed us she did not like the windows on the north side of our building. Windows were never discussed on her first revision request.
On Sept 15, we responded that we will remove the windows on the north side of the building. We are still waiting on Melanie with DHS for the release of the state permit.
I understand delays and I understand things don’t happen as quickly as we would like. We are a small bakery, trying to plant roots in the town of Alexandria. Unfortunately, Melanie / DHS can’t be bothered by such small transactions. I’ve been to the mayors office, made multiple phone calls and sent texts to my architect, to the building commissioner, and to my Contractor. Unfortunately, thanks to Melanie at DHS, our hands are tied.
It’s situations like this that make people lose their patience and faith with our government. It’s reasons like this most people never risk everything to open up a small business. This is not a red or a blue issue so I am not willing to go down that rabbit hole . All I want to do is open up my small bakery, bring some much-needed revenue and LIFE back into our town, and to hopefully employee local residents. My goal was to open up Whistle Stop Bread mid Fall… that will not be happening. Neither Melanie nor DHS care to the amount of revenue that will be lost.
One day, I hope Melanie / DHS will understand the impact of their delay and the ripple affect it leaves behind. We should all be so lucky to not have to follow through with our work requirements, delay crucial communications, provide poor customer service and still receive our paycheck every two weeks.
Whistle Stop Bread WILL open, with or without Melanie‘s help, and with or without windows on the north. I just ask that you stick with us as we navigate these unnecessary potholes on our journey.
Thank you so much for your support, your kindness and your belief in my little bread company.
Now… off to make some bread. 🍞
Blessings,
Becky💕
(Well just leave the lights on.😉)
