FORDYCE, Ark. — The community of Fordyce reached an important milestone on Tuesday morning by reopening the doors of the Mad Butcher grocery store as the city works to heal and move forward following last month's shooting.
Many community members described the grocery store as a "home away from home" and are grateful to have it back open.
"With the store re-opening, that to me was one great step in moving forward again. We will never be the same, we’re forever changed, but my hope is that we’re changed for the better,” one customer said.
At the store's grand opening, customers were greeted at the door by emotional support animals to help ease the experience for shoppers and the Mad Butcher's staff, who were ready to lend a helping hand and carry groceries to people's cars.
Many said that it was a nice change to see the community coming together despite the tragedy they've been through.
Every hug, every tear, and every smile are what makes a small-town grocery store. The people of Fordyce have come together to make sure every need in their community is filled.
"Dallas County and Fordyce is one of the best communities I have been associated with people are friendly their helping, their God-fearing, and it’s an honor to serve and protect these people,” a deputy from the Dallas County Sheriff's office said.
Mayor John MacNichol of Fordyce added that the decision to reopen came from not only his office and the store, but by listening to the people in the community wanting to heal from such a tragedy.
"It just makes me feel proud to be the mayor maybe a couple of weeks ago no it was tough but now, but the shooting is over with now it’s time for the healing process a few things have been changed in there and they're doing some facelifting,” Mayor MacNichol said.
The store gave out t-shirts with the words "We are Fordyce strong", and those words speak volumes for many in this community about how they stick together through such a difficult time.
"I see the love and the support as we come together as one and so it had truly defined us the strength, the resilience, and we are Fordyce strong,” Fordyce resident said.
The store will continue with limited hours until further notice.