Walgreens buys Streator Drugs

Walgreens has purchased Streator Drugs, a spokesperson for the Deerfield company confirmed Monday.

Julie Ramza opened Streator Drugs, 109 E. Main St., Streator, decades ago after the closing of Stiles Drug Store, filling the pharmacy gap left by Stiles and providing a liquor store.

Customers expressed their sadness with the planned closing, as Streator Drugs is the only pharmacy in Streator that operates as an apothecary, which is a pharmacy where prescriptions are mixed in house for consumption by people with certain disabilities. For example, some people have trouble swallowing a pill, so they would have issues consuming a manufactured medication.

“It’s frustrating,” said Angela Kissell, a Streator Drugs customer. “They had the best pharmacy and they delivered. We’ve had to use that before.”

The pharmacy, also owned by John Groesbeck, also offered blood drawing services for those who need to submit samples regularly to help combat health problems and offering advice to those having to use Medicare and Medicaid.

Don Clift has been shopping at the Streator Drugs liquor store for more than 20 years and he said it’ll be sorely missed.

“This is the last liquor store in town other than the one by the high school,” Clift said. “I’m going to miss the selection.”

The Ottawa Pharmacy Stop location, which also are owned by Groesbeck and Ramza, will remain open.

“It’s a disappointment to me and the chamber,” said Streator Area Chamber of Commerce President Jack Dzuris. “Julie and her employees have done an excellent job of helping with our activities, whether it’s a fundraiser or an event, golf outing, whatever. She’s supported us a great deal.”

Dzuris said Ramza is a friend to Streator in a lot of ways; she’s been involved in hospital functions, Rotary clubs and volunteered on numerous committees. He said he hopes she continues to participate in community activities after retirement.

Ramza opted not to comment until the store officially closes its doors Wednesday, Nov. 13, to remain in line with the terms of the sale.

A Walgreens spokespeson would only confirm Monday the company was purchasing Streator Drugs and the location will be closed. No other information was offered. Walgreens operates a store at 120 E. Main St., across the street from Streator Drugs.