In The News

Truck stop businesses hurt by recession too

STURTEVANT, Wis. — Truck stop workers say the recession has hurt the trucking industry and that's hurting them.

Michael Willkomm is the third generation in his family to be in the fuel business. He runs the truck stop in Sturtevant that has an Iron Skillet restaurant and Mobil service station.

Willkomm says he saw fuel sales drop a year ago. He's also seen truckers cut back on their meals. Instead of having breakfast or lunch, they'll now grab coffee and a doughnut.

Anita Hill runs a hair salon at the truck stop. She's seeing drivers wait longer between $15 haircuts.

And Edward Psenica says he can now go a day or more without making a sale at his mobile phone shop.

They all think things will turn around, but none are sure when.

The Trucker staff may be reached to comment at [email protected] .