MASSENA — After 17 years on Center Street, Northern Harness Bait & Tackle will move soon to 553 County Route 42.

“I put a brand new 12-by-24 building up at my home,” said Steven J. LeVac, who added economics played a large part in his decision to move.

“My electric bill was double what it was last year at this time, and I just found out the phone bill was going to be going up,” he said. “It’s getting to the point where it’s not worth it.”

Also coinciding with the move is a shift in the focus of his business.

“I used to do 100 dozen arrows a year,” he said. “This year I didn’t do any.”

Mr. LeVac also sells black powder and other hunting supplies at his current location, but when he opens at his home on May 21, hunting and archery supplies no longer will be a part of his inventory.

“I’m getting out of that,” he said.

While he’ll no longer sell hunting and archery supplies, Mr. LeVac is expanding his inventory to include firewood, camp wood and even fresh produce.

“It’s going to be all homegrown veggies,” he said.

For area sportsmen looking for a bargain, Mr. LeVac will have an auction at 11 a.m. May 20 at River Rock Auctions in Brasher Center.

“I’ll be selling all of the stuff I’m not bringing with me to the new store,” he said.

Inventory at the new store will consist mainly of fishing supplies.

“I’ll be selling jigs, crowder harnesses, bottom bouncers, sinkers, lures and night crawlers,” he said.

When asked what the hours will be, Mr. LeVac said, “I’ll be there all day, every day, seven days a week, just like I am here.”

Moving outside the village will be somewhat bittersweet, he said.

“I’ll miss the camaraderie with all the guys coming and playing cards, but I’m satisfied with what I’m doing,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the move.”

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