Corner Pharmacy Is Suddenly Closed
The Corner Pharmacy located at 102 West Main Street, Barnesville, closed suddenly on Friday, according to a social media post by Chip Terrett, pharmacist/owner.
In January 2024 when the business marked 30 years, Terrett noted the business provided employment for three pharmacists and a staff of nine.
In Friday’s announcement, Terrett wrote:
“To Our Valued Customers and Community,
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the immediate closing of Corner Pharmacy after proudly serving our community for over 30 years.
“Since our doors first opened, it has been our greatest privilege to care for you and your families—providing prescriptions, health guidance, and a place you could always count on for trusted service. The decision to close was not made lightly, but due to circumstances beyond our control, we can no longer continue operations.
“We understand this news may be difficult, and we want to assure you that your health and safety remain our top priority. Prescriptions can be transferred to a pharmacy of your choice by calling 740-425-2651.
“We are deeply grateful for the loyalty, kindness, and trust you have shown us throughout the years. The relationships built here have been more than business—they have been family. Serving this community has been an honor, and we thank you sincerely for allowing us to be a part of your lives.”
In a recent now deleted Facebook post, pharmacy staff posted upcoming pumpkin festival hours.
Although sudden, the closing of the business was a year in the making.
On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the Ohio Attorney General’ Office, Ohio Pharmacy Board, and Barnesville Police raided the Corner Pharmacy. A search warrant was executed at the time of the raid.
That day, Terrett voluntarily surrendered his DEA Registration Number meaning the pharmacy could no longer sell controlled substances. Read the full Barnesville Area News account of the events of that day here.
On November 30, 2024, Terrett provided an update on the firm’s status, his last public statement prior to this week’s announcement and closing
“As you know, on August 27, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) executed a raid on our business. In order to cooperate with their investigation, I surrendered our DEA registration.
“Because of this administrative action, we are no longer in compliance with our 3rd Party Contracting representative, Elevate Provider Services. Elevate has terminated our provider status effective November 30, 2024.
“This means that as of December 1, 2024, we MAY no longer be able to bill your insurance for prescriptions,” Terrett said.
It was a happier time in January 2024 when the firm marked 30 years in business serving the Barnesville community. Terrett shared a history of the firm at that time.
Christian Pharmacy Inc. marked 30 years in business in January 2024. The business traces its roots back to 1893 when Giffin Drug opened at 125 W. Main Street.
The late Ray Ryman and Chip Terrett purchased Finnical Drugs from Bill Finnical in 1994 taking over operations January 10, 1994.
In July of 1997 the owners changed the name of the business to Ryman and Terrett Pharmacy.
In October of 1997 the business moved to 102 East Main St., site of the old K-V store, expanding the business with the addition of a RadioShack franchise, Christian books, health foods and Sandy’s Crafts, owned by Sandy Saffield.
In 2008, Terrett purchased Ryman’s half of the business when he left to work at Genesis Health Care in Zanesville.
In mid-2011, the owner dropped the RadioShack franchise before moving to the current location in March 2012. At that time, the business name was changed to Corner Pharmacy.
“Over the last 30 years we have had over 100 employees and at that time, two employees, Carla Adams and Wendy Stephens, had over 20 years of service with the firm,” Terrett said in January 2024.
Terrett did not disclose what will happen to the pharmacy building that is strategically located at the town’s main intersection.
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