Former health food store declared a public nuisance

The former Health World store building, at 818 Main St., has become a nuisance due to roof leaks, collapsed ceiling tiles and abandoned food items that have attracted rats, mice and other vermin, according to a copy of the resolution declaring a nuisance. Property records show the building is owned by Ernest and Karen Breedlove of Ponca City, Okla.

The resolution was approved 3-0 by the commission at their Monday meeting. The resolution authorizes the Winfield city clerk to issue an abatement notice to the property owners. If the site is not cleaned, then the city can have the items removed and the building owners billed for the work.

“Property items determined by the city to be of value will be impounded and stored at the city impound lot,” the resolution states. “Such items may be retrieved after appropriate impound fees and other incurred expenses have been paid by the owners.”

Health World opened in Winfield in 1995 and moved in 2005 to 818 Main St., according to a 2005 article in the Winfield Courier. The Breedloves owned two other health food stores in Ponca City and Stillwater, Okla., the article states. Along with health food, the store also sold items such as supplements, essential oils, teas and beauty products.

The Winfield Health World closed in 2019, and the building has been vacant since.