STORE'S GRAND OPENING TO BENEFIT DARE PROGRAM

HERKIMER - Aubuchon Hardware will hold the grand opening of its new
Herkimer store on Thursday. The celebration will culminate in a cookout on
Saturday with all proceeds to benefit the Herkimer Police Department's Drug
Abuse Resistance Education program. In addition, the Herkimer store will be
donating supplies to DARE for its upcoming tree-planting event at the
Herkimer Elementary School.

According to Monitoring the Future, a yearly case study program performed
by the University of Michigan, drug use has declined among young teenagers
every year since 1999. In addition, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration showed a decrease in new users since 2000.
Prevention starts with education, and the DARE. program is an effective tool.

Aubuchon's grand opening cookout will feature an array of food and beverage
items on sale for families while helping support DARE. Representatives from
Glidden Paint, the Humane Society, as well as multiple feed distributors,
will be on hand to answer any questions concerning their products and
services. Aubuchon's Busch North Series racecar will be showcased and
balloons and mugs will be offered as free giveaways.

The Herkimer Aubuchon Hardware is located at 105 North Caroline St. For
more information concerning this event, contact Joan at 866-4931. To learn
more about D.A.R.E., visit www.dare.com or call (800) 334-DARE.