'Where am I gonna get my yarn now? UGH'

All Pat Catan's locations are closing, much to the dismay of the Norwalk community.The announcement came Wednesday, along with a ray of hope — 12 of the 35 locations throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan and West Virginia will be reopened as a new Michaels location. The Pat Catan's chain was purchased by Michaels Companies Inc. less than three years ago for $150 million.Norwalk Mayor Rob Duncan said he, the Norwalk Economic Development Corp. and Huron County Chamber of Commerce are writing letters to Michaels, requesting they strongly consider Norwalk as a viable spot for the arts-and-craft retail store. He encouraged others to do the same. Local residents took to Facebook to express their surprise and sadness over the upcoming loss, commenting on the Reflector's post alerting the community of the news."I LOVE Pat Catan's," Ellen Marie Faris commented. "I am very sad to see this store close. I have been to the store in Norwalk; It is huge and has a lot of merchandise ... at very reasonable prices. The educator discount is the best.""SO sad to hear," wrote Mike Jan. "It is the BEST arts and craft store in my opinion. Always friendly and GOOD prices!""Where am I gonna get my yarn now? UGH," Carolyn Charville said.Donna Cunningham said she will miss the store and noted "it seems every time we get something good in Norwalk it leaves."Scott Gerken agreed."Face it, Norwalk is not a friendly town for business and in this day and age I am sure arts and crafts are at a low point of popularity with everyone addicted to electronics," he said.While these and many others expressed their desire for the space to reopen as a Michaels, some preferred another arts and crafts company — or another idea all together."My prayers would literally be answered if they put in a hobby lobby," Britt Hamilton said."Michaels is not near being as good as Pat's!!!" commented Haylee Harwood. "Whyyyy (sad faced emoji) I say bring in a Home Goods. (In love emoji)"Chrystal Gilbert preferred a clothing shop instead — suggesting Target or Old Navy."We need nice clothes!" she wrote. "Crafters & artists, Amazon is cheaper!"Carolynn D. Johnson suggested something more families could enjoy."They should put in a (Chuck E. Cheese's) or something similar, something for the kids in the area," Johnson wrote. "That place is big enough for it."What do you think? Let us know on the Reflector's Facebook page or online at www.norwalkreflector.com.Workers from Allsigns & Designs put some finishing touches on the front of Pat Catan's, set to open in Norwalk in this 2016 file photo.The parent company of Pat Catan's announced Wednesday it is closing all of the arts and crafts stores in the chain. That includes the store in Norwalk.Norwalk Police Det. Dave Daniels (left) and Special Officer Todd Corbin fingerprint children during the friends and family evening at Pat Catan's in this 2016 file photo. There was food, face painting, prize wheels, a fire truck tour and 30 percent discount to open Norwalk's newest store. The store opened to the public today and the grand opening and ribbon cutting will be held at 9 a.m. May 13. To see more photos log onto www.norwalkreflector.com.They make it official with the ribbon-cutting at Pat Catan's in Norwalk in this 2016 file photo. Norwalk Police Chief Dave Light (front left) joins with Pat Catan's officials and employees for the honors flanked by friends and members of the Huron County Chamber of Commerce.