The Verse managers handing bar back to original owners, who hope to keep it open

Another local business is suffering because of COVID-19.

Ryan Torgerson, manager of the Verse Lounge and Grill posted on Facebook, “It is with great sadness as of November 30th Melissa and I will be closing the bar and turning it back over to Jeff Connelly and Julie Lynn Connelly.”

Torgerson said the COVID-19 pandemic has wiped them out financially and mentally.

Julie Lynn Connelly said on her personal Facebook page, “(The) goal is to keep all employees working and to continue to operate. The only reason we would need to close temporarily is to transfer the Liquor License back over to me. THE VERSE IS NOT CLOSING!”

Torgerson said they will operate the bar at normal hours and serve food and drinks until it runs out.

“As the COVID cases spiked, we are forced to shut down due to lack of business,” Torgerson added. “Anybody that owns a small business knows customers pay the bills. Coronavirus has essentially wiped us out financially and mentally.”