Viking eatery survives challenges

SPRAGUE - Two local women have combined their efforts over the last five years to keep a restaurant open in the wake of COVID-related shutdown mandates and challenges finding employees.

Sheila Martin and sister-in-law Linda Johnston took over The Viking Drive-Inn in 2019, following the death of Martin's husband, Gary Martin. You can find them at the 209 E. Fourth St. restaurant daily.

Sister Barb Shafer also helps with the business.

The biggest challenge since the end of the pandemic shutdowns, according to Martin and Johnston, is finding and keeping good help willing to work regularly and do...