The Family Dollar Store arrival, when it happens, is almost like awaiting the birth of a baby for Monongah.

Mayor Greg Vandetta writes that “Asbestos removal from the old bank building is scheduled for this week. Demolition to start shortly after.”

Greg says it will take about 120 days to get the Dollar store ready for occupancy, depending on the weather, as usual.

Greg adds: “It’s been a long process.”

Indeed, Greg. About three years from the initial announcement to whenever the demolition starts.

The Huntington Bank Building went up at Camden Avenue and Walnut Street where the Pulice, Fiori and Gumont families took turns living before the home was torn down to make way for the bank. It is down the street from the birthplace of one of Monongah’s – ahem! – famous natives, me. John Olesky, Jr. was born to Italy native Lena Futten Olesky and John W. Olesky, Sr. in the home of John Jr.’s grandparents, Poland native Martin Olesky and Mary Poremba Olesky, on Nov. 5, 1932. It’s a national holiday in the Olesky family.

Family Dollar Stores was acquired by Dollar Tree in July but will continue to open stores under the Family Dollar name.

Dollar Tree, whose headquarters is in Chesapeake, Virginia, has 4,900 stores. Family Dollar, based in Matthews, North Carolina, had 1,400 stores. Dollar General, out of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, has more than 10,000 stores.

Because “Dollar” is in the name of stores from different companies, here’s how it breaks down in Marion and Harrison counties:

Family Dollar: Fairhills Plaza, 609 Bellview Boulevard, Fairmont; 917 E. Park Avenue, Fairmont; 204 S. Pike Street, Shinnston.

Dollar General: 1228 Country Club Road, Fairmont; 4584 Freedom Highway, Worthington; Middletown Hall, White Hall; 218 Adams Street, Fairmont.