Southmain Lanes, not only the only bowling alley in Wallowa County but also the only nonoperational one, sits quietly at 101 South Main, in Joseph, hoping a buyer soon will be found.

A.J. Tarnaskychief credit officer for the 15-bank, Joseph-based Community Bank operationsays his bank bought the bowling alley Aug. 15 at a mortgage sale on the steps of the Wallowa County Courthouse. The plan now is to list it for sale within the next week.

The asking price for the bowling alley and who will be asked to sell it still are being negotiated, said Tarnasky.

Community Bank was the only bidder for the bowling alley and purchased it at a minimum bid of $390,000. It also had the property assessed at $412,500. Anyone wishing to take out a bank loan to purchase Southmain Lanes will be required to pay for their own assessment.