T-L Photo/SHELLEY HANSON THE MARTINS Ferry Dollar General store still is closed for maintenance issues on Tuesday.

MARTINS FERRY — The Dollar General store in Martins Ferry continues to be closed for maintenance issues.

A large, hot pink sign recently was posted on the store’s front door, stating it was closed for “uncontrollable maintenance issues.”

“We will remained closed until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience,” the signs states.

City Mayor Robert Krajnyak said recently he learned the building had heating issues that needed addressed, leading to the temporary closure.

Rumors circulating on social media alleged that a rat had been found in the building, leading to the store’s closure. However, several officials denied that allegation or declined to comment on that specific issue when asked by The Times Leader.

“I spoke with the sanitarians, and they do not have anything about rats in the Martins Ferry Dollar General. So we are guessing it may truly be maintenance,” Rob Sproul, deputy director with the Belmont County Health Department, said.

Dollar General company spokeswoman Angela Petkovic declined to comment on rumors of a rodent being found inside the store, but she did provide this statement:

“Dollar General is committed to providing a clean, pleasant environment for our customers and employees. In line with this commitment, we voluntarily closed our Martins Ferry, Ohio, store and plan to keep the store closed until underlying issues are resolved. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause,” she said.

Petkovic did not mention an estimated time when the store may reopen.

A worker who was at the store Monday afternoon said she did not know when the store would reopen. She did say, though, that the social media rumors about rats inside the building are not true. She said there was a rat inside an outdoor Dumpster, but no rodents were inside the building. She declined to say exactly what maintenance issues are being addressed.