Speculation of an imminent decision by Honda spread like wildfire in the media world Tuesday, sending hordes of reporters rushing for their cameras and vans. By late afternoon, representatives from news sources all around the region were headed for one destination: Greensburg.

Why the Decatur County Courthouse lawn was suddenly buzzing with activity quickly became apparent to residents when numerous news stations began broadcasting reports that Greensburg was in fact Honda’s final choice for the location of its new plant. Though the news was still unconfirmed at that point, many locals found themselves at the end of a microphone being asked to give their thoughts on the company’s supposed decision, and what effect it will have on Decatur County.

Along with Greensburg Mayor Frank Manus, diners at Storie’s Restaurant became the voice of Greensburg to the waiting world. Storie’s owners and waitresses have become accustomed to the media attention over the past months, though the most recent onslaught was still an unexpected frenzy.

“As a businessman it’s really great because it’s going to help every business in town,” said Don Storie, co-owner of the restaurant, about Honda choosing Greensburg. He also noted his relief that the wait for results was done.

“I’m just glad it’s over with,” he said. “They’ve been talking about it for two months, I’m just glad they’ve made a decision.”

Waitresses Emily Robbins and Erin Gardener shared a bit of their day as well.

“Reporters have been coming in here for the last hour, wanting to know how the business is going to effect us,” Robbins said. “I’m excited, I think everyone is. Earlier, a lady from Batesville came in. I think she wanted to plant to be there, but she said at this point as long as it’s coming to this area she’s happy.”

She also offered a guess as to what the morning’s meeting would bring.

“Speculation?,” she said. “I think it’s going to come here.”

She was right.

“I like it because there are going to be more jobs, and my dad might not have to drive all the way to Indianapolis every day,” she said. “Plus, it will make a younger generation stay in Greensburg.”

Still, regardless of hearsay and speculation, Honda’s final decision at the time was still just that to most of the world, hearsay and speculation. The news that Greensburg would in fact be the automaker’s newest home wouldn’t be confirmed, for them, until the meeting in the morning. Storie expressed the situation nearly everyone was in, even those reporters interviewing him.

“I’ve been hearing a lot of rumors,” he said.

No more rumors.

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