Key Cooperative to Open New 24-Hour Fuel Station in Zearing
May 19, 2026
Scott Richardson
Energy Division Manager
LAST SUMMER, Key Cooperative was presented with the opportunity to purchase a local fuel station when the owners of Lincoln Heights Station in Zearing decided to exit the retail fuel business. Already having an agronomy and grain elevator presence in the community, Key thought adding a modernized 24-hour fuel station with more options would greatly benefit the community and local producers.
The site is located at a major intersection in northeastern Story County, along Highway 65 running north and south and Highway E-18 running east and west. Key’s newly rebuilt grain elevator is located on E-18 just east of town—a few miles from the new fuel station.
Construction is currently underway to update the underground fuel lines, add new above-ground fuel storage tanks, install a lighted canopy with a digital price sign and add new concrete on the widened driveway. Once complete, the site will offer new gasoline dispensers featuring E15 and regular, non-ethanol, unleaded gas products.
The diesel dispenser islands will be upgraded to include new dispensers offering premium on-road and off-road diesel options for both over-the-road trucks and off-road ag equipment. Both diesel islands will be lit with new LED light poles and spaced wide enough to accommodate all forms of traffic, including semi-trucks and tractors. All the new dispensers will offer the latest payment technology and security options, including tap-to-pay, Apple Pay, Key Cooperative’s local fuel card and all major credit cards. The site will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will offer a $0.06 per gallon discount on all products purchased with the Key Cooperative fuel card (available to anyone who has an open credit account with Key Cooperative).
We anticipate the project to be completed toward the end of May or early June, though recent spring weather has slowed progress. Once completed, we look forward to hosting a grand opening event for the public. The former storefront— which housed the Oil Press restaurant and Knotted Dough & Co. bakery—will be used as a storage site for Key Cooperative’s seasonal equipment at this time.
Your fuel choice matters. When you stop at a Key Cooperative fuel station, you can rest assured you’re doing business with a local company, not a major chain. We know what’s in our fuel, and we stand behind the quality of each product. As your local cooperative, we’re community-focused and make it a priority to be good neighbors, investing in hometown projects and student scholarships. Every time you fill up at a Key station, you’re not just getting fuel—you’re supporting area farmers and your community!
Energy Division Manager
LAST SUMMER, Key Cooperative was presented with the opportunity to purchase a local fuel station when the owners of Lincoln Heights Station in Zearing decided to exit the retail fuel business. Already having an agronomy and grain elevator presence in the community, Key thought adding a modernized 24-hour fuel station with more options would greatly benefit the community and local producers.
The site is located at a major intersection in northeastern Story County, along Highway 65 running north and south and Highway E-18 running east and west. Key’s newly rebuilt grain elevator is located on E-18 just east of town—a few miles from the new fuel station.
Construction is currently underway to update the underground fuel lines, add new above-ground fuel storage tanks, install a lighted canopy with a digital price sign and add new concrete on the widened driveway. Once complete, the site will offer new gasoline dispensers featuring E15 and regular, non-ethanol, unleaded gas products.
The diesel dispenser islands will be upgraded to include new dispensers offering premium on-road and off-road diesel options for both over-the-road trucks and off-road ag equipment. Both diesel islands will be lit with new LED light poles and spaced wide enough to accommodate all forms of traffic, including semi-trucks and tractors. All the new dispensers will offer the latest payment technology and security options, including tap-to-pay, Apple Pay, Key Cooperative’s local fuel card and all major credit cards. The site will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will offer a $0.06 per gallon discount on all products purchased with the Key Cooperative fuel card (available to anyone who has an open credit account with Key Cooperative).
We anticipate the project to be completed toward the end of May or early June, though recent spring weather has slowed progress. Once completed, we look forward to hosting a grand opening event for the public. The former storefront— which housed the Oil Press restaurant and Knotted Dough & Co. bakery—will be used as a storage site for Key Cooperative’s seasonal equipment at this time.
Your fuel choice matters. When you stop at a Key Cooperative fuel station, you can rest assured you’re doing business with a local company, not a major chain. We know what’s in our fuel, and we stand behind the quality of each product. As your local cooperative, we’re community-focused and make it a priority to be good neighbors, investing in hometown projects and student scholarships. Every time you fill up at a Key station, you’re not just getting fuel—you’re supporting area farmers and your community!