Kootenai Valley Collision, the auto-body repair business located at 314 Montana Ave., has closed its doors.

The business, which was owned by Chris and Tina Swenson, has operated since June 2009, offered car detailing as well as state-of-the-art auto-body repair.

“I do think it is because of the economy,” Chris Swenson said about the decision to close the shop.

Chris Swenson said the economic stagnation in Lincoln County has led to fewer customers at the body shop. Many people, he said, keep the money from an insurance settlement after a vehicle accident instead of using it to pay for body work. 

“It’s hard to say. We just haven’t had people coming in for estimates,” said Swenson, who said they actually closed the auto-detailing side of the business before the collision-repair side closed at the end of February.

While disappointed in the business’ closing, the Swensons are grateful Kootenai Valley Collision was not the family’s only source of income. Chris Swenson works at the city water-treatment plant.

Chris Swenson, who grew up around the auto-sales business, said he’s still got some personal restoration projects he wants to complete.

“I’ll probably get around to those in my own time,” he said.

Tina Swenson reflected on the nearly four years of operation.

“There were so many things to be grateful for,” she said. “There were so many loyal customers. This is difficult, but we don’t have any bitter feelings.”

The Swensons used their expertise in the auto-body field to help with community projects. They participated in the Igniters Car Club, held auto-body-repair sessions at Libby High School, and contributed to nonprofit organizations.

Chris Swenson said he was particularly proud of the work the business did for the Heritage Museum in its effort to repair a Ford Model T that was donated to the museum. The antique car is now part of a permanent exhibit.

“That was fun, and something we were able to do in our spare time,” he said.

The repairs and painting made to fenders and the running boards were appreciated by the museum and its board.

“I am disappointed for them,” said Heritage Museum President Jay Goley. “They were very generous to us with the work they did on the (Model T). We made sure when we had the car in parades it had the sign that they did the work. I just hate to see any business go down. They were very involved in the Igniters Car Club and have done so much.”