CDC Results No Match for Broken Arrow Blue Bell Fans

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — Blue Bell in Broken Arrow may still be closed, but people around town are hoping for a big come back.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released a report Wednesday confirming the presence of Listeria in some of the factory's ice cream.

The factory has been shut down for weeks, and roughly half the workforce is off the job, with no definite time frame for when it will reopen.

April Sailsbury, Senior Vice President with the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce said the chamber and many other people around town are eagerly awaiting the factory to come back online.

"Blue Bell is a huge community supporter, so clearly, we want them open for that reason," said Sailsbury. "But we also want them open for the tax dollars that come into the community, and we want them open for the work force."

Sailsbury said the chamber's dedication to the company runs deep.

"When Blue Bell reopens, we will eat the first ice cream off the line with no hesitation," said Sailsbury.

In a statement released Wednesday, Blue Bell officials said they are reassessing everything in the Broken Arrow plant, and are planning some major enhancements.