The rash of area convenience stores abruptly closing across the listening area appears to be linked to a series a lawsuits between the properties’ owner and someone who was operating the stores without permission. Exxon gas stations in Mountain Home, Flippin and Bull Shoals have all closed recently, along with Valero stations in Gassville and Alpena. The properties’ owner, SCF RC Funding IV LLC, has filed a series of lawsuits against one or more unnamed people, alleging that the individuals did not have permission to operate the stores and had been asked to vacate the premises in April. The six properties owned by SCF RC Funding IV LLC that recently closed include: