Hilander hopes to reopen today
Tuesday, March 4, 2008 6:24 AM PST
By Erik Olson
Printable version
E-mail this articleThe Hilander Family Fun Center in Kelso could reopen as early as this afternoon, provided owner Jim Springer can reach an agreement with the state Department of Revenue today, Springer said.
Springer has requested a meeting with representatives from the agency's Vancouver office to get back his business license to operate the entertainment center on Kelso Drive.
"If things go well, it's open immediately," Springer said Monday.
Last week, Department of Revenue agents shut down the Hilander for failing to pay $385,000 in sales taxes over the past 2½ years. The agency had filed six tax warrants against the Hilander since 2005.
To reopen, a business must provide a bond for six months' worth of sales taxes and come up with a "realistic payment plan" for all unpaid back taxes, said Mike Gowlyrow, spokesman for the Department of Revenue.
For the Hilander, six months of sales taxes would be a $100,000 bond, according to Springer.
The 41,000-square-foot complex is a gathering place for children and adults, featuring a bowling alley, restaurant, lounge, arcade, Lazer Tag, carousel and a three-story children's play area.
Springer filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in July 2007 because he owed 52 creditors about $5 million.
?????? wrote on Mar 4, 2008 6:37 AM:
" this makes me wonder why the state let him go for so long without paying his salestax.. when the pantry was shut down for the same thing the owner of that establishment only owed a little over 7,ooo.oo and the state came in and pulled his license and closed the doors, so why did Springer get to go so long and get so far behind it makes you wonder don't it..... "
So..... wrote on Mar 4, 2008 7:24 AM:
" The guy files for bankruptcy in July, has had tax warrants out for at least two years for unpaid sales taxes? Taxes which, mind you, were paid by customers and not turned over to the State as required. Who's going to jump to his defense that he is a fine upstanding citizen? "
huh wrote on Mar 4, 2008 7:31 AM:
" good luck you will need it Mr springer
i dont see this lasting very long.
word of advice PAY YOUR DEBTS.. "
i dont see this lasting very long.
word of advice PAY YOUR DEBTS.. "
RS wrote on Mar 4, 2008 7:44 AM:
" Wow! That 15 bucks from the employee car wash must have done more good than I thought it would. "
Swimmers Point of View wrote on Mar 4, 2008 8:11 AM:
" If Springer wants the community to come out and support his business how about an explination as to why our sales tax hasn't been paid in two years? Since that is money out of a lot of families pockets, we deserv to know what happened to that money! "
Huh wrote on Mar 4, 2008 8:31 AM:
" I would be surprised if anyone would finance him for $100,000 when he owes so many so much money already.... "
Wow wrote on Mar 4, 2008 8:45 AM:
" Wish my business got this much free press coverage (even though I PAY my taxes, lol). With the outrageous rates The Daily News charges for ads, this type of free publicity would be invaluable to me. Guess you gotta do things the WRONG way to get attention around here...... "
Your Kidding wrote on Mar 4, 2008 8:50 AM:
" Who in their right mind would give him the money to re-open a sinking ship. Jim call it quits and get out. No one is going to support someone that does not pay their taxes. "
Bookkeeper wrote on Mar 4, 2008 8:52 AM:
" You people are so negative. It's real easy to sit and judge a business owner from your computer chair as the welfare checks get deposited into your bank accounts. It is not easy to operate a business. There are several overhead costs involved in operating a business. Most business' play the shuffling funds from one place to another game anymore. There is no such thing as making huge profits in the service industry. You ask where the money went? Probably on restocking the facility to keep it operating for as long as it did. If you don't pay the food and supply vendors, you can't stay open. "
My two cents wrote on Mar 4, 2008 9:09 AM:
" Honestly, it's not entirely his fault he got into so much debt. Before he opened the new place he found someone to buy the old Hilander, that would have taken care of most of the debt. However, they backed out of the deal after he bought the new place, then he was in trouble. He had to pay for both places, it's understandable that he'd have a hard time keeping up with the debts. It doesn't excuse him not paying the Sales taxes, but it could be that he used the sales tax money to pay off his other debts. "
new longview citizen wrote on Mar 4, 2008 9:09 AM:
" Re: to Bookkeeper comments
Watch the welfare checks comments many who read the newspaper are not on welfare. We are the hard working taxpayers of this community. Yes, we would like to know why the taxes were not paid. But, the Hilander has been in business for years. New businesses that start up pay business taxes after two years in business and yes these taxes are steep as it is not just one year but two years worth. "
Watch the welfare checks comments many who read the newspaper are not on welfare. We are the hard working taxpayers of this community. Yes, we would like to know why the taxes were not paid. But, the Hilander has been in business for years. New businesses that start up pay business taxes after two years in business and yes these taxes are steep as it is not just one year but two years worth. "
forgive wrote on Mar 4, 2008 9:09 AM:
" Our Father Who is in Heaven, Your Name is to be held in reverence, fear, and honor. Let Your Kingdom come, and let Your will be done here on earth as it is in Heaven. Please give us all that we need from You today, and please FORGIVE US OUR SINS AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO SIN AGAINST US. Please don't lead us into trials, troubles, and temptations, but deliver us from the evil one. The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory are Yours forever! In Jesus' Name we petition You to be merciful to us, and to answer our prayer. Amen
We cannot be forgiven if we choose not to forgive, people. It is Written. Some "Christians" say, "God said it, I believe it, that settles it." I prefer to say, "God said it, that settles it." Whether or not I believe what He says, His Word is still Truth, and His Word is final. He is the ultimate authority. When His Word tells us that Him forgiving us hinges on whether or not we forgive others, He means it. We will be shown the same mercy that we show to others.
WE DO NEED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR DEBTS, but WE ALSO NEED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LOVE AND MERCY WE GIVE TO OTHERS. "
We cannot be forgiven if we choose not to forgive, people. It is Written. Some "Christians" say, "God said it, I believe it, that settles it." I prefer to say, "God said it, that settles it." Whether or not I believe what He says, His Word is still Truth, and His Word is final. He is the ultimate authority. When His Word tells us that Him forgiving us hinges on whether or not we forgive others, He means it. We will be shown the same mercy that we show to others.
WE DO NEED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR DEBTS, but WE ALSO NEED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LOVE AND MERCY WE GIVE TO OTHERS. "
Come on wrote on Mar 4, 2008 9:16 AM:
" Yes, you're right bookkeeper. It does cost alot to operate a business. Springer should know that considering how long he has been a business owner! He knows what needs to be done and how to do it. He just didn't do it, period.
Giving yourself a huge monthly salary ISN'T the way to do it! "
Giving yourself a huge monthly salary ISN'T the way to do it! "
keyboard cowboy wrote on Mar 4, 2008 9:23 AM:
" book keeper says from one to another. you know that statement was kinda harsh. it might not be easy to operate a business but it is not hard to pay taxes. i can tell he was going down hill like the sign on the carasel that said waiting on transmition from argentina. and all the games saying comming soon.anyway if he opens back up good for him if he dose not when is the auction i want a couple of the games in there "
RE: Forgive wrote on Mar 4, 2008 9:37 AM:
" This isnt about forgiveness for crying out loud. I know and live by scripture and feel that people make choices. I don't hate Springer but feel he has totally screwed up. In order to forgive someone they need to realize their mistake and he doesnt. He is still politicing around acting like "This caught him offguard" BOLOGNA! He knew and he played it. Forgive? Sure, once he askes for it....but he doesnt think he was wrong. "
cabbie wrote on Mar 4, 2008 9:38 AM:
" to bookkeeper....I work full time, pay my taxes and raise my children without a welfare check so get off your high horse...yes running a business is alot of work but the point is that springer was not going without.....his salary seems to be pretty high and sales tax is not income and should never have been put in the kitty as profits, never used as overhead costs and definately not as his salary.. it should have been left alone and paid to the state accordingly i just would like to hear from Springer where that money went "
Re: Bookkeeper wrote on Mar 4, 2008 9:41 AM:
" It does cost a lot to run a business, you are right... especially when the business owner sends himself and his wife to Vegas in spite of the fact that he is several million dollars in debt. Conference or no conference that money should have gone to the people he owes - NOT to vacation expenses. I, for one, have supported this business in the past but will no longer - he can't explain this away sufficiently enough for me. "
To bookkeeper wrote on Mar 4, 2008 10:01 AM:
" I'm so sick of hearing about "the welefare checks beigng deposited." There are working people in this county. Get off your snooty high horse, you must not have much to do at your job if YOU have time to blog. At least it's my day off today. "
averageguy wrote on Mar 4, 2008 10:01 AM:
" Re:Forgive. The comments on this article (or that many others that have been written by TDN on this topic) are not about forgiveness but accountability. I can forgive someone, even someone who has not asked for forgiveness or seen that what they did was wrong, but that doesn't take away the real and natural consequences of their behavior. Mr. Springer may be in this situation because of a series of bad decisions or because of someone else backing out of their commitment to buy the old property, but in the end it doesn't matter how he got here. He is $5,000,000 in debt and poised to declare bankruptcy. Are you willing to loan him $100,000 to get Hilander open again? If the business wasn't successful before perhaps it is time to cut his losses, because if he isn't going to do anything different he isn't going to get a different result. "
To Forgive wrote on Mar 4, 2008 10:27 AM:
" You are a nut!!!! If you had been following this story you would know he is in debt to everyone!!!! He owes his vendors, the government, and who knows who else. This is not a case of he did not know what he was getting into. He was stupid for jumping into this new "LEASED" property before he had a solid signed deal on the other property. Do not make excuses for this man he knows what he is doing and he also knows it is WRONG!!!!!!!!!!! "
To Bookkeeper wrote on Mar 4, 2008 10:30 AM:
" So most businesses play the fund shuffling game? You would have though they had learned after Enron, Arthru Anderson, Tyco, BellSouth, etc. Just because it takes place does not make it an ethical practice. Who are you a bookkeeper for....cousin Guido? As for the welfare check comments....I manage a budget of around 48 million in revenue and 38 million in expenses. I'm 5 classes away from completing my MBA. I have degrees in business and psychology already. I'm 46 years old and have had a job of some sort since I was 12 (delivering The Daily News). I've never been without a job. So, before you make a comment about the education level and work ethic of the people here, bear in mind that on those two aspects alone, there are some here who would run circles around you. "
Bottom Line wrote on Mar 4, 2008 10:33 AM:
" The bottom line here is to give children and teenagers something to do. This will help keep them from problem behavior such as drugs, fights, alcohol and other negative activity. There is little or nothing for youth to do in Kelso. This business served kids well and gave them something to do beside get in trouble. The city should help Hilander or build a teen center! The city will pay more in other costs if Hilander goes under and there is less for kids to do! Springer did the right thing by paying his employees and other costs first. Support Springers effort so that kids will have somewhere to go and something to do! "
to Bookkeeper wrote on Mar 4, 2008 11:13 AM:
" OMG...I don't know who you work for but I'm so very glad it's not me. What a very poor attitude about people in general and if you practice your bookkeeping as you reflect acceptable practices you need another profession. I've been a bookkeper for almost 40 years so don't tell me I don't know what I'm talking about.
It occurs to me that maybe you work for Springer!
"
It occurs to me that maybe you work for Springer!
"
What??? wrote on Mar 4, 2008 11:29 AM:
" Support Springer?? Are you kidding?? Everyone DID support him by spending money at his establishment! He did NOT do the right thing! Do you have any idea how much he gave himself for a monthly salary?? He didn't pay his taxes cuz he was paying his employees!! If he was so concerned about his employees, he would of done the right thing to begin with, so they wouldn't be out of a job! How many of those employees is he going to hire back???
Those taxes should of been paid right from the beginning. Bottom line.
He did this to himself. He can get out of this mess the same way...by himself. "
Those taxes should of been paid right from the beginning. Bottom line.
He did this to himself. He can get out of this mess the same way...by himself. "
To Bottom Line wrote on Mar 4, 2008 11:29 AM:
" You are nuts also!!! This man already owes the city of Kelso THOUSANDS of $$$$ why should tax money go to help him with his business?? Yes kids need things to do but why should our city tax $$$ go to bail out this business? The bottom line is this man owes over 50 vendors and or government agencies big $$$$ over 5 MILLION $$$$$!!! Get real people if that were you or me we would go to prison. "
b/s wrote on Mar 4, 2008 11:57 AM:
" Isnt this the same guy that was a politician.Everyone knows that politicians are very trustworthy and above all thrifty with someone elses money. "
wHO cARES wrote on Mar 4, 2008 12:17 PM:
" Hilander hopes to reopen today. Open for how many week 2,3,4,5,6? Who cares? My kids don't go there anyway..Good Luck Mr. Springer "
To Bookkeeper wrote on Mar 4, 2008 12:19 PM:
" Why did he have to build such an expensive place and have horse merry go round? was that necessary? You'd think common sense would come in to play and he wouldnt OVER DO IT until he sold the other building.... Kind of hard to get by with I O U's for 2 years....he should lower the price of that old building, to pay his back taxes and sell that carousel "
Amazed wrote on Mar 4, 2008 12:44 PM:
" Wow, this area really surprises me. I am so glad that the majority of people (I am not saying everyone is) in this town are so quick to judge a man and his business simply based off of what they read in the paper. I know the Springers personally, and all of the truth about their business problems, I am really quite disappointed that people can be as mean and judgmental as they are...not like we have never done anything wrong, right? While I know the truths behind what is going on as compared to what the paper reads...I could say that most of it is true, but it is only partial facts as would be expected in order to get everyone stirred up about the situation...its good for drama...as I am sure no one can deny. While I don't always agree with the Springers practices, I understand their situation and reasons behind the things that have brought them where they are today. Its really quite sad actually, yet no matter how the situation seems as written and discussed in this blog, I support them because they are fighters. I am not going to state what I know is fact, cause what is the point, everyone here is basically set in on their own opinion, and that is okay. Everyone is is entitled to their opinion...I just find it really sad, as I am sure many others also feel that know the full story. "
Bottom Line My Butt wrote on Mar 4, 2008 12:57 PM:
" People still aren't able to grasp the real issue here. PAY YOUR DEBTS, FOLKS. All of 'em. I am a local business owner and have fallen behind a time or two. Bottom line is, when you own a business, personal sacrifice has to be exercised from time to time. The wonderful Vegas trips have to go on hold when your business struggles. In response to the "Bottom Line" issued earlier... Its ALL ABOUT PARENTING. Doesn't matter how much there is to do (and there's plenty to do). The morals and values, the teachings you passed to your offspring is where its at. Teacher your kids well and they will make you proud. "
averageguy wrote on Mar 4, 2008 1:15 PM:
" The "bottom line" is not about where our kids are going to hang out. Stop trying to pawn the responsibilities of parenting and raising children onto others. Besides, there are LOTS of other places for young adults to hang out. This story is about a local businessman who has been living larger than life and it finally caught up to him. It is sad, but nonetheless, it is true. Have pity on him and on the employees who lost their jobs, but please don't fund his lifestyle or his business with my tax dollars. "
OL DOG wrote on Mar 4, 2008 1:17 PM:
" Hey all you negative "know it alls",If you want to, which I'm sure you don't, LOOK FOR THE CHEESE EATING RAT who was supposed to sell the old property for him. It was "SOLD" several times,{ check TDN archives}, yet mysteriously buyers backed out!!! I cannot believe some of you are so blinded by hatred and refuse to see that, THERE ARE UNDERHANDED, GREEDY, SLIMY, BANKERS AND LAWYERS WHO STAND TO PROFIT BIG TIME FROM SPRINGERS DEMISE!!! LOOK FOR THE SCURRYING LITTLE RATS HIDING,LAYING IN WAIT, LIKE VULTURES FOR EASY PICKING.
I soooo verrrry much would love to post the names of these sleaze merchants, but having morals prevents me from doing this. Unlike some who have posted here. Too bad nobody from TDN can find out the REAL story; who was Springers attorney in charge of selling the old property and how "in bed they are with the bank???, and/or ???" ..... "
I soooo verrrry much would love to post the names of these sleaze merchants, but having morals prevents me from doing this. Unlike some who have posted here. Too bad nobody from TDN can find out the REAL story; who was Springers attorney in charge of selling the old property and how "in bed they are with the bank???, and/or ???" ..... "
concerned citizen wrote on Mar 4, 2008 1:17 PM:
" Maybe Springer opens his mail like he pays his bills. Not at all. For him to say he didn't know he was being shut down is bull. For a business man with a business in trouble WHY would you take such a high salary when you can't pay your bills? Not to mention take your wife to Vegas for a convention. I'm a business owner and if you don't pay your taxes you won't have a business for long. It sounds like Jim needs to take a class on being a business owner. Business 101. "
clay1976 wrote on Mar 4, 2008 1:24 PM:
" It's opening. There is going to be league there tonight. Yay! "
RE-Bookkeeper wrote on Mar 4, 2008 2:17 PM:
" I am sitting here in my chair and I don't receive a government check. We work hard for our money. So are you upset that your check is late. Becareful who you dog, some people do need help, and are not playing the system. My guess is you are. "
Seriously? wrote on Mar 4, 2008 2:23 PM:
" Since when did we start preaching in the blogs about a man who did not pay his dang taxes? He owes money and are you telling me for 2 years he could not make a payment off what he was collecting? Even a partial payment in that amount of time would have been better than nothing at all when it comes to negociating. He is in over his head, and that is the bottom line. Also it is very offensive to hold the attitude that because we have the time to blog, means we are on welfare. I work, pay my taxes, and have supported that business in the past, but I can't say I would go back there given the circmstances. I had to pay the sales tax, and so should he. "
reader wrote on Mar 4, 2008 2:38 PM:
" To Bookeeper. A lot of people here are trashing you but you are correct, except maybe on the "welfare check" part. The people who are trashing you know nothing about business. "
Again..... wrote on Mar 4, 2008 5:45 PM:
" The taxes have been behind for MORE THAN TWO YEARS! Why wasn't he negotiating with the State before he was shut down? As for "bookeeper"s comments - well, that's a crock. I don't know who you work for but I have been in this area for over 40 years and a financial manager for over 20 and have yet to work for someone who "shuffles funds". Maybe you need to look for an ethical employer....... "
Kelsoian wrote on Mar 4, 2008 5:57 PM:
" Hey Bookkeepper:
I haven't received my "welfare check", yet...since you are an expert, can tell
me who I can contact... I need the money so I can spend it at Highlander
bowl. "
I haven't received my "welfare check", yet...since you are an expert, can tell
me who I can contact... I need the money so I can spend it at Highlander
bowl. "
RE-Reader wrote on Mar 4, 2008 7:04 PM:
" Want to guess again?????? I am sure most of us know how to run a bbusiness and a home. And guess what still pay our taxes. "
customers wrote on Mar 4, 2008 9:08 PM:
" hey now come on he has to make it this time... It is his money on the line now, he had to front his own money from his retirement funds.. dont think he'll screw that up our money yes but his heck no.... "
Employees? wrote on Mar 5, 2008 8:08 AM:
" I have never blogged before, so be patient. All I care about is the employees. I worked at the Highlander I know these people personally. They are hard working loyal people. Some of them are single parents who are proud of the fact that they are not on welfare and are supporting their families with legitimate work. These people need jobs. There are business men and women who are reading these blogs today and I issue a challenge to you to go down and offer alternative employment to these hard working loyal employees. I personally do not care what happens to the Springers I do care what happens to the employees. "
me wrote on Mar 5, 2008 1:39 PM:
" "bookkeeper" is right, except for maybe the welfare comment. Those that are protesting really don't know what they are talking about, especially the one from the future MBA. If you did know what you were talking about, you would realize that Enron wasn't taken down for simply paying one bill over another. There is nothing ethically wrong with having to choose which bill to pay, and quite frankly I bet paying the employees was the number one priority. Why everyone has their knickers in a twist over sales tax not paid is beyond me. If employees or local supplies were out the money, we would all have a right to be concerned. As far as the MBA, I've been involved in hiring in the Finance area for several years, and I've come to the conclusion from experience that it means very little. I certainly would never hire someone based on the fact that they had one. "
Out of town Mom wrote on Mar 5, 2008 5:21 PM:
" My children and I visit the Kelso, Longview area once or twice a month and always look forward to playing at the Hilander. After visiting with Friends and Family we try and spend at least 2 hrs while waiting for the 7pm train home. My Son has over 2000 points saved and was upset to find the place closed on our last visit. I hope we find it open when we visit in April. "
Past Month's Most Commented Stories