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Anthony Ogden, a sophomore at Kelso High School, was working on his senior project when the Hilander Bowl was closed Wednesday morning. Greg Ebersole / The Daily News

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State agents close Kelso's Hilander

Wednesday, October 15, 2008 10:04 PM PDT

By Erik Olson

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State Department of Revenue agents shut down the Hilander Family Fun Center Wednesday morning for failing to pay back taxes, a potentially fatal blow for the struggling business.

The action came about a week after a federal bankruptcy judge dismissed owner Jim Springer’s request for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which had been protecting the business from the 45 creditors who are owed about $1.75 million.

The Department of Revenue has issued seven warrants for $436,730 in unpaid sales taxes dating back to August 2005. Springer has paid some of that debt, and court documents indicate the agency still is owed around $385,000.

Springer said the Hilander could reopen, but he needs more time. He is planning to appeal the bankruptcy judge’s ruling by the end of the week, and he said he feels the Department of Revenue acted too hastily in closing the business.

“You’re dealing with an agency, from my perspective, that absolutely doesn’t care about the jobs and the community,” Springer said Wednesday in a telphone interview from an out-of-town business meeting.

If the appeal is denied, it’s unlikely the Hilander could survive, he acknowledged.

The Hilander employs about 60 people and has been a gathering place for children and adults in Kelso. The 41,000-square-foot complex features a bowling alley, restaurant, lounge, arcade, Lazer Tag, carousel and a three-story children’s play area.

“This is a huge loss, not just to us, but to the community,” Springer said.

“There will be no winners in this situation if we’re not allowed to do something about this.”

This is the second time this year the agency has moved to shut down the entertainment center. The Hilander was shut down for five days in February after a 2007 bankruptcy filing was rescinded. It reopened after Springer put up a $100,000 bond and agreed to a payment plan for the back taxes.

However, Springer missed a payment on the back taxes. He said the money was improperly seized by his bank for other debts, and the state sought to revoke his bond and dismiss the second bankruptcy filing.

“We can’t allow that to continue and have a business that is operating without paying taxes,” said Mike Gowrylow, spokesman for the Department of Revenue. “It’s unfortunate, but in this case, unavoidable.”

Springer and his wife, Cindy, moved the Hilander to its current location at 200 Kelso Drive in April 2004 and invested $3 million into the fun center. The former site across the street at 1509 Allen St., which Springer bought in 1979, sold by foreclosure earlier this year.

Despite early struggles following the shutdown this spring, the Hilander was beginning to pick up, Springer said. October’s revenue picture was nearly on par with last year, he said.

Anthony Ogden, a sophomore at Kelso High School, was in the Hilander painting a mural for a class project when state agents entered the building and told everyone to leave.

Sitting outside the front door Wednesday afternoon, Ogden said he’s upset the Hilander is closing because he needs to finish the art project for school.

“I have to get it done, and now I can’t,” Ogden said.

Related article:

Hilander loses bankruptcy protection 

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clay1976 wrote on Oct 15, 2008 12:53 PM:

" Time to let it go Springer. "

Past Chinook wrote on Oct 15, 2008 1:01 PM:

" Give up and go home.... The only people I feel sorry for in this situation are the employees. "

safetygirl wrote on Oct 15, 2008 1:06 PM:

" Anyone know when Pietro's is opening up? "

chick3k wrote on Oct 15, 2008 1:07 PM:

" Are we sure that we know the whole story? Or just the information printed in the newspaper? Personally, I like the Hilander. It is a great place to take the family for a night out. Bigger kids enjoy it there, as well as the younger ones. Those in glass houses.... "

ltown wrote on Oct 15, 2008 1:17 PM:

" Another buisness lost!! I really hope somebody buys it and keeps it going! "

CHENEY119 wrote on Oct 15, 2008 1:20 PM:

" Robert D. Putnam's book Bowling Alone: America's Declining Social Capital documented the dropping rates of participation in all civic activities; church, clubs (Elks, Moose, etc) and bowling leagues. Why does it surprise any of us that the Highlander would be extremely vulnerable to failure while expanding while bowling as a recreation activity is contracting? I predict that when the Highlander quits operation it will not remain a bowling alley. I hope that a valuable building will not remain empty long. The other question that springs to mind is why anyone thinks this is a good activity for children? It's barely athletic, it's kind of expensive, you tell me is this what kids want to do? This is the kind of endeavor where you could be board while doing it. " "

TDN Bad Boy wrote on Oct 15, 2008 1:26 PM:

" How does a guy with a bowling alley get $1.75 million in debt? And that doesn't even include the back taxes. Something is seriously wrong here. "

bulldog42 wrote on Oct 15, 2008 1:41 PM:

" Time for springer to move on and open another chapter in his life. I hope the state takes some of his personal assets to recoup some of the debt owed to the state. But unfortunally if his business was set up as a corporation, you can't touch his personal assets, unless the laws have changed. "

dalefanfromwa wrote on Oct 15, 2008 1:47 PM:

" Cheney 119 may be right about bowling not being as popular as it used to be but if it's the decline in league membership that is to blame for this whole thing, How come the Triangle Bowl is flourishing? Springer did not count on the bowling to keep him open. He has said on many occasions that he doesn't make his money on the bowling. He expected the bar, restaurant & fun center to carry the business. I truly hope he does manage to keep this business open. One bowling center isn't enough to meet the demand of league bowlers in this area.(Yes, there are many of us!) If he doesn't it will hurt the Triangle Bowl too. They can not possibly fill the need for all leagues & without another bowling center in the area Triangle can not host any BIG tournaments. Which is where most centers make their money. "

Buford McGee wrote on Oct 15, 2008 1:51 PM:

" Put it to rest you bunch of sniveling whiners. Get a life. It'd done. You got your wish. Let it go and move on! "

Cheney119 wrote on Oct 15, 2008 1:58 PM:

" There used to be 3 bowling alleys now there is one, could be one answer to the Triangle Bowl's success. Second price and advertising that the Triangle has done is another possible answer. Triangle could afford it because they didn't expand so quickly and unwisely. Didn't the Triangle have to close temporarily and reorganize recently? Bowling participation is actually growing, league bowling is shrinking and was documented by Putnam's book. The Pietros thing needs my two cents, why would anybody build a 30,000 sqft pizza parlor? Doesn't that seem like overkill especially in a town with a pizza parlor on every block already? "

happyreader wrote on Oct 15, 2008 2:25 PM:

" My children liked the fun center... 5 dollars for 3 hours was silly though since kids grow tired after about an hour. The pizza was so so. Good place for parties. I agree, if you won't pay your taxes and bills then stop protecting him. Triangle is much better priced and the food and drinks are good too!!! "

DUH wrote on Oct 15, 2008 2:46 PM:

" I'd like to be able to say, "It sucks to be you" Mr. Springer but, in this case I guess it'd be better to say, It sucks because of you. "

KT_32 wrote on Oct 15, 2008 2:52 PM:

" It is true! This town will not be able to hold any large tournaments with only 1 bowling alley. The past state tourney in April/May was a trial to attempt to do it with only 2 bowling facilities. It was a success, but we will no longer be the host city with only the Triangle. The Triangle does have better prices than the Hilander which could be a reason to their success. But, I wish the best to all of my Hilander friends that stuck it out 'til the end. I'll miss you guys! "

JOECAM wrote on Oct 15, 2008 2:53 PM:

" Maybe Bush can bail Springer out. Where will I go for breakfast now????? "

classic_mustang_chick wrote on Oct 15, 2008 3:19 PM:

" I must say I'm happy...about time the state does something right... "

Go Chinooks!!! wrote on Oct 15, 2008 3:23 PM:

" This is all the fault of Bush and his economic policy failures coming home to roost. Bush is also resposible for every other thing in your life that is wrong or you don't like or you don't want to be accountable for. So, hurry up and blame him for anything you've missed, he ain't going be around much longer...and then whom will you blame?? "

JOECAM wrote on Oct 15, 2008 3:32 PM:

" I wasn't blaming Bush. I'm just saying if Bush is going to bail out all the mortgage thieves, maybe he can bail out a tax thief too. "

nexus wrote on Oct 15, 2008 4:09 PM:

" bulldog42 how could you say such a thing? Why would you ever want to wish someones personal assets be confiscated? This is not Enron! I'm amazed at how some of you will still kick someone when they are already down! It was a business that went south pure and simple. He probably chose paying salaries over his tax bill, I don't know and neither do you! You should be ashamed of yourselves! "

mom of four wrote on Oct 15, 2008 5:18 PM:

" WHAT TOOK SO LONG? ANYWAYS, ABOUT TIME. "

Nintendo Fan180 wrote on Oct 15, 2008 5:27 PM:

" Woot about time. "

Gabby wrote on Oct 15, 2008 6:42 PM:

" Sorry for the employees yes...but not for him. He should have been paying his taxes when they were due. It is his fault alone that the unemployment rate just went up again in our county. I really hope there is not a judge out there that will help him out of this mess....it is time to stand up and be a man Springer...pay your taxes "

DUH wrote on Oct 15, 2008 6:44 PM:

" Because of his own carelessness, 45 other businesses (his creditors) have been adversely affected. If any one of us were to take goods and services from anyone or any business without paying, we'd be in jail. 45 other businesses are suffering revenue losses because he hasn't paid them. The closing isn't due to him not paying his creditors. It's due to him not paying his taxes. If any one of us were to fail in the paying of our taxes, we'd be in jail. I think he's getting of pretty light. He has been given 3 years to pay his taxes and has failed to do so. There comes a time when you have to ask yourselves, Is this business a benefit to our community, or is it a burden? The answer is obvious, it's a burden. Not only to us taxpayers but to his creditors as well. "

tallsy wrote on Oct 15, 2008 6:55 PM:

" i love the Hilander Bowling Alley and fun center very much. Jim Needs to pay off all his taxes so the Hilander can stay open. It isn't fair to anyone else who loves to bowl. Please Jim pay all your taxes off "

herenkelso wrote on Oct 15, 2008 8:08 PM:

" Personally I think it's a poor community spirit that so many people jump up on the trash wagon. Kick'em while they're down? Way to go people. Hope that's not what happens as each one of us goes through problems in life, regardless of what brought them on. "

Gondolapete wrote on Oct 15, 2008 8:14 PM:

" I could not care less when someone does not pay their state tax bill..I hope the state has more people refuse to pay.. "

Lucky7 wrote on Oct 15, 2008 8:21 PM:

" Nobody should be happy that any local business had to close up. In this economy I'm sure more will follow. I just hope the State truly does all they can to help our independent small business owners. The Hilander was an asset to Cowlitz County and I'm sorry to see it go. Good Luck Mr. Springer! "

CONCERENED wrote on Oct 15, 2008 8:25 PM:

" ALL I CAN SAY IS THIS "ITS ABOUT TIME" IM SORRY FOR THE EMPLOYEES BUT ITS ALL ABOUT PAYING TAXES/BILLS "

finchica wrote on Oct 15, 2008 8:39 PM:

" In the 2 years I have lived in the LV Kelso area have never been to the Hilander bowl but honestly sounds like the owner wasn't meant to be an entrepreneur. "

racingrocks wrote on Oct 15, 2008 8:41 PM:

" What a travesty.And I can always tell those on here who have no clue about what is really going on. They are the same ones that will complain that there is nothing to do in this town. "

bmoc wrote on Oct 15, 2008 9:29 PM:

" Springer had no clue about marketing and presentation. He spent a ton of money to fix up the place and it looked so tacky. He wanted his huge bar to cater to the older crowd because we all know they spend so much on booze... The guy just didin't have a clue- meanwhile he collected taxes from his patrons and didn't turn the $ over to the state. For that he is a crook and should do time! "

Ms. Z wrote on Oct 16, 2008 12:04 AM:

" So many people are crying out "Support the local business, it's for the CHILDREN!!" Well to me, when each person went to the Highlander and paid the taxes they were requested to pay they were supporting the business, when Mr. Springer did not in turn hand the money over to where they were supposedly allocated to go, he is the one not looking out for the children, not the people who are tired of watching/reading about his plight and feel he should have to pay taxes just like we had to pay them to him. "

krilov wrote on Oct 16, 2008 7:30 AM:

" He has had his many chances to pay his taxes and this time it is too late, Sorry Jim but you have to pay taxes like the rest us! I grew up bowling...not through the Hilander but Triangle and they have always been better priced, Hilander was always over priced for bowling. Jim put too much money into something he couldnt afford in the first place...wasnt such a big hit after all. Maybe at first but people get bored. Triangle will always be a better alley my way. "

rainbird wrote on Oct 16, 2008 7:34 AM:

" Pay you d*** bills, Springer. You're the one who went into this venture now you pay the piper. Why do you expect the tax payer to eat you bills? Along with business comes risk. You lose. "

somedude wrote on Oct 16, 2008 7:34 AM:

" Awesome! Sorry to all you Bowlers and Broke Down video Games buffs but I was furious when they let him re-open when the little pizza parlor across town didn't get the same chance to re-open like The Highlander did, and the pizza parlor owed way way less than Springer.
I hope they do not let the place re-open! No one should feel sorry for Springer at all, he is the one who misused OUR tax money fully knowing that it was wrong and illegal! "

concerned wrote on Oct 16, 2008 7:38 AM:

" Hey Gondola why dont you skip paying your taxes like the highland owener did maybe you will get a stiffer sentence and not just a slap on the wrist like he is getting. "

imlovinit wrote on Oct 16, 2008 7:45 AM:

" too bad, the Hilander's an asset to the area, hopefully something can be done to keep it open once again "

Resident wrote on Oct 16, 2008 8:00 AM:

" Springer has gotten by with this kind of stuff for way too long. Time to Go. "

mom of 2 wrote on Oct 16, 2008 8:47 AM:

" Hopefully the art student's teacher will give the kid an extension to finish his project. I'd really hate to see a students grade suffer because of someone else.
My best friend works there, and I feel sorry for her and all the rest of the employees, but not the Springer's. Good luck to everyone getting new jobs in this area. They're going to need it. "

Old Bag wrote on Oct 16, 2008 9:07 AM:

" Every time something happens Springer is "out of town at a business meeting". Maybe if he stayed IN town and ran his business he would still be open. He goes to a lot of out-of-town business meetings...aren't they a write off? hmmmmm "

fraidykatt wrote on Oct 16, 2008 9:25 AM:

" Cheney119 obviously never visited the Hilander because if he had he'd know that though bowling is on the decline in America it is alive and well at the Hilander. I often had to wait to get a lane when I bowled there. If they would just allow the owner more time I know he could pay his debts and back taxes. The place was busy and boomin'. It's a place I liked to take my daughter and a place I liked to meet friends. It truly is a place for fun for all ages. "

fraidykatt wrote on Oct 16, 2008 9:38 AM:

" Think about it people. If they shut him down for good all that money that is owed is GONE. If they allow him to re-open he can pay his debts. As always the comments from this community are a perfect display of ignorance and a complete lack of understanding of what's going on in the community and the rest of the world. They say ignorance is bliss but it doesn't seem to make any of you very blissful. "

Rocko wrote on Oct 16, 2008 10:17 AM:

" If they were still feeding christians to lions these are the type of people that would show up to watch. fraidykatt you are right. "

smartblonde wrote on Oct 16, 2008 10:35 AM:

" SERIOUSLY??? SPRINGER HAD 60 EMPLOYEES? HOW DOES IT TAKE 60 EMPLOYEES TO RUN THAT PLACE? HE JUST NEVER HAD GOOD COMMON BUSINESS SENSE. AND THAT'S JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG! SO LONG HILANDER. "

smartblonde wrote on Oct 16, 2008 10:36 AM:

" OH... AND LET'S HEAR ALL THE PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT NOW THERE'S NOTHING FOR OUR KIDS TO DO... SO THEY'LL BE GETTING INTO TROUBLE WITH DRUGS AND ALCHOHOL. OH PLEASE! HOW ABOUT YOU ACTUALLY PARENT YOUR CHILDREN INTO BEING GOOD KIDS WITH MORALS AND BELIEFS TO WHERE THEY CAN HAVE FUN AND STAY OUT OF TROUBLE EVEN IF THERE ISN'T A BOWLING ALLEY FOR THEM TO GO TO. "

DUH wrote on Oct 16, 2008 11:08 AM:

" You see there fraidykatt,
" Think about it people. If they shut him down for good all that money that is owed is GONE. If they allow him to re-open he can pay his debts." There are 45 other businesses out there (his creditors) and the Department of Revenue that don't see it that way. They can close the business, sell it, and use the money to pay off his debts. "

bulldog42 wrote on Oct 16, 2008 11:12 AM:

" nexus- Losing personal assets is the price you sometimes have to pay for taking the risk of being a business owner. Somehow some of those back taxes need to be paid. The money will need to come from the business assets or his personal ones. If any of us fell behind on my property or federal taxes the government will seek what ever means allowable by law to recover those funds. Why should Springer be any different, he made business decisions that didn't work out and now he needs to face the consquences. If that means closing the Hilander and losing some of his personal assets. That is the risk a business owner takes. Yes it's horrible that this happening, but business is business and there is nothing we can do. "

lovingmom wrote on Oct 16, 2008 11:46 AM:

" My family just moved into Longview, and I seldom went into Kelso, and wandered what Hilander was about. So, my husband and I went to check it out (before we heard about the problems the business was having)it seemed like a nice place, we even talked about having a holiday family gathering (Thanksgiving or New Years) there. Well, guess it won't happen now... May plan to head to Big Al's in Vancouver. My kids live in Vancouver, anyways, so... it won't be hard to plan our family fun there...
By the way...I agree with Same Dude... I was wandering why does Mr. Springer go out of town, when his business is about to be locked up. Oh well... You win some... and then, You lose some... in this case. seem like Hilander lost big time... "

lovingmom wrote on Oct 16, 2008 11:50 AM:

" Kudos to bulldog42... "

rosy wrote on Oct 16, 2008 11:57 AM:

" Hey guys,
How come no one noticed that this place was installed at the SAME time as Chuck E. Cheese, just across the freeway? C'mon. It was doomed to fail from the start. A fair amount of what they do is a competing market. It doesn't take a psychic to figure out this place just doesn't have resources to support both places. "

buggymuffin wrote on Oct 16, 2008 12:08 PM:

" bulldog42,

Actually, sales tax is different than other taxes in that it is a trustee tax and was never his to spend in the first place. As such, the State has the right to go after all those responsible for paying the tax including the Corporate Officers. My guess is that if the Highlander is incorporated, Mr. Springer is President and still liable for the taxes. "

Cheney119 wrote on Oct 16, 2008 2:17 PM:

" " Cheney119 obviously never visited the Hilander, you are absolutely right I didn't even know it had moved until the articles about they're bankruptcy. I think bowling isn't a sport. It is an activity that is boring while you're doing it. They last time I bowled was in the Diego Garcia Navy Base in 1983 (an island in the Indian Ocean) while on shore leave. If bowling is doing so great why is there only one of three bowling alleys left, and didn't the Triangle have to shutdown because of financial troubles, yah bowling is doing great! "

nexus wrote on Oct 16, 2008 3:04 PM:

" Bulldog I know what the laws our and the risks you take when you open a business. But to wish and hope he gets his assets taken is uncompassionate and mean. It would happen weather you hoped it would or not (unless he is incorporated). "

classic_mustang_chick wrote on Oct 16, 2008 3:59 PM:

" I found the old thread about the last time hilander closed...join the townsware forums if there are things that you want to say that have been sensored here with the article...its really not fair that I can't respond to personal attacks that have been taken down before I get the chance to read them. "

dalefanfromwa wrote on Oct 16, 2008 4:37 PM:

" Cheney119... Get your information right. The Triangle has NEVER shut down for financial reasons since Beau, Kurt & Scott took it over. It did close down for one week the summer of 2006 so they could put in the new pro shop. They have also updated the score keepers and added Thunder Alley both of which they did while staying open. So sorry that you don't like bowling but don't put those that do down. "

just a thought wrote on Oct 16, 2008 6:13 PM:

" I sure see a lot of heartless people in here. I agree that the bills and taxes should be and should have been paid, he did what he could. I believe that since he has already made a large hole in his debt that maybe, given a little more time that he may have been able to pull it off. You people are very quick to point fingers and laugh, what about if it happened to you. Would you be laughing still? He may not have handled his business the way everyone else would have but he has given a lot of people help when they needed it and all anyone is doing is turning their backs now. By closing down there are a lot more people out of work, including our family. Try having a little sympathy. We now have no income and very few options. "

DS wrote on Oct 16, 2008 7:51 PM:

" fraidykatt, you are one of the few on this blog who seems to get it. To DUH, there is a goodcchance that when the assests are sold at an auction (as they probably will be) that there will not be enough money to pay off the loans against the place and lots of people will end up losing what is owed to them. After all folks don't go to any type of forced sale to pay top doller. "

herenkelso wrote on Oct 16, 2008 8:51 PM:

" To have sympathy you have to have empathy. I don't see very much empathy in most of the comments 'just a thought'. Just a lot of vicious or judgmental comments. I have to wonder..have the people who have been the most judgmental actually gone to the Hilander and said these things to the Springers in person? or just like to say these thing behind anonymous comments. "

allaboutschools wrote on Oct 16, 2008 9:51 PM:

" The Hilander was a class place a great bar, good food, everything was A-1. It is a darn shame that didn't fly. I think they should put a roller skating rink/dance hall in that place. "

joycenanajh wrote on Oct 17, 2008 8:26 AM:

" I want to know what Mr Springer did with the money he was supposed to use to pay his taxes? Seems to me all of his "business trip" should have been postponed instead of spending the money. If your not makeinf enough cut staff 60 people is alot of staff for that place. If you want a good breakfast try the Monticello Hotel. I think Springer bit off more that he could chew and he should have stuck with the bowling alley with the restaurant. Fun center was a joke. The people were rude and the prices were over the top. I never had a great expierence there. Pay you bills Springer. You charged the tax money on the customers bills so it should have been put aside. I feel sorry for the 60 employees that lost their jobs! "

classic_mustang_chick wrote on Oct 17, 2008 12:51 PM:

" Joycenanajh you are right...The Monticello has a great breakfast at reasonable prices and they open at 6 am if I remember correctly. "

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