Full Forecaste

Past Month's Most Commented Stories

Home > Area News

Springer hoping to reopen Hilander by weekend

Friday, October 24, 2008 9:31 PM PDT

By Barbara LaBoe

Font Size:
 
 

Jim Springer said he’s not giving up on his Hilander Family Fun Center and hopes to have the troubled Kelso business reopened as early as Friday night. It’s unclear if he’ll convince a judge to agree, though.

Springer plans to ask a Cowlitz County Superior Court judge Friday to grant an injunction against the state Department of Revenue, which shut his business down last week.

Springer said the state violated its own rules when it revoked his license and is further damaging his business with the action. Springer also said he’s considering a civil case against the state.

Springer said the state’s action were a “miscarriage of justice,” and he’s optimistic a judge will agree. If the injunction is granted — which is not guaranteed — Springer said he plans to reopen his business this evening.

He also hopes to convince some local investors to raise $200,000 short term and $1.2 million long term to save the business. Springer declined to give any specifics of who he’s talked with but said he’s encouraged.

He still faces an uphill battle, though.

Wednesday, Springer won temporary relief from an eviction notice signed by Superior Court Judge Jim Warme just two days earlier. Springer now has until Oct. 27 to file paperwork explaining why he shouldn’t be evicted.

Riverway SPE LCC of Seattle first sought to evict Springer last spring based on nearly $30,000 in overdue rent. That eviction was halted, though, when Springer obtained bankruptcy protection.

Springer lost bankruptcy protection earlier this month but appealed that decision earlier this week in federal court. It’s his second bankruptcy filing in two years.

According to Springer, bankruptcy protection would allow the Hilander to reopen, put 60 employees back to work and raise the money to pay some 45 creditors roughly $1.75 million.

State officials, though, say it’s unlikely the bankruptcy appeal will be successful.

The state Assistant Attorney General handling Springer’s case said Thursday that the new appeal is moot because Springer didn’t get a stay on the bankruptcy pending his appeal. In addition, Zachary Mosner said that state’s revocation of Springer’s business license is not reversible in bankruptcy court.

It is a class C felony to operate a business when the license has been revoked, Mosner said.

The state closed the Hilander for the second time this year for failing to pay $385,000 in back taxes. Springer said he’s been current on all new payments and was making progress on the old debt, which is why the second closure “flabbergasted” him.

“The state has had just a total disregard for the employees and families here,” Springer said. “I’ve never had so much support from the public as I’ve had in the past three weeks.”

Springer moved his business from its longtime location on Allen Street and into a nearby former supermarket in 2003. He invested at least $2.7 million in renovating the building, which includes a bowling alley, lounge, restaurant and arcade.

UPDATE: Hilander expected to reopen Friday night

Related articles:

Hilander loses bankruptcy protection  (Oct. 15)

State agents close Kelso's Hilander  (Oct. 16)

Springer files appeal to reinstate bankruptcy protection for Hilander Bowl  (Oct. 22)

Previous Next

loudly wrote on Oct 23, 2008 11:45 PM:

" Why not sell the business to the employees at the steep discount it's gonna get at auction? At least then those few employees will get some money out of the joint. From what I witnessed, going in there from time to time, the employees took more pride in the place than springer ever did. In fact, I can't remember a time that I saw him in there. Hmmmmmmm. He likes to own the restaurant just doesn''t like to work there? "

UW Squirrels wrote on Oct 24, 2008 12:27 AM:

" Oh give me a break, Springer. You're done. Realize it and move on. "

sleepless wrote on Oct 24, 2008 12:59 AM:

" oh come on...
enough already for crying out loud... "

stargoddess wrote on Oct 24, 2008 4:36 AM:

" He just keeps blaming everyone else for the mess that he's in. There's no accountability with him. Totally amazing. "

skibowlruler wrote on Oct 24, 2008 5:09 AM:

" wait does springer have his hand in the tdn?... guess i'll see "

concerned wrote on Oct 24, 2008 7:03 AM:

" Oh come on Springer give it up already..people are so tired of hearing about this. You've been closed down for the second time...just stay that way and get on with your life. "

feistyone wrote on Oct 24, 2008 7:25 AM:

" Give it up. If a person owes as much as Springer in back taxes, etc and has filed bankruptcy in the last 2 years, he obviously doesn't know how to manage money or a business. "

sickened wrote on Oct 24, 2008 7:28 AM:

" Hang it up, Springer. Stop wasting our time and money.
In your own words,"The state has had just a total disregard for the employees and families here." I've been a customer in the past and felt a total disregard for my family on several different occasions, which made me cease going to your establishment. And as a lawabiding tax payer, I believe YOU are the one that has a total disregard for the state.
You can't right a wrong at this point. Just give it up. "

Silly Billy wrote on Oct 24, 2008 7:29 AM:

" Here we go again... Mr Springer, put a fork in it, IT'S DONE! "

lucky1 wrote on Oct 24, 2008 7:35 AM:

" Its time to let it go. I hope the judge see's through all the bull and rejects your appeal. Pay your bills! "

Lucky7 wrote on Oct 24, 2008 7:53 AM:

" Good Luck Jim! I'll be in for another one of those fabulous Scottie Pizza's! "

Miss smart tart wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:03 AM:

" Maybe Bush could help him out. He seems to be bailing out everyone else these days. How many times can someone file bankruptcy ????? "

coveredinit wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:43 AM:

" FOR CRYING OUT LOUD PEOPLE! A family's world - and that of his employee's - is falling down around them. Back off Springer for a while. "

Kalama Dude wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:49 AM:

" Is this Springer related to the Jerry variety because his life sures seems to have become one big circus. Do yourself a favor and consider early your keep in the stock market. Can't be anymore of a risk that what you have had so far this century. "

El GabAlot wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:50 AM:

" Springer must not read these blogs. I don't see "much support from the public" here. "

sillyone wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:51 AM:

" last time i checked if you cant pay your bills and or your employees you should lock the doors and move on that includes taxes the stupidest thing you did was to move without selling the other building, i nor my family will be back we will not support this kind of business in town, i hope they keep your doors locked "

G444QM wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:54 AM:

" KEEPING UP ON THE TAXES WOULD NOT HAVE PUT HIM IN THIS TROUBLE. IS THERE A LESSON TO BE LEARNED HERE? "

Pat83t wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:57 AM:

" Isn't there a law against beating a dead horse? "

DUH wrote on Oct 24, 2008 9:23 AM:

" $1.75 million owed to creditors. $385,000 owed in back taxes. $30,000 owed in back rent. Filed for bankruptcy twice. Now you are asking investors for another $1.4 million? WHAT?!?!? "

Stableone wrote on Oct 24, 2008 9:44 AM:

" You've tried enough, now it's time to let someone who knows what they are doing take over. You have had many chances to take care of this and still you let your taxes go so you can take a vacation. Think about your employees for once and sell the place. "

Momof2 wrote on Oct 24, 2008 10:30 AM:

" The only reason that he is getting ANY support is because TDN keeps putting him in the paper. Businesses around here close all the time, employees' jobs are lost, but there is no public outcry for them. Why? Cause it never makes the paper. Springer's employees need to move on. This is not the employee's fault, but they need to face the reality of the situation and let it go. This business is not going to make it. This community cannot support the Hilander. Look around people, this county is going downhill fast. "

cuz wrote on Oct 24, 2008 10:32 AM:

" To coverinit: If you were as far behind in your mortgage and/or rent and not paying your taxes, you would be out on the street or in jail. I feel for the employees, but they knew this was coming and have had ample time to find other work. Hows that song go, "turn out the lights, the partys over...." "

RealityCheck wrote on Oct 24, 2008 10:44 AM:

" Really........would anyone actually invest in this craziness? "

country gal wrote on Oct 24, 2008 10:46 AM:

" I got to hand it to Springer. He's quite a fighter & I hope he makes it. From past experiences with people that I know that tries to run a business of their own including my own kin, it's true that the 'state has total disregard for families and employees'. The federal acts the same way. In case you don't know it, all employees that work for the state and federal get paid by us taxpayers including health and retirement benefits. Politicians tries to think of all kinds to add more taxes and fees to burden us taxpayers, small & big business owners to keep up with. Try running a business of your own. Think you can cough up $385 thou of back taxes in 2 months? Bet you 3/4 is based solely on fines & penalties. Self-employed business may have have chance but with employees, it's a struggle. "

the Grateful Dad wrote on Oct 24, 2008 10:47 AM:

" So much negativity in these comments. Please note, El GabAlot, these are NOT "blogs", they are reader comments. A blog is a "web log", a personal "log" or "journal" kept on a page on the World Wide Web. Now, back to the pathetic negativity of most people who comment here concerning most articles at TDN; why don't YOU people give it a rest! We're more tired of reading your negative comments than we are of reading about Jim Springer's struggle to keep the Hilander open. It's no wonder our kids always want to move out of town when they're grown! Their parents and neighbors have NOTHING positive to say about anything! PATHETIC! It's time that EVERYONE in Cowlitz County sat down and watched Pollyanna at least three times consecutively! Maybe, only maybe, after watching Pollyanna several times, you'll all find something to be "glad about" in ANY situation. Good grief, people! Lighten up! KEEP ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF LIFE! The cup is half-full! "

herenkelso wrote on Oct 24, 2008 10:54 AM:

" I admire that family's fortitude. Good luck! "

stargoddess wrote on Oct 24, 2008 10:55 AM:

" I can't imagine any investor being naive enough to give Springer a dime, considering how he has managed his money in the past. "

TeenCitizen wrote on Oct 24, 2008 11:14 AM:

" Kids want to move out of longview because there's not really much variety of entertainment. Bowling, Movie, Lake. I have never thought for a second "golly, people here sure are negative towards a failing business that wont give up and die, im gonna leave" "

DONE wrote on Oct 24, 2008 11:20 AM:

" OK PEOPLE!!! Really, enough is enough. Springer has been battling with this for a long time and I agree that he should give it up. If the courts approve his appeal, great, good for him, he's back in business and the employees are back to work. But, ask yourself, for how long? How long till this happens again? Will all the employees want to go back to work for him in this situation? How many will move on and keep fighting to get other work somewhere else where their taxes are being paid by the employer and paychecks are not made of rubber? If the courts deny his appeal, he's done, the business stays closed until someone buys it out and takes over. It's beating a dead horse in many places. Times are tough right now, there are reputable jobs out there, we are going into the holidays. I feel for the employees and wish Springer Good Luck, but, it is time to move on. It's only gonna get deeper with the appeal, a civil suit, an injunction and possible eviction. IS IT REALLY WORTH ALL THIS? Am I making any sense? Can anyone take a look at the events playing out in the BIG picture. You're born, you work, most of us PAY taxes, you die. Point made! End it. "

Kelso Resident wrote on Oct 24, 2008 12:03 PM:

" I personally can't see why he moved from his previous location, I think he should have just used his money to remodel that building stead of spending 3+ million in fixing up his current location. I like to give everyone a chance but in all honesty how much is too much? "

yowza wrote on Oct 24, 2008 12:28 PM:

" I would like to make a comment to the Investors who are going to give Springer money !! WHAT ARE YOU THINKING????? You must not be very good investors when there's a clown like Springer mismanaging money and not paying taxes. If you are looking to quickly get rid of your money, give me $200K and I bet I can spend it faster than Springer!! No...wait...Springer has already spent it !! LOL "

LongviewFam wrote on Oct 24, 2008 12:52 PM:

" Arrgh....A few people will continue to come in, but you won't have most of the public supporting you, Jim. Go out gracefully, please. "

Past Chinook wrote on Oct 24, 2008 12:56 PM:

" Springer and his wife were always there, but most of the time sitting and watching.. I still thikn there is no excuse for this loss, hang it up! "

Gondolapete wrote on Oct 24, 2008 2:03 PM:

" Not only do I hope he makes it...I hope he figures out a way to pay pennies on the real amount owed to state agencies...nothing makes me feel better than when someone screws the state outta money... "

bmoc wrote on Oct 24, 2008 2:11 PM:

" Gondola - why is it so great to screw the state out of money. So poor kids don't get meals at school, or disabled people don't get access to services, or mental health patients get to wander the streets without help and medication. That's what happens when you screw the money out of the state. Jim not only screwed the state, he screwed his patrons who paid him a sales tax. I don't care what you did with the money Jim, when you collect a tax from me, and use it to pay anything else than taxes, you are a crook! "

Rocko wrote on Oct 24, 2008 2:37 PM:

" How many of you shop in oregon to save sales tax? thats what I thought. every last one of us do it. That is also screwing the state bmoc. But nobody looks at that. So we are all crooks to a certain degree. I cant believe Im defending in this issue. I dont even like the Springers! but, I believe we all have the right to fight for what we believe in. "

bmoc wrote on Oct 24, 2008 2:53 PM:

" Not quite Rocko, he State Dept of Revenue is watching what comes back across the border, trust me. If it's over a certain amount and they find out about it, be prepared to pay up. If fighting for what you believe in includes taking people's money for one purpose and spending it on another purpose - then I hope you lose that fight, and I hope Mr. Springer does as well... it's about time! "

country gal wrote on Oct 24, 2008 2:55 PM:

" bmoc: don't blame Springer or any of us taxpayers for screwing the states' money. Blame it on the politicians for not prioritizing and balancing the budget. "

country gal wrote on Oct 24, 2008 2:57 PM:

" And Rocko is right about shopping in Oregon.. "

skeezix wrote on Oct 24, 2008 3:35 PM:

" Country gal, You simply will never to be able to run a balanced budget so long as some people withhold the tax receipts. The budget is based on expected revenue. If business owners fail to turn that revenue over to the state, they will run a deficit to provide services. I want to be clear that I'm not talking about the taxpayer here. I'm talking about businesses who have not turned the taxpayers money the business has collected over to the state. "

country gal wrote on Oct 24, 2008 4:01 PM:

" Skeezix: I am aware that there are those, but only a few, who will try to withhold tax receipts. However, I still believe that state and federal put in way too much fees here and there for any businesses to start or to keep their head above water. This is where I believe it's time to prioritized! Less government and more to the people! "

flash wrote on Oct 24, 2008 4:29 PM:

" I Am an employee at the Hilander,and although I may have some different opinions with the issues at hand with Mr.Springer,I am here to tell him push forword!How many of you would give up what you've spent most of your life doing?Even if some of this could have been avoided by making different chioces,how many of you are without mistake.Give me a break Mr.Springer didn't set out to scew everyone knowing how much he had to lose.Just because you pay a little tax on your food dosen't mean the revenue is there to pay what expenses you have.Here is an example for those that are unaware of what I'm talking about.I'm a waitress, so did you know when you pay for your food I am taxed on what I've served you.I am taxed 8% of your total,if you leave me only 5% I am expected to pay the tax on the rest,which leaves me in the hole.Not everything is black and white.Mr.Springer has been trying to correct those mistakes, and to those that don't know the whole story maybe you should get facts, not everything you read or hear is true. Lesson you should have learned as a child..Why is it people like to kick others when their down,even if it may be self inflicted? For those of you that have sooo much negativity ozzing out of you, maybe you need to sit back and evaluate yourselves and how perfect you are. The world could be a happier place. "

bmoc wrote on Oct 24, 2008 4:33 PM:

" Actually, it's my money - I give it to Springer because he is a business licensed by the State. Then he doesn't turn it over, because he is a terrible businessman. This does not make him an anti-tax hero. It makes him a chump. If you want to fight the no taxation fight, then make the argument where it makes sense. "

flash wrote on Oct 24, 2008 4:48 PM:

" Funny how some positivity works.Just received the call to come back to work.We are reopened people. "

ACP wrote on Oct 24, 2008 5:00 PM:

" Nice try Jim but I think your out of luck this time. The state can't afford to let go of those tax dollars if they continue to give our money away to those who are unwilling to work. I'm afraid your vision for the community and the hard work of your employees just can't compete with the greed and laziness of today's economy. "

The lord of Darkness wrote on Oct 24, 2008 5:01 PM:

" Leave the poor guy alone. I had my first date at the old building and I am sure a lot of people did. It is not just a business it is a place of memory's. And a lot more kids are going to miss out if he loses. That and there isnt really any other place in town for good safe and clean fun. Give the guy a break. And think what if this was you! Dont you think every one deserves a chance to make a living even the waiters and the people who clean up at night when it closes. I hope he makes it work. I will miss the place if he doesnt. "

yowza wrote on Oct 24, 2008 5:26 PM:

" Flash...now wait a minute. You're saying that Mr. Springer has been trying. From what I understand is that the first time he got caught, he was in LAS VEGAS???? Come on!! If he was trying so hard, why would he be in Las Vegas blowing money when he should have used that money to pay down his debt. I'm all for vacations but guess what...business owners make those kind of sacrifices to run a business!! I'm so sick of hearing about "poor Mr. Springer". What ever!!! "

Gondolapete wrote on Oct 24, 2008 5:39 PM:

" bmoc, please spare me the heartugging rhetoric.the only ones screwing people over is the State of Wa..The dept of Labor and industries is a joke..the dept of revenue is a joke...They are ran worse than how most of think Springer is running his business..and as someone who has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to those Gestapo agencies, I know a little about what I talk about...running a business is a lot harder than running your mout... "

DS wrote on Oct 24, 2008 5:50 PM:

" Sorry bmoc it is not your money, when you paid for your purchase it became the state's money. The business has and obligation to turn it over to the state. If the Hilander manages to stay in buisness the state will eventually get every penny, along with plenty of penaltys I am sure. The Hilander has has its difficultys but I for one hope that it makes it and everybody eventually gets paid. "

lovingmom wrote on Oct 24, 2008 8:46 PM:

" Reading all your comments are both funny, and at the same time very understandable why everyone is so frustrated with Mr. Springer. Ever think that maybe Mr. Springer is probably getting a kick out of watching the community reaction towards the news that he planned to get Hilander reopened... So what if you all think he's not a good businessman... let the state deal with it. If he gets shut down again, Oh well... If the Hilander succeeds, well, that's good...now that it has reopened it's doors, I recon some of you will go check it out...and then some of you might just choose to stay away... Don't waste your time squawking at Mr. Springer... right now, he's probably sitting in his easy chair, smiling and enjoying what is before him at this moment...Go watch Jay Leno or do something more contructive...(lol) "

Top Jobs
More Top Jobs
Top Garage Sales
More Top Garage Sales
Top Rentals
More Top Rentals