The Casper Journal :: Casper's Community Newspaper

Each year, the Mills Town Council votes on the renewal of its liquor licenses at a meeting in early October.

This year’s meeting on Oct. 8 will be a little more lively than usual.

There will be vocal opposition to the proposed transfer of a license from Keyhole Liquors, one of several businesses located in the former J Flag Arena on Poison Spider Road, to a new owner and a new location.

Keyhole initially opened as a package store that grew into a small, sit-down bar.

“We want to put a stop to it before it gets too far along so they’ll know people are opposed to it,” said Mills resident Elsie Herbort.

Keyhole Liquors’ license is up for renewal and transfer to John Johnson, the Casper restaurant entrepreneur who owns Johnny J’s, Eggington’s and Old Chicago in Casper.

According to the Mills town clerk, Johnson’s application indicates that if the transfer is approved, he’ll use the retail license to open a package liquor store in the former Red’s Market in Mountain View Plaza Shopping Center.

Johnson did not respond to the Casper Journal about his plans.

The small town of Mills grew to a population of close to 3,000 with the annexation of Mountain View last year. Based on population, the town has eight retail liquor licenses available.

All but one are in use, and every one of the operating establishments is a bar. The bars include the Beacon, Baha Beach Company, Bayou, Hideaway, Oregon Trail, the VFW and Keyhole Liquors.

The town is also a drive-through for Casper patrons headed home from two County-licensed establishments located just outside the town limits, on West Yellowstone Highway on the way to the airport.

Mills Police Chief Jerry Endresen said his department cooperates with the Natrona County Sheriff’s Department to deal with problem drinkers from the Horseshoe Bar and likely from the gentlemen’s club that will reopen in the former Cowboys Saloon and Dance Hall.

“When is enough enough?” Endresen asked.

Mills has “quite a few DUIs for a small town,” 26 in September, according to Endresen.

The police force is larger than would be necessary if the town was out in the middle of nowhere, away from a large population center, with fewer bars, he added.

The law enforcement official estimated an isolated town that sleeps 3,000 could be protected 24 hours a day, seven days a week with 5-6 officers.

Instead, Mills has 11 officers, including Endresen, who currently staff his department.

The town added one officer last year when Mills inherited the Oregon Trail Bar and VFW as part of the Mountain View annexation.

“I’d love to see somebody build a restaurant with a bar (in Mills),” Endresen said. “Right now, the only interest is in selling alcohol.”

Endresen compared Mills to Evansville, a similar sized town on the other end of Casper.

Evansville has three bars, not counting the bars in four eating and drinking establishments like Applebee’s and Outback Steak House.

Hat Six Travel Plaza soon may add a small-scale lounge to its package store.

Evansville had three DUIs in September, with a total of 90 for the fiscal year ended June 30, according to Evansville Police Chief Zack Gentile.

“The drinking problem is catastrophic, out of control in this county,” Gentile said. “We’re picking them up in the daytime now. If anyone’s going to speak out against DUIs and bars, it’s me.”

Although the transfer to Johnson for a package store won’t change the status quo of liquor-selling establishments within the town limits, Endresen is not in favor of the transfer to what could be a more prominent, larger location.

The Mills council turned down a request last year to add a package operation to one of two convenience stores on West Yellowstone Highway within the town limits.

“We have an obligation for the welfare of citizens,” Endresen said. “I think we have enough.”

Herbort, and the others who will present a petition opposing the transfer at the Mills Town Council meeting, agree.

“It’s the image they’re establishing for this community,” she said. “Do we need a trashy image?”

The Mills Town Council meets on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. at the Mills Town Hall.

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