Nude Dancer Bar In Mansfield, SD Faces Battle

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By Dawn Crawley

A juice bar with nude dancers is scheduled to open next week in Mansfield, South Dakota and many people in town are upset about this.

There is a law stating an adult business cannot be within a quarter mile of a school, playground, or place of worship. The owner of Hunter's Haven says he is opening anyway despite being right across the street from a playground.

That's not going over well with people in town.

"We don't need that here. It's a small community. There's a bunch children around. There's not that many businesses. It's pretty much a residential area," says John Graham.

Residents are concerned about children in the area and the bar with nude dancers being in the middle of town.

The owner, Kit Donley says activities inside won't be seen from outside.

"We are putting up extra walls so they can't see inside, covering up the windows, and probably will put an entry out front."

John Graham says it's against the law.

"The bottom line is if they do it it's illegal. There's a law against it. 97% of the people down there don't want it. I don't know why they would do it."

The law states that an adult oriented business may not be located with a quarter mile of a school, public playground, residence, or place of worship.

Despite the fact there is a playground right across the street the owner says Hunter's Haven will open on Thursday.

"From what my lawyer tells me we can open. We are not going to be open all the time to where that ordinance doesn't obtain to us."

Whether Hunter's Haven will be open for business or closed down quickly remains to be seen.

The Spink County State's Attorney has sent an opinion letter to the owner of Hunter's Haven, the Spink County Commissioners, and residents stating that opening an adult oriented business as defined by the ordinance is prohibited.

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Tuesday, Oct 13 at 12:09 PM no need to know wrote ...

why cant you hunters just go to your local club and get a lap dance and leave us alone keep your filth out of our town

Monday, Oct 12 at 7:22 PM G wrote ...

Hasn't someone in Mansfield tried the stripper thing before years ago in the North Bar? I wonder if it was this bad then or is it that most of you just don't like the owners of this new one.

Monday, Oct 12 at 4:28 PM Anonymous wrote ...

The "problem" is that Mansfield is VERY small..not even 10 blocks big so this WILL affect everyone. It is quiet, peaceful, and full of great memories, so to some of us, it matters. This type of business has no place in Mansfield.

Monday, Oct 12 at 1:34 PM doesn't Matter wrote ...

seriously what is every ones problem? you don't have to go into the bar. It's Just another option for people and as for Your kids they aren't going to be in the bar so it won't even affect them

Monday, Oct 12 at 11:28 AM Wondering wrote ...

If the STU person thinks that money will be coming into town, where exactly will that money be going? Into the Donley's pocket! Well that will certainly help!

Monday, Oct 12 at 11:26 AM SD wrote ...

Dear"STU", if you think that Mansfield is such a "crappy little town" then why do live there? Certainly not to be a good citizen,if you know what that means. Move on please! Don't need you here.

Monday, Oct 12 at 8:34 AM County Neighbor wrote ...

It appears there are some posting comments that are not familiar with the small, rural community of Mansfield. It is so small that it is not possible to have a juice bar and not have every aspect of it blaring in the faces of those who live in the community. The Donleys are more than aware of this and they appear to be sending a loud message to the good folks of Mansfield. You are not respected or valued. Perhaps a message should be returned. Don't give their bar or limo service your money.

Monday, Oct 12 at 7:25 AM Anonymous wrote ...

These srippers also hook. The so called "Juice Bar" has more business than you think.

Monday, Oct 12 at 1:37 AM tlcavvy wrote ...

oh yeah and im sure there will just be TONS of drunk drivers at 4 in the afternoon when your children are at the playground. lol. Its also funny that people promoting good morals cannot even spell it!

Monday, Oct 12 at 1:33 AM tlcavvy wrote ...

We have hundereds of towns across this state dying.. and someone wants to start a business that would bring a TON of $ in.. a juice bar? Do u know what that is? Its where womens boobs is allowed, and booze isnt. Unless theres a sign outside that reads "boobs inside" how will your children know the difference? Is it too hard for you to actually have to "parent" and look after your children? I hope the place opens and i hope the women are hot.

Sunday, Oct 11 at 11:22 PM STU wrote ...

JUST LET THEM DO IT. IT WILL BRING MONEY INTO THIS CRAPPY LITTLE TOWN.

Sunday, Oct 11 at 5:46 PM to whom it may concern wrote ...

The only concern I have is that it is across from a playground. No, the kids won't be able to see into the place, but they WILL be able to see WHO goes in to the place. They will most likely see many "upstanding"looking gentlemen-whether they know them or not-which will in turn set a bad example for how they think they should behave when they grow up. Also worried that there will be drunk drivers coming from out of town and not realizing that young children will be in the area, going to the park

Sunday, Oct 11 at 4:59 PM Amber wrote ...

Hunter- I hope the sex offenders this place attracts doesnt get ahold of one of your kids! That'd be sad now wouldn't it. You cant tell me the only people who go to this place are in "good standing with the public". The people who go here will most likely already be drunk- therefore driving drunk to get there... and ALSO nude bars obviously attract sex addicts who are the ones who are most likely to committ a sexual offense. (Like going after your wife or daughter)

Sunday, Oct 11 at 11:54 AM SD wrote ...

AMEN to that!

Sunday, Oct 11 at 10:54 AM Corey wrote ...

If you must stoop that low to have fun, go to a bigger town. Most people chose to live in a small town to get away from stuff like this. To live a peaceful life. Face it. the reason you want your strip club there is so you'll have less of a fight against locals, because there just isn't many there. MOST people would be against it in any town.

Sunday, Oct 11 at 8:46 AM MORALES?? wrote ...

oh yeah... and what board are these people on? Who voted them in?

Sunday, Oct 11 at 8:45 AM MORALES?? wrote ...

If this is illegal then why are they able to open the doors. Shouldn't some one of that community be checking in on this and start putting their foot down. Really, rules are rules and the MUST be followed by everyone. This is a discusting place for anyone with morales. why are some of you telleing us that we need more to do/worry about when you people want to spend your life in a Nude Bar. YOU GET A LIFE!!! Good way to attract sex offenders to a small town! Way to go!...

Sunday, Oct 11 at 1:42 AM BRD HUNTER wrote ...

Hunter is right. I come to hunt but also as vacation. Why such a fuss over a Juice Bar. If this is as bad as it gets in Mansfield SD, Mabey I should move there.

Sunday, Oct 11 at 1:27 AM Hunter wrote ...

You people need something worse to worry about. Oh my god, there might be a naked girl in my town! Baracade all the children who should have been in bed hours ago.

Sunday, Oct 11 at 1:23 AM Hunter wrote ...

And by the way. It is not about the Bar. I do want to hunt but I also come here to have fun. There are clubs all throughout the U.S. and I don't think anyone makes a special trip just to frequent a Nude Bar.

Sunday, Oct 11 at 1:17 AM Hunter wrote ...

Places, I'll bet most are men of good standing in the public eye. Not just a bunch of trash like you would like to portray.

Sunday, Oct 11 at 1:16 AM Hunter wrote ...

You think that juice bars are trashy. Most of these are alot better than the normal toppless dancer joint. My next question, who in the h..l goes to these

Saturday, Oct 10 at 7:43 PM SD wrote ...

Out of state hunters have always been welcome to come and hunt in our great state, but if it's about the "Juice Bar" and you thinking we don't understand what goes on, then please fill us in if you can without describing how nude a nude dancer can get! Some of us have never or will ever frequent an establishment where the morals are that low! Sorry to hear that that would be a highlight of your trip.

Saturday, Oct 10 at 7:26 PM Hunter wrote ...

Have any of you been to clubs like this before? Last time I checked they weren't attracting drunks and filthy people. I would watch how you describe the out of staters!

Saturday, Oct 10 at 6:16 PM Afar wrote ...

And so Rick...How does it feel keeping your head in the sand? If a person doesn't have the right to feel upset when something so important happens to a place that you love, then it's a pretty sad situation isn't it?

Saturday, Oct 10 at 5:51 PM Rick wrote ...

IF YOU DO NOT LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR: DO NOT LISTEN. IF YOU DO NOT LIKE WHAT YOU SEE: DO NOT LOOK. Otherwise,shut the H...up.

Saturday, Oct 10 at 5:26 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Classy... that's all that can be said. I can't believe that someone would think that it is okay to put a strip club in a small town like that. Good way to make people hate you even more. Did you ever notice, Mr. and Mrs. Donley, that there aren't many people that come to your bar, because they don't like you? They will drive to other towns just because of your bar being a rundown hole. Good luck... good investment.

Saturday, Oct 10 at 4:02 PM John Graham wrote ...

P.S.For whatever reason if you choose to use anonymous that is your right also.

Saturday, Oct 10 at 3:54 PM John Graham wrote ...

We have the right to believe whatever we want, why so far am I the only 1 to not use anonymous. For me it is hard to listen to or discuss issues with anonymous!!!!!! Please say what you feel, whatever it is and let everone know who said it. WE AS U.S.CITIZENS HAVE THAT RIGHT.Thanks for letting me born in the U.S.A.!!!!!!!!! John

Saturday, Oct 10 at 11:46 AM Angry from afar wrote ...

Congratulations and GOOD JOB to those of you that have worked so hard to stop the progress of the so called "Juice Bar" in Mansfield. Keep up the good work!!

Saturday, Oct 10 at 11:16 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Not only is this business venture a sickening idea, but I can't believe that other people think it's OK. Think about it people, what will actually be going on in that building.. and that's OK with you? Your support is making them money and bringing down the town. Mansfield is a wonderful place to live. A blast from the past. Quiet, safe and comfortable. You can't encourage these people to attract the type of "clientel" that could destroy the peace that Mansfield has to offer.

Saturday, Oct 10 at 11:09 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Aren't the owners of this establishment on the "Mansfield Betterment Association"? How is this making Mansfield better? Anyone who supports this business should be ashamed of themselves. Mansfield is a peaceful town with good morals.. Always has been. I guess it only takes one to stir the pot. Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Donley.. YOU'VE DONE IT!

Saturday, Oct 10 at 11:03 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Mansfield is a quiet, safe place for our kids to grow and visit. You bring in a disgusting business like this, you bring in the filth with it. No longer will our kids be able to go on walks or bike rides close to mainstreet (and in a town only a few blocks wide, it will be difficult) because who knows what kind of drunk creeps are lingering on the street. Hey business owners...take your disqusting ideas somewhere else and leave Mansfield alone.

Saturday, Oct 10 at 10:51 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I am disgusted by the thought of such a business and it angers me to think that the owners don't care if this affects the other people of such a small community. Leave this quiet little town alone and go make your money somewhere else. I can't believe that this would be a business that the owners would be proud of..it's all about the money! Have they lived there long? Sounds like they found a target town that they could do anything they wanted to and try to get away with it. Totally disgusting!!

Saturday, Oct 10 at 10:20 AM look right way wrote ...

there is no other way once your morals have been compromised there is seldom a turning point. take a look at our country its downhill.not improving!!

Saturday, Oct 10 at 8:39 AM Look the other way wrote ...

I’m sure the kid’s are exposed to worse on the internet, in their own homes, right under their parent’s noses. This being achieved thru video games and other electronic devices. Sounds like it will be behind closed doors, sorta private?? Small town thinkers with too much time on their hands,,, control freaks….. Maybe the government will step in clean up this horrific mess? Maybe provide funding to re-educate people on privacy and minding their own affairs?

Saturday, Oct 10 at 8:04 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Like one of the comments said, "There are no morals w/ some folks these days." And we wonder why some kids are the way they are these days. It can sometimes be atributted to folks like this who have NO morals!

Saturday, Oct 10 at 5:09 AM John Graham wrote ...

The 1/4 mile around the bar takes in most of Mansfield. We have a family less than 60 feet from the bar.In the 1/4 mile we have residence,a public playground,a place of worship. South Dakota Codified Law (11-12) makes it illegal to have this type of business.

Saturday, Oct 10 at 12:04 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Why do people cry about things like this. If you don't agree with it don't go in the place. How are kids affected by a business like this?

Friday, Oct 9 at 10:25 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Some people have no morals! These people are parents! They may not mind exposing their children to this kind of activity but the majority of us don't want this arond our kids, community, or homes!

Friday, Oct 9 at 9:47 PM no all about it wrote ...

I feel for all your community we have the same sad story in Volin, S.D. No exactly what you are going through. So sad it is for people to even think of running a place like this

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