Locals sound off on Miss Sally's

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Although the final decision regarding a new location within Ontario city limits will be left with the city government, local residents were asked to provide their opinion regarding the business on Wednesday.

Clifton and Karen Lowrey were found sipping a coffee at Jolts and Juice in Ontario. Recent residents of Ontario after living in California for some time, both were opposed to a "gentlemans club" within the city.

"We just signed the petition," Clifton Lowery said. "It brings in perverts and misuses women. We are christians and believe what they are doing is a sin."

Karen Lowery echoed her husband's sentiments on the issue.

"That sort of business just brings in drugs, prostitution and other crimes into an area," Lowery said.

Also sitting outside of Jolts and Juice enjoying his coffee was Bill Hollingsworth. He said he also opposes the location of the club.

"It just does not compliment the city," Hollingsworth said. "I always thought the city had done something so that businesses like that could not move here. I guess the easiest way to get rid of it is just not to go there."

Hollingsworth said he had not signed the recent petition against "Miss Sally's."

Cara Southwick, Cambridge, was in town Wednesday helping her daughter, Stina, sign up for classes at Treasure Valley Community College.

Both Southwick and her daughter said they were shocked to hear of the venue located just a few miles down the road.

"Things like that never help the community," Southwick said. "There are better ways to build a community than things like that. It just puts a lot of temptation around a small town."

Daughter and upcoming freshman Stina Southwick was also worried about the business.

"I am worried now about walking around here at night," Southwick said, standing with her mother. "For sure, I will be concerned about my safety."

However, not all local people are in agreement with the Lowerys and the Southwicks. Justin and Cindy Howard, newlyweds as of Saturday, viewed the issue through a pragmatic lens.

Living in Fruitland, Justin said he works in Ontario and the couple spend quite a large amount of time in the city.

"Having it here in Ontario would bring more business to town," Justin Howard said. "They are just trying to make their business stronger by moving here. I know they have really strong security and don't allow underage people in."

"People are going to go wherever they put it," Justin's wife Cindy said. "Wherever they put it, I really don't care. The only part that bothers me is having the business in Ontario will promote more girls to become strippers."

One longtime female resident of Ontario, who asked not to be identified, remembered when the issue would not have inspired so much interest.

"This town needs to remember its roots," she said. "At one time, Ontario had five houses where hookers were. People want to portray this town as a squeaky clean town. We were a cow town and with that came the ladies. If you don't want to go, don't go."