Maysville business owner asked to take down sign

Thursday, June 9. 2011

Maysville business owner Debbie Akins appeared before the Maysville City Council Monday night to complain about being asked to take down the sign on her downtown restaurant.

Akins had months ago requested the city council allow the sale of beer in town. The council denied her request after several heated town hall meetings were held with large crowds of citizens speaking in opposition to the action.

Akins went on to open a restaurant in downtown that has a sign out front with “Maysville Saloon” on it.

At an earlier planning and zoning meeting, chairman Guy Baker suggested that police chief Clarence Sullens go to the Maysville Saloon and ask the owner to take down the banner.

Akins said that this was done unprofessionally since Sullens came into her business during dinner time and embarrassed her in front of customers.

Akins also said that the city officials had something against her and read a list detailing the number of times her employees have been pulled over for “childish” things.

Council member Lynn Villyard agreed that the situation was handled incorrectly.

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#1 MRS BREWER on 06/09/11 at 12:33 PM [Reply]

Good greif! Who wrote this article? It makes no sense. "Opposition" to the action of the city council for not allowing beer or to the action of the request for beer? And take a look around Maysville. Every single restuarant, either still in business, past (now closed)or opening a new one has a hand written, coke or pepsi sign hung up in front of the business. Finally a nice place for locals to go and have a great meal and city council is harrassing the owner. I frequent the Maysville Saloon for meals with my family. Seems to me my City Council doesnt want anyone to have business in Maysville. So why then would we need a City Council? Oh, and shame on Cheif if he really did what this article says he did. Shame on you.

#2 Maysville Citizen on 06/09/11 at 01:04 PM [Reply]

Since Akins has come to Maysville she has done nothing but try to change the already great town. She needs to just leave it the way it is. We don't want alcohol to sale and we don't want a saloon in the middle of town.

#3 maysville citizen on 06/09/11 at 01:51 PM [Reply]

I was at the meeting and i heard Guy Baker say he did not instruct the police chief to go and order the removal of the sign at the Maysville Saloon,the Akins lady was throwing insults at many different things in the town.

#3.1 mollysmom on 06/10/11 at 07:56 AM [Reply]

I was also at that meeting, and you conveniently forgot to say that Councilman Dorsey said he was at the zoning meeting and Guy Baker, the mayors Brother, DID IN FACT instruct the Chief of Police to have the Saloon take down their sign. And you also forgot to say that Guy Bakers instruction to do so was as a result of him not getting his way at the Zoning meeting the previous Thursday. Yes, the chairperson for the Zoning and Planning is none other that the mayors Brother!! He presented the case for a business license to be granted for a block building in a residential, "historic district", that has NOT HAD a business license since 2005. The town attorney told him it was not allowed, and he took it out against the Saloon...YET THE DOLLAR GENERAL has the same banner signs, and Ummmm yes the Baptist church annex on Homer has a banner sign...Did he single that business out???sure he did. The citizens are coming to the Council for Guy Bakers removal from the Zoning......and by the way, he does not live in the CITY, neither do 2 other members of the Zoning....only 2 members of Zoning and Planning are residents AND PAY TAXES in the city of maysville.

#3.1.1 Correct on 06/10/11 at 05:38 PM [Reply]

Nepotism runs deep in Maysville. Guy Baker pulls his brothers strings like a puppeteer.
At least one member has not lived in the city for years but that's OK because the fire chief hasn't lived in Maysville ever !!!!
Did Guy Baker Step out of line ? Yes did Chief Sullins? Yes
If Jerry Baker is the man he claims to be then he will issue written reprimands to both and issue a statement soon.
What Maysville needs is a city administrator to handle day to day operations so we no longer have little generals like Baker and Presley trying to push there agenda around.

To close and be fair let's remember that councilman Lewis and councilman Dorsey are cousins ! Nepotism runs deep in Maysville.

#4 MRS BREWER on 06/09/11 at 01:54 PM [Reply]

Since Akins has come to Maysville? Really? Why would she want to change an already great town? Look, I totally understand good ole' Jackson County wanting to stay a "Good Christian community" and thats fine, heck its why I moved here 6 years ago. But this isnt about morals. This is about enterprise. This is about bringing money to this little starving town. This town cant live on one festival a year. I bet there has been 3 restaurants or more in the last 6 years come and go from here. Thats a shame. The Maysville Saloon is an amazing place. Great management and staff/service. It's just a name people. Just a name of a business. If you dont want alcohol then continue to defend your vote and those of you out there that do want alcohol should continue to defend their vote. I dont drink so I could care less. I just dont want this restuarant to close, period. I am tired of driving to over crowded Commerce for a decent meal. Even downtown Commerce has their "Saloon" and there are also other choices for patrons to chose other establishments that dont serve.
Maysville Saloon seems to be doing a fine amount of business without the sale of alcohol. Hopefully that will continue and all this bashing wont run off another great business.

#4.1 FJCR on 06/09/11 at 11:27 PM [Reply]

MRS. BREWER- You sound like you are crying over the milk she spilled? WHY did you want to drink it with her? Ever since this woman has come to Maysville she has tried to change it? SHE KNEW MAYSVILLE DIDN'T ALLOW BEER SALES WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS BEFORE SHE OPENED THIS RESTAURANT? If she wanted to sell beer so bad Banks Crossing and Athens ain't that far away? GO there. She picked Maysville because the rent was cheaper and she thought if she keeps pushing the city council will give in to shut her up? What they need to do is REVOKE her business license and tell her to GET OUT.

#4.1.1 Resident on 06/20/11 at 09:04 PM [Reply]

Mrs. Brewer is more than right. Maysville IS a starving little town, in need of some business. I am tired of people like you, who are afraid of your precious little town to change in the slightest way. Maysville is NOT going to be the same town it was 50 years ago, nor should it be. I think there are too many people in Maysville who are afraid of change. The Maysville Saloon is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a meal without having to drive into busy Commerce. I personally enjoy sitting on their back deck while enjoying my meal. I wonder if anyone posting all these negative comments have even taken a step into the Maysville Saloon to enjoy their delicious food? I was actually amazed with the inside, absolutely beautiful !!! Everyone needs to get off their high horse and stop worrying about the name of a business, and worry about the town going under from no revenue !!!!!

#5 Navy wife on 06/09/11 at 02:36 PM [Reply]

Just a question, why NOW ask to take it down? Why not when they decided to put up the lovely sign almost half a year ago?
Honestly,I would want a saloon nearby,i know its B.Y.O.B,many people who go to this bar is within walking distance from their homes.Lets see,would you rather hear the devastating news of an accident from a man/woman drove home drunk from Applebess in Commerce,or know they took the safest route and walked home after their drinks and wonderful meal?Same thing happened to a wonderful man by the name of Mike Carron of Mikes Grill in Jefferson.He took so much crap,changed his ways of serving but still never backed down because it wasnt for him,it was for the PEOPLE OF THE TOWN! To many people complain that there is not enough quality restaurants around the area. Good meals,great service and a joyful dinner with your family,what more could someone want on the weekends? Especially at the "Maysville Saloon",hometown goodness.It doesnt get any better than that!!

#5.1 Be Happy on 06/14/11 at 10:51 AM [Reply]

This is a response to all the hen house clucking, not the Navy wife response. Let us get this whole issue correct. It is not about the sign on the Building, it is a banner that is on the RIGHT OF WAY that is against code. Someone really likes to blow things out of proportion.

#6 Enough on 06/10/11 at 07:27 AM [Reply]

FJCR - Your a typical bible thumping maysvillian... quit pushing your beliefs down other peoples throats !

Why is Maysville a dead little stick town ? Because of some of the posters here, the Baptist church and corrupt mayors like the last 2 the city had.
Guy B has zero authority to tell the police chief to do anything and Barney Sullens is a fool for listening to him.
Dirty small town politics at it's best in Maysville GA

#7 MRS BREWER on 06/10/11 at 08:23 AM [Reply]

Well well Mr or Mrs FJCR, where in the heck did you get me crying over anything? I dont even know Mrs Akins and wouldnt know her if I ran into her. This isnt about her. My point is and will always be that we have a really well put together, freindly, local place to go and watch a game and meet the locals and enjoy ourselves. Lets get back to this ordinance. IF there is an ordinance against these banners then there are 4 in Maysville that need to be taken down. MAYSVILLE SALOON, THE NEW CAFE THAT JUST OPENED, THE BBQ JOINT AND DOLLAR GENERAL. You cant ask just one business to follow the law. Unless you are just trying to stop someone from trying to bring this town back into the 21st Century. Get off your high horse and get real.
Applebees doesnt serve apples or bees. When I go to Outback I am not in Australia. And when I go to Maysville Saloon (and plan to tonight) its not to see cowboys and card games and horses tied up out front.

#8 Maysville Resident on 06/10/11 at 08:24 AM [Reply]

We frequent the saloon all the time, it's a good meal, a good atmosphere, and I find it ridiculous that they would keep harassing them over this.

Maysville residents have been trying to get alcohol sales long before Akins brought it to the council, all the blame is just being placed on her because she made the newspaper.

Don't act like there aren't enough drunks and druggies in maysville to sink a ship. Just because it's a dry town doesn't mean that the residents are all church going, law abiding citizens.

You shouldn't blame the towns problems on one individual looking for change.

#9 lvnginmaysville on 06/10/11 at 09:17 AM [Reply]

Who cares what a restaurant serves? You make the decision to go to a certain restaurant and what to order. In this day, it's all about money and survival. If you want Maysville (or any city or town) to grow and prosper, then you have to allow (want) businesses, of any type, to set up shop. The more revenue Maysville can get from businesses and individuals is less money that the taxpayers of Maysville have to pay. Who does not want to drive down the two Hwys in downtown Maysville and see shops and restaurants open and doing business? It seems as though it is the city council, zoning & planning, police dept, and mayor who are all trying to keep Maysville from growing and thriving. To actually make things change, you've got to allow change and be open to what's happening in this day and time, not how you wish is was and could be. The citizens of Maysville have a choice, you've just got to be open and take a chance on new people, names and faces..could it really get any worse than it is??

#10 wow on 06/10/11 at 11:12 AM [Reply]

First of all, why did she name the horrid restaurant "Maysville Saloon" if she knew she would not be able to sell alcohol? Second, the first and only time I've been in that place was absolutley sad. The food was not so bad, but the service was horrible. I was so shocked that the server was the manager. I will not be back at that restaurant ever again.

#10.1 Christy Hamilton on 06/10/11 at 02:50 PM [Reply]

What's wrong with "SALOON" noone can make her take it down. If you go inside and look at her decor...it is western and of Confederate South and very informative to history buffs. I love it; I love the name. Another negative rock being tossed.

#10.1.1 christy hamilton on 06/13/11 at 08:38 PM [Reply]

From my FACEBOOK POSTS:
I feel the spirits that they are haggling about Maysville are the evil spirits that control those that do harm in vicious and mailicious acts/ways such as the words, which were like during the Roman times of stonin...g a person in the streets. Well, I have my shields up and I support new business. Most are saying shut up and move to those of us in support; NOT ME. I feel they need to read the 10 Commandments again; and the preacher at the Maysville Baptist needs to stay out of Town Meetings....he doesn't even live in Maysville was part of the protest. Not much of a man of God in my eyes. People go to church to worship and learn about God and live in the eyes of God that he portrays us to. There is so much mockery and Verbal Abuse to their ways "Our Way or No Way or they will make your life Pure Hell" and that is exactly what they do to business owners trying to give this town a chance. I see all the beautiful changes in Commerce and in Jefferson. Dr. Hill even told me what is the big deal in Maysville...I just laughed and told him see for your self...it's really pathetic. He told me it was a battle in Commerce but the "DDA and Council" got it passed and it did. I like many others here have a vision painted in my mind that we too could have a town that people make a point to come to as an area of interest...though we are small, a happy heart and warm welcome to the area extend a heart out to those that we are here and we welcome them to our humble town. I can't blame some area people for leaving because of all this RUDE CONDUCT. I love our home and everyday Andy and I feel blessed we call it home and the children too. So, They will Not RUN me off or out. I stand for Progress and I will help Fight for it. Why give other towns the revenue for the progress we see there when we could have it here; and I have major issues I have held in long enough about how we could make this town beautiful. The first time in the history of this town was when Jerry Baker took office and Amanda assisted him and giving the exterior of City Hall an appealing look. I wish they could have bought the "Maysville Fish House" and used the upstairs as part of a Historic Museum like Crawford long has ...we had a hospital there. And the festivals are carnivals now. I go and make an appearance and want to leave because it's rides and food ....and the "COMMUNITY CLUB" wants all the monies. We stopped the first year I was President of the PTO at Maysville Elementary because they wanted to charge us....pretty sad and greedy. That was the school's fund raiser and then I met a lady and we started the selling of the "Candle in a Jar" and made a nice nest egg and as far as I know I think they still sell them unless they have found another good money raiser that would not brake the pocketbook in today's economy. The streetscape could be a done deal, along with sidewalks and lighting "IF we Had the REVENUE" but leave it to some local bible slingers and this town is destined to crash into a wall and that's the exact direction I see it going, but i won't be riding...I'll be standing there and watching our Rescue Raiders and Dick Tracy Patrol race to the scene while I just shake my head and say if they only tried, if they only worked together as a team. As I said earlier to Elizabeth, early timers in all the western movies, build the small towns and they had a "Saloon" for kicking back and relaxing. They did not raise CAIN about it...but......you got Maysville and it's always a different story, snag or Bleep---Bit--ing about anything and everything.
I guess the clouds are stirring within me. Like Popeye said on the old cartoon....I've had all I can stands till I can't stands no more. Enough is enough in this town and I have never seen so many beligerant people that want to wag... their tail ...but for what!!!! If we had business locally (antique/hobby, craft, ice cream shop, Museum, park with a fountain; etc) places of interest for people they will come..BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME...but people would rather entail barking at any good that comes to this town than participate. I am so heated; I can't see straight!
The Maysville Community Club to this date does not report what money they have...they just want to take it. I have no use or will to be involved. Their books are not eve...n audited by the City Auditor, but you can bet your sweet bippy as daddy used to say....THe DDA books are handed over and I have nothing to hide from them....heck we can't get anywhere until we can make Maysville a Better Hometown Community like Commerce and Jefferson to see deveopment. That club gets more money from the City than we do I find it strange because I dont see anything in Maysville they have done except build a bathroom for the Redneck Festival here. Now like you said the rest of the money ----NOBODY KNOWS.

#11 MRS BREWER on 06/10/11 at 11:38 AM [Reply]

Horrid? Strong word dont you think. Good, dont go back and that way the rest of us will have one more table available to us. Maybe you should look at the history of Maysville before you sling your ugly words.

#12 citizen on 06/10/11 at 12:10 PM [Reply]

why so much hate , why so much bashing , we sound like some of the other towns in the paper , lets show that we are different and love one another as christ loves us . no need to throw stones at the church , the mayor or the saloon . the only thing that matters is that we stand for each other and reach out and help one another . i am not for beer or wine in maysville so if they can't sell that its just a resturant so lets act like mature adults .

#13 MRS BREWER on 06/10/11 at 12:23 PM [Reply]

WOW. I would also like to know where you go for superb service without fail. Please let me know so I can enjoy that pleasure.

#14 mrshuclebee on 06/10/11 at 02:17 PM [Reply]

mrs brewer why don't you shut up and go outside and get some sun , eveybody has heard your opinion , so please don't post anymore just shut up .

#15 MRS BREWER on 06/10/11 at 03:18 PM [Reply]

Mrs. Hucklebee, we are simply having a conversation regarding local issues. Why do you feel the need to say something like that to someone you dont even know? I get plenty of sun thank you.
And last I checked this is a free country.
The End.

#16 Driving Through on 06/13/11 at 02:32 PM [Reply]

I drive through Maysville everyday on my way to Gainesville. I notice daily how much better the little town of Maysville is looking. The Maysville Saloon included! I think it is wonderful that the Maysville Saloon is getting such great advertisment from such a stupid move from the Maysville City Council! I would have never noticed the sign if it hadn't been so highly publicized! I, for one, will be coming for dinner soon.

#16.1 Jeffrey Prag on 06/13/11 at 09:13 PM [Reply]

you will love the inside of the maysville saloon, I did!!!

#16.2 maysvillain on 07/01/11 at 08:31 PM [Reply]

Amen Brother, This is so true and great. After all this garbage about the Maysville Saloon, Im surprised you would even slow down on your way to Gainesville. I personally have visited the Maysville Saloon and think its a great place. I'm a Christian, and I dont believe I will go to hell for going out to eat with my family to a restaurant that has the word "saloon" as part of its name. The food was great, and I love the decor and atmosphere. So many know-it-alls here in this town.......what a shame!!!

#17 MRS BREWER on 06/14/11 at 09:38 AM [Reply]

Much respect Mrs Hamilton. Much respect. I totally agree with you that Maysville can and possibly one day will become a place where those passing through will stop and check us out. We have so much to offer! There is alot of love here. We went to the Chicken Wing throwdown on saturday and although a low turnout many folks were helping each other out and enjoying themselves despite the winds and rain! I love Maysville!

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