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Local business man denied more income.

The Saline County Board meeting Thursday night had many topics, but the item that seemed to raise eyebrows has been in question for a long time.

Roger Craig, chairman of the road and bridge committee, proposed a possible move toward approving a liquor license for the Mitchellsville County Store located at the intersection of 145 and 34.

Craig, had been approached by owner Mike Duncan, prior to the meeting, about securing the license through the county board.

Arguments against the license approval arose as to the future implications that passing an ordinance would entail.

"Once we allow one, we will have more," said Bob Oglesby, chairman of the farm and land use committee. "Are we willing to pay for more deputies to cover that area?"

"When we have to do something like this to raise revenue, we are in bad shape," said Allan Porter, board member.

Craig argued that the ordinance could be set for just one or two licenses at this time and adjusted down the road for more.

As it stands right now, there are already many places in the city limits of Harrisburg that sell alcohol which hinders the business of the county store.

"I have people in here all the time wanting to buy beer but we have to send them to either Harrisburg or down to Pope County to make the purchase," said Duncan. "What's the difference in buying it here, or buying at Wal-Mart just five miles down the road?"

Duncan says that the ability for his store to sell alcohol only levels the playing field and it is hard to compete if that field isn't equal.

"The county is missing out on the revenue stream, if they buy in Harrisburg the money goes to Harrisburg, if they buy in Pope County it goes to Pope County," Duncan said.

Since the coalmines have laid off truck drivers, the revenue from the fuel purchases has dropped, not just for Duncan's business but also for all of Saline County.

Duncan has spent the better of three years trying to secure a license to sell alcohol, but has been unsuccessful.

"I am the last stop before the Shawnee National Forest," Duncan said.

Being the final stop before the camping spots, lakes and rivers makes his establishment a keen place to stop to grab last min things before hitting the trails.

But when a customer wishes to purchase beer or liquor Duncan has to turn them away. In most cases Duncan said, they don't buy anything, choosing to get everything at one stop.

The board voted the motion down, 7 to 5, but Duncan has shared he will continue.

"There is no logical reason to shoot it down, it (the alcohol) is already hear," Duncan said.