Latest news with #Fillmore
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Utah liquor store owner closes shop instead of signing new state contract she says would've drained her profit
For more than three decades, LeeAnne Maxfield ran the state liquor store in Delta, Utah and served everyone from regulars to tourists. But this summer, her store went dark. The date above the counter reads June 21, 2004 and offers a reminder of the legal drinking age. Now June 21 holds new weight: June 21, 2024 was the last day customers could buy alcohol in Delta or anywhere in Millard County. Her own son too had been forced to close the store he operated in neighboring Fillmore — an ironically named spot for a place that's now run dry. 'My children grew up here,' Maxfield told FOX 13 News. 'It's been part of their lives.' Across the state, about a dozen rural liquor stores, like Maxfield's, have shuttered, leaving communities and small business owners scrambling. Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it How a contract change sparked a business breakdown That closure and others like it across rural Utah are the result of a dispute between small-town and rural liquor store operators and the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS). In January, DABS issued new contract terms for 'package agencies,' which are state liquor stores run by private individuals in rural areas. For operators like Maxfield, the new terms weren't just tough, they were completely unrealistic. 'Several were very concerning,' Maxfield said. One of the biggest issues? Credit and debit card fees. 'Those merchant fees would now be passed on to me,' Maxfield said, guessing the cost to be about $24,000 per year. 'To put that in perspective,' she added, 'last year, my take-home pay after taxes and expenses was $30,000.' DABS solution to the issues the new credit and debit card terms presented were dismissive, Maxfield said. 'They told me I don't have to take credit cards if I don't want to,' she said. ''Just don't take cards.' But that creates its own set of problems.' Tourists rarely carry cash and Maxfield didn't want to keep large amounts of money in the store for safety reasons. DABS also dictates prices. Maxfield wasn't allowed to negotiate the terms or raise rates to offset new costs and she wasn't given a chance to negotiate. Maxfield is one of several plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the state, arguing that Utah has misclassified package agency operators as independent contractors rather than employees. The group's attorney, Erika Larsen, believes the contract changes are retaliatory. 'Our contention is it is a direct and clear retaliation,' Larsen said. She says the state previously required package agencies to use state-managed point-of-sale systems — a key point in their lawsuit to demonstrate employee-like control. 'Because this lawsuit has been filed, [DABS administrators] have been unwilling to work with any of the… package agents on this,' Larsen said. DABS declined an interview but said the new rules give more 'autonomy' to the operators. In a statement, DABS spokeswoman Michelle Schmitt said the department is 'meeting with local economic development and other officials' to find new contractors for the empty stores. Some locations, such as Kanab, Helper and Kamas, are still pending, but Fillmore, Milford and Delta remain without liquor outlets. The ripple effects are already being felt. At Curley's Lounge, a bar just down the street from Maxfield's closed store, owner Amanda Stanworth now has to drive 50 miles just to restock. 'I know it's going to cost me at least $20 just for gas a week to go over there,' she said. 'Plus, I have to pay for somebody else to come and work for me while I go over.' She's also had to turn away customers looking for basic items she legally can't sell. 'She said, 'I just need a cup of white wine to cook my chicken dinner for tonight,'' Stanworth recalled. Read more: Americans are 'revenge saving' to survive — but millions only get a measly 1% on their savings. Steps business owners can take in similar situations The closures in Utah's rural liquor stores are a case study in how fragile small business models can be when contracts, regulations and outside control suddenly change. Here are four key lessons for small business owners: 1. Know your break-even point When Maxfield was told she'd have to cover $24,000 in new credit card fees, she immediately realized it would slash her take-home earnings by over 80%, leaving her with one choice: to close down. Make sure you understand your margins and that you have clear bookkeeping. A single policy or supplier change can throw your business underwater overnight. 2. Watch for contract changes Maxfield said DABS refused to negotiate or even discuss alternatives. If you operate under a contract or license (like a franchise, concession, or agency), review changes with your legal advisor as soon as possible. Lobby, organize with others impacted and push back formally as an organized unit before the contract is finalized. 3. Watch for worker misclassification Maxfield and others argue they were treated as employees, bound by rules, required to use state systems, but they didn't get benefits or protections. If you're a contractor with limited independence, you may be misclassified. That can cost you tens of thousands in retirement, health care, or legal protections. Talk to an employment attorney if you require clarification. 4. Diversify supply If you're locked into a single supplier or system, plan for backup. Build relationships with alternate vendors or partners, or lobby for policy flexibility before you need it. Not just about business As for Maxfield, it's not just a financial loss; it hits on a personal level, too. 'A lot of people, I could actually have their items sitting on the counter by the time they got in the door,' she said. She acted as a community buffer, helping problem drinkers manage their intake and keeping teens from trouble. 'Kids aren't going to try to buy from me because I'm going to call your mom before I call the sheriff,' she said. Now, she worries that people will drive long distances just to stock up. And no one has stepped in to take her place. For their part, '[DABS] seeks business-minded individuals interested in this unique opportunity,' the organization shared in a statement. What to read next This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid? Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Money doesn't have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. 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Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Yahoo
Multi-car crash in Fillmore turns fatal
(This story has been updated to provide additional information.) A two-vehicle crash in Fillmore left a woman and a child dead and four more injured the night of July 2. The crash occurred near the intersection of Highway 126 and D Street around 8:45 p.m., said Ventura County Sheriff's Capt. Jason Karol. The stretch of highway is also called Ventura Street within Fillmore city limits. An initial investigation found that two vehicles collided head on in the westbound lanes of the highway west of D Street, according to a sheriff's office news release. A 28-year-old Oxnard woman was pronounced dead at the scene, sheriff's officials said. Five more people were treated at the site and transported to local hospitals, including a 5-year-old Fillmore boy who was later pronounced dead. The identity of the woman and child are being withheld pending notification of next of kin, sheriff's officials said. The California Highway Patrol along with the California Department of Transportation assisted with traffic as deputies investigated the crash. The sheriff's office is investigating the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call Deputy Bradley Bordon at 805-388-5146. Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at ecentenoaraujo@ This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Multi-car crash in Fillmore turns fatal
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Yahoo
Fillmore mother arrested for deaths of son, Oxnard woman in crash
A Fillmore mother was arrested July 8 for her alleged role in a traffic collision that led to the deaths of her son and the driver of the other vehicle a week before. Deputies with the Ventura County Sheriff's Office arrested Myryam Castillo, 28, on suspicion of two felony counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, according to a sheriff's office. Investigators allege that Castillo had consumed alcohol before getting behind the wheel the evening of the July 2 crash. Deputies were called to the 1300 block of Ventura Street, also known as Highway 126, in Fillmore for the two-vehicle collision around 8:45 p.m. Sheriff's investigators said they determined that Castillo was driving her vehicle on the eastbound side of Ventura Street. She veered into a two-way turn lane and then into the westbound lanes before striking another vehicle head on, sheriff's officials said. The other driver, Maria DonDiego, 34, of Oxnard died in the crash, sheriff's officials said. Castillo's 5-year-old son was transported to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Two other children were transported to local hospitals and sustained serious injuries, authorities said. Both families have since set up online donation pages. The Fillmore woman was booked into jail July 8 and released on $100,000 bond the following day, authorities said. Castillo has not yet been charged for the felonies, jail and court records show. The sheriff's office has asked anyone with information about the incident to call Deputy Bradley Bordon at 805-388-5146. Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at ecentenoaraujo@ This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Fillmore mother arrested for deaths of son, Oxnard woman in crash
Global News
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Life in the bike lane: Some Halifax councillors want premier to butt out over municipal issues
Some members of Halifax Regional Council are taking issue with the province weighing in on municipal issues. Last week, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston sided with the city's mayor on his motion calling for all bike lane construction to be halted. Now, some are wondering how far provincial overreach will go between Houston's government and Mayor Andy Fillmore. Coun. Shawn Cleary said it feels like 'the premier wants to run Halifax,' while others call it 'undemocratic.' Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'It's really an undemocratic development because many of HRM's plans were developed with the public, at public hearings or doing public consultations. So, when the province steps in and overrules, they're really overruling residents of HRM,' said Coun. Kathryn Morse. Dalhousie University political scientist professor, Lori Turnbull, says don't expect the province to slow down when wanting its say on the happening in Halifax. Story continues below advertisement She says watching Houston weigh in on the mayor's bike lane motion wasn't surprising. 'He sees someone he can do business with with Fillmore and a sense of like-mindedness around some of these development issues and an understanding that, you know, we might be good partners,' she said. In a statement on Monday, Fillmore didn't express concern with the province being involved in municipal issues. 'Since taking office in 2021, the premier has intervened on some municipal matters in order to advance our collective objectives of building a stronger municipality,' he wrote. When asked to comment on concerns raised by councillors on possible overstepping, Houston reiterated in a statement his support for Fillmore's motion on bike lanes. For more on this story, watch the video above.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
William Shatner to attend Fillmore: Beyond Star Trek, these 3 roles define his legacy
The legendary William Shatner is set to attend a special screening of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan at the Fillmore in New Orleans on August 1. After the event, he will be interacting with the audience and answering their questions. The actor is best known to many for his portrayal of Captain Kirk in the Star Trek saga. However, his contribution to the entertainment fraternity goes beyond just one franchise. Here is a look three other roles that make him an institution Denny Crane in The Practice/Boston Legal (2004-2008) Shatner's portrayal of Denny Crane, an unhinged attorney in The Practice and its spin-off Boston Legal became a rage among fans. Moreover, its popularity rivaled that of Kirk and that speaks volumes about its reach. His energy levels and crackling chemistry with James Spader were the biggest highlights of the shows. Stan Fields in Miss Congeniality (2000) Miss Congeniality was a goofy comedy which starred Sandra Bullock as an FBI agent who goes undercover to participate in a beauty contest and foil a bomb threat. It featured Shanter as the clueless host and he stole every scene he appeared in with his effortless performance. While he had a fairly short role in Miss Congeniality, he managed to steal the show nonetheless. TJ Hooker in TJ Hooker (1982-1986) The well-received cop drama was designed as a star vehicle for Shatner and it delivered the good. The show, which featured him in the role of Sgt Thomas Jefferson Hooker emerged as a runaway hit and helped the actor give proof of his mettle. TJ Hooker was set in an unnamed city and also featured Heather Locklear (then a newcomer) in a key role.
