Published: May 29, 2009 09:01 am      

Winery’s ‘moist’ election on June 9

Winery’s ‘moist’ election on June 9

By JJanie Slaven / McCreary County Record

WHITLEY CITY — McCreary Countians will soon find out if one community is ready for limited alcohol sales.

Early voting began in the McCreary County Clerk’s Office on Wednesday for the Eagle referendum asking the precinct’s 399 registered voters: “Are you in favor of the sale of wine at Eagle Falls Resort and R.V. Park?”

It’s a question Eagle residents have been asked before. Corbin entrepreneur Jim Vance, who bought Eagle Falls Resort with his wife Donna in 2002, obtained a winery license from the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) in 2005 and was able to get the sales issue on the ballot that September, when it was defeated by a margin of 116 to 85.

The Vances did not pursue opening a winery at that time, but re-applied for an ABC license for Eagle Falls in March.

On March 26, McCreary County Judge-Executive Blaine Phillips announced that County Clerk Eric Haynes had certified 58 signatures on a petition asking for a new referendum, which has been scheduled for June 9.

Mr. Vance had told The McCreary County Record in March that he planned to sell the 28-acre property in an April 24 auction, but that reportedly has yet to occur.

In the meantime, winery opponents are beginning to rally by posting signs along KY 90 within the Eagle precinct. Grant Hasty, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Whitley City, also submitted to The Record a resolution approved by his congregation which “urges all the citizens of McCreary County to oppose the sale of alcohol in any area in our county.”

Eagle voters needing to vote early have until June 8 to cast their ballot within the McCreary County Clerk’s office during regular business hours.