Gilman tavern owner says strip club sign a joke 
by Mark Berglund
The Star News
November 19, 2009 —  A sign in the window of the former Jake's Old Place tavern in Gilman referring to adult entertainment caused a buzz in the community but the new owners said they do not intend to serve anything but alcohol in the new establishment called Yer Place.
Andy Johnson and his business partners in the venture were at the November 11 village board meeting to explain the sign in the window while the change in ownership took place was strictly a joke. "It's just a bar like it has always been," Johnson said.
The Gilman Village Board granted a provisional liquor license for the tavern at 185 E. Main St. At this point, the tavern has not sought licenses for selling food or tobacco products either.
Village president Bill Breneman told the board he met with Johnson and Gilman Police Chief Tom Tallier before the spot opened to gauge the owner's intentions and to let them know about the finer points of the village adult entertainment ordinance.
"If you hear of citizens who have concerns, you can refer them to the ordinance," Breneman said. "It is pretty much next to impossible for that type of business to set up because of the ordinance we have."

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