For the week of July 1 thru July 7, 1998 |
The show will go onBy AMY SPINDLER Haileys most famous couple Bruce Willis and Demi Moore announced theyre separating after almost 12 years of marriage. Moores publicist Pat Kingsley issued the brief statement last week, which Willis publicist Paul Bloch supported, but didnt elaborate upon. What hangs in the balance of the separation, and possible divorce, is the status of Haileys downtown Main Street. The fate of Willis business ventures, including the E.G. Willis Building, Valley Entertainment, Shortys Diner, the Mint bar and the Liberty Theater, is a question locals have been asking since spring, when the Mint and Shortys closed unexpectedly. Representatives of Valley Entertainment, who mysteriously moved their offices out of the E.G. Willis Building last week, declined to comment on the Willis businesses, and Blochs office said they have no information outside of Kingsleys press release. "Unfortunately, the businesses are a personal issue, and we cant say anything," said a representative in Blochs office. Those who wanted to talk, however, had the opportunity last week as a media whirlwind, including staff from Vanity Fair, George, The Globe, "Entertainment Tonight," syndicated news networks, and innumerable others blew into town. Locals told stories about Willis and Moore to the press, a local reporter and Mayor Brad Siemer appeared on a national tabloid TV show, county clerks were accosted by reporters looking for the couples divorce filings, and national and international journalists contacted local newsrooms for any tidbit of information available. Hailey Chamber of Commerce executive director Sallie Hanson was one of those speaking to the press, and said she thought it was important not to say no comment. Hanson said she is optimistic about Haileys economic future with or without Willis. "We are very, very optimistic," she said. She reported the chamber and the city of Hailey are working together to insure the economic viability and development of Hailey. "We dont rely on Bruce," she said. "You have to look at the number of people who worked for him and then were unemployed. I know a majority of them got other jobs." Hanson said the only negative aspect is the empty buildings on Main Street, which she hopes will operate in some form or another soon. Vacant buildings give the feeling nothing is happening in town, she said. "Well just keep moving along, and everyone will be happy," Hanson said. "Were all working toward the same thing." She added the Fourth of July fireworks are scheduled as usual. "He made that commitment, and hes keeping it."
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