Kentucky- Last month the Spencer County Council set aside $40,000 for legal fees to fight a local porn shop. And on Monday, a new fund was set up for community donations.
County Commissioners say it was necessary, and they've already received more then $2200.
The Adult Travel Plaza opened late last year in a former truck stop just off Interstate 64. In that short time, it's caused quite a stir in Spencer and neighboring Dubois County.
County Commissioner Dan Rininger explains, "This isn't the image we hope to put forth."
The county has strengthened an ordinance, making it more difficult to operate an adult store. But owners are expected to appeal the changes, however, commissioners say it's a war worth waging.
Rininger continues, "It's not necessarily the establishment itself, it's the things that occur around that type of establishment - the prostitution, the drugs."
The County Commission can't shut the store down because that would be unconstitutional. But they can make the ordinance so strict that it's not worth it to run an adult store in Spencer County.
Rininger says, "Our ordinance isn't easy to comply with."
Commissioners say they've been receiving letters, e-mails and calls from folks supporting the ongoing court battle with the porn shop.
Many people have also given cash to help with rising legal fees. Which is why commissioners approved a special fund on Monday.
Rininger states, "Whenever you start degrading women in that manner, it touches people's hearts."
Store owners couldn't be reached for comment. But a worker there told us the shop has been busy, and some customers are upset because the entire plaza isn't up and running.
Money in the community defense fund will only go toward Spencer County's legal fees in this case.
The First Baptist Church in Huntingburg was one of the first to donate, but the pastor says many more churches will also be collecting. Churches also intend to solicit more donations from area businesses.
