WHITEWOOD - Don't bury the Boneyard just yet.

Sure, the deserted saloon and concert venue on the high ground of Whitewood was a mere wood-and-concrete skeleton Thursday of its festive 2007 self. But owner Jim Junker of Stillwater, Minn., expects to have the financially troubled business rocking - or at least pouring - in time for the official opening of the Sturgis rally on Monday.

Believe it or not.

"We hope to be selling beer by Saturday," Junker said by cell phone from Stillwater late Thursday afternoon.

He was hustling to organize a work crew for the all-night drive to Whitewood, expecting set-up work to begin by about noon Friday, Aug. 1. By Saturday, the place should be ready for visitors, Junker said.

"If nothing else, people can stop by and have a cold beer," he said. "Or grab a hammer and nails and help."

The Boneyard needs plenty of that after an unlucky inaugural season during the 2007 rally that included some local opposition to the business and its name, since it is located near the city cemetery. And a nearly completed main building was blown down in a storm before last year's rally.

Junker and his family managed to open on time anyway, producing a string of concerts that included popular names like the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Aaron Tippin. But they lost money - which is not uncommon, Junker points out, for a first-year business of any trade - and left unpaid bills in town. A "For Sale" sign went up on the historic downtown building they bought and used as an office and make-shift motel for workers.

And the 2008 rally season arrived with many in Whitewood assuming that the Boneyard was dead, or at least dying.

The fact that Junker is predicting a second year of business, even in a diminished level from 2007, was real news Thursday to Whitewood residents, including businessman Howdy Hobernicht.

"It'll surprise a lot of people," Hobernicht said early Thursday afternoon, leaning against a counter in the roadside market and convenience store that operates under his first name. "I heard he was supposed to be in town today. Small town, you know, word gets around."

Word of the Boneyard's financial struggles and possible demise had been getting around Whitewood for months. But if the unpaid bills - including some at Howdy's - didn't sit well with some in the community, they're no more acceptable in the Junker family business, Jim said. He said he plans to settle all accounts and keep the Boneyard in business.

"That's true," Junker said when asked about unpaid bills. "It never happened to us before. But it happened. It's not that much money. If we're open, we can get them paid. And everybody will be happy."

Junker said the Boneyard won't be able to match the level of entertainment it booked in 2007. But there will be music, probably including DJs, local bands and maybe a group or two out of Minnesota.

And, of course, there will be plenty of beer, Junker said. And music. "We'll have music right away. Not big names, but music."

Junker said he intends to keep the business open throughout the rally and begin replacing the building that was lost in last year's storm.

Hobernicht said that most people in the community hope the venture succeeds, even though some continue to oppose the Boneyard because it brings more noise and more traffic to town.

"It was kind of a political thing," Hobernicht said. "There were people who didn't like it."

Hobernicht said he thinks the Boneyard would be good for the community and hopes - with certain degree of experience-based skepticism - that the Junkers can make it work.

"I trust him. I really do. And it's a nice place. We were out there three times last year and really enjoyed ourselves," Hobernicht said. "But he owes a lot of money. And it's going to be a handful."

The 39-acre mix of weeds, gravel, concrete and wood on a hill near Interstate 90 looked every bit its name Thursday. The four acres of concrete remain in good shape, however, and the sturdy wood bars, food stands, restrooms and tickets booths looked much like they did last year, minus the workers, food, beverages and patrons.

Junker hoped to start putting some life back in that solemn setting Friday, beginning with the essentials.

"We got to get the beer coolers set up," he said.

During the rally season, that's a pretty good place to start.

Contact Kevin Woster at 394-8413 or kevin.woster@rapidcityjournal.com