![]() ![]() ![]() “Native Americans are allowed to have casinos on their land and will do it because it makes money for them,” Maxwell said. Ministers are not planning any organized protest. We as pastors deal with the aftereffects of addictions.” “It’s an addictive behavior that we say is morally wrong. “Bringing a larger casino promotes more gambling and the bad effects it has on families. “We don’t think the added jobs will offset the negatives that a casino brings,” Maxwell said. Wayne Maxwell of Woodland Bible Church said all five clergy members in his morning coffee group are opposed to the expansion, but realize they have no say in the matter. The casino growing in size and amenities from its current small, makeshift operation is not universally embraced, however. The company has received national acclaim for not laying off workers, but its workforce has declined through attrition. The new facility also will increase casino jobs from 200 to 300, which is important in a town where its major employer, Marvin Windows, has scaled back hours because of a manufacturing downturn nationally. “Our business community is pretty excited about it.” “We also have limited space for meetings and conventions, so this will be a draw for meetings that incorporate entertainment and business. “We’ve had times here where there haven’t been enough motel rooms,” said Donna LaDuke, executive director of the local Convention and Visitors Bureau. Warroad’s other tourism draws include snowmobiling, camping and youth hockey tournaments. Now, we have lulls in our economy, mostly in the early spring, before the fishing opener.” “It will help us attract people year-round. “It will help us grow tourism,” said Steve Hagen, owner of Doug’s Supermarket and the president of the Warroad Chamber of Commerce. The complex will be located where the Warroad River and Lake of the Woods meet, prompting the band’s plan for fishing packages to be part of the allure. The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians recently announced that it will build a four-story structure that will have a larger casino, a 60-room hotel, a convention area and dining options. However, they’re not as unified about the uptick in gambling. Residents of this town of 1,700, long known as the home of walleyes, windows and hockey sticks, are excited about the visitors, the lodging, the jobs and the convention space that a new Seven Clans Casino will bring. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |