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Tribes to discuss future in Beloit
Ho-Chunk buys Beloit land, but other tribes hold options
By Samantha Johnson
sjohnson@beloitdailynews.com
The Ho-Chunk Nation plunked down $4 million on 37 acres of land in Beloit that was intended for the St. Croix and Bad River Chippewa tribes.
But, the St. Croix and Bad River Bands of Chippewa still have options on about 32 acres of land in the same area of Beloit off Colley Road. The tribes may option more land in the area.
“They are our neighbors now,” said Joe Hunt, spokesman for the Beloit casino project.
Hunt said now the St. Croix and Bad River bands must determine what adjustments they need to make to continue with casino plans, and what the Ho-Chunk have in mind for the adjacent land.
The Ho-Chunk moved to purchase the land held by developer Kurt Carlson following the rejection of the Beloit casino application.
“We’ve had our eye on this parcel for quite some time,” Ho-Chunk Nation Vice-President Daniel Brown said. “The intention is to move in that direction.”
“We haven’t ruled anything out with the other tribes,” Brown said.
At City Manager Larry Arft’s urging, the Ho-Chunk Nation did attempt to contact representatives of the St. Croix and Bad River bands.
“We’re interested in getting the leaders together for a summit,” Brown said. “We’re not closed to any partnerships. We’re open to anything at the moment.”
Hunt said there have been communications between the tribes and there are future communications planned. But, thus far, the St. Croix and Bad River bands have not changed their plans for a off-reservation casino in Beloit.
“What’s important is economic stimulus for the tribes, for Beloit and for the county,” Hunt said.
Brown said a Ho-Chunk casino in Beloit is merely a possibility, and that it’s going to partially depend on the relationship between the Ho-Chunk, city and county.
“We’re well aware of the unemployment rates,” Brown said. “We’d love to get in that area and just have a mutually beneficial relationship with local government, the city and especially the community.”
He went on to explain that profit from gaming is what provides the funding for Ho-Chunk education, health care, and care for the elders.
“But it’s also an opportunity to provide for the community,” Brown stressed.
Before the talks with the city and county will begin, the Ho-Chunk must file a fee to trust, meaning the land must be placed in a trust by the U.S. government.
“We’d like to acknowledge that the city and county have been in long talks with two other tribes, and there might be dismay over how this has unfolded,” Brown said.
Brown said the land is aboriginal territory for the Ho-Chunk, and that the tribe was publicly opposed to the efforts of other tribes moving into the territory.
“It needs to be stressed that we’re looking forward to working with the city and the county,” Brown said.
Brown also feels the Ho-Chunk has a better shot at getting a casino, since the territory is aboriginal, and the site also falls under the commutable distance guideline of 50 miles or less, the measuring point being from the tribe’s Dejope facility along Interstate 90 in Madison to Beloit.
“The market looks to be good — it’s the gateway to Wisconsin,” Brown said. “And we’d love to be a part of that by providing a very nice facility for tourists coming in.”
“It’s a tremendous growth impact,” Brown continued. “But first things first: there has to be agreement among the local municipalities and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.”
Meanwhile, the St. Croix Chippewa Tribe is preparing for oral arguments in the Washington, D.C. Court of Appeals. The tribe has sued the federal government saying the changing of the rules concerning off-reservation casino sites put the Beloit application at an unfair disadvantage. Oral arguments in the lawsuit will begin Nov. 13.
“Our focus now is on the oral arguments in the D.C. Court of Appeals,” Hunt said.
By Samantha Johnson
sjohnson@beloitdailynews.com
The Ho-Chunk Nation plunked down $4 million on 37 acres of land in Beloit that was intended for the St. Croix and Bad River Chippewa tribes.
But, the St. Croix and Bad River Bands of Chippewa still have options on about 32 acres of land in the same area of Beloit off Colley Road. The tribes may option more land in the area.
“They are our neighbors now,” said Joe Hunt, spokesman for the Beloit casino project.
Hunt said now the St. Croix and Bad River bands must determine what adjustments they need to make to continue with casino plans, and what the Ho-Chunk have in mind for the adjacent land.
The Ho-Chunk moved to purchase the land held by developer Kurt Carlson following the rejection of the Beloit casino application.
“We’ve had our eye on this parcel for quite some time,” Ho-Chunk Nation Vice-President Daniel Brown said. “The intention is to move in that direction.”
“We haven’t ruled anything out with the other tribes,” Brown said.
At City Manager Larry Arft’s urging, the Ho-Chunk Nation did attempt to contact representatives of the St. Croix and Bad River bands.
“We’re interested in getting the leaders together for a summit,” Brown said. “We’re not closed to any partnerships. We’re open to anything at the moment.”
Hunt said there have been communications between the tribes and there are future communications planned. But, thus far, the St. Croix and Bad River bands have not changed their plans for a off-reservation casino in Beloit.
“What’s important is economic stimulus for the tribes, for Beloit and for the county,” Hunt said.
Brown said a Ho-Chunk casino in Beloit is merely a possibility, and that it’s going to partially depend on the relationship between the Ho-Chunk, city and county.
“We’re well aware of the unemployment rates,” Brown said. “We’d love to get in that area and just have a mutually beneficial relationship with local government, the city and especially the community.”
He went on to explain that profit from gaming is what provides the funding for Ho-Chunk education, health care, and care for the elders.
“But it’s also an opportunity to provide for the community,” Brown stressed.
Before the talks with the city and county will begin, the Ho-Chunk must file a fee to trust, meaning the land must be placed in a trust by the U.S. government.
“We’d like to acknowledge that the city and county have been in long talks with two other tribes, and there might be dismay over how this has unfolded,” Brown said.
Brown said the land is aboriginal territory for the Ho-Chunk, and that the tribe was publicly opposed to the efforts of other tribes moving into the territory.
“It needs to be stressed that we’re looking forward to working with the city and the county,” Brown said.
Brown also feels the Ho-Chunk has a better shot at getting a casino, since the territory is aboriginal, and the site also falls under the commutable distance guideline of 50 miles or less, the measuring point being from the tribe’s Dejope facility along Interstate 90 in Madison to Beloit.
“The market looks to be good — it’s the gateway to Wisconsin,” Brown said. “And we’d love to be a part of that by providing a very nice facility for tourists coming in.”
“It’s a tremendous growth impact,” Brown continued. “But first things first: there has to be agreement among the local municipalities and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.”
Meanwhile, the St. Croix Chippewa Tribe is preparing for oral arguments in the Washington, D.C. Court of Appeals. The tribe has sued the federal government saying the changing of the rules concerning off-reservation casino sites put the Beloit application at an unfair disadvantage. Oral arguments in the lawsuit will begin Nov. 13.
“Our focus now is on the oral arguments in the D.C. Court of Appeals,” Hunt said.
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of beloitdailynews.com.
spedtke wrote on Oct 31, 2009 12:19 PM:
" border-baby:
Umm, yeah....you might wanna seek professional help. You make no sense, and I wonder why your comments were even allowed on here. "
Umm, yeah....you might wanna seek professional help. You make no sense, and I wonder why your comments were even allowed on here. "
border-baby wrote on Nov 2, 2009 2:29 PM:
" Well SpedTKE, I know you're not CaArlson...as I know him :-) My 2nd impression/thought was that you're tied into the government checks, therefore Yes, Professional Help for sure my dear fellow Beloiter.-Financial I do need food, I need rent and utility financial assistance also. Have sold off all I own to survive in "hopes" of a turn around. You being an ex council member could possible steer my in the proper direction? As for years my tax money here has supported and fed others....and darn depressing when going by these houses...that inside they are warm, lights burning away...and knowing that there is food there also. "
BillTinder wrote on Nov 5, 2009 10:33 AM:
" Border -baby it sounds like you suffer from a common malady found typically in folks that worked all their lives. You don't know how to work the system to get the things you need. What you need to do is go find someone who has never worked and never intends to and have them show you how to get a check and a food debit card, and energy assistance, section 8 rental and a medical card. But first before you go seeking anyone out, you have to determine what kind of free ride you want for doing nothing. Lower level welfare can be found in pretty much any seedy neighborhood, but if you want the really good stuff, you need to go to Madison and learn how to be a representitive. "
border-baby wrote on Nov 7, 2009 1:48 AM:
" Bill T, the "Tractors" (mid 94) said it the Best !! Ain't it the truth Brother, ain't IT the truth. I really don't have to go "find" someone that has not worked and never intends to, as they are here in Beloit.. Even Johnny Winger (God rest his soul) face to face told me in front of BSB (Beloit State Bank) 1989 one evening while he was 'patching' some sidewalk...after I had just left the 'new' BOSS Technologies Building (aka Salamones) After my stint with GTE doing a little work in prep of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_War (another god rest his soul to Matt Busam) and he said [quote] We ruined it for you in the late 60's... Up in Madison while I was in college, whatever they wanted...We fought against everything they wanted to do"... [end quote]
Seedy neighborhoods? Shall I "google earth" the majority of this town now? I buzz by 800 block of Central avenue once in awhile...(where I spent my early years) Kindergarten and 1st grade at WRIGHT School, still IMPRESSED with memories of Beloit's new Hook and Ladder rig that day (back in 1964) pulling that into the lot...They fired up the PTO, raised that heavy IRON up...had a few other fellows (now all easily retired) hold a net...First, shoot the Fire Hose on top of the roof...then throw a dummy !! Now?? I feel like the dummy!! I should move "back home" Fall into the NET right in that SCHOOL
Now, near the cemetary?? Ahh, Peaceful...
I remember Andy ( I really never new his last name..heck, kids didn't know back then...only to BE GOOD ) lived on Wisconsin Ave behind us...one time, taking me into the back yard towards Milwaukee Road down an alley, climbing my first tree...and eating pears from a pear tree.. NEAT.. Did I tell you also about that there used to be a Popsicle 3 wheeled bike guy also Staurday Mornings??
How about the Easter Egg hunts, In Horace White Park? The list could go on... As INDUSTRY built this city, (and IT's goverment base)... We, in INDUSTRY for years...played COLA (cost of living adjustment) per the "STANDARDS".. And the "cival servants" also got on board ....got raises etc... Well? HOW COME? You know where I am coming from, (they haven't STOPPED--(raises)BUT keep TAXING) and I have appreciated reading your posts up here.
BTW, Are you related to Chris? If so, he and I went to Lincoln together.
But in the meantime, after the "signing" (this topic) I went over to stand in line last Saturday for any Casino jobs...last Saturday...yet no employment lines found :-) And I looked at the land...and said? HHmm "
Seedy neighborhoods? Shall I "google earth" the majority of this town now? I buzz by 800 block of Central avenue once in awhile...(where I spent my early years) Kindergarten and 1st grade at WRIGHT School, still IMPRESSED with memories of Beloit's new Hook and Ladder rig that day (back in 1964) pulling that into the lot...They fired up the PTO, raised that heavy IRON up...had a few other fellows (now all easily retired) hold a net...First, shoot the Fire Hose on top of the roof...then throw a dummy !! Now?? I feel like the dummy!! I should move "back home" Fall into the NET right in that SCHOOL
Now, near the cemetary?? Ahh, Peaceful...
I remember Andy ( I really never new his last name..heck, kids didn't know back then...only to BE GOOD ) lived on Wisconsin Ave behind us...one time, taking me into the back yard towards Milwaukee Road down an alley, climbing my first tree...and eating pears from a pear tree.. NEAT.. Did I tell you also about that there used to be a Popsicle 3 wheeled bike guy also Staurday Mornings??
How about the Easter Egg hunts, In Horace White Park? The list could go on... As INDUSTRY built this city, (and IT's goverment base)... We, in INDUSTRY for years...played COLA (cost of living adjustment) per the "STANDARDS".. And the "cival servants" also got on board ....got raises etc... Well? HOW COME? You know where I am coming from, (they haven't STOPPED--(raises)BUT keep TAXING) and I have appreciated reading your posts up here.
BTW, Are you related to Chris? If so, he and I went to Lincoln together.
But in the meantime, after the "signing" (this topic) I went over to stand in line last Saturday for any Casino jobs...last Saturday...yet no employment lines found :-) And I looked at the land...and said? HHmm "
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border-baby wrote on Oct 31, 2009 9:51 AM: