tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82707797164083364732024-03-16T02:08:34.782-05:00Why Not Dodge!!This blog is meant to be informative. Poll after poll indicates our western heritage as being our greatest asset. This blog will identify how plans, both present and future, support (or do not support) our greatest asset.
Only true and verifiable information appears in this blog and we will happily provide sources upon request.
Comments are welcome and we will eagerly publish constructive ones, so please save your flames for elsewhere in your cyberlife.Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-49395004620184750272010-04-06T16:02:00.008-05:002010-04-09T05:07:14.654-05:00Dodge City Police Docket Book<a href="http://www.truewestmagazine.com/weblog/dodge_police_docket.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 360px;" src="http://www.truewestmagazine.com/weblog/dodge_police_docket.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />After over two and a half years since being found on the web, the <a href="http://contentcat.fhsu.edu/u?/spec,449">Dodge City Police Docket Book</a>, 1878-1882, has been completely scanned and put on-line by the digital library division of Fort Hays State University Forsyth Library. Thanks for massive work by Andrew Weiss, Digital Collections Librarian, and John Ross, Director.<br /><br />Thanks to FHSU, every page of this rare document is viewable, and protected. The work of Ford County Attorney Terry Malone, the Ford County Sheriff's Office, and the FBI, along with the Ford County Historical Society which started the process of getting back the docket book, is rewarded.<br /><br />This is in addition to the bonus public relations of having coverage in over 68 newspapers when we first found the police docket book was up for auction -- thanks to an AP article from the <i>Hutchinson News</i> (Kansas) -- the nation has been put on notice that we will make it harder to sell artifacts that belong to Dodge City.Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-74706233170966157842009-11-02T05:15:00.009-06:002009-11-03T12:28:25.041-06:00Dodge City Police Docket Book, 1878 - 1882, Public Viewing Dec. 7, 2009<strong>On December 7, 2009, the City of Dodge City, Kansas will accept the return of the <em>Dodge City Police Docket Book</em>, 1878-1882, a book which contains the escapades of some of the most famous lawmen in the American West. Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson and Ed Masterson and many other historical lawmen are chronicled in this court docket. <br /><br />A public viewing of the docket book will be from 3:00-6:30 pm, Monday, Dec. 7, in Boot Hill Museum's Old House Saloon. A few selected pages of the book carefully scanned by the Southwest Kansas Library System will be enlarged and displayed next to the protected book. Immediately afterward, the book will be presented to the Dodge City Commission at 7:00 pm in City Hall and signed over from the Ford County Sheriff to the City of Dodge City. <br /><br />The City of Dodge City and the Ford County Historical Society are making arrangements for all the pages of this fragile and important book to be scanned into computer files so that western history researchers all over the world can access the information it contains. <br /><br />Again, thanks to: Roger Myers, FCHS member, who first saw the auction information on the docket book in 2007 and brought it to my attention; Ford County Attorney and Dodge City Prosecutor Terry Malone; Ford County Sheriff Dean Bush, and investigators; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the United States Attorney’s office, District of Kansas. <br /><br /><br />Best, George Laughead<br />President, Ford County Historical Society<br />Dodge City, KS</strong>Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-25535904310415937372009-09-30T18:04:00.009-05:002009-10-03T07:37:18.206-05:00Dodge City Police Docket Book: Federal Judge rules: "belongs to Dodge City"<a href="http://blog.truewestmagazine.com/weblog/2007_10_01_archive.html"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 360px;" src="http://www.truewestmagazine.com/weblog/dodge_police_docket.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> <strong>Just in -- in federal court, Wichita, Kansas, today, a judge has ruled that the City of Dodge City, Kansas is the sole owner of the Dodge City Police Docket Book, 1878-1882.<br /><br />It could be returned to the City as soon as next week.<br /><br /><br /><br />Now the Dodge City Commission has to decide whether to scan the docket book, or just put it in a bank safety box. There is no other way to protect it.<br /><br />Thankfully, a few of the Dodge City Commissioners have already indicated that scanning the Dodge City Police Docket Book is the way to go.<br /><br /><br />Photograph from <a href="http://blog.truewestmagazine.com/weblog/2007_10_01_archive.html">Bob Boze Bell's Blog, Oct. 5, 2007</a><br /></strong>Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-77530926450902232332009-07-26T08:58:00.004-05:002009-07-26T09:09:37.551-05:00<a href="http://www.skyways.org/orgs/fordco/graphics/frontst1874.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 440px; height: 195px;" src="http://www.skyways.org/orgs/fordco/graphics/frontst1874.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><strong><br />Video on <a href="http://msidigitalmedia.com/video/cvb.html">tourist venues in Dodge City</a> -- well done, actually. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.skyways.org/orgs/fordco/graphics/muellerschmidthouse.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 296px;" src="http://www.skyways.org/orgs/fordco/graphics/muellerschmidthouse.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />And does show Ford County, KS, unique <a href="http://skyways.lib.ks.us/orgs/fordco/preview/preview.html">Mueller-Schmidt House Museum (1881) QT virtual tour</a> as part of it -- the oldest house in Dodge City -- maybe the nicest house museum of the Old West, built by John Mueller, boot maker on Front Street, and cattleman. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.skyways.org/orgs/fordco/graphics/muellers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 223px;" src="http://www.skyways.org/orgs/fordco/graphics/muellers.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />For more on John and his family, see: <a href="http://www.skyways.org/orgs/fordco/jmueller.html">John Mueller, Dodge City pioneer boot maker & cattleman</a></strong>Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-15417600165763308052009-06-21T17:24:00.008-05:002009-06-21T17:39:51.760-05:00Thanks to Great History blog and Tom Goodrich<strong>Tom Goodrich on <a href="http://greathistory.com/bat-bat-masterson.htm">Bat . . . Bat Masterson</a><br /> <br />Bat Masterson, one of Dodge City's better known lawmen (and actual citizen, home and land owner, elected official) is the first subject of historian Tom Goodrich's new blog -- the blog also includes a follow-up on the return of the Dodge City Police Docket Book. <br /><br />Dodge City continues to benefit from our positive actions to protect our unique history -- news coverage on the return of the Dodge City Police Docket Book has been in at least 60 newspapers (including many in other countries), and on over 15 television news shows. Can't beat that for great public relations.<br /><br />I should point out that there are many history blogs at <a href="http://greathistory.com/">Great History Blogs</a>, covering every historical age. Take a look.</strong>Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-13315793060841386772009-05-30T09:01:00.016-05:002009-06-01T14:06:20.077-05:00Dodge City Police Docket Book Found<strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.hutchnews.com/Todaystop/ledger">Hutchinson News coverage, Dodge City Police Docket Book Found</a><br /><br />Thanks to Ford County Historical Society member, Roger Myers, seeing the photograph of the docket book on Bob "Boze" Bell's <em>True West </em>magazine editor's blog, I learned about it being up for auction. Roger made me aware.<br /><br /><br />I was convinced it was authentic due to Boze Bell thinking so ...Bell is an expert, as is the innocent auction house owner, Brian Lebel, an Arizona resident. They clearly thought it was real. <br /> <br />The photograph also matched anther docket book currently in the Dodge City Engineering offices which we, the Historical Preservation Committee of Dodge City, studied and compared to a print or the blog photograph.. <br /><br />After letting the auction know I wanted to know their source of the docket book, I also then contacted Terry Malone. He was the starting point of the legal process. This was before his was elected Ford county attorney -- he was City of Dodge City prosecutor at the time. After that, the Ford County Sheriff's office, and then the FBI became involved.<br /><br /> <br />The importance for Dodge City and Ford County is that for the first time since the 1950s, history oriented tourists and Old West historians can see pages covering the actual work of Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Ed Masterson, and all the Old West lawmen from about 1878 to 1882.<br /><br />One suggestion I've made to the city manager is that CFAB funds pay for a state of the art multi-thousand dollar archive exhibit case for the docket book and let it be displayed at Boot Hill Museum. Tourism would benefit greatly. Anyone that studies the Old West would have to come and see it. But the safety and security of the police docket book would be the first issue.<br /> <br /><br /><br />The main point is that I value real history, and when I found out that someone had taken the first hand accounts of Old West Dodge City, it made me mad. It is owned by the citizens of Dodge City and Ford County. I just wanted it back. I also don't want people making easy money from artifacts that belong to the public<br /> <br />Thanks to all involved:<br /><br /> <br />In addition to Ford County Attorney Terry Malone, Ford County Sheriff officials, including Sheriff Dean Bush, and Investigator Mike Albert, and FBI agent Robin Smith were clearly fully involved and successful. I truly appreciate all their efforts. Also to Arlyn Leaming, former Ford County Sheriff Investigations Captain, for early work on the case.<br /> <br />Also, due to coverage in over 68 newspapers when we first found the police docket book was up for auction -- thanks to an AP article from the <em>Hutchinson News</em> -- the nation has been put on notice that we will make it harder to sell artifacts that belong to Dodge City. Big thanks to Hutchnews reporter, <a href="http://www.hutchnews.com/Todaystop/artifact">Jon Ruhlen</a>, for running with the information I gave him.<br /><br />Also see: <br /></strong><a href="http://whynotdodge.blogspot.com/2007/11/dodge-city-police-docket-book-coverage.html">Dodge City Police Docket Book Coverage</a>Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-60775139608250925732009-05-08T13:00:00.003-05:002009-05-08T13:10:40.307-05:00Don Steele's blog: Expert tourism leader reviews Dodge City Master Tourism PlanThere is no one more expert in tourism for Dodge City than Don Steele. His years of building the Depot Theater company (nee, Boot Hill Repertory Company), and the massive amount of work he planned and pushed over a decade to get the millions of dollars for the renovation of the Santa Fe Depot has no equal in our area -- perhaps the state.<br /><br />His view of the new Dodge City/Ford County Master Tourism Plan, from Herberling Associates Inc., has to be taken very seriously -- or at least by those that know what has worked. Here's his May 6th blog on the Master Tourism Study:<br /><br /><a href="http://blogs.dodgeglobe.com/2009/05/06/shaky-plan">A shaky plan</a><br /><br /><strong><blockquote>So the Tourism Master Plan has been released, and National Tourism Week is coming up soon. Time to step back and look at the state of the tourism industry in Dodge City.<br /> The world in financial crisis, gas prices on the rise again, and now a potential pandemic that has health officials threatening to close the borders and outlaw travel — not the best time to hope for better business at local attractions.<br /> The Master Plan was an idea that had been bandied about for years but nobody could agree on what agency should write it or what it should contain.<br /> In my view, the plan should address everything from redesigning the traffic flow around town to creating a "war chest" and going out in aggressive search of new television, movie and book projects that are set in Dodge City. Disappointingly, the current plan is much more limited in scope...</blockquote></strong><br /><br />Please read the rest -- and hope that Don keeps helping us solve our tourism problems. He is the best.Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-20608424488705229222009-03-27T14:29:00.009-05:002009-05-03T16:25:07.311-05:00Missing museum addendum: submitted more than onceOddly, of all the submitted thoughts, plans, suggestions to Heberling Associates, Inc., the Dodge City Master Tourism Plan consultants -- this one is missing in the Master Tourism Plan <em>final</em> copy (although the draft was not seen by the public for about three months?). <br /><br />Although the need for a Ford County History Museum is listed in about eight places, the only direct statement about this plan is -- <strong><blockquote>If the Ford County Historical Society is interested in adding a county museum, it would be wise to do a feasibility study and/or a long-range plan to determine appropriate funding strategies, location, and possible partners or cooperative ventures.</blockquote> </strong><br /><br />Note that no other addendum or section -- from a $18 million agro center to a multi-million dollar new Kansas Heritage Center -- lists this requirement for a feasibility study, nor does this statement stand with the many places in the master tourism study that call for a new museum. (Although the study does echo in many, many places my early suggestions to Heberling Associates -- in fact, every point shows up except the <em>big one</em> -- a plan for a Ford County History Museum. Gee, wish we had seen the draft of the plan.)<br /><br /><strong><br /><blockquote>Museums in Dodge City & Ford County, Kansas<br /><br />by George Laughead Jr.<br /><br /><p>Faced with major archives unseen, major donations ungiven, dropping tourism numbers, high levels of needed capital improvements in current facilities, and on-going operating costs, et al -- I wanted to think out loud (or out web, in this case) about what we might do to work together, solve major problems of finance and support, and grow back to having world-class Western Heritage archive and museum.<br /> <br /><p>For tourism, this would work with the world class dirt race track, softball fields, and the Santa Fe Depot, truly world class of its type. For those that love movies and theatres, the Dodge Theater again fits into that level, and for house museum or Victorian house fans, the Mueller-Schmidt House represents much more than its true Old West heritage, and cattleman builder. Windthorst Church is another venue becoming known around the country, thanks to their work and PBS television. And Fort Dodge is still a living Old West fort. The bridle collection and the DC Roundup Rodeo are both on this list. We start with assets.<br /><br /><p><strong><em>Why this matters -- local views are not in line with world interest in the Old West</em></strong></p><br /><p>It has become clear to me in the last few years that local views of the importance of our place in frontier, pioneer, Old West and American West history are not in line with the on-going and large interest that the rest of the world has in our history. <p>Among the millions of users each year on web sites that I'm involved with, most of the hits continue to be for Old West history. I get tens of thousands of users a month for sites related directly to Dodge City and Ford County, including the <a href="http://www.vlib.us/americanwest/">WWW-VL: American West history</a>, <a href="http://www.vlib.us/old_west/">Old West Kansas</a>, and <a href="http://www.skyways.org/orgs/fordco/dodgecity.html">Dodge City history</a>. There is no lack of interest, even if local viewpoints are not focused on this.<br /><p> <p><strong><em>Finance</em></strong></p><br /><p><b>Fact:</b> Ford County and Dodge City government giving to museums, et al, has been on an emergency basis, or in the case of the <a href="http://www.skyways.org/orgs/fordco/preview/preview.html">Mueller-Schmidt House Museum</a>, a minimum amount to keep the facility open. We must see the combination of Why Not Dodge! money, county and city support, USD support, possible casino funds, coordination with CVB funds, and grants as necessary for the long term growth and protection of our history.<br /><p><strong><em>Archives</em></strong></p><br /><p><b>Fact:</b> Among the collections owned by Boot Hill Museum, the Kansas Heritage Center, the Ford County Historical Society, Trail of Fame Inc., and others, we have a world class pioneer Old West, American West and Great Plains archive potential. <br /><br />The Ford County Historical Society alone owns much, from business records and hand written notes of Dodge City founder, Robert Wright, to Josephine Earp's journals and an original carbon of Wyatt Earp and John Flood's book, to Dr. C. Robert Haywood's complete history library and research files (FCHS Haywood Collection -- on loan to the Kansas Heritage Center) and the Betty Braddock FCHS Photograph Collection -- the list of important items goes on and on. <br /><p>The possible combining of all these into one modern facility under the staff of Kansas Heritage (protecting each group's ownership), would make us one of the stops necessary for research for magazine articles, books or movies on almost any topic of the American West, and especially on the Wild West of Dodge City and Southwest Kansas. It would protect all of these for the future.<br /><br /><p><strong><em>Boot Hill Museum</em></strong></p><br /><p><b>Fact:</b> Cost of both being an entertainment/retail tourist attraction and being an archive/museum is a major double burden. Possibility of lifting some of that cost and responsibility may be one answer to allowing Boot Hill to become more focused on different elements of the tourism industry, retail, entertainment, events. Possibilities might include the funding of the archive and curator costs through other funds than those raised by Boot Hill Museum Inc. I suggest that any decision <em>has</em> to keep Boot Hill Museum Inc. clearly involved and of primary importance.<br /><br /><p><strong><em>World-class exhibitions</em></strong></p><br /><p><b>Fact:</b> Drawing all the most important artifacts into one modern designed small museum exhibition area would allow the best presentation of unique historical items, from Old West Wyatt Earp related artifacts to actual coverage of major events from Dust Bowl to hot rods, the WWII air base to the Great Arkansas River Flood, the Santa Fe Depot and Mexican Village -- events of high interest to the world but not covered in any local museum. (And, I believe, still all part of the American West, the Great Plains, the Wild West.)<br /><br /><p><strong><em>Future artifact donations</em></strong></p><br /><p><b>Fact:</b> Donors will open up gates of giving when the right modern and protect exhibition space is available. The donation of the most famous gun in the Old West is on hold, due to the lack of modern secure exhibit space. The Kansas State Historical Society has suggested that their world-class exhibits could come to Dodge City for viewing, given the right space. Time is an issue, too. Some major possible donors are aging, and might give their donation to other states and museums.<br /><p>Submitted to Heberling Associates Inc., 2007</p><br /></strong></blockquote><br /><br /><a href="http://www.dodgecity.org/DocumentView.aspx?DID=406&DL=1">Dodge City/Ford County, KS, Master Tourism Plan On-line</a>Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-83175646647831913382009-03-27T12:26:00.016-05:002009-05-03T16:28:30.447-05:00Dodge City/Ford County Tourism Plan: Major museum sectionThat we have a multi-hundred thousand dollar visitor center now is one point -- but that a new Kansas Heritage Center/Ford County History Museum is needed is stated about eight places in the study -- but the submitted suggestion for an actual Ford County History Museums seems missing from the study -- although proposed to Heberling Associates Inc. by several groups involved:<br /><strong><br />New Dodge City Visitor Center with exhibits<br /><br /><blockquote>Explore the feasibility of the creation of a Dodge City-Ford County Visitor Center in the downtown cultural corridor. The center, which could share a facility with the expanded <em>Kansas Heritage Center and/or a proposed Ford County Museum</em>, would orient tourists to Dodge City, Ford County, and Southwest Kansas sites and experiences through front-line visitor services as well as interactive orientation kiosks and exhibits describing the region’s history and its cultural, arts, recreational, and environmental sites and attractions.</blockquote><br /><br />Use of empty buildings in Dodge City for exhibits<br /><br /><blockquote><br />Initiate an assessment, including a market survey, of the Robinson’s complex, or a portion thereof (perhaps removing the 20th century one-story additions), for possible adaptive reuse as a heritage and arts center in the downtown cultural corridor. Uses could include artists’ studio rental space, studio space for workshops and classes (possibly including homes for various kinds of artists’ guilds), opportunities for showcasing large exhibits or exhibits of large pieces, meeting rooms, and <em>a Ford County History Center with a collections storage area</em>.</blockquote></strong><br /><br /><strong>Use of Ford County Government Center for exhibits<br /><br /><blockquote>The Roundup could also develop an interpretive exhibit—or series of exhibits—on its own interesting history, either in conjunction with the hall of fame or in another location, such as the lobby of the County Government Center, a Dodge City/Ford County Visitors Center, the Boot Hill Casino and Resort (or all of the above).</blockquote></strong><br /><br /><strong>New Kansas Heritage Center for exhibits<br /><br /><blockquote>USD 443 representatives should authorize a feasibility study for the development of an expanded Kansas Heritage Center and determine the best location for such a facility.<br /><br />Possible sites include the former T.M. Deal Lumber Company at Third and Spruce, the old City Hall and parking lot property on top of Boot Hill between Third and Fifth Avenues on Spruce, the former Robinson’s furniture store, casino land west of town, and the Roundup Rodeo-Fairgrounds neighborhood south of downtown. There has been general agreement thus far that one of the downtown locations would be the most appropriate. Butler National has already generously donated the services of a talented architect who has prepared a very preliminary design concept and floor plan for a new KHC.<br /><br />The study should also determine whether a new KHC should share a complex or be linked architecturally to a related or complementary organization’s facility, such as a Dodge City-Ford County visitors center, a Ford County Historical Society, the Genealogical Society Library, and/or a joint archival research center made up of the two-dimensional collections perhaps from the KHC, Boot Hill Museum, and County Historical Society.<br /><br />The Kansas Heritage Center could provide expanded facilities for its existing educational and research service operations as well as gallery space for traveling and temporary exhibits from large to small and on all topics relevant to the history, cultural heritage, environment, and lifeways of the High Plains. It could also include spaces for public meetings and events. The KHC should avoid the temptation to become a museum that collects three-dimensional artifacts.</blockquote><br /><br />No actual museum in the study:<br /><br />But, alas, the submitted and discussed material on an actual modern secure history museum is just not in the Dodge City Tourism Master Plan at all? Could it have been lost by Heberling Associates? Edited out? </strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.dodgecity.org/DocumentView.aspx?DID=406&DL=1">Dodge City/Ford County, KS, Master Tourism Plan On-line</a>Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-16781151291691099552009-03-27T12:22:00.008-05:002009-03-31T07:53:25.026-05:00Dodge City/Ford County Master Tourism Plan: how to measure successHere's the check list that Heberling Associates Inc. say should be used to measure the success of the new Dodge City/Ford County Master Tourism Plan, the new arts & tourism director position and the community putting it all into action.<br /><br /><br /><strong><blockquote> Annual increase in visitation and attendance at events.<br /> Broader visitor demographics.<br /> Expanded volunteer base.<br /> New events and programs.<br /> Expanded community participation and support.<br /> Expanded casino attendance.<br /> Increased corporate, agency, and attraction partnerships and collaborations.<br /> Implementation and expansion of cross-marketing between Boot Hill Casino and<br />Resort and downtown retail and attractions.<br /> Expanded donor base.<br /> Increased public and private funding.<br /> Increased sales and bed tax revenue.<br /> Positive and increased gaming revenue.<br /> Increased in-kind support for projects and attractions.<br /> Increased number of capital projects and infrastructure improvements.<br /> New and expanded downtown tourism-related businesses and services.<br /> Increased number of tourism-related jobs.<br /> More positive visitor feedback.<br /> Improvements in visitor/hospitality services.<br /> Increased downtown activity.<br /> Increase in number of restored and rehabilitated historic buildings.<br /> Expanded media coverage.<br /> Expanded web presence and feedback.<br /> Increased number of positive online comments.<br /> Expanded use of appropriate and relevant digital technology and user feedback.</blockquote></strong><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.dodgecity.org/DocumentView.aspx?DID=406&DL=1">Dodge City/Ford County, KS, Master Tourism Plan On-line</a>Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-60620955500768982692009-03-27T12:18:00.021-05:002009-03-31T07:53:03.358-05:00Dodge City/Ford County Master Tourism Plan: $103,000 AnswersHere's the meat of the Heritage Tourism Plan for Dodge City and Ford County, Kansas -- not Heberling Associates, Inc. fault that it reads almost the same as the study done in early 1990s and in about 2004 -- paid for again -- these are obvious points:<br /><br /><strong><blockquote> To recognize tourism in general as a powerful economic development tool for the community and the region.<br /> To enhance visitor satisfaction.<br /> To integrate tourism into the social and economic life of the region.<br /> To enhance history and the arts as opportunities for heritage tourism and economic development.<br /> To promote a sustainable High Plains environment as a significant component of a visitor marketing and promotional plan.<br /> To effectively promote and market the region’s unique visitor assets.<br /> To create lively and educational experiences for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.<br /> To enhance the tourism infrastructure.<br /> To implement needed wayfinding and informational strategies and an integrated<br />system of logistical links and connections among visitor venues.<br /> To be accessible to a diverse local, national, and global market.<br /> To create experiences and the opportunities for discovery about the region and its natural, historic, and cultural setting.</blockquote></strong><br /><br />And they add:<br /><br /><strong><blockquote>A reasonable degree of public funding for attractions in the current economic environment and beyond is a wise investment in regional economic development and an expanded visitor industry.</blockquote></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.dodgecity.org/DocumentView.aspx?DID=406&DL=1">Dodge City/Ford County, KS, Master Tourism Plan On-line</a>Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-59543714563471847852009-02-10T12:19:00.005-06:002009-02-11T21:23:40.405-06:00For Senator Roberts, Senator Brownback: pictorial help, museums versus casinos<strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pbpindiantribe.com/upload/img/casino02.jpg"><br /><br /><H3>Casino</H3><br><br /><br /><img src="http://www.kansastowns.us/beachksu.jpg" alt="[photo: Beach Museum of Art, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS]"> <br /><br /><H3>Museum</H3><br /><br /><br />or<br /><br /><img src="http://www.kansastowns.us/ksmuseumhist.jpg" alt="[photo: Kansas Museum of History, Topeka, KS]"><br /><br /><H3>Museum</H3><br><br /><br /><img src="http://www.wellingtondailynews.com/archive/x1720661801/g13c0de8a3934faa0dea9faa88fe688c223f4e319181999.jpg"><br /><br /><H3>Casino</H3><br /><br />See the difference, Senator Sam and Senator Pat ? Different. Really.<br /><br />Best, for museums, George</strong>Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-91556106922654582512008-12-12T07:41:00.004-06:002008-12-22T06:52:56.847-06:00Dodge City Commission: Conflict of Interest Guidance<strong>Here's an excerpt from the <a href="http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/focusareas/government_ethics/"> Government Ethics: Markkula Center for Applied Ethics</a> site, one great resource on ethics. Perhaps a discussion might start? Perhaps the City of Dodge City Commissioners might want to improve our local conflict of interest laws <em>before</em> spending millions and millions of dollars? Yours, Uncle George<br /><br /><em>Conflicts of Interest in Government</em><br /><br /><blockquote>These materials were prepared for the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics program in Government Ethics by Senior Fellow Judy Nadler and Communications Director Miriam Schulman. The Center provides training in local government ethics for public officials.<br /><br /><br /><em><strong>What are conflicts of interest?</strong></em><br /><br />Conflicts of interest occur when an officeholder puts his or her personal or financial interest ahead of the public interest. In the simplest terms, the official reaps a monetary or other reward from a decision made in his or her public capacity. <br /><br />The most common conflicts in local government happen when officeholders face a vote on real property/land use issues that affect their own holdings. Other examples include voting to grant a benefit to a company in which the officeholder owns stock or even to a non-profit organization on whose board the officeholder may sit. <br /><br />When a conflict of interest is possible, an officeholder is expected to abstain from the discussion and the vote. <br /><br /><em><strong>What do conflicts of interest have to do with ethics?</strong></em><br /><br />Public service is always about protecting the common good, which may be defined as the common conditions that are important to the welfare of everyone-police, fire, parks, libraries, and other services. A public servant must always put the common good ahead of any personal, financial, or political benefit they might receive from a decision about such matters as where to situate a park or who should collect the garbage. <br /><br />Also, conflicts of interest interfere with the basic ethical principle of fairness-treating everyone the same. A public official should not take unfair advantage of his or her position by voting on a matter that could benefit them at the expense of others. <br /><br />Finally, conflicts of interest undermine trust. They make the public lose faith in the integrity of governmental decision-making processes.<br /><br /><em><strong>What ethical dilemmas do conflicts of interest present?</strong></em><br /><br />Many times, government officials honestly believe that they are not being unduly influenced by their personal stake in an issue. They may feel, to the contrary, that their interest in the matter gives them special insight into the subject. A city councilmember who ran on a platform of revitalizing the downtown, for example, may feel entirely justified in supporting measures to improve the area, even if part of the benefit of such improvement might go to their own business. They might argue that they understand the problems of a downtown business because they own one. They might claim, further, that their constituents elected them specifically to represent this interest.<br /><br />But conflict of interest laws prevent such partiality. First, it's almost impossible for individuals to determine whether they are being fair when their self-interest is involved. Also, as the Institute for Local Self-Government puts it, "The law is aimed at the perception, as well as the reality, that a public officials personal interests may influence a decision." Even the appearance of impropriety undermines the public's faith that the process is fair.<br /><br />Another common misconception about conflicts of interest is that officeholders are absolved of their responsibility merely by being transparent about their stake in the issue. It is not sufficient for government officials to make conflicts public. They must take themselves out of the decision-making process altogether.<br /><br />This includes discussion and debate as well as actual voting. Abstention is only half the requirement. A public official is also expected to refrain from public pronouncements and private arm twisting on decisions in which he or she has an interest.<br /><br />Note, also, that the interest may be personal as well as financial. Helping one's fraternal order to obtain rent-free space in a public building is a form of conflict of interest, especially if it improves one's standing in the organization. Being elected president of a community group because of such favors might prove to be in an officeholder's personal and political interest when the next election rolls around. Conversely, public office should not be used to punish one's personal and political enemies. Voting no on your annoying neighbor's reasonable zoning waiver request is another form of putting private ahead of public interest.</strong></blockquote>Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-11120337255830669152008-11-24T07:01:00.006-06:002008-11-24T07:35:02.239-06:00Serious problem, Dodge City Conflict of Interest ordinances<strong>Finally, thanks to Ken Strobel, City of Dodge City Manager and Brad Ralph, City of Dodge City Attorney, the serious issue of non-applicable conflict of interest ordinances on the Dodge City code has a possible answer -- if the Dodge City Commission decides to fix it -- and fixes it before millions and millions of tax dollars are spent on the Events Center and the infrastructure connected with it and the Casino.<br /><br />According to a reply on my request for a ruling on whether the City of Dodge City conflict of interest ordinances -- see previous post -- apply to ANY city appointed volunteer committees:<br /><br /><br />City of Dodge City Code, Article 4, Chapter 1, Article 1-404(e):<br /><blockquote>(e) Conflict of Interest - No elected or <em>appointive city official or employee, whether paid or unpaid</em>, shall engage in any business or transaction or shall have a financial or other personal interest, direct or indirect, which is incompatible with the proper discharge of his or her duties in the public interest or would tend to impair his or her independence of judgment or action in the performance of his or her official duties. Personal as distinguished from financial interest includes an interest arising from blood or marriage relationships or close business or political association. Specific conflicts of interest are enumerated below for the guidance of officials and employees:</blockquote><br /><br />Mr. Ralph states:<br /><blockquote><br />...There exists no definition within the city code of the term, "city official". However, the fact that this provision contemplates the city official potentially being "appointive" and "unpaid" would lead one to believe that members of city boards are, in fact, included within these provisions....<br /><br />...it would seem reasonable to contemplate that members of city boards and committees would, in fact, be subject to the conflict of interest provisions found within Article 4 of the city code. However, as I have previously indicated, the code provisions are sometimes vaguely worded and may not be as clear as one would wish.</blockquote><br /><br />Now, time to see if Mr. Strobel and Mr. Ralph suggest a definition of "appointed city officials" and if the Dodge City Commissioners decide that ethics and codes that are applicable to city committee members -- all committees -- are wanted by them or not. If the city commissioners do nothing -- ie.,they now know that there are no conflict of interest codes which clearly apply to appointed committees, including CFAB -- then I guess that conflict of interest issues are not important to them -- I would hate to think that they may want there to be no applicable laws. <br /><br />I don't want to be that negative -- so I look forward to a very fast update of the codes so that they clearly apply. If this issue matters to you, contact the City Commissioners and ask when they may fix this very glaring problem with Dodge City laws.<br /><br />They can be reached at:<br /><br /><br />Monte Broeckelman<br />Email: mbroeckelman@yahoo.com <br /><br />Jim Sherer <br />Email: jim.sherer@yahoo.com <br /><br />E. Kent Smoll, Mayor<br />Email: ksmoll70@hotmail.com<br /><br />Rick Sowers, Vice-Mayor <br />Email: rsowers@starrtech.net <br /><br />Brian Weber<br />Email: commissionerweber@gmail.com <br /><br /><br />Yours, Uncle George<br /></strong>Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-19351387830805099182008-10-17T13:32:00.004-05:002008-10-17T14:15:21.946-05:00Dodge City, a town with no interest ?Currently, a request for a legal ruling on which city committee members of Dodge City are covered by the conflict of interest ordinances is slowly moving through the city attorney's office (or actually, a hired city legal advisor office) -- so it might be useful to first review the current laws -- laws that right now seem to apply to no one at all. Here's the Dodge City laws that should apply -- but, we've been told -- don't since "appointive city official or employee, whether paid or unpaid" was not a term that was defined (and I'm still waiting for a list of city employees that are not paid -- )<br /><br /><blockquote><a href="http://www.dodgecity.org/documents/Municipal%20Codes%20and%20Ordinances/municipalcode.pdf">Dodge City Municipal Code</a><br /><br />(e) Conflict of Interest - No elected or <strong>appointive city official or employee, whether paid or unpaid</strong>, shall engage in any business or transaction or shall have a financial or other personal interest, direct or indirect, which is incompatible with the proper discharge of his or her duties in the public interest or would tend to impair his or her independence of judgment or action in the performance of his or her official duties. Personal as distinguished from financial interest includes an interest arising from blood or marriage relationships or <strong>close business</strong> or political association. Specific conflicts of interest are enumerated below<br />for the guidance of officials and employees:<br /><br />(1) Incompatible Employment - No elected or <strong>appointive city official </strong>or employee shall engage in or accept private employment or <strong>render services for private interests </strong>when such employment or service is incompatible with the proper discharge of his or her official duties or would tend to impair <strong>his or her independence of judgment or action in the performance of his or her official duties.</strong><br /><br />(2) Disclosure of Confidential Information -<br />No elected or <strong>appointive city official </strong>or employee, shall, without proper legal authorization, disclose confidential information concerning the property, government or affairs of the city. Nor shall<strong> he or she use such information to <em>advance the financial or other private interest of himself</em>, herself or others.</strong> </blockquote><br /><br />So, the question being asked the City Attorney now is if these laws apply to ANY city committee members at all. Since a couple of the Dodge City commissioners talked much about their ethics during the election, seems to me that if no Dodge City conflict of interest laws apply to anyone, there's not much to talk about concerning ethics in Dodge. <br /><br />You'll be informed as soon as that nice outside paid lawyer lets us know. Until then, guess that Dodge City has no interests to have conflicts over? Or just no laws concerning what, in most places, would be illegal involvement of appointed city officials making money off of your tax dollars -- and getting to make decisions for their own personal financial gain on how to spend those dollars.<br /><br />Waiting too, Uncle GeorgeWhy Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-78652538300330431782008-09-26T12:58:00.003-05:002008-09-26T13:12:58.811-05:00Kansas Casino Awarded Butler National, Dodge City Casino, Ford County Kansas 5-2 decision by Kansas Gaming Casino Review BoardFrom the Dodge City <em>Daily Globe</em>, Dodge City casino contract awarded to Butler National: 5 - 2 vote by Kansas Gaming Commission Casino Review Board<br /><blockquote><br />Butler gets the contract on a 5-2 vote. Board Chairman Matt All and Jim Bergfalk supported the D.C. Resort proposal. The other members favored Butler.<br /><br />Next up, a background check.</blockquote><br /><br />Even I suggest that the background checks will go well for the local folks financially involved or as representatives. More interesting is how much Why Not Dodge? sales tax money will be used for the infrastructure. <br /><br />Time for follow-up to great Dodge City <em>Daily Globe </em>article on that $34 million possible tax dollar cost (in twenty or thirty years, it might be paid back -- ) by now new managing editor Mark Vierthaler. Tax payers would be smart to get involved. <br /><br />Casinos by state of Kansas gaming casino law are to use no tax money <strong>at all </strong>-- although a court has refused to rule on the use of benefits such as city water/sewer being put in 50 feet away, etc. in locations that would never be used for city property normally. This involves a huge ecological cost, too.<br /><br />If Dodge City and Ford County citizens require it, cost savings would be massive if the infrastructure cost is shared and shared fairly. Butler publicly promised to pay their fair share -- I hear one third of it being the opening bid... I would go one half.Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-80696887192903974532008-07-24T07:07:00.006-05:002008-07-24T07:28:36.831-05:00Kansas Gaming Director Stephen Martino: Higher ethics required for gambling management<strong>Stephen Martino, Kansas Racing & Gaming Commission Executive Director, gave a speech (with questions taken) to the Dodge City Rotary Club public lunch forum held Wednesday, July 23. The major keynote and theme of the speech was Mr. Martino's clear and serious statements about the ethics rules imposed on the whole KS Gaming commission -- not only can they not have any financial interest,etc., in a Kansas casino, but can't even stay at the future hotels that will part of the Ford County - Dodge City casino when built.<br /><br />Stephen Martino has been in the position since appointed in 2005 by Governor Sebelius. He is a lawyer, and also founded the Kansas Responsible Gambling Alliance, "a group of state agencies and interest groups involved in responsible gambling promotion and problem gambling treatment."<br /><br />It will be of interest how local conflict of interest issues affect the casino review board's decision -- Mr. Martino is not on it -- but if his speech is any indication, it wouldn't seem good for any applicant to be anywhere near any ethical or legal issues at all, let along be directly involved in a formal business manner.<br /><br />The issue will be presented in the brief comment section of the July 31st public hearings in Dodge City for Butler National Services Inc. and Dodge City Gaming Inc.<br /><br />Whatever the outcome, Mr. Martino was very sincere and serious about the requirement of his agency to hold to a higher ethical standard than even required by law.<br /><br />Thank you for that, Stephen.<br /><br />Best, Uncle George<br />(note: no financial connections to any of the proposals, the land, the land sales, the road construction, the water wells, none, nope.) </strong>Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-86878385840871049152008-07-18T10:21:00.006-05:002008-07-18T10:36:33.561-05:00Dodge City Resort and Gaming Co. presentation:<a href="http://www.dodgeglobe.com/localnews/x2050101015/Dodge-City-Resort-and-Gaming-hosts-informational-session-for-community-members">Dodge City Casino Presentation by Dodge City Resort and Gaming Co.</a><br /><br /><blockquote>...If Dodge City Resort and Gaming's proposal is selected by the Lottery Gaming Facility Review Board for further development, the casino would be built on 281 acres in the northeast corner of the city by Highway 50. The Western-style casino would consist of 800 gaming machines, 20 gaming tables, conventions and meeting rooms, three rodeo arenas, an RV park and livestock showroom and several buildings reminiscent of Front Street in the 1880s....<br /><br />...During the first year of operation, the casino developer would pay the state about $13 million in gaming revenues as well as property, local and sales taxes, said Joseph. Of that amount, $1.3 million would be split evenly between the Ford County and Dodge City.... </blockquote><br /><br /><strong>Time that Dodge City and Ford County citizens faced facts -- $1.3 million oh boy -- with need for expanded fire, EMS and police force....... property taxes watch out. We're high anyway. Guess we're going to be higher.<br /><br />Makes matters even more expensive for the Butler National Services proposal -- way out 2 miles west of town. No fire/EMS near it at all. Will require a new fire station I would bet. Money, money, money. And none of it for you or me. Darn it. Unless you're the winner at the casino. Yup, that one. Or you're the real estate CFAB chair broker for Butler National, if they get it. <br /><br />Don't bet on that yet, folks. The massive complaints about conflict of interest concerning one CFAB Chair Greg Starks may take up an hour at the July 31st public statement part of the review. Might make a difference, might not. <br /><br />But given the time delays that could be caused by legal action against the Events Center location, et al, I would suggest that the Kansas state review board (hi, board members) might not want to bet on income for the state of Kansas for a long time if that west location is chosen -- unless one CFAB Chair resigns before the July 31 meeting. Then, no issue.<br /><br />Best, Uncle George (note: no financial connections to any of the proposals, the land, the land sales, the road construction, the water wells, none, nope.)</strong>Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-44722779238172292312008-06-09T07:08:00.003-05:002008-06-09T07:24:20.284-05:00Dates for Dodge City/Ford County casino decision - Sept. 18-19<strong>[Note that "The emphasis throughout the process will remain on doing things in the open." There are and have been conflict of interest issues in the Dodge City decisions -- private gain planned that was clearly not discussed in the open. Since no doubt these conflict of interest issues will come up in the July public hearings in Ford County and involve the city/county CFAB committee chair -- unless Mr. Starks is off of CFAB by then -- wonder how they will play with the state?]<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.hutchnews.com/Todaystop/gaminganal">Gaming board's job won't be lit by neon</a>, <em>Hutchinson News</em>, June 9, By Carl Manning <br /><blockquote><br />Deciding who will manage the four state-owned and operated casinos in Kansas won't be a task filled with glitz and glamour.<br /><br />More likely, it'll be filled with non-glitzy topics such as revenue estimates, population projections and targeted markets. <br /><br />By the end of September, the decisions will have been made by the seven-member Lottery Gaming Facility Review Board on the developers for a single casino each in Cherokee, Ford, Sumner and Wyandotte counties. <br /><br />It's important for the board to pick the strongest proposals and the ones offering the best deals for the state. But it's just as important to do it in the open, where the public can see what's happening. Gambling automatically raises concerns for many. <br /><br />Over the years, the gambling industry has worked on its image, promoting its locations as family friendly, touting its amenities, donating to various causes and making "gaming" the industry term of art. <br /><br />"There is a sleaze factor associated with the gambling industry, and some of that is deserved from years ago, and they've worked hard to change that. But the sleaze factor is still there, which makes transparency even more important," said Joe Aistrup, head of Kansas State University's political science department. <br /><br />He said that makes it even more important for the board to go out of its way to show that everything is on the up and up. <br /><br />"They want to make sure people perceive the decision was made on the merits of each bid compared to a decision being made based on somebody lining their back pockets," Aistrup said. <br /><br />Chairman Matt All, the former chief lawyer for Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, has emphasized the need for doing everything in the open. To him, transparency is the hallmark of success.... <br /><br />The decision about who will operate the casinos in Cherokee and Sumner counties will come Aug. 21-22 and for Wyandotte and Ford counties Sept. 18-19. Between now and then, board members will conduct public hearings, hear sales pitches from prospective casino managers, talk to their consultants and among themselves....<br /><br />The emphasis throughout the process will remain on doing things in the open. <br /><br />"If it gets tainted, then you have the first steps of casino gambling going down the wrong path," Aistrup said. "It could lead to some people wanting to reconsider gambling in the state and maybe legislation affecting the casinos." </blockquote><br /><br /></strong>Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-29459872382882727552008-05-28T04:26:00.002-05:002008-05-28T04:38:12.132-05:00Ford Co. Dodge City casino plans advance<strong>[Note that the promised donations to Western tourism venues isn't part of either presentation. Both of these Kansas companies, with local supporters, have made oral statements of a percent or so of their revenues going to help SW Kansas Western heritage tourism. Time will tell.]</strong><br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.hutchnews.com/Todaystop/fordco2008-05-27T20-53-39">Two Ford Co. casino plans advance </a><br /><br />Developers' proposals will now move on to second round of the competition,<br /><br />By Chris Green, <em>Hutchinson News</em>, May 28, 2008<br /><br /><br /><blockquote>Two developers cleared an initial hurdle Tuesday in their battle for the right to build and manage a state-owned resort casino in Ford County.<br /><br />The Kansas Lottery Commission voted to endorse contracts with both Olathe's Butler National Service Corp. and Wichita's Dodge City Resort and Gaming Co. to develop a Dodge City casino with a Wild West theme. ...<br /><br />Wichita attorney Steve Joseph, who leads a bid by Dodge City Resort and Gaming Co., said his group's task is to now persuade the seven-member review board to the merits of its plans.<br /><br />Joseph's venture includes former Wichita Mayor Bob Knight, state media magnate Larry Steckline and his wide, former Kansas Attorney General Carla Stovall Steckline among its investors.<br /><br />It plans to spend $20 million to build a temporary casino by spring 2009. It would later develop a $92.3 million permanent gaming site, complete with hotel, restaurants, shops and three rodeo arenas near the northeast corner of Dodge City.<br /><br />Joseph said his group has the biggest "concept" for southwest Kansas and hopes to make Dodge City an entertainment capital in the model of Branson, Mo.<br /><br />"If Branson, Missouri, can do it, Dodge City can do it, too," Joseph said.<br /><br />But Clark Stewart, president and chief executive officer of Butler National, said it's his firm's plans that would be in the best interest of the state and the southwest region.<br /><br />The project's manager emphasized the company's support from local officials and how the project will help Dodge City's economy and its effort to retain its young people during a presentation to the commission last week.<br /><br />Butler National, hired by Dodge City's Boot Hill Gaming Inc., plans to build a $92.9 million casino in two phases near U.S. 50 on the city's western edge.<br /><br />Initially, the company would open a $22.3 million interim gaming site by September 2009. It plans to complete the project, along with a 124-room hotel, restaurants and a spa, by September 2011. ...<br /><br />FORD COUNTY<br /><br />Butler National Service Corp.<br /><br />(Boot Hill Casino and Resort) <br /><br />State: 22 percent of annual casino revenues plus an additional percentage based on revenues above projections, up to 38 percent. <br /><br />Ford County: 1.5 percent. <br /><br />Dodge City: 1.5 percent. <br /><br />Problem Gambling-Addictions Fund: 2 percent. <br /><br />Dodge City Resort and Gaming Co. <br /><br />(Dodge City Casino Resort) <br /><br />State: 22 percent of annual casino revenues, plus 10 percent of net cash flow when revenues exceed $95 million. <br /><br />Ford County: 1.5 percent. <br /><br />Dodge City: 1.5 percent. <br /><br />Problem Gambling-Addictions Fund: 2 percent. </strong></blockquote>Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-19189416472890364992008-05-21T05:58:00.005-05:002008-05-21T06:24:36.566-05:00Dodge City casino: some new plans & visitor numbersThe <em>Hutchinson News</em>, May 21, has two different views of the tourism impact of the two different casino proposals for Ford County/Dodge City -- neither set of figures seems to match any research done on the Dodge City location -- research that clearly states most gamblers would be coming from within 50-100 miles from Dodge City. <br /><br />With gas heading for $4.00 a gallon and higher, seems unlikely that either set of figures will be accurate. And, of course, with casinos going up all over Kansas and Oklahoma, I wouldn't want to be planning much on any of these projections. Only the State of Kansas will win in this casino building orgy, and of course, those selling the land, and constructing the buildings. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.hutchnews.com/Todaystop/casinoplan">Developers present plans for new casino</a>, <em>Hutchinson News</em>:<br /><blockquote><br />"...Butler National, hired by Dodge City's Boot Hill Gaming Inc., plans to build a $92.9 million casino, called the Boot Hill Casino and Resort...<br /><br />The developers said the project would employ 654 full-time workers and could, by 2013, draw up to 418,000 annual visitors traveling from more than two hours away...<br /><br />...The competing project, the Dodge City Casino Resort, ...said the casino would likely draw 1 million people per year [<strong>nee', 1 million visits</strong>], 250,000 to 300,000 of whom would come from outside the state or from more than 100 miles away. It would employ at least 377 full-time workers...."</blockquote><br /><br />[Compare these numbers with the 2007 research quoted often in public by one of the applicants -- before $4.00 gas -- which states:]<br /><br /><blockquote> "In order to maintain the quality of life of the area, the additional fiscal and economic costs incurred due to a casino would need to be covered by additional governmental revenues...<br /><br />"Conversely, benefit-cost ratios of 0.75 shows public benefits are only 75 percent of public costs – costs exceed benefits... <br /><br />"Since gambling has been legalized and made accessible in several states, the range of pathological gamblers has increased to 1.5 to 5 percent in those states..."<br /><br />"Distance from Casino in miles and<br />Annual Spending per Person* <br /><br /><br /><strong>0-10 $ 527.64 <br />10-25 $ 234.23 <br />25-50 $ 114.76 <br />50-75 $ 66.97 <br />75-100 $ 32.22</strong> <br />100-125 $ 13.37 <br />125-150 $ 14.36 <br />150-175 $ 8.99 <br />175-200 $ 3.29 </blockquote><br />*Estimates by Christiansen Capital Advisors, LLC in current dollar value (2007$) <br /><br /><a href="http://www.srskansas.org/problemgambling/PDF/WSU_Impact_Study_on_Expansion.pdf">WSU_Impact_Study_on_Expansion</a><br /><br />Best, Uncle GeorgeWhy Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-56006230173574184382008-04-16T07:48:00.003-05:002008-04-16T08:09:16.037-05:00Untangling the Kansas casino legal mess: Dodge City Events Center issue<strong>Questions that the various <em>Dodge City Daily Globe</em> articles by Mark Vierthaler on the $34 million casino infrastructure costs, forgot to ask, re: public funds paying for casino infrastructure -- <br /><br />From:<br /><a href="http://www.kansascity.com/business/story/565383.html">Untangling the Kansas casino legal mess</a>, By Rick Alm, <em>The Kansas City Star</em>, April 07, 2008<br /><br /><blockquote>The question of public financing for state-owned casinos in Kansas is a sticky one. It’s also an odd one considering that state dollars and state manpower will be expended in coming years in the state’s role as casino owner.<br /><br />That dilemma hasn’t come up yet.<br /><br />For now, both sides in the battle are lawyered up, and the legal briefs are flying.<br /><br />A lawsuit financed in part by Topeka-based taxpayer watchdog Americans for Prosperity-Kansas has alleged that all three casino projects proposed for Kansas City, Kan., violate the state casino law’s ban on public financing of casinos.</blockquote><br /><br />And from same article:<br /><br /><blockquote>Kansas’ casino law is clear: “No state or local tax abatement … no revenue bonds, tax increment financing or similar financing shall be used to finance any part of any lottery gaming enterprise or any racetrack gaming facility.</blockquote><br /><br />Seems that with the location of our Events Center being decided, without vote, by a member of the private casino applicant Boot Hill Gaming Inc./Butler National -- ie., CFAB Chair Greg Starks -- that the Americans for Prosperity-Kansas will have a field day when public tax money is used to pay for $34 million dollars of infrastructure NOT NEEDED by our Events Center, except that the location was suddenly moved to help the CFAB Chair's private interests. Remember that Mr. Starks, for 10-years, pushed and pulled the Events Center to the center core of the city -- where the costs would be only a fraction of the 2-miles from downtown location that he wants now -- on land he brokered, from a fellow Boot Hill Gaming Inc. board member.<br /><br />That Starks had to quit the gaming board was at least finally a statement of ethical problems, but of course, after the fact of his profit. <br /><br />Time for the City/County Commissions to review the location of the public Events Center or state that the cost of at least half or more of the infrastructure must be paid by one of the two casino applicants, when awarded the exclusive multi-year contract by the State of Kansas. <br /><br />Lawyers are going to love this otherwise.<br /><br />Signed: Uncle George</strong>Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-79417148927417639102008-03-28T16:26:00.002-05:002008-03-28T16:43:59.895-05:001st Annual Legends of McCarty Speedway, May 24 & 25<strong>Put it on your calender now -- 1st Annual Legends of McCarty Speedway, Dodge City Raceway Park, May 24 & 25<br /><br />Both nights will feature a program of weekly racers highlighted by the "Boot Hill 1000." Details to follow.</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.kansashistory.us/racing/"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.kansashistory.us/racing/mccarty98.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><strong><br />1956 Trophy Dash Champion Race Team, No. 98 Jalopy, McCarty Speedway, Wright Park, Dodge City, KS.<br /><br />Junior (Cecil) Maupin, Jr. driver, with (from l.) Hank<br />(Henry) Palmer, car builder; Bud Stanley, chief mechanic; Burney Faulkner and unknown -- the 1933 Ford coupe jalopy racer's first-class crew, rare in 1956. Note matching overalls and bill-less caps, and also infamous McCarty Speedway's tin fence in background.<br /><br /><P>No deaths were recorded at races on McCarty Speedway, which featured two dirt tracks -- a 1/2-mile track for motorcycles and horses, and a 1/4-mile track for cars. (Photograph courtesy: Roger and Troy Burnett, Dodge City, KS.)</strong>Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-64888969209920988222008-03-14T07:29:00.003-05:002008-03-14T07:43:03.730-05:00Dodge City Commission Candidates & Casino $34 million infrastructure<strong>Dodge City Commission Candidate Forum, <em>High Plain Journal </em>conference room, Sat., March 15, 10 a.m.<br /><br />Suggested by many that this public candidate forum on Saturday will be a great opportunity to ask serious questions about the possible tax payer costs and underwriting of the casino infrastructure through the Special Events Center forced location next to the for-profit privately managed state-owned casino.<br /><br />It has been noted often that the major forces for this Events Center location were people directly involved (ie., CFAB Chair Greg Starks, although at the time not to the public) with the private casino related Boot Hill Gaming Inc. and thus would gain financially by the tax payers' money. It is illegal under Kansas State laws to have ANY tax money used for the casinos.<br /><br />Time for potential and current city commissioners to be asked how they plan on paying for the huge increased infrastructure costs for the Events Center by the far out-of-town locations. And how that cost will be passed on to the two possible casinos. <br /><br />Since the Events Center is budgeted at $30 million dollars and the casinos at over $60 million dollars or more each -- looks like at least 2/3s of the cost should be carried by the casinos, or more, since their needs for sewers (hotels, etc.) are massively different than the Events Center's. <br /><br />Be sure to go to this forum and be sure to ask very pointed questions. It may be the only time that these candidates have to publicly answer.<br /><br />Signed: Uncle George</strong>Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8270779716408336473.post-33299245886666607202008-03-01T07:43:00.002-06:002008-03-01T07:48:09.687-06:00Special Dodge City Commission meeting -- Monday, March 3, 5:30 p.m. -- Casinos, event center<strong>Looks like anybody wanting to hold on to their tax money better be at this one. Wonder how the casinos will pay for their infrastructure? Wonder where the water will come from? But, hey, with that $34 million infrastructure, we'll have the most expensive $30 million dollar events center in the country. Bonus?<br /><br /><br />CITY COMMISSION AGENDA<br />SPECIAL MEETING<br />City Commission Chambers<br />Monday, March 3, 2008 5:30 p.m.<br />MEETING #4701<br /><br />CALL TO ORDER<br />ROLL CALL<br />BUSINESS<br /><br /> <br />1. Review and Action on Butler National Memorandum of Understanding <br />Re: Butler National Casino/Event Center Proposal<br /><br />2. Review and Action on Global Entertainment Consulting Agreement <br />Re: Special Event Center<br /><br />3. Review and Action on Joint Communication Board Agreement Amendments<br /><br />4. Review and Action on Dodge City Resort & Gaming Casino Endorsement Resolution<br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br />ADJOURNMENT</strong>Why Not Dodge! Western Heritage, History, Special Events Center, CFAB, Casinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11195256039389320629noreply@blogger.com0