Initial Casino Proposal Has Been Made - 2004-01-29
The Prairie Band Potawatomi/Shab-ey-nay Band continues to negotiate with the state of Illinois for land in DeKalb County -which could be turned into a massive casino and resort. Former DeKalb County Judge John Countryman, who represents the tribe, has said the Native American group's claim to reservation land in Shabbona has been ratified by the U. S. Department of the Interior.

However, others such as Sen. Brad Burzynski, R-Sycamore, have said the federal government is still looking at the Shabbona claim. In a recent call for a series of hearings, Burzynski pushed for formal input by residents who would be affected by a casino or resort.
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Voters In Iowa County OK Plan For Riverboat Casino - 2004-01-29
Voters in Franklin County on Tuesday approved a plan to float a riverboat casino. With almost 40 percent of registered voters participating, 53 percent of the votes were in favor of the referendum.

Anette Renaud, executive director of the Franklin County Development Association, said a riverboat casino would generate roughly $250,000 for the county and $250,000 that would be divided among communities within the northern Iowa county.

Gayle and Roger Burnett, of Rockford, want to operate the boat, which would employ up to 600 people. Under the plan, a riverboat casino would be located off Interstate 35 near Iowa Highway 3.
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