Casino news source: Globe Gazette - http://www.globegazette.com/
Commission lauds casino's profit-sharing with education
By CHARLOTTE EBY, Globe Gazette Des Moines Bureau
DES MOINES — The group that distributes a share of profits from the Diamond Jo Worth Casino pumped $2.9 million of casino revenues back into the county last year, including handouts to students and schools, cities and Worth County.
The $1.1 million spent on education earned praise from members of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission on Thursday.
“We want to thank you,” said commission member Toni Urban of Des Moines.
The Worth County Development Authority handed out dollars to six different school districts, and every Worth County K-12 student will get free school supplies starting next year.
The districts receiving money are North Kensett, North Central, Nora Springs, Forest City, St. Ansgar and Lake Mills.
The 96 Worth County seniors expected to graduate this year will be in line for college scholarships totaling $3,980 each.
“This is how we’re trying to get people to move into our little county,” said Kim Miller, executive director of the Worth County Development Association.
Miller said the amount of scholarships likely will increase in the future.
After the casino has been open a full year, Miller wants to see that free pre-school is provided to all Worth County children of that age.
“We’re taking care of them before school, during their years and after school,” Miller said.
Miller, who led the effort to open a casino in Worth County, had pitched the idea of giving part of the profits for scholarships and schools when the casino was seeking a license from state regulators.
“It’s my dream,” Miller said. “It’s what I wanted to do for so long,” she said.
Another $239,000 went into the coffers of cities in Worth County and $239,000 went to Worth County itself. |
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