Instead of driving to an Indian casino, how about Vegas-style gambling at a Tucson racetrack?
There's a new offer on the table to help Arizona dig itself out of a giant budget hole. Racetrack owners have a plan that targets fun money to ease the $3.4 billion deficit.
Tom Taylor, CEO of Tucson Greyhound Park says not only will mini casinos bring in state and city revenue, but attract a new generation of horse and dog race enthusiasts.
Card games such as blackjack, Texas hold ‘em, and four card poker are a possibility, along with slot machines. Taylor says mini casinos are popping up at racetracks nationwide, they're nicknamed racinos.
"The horse race and dog racing industry as a whole is depressed and the racinos have resurged them all," says Taylor.
A recent study by some Arizona track owners estimates Arizona could generate $226 million this budget year if the bill is passed. In return, tracks will give the state, 45 percent of its profits.
The City of South Tucson will also receive a chunk of the proceeds, a half-percent of the track's revenue.
"You know a half-a percent of the revenue could be anywhere from a half a million to a million dollars," says Taylor.
Besides revenue, Taylor says mini casinos will generate 1,500 new jobs at Arizona's six tracks and provide work for contractors.
But officials for the county-owned Rillito Horse Racetrack aren't so quick to jump on board. A spokesperson says at this point, there's too many unanswered questions.
So how do Tucsonan's feel?
Bob Kreuzer tells News 4's Rebecca Taylor he likes the idea.
"I think it's a good idea as long as it's kept within reason," says Kreuzer.
But some critics worry racinos will take away from Indian gaming.
Tom Taylor says, "Obviously if you have a monopoly and then you lose it, you've lost something, I can see where they'd be concerned about that."
Dale Bell who works near the tracks adds, "South Tucson is a poor community, how come the Indians can have it? If they can't have it here, it doesn't make any sense. I'm all for it."
Right now, the bill is in its early stages. But if approved Taylor says it will take 120 days to get a temporary mini casino going Tucson Greyhound Park.
To be balanced, News 4 contacted Southern Arizona's Indian tribes.
Late Monday, Ned Norris Jr., Chairman of the Tohono O'Odham Nation released this statement:
"Once again, the horse and dog tracks are resorting to misinformation, innuendo and smear tactics to try to push their unpopular agenda.
This proposal is a slap in the face to the will of Arizona voters. In 2002, the exact same issue was addressed by Arizona's citizens. In that election over 80 percent of Arizona voters said ‘no' to casino-style gaming at dog and horse tracks, despite the millions spent on the campaign by the out-of-state track owners.
Horse and dog tracks' profits are frequently funneled to out-of-state owners. However, revenues from the tribal gaming facilities stay right here in Arizona. The argument that racinos will help balance the state's temporary budget crisis is absurd.
We implore the Governor and the state legislature to adhere to the overwhelming will of the people and reject this dangerous proposal."
The Pasqua Yaqui Tribe, which owns Casino del Sol decided not to comment.
News 4 would like to know what you think. Head to http://www.kvoa.com and click on "Your Vote" towards the middle of the Web site, and vote. Results will be given Tuesday, July 28th on our 5 p.m. newscast.
http://www.kvoa.com/Global/story.asp?S=10799896&nav=HMO6HMaY
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Fate of dog racing in RI takes another twist
Fate of dog racing in R.I. takes another twist
01:00 AM EDT on Tuesday, July 28, 2009
By Katherine GreggJournal State House Bureau
PROVIDENCE — When legislative leaders decided not to return to the State House this week to override the governor’s vetoes, they cleared the way for the bankrupt Twin River track-and-slot parlor to suspend live greyhound racing in mid-season — as planned — on Aug. 8.
But that may not be the end of dog racing in Rhode Island.
The General Assembly’s Democratic leaders still seem intent on overriding Governor Carcieri’s veto of a bill requiring a full 200-day racing season at the track when legislators return in early September, and possibly as early as Sept. 2. The dog races would presumably resume at that point.
But there is a lot of time between now and then for the owners of the Lincoln gambling facility to file in U.S. Bankruptcy Court a long-anticipated — and possibly imminent — motion for relief from a contract requiring them to pay a $9-million annual subsidy to the current group of dog owners who have banded together as the Rhode Island Greyhound Owners Association. About $5.5 million has been paid so far. Asked what might happen if a judge voids the contract and the lawmakers subsequently require a full season of racing, Twin River spokeswoman Patti Doyle on Monday raised the possibility that the consortium known as BLB Investors that owns the gambling hall would resume the races with a less-expensive cast of dogs.
She offered no specifics, but dog racing has already effectively ended in New Hampshire, and will end in Massachusetts on Jan. 1, leaving dog owners across the region in search of new venues.
In Rhode Island, wagering on “simulcast” showings of out-of-state races drew $30.9 million last year, more than double the $13.2 million bet on the live races offered every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Simulcasting is offered every day except Tuesdays.
The owners blame their financial arrangement with the dog owners’ association for some of the money troubles, since the racing nets them only $1.75 million, not nearly enough to cover the $2.5-million expense or the $9-million subsidy they are currently obligated to pay the greyhound owners.
If freed from the contract with the owners association, but forced to continue the racing, Doyle said: “BLB, legally, would be within its rights to seek less expensive racing options — another ownership group — or to manage the dog-racing aspect themselves … We are talking about possible scenarios so, again, I do not have specifics … But certainly, there may be dog owners and dog-owner associations interested in racing in R.I., at a lower price.”
Twin River is operated by a subsidiary of BLB Investors, a holding company made up of Kerzner International Ltd., the Waterford Group LLC and Starwood Capital Group.
After defaulting on more than a half-billion dollars in loans, the owners filed a petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month under terms that would require them to relinquish ownership to their lenders, which include the Merrill Lynch Capital Corp.
The 4,700-plus video-slots placed at Twin River by the state Lottery are the big moneymakers for the owners, the state (which gets close to 60 cents out of every dollar that Twin River wins away from its losing players) and a group of machine suppliers that includes Providence-based GTECH Corp. The Narragansett Indians and the Town of Lincoln also get shares.
Even if the racing comes to halt on Aug. 8, RIGOA spokeswoman Jennifer Bramley said: “Everybody will actually stay in place. So the kennel owners and the workers in the kennels will remain at the track and we are hopeful that when the legislature does convene in early September that they will see fit to override the governor’s veto … [and] we would continue racing under our present contract.” Governor Carcieri had this perspective: “The good news is the longer they leave the Twin River legislation alone, then perhaps the bankruptcy judge will sort this out and do what we had wanted to get done.”
House leaders have not responded to questions, since the General Assembly went on hiatus, about the vetoed bill sponsored by Sen. Frank Ciccone, D-Providence, to require a full 200-day racing season, while allowing overnight gambling at Twin River seven days a week.
But Senate Majority Leader Daniel Connors, D-Cumberland, said an override vote is likely regardless of events outside the legislature’s purview, such as the bankruptcy court proceedings. But Connors said the senators are less concerned about which dogs race than they are about the 225 jobs the greyhound owners say are at risk if live racing is eliminated entirely. Without the legislation, he noted, the Town of Lincoln would lose the extra $784,458 one-year shot of video-slot revenue that lawmakers promised last year as compensation for allowing overnight gambling, over town objections, on weekends and holidays only. Lincoln is in his district.
The next bankruptcy court hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 18. It remains unclear who will run Twin River after the lenders seize control. Harrah’s Entertainment has expressed an interest.
Doyle said the current owners “remain committed to Twin River and Rhode Island and if there is any feasible avenue available for them to stay involved, they would certainly welcome that.”
— With reports from Cynthia Needham
kgregg@projo.com
http://www.projo.com/news/content/dog_racing_07-28-09_4BF6IOQ_v18.3b3d305.html
01:00 AM EDT on Tuesday, July 28, 2009
By Katherine GreggJournal State House Bureau
PROVIDENCE — When legislative leaders decided not to return to the State House this week to override the governor’s vetoes, they cleared the way for the bankrupt Twin River track-and-slot parlor to suspend live greyhound racing in mid-season — as planned — on Aug. 8.
But that may not be the end of dog racing in Rhode Island.
The General Assembly’s Democratic leaders still seem intent on overriding Governor Carcieri’s veto of a bill requiring a full 200-day racing season at the track when legislators return in early September, and possibly as early as Sept. 2. The dog races would presumably resume at that point.
But there is a lot of time between now and then for the owners of the Lincoln gambling facility to file in U.S. Bankruptcy Court a long-anticipated — and possibly imminent — motion for relief from a contract requiring them to pay a $9-million annual subsidy to the current group of dog owners who have banded together as the Rhode Island Greyhound Owners Association. About $5.5 million has been paid so far. Asked what might happen if a judge voids the contract and the lawmakers subsequently require a full season of racing, Twin River spokeswoman Patti Doyle on Monday raised the possibility that the consortium known as BLB Investors that owns the gambling hall would resume the races with a less-expensive cast of dogs.
She offered no specifics, but dog racing has already effectively ended in New Hampshire, and will end in Massachusetts on Jan. 1, leaving dog owners across the region in search of new venues.
In Rhode Island, wagering on “simulcast” showings of out-of-state races drew $30.9 million last year, more than double the $13.2 million bet on the live races offered every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Simulcasting is offered every day except Tuesdays.
The owners blame their financial arrangement with the dog owners’ association for some of the money troubles, since the racing nets them only $1.75 million, not nearly enough to cover the $2.5-million expense or the $9-million subsidy they are currently obligated to pay the greyhound owners.
If freed from the contract with the owners association, but forced to continue the racing, Doyle said: “BLB, legally, would be within its rights to seek less expensive racing options — another ownership group — or to manage the dog-racing aspect themselves … We are talking about possible scenarios so, again, I do not have specifics … But certainly, there may be dog owners and dog-owner associations interested in racing in R.I., at a lower price.”
Twin River is operated by a subsidiary of BLB Investors, a holding company made up of Kerzner International Ltd., the Waterford Group LLC and Starwood Capital Group.
After defaulting on more than a half-billion dollars in loans, the owners filed a petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month under terms that would require them to relinquish ownership to their lenders, which include the Merrill Lynch Capital Corp.
The 4,700-plus video-slots placed at Twin River by the state Lottery are the big moneymakers for the owners, the state (which gets close to 60 cents out of every dollar that Twin River wins away from its losing players) and a group of machine suppliers that includes Providence-based GTECH Corp. The Narragansett Indians and the Town of Lincoln also get shares.
Even if the racing comes to halt on Aug. 8, RIGOA spokeswoman Jennifer Bramley said: “Everybody will actually stay in place. So the kennel owners and the workers in the kennels will remain at the track and we are hopeful that when the legislature does convene in early September that they will see fit to override the governor’s veto … [and] we would continue racing under our present contract.” Governor Carcieri had this perspective: “The good news is the longer they leave the Twin River legislation alone, then perhaps the bankruptcy judge will sort this out and do what we had wanted to get done.”
House leaders have not responded to questions, since the General Assembly went on hiatus, about the vetoed bill sponsored by Sen. Frank Ciccone, D-Providence, to require a full 200-day racing season, while allowing overnight gambling at Twin River seven days a week.
But Senate Majority Leader Daniel Connors, D-Cumberland, said an override vote is likely regardless of events outside the legislature’s purview, such as the bankruptcy court proceedings. But Connors said the senators are less concerned about which dogs race than they are about the 225 jobs the greyhound owners say are at risk if live racing is eliminated entirely. Without the legislation, he noted, the Town of Lincoln would lose the extra $784,458 one-year shot of video-slot revenue that lawmakers promised last year as compensation for allowing overnight gambling, over town objections, on weekends and holidays only. Lincoln is in his district.
The next bankruptcy court hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 18. It remains unclear who will run Twin River after the lenders seize control. Harrah’s Entertainment has expressed an interest.
Doyle said the current owners “remain committed to Twin River and Rhode Island and if there is any feasible avenue available for them to stay involved, they would certainly welcome that.”
— With reports from Cynthia Needham
kgregg@projo.com
http://www.projo.com/news/content/dog_racing_07-28-09_4BF6IOQ_v18.3b3d305.html
Pet Lover's Story to be featured on Show
By Michael D. Pitman,
Staff Writer Middletown Journal
7:45 PM Sunday, July 26, 2009
FAIRFIELD — Fairfield resident Helen Johnson has a pet lover’s heart, and hers is one of six stories to be featured in a television special presented by Purina and Kroger.
Purina and Kroger sponsored a television special in 2008 called “Four Plus Two: Tales of a Pet Lover’s Heart.” The companies are again partnering for another “Tales of a Pet Lover’s Heart” special to air in October on WCPO-TV Channel 9 and on a national network.
“The ultimate goal is to really connect with Kroger shoppers on an emotional level,” said Dave Tornberg, Purina marketing manager.
Each Kroger division nationwide will get a portion of a $150,000 contribution to be made to a neighborhood animal shelter in the name of the show.
The hourlong show is “a celebration of pets,” Tornberg said.
“It features six stories of very normal people that have very extraordinary stories about what they do with their dog or what they do with their cat,” he said.
The 2008 special was nominated for nine local Emmy awards.
Johnson’s story starts two and a half years ago when she adopted Keeley, a retired greyhound. Two months later, she fostered her first greyhound. When that greyhound found a home, she adopted her second greyhound, Marisa.
Both of her dogs are retired racers.
Johnson is fostering her ninth greyhound since July 2007.
“If you told me two and a half years ago before I adopted Keeley this is what I’d be doing, I would have said, ‘You’re crazy,’” said Johnson, who was found by the show’s local production company.
Johnson is the director of events planning with the Queen City Greyhounds, an organization of volunteers who help greyhounds find good homes.
“It’s been a great experience,” Johnson said. “When you adopt a greyhound, you are part of the family. And we are a close group of people.”
The Queen City Greyhounds organization has meet-and-greets practically every weekend to meet the public.
“I’m an animal lover, always been an animal lover,” Johnson said.
For information, visit www.talesforthepetloversheart.com.
http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/middletown-news/pet-lovers-story-featured-on-show-222587.html
Staff Writer Middletown Journal
7:45 PM Sunday, July 26, 2009
FAIRFIELD — Fairfield resident Helen Johnson has a pet lover’s heart, and hers is one of six stories to be featured in a television special presented by Purina and Kroger.
Purina and Kroger sponsored a television special in 2008 called “Four Plus Two: Tales of a Pet Lover’s Heart.” The companies are again partnering for another “Tales of a Pet Lover’s Heart” special to air in October on WCPO-TV Channel 9 and on a national network.
“The ultimate goal is to really connect with Kroger shoppers on an emotional level,” said Dave Tornberg, Purina marketing manager.
Each Kroger division nationwide will get a portion of a $150,000 contribution to be made to a neighborhood animal shelter in the name of the show.
The hourlong show is “a celebration of pets,” Tornberg said.
“It features six stories of very normal people that have very extraordinary stories about what they do with their dog or what they do with their cat,” he said.
The 2008 special was nominated for nine local Emmy awards.
Johnson’s story starts two and a half years ago when she adopted Keeley, a retired greyhound. Two months later, she fostered her first greyhound. When that greyhound found a home, she adopted her second greyhound, Marisa.
Both of her dogs are retired racers.
Johnson is fostering her ninth greyhound since July 2007.
“If you told me two and a half years ago before I adopted Keeley this is what I’d be doing, I would have said, ‘You’re crazy,’” said Johnson, who was found by the show’s local production company.
Johnson is the director of events planning with the Queen City Greyhounds, an organization of volunteers who help greyhounds find good homes.
“It’s been a great experience,” Johnson said. “When you adopt a greyhound, you are part of the family. And we are a close group of people.”
The Queen City Greyhounds organization has meet-and-greets practically every weekend to meet the public.
“I’m an animal lover, always been an animal lover,” Johnson said.
For information, visit www.talesforthepetloversheart.com.
http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/middletown-news/pet-lovers-story-featured-on-show-222587.html
Greyhound Racing's Closeout is Coming Soon
Greyhound racing's closeout is coming soon
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Fosters Daily Democrate
For many years greyhound racing has existed, and occasionally thrived, across the country. Greyhounds are an ancient breed and have lived with and hunted for humans for many centuries. Somewhere along the line, in the 17th century, we began to put one particularly fast greyhound against another to see which was the faster. Humans being humans, when the dogs were compared as to speed, people bet on the outcome. Voila! Greyhound racing began. While greyhounds were the property of very wealthy, eventually a few people saw the potential in opening the races to the unwashed masses, who also would bet on the outcomes. This eventually led to track racing as we know it today, with all its strengths and flaws.I have been to greyhound races in Ireland, where though breeding greyhounds for export is big business, the races themselves are basically unchanged over the past 200 years. Most of the dogs are brought to the track in the back seat of their owner's car, walked into the track, and raced before returning home at the end of the day. I remember a day near Limerick, when I stopped a man walking seven greyhounds along a country road. The dogs were lovely; beautifully constructed, sound and in wonderful condition. They were also quite happy to spend time with a silly American who asked too many questions, but understood just how to scratch ears. After a couple of hours of my peppering him with questions about the dogs and racing in Ireland, the owner invited me to the Limerick track the next day for a very important race. I had a wonderful day at the track, meeting many breeders and their dogs. Uniformly, each dog was healthy, sound, beautifully conditioned and clearly having a blast. They were excited to be able to race and clearly loved every minute of it. Just as at U.S. tracks, each dog was examined by a veterinarian immediately before and after their race.Some people who don't know very much about animals have decided that all racing of dogs is bad and cruel. If these people understood more about greyhounds they would know that the dogs absolutely love racing. No dog can be forced to run hard enough to race unless he really wants to run and win. But there are people who do not believe this, and they have been working for years to forcibly stop all racing in the U.S. They are beginning to succeed at blocking greyhound racing in some states, at least temporarily. The recent vote in Massachusetts is being investigated for illegalities and may be reversed.Decades ago, when a dog's racing career ended, many of them were disposed of as trash. Most were killed. Beginning in the late 50s, small groups, including many breeders and owners of racing dogs, formed to find off-track retirement homes for the dogs. Greyhound rescue became a popular concept, especially in geographic areas where a licensed track existed, as in New England. Given that greyhounds are delightful pets, rescue has been well accepted by the public. These groups have been able to provide many people with a companion and many greyhounds with permanent, loving homes. If you have given thought to taking a greyhound into your home, you might want to get the process started pretty soon. As tracks in New England begin to close permanently, the supply of available dogs may dry up. When that happens, you will have lost the opportunity to live with a dog that will being you joy every day.If you have never considered a greyhound pet, let me supply a few reasons for you to do so now. Greyhounds are beautiful athletes, and similar to Afghan Hounds and Saluki, can be described as "poetry in motion." They can be found in "any allowed hound color," which means just about any color or combination of colors you have ever seen in a dog. Their short hair requires nothing more than an occasional wipe-down, and shedding is minimal. They do require weekly nail clipping. Many greyhounds have teeth or gum problems, but regular dental care will help prevent this. Osteo-Sarcoma and bloat are concerns, as with many medium to large sized dogs.Their personalities are endearing and very laid back, unless they are running or chasing prey. Their prey drive is what makes them run as they do. It also means that some greyhounds should never be asked to live near small pets. They may chase, and if they do, there are precious few animals that can escape the tremendous Greyhound speed. They make great couch potatoes and tend to be quiet in the home. Mine rarely barked, were very responsive to training and affection, and just plain fun. They could also clean off the kitchen counter in the blink of an eye. Living with greyhounds quickly teaches you not to leave anything edible on a table or countertop and nothing fragile on a table top susceptible to that gently wagging tail. I have never known a greyhound who was not quick to learn and innately clever and intelligent. As a breed, they tend not to be argumentative or aggressive with other dogs. All in all, rescuing a greyhound will do more for you than for the dog. Just don't wait too long to find one, or the supply may disappear.
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090726/GJCOMMUNITY_01/707269955/-1/FOSLIFESTYLES
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Fosters Daily Democrate
For many years greyhound racing has existed, and occasionally thrived, across the country. Greyhounds are an ancient breed and have lived with and hunted for humans for many centuries. Somewhere along the line, in the 17th century, we began to put one particularly fast greyhound against another to see which was the faster. Humans being humans, when the dogs were compared as to speed, people bet on the outcome. Voila! Greyhound racing began. While greyhounds were the property of very wealthy, eventually a few people saw the potential in opening the races to the unwashed masses, who also would bet on the outcomes. This eventually led to track racing as we know it today, with all its strengths and flaws.I have been to greyhound races in Ireland, where though breeding greyhounds for export is big business, the races themselves are basically unchanged over the past 200 years. Most of the dogs are brought to the track in the back seat of their owner's car, walked into the track, and raced before returning home at the end of the day. I remember a day near Limerick, when I stopped a man walking seven greyhounds along a country road. The dogs were lovely; beautifully constructed, sound and in wonderful condition. They were also quite happy to spend time with a silly American who asked too many questions, but understood just how to scratch ears. After a couple of hours of my peppering him with questions about the dogs and racing in Ireland, the owner invited me to the Limerick track the next day for a very important race. I had a wonderful day at the track, meeting many breeders and their dogs. Uniformly, each dog was healthy, sound, beautifully conditioned and clearly having a blast. They were excited to be able to race and clearly loved every minute of it. Just as at U.S. tracks, each dog was examined by a veterinarian immediately before and after their race.Some people who don't know very much about animals have decided that all racing of dogs is bad and cruel. If these people understood more about greyhounds they would know that the dogs absolutely love racing. No dog can be forced to run hard enough to race unless he really wants to run and win. But there are people who do not believe this, and they have been working for years to forcibly stop all racing in the U.S. They are beginning to succeed at blocking greyhound racing in some states, at least temporarily. The recent vote in Massachusetts is being investigated for illegalities and may be reversed.Decades ago, when a dog's racing career ended, many of them were disposed of as trash. Most were killed. Beginning in the late 50s, small groups, including many breeders and owners of racing dogs, formed to find off-track retirement homes for the dogs. Greyhound rescue became a popular concept, especially in geographic areas where a licensed track existed, as in New England. Given that greyhounds are delightful pets, rescue has been well accepted by the public. These groups have been able to provide many people with a companion and many greyhounds with permanent, loving homes. If you have given thought to taking a greyhound into your home, you might want to get the process started pretty soon. As tracks in New England begin to close permanently, the supply of available dogs may dry up. When that happens, you will have lost the opportunity to live with a dog that will being you joy every day.If you have never considered a greyhound pet, let me supply a few reasons for you to do so now. Greyhounds are beautiful athletes, and similar to Afghan Hounds and Saluki, can be described as "poetry in motion." They can be found in "any allowed hound color," which means just about any color or combination of colors you have ever seen in a dog. Their short hair requires nothing more than an occasional wipe-down, and shedding is minimal. They do require weekly nail clipping. Many greyhounds have teeth or gum problems, but regular dental care will help prevent this. Osteo-Sarcoma and bloat are concerns, as with many medium to large sized dogs.Their personalities are endearing and very laid back, unless they are running or chasing prey. Their prey drive is what makes them run as they do. It also means that some greyhounds should never be asked to live near small pets. They may chase, and if they do, there are precious few animals that can escape the tremendous Greyhound speed. They make great couch potatoes and tend to be quiet in the home. Mine rarely barked, were very responsive to training and affection, and just plain fun. They could also clean off the kitchen counter in the blink of an eye. Living with greyhounds quickly teaches you not to leave anything edible on a table or countertop and nothing fragile on a table top susceptible to that gently wagging tail. I have never known a greyhound who was not quick to learn and innately clever and intelligent. As a breed, they tend not to be argumentative or aggressive with other dogs. All in all, rescuing a greyhound will do more for you than for the dog. Just don't wait too long to find one, or the supply may disappear.
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090726/GJCOMMUNITY_01/707269955/-1/FOSLIFESTYLES
Friday, July 24, 2009
Racetracks campaign for slots as budget solution
Arizona's racetracks are galloping into the state's budget fray by opening the gates on a publicity campaign this week promoting slots and tables at tracks.An Arizona Racetrack Alliance campaign led by Turf Paradise horse track and Phoenix Greyhound Park began Monday with tiny plastic "budget jockeys" placed all over the state capitol to attract legislators' attention, said Jason Rose, whose PR firm is heading up the publicity campaign for the tracks.The jockeys featured tags with messages such as "Everyone's sacrificing except tribal casinos."
Arizona House Majority Whip Andy Tobin, R-Paulden, found one of the jockeys on his windshield as he was driving away from the capitol Monday. No legislator could be more receptive to the message, since he's been trying to get fellow legislators to consider legalizing racinos (racetracks with gaming slot machines and/or tables) for months and has a bill ready to go.Tobin thinks fellow legislators are warming up to the idea as an alternative to Gov. Jan Brewer's push to increase the sales tax temporarily, although he won't drop the bill until he thinks it has a chance for approval.Tobin doesn't see other alternatives to balancing the budget that could get through the Legislature and governor. The Legislature's ongoing special session still is trying to come up with a final budget for the fiscal year that began July 1."The question is, do you hate a tax increase more than you hate expanding gaming at racetracks?" Tobin said. "You've got to pick."On Wednesday, the track campaign placed banner ads on political websites such as the Capitol Times that linked to a Facebook page offering more information and a chance for people to show support, Rose said.A consulting firm estimated for the alliance that racinos would gross an extra combined $833 million for the state's six horse and dog tracks by the time they set up permanent operations in 2012.The tracks are offering 45 percent of that gross to state and local governments.The consulting firm estimated that the Yavapai Downs horse track at Prescott Valley would rake in $23.7 million in new gross revenues by 2012.Legalized slots and tables clearly would be a huge boost to the struggling Yavapai Downs, which has seen its revenues drop about 15 percent the last two years."It would help any racetrack in the country stay in business," added Vincent Francia, marketing manager for Turf Paradise in Phoenix. "They're all struggling."Yavapai Downs General Manager Gary Spiker said the extra revenues also would translate into more jobs, more entertainment, bigger purses, better horses, facility improvements and extra horse stalls. And it would help breeders, trainers and owners."It would just help all the way around," Spiker said. "And it's discretionary dollars, whether one agrees or disagrees with gambling."Arizona's Indian casinos contributed a combined $111 million to state and local governments this past year, through compacts that share 1-8 percent of their net revenues depending on how much they earn. The Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe and other tribes don't have to report their revenues.If Arizona legalizes racinos, the tribes' 2002 voter-approved compacts would allow the tribes to stop sharing revenues and expand their gambling ad infinitum.Currently 12 states have legalized racinos that contributed from $13 million to $752 million to state/local government coffers in 2008, according to the American Gaming Association.
http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=70631
Arizona House Majority Whip Andy Tobin, R-Paulden, found one of the jockeys on his windshield as he was driving away from the capitol Monday. No legislator could be more receptive to the message, since he's been trying to get fellow legislators to consider legalizing racinos (racetracks with gaming slot machines and/or tables) for months and has a bill ready to go.Tobin thinks fellow legislators are warming up to the idea as an alternative to Gov. Jan Brewer's push to increase the sales tax temporarily, although he won't drop the bill until he thinks it has a chance for approval.Tobin doesn't see other alternatives to balancing the budget that could get through the Legislature and governor. The Legislature's ongoing special session still is trying to come up with a final budget for the fiscal year that began July 1."The question is, do you hate a tax increase more than you hate expanding gaming at racetracks?" Tobin said. "You've got to pick."On Wednesday, the track campaign placed banner ads on political websites such as the Capitol Times that linked to a Facebook page offering more information and a chance for people to show support, Rose said.A consulting firm estimated for the alliance that racinos would gross an extra combined $833 million for the state's six horse and dog tracks by the time they set up permanent operations in 2012.The tracks are offering 45 percent of that gross to state and local governments.The consulting firm estimated that the Yavapai Downs horse track at Prescott Valley would rake in $23.7 million in new gross revenues by 2012.Legalized slots and tables clearly would be a huge boost to the struggling Yavapai Downs, which has seen its revenues drop about 15 percent the last two years."It would help any racetrack in the country stay in business," added Vincent Francia, marketing manager for Turf Paradise in Phoenix. "They're all struggling."Yavapai Downs General Manager Gary Spiker said the extra revenues also would translate into more jobs, more entertainment, bigger purses, better horses, facility improvements and extra horse stalls. And it would help breeders, trainers and owners."It would just help all the way around," Spiker said. "And it's discretionary dollars, whether one agrees or disagrees with gambling."Arizona's Indian casinos contributed a combined $111 million to state and local governments this past year, through compacts that share 1-8 percent of their net revenues depending on how much they earn. The Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe and other tribes don't have to report their revenues.If Arizona legalizes racinos, the tribes' 2002 voter-approved compacts would allow the tribes to stop sharing revenues and expand their gambling ad infinitum.Currently 12 states have legalized racinos that contributed from $13 million to $752 million to state/local government coffers in 2008, according to the American Gaming Association.
http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=70631
Greyhound wine event begins today
Cayuga Lake, NY -- The new and improved Greyhound Wine Tour & Friends, P.A.W. event on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail begins today and runs through Sunday.
The 16 wineries along the trail will welcome visitors for wine tastings and food pairings at each winery, lawn concerts, seminars such as Myths & Misconceptions at Americana Vineyard and vendors like Kylie's Canine Treats.
Unique to this event is the Finger Lakes Wine Country "Painted Barrel" promotion through out the Finger Lakes. Fourteen businesses that surround Cayuga Lake are prominently displaying their barrels.
For more information or to order tickets call the Cayuga Wine Trail office at (800) 684-5217, or go to this Web site or any Wegmans store.
Scheduled events on the weekend include:Thursday: 6 to 9 p.m. Montezuma Winery, wine tasting, cook-out, music and vendors. Fee for food & wine.
Friday: Noon- 5 p.m. Long Point & King Ferry Winery (Friday only) & Six Mile Creek hosting winery event with vendors; concert at Buttonwood Grove starting at 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Regular event at all west side wineries from Six Mile Creek to Montezuma vendors, demonstrations and seminars; 5 p.m., Ice Cream Social at Cayuga Ridge. In the evening take you're pet can play at the Allan H. Treman Dog Park in Ithaca.
Sunday: 9 a.m. Self- guided walk to the Falls at Taughannock Falls State Park. Brunch & Sunday concert at Americana. (Concert 4 to 6 p.m.); 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. winery event continues at the wineries on the west side.
Tickets are $25 (plus sales tax and handling fee). Designated Driver tickets are available. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to rescue groups and SPCA's throughout New York state.
http://blog.syracuse.com/farms/2009/07/greyhound_wine_event_begins_to.html
The 16 wineries along the trail will welcome visitors for wine tastings and food pairings at each winery, lawn concerts, seminars such as Myths & Misconceptions at Americana Vineyard and vendors like Kylie's Canine Treats.
Unique to this event is the Finger Lakes Wine Country "Painted Barrel" promotion through out the Finger Lakes. Fourteen businesses that surround Cayuga Lake are prominently displaying their barrels.
For more information or to order tickets call the Cayuga Wine Trail office at (800) 684-5217, or go to this Web site or any Wegmans store.
Scheduled events on the weekend include:Thursday: 6 to 9 p.m. Montezuma Winery, wine tasting, cook-out, music and vendors. Fee for food & wine.
Friday: Noon- 5 p.m. Long Point & King Ferry Winery (Friday only) & Six Mile Creek hosting winery event with vendors; concert at Buttonwood Grove starting at 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Regular event at all west side wineries from Six Mile Creek to Montezuma vendors, demonstrations and seminars; 5 p.m., Ice Cream Social at Cayuga Ridge. In the evening take you're pet can play at the Allan H. Treman Dog Park in Ithaca.
Sunday: 9 a.m. Self- guided walk to the Falls at Taughannock Falls State Park. Brunch & Sunday concert at Americana. (Concert 4 to 6 p.m.); 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. winery event continues at the wineries on the west side.
Tickets are $25 (plus sales tax and handling fee). Designated Driver tickets are available. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to rescue groups and SPCA's throughout New York state.
http://blog.syracuse.com/farms/2009/07/greyhound_wine_event_begins_to.html
Therapy dog’s loss felt as 'part of our family'
Beverly Kisner wiped the fresh grass clippings from the stone marker on Brook's grave to reveal the picture of the greyhound that she used on business cards advertising its services as a therapy dog. Next to the photo are the words "My precious girl, you were a blessing from God to me and as a therapy dog to the many other lives you touched with your gentleness and love."
The small grave is tucked away in the quiet northwest corner of Davenport's Oakdale Cemetery. The plot is part of Petland, which contains separate burial grounds for dogs and cats as if they would chase each other for eternity if placed too closely together.
The dirt is still fresh from when the 15-year-old dog was buried late last month. Kisner has already been to the grave several times to visit her companion, which got her out walking every day and brought smiles to countless nursing home residents who could not have dogs of their own any longer.
"I tell her I miss her and I'll see her one day up in heaven," Kisner said with tears in her eyes. "I think if there's going to be wolves and sheep and all that, there's going to be dogs."
Kisner, a religious woman who points out that greyhounds are the only dog mentioned by breed in the King James version of the Bible, said that while she has owned many dogs in her life, Brook was the first dog she prayed about when deciding whether to adopt from Quad-Cities Greyhound Adoption in 1998. At the time, Brook was 4 years old and Kisner didn't think a big dog would fit in her cozy two-bedroom home. But she had never seen a greyhound before and curiosity got the best of her, so Kisner went to a meet-and-greet event. When she arrived, there were a handful of people and about 10 dogs.
"The dogs were calmer and quieter than the people were," she recalled. "You don't usually get that many dogs together without having some kind of commotion."
Kisner remembers petting Brook and then moving on to check out the other dogs and talk with someone from the rescue organization.
"I remember standing there and all of a sudden I felt this up by my leg and I looked over and it was Brook," Kisner said. "It just clicked."
Greyhounds are known for being gentle giants, and Kisner's son will attest to that. When Brook stayed with him while his mother spent seven weeks in the hospital a few years ago, the dog needed less space than his beagle.
Brook's therapy dog certificate came in handy during that lengthy stay because it allowed the dog to visit Kisner in the hospital several times per week.
"It was uplifting," said Kisner, who remembers Brook's tail spinning in circles like a helicopter blade instead of wagging back and forth when she visited. "Which is not something greyhounds normally do. They're not big tail-waggers."
Brook received her therapy dog certification within six months of being adopted and visited Quad-City area nursing homes and hospitals several times a month. The dog would walk from person to person, calmly laying her head in their lap to be petted.
"They would all say, 'Thank you for bringing her, please bring her back,' " Kisner said. "And then she'd just walk right straight by somebody, just skip them all together, and I'd say, 'You don't care for animals do you?' And they'd say, 'No.' "
At the age of 15, with sore hips, it had been a while since Brook had made her weekly therapy rounds. But Kisner still walked her and Junior - a Chihuahua she took in when its owner had to move into a nursing home - around the neighborhood two to three times a day. The first day she walked Junior alone was the equivalent of posting a death notice in the neighborhood.
"Neighbors are coming out the door saying, 'Oh, no,' " Kisner said. "The minute they saw I was walking without Brook, they knew."
One neighbor has asked for a picture of Brook, and Kisner has received several sympathy cards, including one from her family physician. One reads: "Sorry to hear about your dog. They are part of our family. Bet she was awesome because she had a real good name." The card is signed "Brooke."
"She just had that effect on people," Kisner said, "All my dogs were very good dogs. They were all special. But this one just stood out, not only with me, but with everyone who met her."
Posted in Leisure on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 2:00 am Updated: 11:00 am. Tags: Beverly Kisner, Oakdale Cemetery Petland,Brook The Greyhound, Quad-cities Greyhound Adoption
http://www.qctimes.com/lifestyles/leisure/article_564f9382-7571-11de-ab10-001cc4c002e0.html
The small grave is tucked away in the quiet northwest corner of Davenport's Oakdale Cemetery. The plot is part of Petland, which contains separate burial grounds for dogs and cats as if they would chase each other for eternity if placed too closely together.
The dirt is still fresh from when the 15-year-old dog was buried late last month. Kisner has already been to the grave several times to visit her companion, which got her out walking every day and brought smiles to countless nursing home residents who could not have dogs of their own any longer.
"I tell her I miss her and I'll see her one day up in heaven," Kisner said with tears in her eyes. "I think if there's going to be wolves and sheep and all that, there's going to be dogs."
Kisner, a religious woman who points out that greyhounds are the only dog mentioned by breed in the King James version of the Bible, said that while she has owned many dogs in her life, Brook was the first dog she prayed about when deciding whether to adopt from Quad-Cities Greyhound Adoption in 1998. At the time, Brook was 4 years old and Kisner didn't think a big dog would fit in her cozy two-bedroom home. But she had never seen a greyhound before and curiosity got the best of her, so Kisner went to a meet-and-greet event. When she arrived, there were a handful of people and about 10 dogs.
"The dogs were calmer and quieter than the people were," she recalled. "You don't usually get that many dogs together without having some kind of commotion."
Kisner remembers petting Brook and then moving on to check out the other dogs and talk with someone from the rescue organization.
"I remember standing there and all of a sudden I felt this up by my leg and I looked over and it was Brook," Kisner said. "It just clicked."
Greyhounds are known for being gentle giants, and Kisner's son will attest to that. When Brook stayed with him while his mother spent seven weeks in the hospital a few years ago, the dog needed less space than his beagle.
Brook's therapy dog certificate came in handy during that lengthy stay because it allowed the dog to visit Kisner in the hospital several times per week.
"It was uplifting," said Kisner, who remembers Brook's tail spinning in circles like a helicopter blade instead of wagging back and forth when she visited. "Which is not something greyhounds normally do. They're not big tail-waggers."
Brook received her therapy dog certification within six months of being adopted and visited Quad-City area nursing homes and hospitals several times a month. The dog would walk from person to person, calmly laying her head in their lap to be petted.
"They would all say, 'Thank you for bringing her, please bring her back,' " Kisner said. "And then she'd just walk right straight by somebody, just skip them all together, and I'd say, 'You don't care for animals do you?' And they'd say, 'No.' "
At the age of 15, with sore hips, it had been a while since Brook had made her weekly therapy rounds. But Kisner still walked her and Junior - a Chihuahua she took in when its owner had to move into a nursing home - around the neighborhood two to three times a day. The first day she walked Junior alone was the equivalent of posting a death notice in the neighborhood.
"Neighbors are coming out the door saying, 'Oh, no,' " Kisner said. "The minute they saw I was walking without Brook, they knew."
One neighbor has asked for a picture of Brook, and Kisner has received several sympathy cards, including one from her family physician. One reads: "Sorry to hear about your dog. They are part of our family. Bet she was awesome because she had a real good name." The card is signed "Brooke."
"She just had that effect on people," Kisner said, "All my dogs were very good dogs. They were all special. But this one just stood out, not only with me, but with everyone who met her."
Posted in Leisure on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 2:00 am Updated: 11:00 am. Tags: Beverly Kisner, Oakdale Cemetery Petland,Brook The Greyhound, Quad-cities Greyhound Adoption
http://www.qctimes.com/lifestyles/leisure/article_564f9382-7571-11de-ab10-001cc4c002e0.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
