Shelby Shopper Shelby NC
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704-484-1047 www.shelbyinfo.com Our 38th Year • Issue No. 17 • April 29, 2021 "Informing Cleveland County" Catawbas plan pre-launch summer opening for Casino Federal judge rejects Cherokee's lawsuit, paving way for casino to move forward by MICHAEL E. POWELL Community First Media michael@cfmedia.info In a recent media release to Community First Media, the Catawba Nation announced it plans to fast- track the summer 2021 open- ing of the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort project in Kings Mountain. Calling the opening a "pre- launch", their plan calls for the facility to have 500 slot machines. On April 16, the Catawba Nation received more good news when a federal ruling favored the U.S. Department of the Interior's action in tak- ing land into trust for the Catawba Nation, rejecting a lawsuit by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee. That decision was given last week by U.S. District Court Judge James E. Boasberg in a 50-plus page opinion sent out to the media from the Catawba Nation. Judge Boasberg concluded, as per the media release, that the Department of the Interior "…did not violate the Settlement Act or INGRA (Indian Gaming Regulatory Act)" when it took the Kings Mountain land parcel into trust. In response to the action, Catawba Chief William "Bill" Harris said, in part, "This is the right decision and the one we anticipated from the court to reject the litigation of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians." As for the pre-launch facili- ty, it will be constructed using prefabricated modular struc- tures, and will provide an initial opportunity for patrons to game with limited food and beverages and other guest amenities. In an earlier CF Media article, Chief Harris said, "With the completion of our compact with the State of North Carolina, the Catawba Nation is eager to open the casino as quickly as possible to begin bringing economic benefits and jobs to the state and region." The Catawba are working with consultants Delaware North, as well as develop- er Skyboat Gaming, on the summer 'pre-launch' facility. The 17-acre casino site is off Dixon School Rd., in Kings Mountain, and is near Interstate 85 and about 35 miles west of Charlotte. The total $273 million casi- no resort project is expected to create 2,600 permanent jobs at full buildout and thou- sands of construction jobs in the region. Cleveland County Commis- sioner Johnny Hutchins said, "This project will prove to be a long-lasting and sus- tainable economic engine for the residents of Cleveland County." The Catawba can now con- duct Class III gaming, includ- ing operating slot machines and table games. Earlier this year, the Catawba Compact was approved by Gov. Roy Cooper, as well as N.C. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and Attorney General Josh Stein. These and other actions, noted Chief Harris, recognize the Catawba Nation's his- torical and ancestral ties to its aboriginal lands through- out North Carolina. Also, the compact with the state acknowledges their connec- tion to North Carolina as well. In addition to creating rev- enue for the state, it is to be noted the casino will help support an education fund that will benefit environmental conservation, provide educa- tional support for members of federal and state-recognized tribes, support local commu- nities on economic develop- ment initiatives and foster employment opportunities on or near Catawba lands. An artist's rendering of the pre-launch Two Kings Casino and Resort facility provides a glimpse at what the Catawba Nation hopes to have up and running by summer 2021. (rendering provided) N.C. TRACTOR & FARM SUPPLY 299 Railroad Ave., Rutherfordton • 828-288-0395 Mobile: 828-429-5008 • mf1dpshehan@gmail.com SALES • SERVICE • PARTS IF YOU BUY ANYWHERE ELSE YOU WILL PAY TOO MUCH! IF YOU BUY ANYWHERE ELSE YOU WILL PAY TOO MUCH! PROUDLY SERVING RUTHERFORD, CLEVELAND, GASTON, LINCOLN, POLK COUNTIES AS THE AREAS HOMETOWN MASSEY FERGUSON DEALER. ASK ABOUT ASK ABOUT 0% INTEREST 0% INTEREST 703 E. Kings St., Suite 9, Kings Mountain • www.BakerDentalCare.com call us at 704-739-4461 • Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. • Improved speech. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that your dentures might slip. • Improved self-esteem. Smile again and feel better about yourself. • Durable. Implants are very durable and with proper care, can last a lifetime. Just a few benefits of Dental Implants: To find out more about Dental Implants and schedule your next appointment BAKER DENTAL CARE BAKER DENTAL CARE Preventative, Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry Locally Here In Kings Mountain Kings Mountain For Dental Implants