SEARCH NEWS:

 

Illinois Bingo Hall Talks Break Off

ILLINOIS – As reported by the Chicago Tribune: "DeKalb County officials broke off talks Monday with an American Indian tribe that wants to build a bingo hall near the small town of Shabbona because of questions about the legitimacy of the tribe's land claims.

"The small but significant step raises the potential for a court fight between the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation of Mayetta, Kan., and local or state officials.

"The tribe bought a 128-acre farm in April and contended it is sovereign land exempt from state laws and county ordinances because it is part of 1,280 acres rightfully the tribe's under the terms of an 1829 treaty.

"In August, the tribe announced plans to build a bingo hall on the site off University Road.

"DeKalb County Board Chairman Ruth Anne Tobias said Monday that without clear evidence supporting the tribe's contention of sovereign land, the county will treat the tribe like any other property owner. If the Prairie Band Potawatomi begin construction on the bingo hall without local approval, the county would stop them, Tobias said…"

< Gaming News