COLUMBUS, KS.---- Commissioner Richard Hilderbrand says attorneys are currently working out a settlement between Cherokee County and Penn National Gaming. In 2007, Penn National won a contract to build a casino on 200 acres of land south of Galena. When they decided to pull out of the contract, the county sued.
Last week, a tentative agreement was reached to settle the suit. Under the agreement, the county would receive $4.75 million, and the 200 acres of land. However, the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma, owners of Downstream Casino, say they have a contract with Penn National to purchase the land.
Chairman John Berry tells us the tribe is planning to close on the purchase of the land from Penn National soon. He says there are several ways the tribe may use the land, including building a shopping center.
Hilderbrand says if there is a contract for the tribe to purchase the land, the monetary settlement with Penn National would go up to $7.5 million. Hilderbrand says the commission hopes to have the issue finalized in the next few weeks.
Last week, a tentative agreement was reached to settle the suit. Under the agreement, the county would receive $4.75 million, and the 200 acres of land. However, the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma, owners of Downstream Casino, say they have a contract with Penn National to purchase the land.
Chairman John Berry tells us the tribe is planning to close on the purchase of the land from Penn National soon. He says there are several ways the tribe may use the land, including building a shopping center.
Hilderbrand says if there is a contract for the tribe to purchase the land, the monetary settlement with Penn National would go up to $7.5 million. Hilderbrand says the commission hopes to have the issue finalized in the next few weeks.
