Tribe Settles Land Claim
August 24, 2007

The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma has finally resolved its land claims in Federal Court. Last month, Judge James Carr dismissed the Tribe's lawsuit after land purchase settlement agreements were reached with the city of Lima and private property owners. According to the Toledo Blade, the order dismissing the suits did not constitute federal recognition of the Tribe's aboriginal status in Ohio. Attorney General Marc Dann said that the dismissal has no impact on the state or its opposition to gambling. "This is not a recognition of land rights, which would move them a step toward being recognized by the [United States]," Dann said.

The Tribe's next step, according to the Lima News, is to begin the process of having the land taken into trust by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Until that next step is completed, gambling under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act cannot begin.

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Dann Accused of Gambling Influence
August 24, 2007

Early this month, articles in the Columbus Dispatch hinted that Attorney General Marc Dann may have created an appearance of impropriety by accepting political contributions and other assistance from individuals and businesses involved in gambling activities. In January, Dann's campaign received food and beverages from a person related to Alfred DeLeon, an officer of Castle King LLC, a company that manufactures and distributes controversial "games of skill." Additionally, Dann is said to have received more than $47,000.00 from gambling interests since his inauguration; and Dann may have taken another $20,000.00 to help defray inauguration and transition expenses. In May, Dann's office settled a lawsuit against Castle King LLC that claimed the devices violated Ohio law. The settlement provided criteria by which the Attorney General would certify the devices as compliant with Ohio law.

According to the Dispatch, Dann did not violate any laws in accepting the contributions. Dann's spokesman says that the donations had no affect on the Attorney General's position

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Cockfighting Ring Uncovered in Lorain County
August 24, 2007

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that the Lorain County Sheriff broke up a cockfighting ring in Sheffield Township last week. More than forty men were caught observing the fight. Underweight, malnourished and neglected animals were present, and several animals were either dead or dying. Officers confiscated metal spurs, drugs and steroids at the scene. A similar event was the subject of a February sting in Medina County that resulted in the arrest of 21 people.

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Pataskala Charity Event Closed
August 24, 2007

The West Licking Firefighter's Association was prohibited from conducting charitable gaming at this year's Pataskala Street Fair. On August 6th, the City informed the organization that state law prohibited charitable gaming on public streets. The group was advised to move gaming activities to a fire hall it owns, but alternative arrangements could not be made before the fair began. The Association said that the short notice will most likely result in a loss of nearly $10,000.00, the amount the group historically earns from the gaming.

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City Council Kills Casino Negotiations
August 24, 2007

Lima City Law Director Tony Geiger recently informed the Lima City Council that the administration will not have concluded negotiations with the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma concerning a possible casino development in time for the Council to place the agreement on the November ballot. The deadline to place the measure on the ballot is August 23rd. Without sufficient time to complete negotiations and present an agreement to the voters, the city has withdrawn from negotiations, according to the Lima News.

The Tribe's spokesman, Terry Casey, said that the development plans will continue. Other agreements are already in place with other Ohio cities. The Tribe plans on presenting a package to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, but without an agreement with Lima, it will be difficult to include the city in its proposal, according to Casey.

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