The Associated Press
FRENCH LICK, Ind. - The Donald proved resilient again, beating two other casino groups - including one backed by hometown hero Larry Bird - Tuesday for the bid to build a casino in this struggling community.
Residents immediately celebrated the decision with draft beer, pizza and hot dogs as a band played "Happy Days are Here Again." They gathered in a room next to where the commission had met at the French Lick Springs Resort & Hotel, about 60 miles northwest of Louisville.
In a 4-2 vote with one abstention, the Indiana Gaming Commission awarded the contract to billionaire developer Donald Trump after an hourlong discussion at the end of two days of public hearings.
Commissioners who voted for Trump said the developer had the support of a local committee that earlier in the day unanimously endorsed his bid. He also was strongly backed by those who spoke during a public hearing Monday night.
Trump promised to open the casino with a parking garage and to give $10 million to the French Lick Resort and the West Baden Springs Hotel for restoration.
Trump's proposal includes a deli, a buffet and an entertainment lounge. Trump has the added draw of Indiana golfer Fuzzy Zoeller, who has said he would partner with the billionaire.
TOP STORIES
County to protect witnesses
Mallory gets Qualls' support
Police: Suspect in pedestrian death speeding, driving without license
Chamber organizes requests for funds
Mason schools battle lead contamination
IN THE TRISTATE
Grant provides students a boost
Election complaint made
Millvale shooting kills boy, 15
Trump to build Indiana casino
Deerfield sets school levy vote
Lakota considers smaller school levy
Workshops let teens learn from each other
Local news briefs
Lockland firms hit by suspicious blaze
Sayler Park man honored by Navy
Neighbors briefs
Man executed for beating, stabbing parents to death
Advocates seeking treatment with drugs, as ordered by a court
Public safety briefs
ENQUIRER COLUMNISTS
Good Things Happening
LIVES REMEMBERED
Anne Thomson Smith, 89, became Red Cross 'volunteer' in WW I
KENTUCKY STORIES
Chamber sponsors elected-officials forum
Bigger budget lets crime labs kill backlog
Court asked to hear electioneering case
Kenton fair open with rides, animals and races
Ludlow investigators seek cause of blaze
Park rangers' investigation criticized
Fire evacuates Riverview Hotel
Villa Hills looks to fix roads
Smarty Jones' connection draws highest price at sale
Fellow soldiers eulogize sergeant from Ft. Campbell
Walton man charged in Fla. strangulation
