McFeely: Commissioners get an earful on Star Lake casino project.
1 / 4 PELICAN RAPIDS, Minn.—A steady stream of opponents made their way to microphones inside the Pelican Rapids High School auditorium Thursday, June 15, voicing concerns to Otter Tail County commissioners about a proposed casino project on Star Lake.
"If there ever was a commercial project in Otter Tail County that warranted an EIS, this would be it," said Jason Gorr, a property owner on Star Lake.
At issue is a massive 270-acre complex planned by the White Earth Band of Chippewa, which already runs two casinos in Mahnomen and Bagley.
The Shooting Star Casino and Resort at Star Lake would include a casino, RV park, convention center, restaurant and bar.
It was placed there by the Star Lake Concerned Citizens Group.
Bill Crowell, a tribal member of White Earth, said the casino the band recently completed in Bagley isn’t doing as well as expected and that should be a red flag for the Star Lake project.
After that, commissioners with either forward the casino plan to the county planning commission or call for an environmental impact statement.
The citizens who spoke made clear what they want to happen.
"Why risk an area that has been so special for waterfowl and wildlife for so long?"