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Norwalk Warriors
Vol. 44 No. 44 Norwalk, Iowa 50211 USPS No. 305-120 Phone 981-0406 emaih news@norwalknewspaper.com Thursday, March 21,2013
Public Notice Easter Church Services
LETTERS
QId-R POLICY
We publish letters to the editor when they are not
libelous and when they are signed by the person or
persons submitting them. Opinions expressed are
not necessarily the opinions of the N/Warren
Town and County News staff. Letters are printed
as received. We do not correct spelling and
grammatical errors.
The following "Iowa
- View" ran in the March 6,
2013 editorial pages of The
Des Moines Register. As this
was being constructed, I cer-
tainly had the upcoming
Warren County Casino bal-
lot debate in mind. I have al-
ways felt that the more people
understand what makes casi-
nos tick, the less desirable
they become. There are many
financial and moral reasons
to oppose the proposed casino,
but, right now simply read
and consider the essence of
their business model.
I read with interest Kyle
Munson's column from 2/
24/2013 titled "Casino's
refusal to go smoke-free
puzzling." I found it to be
a well-written and infor-
mative column. Kyle
brought out some ludi-
crous inconsistencies
swirling around local casi-
nos, like promoting a
bowling alley in Warren
County, if voters would
approve a new gainbling
facility. When Kyle arrived
at the key question of his
piece, I was struck that he
reflected many Iowans'
view. Munson wrote,
"Here's what befuddles
me most: none of these ca-
sinos, neither the hopefuls
nor the existing facilities,
has gone smoke-free to
gain an edge." Munson
goes on to lament how
some bars and restaurants
witnessed a jump in their
business after complying
with the 2008 Iowa Smoke-
free Air Act.
Here is the core of the
ongoing debate that most
do not understand. When
the Iowa Gaming Associa-
tion says that going to-
bacco-free will cost the
state up to $80 million in
tax revenue, they are prob-
ably correct. While the
gambling interests deal in
fabrications constantly,
here is one area of truth. If
you grasp why this claim
is true, then you will tin-
Tom Coates
derstand the core nature of
the casino beast.
Various studies most
recently compiled by Pro-
fessor Earl Grinols, econo-
mist at Baylor University,
reported that 80 percent of
casino revenues are from
the slot machines. Also, 70
percent come from the 35-
mile radius around the ca-
sino, termed the "feeder
market." All casinos in
Iowa are referred to as the
convenience model versus
the tourist model em-
ployed in Las Vegas. Here
we derive the vast major-
ity of gambling losses from
Iowans within the feeder
market radius around the
casino.
Now to focus in on the
true stalwarts for this busi-
ness. The backbone for
convenience casinos is the
problem and pathological
gambler. Various studies
have shown that from 30-
60% of these casinos' rev-
enues come squarely on
the backs of this addicted
class of gamblers. With
roughly one-half of Iowa's
casinos' revenues sucked
out of these people, please
consider what other addic-
tions they might seek to
satisfy. Perhaps a myriad
but, cigarettes would top
the list for many. The time-
less and intentionally ad-
dictive environment cre-
ated by all casinos is leg-
endary. From the lights
and sounds, even the fra-
Concluded p. 2
There will be a referendum on gaming in Warren Easter Holy Week services at several Norwalk area
County Tuesday, May "7. There is a Town Hall Open churdaes have been announced. Churches are listed in
House meeting scheduled for March 28 from 5 to 8 p.m., alphabetical order.
at The Wright Place, 340 Wright Rd., Ste. A. This is an Crossroads Church
opportunity for anyone to find out additional informa- 2601 Border St.
tion about the proposal to locate a casino/hotel/events Easter Sunday, March 31, there will be two worship
center/bowling alley in Warren County, specifically in services. One will be at 8:30 a.m. and another at 10:15
Norwalk. a.m. Join us as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord"
and Savior Jesus Christ.
Casino Referendum Fellowship Community Church
Wednesday, March 13, Warren Cot/nty-Citizens for 225 North Ave.
Good Jobs, a group of local leaders and citizens of War- Three identical Easter Services will be offered as fol-
ren County, submitted signatures to the Warren County lows: Friday, March 29, at 7 p.m. and two Sunday, March
Auditor to get a referendum on the ballot for May 7 to 31, at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. A free continental breakfast
allow a new casino, 150-room hotel, state-of-the-art will be served Sunday morning. Every family will re-
events center and bowling center, ceive a free 5x7 photo and can order additional prints.
"We are thrilled with the level of community sup- The Easter message will include music by the choir and
port for the new casino, hotel and events center that will dance team. Baptisms will be held. There is childcare
bring 600 new jobs to Warren County," said Warren for children 5 years and younger.
County Supervisor Doug Shull. "Because of the high Harvest Church
level of local support, we will be submitting more than 4225 N. Birch Ave., Cumming
enough signatures to get the referendum on the ballot Good Friday, March 2% is at,7 p.m. with the sermon,
for May 7." "The Day Death Died," and Easter Sunday, March 31,
More information on the proposed casino can be the service isat 10 a.m., "Death Defeated" Nursery will
found at www.VoteYesWarrenCounty.com, be provided at both services. An Easter Musical will be
Sunday, April 7, at 10 a.m. There will also be a Women's
Community Chat Easter "Brunch and Learn" Saturday, April 13, at 9 a.m.
Linn Grove United Methodist
Casino Questions for City Officials 7483 50th Ave., Prole
By Mary Lou Gray Maundy Thursday, March 28, the church will be open
Saturday, March 9, a small group of Norwalk resi- from 6 to 7 p.m. for communion, foot washing and
dents and city officials met for the March Community prayer. This is not a full service. Come in when you can
,Chat at Norwalk Maid-Rite Restaurant. Mayor Doug during the time the church is open. Good Friday Ser-
Pierce, Marketa Oliver, City Administrator, and Jason vice, March 29, is at 7:30 p.m. Easter Sunday, March 31,
Heggan, Community Development Director, met to there will be a Sflnrise Service at 7:30 a.m. with Easter
answer questions concerning city affairs. Service at 11 a.m. Breakfast is served between 8 and 9:30
The main topic of conversation was the Wild Rose a.m. for a free-will offering.
Casino that is proposed for Warren County. The project Martensdale Community Church
would include a 150-room hotel and an events center. 1 mile north of Martensdale, Hwy 28
The location of the casino would be north of Norwalk. A Resurrection Cantata will be presented at 7 p.m.
Some residents have questions as to the exact location Friday, March 29, and at 9 a.m. Sunday, March 31. Ad-
and it being located closer to Hwy 28 than earlier infor- mission is free of charge.
mation indicated. But an exact location is yet to be de- Martensdale St. Paul Lutheran
termined, meeting at Church of Assumption in Churchville
Petitions are being circulated for residents to support Palm Sunday worship will be at 10:30 a.m. Sunda3
or not support an election to see if a casino is wanted in March 24. Maundy Thursday service with communion
Warren County. If the supporters don't obtain the 2,600 will be March 28 at 7 p.m. Good Friday worship, March
signatures, an election won't be held. End of story. It is 29, will be a joint service with members of Church of
my understanding the supporters are nearing the Assumption at 7 p.m. Easter Sunda March 31, there
needed 2,600 signatures. (As of Thursday, March 14, will be a breakfast at 8:45 a.m. followed by 9:30 a.m.
supporters have collected the required number of sig- worship with communion.
natures for a May 7 referendum vote.) Warren County New Life Lutheran
would hold the election in May and voters would have 4380 Wakonda Dr.
the opportunity to vote yes or no. If it's a yes vote, then Palm Sunday services, March 24, will be at 8:15 and
the State of Iowa Gaming Commission would determine 10:30 a.m. Maundy Thursday worship is March 28 at 7
if a casino would be possible for Norwalk. p.m. with a Good Friday Service at 7 p.m. March 29.
Some of the comments at the community chat were Easter Sunday Worship is at 8:15 and 10:30 a.m. There
as follows: will be no Sunday School.
"Would the city fathers make their decision accord- Norwalk Christian
ing to how the residents of the city of Norwalk voted in 701 Main St.
the upcoming vote and not a county-wide number of Maundy Thursday worship willbe at 7:30 p.m. March
voters?" ]11e city fathers can determine the perqentage 28. Easter Sunrise Service is at 6:45 a.m. March 31, at
of City of Norwalk residents for or against the casino. Reedannland Farm. Easter Worship at the Christian
"It's easy for residents in the other parts of Warren Church will b.e at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Baptisms will take
County to vote yes since it's not in their back yard." place at the 10:30 a.m. service. Sunday School is at 9:30
"Driving to Norwalk from the north side of the city a.m.
the first thing you will see is the casino. It looks like it Norwalk United Methodist
will be visible from Lakewood Elementary since the 1801 Sunset Dr.
hotel will be a multi-story building." March 29, Good Friday service at the Methodist
"What do you think of when you hear "Osceola" or Church will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 30, is the
Concluded p. 2
Concluded p. 2
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