Our Lake area seems poised to see several economic development projects come to fruition. Although some may prefer to keep the Lake our little secret, change is inevitable. Having a variety of entertainment offerings positions our area as having something for everyone. With options of activities to fit a variety of interests and ages, residents and visitors alike have plenty to choose from, making the Lake a desirable and growing destination.

I have noticed though, that the mention of an addition of a casino at our Lake makes some people uneasy. I have some casual observations about casinos in general in similar small towns like Boonville and St. Charles. Both towns have seamlessly integrated a casino complex, including top-notch restaurants, a hotel, and a concert venue – and brought jobs and increased tourism to the area. Those casinos draw visitors year-round and are an economic welcome to the local economy providing financial support to the community’s fire and police departments, revenue for road improvements, and helping to fund parks beautification. I have been to both towns, walked from the quaint shopping district to the casino, had dinner and sometimes a bit of luck at the craps table and then walked back to my vehicle.

Which brings me to the Osage Nation and their desire to come back to their ancestral land to build a world- class casino. Osage Nation plans to enter into agreements with local agencies for law enforcement, fire, ambulance, and utilities for services at the casino. For these services, local governments, including municipal and county, are compensated in lieu of gaming taxes. My observation is that in good faith the Osage Nation has already made significant philanthropic contributions to our community, with over $160,000, to law enforcement and other first responders, local charities, youth programs, and community improvement projects. Kids’ Harbor, Citizens Against Domestic Violence, Lake Ozark Police Department, Miller County Sheriff’s Department, Lake Ozark Fire Protection District, Lake Area Youth Robotics, Osage Football League, and the Community Foundation of the Lake gladly took a donation from them last summer. Recent big gala event coordinators have asked Osage Nation for sponsorships. It appears that our community already sees this entity as a philanthropic business member and seems to accept their presence. They are committed to ongoing and long-term support of the Lake of the Ozarks community, and it is time we treat them as such.

Respectfully submitted,

Jane Wright 

Statement on Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen Resolution Recognizing Osage Nation’s Contributions to the Lake Ozark Community

LAKE OZARK – Kimberly Pearson, CEO of Osage Casinos, today issued the following statement on a Resolution unanimously approved by the Lake Ozark Board of Alderman recognizing the Tribe’s good faith effort to be valuable members of the Lake Ozark community, including their charitable giving to key organizations:

“We are proud of our work to bring a world-class entertainment center to the Lake of the Ozarks and appreciate the support we have received from the local community.  We are grateful for the unanimous recognition by the Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen for the work we are doing to support the region. Everywhere Osage Nation has a presence, we are dedicated to giving back to the communities we call home by supporting local organizations. To date our philanthropic efforts have seen over $100,000 donated to law enforcement and other local charitable endeavors as part of our ongoing and long-term support of the Lake of the Ozarks community.”

 ICYMI: Osage Nation Pathway to Progress 

Strengthening Local Economy in Our Missouri Ancestral Homeland

LAKE OF THE OZARKS- The Osage Nation released a video on the pathway to progress and how the development in their ancestral homeland will strengthen the Lake of the Ozarks economy. 

“Osage Casinos is proud of our ongoing work to build a world class entertainment district in an area deeply connected to the Osage Nation. Missouri is our ancestral homeland where the Osage once flourished and we know our economic development effort at the Lake of the Ozarks will be pivotal to supporting the Osage and the local lake area economy,” said Kimberly Pearson, CEO of Osage Casinos.  Watch the Osage Nation video ahead of this weekend’s Winterfest. 

Osage Nation Unveils Renderings for 

New Lake of the Ozarks Entertainment District

Lake of the Ozarks, Mo – The Osage Nation today shared their vision for a new Lake of the Ozarks entertainment destination with new renderings of their initiative in the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. The renderings showcase a casino, hotel, meeting space and food and beverage.

“We look forward to collaborative work with the local community and state of Missouri,” said Osage Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear. “We will provide positive economic benefits to the Osage people, as well as those who reside on Osage ancestral lands.”

“We are thrilled to release these renderings to Osage Nation members in a time when Chief Standing Bear is conducting monumental cultural efforts in our ancestral lands,” said Byron Bighorse, CEO of Osage Casinos. “Our casino has been nationally recognized for providing world-class gaming, and we are excited to bring this opportunity to Lake of the Ozarks.” 

The plan is part of a new economic development initiative in Missouri announced last fall by the Osage Nation. The project is expected to be completed in multiple phases with an estimated $60 million investment in the region, bringing new jobs, tourism and revenue for the Lake of the Ozarks community. Phase 1 includes construction of a casino, sports bar, restaurant, and meeting space. Additionally, it also includes a hotel, which will have general hotel rooms, suites, a fitness and exercise facility, a pool and hot tub, and a pool bar. 

Phase 1 construction is expected to start upon approval from the United States Department of Interior.

The project will dramatically expand the Lake-area’s tourism footprint, generating jobs and economic opportunity, and serving as a new revenue engine for the local and state tax base. On average, 90 percent of the workforce employed at similar facilities operated by Osage Nation are non-tribal members, creating new employment opportunities and growing tax revenue for the local community.

According to the Missouri Department of Economic Development Division of Tourism, tourism in Miller County, where the project will be located, currently generates approximately $40.7 million and 682 jobs annually to the overall impact of tourism in the state. In Camden County, tourism is responsible for $187.45 million and 3,958 jobs.

Historically, the Osage Nation once thrived in Missouri with a population of as many as 200,000 members of the Osage Tribe at its height. The Osage Tribe’s historical influence in the Lake region is still found today in homages such as City of Osage Beach, Osage County, and School of the Osage. As they have done in similar projects, Osage Nation plans to give back to the surrounding communities through philanthropic contributions to local schools, law enforcement and other first responders, local charities and community improvement projects. The Osage Nation is also committed to leveraging local vendors and local businesses whenever possible to provide products and services for the facilities.

Osage Nation Delivers Over $60K in Charitable Donations to Kids’ Harbor and Citizens Against Domestic Violence 

Lake of the Ozarks, Mo – The Osage Nation, during an event in observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, presented over $60,000 in donations to two Lake of the Ozarks entities that support area victims of abuse and neglect. Each organization received $30,528.07 in donations.

Last month, the Osage Nation hosted a liquidation auction of the Quality Inn and announced that all auction profits would go to Kids’ Harbor Child Advocacy Center and Citizens Against Domestic Violence (CADV). Today, the Osage Nation delivered the donations to help these two organizations meet the needs of the victims they serve. 

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 24-30, 2022) challenges the country to confront and remove barriers to achieving justice for all victims of crime and recognizes accomplishments that support victims.

Kids’ Harbor provides support to children from birth to 18 who have been victims of sexual, physical or emotional abuse. The center also provides a safe and nurturing environment for children who have witnessed a violent crime or are dealing with unmet physical and medical needs. 

“Whether through our comprehensive prevention program, trauma informed, evidence-based counseling, forensic interviews, medical exams, or advocacy, Kids' Harbor works diligently each day to create a safer community and serve child abuse victims and their safe caregivers. The courage children show in finding their voice to talk about abuse they’ve experienced takes our breath away most days. These kids are true heroes. Generous supporters, like the Osage Nation, allow us to provide these comprehensive, evidence-based services. We can’t change what has happened to these children, but with the support of our community and the Osage Nation, we can change what happens next. Kids' Harbor is both honored and grateful for this generous donation to help sustain our programs,” said Kids’ Harbor Executive Director Cara Gerdiman. 

CADV operates a 24-hour, 7 day a week hotline for victims of domestic violence to seek support. The center works to empower victims through providing crisis intervention, shelter and other support services. 

“The proceeds will help us expand our services by adding 12 female beds and a brand-new male suite,” said Citizens Against Domestic Violence Executive Director Sheree Keely. “Everything we do here is free. This includes services and a safe place for victims and their kids. This donation from Osage Nation will provide us with the resources we need so we do not have to turn away victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and trafficking.”

Osage Nation Steps Up to Support Local Law Enforcement in Missouri with Unique SWAT Training Opportunity

Miller County, Mo – The Osage Nation provided a unique advanced SWAT police officer-training opportunity as part of their continued efforts to support local law enforcement.

In advance of the demolition of the former Quality Inn, the site of the future home of the Nation’s new casino and entertainment district, the Tribe gave full permission for the Miller County SWAT team to use the facility to provide for real-world law enforcement SWAT training scenarios, and advanced tactics and techniques, before the site is demolished. 

“This training is an essential part to ensure our members are proficient and ready for high-risk situations if they should arise. The use of this property was ideal as it represents other businesses and facilities within our area, making for an authentic and true-to-life training experience,” said Miller County Sheriff Louie Gregoire.

Jefferson City News Tribune: Our Opinion: Know odds before betting on casinos

https://www.newstribune.com/news/2023/feb/10/our-opinion-know-odds-before-betting-on-casinos/

The Osage Nation is planning a casino on the grounds of a former Miller County hotel. The $60-million development is awaiting approval from the U.S. Department of Interior.The tribal casino would not be subject to the same taxing and regulation structures as the 13 other Missouri casinos. 

For the state's 13 licensed casinos, state gaming taxes are more than 25 percent of a casino's total revenue with about a fifth of that amount retained by local governments. A state-regulated gambling boat on the Osage River could generate at least $100 million in revenue and pay about $25 million in taxes with about $5 million going to city and county governments.

But Missouri legislators should proceed cautiously as it weighs the wisdom of adding another state-licensed casino.

For the gambler, the allure of easy money is the driving force behind his or her bet.

But the gambler must always remember one time-tested truth: the house always wins.

Gambling is designed so that the house, or the casino owners, will see a profit.

Legislators -- and potentially voters -- must keep that in mind if a constitutional amendment that would allow a gambling boat on the Osage River becomes a reality.

If the driving force behind a new gambling boat is easy money for local and state coffers, the odds are against us. If the goal is to use it as a tool to develop a Mid-Missouri attraction, then we stand a better chance of success.

Missouri's Constitution allows for 13 licensed gambling boats to operate only on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.

Senate Joint Resolution 14 would add the Osage River to that list and direct the Missouri Gaming Commission to issue a single excursion gambling boat license for a casino boat on the Osage River between the Missouri River and Bagnell Dam at Lake Ozark.

The resolution drew mixed reviews this week in a hearing before the Senate Emerging Issues Committee.

Speaking in favor were residents and officials from Miller County and the lake area, who cited the economic shot in the arm a casino could inject into the lake's hospitality industry.

Speaking against it were those who opposed it for fear that a casino would disrupt the lake's family-friendly atmosphere and could adversely affect property values and economy of the Lake of the Ozarks.

Pushing the conversation is the reality that a casino is already coming to the lake and proponents of the resolution say adding a state-licensed casino would "level the playing field."

The Osage Nation is planning a casino on the grounds of a former Miller County hotel. The $60-million development is awaiting approval from the U.S. Department of Interior.

The tribal casino would not be subject to the same taxing and regulation structures as the 13 other Missouri casinos. For the state's 13 licensed casinos, state gaming taxes are more than 25 percent of a casino's total revenue with about a fifth of that amount retained by local governments.

A state-regulated gambling boat on the Osage River could generate at least $100 million in revenue and pay about $25 million in taxes with about $5 million going to city and county governments.

But Missouri legislators should proceed cautiously as it weighs the wisdom of adding another state-licensed casino.

While the allure of that "easy money" is strong, the overriding consideration should be if the addition of a casino would elevate the standards of living of the lake community.

If gambling is used for its entertainment value, it could benefit the Lake of the Ozarks. But gambling is not a good alternative for earning extra cash for the gambler -- or for the state.

Just as a wise gambler knows the odds before placing a bet, so should the state.

At a casino -- and in life, there are inevitably winners and losers. Let's be sure we know who we are in that equation and who will ultimately pay the price.