Missouri River Historical Development says it's ready for a new partner. The non-profit group that holds the license to Sioux City's Argosy Casino voted Monday night to search for a new operator to work with in applying for Woodbury County's gaming license. MRHD president Mark Monson says they could see interest from operators inside and outside the state of Iowa, including current Argosy owner Penn National. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission will decide who gets the gaming license next April.
Sioux City leaders withdrew support for the Liberty Industrial Park project. Last year, the city agreed to support Liberty if the county would support a second interstate interchange near Southbridge Industrial Park, but the county never sent a letter to the Iowa Department of Transportation. Supervisor George Boykin says the county still supports the second interchange and they hope to convince the city to get back on board because they can't use tax incentives to lure industry to the park unless the county gets the city's support.
Siouxland farmers continue to feel the pinch of the most widespread drought in 25 years. Iowa State University extension crop specialist, Joel DeJong, says many farmers are on pace to lose tens of thousands of dollars because of the withered crops. They are expecting to see the same continued deterioration if farmers don't get the rain in the next two weeks.
Five days now until RAGBRAI hits the road and Brothers Bike Shop is gearing up for the cyclists. The Sioux Center bicycle shop is stocked up and ready to outfit riders with any last minute needs, from water bottles to spare tubes. The bicycle ride across Iowa is celebrating its 40th year. It starts Sunday in Sioux Center and ends seven days and 471 miles later in Clinton, Iowa.
