Lawrence Journal-World 08-09-13

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Davis takes first step toward governor bid Lawrence Democrat files paperwork to raise money for possible Brownback challenge By Scott Rothschild srothschild@ljworld.com

TOPEKA — Kansas House Minority Leader Paul Davis, a Democrat from Lawrence, confirmed Thursday that he may challenge Republican Gov. Sam Brownback in next year’s election. Davis filed paperwork with the Kansas secretary of state’s office necessary to create a gu-

bernatorial campaign committee and raise money to run for governor. “I will make a formal announcement about my plans in the coming weeks,” Davis said. “Until then, I look forward to engaging the people of Kansas in a discussion about our shared vision for our state.” Davis appointed former state Rep. William Kassebaum of Burdick as his campaign trea-

surer. Kassebaum is the son of former U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum and grandson of former Kansas Gov. Alf Landon, all of them Republicans. Davis said of his treasurer: “Bill and his family have a long record of moderate, bipartisan leadership in Kansas. This is exactly what Kansans want in Topeka.” Because Democrats are heavily outnumbered in Kansas, a statewide Democratic candidate must attract unaffiliated and moderate Republican voters to win.

HOUSE MINORITY LEADER PAUL DAVIS, right, is weighing a challenge to Gov. Sam Brownback. File Photo

Please see DAVIS, page 2A

WHOLESOME FUN AT THE VINLAND FAIR

Tribe behind land buy had casino interest, lawsuit suggests By Chad Lawhorn clawhorn@ljworld.com

Richard Gwin/Journal-World Photos

JACOB DEAY, 11, of Wellsville, smiles as he competes in the log-cutting event Thursday at the Vinland Fair.

‘It’s about family, community spirit’ By Caitlin Doornbos cvdoornbos@ljworld.com

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t the Vinland Fair, folks know what it takes to have a good time. You don’t need bright, blinking lights or amusement rides, cotton candy or clowns. When it really comes down to it, you just need each other. Elois Craig first came to the Vinland Fair as an eighth-grader, decades ago. Back then, the tiny town had a school where the children and community could congregate and keep up with one another’s lives. But since the agricultural community’s school closed in 2011, residents rarely see one another, aside from the annual “whole hog” dinner fundraisers and TYSON BOYER, 3, gets some help in Thursday’s pancake suppers. Please see VINLAND, page 5A

nail-driving competition at the fair.

The Oklahoma-based Indian tribe that purchased almost 90 acres of prime North Lawrence property is embroiled in a federal lawsuit that suggests the tribe recently had strong interest in building a casino in Kansas. Documents filed as part of a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Tulsa, Okla., included a June 2011 development agreement that the Delaware Tribe of Indians signed with a company that would be involved with financing and building a casino in Kansas, at an undisclosed location somewhere near Kansas City. Since the Delaware tribe last month purchased 87 acres of highly visible property near the North Lawrence interchange on the Kansas Turnpike, tribal leaders have declined to discuss whether they have any interest in putting an Indian gaming casino on the property. The tribe has expressed interest in using the land for housing, health care and child care facilities to serve the state’s Native American population. There also have been published reports that the tribe is considering moving its headquarters to Kansas. In 2000, the tribe expressed strong interest in building a casino near North Lawrence, but dropped those plans. The lawsuit, which was filed in February, indicates the tribe’s interest in a Kansas casino has lingered. The tribe reportedly has also inquired about property in Leavenworth County and told county officials a casino was a possibility there. It’s not clear what connection the tribe’s Kansas City and Leavenworth ambitions may have to its land purchase in Lawrence. A tribal leader didn’t return phone calls Thursday seeking comment. According to court records, the Delaware tribe and its affiliated Delaware Enterprise Authority signed a development agreement in 2010 with Ohio-based River Trails LLC. The original agreement was focused on River Trails finding a site and financing to house a Delaware Indian casino on property near Cincinnati. Please see CASINO, page 2A

Old Baldwin school buildings a hard sell Close to downtown and Baker University. Zoned residential. Appraised at $415,000, but ownThe Baldwin school district er will accept reasonable offers. has a sweet deal to offer anyone The problem is, the district looking for developed property has been trying to sell that propin the heart of the erty for more than city: two years, and so far For sale by owner: it has gotten barely Three-story office more than a nibble building plus gym- APPRAISED VALUE OF of interest. nasium. Total of OLD GYM, OFFICE SPACE “They’re hard to 41,629 square feet of sell,” district Superdeveloped space, plus parking intendent Paul Dorathy said this lot and vacant lot currently used week. He noted the buildings for ball diamonds. Located on date back to the 1920s and 1930s, 2.3 acres near U.S. Highway 56. which means they would need By Peter Hancock

phancock@ljworld.com

$415K

Business Classified Comics Deaths

Low: 64

Today’s forecast, page 10A

Richard Gwin/Journal-World Photo

THE BALDWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT is trying to sell its old administration

Please see BALDWIN, page 2A building, above, and gymnasium near U.S. Highway 56.

INSIDE

Humid

High: 80

a lot of work to be converted to other uses. Dorathy said the district has been successful in recent months in selling off two other buildings it no longer needed — the old primary school in Baldwin City, which was sold in October to the Lighthouse Baptist Church for $200,000, and the former Marion Springs school, about eight miles west of Baldwin City, which was purchased by a group of private individuals in April for $90,000.

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Events listings Horoscope Movies Opinion

10A, 2B Puzzles 9B Sports 4A Television 8A

Regents to set agenda 9B 1B-4B 10A, 2B, 9B

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Higher education officials and leaders within Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration will meet next week to discuss budget priorities for the next legislative session. Page 3A

Vol.155/No.221 20 pages


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