La Crosse Tribune: Mayor, chamber director see Ho-Chunk benefits in Tomah

TOMAH, Wis. - The city's mayor and the executive director of the chamber of commerce/convention and visitors bureau see economic benefits to Tomah from the Ho-Chunk Cinema movie complex that opened last December and the tribe's Whitetail Crossing Casino, which opened June 28.

"The theater appears to be doing well," Mayor Chuck Ludeking said of the six-screen complex near the intersection of Hwys. 12 and 21. Plans for the $3.5 million complex were announced in 2002.

"I think all the businesses surrounding it are doing pretty well, partly because of it," Ludeking said.

Tomah had been without a movie theater for many years.

"I would describe it as a real economic shot in the entertainment arm," said Eric Prise, executive director of the Greater Tomah Area Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitors Bureau. "A lot of motels and eating establishments, especially on the north end, tell me it's another attraction they can offer their guests.

"It really adds to the menu of attractions we can promote, not only for visitors but also for residents of the Community," Prise said.

Whitetail Crossing Casino is on Hwy. 21, three miles east of Tomah. The $1.8 million expansion added nearly 7,800 square feet to the Whitetail Crossing convenience store. It is smaller than a full-blown casino and has 100 coinless slot machines.

"I'm sure it will help (the local economy) a little bit," Ludeking said. "It might keep a few local people here who had been going to the casinos in Baraboo and Black River (Falls)."

Earlier this month, the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling said the number of phone calls to its statewide gamblers help line is increasing, and said the callers are more desperate.

Ludeking said he doesn't think Whitetail Crossing Casino will cause an increase in the number of Tomah residents with gambling problems. People who go there probably had been going to other casinos within an hour's drive, he said.

"I'd like to think" the tribe will start more businesses in the Tomah area, Ludeking said.

The casino's economic impact on Tomah will be "maybe not as big as the movie theater," Prise said. "But it's been another good way for visitors and residents to take part in tribal gaming."

"They're a good community partner, not only for Tomah but the entire area," Prise said of the tribe.