Cozad Musician and Local Tradition Stand Against Casino Development Concerns
In Cozad, DeVere Larington, a dedicated band teacher, has spent seven years accompanying a beloved local show from the upright piano. His commitment to this tradition is unwavering. “This is my hometown,” Larington shared. “I know how important it is. If coming back is a way to keep the show alive I’m happy to do it. That tradition is really important to me. I don’t want that to die.”
Beyond Keith County, the show has garnered fans, including Omaha playwright Laura Leininger Campbell, who admires its longevity. “Any theater that can endure more than five years is a miracle these days,” Campbell expressed. “Knowing Crystal Palace has spanned over 60 is stunning.”
However, the arrival of the Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack poses a new challenge to the cherished tradition. The casino is set to open a temporary facility this summer, with full plans for a resort still underway. Despite surviving the COVID-19 pandemic, the casino’s development brings new concerns.
Controversy surrounds the casino and racetrack, particularly after the Ogallala City Council approved a zoning change facilitating its construction, despite opposition from the planning commission. According to KNOP, this decision led to the emergence of multiple write-in candidates for the 2024 City Council race.
Critics of the casino fear it could negatively impact existing local businesses, which will need to vie for tourist dollars and workforce. In contrast, supporters believe the new facility will generate jobs and economic growth, attracting outside funds that could benefit local services.
Kathleen Bauer, who, along with others, has invested around $1.2 million in enhancing the 16,000-square-foot Front Street venue, voices her concerns about the potential competition. “The casino will be a competition with labor as well as the restaurant market and potentially entertainment later on,” she noted.
For regular patrons like Thompson, Front Street is more than just a place to visit; it’s a community hub. “If it ever disappeared, regulars like me would lose ‘a gathering place,'” he said. Among those regulars are local cattlemen, who have formed a connection with Butrick over time. “They just come in to unwind after the sale,” Butrick explained. “Sometimes, they’ll do deals right here. They’re a great bunch of guys. I can’t imagine what it would be like here without them.”
Indeed, envisioning Front Street without its Revue is a challenging thought for many.
