Economic excitement continues in Ogallala

OGALLALA, Neb. (KNOP) - It’s been a month since the opening of Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack in Ogallala.

As crowds continue to grow for the new attraction, so does the excitement rippling through the Keith County community.

From the flashing of lights on the gaming floor to the thundering hooves at the track, the buzz is undeniable, and for many in the region, it’s more than entertainment; it’s opportunity.

“The casino is an anchor, and other businesses could build upon the potential business that it draws in. This will benefit not only my business but also other businesses in town. It’s really a positive note for Ogallala, and I’m excited to see what is in store,” said Lance Larington, owner of Nebraska Print Works.

At this time last year, Larington and his fellow members of the Ogallala Planning and Zoning Commission sat through lengthy testimony from Keith County residents, many of them concerned about what a casino might bring to their community.

Among those voices was Pastor Matt Waitley of New Hope Church, who, like others, feared the cost of progress might come at the expense of local values.

“There are a lot of concerns whenever a casino comes to town, but I would prefer, and I’ve told our church community here, that we don’t want to focus on that now; it is in the past, and it is here. I’ve met some great people who work out there, and I want to be a friend to them and minister to them as well. It is what it is, and it is here, and we are ok,” Waitley said.

The development of Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack is far from over. In fact, the current gambling area is a temporary one with plans for a permanent facility in the works, along with lodging.