Dowagiac residents excited about new casino - Fox 28: South Bend, Elkhart IN News, Weather, Sports

There's a new casino under construction in our area.  The latest Four Winds Casino will open in Dowagiac this spring. 

Matthew Wesaw, Chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians is pretty excited about the latest venture of the tribe.  "This will help us provide better services, better quality of life for our people. Opens up job opportunities not only for our citizens but for the local community," said Wesaw.

Though the casino isn't finished yet, the tribe has already started the hiring process.  More than 900 people have applied for one of about 100 jobs available doing anything from running games to tending bar.

Those who work nearby hope the casino can also benefit their business.  Over at Mr. Wahoo's Restaurant, Manager Tessa Morris and her staff are optimistic about the possibilities.  "You know we have lost a lot of jobs in this area so it's actually exciting to bring back another business for other workers," said Morris. @

Four Winds manager, Duane Meyers says lots of people are looking for a job, but Dowagiac City Manager Kevin Anderson says this can help things change.  "We have had a nice, kind of quiet growth of jobs in this area over the last three or four years," said Meyers.

An official date has yet to be set, but the new casino will be open sometime this spring.