The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Despite failing to obtain a casino license, Ingenus management held one last event to say thank you for the community’s support.

Ingenus CEO Ken Mimmack emphasized this was a team project and asked people not to be discouraged.

“Sometimes things get lost a little bit in the process. What this was really about was economic development, how to spur a better future. And that is really what the casino project was about,” Mimmack said.

Roughly 50 people attended Wednesday evening’s event, many who were heavily involved.

Many expressed displeasure about the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission and called them biased. One man brought up questions regarding the financing.

But, there were some glimmer of hope. One lady asked where we go from here. Another man wanted to know how the decision could be reversed. There was a petition going around accusing the IRGC of not considering certain regulation.

Both Mimmack and Mayer Dale Uehling encouraged people to become politically active and let your politicians know that you want economic development in this area.

Mimmack said Ingenus would be willing to re-apply if the opportunity arises in 3-5 years. River Hills River Boat Commissioner Steve Siegel said he would be “more than happy” to have them.