Category: Bonner Springs

Hollywood Casino sees drop in revenues in April following highway construction in Johnson County

The Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., reported a 3.8 percent decline, a decrease of about $474,000 in gaming revenues from April 2015 to April 2016.

The figures, discussed at the Kansas Lottery Commission today, were in a written report to the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission.

“We did experience a noticeable drop in revenues beginning on April 10 when, as part of the ongoing construction of the Johnson County Gateway Project, they closed the ramps allowing access to Interstate-435 westbound from Interstate-35,” Rick Skinner, Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway general manager reported to the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission.

Gaming revenues at the Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway also showed a decline from March to April, according to figures presented today at the Kansas Lottery Commission meeting.

Gaming revenues were $12.9 million in March as compared to $12.04 million in April, according to Keith Kocher, director of program assurance and integrity for the Kansas Lottery.

There was a brief discussion on whether it was due to an economy that was going soft, or to other factors. Kocher said he had heard that when new interstate highway construction started in the Johnson County area with some ramps closing during mid-April, the casino lost some revenue.

For the past month, two other state casinos in Kansas showed mixed results. Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City, Kan., showed an increase from March to April of about $42,000, and Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kan., showed a decrease. Kansas Star gaming revenue declined about 1 percent from April 2015 to April 2016, according to a report to the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission. Boot Hill also reported a decline in this April’s revenues compared to April 2015 revenues, down 1.7 percent.

Kocher said he attended a groundbreaking recently for a new casino in southeast Kansas. There is currently a lawsuit concerning this casino, and post-trial motions are being heard in an appeal.

In a written report to the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, Hollywood Casino vice president and general manager Rick Skinner said a comparison of April 2016 to April 2015 showed a 3.8 percent decline, a decrease of about $474,000. Slots revenue was relatively flat, according to his report. Table games revenue decreased about $518,000, or 27 percent from the prior year, according to the report. There was a significant decrease in hold percentage, according to his report.

The Kansas Lottery also reported today an increase in Powerball ticket sales due to a recent high jackpot.

Friends of Bonner library to hold book sale May 12-14

The Friends of the Bonner Springs library is having its spring book sale this week.

Days and times are from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 13, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 14.

The library is at 201 N. Nettleton, Bonner Springs.

A variety of fiction and nonfiction for all ages is available with many volumes in like-new condition and with an unusual assortment of nonfiction topics.

Nothing costs more than $1, with paperbacks and many children’s books selling for only 25 or 50 cents and various specials offered at different times through-out the sale.

The funds raised will benefit the library and include providing a matching grant to purchase the electronic bulletin board above the check-out desk, a coffee maker available to patrons, many new children’s books and funding for the upcoming summer reading program.

Domestic violence workshops to be held May 19 and 26

Domestic violence workshops will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 19, and May 26 at the Bonner Springs Library, 201 N. Nettleton Ave., Bonner Springs, Kan.

The first program is for adults and parents, and the second for teens.

The sessions are free, but space is limited. Those interested may reserve a seat by calling 913-441-2665.

Refreshments will be provided.

The programs are sponsored by the Western Wyandotte County Citizens’ Advisory Committee, Bonner Springs City Library and Bonner Springs Police Department.