As for Knightcap's observation about the numbers at Mountaineer, there used to be a good crowd trackside when management encouraged the crossover player. I used to enjoy being trackside and having the option to play slots and watch the live races. Then management eliminated slot machines from the grandstand and clubhouse mezzanine. While they left some slots on the ground level, they are old and out-dated and do not accept free play. When the crossover players are forced to the casino side where the slots are better and there is simulcasting to satisfy the desire for racing, the trackside numbers decline.
I disagree with Bertram de Souza's opinion on the racino and agree more with recent Vindy letter writers Emil Saloom (4/8) and L.S. Beckett (4/7). Penn National's original proposal for 204 seats makes me question their sincerity in doing right by racing. The O.S.R.C. should continue looking out for racing's best interests and not let racing be cannibalized by the slots.
The racing commissioners are entrusted with looking out for the best interests of racing, and I believe they are doing that, not following a hidden political agenda. I've read the meeting minutes online. Penn National's original proposal was for a total number of 204 seats. Wouldn't a gaming company that was truly interested in racing believe itself capable of promoting enough interest to fill more than 204 seats? Maybe the Ohio State Racing Commission has seen what has happened in other states such as West Virginia where the racetracks, although they were the pathway to getting a casino, were not nourished or promoted. Mountaineer and Wheeling used to have crossover patrons who enjoyed both racing and slots. Mountaineer's clubhouse and grandstand mezzanine level used to be buzzing with people. At Wheeling you could sit at a machine and watch a live race. Then both tracks chose to physically separate the slots from the live racing, putting in most cases a great distance between the two. When attendance declines at the track (because let's face it slots are more addictive), management is able to justify not improving trackside.
Bigben--What W Va track do you mean when you say "You think racing is doing well in W Va? They are moving here because it failed at its former location"? Penn National wants to move Beulah Racetrack, which is in Ohio, to Austintown.
I agree with the previous poster who said "Do your job and add the seats." The only reason the "casino" part is being allowed is because of the horsetrack. Why wouldn't a racing commissioner look out for the best interests of the racing? It's the same scenario with the Toledo/Dayton switch. And, it's not just seating--it's stalls and other racing related amenities that are being scrimped on.
vinytalk asked, "Salem's principal has a Ph.D from Harvard ??? And he /she can only get a job in Salem " The answer--It's called coming back to your hometown to raise your family in a town and school system you love.
Interesting article. Compliments go to nearby Salem High School which has offered AP courses for over 20 years and lists on its website at least 8 AP classes among its present courses.
Please note that data quoted by JME in previous posting referred to research printed in the Columbus Dispatch and dealt with COLUMBUS teacher salaries.
I have to agree with copstarkey about supporting Kelly. I was surprised to find myself on the same plane as Kelly on the way out to Vegas. He displayed such a calm and humble demeanor...a class act all the way.
They’re off, but not in the Valley
As for Knightcap's observation about the numbers at Mountaineer, there used to be a good crowd trackside when management encouraged the crossover player. I used to enjoy being trackside and having the option to play slots and watch the live races. Then management eliminated slot machines from the grandstand and clubhouse mezzanine. While they left some slots on the ground level, they are old and out-dated and do not accept free play. When the crossover players are forced to the casino side where the slots are better and there is simulcasting to satisfy the desire for racing, the trackside numbers decline.
April 8, 2013 at 10:53 a.m. permalink suggest removal
They’re off, but not in the Valley
I disagree with Bertram de Souza's opinion on the racino and agree more with recent Vindy letter writers Emil Saloom (4/8) and L.S. Beckett (4/7). Penn National's original proposal for 204 seats makes me question their sincerity in doing right by racing.
The O.S.R.C. should continue looking out for racing's best interests and not let racing be cannibalized by the slots.
April 8, 2013 at 10:31 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Politics stalling Austintown racino, county Dems say
The racing commissioners are entrusted with looking out for the best interests of racing, and I believe they are doing that, not following a hidden political agenda. I've read the meeting minutes online. Penn National's original proposal was for a total number of 204 seats. Wouldn't a gaming company that was truly interested in racing believe itself capable of promoting enough interest to fill more than 204 seats? Maybe the Ohio State Racing Commission has seen what has happened in other states such as West Virginia where the racetracks, although they were the pathway to getting a casino, were not nourished or promoted. Mountaineer and Wheeling used to have crossover patrons who enjoyed both racing and slots. Mountaineer's clubhouse and grandstand mezzanine level used to be buzzing with people. At Wheeling you could sit at a machine and watch a live race. Then both tracks chose to physically separate the slots from the live racing, putting in most cases a great distance between the two. When attendance declines at the track (because let's face it slots are more addictive), management is able to justify not improving trackside.
April 2, 2013 at 8:52 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Austintown racino on hold
Bigben--What W Va track do you mean when you say "You think racing is doing well in W Va? They are moving here because it failed at its former location"? Penn National wants to move Beulah Racetrack, which is in Ohio, to Austintown.
April 1, 2013 at 7:08 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Austintown racino on hold
I agree with the previous poster who said "Do your job and add the seats." The only reason the "casino" part is being allowed is because of the horsetrack. Why wouldn't a racing commissioner look out for the best interests of the racing? It's the same scenario with the Toledo/Dayton switch. And, it's not just seating--it's stalls and other racing related amenities that are being scrimped on.
March 30, 2013 at 12:14 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Ursuline leads Valley schools with 9 AP courses
vinytalk asked, "Salem's principal has a Ph.D from Harvard ??? And he /she can only get a job in Salem "
The answer--It's called coming back to your hometown to raise your family in a town and school system you love.
September 7, 2012 at 8:15 a.m. permalink suggest removal
OFFICIALS GIDDY, UPBEAT ABOUT NEW AUSTINTOWN RACE TRACK PLAN
Good news but one correction...Mountaineer is a thoroughbred track not a harness track as stated in the story.
February 3, 2012 at 12:39 a.m. permalink suggest removal
High schools struggle to offer AP college courses
Interesting article. Compliments go to nearby Salem High School which has offered AP courses for over 20 years and lists on its website at least 8 AP classes among its present courses.
October 17, 2011 at 2:29 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Canfield schools to collect input, bypass August levy
Please note that data quoted by JME in previous posting referred to research printed in the Columbus Dispatch and dealt with COLUMBUS teacher salaries.
http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/...
May 22, 2011 at 2:34 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Pavlik tops Lopez
I have to agree with copstarkey about supporting Kelly. I was surprised to find myself on the same plane as Kelly on the way out to Vegas. He displayed such a calm and humble demeanor...a class act all the way.
May 13, 2011 at 1:16 a.m. permalink suggest removal