The Bureau of Indian Affairs held a public hearing on the Menominee Nation's proposal to convert an old dog track to a casino.

The $808 million project is being considered as an off-reservation land acquisition. If the BIA approves, the Wisconsin governor would have to concur.

An estimated 500 people attended the hearing -- mostly supporters, The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported. People said the casino would generate jobs. "The best way to reduce crime is to put people to work," the local police chief was quoted as saying.

In opposition was the Forest County Potawatomi Tribe and its employees. The tribe operates a casino outside of Milwaukee that would be affected by the Menominee project.

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Kenosha casino supported (The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel 10/26)