 The Leech Lake Band of the Ojibwe will move forward with a new casino, palace casino and hotel after members voted on Tuesday. There was a total of 1,585 votes. Nearly 80 percent of voters were in favor of the new casino. Leech Lake Tribal Chairman Farron Jackson Sr. says the casino will present new opportunities for the reservation due to the casino being located near Highway 2 in Cass Lake. He says the new casino will enhance the gaming experience with its latest technology. We want to move some dirt here this fall here and get the ground prepped and by next spring of 2018 we want to break ground and have actual construction take place and we have we hope to have it finished by 2019 to open up to open the doors to our new palace casino. Jackson says the referendum gives a vote to the people and their support was crucial as they plan to move ahead. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland news please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.