46°F
Cloudy
Full Forecaste

Story Photos

Cassi Collier practices dealing the card game Spanish 21 with co-workers at the River Casino in Kelso on Monday. The casino, formerly known as the Wild Grizzly Casino, will reopen Wednesday. Roger Werth / The Daily News

Past Month's Most Commented Stories

Home > Top Story

Former Wild Grizzly ready to get back into the game

Tuesday, July 8, 2008 12:31 AM PDT

By Erik Olson

Font Size:
 
 

The new River Casino in Kelso has more gaming tables, longer hours and a new name. After a three-month closure, the former Cleopatra’s Wild Grizzly Casino is set to reopen at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

The casino is under local ownership for the first time after Las Vegas investor Eric Nelson sold it in April following three years of declining revenue.

“We’re going to open more to give people more time for their entertainment,” new owner Dan Dale of Silver Lake said Monday.

That means keeping the casino open as long as people want to gamble, which could be 24 hours a day on some days. That means adding six poker and blackjack tables for a total of 15, the maximum allowed by state law in a nontribal casino. And it means hiring 106 employes, about 40 more than the Wild Grizzly employed before it closed.

Nelson opened the Grizzly in 2001 as one of four “mini-casinos” he owned in the state. In the fall of 2007, Nelson announced he would sell the casino at public auction in March, then sold the business to Dale the day before the scheduled auction.

As a new owner, Dale, who also owns the Riverdale Racetrack in Toutle, first had to obtain liquor and gambling licenses before reopening the casino. The process, which includes extensive background checks, took about two months, Dale said.

The Grizzly’s employees were all laid off and allowed to apply for unemployment in the interim, Dale said. All but four were hired back, he said.

The temporary closure meant some employees had to struggle financially for a few months. Vina Lane, a casino pit boss for six years, said she had to scrimp and cut back to make it in the interim as a single mother of a 17-year-old son.

But it was worth it, she said. Lane and her son, Jonathan Beaman, volunteered to help Dale with some of the renovations to the building. Her son managed to parlay that experience into a job in the kitchen of the River’s Edge, she said.

“I’m so excited. It’s going to be so much better here. It’s brighter in here, and it’s going to be so much fun,” Lane said.

Dale has added a new ceiling with better lighting in the 16,220-square-foot building, and he’s installing a glass barrier between the family-friendly restaurant — the River’s Edge — and the gamblers at the card tables. The casino also boasts a conference room and lounge, and Dale said he hopes to host musical acts, comedy nights and community service events.

One of the biggest challenges for the River could come from the Cowlitz tribe’s proposed $510 million casino and resort in La Center. But Dale said he thinks the customers of the River will visit the tribal casino then return because they prefer the place they know.

“If you provide them the right type of atmosphere down here, they’re going to check (the tribal casino) out and come back,” Dale said.

KelsoLesbian wrote on Jul 8, 2008 5:56 AM:

" I don't see how they can stay open for 24 hours, isn't it a law they have to close for 4 hours a day? "

tally ho wrote on Jul 8, 2008 8:37 AM:

" I hope the police intend to keep a watch on that place as there is a large residential area all around the casino, and we don't need people squealing in and out all hours of the day and night. As for musical acts - forget it, when the Wild Grizzley had a band play we had to call at 1 AM and tell them to turn it down or off. It is a bad idea to let them stay open past bar closing time because patrons will just go out and drink in their cars. This is a bad mistake all around. "

CONCERENED wrote on Jul 8, 2008 8:59 AM:

" who cares really , IM ALL FOR IT!!! given how the ( other ) card room in town has a daily rules change, today s rules dont apply tomorrow and yadda yadda , glad to see NEW competition coming to town,I WISH THE NEW CASINO LOTS OF LUCK, and yes, ill go play cards there!! why not?? "

stargoddess wrote on Jul 8, 2008 9:23 AM:

" Always negative reactions. This brings in jobs, along with revenue for the city of Kelso. WHY must people always complain about every single thing??? "

Kelso Mom wrote on Jul 8, 2008 10:10 AM:

" Although my husband & I are not gamblers we are looking forward to checking out the food, playing pool & darts and we're very excited about the scheduled entertainment. Best of luck to the new owners. "

kitten wrote on Jul 8, 2008 11:14 AM:

" Thanks for finally changing the name! I heard the former restaurant had great food but never had a chance to check it out. Will the menu be similar? If so, I may have to get over there sometime. Good luck! To all you gamblers out there, if it has control, QUIT! "

Atrucker wrote on Jul 8, 2008 12:18 PM:

" Hey if you do not like the noise why are you living in town close to grade street ,the mall, and the freeway all which make lots of noise.
As for the band , get a life .
Anything new to Kelso is the right direction in my opinion. It is a ghost town now for the most part.PUT SOME LIFE BACK INTO IT.I can name several casinos that run 24-7, would you complain if highlander ran the same way, most likely.
A casino is run for profit , any way you can do that. If it means extra hours, and it seems the owner knew he may have to do this to be competitive .
I say go for it , sounds like a plan.
But on the down side ,the area also may need gamblers anynomonus, for the compulsive and addicted gambler. I know one and it is not pretty. "

DUH wrote on Jul 8, 2008 12:24 PM:

" Great.... Yet another place for people to go and get drunk then hop behind the wheel and try to drive home. Jobs and revenue? What about death and destruction? "

longview citizen wrote on Jul 8, 2008 1:18 PM:

" I agree with all the others, why is everyone so negative. And as for the Duh comment you realize the state is the one that issues the license and makes the revenue off the alcohol. So if you do not like it write to your state rep and complain. Yeah the state sells the booze and tobacco taxes those that use it then turn around and ticket them for it. How about a FAT TAX!!!!!!!! "

DUH wrote on Jul 8, 2008 2:00 PM:

" What are you saying citizen? That everytime a drunk gets behind the wheel and kills or mames somebody that instead of blaming and holding the drunk accountable, the state is at fault? Blame and punish the state for every drunk driving injury, death, and damage to property? "

stargoddess wrote on Jul 8, 2008 2:38 PM:

" Getting behind a wheel while drunk is a personal choice, and a bad one at that. A person can go to Applebees, The Masthead or the Highlander and do the same exact thing! It's not the establishments, it's the person. These businesses KNOW that they stop serving someone who has had too much to drink. That is what they have to do. Once they do that, then they have done what they are suppose to do BY LAW. That's all they are required to do. NOW it's up to that person to do the right thing and NOT DRIVE. "

DUH wrote on Jul 8, 2008 6:54 PM:

" How much is too much stargoddess? When they cant walk? Cant talk? When they are passed out or puking allm over the floor? Do the bartenders give them sobriety tests before serving them another drink? Do they make them blow into a breathalyzer? I would be willing to lay down $1000.00 against a penny that if bars, taverns, restaurants, casinos or any other drinking establishment were to stop serving alcohol for just 1 month that DUI arrests and deaths involving alcohol would drop dramatically. Thus proving that they DO NOT stop serving them once they are intoxicated. "

mwallin wrote on Jul 8, 2008 7:47 PM:

" Can't wait to play hold'em at the River. As for the drinkers, ONE drink is too much to then get behind the wheel. .08 is a joke: .01 is too much. And, The responsibility rests on the Drinker to make a plan prior to drinking. Phone a friend, a cab, or an employee to help arrange a ride home if you drink. "

Lance Johnson wrote on Jul 8, 2008 7:55 PM:

" DUH, The police wouldnt like it if bars and such stopped serving beacuse DUI's are a big source of revenue for the city and state. This is United States and it is LEGAL to drink. A poorly organized version of the Taliban is in control in this state, but not the actual Taliban like you would prefer. "

CONCERENED wrote on Jul 8, 2008 8:37 PM:

" RE DUH:

WHY ARE THEIR PARKING LOTS AT TAVERNS? WHEN ITS NOT LEGAL TO DRINK AND DRIVE HUH? HMMM GAMBLEEEEEEEEEEEE ON !!! LOL "

Rastusracing wrote on Jul 8, 2008 9:13 PM:

" To Duh: Sounds like someones sweepy and needs her diaper changed and is a little cranky. Lets face it Duh as hard as we all try this worlds not a perfect place. I know I have tried putting that round peg in a square hole a few times myself, but lets be fair here. Drunk driving comes from many many sources and you are blaming a person and business that really doesnt need your blame. There is really one primary person to blame on that and that is the person making the choices. Now you could have attended our fair citys beer gardens which was put on and sponsered by our city and you could have drove away drunk, should we blame the city??? Maybe the state which sells and regulates the businesses that resell the alchohol? But come on, your just being a bit cranky and blaming where it really doesnt belong......How about this angle.......thank you Mr. Dan Dale for having enough faith and fortitude to invest a large amount of your hard earned money to open and improve a business in our area. I hope you reap all the best wishes and profits this community can give you for you first gave to us with you confidence and mostly your money.........I will be there in SPADES to support you....Try that one on instead. "

Justalocalguy wrote on Jul 8, 2008 10:42 PM:

" I dont understand why there are certain people that continue to be so negative. Is it because they are extremely rich and dont need anything or need to patronize any establishment? I agree with stargoddess because it IS up to the person. Are you saying, Duh, to not blame the driver because they have no control over their actions. Maybe BEFORE they go out drinking they do the responsible thing and arrange a sober driver or MAYBE TAKE A CAB. Its not the bartenders job to give sobriety tests, the good ones are trained to spot certain signs of intoxicating behavior. I think you should stop blaming everyone else BUT the driver, they are ultimately responsible and to blame for being reckless NOT the business. "

Justalocalguy wrote on Jul 8, 2008 10:46 PM:

" Kelsolesbian - the casino laws changed and allow nontribal casinos to be open for 24 hours, 5 days a week as long as they close for 4 hours 2 days a week. Just so it's clear. thanks! "

LongviewRez wrote on Jul 9, 2008 9:08 AM:

" to "stargoddess"....they are SUPPOSED to stop serving someone who is visibly drunk....but how many do? I have really never seen a bartender or waitress say "no". I worked at the Cadillac for a while (surveillance) and had to call down and remind them several times when someone was visibly drunk (on camera). I think it's a shame they don't...That's why there are so many dui's. "

DUH wrote on Jul 9, 2008 9:17 AM:

" Thank you LongviewRez. "

stargoddess wrote on Jul 9, 2008 10:02 AM:

" I'm not sure who does and who does not. That's not really the issue, now is it? The real issue is personal accountablility, bottom line. "

DUH wrote on Jul 9, 2008 10:50 AM:

" I am not on the side of the drunks, nor am I on the side of drinking establishments. You all say they make the choice to drive. I agree with that but, it has been proven that when intoxicated, ones ability to make rational decisions is diminished. How many of you drinkers out there have done things after "having a few" that you would never have done sober? I can't count how many times I have read in the papers that someone got off or got a lighter sentence because they claimed to be so intoxicated at the time they committed the crime that they didn't know what they were doing and had no recollection of committing the crime once they sober up. "

stargoddess wrote on Jul 9, 2008 11:21 AM:

" That's why you do the right thing and BEFORE you go out and do some drinking, you arrange a ride home, have a DD or take a cab. THAT is personal accountability. "

DestinyN wrote on Jul 9, 2008 12:22 PM:

" Why do we feel the need to get hammered when we go out? When we wake up the next morning, do we think to ourselves, "That was worth it?" Some people can handle "a few," but that doesn't mean that their blood-alcohol level is under the limit. Most people don't even know when they're AT that limit, and they go out and drive. With experience in the field, a bartender would have a much better idea of how much is too much. True, the bartenders can't be held accountable - as if they really know if their patrons are going to be driving or if they have arranged other rides home - but it's not illegal to ASK and offer to call a cab. To be completely honest, however, we can't blame our kids for thinking the only "fun" thing to do is to drink when the only "fun" thing for their parents to do is go out to a casino or bars all night and come home wasted. We all know how fast kids want to grow up and be just like the role models they live with... But honestly - does the Kelso-Longview area really NEED a 24/7 casino/drinking establishment? Once all the patrons are ticketed for drunk driving or public intoxication, I think that it'd cost more to keep the establishment open than they'd be able to bring in in revenue. "

stargoddess wrote on Jul 9, 2008 1:16 PM:

" It's more than just a 'casino/drinking' establishment.
It also has a restuarant, and from what I've heard, a great one at that.
I do not understand, for the life of me, how this became a debate about driving while intoxicated and who's fault it is. (Like that is even a debate!)
It's about a gentleman who invested quite a bit of his money as well as his time, to open up a place for those people who enjoy what he offers. He's employing people, which is needed, and generating revenue for the city, which is also needed.
Congratulations, Mr. Dale! I hope your opening day is going very well! "

pinky wrote on Jul 9, 2008 4:15 PM:

" To duh: I think you picked a perfect screen name for youself! (that is not a compliment) to everyone else: Congrats on being supportive of our local businesses and a local business owner! I will gladly go and check out the new place. Not to mention the added jobs it provided as well as keeping on most of the existing staff, I personally know one of the employees and having this job helps support a wonderful single mother of two! "

DUH wrote on Jul 9, 2008 5:33 PM:

" Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and we have the right to voice those opinions. It's so nice to see that when someone has an opinion that differs from your own, all you can do is insult them. I read all your comments and yes, everyone has valid points but, I didn't throw out any insults at any of you for having different views than mine on the subject. "

LongviewRez wrote on Jul 9, 2008 8:49 PM:

" I'm with "Duh". The bartender is sober, the drinker is not. After two or three (which dont' always hit right away) more seem like nothing. Have you who are saying the drinker is in their "right" mind when they are being overserved ever drank before? You seem very naive, and that's why it's SUPPOSED to be illegal to overserve someone. Hopefully, the new casino bartenders will take heed and be among the minority that really take a good look. "

CHIEFCHIEFEM wrote on Jul 12, 2008 3:45 AM:

" JUST A THOUGHT DUH ..
MAYBE U COULD OFFER RIDES HOME TO HELP OUT.
MAYBE EVEN SUGGESTING A RIDE PROGRAMM TO THE OWNER.
TY theCHIEF "

DUH wrote on Jul 12, 2008 4:06 PM:

" Just a thought Chief... How about an alcohol free Casino??? Me offer rides? I don't think so. As a Non drinker I prefer not to be around people that are drinking and do not go to places or events that serve alcohol. I would also prefer that any innocent people or myself not have to worry about being killed by drunk drivers that are driving home after leaving an drinking establishment or event. I am happy for those that have jobs but, you all seem to think that this one business is going to make or break Kelso. Wild Grizzly didn't make Kelso and it sure didn't break it when it closed. I don't care what you do with your hard earned money or social security or welfare checks. That is your business but, when you get behind the wheel of your cars after "having a few", That makes it my business as well as every other innocent person on the road! "

berryjewels wrote on Jul 12, 2008 8:47 PM:

" I, too, am with "DUH" I am a non-drinker and chose not to go out as there is not a non-drinking establishment to go to so those like us who don't drink have to deal with those who do. You mention jobs and revenue but only seem to think that can be brought in if there is alcohol sold in these places why is that? If it is a restaurant or dancing hall would they not make money that way also without the alcohol or is it just that it would not bring in enough revenue? Not enough fun if you can not be altered or take the chance of making home and then try to remember how you got there the next morning? "

LVKwanaB wrote on Jul 14, 2008 3:34 AM:

" When did this turn into a blog for MMAD "

November 2009
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30

›› Today's Events
›› Submit An Event

View All Events

Top Jobs
More Top Jobs
Top Garage Sales
More Top Garage Sales
Top Rentals
More Top Rentals