More than 600 tons of steel are in the process of being delivered to West Siloam Springs Oklahoma, and it's all going to be used in the construction of the new Cherokee Casino Hotel.
The seven story, 140 room hotel, will be the final piece to their $125 million dollar facility. "It just strengthens our location as a tourism destination and when people stay two, three, four days or more, everyone benefits," said Wayne Mays, President of the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce.
The hotel is expected to create an additional 60 jobs. "We need all the jobs we can get right now, there are a lot of people unemployed," said local resident Terry Thrapp.
However, other residents are worried about the possible risks of a Vegas style resort in a small southern city. "It's too much of a temptation, anyone can be tempted by that, and I don't want my children in there," said local resident, Debbie Newell.
Businesses in the area are thinking one thing, and that's more customers and guests. Callahan's Steak House says they offer a nice change of pace to the casino buffet. "We hope to have a ripple down that people will want to get out and drink and check area sights and stop in and have dinner with us," said Pat Evans, assistant manager.
There is one group of businesses that is a little concerned over the hotel and that's the hotels that are already in the area.
"A lot of people got the cards with points and they'll use points to stay down there," said Lori Massy, of the Stone Inn. However, the hotels are still confident that they'll get their fair share of guests, because their prices overall should be a lot less. Also the casino will soon be unveiling a new banquet room with a capacity of 500 people, so there should be plenty of spill over during those big events.
"It's a give and take process when you have people in town for birthday parties or reunions," said John Singh of the Hampton Inn. "Some will come over here where it's more peaceful."
The hotel is expected to open this May. It will be the tallest building between Springdale and Tulsa.
The seven story, 140 room hotel, will be the final piece to their $125 million dollar facility. "It just strengthens our location as a tourism destination and when people stay two, three, four days or more, everyone benefits," said Wayne Mays, President of the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce.
The hotel is expected to create an additional 60 jobs. "We need all the jobs we can get right now, there are a lot of people unemployed," said local resident Terry Thrapp.
However, other residents are worried about the possible risks of a Vegas style resort in a small southern city. "It's too much of a temptation, anyone can be tempted by that, and I don't want my children in there," said local resident, Debbie Newell.
Businesses in the area are thinking one thing, and that's more customers and guests. Callahan's Steak House says they offer a nice change of pace to the casino buffet. "We hope to have a ripple down that people will want to get out and drink and check area sights and stop in and have dinner with us," said Pat Evans, assistant manager.
There is one group of businesses that is a little concerned over the hotel and that's the hotels that are already in the area.
"A lot of people got the cards with points and they'll use points to stay down there," said Lori Massy, of the Stone Inn. However, the hotels are still confident that they'll get their fair share of guests, because their prices overall should be a lot less. Also the casino will soon be unveiling a new banquet room with a capacity of 500 people, so there should be plenty of spill over during those big events.
"It's a give and take process when you have people in town for birthday parties or reunions," said John Singh of the Hampton Inn. "Some will come over here where it's more peaceful."
The hotel is expected to open this May. It will be the tallest building between Springdale and Tulsa.
