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sub wrote on Dec 10, 2008 11:07 AM:

" I have a hard time believing that a casino sign of any kind, let alone plastic palm trees, would bring tourists who are interested in visiting Deer Lodge's true attractions and viewing its true character all the way into town. Does money fed into gambling machines in the County actually do much for the City?

Go out to visit McDonald's newly remodeled store one of these days. It provides and real service that tourists actually need in an increasingly comfortable atmosphere and employs many locals, especially youths who need a first-job experience to get anywhere in life.

As for LCD signs in town etc; they're ugly and useless, a waste of money because you can't read them anyway unless you stand at the right angle and spend some time staring at them. "

lexirie wrote on Dec 10, 2008 8:54 AM:

" If they want palm trees fine that is their deal, but the issue is that they did not file an appeal. I get more upset that these guys just come in and make thier own rules. If they would have done it properly then i could care less if they put up a neon rain forrest, but to just come in and follow your own rules shows that they are spoiled and used to getting their way. then when they don't get thier way they just do what they want anyway. money can do a lot these days, perhaps if they go to illinois they can buy a seat in the senate. "

on the side wrote on Dec 9, 2008 10:14 PM:

" Abe...hideous in Deer Lodge? Wow, where to start.

North side: That awful McDonalds and Conoco sign that the poor people see from the interstate that affects the well being of our "historic western town." Then off to the beautiful green paint, on the fairgrounds walls, that's very attractive to the tourist that do make it to Grant Kohrs Ranch.

Next comes the usual 1/2 burnt out Safeway sign and on to the empty, boarded up businesses of Deer Lodge. Across the street you can clearly see an LDC sign inviting you to $pend your money in their bar. (is that a Historic Bar?) Then, off to pass all the motels with Vacancy signs in them, year around.

Slip onto second street and you realize the town is not all warm and fuzzy. Those of us who lived here many years, remember why.

As you leave Deer Lodge, you see an old prison, more old houses, one housing complex that looks like it once belonged to "Kate" , then off to the sludge ponds and one last look at the mill who just canned over 100 people from Deer Lodge before leaving the perfect historic western city.

Now, if you come in from the east side road, by the car dump.......well, that's another story....................

There's always a plus! If you arrive from Rock Creek Lake road, you will see that we still have our historic western themed prison up and rolling!

Any more questions? "

Orion wrote on Dec 9, 2008 8:43 PM:

" This is all BS those trees wasnt hurting a thing. In fact it looked better then looking at the desert scenery. And it was out of town. I think someone just had a axe to gring to show athority. I hope these people fight to the highest courts. "

on the side wrote on Dec 9, 2008 8:00 PM:

" I believe it's over 100 that got canned from the mill. Last I heard, Butte pre-release were doing well there.

So, yes, we need all the business from the interstate that we can get.

The prison can only hire so many. "

on the side wrote on Dec 9, 2008 7:57 PM:

" Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong.
The purpose, in the beginning, for banning the palm trees was because it didn't "fit in" with the western theme of Deer Lodge.
So, we have a new thriving business hoping to stay in this town and possibly draw new customers into this small western town.
So, the city tells them they can't have their signs (palm trees) or LDC signs because they're "non western."
In the meantime, one of their competitors have an LDC sign on one building and a cute? wagon on the other. And all is well.
I'm seeing where this is leaning towards the existing gambling place and away from any new establishment. Competition can be good!
So, had they of stuck cowboy hats, sagebrush or wagons on the poles, all would have been well?

Yep!! nothing says "western" like McDonalds and Conoco....yeeeeee haaaaawwwwwwww "

Abe_Froman wrote on Dec 9, 2008 7:43 PM:

" "on the side" is either blind or lacks taste all together... "They are pretty" give me a break. If you think those are pretty I'd love to know what you think is hideous. "

twocents wrote on Dec 9, 2008 3:11 PM:

" Congrats Deer Lodge!!! For doing something/anything to keep video gaming from being the focus of your community. Sadly, Butte might have already lost that battle... "

catchme21 wrote on Dec 9, 2008 1:30 PM:

" I personally think the palm trees are tacky and just bad taste, but that is just my opinion. Most now would say "they're just palm trees", but apparently the negative opinions of the public far out-weighed the positive or Judge Dayton wouldn't have turned down their request.

Not only that, but if these guys want these trees so bad, why didn't they submit an appeal within the alloted sixty days? They need to follow the rules like every other business has to, and quit whining about how the Deer Lodgians are being mean and knocking down their trees.

Deer Lodge doesn't need big bright palm trees to attract people off of the interstate, they've been making it this long. :) "

FAHQ406 wrote on Dec 9, 2008 11:49 AM:

" vanessad Have you not realized that 99% of casino's are a smoking environment? If you dont like it then stay the hell out of them!!! And if you dont like the way the building looks then dont look at it and take an alternate route so you dont have to go by it! These people are trying to make their business a success and dont need people like you bashing them. I think that the business will bring more tourist and more business to deer lodge if they get to do what they want to it. Time will tell, i guess we will have to wait and see. Its all about change and i think that deer lodge needs some change. "

vanessad wrote on Dec 9, 2008 10:06 AM:

" The palm trees were a tacky eye sore. Really? Palm trees in Montana? Deer Lodge, no less? The casino culture in Montana is out of control; all automated gaming machines, very few card rooms (that would employ actual people!) and the casinos themselves have tacky outside decor, full of smoke indoors. No thanks! LCD signs are one thing; tacky, fake plastic palm trees are quite another. "

mtntamer wrote on Dec 9, 2008 9:11 AM:

" guess they need to flex their legal muscles. to drive off business. Never mind the mill just fired 40 some people, lets worry about palm trees that would attract people off the freeway. when you are driving south, the only thing you see is that big conoco sign and the Macdonald's signs. I hope they take it to a higher court "

on the side wrote on Dec 9, 2008 8:43 AM:

" So, when does the LCD sign, plopped in the middle of historic Deer Lodge, come down? Or does it depend on who you are?

Of all things to worry about. Maybe pay more attention to the drugs and the kids in this town. The palm trees are harmless! (and very pretty!) "

you called someone an idiot, a racist, a dope, a moron, etc. Please, no name-calling or profanity (or veiled profanity -- #$%^&*).

you rambled, failed to stay on topic or exhibited troll-like behavior intended to hijack the discussion at hand.

YOU SHOUTED YOUR COMMENT IN ALL CAPS. This is hard to read and annoys readers.

you have issues with a business. Have a bad meal? Feel you were overcharged at the store? New car is a lemon? Contact the business directly with your customer service concerns.

you believe the newspaper's coverage is unfair. It would be better to write the editor at editor@mtstandard.com, or call Editor Gerry O'Brien at 496-5513 or Opinion Editor Roberta Stauffer at 496-5514. This is a forum for community discussion, not for media criticism. We'd rather address your concerns directly.

you included an e-mail address or phone number, pretended to be someone you aren't or offered a comment that makes no sense.

you accused someone of a crime or assigned guilt or punishment to someone suspected of a crime.

your comment is in really poor taste.
The Montana Standard reserves the right to remove comments considered inappropriate for the community forum.

Judge denies Deer Lodge casino motion

By Pat Hansen for The Montana Standard - 12/09/2008

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