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Friday, July 28, 2006

Ind. Courts - Yet more on: Judge seals records in French Lick casino dispute without hearing

Yesterday the ILB posted a reminder that Orange County Circuit Judge Larry Blanton's hearing on the sealed casino lawsuits is scheduled for Monday, July 31.

In a Louisville Courier Journal story just posted (12:12 p.m.) online, reporter Grace Schneider, who broke the secret lawsuit story last month, reports:

A partner in the Orange County casino development moved Friday to dispel any doubts about its commitment to the $382 million gambling project.

A statement released by Bloomington-based Cook Group officials promised that they have made a long-term commitment to the project and to investing in the community.

The announcement clearly was timed to preempt revelations expected early next week about a continuing legal dispute between Cook Group and its partner in the project, Indianapolis-based Lauth Property Group.

Two lawsuits filed against one another last month by the companies have remained under seal in Orange Circuit Court in Paoli at the parties’ request. But a hearing Monday is expected to open the contents of both suits after a hearing on the matter.

The Courier-Journal and representatives for newspapers in Bedford and Bloomington, as well as an investor group that lost out in a bid to develop the French Lick casino two years ago, have submitted briefs this week asking that the suits be unsealed. * * *

Cook Group president Steve Ferguson said in an interview Friday that word of the dispute between Cook and Lauth has created concerns about whether the project will be completed.

“I just want to alleviate concerns of employees, the people of Orange County and state government … that we are fully committed to this project,” he said.

Ferguson said that he and Lauth executives remain under a confidentiality agreement involving the two suits, and he declined to answer any questions.
He was asked about whether he believes Lauth is committed to the project for the long term.

“We have a partner, and whether they stay or go obviously is up to them,” Ferguson said.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on July 28, 2006 01:00 PM
Posted to Ind. Trial Ct. Decisions