Election Extra

Cedar County voters approve Keno

HARTINGTON – Cedar County residents will soon be able to play keno in more establishments.

Cedar County voters overwhelmingly approved allowing keno lottery gaming by a vote of 3,185 for to 1,477 against.

The owners of Backroad BBQ in South Yankton asked the county to put the issue on the ballot.

The county stands to net about 10 percent of the net revenue from keno gaming with the proceeds repurposed for 'community betterment.'

Some counties or municipalities use lottery proceeds in their general funds to help offset property taxes, while others save it for a special project.

How much revenue it can bring in all depends on how much keno is played. Also Tuesday, voters in the southern half of the county voted to give Mike Meier, Laurel, a four-year term on the Cedar County Board of Commissioners. Meier will take the seat currently held by Craig Bartels, Belden.

Bartels decided not to seek another term in office. Meier faced John Thelen, Randolph, in the primary election, but ran unopposed in the general election.