$stalker Supporters of an off-reservation casino in Wisconsin are hopeful after meeting with Bureau of Indian Affairs officials in Washington, D.C.

The St. Croix and Bad River bands of Chippewa plan to build a casino in Beloit, near the Illinois border. Their project has the support of local officials, who also attended the meeting with George Skibine of the BIA's Office of Indian Gaming Management.

The Midwest regional office of the BIA approved the tribe's land-into-trust application. Now it's up to officials in Washington to consider the project.

If the BIA approves, then the final decision lies with Gov. Jim Doyle (D). He is being lobbied by the Ho-Chunk Nation to reject the casino.

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No road blocks seen for casino (The Beloit Daily News 1/11)