$stalkerr Residents of Jackson County will get a chance to state their views on an off-reservation casino sought by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

The tribe filed an application to use 100 acres in Ocean Springs for gaming. The site is more than 200 miles from the reservation.

Local groups have formed to oppose the project. They include business leaders and religious groups.

Choctaw Chief Phillip Martin has said the tribe will respect local views. He asked the county to schedule a referendum to determine whether voters want a casino.

The hearing is being held by the Bureau of Indian Affairs as part of the land-into-trust process. The tribe paid to reserve the room for the hearing and is paying for the environmental impact study.

Get the Story:
Coast group fights Choctaw casino (The Jackson Clarion-Ledger 10/18)
Choctaw casino hearing tonight (The Biloxi Sun Herald 10/18)
Pastors put new spin on casino protest (The Mississippi Press 10/18)