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November 30, 2009

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Santee Sioux seeks purchase of Devil’s Nest resort

Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2000 | 9:45 a.m.

Tribal officials said they are working with Clifford Ruzicka to close the purchase of his property by June 30. No price was disclosed for the 1,020-acre site near Lindy.

Ruzicka and his wife Nancy, who maintain a home in Verdigre, now live in Lakeport, Calif. They have owned the Devil's Nest for 12 years.

Tribal economic development director Mike Crosley said at least 18 months would be needed to complete the resort, which would include an expanded clubhouse, a new 200-unit marina, an 18-hole golf course and a new 40- to 50-unit motel. A feasibility study will be conducted on the purchase and work, Crosley said.

The tribe has run into cash-flow problems, however, because of fines targeting the tribe's Ohiya Casino at Santee, Crosley said. The tribe owes an estimated $1.6 million in federal fines for refusing to close the casino, which state and federal authorites say is operating illegally.

The tribe has argued it can operate the casino as a sovereign nation.

"We have to borrow money for the (Devil's Nest) feasibility report," Crosley said. "It's a cash-flow problem, and everything is based on dollars and economics."

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