I’ve been a regular at Dairyland Greyhound Park since 1992 and have found dog racing to be my favorite hobby. There have been plenty of winning nights and plenty of losing ones but a few things stand above all: I have met some of the area’s most colorful characters, made lifetime friends and have witnessed some of the finest employees in town do their job under very difficult circumstances.

In just a few days, we will all find out if the track remains open next year and maybe even if the casino is approved. I would like to pay a compliment to all of our local politicians for their efforts to keep Dairyland open. Mayor Bosman, County Executive Kreuser, Sen.Wirch and state Rep. Barca have all gone above and beyond to save the jobs of 200 people. If Dairyland does close, I hope people don’t blame them, because there is nothing else they could have done beyond what they have already.

At the track, there is nothing more nerve wracking than waiting for the result of a photo finish with a big payoff hanging in the balance. Unfortunately, this is what the Dairyland employees are going through right now. For the sake of 200 employees and thousands of dog racing fans in the area, I hope the track owners can find a way to keep the place open.

JJ Steinhoff