Downtown Henderson is growing quickly. Sometimes known as “Old Henderson,” the area includes the Henderson City Hall and government complex, several casinos including the Pass, which is owned by Joe DeSimone, who also owns the Railroad Pass Casino Hotel, and the new practice facility for the Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League. When Tim and Mike Brooks bought the Emerald Island Casino, it was another infusion of new ownership for the area. Two years ago, the brothers also acquired the Rainbow Club casino, immediately adjacent to Emerald Island. Small casinos were particularly hard hit by the pandemic and the Brooks brothers’ properties were no exception. Tim Brooks, who is the CEO of the two properties, explains what it took to survive the pandemic and how they’re faring now that the pandemic is winding down. He talks about his background, what brought him to Henderson, and how he’s planning for the future in the booming downtown area. He spoke Boulder City Podcast host Roger Gros at his offices in Emerald Island Casino in October.

The funeral industry in Boulder City started when work on Hoover Dam got under way in the 1920s, and, along with the original hospital, was, unfortunately, a growth industry during that time. Funerals in Boulder City today are handled by the Boulder City Mortuary, and  once again it’s a growth industry. The owner of the business since 2010, Tyson Smith, needs to relocate in order to keep up with the increased demand by moving to a larger location, but has met roadblocks in that process. His preferred location, 1404 Colorado (below), is zoned C-1, a designation that does not permit a mortuary business. But by following the guidelines he believes is appropriate, he’s received mixed responses by both the Planning Commission and City Council in an attempt to be zoning compliant. Now, he’s headed back to City Council and is concerned that the members of council and the residents of Boulder City understand his reasoning. Smith explains how his business works, why it  generally a benign business, and why it’s an important part of the Boulder City community. He sat down with Boulder City Podcast host Roger Gros at his offices on Nevada Way in November.

Art in the Park is the largest outdoor event held in Boulder City each year. Cancelled last year because of the pandemic, this year, it’s being held on October 2-3 in Bicentennial Park. The event benefits the Boulder City Hospital, one of the gems of the community, but it also brings over 100,000 people to the town over the two days, packing the hotels, motels, bars, restaurants and the shops. Boulder City Hospital CEO Tom Maher explains why it is such a crucial fundraiser for the hospital and why last year’s absence was a difficult pill to swallow. Meyer also talks about why the hospital is different from other hospitals and why the Boulder City Hospital Foundation is so important to its future.

Sherri Jorgensen was elected as the newest member of the City Council of Boulder City in April, winning more than 50 percent of the votes and thus avoiding the June runoff. Jorgensen moved to Boulder City from Henderson more than 20 years ago because of the quality of the schools and the slower pace of the lifestyle in town. Her children are now out of school and she has turned her attention to something that has always attracted her–giving back to her community. She has participated in many organizations in town, including the Housing Allotments Committee that is crucial in establishing the slow growth of Boulder City. As the mother of a child with Downs Syndrome, she has volunteered and served with several organizations focused on that issue. In this interview, she discusses her first two City Council meetings, how she was welcomed by the sitting members of council and how the city’s staff have made her transition to council member smooth.

Railroad Pass is the oldest casino in Nevada, just celebrating its 90th birthday this year. Joe DeSimone bought Railroad Pass several years ago from MGM Resorts and has spent that time improving the property while maintaining its friendly, hometown feel. Last year, DeSimone completed the purchase of his second casino, The Pass in Henderson, formerly the Eldorado, owned at the time by Boyd Gaming. He’s sunk millions into that property to revive it and has big plans for both his properties. At Railroad Pass, DeSimone recently broke grounds on a new Holiday Inn Express hotel adjacent to the casino, and he hopes to add a hotel at the Pass on Water Street. He spoke with Roger Gros, the host of the Boulder City Podcast at the Pass in June.

Jill Lagan is the chief cheerleader for Boulder City. As CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, she’s an advocate for the town’s businesses and events. The Chamber organizes the Spring Jamboree each May and assists in all other citywide events. Lagan, a Boulder City native with ties that go back years, is a graduate of Boulder City High School and BYU. She is also a respected chamber executive, as a member of the board of the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.). She’s also a member of the Boulder City Tourism Commission. She spoke with BC Podcast host Roger Gros at the new Chamber offices on Nevada Way in early June.

The legalization of sports betting in the U.S. following the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018 brought many new players into the game. But it also focused attention of people who has been involved in U.S. sports betting in the one legal jurisdiction—Nevada. Art Manteris arrived in Las Vegas in the late 1970s, working at such legendary books like the Stardust, Caesars, Westgate (formerly the Las Vegas Hilton, and finally 20 years with Station Casinos. Manteris is a contrarian when it comes to sports betting and understands the realities of operations. Even though he’s retired from the casinos, Manteris plans to stay engaged in the industry. A resident of Boulder City for many years, Manteris appreciates this small town even more now in his retirement.

The Boulder City Podcast and Boulder City Social have joined forces to present a series of podcasts with candidates for the City Council of Boulder City. In light of the lack of public forums during the pandemic, we hope that these podcasts will help voters meet the candidates, understand their views and opinions, and guide their votes in the upcoming election on June 15.

The race for the final city council seat available this year has come down to two candidates, Matt Fox and Cokie Booth, who were the candidates who got the most votes, except for Sherri Jorgensen who was elected to a city council seat with more than 50 percent of the votes cast. Fox and Booth will square off for the final seat.

Fox is the son of Dan Fox, the owner of Fox’s BBQ, and manages the restaurant. Since the restaurant relocated to Nevada Way, he moved his family to Boulder City, where he used to spend his summers while growing up in Southern California. He has three children in Boulder City schools and wants to sink his family roots deep into Boulder City. He’s running for city council to maintain what he loves about the small town of Boulder City.

Booth has declined to appear on this podcast so voters will have to learn about her views from other venues.

This week, we present an interview with Tracy Folda, the departing city council member for Boulder City. Folda opted out of running for election in the 2021 race for city council because her family has a job opportunity elsewhere. Folda was appointed to council in 2019 to fill the vacant seat of former council member Kiernan McManus, who was elected mayor. Folda is the co-founder of the Boulder City Community Alliance, a group that heavily influenced the council races of 2018 and the mayoral election in 2019. She leaves council confident that she worked hard for the people of Boulder City and fulfilled her goal of a more transparent and focused city.

The Boulder City Podcast and Boulder City Social have joined forces to present a series of podcasts with candidates for the City Council of Boulder City. In light of the lack of public forums during the pandemic, we hope that these podcasts will help voters meet the candidates, understand their views and opinions, and guide their votes in the upcoming election on April 6. If no one achieves 50 percent of the vote on April 6, the top four vote getters will be involved in a runoff in June.

Michael Guccione has lived in Boulder City for 10 years. A native of Southern California and a veteran of the U.S. Army, Guccione spent the bulk of career in the automotive industry, helping to revive struggling auto dealerships in the New York City region. Now retired, he stays active as a business consultant and angel investor. As a member of city council, Guccione pledges to support local businesses and reasonable growth, preserving historic locations, speaking for the community and making Boulder City better.

This is the final podcast in the series as only two candidates have either failed to respond or declined to participate. We’ll resume the council candidate podcast when and if four finalists are determined following the April 6 election. Good luck to all candidates.