The Big Fix

Ittelson declines to comment on Black Hawk's preservation program. But Hall says there's a world of difference between the way the state historical society has distributed its preservation funds and the way Black Hawk has used its money. "They certainly haven't taken steps to make sure the money they distribute is used the way it's supposed to be," he says. "My view of this is that these are tax dollars and should be spent for the benefit of everyone."

David Spellman, though, claims Black Hawk's detractors are simply irked that the old gold-rush town is once again in the money. A little criticism, says Spellman, "is the price of success for Black Hawk."

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