Workers Return to Ellis

The meeting today for Ellis Park employees was supposed to be about unemployment benefits. But, this weekend everything changed. The parks owner and the horsemen made a deal to save the racing season. And, today employees excited to be back on the job. There was last week for Vickie Wilkey and Kathy Suggs. "Its not time for these doors to close. They should not be closing," said Wilkey. "I really dont understand it. All I know is its over," Suggs said. And, now theres this week. "I was tickled to death," Wilkey said. "Ive been here for over 30 years, and Im really tickled to death over the whole thing." "I kind of figured we be down a little longer than we were," said Suggs. "Its surprising that it came back as fast as it did." Just a few short days ago the track concourse was filled to capacity as Ellis owner Ron Geary told hundreds of people that they were out of jobs. Then, Monday, Wilkey and other staffers had to make a whole bunch of phone calls to let them know they werent. "Were just trying to make sure we have the same employees that we hired a week or two ago," said Wilkey. "And, most of them are back. Were probably right at 95-percent, right now." Thats not where she thought they would be. "I was a little scared to be truthful with you, at first. I really was." But, if everyone has the same attitude as Suggs, then its not surprising at all. "If they had asked me to work today, Id have started today (laughs)," Suggs said. Suggs and Wilkey will have to wait a few more days. But, at the least, its not the uncertain future they faced last week. Also, employees were back at the park today, but Henderson police say nine flat screen TVs were not. The televisions were stolen sometime between July 3rd and today. The track will miss those TVs... as simulcasting starts back up tomorrow. The track opens for live racing Friday. First post is at 2:40 PM.