The Worth County Development Authority was formed in June of 2003. Two educators, Gary Christensen and Steve Miller, from the North Iowa Area Community College, came up with the idea for a casino in Worth County.
Steve Miller and Kim Koenigs had just moved to Northwood, Iowa in November of 2002. They immediately noticed the declining conditions of the county, towns and schools.
After coming up with the idea for a Casino, Steve handled the research and Kim took on the task of heading up a county wide vote. They, and many other supporters, went door-to-door in every town to try and get a county wide vote allowing gaming into the community.
The county wide vote passed on June 24th with a 75% yes vote! This was, and still is, a record in Iowa! Fueled by the help of several key volunteers who believed in the dream early on, Steve Miller and Kim Koenigs formed the Worth County Development Authority.
Fast forward to the legislative session of 2004. Worthinians (the neon green army) took the capitol by force and were successful in helping to change several laws relating to gaming.
Then, in May of 2005, with more votes than any other county, Worth County successfully secured a gaming license from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. A year later, Diamond Jo Worth was opened. The WCDA starting giving out grants in the fall of 2006.
The rest is history.