What was once the world's largest gold mine--the Homestake in Lead, S. Dak. will close in 16 months, severely hurting Lead and Deadwood. Deadwood is proposing a ballot initiative on Nov. 7 that would lift the $5 maximum bet in an effort to increase tourism. It will be hard fought, however, as opponents fear more than Deadwood gambling--they see the whole state suffering. As a former Dakotan, I am concerned when I visit and see "video poker" slots in the corner bar in a town of 500 that a tourist visits once a year. But I hope that the $5 bet top will be eliminated. By the way, is that Katie in the red dress?