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Subject: Wild West World looks to reopen next year with Jerry Murphy as operator

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GregVanG
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08/13/2008 1:51 AM	Alert
Wichita Eagle (KS) Copyright 2008 The Wichita Eagle August 13, 2008 Section: b Wild West World may reopen next year BILL WILSON, The Wichita Eagle Wild West World's new owners reached a tentative agreement Tuesday with a Tulsa-based amusement park operator to reopen the park next year. Officials from Florida-based AHG Group and Jerry Murphy, who operates a 10-state carnival and the Tulsa State Fairgrounds' water park, have agreed in principle on a lease that should be signed late this week, said Doug Spangler, an AHG spokesman. The first step toward getting the park back on its feet remains the reopening of the Johnny Western Theatre, but final plans aren't in place, Spangler said. Murphy was a partner, and then a potential lessee, with Amusement Holdings, a Wichita-based group that defaulted May 30 on a deal to buy the park for $2 million. Murphy, who is on the road operating his carnival, couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon. AHG ultimately bought the park for $2.15 million earlier this summer in a bid-off in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Murphy's plans for the park included at least one roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, filling in the center lake for use as a performance stage, and more shade. Murphy's Spectacular Attractions already owns several rides that could be used in the park, he has said. Murphy also has said he would rebrand the park, probably to some sort of Wizard of Oz theme.

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