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Iowa Tribal Members to Reopen Casino

IOWA – As reported by the Des Moines Register: "After occupying the tribal center here for the past seven months and being labeled `dissidents,' supporters of Homer Bear Jr. are poised to become the federally recognized leaders of this divided tribe.

"…After a swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for this morning, Bear supporters say they can start rescinding decisions made by the previous council and prepare to reopen the tribe's lucrative casino, which has been closed since May under orders of federal gambling regulators because of a tribal dispute.

"`We're shooting for before Thanksgiving,' said Thomas Jochum, a spokesman for the Bear group.

"If that happens, it will mean an end to a bitter and costly power struggle that has hurt the tribe and the more than 1,000 unemployed casino and hotel employees.

"…Bear supporters say once they are recognized by the federal government, they will ask the National Indian Gaming Commission to lift its order temporarily closing the casino.

"Gary Pechota, the commission's chief of staff, said the commission would work as quickly as possible to take action, considering all those unemployed. But commission officials still must visit the casino, review internal controls that ensure the integrity of gambling, and do background checks on new employees…"

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