Groups plan Whiteclay liquor-license protests

By Jomay Steen, Journal Staff Writer | Sunday, March 05, 2006

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RUSHVILLE, Neb. — Two activist groups have organized several rallies protesting the potential renewal of three liquor licenses in Whiteclay, Neb., a small town bordering South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where alcohol sales are banned.

Mark Vasina of Nebraskans for Peace said the Sheridan County board will meet at 10 a.m. Monday at the courthouse in Rushville to consider the renewal of liquor licenses belonging to Mike Coomes of Mike’s Pioneer Service, Stuart Kozal of Jumping Eagle Inn and Clay and Daniel Brehmer of State Line Liquor, all in Whiteclay, Neb.

Vasina said he plans to testify against the renewal, citing what he believes is inadequate law enforcement and the endangerment of safety and public health.

“We want the board to refer the complaint on to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission for a hearing in Lincoln,” he said.

Duane Martin Sr. of the Strong Heart Society for Civil Rights has asked Indian activist Russell Means and Chief Oliver Red Cloud to join him to speak at a rally at 9 a.m. Monday on the courthouse steps in Rushville.

“Alcohol is the top killer in Indian Country. It is worse than any other health crisis,” he said.

Martin said that after the board meeting at the courthouse, the groups plan to return to Billy Mills Hall in Pine Ridge for a meal and then Means, Red Cloud and Martin would speak again.

“It is shocking to see this happen on the reservation,” Martin said.

Contact Jomay Steen at 394-8418 or jomay.steen@rapidcityjournal.com