Battle over Bear Butte Continues

05/02/2006
Battle Over Bear Butte Continues

The battle over Bear Butte continues in western KELOLAND. Native Americans consider the butte a sacred site and are upset with plans for nearby development. It was a heated hearing today between Native Americans and Meade County commissioners, as those who view Bear Butte as a religious site begged for a liquor license to be denied. An opponent said, "I just ask you to respect our way of life!"Business man Gary Lippold is expanding his Glenco Campground south of Bear Butte into a large concert area.Rev. Gary Arnold said, "Bear Butte has been and continues to be a sacred place of prayer and meditation for several Native American nations. And the noise in the nearby rally park can only disrupt religious practices on Bear Butte."But Lippold's supporters say there are benefits to the expansion.Supporter Evan Taylor said, "I think it's a good deal. He puts a lot money back into the community."The commissioners voted in favor of giving him a liquor license; it's the second they've approved for businesses near the butte in less than a month. Native Americans also protested the decision to give Jay Allen a liquor license in April and today they turned in signatures that could push the issue to a public vote. Petitioner Anne White Hat said, "The petition effort has been a tremendous success."It didn't take long for opponents to collect more than the required 700 signatures.White Hat said, "We've been able to garner nearly a thousand signatures in just one week."And as they turn in the signatures, these Native Americans know another fight is right down the road. KELOLAND News tried to get a comment from Gary Lippold, but he wasn't available after the meeting. As for Jay Allen, he calls the petition hopeless. The signatures will next have to be accepted by the county, and then verified in order to have a public vote.