Commission Decision May Be Challanged

Saturday, May 13, 2006
Commission Decision May Be Challenged

STURGIS (AP) -- The attorney for a group challenging a beer license for a campground biker bar near Bear Butte says the Meade County Commission's decision to reject petitions calling for a public vote on the issue will not stand up in court. The South Dakota Supreme Court has struck down similar moves by county commissioners in the past, said Bruce Ellison. American Indians and some rural neighbors of Bear Butte circulated a petition last month to put the liquor license issue on the ballot. The Meade County Commission decided it was an administrative decision that is not subject to a public vote. Indian groups have protested campgrounds, bars and other commercial operations that are being located two to three miles from Bear Butte during the Sturgis motorcycle rally. They say the noise and activity interferes with their religious activities at the Butte.