Kickapoo officers finally take office

McLOUD — The new chairman and treasurer for the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma nearly were prevented from taking office Tuesday when three business committee members failed to attend their swearing-in.

Angry tribal members talked of the possibility that the three absent committee members were boycotting the ceremony to prevent the newly elected officials from taking office. At least one of the three was needed for a quorum to start the meeting, tribal officials said.

They finally were sworn in at 3 p.m.

Initially, the swearing-in for Marlon Frye, 43, of Harrah as chairman and Debra Garcia of McLoud as treasurer was scheduled for 10 a.m. at the tribal headquarters north of McLoud.

Two hours later, the audience was told to dig into a lunch ordered for the affair while tribal police attempted to retrieve business committee member Everett Suke from his home. Some tribal members prepared to take action in tribal court against the missing committee members.

Page 1 of 2

1 2 Next