Range Fire Keeps Tribe From Opening Casino

A range fire on Lewiston Hill stole the thunder from the “soft opening” of the Nez Perce Tribe’s new Clearwater Casino.

Tribal members agreed with authorities to close the bingo and electronic pulltab operation that was to open to the public Friday.

“With the amount of smoke, it’s just better to keep the people out,” said Jaime Pinkham, a member of the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee.

Although he was dressed up for the casino, Pinkham pitched in to battle the fire.

“I’ve been fighting fires for 16 years; you get it in your blood,” he said.

The operation will run 24 hours a day. The grand opening is scheduled for the week of Sept. 15. The domed building houses about 450 electronic pulltab machines.

Tribal committee Chairman Samuel Penney fed the first dollar into the machines Thursday night at a reception for the Nez Perce.

Penney called the dollar a donation since it did not pay out.

“But it wasn’t a bad investment,” he said.

Under federal law governing gaming, he said, the tribe has to spend revenue from the casino on designated areas. It can go to programs that provide for the welfare of tribal members.