By Alan Sorensen
ROCKY BOY -- The 4C's, home to the only restaurant, casino and bingo hall on Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation, was shutdown abruptly Thursday afternoon by Tribal Police.
Rocky Boy Police Chief Earl "Archie" Arkinson said his officers, by order of the Chippewa Cree Gaming Commission, evacuated and locked the building in the early afternoon.
Kenny (Blatt) St. Marks, former manager of the 4C's, was reportedly arrested a short time earlier for striking another man during an argument. Arkinson said Blatt bailed out almost immediately.
The 4C's, owned by the tribe, was under the management of St. Marks' wife, Karen St. Marks, up until the time it was closed.
Several people reported hearing rumors last night that the 4C's would be open for business again this morning. Workers who reportedly arrived early for work at the 4C's found the door locked and a note telling them that the building would remain locked until further notice.
The notice on the door was signed by Russell Standing Rock, chairman of the gaming commission, and commission members Linda Gonsalez, Ken Writing Bird, and Janice Myers.
Myers said this morning that she and others stayed at the 4Cs until about 1:30 a.m. today putting the receipts in order and finishing out the day's books. She was among those who was surprised to arrive at the 4C's this morning and find it locked.
Two others arriving to find the doors still locked were Leon Sutherland and Helen Molina, who are under contract with the tribe to operate the 4C's Cafe. They arrived at about 9:30 a.m. and immediately went next door to Chippewa Cree Meats to make arrangements for their food deliveries to be stored there until the cafe reopens or they can make other arrangements.
Arkinson suggested that people looking for a good meal at Rocky Boy can still go to the Senior Citizens Center.
Commission Chairman Russell Standing Rock was unavailable for comment this morning.
