Department of Justice settles with Rapid City hotel accused of barring Native Americans

Owner will be stripped of management duties, must issue apology for social media posts

The U.S. Department of Justice announced Saturday that it has entered into a consent decree with the owners of a Rapid City hotel and casino who were accused of discriminating against Native Americans.

Under the terms of the decree, Connie Uhre, one of the owners of the Grand Gateway Hotel and Cheers Sports Lounge, will be barred from serving as an officer or director of Retsel Corp. for four years. She and Nick Uhre will also be required to issue a public apology to Great Plains Indian tribes.

The decree must be approved by a federal district judge.

The case drew attention from the highest levels of the Justice Department, including from Attorney General Merrick Garland.

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