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brother, Tony, were among those gathered outside of Sioux Nation on Friday afternoon waiting for word that the store would reopen.
• The closure was more than an inconvenience for tribe members. The reservation is one of the poorest areas in the nation -- many residents don't have cars and buy food with state assistance.
• The closest grocery store to Sioux Nation is in Whiteclay, Neb., but South Dakota vouchers aren't recognized there. Some residents had to find transportation to and from Rapid City, S.D., which is more than 100 miles away, or make do with fast food or items bought from convenience stores.
• Sioux Nation has been the main shopping center on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation for more than 40 years.

• Store director Richard Whitmarsh said Sioux Nation employs approximately 50 people. In an open letter released earlier this week, Whitmarsh acknowledged that the Indian Health Service found several violations May 4. He said they were corrected by the end of the next day.
• Tribal officials could not be reached for comment Saturday.
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