"No story about Eagle Pass is as intriguing as that of the Kickapoo Indian Tribe situated just south of town.

The Traditional Kickapoo Tribe of Texas has operated the Lucky Eagle Casino since 1996, and in October, a sad chapter in Indian casino affairs came to a close when federal prosecutors agreed to a plea bargain with the casino�s original operators over corruption and tax evasion charges. The casino is still open for business with a new group in charge, and the crowds appeared as large as ever when I visited the reservation October 30th.

But the Kickapoo legacy in these parts is about more than just casino gambling and charges of rampant corruption. Ray Bernal, the tribe�s chief administrator oversees both the casino operations and all other aspects of the 125-acre reservation. Bernal is working through a period of intense media scrutiny. And with the casino constantly on the front pages with the corruption trial ending last week, he wanted to steer our conversation away from the topic. That�s when he introduced Ruben Elizondo, Jr., 22, a rising star on the reservation. His title is �secretary,� he said, and he reported to a �supervisor.� With Bernal�s insistence, Ruben agreed to help LIVE! research a story on �agriculture.�"

Get the Story:
A Day with the Kickapoo (Southwest Texas Live 11/17)

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