Rush to Cash Checks Collapses South Dakota Bank Floor

Officials say the floor of a bank on the Lower Brule Indian Reservation in central South Dakota collapsed after tribal members rushed to business to cash about $6 million in trust settlement checks.

The Daily Republic reports the floor of bank dropped 2 feet Tuesday. No one was injured but the bank is closed indefinitely.

The Lower Brule Tribe began issuing $750 checks to about 3,800 members on Tuesday as part of a settlement with the federal government over the abuse and mishandling of tribal assets.

The Crow Creek Tribe in nearby Fort Thompson started issuing $800 checks to about 4,000 tribal members on Monday.

Tribal officials say banks in Chamberlain and Pierre will have to be used until a bank resumes service in Lower Brule.