Doug Seymour, representative of the Inchelium District on the Colville Business Council, has been elected vice-chairman of the Council.
     Seymour was elected to fill the vacancy left by the death of Gail Marie DeLaCruz, who died Jan. 2 after suffering a stroke.
     "We lost a great leader in Gail," said Colville Business Council chairman Mike Marchand. "But I know that Doug will do a good job as the vice-chairman and have great confidence in him."
     Marchand noted that the election of the vice-chairman was extremely close, with both Doug and his brother Virgil Seymour, also an Inchelium District representative, tying at six votes each for the position. The election was decided by a coin flip.
     Doug Seymour also is chairman of the CBC's Natural Resources Committee and formerly was chairman of its Culture Committee.
     "I'm honored to accept this position," "Seymour said. "Like everyone, I will miss Gail DeLaCruz and the leadership she provided to our Council. Nobody can replace her, but I will continue to do my utmost to serve our Tribes and fulfill the duties of this office."
     The Colville Business Council, as required by the Tribe's Constitution, has declared Gail DeLaCruz' position vacant and will begin the task of seeking a replacement. According to the Constitution, the person selected must be from the same district (in this case, Inchelium) and will serve out the unexpired term until the regularly scheduled tribal elections this spring.