The Mandaree segment of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation finally has a duly elected representative to the tribal council.

A special election Tuesday gave Arnold Strahs 159 votes to Ted Lone Fight III's 146 votes.

The election was held this week, because the primary election was declared void on an issue of residency. It was held a second time during the November general election in order to narrow the field to two candidates.

The tribal representative from the White Shield district is pending a legal challenge from candidate Fred Fox, who lost by two votes to incumbent Frank White Calfe.

Fox wants the court to decide if that election should be held a second time, based on his allegation that two servicemen were denied a right to vote because of a delay in mailing out their absentee ballots.

White Calfe continues to serve on the Three Affiliated Tribes tribal council, pending a decision in tribal court.

- Lauren Donovan­;