The president of The Eastman National Bank in Newkirk, Oklahoma, Frank Midgley, wrote a letter to Senator Dewey Bartlett opposing the closure of the Chilocco Indian School. He argued that the school provides vocational training for local students, is cost-effective, and serves a long-neglected minority group. The president of the Newkirk Chamber of Commerce, John Y. Gardner, also urged Senator Bartlett to reconsider the closure, highlighting the economic impact on the local community.