The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe distributes millions for semi-annual two percent funds
12/16/2014 9:00:00 AM - Tribal Observer

The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe distributes millions for semi-annual two percent funds

Natalie Shattuck, Editor 

On Thursday, Nov. 20, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe distributed its semi-annual two percent funds derived from Class II gaming at its Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort and Saganing Eagles Landing Casino properties.

This year, the Tribe distributed $2,139,786.70 in Isabella County and $739,556.68 to Arenac and Northern Bay County. 

“The Tribal Council funded $2,139, 786.70 in total with $1,326,667.70 going to government projects and $813,119.00 to local area schools,” Public Relations Director Frank Cloutier said.  “Later that day at the Standish-Sterling Central High School, the Tribal Council awarded $739,556.68 with $483,694.06 going to government projects and $255,862.62 to local area schools.” 

Isabella County local units of government handed in 32 requests totaling $4,490,114.03. The public schools submitted 290 requests with a total of $3,913,775.24.  Arenac and Northern Bay County submitted 52 applications, with the schools providing 27 requests, for a funding grand total of $1,837,601.60. 

“Clearly the need is very apparent in the number of requests being submitted,” Tribal Council Treasurer Shelly Bailey said. “The Tribal Council is very proud that we can be part of satisfying some of these requests and we only wish we could fund each and every one.” 

The Isabella County distribution took place at 9 a.m. in the Tribal Operations Senior’s Room located at 7070 E. Broadway in Mount Pleasant, Mich. 

The Isabella County contributions will include technology updates of smart boards and iPads in the Mount Pleasant Public Schools, a brand new playground at the Beal City Carl D. Mayes Elementary school, a suicide prevention speaker at Shepherd High School and on. 

The Saganing distribution took place at the Standish-Sterling High School Auditorium, 2401 Grove Rd. in Standish, Mich. at 3 p.m.

“This is like Christmas here early,” City of Omer Mayor Alice Sproule said with plans to purchase a much needed new compressor.       

James Daly, Arenac Township supervisor, said the funds will be used for a veterans’ memorial and cemetery. Other Standish-area funds will go toward road repairs in Au Gres, road improvement and maintenance in Lincoln Township, computer and software updates in Sims Township, Standish Township fire department equipment updates, new office equipment for Whitney Township, and campus-wide state of the art technology for Au Gres-Sims, according to Superintendent Jeffrey Collier.

Hosting the two percent location, Standish-Sterling Schools Superintendent Darren Kroczaleski said he was glad Tribal Council was present.

“You have an open invitation anytime you’d like to use our facilities,” Kroczaleski said to Tribal Council. “All of that good is because of what you do… Your generosity and giving goes on and on.”

Kroczaleski said the funding will assist in a new public address (PA) system for the elementary school, student assessment for advanced placement and the “Friends of Rachel” anti-bullying program.

Both Isabella and Saganing two percent distributions were filmed by SCIT Media for live web stream broadcast and are available to watch online at www.sagchip.org.