Serving the Eastern Upper Peninsula

BAY MILLS NEWS

Serving the Eastern Upper Peninsula

“Gnoozhekaaning Bidajimowin”

January 2025

BMIC announces plans for new retail and

housing development on Lakeshore Drive

BAY MILLS — As Bay Mills Indian Community moves forward with plans

to revitalize the area where King’s Club Casino once operated, a new retail space

will accompany nine second-floor apartments in the mixed-use facility.

The former casino/tribal administration building, located on Lakeshore Drive,

will be tentatively be demolished this spring.

The former tribal administration building is the oldest building left standing

in BMIC and was the first construction project undertaken by the tribe to expand

governmental services. Throughout the years, the building has been expanded

upon to house more services. At one time, the building was home to nearly all

of Bay Mills tribal government — gaming took place on one side, governing on

the other. BMIC still holds the claim to being the first tribal nation in the U.S.

to operate a gaming facility with slots and table games in the administration

building.

“This project will honor our history and provide for our future. King’s Club

gave BMIC the foundation to build upon, and for that we are thankful,” said

BMIC President Whitney Gravelle. “With the input and vision of our General

Tribal Council and membership, through open dialogue and thoughtful discussion, our community voiced the need for both housing and economic opportunities. By moving forward with this plan, we are honoring that guidance and

creating a development that blends retail and residential spaces to revitalize this

important area for future generations."

The price tag for the project is estimated at $5.5 million, with $2 million from

Indian Community Development Block Grant funds. BMIC will utilize $3.25

million in General Fund dollars, and the USDA Rural Development Grant will

allocate $300k toward the project.

Engineering plans for the site will be finalized this winter, with bids to be accepted in the spring.

“This development marks an exciting milestone as the first mixed-use facility

in BMIC. By combining apartments with vibrant retail spaces, we’re not just creating a place to live, but a community space where people can work, shop, and

enjoy the waterfront," said BMIC Planning Manager Brianna Gunka.

New boat/kayak launch to take shape thanks to grant monies

BAY MILLS — Bay Mills Indian

Community will kick off another infrastructure project this summer, this

time utilizing grant funds from the

Great Lakes Fishery Trust. BMIC has

received $125k to develop a permanent boat launch and seasonal

dock/kayak launch along Lake Superior, near Bay Mills Township Hall.

These access site improvements

will allow for additional tribal fishing

crews to utilize the waterway, as well

as the general public.

The nearest alternative launches

are seven miles away, making it difficult for local and visiting anglers to

access Lake Superior efficiently. The

current site is undeveloped, which

limits the types of boats that can be

launched and poses safety risks for

those attempting to use it. Developing

this site will provide a much-needed

safe harbor, particularly for anglers

who would otherwise have to navigate

around Bay Mills Point, a potentially

hazardous journey in adverse weather

conditions.

"This project is a significant step

forward in ensuring safe and equitable

access to Lake Superior for our tribal

fishing crews and the broader commu-

nity. It reflects our commitment to

balancing economic development

with sustainable resource use while

honoring our cultural traditions – especially one as important as our treaty

fishing right,” said BMIC President

Whitney Gravelle. “By improving this

access site, we are not only supporting

local community members but also

enhancing safety and fostering a connection to the water that has always

been central to our way of life. We are

grateful for the Great Lakes Fishery

Trust's support in helping us achieve

this vision."

BMIC will be responsible for

maintaining the site, ensuring that the

facilities remain safe and functional

for at least the next 20 years. The tribe

will provide regular maintenance of

the boat launch and pathways, as well

as complete safety inspections. T h e

project will include clear signage outlining user regulations and safety

guidelines, helping to ensure a safe

and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

The site is under the purview of the

Chippewa County Road Commission,

who are supportive of the project.

“Chippewa County Road Commis-

sion is excited to continue our valued

partnership with BMIC through this

project within our right-of-way. We

look forward to the project begin-

ning,” said Stephanie Boileau, county

highway engineer.

The project will be completed by

September 2025.

RACE READY — The ice is being made at the Soo I-500 track

for the 56th annual race, scheduled to take place on Saturday,

Feb. 1. View the full race week schedule of events on page 12.

Photo by track volunteer Kevin Pavlat

Page 2

Executive Council discusses business at regular meeting

Jan. 13 Regular Meeting

Reports

President Whitney Gravelle

— First GTC of 2025 is this week. Several items are

on the agenda, including the blight survey, King’s

Club redevelopment, Child Advocacy Center presentation, and enhanced tribal ID cards.

— Follow up meeting held with social services and

BMPD about the need for foster homes in the community. Foster home shortage is going on throughout the state.

— Tourism and Recreation planning meeting was

held. New tourism specialist is on board. He put together a strategy. Working on content creation.

— Legal meeting held.

— Joining Draft Kings tribal leader panel. Will

meet next month.

— Line 5 work is ongoing.

Tribal Manager Rachel Lyons

— Working on procurement training, hope to host

in the coming weeks.

— The lighthouse is working on getting a snowshoe

trail.

— Health Center is finalizing a contract for traditional healer.

— Cultural Director position is posted.

— Survey work is set to begin on Tower Road and

Lakeshore Drive.

— Grants is working to replace lightbulbs in parking lots with LED bulbs.

— Plans to revive the Whitefish Festival are in the

beginning stages.

— IT has started move in to new office.

— One tenant has moved into professional housing.

Two houses will be ready at the end of January. The

others will be ready at the end of February.

— Working to make sure Riverview Campground is

open by Memorial Day Weekend.

— Kings Club redevelopment has four quotes for

demolition.

Chief Financial Officer Crystal Wilcox

— Working on 2023 audit.

— 2025 budgets have been completed and approved. Loading into the system in the coming

weeks.

— Working on policy reviews. Updating and changing items as needed. These will come to council in

the coming weeks.

— Posting accounting jobs.

— Attended several meetings.

Health Director Lucy DeWildt

— Provider housing is on the agenda for the 2025

application. We hope to get a few more funded this

year. RFP is out for current projects.

— Furniture has been ordered for recovery center.

— Facility inventory is complete.

— A little short staffed for the next 12 weeks as

some employees are going on maternity leave.

— HRSA site visit will take place in March. They

are a big funder of the health center.

— Employee satisfaction survey will close on Jan.

15.

— Attended Michigan Tribal Health Director’s

meeting that is held quarterly.

Human Resources Director Philip Espinoza (submitted written)

— Working on data issue between AFLAC and

Colonial.

— HR met with legal for a regular check-in.

— Working on processes.

— Kronos is not working on accruals correctly.

They are being audited manually.

Bay Mills Gaming Authority Richard LeBlanc

— Snow is helping to fuel business at the casino

and hotel.

— Working on marketing for 2025.

— Attended several meetings, including expansion

meetings and management meetings.

Bay Mills Business Holdings

Glen Philpot, NLCC

— Working on new strains.

— Retail has been slow.

— External audit went well.

New Business

1. Resolution No. 25-01-13A: Approving Tribal

Prosecutor Contract w/ Jennifer Obreiter. Renew up

to 2029. Approved.

2. Resolution No. 25-01-13B: Approval of Consent

to Suit Terms in Services Agreement with Fishbeck

- Road Safety Audit for Pedestrian Facilities in

BMIC Residential Areas. Approved.

3. Resolution No. 25-01-13C: Approval to Submit

BMIC Safe Route to School Project. Approved.

4. Resolution No. 25-01-13D: Approval to Submit

IHS Staff Quarters FY25. Five new IHS homes. Approved.

5. Resolution No. 25-01-13E: Acceptance of Together Raising Awareness for Indian Life - $25,000.

Approved.

6. Resolution No. 24-01-13F: Waiver of Sovereign

Immunity – Alpena Buick, GMC. Approved.

7. Resolution No. 24-01-13G: Support and Approval to Submit Application for the FY25 Noxious

Weed Management Project.

8. Approval to Submit Grant Applications: Approved.

a. Great Lakes EJ Thriving Communities Grant

Program – Tier 1 - $150,000

b. Great Lakes EJ Thriving Communities Grant

Program – Tier 3 - $350,000

c. EPA Clean Air Act – Tribal Air - $87,000

d. GLRI Tribal Capacity Projects - $232,000.

e. Tribal Justice Support Program - $145,000

9. Acceptance of Grant Funds:

a. Frontline Justice Award - $150,000. Approved.

b. MI Department of Education Out-of-School

Time - $150,000. No match. Approved.

10. Contract Approval for Mackinac Environmental

Technology Inc. - Silver Dome Clean-up. Approved.

11. Approval of the BMIC Contract Review and Approval Policy. Approved.

12. Raffle License – 25-001: Boys and Girls Club

Teen Programming. Approved.

13. Raffle License – 25-002: Bay Mills Community

College Annual Spring Round Dance. Approved.

14. Donation Requests: Sponsorship of Brimley Robotics Deceivers.

15. Reaffirmation of Poll Votes: Approved.

a. Approval to Submit for a State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program

b. Approval of Memo on FRF Final Budget Allocations

c. Emergency Medical Donation

Page 3

Looking back at the accomplishments of 2024

By Whitney Gravelle

Bay Mills President

Mino Oshki Biboon! Happy New Year

to all of our family, friends, employees, elders, youth, and community members on behalf of Bay Mills Indian Community.

We’ve accomplished many great things

and celebrated steps that will continue to

provide for future generations and provide

for the future prosperity of Bay Mills Indian

Community. Today, I would like to celebrate

the progress we have made together this

year for our Tribal Nation:

• Hosted the First Lady and Second Gentlemen, welcoming them to Gnoozhekaaning and sharing our culture, language, and

history with the White House.

• Completed the Zagigi Clinic, expanding

Bay Mills Health Center services into Brimley Area Schools to provide critical medical

and behavioral health services to students

and staff in Brimley, Mich.

• Helped with the repatriation of four birch

bark scrolls back to our Tribal Nation after

being taken from Michigan more than a

century ago.

• Established the Mashkawizii Child Advocacy Center, to assist children and families; and to improve the investigation,

prosecution, and handling of child abuse

particularly cases of child sexual abuse by

establishing a local child advocacy center

for trained professionals to conduct forensic

interviews.

• Placed $2,000,000 into the Elder’s Trust

Fund and Long-Term Investment Fund, ensuring they continue to serve as pillars of

support for our tribal elders and citizens.

• Started development of the Community

Recovery Center, a safe place for individuals to gather in sobriety and culture so that

they may walk the red road and live the

good life.

• Celebrated 40 years of education with

Bay Mills Community College. Throughout

history, BMCC has stood as a beacon of educational attainment and cultural revitalization, shaping the lives of countless

individuals and uplifting our community young and old.

• Completed and installed 12 new homes

in the Plantation Hills Housing Development, 5 new homes in Spectacle Village for

Professionals, and 1 home on West

Lakeshore Drive to expand housing stock

and to provide accessible and affordable

lifestyles for our tribal citizens to live within

their Tribal Nation.

• Completed paving of outstanding roads

on Memorial Drive, Loons Lane, and South

Little Bear Trail Circle.

• Received $17,300,000 from the Environment and Protect Agency to launch a

community solar array that will offset Bay

Mill Indian Community’s energy consumption.

• Celebrated Assistant Secretary Bryan

Newland’s work on the release of the Department of Interior’s Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative Investigative Report,

securing an apology from the United States

for the atrocities committed by the Board

School Era, and the establishment of the

new national monument at the Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School.

• Developed the Youth Development

Fund Program, to support our tribal youth

in participating in cultural, recreational, and

educational activities.

• Revised the Tax Agreement Area of Bay

Mills Indian Community expanding the

agreement area into other locations where

our tribal citizens live throughout Chippewa

County.

• Received $3,000,000 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development

to build eight additional homes on Spectacle

Lake in our Elders Complex.

• Supported reading by installing little libraries throughout Bay Mills to share adventures, and tell stories through the joy of

reading at Memorial Park, Turtle Park / Tot

Lot, Riverview, Four Seasons, Mukwa

Health & Fitness, and the Bay Mills Health

Center.

• Raised the final beam on the Bay Mills

Resort & Casino Expansion project, signaling good luck for a future project that will

provide economic prosperity for future generations.

• Invested $1,000,000 into our employees

across our enterprise and governmental operations by expanding paid paternity and

maternity leave benefits.

• Enhanced our Employee Policies and

Procedures with the enactment of the TwoSpirit Policy & Harassment Policy that reflect the values of Bay Mills Indian

Community.

• Created two Rain Gardens at the Elder

Complex and Bay Mills Health Center.

Planted with grasses and flowering perennials, rain gardens are a beautiful way to reduce runoff, help filter out pollutants, and

provide food and shelter for butterflies, song

birds and other wildlife.

• Took several outstanding parcels into

trust on M-221, which includes over 180

acres and acquired more land holdings for

Bay Mills.

• Cleaned up several historical dump sites

and brownfields on Bay Mill Indian Community’s land, removing more than 100,000

pounds of trash and debris.

• Took down several abandoned buildings

at Passmores and Chippewa Landing.

• Was awarded a generous grant from the

Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

to construct a Firekeeper’s Lodge. To preserve our most sacred tradition of firekeeping.

• Completed construction on key governmental buildings including the New Tribal

Governance Center, Justice Center, and

Commodities Building.

• Received approval from the Bureau of

Indian Affairs on changes to our Land &

Leasing Ordinance pursuant to the

HEARTH Act, previously approved by the

General Tribal Council, which will allow

Bay Mills to streamline leases and increase

sovereign control over the issuance of

leases.

• Received the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation for outstanding historic

preservation

achievement

at

the

Gnoozhekaaning Museum - Point Iroquois

Lighthouse.

• Hosted a screening of “Bad River - A

Story of Defiance” in partnership with Lake

Superior State University Arts Center.

• Created a community signage plan, and

began developing improved wayfinding

signage across our Tribal Nation.

• Finished the Boys & Girls Club of Bay

Mills expansion to provide more space for

tribal youth.

• Increased tribal citizen input through

strategic survey implementation for various

initiatives, including outdoor recreation,

blight, and governmental operations.

• Celebrated the launch of the first Community Birch Bark Jiimaan and Dugout

Canoe where participants learned the history of canoe making.

• Completed the fourth annual Wild Rice

Seeding program throughout Spectacle

Lake, the Waishkey River, and the Back

Bay to promote traditional foods and food

sovereignty.

• Hosted the second Manoomin / Wild

Ricing Camp bringing back traditional ricing teachings to our community.

• Strengthened cultural programming and

teachings through the implementation of

community workshops for tribal citizens.

• Made major infrastructure improvements to our enterprise operations at Bay

Mills Resort & Casino, Four Seasons, Bay

Mart, and Northern Light Cannabis Company.

Chi miigwetch - thank you - to everyone

that was involved in these accomplishments, to everyone that believed in us, and

to everyone that supported us. It is only by

working together that we can build the future we want to see for our Tribal Nation.

None of this would be possible without you

- and for that I am immensely grateful.

In addition to all the other projects taking

place, we will also be working to undertake

the items discussed at the General Tribal

Council meeting in January, whereby the

GTC provided feedback on the Kings Club

Redevelopment Plan, review of the Bight &

Abandoned Lots Survey, and a conversation

about pursuit of Tribal Enhanced ID Cards.

The Blight & Abandoned Lot Survey was

our most participated survey with over 200

responses, and a summary was provided at

the GTC. In addition, other updates provided included that The Legal Department

and I have been stalled for months in our negotiation meetings with the Cannabis Regulatory Agency to discuss the status of a

Cannabis Compact with Bay Mills Indian

Community. At the end of December, we

had a side meeting with CRA and the Governor’s Tribal Liaison as an attempt to get

these back on track. We are still prepping

NLCC for entry into METRC, updating

their standard operating procedures, forms,

and regulations as it will only be a matter of

time before they are in METRC. The Legal

Department continues to work on language

as well for the Michigan Department of

Treasury as it relates to taxation on marijuana products.

Another update is regarding the litigation

involving the Great Lakes Fishing Decree.

As you may recall, on August 24th the

Western District Court ordered effective the

2023 Great Lakes Fishing Decree. The

judge overruled all of the objections from

the amici sports groups and the Sault Ste.

Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. The Sault

Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and

the Amici / Sports Groups filed to appeal the

Great Lakes Fishing Decree on October

16th. An inter-tribal brief was submitted on

February 20th responding to the sports

groups / amici on their appeal of the Great

Lakes Fishing Decree. On April 3, 2024 the

Sault Tribe also filed their brief on appeal,

and our response to Sault Tribe’s appeal was

filed on May 31st.

The Legal Department and I attended the

oral arguments for the appeals against the

Great Lakes Fishing Decree last week before the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. In the

Sault Tribe’s appeal, the panel was skeptical

of why Sault was asking for a departure

from the law of the case, and seemed to generally accept the proposition that the district

court was required to use its powers in equity to enter the Decree. The panel also

asked Sault Tribe questions about why they

had not forfeited their argument that the Decree operated as an injunction, and asked

Sault what prejudice they suffered as a result

of their purely procedural arguments. In the

CPMR appeal, the judges kicked off the argument by noting that the panel was particularly interested in questions of jurisdiction.

The panel asked CPMR tough questions

about why it should be able to appeal as a

nonparty when, according to Judge McKeague, the court had directed CPMR to

move to intervene.

You can view the new Decree and Regulations by visiting the Bay Mills website or

the CORA website. Bay Mills Biological

Services Department will also be hosting office hours to assist treaty fishers with the

new electronic reporting system. You can

set an account up by visiting

https://corafish.org/ or contacting Paul Ripple at pripple@baymills.org or 906-2488649.

Bay Mills Indian Community has undergone rapid growth in the last several years,

from infrastructure to services improvements. We appreciate everyone’s patience

as we have handled an overwhelming number of projects. In the coming year, the Executive Council will continue to work on

expanding services provided by tribal government, improve our business operations,

and provider greater benefits for our employees. Our teams continue to work to find

solutions to improving child care services,

engaging in energy and broadband opportunities, treaty resource conservation, and

updates to tribal laws.

Please check out our tribal website or

the official Tribal Chairperson Facebook

Page for regular updates about what is

going on here at Bay Mills. Please don’t

hesitate to call, email, or stop by for a visit

to share your thoughts, questions, and concerns with me.

January 2025

Page 4

OPINION

The simple joy of snow

By Tom Purcell

I love the snow.

I love how it forces us to slow down and take pause.

I especially love how a good snowfall puts Washington, D.C. into panic mode,

as it has again this week, causing federal office buildings to shut down.

I lived in the D.C. region for about eight years and the response to snow in the

nation’s capital was way different from how it is in places like Pittsburgh.

You see, Washington, D.C. is full of self-appointed experts who are eager to tell

the rest of us how to live.

These uber-smart people can’t stop meddling with our appliances, furnaces, air

conditioners and water heaters — they keep driving up the cost of every one of

them with their never-ending mandates.

But when a few flakes of snow fall on the ground, they fall to pieces.

That’s because they lack the common sense of people from the Midwest — what

they refer to as “Flyover Country.”

And so it is that the same people who tell us that toilet paper and bottled water

are ruining the environment flock to supermarkets to hoard toilet paper and bottled

water.

Washingtonians aren’t used to having to deal with reality.

In Washington, a lobbyist can make a fine living by spewing out bogus numbers

and arguments to convince policymakers to write laws that favor the organizations

he represents.

Our government doesn’t care much for reality, either. If it needs more money, it

just prints more.

When our lawmakers gave us an ethanol-subsidies program that screwed up our

corn market and drove up food costs, were there consequences?

Nope, just a couple of shoulder shrugs and some comments about their intentions

being good.

Outside of Washington, D.C., however, people have no choice but to live in reality.

When record snows fall in the heartland of America, a person’s first instinct is

to do what he must to keep the snow from affecting his family’s wellbeing.

We Pittsburghers know we can’t control the cold and snow, but we can control

how we respond to them. And we respond with joy.

Our kids immediately appear atop the steepest hills with a variety of sledding

devices, then spend many hours letting nature whip them down the slope.

Our grownups happily abandon their typical routines to clear the driveways of

our elderly neighbors or bring them a pot of soup.

Then we clear our sidewalks and driveways so the postal carrier or Amazon

driver doesn’t fall.

We are invigorated by the crisp air and a good sweat. We rarely miss the opportunity to engage in snowball contests, no matter our age.

We do this because the snow brings out the best in us.

As I write this column, my entire yard, and all of the woods that surround it, are

coated with a thick layer of snow.

My four-year-old labrador, Thurber, is happy to go outside and play on any occasion, but there is something about the snow that brings out even more joy in him

— an infectious joy that makes me laugh out loud.

And since I planned ahead for the realities of winter — my snowblower is tuned

and my 4×4 Toyota truck eats snow-covered roads for lunch — I haven’t a worry

in the world.

Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s time for this snow-loving Midwesterner to go outside and toss my dog his favorite ball!

Copyright 2025 Tom Purcell, distributed exclusively by Cagle Cartoons newspaper syndicate. Find Tom Purcell’s syndicated column, humor books and funny

videos of his dog, Thurber, at TomPurcell.com. Email him at

Tom@TomPurcell.com.

Talk of the U.S. taking Greenland leaves me cold

By Christine Flowers

Right after graduating from high

school, my father enlisted in the Army.

He had no idea they would be sending

him to the other end of the world, a

place where there were six months of

darkness and six months of midnight

sun.

Teddy Flowers — an 18-year-old

Philly boy with an obsession for scrapple and the dulcet sounds of rhythm

and blues, this kid who played the harmonica on his front step and smoked

Marlboros while still in his altar boy

cassock — found himself communing

with Eskimos.

At least, that’s what he wrote to my

mother, his sweetheart of a year, the

woman he would eventually marry. I’m

not sure that the inhabitants of Greenland were actually Eskimos, but I do

know that they were as foreign to him

as this street kid from 49th street was

to them.

This was back in 1957, a few years

after Greenland became part of Denmark. I remember as a child thinking

that it was kind of strange that this

giant piece of ice and snow was owned

by that tiny little peninsula north of

Germany.

I also remember thinking, as most

of us have, that Greenland is a slab of

ice, while Iceland has thermal baths.

Geography has a strange sense of

humor.

I haven’t much thought about

Greenland in the last 40 or so years of

my life. But our incoming president

has somehow decided to make this remote and gargantuan chunk of ice the

topic du jour.

In a recent press conference, he

floated the idea of buying Greenland,

even though to my knowledge it’s not

up for sale. He also intimated that if

the Danes wouldn’t fork it over, we

might take it by force.

I thought I was watching stand up

comedy when I saw that. Ha ha, force

a country to give up land, ha ha, and if

they don’t want to, ha ha, let’s just consider going all Sudetenland on them.

Many of my friends viewed it differently. They tried to explain to me

that Trump was playing “3D” chess,

meaning that he was so much smarter

than we were and so just let him do his

thing.

It’s what Salena Zito has called the

“People who hate Trump take him literally but not seriously, and those who

love him take him seriously but not literally.”

Since I neither love nor hate him, I

guess that means I have to figure out

my own way through this mess. And

mess it is.

You don’t suggest that a sovereign

nation, like Canada, for example, can

be annexed to the United States. Foreign policy involves treating your allies with at least as much respect, and

hopefully much more, than your enemies.

I understand Denmark isn’t exactly

one of our go-to countries when we

think of national security, but it’s a

member of the European Union, and

deserves not to be the victim of some

diplomatic “Flip Your Real Estate”

show.

There are also more important

things to worry about, like cabinet

nominees, the economy and the immigration crisis. After all, those were the

things that Trump campaigned upon,

not the fate of a giant ice cube.

But still, there are people who will

insist that debating the fate of Greenland is a legitimate national security

topic, even though we still have bases

there and are in no danger of being

evicted.

If my father were still alive, I’m

certain he’d be as puzzled as I am

about this whole dust-up.

This is the imaginary conversation I

can hear him having with my mother

as he was sitting in his frigid barracks

back in 1957:

Teddy: It’s really cold, Lou.

Lucy: I’m sorry honey. You’ll be

home soon.

Teddy: Not soon enough. It’s an icebox.

Lucy: I know! And they call it

Greenland!

Teddy: The Danes have a wierd

sense of humor.

Lucy: The Danes?

Teddy: Yeah, Denmark owns it.

Lucy: Well they can have it!

Teddy: You know it sweetheart.

Only a fool would want to own a giant

Icebox … plus they speak this crazy

language.

Lucy: Well honey maybe one day

some visionary will ignore the principal of national borders and just annex

it for the U.S. and they’ll learn to

speak English!

Teddy: Maybe one day Philadelphians will too.

My dad had a sense of humor. I suppose I’ll have to have one too, from

now on.

Copyright 2025 Christine Flowers,

distributed exclusively by Cagle Cartoons newspaper syndicate.

Christine Flowers is an attorney and

a columnist for the Delaware County

Daily Times, and can be reached at

cflowers1961@gmail.com.

Bay Mills News

12140 W. Lakeshore Drive Brimley, MI 49715

Phone: 906-322-9820

This publication is owned and operated by Bay Mills Indian Community.

Opinions expressed on this page are those of the relevant contributors.

The next deadline is Thursday, April 17 at 4 p.m.

Submissions may be emailed to: newspaper@baymills.org.

Page 5

LSSU releases annual “Banished Words List”

SAULT STE. MARIE – A new year brings the promise of

fresh beginnings, but it is also the perfect moment to reflect

on the words and phrases that may have worn out their welcome. Lake Superior State University proudly reveals the

2025 edition of its Banished Words List, a quirky tradition

that dates back to 1976, when former LSSU Public Relations

Director Bill Rabe and his colleagues delighted word enthusiasts with the first “List of Words Banished from the Queen’s

English for Mis-Use, Over-Use and General Uselessness”.

Each year, this lighthearted list shines a spotlight on words

and terms that are overused, misused, or simply unnecessary.

It offers a moment to laugh, pause, and consider how we can

be more mindful of the language we use every day.

“Words matter! Old habits can be hard to break and we’re

happy to serve as a resource for the court of public opinion on what should continue to be part of the English language and what needs to be put to rest,” said

Lake Superior State President, Dr. David Travis.

LSSU received submissions from across the globe this year, including entries

from Canada, Australia, Denmark, Germany, India, South Africa, and the United

States. The fact that some of the same banished word suggestions came from different parts of the world underscores the universal struggle of dealing with challenging words and phrases.

Here are the 2025 words and phrases selected for banishment, along with the

reasons they made the list:

* Cringe

While “cringe” once packed a punch, it has now overstayed its welcome.

Overuse has dulled its impact, and ironically, using it might now cause the very

reaction it describes. “Saying someone ‘caused you to cringe’ or stating that

‘you cringed at something’ is a pretty easy and proper way to use the word,”

writes Ash from Newton, Alabama. “Hearing someone say ‘someone is so

cringe’ makes me cringe!”

* Game Changer

How many times can a game change before it is no longer recognizable? This

phrase, often used to describe anything remotely innovative, is as tired as a wellworn cliché. “Nothing is a game changer if everything is a game changer,” writes

Patrick of Washington, DC.

* Era

Unless you are Taylor Swift, it might be time to leave “era” behind. The term’s

overuse has made every fleeting moment feel like it demands a historical marker.

Leah of Holland, Michigan submits, “Thanks to the name of Taylor Swift’s tour,

now there is an ‘era’ for everyone and everything! ‘He’s in his fatherhood era’,

‘She’s in her pottery-making era,’ etc., etc.. It’s overused and tiring.”

* Dropped

Cloverland Electric announces

director election petition process

SAULT STE. MARIE — Cloverland Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit

electric utility owned and democratically controlled by the members it serves.

As a member-owner, you have a voice in the co-op through the members you

elect to serve on the board of directors. The service area is divided into three

districts. Each district is represented by three directors elected by the members

of that district to serve a three-year term.

Director candidates must meet the director qualifications outlined in Cloverland’s bylaws (available on cloverland.com) and file a petition for nomination

with valid signatures of at least 25 members from his/her district.

For a petition and information packet, please leave a message at 906-6325143. Nominating petitions and supporting documents must be electronically

submitted or returned to the co-op’s administration office at 725 E. Portage Avenue in Sault Ste. Marie by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28.

A business or other entity (association, corporation, partnership or governmental unit) must designate the representative authorized to cast a vote on behalf

of the entity and file the designation on its letterhead with the cooperative by

the date of record, March 28..

Ballots mail April 28, 2025 and voting ends May 30, 2025. Members can vote

by mailed ballots or electronic voting. Director candidate information will be

presented on Cloverland.com, Cloverland’s social media channels and the

May|June Connections. Election results will be presented at the annual meeting

of the members Thursday, June 5.

Once edgy and cool, “dropped” has become

more of a letdown. Whether it is an album, a

trend, or a product, this term has fallen flat.

“Books, music, and all kinds of unnecessary

things are currently being ‘dropped’ rather than

introduced, released, or offered for sale. Banished for overuse, misuse, abuse, and hurting

my head when all that “dropping” stuff lands on

me!,” laments Susan of Littleton, CO.

* IYKYK (If You Know, You Know)

Internet slang and texting abbreviations are

often fan-favorites of Banished Word submitters

each year. Cryptic and exclusionary, this phrase

offers little clarity or substance. If you know,

you might agree it is time to let this one go. Amy from Redford, MI feels this

phrase should go for being both irritating and nonsensical.

* Sorry Not Sorry

A half-hearted apology masquerading as bold honesty, this phrase feels as

disingenuous as it sounds. Banished Word enthusiasts recommend just saying

what you mean or in at least one case showing a little kindness. Sabrina from

Wrenshall, MN writes, “It is really tiring to hear, and it is giving people another

reason to be jerks to one another.”

* Skibidi

This viral word may have resonated with a younger crowd, but for many it is

just noise. Agatha from Denmark explains, “Nobody cares about a Skibidi toilet,

Skibidi fizz, or Skibidi Ohio fanum tax. At this point, nobody even knows what

it means and it just annoys people.”

* 100%

Is it possible to be over-enthusiastic about retiring the phrase “100%”? Absolutely! Its overuse has left no room for nuance or doubt. A phrase predominantly nominated for its overuse, some felt it was simply not applicable. “Since

when should a percentage be used to describe your agreement in a conversation?”

asked Stephen from Sudbury, Ontario.

* Utilize

A classic offender, “utilize” proves that longer is not always better. Why complicate things when “use” works just fine? Everett from Cumby, Texas encourages readers to “Write like you talk,” and added, “Lord, I hope you don’t talk

like that.”

* Period

Yes, we understand your point—no need to verbally punctuate it. Overuse has

turned this into a period we are ready to end. Theresa from Detroit, MI, recommends that we banish this word by putting it in a bottle and sending it out to sea.

As LSSU celebrates the 49th year of this playful tradition, the whimsical Banished Words List continues to highlight the dynamic nature of communication

and how words and phrases strongly affect our everyday life.

To nominate a word or phrase for the 2026 Banished Words List, or to learn

more about the tradition, visitlssu.edu/traditions/banishedwords.

International Bridge Walk

scheduled for June 2025

SAULT STE. MARIE — The International Bridge Administration, along with

Chambers of Commerce of Sault Ste. Marie Michigan and Ontario, have announced

the next International Bridge Walk for Saturday, June 28.

The 2024 walk, which had been slated for June 29, was cancelled due to inclement

weather.

"We deeply regret the cancellation of the 2024 walk," said International Bridge

General Director Peter Petainen. "But with heavy rains and a number of thunderstorms

in the area, we acted out of an abundance of caution to put the safety of participants

first."

Sault Michigan Chamber Director Tony Haller and Sault Ontario Interim CEO

Don Mitchell expressed thanks to everyone who worked to prepare for the 2024

bridge walk.

"I want to say how impressed I was with the turnout for the bridge walk in spite

of the inclement weather," Mitchell said. "Thanks, everyone, and I hope to see you

all next year at International Bridge Walk 2025."

Planning is already under way for this year’s walk. To keep up on developments,

check www.facebook.com/ssmbridgewalk.

"We're looking forward to a bigger and better event next year," Haller said.

Page 6

American Mariner closes out Soo Locks shipping season

SAULT STE. MARIE — Just before

3 a.m. on Jan. 16, the American Mariner

entered the approach for the Poe Lock

carrying the final 26,163 tons of cargo

wrapping up the 2024-25 Navigation

Season. During the 10-month navigation

season, ships carried about 68 million

tons of cargo through the Soo Locks energizing the nation's economy. The locks

will be closed through 12:01 a.m. March

25 to perform seasonal critical maintenance.

“Every year, the Corps of Engineers

uses the non-navigation winter period to

perform maintenance and keep the Soo

Locks operating,” Maintenance Branch

Chief Nicholas Pettit said. “The Soo

Project Office team works long hours in

extreme conditions to complete a significant amount of maintenance during this

annual closure period. The work they

perform is unique, especially given the

harsh northern Michigan winter conditions they work in.”

The team will install a temporary

panel bridge across the Poe Lock. This

panel bridge will provide the ability to

mobilize materials and equipment to the

job sites throughout the winter closure.

Soo Project Office maintenance crews

will fabricate and replace anchorages on

gate 3, commission the temporary dewatering system, fill in nonoperational ship

arrestor recess on the downstream end,

flush and clean the hydraulic systems for

the rehabilitated ship arrestor systems,

navigation button rehabilitation, remove

underground storage tanks and repair the

winter work bridge recesses. The Poe

Lock will not be dewatered this year for

the scheduled maintenance.

In addition to the above, crews also will

perform a wide range of other maintenance tasks from replacement of pier

fender timbers to inspections and preventative maintenance on electrical and

mechanical systems on both the Poe and

MacArthur Locks.

“The Soo Project team is well versed

in planning and executing complex

maintenance and repairs. The cold climate and physical site constraints add an

intensity that requires strategic logistical

planning and controls to ensure safety

and success,” Soo Locks Operations

Manager LeighAnn Ryckeghem said.

Contractors will be working on the

Poe Lock upstream stop log recess repairs. Kokosing Industrial Inc. of

Cheboygan, Michigan, was awarded the

contract September 23, 2024, for $2.7

million. This winter Kokosing will perform a full rehabilitation and repair of

the upstream stop log recesses including

removal of unsound concrete, repairs, installation of new concrete, steel corner

protection and steel wall armor section.

To complete this work, the contractor

will install coffer cells and dewater the

construction area to work on the recesses.

“Kokosing mobilized to the Soo

Locks on Jan. 11 and are scheduled to

complete all repairs by March 12,” said

Contracting Officer’s Representative

Alicia Krouth.

The Soo Locks currently have two

operating locks: the Poe Lock, scheduled

to reopen March 25, and the MacArthur

Lock, scheduled to reopen in April.

More than 4,500 vessels, carrying up

to 80 million tons of cargo, maneuver

through the locks annually. Iron ore,

coal, wheat and limestone are among the

most frequently carried commodities.

Opened in 1969, the Poe Lock is

1,200 feet long. The MacArthur Lock

was opened in 1943 and is 800 feet long.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,

Detroit District, maintains a navigation

system of 81 harbors, including the

Great Lakes Connecting Channels that

join lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, St.

Clair and Erie.

Page 7

Vaccinations urged as respiratory cases rise in Michigan

LANSING – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services encourages Michigan residents to get vaccinated, as increases in flu, COVID-19

and RSV activity have been observed and are expected to continue.

At the end of December, trends in respiratory illness reached the highest levels

so far this season at both the national level (6.8% of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness) and in Michigan (4.5%). Michigan activity typically lags a

few weeks behind the national trend, meaning the next few weeks are likely to

see increasing local activity, especially as children return to school after the December holidays.

The majority of Michiganders are not up to date on the vaccinations that protect against these infections. Only 11% of Michigan residents have been vaccinated this season for COVID-19 and 23.6% have been vaccinated for influenza.

It is not too late to get vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19 and RSV. All three

of these vaccines can help protect against severe respiratory illness and can be

given at the same time. Nationally, 11 children have died from influenza during

the 2024-25 flu season; none of the children were from Michigan.

“With many respiratory viruses circulating and Influenza cases rising, it is

crucial for Michigan residents to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their

families,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “COVID-19

and flu vaccines are effective at preventing serious outcomes, including hospitalization and death. It is not too late to protect yourself and your family this

season.”

According to state data, as of Dec. 28, approximately 2.5 million people have

received their flu vaccine this flu season. This is well below the 4 million doses

of flu vaccine that were expected to be administered this season. Vaccination

coverage rates are highest among older adults, while they remain lowest for

school-aged children (14.9% coverage for ages 5-12 and 7.7% coverage for ages

13-17) and college-aged young adults (10.9% coverage).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the annual influenza vaccination for all persons 6 months and older, with rare exceptions. Getting vaccinated now, as respiratory virus activity is increasing, can still

provide protection. Flu activity usually peaks in February, but significant flu activity can continue into May. It takes about two weeks after the vaccine is administered before the body builds up enough immunity to protect from severe

illness from the flu. If eligible, Michigan residents should receive their flu,

COVID-19 and RSV vaccines today to help protect from potentially severe consequences from these illnesses.

Vaccination is particularly important for these younger age groups as children

return from the holiday break. It is also important for individuals at higher risk

of developing serious complications — including young children, adults ages 65

years and older, people with certain medical conditions and pregnant persons.

Speak to a health care provider to discuss vaccination and determine which flu

vaccine is best for you. Additional information about recommendations can also

be found by visiting ACIP Recommendations Summary | Influenza (Flu) | CDC.

Vaccines are an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act and are

covered with no out-of-pocket costs by most health plans in Michigan.

Those with questions about their health insurance can contact the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) at 877-999-6442, 8 a.m. to

5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance.

Flu, COVID and RSV vaccines are widely available at local health departments, physicians’ offices and pharmacies around the state. Find a location by

using the Vaccine Finder. Visit Michigan.gov/COVIDFluRSV for more information or visit IVaccinate.org to find answers to vaccine questions. Visit

Michigan.gov/flufocus for updates on flu and respiratory illnesses in Michigan.

Page 8

Tribes, environmental groups urge Michigan Appeals

Court to reverse Enbridge Line 5 tunnet permit approval

LANSING — On Jan. 14, attorneys

representing several tribal nations and environmental groups asked the Michigan

Court of Appeals to reverse the Michigan

Public Service Commission’s December

2023 order approving a permit for Enbridge to build a tunnel for its Line 5 oil

pipeline beneath the lakebed of the Straits

of Mackinac, calling it “flawed.” Separate

legal challenges were brought before the

Commission by the tribes and environmental groups, who appealed the Commission’s decision to greenlight the

permit. Those appeals were consolidated

and argued today before the Court of Appeals.

The Bay Mills Indian Community,

Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and

Chippewa Indians, Little Traverse Bay

Band of Odawa Indians, and Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi

have lived on the lands of present-day

Michigan since time immemorial and

hold deep spiritual, cultural, and economic

connections to the Straits of Mackinac.

They argue that the Commissioners unlawfully barred key evidence about the

public need for Line 5 and about the risk

of future oil spills along the pipeline’s

length.

“Michiganders do not need this

pipeline to keep pumping oil through the

heart of the Great Lakes,” said Attorney

Adam Ratchenski for Earthjustice, which

is representing the Tribes alongside the

Native American Rights Fund . “The

Commission was so eager to rubber-stamp

this massive project for Enbridge that they

refused to consider the atrocious record of

oil spills along this failing pipeline while

making a decision that would secure its

operation — and all the pollution that

comes with it — for up to 99 years.”

The Environmental Law & Policy

Center and Michigan Climate Action Network asserted in court that the Commission failed to consider that Enbridge’s

proposed project poses a dangerous threat

for a catastrophic oil spill in the Great

Lakes, increases climate change impacts,

and undermines Michigan’s clean energy

transition goals. They urged the Court of

Appeals to set aside the Commission’s

permit decision and require further review

and analysis of environmental impacts

and alternatives consistent with the requirements of the Michigan Environmental Protection Act.

The reality is that we are moving away

from fossil fuels. We have to, if we are to

have any chance of avoiding a climate disaster,” said Denise Keele, MiCAN’s executive director. “The last thing we need in

Michigan is construction of a new fossil

fuel infrastructure like a new pipeline

under the Straits, which would lock in

more reliance on oil. The Commission’s

initial approval of the Enbridge tunnel

project must be reversed if we want a realistic shot at shifting to clean energy in

Michigan and ending our reliance on dirty

fossil fuels.”

“Today we argued that the Commission must require Enbridge to properly

quantify and evaluate greenhouse gas pollution and climate change impacts in line

with the Michigan Environmental Protec-

tion Act,” said David Scott, Senior attorney at ELPC. “The Commission must also

fully and fairly assess the public need and

feasible alternatives to the proposed tunnel that would avoid climate risks and

conserve Michigan’s natural resources.

The Commission failed to do that before

approving the permit.”

“Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel proposal is

a desperate effort to suck the last few pennies of corporate profit from an aged-out

pipeline, while socializing the cost of vast

new fossil fuel infrastructure,” said For

Love of Water (FLOW) Legal Director

Carrie La Seur. “If Enbridge really cared

about oil spills, it would respect Governor

Whitmer’s statesmanlike decision to protect the Great Lakes by withdrawing the

easement. FLOW argued today that the

MPSC’s analysis of tunnel alternatives is

fatally flawed, because it ignores the likelihood that market realities will shut down

the pipeline long before consumers have

paid for a multi-billion dollar tunnel

through price hikes.”

EUP Regional Science Fair winners announced

SAULT STE. MARIE — The EUP Intermediate

School District and EUP MiSTEM Region held the annual EUP Regional Science & Engineering Fair for

grades K-8 on Dec. 12, 2024, at Lake Superior State

University. Schools that participated in this event were:

Brimley, Cedarville, JKL Bahweting, Pickford, Rudyard, Sault-Lincoln Elementary, Sault Area Middle

School, St. Ignace, and St. Mary’s. This year, 221 students advanced from local school district Science and

Engineering Fair events to represent 142 projects in the

regional event at LSSU.

Students were asked to present their ideas, methods,

and results and to discuss their overall project. Judges

then evaluated the project based on pre-set judging criteria. The judging panel consisted of members of our

local community, governmental entities, MI Works, Soo

Coop Credit Union, LSSU faculty, as well as EUPISD

staff. Although all the projects were great, and it was a

difficult decision for judges, the following students

placed in the top three:

KINDERGARTEN

1st Place: Danny English (Rudyard)

2nd Place: Ruby Krueger (Rudyard)

3rd Place: Henry Marquart (Cedarville)

FIRST GRADE

1st Place: Greyden Herschell (Pickford)

2nd Place: Group Presentation: Elaina Neinaber, Theo

Payment, Dakota Wilson (Cedarville)

3rd Place: Asher Brood (Pickford)

SECOND GRADE

1st Place: Nolan Gerzetich (Sault Lincoln)

2nd Place: Eloise Paulus (Sault Lincoln)

3rd Place: Carson Duncan (St Ignace)

THIRD GRADE

1st Place: Jaylin Bishop (Pickford)

2nd Place: Thomas Bendickson (Sault Lincoln)

3rd Place: Warren Titus (Brimley)

FOURTH GRADE

1st Place: Liam Maudrie (St. Ignace)

2nd Place: Linus Mosey (St Mary’s)

3rd Place: Sophia Williams (Rudyard)

FIFTH GRADE

1st Place: Harper Herschell (Pickford)

2nd Place: Group Presentation: Stella Engle and Silas

law (St Ignace)

3rd Place: Group Presentation: Lillian Plank, Tessalie

Heckman, and Molly Lohff (Cedarville)

SIXTH GRADE

1st Place: Atlas Kroeger (Sault Middle)

2nd Place: Group Presentation: Jalen Matelski and Jace

LaPonsie (St Ignace)

3rd Place: Jackson Ball (JKL)

SEVENTH GRADE

1st Place: Henry Edwards (Pickford)

2nd Place: Ivan Grogan (St Ignace)

3rd Place: Clara Niehbur (JKL)

EIGTH GRADE

1st Place: Group Presentation: Liam Roe, Luke Roe, and

Kylee Sheilds (JKL)

2nd Place: Group Presentation: Frank Chipman-Bergsma

and Elliot Povey (Sault Middle)

3rd Place: Molly Escherich (JKL)

*First place winners were awarded with a trophy, second

place received a plaque, and third place received a medal.








  



Page 9

 

Page 10

Walking On

Noann Roberta Campbell

Noann Roberta Campbell, 89, passed peacefully at

- MyMichigan Medical Center in Sault Ste. Marie,

Michigan, on the afternoon of Jan. 14, 2025. She was

born in a little white house in St. Ignace, Michigan, on

Dec. 23, 1935, to her parents, the late John Rich and

Virginia Evelyn (Beamish) McFadden .

Noann’s younger years were spent in parochial

school where she boarded with other children, under

the care of nuns. While there, she enjoyed writing letters back and forth with her mother. She later graduated from Brimley High School.Noann met her

husband, Lloyd W. Campbell in Brimley, Mich., and

they married Sept. 4, 1953, in Elgin, Illinois. Lloyd

was in the United States Navy and on March 5, 1956,

in Port Lyauty, Morocco, they had a daughter, Candy

Sue. They returned to the states in October of 1956. In

1962, they opened their own business, Ability Glass &

Mirror, in Palatine, Illinois, which grew into a wholesale picture frame outfit, Palatine Frame & Molding.

In 1968, they built their retirement cabin at Salt Point

in Brimley and in 1983, they sold their business and

retired here while they wintered in Bradenton, Florida.

Their daughter Candy married and in 1980 had a son,

Lloyd Robert. While Candy was carrying him, it was

found that she had leukemia. Noann’s primary focus

then became her daughter and grandson’s wellbeing.

Sadly, on June 25, 1991, Candy lost her battle with

leukemia. Noann and Lloyd W then “inherited,” in her

own words, their grandson Lloyd Robert. Upon their

grandson’s request, they decided to move to their retirement cabin in Brimley full time. Ever the nurturer,

Noann made the decision to dedicate her golden years

to ensuring the safety and happiness of her grandson.

She spent her time teaching him the names of the birds

that would visit their feeders, how to cook and bake,

which flowers would work best together in the garden,

and how to fetch her a beer (which, he says, he had

down pat by the age of three).

Noann boasted of her skills in cleaning, organizing,

and most importantly, entertaining. Over the years,

many guests came, laughed, and left; always invited

back and intending to return. Noann loved nothing

more than for the people she cared most about to be

enjoying themselves and making fond memories together. She held tightly to these times, even into her

later years. This was made easy for her as she had so

many friends, acquaintances and otherwise, that were

drawn to her natural warmth and wit. Noann’s dear

husband Lloyd W. unfortunately passed on Dec. 26,

2013. She then spent another handful of years at their

cabin in Brimley while grandson Lloyd Robert moved

next door to help take care of her; the same as she had

for him. After some time, she had decided she wanted

an apartment in Sault Ste. Marie. Her final years were

spent there, with frequent visits, doctor’s appointments

and dinner deliveries made by her grandson Lloyd

Robert.

To all of Noann’s friends, here and gone, we thank

you for your love, support and laughter over the years.

As preemptively written by Noann herself, as she was

always prepared, “You all have made me very, very

happy with all the years of friendships and thoughtfulness. Thank you very much!”

In lieu of flowers, Noann would have appreciated a

donation to The Chippewa County Animal Shelter,

3660 S Mackinac Trail, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

However, the next time you’re at The Cozy Inn, please

raise a glass in her honor!

Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with

arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family

at www.familylifefh.com.

Patricia J. Brighton

Patricia J. Brighton, 93, of Brimley, Mich., died on

Jan. 14, 2025. Her final days were spent peacefully in

hospice, surrounded by her children. She was born in

Kalamazoo, Mich. on March 19, 1931, to Philip and

Dorothy (Welch) Robischung.

Pat attended Nazareth Academy and West Michigan

University in Kalamazoo, before moving to Sault Ste.

Marie, Michigan, after her marriage in 1953. She

worked for several years for the post commander at

Camp Lucas and then moved to Brimley for eight

years. It was there that she was asked to climb a fire

tower and watch for fires for the USDA Forest Service.

That job was short-lived as she was offered a position

in their local office as a secretary, returning her to the

Soo in 1963. She continued working for the Forest

Service for 29 years of federal service. In 1991, she retired from a job that not only she liked, but that she

made many lifelong friends doing.

In 2000, Pat moved to her summer home at Bay

Mills Point, which she winterized and added an addition, personally designing and measuring everything

in detail. She often said how happy she was at

“Brighton Beach” and how moving there was one of

the best decisions of her life. She lived there yearround, appreciating her home, church and community.

Pat was a member of the Soo Penny Ante Investment Club, founding member (and board member) of

the Northern International Crime Stoppers for 24

years, dedicated blood donor, volunteer for the CC

Hall spaghetti night dinners, member of the LSSU Elders and was a founding member of the BMBs (Bay

Mills Bunch), whom she cared for quite deeply. Over

the years the group of close friends met weekly for

breakfast at the Bay Mills Casino, dinner on Sundays

at the Cozy Inn and enjoyed gatherings to celebrate

birthdays, holidays and other special occasions.

Throughout Pat’s life, she enjoyed her many

friends, travel, family visits, gardening, feeding her

birds and her many beagle dogs - especially her

beloved Shadow. She was an avid fan of the Iditarod

Sled Dog Race and followed it faithfully every March.

Pat is survived by her son, Mark Brighton of Manistique, Michigan; daughters, Lisa Brighton of Berkley,

Michigan and Terri Brighton of Havelock, North Carolina; granddaughters, Amber Onizuk and Ashley

(Christoper) Behm; and five great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Philip

and Dorothy; and former husband, Jack Brighton.

Pat’s final resting place will be at Mission Hill

Cemetery in the spring, 2025.

Memorial contributions may be left to the

Chippewa County Animal Shelter, 3660 S. Mackinac

Trail, Sault Ste. Marie, 49783, Hospice of the EUP, 308

W. 12th Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, 49783 or Saint Kateri

Tekakwitha Catholic Church, 12014 W. Lakeshore

Drive, Brimley, Michigan, 49715.

Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with

arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family

at www.familylifefh.com.

Danny Alvin Hancock

Danny Alvin Hancock, 63, of Kincheloe, Mich.,

passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 13, 2025. He was

born April 18, 1961, in Hazel Park, Michigan, to Arvitt

and Faye (Mawhinney) Hancock.

Danny grew up in Royal Oak, Mich., where he had

a worry-free childhood. Later in life, he moved to the

Upper Peninsula where he settled in Kincheloe. He

worked at Super Value as a butcher and then eventually worked at the Kinross Co-op until he retired in

2023.

Danny could be found fishing, playing his bass

guitar, or hanging with his dog “Otis”. He was always

hoping to get lucky off scratch off tickets. He had a

great sense of humor; he was witty and sarcastic. He

always had a story to tell! He loved riding the backroads while listening to classic rock, and he kept an

eye out for bigfoot every time. He loved good whiskey,

but he loved watching the Detroit Lions play football

more. Nothing could top his love for being a Papa

though; his grandchildren meant the world to him.

Danny is survived by his daughters, Jolene Pine of

Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., Madelynn (Barton) St. Peter

of Dafter, Mich.; sisters, Jan (Lewis) Chambers of

Kincheloe, Mich., Meri (Brian McMillan) Hancock of

Rudyard, Mich.; grandchildren, Drew St. Peter, Jackson Pine; friends, Al Mahanna, John Miller; and best

friend, Stephen Parish.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents,

Arvitt and Faye; sister, Paula Noble; uncle, Bill

Mawhinney; friends, Robert Berkland, Pam Mahanna; and his beloved dog, Gibby.

A Memorial Service will be held Feb. 1, 2025, at

the Kinross Township Hall, 4884 W Curtis St, Kincheloe, MI 49788, from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m..

Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family

with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the

family at www.familylifefh.com.

Timothy James Sawyer

Timothy James Sawyer, 77, of Sault Ste. Marie,

Michigan, passed peacefully at home Saturday

evening, Jan. 4, 2025. He was born on Jan. 2, 1948,

in Mexico, Missouri, to James and Margaret (Cadenbach) Sawyer.

Tim graduated from Flushing High School. Upon

graduation, he was drafted into the United States

Army where he was a Combat Engineer in the Americal Division, serving in Chu Lai, Vietnam. He was

awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. After

serving his country, he earned his psychology degree

from Northern Michigan University. He then went on

to obtain his PhD in experimental psychology from

the University of Nevada. He began teaching at Lake

Superior University in 1976, until his retirement in

2001. He thoroughly enjoyed the many students he

taught and mentored throughout his career.

Tim valued his family more than anything. He

spent many wonderful years with his wife Connie

prior to her passing in 2007. He enjoyed his weightroom and daily walks, working in his shop on projects, and using his tractors on the property with his

family.

Tim is survived by his sons, Daniel (Sandy)

Sawyer and James Sawyer; grandson, Terek Sawyer,

all of Sault Ste. Marie; daughter, Michelle (Jay) Rendon; sister, Esther Sawyer of Flushing; grandsons,

Derek (Jordann), Adam (Gabrielle), Jacob (Annaleis)

Jennings all of Davison, Michigan; and six greatgrandchildren.

Tim was preceded in death by his wife, Connie,

after 38 years of marriage; parents, James and Margeret; sister, Susan Robinson; and beloved brother,

James “Sandy” Sawyer.

Per Tim’s wishes no formal service or funeral will

be held. There will be a private family Celebration of

Life at a later date.

Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with

arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family

at www.familylifefh.com.

IRS tax season officially kicks off on Jan.27

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service has announced that the nation’s 2025 tax season will start on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, and will feature expanded and enhanced tools to help taxpayers as a result of the agency’s historic

modernization efforts.

The IRS expects more than 140 million individual tax returns for tax year

2024 to be filed ahead of the Tuesday, April 15 federal deadline. More than half

of all tax returns are expected to be filed this year with the help of a tax professional, and the IRS urges people to use a trusted tax pro to avoid potential scams

and schemes.

The 2025 tax filing season will reflect continued IRS progress to modernize

and add new tools and features to help taxpayers. Since last tax season, the improvements include more access to tax account information from text and voice

virtual assistants, expanded features on the IRS Individual Online Account, more

access to dozens of tax forms through cell phones and tablets and expanded alerts

for scams and schemes that threaten taxpayers.

The IRS has also expanded features and availability of last year’s Direct File

program. This year, Direct File will be available starting Jan. 27 to taxpayers in

25 states. In addition, the IRS Free File program opens today. Available only on

IRS.gov, IRS Free File Guided Tax Software provides millions of taxpayers nationwide access to free software tools offered by trusted IRS Free File partners.

The IRS is also working to continue the success of the 2023 and 2024 tax filing seasons made possible with additional resources. The past two filing seasons

saw levels of service at roughly 85% and wait times averaging less than 5 minutes on the main phone lines, as well as significant increases in the number of

taxpayers served at Taxpayer Assistance Centers across the country. Based the

on IRS’ current plan and funding levels, the agency will work to provide similar

levels of performance on these key service metrics in the upcoming filing season.

“This has been a historic period of improvement for the IRS, and people will

see additional tools and features to help them with filing their taxes this tax season,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “These taxpayer-focused improvements we’ve done so far are important, but they are just the beginning of what

the IRS needs to do. More can be done with continued investment in the nation’s

tax system.”

The Get Ready page on IRS.gov highlights steps taxpayers can take now to

streamline the filing process and the many resources available to interact with

the IRS before, during and after filing their federal tax return.

Direct File opens Jan. 27 for taxpayers in 25 states

On the first day of the filing season, Direct File will open to eligible taxpayers

in 25 states to file their taxes directly with the IRS for free: 12 states that were

part of the pilot last year, plus 13 new states where Direct File will be available

in 2025. During last year’s pilot, Direct File was available in Arizona, California,

Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington State and Wyoming. For the 2025 tax filing season,

Direct File will also be available in Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas,

Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Direct File will include new features this year to make filing taxes quicker

and easier. Similar to commercial tax software, a data import tool will allow taxpayers to opt-in to automatically import data from their IRS account, including

personal information, the taxpayer’s IP PIN and some information from the taxpayer’s W-2.

This year, Direct File users can try a new chat bot to help guide them through

the eligibility checker. Live chat will again be available in English and Spanish,

and users can opt into additional authentication and verification, which will allow

customer service representatives to provide more information.

Also, this year, Direct File will cover more tax situations. During the pilot,

Direct File supported taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child

Tax Credit and Credit for Other Dependents. This year, Direct File will also cover

taxpayers claiming the:

Child and Dependent Care Credit

Premium Tax Credit

Credit for the Elderly and Disabled

Retirement Savings Contribution Credits

In addition to covering taxpayers claiming the standard deduction and deductions for student loan interest and educator expenses, this year, Direct File will

support taxpayers claiming deductions for Health Savings Accounts. The Treasury Department estimates that more than 30 million taxpayers will be eligible to

use Direct File across the 25 states.

Direct File is a web-based service that works on mobile phones, laptops,

tablets or desktop computers. It guides taxpayers through a series of questions

to prepare their federal tax return step-by-step. Last year, thousands of Direct

File users got help from IRS customer service representatives through a live chat

Page 11

feature in English and Spanish. Once taxpayers have completed their federal tax

return, the Direct File system automatically guides them to state tools to complete their state tax filings.

Although the IRS will not begin accepting tax returns until Jan. 27, taxpayers

have several options available now to get a head start on their taxes.

Almost everyone can file electronically for free by using IRS Free File, available only on IRS.gov. Now in its 23rd year, Free File offers free tax preparation

software from eight companies in the public-private partnership between the IRS

and Free File Inc. As part of this partnership, tax preparation and filing software

partners offer their online products to eligible taxpayers for free. To access these

free tools, taxpayers must start from the IRS Free File page on IRS.gov.

This year, eight private-sector partners will provide online guided tax software

products for taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $84,000 or less

in 2024. Additionally, one partner will offer a product in Spanish.

Although the IRS official tax filing season begins later this month, IRS Free

File providers will allow taxpayers to prepare and file returns now and hold them

until they can be electronically filed on that date. Many other software companies

offer a similar option.

In addition to Free File and Direct File, the IRS reminds taxpayers there are

important programs available to help taxpayers:

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/Tax Counseling for the Elderly. Taxpayers

can find organizations in their community with IRS certified volunteers that provide free tax help for eligible taxpayers including working families, the elderly,

the disabled and people who speak limited English.

MilTax. A Department of Defense program, MilTax generally offers free return preparation and electronic filing software for federal income tax returns and

up to three state income tax returns for all military members, and some veterans,

with no income limit.

As part of ongoing IRS improvement efforts, the agency is working to build

on the success of the 2023 and 2024 filing seasons.

The IRS is once again working to provide taxpayers expanded help in-person

through more hours at Taxpayer Assistance Centers nationwide. The IRS also

will be focused on continuing high levels of service on its main taxpayer phone

lines, with a goal of up to 85% level of service.

The IRS also continues to urge taxpayers to visit a trusted tax professional

for help with their taxes or visit IRS.gov first. As part of IRS improvement efforts

since 2022, the agency continues to add and expand a variety of online tools and

services to help people with their taxes.

Last year the IRS began using online chatbots for various functions. These

chatbots use either guided help through choice buttons or an open text box for a

customized question. The chatbots use natural language processing and understanding to interpret the input from the taxpayer to provide an appropriate response. To launch the chatbot, the taxpayer simply clicks on the “Chat” button

in the lower right corner of the webpage. Currently taxpayers can use chatbots

from eight webpages.

Taxpayers should check Where’s My Refund? on IRS.gov

Most refunds are issued in less than 21 calendar days. Taxpayers can use Where's

My Refund? to check the status of their 2024 income tax refund within 24 hours

of e-filing. Refund information is normally available after four weeks for taxpayers who filed a paper return. Information on Where's My Refund? will update

overnight so there is no need to check the tool more than once a day.

The easiest, safest and fastest way to receive a refund is to file electronically

(e-file) and select direct deposit. According to Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal

Service, paper refund checks are 16 times more likely to have an issue, like the

check being lost, misdirected, stolen or uncashed. People should check FDIC

and National Credit Union Administration websites if they don’t have a bank account. Veterans can use the Veterans Benefits Banking Program to find participating financial institutions.

The IRS also notes that starting Jan. 1, 2025, people will no longer be able to

buy paper Series I savings bonds with their tax refund. Instead, Series I bonds

are available in electronic format in TreasuryDirect.

More than half of taxpayers turn to a tax professional for help filing a tax return. While most tax preparers deliver exceptional and professional service, selecting the wrong preparer can lead to financial harm.

Taxpayers should review the tips for choosing a tax preparer and learn how

to avoid unethical “ghost” return preparers. Taxpayers can also use the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications to find trusted professionals. The IRS also reminds taxpayers that choosing

someone affiliated with a recognized national tax association is always a good

option.

Tax professionals accepted into the IRS electronic filing program are authorized IRS e-file providers, qualified to prepare, transmit and process electronically

filed tax returns.

Page 12

I-500 Race Week schedule announced

Sunday, Jan. 26

The 2025 Walsh Service Solutions

Mini-5 Kids Snowmobile Races Officially

Kick Off the 56th Running of the International 500 Snowmobile Race Week.

For the first time ever, the Mini-5 Kids

Races will take place on the front stretch,

at the start/finish line, of the Legendary 1Mile Ice Oval, a miniature version, which

will be laid out for the kids. Aspiring

young riders get their chance to race in

their very own events.

Registration and Rig Parking begins at

1 p.m., on race day as the Kids Snowmobile Races start at 3 p.m. It’s absolutely

free to attend and everyone goes home a

winner.

Monday, Jan. 25

ALL teams that are racing on the legendary 1-Mile Ice Oval will Load In and

begin the technical inspections in preparation for the rest of race week.

I-500 management, staff and volunteers make those imperative final preparations in anticipation of race week.

The Meet The Riders Autograph and

Picture Session, which will be located at

the Entrance to the Lock City Home Center Press Center / Joe Moniz Memorial

Broadcast Booth, will go from 5-7 p.m.

Also happening at the same time, the

smooth ice surface also allows the general

public to skate on the famous one mile

oval during Monday’s Skate Night at the

Track.

Tuesday, Jan. 26

This is a special day as the I-500 and

Sault Ste. Marie city officials have proclaimed opening day to be forever known

as BUD CLARKE DAY. For the first time

of the 56th Soo I-500 Race Week, sleds officially get out onto the track.

The exciting return of the G.F.L. Environmental Formula III’s Soo Shootout

along-with the Wheeler Upfitters Soo Vintage Shootout will take to the legendary

1-Mile High-Banked Ice Oval. The Vintage Sleds that are 30 years old (1995) and

older will feature seven classes of competition.

Afterwards, from 9-10 p.m. (Could

Start Earlier), the OPTIONAL and quickly

becoming very popular Practice Session

will wrap up the evening

Wednesday, Jan. 27

The best riders in the world begin the

grueling process of attempting to qualify

for the I-500 on perhaps, the busiest day

of the week, other than race day.

In addition to being the First Day of

Wheeler Trucking Qualifying presented

by Owosso Speedway to begin setting the

38-Sled field for the 56th Running of the

race it’s also Day of Qualifying for Meijer Pro Shootout IV and race day for the

Kokosing-Alberici-Traylor Old 600 Modifieds who will partake in the K.A.T. Old

600 Modifieds Shootout IV.

Thursday, Jan. 30

Thursday is action packed as it is the

final day of Wheeler Trucking Qualifying

presented by Owosso.

Speedway for the I-500 as well as Final

Round of Qualifying for the MPS, followed later in the evening by

the Meijer Pro Shootout IV, which, for

2025, will be under a New Format. Plus,

it’s a pivotal event and the only opportunity for teams to get Track Time, under

Race Conditions, for the big race.

Then let the fun begin in Sault Ste.

Marie as the city becomes host to the midwest’s largest “WINTER PUB CRAWL”!

Officials will open the heated hospitality

tent to visitors with live music and plenty

of beverages on hand. Join the Midwest’s

premier winter party at the I-500 venue.

Visit the many bars, saloons, and

lounges in the community who offer maximum fun for race fans and sled-heads.

Drinks, food specials and fun are on tap

throughout the Sault area. Join the atmosphere of snowmobile race central.

Shirts are on sale for those who want to

participate in the Pub Crawl.

Friday, Jan. 31

It’s an “off day” at the track as I-500

Officials work overtime to get the 1mile ice oval ready for 500 miles.

In the meantime, the 56th Soo I-500

Riders Registration (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)

has been moved for 2025 as it will be

held at the track, in the V.I.P. Suite, located in the Upper Floor of the Lock

City Home Center Press Center / Next

to the Joe Moniz Memorial Broadcast

Booth.

The all important Riders Meeting (3

p.m.) will still be conducted at Kewadin Casinos Hotel & Convention

Center.

Later in the evening is the 13th Edition of the Miss International 500 Pageant inside the Dream Makers Theatre

within Kewadin Casinos – Sault Ste.

Marie, located just four miles east of the

track.

On the day of the pageant, the day before the 56th Running of the I-500, contestants are introduced to the audience in

the form of a fashion show. Each contestant will wear either a costume or uniform that reflects her personality,

hobbies, career aspirations, or sports affiliations. There is also an onstage interview for all the ladies to share their

thoughts and win the hearts of the crowd.

In the final event, contestants model

a floor-length evening gown; complete

with winter accents (Faux Fur, Ugg-Like

Boots, Etc.) that pair perfectly with the

theme of the race.

The I-500 Pageant starts at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 1

Saturday is RACE DAY! Spectator Gates

Open at 8 a.m., as spectators can enjoy the

heated hospitality tent all day, race day. Stop

by the vendor tent, trailers, and booths for

food, fun and a host of products for snowmobile and race enthusiasts. Opening Ceremonies start at 8:45 a.m., with rider

introductions at 9:30 a.m.

Then, after the Invocation and National

Anthem(s) the Green flag drops promptly at

10 a.m.

Approximately 90 minutes after the

checkered flag flies on the race, the awards

banquet will be held at the Dream Makers

Theater inside Kewadin Casino.

We have a complete line of

building materials and supplies.

Tackle your to-do list before spring!

906-478-3821 • 906-495-2975 • 1-800-743-3395

Open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

19030 S. Mackinac Trail

P.O. Box 309

Rudyard, Michigan

Page 13

2025 Black Lake sturgeon season begins Feb. 1

CHEBOYGAN — The 2025 lake sturgeon fishing season on Black Lake in

Cheboygan County, Michigan, will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. All anglers

must register online in advance to participate in the fishing season, and those

age 17 or older must have a valid Michigan fishing license.

The harvest limit for the 2025 season on Black Lake is six lake sturgeon. Officials will close the season when one of two scenarios occurs:

* The sixth fish is harvested.

* Five fish have been harvested at the end of any fishing day.

Fishing hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day of the season. The season will end

either at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, or when one of the above scenarios is met,

at which point anglers will be notified via text message and on the ice by DNR

personnel that they must immediately stop fishing for lake sturgeon.

Anyone who wants to participate this year must register online by Jan. 31.

Get more registration and season information at Michigan.gov/Sturgeon.

Participating anglers must bring their own bright red flags (1-foot diameter

or larger) to hang on their fishing shanties. Season officials emphasize that anglers are required to hang one or more flags in highly visible locations on their

shanties so DNR personnel can readily identify which anglers are sturgeon fishing.

Anyone harvesting a lake sturgeon must immediately contact DNR personnel

on the ice. Official registration of each harvested fish will take place at a DNR

trailer located on or near the ice at the end of Zollner Road in the northwest part

of Black Lake. Harvest registration may include an examination of the fish's internal organs and removal of a piece of fin tissue for DNA analysis or aging.

Lake sturgeon rehabilitation efforts in Black Lake over the last two decades

have been a successful collaboration between the DNR, Sturgeon for Tomorrow,

tribal agencies, Michigan State University and Tower-Kleber Limited Partnership. This population has increased in the past 20 years due to lake sturgeon rearing and stocking

Ice fishing on Black Lake: The 2025 lake sturgeon fishing season on Black

Lake in Cheboygan County, Michigan, will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1.

All anglers must register online to participate in the season.

efforts and research and protection of spawning adults, and this trend is expected

to continue.

Ice conditions may vary greatly, and anglers should always use extreme caution when ice fishing. The Black Lake sturgeon season start date will not be postponed due to weather or other conditions. The season may be canceled up to 48

hours prior to the start of the season if circumstances pose a significant safety

risk to anglers and staff (per Fisheries Order 240). The DNR will post any updated information to the department website and notify anglers via text message

and email if any changes occur.

Visit Michigan.gov/IceSafety for tips to stay safe on the ice.

DNR offers outdoor adventure safety tips

Present winter conditions vary

throughout the state and based on

weather forecasts, will continue to

fluctuate. The Michigan Department of

Natural Resources reminds everyone

to put safety first when enjoying favorite outdoor winter activities.

“People often get caught up in the

excitement of the moment and overlook winter safety,” said Lt. Tom Wanless, with the DNR Law Enforcement

Division’s Recreational Safety, Education and Enforcement Section. “This is

a beginning of the season reminder to

please keep safety in mind this winter.”

Before heading out, make sure to:

* Dress for the weather. Wear light

layers that can easily be added or removed – it is possible to overheat even

during the winter.

* Check the weather forecast and road

conditions.

* Carry appropriate equipment for

your activity, such as a flashlight,

rope, ice picks or ice claws.

* Have spare equipment available in

case something breaks.

* Stay hydrated and fueled – bring

water and snacks.

* Bring a buddy.

* Tell others where you will be, how

long you plan to be gone and schedule

check-in times.

* Carry a two-way communication device that receives service in remote

areas.

* Take an honest assessment of your

health – if you’re not feeling well,

don’t go out.

Wanless said there are additional

key things to remember.

Always use extreme caution around

ice, as there is no perfectly reliable

way to determine ice strength. Wear a

personal floatation device and carry

ice picks in an easy to reach location.

Ice Safety Tips

— Your safety is your responsibility!

There is not a reliable "inch-thickness"

to determine if ice is safe.

— You can test ice thickness and qual-

ity using a spud, needle bar or auger.

— Strongest ice: clear with bluish tint.

— Weak ice: ice formed by melted and

refrozen snow. Appears milky.

— Stay off ice with slush on top. Slush

ice is only half as strong as clear ice

and indicates the ice is not freezing

from the bottom.

— A sudden cold front with low temperatures can create cracks within a

half-day.

— A warm spell may take several days

to weaken ice, and cause the ice to

thaw during the day and refreeze at

night.

— Ice weakens with age.

— If there’s ice on the lake but water

around the shoreline, be extra cautious.

— Stronger the current on the lake, the

more likely the ice will give to open

water.

— Avoid areas of ice with protruding

debris like logs or brush.

— Keep an eye out for dock bubblers

or de-icers as the ice near these mech-

anisms will be unsafe. Always check

the ice and be aware of your surroundings.

In Michigan, all snowmobile operators ages 12 to 16 must obtain a

Michigan-approved snowmobile safety

certificate to operate without a legal

guardian or to cross a highway or

street. Earn a snowmobile safety certificate or purchase a trail permit

at Michigan.gov/Snowmobiling.

The DNR’s Ride Right snowmobile

safety campaign emphasizes the importance of riding at a safe speed,

sober and on the right-hand side of the

trail to help ensure that you “Ride

home safe to your family and friends.”

Speed is the main factor in fatal

and serious injury snowmobile accidents. There were 19 snowmobile fatalities across Michigan during the

2022-23 season, and four deaths during the 2023-24 season. Find more

safety tips and snowmobile rules and

regulations at Michigan.gov/RideRight.

Rhythm Clock Co. has ceased making clocks.

We currently have a large selection of

these clocks at CLOSE-OUT prices.

Shop now for best selection!

Open noon - 6 p.m. Mon. - Sat., 10962 W Irish

Line Rd., Brimley, One Mile West of Post Office

Page 14

2024 elk hunting season: Outcomes and highlights

With the wrap of Michigan’s 2024 elk season, hunters saw challenging conditions during

Hunt Period 1 and improved outcomes in Hunt Period 2. More than 250 licenses were issued

across both periods, and hunters harvested 180 elk in all.

Hunt Period 1

The season began in late August and spanned 12 days throughout September. High temperatures during the fall hunt reduced elk movement during the day, making it difficult to

locate elk during hunting hours. Additionally, the heat deterred some hunters from participating out of concern about meat spoilage and heat-related conditions.

Michigan’s early season is designed to remove elk living outside of the designated elk

management area, which is primarily the Pigeon River Country State Forest. There are 100

licenses issued for Hunt Period 1: 30 any-elk licenses and 70 antlerless-only licenses.

Despite the challenging weather, Hunt Period 1 proved to be successful for 59% of

hunters, who harvested 24 bull elk and 35 antlerless elk, including two calves. This harvest

rate is the lowest documented, falling below the average of about 74% since 2007.

This particularly low success rate in Hunt Period 1 likely can be attributed to heat-related

factors. High temperatures are not unusual for this time period, but daily highs this year were

consistently above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hunt Period 2

Winter conditions brought fresh snow and cooler temperatures, leading to better results

during the December hunt.

There were 160 elk licenses issued for this hunt period: 110 antlerless licenses and 50

any-elk licenses. Over the nine-day December season, hunters harvested 46 bulls and 75

antlerless elk, including eight calves. The hunter success rate of Hunt Period 2 was 75%,

which is in line with the five-year average success rate of about 79%.

“Snowfall during the December hunt provided much-needed assistance to hunters, allowing for improved tracking conditions and a successful conclusion to the season,”

said Angela Kujawa, Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist. “Overall,

the 2024 elk season showcased the dedication of our hunters and their important contribution

to maintaining a healthy and sustainable elk population in Michigan.”

More than 250 licenses were issued across both periods of the 2024 Michigan elk

hunting season, and hunters harvested 180 elk in all. Pictured here is one of the

successful elk hunters, Alex Mshar of Lewiston.

During Hunt Period 2, there was snowfall for the first couple days of the hunt, which

made locating and tracking elk easier and led to higher hunter success.

The late season is used to manage overall elk population numbers across the entire elk

management unit. In 2024, hunters in hunt periods 1 and 2 harvested 180 elk, including one

Pure Michigan Hunt winner.

Learn about elk management, regulations, hunting and viewing locations and more resources

at Michigan.gov/Elk.

Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge board gets year-end updates

SAULT STE. MARIE — The Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority board of directors,

the bi-national body that supervises operations of the International Bridge, heard reports

on a recent bridge inspection at the board’s regular meeting in November.

The SSMBA board reviewed and officially accepted the results of the fracture critical

member (FCM) inspection of the bridge. These inspections provide a closer look at

bridge components that are critical to the structural integrity of the bridge. A team of

bridge engineering experts from the lead firm of Hardesty and Hanover (H&H) of Okemos, Mich., along with their Canadian partner firm, WSP Canada Group Ltd. of Mississauga, Ontario, conducted the inspection of the bridge this summer and presented

their findings at Thursday’s meeting.

“The bridge’s ongoing maintenance is outstanding, keeping all major elements of

the structure in good to fair condition overall,” said H&H engineer Mark Helinski. “Our

inspection found no significant new issues or significant changes from previous years.”

H&H noted some items, such as corrosion, pain loss and rocker link maintenance,

to be addressed. The International Bridge Administration staff has included this work

in future scheduled maintenance.

“These results continue the International Bridge’s excellent history of maintenance,”

said Karl Hansen, IBA bridge engineer. “Our dedicated staff is diligently protecting the

public investment in the bridge. We’ve been able to prioritize and address any concerns

found in these inspections in a timely way, either through monitoring, contracted repairs

or in-house repairs.”

The International Bridge is inspected every year, with the fracture critical inspection

alternating with a routine inspection that looks at the entire bridge every other year. Additionally, the bridge’s required five-year underwater inspection of 15 submerged piers

in the St. Marys River began this year. Ten piers were inspected in June, while five

Canadian-side piers will be inspected next spring. The inspected piers continue to be in

fair condition, with no appreciable changes from prior inspections.

IBA maintenance staff wrapped up a busy and successful year, completing 86 percent

of the routine maintenance work items from the 2022 FCM report. Good weather in the

fall also allowed them to address 74 percent of routine maintenance work items identified in the 2023 routine detailed inspection, setting staff up well to achieve their goals

for 2024-2025.

In addition to routine maintenance work, IBA maintenance staff cleaned and coated

about 440 feet of the green pedestrian rail on the U.S. approach. Staff also repaired a

large section of delaminated concrete on a lower pier base. This complex project involved removing and replacing four cubic yards of concrete in an area under the bridge

inaccessible to vehicle traffic. Staff descended more than 100 feet on movable scaffolding, removed the bad concrete and then pumped the new concrete down from the bridge

deck.

The IBA’s maintenance staff also completed an unscheduled bridge deck project with

assistance from Michigan Department of Transportation staff. An epoxy friction surface

was applied to almost 45,000 square feet of deck surface in late July. The total project

cost was $229,735, a savings of $137,265 over the estimate for similar work performed

by a contractor.

In other business, the board elected officers for the coming year. The SSMBA board

consists of up to eight members: four Michigan members appointed by the governor

and four Canadian members appointed by The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited, a

crown corporation located in Ottawa, Ontario.

Board member Natalie Kinloch of Apple Hill, Ontario, was elected as the 2025 chair

of the SSMBA board of directors. The other Canadian members are Karen Richards,

Thye Lee and Rémi Paquette.

Linda Hoath of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, was elected vice chair for 2025. The

other U.S. representatives are Nicholas White, Scott Shackleton and Thomas Buckingham Sr.

The board set its 2025 meeting dates for Feb. 20, May 22, Aug. 14 and Nov. 20.

Mackinac Bridge Authority approves credit card convenience fees, lower deposit limits for MacPass

ST. IGNACE – Recognizing the increased costs for credit and debit card

transaction fees, the Mackinac Bridge Authority has approved collecting a 2.3 percent convenience fee for tolls paid by

credit cards to recoup some of those expenses.

Authority members cited the rising

costs of transaction fees from credit card

companies, which totaled $341,761.51 in

2024, as the reason for the new convenience fees. The current average credit card

fees for tolls paid is 3.07 percent; roughly

12-13 percent of all tolls are paid by credit

card.

“Though this convenience fee will not

cover all credit card processing costs, it

will help defray those costs in a way that

will allow us to continue directing most of

our toll revenues to the neverending job of

maintaining and operating the Mackinac

Bridge,” said Authority Chairman Patrick

“Shorty” Gleason.

The convenience fee will add roughly

$0.09 for the typical $4 toll for passenger

vehicles. The new fee took effect Jan. 1,

2025.

Customers who pay in the toll lanes

can avoid the credit card fees by paying

cash. MacPass holders can make deposits

with cash or electronic checks to avoid the

fees.

To make it easier for customers to open

and refill their MacPass commuter toll

program accounts, the Authority also reduced the initial account minimum deposit

from $80 to $40, and refill deposit minimums from $50 to $20. Those changes are

expected to take effect Dec. 1, or as soon

as possible.

Noting the relatively higher credit card

processing fees for American Express,

currently at 4.79 percent, the Authority

also approved discontinuing acceptance of

those credit cards for payment effective on

Jan. 1, 2025.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

AOT Hours Change for Winter

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday 11 a.m - 6 p.m., CLOSED Sunday

Reminder: Inclement Weather Policy

Just a friendly reminder about the Inclement Weather Policy. Please remember if Bay Mills

Community College, Ojibwe Charter Schools, AND Brimley Area Schools ALL have announced a closure OR delay, BMIC Tribal Government will AUTOMATICALLY delay the

start of the work day until 10 a.m. A determination of a full closure will be made by 9 a.m.

and conveyed via an all-users email, Facebook, etc. If you have any questions on this, please

feel free to reach out to your immediate supervisor.

BMIC Members reminded about Purchased Referred Care

If you or a family member seek emergency medical care you must inform the office

within 72 hours of your care by calling them to get help with payment. Elders have up to 30

days to contact PRC. This includes visits to the emergency room or use of an ambulance.

You can reach them by contacting 906-248-8326.

Have you moved? Update your address!

Bay Mills Tribal Enrollment office asks all tribal citizens to maintain a current address

with their office. An online form can be found at www.baymills.org.

Walking path is closed to motorized vehicles

BMIC has developed a pedestrian/bicycle path connecting both sides of the Reservation.

This path is for pedestrians and bicyclists only, and our existing tribal ordinances prohibit

motorized vehicles from using this path. Signs have been posted. Please be aware that BMPD

has been directed to strictly enforce this rule along that pathway to protect walkers, runners,

cyclists, and the path itself. If you ride an ATV, ORV, dirt bike, motorcycle, golf cart, etc on

this path, you should expect to receive a ticket and pay a fine.

Give Your Child a Good Start ...

with Head Start!

The Bay Mills Child Development Center

is currently accepting

applications for the upcoming school year.

For more information, please call

Andrea Shaw at 248-8700.

Page 15

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