The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe (2016)

WIIKWEDONG

DAZHI-OJIBWE

The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe

Namebini Giizis - Sucker Fish Moon - February 2016 Issue 139

Elected and Re-Elected Council Members Take Oath To

Service the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Tribal Council Members:

Warren C. Swartz, Jr. , President

Jennifer Misegan, Vice-President

Susan J. LaFernier, Secretary

Toni J. Minton, Asst. Secretary

Doreen G. Blaker, Treasurer

Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr.

Frederick Dakota

Eddy Edwards

Randall R. Haataja

Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

Gary F. Loonsfoot, Sr.

Donald Shalifoe, Sr.

SPECIAL POINTS

OF INTEREST

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

(Left to right) - Secretary Toni Minton conducted the oath of office to the newly elected and re-elected

Council Members: Susan J. LaFernier, Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr., Jennifer Misegan, and Frederick Dakota, at the January 9, 2016 Council meeting.

The Regular Saturday Tribal Council Meeting was held on January 9, 2016, at the

Ojibwa Casino Resort Conference Room in

Baraga, Michigan. President Warren “Chris”

Swartz, Jr., presided over the meeting with

Jennifer Misegan, Toni Minton, Susan J.

LaFernier, Doreen Blaker, Robert R.D. Curtis,

Jr., Randall Haataja, Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.,

Gary F. Loonsfoot, Sr. and Don Messer, Jr.

present. Not present: Eddy Edwards and

Donald Shalifoe, Sr. (Shalifoe was excused by

the President).

Vice President Jennifer Misegan shared

numerous Thank You and For Your Information items addressed to Council.

Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. gave the President’s Report (page three), Toni Minton gave

the Secretary’s Report (page two), Doreen

Blaker gave the Treasurer’s Report (page

two), and Larry Denomie III gave the CEO’s

Report (page four). Council passed Department Head Reports for October and November 2015.

Michael Schrader, General Manager of the

Ojibwa Casinos, gave his bi-monthly report to

Council. Schrader reviewed the general financial performance for the slots and the tables

for both the Baraga and Marquette properties.

Reviewing the Baraga November FY 2016 financials, which includes October and November, compared to FY 2015 at the same point,

we see an increase of 47% profit. Reviewing

the Marquette November FY 2016 financials,

which includes October and November, compared to FY 2015 at the same point, we see

an increase of 6.5% profit. Schrader said,

“We are just getting aggressive with our promotions. The promotions are identical for both

properties which makes processing them

faster and cheaper. Numerous technological

advances have been installed during the first

quarter of FY 2016. Kiosks have been installed at both properties. The Point of Sale

(POS) systems have been installed at both

properties. This system allows for better inventory counts, tracking losses, and more secure transactions. A new public announcement (PA) system was purchased and installed at Marquette. The system allows for

louder and clearer announcements and music

throughout the floor. New Year’s Eve 2015

broke all coin-in and slot win records for the

previous six years at both properties. I continue to look for new ways to increase revenues and conserve spending that has little or

no benefit to the bottom line to include new

promotions, better technology, reducing or

combining outdated equipment, and review of

the organizational structure. I also have begun creating checklists outlining required actions for building and getting to the opening

days of the new casinos. It is going to be a

busy year.”

Under Recognized Scheduled Delegation/

Individuals: Justin Gauthier requested a donation as a professional sponsorship since he

needs to purchase safety equipment for his

professional boxing career.

Motion by

Robert R.D. Curtis, Jr. to approve $300.00

for the professional sponsorship of Justin

Gauthier, supported by Randall Haataja.

Nine supported (Misegan, Minton, S.

LaFernier, Blaker, Curtis, Haataja, M.

LaFernier, Loonsfoot, Messer), 0 opposed,

0 abstained, two absent (Edwards, Shalifoe), motion carried.

Under New Business: Treasurer Doreen

Blaker presented the January 2016 donation

requests. Consensus of Council was to refer

the Superior Health Foundation for their 2016

Gala at NMU on September 17, 2016, request

to Marquette Casino Promotions. Marquette

Senior High School Class of 2016 requested

Project Graduation for the Class of 2016 in the

amount of $500.00. Marquette City Fire Department requested a donation in the amount

Continues on page two.



January 9, 2016 Council

Meeting—Executive Council

Determined



KBIC Secretarial Elections

Upcoming



Ancestral Remains Returned



KBIC Prescription Drug Depository



Drug Conviction Report



Ojibwa Senior Citizens News



Deepest Sympathy

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

Secretary Toni Minton conducted the oath

of office to the re-elected Chief Tribal

Judge, Bradley T. Dakota.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

President Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. recognized Donald Messer, Jr. for his years

of service as a Council Member and presented him with a plaque and parting gifts

on behalf of the Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community and the Tribal Council.

(1) Bezhig

January 2016 Council Meeting continued:

of $4,000.00 to purchase 250 Ice Safety

kits. Motion by Michael F. LaFernier, Sr.

to approve donations to the Marquette

Senior High School Class of 2016 in the

amount of $500.00 and to the Marquette

City Fire Department’s Ice Safety kits in

the amount of $4,000.00 to come out of

the 2% Fund for a total of $4,500.00, supported by Jennifer Misegan. Nine supported (Misegan, Minton, S. LaFernier,

Blaker, Curtis, Haataja, M. LaFernier,

Loonsfoot, Messer), 0 opposed, 0 abstained, two absent (Edwards, Shalifoe),

motion carried.

Doreen Blaker introduced the 1st Reading of Proposed Ordinance 2016-03. An

Ordinance of the Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community adopted under the authority of

the Constitution and By-Laws of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community for the purpose of amending Title Four, Juvenile Divisions, §4.512 to include additional persons

required to be notified after the removal of a

child from the custody of the parent(s),

guardian, or custodian of the child; to update the Juvenile laws and procedures; and

to ensure compliance with federal laws and

procedures. 1. Amend Title Four, Juvenile

Division, of the Tribal Code to add to §4.512

as follows: §4.512 Finding of Probable

Cause and Need for Detention. C). to read

(adding the underline): Within thirty (30)

days after the removal of a child from the

custody of the parent(s), guardian, or custodian of the child, TSS shall exercise all the

diligence to identify and provide notice to all

adult grandparent(s), all parents of a sibling

of the child, where such parent has legal

custody of such sibling, and other adult relatives of the child, including any other adult

relatives suggested by the parent(s), subject

to exceptions due to family violence that: 1.

Specifies that the child has been or is being

removed from the custody of the parent or

parent(s) of the child; 2. Explains the options the relative has under Tribal, Federal,

and State law to participate in the care and

placement of the child, including any options

that may be lost by failing to respond to the

notice; 3. Describes the requirements to become a foster family home, and the additional services and supports that are available for children in such a home; and 4.

Describes how the relative guardian of the

child may subsequently enter into an agreement with the Tribe for the kinship guardian

assistance program. The 2nd Reading was

scheduled for the next Saturday meeting,

February 6, 2016, 10:00 a.m.

Doreen Blaker requested a date for the

3rd Reading of the Medical Marijuana Ordinance. Council scheduled the 3rd Reading

of the Medical Marijuana Ordinance for Saturday, February 6, 2016.

Jeanne Emery, Election Board Chairperson, presented the December 12, 2015,

General Election results for certification.

Results for Tribal Council in the Baraga District were: Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. (Inc.)

322 votes; Fred Dakota 286 votes; Dan

Connor 217 votes; and Sue Ellen Elmblad

“Suzie Carlson” 205 votes. In the L’Anse

District: Susan J. LaFernier (Inc.) 307 votes;

Jennifer Misegan (Inc.) 268 votes; Kevin

Perrault 226 votes; and Tracy L. Emery 222

votes. For Chief Tribal Judge: Bradley T.

Dakota (Inc.) 388 votes. Proposal 1 – Do

you support a new casino development project in Baraga at the current casino site with

an estimated cost of $28 million? 335 yes,

190 no. Proposal 2 – Do you support a casino development project in Marquette at

the current casino site with an estimated

cost of $12 million? 373 yes, 150 no.

There are 729 registered voters, of whom

533 (73%) actually voted in this election. Of

the 819 individuals who are eligible to register to vote, 65% of them voted in this election. Motion by Toni Minton to certify the

December 12, 2015, General Election results, supported by Michael F. LaFernier,

Sr.

Eight

supported

(Minton,

S.

LaFernier, Blaker, Curtis, Haataja, M.

LaFernier, Loonsfoot, Messer), 0 opposed, one abstained (Misegan), two absent (Edwards, Shalifoe), motion carried.

After recognizing Donald Messer, Jr. and

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Secretarial Elections Upcoming

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community has submitted two amendments to the Department of Interior to hold Secretarial Elections for

the Tribal Community to vote on amending the Tribe’s Constitution.

Since this vote by the Tribal Community will be a Secretarial Election, it must follow the federal election procedure as outlined in the

Federal Register/Vol.80, No. 201, Monday, October 19, 2015/

Rules and Regulations. As part of the federal election procedure,

the Department of Interior forms a Secretarial Election Board and

sets a date for the Secretarial Election.

The first amendment that the Tribal Community will vote on is

Resolution KB-002-2015. The KBIC hopes to strike all of Article

VI, Section 1(h), and insert in lieu thereof: (h) To appropriate for

tribal use any available tribal funds, provided, that any appropriation in excess of $500,000 at any one time shall be of no effect until approved by referendum vote.

The second amendment that the Tribal Community will vote on is

Resolution KB-042-2015 in which the KBIC desires to add in Article

IX for a Judicial Branch to provide for a separate branch of government free from political interference and conflicts of interest for the

development and enhancement for the fair administration of justice.

KB-002-2015 was approved by the Tribal Council on January 10,

2015. Resolution KB-042-2015 was approved on September 24,

2015, to add Article IX Judicial Branch. A technical comment letter

was received from Diane Rosen on July 2, 2015, regarding KB-002

-2015. On December 15, 2015, the Tribe was informed as to why

there were delays and made aware that the Tribe could apply for

funding to hold the Secretarial Election through the new federal

election procedure. To date, the Tribe has not received any funding to conduct the election. Informational meetings regarding the

two proposed amendments will be held once the date has been

set.

(2) Niizh

the Oath of office for Chief Tribal Judge and

Council Members, (see pictures on page

one) the Reorganization of the Executive

Council began. Reorganization nominations

were made as follows: nomination for President - Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr., Warren

“Chris” Swartz, Jr. was named President;

nomination for Vice President - Jennifer

Misegan, Jennifer Misegan was named Vice

President; nomination for Secretary – Susan

J. LaFernier, Susan J. LaFernier was

named Secretary; nomination for Assistant

Secretary – Toni Minton, Toni Minton was

named Assistant Secretary; nomination for

Treasurer - Doreen Blaker, Doreen Blaker

was named Treasurer.

Motion by Jennifer Misegan to approve Depository of Funds be with Superior National Bank and Wells Fargo, supported by Michael F. LaFernier, Sr. Eight

supported (Misegan, Minton, Blaker, Curtis, Haataja, M. LaFernier, Loonsfoot,

Messer), 0 opposed, one abstained

(Susan J. LaFernier), two absent

(Edwards, Shalifoe), motion carried.

Motion by Jennifer Misegan to have

the check signers be any two Council

Members and that the stamps of the

President and Vice President can only be

used by a Council Member in cases of

emergency, payroll, and senior/disability

fund; and that the Tribal Court check

signers be the Council, Chief Judge, Associate Judge, Court Clerk; and the

Tribal Support Office check signers be

the Council, Chief Judge, Associate

Judge, Court Clerk, Child Support Director, and the Child Support Specialist,

supported by Gary F. Loonsfoot, Sr.

Nine supported (Misegan, Minton, S.

LaFernier, Blaker, Curtis, Haataja, M.

LaFernier, Loonsfoot, Messer), 0 opposed, 0 abstained, two absent

(Edwards, Shalifoe), motion carried.

Council adjourned with no further business on the agenda.

~ submitted by Newsletter Editor

Treasurer’s Report for December 2015

The 2% Fund distributions were listed within the Treasurer’s

Report for November 2015 and published in the January 2016 issue of the Wiikwedong Dazhi-Ojibwe.

Casino Financials

 The November financials show an increase from November of

2014. The motel, bingo, and table games have shown improvements from the previous year at this time. Financial increases are due in part to the hard work by the enterprise employees, managers, and GM. Any Tribal member who is interested in looking at the financials of the Tribe, please contact

the Tribal Council Secretary.

Other

 I just want to make note to all our Tribal members, as we are

within the cyber age, and enjoy the easy access of internet

shopping. Hackers may find a way to access store information;

get into your accounts and sell your information. I suggest that

you make it a habit to change your passwords at least every

sixty days, not only within your shopping and financial accounts

but with your e-mail account as well.

Respectfully submitted,

Doreen Blaker

Secretary’s Report —

November and December 2015

In November 2015, the Tribal Council held one Regular Council meeting and three Special Council meetings. Actions taken

were:

November 7, 2015 Regular Council Meeting

 Approved the President’s, Secretary’s, Treasurer’s, and

CEO’s October 2015 Reports.

 Approved the September 2015 Department Head reports.

Continues on page eight.

President’s Report for November and December 2015

The months of November and December

2015, have been very busy at the Office of

the President. However, we were able to

take some vacation time as it was hunting

season, election season, and the Christmas

and New Year holidays. The following activities occurred during this time period:

 I have been continually watching the

ongoing of the Michigan Pipeline Task

Force, and as a result of the Community’s comments regarding the makeup

of the Michigan Pipeline Safety Advisory

Board which didn’t include a representative from Tribal Governments, the Governor finally decided to appoint a representative from a Tribal Government.

The chosen appointee was Chairman

Homer Mandoka of the Nottawaseppi

Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians.

Chairman Mandoka has a huge responsibility in presenting the Native American concerns related to the hazardous

liquid and gas line safety. There are a

number of current concerns related to

the pipeline safety. Most notable is Enbridge Pipeline 5 that runs under the

Mackinac Bridge. This pipeline is overdue for some service. We are very concerned about this pipeline because the

Great Lakes contains about one-fifth of

the World’s fresh water, and we are very

concerned about the impact it may have

on our treaty resources if there is a

catastrophic leak.

 Last month the Community donated

$5,000.00 to the Vietnam Wall Task

Force. The Wall is coming to Marquette

in June 2016. Please try to take some

time to visit and touch the Wall and acknowledge these Veterans and the sacrifices they gave, so we can be here today.

 Last month I signed an Appellate Justice

Contract for Justice James Bittorf with

the terms of the contract expiring October 1, 2018.

 Also earlier in the month, I was informed

by the Department of Justice Tribal Access Program for the National Crime

Information that the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community has been selected as

one of the ten tribes to participate in the

User Feedback Phase of TAP. This

phase should help solve some of the

problems with different types of background checks which were previously

unable to be accessed in a timely man-

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ner as well as providing and obtaining

fingerprints directly with the FBI for both

criminal and civil reasons.

I have been working closely with the

Baraga Village Manager with addressing

some of the concerns we are experiencing at our casino. We are mostly dealing with some check writing issues. I’ve

delegated an individual to work out

these issues with the Village.

In November there were numerous

meetings related to the new casinos, the

designs, and conceptual drawings. A lot

of time and effort took place not only by

the Office of the President but also by

the CEO. We did include the number of

phases with this construction process

and how we will be transferring through

them for both projects.

I signed the Judicial Services Registration Services Subcontract between the

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and

the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife

Commission. The purpose of the Judicial Services Contract is to provide nondiscriminatory judicial services to our

tribe. The purpose of the Registration

Subcontract is to provide means to the

Community to establish a Tribal Permit

and Registration Station and provide

additional monies for personnel, supplies, and etc.

Unfortunately there have been a number

of funerals within our Community these

last few months. One was the funeral of

our first Tribal Chairwoman, Myrtle

Tolonen. I attended this funeral, and I

just want to acknowledge that she was

our first Tribal Chairwoman, and I want

to extend my condolences once again.

There has been a change in our employees’ health insurance. We were notified late in the year that the current

health insurance provider, Consumer

Mutual, was going out of business. We

have been busy obtaining a new provider, which is now in place with Blue

Cross and Blue Shield.

I purchased, on behalf of the Community, 110 Prudential Financial shares

and also some State Street shares. The

CFO suggested that we should purchase these shares, so we did just that.

I signed a grant application for New Day

Treatment Facility and the Keweenaw

Bay Natural Resource Department. The

grant is to install a clean energy system

for tribal buildings.

 We have received some good news related to submerged log issues. The permits for the submerged logs were not

filed on time, and the permits files have

been closed. Evidently none of the filers

chose to mitigate, and if they want to

reopen this process, they will have to

start the whole thing from the beginning.

This is very good news for the Community. Our concern has been related to

the disturbance with the lake bottom and

the habitat with fish.

 Last week we were notified that we have

been awarded our Indian House Block

Grant in the amount of 3.2 million plus

dollars. If you recall, we had to return

1.4 million to HUD because it was given

to the Ojibwa Housing Authority. Now

the money has been returned in the

name of the Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community, and we received the notification that $3,268,000 and some

change is being processed. We are currently reviewing the contract for this

draw down.

Respectfully submitted,

Warren C. Swartz

NEWS FROM THE OJIBWA

SENIOR CITIZENS

February:

 Feb. 10, 12:15 p.m. Senior Meeting.

 Feb. 24, Pasty prep starts at 12:00

noon until approx. 3:00 p.m.

 Feb. 25, Pasty Sale at 5:00 a.m. All

volunteers are needed as early as

possible. Clean up immediately follows the baking of the pasties—

please plan to stay for clean up.

March:

 Mar. 9, 12:15 p.m. Senior Meeting.

 Mar. 23, Pasty prep.

 Mar. 24, Pasty Sale.

MIEA meeting is in April. More information will be available at the Senior Center, see Beth Koski, Nutrition Director.

Please mark your calendars with these

dates!

Ancestral Remains Returned To Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Nancy Mannikko, Secretary of the Baraga County

Historical Museum, (left)

met with Gary Loonsfoot,

Jr., Director of Cultural Services, (right) on Tuesday,

January 19, 2016, at the

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s Tribal Historical

Preservation Office (THPO)

to return ancestral remains

which have been in the possession of the Baraga

County Historical Museum.

The remains originated from

the Sand Pointe area in

Baraga, Michigan, from

when Dr. Guy owned the

property back in 1967. Guy

was doing some landscaping and had a mound of dirt,

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

a sand dune, plowed over,

thinking it was a natural mound. When remains were discovered, Al Jentoft, an amateur archeologist, was summoned. The remains were verified by Michigan Technology University

and turned over to the Michigan Archeological Society U.P. Chapter. Mannikko and Loonsfoot signed the proper transfer of control forms to return the remains to KBIC’s THPO.

The 2nd Reading of the Proposed Ordinance 2016-03 Title Four Juvenile Division

4.512 will be held on Saturday, February 6,

2016, in the Ojibwa Casino Resort Conference Room at 10:00 a.m.

The Tribal Council will receive verbal

and written comments from Tribal members

at the public hearing in accordance with the

Legislative Process public hearing procedure adopted by the Tribal Council.

Copies of the Proposed Ordinance 2016

-03 are available at the Tribal Center, KBIC

Donald LaPointe Medical Center, Pines

Convenience Center, Ojibwa Senior Citizens Center, Tribal Court, Commodity

Foods Center, Housing Department, and

Ojibwa Community College. Copies are

also distributed to all Departments within

the Tribe. (The proposed change is also

outlined in the January 2016 Council Meeting Article published within this issue of the

Wiikwedong Dazhi-Ojibwe.)

(3) Niswi

CEO’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 2015

During the month of December 2015, the

CEO's office reported the following:

 The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program aka LIHEAP applicants

continues to be funded. Debbie Williamson, CAP Director, has made changes

to the processing method in an attempt

to streamline it, but this caused a later

than usual funding timeframe. Letters

either approving or denying applicants

hadn't gone out, so after receiving a

number of complaints, mostly from our

seniors, I instructed Debbie to move the

process along. I have been told by Debbie that funds are still available, and

members who need assistance with

their energy bills should continue to apply.

 The Tribe applied for a grant through the

Department of Energy and if awarded

will be using the Indian Health Service

Grant as a match. The two solar projects which are expected to be constructed this spring are at the Tribe's

Health Center and the New Day Treatment Center.

 A new attorney was hired by the Tribal

Council. Nicholas Lewis began working

late in December and comes to KBIC

from Alaska. He is currently in the process of studying to obtain his Michigan

Bar License.

 We, as well as many employers in the

area, are experiencing difficulties in filling positions across the Tribe. In an effort to expand the pool of applicants,

policies have been amended to allow

members who are 62 years of age and

older to be considered for entry level

positions as long as they meet the remaining required qualifications. Tribal

Council has also approved allowing

members who are working on obtaining

their GED's to apply for positions. They

will be required to submit quarterly reports showing their progress and will

have one year to complete the process.

We will also be accepting Certificates of

Completion issued to applicants as

meeting the High School Diploma/GED

requirement. These certificates are generally issued to students who have met

their adjusted high school programming

requirements but not the state diploma

requirements.

 The Funeral Task Force, comprised of

Rodney Loonsfoot, Debbie Williamson,

Jennifer Misegan, Susan LaFernier, and

myself, met, and we are continuing to

work on exploring the opportunity to offer "green" funerals at KBIC. Rodney

had met with Cecil Pavlat of the Sault

Ste. Marie Tribe to learn about their offerings and to tour their facilities. Cecil

then traveled here to meet with the task

force. Rodney is developing a concept

plan which will be presented to the task

force and then Council in the near future.

 The Tribe has nearly completed its transition in changing providers for health

care. We were notified late in 2015 that

our current provider, Consumers Mutual

Insurance of Michigan, was no longer

able to operate in Michigan as of January 1, 2016. Our broker, VAST, immediately began exploring options to ensure

KBIC didn't have to experience a lapse

in coverage. After reaching out to several carriers, BCBS of Michigan turned

out to be the only viable option. The

transition took place throughout the

month of December and coverage with

BCBS of Michigan began effective Jan

1. There have been some hiccups in

getting all of the contracts entered into

the system by BCBS, but we have been

(4) Niiwin

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told the transition would be complete as

of yesterday. The coverage does go

retroactive to Jan 1. The move will cost

the Tribe more than the budgeted renewal with CMI.

Following approval by the membership

at the December 12 general election, we

have begun the process of moving the

new casino projects for both the Harvey

and Baraga locations forward. We will

be utilizing a design/build option for contracting which means the Tribe will contract with only Gundlach Champion to

lead the projects as well as provide a

Guaranteed Maximum Price. To aid in

meeting a spring of 2017 opening of

both casinos, initial contracting is underway. We are also developing plans and

scheduling meetings with employees

and tenants in Harvey who will be impacted by the two projects.

Part of the transition of moving the

Tribe’s housing entity from an authority

to a department required funds previously acquired by the authority to be returned and reissued along with new federal contracts. The process has taken

longer than first thought, but we have

received notice this past week that the

funds are now available. The Tribe continues to engage the services of Anderson and Tackman to work on accounting

functions.

The accounting systems

have had to essentially be redeveloped

and are taking much longer than initially

thought. Financials for both the Housing

Department and holding company businesses are finally becoming available,

and it is expected the businesses FY15

year end will be provided this coming

week. The Financial Manager position

for the department has finally been

filled, and Dawn Solka will begin working the first week in February after completing her role with her current employer.

Respectfully submitted,

Larry Denomie III, CEO

Who’s Who—Who’s New—

and What Do We Do

I will be running an informational article in

this issue and subsequent issues as room

allows recognizing Tribal Government employees and duties they perform in an effort

to allow the Community to know who to contact regarding specific needs and services.

I am beginning with the Accounting Department. Keep watch for the numerous departments of KBIC Employees are the key to

our success.

KBIC Accounting Department is located

at the KBIC Tribal Center, 16429 Bear Town

Road, Baraga, MI 49908, (906) 353-6623.

Almli, Jennifer: Accounting Clerk/Pines

Payables. Jennifer handles certain KBIC

vendors payables, and water and sewer receivables. You can reach Jennifer at ext.

4192.

Carlson, Roxanne: General Ledger Accountant. Roxanne does the monthly bank

reconciliations, Pines gas billing, check/

correct coworkers work to be processed,

and other duties assigned.

Hamacher, Carol:

Accounts Payable

Clerk. She enters invoices from numerous

departments into accounts payable. Carol

joined the department in April of 2015.

LaFernier, Susan J.: Comptroller. Susan

reviews various entries and reports by staff

for correct fund numbers, line items, and

proper documentation for purchases, travel,

credit cards, etc. She also reviews the Ra-

dio Station’s purchase requests and payroll

commissions, and enter and reconcile the

radio deposits with the radio system reports.

Susan reviews and signs checks for the

Government, Enterprises, and Housing.

Larson, Don: Grant Accountant. Don is

involved in recording grant receivables along

with the entry of budgets and budget modifications. He also helps out with the Pines

daily and month end processes such as motor fuel tax refunds.

Mankee, Kelly: Revenue Accounting Clerk.

Kelly records all the revenue the Tribe receives as well as the Pines receipts. She

also fills in where needed as directed by her

supervisor.

Shafer, Jodi: Grant Accountant. Jodi distributes financial statements, completes financial reporting for grants; ask her if you

need to know how much is left in your grant/

tribal program or what was charged to specific line items (general ledger accounts).

Jodi joined the accounting team in January

of 2014.

Sherman, Liz: Accounts Payable Supervisor. Liz oversees and helps process all nonpayroll disbursements.

Employees not listed chose not to participate.

UPDATES FROM THE LIBRARY

The Ojibwa Community Library has many

exciting events taking place as part of our

latest grant. Our Healthy Eating Group

started in November and will continue

throughout the year. We meet with Dale

Schmeisser, a registered dietician, who discusses healthy eating habits, recipes, ideas,

and strategies during the presentation. People are encouraged to attend the group,

which has a new theme each session. Our

next session will be February 18th, and flyers

will be posted with event details. Refreshments will be served, and participants can

register to win a door prize. We also have a

Visiting Library program, which started in

December, in connection with DHHS’s Family Spirit Program for ages 0-5 years old.

The librarian visits participants’ homes each

month to read to the children and leaves a

new book behind for them to keep. The participants are then invited to a story time hour

each month with an interactive activity, such

as a sing-along, giving both children and

parents an opportunity to browse the library

and sign up for a library card.

Other than our grant projects, we have

our ongoing book sale and have some new

books to borrow. Book sale prices are $1.00

for hardcover books, and $.50 for paperback

books.

New titles to borrow include: The Mysterious Benedict Society Series by Trenton

Lee Stewart. House of the Rising Sun by

James Lee Burke. Crimson Shore by Preston and Child, and Year of Yes by Shonda

Rhimes.

Don’t forget to like and follow us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings and announcements from the library!

~ Angela Badke, Librarian

February 2016 Calendar Events









Feb. 1: Constitutional Committee Meeting, 10 am, Tribal Center Bldg, Council

Chambers (downstairs conference

room);

Feb. 6: Reg. Sat. Council Meeting, 9

am, Ojibwa Casino Conference Room,

Baraga;

Feb. 15: Tribal Gov’t Offices closed —

President’s Day;

Feb. 25: Ojibwa Senior Pasty Sale.

~ submitted by newsletter editor

PRESCRIPTION DRUG

DEPOSITORY INSTALLED AT

KEWEENAW BAY TRIBAL

POLICE STATION

4. Three to six months of standard alcohol and

drug restricted probation with a $10 monthly

probation fee. Defendant is financially responsible for the costs of drug and PBT testing, if any. Defendant is to report as requested by the Probation Office, and at a

minimum of one time monthly.

Gavin Loonsfoot, case #15-091, controlled substance (use - Meth) – 2nd offense

Sentencing on 10/28/2015 to:

1. Fine $1,000.

2. Ninety days jail, 90 days suspended upon

successful completion of probation. Defendant is financially responsible for the costs of

lodging and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Defendant is to comply with the recommendation of his substance abuse screening and is

to attend inpatient substance abuse treatment

as soon as his medical condition is resolved.

4. Six-twelve months of alcohol and drug restricted probation with a $10.00 monthly probation fee. Defendant is financially responsible for the costs of drug and PBT testing, if

any. Defendant is to report to the Probation

Office as requested by the Probation Officer.

5. Defendant is to pay $40.00 per week or perform a minimum of four hours of community

service per week, until all of his Court obligations are paid in full.

Gavin Loonsfoot, case #15-095, controlled substance (use/possession – Amphetamines and Marijuana) – 3rd offense

Sentencing on 10/28/2015 to:

1. Fine $1,000.

2. One-hundred-eighty days jail, 180 days suspended upon successful completion of probation. Defendant is financially responsible for

the costs of lodging and any expenses incurred while incarcerated.

3. Defendant is to comply with the recommendation of his substance abuse screening and is

to attend inpatient substance abuse treatment

as soon as his medical condition is resolved.

4. Six-twelve months of alcohol and drug restricted probation with a $10.00 monthly probation fee. Defendant is financially responsible for the costs of drug and PBT testing, if

any. Defendant is to report to the Probation

Office as requested by the Probation Officer.

5. Defendant is to pay $40.00 per week or perform a minimum of four hours of community

service per week, until all of his Court obligations are paid in full.

Michael Dietz, case #15-154, controlled

substance (possession – Marijuana) – 1st

offense

Sentencing on 10/20/2015 to:

1. Fine $150.

2. Three days jail, three days jail suspended.

Picture by Lauri Denomie.

In the past, individuals had to wait for a

“Take Back” event to rid themselves of unused prescription medications. With the

increase of crimes and deaths related to

drug use and dependency, Chief Duane

Misegan, Keweenaw Bay Tribal Police,

sought a way to assist community members

to get rid of unwanted prescription medications on an as-needed basis. After doing

some research on costs and providers, he

decided to install a prescription drug depository at the KB Tribal Police Department but

required an avenue to fund the safe.

Upon learning of this need, Bradley T.

Dakota, Chief Tribal Judge, assisted with

funding through the Keweenaw Bay Tribal

Court. Three Baraga County businesses

assisted in the making of the depository

safe: Selkey Fabricators, LLC designed

and made the safe, Peninsula Powder Coating painted the safe, and Homestead

Graphics produced and attached the graphics.

Community members are urged to stop

at the Keweenaw Bay Tribal Police Department located on US 41, north of Baraga,

(906-353-6626) anytime the office is open to

rid themselves of unwanted prescription

drugs.

DRUG CONVICTION

REPORT

In a continuous effort to

reduce the illegal use of

controlled substances in

our community, the Drug

Task Force has requested the publication of

pertinent information regarding any convictions of the Controlled Substances section

of the KBIC Tribal Code §3.1706. The Tribal

Court has agreed to comply with the Drug

Task Force’s request and will publish a

Drug Conviction Report on a routine basis.

Gaven Picciano, case #15-012, controlled

substance (possession – Marijuana) – 1st

offense

Sentencing on 11/10/2015 to:

1. Fine $150.

2. Forty-five (45) days jail, 45 days suspended

upon the successful completion of probation.

Defendant is financially responsible for the

costs of lodging and any expenses incurred

while incarcerated.

3. Defendant is to obtain a new substance

abuse screening within 30 days and is to follow the recommendations until successfully

completed. Defendant is to sign a release of

information for the Court to monitor compliance.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Keweenaw Bay Tribal Center

16429 Beartown Rd. Baraga, Michigan

Financial Aid Counselors will be available to assist you on an

individual basis to complete 2016-17 financial aid applications.

Please call (906) 353-4117 to schedule an appointment.

Sponsored by Educational Talent Search

and the KBIC Education Office.

Open to the public.

ATTENTION: TO ALL TRIBAL

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN

Applications for Small Boat and Large

Boat Commercial Fishing Licenses for

the Year 2016-2017 Commercial Fishing

Season are available at the License Department located in the KBIC Tribal Center.

The new license year will begin: May 1,

2016. Applications must be returned to the

Licensing/Motor Vehicle Office by: Friday, February 5, 2016. All applications for

licenses will be reviewed and selected by

the Tribal Council. All Tribal members who

apply must have completed the required

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Hazard Analysis and critical Point (HACCP)

Training and present a copy of the certificate with the application. A Boat Safety

Fishing Vessel Examination with a certified official must be completed and that

documentation must be provided with the

application. The application also requests

fishing vessel information including the vessel name, number & length.

Is your charitable organization planning on holding a raffle or selling raffle

tickets on the L’Anse Indian Reservation?

Federal law, through the Indian Gaming

Regulatory Act, granted Tribes exclusive

right to regulate gaming activity on Indian

lands. Even if you or the members of your

organization are not tribal members, the

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Gaming

Commission has the authority to regulate

your raffle. It is unlawful to game without a

license.

Please contact the

KBIC Gaming Commission Office at (906)

353-4222 or stop by

the office located at

the Tribal Center for an

Bear Town, Rd.

application and a copy 16429

Baraga, MI 49908

of the rules and regulations.

For: Boat Safety Inspections contact the

Tribal Police/Conservation Department at

(906) 353-6626 to make an appointment or

contact U.S. Coast Guard/Hancock at (906)

482-1520.

Application deadline for submission of

ALL Class I Drawings is 30 days and

Class II Raffles is 60 days prior to your

event. License Fee will be waived when

the application is received within this timeline.

(5) Naanan

WHAT: An indoor walking program.

WHEN: Beginning Monday, December 7,

2015, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm on weekdays (excluding holidays or snow days)

through Friday, April 8, 2016. Only work

day activity will count toward earning

prizes.

WHERE: The KBOCC Gymnasium.

WHO: Anyone who would like to stay

active through the winter months.

WHY: Everyone should participate in at

least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 times

a week to stay fit.

Grab a buddy and

walk during your

lunch break, be sure

to bring a sack

lunch and leave a

few minutes to eat!

Earn prizes for every ten times you walk.

Contact Popcorn at 353-4531 or

popcorn@kbic-nsn.gov for a log

information or to redeem your prize.

This is a tobacco free event.

Program sponsored by CDC/REACH Journey to wellness, and KBIC Youth.

(6) Ningodwaaswi

News from the KBOCC

Environmental Science Department

Sharing with the Community: KBOCC Library

The KBOCC Environmental Science Department recently began a new research project

through the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency’s Tribal EcoAmbassador program. This

funding allowed them to partner with the KBIC

Natural Resource Department to assess water

temperature trends in reservation streams that

provide important habitat for fish. Through separate research they heard observations from KBIC

members about weather patterns over recent

years, and many people have shared concerns

about our fish being affected by environmental

changes. The monitors we’re installing collect

continuous temperature readings and will provide

valuable long-term information about the health

of our streams. This work will greatly benefit our

fish-stocking programs.

The project is being overseen by KBOCC Environmental Science Department Chair Andrew

Kozich, KBIC Fisheries Biologist Gene Mensch,

and KBIC Water Resource Specialist Kit Laux.

Student research assistants are: Sara Kagabitang, Jane Kahkonen, Michael Rodriguez, Toni Sanchez, and Sam Spruce. If you see any of them

working in streams over the next few months, be sure to say hello. So far

thirty monitors have been installed, and another twenty will be installed in

the spring.

Robert Perry “Bob” St. Arnold

(April 10, 1932—December 20, 2015)

Student research assistants, (above) Michael Rodriguez, Toni Sanchez, and Sam

Spruce; (below) Sara Kagabitang.

Robert Perry “Bob” St. Arnold of Brandywine, Maryland,

died on Sunday, December 20,

2015, at his home surrounded

by his family. He was 83 years

old.

Born on April 10, 1932, in

Baraga, Michigan, the son of

the late Isabelle L. and the late

James E. St. Arnold, Sr. He

was a member of the Keweenaw Bay Tribal Community. Mr. St. Arnold served in

the U. S. Army during the Korean War before being Honorably Discharged in 1954. He

then served as Superintendent

of the Bureau of Indian Affairs

for the U. S. Government until

his retirement. He dedicated

his whole life to the preservation of the Native American

people. He was a member of

St. Peter’s Catholic Church,

the Knights of Columbus and

the White Plains Golf Club.

Mr. St. Arnold was an avid

golfer but enjoyed spending

time with grandchildren and

great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents,

Mr. St. Arnold was preceded in

death by his daughter Cheri

Ann McMahon and ten of his

siblings.

He is survived by his wife of

57 years, Shirley A. St. Arnold;

his children: Robert P. St. Arnold Jr. and his wife Michelle,

Thomas E. St. Arnold, and

Brian F. St. Arnold and his wife

Victoria; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren,

other relatives and friends.

A visitation was held on December 29, 2015, at 10:00 am

with Mass at 11:00 am at St.

Peter’s Catholic Church, 3220

St. Peter’s Church Road, Waldorf, MD 20601. Interment will

be held at a later date and

time. Memorial contributions

may be made to Hospice of

Charles County, 2505 Davis

Road Waldorf, MD 20603.

Obituaries continues on page nine.

(7) Niizhwaaswi

Secretary Report continues:



Donated $5,000.00 to the 2015 Toys for

Tots.

 Granted Darrell Kingbird a one year on

reservation Visitor Permit for hunting,

fishing, trapping, and gathering.

 Donated $5,000.00 to the Marquette

County Veteran’s Alliance to bring the

Vietnam Travelling Wall to Marquette

County.

 Approved a $500.00 President Membership to the Calumet Art Center.

 Approved an extension to the Tier III

Services Agreement with Superior Paving for the Rez Stop.

 Approved the Gaming Device Orders

between Aristocrat Technologies and

the KBIC for the Baraga and Marquette

Casinos.

 Approved the Appellate Court Justice

Contract with James Bittorf.

 Consensus to have Ojibwa Roads move

forward with lease agreements for two

front-end loaders, five year leases with

five year warranties, and have the Assistant Tribal Attorney review the leases.

 Directed the Natural Resource Department to provide a recommendation of a

possible extension of the small boat

fishing season by 11/12/15.

 Certified the results of the 10/31/15

Tribal Council Primary Election.

 Certified the Tribal Council nominees for

the 12/12/15 General Election.

 Certified the Judicial Candidate for the

12/12/15 General Election.

 Donated $500.00 to Bayside Village for

activities, $500.00 to the Baraga Fire

Department for the Annual Children’s

Christmas Party, and $200.00 to the Bethel United Pentecostal Church for the

Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner.

November 9, 2015 Special Council Meeting

 Reviewed the Baraga and Marquette

Casino Projects, plans, and budgets.

 Approved all October 2015 meeting minutes.

November 12, 2015 Special Council

Meeting

 Approved the Realty truck purchase using FY2015 funds.

 Conducted an attorney interview.

 Conducted Enterprise Employee Appeal

of Dismissal Hearing Case #016-15 and

upheld the decision.

 Met with Tribal Commercial Fishermen

and Gene Mensch, Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist, on extending the small

boat fishing season. Gene will meet

with the fishermen and bring forward a

recommendation for an amendment

through the Legislative Process.

 Approved Resolution KB-054-2015

Floyd and Susie Crawford acquisition.

 Approved Resolution KB-055-2015

George “Pete” and Lillian Van Straten

Acquisition.

 Approved Resolution KB-059-2015 William K. Seppanen Recreational Lease.

 Approved the Great Lakes Indian Fish

and Wildlife Commission Memorandum

Of Agreement for the Joint Funding

Agreement with the United States Geologic Survey.

 Eliminated random drug testing as of

11/12/15.

 Reduced the re-hire period for employees dismissed for policy violations from

six months to two months.

 Approved Resolution KB-056-2015 Ballot Proposals for the Baraga and Marquette Casino Projects.

(8) Ishwaaswi

November 19, 2015 Special Council

Meeting

 Approved a letter allowing Gerald “Joe”

Kirkish to do research in Washington

DC and Chicago on the history of the

KBIC.

 Donated $1,000.00 to Gerald Kirkish for

travel expenses.

 Approved Resolution KB-058-2015 Marquette 2% Distribution.

 Approved Resolution KB-057-2015

Baraga 2% Distribution.

 Donated $30,000.00 to Bay Ambulance

from Clinic 3rd Party funds.

 Donated $2,500.00 to Save the Wild

UP.

 Donated $100.00 to the Peter and

Becca Dove Family Spaghetti Dinner

Benefit.

 Approved the Ojibwa BP renewal licenses for alcoholic beverages and

taxed tobacco products.

 Approved the Rez Stop renewal licenses for alcoholic beverages and untaxed tobacco products.

 Approved the Dentist Employment

Agreement with Ronald Carmody, DDS.

 Approved the Chief Pharmacist Agreement with Cynthia Gourneau, R.Ph.

 Approved the Aruze gaming device order.

 Approved a loan to the Ojibwa Holding

Company for $150,000.00.

November 20, 2015 Phone Poll

 Approved the Appeal Process of the

Christmas Gift Check Committee.

November 23, 2015 Phone Poll

 Agreed to offer the Tribal Attorney position to Nick Lewis.

In December 2015 the Tribal Council

held five Special Council meetings. Actions

taken were:

December 7, 2015 Special Council Meeting

 Approved a Christmas Party for the

Baraga Seniors. Dinner attendees to

receive a $50 gift card and those who

did not attend to receive $75 gift cards.

 Approved the Blue Cross Blue Shield

Simply Blue Plan as the Employee

Health Insurance carrier effective

01/01/16.

 Denied the request for an Appeal of Dismissal Hearing that was received past

the deadline for requesting an appeal.

December 10, 2015 Special Council Meeting

 Approved the meeting minutes of November 7, 9, 12, and 19, 2015.

 Approved Resolution KB-060-2015 Department of Energy Projects on Indian

Lands Grant application.

 Approved Resolution KB-061-2015

Tribal Transportation Plan.

 Approved the bid of Independent Roofing and Siding Co. in the amount of $28,

883.00 for the Vinyl membrane roofing

at the Zeba Headstart.

 Approved the funding shortfall for the

Keweenaw Bay Underwater Intake Repair Proposal to Ballard Marine Construction for $6,210.00.

 Approved the following December donations:

 KBIC Niinigim iwang (OVW )

$1,000.00

 The Wounded Warrior Project

$1,000.00

 L’Anse High School Yearbook Ad

$200.00

 The Salvation Army $1,000.00

 American Indian Cancer Foundation

$250.00

 Approved $5,000.00 for Zeba Hall sup-

plies.

Amended the KBIC Personnel Policy

Manual and the Ojibwa Casino Enterprises Manual to change the job description portion regarding the GED requirement and the waivers for KBIC

Members working toward obtaining a

GED.

 Donated $1,000.00 to Denise Moschetto

for emergency travel for Bernard

Meroni, Jr.

 Granted Harlan Downwind a one year

Visitor’s Permit for hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering.

 Approved the bid of Gegare Tile in the

amount of $16,556.00 to replace the

2nd floor carpeting at the health center.

 Amended the Services Agreement between the KBIC and Luis Verissimo

Consultant Services to create multiple

Geodatabases and for LiDAR development.

 Renewed the Business License of

Baraga Telephone for Paul Stark.

 Approved the Project Agreement with

the Baraga County Road Commissioners for the replacement of the culvert

crossing Boyer Creek on Shrine Road.

 Approved the Greenway Health Mediadent Hardware and Software contracts

for electronic dental records in the

amount of $30,375.00.

 Renewed the Liquor and Business Licenses of the Pines.

 Approved the Employment Agreement

of Nicholas Lewis, Assistant Tribal Attorney.

 Approved the Employment Agreement

of Richard Tuisku “Dick Storm” for four

years.

December 15, 2015 Special Council Meeting

 Approved Resolution KB-063-2015 Restatement of Qualified Retirement Plans.

This is required every six years.

December 17, 2015 Special Council Meeting

 Approved the Tier III Services Agreement with Independent Roofing and Siding Company for the Zeba Headstart

roofing project in the amount of

$28,883.00.

 Approved Resolution KB-062-2015

USDA Lease Extension until 12/31/18.

 Approved a new Dell Virtual Server in

the amount of $38,771.00.

 Approved allowing employees to carry

an unlimited amount of annual leave

hours, but a maximum of 240 hours will

be paid upon separation.

 Approved the Danielle Webb Tribal Attorney/Tribal Prosecutor Employment

Agreement.

 Overturned the CEO’s decision in Employee Appeal of Dismissal Case# 01815.

 Approved a donation request of

$1,000.00 for Denise Moschetto for

Bette Meroni.

December 28, 2015 Special Council Meeting

 Made an exception to the Personnel

Policy for the Ojibwa Building Supply

Manager for Sick Leave Incentive Payout.



Respectfully Submitted,

Toni J. Minton

Correction: On page one of the December issue of the Wiikwedong DazhiOjibwe, under the Veteran’s picture, Officer Tim Tilson was incorrectly identified.

My apologizes to Officer Tim Tilson.

~ Lauri Denomie, Newsletter Editor

Cliff Leo Loonsfoot

(July 14, 1986—December 25, 2015)

Cliff L. Loonsfoot, age 29, of White Cloud, MI, passed

away on December 25, 2015, at University Of Michigan

Health Systems in Ann Arbor. Cliff was born on July 14,

1986, in Big Rapids, MI, to Robert Leo and Sandra Elaine

(Rollenhagen) Loonsfoot and worked for Trees Inc. for

several years. Cliff enjoyed movies, bowling, traveling

with his family, and spending time with his nieces and

nephews.

Cliff is survived by his father, Robert of White Cloud,

MI; brothers and sister: Robert (Deanna) Loonsfoot of

Baraga, MI, Amy (William) Shea of White Cloud, MI, and

Chet (Lindsey) Loonsfoot of Cedar Springs, MI; nieces

and nephews: T.J., Justin, Emily, Bailey, Kelley, Kaitlyn,

Brianna, Easton, and Grace. Cliff was preceded by his

mother, Sandra in 2008.

Funeral services were held Thursday, December 31,

2015, at the Crandell Funeral Home in White Cloud, MI

with Rev. Timothy Loonsfoot officiating. Visitation was

held prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment

was in White Cloud Cemetery with a social gathering at

the White Cloud Eagles following the graveside services.

For a more lasting memorial, friends are asked to consider LOVE INC. Friends may share memories and condolences online at www.crandellfh.com.

Annabelle Pearl DeCota

(March 1, 1937—December 26, 2015)

Saving Money During Winter, by Peter Morin

Now that it is getting colder our energy consumption increases greatly. The falling

temperature equates to more fuel consumed to heat our homes which also increases

pollutants. According to the Energy Information Administration, America is among

the top 10 energy consumers in the world. Reducing energy usage and burning less

fuel reduces greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. There are several

ways to reduce costs and pollution while still remaining comfortable as it gets colder.

Getting a “tune up” on your furnace by a professional before the heating season

once a year, cleaning your furnace filters regularly, and replacing them at least once

every three months. Sealing air leaks in duct work can help reduce how hard your

furnace has to work to heat your home. Also consider upgrading to an energy star

furnace or boiler system if you have not already done so. Another easy way to reduce our energy use is to turn the thermostat down at night, and when you are not

going to be at home. Consider installing a programmable thermostat to do this for

you.

Sealing your home is a great way to reduce energy usage. Sealing outlets, light

switches, plumbing pipes, using plastic on your windows, and replacing weather

stripping are all easy to do and the cost is minimal. Inspect your homes insulation,

making sure there is adequate insulation throughout the home is important for keeping the heat in. Many older homes are not properly insulated, especially in the attic.

Consider getting an energy audit done on your home. There is an upfront cost, but it

will help you decide where you should invest first.

If you have a fireplace that is only used intermittently make sure the flue is well

sealed when not in use. If you do not use your fireplace at all, consider sealing it with

a fireplace chimney balloon.

Put fans to work, circulating the air keeps the warm air in your home evenly distributed. Setting your ceiling fans in the clockwise direction (blade direction reversed

from summer usage) moves warm air back down to the floor. Turn off kitchen and

bath ventilating fans after they've done their job, these fans can blow out a house full

of heated air very quickly if inadvertently left on.

Use the sun to your advantage by keeping your curtains open on your southern

facing windows you can let the sun in to help heat your home. Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms. Consider installing CFL bulbs, according to eartheasy.com they are

75% more efficient and last up to 10 times longer.

Taking shorter showers and reducing lingering time can save hundreds of gallons

of hot water per month for a family of four. Consumerenergy.org says showers account for 2/3 of your water heating costs. Cutting your showers in half will reduce

your water heating costs by 33 percent. Installing low flow shower heads will provide

even more savings.

To find out about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

please contact; Baraga-Houghton-Keweenaw Community Action Agency, Inc. phone:

(906) 482-5528 or the KBIC Community Assistance Programs’ Office (906) 3534206.

These services include home energy bills, weatherization, and energy-related minor

home repairs.

There are other ways to reduce the cost of heating our homes and reduce pollution. If you want to learn more there are many resources available on the web.

For more information:

http://energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver, http://

www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/g737/9-sneaky-ways-to-cut-your-homeheating-bills/, http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/tips/winter.html

Annabelle Pearl DeCota, age 78, passed away Saturday, December 26, 2015, at UP Health System, Marquette, MI. She was born in Zeba, Michigan, on March 1,

1937, the daughter of the late John and Hattie (Spruce)

Misegan. Annabelle attended Zeba and L’Anse area

schools. She married Joe DeCota, and he preceded her

in death in 1989.

Annabelle was a member of Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community. She enjoyed watching the Packers and liked

country music, going to bingo, and going to the casino.

Annabelle was a Gold Star grandmother.

Annabelle is survived by her children: Robert (Valarie)

Voakes of L’Anse, MI, Jim Riopelle of Hancock, MI, Michael DeCota of L’Anse, MI, Ronald DeCota of Baraga,

MI, David DeCota of Baraga, MI, and Joel DeCota of

Benton Harbor, MI, and Sharon Savuroski of Hancock,

MI; numerous grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; sister Patricia Hickman of Orion, MI; and several nieces and

nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandson

Robert Lee Nigig-enz (Little Otter) Voakes; her brother

Isadore Misegan; and sisters: Doris Dunleavy, Ginger

Cadeau, Myrtle Rodriquez, Dorothy Nutlouis, and Rolene

Duquette.

Funeral services for Annabelle were held at on December 30, 2015, at the Zeba Hall with Deacon John

Cadeau officiating. The family greeted friends at the

Zeba Hall on December 29, 2015, at 6 pm and on prior to

the service on December 30, 2015. A fellowship luncheon was held at the Zeba Hall following the services. The

Reid Funeral Services and Chapel of L’Anse, MI, assisted

the family.

Linda Joyce Kemppainen

(April 8, 1948—January 4, 2016)

Linda Joyce Kemppainen, age 67, of Covington, MI,

passed away on Monday, January 4, 2016, at Baraga

County Memorial Hospital. She was born April 8, 1948, in

Baraga, MI, the daughter of Thomas and Isabelle (Davis)

Shalifoe. Linda married Bruce Joel Kemppainen on November 30, 1990, in L’Anse, MI; they resided in L’Anse,

MI. She has resided at Rolling Meadows in Covington for

just over a year. Linda was a member of KBIC.

Surviving are her children: Dale (Tracie) Shalifoe of

Battle Creek, MI; Carena (Michael) Weih of Wheatland,

IA, and Hyedi (Richard) Johnson of Atlantic Mine, MI;

brother Thomas (Denise) Shalifoe of Albuquerque, NM;

sisters: Patricia Challifaux of Omaha, NE and Karen

(Jerry) McKinney of Rio Ranch, NM; seven grandchildren:

Shane, Ciara, Zachary, Jacob, Andrew, Mya, Anna, Kate;

and a great grandson Daxxus. Preceding her in death

were her parents; husband, Bruce; brothers: Larry, Jerry,

and Robert.

A memorial service was held on January 8, 2016, at

the Jacobson Funeral Home with Rev. Stephen Rhoades

officiating. Visitation was for one hour prior to the service

at the funeral home. Burial will be in the spring at the Pelkie Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting

the family. Friends may sign Linda’s guest book or send

condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com .

(9) Zhaangaswi

EDUCATION INCENTIVE PROGRAM

AWARDS STUDENTS

The Keweenaw Bay Education Committee

offers the Education Incentive Program to local

KBIC Tribal students. Monetary incentives are

awarded at the end of each of the four marking

periods of the academic year. Students must be

enrolled KBIC members, reside in Baraga,

Houghton, Ontonagon, or Marquette counties

and must attend a public or private school. A

student’s Honor Roll status is defined according

to the requirements of their school district.

The following sixty-nine students were

placed on the Honor Roll for the first marking

period of the 2015-16 academic year:

Baraga — DySean Allen, Kamerin Awonohopay, Robert Curtis, Allison Durant, Dhanya Edkahl, Octavia Geroux, Richard Geroux, Jr., Bailey Harden, Sierra Heikkinen, Steele Jondreau,

William Jondreau, Jr., Kamrin Kahkonen, Keegin

Kahkonen, Christian Kelly, Dana Kelly, Angel

Loonsfoot, Skye Loonsfoot, Shawna Lussier,

Nikira Maki, Steven Maki,

Aleah Maskew,

Jenna Messer, Liliana Messer, Leeah Owens,

Nicholas Owens, Kylie Peterson, Annaleese

Rasanen, Presley Rasanen, Toriana Rasanen,

Alana Schofield, Logan Shalifoe, Tyler Shalifoe,

Javon Shelifoe, Brendan Varline, Cheyenne

Welsh, and Nathaniel Welsh.

L’Anse — Jade Curtis, Deija Dakota, Kayla Dakota, Keira Dakota, Sara Dakota, Shay Ekdahl,

Ti’ia Friisvall, Christopher Genschow, Robert

Genschow III, William Genschow, Brent Geroux,

Adyson Moulden, Grayson Roe, Jailyn Shelifoe,

Abbygail Spruce, Alicia Stein, Mariana Teikari,

and Cassandra Zasadnyj.

L’Anse-Baraga Community Schools — Jacob

Arens, Nora DeCota, Stacey DeCota, Breanna

Gauthier, Kiersten Loonsfoot, and Diana LaPlante Veker.

course of study at, or have a letter of acceptance from, a public college or university or technical school and must meet the following qualifications.

QUALIFICATIONS – the student:

 Must be an enrolled member (copy of tribal

card ) or be a direct descendant of an enrolled member of one of the MIEA constituent Tribes/Bands (must be verified in writing

by your tribal Enrollment Department ).

 Must have successfully completed and

passed all five General Education Development (G.E.D.) equivalency tests with a minimum score of 40 and an average score of

45 and must possess a G.E.D. certificate; or

must have graduated from an accredited

high school with a 3.00 grade point average;

or if currently enrolled at a college, university

or trade school, must have an accumulated

grade point average of 3.00.

 Must, except for special and extenuating

circumstances, attend college, university or

trade school on a full-time basis.

 Must complete the provided application form

and submit it with required supporting documentation and the mailing must be RECEIVED BY THE COORDINATOR not later

than June 15, 2016. (PLEASE NOTE, incomplete or late applications will not be considered).

MICHIGAN INDIAN ELDERS

ASSOCIATION 2016 SCHOLARSHIP NOTICE:

The Michigan Indian Elders Association (MIEA)

is pleased to announce that it will make available three (3) $1000 scholarships and six (6)

$500 scholarships. The scholarships will be

awarded to at least nine qualified students with

the $1000 scholarships being awarded to top

three (3) qualified student, as determined by

committee review and lottery, if necessary.

Each student must be currently enrolled in a

(10) Midaaswi

FDPIR Net

Monthly Income Standard

1

$ 981

+

$155

=

$1,136

2

$1,328

+

$155

=

$1,483

3

$1,675

+

$155

=

$1,830

4

$2,021

+

$168

=

$2,189

5

$2,368

+

$197

=

$2,565

6

$2,715

+

$226

=

$2,941

7

$3,061

+

$226

=

$3,287

8

$3,408

+

$226

=

$3,634

Each additional member

+ $347

Alaska:

Use this

amount

Household

Size

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

SNAP

Standard Deduction

FDPIR Net

Monthly Income Standard

+

$265

=

$1,492

$1,660

+

$265

=

$1,925

The application can also be obtained from the

Tribal Education Department of each of the constituent Tribes/Bands.

3

$2,094

+

$265

=

$2,359

4

$2,527

+

$265

=

$2,792

5

$2,960

+

$265

=

$3,225

6

$3,394

+

$282

=

$3,676

7

$3,827

+

$282

=

$4,109

8

$4,260

+

$282

=

$4,542

Current constituent Tribes/Bands are:

Grand Traverse Band Of Ottawa

and Chippewa Indians

Hannahville Band of Potawatomi Indians

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior

Chippewa Indians

Little River Band of Ottawa Indians

Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians

Match-E-Be-Nash-She -Wish: Band of

Potawatomi Indians, Gun Lake Tribe

Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians

Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

STUDENT

2015/16

INCENTIVE

PROGRAM

A student incentive program is being offered by

the Michigan Indian Elders Association

(M.I.E.A.) to recognize students who achieve all

“A's” for a marking period as well as students

who achieve perfect attendance for a marking

period.

There will be a minimum of $3,000 available to

fund this program this year. $25 will be awarded

for each qualified entry, up to the minimum available funds in the Program. In the event that the

number of qualified entries exceeds the funds

available, the winners will be determined by lottery.

Here are the conditions to qualify:







Scholarship Program

SNAP

Standard Deduction

$1,227

Negaunee — Brayden Velmer.

Scholarship Program

and Student Incentives

SNAP Net

Monthly

Income

Standard

2

The following sixty-three students received

awards for achieving Perfect Attendance:

Gwinn – Kaitlyn Shelafoe, Kimber Shelafoe,

Taylor Shelafoe, Destinee Stanton, and Laci

Stanton.

Household

Size

Use this

amount

1

Gwinn — Destinee Stanton.

Sacred Heart — Ireland Chosa, Landen Chosa,

Zachary Velmer, and Robert Webb.

48 Contiguous United

States:

http://www.michiganindianelders.org/

Sacred Heart Catholic — Ireland Chosa and

Rachael Velmer.

L’Anse — Lealind Back, Keira Dakota, Kydan

Dean, Ayden Ekdahl, Anen Fountaine, Ti’ia Friisvall, Chase Larson, Grayson Roe, Jailyn Shelifoe, Abbygail Spruce, Brian Spruce, Charles

Spruce, Mason Spruce, Alicia Stein, Mariana

Teikari, Cassandra Zasadnyj, and Paige Zasadnyj.

*The net monthly income standard for each household size

is the sum of the applicable Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) net monthly income standard and

the applicable SNAP standard deduction.

An application form can be downloaded from the

website at (and clicking student):

Marquette — Neebin Ashbrook-Pietila, Andre

Hamalainen,

Brenden Lindgren,

Anna

Lindgren, Vanessa Rabitaille-Kinney, and Sean

Seymour.

Baraga — Matthew Beck II, Jenna Carlson,

Robert Curtis, Kyle DeCota, Troy DeCota, Lealynd Dunleavy, Allison Durant, Breyelle Ekdahl,

Dhanya Ekdahl, Preston Ellsworth, Octavia Geroux, Bailey Harden, Sierra Heikkinen, Rylee

Holm, Steele Jondreau, William Jondreau, Jr.,

Kamrin Kahkonen, Keegin Kahkonen, Angel

Loonsfoot, Darious Loonsfoot, Nevaeh Loonsfoot, Nikira Maki, Steven Maki, Leeah Owens,

Nicholas Owens, Isaiah Peterson, Kylie Peterson, Annaleese Rasanen, Presley Rasanen,

Logan Shalifoe, Tyler Shalifoe, Javon Shelifoe,

Joshua Stump, Kayla Szaroletta, Cheyenne

Welsh, and Nathaniel Welsh.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON

INDIAN RESERVATIONS (FDPIR)

FY 2016 NET MONTHLY INCOME STANDARDS*

(Effective Oct. 1, 2015 to Sept. 30, 2016)









The student must be an enrolled member or

be a direct descendant of an enrolled member of one of the M.I.E.A. constituent tribes/

bands.

The student must be in grades K-12 at a

public or private school. (home schooling not

eligible).

A student must be in grades 4-12 to qualify

for the straight “A” award. (A-, A, A+).

For a school system that uses a grading

system based on numbers, the equivalent to

straight “A's” will be acceptable.

A student must be in grades K-12 to qualify

for the perfect attendance award.

Perfect attendance means exactly that. A

student must be in school or at a school

sponsored function each day of the marking

period. Excused absences for anything other

than a school sponsored/approved function

do not constitute perfect attendance.

The first two marking periods of this

2015/2016 school year will be used to determine the winners for this lottery.

Each additional member





+ $434

A student can qualify for both the perfect

attendance and straight “A's” for both marking periods. For example, straight “A's” and

perfect attendance for both marking periods

would mean four chances to win.

A parent of the student must complete and

sign the Student Incentive Program Application Form in order for the student to qualify

for an award.

A copy of the child's report card signed by the

parent or a letter from an administrator of the

student's school, must be submitted with the

completed application form to verify the achievement of straight “A's” and perfect attendance.

The drawing to determine the winners will be

held at the April, 2016 meeting of the Michigan

Indian Elders Association hosted by the Hannahville Band of Potawatomi Indians in Wilson,

MI.

VERY IMPORTANT - NECESSARY!!! You must

follow these directions for your child to be considered for an award. The completed application form (this is a different document than this

notice), a signed report card or verification letter

of achievement from a school administrator and

copy of student's or parent's tribal identification

card must be must be postmarked no later than

March 15, 2016.

Leann Stindt

103 Big Bear Rd.

Iron River, MI 49935

An application form can be downloaded from the

website at (and clicking student):

http://www.michiganindianelders.org/

The application can also be obtained from the

Tribal Education Department of each of the constituent Tribes/Bands.

Agreement

MICHIGAN BAC APPRENTICESHIP AND TRAINING PROGRAM APPLICATION COVER LETTER. Please read before filling out the application.

Dear Applicant: CLICK THIS LINK Lansing Apprenticeship & Training for the (3) page application form for the Michigan BAC Apprenticeship Program—provided you meet these qualifications:

The minimum requirements are as follows:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Obtained the age of 17

Must live in Michigan

High School Graduate or G.E.D. equivalent

Have a valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation.

Upon submitting this application, the Training Center will call you to schedule an appointment to

hand-deliver all necessary documents. Bring the following items with you:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Copy of Birth Certificate

Copy of High School Transcript (must show GPA – Grade Point Average) or High School

G.E.D. equivalent with test Scores

If applicable, a copy of Discharge papers from Military Service - form (DD 214)

ACT WorkKeys Assessment Scores (or take the assessments when you arrive).

Once you have submitted the required documentation, you will be given a list of BAC Local 2 MI

signatory contractors from which you may solicit employment and/or request to be interviewed

as a candidate for twelve weeks of Pre-job Training. Twelve (12) weeks of related instruction

must be completed within the first year of your apprenticeship. There is no charge for the training. Tools will be provided for your training. If you live more than seventy (70) miles from the

Training Center, housing will be provided at no cost to you during training. You will receive a

$20 per day stipend for each day of training you attend. Starting wages will be 60% of Journeyman wages for the 44-year program and 65% for the 33-year (approximately $12.00 to $19.00 per

hour plus benefits, depending on the area of your employment). During your apprenticeship,

you will receive a 5% pay increase for each sixsix-month period you work with at least 750 work

hours and satisfactory improvement. If you have questions, please call the Training Center at

(517) 886 - 2221.

You must read the JOB DESCRIPTION (Michigan Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Apprenticeship & Training Program): An "Apprentice" is a worker who learns according to a written or oral

contractual agreement. A "Craftworker" is a trained and recognized skilled tradesperson of the

craft requiring 3 or 4 years of on-the-job training through job experience supplemented by related instruction, prior to being considered a qualified skilled Craftworker. High school or vocational school education is a prerequisite for entry into the Apprenticeship Program. Apprentices

will be registered as a Apprentice by the State of Michigan Apprenticeship Agency and the Federal Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. Apprentices will be represented by a Union.

"Apprenticeship program" comes under the guidance of a joint apprenticeship committee composed of representatives of the employees. These committees may determine need for apprentices in a locality and establish minimum apprenticeship standards of education, experience and

training.

The JOB DESCRIPTION is sectioned in five categories; physical demands, environmental conditions, primary duties, secondary duties, and availability of work. Each category uses the following code; F = FREQUENTLY, N = NOT PRESENT, 4 = LOUD, H = HEAVY, and O = OCCASIONALLY.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Climbing - F, Balancing - F, Stooping - F, Kneeling - F, Crouchir - F,

Crawling - F, Reaching - F, Handling - F, Fingering - F, Feeling - F, Talking - O, Hearing - F,

Tasting/Smelling - N, Near Acuity - F, Far Acuity - O, Depth Perception - O, Visual Accommodation - O, Color Vision - O, Field of Vision - F, and Strength - H

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Exposure to Weather - F, Extreme Cold - O, Extreme Heat O, Wet and/or Humid - O, Vibration - N, Exposure to Dust and Fumes - O, Proximity to Moving

Mechanical Parts - F, Exposure to Electric Shock - O, Working in High, Exposed Places - O,

Exposure to Radiation - N, Working Explosives - N, Exposure to Toxic/Caustic Chemicals - O,

and Noise Intensity Level - 4

PRIMARY DUTIES: Work at unimproved sites, use ladder to access work area, work of scaffolding, climb scaffolding, work on multiple building levels, lift average weights between 5 - 70

lbs., operate hand held power saw, operate power table saws, operate miscellaneous hand held

power tools, follow instructions including all safety requirements, and read ruler as well as calculate feet and inches.

SECONDARY DUTIES: Clean masonry with caustic cleaners and scrape/point walls.

AVAILABILITY OF WORK: Work Out of Area - F, and Long or Short LAYOFFS are Possible for

Lack of Work - O.

PLEASE NOTE: ALL APPLICATIONS WILL BE DENIED IF NOT PROPERLY COMPLETED.

THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM IS A DRUG FREE PROGRAM.

About

The Michigan Bricklayers and Allied Craft Workers represents all facets of masonry sciences:

Brick and Block, Stone, Cement, Plaster, Painting/Cleaning/Caulking [Restoration and Preservation], Refractory and Tile, Marble, or Terrazzo.

Attention KBIC

Tribal Members

Job Bank Applications

Keweenaw Bay Indian

Community Employment

Opportunities

For current job listings, complete job announcements, applications, and closing

dates contact: KBIC Personnel Department,

16429 Bear Town Road, Baraga, MI 499089210 or 906-353-6623, ext 4176 or visit:

www.ojibwa.com.

http://www.kbic-nsn.gov/html/personnel.htm













IT Help Desk Technician (Marquette Casino) (full-time) 02/02/2016

Environmental Response Program Specialist (full-time) 02/03/2016

Substance Abuse Programs Director (full-time) 02/05/2016

IT Help Desk Technician (Baraga) (full-time) Open until filled

Housing Department Director (full-time) Open until filled

Tribal Attorney (full-time) Open until filled

On-call positions: Pharmacy Technician, Facility Attendant, Registered Nurse,

Licensed Practical Nurse, Internal Sales Specialist, Pharmacist, Receptionist/

Clerical Worker, Fill-in Receptionist, Board Operator, Cashier, Account Executive/Sales, Community Service Supervisor, Unit Manager, Van Driver, Cleaning

Person, Natural Resources Technician.

With the approval of constructing both the Baraga and Marquette

Casinos – Tribal Members are urged to apply for the Job Bank as

TERO will be referring workers for these projects.

Some of the jobs that will be available are for Carpenters, Masons, Construction workers, Heavy Equipment Operators, General

Labor, and other skilled and unskilled workers will be needed for

these projects.

Native owned business – you also need to register with the TERO

Office to qualify for Native Preference. Please contact this office for

an application.

TERO assistance is available during regular office hours in the

Tribal Center [Monday – Friday] to assist KBIC Tribal Members in

completing the application packet. Job Bank Applications are also

available online at http://www.ojibwa.com/content/tero -- Please

stop by or contact Debbie Picciano @ 353-4167 or Email –

TERO@kbic-nsn.gov.

‘Find a job you love and you’ll never

work a day in your life’

(11) Ashi bezhig

KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY

OFFICE OF CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES

472 N. Superior Ave. • Baraga, MI 49908

In Tribal Court Building

Phone: 906-353-4566 • Fax: 906-353-8132

• E-mail: ocss@kbic-nsn.gov

“Your Children…Our Priority”

We provide the follow Establishment, Enforcement

and Modification of Child

Support Orders

 Paternity Establishment

 Location of Custodial and

Non-Custodial Parents

 Community Education

http://www.kbic-nsn.gov

— KBIC SENIORS —

Free Tax Preparation

Eligibility Requirements

Enrolled KBIC Members 55 years of age

and older residing in Baraga County or on

the Marquette Trust property.

Scheduling Your Appointment

Call (906) 395-0091 to

schedule your appointment for a confidential and personal

meeting with Keith

Rolof.

YOU MUST

CALL TO

MAKE AN

APPOINTMENT

BEFORE GOING

TO SEE KEITH!

During your phone

call Keith will assign

you a time to meet

with him at KBIC’s

Planning and Development Offices in

Baraga (next to our

radio station) on either

February 15, 16, 17,

or 18 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4

p.m. or at the Harvey Community Building in

Marquette (behind the casino) on February

19 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Keith will provide you with a list of information/documents you will need to bring to

your appointment.

(Tax preparation is for personal returns

only; business returns are not covered)

Permit No. 62

U.S Postage PAID

Big Rapids, MI 49307

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

16429 Bear Town Rd-Baraga, Mi 49908-9210

PRE-SORT STANDARD

(12) Ashi Niizh

To place an ad, submit an article, or

relate information, ideas, or possible articles contact: Lauri Denomie

at (906) 201-0263, or e-mail:

newsletter@kbic-nsn.gov.

To be added to the mailing list or to correct your

mailing address, contact

the enrollment office at

(906) 353-6623 ext. 4113.