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Local News
Luce County reports first case of COVID-19
March 25, 2020
U.P. Energy Task Force issues draft recommendations regarding pipeline
March 24, 2020
BMIC issues shelter at home order
March 23, 2020
CCHD confirms presumptive positive virus test in Chippewa County
March 22, 2020
Changes made to operating hours at Bay Mart and Four Seasons
March 22, 2020
BAY MILLS- Beginning Monday, March 23, there will be further temporary restrictions in place at BMIC retail locations.
For Bay Mart
* Hours will be changed so that they are open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
* Customers purchasing fuel only will be asked to stay in their vehicle, our staff will complete the payment process and provide a receipt.
* They will only allow four (4) customers into the building at a time (please maintain a distance of AT LEAST 6 feet from other customers, including those in line, and do not touch any items unless you intend to buy them).
* You will have the option to call ahead (248-3675) to get your items ready for purchase, there will be a 20 minute time limit for holding these items.
For Four Seasons Market & Deli
* They will be open Monday –Saturday 10 a.m to 5 p.m (10 a.m. to 12 p.m. are designated for ages 60 and over)
* They will be closed on Sundays
Both locations will no longer accept bottle/can return until further notice.
A NOTE: The cashiers and staff are stressed, exhausted, and worried. They are working so that you may be able to get essential items (and maybe even a small luxury) while you quarantine. Management is doing their best to protect them, and to keep you supplied.
Update: BMRC to close on Thursday
March 18, 2020
BAY MILLS — Bay Mills Resort & Casino will close tomorrow, March 19, at 1 p.m. The closure includes all gaming, food, and hotel operations. The resort is tentatively scheduled to open back up on April 10. Updates will be provided to the public as decisions are made.
Delta passenger at CIU tests positive for virus
March 17, 2020
CHIPPEWA COUNTY — Any resident who flew on Delta 4212 into Chippewa County International Airport on March 15 at approximately 10:45 p.m. is asked to contact their local public health authority immediately and isolate yourself.
Bay Mills announces changes to enterprise operations
March 16, 2020
BMIC Closures/Cancellations:
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Bay Mill Community College- see website/instructor email for course information
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Bay Mills Public Transportation will cease operations temporarily in light of recent closures. Updates will be posted as changes are announced.
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Kings Club Casino is closed.
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Bay Mart will operate from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.- gas will be full service only.
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Bay Mills Health Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until further notice. This includes medical, community health, pharmacy, and behavioral health services. Dental services are discontinued at this time (some emergency service will be available). All visitors, employees, and patients will be screened for illness upon entry to the facility.
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AOT is closed to the public until further notice.
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Mukwa Health and Fitness Center is closed to the public until further notice. (WMH physical therapy is still scheduled unless patients are notified otherwise by their provider)
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The Inter-Tribal Basketball Tournament has been postponed at this time.
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Public K-12 schools in the state of Michigan are closed until April 5.
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The Boys & Girls Club of Bay Mills/Brimley is closed until further notice.
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Bay Mills Resort & Casino dining is closed- see the above release regarding enterprise operations for full details.
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Bay Mills Commodities: Due to the coronavirus outbreak, as of Tuesday this week (17th) we will be no longer open as a store front. we will be doing phone orders only until further notice. As of Wednesday you will phone in your COMPLETE order and schedule time for pick up. All pickups will be in the afternoon or the following morning so we have the time to be able to help everyone we can. If your trunk is open and empty we will load your trunk while you stay in the car, if your order will be going into your vehicle we will put your order on the cart and you will be responsible for loading it yourself. If things go downhill there is only 3 of us and if any get sick were all considered sick so please try to work with us until further notice. once again order in the morning, pick up afternoon or following morning.
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BMCC Library will be closing Monday, March 16th at 3 p.m. They will remain closed to the public until at least Monday, April 6th. If you currently have any of their materials, you can either return them in the outdoor dropbox (located in the connector hallway) or hang onto them fine free until they reopen. There will be NO late charges accrued during this period.
BMIC staff cleared of virus exposure
March 13, 2020
Bay Mills Indian Community addresses possible coronavirus exposure
March 10, 2020
Related:
Men and women riders needed as motorcycle safety instructors
March 10, 2020
LANSING — Motorcyclists who are passionate about riding can share that passion with others as a certified motorcycle safety class instructor.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who oversees the state’s Michigan Rider Education Program, says that becoming a Motorcycle Safety Foundation-certified instructor, or “RiderCoach,” provides great job benefits. Read More
Timber harvest to begin along US-2 in Mackinac County
March 6, 2020
UPPER PENINSULA — Motorists driving on U.S.-2 near the Cut River in Mackinac County may notice logging activity along the road beginning Monday, March 9.
Loggers will remove mature hardwood trees from two parcels of land totaling 18.9 acres on the north side of the highway. The timber cut, on land managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, will accommodate realignment of the road, just west of the Heath M. Robinson Memorial Cut River Bridge.
“The harvest will clear the way to move 1.4 miles of U.S. 2 west of the bridge north to improve safety and preserve the road,” said Dan Weingarten, spokesman for the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Superior Region.
The timber harvest is expected to take approximately two weeks, depending on weather and site conditions.
Construction of the new roadway is expected to begin in May.
MDHHS state lab completes first in-state test for coronavirus disease 2019
Results come back negative
Feb. 29, 2020
LANSING — Marking its first in-state test for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Laboratories today received and tested a specimen from an Oakland County resident that yielded negative results.
Based on the patient’s symptoms and no other known source of illness, healthcare professionals suspected COVID-19. A clinical specimen was collected and sent to the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories where it tested negative. On Feb. 27, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded its testing criteria which led to this patient meeting criteria for being tested.
The MDDHS lab was able to begin testing for the virus as of Feb. 27. Read More
Bay Mills Executive Council issues statement in support of other tribal nations
Feb. 27, 2020
BAY MILLS — Bay Mills Indian Community stands in solidarity with the Wet'suwet'en People, the Tohono O'odham Nation, and all indigenous people who are defending their lands and waters from destruction and desecration. Too often, Indian people are forced to bear the costs of oil pipelines, mines, and border walls - usually without our consent. It is time for the Canadian and United States governments to live up the principles they espoused when they endorsed the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People - that we have the right to give or withhold consent to the use of our homelands.
We are aware of planned peaceful demonstrations across Canada and the United States to stand in solidarity with tribal communities defending their homelands. We encourage our own tribal members to participate in these peaceful demonstrations. It is important that we act in a peaceful and non-violent way, and we urge law enforcement officers to refrain from responding to peaceful demonstrations with force or violence.
Inconvenience is not the same as injustice.
Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority to meet March 6 in St. Ignace
Feb. 25, 2020
The Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority, tasked with overseeing construction and operation of a utility tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac, will meet on Friday, March 6 to discuss past and ongoing exploratory and planning work for the tunnel. You can view the meeting agenda here.
The meeting will take place at Little Bear East Arena in St. Ignace from 10 a.m to 3 p.m.
I-75 Construction near Indian River to begin March 2
Feb. 26, 2020
The Michigan Department of Transportation will invest $4 million to rebuild 2.3 miles of the southbound lanes of I-75 from the Topinabee Mail Route Road to just north of M-27 (Exit 313). The project also includes guardrail replacement, pavement markings and tree clearing on the roadside. Work will start with tree clearing, with road work to follow in April.
This work will require single-lane closures with traffic shifts. The project is weather-dependent and scheduled to end mid-June.
LSSU opens Cannabis Center of Excellence
Feb. 23, 2020
SAULT STE. MARIE – Lake Superior State University and Agilent Technologies Inc. have formed a strategic relationship to facilitate education and research in cannabis chemistry and analysis establishing the Cannabis Center of Excellence (CoE). The CoE is a state-of-the-art facility aimed at a convergence of education and research across the sciences related to the rapidly expanding cannabis industry. This strategic partnership helps to strengthen the first program in the U.S. focused squarely on cannabis chemistry.
LSSU is a premier training center for the next generation of quantitative chemists that possess the skills necessary to thrive in both the scientific and cannabis communities alike. The LSSU Cannabis CoE is housed in a dedicated 2600 sq. ft. facility within the Crawford Hall of Science.
The focus of the new LSSU Cannabis CoE is training undergraduate students as job-ready chemists, with hands-on, innovative experience using state-of-the-art instrumentation and industry protocols. Students will use Agilent’s preeminent scientific instruments in their coursework and in faculty-mentored undergraduate research.
“The LSSU Cannabis Center of Excellence was created to provide a platform for our students to be at the forefront of the cannabis analytics industry,” commented Dr. Steve Johnson, Dean of the College of Science and the Environment. “The instrumentation available is rarely paralleled at other undergraduate institutions. The focus of the cannabis program is to provide our graduates with the analytical skills necessary to move successfully into the cannabis industry.”
Agreement among community colleges, universities, eases student transfers
Feb. 21, 2020
LANSING — A new agreement will change how credits for popular majors transfer from community colleges to four-year universities.
The agreement will make it easier to transfer into bachelor’s degree programs, according to Erica Orians, the executive director of the Michigan Center for Student Success at the Michigan Community College Association. Read More
LSSU opens outdoor ice rink
Feb. 15, 2020
SAULT STE. MARIE — Lake Superior State University has officially opened their outdoor ice rink for the season. The rink, located on Pleger Commons, offers a great outdoor experience for those wishing to enjoy all that winter in the UP has to offer. Along with new lighting installed on Pleger Commons, this year’s ice rink is sure to create some great memories for you and your friends and family to enjoy. All LSSU students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to enjoy this great winter tradition. Who knows, you may even see Seamore out there playing some broomball?
The outdoor rink is open 24 hours a day and is weather dependent. If the area begins experiencing warmer days please keep a look out on our social media channels for updated rink information. In order to use the rink, please stop by the Public Safety Office to sign a LSSU waiver. Keep a watch out for upcoming rink events for all to enjoy, including some outdoor hockey! And if you get a little chilly while enjoying some outdoor fun, we have a warming shed set up so you don’t get too cold.
If you are interested in learning more information or reserving the outdoor ice rink for an event, please contact Campus Life at or 906-635-2236. Follow them on Facebook (lakestate) or on Instagram (lakestateu) for updated rink and event information.
Forrest arrested for crimes against children
Feb. 13, 2020
SAULT STE. MARIE — The Chippewa County Sheriff's Office— Detective Bureau, has been investigating a sexual assault and a manufacturing child pornography case, ultimately resulting in the arrest of a suspect.
Duane Richard Forrest, 47, of Sault Ste. Marie has been apprehended, initially on crimes that occurred outside the city of Sault Ste. Marie, but within Chippewa County. Forrest was arrested after a search warrant was executed at a Tweed Street home on Feb. 12. As a result of the search warrant, he has been charged with 14 counts, including CSC in the 1st degree (against a child), producing child sexually abusive material, CSC 2nd and 3rd degree (against a child), and accosting a child for immoral purposes.
Forrest has resided in the Chippewa County Area most of his life, however he did live in Lower Michigan for a short period of time.
The Sheriff’s Dept. has positively identified some victims of the criminal sexual conduct and child pornography cases, however they believe that there may potentially be additional victims.
Anyone with information regarding Forrest or any other potential victims is asked to please contact the Sherriff’s Office and ask for Detective Mitchell.
The Chippewa County Sheriff's Office, together with Homeland Security Investigations, will be continuing the ongoing investigation.
Detectives from TRIDENT, Sault Ste. Marie Police Dept. and HSI all assisted in executing the search warrant.
Forrest was arraigned in the 91st District court on Feb. 13 and is being held on a bond of $1 million.
Lakers fall to Michigan Tech in overtime
Feb. 8, 2020
Eastern Upper Peninsula Citizens Advisory Council seeks new members
Feb. 7, 2020
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is soliciting applications for open volunteer positions on the Eastern Upper Peninsula Citizens Advisory Council.
The council is designed to advise the DNR on regional programs and policies, identify areas in which the department can be more effective and responsive, and offer insight and guidance from members’ own experiences and from the public.
A Feb. 28 deadline has been set to apply for membership to the council. Three vacancies are currently available.
The council meets every other month, with meeting agenda items addressed set by council members. Council recommendations are forwarded to the DNR for consideration in policy-formation and decision-making processes.
“The council is a great opportunity for members and the public to learn about, and have input into, DNR issues, programs and decisions,” said John Pepin, DNR deputy public information officer. “Since their creation, the eastern U.P. council --and its western counterpart -- have drafted over 80 recommendations on a wide variety of topics, the wide majority of which have been approved by the DNR.”
Council members, who are required to have their primary residence located in the U.P.’s easternmost five counties, represent a wide variety of natural resource and recreation interest groups or the citizenry at large.
Members are selected for the council based on a variety of factors.
The eastern U.P. council includes roughly 20 members, each of whom reside within Alger, Chippewa, Luce, Mackinac or Schoolcraft counties.
Application forms and more information about the councils are available online at Michigan.gov/UPCAC or by calling the DNR’s Marquette Customer Service Center at 906-226-1331.
Bunke Racing wins the 52nd annual I-500
Feb. 2, 2020
Tribe to acquire local grocery store
January 28, 2020
Soo I-500 announces official entry list
January 23, 2020
SCHEDULE UPDATE: Due to track conserving and weather concerns, the following changes have been made to the 52nd annual International 500 Snowmobile Race Week Schedule:
Tuesday, Jan. 28 - The Great Lakes Antique Snowmobile Series (G.L.A.S.S.) Pro Mod 600s, F500s and Single Stocks portions of the program have been Canceled! Refunds will be distributed as soon as possible. The G.L.A.S.S. 440 Fan Super Stocks and 340 Fan Super Stocks portions of the show have been moved to Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Additionally, #SooI500 Qualifying, Meijer Pro Shootout, International Snowmobile Racing, Inc. (I.S.R.) Formula III and G.L.A.S.S. 440 Fan Super Stock and 340 Fan Super Stock Rig Parking and Unloading will begin at 10 a.m., with Tech going from noon to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 29 - With solid sled pre-entry counts in the G.L.A.S.S. 440 Fan Super Stocks and 340 Fan Super Stocks, those two classes have been added to the Wednesday program. (Registration for the Two G.L.A.S.S. divisions added to the Wednesday program is closed!
Note the Complete and REVISED Schedule of Events at this link: https://i-500.com/schedule-at-a-glance/
Conservation to increase snowmobile patrols over the holiday weekend
January 17, 2020
Reward offered in poaching incident
January 17, 2020
The Safari Club International-Michigan Involvement Committee is concerned by numerous recent reports of elk being poached in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula.
As a result, the committee is offering a $1,000 reward to anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of an individual or individuals illegally killing elk in Michigan. In the past, the organization has offered a similar $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone illegally killing moose in Michigan, and this offer stands to date.
In mid-December, area residents found three adult elk cows poached in Otsego County. The incident marked the third such case in northern Michigan in roughly a month. In mid-November, one bull elk was killed in Montmorency County and another, during the same week, was poached in the Pigeon River Country in Otsego County.
To report information on the illegal killing of elk or moose in Michigan, please call or text the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Report All Poaching hotline at 800-292-7800.
For more information about the conservation work of SCI-MIC visit http://scimic.org/index.html.
Pediatric flu deaths confirmed in Michigan, first two of the 2019-2020 season
January 10, 2020
LANSING – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed the first influenza-associated pediatric deaths of the 2019-2020 flu season in Michigan. Influenza claims the lives of children every year across the United States. MDHHS is urging residents to get vaccinated for protection this season.
The reported deaths involve children from Shiawassee and Wayne counties who were infected with Influenza B. Nationally, there have been 32 influenza-associated pediatric deaths reported during the 2019-2020 flu season. Additional possible cases will continue to be investigated by state and local public health agencies. Read More
Bill would ban lunch shaming
January 8, 2020
LANSING — A Southeast Michigan lawmaker is renewing an effort to prohibit schools from stigmatizing students who owe lunch money or can’t afford to buy a school meal.
The practice, known as lunch shaming, sometimes involves kitchen staff throwing away students’ hot lunches and offering them cold sandwiches instead. Read More
Mich. Dept. of Treasury warns of fake tax scam letters
January 5, 2020
LANSING — Michigan taxpayers with past-due tax debts should be aware of an aggressive scam that’s making the rounds through the U.S. Postal Service, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury.
In the scheme, taxpayers receive what appears to be a government-looking letter about an overdue tax bill, asking individuals to immediately contact a toll-free number to resolve a state tax debt. The letter aggressively threatens to seize a taxpayer’s assets ― including property and Social Security benefits ― if the state tax debt is not settled.
“This is a tricky scam that’s been reported throughout the state over the past year,” said Deputy State Treasurer Ann Good, who oversees Treasury’s Financial and Administrative Services programs. “Taxpayers have rights. If you have questions about an outstanding state tax debt, please contact us through a verified number so we can talk about options.”
The piece of correspondence appears credible to the taxpayer because it uses specific personal facts about their real outstanding tax debt that’s pulled directly from publicly available information. The scammer’s letter attempts to lure the taxpayer into a situation where they could make a payment to a criminal.
The state Treasury Department corresponds with taxpayers through official letters sent through the U.S. Postal Service, providing several options to resolve an outstanding debt and information outlining taxpayer rights.
Taxpayers who receive a letter from a scammer or have questions about their state debts should call Treasury’s Collections Service Center at 517-636-5265. A customer service representative can log the scam, verify outstanding state debts and provide flexible payment options.
Lake Superior State University releases Annual Banished Words List
January 3, 2020
SAULT STE. MARIE — The influencers in the English Department at Lake Superior State University have announced LSSU’s 45th annual List of Words Banished from the Queen’s English for Misuse, Overuse and General Uselessness.
“These days, ’living your best life’ is ‘literally’ impossible with ‘influencers’ making us ‘totes’ ‘jelly,’” an LSSU spokesperson ‘chirped.’ “‘I mean,’ the least they could do is watch their words.”
OK, boomer.
The Word Banishment tradition, created by the late W. T. Rabe, former public relations director at Lake Superior State University, is now in its fifth decade. For every new year since 1976, LSSU — also known for premier programs in nursing, engineering, robotics, and Great Lakes freshwater research — has issued this list.
Agreement among community colleges, universities, eases student transfers
At this time we have removed upcoming events in lieu of numerous schedule changes. As new information becomes available, we will post new events.
If you are an organization with a confirmed upcoming event during April or May, we will be happy to share it. Please email us at newspaper@baymills.org.
Church services canceled:
Sunday morning services at the Congregational Church in Brimley on March 29 have been canceled.
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