Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe hands out over $ 3 million

MICHIGAN -- As reported by the Morning Sun: "Tough economic times are hitting the Soaring Eagle Casino and, thus, trickling down to local governments. Semi-annual 2 percent payments from the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe are down nearly 14 percent from a year ago, on top of a 9.4 percent drop from 2006 to 2007.

"The Tribe handed out more than $3.1 million to 14 government and education entities with a focus on community welfare, during the semiannual event Tuesday.

"...The city of Mt. Pleasant received a check for $304,625 for its Youth Services Unit of the police department and for an emergency generator for airport operations.

"...Isabella County received just more than $793,000 for 14 projects with at least $100,000 going to the Loomis joint county drain, the John Neff county drain, and orthophotography.

"...Isabella Gratiot RESD, a regional education service agency, received $14,344.66, and Beal City Public Schools, Chippewa Hills Public Schools, Mt. Pleasant Public Schools and Shepherd Public Schools received checks totaling $1,189,974.68.

"...Six townships received checks: Chippewa, Deerfield, Denver, Isabella, Nottawa and Wise.

"...To assist in combating the drug problem locally, the Tribe gave the Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team a check for $373,189..."