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“A more local, Cheers-type of atmosphere,” said General manager of Ojibwa Casino Don Wren’s on one of the sites’ the upcoming renovations.
Wednesday was the groundbreaking ceremony for the Baraga Casino.
The casino is spending $6.5 million on infrastructure upgrades and a face-lift.
“A lot of the complaints are the smoke issues,” Tribal Council President Jennifer Misegan said “It’s going to be a state of the art modern facility, with different mechanical ways to be able to take that out. That’s exciting, it really is. It might seem like a small thing but it’s not.”
“We are one of the major employers in the community,” KBIC President Warren “Chris” Swartz, Jr. said. “And we continue to want to be able to offer good, meaningful jobs to the community. These are jobs that are going to stay here, so it’s important for the community to recognize. We’re a major employer and job opportunities, not only for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community members but also members of the community. So it’s a win win for not only us but the local community.”
The casino will remain open during renovations. Game floor changes will include adding three hundred slot machines, another bar, and more areas for gamblers to hangout.
Misegan said she’s thankful for the casino preparation and visions by past council members, and members from the community that make projects like this happen.
