FireKeepers Casino Works to Reach Agreement Before Opening

Officials at Pine Creek Reservation, the Emmett Township Department of Public Safety and FireKeepers Casino are scrambling to get public safety agreements in place before the casino's early August opening.

That's because the agreements "have hit a last-minute snag," township Supervisor Gene Adkins said at the board's meeting Thursday.

The township board on Thursday postponed approval for the second time on a cross-deputization agreement between their public safety department and the Huron Potawatomi Police Department. In June, trustees wanted the township attorneys to review the language before voting on it.

The contract would deputize tribal police to act with authority on township property. Without the agreement, tribal police couldn't leave the casino grounds, which are sovereign Indian land, in pursuit of criminals.

Friday afternoon, tribal spokeswoman Donna Halinski said the cross-deputization agreement is not needed before the casino opens, and that the postponement of an agreement on the issue is not affecting public safety preparedness at the casino.

For the complete story, please see Justin Hinkley, Updated: Casino deals hit 'snag', The Battle Creek Enquirer, July 10, 2009.