New computers and playground equipment will be given to local students as part of $247,776 spent in Mackinac County from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Each year, the tribe distributes 2% of its slot machine revenues to local communities in lieu of taxes. With this distribution, residents around the Upper Peninsula will receive $786,000.

In the county, St. Ignace Area Schools will receive $3,000 for homework lab computers and $2,000 for varsity softball, and Gros Cap Schools will receive $5,728.00 for playground equipment. The City of St. Ignace will receive $6,000 for the Recreation Department for skating rink divider boards, $3,000 for a lawn mower, and $3,000 for the Museum of Ojibwa Culture for renovations and restoration. St. Ignace Township will receive $1,000 to help with costs from the 2007 work on the sewer project, and Brevort Township will receive $1,000 for fireworks. Mackinac Animal Aid Association received $2,000 for an animal spay and neuter program.

Also in the Upper Peninsula, Alger County will receive $45,028, Chippewa County will receive $410,439, Delta County will receive $39,228, Luce County will receive $22,000, Marquette County will receive $4,000, and Schoolcraft County will receive $18,400.

Under a Michigan Gaming Control Board law, tribal casinos in Michigan are required to distribute two percent of their gaming slot machine revenue to local units of government where gaming has an impact.

Since 1993, the tribe has awarded $30.8 million. Local governments apply for the grants and the tribe's board of directors decide the projects that are most beneficial to area residents. The tribe operates five Kewadin Casinos in the U.P., employing 1,000 people. For information on applying for a grant, contact Candace Blocher at (906) 635- 6050.