The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan, also known as the Gun Lake Tribe, will open the Gun Lake Casino on February 11. The $157 million facility will include 1,450 slot machines, 28 table games, a food court, cafe, bars and lounges. The tribe hired about 700 people. "It’s been a long, hard struggle," John Shagonaby, the chief executive of the Gun Lake Tribal Gaming Authority, told The Grand Rapids Press, referring to the legal and political battles the tribe endured in its decade-long quest for the casino. The tribe survived one lawsuit that challenged its land-into-trust application. But on Friday, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated another lawsuit against the Bureau of Indian Affairs. "The battle’s not over," attorney John Bursch told the Press. The DC Circuit said David Patchak has standing to sue the federal government for approving the acquisition of 147 acres in trust for the tribe. The court also said the Quiet Title Act -- which has been used to stop lawsuits against other land-into-trust decisions -- doesn't apply to the case. Turtle Talk has posted documents from the case, Patchak v. Salazar. Get the Story:
Lawsuit resurfaces to threaten Gun Lake casino, but tribe says 'frivolous' court action won't mar Feb. 11 opening (The Grand Rapids Press 1/22)
Could Gun Lake Casino be forced to close shortly after opening? (The Grand Rapids Press 1/21)
Gun Lake Casino will open Feb. 11; anti-casino lawsuit casts shadow over announcement (The Allegan News 1/21) DC Circuit Decision:
Patchak v. Salazar (January 21, 2011) Related Stories:
Gun Lake Tribe close to announcing grand opening for new casino (1/20)
Gun Lake Tribe hopes new casino will improve lives for its people (1/14)
Gun Lake Tribe receives first shipment of slot machines for casino (12/7)
Gun Lake Tribe cuts off applications for most positions at casino (11/30)
More than 2000 file online applications for Gun Lake casino jobs (10/26)
Gun Lake Tribe plans to hire at least 700 people for first casino (10/14)