Eyinakamigak

• On March 17, 2020 the Bad River Tribe declared a Public Health Emergency (or State of Emergency)
• Read the Declaration here (PDF)

• On March 16, 2020 the Tribal Chairman issued the following statement "Effective immediately, a self-isolation time period of 14 days is required from all Tribal workplace settings for any Tribal employees returning from any travel."
• Read more in the Tribal Chairman's letter here (PDF)

• For the protection of tribal staff and community, the Bad River Tribe is temporarily limiting person-to-person contact at the workplace to minimize potential exposure.
• If you need assistance, do not call the main line (715-682-7111). Instead, please contact one of the following staff and they will refer you to the appropriate department.

Admin Contact Information

• Lee Crowe, Receptionist: 715-292-2570
• Barb Smart, Executive Secretary: 715-685-4205
• Amy Gonzalez, Asst Tribal Ops: 715-862-0782

To call extensions directly use this phone number and then you will be prompted to dial the extension: (715) 685-7840 

Vehicle Registration

• Vehicle Registration: BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
• Contact Lee Crowe to schedule (contact info below)

Tribal Enrollment

• Tribal Enrollment: by appointment only
• The Bad River Enrollment Department will accept new applications from people residing within the Bad River service area only.* 
• Read the full announcement here (PDF)
• Contact the enrollment office to schedule or for questions:
  • 715-685-7840 ext. 1525

Admin Contact Information

• Lee Crowe, Receptionist: 715-292-2570
• Barb Smart, Executive Secretary: 715-685-4205
• Amy Gonzalez, Asst Tribal Ops: 715-862-0782

To call extensions directly use this phone number and then you will be prompted to dial the extension: (715) 685-7840 

In order to maintain public health, safety, and limit exposure to COVID-19 the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has issued the following order:

Non-tribal access to Bad River Tribally owned FCL (Forest Crop Law) or open MFL (Managed Forest Law) lands within the boundaries of the Bad River Reservation is hereby revoked.

Trespassers to BAD RIVER BAND OF LAKE SUPERIOR CHIPPEWA FCL or open MFL lands will be subject to citations for trespass.

And;

Access to all Bad River Reservation roads off of US Hwy 2 State Hwy 169, State Hwy 13 and County A (Road detail below) are closed and will be operating under restricted access until further notice.

Access is restricted except to the following:

• All Community residents;
• Bad River Members;
• Tribal Government essential employees;
• Delivery of necessary goods and services, US Post Office, and Food and basic necessities, and other preapproved personnel

Closed roads: Birch, Pine Flat, Falls, Elm Hoist, Potato River, Jolma, Jusala, Albert Mattson, West Fire Lane, Stones, First Landing, Second Landing, Goslin, Kagerville, Kakagon, Lake, Madigan, Beauregard, Ackley, Government, Graveyard Creek

Miigwech (Thank you),

Mike Wiggins Jr.

Tribal Chairman

Read the notice here (PDF)

MEDIA STATEMENT

Bad River Statement on Prevention of COVID – 19 within the Reservation

In a decision May 13, 2020 the State Supreme Court decided almost all of the State’s Safer at Home Order, Executive Order 28, is not enforceable. In response Michael Wiggins Jr., Bad River Chairman, issued the following statement:

“The Bad River Tribal Council closed the gaming facility and limited other activities in Odanah, WI with the outcome of protecting our tribal community and surrounding areas.

Regardless of the State Supreme Court decision, the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa will continue to follow the “Safer at Home” guidance with the outcome of protecting the safety and health of the community while relying closely on the guidance of our public health and medical staff.

We encourage other governments and municipalities or the broader public to voluntarily follow the safer at home guidelines to ensure the long term safety and health of our communities.”

Miigwech!

View the statement and flyer here (PDF)

• Read the BRHWC Self Quarantine and Self Monitoring flyer here (PDF) 
• Read the BRHWC Public Health post about Social Distancing (PDF)
• Please call the Public Health Nurse, Pam Feustel, with questions: 715-292-7368 

• CDC  Coronovirus (COVID-19) Facts: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• Common Respiratory Illness Symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, fever, sore throat
• The Wisconsin DHS site has the most up to date details about outbreaks: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/outbreaks/index.htm
• BRHWC Public Health COVID FAQ (PDF)

Maps & Tracking

• GIS COVID-19 Map (link)

Newsletters and Executive Orders

• All WI Governor Evers's Press Releases (link)
• March 18, 2020 BRHWC Public Health COVID Newsletter here (PDF) 
• March 24, 2020 WI Governor Evers "Safer at Home" Executive Order (PDF)
  • This EO is in effective through April 24, 2020
• April 7, 2020 BRHWC Public Health COVID Newsletter here (PDF)
• April 2020 BRHWC Face Mask Guidance here (PDF)

• Testing is not recommended for patients who do not have symptoms.
• People who are feeling healthy do not need to get tested for COVID-19.
• Patients without significant comorbidities, and who are not health care workers, should not be tested if they have mild illnesses for which they would not normally seek medical care. These patients should self-isolate at home until symptoms improve.

CRITERIA USED TO BE TESTED

• Having symptoms AND recent travel abroad or to a place with known cases OR Having symptoms AND contact with a confirmed case.
• Symptoms are fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath.
• If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 AND develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call Bad River Public Health, 715-292-7368, Bad River Health & Wellness Center, 715-682-7133 or your medical provider for medical advice.

Read the Bad River Public Health flyer here (PDF)

CHILDREN SYMPTOMS

• Read the list of symptoms for children here (PDF)

COVID-19 TEST DEMONSTRATION

Watch this video of Tribal Chairman, Mike Wiggins, Jr., receiving the COVID-19 swab at the Bad River Health and Wellness Center. Video link: https://youtu.be/fSNqa8qAtuk

Questions or Suspected COVID Symptoms

• The BRHWC is currently not allowing walk in visits.
• You MUST call ahead if you have questions or concerns.
• Call the main line during business hours
  • Phone: 715-682-7133
  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 8a-4:30p

After Hours

• If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms after clinic hours, please utilize the resources listed below:
• In order to protect our community and prevent spread, it is important that individuals who believe they may have been infect-ed with Coronavirus (COVID-19) use the following process to direct your care.
• If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
• Essentia Health is providing free screenings to anyone ex-periencing symptoms by calling their toll-free phone number at 1-833-494-0836 or through an e-visit on their heath portal, MyHealth.
• The e-visits provide 24/7 access to connect to an Essentia Health Care Team without requiring you to leave home. E-visits can be found at essentiahealth.org/services/e-visit
• St.Luke’s Chequamegon Clinic is offering two, free E-Care visits per user.
  • You can also call their toll-free phone number at 1-218-249-4200 to complete a COVID-19 screening
  • E-Care is open 7:00am – 8:00pm and can be found at slhduluth.com/ecare, and the toll-free line is open 24/7
• Memorial Medical Center (715) 685-5500

Public Health & Community Health Representative (CHR) Contact Info:

• Public Health Nurse, Pam Feustel: 715-292-7368
• Public Health Nurse Case Manager, Tina Gerovac-Lavasseur: (715)292-9666
• CHR, Gena Jensen: (715)685-4417
• CHR, Sue Houle: (715)685-4011

The following are recommendations that should be considered to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and protect the health and safety of all during funeral services.

• Tribal communities have large extended families & friends, we are respectfully asking to consider smaller funerals
• People who feel sick or are at-risk should stay home, we can pray for our loved one or family from home.
• Please consider recommended social distancing guidelines.
• Wash your hands frequently and/or use hand sanitizer.
• Choose a seat that follows social distancing guidelines.
• Please know that while the CDC has said there is no COVID-19 risk posed by the body of someone who has died, it recommends not touching, kissing, or having direct contact with the body of your loved one. If touching occurs, the person should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before touching anything or anyone else.
• CDC recommends wearing cloth face masks at funerals.
• Do not place cloth face covering on young children under age 2. Also, do not place a face mask on anyone who has trouble breathing or who is unconscious or unable to remove the mask

Read the guidance here (PDF)

In our area, Ashland County Public Health and Bad River Band of Lake Superior, a member of the Western Wisconsin Public Health Readiness Consortium, are partnering to host a community COVID-19 specimen collection site in Ashland on Thursday May 7th from 11:00am to 7:00pm.

Read more in the joint press release here (PDF)

OFFICE VISITS

• Read the May 15, 2020 letter with updates on operations here (PDF)

TELEDENTISTRY

• Ask about Teledentistry!
• Teledentistry is a virtual visit between you and your provider.
• We know that you may have questions or concerns about you or your family’s oral health.
• There is no cost for Teledentistry visits
• Read the TeleDentistry announcement here (PDF)

CONTACT

• If you have questions, please contact dental at: 715-685-7887

• Please use the drive up window for the pharmacy.
• Delivery of medications for elders and disabled tribal members who fall under IHS Guidelines will be available. When calling for a refill (please allow 2 business days) request the home delivery. You must be home at time of pick up and you must provide a working phone number. Delivery will be WITHIN 30 mile radius of the BRHWC. Please read more here (PDF)
• Use the online or mobile app for refills: www.refillrx.com
• Please allow two business days for refills to be ready, then swing through the Pharmacy drive-thru.
• Please call and leave a voicemail with questions or requests! The Pharmacy staff will get back to you as soon as possible. 
• Pharmacy phone: 715-682-8518 

Medical Benefits

• The Medical Benefits Specialist will be available via phone only as she works remotely
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00a-4:30p
• Phone: 715-292-3667
• See the Medical Benefits notice here (PDF) 

Purchased Referred Care (PRC)

• Please call 715-682-7133 ext. 4805 to leave messages and PRC staff will return your call to address any questions you may have about purchase orders or medical bills.
• Guidelines will remain the same
• If you do not have insurance and you need a purchase order, you still need to contact Medical Benefits FIRST to see if you are eligible for alternative insurance
• Continue to follow requirements about notification of emergency room visits (also on announcement)
• Read the announcement here (PDF)

Questions or Suspected COVID Symptoms

• The BRHWC is currently not allowing walk in visits.
• You MUST call ahead if you have questions or concerns.
• The Clinic WILL be open for other services. If you have a chronic health condition such as diabetes, hypertension, or are feeling ill, please call the clinic
• Call the main line during business hours
  • Phone: 715-682-7133
  • Hours: Monday - Friday, 8a-4:30p

After Hours

• If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms after clinic hours, please utilize the resources listed below:
• In order to protect our community and prevent spread, it is important that individuals who believe they may have been infect-ed with Coronavirus (COVID-19) use the following process to direct your care.
• If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
• Essentia Health is providing free screenings to anyone ex-periencing symptoms by calling their toll-free phone number at 1-833-494-0836 or through an e-visit on their heath portal, MyHealth.
• The e-visits provide 24/7 access to connect to an Essentia Health Care Team without requiring you to leave home. E-visits can be found at essentiahealth.org/services/e-visit
• St.Luke’s Chequamegon Clinic is offering two, free E-Care visits per user.
  • You can also call their toll-free phone number at 1-218-249-4200 to complete a COVID-19 screening
  • E-Care is open 7:00am – 8:00pm and can be found at slhduluth.com/ecare, and the toll-free line is open 24/7
• Memorial Medical Center (715) 685-5500

Public Health & Community Health Representative (CHR) Contact Info:

• Public Health Nurse, Pam Feustel: 715-292-7368
• Public Health Nurse Case Manager, Tina Gerovac-Lavasseur: (715)292-9666
• CHR, Gena Jensen: (715)685-4417
• CHR, Sue Houle: (715)685-4011

• The BRHWC is currently not allowing any visitors into the facility. You MUST call ahead if you have questions or concerns. If you are experiencing symptoms, you must call your provider. If you have other questions about COVID-19, call the Bad River Public Health Dept (contact information located on the tab to the right)
• The East Entrance of the building is locked (this is the entrance by the drive-thru). This will help minimize the spread and/or exposure to the virus.
• All patients and visitors are asked to use hand sanitizer.
• If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness, put on a mask.
• BRHWC main phone: (715)292-7368

Transportation

• The non-emergency medical transportation program will be working remotely. 
• If you need non-emergency transportation to medical appointments only and are eligible under the transportation policies then please contact the scheduler first:
• Contact Information:
  • Scheduler, Danielle Fizell: (715) 292-5689
  • Driver, Malene Powless: (715) 685-8643
  • Driver, Wesley Andrews: (715) 292-5604

Optical

• Optical is closed until further notice

• The Family Foundations program will be working from home.
• Home visits will be conducted electronically
• Face to face meetings will not occur at this time
• Program supplies will be coordinated appropriately 
• Contact information for Home Visitors:
  • Corrin Kangas: 715-631-2103, email: c.kangas@badriverhwc.com
  • Tina Nault: 715-292-9855, email: t.nault@badriverhwc.com

• During the COVID-19 Crisis, it is just as important to care for your mental health as it is your physical health. If you or someone you know is struggling, REACH OUT.
• Here are just a few of the resources available. We will continue to share free resources with you during this difficult time.

Recovery Resources

• There will be an Open Recovery Meeting Every day at 4pm during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
• Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone - https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/130162509
• You can also dial in using your phone
• Phone: 1 (646) 749-3122
• Access Code: 130-162-509

Bad River AODA

• Medication Assisted Treatment (Suboxone or Vivitrol) or formal counseling support, contact Jennifer Sorel at 715.292.1133. 

• Jennifer will be in the office to do AODA assessments on Tuesdays.

  • Please call ahead to schedule a time to meet.

• For formal counseling support, contact Russell Denomie at 715.685.4811

• For Peer Support, contact Brian Nordin at 715.681.0999

• For Cultural support, contact Penny Charette at 715.685.8712

• For counseling support or questions about Bad River AODA services, contact Laura Moore at 715.292.8493

• Please call the Bad River Health and Wellness Center at 715-682-7133 if you have questions or would like more information

Mental Health Resources

• 7 cups: www.7cups.com; free online text chat for emotional support and counseling
• Disaster Distress Helpline: 800-985-5990
  Or text TalkWithUs to 66746
• Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255
  Or text CONNECT to 741741
• MoodGYM: moodgym.com.au
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233

• View the Public Health recovery and mental health resource list here (PDF)

• Bad River Food Distribution will be closed to the general public
• Clients will still be served HOWEVER, please call orders in and arrangements will be made for pick ups or deliveries: (715) 682-7892
• See flyer here (PDF)
• Click on the YOUTH Tab to the right to view information on meals for youth 18 years or younger

• The Elderly/Aging Nutrition Program will provide a PICK UP ONLY carry out bag of lunch @ 11:30a at the Elderly Center. 
• Deliveries will not be interrupted for Homebound elders currently receiving deliveries.
• If you do NOT wish to receive your meals, please call: 715-682-7150 or 715-682-7127
• More information on Transportation for shopping and possible supplies for Elders will be forthcoming in the next few days.
• View the SFS Elder Notice here (PDF)
• Stay tuned for more details.

Youth Program Activities

• Gym events and activities are cancelled.
• The Birch Hill Community House is still open 10-4 but that can change so please check back 
• Contact information for the Youth Services Dept can be found on the Youth Programs Page

Boys & Girl's Club

• Mashkisibi Boys & Girls Club will be closed until further notice

• Members can still access their STRIDE accounts from home if they are able to access the internet, and have some sort of device to do this (computer, tablet, phone, etc.).

• STRIDE is a game-based learning system for grades Pre-K to 8 that engages students & accelerates learning in math, language arts, reading & science.

• Please email Kristi for login information at kbroeniman@badriverbgc.org.

Meals

• Beginning on Monday, March 23rd, the District will provide meals to all children (18 years of age and younger).  
• To order, click on this link and fill out the form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdiaGv4IR_I_ebLyzXy0V1wrwYdAhwBBfOxo_FujW1O2_6N8w/viewform
• Pick up time for 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches will be TUESDAYS 10a-1p at the Birch Hill Community House
• Read the full letter from Superintendent Erik Olson here (PDF)

Head Start & Early Head Start

• There are no Head Start/Early Head Start services
• The team will utilize this time to being packing and moving into the new building
• Tentative time for HS/EHS services to begin in the new building is April 15th. However, please check back as that can change with this current pandemic.

• The BRHWC Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will be certifying new participants, recertifying current participants and issuing benefits by phone.
• Please watch your mail for information from your WIC program.
• To find out if you are eligible for WIC, please visit: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/wic/income-guidelines.htm
• See flyer here (PDF)
• Please contact a Community Health Representative (CHR) with questions:
  • Sue Houle: 715-685-4011
  • Gena Jensen: 715-685-4417

• The warming shelter is closed for the season and will reopen next winter.
• The dates and times of the shelter will be announced fall of 2020.

Bad River Food Shelf Hours:

Monday – 9 AM – Noon

Tuesday 11AM – 2 PM

Tuesday 9 AM – Noon

Wednesday 9 AM – Noon

Thursday 11AM – Noon

Friday 9 AM – Noon

Anyone needing Food Shelf need to call ahead before noon 715-682-7127.  If you there is no answer leave a message with a return phone number.

• The Bad River Community Center will be closed to the public beginning, Wednesday, March 18th, 2020 until further notice.
• If you need to drop off paperwork or pick up paperwork, this will need to be discussed with your worker. This includes checks, verifications, court docs, etc.
• The Bad River Social & Family Services doors will be temporarily closed to public.
• Please also be aware that the Public Service Commission (PSC) has instructed water, electric and natural gas utilities to stop disconnecting residential service for nonpayment until the state public health emergency has been lifted.

• Staff will be at the office:  Monday & Friday only 8 AM – noon. 

• Many of the workers have access to their voicemail so, they can check it regularly.  Below are their extension and if you have access to email you can email the worker. 
• Also, utilize the Bad River Tribal Facebook page for changes and upcoming information remember to go to your Facebook page and type into the “search” @badrivergovt this will be the official site. 
• We appreciate clients practicing social distancing therefore, do not go to the homes of the worker.

• Elderly Nutrition Program will continue delivering meals to homebound and curbside pick up will be available for those participating in congregate meals.   Subject to change. Details also listed under the Food and Shelter tab on the Bad River News page

• Food Distribution will remain open practicing social distancing regular hours Monday – Friday 9 AM – 4 PM

• Social & Family Services Main Office - 715-682-7127

• Child Care Program - Lynn Wiggins ext 1401

• Income Maintenance (Foodshare/Medical)

  • • Jessenia Smart ext 1407  Cell – 715-208-0044

    • Ashley Stone ext 1404      Cell - - 715-681-1131

• TANF/ESS Unit

  • • Wendy Corbine ext 1405

    • Dan Powless – ext 1440

    • Georgianne Smart ext 1408

    • Jackie R – ext 1429

• Family Resource Management (FRM) – ext 1410 or 1416

• Abinoojiyag Resource Center (ARC) 715-682-7135

  • • Gina Secord ext 1434

    • Kim Ford – ext 1412

    • Melissa Burns ext 1438                                       

    • Crime Victims – ext 1480

    • Samantha Hmielewski ext 1436

    • Maggie Morrison ext 1432

• Domestic Violence – ext 1402

• View the SFS Notice here (PDF)

Contact Information

• Department Phone: (715) 682-7127
• Contact information is located on this document (PDF)
• or visit the  Social & Family Services landing page 

• The Bad River Housing Authority (BRHA) operations will continue during this pandemic; however, our physical location will closed to the Public, Tuesday March 17th, 2020 until further notice.
• The BRHA Maintenance Staff will temporarily be only responding to emergency work orders.
• The BRHA Housing Manager will temporarily suspend home visits.
• The BRHA Lobby will temporarily be closed
• Please continue to update your composition if you have changes in your household, if you'r laid off, or if you have changes in employment, please email Micki or Raeann!
  
  • • Micki Corbine: OccupancySpecialist@badriver-nsn.gov
    • Raeann Bender: ResidentSpecialist@badriver-nsn.gov

Monthly Payments

• Monthly payments are suspended for April and May 2020 (see April 23 memo)

Internet and Garbage 

• The BRHA sent out a HUD resource list containing free or reduced rate internet services (PDF)
• If you need garbage stickers, they will be mailed to you.
  • Please call Housing 715-682-2271 and leave your name and mailing address

Housing Memos

• March 16, 2020 (PDF)
• March 24, 2020 (PDF)
• April 27, 2020 (PDF)

Contact Information

• Emergencies - please call the On-Call Phone: 715-292-8847
• Office Main Phone: 715-682-2271 

• The courthouse will begin working remotely and any change in status will be noticed on the Tribe’s website
• Court users are encouraged to contact the Bad River Tribal Court by telephone to address their questions and/or concerns as opposed to coming to the courthouse in person
• All non-essential court activities are hereby suspended. For remaining court functions, in an effort to minimize interpersonal contact, teleconference will be the preferred method of holding hearings.
• To read about more of the changes and requirements, please read the detailed Tribal Court notice here (PDF)

Contact Information

• Main Phone: (715) 682-7107

• The Natural Resource Department will be closed to the public until further notice
• You may contact the department by phone or email, contact information is listed also on the NRD Page
• This includes the main office in the Chief Blackbird Center (Admin), the THPO trailer, and the Hatchery.

CONTACT INFO OVERVIEW

• Register ATV, Boat, or Snowmobile: (715) 682-7123 or DNRrecept@badriver-nsn.gov
• Access Permit: (715) 682-7123 or DNRrecept@badriver-nsn.gov
• Access Permits for Enbridge or Enbridge Contractor: NRDDirector@badriver-nsn.gov
• Burn Permit: Brad Bigboy (715) 979-1181
• Project Review Submissions or Questions: environmental@badriver-nsn.gov
• Maps or Webmap Applications: gspec@badriver-nsn.gov
• Lake Trout Tags: fishtech@badriver-nsn.gov (or 715-682-7152)
• Lease Application Submission or Questions: lease@badriver-nsn.gov
• POWTS Application Submission or Questions: POWTS@badriver-nsn.gov (or 715-685-8727)
• Equipment Inspections: (715) 682-7123

FISHING GUIDELINES

In response to the current status of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mashkiiziibii Natural Resources Department recommends that all fish harvesters engaging in on reservation netting, spearing and dip-netting, adhere to the precautions/guidelines outlined in this announcement (PDF).

GILLNETTING

• Gill Netting for Bad River Members will be open on the Kakagon River Complex starting
  April 29th, 2020 at 10:00am.
• It is mandatory to bring your catch into the hatchery for creel survey.
• Scroll down the News page under "Mashkiiziibii Natural Resources Department" Notices & Announcements to view the flyer.

DEPARTMENT CONTACT INFO (please leave a voicemail)

• Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00a-4:30p
• Main Phone: (715) 682-7123

WARDENS

• Jerry - (715) 292-7822
• Brad - (715) 979-1181
• Stanlee - (715) 292-1902

Please view the announcement flyer here (PDF)

Effective Monday, March 23, 2020:

• Transportation will be available on an ON CALL basis
• Call in advance to be placed on the pick up list which will be coordinated with other pick ups
• Use alternate seating on the bus to avoid contact with others 

Contact Information:

• Hours: Monday - Friday 7a-10p (weekends TBD)
• Phone: 715-292-1108 or 715-292-1109

All services and times are subject to change and are being evaluated throughout the day. Please check back or call to confirm services are available.

Please read the Transit announcement here

Recycling 

• The Bad River Recycling & Solid Waste Dept. is experiencing larger than normal volumes of recyclables curbside. Additionally, the department is forced to utilize backup vehicles which are much slower paced. Therefore, they are experiencing longer scheduled routes on Monday and Tuesday.
• Please continue to leave your recyclables curbise and they will be picked up sometime that week.

Trash Pick Up

• will be picking up scheduled curbside solid waste this Thursday/Friday to everyone
• Please use Blue Residential Stickers, if available
• No more than 3 bags per household to cut down on added volume

Spring Clean Up

• The Spring Clean-Up efforts tentatively scheduled for May have been postponed. Stay tuned for details on when this will be rescheduled.
• See the reminder announcement from May 15, 2020 here (PDF)

• DO NOT flush rags, “flushable wipes” (not flushable wipes) disinfectant wipes, tampons or other feminine hygiene products, paper towels, baby wipes, grease or anything other than toilet paper.
• Flushing Rags, Paper Towels, Baby Wipes, and Grease down your toilets and sinks can cause significant damage to wastewater processes and the infrastructure of the sewer system and lift stations which can cause possible sewage backups and emergency work.
• Also flushing rags, paper towels, baby wipes, Kleenex, disinfectant wipes, flushable wipes, or grease can clog your personal plumbing and personal lateral sewer pipes costing homeowner money and distress.
• If any questions related to community water/sewer please feel free to call Philip Livingston, BR Water/Sewer Manager @ 715-292-5339.

• The Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa will be temporarily closing all casino/lodge operations to the public on Wednesday, March 18th at 11:59pm for a period of two weeks.
• The 11 Tribes in Wisconsin will be temporarily closing all casino operations
• Wisconsin Tribes conduct 26 legal gaming operations throughout the State of Wisconsin, all operating with high standards of regulation, oversight and sanitation that govern gaming operations.
• Safety and prevention of COVID-19 transmission is a shared outcome as we move forward.
• This closure decision further demonstrates the Bad River Tribe’s commitment to take all precautionary measures that mitigate the exposure risk of the COVID-19 virus. It also aligns our tribal enterprises with the spirit of emergency orders put forth by Governor Evers related to gatherings over ten people.
• The Bad River Tribal Council understands the hardship and negative economic impact this decision will have on our operations and we will be monitoring the pandemic on a routine basis as we look to resume operations in the future. Notice will be provided once operations resume.
• Read the notice from the Bad River Tribal Chairman, here (PDF)

• To protect and still provide service to our community we are temporally closing the grocery store on Thursday March 19^th at 6:00PM

• The convenience store will remain open with new temporary hours starting Wednesday, March 25th - Hours will be from 10:00a to 6:00PM. 
• If you need emergency items from the grocery store please let the supervisor on duty know and they will grab the item for you. 

Workout Room

• The workout room will also be closed.

Memos

• March 23, 2020 Memo (PDF)

• Express Gaming/Check Cashing will be open on Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. so Employees can cash their payroll checks.

• Please use the south entrance (Old Log Cabin entrance facing Hwy 2), to access the check cashing booth.

• All other doors to the gaming floor will be locked.

• Due to the limited access to the MTC building, please use the employee entrance of the Post Office to check your mail. This is the exterior door.

• Hours currently remain the same:

  Monday - Friday: 12:30p-4:30p
  Saturday: 11:00a-1:00p

• The Superior Connections business office located at the Moccasin Trail Complex is now open: Monday thru Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Superior Connections internet service will continue to all Superior Connections customers
• Superior Connections will suspend new customer installations until further notice.
• If you need to drop off paperwork, please use the after-business hours drop box located near the door entrance to the Superior Connections office located in the Moccasin Trail Complex Center

Contact Information

• Main Phone: (715) 292-4876.
• Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM

• There will be one human resources employee on site
• The remaining employees will be working remotely and accessible by phone or email
• The background office will be closed until further notice but they can be reached by phone or email
• All contact is strongly encouraged to be made via phone or email

HR Contact Information

• Ron Teliszczak: Extension - 1522
• Prisscilla Dax: Extension - 1520
• Denise Gilles: Extension - 1242
• Jody Bigboy-Lowmaster: Extension - 1511

Please read this HR Announcement for more contact information (PDF)

• FEP enrolled employees, please read this BCBS FEP Announcement (PDF) regarding the temporary changes they're making during this time
• BCBS is also WAIVING all copays for Telehealth/Teledoc visits through June 14, 2020 -  to limit visits to clinics! Please read more here (PDF)
• BCHS Anthem has eliminated  employees' cost shares if they receive treatment for COVID-19 from doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals from April 1 through May 31, 2020.
  • COVID-19 testing is covered, too.
  • Read the April 2020 announcement here (PDF) 
• BCBS Telehealth Enrollment instructions are here (PDF)
• If you have questions, please contact the Benefits Specialist, Denise Gilles, (x1242 or BenefitSpec@badriver-nsn.gov)

Will workers qualify for unemployment benefits if the coronavirus (COVID-19) causes an employer to shut down operations?  Wisconsin unemployment benefits are available to individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own. If an employer must shut down operations and no work is available, individuals may be eligible for unemployment benefits if they meet the monetary criteria and the weekly eligibility criteria.

If an employer lays off employees due to the loss of production caused by the coronavirus, will the employees be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits?  Wisconsin unemployment benefits are available to any individual who is unemployed through no fault of his/her own. If an employer must lay off employees due to the loss of production caused by the coronavirus, individuals may be eligible for unemployment benefits if they meet the monetary criteria and the weekly eligibility criteria.

If an employee receives unemployment benefits as a result of a coronavirus-related business shutdown, will the employer’s unemployment taxes increase?  Unemployment benefits are proportionately charged to each employer based on weeks worked and wages earned in each individual’s base period. Contributory employers could see an increase in their tax rate, which would result in higher taxes. Reimbursable employers would be charged dollar for dollar for benefits paid, which could result in higher than expected unemployment costs.

If an employee imposes a self-quarantine because of the coronavirus, will they be eligible for unemployment benefits?  In most cases, no. Unemployment benefits are available to individuals who are totally or partially unemployed due to no fault of their own. In this example, the individual—not the employer—is choosing not to work and, therefore, would be ineligible. However, the facts of each circumstance are important. If the employer allowed this individual to telework, they would not qualify for benefits because they would not be unemployed. If the employer required the individual to stay home but did not offer telework, the individual might be eligible for benefits if they met the monetary and weekly eligibility criteria.

If an employee is in mandatory quarantine because of suspicion of having the coronavirus, will they be eligible for unemployment benefits?  If the employer has instructed the individual to return to work after the quarantine is over and the employee intends to return to the work after the quarantine ends, that may be a temporary layoff for which the employee may be eligible for benefits. However, if it is unclear if the employee will return to that employer after the quarantine, the employee might meet the initial eligibility criteria but not the ongoing federal eligibility criteria, which require them to be able to work, available for work, and actively seeking suitable work.

If an employee is ill because of the coronavirus and unable to work, will they be eligible for unemployment benefits?  No. The federal requirements mandate that claimants be able to work, available for work, and actively seeking suitable work. If someone is so ill that they are unable to work, they would not meet these criteria.

Is the coronavirus considered a disaster, and can I receive Disaster Unemployment Assistance? If the president of the United States declares the coronavirus a national disaster, if individuals experience a loss of work in Wisconsin as a result, and if the individual is not eligible for regular unemployment benefits, they may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

• If you have questions, please contact the HR Manager, Ron Teliszczak (x1522 or HRmanager@badriver-nsn.gov)

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