BARAGA COUNTY, Mich. (WLUC) – The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) has announced the results of its primary election for Baraga District Tribal Council candidates.

The Tribal Council is made up of 12 council members, 6 from the Baraga district and 6 from the L’Anse district. Each year, four seats are opened on the tribal council to be filled by two representatives from each.

Typically, a primary election is held for each district. However, KBIC Executive Director Brigitte LaPointe said no primary election was held for L’Anse because there were only 4 candidates, the number of candidates advancing to the general election.

Based on the Baraga district results, the four popular vote-based candidates who will advance to the general election are: Tony Loonsfoot with 123 votes, Sue Ellen Elmblad (incumbent) with 112 votes, Larry Denomie IV with 47 votes, and Patrick E. Racette with 47 votes.

The other candidates received votes as follows: Alden Connor Jr. (33), Tashina Lee Emery (30), Hope Laramore (28), Kim Klopstein (15), Matthew DesRochers (4), Debbie Picciano (12), and Gabrielle Picciano. (7).

Voters will select two people from the top four candidates on December 14. Elected councilors will serve three-year terms.

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