Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Council decision covers employee payroll until May 14

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The Ak-Chin Indian Community again approved funding to extend payroll and benefits for its employees for an additional two weeks, according to an announcement from HMA Public Relations on behalf of the Ak-Chin Indian Community. This extends employee pay and benefits through May 14.

“As we continue to monitor the situation regarding COVID-19 in order to re-open our enterprises, the Tribal Council has advised management at Harrah’s Ak-Chin, at UltraStar and our tribal administration to remain closed through May 14,” said Robert Miguel, chairman of the Ak-Chin Indian Community Council, in the press release. “As such, our Tribal Council has authorized another two weeks payroll funding for all employees at our enterprises.”

Nearly 1,500 employees work for the Ak-Chin Indian Community Enterprises, including staff at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle, and the Tribal government.

“Words cannot express how grateful we are to the Tribal Council for their generosity during this time,” said Robert Livingston, general manager of Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino in the announcement. “We have been evaluating our re-opening protocols and putting in place social distancing measures that will be deployed once we are open. To know our teams are taken care of financially for another two weeks is a tribute to the importance the Council places on all its tribal employees.”

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino and the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle both closed to the public on March 19. Decisions announced by the Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Council have covered pay and benefits for employees throughout this closure.

Let’s all stay healthy and safe, and the teams at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle and the Tribal Government look forward to seeing everyone once the restrictions are lifted!

Carolyn Sostrom

Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle. She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*. With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower. She works at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.