Palace Casino shutsdown after several employees feel ill after exposure to an unknown substance

The hotel at the Palace Casino was shutdown temporarily after several employees reported feeling ill after exposure to an unknown substance. The employees received medical attention at the IHS Hospital in Cass Lake and Sanford Hospital in Bemidji and were released shortly after receiving treatment. As a precaution, the Palace Hotel was evacuated to protect the safety of guests and employees.

The Leech Lake Tribal Police Department, Leech Lake Emergency Management, Leech Lake Ambulance Service, North Memorial Ambulance, Leech Lake Gaming Emergency Response Team, Cass County Sheriff's Office and the Cass Lake Fire Department responded to the initial call. A Chemical Assessment team also responded from the Grand Rapids Fire Department and completed their assessment at 6:30 PM. The Hotel was declared safe for use and guests will be returning to their rooms.

There have been no reports of any other injuries at this time. The incident remains under investigation.