# Nemîshâtênemo êhthâkîwiyâni (2020) > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Asac_fox_oklahoma%3Ad587958df5f6a50a ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text SAC and FOX NEWS Nemîshâtênemo êhthâkîwiyâni Phone: 918-968-3526 • 920963 S. Hwy. 99, Bldg. A • Stroud, OK 74079 • Vol. 42 • No. 10 • October 2020 Black Hawk Health Center Expansion Targeted for April 2023 Completion The Sac and Fox Nation Business Committee has approved a $12.3 million contract with Lambert Construction of Stillwater, Okla. for the expansion and renovation of Black Hawk Health Center. The development is projected to take 30 months to complete, and includes phases for construction and demolition pertaining to the renovation portion. The first phase of construction is expected to take 18 months with a targeted finish date of Feb., 25, 2022. The demolition portion is projected to take two months, and a move-in date is estimated for 12 months later in April of 2023. The renderings shown here were prepared by the project architects, Studio 45 Architects of Tulsa. Thomas Morris Jr. Remembered as First Tribal Court Magistrate in Okla. History (Editor’s Note: The following eulogy was written by former Sac and Fox Nation Business Committee Member Truman Carter.) I had the privilege of calling Tommy my friend and working beside Tommy at the Sac and Fox Nation, beginning in the 1980’s. Served The Sac and Fox Nation in All Three Branches of Government I was honored when the family asked me to write this eulogy. I would like to express my sincere condolences to Tommy’s family, his friends, and all of his tribal relations. Tommy’s enduring personal legacy is his family legacy and his legacy of New Transportation Facility: A Tribal Story of Planning, Design, Development and Construction Construction is completed on the new Sac and Fox Nation Transportation Facility, which will also house the tribal Elders and the Veterans organizations. The inside furnishings are being delivered and installed on a daily basis. Although the coronavirus pandemic appeared in the spring, work on the project was never delayed or interrupted. Tribal transportation representatives led the entire process of planning, development, plan design, engineering, contract development and management, bidding, selection, pre-construction meetings, project coordination, project management, specification enforcement and compliance, and inspection of the construction work performed. Representation of the Elders and Veterans groups participated and played a vital role in the planning and development process. The tribal project manager was Randle Carter. The tribal inspector was Cecil Bernard. “We were well aware that, regardless of how well we planned and designed our facility, if it does not get constructed properly, we would be making a poor investment. Our project manager and Inspector oversaw the day-to-day on-site progress of our project, keeping the general contractor on task, on schedule, and on-budget. Our efforts were aimed at cost-control and ensuring quality professional workmanship and efficiency during construction,” said Transportation Director Truman Carter. Please watch for future announcements regarding the opening of the Transportation Facility. tribal service. I am pleased to be a part of the celebration of Tommy’s life - a life that was well-lived. Tommy was a distinguished and honorable individual who loved his God; he loved his family; and he loved his Indian people. In the 1980’s, Tommy served as Committeeman on the Sac and Fox Business Committee. Tommy’s leadership and actions were significant as the Sac and Fox Nation led the revitalization and renaissance of tribal governments in Oklahoma. As Committeeman, he served in the executive and legislative branches of tribal government. After his service as a tribal leader, in 1985 Tommy was appointed to serve as the first Magistrate of a tribal court in Oklahoma history. The Business Committee’s appointment of Tommy as the court’s first lay judge, and the support of his tribal community, spoke volumes about the trust and confidence in Tommy’s ability to administer justice and ensure fairness to the parties and attorneys who appeared before him in court. Tommy leaves a remarkable legacy of public service to his Tribe. He accomplished the rare, historic and unheard of ‘trifecta’ of government service: Tommy honorably served in all 3 branches of tribal government. No one has accomplished this feat before or since. His life will serve as an inspiration to all of us who knew him. Thomas Morris Jr. Chief Justin Freeland Wood’s Address to the Nation September has been a difficult month for our family. We lost a great man, my best friend and the great-grandfather to my children. Clint taught me how to live and, in the end he taught me how to die. I am grateful for the time I was able to spend with him for the past 13 years and especially for the time we had together over the past ten months while he persevered in the face of stage IV cancer. His faith in Jesus Christ was apparent in the grace and peace he radiated through the end of his earthly life. I want to thank each of you who prayed with me and my family over the past several months. Joy is a strange thing. We are called to have it in the good times and the bad. And, it is different than happiness. I am joyful in my sorrow. Romans 12:15 instructs me to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” We are not the only family to lose someone we love and care for over the past year. Our people have lost grandparents, parents, and children. I am grateful and thank God for each of these lives and, I weep with you in death and rejoice with you in the healing that will come to our hearts and minds. I thank those of you who were able to attend the 2020 Governing Council. I promised to follow up on our progress with the powwow comfort stations. Second Chief and the Maintenance Department were directed by Governing Council Resolution to add actual comfort to the comfort stations. They have started the process of selecting a bid and plan to have a full report at our upcoming Special Governing Council for RAP Budget approval. In other news, the Sac and Fox Nation has broken ground on our clinic expansion and is soon to complete the Transportation Building, which also houses our Elders and Veteran’s offices. (Continued on Page 3) Sac and Fox Nation Principal Chief Justin Freeland Wood Page 2 - Sac and Fox News - October 2020 Sac and Fox News The Sac & Fox News is the monthly publication of the Sac & Fox Nation, located on SH 99, six miles south of Stroud, OK. Mailing address: Sac and Fox Nation Administration Building 920963 S Hwy 99 Bldg A Stroud, OK 74079 Phone: 918-968-3526 Fax: 918-968-4837 The Sac & Fox News is the official publication of the Sac and Fox Nation. Our mission is to meet all tribal members information needs concerning the Nation. The Sac & Fox News is mailed free, one per address, to enrolled Sac and Fox tribal members. Paid subscriptions are available for $12.00 annually. Editorial statements, guest columns, and letters to the editor published in this newspaper contain the opinions of the writers. These opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Sac and Fox News staff or any elected official or department of tribal government or administration. The Sac and Fox News reserves the right to refuse publication of letters to the editor. All editorials and letters to the editor become the property of the Sac and Fox News. Submissions for publication must be signed by the author and include an address and contact phone number. They are limited to 300 words. The staff will not edit editorials or letters to the editor to fit the 300-word limit. Obituaries Mary Elizabeth Eldredge Mary “Monkey” Elizabeth Eldredge, 93, passed peacefully from this life August 30, 2020. Mary was born on June 9, 1927 in Cushing, OK to Ernest and Eunice (Gokey) Clark. Mary was the widow of James Eldredge. They were married on September 24, 1947 and shared 50 years of marriage together. She was a mother and homemaker, while James retired from Allied. She devoted much of her time and energy as a caregiver to her family. She enjoyed playing solitaire, doing word searches, sewing, embroidering, and cooking. She was preceded in death by her par- Mary Elizabeth Eldredge Deadline for the November issue is: Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 4:30 p.m. Reprint permission is granted, with proper credit to the Sac and Fox News, unless other copyrights are shown. Articles and letters may be submitted to the newspaper either by mail or Fax to the address provided above, - or by e-mail:newspaper@sacandfoxnationnsn.gov. Address corrections & changes are accepted by The Business Committee at the address listed below. Managing Editor Mike Brown For information: 918-968-3526 x1060 newspaper@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov Publisher: Sac and Fox Nation Member of Native American Journalists Assn - Since 1988 Member OPA ~~~~~~~ Tribal Officers: 918-968-3526 or 800-259-3970 Principal Chief: Justin Freeland Wood Telephone (918) 968-3526 Ext. 1004 chief@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov Second Chief: Don Abney Telephone (918) 968-3526 Ext. 1008 secondchief@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov Secretary: Jacklyn K. King Telephone (918) 968-3526 Ext. 1007 secretary@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov Treasurer: Jared King Telephone (918) 968-3526 Ext. 1006 treasurer@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov Committee Member: Robert Williamson Telephone (918) 968-3526 Ext. 1005 cmember@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov Business Committee Mailing Address: Sac and Fox Nation Administration Building 920963 S Hwy 99 Bldg A Stroud, OK 74079 Visit us on the webb @ sacandfoxnation.com click news Rev. Thomas Morris Jr. Rev. Thomas Morris Jr. Rev. Thomas Morris Jr. was born on November 23, 1934 in Pawnee, Oklahoma and went to be with The Lord on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at the age of 85. Thomas was the son of Thomas Sr. and Bessie (Grant) Morris. He served in the United States Air Force from 1954 until 1958. Thomas married Beatrice Devore on December 22, 1962 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and family dearly. He enjoyed leather work, arts and crafts, rodeo, and pow wow dancing. Thomas was a very involved citizen of the Sac and Fox Nation. He served as Committeeman on the Business Committee 1983 and 1984 and again from 1987 through 1989. Thomas was voted Senior Man of the year in 2001. He was appointed the first tribal judge in any tribal court system in the State of Oklahoma. He served on the Rodeo committee, Powwow committee and Housing for the Sac and Fox Nation. He was also a member of the SF Veteran Honor Guard, serving as chaplain. Thomas worked for over 30 years and retired from Tinker AFB. For almost 19 years, Thomas was a preacher at North Rock Creek Assembly of God church in Shawnee, OK. Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Sr. and Bessie Morris; daughter, Carla Morris; sisters, Mae Warrior, Caroline Kisketon, Ruth Nullake, and Celestia Morris. Thomas leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Beatrice Morris; 9 sons, Ronnie Morris, G.K. Morris, Russell Morris, Greg Morris, Michael Tsotaddle, Marvin Thurman, George Thurman; 4 daughters, Tina Morris, Bessie Morris, Marilyn Thurman and Darla Tsotaddle; numerous nieces and nephews; 14 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. A Wake was held September 13, 2020 at Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Stroud, OK. Funeral Services were held on September 14, 2020 at the First Assembly Church of God in Stroud, OK, officiated by Pastor Jeromye Jackson. Burial followed at Stroud Cemetery. Like Us on Facebook! Sac and Fox Nation Sac and Fox Casino Sac and Fox Language Program Sac and Fox Dept. of Human Services Sac and Fox National Public Library ents, husband, four brothers, three sisters, one son George Eldredge, and one daughter Joann Gilman. Survivors include two siblings, brother Carmen Clark and sister Dolly Hodge; daughter, Deborah McElroy, and son, Charles Eldredge; seven grandchildren, Mark Gilman, Ronald Gilman, Victoria Brown, Charles Eldredge Jr., Shawn Eldredge, Katherine McElroy, and Misty Kirk. Also, eleven great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. No services will be held at this time. Care services are provided by Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Stroud, OK. Larry Wayne Grass Larry Wayne Grass, age 56 and a resident of Konawa, Okla., passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at his home. A Wake Service was held August 28, 2020 at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Konawa, Okla.. Funeral services were held August 29, 2020 at Grace Community Church in Vamoosa, Okla. and, burial followed at the Givens Family Cemetery near Vamoosa. Rev. Arthur Carpitcher and Mike Grass officiated. Larry was born April 4, 1964 in Claremore, Oklahoma to Lawrence Bordeaux and Carmen Sue Grass. He was a self-employed welder, and he married Alexa Givens June 27, 2009 at Birdcreek Church in Sasakwa, Okla. Hewas a member of the Indian Pentecostal Church of God in Konawa. He loved to eat, fish, and work. Most of all, he loved his “grand-babies.” He is survived by his wife, Alexa Grass of the home; five sons, Nickolas Grass of Taft, Okla., Jarred Grass of Apache, Okla., Wayne Grass of Shawnee, Okla., Anthony Jacoway of Konawa, and Frank Teboe of Shawnee, Okla.; one daughter, Larra Grass of Shawnee; one sister, Anita Thorpe of Oklahoma City; and sixteen grandchildren. He was preceded by his parents, and one son, Lucas. Larry Wayne Grass Business Committee Meeting Minutes are now accessible on the Website sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov and Facebook Happy October Birthday Elders! Terry Lynn West Amelia Ruth Grant George Dan Croley Kenneth Keith Kahbeah Debra Deann Anderson Glenda Charlotte Fuller Joyce Marie Kolpin Gladys P. Boyd Gail Ruth Harjo Peggy Ann Big Eagle Mary Dora Kaskuske Teresa Marie Larney Clay Woodward Jones Betty Lou Christie Dagmar Seely Margaret Ellen Bailey Richard Allen Harwell Teresa Ann Powell Judith Ellen Fields Ronald George Harris Jo Anna Fixico Stanley C. Trammell Celena Marie Ellis Shannon Chase Ward Jimmy Dean Estes Benjamin Charles McClellan Martha L. Bouzis Steven David Franklin Raymond Lee Haskins Robert L. Barlow Kenneth Lynn George Shawn Mark Wesmore Laura Jean Pennock Pamela Marie Morris Billie Mae Ellefson Roy Dean Cobb Terry Lynn Bean Allison H. Nave Harold Vernon Jones Jacquelyn Sue Southern Jeannette Foster Jane Hope Stephens Rosemary B. May Susan Marie Clark Anita Kay Gatlin Shelley Magdalene Haupt Cathy May Charboneau Kristin Alecia Erickson Alvin Tall Bear Donna Kay Harris Charlotte Alderson Marianne Patricia Alexander Marion E. Miles Glenda G. Hodge Charley Gibbs Richard Eugene Rogers Gloria Ann Foster Warren Cleve Hunter Joe York Whistler Ronald Wayne Keo Dennis Ray Longshore Michael Edward Murphy Fredith Ann Blanchard April Michelle Perez James Ervin Taber Harry G. Franklin Susan Gale Bass Michael Boyd Little David Gene Johnson Harold Allen Meek Dorothy Jeanne Geionety Georgina Muhareb Thomas Mose Wakolee Earnestine Mae Petitt Norma Rene` Raya Vernon Curtis Pequano Michael Wayne Cancel Lucille Helen Geisleman Carla De`ann Banister Troy Gene Shackelford Terri Marie Grass Richard Dean Brown Rowe Alan Kishketon Virginia Mary Riley Pamela Jeane Beagle Tammy Sue Warlick Julie Ann Pipkins Shawna Elaine Onco Charlotte Kay Easley John Alan Walker Timothy E. Morris Doneva J. Armstrong Lenore Marie Papst Page 3 - Sac and Fox News - October 2020 Governing Council Minutes Getting a Flu Shot is Especially Important Due to Coronavirus Getting the annual flu shot is always important. But this year, it might be essential. The SARS-Cov-2 coronavirus is surging throughout the state and much of the country, and many health experts are predicting an epidemic-level wave during the fall and winter months, right in the heart of the annual flu season in the U.S. “That timing could be potentially disastrous for a number of reasons, but the most obvious is that the combined fight against coronavirus and influenza is potentially more than our healthcare system can handle,” said Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation physician-scientist Eliza Chakravarty, M.D. Since the coronavirus first started spreading across the U.S. earlier this year, it has resulted in almost 2.3 million confirmed cases and 120,000 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as of June 22. Those numbers – and the associated strain on hospitals and healthcare resources – could be compounded by the flu, which in the during the 2019-20 season infected as many as 56 million Americans, with 740,000 hospitalizations and nearly 62,000 deaths, according to preliminary CDC data. “Efforts taken with the shutdown, like social distancing and wearing masks, have kept rates low enough to keep coronavirus patients separated from others who need other routine care,” Chakravarty said. “Add another outbreak and toss in a fast-spreading virus like the flu, and all that progress could go out the window.” Chakravarty also worries about people getting exposed to both viruses. “Each of them is deadly enough individually, but we know they are especially dangerous Chief Wood’s Address to the Nation (Continued From Page 1) Like Us on Facebook! Sac and Fox Nation Sac and Fox Casino Sac and Fox Language Program Sac and Fox Dept. of Human Services Sac and Fox National Public Library Please continue to look to the website and Facebook for updates on COVID Relief programs, as we will continue to update the resources available for tribal members. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions, comments, or concerns at 918-968-3526 ext. 1004 or justinwood@ sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov. I am here to serve and I look forward to hearing from you. Grace to you and peace be multiplied. for those with compromised immunity or lung function,” she said. “You don’t want to catch both if you’re already compromised.” The good news is that there are ways to avoid this nightmare scenario, said OMRF President Stephen Prescott, M.D. “We have to maintain already sensible practices, like physical distancing, wearing masks, and washing our hands,” said Prescott, a physician and researcher. “An obvious additional step is to get the flu shot. Even if you don’t normally get one, this is the time to do it.” Flu shorts are generally inexpensive or free, and drive-thru vaccinations may become widely available. And while the shots are far from perfect, typically providing between 40 and 60 percent protection, “Some protection is better than none,” said Prescott. Even if you contract the flu after receiving your shot, vaccination often leads to a milder case, said Chakravarty. “A less-severe version is always a good thing, but now it might also save you or a loved one a trip to the hospital where coronavirus exposure is possible,” she said. “So, the bottom line is that flu shots save lives – this year, maybe more than ever.” Business Committee Meeting Minutes are now accessible on the Website sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov and Facebook SAC AND FOX TAX COMMISSION REVENUE February 2020 Beer and Liquor...................................................................$229.09 State Tobacco Rebate.................................................$258,026.70 Motor Vehicle...................................................................$8,431.85 Sales Tax........................................................................$15,313.03 Treasury...............................................................................$285.00 Oil and Gas.............................................................................$0.00 Gaming...........................................................................$94,849.62 TOTAL..............$377,135.29 Page 4 - Sac and Fox News - October 2020 Sac and Fox Nation Education Department News Hello!! Hope everyone is doing well during these uncertain times. The area public schools have been in session now since August. Some schools have started out with in-person and now have gone to virtual (distancing) learning, due to the outbreak of COVID-19. There are some schools that are going strong with in-person learning. Schools are requiring students to wear face masks on the bus and when entering the facility and in the classrooms. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommend wearing a cloth face mask. The Sac and Fox Nation Education Department would like for you to consider some tips if your child’s school requires a cloth mask: • Wearing cloth face masks should be a priority as it is difficult to maintain social distance, such as on the bus, at carpool drop-off or pickup, and when entering the building. • Have multiple cloth face masks available for your child. Provide your child with a clean mask and back-up mask each day and a clean resealable bag for them to store the mask when they cannot wear it, such as at lunch. • Label your child’s mask clearly so it’s not confused with another child’s. • Practice properly putting on and taking off cloth face masks with your child while avoiding touching the cloth portions. • Remind your child that they should clean their hands before and after touching their mask. • Instruct your child to never share or trade masks with others. • Talk to your child about the importance of wearing a face mask and model wearing them as a family. If your child could use extra cloth face masks, please call the Sac and Fox Education Department for additional masks. The masks were donated by the Absentee Shawnee Health Clinic to the Sac and Fox Education Department. Call 1-918 968-3526, Ext: 2046 I would like to give an update on the COVID-19 technology equipment that the Education Department is conducting. We have ordered lap tops for the senior High School students and college students. I anticipated that we would be overwhelmed by inquires, but we have taken care of all the completed applications that we received and now we have issued lap tops to all high school students in grades 9th, 10th, and 11th, grades. We will continue to issue lap tops out as applications are received for high school and college students. Please submit complete documents by filling out the lap top application, sign the waiver and attach a copy of the CDIB card (enrollment card that shows membership). THE CHROME BOOKS FOR PRE-K THROUGH 8TH GRADE STUDENTS HAVE NOT BEEN DELIVERED YET. THE PROJECTION DATE IS SOMETIME IN OCTOBER. There has been a high demand for Chromebooks nationwide and it will take a little while for delivery. We ask that everyone be patient and as soon as they arrive we will be calling you to set an appointment for you to pick up the Chromebook. We will start with the earliest date and work up to the present date. We currently have 255 completed Chromebook applications, not including 4 pending for additional documents, as of September 10, 2020. PLEASE SUBMIT CHROMEBOOK AND LAP TOP APPLICATIONS WITH WAIVER AND COPY OF CDIB CARD AND HAVE THE SCHOOL SIGN APPLICATION FORM OF ENROLLMENT. WE WILL NOT ACCEPT EMAIL, SCAN, OR FAX COPY OF APPLICATION FOR CHROMEBOOK OR LAP TOP MUST BE THE ORIGINAL FORM. MAKE SURE YOU SIGN YOUR SIGNATURE ON ALL DOCUMENTS AS THIS MAY DELAY YOUR SERVICE. WE WILL NOT BE CALLING YOU FROM THIS POINT ON FOR MISSING DOCUMENTS OR FOR YOUR SIGNATURE. There is one issue that we would like to bring up and that is the clothing receipts that are required by you to turn in for your child/children’s clothing. As approved by the Business Committee 8/24/2016, all receipts are due by April 1st of the applicable school year. We will be enforcing that rule coming this next year of 2021. NO RECEIPTS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER APRIL 1ST 2021. PLEASE, WHEN TURNING IN YOUR RECEIPTS, PUT YOUR NAME AND THE CHILD/CHILDREN NAME ON RECEIPTS. There were many receipts that were sent without a name or of any kind of identification of who the receipts belonged to. We have had 55 Higher Education students that have come through the Education office to seek funding for the 2020 Fall semester. We are currently out of funding until new budgets are approved for fiscal year 2020-2021. There are 28 college students waiting on the new budgets to be approved. As soon as we receive new budget funding in RAP and approval for DOI (Department of Interior) funding, we will fund the remainder of the college applications that are complete. RAP funding will have to be approved by the Sac and Fox Council. We hope that with both budgets, that action will take place SOON! Our college students are waiting patiently. Some are probably thinking how we determine which 27 students get granted funding and why not the other 28 that are waiting. We work the applications as we receive them, from the earliest date and so forth. If all documents are not completed or missing in the packet, then we call about the incomplete and missing documents. From that point, it is up to the student to make sure we receive the documents so we can process. The longer the student delays in supplying documents, the longer their application is delayed. For new students (usually the seniors that just graduated out of high school) that go through the education department, we will need the following documents: • REVENUE ALLOCATION PLAN (RAP) APPLICATION • COMPETED RAP APPLICATION FORM • SIGNED PRIVACY STATEMENT • CERTIFICATE OR INDIAN BLOOD (CDIB) PROOF OF SAC AND FOX TRIBAL MEMBERSHIP • ADMISSION LETTER FROM THE COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY • PERSONAL LETTER STATING THE COLLEGE MAJOR YOU PLAN TO PURSUE AND YOUR CAREER GOALS • COPY OF SEMESTER CLASS by Edwina Butler-Wolfe SCHEDULE • COPY OF OFFICIAL COLLEGE AND/OR HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT • COMPLETE “VERIFICATION OF ACADEMIC ENROLLMENT FORM” • RELEASE OF INFORMATION FORM • W-9 FORM ALL FORMS REQUESTED ARE IN THE RAP PACKET EXCEPT: CLASS SCHEDULE, OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS, CDIB, ADMISSION LETTER, PERSONAL LETTER FOR NEW STUDENTS. Once the new student writes their personal letter, they will not have to write another each semester. The W-9 form is done once a year. When a new year comes a new W-9 needs to be submitted. Each semester, fall and spring, every student will have to repeat the same documents for funding. For spring 2021 semester, the DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 30, 2020. Applying for the Sac and Fox Nation Higher Education Department of Interior students will basically be looking at the same as RAP documents. The only difference will be the financial needs analysis form which the college financial aid office will need to fill out. If a college student is a continuing student, we will need the official college transcript from the previous semester. This applies to the RAP Program as well. The Education Department is hoping that we can hold a workshop in January or February of 2021 for students to help them start their paperwork for college. I will be out of the office September 21st through 28th returning on the 29th due to an ear surgery. If I miss your call or do not return your call, I apologize and will get back to you as soon and I am able to. We hope everyone is continuing being safe! If anyone has any concerns of the Education Department, please give us a call. Thank you, Edwina Butler-Wolfe, Director Sac and Fox Nation Education Department 918 968-3526, Ext: 2046 405 328-0402 cell number Happy Birthday!! Alyssa Ann Williamson Happy 7th Birthday Wapanokweha! Wishing you the very best and asking The Creator to continue blessing you with love and life for many years to come. Cherish these youthful years and never forget how much we love you! Love, Dada, Mesho, Stevie, Gma and all the rest of the family! The Family of Larry Grass CALLING ALL SAUK AND FOX ARTISTS! We are looking for Sauk and Fox artwork to hang in the new ‘Soon to Open’ Senior Citizens, Veterans Office and Transportation Building reception area, Stroud, Okla. This will be on a consignment/loan basis as there are no funds to purchase at this time. For information, please call Dottie Tiger, 918/290-1754. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT NOTICE Applications for College - Vocational and Adult Education are on the Sac and Fox Nation Web site Click on Education for downloads. Kids and Grandkids Are G-R-E-A-T!! We want to feature the scholastic, academic and athletic awards or achievements of your child or grandchild of the Sac and Fox Nation! Send all pertinent information, such as name of student, town, school and grade attending, explanation of award or achievement, and names of parents and/or grandparents, along with a current photo of the student to: newspaper@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov or: Sac and Fox News, 920963 S. Hwy. 99 Stroud, OK 74079 Page 5 - Sac and Fox News - October 2020 Application Deadline is Nov. 1, 2020 for COVID-19 Economic Support Program TRIBAL MEMBERS CAN NOW SUBMIT APPLICATION FOR COVID-19 ECONOMIC SUPPORT. The application is now available on the website. To receive the economic support payment, tribal members must submit the application. In May 2020, upon receipt of CARES Act funding from the U.S. Treasury, the Sac and Fox Nation Business Committee approved the COVID-19 Economic Support Program. Under the program, all enrolled members of the Sac and Fox Nation age 18 or older are eligible to receive two payments of $1,000.00. Members under the age of 18 are eligible to receive two payments of $250.00. The first distribution occurred in early June. The second distribution was scheduled for September, but the Business Committee has announced that distributions will begin immediately. To receive the economic support payment, you must complete and submit the application. Checks will be distributed once the application is received, beginning immediately. No checks will be sent without a completed application on file. All applications must be submitted by November 1, 2020. On June 24, 2020, the U.S. Treasury updated its guidance documents on use of CARES funds. The guidance was updated to state that economic support payments must be based on an assessment of individual need. The official guidance is periodically updated and we are closely tracking it to ensure compliance. The application is also available online at: http://sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov/departments/ covid-relief/ Why the ‘nsn.gov’ Designation? From time to time, a question has been asked as to why the Sac and Fox Nation uses such a special exclusive (and longer) native sovereign nation dot gov Internet designation and name: The “nsn dot gov” (nsn.gov) designation carries with it more significant levels of legitimacy, trust, and authority than a commercial, “dot com” domain name. “NSN DOT GOV” confirms that it is an official government website that has been certified, verified, and recognized by the United States Government. Of course, commercial sub-entities and public political subdivisions of tribal government may also use a commercial dot com designation for commercial-oriented purposes. Truman Carter Page 6 - Sac and Fox News - October 2020 SAUK LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY Indians are born speaking our languages. For some of us, they lie dormant within our bodies. They are looking for a way out. God gave us these beautiful languages. All of us hold them in a sacred manner within. There is no such thing as an Indian person who cannot speak Indian. Our language programs find these languages within our bodies. They bring them out through our mouths and deliver them to their rightful resting places within our hearts. Sauk Language Department October 2020 Comic Page 7 - Sac and Fox News - October 2020 RAP Application Forms Provided Here The Sac and Fox Nation Activity Committee would like to celebrate and introduce our 2020-2021 SFN Royalty and Senior Man & Senior Woman on October 12, 2020 @ 2 p.m. under the pavilion @ Jim Thorpe Memorial Park powwow grounds. October 2020 Word Search If at least 1 in your household has a CDIB, you reside within our 5 tribe Service Area, & you meet USDA Income Guidelines… YOU MAY QUALIFY!!! CALL TODAY!!! 1-800-256-3398 This institution is an equal opportunity provider. YOU CAN STOP SMOKING NOW Page 8 - Sac and Fox News - October 2020 Native American Genealogy and Research Program Set For Oct. 20 Oklahoma Genealogical Society (OGS) will present a special program, “Native American Genealogy & Research” with Native Oklahoman, Rick Fogarty. His program is set for Tues., October 20, 2020 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. CST, by Webinar. “In past years at the Oklahoma State Fair OGS booth, the majority of inquiries we receive are concerning Native American ancestry. We want to reach out to our Native American Agencies, as well as schools, social organizations, genealogical and historical societies, etc.; for you to have the opportunity to disseminate this information to any who may be interested in the Webinar,” said an OGS spokesperson. Fogarty is a professional genealogist and lecturer in Hazlet, N.J; a third-generation genealogist with deep Oklahoma roots and a citizen of the Muscogee Creek Nation. He specializes in Native American tribal, adoption, and DNA/forensic genealogical research. He has attended the Boston University forensic genealogy course, the Forensic Genealogy Institute genetic genealogy course, Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy, and the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research. He is a life member of the Association of Professional Genealogists; and instructor on Native American tribal genealogy for several institutes while lecturing frequently on many genealogical topics. Registration for this program will be through the website www.okgensoc.org, for a nominal charge of $20. “We are limited to one-hundred Webinar links for maximum attendance of this event. OGS is an Educational Organization supported by our membership fees, educational programs and charitable contributions,” the spokesperson added. October 2020 SAC AND FOX NATION FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM STROUD WAREHOUSE 918-968-3030 • 1-800-256-3398 SHAWNEE OFFICE 405-395-0063 • 1-886-622-2310 ALL FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! THANK YOU!! Business Committee Meeting Minutes are now accessible on the Website and Facebook sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov Announcement From the Sac and Fox Nation RAP department: Applicants that are living within the Sac and Fox Nation jurisdiction and HAVE NOT received assistance from the following RAP health programs: • Dental • Vision • Dentures • Hearing Aids For more information, please contact: Karen Hamilton or Nethia Wallace Shawnee Multi-Purpose Building 405-275-1262 Please contact our Black Hawk Health Center @ (918) 968-9531 to setup a referral appointment to receive assistance through our contract health program. Page 9 - Sac and Fox News - October 2020 Sac and Fox Nation RAP Department Questions and Answers Q: WHAT IS THE RAP DEPARTMENT’S FISCAL YEAR? A: OCTOBER 1ST THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30TH. Q: IS RAP ASSISTANCE FOR TRIBAL MEMBERS LIVING OUTSIDE SAC AND FOX NATION JURISDICTION? A: YES, RAP ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ARE FOR ALL QUALIFIED TRIBAL MEMBERS, REGARDLESS OF RESIDENCY. Q: I DID NOT RECEIVE ASSISTANCE (ON WAITING LIST AND/ OR NOT YET ELIGIBLE) THIS PAST FISCAL YEAR, CAN MY SAME APPLICATION BE USED FOR THE UPCOMING NEW FISCAL YEAR? A: NO. FOR AUDIT PURPOSES, AN APPLICATION FOR THE NEW FISCAL YEAR MUST BE SUBMITTED. Q: WHEN DO YOU ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FOR THE NEW FISCAL YEAR? A: AFTER THE ANNUAL SPECIAL GOVERNING COUNCIL MEETING. WHEN THE RAP DEPARTMENT AND RAP SOCIAL SERVICES BUDGETS ARE APPROVED. Q: I PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED MY W-9 TO ANOTHER DEPARTMENT. WHY DO I HAVE TO FILL OUT ANOTHER W-9 TO PROCESS MY HARDSHIP ASSISTANCE APPLICATION? A: TO MAKE SURE YOUR ADDRESS IS CURRENT (GOES TO THE CORRECT ADDRESS) FOR OUR RECORDS WITH THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT. Q: CAN I SEND MY APPLICATION(S) VIA EMAIL OR FAX? WHAT IS THE MAILING ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER AND CURRENT HOURS OF OPERATION? A: YES. EMAIL: sfnrap@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov FAX: (918) 968-4207 ADDRESS: 920963 S. HWY 99, STROUD, OK 74079 PHONE: (918) 968-3526 EXT. 2001 HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY FROM 8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. Q: WHAT TYPE OF PROGRAMS DOES THE RAP DEPARTMENT OFFER? • HARDSHIP – ASSISTANCE UP TO $250.00 • TRIBAL ENERGY – ASSISTANCE UP TO $200.00 WITH YOUR CURRENT ELECTRIC OR GAS OR FIREWOOD OR PROPANE BILL(S) DURING THE HEATING SEASON (OCTOBER 1ST THROUGH MARCH 30TH) AND ASSISTANCE UP TO $200.00 WITH YOUR CURRENT ELECTRIC BILL(S) DURING THE COOLING SEASON (APRIL 1ST THROUGH SEPT 30TH). • EMERGENCY APPLIANCE – ASSISTANCE UP TO $500.00 • ORTHODONTICS – LIFETIME LIMIT ASSISTANCE UP TO $4,000.00 • VISION – ASSISTANCE UP TO $300.00 • DENTAL – ASSISTANCE UP TO $400.00 • DENTURES – ASSISTANCE UP TO $1,000.00 • HEARING AIDS – ASSISTANCE UP TO $1,000.00 • TRIBAL EMERGENCY HOME REPAIR (TEHR) – LIFETIME LIMIT ASSISTANCE UP TO $5,000.00 • ELDERS/HANDICAPPED LAWN CARE – 2 MOWINGS PER MONTH. LAWN CARE SEASON IS APRIL 1ST THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30TH. (PLEASE SEE RAP GUIDELINES FOR ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS. NOTE: ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION MAY BE REQUIRED.) Q: DO I NEED TO UTILIZE THE BLACK HAWK CLINIC-CONTRACT HEALTH SERVICES (DENTAL, VISION, DENTURES AND HEARING AID) BEFORE REQUESTING RAP HEALTH ASSISTANCE? A: YES. IN REFERENCE TO THE RAP HEALTH GUIDELINES, TRIBAL MEMBERS MUST EXHAUST ANY OTHER TRIBAL OR INDIAN HEALTH SERVICES RESOURCES. PROOF OF DENIAL MUST BE PROVIDED. Q: DO I NEED TO UTILIZE THE HUMAN SERVICES/SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS (LIHEAP AND LIHEAP-CRISIS) BEFORE REQUESTING RAP TRIBAL ENERGY ASSISTANCE? A: YES. TRIBAL ENERGY CAN ONLY BE USED IF INDIVIDUALS ARE NOT QUALIFIED FOR LIHEAP ASSISTANCE. PROOF OF DENIAL MUST BE PROVIDED. Page 10 - Sac and Fox News - October 2020 2 0 2 0 P E R C A P I TA PAY M E N T I N F O R M AT I O N • Individual must be enrolled by September 30, 2020 to be eligible for the 2020 per capita payment. • Tribal members will need to submit a W9 to the Finance Department for the upcoming 2020 Per Capita Payment. • Once a W-9 form is received, it will be updated into our system and all payments due will be made at a time of disbursement. • If an individual is a NEW tribal member, or has had a NAME CHANGE, a copy of Social Security card is needed for our records. • There is NO deadline on submitting a W9. All checks will be mailed, no exceptions. • The IRS 1099 form will be mailed by January 31, 2021. NEW MINORS . . . PLEASE SEND COPY OF SOCIAL SECURITY CARD SO WE CAN GET TRUST ACCOUNTS ESTABLISHED 920963 S. Hwy. 99, Building A • Stroud, OK 74079 • (918) 968-1141 • FAX (918) 968-1142 W-9 Form It is critical that the W-9 Form be completed correctly and thoroughly for each individual tribal member. Be sure to fill out your NAME, MAILING ADDRESS, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, and then SIGN and DATE your form. Required Legal Documents If you have had a name change due to marriage, divorce, adoption, etc., it is important the Finance Department has a copy of your social security card. All othere legal documents should be sent to the Enrollment Department so their records can be updated. Any guardianship or Power of Attorney documents need to be on file with the Finance Department. Minors Parents or guardians are responsible for providing a W-9 for minor children; not doing so could result in the minor’s payment not being deposited into the minor’s trust fund account in a timely manner. Sac and Fox Nation Finance Department 920963 S. Hwy 99, Bldg. A Stroud, Oklahoma 74079 Direct fax: 918-968-4528 If you have any questions, please contact the Finance Department staff by phone at 918-968-3526 or 800-259-3970 ext. 1033, 1038 or 1027. Tax Liability Notification What are the withholding requirements for distributions that are made per a Revenue Allocation Plan (RAP)? The first step is to identify the source of funds used for the distribution. Unless the source of funds is specifically exempt from taxation, the amounts that make up the distributions to tribal members are taxable. Which funds get reported on Form 1099-Misc? Distributions could be derived from many sources, including the profits from a tribal business other than a Class II or Class III gaming operation, interest income on investments, or rental payments from tribal lands. All these payments require a tribe to prepare a Form 1099-MISC When does a person receive a Form 1099-Misc, Statement for Recipients of Miscellaneous Income? If a person receives $600 or more in 1 calendar year from the same source, that amount must be reported on a Form 1099, and that Form 1099-Misc. must be provided to the individual. Per capita payments could affect any Tribal, Federal, State, and/or Local benefits you may receive or programs in which you participate. The Sac and Fox Nation encourage you to check with your tax accountant or benefit specialist. Can the allotted minor payment be refused in order to have the entire per capita payment be deposited in trust? Yes, but in order to do so we must still receive a W-9 for the same reasons stated above. We would also need a written statement to that effect to be included with the W-9. W-9 FORM MUST BE CUT ON DOTTED LINE BEFORE MAILING X X X SAC AND FOX NATION 920883 S. HIGHWAY 99 BLDG. “A” STROUD, OKLAHOMA, 74079 It is only the amount distributed from NET GAMING REVENUE that is subject to withholding. The Internal Revenue Code provides that “Every person, including an Indian tribe, making a payment to a member of an Indian tribe from the net revenues of any Class II or Class III gaming activity conducted or licensed by such tribe, shall deduct and withhold from such payment a tax in an amount equal to such payment’s proportionate share of the annualized tax.” The amount to withhold is provided in Withholding Tables found in IRS Publication 15-A, Employer’s Supplemental Tax Guide. If the Indian tribe anticipates making a distribution of any kind, the Indian tribe needs the tribal members’ Social Security number before the distribution is made. If an Indian tribe does not know a tribal member’s Social Security number at the time of distribution, the distribution is subject to “backup withholding” (at 28% in 2009). (Source: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Indian Tribal Governments Frequently Asked Questions, Last Reviewed or Updated: April 22, 2013) Why does a W-9 needed to be submitted yearly? If a tribal member receives income that is taxable, a 1099 must be issued for Tax Purposes. The W-9 also serves as a yearly address update. ^ Contact information: NOTICE X X X ^ Contact information - Finance Department For identity/security purposes, a W-9 form will not be accepted by e-mail. Completed forms may be hand delivered, mailed, or faxed. Page 11 - Sac and Fox News - October 2020 Application Deadline is Nov. 1, 2020 for Human Services Relief Program In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Business Committee established the COVID-19 Human Service Relief Program to provide relief to eligible tribal members. Eligible tribal members may apply to receive assistance with expenses related to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Eligible tribal members may qualify for assistance up to $5,000.00 (per eligible tribal member). This assistance may be used for eligible expenses related to the COVID-19 public health emergency, such as: rent, mortgage payments, electric, water, propane, day care, car payments, car insurance, COBRA health premiums, and other emergency needs related to COVID-19. All applications and required documentation must be received by November 1, 2020. Upon approval of your application and review of the submitted documentation, a check will be mailed to you. Direct deposit is not available and in-person pickup is not available. Funding is on a first come, first serve basis. Applications will be reviewed and approved until program funds are depleted. Eligibility: To qualify for this program, you must: • Be an enrolled member of the Sac and Fox Nation • Age 18 or older (at time of application submission) • Earn 400% or less of the National Poverty Guideline standards (please see https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines and attached spreadsheet) and have experienced a reduction in income due to hours due to the COVID-19 public health emergency (such as a loss of hours worked, decrease in rate of pay, furloughed) • Submit a completed application and a Form W-9 to the Sac and Fox Nation by November 1, 2020. • Submit documentation of household income with your completed application (such as pay stubs for each adult member in the household, monetary determination for unemployment benefits, or benefits notice from a federally funded program) • Submit documentation that you have experienced a reduction in income due to the COVID-19 public health emergency (such as proof from your employer, furlough/termination notice, etc.) • Submit documentation of the eligible expense you are requesting assistance for (such as bills or invoices to document the eligible expense). Questions and Application Assistance: The Business Committee has established a COVID Relief Department to assist tribal members. The COVID Relief Department will be staffed with tribal relations specialists available to assist tribal members and answer questions. If you have questions about this program or need assistance, please contact the COVID Relief Department: (918)-968-3526 or coviddept@ sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov. Applications are available online at www.sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov. Or you may contact the COVID Relief Department to have an application mailed to you. Applications may be submitted in the following ways: Sac and Fox Nation Attention: COVID Relief Department 920963 S. Hwy 99 Stroud, OK 74079 coviddept@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov Like Us on Facebook! Sac and Fox Nation Sac and Fox Casino Sac and Fox Language Program Sac and Fox Dept. of Human Services Sac and Fox National Public Library Page 12 - Sac and Fox News - October 2020 Business Relief Program Application Deadline is Nov. 1, 2020 In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Business Committee established the COVID-19 Business Relief Program to provide relief to eligible tribal member-owned businesses. Any business or enterprise held solely or majority-owned by a Sac and Fox Nation tribal member that can document business interruption as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible to apply for grant funds through the COVID-19 Business Relief Program. Eligible tribal member-owned businesses may apply to receive a grant up to $5,000.00 for reimbursement of costs incurred due to COVID-19. Eligible expenses include: expenses to reopen with expanded safety measures, such as additional cleaning supplies, signage, or other modifications to help stop the spread of COVID-19. All applications and required documentation must be received by November 1, 2020. Upon approval of the application and review of documentation, a check will be mailed to the address listed. Direct deposit is not available and in-person pickup is not available. Funding is on a first come, first serve basis. Applications will be reviewed and approved until program funds are depleted. Eligibility: To qualify for this program, the applicant must: • Be an enrolled member of the Sac and Fox Nation • Be a sole owner or majority owner (51%) of the business applying for the grant and submit documentation of business ownership • Submit a completed application and a Form W-9 to the Sac and Fox Nation by November 1, 2020 • Verify business operations interruptions due to COVID-19 • Submit documentation of costs incurred due to COVID-19 Questions and Application Assistance: The Business Committee has established a COVID Relief Department to assist tribal members. The COVID Relief Department will be staffed with tribal relations specialists available to assist tribal members and answer questions. If you have questions about this program or need assistance, please contact the COVID Relief Department: (918)-968-3526 or coviddept@sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov. Applications are also available online at www.sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov. Or you may contact the COVID Relief Department to have an application mailed to you. Applications may be submitted to the COVID Relief Department: Sac and Fox Nation Attention: COVID Relief Department 920963 S. Hwy 99 Stroud, OK 74079 coviddept@sacandfoxnation-nsn. gov Like Us on Facebook! Sac and Fox Nation Sac and Fox Casino Sac and Fox Language Program Sac and Fox Dept. of Human Services Sac and Fox National Public Library Page 13 - Sac and Fox News - October 2020 Business Committee Meeting Minutes Business Committee Meeting Minutes With Sincere Gratitude HELP WANTED! There are not enough words to fully express our heartfelt thanks for the sympathy, love and support you have extended to our family during the loss of our dad/grandpa. Thank you to those who sent flowers, plants, food, monetary gifts and cards, in-state and out-of-state. Thank you Brother Jeromye Jackson, Truman Carter, SF Maintenance Department, The Sac and Fox Nation, Seminole Nation, Absentee-Shawnee Tribe Color Guards and Air Force. Thank you Stroud Fire Department for flying the American Flag and, Ida Parish and her helpers for preparing the meal. With sincere gratitude on behalf of the Thomas Morris Jr. Family Numbers 6:24-26 SAC & FOX NATION EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES The following is a list of job vacancies with the Sac & Fox Nation: Victim’s Administrative Assistant Victim’s Advocate Coordinator Maintenance Technician Elders Program Coordinator Health Information Manager Chief Financial Director Resident Advisor (Juvenile Detention Center) Land and Cattle Laborer Meal Delivery Driver (Part-time) COVID-19 Custodian (Temporary) COVID-19 Entrance Screener (Temporary) COVID-19 Receptionist (Temporary) Capitol Security Officer (Part Time) Environmental Technician (Part Time) Shipping & Receiving & Filing Clerk (Temporary) Education Assistant (Temporary) RAP Receptionist - Part-time Applicants must successfully pass an OSBI/National background check and drug screen. Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native Americans. Applicants claiming Indian Preference must provide a copy of their CDIB. For more information and to learn how to apply please visit our website at: www.sacandfoxnation.com or contact Human Resources, Sac and Fox Nation, 920963 S. Hwy. 99, Bldg. A Stroud, OK 74079 or by phone (918) 968-3526 earn FREE college tuition it’s Oklahoma’s Promise With Oklahoma’s Promise, the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, 8th, 9th, and 10th grade students whose family income is $50,000 or less can earn FREE COLLEGE TUITION Apply online at www.okpromise.org or Contact the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education by e-mail at okpromise@osrhe.edu or by phone at 1-8-858-1840 (225-9152 in OKC) Get an application from your counselor Page 14 - Sac and Fox News - October 2020 Business Committee Meeting Minutes Dream Team: OMRF, OU join Forces to Battle the Virus When Covid-19 hit Oklahoma, the state had only minimal testing options available. In most labs with standard equipment on hand, technicians could only complete a few dozen tests per day. “This was a major unmet need,” said Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientist Joel Guthridge, Ph.D. “Everyone recognized we had to have more testing.” For help, he reached out to Michael Talbert, M.D., Lloyd E. Rader Professor and Chair of the Department of Pathology at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. Together, they pioneered a new approach to test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Utilizing a Fluidigm Biomark, a $300,000 piece of scientific equipment that uses microfluidics and a technique called reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (or RT-PCR), they could gather vast amounts of data from limited quantities of sample materials and detect small amounts of virus. “It was a completely novel idea to use the equipment this way,” said Talbert, who oversees laboratory testing operations at OU that generate a total of approximately 5 million results each year. “No one had done this.” Under Talbert’s guidance, an OU Medicine facilities crew renovated an empty lab to accommodate the personnel and specialized equipment the effort would require. “We made fast changes,” he said. “We even put up a wall in one day.” The Biomark system employs a technology known as “microfluidics,” minimizing the amounts of precious reagents required to run tests. It also possesses the ability to process multiple samples at once, meaning that it holds the potential to deliver many times more results on a daily basis than a standard testing system. For months, a joint team of OU and OMRF scientists lived a Groundhog Day-like existence, routinely pulling shifts of 12 hours or more as they refined their testing protocols. “They worked night and day, seven days a week, and often didn’t even know what day it was,” Guthridge said. As cases in Oklahoma kept mushrooming, the group felt increasing pressure to get the lab up and running. Still, even a single false negative could send an infectious person back out into the world, triggering a cluster of new cases. “We had to get it right,” Guthridge said. In June, the OU-OMRF team filed its final application with the FDA to launch the new test. Although Talbert described the early days as “training mode,” the operation continues to ramp up. Each day, couriers deliver samples collected at OU Medicine facilities and at “swab pods” in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Norman. Technicians then prepare and load batches of samples, up to 186 at a time, into the Biomark, where each run takes about six hours. During that time, said Guthridge, the machine tests each sample five times, which ensures accuracy. And because of the Biomark’s “sensitivity,” it can detect infections other commercially available tests – especially the ones that deliver rapid results – can miss. Most samples arrive in the afternoon. In a time when testing backlogs often force patients to wait a week or more to learn whether they have Covid-19, the lab typically reports results the following day. Sometimes, they’re able to deliver results that same day. Still, the team is not resting on its laurels. Guthridge and Talbert are working on a concept called pooling that could quadruple the lab’s daily testing capacity without using any additional reagents. They’re also investigating the use of saliva samples, which would do away with the uncomfortable nasopharyngeal swab in favor of a simple and painless spit-ina-cup. Even though the collaboration arose in response to an unparalleled health crisis, Talbert described the process of working with his OMRF neighbors as “amazing” and “fun.” “We shared a single goal: to help Oklahomans in an unprecedented time of medical need,” he said. Why the ‘nsn.gov’ Designation? From time to time, a question has been asked as to why the Sac and Fox Nation uses such a special exclusive (and longer) native sovereign nation dot gov Internet designation and name: The “nsn dot gov” (nsn.gov) designation carries with it more significant levels of legitimacy, trust, and authority than a commercial, “dot com” domain name. “NSN DOT GOV” confirms that it is an official government website that has been certified, verified, and recognized by the United States Government. Of course, commercial sub-entities and public political subdivisions of tribal government may also use a commercial dot com designation for commercial-oriented purposes. Truman Carter --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Asac_fox_oklahoma%3Ad587958df5f6a50a. Public record. Not legal advice.