# Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska • Volume 50, Number 7 • Saturday, April 3, 2021

> Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more.

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Awinnebago%3A2fc2b4f1101c06dd

## Record

- **Collection:** Tribal code
- **Document type:** Tribal code

## Text

Bago Bits…

Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska • Volume 50, Number 7 • Saturday, April 3, 2021

HEMP? Is It the Future for the Winnebago Tribe

On the afternoon of March 9th, it was
an exciting day for the Winnebago Youth
Crisis Intervention Center/Youth Shelter
as they received the Ho-Chunk Way
Employee Donations award delivered by
Ho-Chunk, Inc.

The HEMP Special meeting was displayed on the new LED screen for the community to view.
On March 18th, the Whirling Thunder
Wellness Program staff held a nutritional
health promotion drive-up event in the
Whirling Thunder parking lot for National
Nutrition Month. Pictured is the low carb
meal bundle that community members
received for participating in their brief
survey.

The Ho-Chunk Village Farmers Market
first monthly event for March was a Paint
Party with Poppin’ Brushes & Bottles
held at the Woodland Trails building on
the evening of March 20th. (Photo credits:
Ho-Chunk Village Farmers Market)

Winonah Leader Charge
WINNEBAGO, NE— On Tuesday,
March 16th the Winnebago Tribal
Council held a special virtual meeting
on hemp. The meeting was for the community to learn more about what the
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska (WTN) is
doing in regard to hemp, answer questions, and to see how the WTN should
proceed in the hemp industry.
It was mentioned during the special
meeting that hemp is not marijuana,
hemp refers to the “plant species Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that
plant, including the seeds thereof and
all derivations, extracts, cannabinoids,
isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with
a total delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC) concentration of not more than
0.3 percent on a dry weight basis. TCH
is the primary psychoactive component
of cannabis” shared Jennifer Bear Eagle
of Big Fire Law Firm. The difference
between Marijuana versus hemp is
that marijuana has a higher TCH level
than hemp.
The 2018 Farm Bill allowed and
granted entities including tribal gov-

ernments to produce hemp, but each
entity has to meet certain requirements
to grow it.
“Ho-Chunk Farms was 1 of 7 hemp
growers in Nebraska out of 175 applicants in 2019” shared Aaron LaPointe
President of Winnebago Agriculture
and Industry. Currently, Winnebago
Agriculture and Industry is developing
its own brand of smokable products
known as Niota. “It is a pre rolled CBD
cone, it is under the 0.3 percent TCH
threshold and we are working on a few
things before we take this to market.
We are excited because we want to have
our own brand, it is going to allow us
to market something that was grown
here, produced, manufactured and we
are selling” stated LaPointe.
“Hemp can be used for just about
anything, right now were are using it
for its oils and smokable product but
we definitely want to diversify into more
hemp-based products” stated LaPointe.
As of right now involvement we do have
is in the CBD market. One of our future
plans to develop that from seed to final
product” continued LaPointe.

“WTN declares hemp to be a valuable
agricultural crop and commodity that
can be cultivated within the exterior
boundaries of the reservation” shared
Bear Eagle.
Chairwoman Victoria Kitcheyan shared, “the next steps the council
is going to take is to identify what some
of those projects would be and what we
want to do. Do we want to grow? Do
we want to process? Do we want to do
transportation for the whole regional
area? Which of that vertical integrated
process do we want to concentrate on
or build upon to compliment projects
that Aaron is already working on. There
is so much opportunity here but we are
looking for of course the tribal members
support as well as ideas. These are some
braining storming activities we want to
start thinking about.”
The Winnebago Communications
Department was able to film the HEMP
Special meeting for all tribal members
to view. It can be viewed on the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska’s YouTube
Channel and Facebook page for additional information.

Thomas Racing Representing the Tribe at the Speedway
On Thursday, March 25th, the Winnebago Public Health Department held
a vaccination incentive event at the blue
courts in downtown Winnebago for community members that received their 2nd
vaccination. Pictured is Alyssa Wolfe with
the t-shirts that were distributed.

Pictured L to R: Kadge Thomas and Jeffery Thomas.
The Ho-Chunk Renaissance Program
also held a community survey/t-shirt
giveaway event in their parking lot on
March 25th. Winnebago community members were able to drive-up, complete the
survey, and receive an “I LOVE NISOC”
t-shirt!

The Ho-Chunk Renaissance Program announced their Annual Egg Hunt clues to
the LED screen in Winnebago from March
29-April 2. (Gold: $300, Silver: $200,
Bronze: $150)

Winonah Leader Charge
WINNEBAGO, NE—Local Winnebago
tribal members Jeff Thomas Jr. and his
brother Kadge Thomas are carrying on
their father’s legacy as a stock car racer.
They regularly compete at Raceway
Park in Jefferson, SD.
“Dad started it out, he was into motor sports. He finally got to do it in 2008
when he bought his first car. He did
well his first year. In 2009, he bought
a more competitive car and competed
well receiving rookie of the year. This
motivated him to keep going and do
more. He won many races and trophies”
shared Thomas Jr.
Jeff Thomas Sr. sadly passed away
in the fall of 2019 due to health issues.
“He always made sure we knew our

V i s i t

u s

a t

way around vehicles especially when
it comes to doing it ourselves. He also
made sure our family was together no
matter what obstacle came our way”
said Thomas Jr.
Thomas Jr. and his brother Kadge
Thomas throughout the years took an
interest in racing. “It was exciting to
watch” said Thomas Jr. Both brothers
knew what it took to be a race car driver
and completed in the 2020 season.
Thomas Jr. placing 11th in the overall
stats and Kadge Thomas placing 12th
place overall. The brothers switched to
a higher division and are currently racing stock cars.
Thomas Jr. and his brother are currently in the process of preparing for

2021 IMCA racing season. “In 2021, we
hope to do better and place in the top 10
in the overall season” said Thomas Jr.
“Thank you to all the sponsors, the
helping hands who help get us ready
and our family support because it is a
dangerous sport” shared Thomas Jr.
If you are interested in becoming a
sponsor or would like more information, contact:
JEFF THOMAS JR.
THOMAS RACING #T69
1041 Eagleview St.
Winnebago, NE 68071
712-308-1207
Jthomas.Jr11@gmail.com

w w w . w i n n e b a g o t r i b e . c o m

Page 2 — Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, April 3, 2021

BAGO NEWS

Next WIN News Deadline:

April 13th

Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, April 3, 2021 — Page 3

TRIBAL NEWS
Construction Updates in the Winnebago
Community

March 2021 Construction updates include:
03/29 D oing removals (Asphalt, light poles, and concrete). Fire hall will have
access out and in on the north side of the station. Beck and Mercer stay open,
Mathewson is closed. A reminder parking is not allowed and foot traffic is discouraged from the parking lot across Highway 77 to the east of the Post Office.
Please park west or south of the post office and access on foot from there.
04/05 Laying pipe, rough grading and drying dirt on the south end. On the
north side we will be backfilling plus begin pouring the red island surfacing and
truck aprons for the roundabout. Street lights going north next week also.
04/12 Hopefully will have something ready for Harris.

First COVID-19 Variant Detected in Winnebago
Emilee Longuski
A mutated COVID-19 strain called
B.1.1.7 has now been confirmed in
Winnebago
Winnebago, NE – Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System (WCHS),
comprised of the Winnebago Public
Health Department (WPHD) and Twelve
Clans Unity Hospital (TCUH), has confirmed that an individual living in Winnebago tested positive for a COVID-19
variant that was first identified in the
United Kingdom (UK) and is called
B.1.1.7. This variant is a mutated strain
of the virus that causes COVID-19,
and is known to spread quicker and be
deadlier than other COVID-19 variants.
Similar to the flu, these viruses
constantly change through mutation
and cause new variants of the virus
to occur over time. These variants of
the virus that causes COVID-19 have
been confirmed in the United States
and globally. Scientist are still studying these variants, but they do seem to
spread more easily than other variants
and have led to an alarming increase in
the number of cases of COVID-19 and
deaths associated with it.
With the confirmation of this variant
in the community, it is important that
preventative measures be reinforced to
slow the spread of COVID-19 and its
variants. These precautions include
wearing a well-fitted face mask, maintaining a six-foot distance between others, washing your hands and sanitizing
frequently, and getting the COVID-19
vaccine. Existing patients at Twelve

Clans Unity Hospital or the Winnebago
Public Health Department who are 16
years and older can sign-up for the
COVID-19 vaccine by calling (402) 8782258 or by filling out the form and submitting it online at www.WinnebagoPublicHealth.com/VaccineWaitingList.
The Pfizer vaccine that is administered
in Winnebago is about 95% effective at
preventing COVID-19 and its variants.
In general, vaccinated individuals who
are infected with COVID-19 experience
mild symptoms and are at less risk of
mortality. An estimated 59% of the Winnebago population that is 16 years old
and over has received at least one dose
of the COVID-19 vaccine so far.
About: WCHS is operated by the
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and
consists of two divisions. Twelve Clans
Unity Hospital is a 13-bed state-ofthe-art healthcare facility that serves
an estimated 10,000 Native Americans
who live on the Winnebago Reservation and in the surrounding region.
Healthcare services provided by the
hospital include an outpatient clinic,
inpatient care, pharmacy, radiology,
emergency care, medical laboratory,
physical therapy, social services, and
more. The Winnebago Public Health
Department strives to create and
maintain a healthy community by providing a wide range of total health and
wellness programs. These programs
include physical, mental, safety, and
social services that benefit the Winnebago community.

Question of the Week:
What is the best/worst thing about Spring?

Winnebago Opens COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
to Anyone 16 and Older
Emilee Longuski

Winona Leader Charge
WIN Editor

Garan Coons
Winnebago Communications
Officer
I would have to say the best
thing about spring is mushroom
hunting of course. The worst thing
about spring is getting stuck in
the mud while mushroom hunting.

The best thing about Spring is
being able to spend time outside
again. The worst thing about
Spring is bugs and snakes, mostly
snakes.

Tribal Health System Opens Vaccination Appointments To All Regardless of
Tribal Affiliation
Winnebago, NE – Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System (WCHS),
comprised of the Winnebago Public
Health Department (WPHD) and Twelve
Clans Unity Hospital (TCUH), is opening
their weekly vaccination clinics to any
person 16 years and older, regardless of
tribal affiliation. The vaccination clinics
are held every Wednesday at Winnebago
Public School and the Pfizer-BioNTech
COVID-19 vaccine is being administered. Individuals signing-up for the
vaccine must be able to receive the
initial dose, as well as the booster shot
that will be given 21 days later.
To sign-up for an appointment, go
to www.WinnebagoPublicHealth.com/
VaccineWaitingList and submit the
form online. A representative from the
WPHD will contact each patient by
phone to schedule a vaccine appointment time.
“The Winnebago Tribe is committed
to using all available resources to help
stop the spread of COVID-19 and we
are pleased to be able to expand our
COVID-19 vaccine clinic to reach even
more people. A majority of people who
live or work in Winnebago are now
vaccinated and we look forward to increasing this number each week. The
COVID-19 vaccine really is our best
weapon to combat the virus.,” said CEO
of WCHS, Danelle Smith.
The Pfizer vaccine is shown to be

95% effective at preventing COVID-19
and its variants. In general, vaccinated
individuals who are infected with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms
and are at less risk of mortality. An
estimated 63% of the Winnebago population that is 16 years old and over
has received at least one dose of the
COVID-19 vaccine so far.
The Center for Disease Control
and Prevention recommends that you
should continue to practice all the necessary precautions in order to prevent
COVID-19. This includes wearing a
well-fitted face mask, maintaining a sixfoot distance between others, washing
your hands and sanitizing frequently,
and getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
About: WCHS is operated by the
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and
consists of two divisions. Twelve Clans
Unity Hospital is a 13-bed state-ofthe-art healthcare facility that serves
an estimated 10,000 Native Americans
who live on the Winnebago Reservation
and in the surrounding region. Healthcare services provided by the hospital
include an outpatient clinic, inpatient
care, pharmacy, radiology, emergency
care, medical laboratory, physical
therapy, social services, and more. The
Winnebago Public Health Department
strives to create and maintain a healthy
community by providing a wide range
of total health and wellness programs.
These programs include physical,
mental, safety, and social services that
benefit the Winnebago community.

Hōcąk Corner

Bethani Redhorn
WIN Office Manager
The best thing about Spring is
the weather, the days get longer
and warmer! The worst thing
about Spring is probably the mud,
only because it’s everywhere.

Pēžega wa'ų je?
(pay-zhay-gah wah'-oo jay)
Christina Parker
Desktop Publisher

Who is that? (standing)

The best thing is warm sunny
weather. The worst thing is BUGS!

Wāšja?
(wahsh-jah)

Did you see them?
The next issue of the WINNEBAGO INDIAN NEWS will be published on April 17, 2021.

——————————————————
Postmaster Send Address Changes To
Winnebago Indian News
P.O. Box 687
Winnebago, Nebraska 68071
——————————————————
The Winnebago Indian News (WIN),
founded in January 1972, is published
bi-weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of
Nebraska.

The Mission of the WIN is to inform and to
educate the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
of issues that affect them, and to be a
vehicle in which stresses positive and
beneficial concerns and points of view.
LETTER POLICY: Signed editorials, letters and articles appearing in the WIN
are the responsibility of the authors and
do not necessarily reflect the opinion or
attitude of the Winnebago Indian News or
the Winnebage Tribal Council.
The WIN encourages the submission of
Letters to the Editor; however, letters must
be signed and addressed. Letters may be
edited for language and length.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The reproduction of editorial or photography content
without permission is prohibited.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please send
change of address with old mailing label to:
Winnebago Indian News
P.O. Box 687
Winnebago, NE 68071
contact us at our e-mail address:
winnebagoindiannews@
winnebagotribe.com
402-878-2272
“Official Newspaper of
the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska”

DEADLINE for this issue will be April 13, 2021.

Yearly Subscription Rates
Nebraska Residents ....................$25.00
Out-Of-State ................................$35.00
Overseas .....................................$50.00
Advertising Rate
Per Column Inch ............................$7.00
Advertising/News Deadline
12:00 Noon Monday Printing Week
Periodicals Postage Paid
(Issn 1060-3026) At Winnebago, NE
Winnebago Indian News Staff
Winonah Leader Charge .............. Editor
.......................................Office Manager
Bethani Redhorn............Office Assistant
Christina Parker............Desktop Publisher

Winnebago Tribal Council
Victoria Kitcheyan .............. Chairwoman
Brian Chamberlain .......... Vice Chairman
Lorelei DeCora ....................... Secretary
Rona Stealer........................... Treasurer
Coly Brown .............................. Member
John Snowball . ........................ Member
Arik Armell ................................ Member
Louie LaRose ........................... Member
Thelma Whitewater................... Member

Page 4 — Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, April 3, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS
The American Rescue Plan Act
Winonah Leader Charge
Like most, it is challenging to
understand all the content and
terminology of the new American
Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) but after
meeting with Alan Post, the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska’s CFO,
he helped highlight some important
information for individuals to be
aware of about the changes made
through ARPA.
As part of the American Rescue
Plan Act, there are several tax items
to be aware of such as:
Recovery rebates
The most commonly known and
anticipated was the third round of
Economic Impact Payments authorized by Congress in the American
Rescue Plan Act in March 2021.
Eligible individuals automatically
received an Economic Impact Payment of up to $1,400 for individuals
or $2,800 for married couples, plus
$1,400 for each dependent. Typically, a taxpayer will qualify for the
full amount if they have an adjusted
gross income of up to $75,000 for
singles and married persons filing
a separate return, up to $112,500
for heads of household and up to
$150,000 for married couples filing
joint returns and surviving spouses.
Basically, the payment amounts
are reduced for filers with incomes
above those income levels.
If you have not received your
economic impact payment or need
more information, visit IRS.gov/
eip. Check the payment status at
IRS.gov/getmypayment. For other
COVID-19-related tax relief, visit
IRS.gov/coronavirus.
Unemployment benefits
The act makes the first $10,200
of unemployment benefits tax-free
in 2020 and 2021 for taxpayers
making less than $150,000 per
year.
“A big piece that may affect tribal
members is the changes to the taxability of unemployment. Changes
to the taxability of Unemployment
Insurance payments received is
being retroacted back to calendar
2020. The change for Unemployment Insurance is that the first
$10,200 of unemployment payments received is tax free. The other
change is unemployment has been
extended to 79-weeks” shared Post.
The IRS will automatically process refunds to individuals who
filed their taxes that included unemployment benefits before Congress
passed a law making those payments tax-free, IRS Commissioner
Chuck Rettig said.
The automatic refund means that
many recipients of unemployment
benefits who have already filed their
returns for 2020 won’t have to take
extra steps to reclaim the taxes they
paid.
Taxpayers who have not submitted their returns have until May 17,

to file this year.
Additionally, the stimulus package signed in law extended unemployment benefits for millions of
American workers from a 50-week
period to a 79-week period, giving an
extension through Sept. 6th.
Child tax credit
The act expands the child tax
credit in several ways and provides
that taxpayers can receive the credit
in advance of filing a return. The act
makes the credit fully refundable
for 2021 and makes 17-year-olds
eligible as qualifying children.
The act increases the amount
of the credit to $3,000 per child
($3,600 for children under 6). The
increased credit amount phases
out for taxpayers with incomes over
$150,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly, $112,500 for heads of
household, and $75,000 for others,
reducing the expanded portion of
the credit by $50 for each $1,000 of
income over those limits.
The IRS is directed to estimate
taxpayers’ child tax credit amounts
and pay monthly in advance from
July through December 2021.
The IRS must set up an online
portal to allow taxpayers to opt out
of advance payments or provide information that would be relevant to
modifying the amount.
Taxpayers in general will have
to reconcile the advance payment
amount with the actual credit
amount on next year’s return. If the
taxpayer has been advanced more
Child Tax Credit than they are due
under the new provisions, they will
be required to repay the excess of
the advance payment amount over
the actual credit allowed when they
file their 2021 tax return.
Child and dependent care credit
The act makes various changes
to the child and dependent care
credit, effective for 2021 only, including making it refundable. The
credit will be worth 50% of eligible
expenses, up to a limit based on income, making the credit worth up to
$4,000 for one qualifying individual
and up to $8,000 for two or more.
Credit reduction will start at household income levels over $125,000.
For households with income over
$400,000, the credit can be reduced
below 20%.
Additional information about
a new round of Economic Impact
Payments, the expanded Child Tax
Credit, including advance payments
of the Child Tax Credit, and other
tax provisions will be made available
as soon as possible on IRS.gov.
***This is not tax advice but to
inform and report changes that may
affect our readers due to
ARPA.
The WIN advises our readers to
contact a tax professional for any
tax related questions. As soon as
more information becomes available
it will be provided in future WIN
editions***

JESUS OUR SAVIOR
LUTHERAN OUTREACH
"Do you need an attitude adjustment?"
First, what is an attitude? There
are two main definitions of the word
'attitude': 1) a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or
something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior. Or 2):
[informal, chiefly North America] an
uncooperative behavior; a resentful
or antagonistic manner.
Often times an attitude is spoken
about in the latter way - in negative
terms - he has an attitude; or she
needs an attitude adjustment! Most
people attempt to either stay away
from such an individual with an attitude problem or to be extra nice.
In order to adjust one's attitude sometimes adults are moved to drink
some beverages, pop some pills, or
smoke some . . . well you get the
idea. These are not the ways that
Christians are called to use. This is
not to say that we shouldn't have
ways to release our tensions and to
relax. One can not be expected to deal
with the stresses of the world until
one becomes totally burned out or
depressed.
We all need to have a pressure
release valve, ways to let go and to
let God deal with life's stressful situations. May I suggest the following
words that go against our natural
ways of dealing with stress. These
words were written by the Apostle
Paul to all the saints in Christ Jesus
at Philippi:
"Your attitude should be the same
as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being
in very nature God, did not consider
equality with God something to be
grasped, but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness. And
being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself and became
obedient to death— even death on a
cross" [Philippians 2:5-8 NIV84]!
For the Christian, the follower of
Jesus, one's attitude 'should be the
same as that of Christ Jesus.' No, I

am not saying that Jesus had a negative attitude; rather his attitude was
that of a humble servant. Are you
willing to sign up and to pray for such
a servant-like attitude?
The Christian is to follow Jesus
who humbled himself. Jesus was
almost under constant pressure to
deliver for the needs of others, such
as food, clothing, disease, blindness,
and even the death of loved ones. Jesus also endured the hatred of those
who humiliated him, spitted in his
face, beaten his body from head to
toe, and mocked him unmercifully.
The challenging news is that he is
calling you and me to do the same.
Again I ask 'do you want to sign up
to pray that you would humbly serve
God and others?'
The encouraging news is that
any such wicked, godless behavior
done to you will be short-lived. It
was short-lived for Jesus and it will
be short-lived for you too - relatively
speaking. The one who professes
Jesus as one's Lord and Savior will
share in His glory and Creator God
will say 'well done - good and faithful servant!'
This week we reflect on price that
Jesus paid for the sin of the world.
Jesus was obedient to death --even
death on a cross at Golgotha 'the
place of the skull.' However, Jesus
not only laid down his life, he also
took it back up again as he rose victoriously over sin, death and the devil.
Paul continues, 'Therefore God
exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is
above every name, that at the name
of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under
the earth, and every tongue confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
glory of God the Father' [Philippians 2:9-11].
These are words of victory - Easter victory! Each and every man,
woman and child who trusts in Jesus as Lord and Savior will share in
his victory and in his glory, forever
and ever. A-ho!

DO YOU REMEMBER?
Before cell phones, electronics, and other distractions that takes all
our time and attention now? Remember playing with friends outside until
dark? You did your chores and homework, or else? Respected your elders
– no back talk? Behaved or else? Remember when your grandparents led
by example by taking you to church, going to Sunday school and later
joined youth group, going to summer church camps?
The good old days you remember and cherish? Would you like this
for your grandkids? Your family’s church pews are waiting for you and
your family! The churches are sitting pretty empty now. They need you
back as much as you need it. Whether it’s the Reformed Church, St.
Augustine’s, the Lutheran Church, or others you will be welcomed. Make
your ancestors proud again. Think about it. May God bless us all.
Tonia Keller

Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, April 3, 2021 — Page 5

TRIBAL COUNCIL MINUTES
...cont. from last issue

Brandon Stout
Esther Mercer
Mark Aldrich
CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman
Kitcheyan called the meeting to order
at 9:04 a.m.
OPENING PRAYER: Mayan Beltran offered the opening prayer.
APPROVE AGENDA:
Barry Fiscus Resolution, Parking
area next to Louis BBQ, WGDC Report,
Pow-wow Discussion.
Aric Armell motioned to approve the
agenda with additions. Rona Stealer
seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
WCHS FINANCIAL REPORT:
Billing & Collections
Aric Armell motioned to approve the
Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare
Systems Financial Report. Rona Stealer
seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
WINNAVEGAS REPORT:
Thelma Whitewater motioned to approve the WinnaVegas Financial Report.
Coly Brown seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Request from the Mkt. Dept.; RE:
$500,000 Big Wheel Spin
Aric Armell motioned to approve the
request from WinnaVegas Marketing
Department; Re: $500,000 Big Wheel
Spin. Thelma Whitewater seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Promotional Summary presented by
Michael Michaud.
Pow-wow Discussion.
March 17th, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. Central Time for a Moment of silence for
one minute for everyone that has been
affected by COVID-19.
John Snowball motioned to authorize option 2 Hybrid Event for the WinnaVegas Pow-wow.
Louis LaRose seconded.
OBJECT: Rona Stealer and Lorelei
DeCora
VOTE: (4) yes, AA, JSB, CB, LLR (3)
no, TW, RS, LD (0) abstain
Motion
carried.
GAMING COMMISSION:
Aric Armell motioned to approve the
January Gaming Commission Report.
Louis LaRose seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
(Brian Chamberlain in at 10:52 a.m.)
(John Snowball away from meeting)
Discussion on Gaming Commission
schedule, Standard Operating Procedures, Office hours.
Discussion on Gaming Commission
Officer appointment. Request a special
meeting with the Gaming Commission.
(John Snowball returned)
Rona Stealer motioned to schedule a
face-to-face meeting for March 2, 2021
if can be scheduled. Brian Chamberlain
seconded.
OBJECT: Aric Armell, Thelma Whitewater (object to face-to-face meeting)
VOTE: (6) yes, JSB, RS, CB, BC,
LD, LLR
(2) no AA, TW (0) abstain
Motion carried.
*meeting will be virtual
TRIBAL CFO REPORT:
Aric Armell motioned to approve the
Tribal CFO Report. Thelma Whitewater
seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
WCHS Financial Org Chart update
Lorelei DeCora motioned to approve
the Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System Financial Department
Organizational Chart. Louis LaRose
seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS:
Adopt resolution for Fiscus Land
Purchase
Lorelei DeCora motioned to adopt
resolution #21-68: Authorizing Request
for and Approving Withdrawal of Tribal
Appropriations for Land Sale Applicant
- Barry Fiscus $144,000.00. Brian
Chamberlain seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Rock at Property across from the
Blackhawk Community Center
Brian Chamberlain motioned to
approve Facilities to lay rock at the
parking area property across from
the Blackhawk Center. Aric Armell
seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
WGDC Report
Rona Stealer motioned to approve
the Winnebago Gaming Development
Commission quarterly report. Louis
LaRose seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Brian Chamberlain motioned to go
into Executive Session at 12:16 p.m.
Rona Stealer seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Rona Stealer motioned to come out of
Executive Session at 12:42 p.m. Louis

LaRose seconded.
VOTE:(8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Rona Stealer motioned to approve
Option 2 for Tribal Employees COLA.
Thelma Whitewater seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
motion carried.
ADJOURN:
Thelma Whitewater motioned to
adjourn at 12:45 p.m. Rona Stealer
seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned
the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Littlegeorge, Executive Assistant
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
CONCUR:
Lorelei DeCora, Secretary
Winnebago Tribal Council

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
LAND MEETING
March 8, 2021
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Victoria Kitcheyan
Brian Chamberlain
Lorelei DeCora
Rona Stealer
Coly Brown
Aric Armell
Louis LaRose
Thelma Whitewater
OTHERS PRESENT:
Wilhelmena Sharpback
Cecelia Earth
Fannie LaTray
Erika Dunn
Alan Post
Garan Coons
Esther Mercer
Aaron LaPointe
Teresa Littlegeorge
Brandon Stout
Isaac Smith
Tyresha Wolfe
Joy Johnson
TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:
John Snowball (leave)
CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman
Kitcheyan called to order at 9:05 a.m.
OPENING PRAYER: Coly Brown
offered the opening prayer.
APPROVE AGENDA:
Additions: Comprehensive Plan Survey, and community feed.
Aric Armell motioned to approve the
agenda with additions. Thelma Whitewater seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
ACTION ITEMS:
Greg Smith Amended Resolution
Lorelei DeCora motioned to adopt
resolution #21-01A: Ref: Home site
Lease –Winnebago Tribe – Greg Smith.
Brian Chamberlain seconded.
OBJECT:
Thelma Whitewater
VOTE: (4) yes, BC, LD, RS, LLR (3)
no, TW, CB, AA (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Greg Smith Modification
Lorelei DeCora motioned to approve
the modification for Greg Smith. (no
motion needed).
LPTC Amended Resolution
Brian Chamberlain motioned to
adopt resolution #19-200B: Ref: Commercial Lease – Little Priest Tribal College Expansion 161L Charles Fischer
Allotment. Rona Stealer seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
LPTC Modification (no motion needed)
James Price, Jr. Amended Resolution
Brian Chamberlain motioned to adopt
resolution #21-65A: Ref: Home site
Lease – Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska –
James Price Jr. Louis LaRose seconded.
OBJECT: Thelma Whitewater
VOTE: (4) yes, BC, LD, LLR, RS (3)
no, CB, TW, AA (0) abstain
Motion
carried.
TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS:
Comprehensive Plan Survey
Brian Chamberlain motioned to approve the Comprehensive Plan Survey.
Louis LaRose seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Horse Rider’s
A Memorial Ride of Remembrance: In
honor of Dorothy “Scootie” Wiche Quah”
Kiyukan Ziegler.
Brian Chamberlain motioned to support Isaac Smith with his efforts to move
forward with assisting with the riders.
Aric Armell seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Community Feed
Brian Chamberlain motioned to table
until information can be brought back to
the Tribal Council. Thelma Whitewater
seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Executive Session:
Aric Armell motioned to go into Executive Session at 10:30 a.m. Thelma
Whitewater seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Brian out at 11:30 a.m.]

Aric Armell motioned to come out of
Executive Session at 12:22 p.m.
Rona Stealer seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Lorelei DeCora motioned direct the
CFO to go into formal negotiations for
the Bryce Anderson purchase and bring
back to the table for approval. Louis
LaRose seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Aric Armell motioned to direct the
house located at: 2593 F. Ave. Winnebago, NE 68071
to be put back under the Physical Resources – Garden/Cemetery program for management.
Thelma Whitewater seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
ADJOURN:
Rona Stealer motioned to adjourn
the meeting at 12:25 p.m. Aric Armell
seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned
the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Littlegeorge,
Executive Assistant
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
CONCUR:
Lorelei DeCora, Secretary
Winnebago Tribal Council

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
SPECIAL MEETING - GAMING
COMMISSION
AT WINNAVEGAS AND GOTO
MEETING
March 8, 2021
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Victoria Kitcheyan (in at 1:42 p.m.)
Brian Chamberlain
Rona Stealer
Lorelei Decora
Louis LaRose
Aric Armell
Thelma Whitewater
Coly Brown
OTHERS PRESENT:
Damon Payer
Keely Purscell
Tanya Baker
Teresa Littlegeorge
Garan Coons
CALL TO ORDER: Vice-Chairman
Chamberlain called the meeting to order
at 1:29 p.m.
APPROVE AGENDA:
Additions: – code revision for reduction of the number of gaming commissioners, appointment of officers, and
acceptance of resignation.
Rona Stealer motioned to approve the
agenda. Aric Armell seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Gaming Commission Attendance
records for the past two years:
Open for review by the Tribal Council.
Complaints from the past two years:
No written complaints.
[Victoria in at 1:42 p.m., assumes
chair]
[Victoria out for phone call, Brian assumes the chair at 1:58 p.m.]
[Victoria assumes chair at 2:05 p.m.]
Gaming Commissioners Schedules
for the coming months:
Aric Armell motioned to accept the
schedule as presented. Thelma Whitewater seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
A request for Quarterly meeting with
the Tribal Council from the WGC:
Rona Stealer motioned to accept the
quarterly Gaming Commission meeting
schedule as presented as a working
schedule. Brian Chamberlain seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
No SOP’s as of today 3/4/2021. The
WGC will research and create SOP’s for
the WGC, and submit them to the T.C.
for approval:
Aric Armell motioned to support the
Gaming Commission to research and
develop Gaming Commission SOP’s and
bring back to the Tribal Council for approval. Brian Chamberlain seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Appointment of Officers for the Gaming Commission:
Hearing comments from the Commission. Chair, Secretary, Treasurer
Nominations for Chair:
Aric Armell nominates Damon Payer
for Chair. Thelma Whitewater seconded.
Louis LaRose motions to cease nominations. Coly Brown seconded.
Damon Payer appointed Chair by
acclamation.
Nominations for Vice Chair:
Aric Armell nominates Tanya Baker
for Vice Chair. Rona Stealer seconded.
Rona Stealer motions to cease nominations. Louis LaRose seconded.
Tanya Baker appointed Vice-Chair
by Acclamation.
Nominations for Secretary/Treasurer:

Aric Armell nominates Keely Purscell
as Secretary/treasurer.
Rona Stealer motions to cease nominations. Lorelei DeCora seconded.
Keely Purscell appointed Secretary/
Treasurer by acclamation.
Code revision for reduction of the
number of Gaming Commissioners
Brian Chamberlain motioned to
place the reduction of Gaming Commission members on the next General
Counsel meeting agenda. Louis LaRose
seconded.
OBJECT: Lorelei DeCora
VOTE: (3) yes, BC, RS, LLR (4) no,
TW, LD, CB, AA (0) abstain
Motion
failed.
Acceptance of resignation of Mark
Aldrich
Aric Armell motioned to accept the
resignation of Mark Aldrich as Gaming
Commissioner. Thelma Whitewater
seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes, BC, RS, LLR, TW, AA,
LD (1) no, CB (0) abstain
M o tion carried.
ADJOURN:
Aric Armell motioned to adjourn
at 2:30 p.m. Brian Chamberlain seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned
the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Littlegeorge, Executive Assistant
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
CONCUR:
Lorelei DeCora, Secretary
Winnebago Tribal Council

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
REGULAR TRIBAL COUNCIL
MEETING
March 15, 2021 via GoTo Meeting
at 9:00 a.m.
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Victoria Kitcheyan
Lorelei DeCora
Brian Chamberlain
Rona Stealer
Louis LaRose
Coly Brown
John Snowball
Thelma Whitewater
OTHERS PRESENT:
Angie Walker
Kellie Snow
Teresa Littlegeorge
Tyresha Wolfe
Esther Mercer
Brandon Stout
Erika Dunn
Garan Coons
TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:
Aric Armell
CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman
Kitcheyan called the meeting to order
at 9:06 AM
OPENING PRAYER: Rona Stealer
offered the opening prayer.
APPROVE AGENDA:
Additions: Pow-wow Committee and
Cultural Presentation.
Louis LaRose motioned to approve
the agenda with additions. Thelma
Whitewater seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
READING OF THE MINTUES:
2-25-21 Mid-Monthly Tribal Council
meeting minutes
Rona Stealer motioned to approve
the February 25, 2021 Mid-Monthly
Tribal Council meeting minutes. Louis
LaRose seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
2-26-21 Treasurer’s Report meeting
minutes
Rona Stealer motioned to approve the Treasurer’s Report meeting
minutes. Louis LaRose seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
2-26-21 General Counsel meeting
minutes
Brian Chamberlain motioned to
approve the General Counsel meeting
minutes. Coly Brown seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
RATIFY FIVE SIGNATURES:
Approve IHS East water booster station low bidder Olson Plumbing.
Brian Chamberlain motioned to
ratify the five signature approving IHS
East water booster station low bidder
Olson Plumbing. Coly Brown seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Adopt resolution #21-66; Tribal Enrollment Applicant – Milton LaRose
Rona Stealer motioned to ratify the
five-signature adopting resolution #2166: Tribal Enrollment Applicant- Milton
LaRose. Brian Chamberlain seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Adopt resolution #21-67; Federal
Transit Administration Designated
Officials
Rona Stealer motioned to ratify the
Cont. in next issue...

Page 6 — Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, April 3, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Hearing
Case No. CV21-059

Next

In the Matter of the
Name Change Petition of:
QUIANNA LABREE LOUIS
to QUIANNA LABREE ARMELL
LOUIS
To:

WIN
News

ANY INTERESTED PARTIES

Deadline:

You are hereby notified that a petition
for Name Change has been filed and a
hearing concerning the above referred
Individual in case no. CV21-059 has
been scheduled and will be heard in the
Winnebago Tribal Court of Winnebago,
Nebraska on the 10TH day of MAY, 2021
at the hour of 11:00 A.M.

LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Hearing
Case No. CV12-050
In the Matter of the
Guardianship Petition of:
RICHARD KEARNES
In Re:
D. G. (Born 1/2011)

April 13th

LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Hearing
Case No. CV21-060

In the Matter of the
Name Change Petition of:
ALEXANDREA LEE FLANDERS
to ALEXANDREA LEE WALKER
To:

TO:

HOLLY GRIFFIN, Mother
VICTOR MALDONADA, Father
All POTENTIAL FATHERS

You are hereby notified that a petition
has been filed for Guardianship and a
hearing concerning the above referred
Individual(s) in Case No. CV12-050 has
been scheduled and will be heard in the
Winnebago Tribal Court of Winnebago,
Nebraska on the 20TH day of MAY, 2021
at the hour of 11:00 A.M.

LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Hearing
Case No. JFJ21-010

The People of the Winnebago Tribe
In the Interest of:
E. B. (Born 10/2005)
To:

ROBERT RED OWL, Father
ALL POTENTIAL FATHERS

You are hereby notified that a petition for Name Change has been filed
and a hearing concerning the above
referred Individual in case no. CV21060 has been scheduled and will be
heard in the Winnebago Tribal Court of
Winnebago, Nebraska on the 13TH day
of MAY, 2021 at the hour of 11:00 A.M.

LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Hearing
Case No. CV21-062

In the Matter of the
Divorce Petition of:
PATRICK HULIT JR.
vs
AZUCENA REYES MARTINEZ
To:

You are hereby notified that a hearing for Initial Appearance concerning
the above referred minor individual(s)
in case no. JFJ21-010 has been scheduled and will be heard in the Winnebago
Tribal Court of Winnebago, Nebraska on
the 14TH day of MAY, 2021 at the hour
of 9:30 A.M.

LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Hearing
Case No. CV10-037

In the Matter of the
Guardianship Petition of:
LAIOCEA DAVIS

ANY INTERESTED PARTIES

AZUCENA REYES MARTINEZ

You are hereby notified that a Divorce petition has been filed and a hearing concerning the above referred Case
No. CV21-062 has been scheduled and
will be heard in the Winnebago Tribal
Court of Winnebago, Nebraska on the
6TH day of MAY, 2021 at the hour of
10:00 A.M.

LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Hearing
Case No. JFJ21-009AB

The People of the Winnebago Tribe
In the Interest of:

In Re:
J. P. (Born 8/2009)

M. S. (Born 1/2008)
C. S. (Born 9/2009)
Brenda Payer, Mother

TO:

To:

ANGELICA PICOTTE, Mother
RALEIGH DAVIS, Father
All POTENTIAL FATHERS

You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed for Guardianship and
a hearing concerning the above referred
Individual(s) in Case No. CV10-037 has
been scheduled and will be heard in the
Winnebago Tribal Court of Winnebago,
Nebraska on the 17TH day of MAY, 2021
at the hour of 11:00 A.M.

ROGER LOVE, Father
JAKE MAXWELL, Father

You are hereby notified that a Petition has been filed concerning the above
referred Individual(s) in case no. JFJ21009AB. You have 20 days from the
date of publication to file a responsive
pleading. Failure to file such a responsive pleading within the time period
could result in a default judgment being entered against you. Said pleading
shall be filed with the Civil Clerk of the
Winnebago Tribal Court, P.O. Box 626,
Winnebago, Nebraska 68071

The Winnebago Tribal Council is 100% AGAINST Meth. Not only is Meth
harmful to the individual, it destroys families and our community. Meth
use is not the HoChunk/Winnebago way of life. On 12-30-19, during the
Winnebago Mid-monthly Tribal Council meeting, a motion was passed to
publish all meth related offenses occurring on the Winnebago reservation,
in the Winnebago Indian News.
The following individual(s) has been arrested for a meth offense…
Karlos Johnson – 36
Charged with inhaling or drinking certain compounds, possession of
paraphernalia x3
Kyla Earth-Phillips – 28
Charged with inhaling or drinking certain compounds, possession of
paraphernalia
Rella Walker – 44
Charged with DUI, refusal to submit, possession of paraphernalia,
unauthorized use of a propelled vehicle, resisting arrest
Maya White – 28
Charged with resisting arrest, willful reckless driving, possession of
paraphernalia

Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, April 3, 2021 — Page 7

COMMUNITY SURVEY

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Awinnebago%3A2fc2b4f1101c06dd. Public record. Not legal advice.