Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

WPS Fall Sports

Schedule

Tribal Elections

October 8th!

page: 6

Volume 53, Number 20

Our masthead for this issue features

the icon representing the Thunder Clan /

Wakaja Hikikarac. The Thunder Clan is the

clan from which the Chief was traditionally

selected. The Thunder Clan is one of the

four sky clans. Peacetime decisions were

made by the Thunder Chief, while war

related actions may have been decided

by another clan leader. Pipe carriers from

the Thunder Clan functioned also as the

guardians of peace among the membership and outside people. Families within

the clan include: Baker, Bassette, Bradford, Beaver, Bigfire, Blackhawk, Grayhair,

Hanken (descendent of Smoke family),

Hunter, Kelsey, Payer, Raymond, Smith,

and Tebo. Our thanks to the HoChunk Renaissance Department for providing their

guidance with the information shared here.

page: 7

Hųwą žuk wīra

Elk Calling Moon

Saturday, September 28, 2024

VOTERS RIGHTS UPHELD

Nį̄šoc Nįgešąną

Bago Bits

Court Dismisses Village of Winnebago

Challenge to Voter Initiative

[CONTINUING COVERAGE] [WINNEBAGO, NE] — On September 4, 2024,

a Thurston County Court dismissed a case

that had been brought by the Village of

Winnebago challenging the rights of the

voters to weigh in on whether the Village

of Winnebago or the Winnebago Tribe is in

the better position to operate and manage

the Winnebago Water and Sewer System.

The Village is located entirely within the

boundaries of the Winnebago Reservation

and most of its residents are members of

the Tribe.

In a resounding victory, the Court dismissed in its entirety the Village’s challenge

to the initiative petition, declaring that the

voters have the right to make this decision.

September 25th the Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System’s community crisis response program held a

Mental Health Awareness Fair. The goal

of the event was to spread awareness

about the various resources and support

that is available locally. Informational

booths regarding mental health management, counseling and information

on ways to support others were set up.

Local services like Winnebago Behavioral Health, the Recovery Program, YCIC

and Heartland Counseling were able

to share life-saving information with the

community. Thank you to the staff who

contributed! (photos by Kevin Ebert)

These transfers occurred with the permission

of the Tribe because, at the time, the Tribe

believed that the Village had the capability

of operating and maintaining the system. It

became painfully obvious over the past 10

years or so that this is no longer the case. In

2015, the Tribe and the Village entered into

a water and sewer boundaries cooperation

agreement to address which of the two

governments were responsible for portions

of the system and set forth a clear basis for

billing by the Village.

Instead, lack of responsible oversight

has continued to result in numerous audit

findings regarding the failure of the Village

to provide proper financial oversight over

billing for the services provided to residents

of the Village, as well as residents located

Con’t. on page 2...

WHS HOMECOMING 2024

By Brian Chamberlain

Photos by

September 25th, Isabel Casillas Guzman, the 27th Administrator of the U.S.

Small Business Administration, met with

the Winnebago Tribal Council. Isabel

currently serves in President Biden’s

Cabinet as the leading advocate for

Americas 33 million small businesses

and innovative startups. The group

were able to touch base on the work

accomplished and ways to strengthen

the relationship.

Under Nebraska law the Village Board is now

required to consider passing the measure

contained in the petition—transfer of the Water and Sewer systems to the Tribe—within

30 days. If they fail to do so, the Village Clerk

is required by law to set the matter for a vote

at the next available opportunity.

The Dispute

The Winnebago Tribe and the Village of

Winnebago have a unique history because

the establishment of the Winnebago Reservation pre-dates the incorporation of the

Village. The development and construction

of the Winnebago Water and Sewer System,

as well as numerous improvements to the

system over the years, have been funded by

the Winnebago Tribe through Indian Health

Service funding provided for the benefit of

the Tribe and its members.

The improvements were transferred to

the Village or both the Tribe and the Village.

[Winnebago, NE] The students and staff

of the Winnebago Public High School held

their 2024 Homecoming celebration events

during the week of September 9th through

the 13th here. The students took part in the

week’s activities, which featured themed

days like “Adam Sandler”. The theme of the

Homecoming parade was loosely based

on ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ “We had a really

good time creating our float for this year’s

parade.” one participant told the WIN.

As has become the norm during the

Homecoming parade, the tribal organization

and its various entities created parade floats

to join the student entries for the event. Many

versions of the theme came to life, even

some having participants in full costume.

The students in High School each had their

own internal theme and color scheme. It was

a remarkable sight watching their creations

float down the main street of Winnebago.

The WHS Homecoming week was also

going to be capped off by the football game

against the McLaughlin Mustangs [South

Dakota]. However, due to issues related to

players from that visiting team and their own

codes of conduct, the game was forfeited.

The notice of the forfeiture came early on

Thursday of that week, much to the disappointment of the Winnebago team and fans.

One parent told the WIN, “It’s weird not

having a football game during Homecoming

week. I know the kids are disappointed.”

Despite having no football game, the

entire event still went off without a hitch.

The kids all along the parade route left with

literal bags of candy and other goodies, and

the parents and fans of the Indians were still

happy to help them all celebrate the week.

Visit us at winnebagotribe.com

Page 2 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, September 28, 2024

COMMUNITY

...Cont. from front page VOTERS RIGHTS UPHELD...

outside of the Village and serviced by the

system, a vast majority of which are members of the Tribe or facilities owned by the

Tribe. Both individual and Winnebago governmental accounts were billed irregularly

for years, often with incorrect or missing

substantiation for billings.

Billing disputes continued due to the

Village’s unwillingness or inability to substantiate bills to the Tribe, as reflected in the

Village’s yearly audits. In 2021, the Village

terminated the boundaries cooperation

agreement, and, in 2022, the Tribe requested that the Village consider transferring the

system to the Tribe to manage and support

the Tribe’s efforts to obtain additional federal

funds to update and expand the system.

After attempts at resolving the issues

failed, the Winnebago Tribal Council agreed

to support efforts to require that an Initiative

referendum be put to the residents of the

Village so that they, rather than the Village

Board, would be able to decide this important matter. The Initiative Petition requesting

that the matter of transferring the operation

and management of the Winnebago Water

and Sewer System be put to a vote was a

last resort after years of fruitless efforts on

the part of the Winnebago Tribe to work with

the Village to improve the operations and

administration of the system.

The Petition

After a successful petition drive, on December 15, 2023, Petitioner Isaac Smith submitted a petition containing 145 signatures,

out of which 127 signatures were verified by

the Thurston County Clerk’s office as eligible

voters of the Village—more than 20% of eligible voters required to qualify the Initiative

for a Special Election. Unfortunately, before

the petition was even filed, the Village filed

a suit challenging the voters of the Village’s

right to weigh in on the issue through an

Initiative vote, effectively delaying any vote

on the matter until now.

Moving Forward

The Board of the Village of Winnebago

has a legal and fiduciary responsibility to act

in a fiscally responsible manner on behalf of

the residents of the Village of Winnebago,

the majority of whom are Winnebago Tribal

Members. At a minimum, the Board must

stop using public funds to place roadblocks

to the democratic decision-making process

and place the question on a ballot to allow

the voters to decide the matter.

The Winnebago Tribe continues to be

willing to negotiate a process to transfer the

Water and Sewer System that will benefit

both the residents of the Village of Winnebago and those reservation residents who rely

upon the system to provide clean water and

efficient sanitary services and also continues

its effort to lobby for additional federal and

state funding to improve the system for the

benefit of all users.

Currently, the Winnebago Tribe has been

awarded funding for multiple major water

and sewer system improvement projects that

will benefit all users of the Water and Sewer

System, and several are either in the planning and development stages or ready to

move forward. It is the Tribe’s intent to raise

the standard for Winnebago and ensure the

highest quality water and sewer services

are provided to all residents, including the

Village of Winnebago, and to do so in an

operationally and fiscally responsible manner, which the Village has demonstrated it

is unable to do.

Scan the QR code for

HoChunk Language

Quizlet.

In loving memory....

Viola LaPointe

Viola Rave-Snake LaPointe, 93,

started her journey to everlasting

life on Tuesday, September 10,

2024, at her and her daughter’s

home in Winnebago, NE. She was

the wife of the late Peter John

Snake-LaPointe. They shared 37

years of marriage together.

Viola was born in 1931 in Winnebago, NE. She was the daughter

of Jeanette Houghton-Rave and

Peter Rave, Sr. She attended St.

Augustine’s Indian Mission and

St. Theodores Catholic School in

Albert Lear, MN. She received a

certificate in Early Childhood Development from Peru State College.

Viola was employed at Land

O’Lakes Dairy for 17 years in Albert Lea, MN, and at Winnebago

Head Start as a teacher’s aide for

six years, where she later become

the Food Service Manager, serving daily breakfasts and lunches

for hundreds of children, many of

whom were own grandchildren.

She retired in 1995 to stay home

to care for her mother and several

grandchildren.

Viola was a dedicated member

of the St. Augustine’s church for

most of her life. She served on several boards and committees for the

church, including the Parish Council

and Kateri Circle.

Voila enjoyed playing cards and

Yahtzee with her children and grandchildren and cheering at her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s

sporting competitions. She will be

remembered for her daily prayers and

the love and care she gave all her

family, faith community, family Christian Encounters Christ, and Oblate of

the Benedictine Order of Missionary

Sisters.

Viola is survived by her daughters

Janet Bass, Sarah Snake, Cherie

Tebo, and son Jerome LaPointe, Sr.,

all of Winnebago, NE. She had 25

grandchildren, over 100 great grandchildren, and over 25 great-great

grandchildren.

Viola was preceded in death by her

husband Peter John LaPointe, son

Daryl LaPointe, Sr., daughter Diane

LaPointe, and “angel son” Kenneth.

The Funeral services were held on

Friday, September 13, 2024, at 10am

at St. Augustine’s church in Winnebago, NE. Burial to follow at the St. Augustine’s Catholic Cemetery.

Saturday, September 28, 2024 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 3

Wāgax hų̄k ra wāgax hokik’ųna

Letter to the Editor

JESUS OUR SAVIOR

LUTHERAN OUTREACH

“WARNING labels”

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

In the Matter of the

Name Change Petition of:

GRYPHON ALEXANDER McCLELLAND

to GRYPHON ALEXANDER MALLORY

In the Matter of the

Name Change Petition of:

JOCELYN RAIYN McCLELLAND

to JOCELYN EVALYN MALLORY

To:

To:

Notice of Hearing

Case No. CV24-077A

Notice of Hearing

Case No. CV24-077B

ANY INTERESTED PARTIES

You are hereby notified that a petition for

Name Change has been filed and a hearing

concerning the above referred Individual in

case no. CV24-077A has been scheduled

and will be heard in the Winnebago Tribal

Court of Winnebago, Nebraska on the 17TH

day of OCTOBER, 2024 at the hour of 10:30

A.M.

LEGAL NOTICE

You are hereby notified that a petition for

Name Change has been filed and a hearing

concerning the above referred Individual in

case no. CV24-077B has been scheduled

and will be heard in the Winnebago Tribal

Court of Winnebago, Nebraska on the 17TH

day of OCTOBER, 2024 at the hour of 10:30

A.M.

Notice of Hearing

Case No. CV24-144B

In the Matter of the

Name Change Petition of:

DANTE WILLIAM McCLELLAND

to DANTE WILLIAM MALLORY

ANY INTERESTED PARTIES

You are hereby notified that a petition for

Name Change has been filed and a hearing

concerning the above referred Individual in

case no. CV24-077C has been scheduled

and will be heard in the Winnebago Tribal

Court of Winnebago, Nebraska on the

17TH day of OCTOBER, 2024 at the hour

of 10:30 A.M.

LEGAL NOTICE

In the Matter of the

Guardianship Petition of:

Tremaine Free

In Re:

C.H. (Born 04/2008)

TO:

Henry Payer, Father

You are hereby notified that a petition has

been filed for Guardianship and a hearing

concerning the above referred Individual(s)

in Case No. CV24-144B has been scheduled

and will be heard in the Winnebago Tribal

Court of Winnebago, Nebraska on the 3rd

day of October, 2024 at the hour of 10:30

A.M.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Hearing

Case No. CV24-078

Notice of Hearing

Case No. CV24-145

In the Matter of the

Name Change Petition of:

ARIA ARMELL

to ARIA HINAAKE ARMELL

To:

This got me to thinking whether WARNING labels actually work. I also got to

thinking whether spiritual WARNING labels

would work. And what would such spiritual

WARNING labels have on them? Can you

image a sign outside various establishments

with such spiritual WARNINGS?

God’s Sacred Word is filled with spiritual WARNINGS. Most people have little

or no clue what these spiritual WARNINGS

are since they do not read God’s Sacred

Word or attend Bible studies or Sunday

morning spiritual family gatherings.

Spiritual WARNINGS have consequences - both temporal and everlasting.

Sadly most people do not heed such

words since the consequences are not

immediate. However, the consequences

will become reality, no ifs, ands, or buts

about it.

I will leave it at that for now. More on this

next time . . . . or you can take up God’s

Sacred Word and read it for yourself.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Hearing

Case No. CV24-077C

To:

ANY INTERESTED PARTIES

Do WARNING labels work? Do you pay

any attention to them? The government has

enacted many regulations that insist that

manufacturers place WARNING labels on

various products.

There are WARNING labels everywhere

on almost every item sold. Read all the directions before you plug in your new coffee

pot, or appliance or power tool.

There are WARNING labels on cigars,

cigarettes, and tiparillos. There are WARNING labels on alcohol products, especially

for those who are pregnant or who operate

heavy machinery. There are commercials

and countless public service announcements that WARN one not to drink and drive.

The drug companies have commercials

that pitch their products and then go on to

WARN you of all of the side effects. I wonder

who would be willing to try these drugs with

all of the consequences that could happen.

By: Pastor Ricky Jacob

ANY INTERESTED PARTIES

You are hereby notified that a petition for

Name Change has been filed and a hearing

concerning the above referred Individual in

case no. CV24-078 has been scheduled and

will be heard in the Winnebago Tribal Court

of Winnebago, Nebraska on the 17TH day

of OCTOBER, 2024 at the hour of 10:30 A.M

In the Matter of the

Divorce Petition of:

JUAN GONZALEZ JR.

vs

AURORA LEAL

To:

AURORA LEAL

You are hereby notified that a Divorce

petition has been filed and a hearing concerning the above referred Case No. CV24145 has been scheduled and will be heard in

the Winnebago Tribal Court of Winnebago,

Nebraska on the 3rd day of October, 2024

at the hour of 10:00 A.M.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Hearing

Case No. CV24-107

Winnebago

In the Matter of the

Divorce Petition of:

SONYA ORTIZ

vs

WILLIAM CARTER

To:

Indian News

is owned and

published by the

WILLIAM CARTER

You are hereby notified that a Divorce

petition has been filed and a hearing concerning the above referred Case No. CV24107 has been scheduled and will be heard

in the Winnebago Tribal Court of Winnebago,

Nebraska on the 3RD day of OCTOBER,

2024 at the hour of 11:00 A.M

Winnebago Tribe of

Nebraska”.

The next issue of the WINNEBAGO INDIAN NEWS will be published on September 12, 2024. DEADLINE for this issue will be September 8, 2024.

——————————————————

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.

Postmaster Send Address Changes To

Winnebago Indian News

P.O. Box 687

Winnebago, Nebraska 68071

——————————————————

The Winnebago Indian News (WIN), founded ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The reproduction of

in January 1972, is published bi-weekly for the editorial or photography content without permission

is prohibited.

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please send change of Advertising/News Deadline

address with old mailing label to:

12:00 Noon Monday Printing Week

Winnebago Tribal Council

Victoria Kitcheyan................Chairwoman

Periodicals Postage Paid

Isaac Smith...................... Vice Chairman

(Issn 1060-3026) At Winnebago, NE

Lorelei DeCora........................ Secretary

Rona Stealer........................... Treasurer

Winnebago

Indian

News

Staff

winnebagoindiannews@winnebagotribe.com

Phone: 402-878-2272

Brian Chamberlain...................................Editor Coly Brown................................ Member

Tyler Snake............................. Office Manager Kenny Mallory.............................Member

“Official Newspaper of

Christina Parker...................Desktop Publisher Aric Armell..................................Member

the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska”

Teresa Littlegeorge.....................Member

Yearly Subscription Rates

Nebraska Residents....................................$25.00 WTN Communications

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Winnebago Indian News

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Winnebago, NE 68071

or contact us at our e-mail address:

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Garan Coons.............................Comm. Officer

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Christina Parker.............................Web Master

Kevin Ebert..................Multimedia Coordinator

Page 4 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, September 28, 2024

TRIBAL COUNCIL MINUTES

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

PHYSICAL RESOURCES REPORT

August 12, 2024

TRIBAL COUNCIL:

Victoria Kitcheyan

Isaac Smith – in at 9:06 .m.

Lorelei DeCora

Rona Stealer

Eugene DeCora Sr.

Coly Brown

Kenneth Mallory

Aric Armell – in at 9:14 a.m.

Teresa Littlegeorge

OTHERS:

Lynelle Blackhawk

Cecelia Earth

Esther Mercer

Ireta Frazier

Autumn Nieman

Julie Smithart

Brittany Thomas

Fannie LaTray

Robin Armell

Kevin Ebert

Jasmine Lammers

Janelle DeCora

Desiree Kitcheyan

Billie Kitcheyan

Erika Porter

Kristine Earth

Kellie Snow

Annabess Preston

Harvey Fremont

CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman Victoria

Kitcheyan Called the Meeting To Order at

9:03 a.m.

PRAYER: Offered by Eugene DeCora

AGENDA: Add: Homesite Land Lease.

Add Executive Session.

Eugene DeCora motioned to approve the

agenda. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Land Management – presented by Fannie

LaTray

Rona Stealer motioned to accept the August

2024 Land Management Report. Isaac Smith

seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Eugene DeCora motioned to adopt Resolution #24-177 approve the Home Site Lease

with Katherine Rice and Kayla Greene for fifty

(50) years in the amount of $250.00 per year on

T -2081.Teresa Littlegeorge seconded.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Emergency Management – presented by

Julie Smithart.

seconded.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Hazard Mitigation 101 – presented by Erika

Porter

Discussion

Aric Armell motioned to accept the August

2024 Emergency Management Report. Eugene DeCora seconded.

VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Physical Resources Report – presented by

Ireta Frazier & Autumn Nieman

Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to accept

the Physical Resources June 2024 Report.

Kenneth Mallory seconded.

VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Break

Native Star Estimate - $466,500.00

Discussion:

Aric Armell motioned to go into Executive

Session. Coly Brown seconded.

VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

In Executive Session at 11:08 a.m.

Eugene DeCora motioned to come out of

Executive Session. Coly Brown seconded.

VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Out of Executive Session at 11:50 a.m.

Aric Armell motioned to adjourn. Coly

Brown seconded.

VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Chairwoman Victoria Kitcheyan adjourned

the meeting at 11:50 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorelei DeCora,

Winnebago Tribal Council Secretary

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

PHYSICAL RESOURCES REPORT

September 9, 2024

TRIBAL COUNCIL:

Victoria Kitcheyan

Isaac Smith

Lorelei DeCora

Rona Stealer

Eugene DeCora Sr. – Travel

Coly Brown – PTO

Kenneth Mallory

Aric Armell 0 in at 9:11 a.m.

Teresa Littlegeorge

OTHERS:

Christina Parker

Annabess Preston

Lynelle Blackhawk

Cecelia Earth

Esther Mercer

Jasmine Lammers

Kellie Snow

Fannie LaTray

Harvey Fremont

Robin Armell

Barbara Pretends Eagle

Billie Kitcheyan

Kyle Urbanec

Ron Nohr

John Olsson

Brian Jelinek

Anna Berridge

Julie Smithart

CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman Victoria

Kitcheyan Called the Meeting To Order at

9:06 a.m.

PRAYER: Offered by Isaac Smith

AGENDA: Add under 5. Tribal Council

Items A) Great Plains Public Safety and Law

Enforcement Meeting; B) Tribal Member

Request; Under Executive Session, Legal

Update

Isaac Smith motioned to approve the

agenda. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Emergency Management August 2024

Report – presented by Julie Smithart

Explains Security for the Shared Files for

the Mitigation Plan. Discusses other monthly

updates.

AA – in at 9:11 a.m.

Aric Armell motioned to accept the Emergency Management August 2024 Report

and approval of Security for the Shared

Files for the Mitigation Plan. Isaac Smith

seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes

(0) no

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

Flood Report

Discusses data collection by HR for

employees that worked on the flood & other

flood related expenses and WinnaVegas

breakdown of costs resulting from the flood.

Land Management – presented by Fannie

LaTray, Harvey Fremon and Robin Armell

Aric Armell motioned to adopt Resolution

#24-190, approve five (5) year agricultural lease for Terry Mathews at the rate of

$45,000.00per year for the term of the lease.

Isaac Smith seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to adopt

Resolution #24-191, approve a five (5) year

lease for agricultural purposes for Keith

Thomsen at the rate of $90,312.00 per

year for the term of the lease. Isaac Smith

seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Aric Armell motioned to adopt Resolution

#24-192, approve a five (5) year lease for

agricultural purposes Edward Rhodes at the

rate of $35,500.00 per year for the term of

the lease. Isaac Smith seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Isaac Smith motioned to adopt Resolution #24-193, approve a five (5) year lease

for agricultural purposes for Heath & Don

Barclay at the rate of $11,400.00 per year for

the term of the lease. Aric Armell seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to adopt

Resolution #24-194, approve a five (5) year

lease for agricultural purposes for Jennifer

Thompson at the rate of $2,053.20 per

year for the term of the lease. Isaac Smith

seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Aric Armell motioned to adopt Resolution

#24-195, approve a five (5) year agricultural

lease for Curtis & Robert Albrecht at the rate

of $32,600.00 per year for the term of the

lease. Isaac Smith seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Isaac Smith motioned to adopt Resolution

#24-196, approve a five (5) year agricultural

lease for Ryan Heise & Kayden Hennemon at

the rate of $19,182.00 per year for the term

of the lease. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Isaac Smith motioned to adopt Resolution

#24-197, approve a five (5) year agricultural lease for David Rohde at the rate of

$7,260.00 per year for the term of the lease.

Teresa Littlegeorge seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Aric Armell motioned to adopt Resolution

#24-198, approve a five (5) year agricultural lease for Ben Bonderson at the rate of

$9,602.00 per year for the term of the lease.

Isaac Smith seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Isaac Smith motioned to adopt Resolution

#24-199, approve a five (5) year agricultural lease for David Rhode at the rate of

$19,576.00 per year for the term of the lease.

Teresa Littlegeorge seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Isaac Smith motioned to adopt Resolution

#24-200, approve a five (5) year agricultural

lease for Drew Rose at the rate of $24,948.42

per year for the term of the lease. Aric Armell

seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Isaac Smith motioned to adopt Resolution

#24-201, approve a five (5) year agricultural

lease for Brandon & Dennis Victor at a rate of

$3,975.00 per year for the term of the lease.

Teresa Littlegeorge seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Aric Armell motioned to adopt Resolution

#24-202, approve to cancel Reva DeCora’s homesite lease. Teresa Littlegeorge

seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Isaac Smith motioned to adopt Resolution #24-203, approve a homesite lease for

Elaine Earth for ten (10) years with the Annual rental at $25.00.00 Teresa Littlegeorge

seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Councilman Smith asked Land Management to make a map showing 100%

Winnebago Tribal ownership and 50% Winnebago Tribal ownership..

Olsson - Fiber Project, presented by John

Olsson & Brian Jelinek

Isaac Smith motioned to approve the

Winnebago Tribe’s GIS Project to share our

GIS map with Olsson for the Fiber Project.

Aric Armell seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Physical Resources Report – presented

by Ireta Frazier & Autumn Nieman

Ireta introduced the new Winnebago

Tribe’s Environmental Protection Department

Manager, Anna Berridge.

Isaac Smith motioned to accept the

Physical Resources August 2024 Report.

Aric Armell seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Aric Armell motioned to approve Tribal

Council Travel to Rapid City for the Great

Plains Public Safety & Law Enforcement

Meeting, September 12, 2024. Isaac Smith

seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Olsson – Round About

Bids will go out April or May 2025. It will

take six months construction and will be

operational by November 2025.

Discussion

LD -out

Aric Armell motioned to go into Executive

Session. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

In Executive Session at 10:59 a.m.

Ld – back

Aric Armell motioned to come out of

Executive Session. Isaac Smith seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Out of Executive Session at 11:56 a.m.

Aric Armell motioned for Land Management to prioritize land sales in FY 2025.

Kenneth Mallory seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Aric Armell motioned to adjourn. Teresa

Littlegeorge seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Chairwoman Victoria Kitcheyan adjourned the meeting at 11:57 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorelei DeCora, Secretary,

Winnebago Tribal Council

Saturday, September 28, 2024 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 5

COMMUNITY

Understanding the Air Quality Index: A Guide to Breathing Easy

In recent years, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has become a crucial tool for

individuals and communities striving to understand and manage air pollution.

As concerns about environmental health and climate change grow, staying informed about air quality has never been more important. AirNow (airnow.gov),

BreezoMeter (breezometer.com), and IQAir AirVisual (iqair.com/world-air-quality)

are some sites and apps that can be valuable tools to make informed decisions

about outdoor activities and health precautions.

The AQI is a standardized index to communicate how polluted the air currently is by reducing complex air quality data into a simple, color-coded scale that

ranges from 0 to 500, with lower numbers indicating better air quality and higher

numbers signifying more severe pollution levels.

Decoding the AQI Scale

The AQI is broken down into six categories, each associated with a specific

level of health concern. An AQI of 0 to 50 is considered “Good,” indicating that air

quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. An AQI of 51 to 100

is “Moderate,” where air quality is acceptable, but there may be a risk for some

people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. When the

AQI reaches 101 to 150, it falls into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category. This level can affect children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or

heart conditions.

From 151 to 200, the air quality is “Unhealthy” for the general public, and

everyone may begin to experience health effects. An AQI of 201 to 300 is “Very

Unhealthy,” and health warnings of emergency conditions are issued, indicating

that the entire population is more likely to be affected. Lastly, an AQI above 300

is deemed “Hazardous,” triggering health alerts and urging people to avoid outdoor activities.

The Importance of Monitoring AQI

For individuals with health conditions like asthma or cardiovascular diseases,

the AQI serves as an alert system. It helps them manage their health by minimizing

exposure during high pollution days. Schools, sports teams, and outdoor event

organizers also rely on AQI data to ensure the safety and well-being of participants,

particularly children who are more vulnerable to air pollution’s effects.

Taking Action for Sensitive to Unhealthy Air

When the AQI reaches sensitive to unhealthy levels, you can help protect your

health and the health of those around you by limiting outdoor activities, especially

if you belong to sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, or individuals with

pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions. Opt for indoor activities where air

quality is controlled. Close windows and doors to prevent outdoor air from entering your home. Use air purifiers to reduce indoor pollution, and avoid activities

that can further degrade indoor air quality, such as burning candles or smoking.

If you have respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, follow your doctor’s advice

and have your medications readily available. Ensure you have an emergency

plan in place and know the symptoms of air pollution-related health issues, such

as coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain.

In conclusion, the Air Quality Index is more than just a numerical value; it’s a

lifeline for public health and environmental awareness. By understanding and

utilizing the AQI, individuals and communities can take steps towards healthier

living and a cleaner planet. As we navigate the challenges of air pollution, the

AQI remains a vital tool for ensuring the air we breathe is safe and healthy for all.

Understanding the Air Quality Index: A Guide to Breathing Easy

In recent years, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has become a crucial tool for individuals and communities striving to understand and manage air pollution. As

concerns about environmental health and climate change grow, staying informed

about air quality has never been more important. Websites and apps like AirNow

(airnow.gov), BreezoMeter (breezometer.com), and IQAir AirVisual (iqair.com/

world-air-quality) can be invaluable tools for making informed decisions about

outdoor activities and health precautions.

The AQI is a standardized index designed to communicate how polluted the

air currently is by simplifying complex air quality data into a straightforward, color-coded scale ranging from 0 to 500. Lower numbers indicate better air quality,

while higher numbers signify more severe pollution levels.

Decoding the AQI Scale

PUBLIC NOTICE

OMAHA PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT (OPPD) NOTICE TO PERFORM TRANSMISSION LINE MAINTENANCE ON WINNEBAGO/

OMAHA TRIBE ALLOTMENTS OCTOBER 2024 THROUGH APRIL

2025

Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) is committed to maintaining the

safe and reliable operation of its electric transmission system. Federal,

regional and electric industry regulations and standards require continuous

maintenance of high-voltage overhead transmission lines. OPPD and/or its

partnered contractors will be accessing transmission line right-of-way to

perform necessary maintenance work including various repairs, structure

replacements and inspections. Inspections include assessment of the

condition of poles, wires, insulators and hardware.

As part of this work, OPPD and/or its contractor/s will be accessing

transmission line right-of-way to perform necessary maintenance work

including various repairs, structure replacements and inspections. Inspections include assessment of the condition of poles, wires, insulators

and hardware. This work allows OPPD to continue to provide safe and

reliable power.

Work is scheduled for October 2024 through April 2025.

Questions? Please contact OPPD Real Property and Land Management

Hotline at (531) 226-3062 or email us at landmanagement@oppd.com.

The Importance of Monitoring AQI

For individuals with health conditions like asthma or cardiovascular diseases,

the AQI serves as a critical alert system. It helps them manage their health by

minimizing exposure during high pollution days. Schools, sports teams, and

outdoor event organizers also rely on AQI data to ensure participants’ safety and

well-being, particularly children who are more vulnerable to air pollution’s effects.

Taking Action for Sensitive to Unhealthy Air

When the AQI reaches sensitive to unhealthy levels, you can help protect your

health and the health of those around you by limiting outdoor activities, especially if you belong to sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, or individuals

with pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions. Opt for indoor activities where

air quality is controlled. Close windows and doors to prevent outdoor air from entering your home. Use air purifiers to reduce indoor pollution, and avoid activities

that can further degrade indoor air quality, such as burning candles or smoking.

If you have respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, follow your doctor’s advice

and have your medications readily available. Ensure you have an emergency plan

and know the symptoms of air pollution-related health issues, such as coughing,

shortness of breath, or chest pain.

In conclusion, the Air Quality Index is more than just a numerical value; it’s a

lifeline for public health and environmental awareness. By understanding and

utilizing the AQI, individuals and communities can take steps towards healthier

living and a cleaner planet. As we navigate the challenges of air pollution, the

AQI remains a vital tool for ensuring the air we breathe is safe and healthy for all.

Page 6 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, September 28, 2024

Saturday, September 28, 2024 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 7

Question of the Issue:

The First Day of Autumn was 9/22, what are some

of your favorite things about the Fall?

Garan: Football!! High school football on Friday (Go Big Blue), Husker foot-

ball on Saturday, Tennessee Titans football on Sunday... Monday night football

and Amazon Prime Football on Thursday. [Editor’s Note: Chiefs Kingdom!]

Brian: Summer is the vibe that lasts all year, here. (yup, just can’t let it go)

But as a child of the Fall, when Autumn arrives the cooler weather evokes a

certain nostalgia that is undeniable. School days, hoodie/ sweater weather,

birds gathering & leaves falling. The colours are amazing. But you can keep

that pumpkin spice madness overkill to yourself – except pass the pie and cool

whip (in Stewie’s voice). ;-p

Tyler: I’m going to have to say the weather! It’s not super hot/cold. Can wear

my hoodies n sweatshirts in peace haha.

Kevin: I love the cool weather, and the nice bonfires you can have.

CHS Dental Not Accepting New Patients

Until March 31, 2025

To our WCHS Dental patients,

We apologize for the inconvenience this will cause; WCHS is placing a hold on our dental calendar until March 31st, 2025. This hold means that we will not be taking on any new dental

patients or scheduling any new appointments until April 1st, 2025.

For all those who have scheduled appointments, please make sure you keep those

appointments as we cannot reschedule until after March 31st. If you cannot attend, please cancel

so we can get patients on our cancellation waiting list scheduled.

We have created a cancellation list for those who can come in when we have a cancellation.

Emergency patients can be seen at 8:00 AM Monday through Friday on a first come basis.

An alternative list of Nebraska Dental Public Health Clinics is available at the clinic window. This

list may be helpful for those who wish to seek care in private offices while we are paused

in accepting new patients and appointments.

A small expansion to increase access to hygiene is ongoing and we will be hoping to increase

access soon. A larger expansion that will hopefully greatly reduce the delay is planned but

will not be ready for 18-24 months from now.

This decision was not easy or made lightly, we currently have a waitlist and are fully booked

until March 31st, 2025. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to restarting

scheduling on April 1st, 2025.

Sincerely,

Winnebago Dental Clinic

402-745-3950

Christina: Hoodies and hot apple cider.

Bethani: Fall is my favorite time of year! When it comes to Fall, hands

down, my prized enjoyment is SWEATA WEATHA!!! I absolutely adore sweater weather. I also love feeling the cooler weather, seeing the changing colors

in nature & the fact that Halloween is just around the corner. The joys of hitting

up a pumpkin patch with my family. There’s just so much to enjoy about Fall.

:-)

Point your phone’s camera at the QR code to

go to the Big Voice Radio webpage!

WCHS’s Mental Health Awareness Fair

By: Erin McElroy, Communication Manger

What: Mental Health Awareness Fair to learn about self-care and recognizing the warning

signs of mental health disorders and where the community can seek help.

Who: WCHS Behavioral Health invites the community to come and learn about mental

health and other resources and the support available.

Why: To inform the community about the mental health resources and support that is

available to them. Bringing awareness to an important health topic that impacts many on

a daily basis.

Who Should Attend: Open to the public.

When: September 25th, 2024, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Where: Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System 225 S Bluff St. Winnebago, NE

68071 - First Floor Patio

Media Instructions: Please call/text 712-333-3746if you plan to attend and when you arrive on- site

to escort you to the Fair

KWTN 100.9 FM

The Official Radio Station of the

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska