Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

WinnaVegas Throwback

Photos!

Winnebago Higher

Education Spotlight!

page: 6

Volume 55, Number 7

Nį̄ šoc Nįgešąną

page: 7

Hō hirogįnįną wī

Fish Appearing Moon

Three Decades of Fun: Celebrating 34 Years of WinnaVegas

By Bethani Redhorn

Photograph from Archive

April 3rd, the Winnebago Comprehensive

Healthcare System hosted their 14th annual

Easter Egg-Stravaganza. Over 16k eggs

were scattered across WPS’ football field;

Kids 0-13+ were able to hunt in age groups.

Families were able to enjoy pony rides, a

petting zoo, prizes and more.

Saturday, April 11, 2026

[Winnebago, NE] Tucked away 20

minutes south of Sioux City, WinnaVegas

Casino Resort has stood as a beacon

of economic development for the

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska for over

three decades. As the resort celebrates

its 34th anniversary this year, it stands as

a testament to the tribe’s journey from a

modest bingo hall to a sprawling 24-hour

gaming destination.

Reflecting on the early years,

WinnaVegas officially opened on April

30, 1992. In its earliest form as Winn-ABingo, the facility operated as a highstakes bingo parlor out of interconnected

double-wide trailers. This venture was a

strategic move by the Winnebago Tribe of

Nebraska to create economic opportunity

and self-reliance on Winnebago tribal

land. Despite the humble start, the

operation was a success from the

beginning. From navigating early gaming

regulations, such as $5 max bet limits, to

establish a reputation for a family-friendly

atmosphere that remains a hallmark of the

property today.

Over the decades, the casino has grown

through both investment and physical

challenges. During the Missouri River

flooding in 2011, the casino showed

its resilience by remaining open and

using duck boats to shuttle customers

to and from when the main roads were

submerged. A series of renovations

totaling over $60 million transformed

the property to what we see today. This

included the addition of a 54,000+ square

foot gaming floor, the hotel, and the event

center. The event center is also home

to the Bingo Hall, big enough for 1,200

seats, which hosts everything from live

concerts, powwows, and in the past, MMA

fights along with amateur and professional

boxing.

Under the leadership of General

Manager Tom Teesdale, the resort has

been focusing on integrating more tribal

history into the guest experience. A major

highlight for the 34th year is the new

display at the main entrance called, A

Place of Honor for the Winnebago Tribe,

and was created in partnership with the

Ho-Chunk Renaissance program. In the

Ho-Chunk language and English, it tells

the story of the 12 Clans of the Winnebago

Tribe. In the middle of the WinnaVegas

exterior, right above the 360 Lounge

entrance is the newly installed Winnebago

Tribe of Nebraska seal. Other renovations

include the entire exterior being painted

and restored to its original colors along

with the hotel tower; new lighting was

installed for the Porte-cochère at the main

Con’t. on page 2...

WCHS Launches Winnebago’s First Ever Patient Portal

March 27th, the Little Priest Tribal College

held a grand opening ceremony for their

new 1.5 million carpentry facility named

“Deer Clan”. This new addition to the

campus opened opportunities for different

trades and workforce-focused education.

By: Erin McElroy, Communications

Manager

Recently, the Dollar General located on

Buffalo Trail in Winnebago NE is closed

until further notice due to an electrical fire.

Check out Winnebago Dollar General’s

Facebook for more updates and reopening.

Winnebago, NE – Winnebago

Comprehensive Healthcare System new

patient portal, WinnHealth Portal, is now

available to use. This WinnHealth Portal

provides WCHS’s patients with easy

access to their health records online.

This enables them to better advocate for

their health.

In February of 2025, WCHS’s upgraded

their electronic health record (EHR)

system to allow centralized records

throughout the health system. The

WinnHealth portal will allow patients

to securely view and access their health

record in real time. Features of the portal

include requests for appointments 24-7,

access to labs, tests, and visit summaries,

ability to message your provider, make

changes to your personal information,

and check in online for upcoming visits.

Additionally, for families the portal

will allow parents and guardians to set

up proxy rights to assist their children

with managing their WinnHealth Portal

account. Elderly, spouses, and adults can

give viewing access to any caregivers

enabling their assistance.

“Patient Portals are essential to the

modern-day healthcare experience. The

WinnHealth Portal will empower our

patients and families with the option to be

more involved in their own care and make

better-informed decisions regarding their

health” explains Sharon Frenchman, Chief

Administrative Officer.

Providing the option to use the

WinnHealth Portal is a significant

improvement in patient experience. By

providing real-time access to health

records, streamlining scheduling options,

and removing barriers in communicating

with your care team. WCHS is excited to

empower their patients to take an active

role in their health journey. Additionally,

the portal user-friendly interface ensures

that even those with limited technical

experience can navigate their health

information with ease.

“We are committed to offering tools

that enhance the patient’s experience and

improve health outcomes. The launch of

the WinnHealth Portal marks a significant

step forward in transparency – providing

another option for how we can build

provider to patient communication and

relationships.” says David Edwards,

Chief Executive Officer.

WCHS patients have the ability to

create an account today! Simply, visit

www.wchs.health/portal or download

the MHealth app and navigate to the

tab that says, “Create your Account.”

For questions, simply contact Medical

Records at portal@wchs.health or by

calling 402-745-3950.

“Hanąc wąkšik ho'į na hiwaracąk hikjawiną. – Value all life.”

Page 2 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, April 11, 2026

ANNOUNCEMENTS

...Cont. from front page...

entrance.

To mark the anniversary, the resort

launched an interactive ClubWINN

flipbook for promotions available online

and a new mobile app. This year’s

celebration revolves around the number 34

to match the anniversary year, featuring

special promotional payouts of $3,400.

At the end of the month during the

anniversary celebration on April 25th, one

lucky guest will have the chance to win

the grand prize of $34,000! Find more

information at: www.winnavegas.com

While the resort features over 750 slots,

bingo, and a wide array of table games,

its core purpose remains serving the

Winnebago community. The facility

employs over 425 people and supports

tribal social programs, infrastructure,

and education. A newer initiative called

Walk for a Cause started two years ago

and invites visitors to experience the

beauty of the tribal land while raising

money for cultural events like the Last

Bear Moon Powwow and now looks

forward to the 160th Annual Homecoming

Celebration Powwow on July 23-26, 2026,

in Winnebago, NE. This year’s Walk for a

Cause will take place on May 30, 2026, at

WinnaVegas in Sloan, IA.

“In my role as General Manager of

WinnaVegas Casino Resort, I have

maintained full operational oversight

of the property, ensuring alignment

with Tribal Council policies, regulatory

requirements, and enterprise objectives.

Over the past three years, I have driven

performance, resulting in increased

revenue and strengthened market share.

I have prioritized the development of

our leadership team, fostering a culture

of accountability, professionalism, and

continuous improvement. At the same

time, I have upheld strict compliance

with Tribal, State, and Federal gaming

regulations, ensuring operational integrity

across all departments. Through a

sustained focus on facility enhancements

and team engagement, the WinnaVegas

team has made significant progress

in creating a clean, safe, and secure

environment. These efforts have directly

contributed to delivering high-quality

gaming and guest experience for all

visitors. It truly has been my privilege to

serve our Tribe and help the Winnebago

people through the work we do at

WinnaVegas every day. Wā’inįginąp šąną

(Thank you).” Shared by Tom Teesdale,

WinnaVegas General Manager.

Saturday, April 11 , 2026 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 3

Wāgax hųk ra wāgax hokik’ųna

Letter to the Editor

JESUS OUR SAVIOR

LUTHERAN OUTREACH

‘Tragedy or Happily Ever After’

Have you ever began to read a book

and stopped? There are some stories

that bring back memories that we would

rather forget. Last week I watched a story

portrayed by some talented Winnebago

high school students entitled Hadestown

(teen edition by Anais Mitchell). I

wondered what those who watching the

play thought about it and especially the

ending. More on this later.

This got me thinking about how many

people have picked up a Bible and began

reading from the book of Job. And they

stopped in the middle of his story. Maybe

they could relate to it all too well. Or

maybe his story resonated with them and

reminded them of their current situation.

I will sum up briefly the first couple

of chapters of Job. Creator God allowed

Satan to tempt Job, a God-fearing

man, first by taking away most of the

possessions that he had been blessed with.

These blessings included seven sons and

three daughters all who died in a wind

storm.

Then Creator God allowed Satan to

tempt Job further by giving him sores from

the top of his head to the soles of his feet.

Job goes on to write about his feelings: “I

am a laughingstock to my friends; I, who

called to God and he answered me, a just

and blameless man, am a laughingstock”

[Job 12:4].

“Men have gaped at me with their

mouth; they have struck me insolently on

the cheek; they mass themselves together

against me. God gives me up to the

ungodly and casts me into the hands of the

wicked” [Job 16:10–11].

“My spirit is broken; my days are

extinct; the graveyard is ready for me.

Surely there are mockers about me, and

my eye dwells on their provocation” [Job

17:1–2].

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

To: NATHAN WALKER, Father

ALL POTENTIAL FATHERS

You are hereby notified that a hearing

for an Initial Appearance concerning the

above referred minor individual(s) in case

no. JFJ26-016 has been scheduled and

will be heard in the Winnebago Tribal

Court of Winnebago, Nebraska on the 29th

day of APRIL, 2026 at the hour of 1:30

P.M.

To:

Notice of Hearing

Case No. JFJ26-016

The People of the Winnebago Tribe

In the Interest of:

T.W. (Born 01/2009)

“He has stripped from me my glory and

taken the crown from my head. He breaks

me down on every side, and I am gone,

and my hope has he pulled up like a tree”

[Job 19:9–10].

My bones stick to my skin and to my

flesh, and I have escaped by the skin of

my teeth. [Job 19:20].

If God could allow a God-fearing man

to suffer so much, why would anyone

believe in such a cold-hearted, apparently

distant and mean God?

Since the play Hadestown is over, I can

reveal the ending to this tragedy. Eurydice

ended up back in Hades (Hell) and was

separated from her lover - forever and

ever without end! Some people are drawn

to such tragic stories. Some are not, one

time maybe, but why see it again if you

know the horrible ending.

The story of Job ends quite differently.

If you read on you would see these words:

“Oh, that my words were recorded, that

they were written on a scroll, that they

were inscribed with an iron tool on lead,

or engraved in rock forever! I know that

my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he

will stand upon the earth. And after my

skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I

will see God; I myself will see him with

my own eyes—I, and not another. How

my heart yearns within me” [Job 19:23–27

(NIV)]!

The end of Job’s story is one of

living happily ever after. The end of the

believer in Jesus also ends in the same

way - happily ever after. Jesus suffered a

horrible death and was even banished for

a time as he was separated from the loving

presence of his Heavenly Father. He was

placed in a tomb and rested for a day.

Then on Sunday morning Jesus rose as the

victorious warrior that he is!

How will your story end? Will it be a

tragedy or one in which you live happily

ever after?

Notice of Hearing

Case No. JFJ26-015

The People of the Winnebago Tribe

In the Interest of:

K.B. (Born 10/2017)

MARK CLEVELAND, Father

You are hereby notified that a hearing for

an Initial Appearance concerning the above

referred minor individual(s) in case no.

JFJ26-015 has been scheduled and will

be heard in the Winnebago Tribal Court

of Winnebago, Nebraska on the 6th day of

MAY, 2026 at the hour of 10:30 A.M.

The next issue of the WINNEBAGO INDIAN NEWS will be published on April 25, 2026.

——————————————————

By: Pastor Ricky Jacob

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.

DEADLINE for this issue will be April 21, 2026.

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

Coly Brown.............................. Chairman

Periodicals Postage Paid

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

(Issn 1060-3026) At Winnebago, NE

Teresa Littlegeorge.................. Secretary

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

Winnebago

Indian

News

Staff

winnebagoindiannews@winnebagotribe.com

Phone: 402-878-2272

Bethani Redhorn.....................................Editor Victoria Kitcheyan...................... Member

Tyler Snake............................. Office Manager Ireta Frazier................................Member

“Official Newspaper of

Christina Parker...................Desktop Publisher Trey Blackhawk..........................Member

the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska”

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Winnebago Indian News

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

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Page 4 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, April 11, 2026

COMMUNITY

Ho-Chunk, Inc. Attends Reservation Economic

Summit 2026

LAS VEGAS, NV — HoChunk, Inc. joined Tribal leaders,

entrepreneurs, and partners from

across Indian Country at the

Reservation Economic Summit

2026, held March 23-26 in Las

Vegas.

The annual summit brings together

leaders from Tribal nations and

Native-owned businesses to discuss

strategies that strengthen economic

development, expand opportunities,

and support long-term growth across

Tribal communities. Throughout

the week, attendees participated in

panel discussions, workshops, and

networking opportunities focused on

advancing Tribal economies.

A highlight of the conference was

the participation of Ho-Chunk, Inc.

CEO Lance Morgan, who joined a

panel discussion centered on tribally

owned 8(a) firms. The session

explored the role these enterprises

play in creating jobs, building

capacity, and generating sustainable

revenue for Tribe’s. Morgan shared

insights on the importance of

strategic growth, partnerships, and

maintaining a long-term vision for

economic development.

Ho-Chunk, Inc.’s presence at RES

reflects its continued commitment

to advancing opportunities for

the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

and contributing to broader

conversations shaping the future

of Indian Country. The conference

provided an opportunity for the

organization to connect with peers,

exchange ideas, and stay engaged

in emerging trends impacting Tribal

business and economic development.

Key themes throughout the summit

included workforce development,

diversification of Tribal enterprises,

and the importance of collaboration

among Tribe’s. These conversations

reinforced the growing momentum

behind Native-led economic

initiatives and the need for continued

investment in future generations.

As Ho-Chunk, Inc. returns from

RES 2026, we remain focused on

applying these insights to support

ongoing growth and create lasting

impact for the Winnebago Tribe of

Nebraska and beyond.

Saturday, April 11, 2026 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 5

COMMUNITY

HVAC Spring Start-Up

Bids Requested

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska-Facilities is seeking bids for

the Spring Start-Up for 30 office buildings owned by the

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.

Bids will be accepted from April 9-22nd, 2026.

If you would like to bid, request further information by

stopping at Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska-Facilities at 224

Industrial Drive, Winnebago, Nebraska, 68071, emailing

Natalie Sawyer Davis, natalie.davis@winnebagotribe.com or

Jonna Price, jonna.price@winnebagotribe.com, or by calling

402-878-2203.

Your bid proposal to James Price Sr., Facilities Manager,

should include:

• Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska as the client

• Your business contact information

• HVAC Spring Start-Up contract for 30 tribal buildings, the

contract amount, and the terms and conditions.

https://winnebagotribe.com/requests-for-proposal/

Page 6 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, April 11, 2026

Question of the Issue:

Winnebago Higher Education Dept. Spotlight:

April is National Humor Month and National Poetry

Month, what is your favorite poem that resonated with

you? If you don’t have one, tell us a joke.

GARAN: My 8-year-old son is always looking up one-line jokes and tries them out on

me. His delivery is what makes me smile and laugh more than anything. So, I decided

to try to get him back, he got a kick out of this one. I said “Garrix, how does your dad

catch a squirrel?” He says “How?” I say “climb a tree and act like a nut!” haha.

PS - If you see me climbing a tree and acting like a nut, don’t worry...I’m trying to

demonstrate the joke. Happy Humor Month!!!

KEVIN: One of my favorite high school memories was having a joke I wrote

published in Scholastic Scope, a national student magazine. A Texas millionaire threw

the biggest party anyone had ever seen. The place was packed with famous bands,

celebrities, and people from all over. At the center of it all was a huge swimming pool

filled with sharks. The millionaire stepped up on stage and announced, “Any man who

can swim across that pool will get one million dollars and the hand of my daughter in

marriage.” The crowd went silent. Nobody moved. Then suddenly — splash! A man

dove into the shark-filled pool and swam harder than anyone had ever seen. He kicked,

splashed, and fought his way to the other side, barely pulling himself out alive. The

millionaire rushed over, amazed. “Son, that was incredible!” he said. “Here’s your

check for one million dollars.” The man, still gasping for air, pushed the check away.

“I don’t want the money,” he said. The millionaire nodded and said, “Then here is my

daughter’s hand in marriage.” The man shook his head. “I don’t want your daughter

either.” The millionaire stared at him. “Then what do you want?” The man took a deep

breath and said: “I want the name of the guy who pushed me in.”

CHRISTINA: "Be the woman who fixes another woman's crown without telling the

world it was crooked." ~Amy Morin

BETHANI: I love poetry and it would literally be like picking stars from the sky, so I

am going to share a “joke” that was told to me by my 4-year-old niece Scarlett. I was

sitting on the couch, and she came running up to me. “Auntie, what is your name?” I

said, “Auntie Bet.” She follows that with, “what is this?” (Pointing at her nose) I said,

“your nose!” Then, she holds her hands in front of her, “what am I holding?” Me,

all literal, “air!” She just shook her head in disapproval, “Auntie NOSE nothing!!” I

cackled the loudest cackle ever. Ever since then, it has been her go-to joke. (So, for

about a month now). =)

TYLER: I wouldn’t call it a poem but a saying “don’t wait for tomorrow” or make

that someday today. It’s just a reminder that time is going to pass regardless and

putting off that goal only prolongs it. Sometimes starting is the hardest part of

anything. Bethani and I always say it’s like you’re at the bottom of a big hill but

before you know it, you get to the top and it wasn’t so hard.

Felicia (Brownrigg) Toga, daughter of Mamie (Redhorn) and Richard Brownrigg, is

a proud member of the Winnebago tribe of Nebraska. Felicia recently graduated with

a Master of Business Administration from Wayne State College, earning a 4.0 GPA

in December 2025. She previously completed her Bachelor of Science in Business

with honors (Suma Cum Laude) with specializations in Business Management and

Supply Chain Management at Wayne State College in May 2024. Felicia began her

academic journey at Little Priest Tribal College, graduating with an Associate of Science

in business in May 2022. Currently, Felicia is pursuing her Green Belt Six Sigma

certification and hopes to use her skills to contribute to her community.

AYDEN: I will share this one because I find it funny. It is from Edward Lear, and it

goes like this, “there once was a man from Peru, who dreamed he was eating his shoe.

He woke with a fright, in the middle of the night, to find that his dream had come

true.”

GAYLA: One of my all-time favorite poems is “For Calling the Spirit Back from

Wandering the Earth in Its Human Feet” by Joy Harjo (Muscogee Nation). This poem

means a lot to me because it frames healing as a return to yourself. Through simple,

intentional acts like rest, kindness, and nourishment. It talks about how our spirit is

not lost, just waiting to be called back.

As a Ho-Chunk person of the diaspora, this message resonates deeply with me. The

poem speaks to the impacts of displacement and trauma, while reminding us that our

connection to spirit, culture, and identity is STILL there. On my own healing journey,

it feels like permission to slow down, be gentle, and find ceremony in everyday life. It

centers resilience and reconnection, reminding us that coming back home to ourselves

is a sacred act.

BIG VOICE RADIO

KWTN

100.9 FM

Official Radio Station of the

Winnebago Tribe of

Nebraska

Saturday, April 11, 2026 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 7

Where it all began in 1992 on April 30th. The facility was originally a bingo parlor

called Winn-A-Bingo! With gaming opportunities greatly increasing over the years,

WinnaVegas Casino Resort is one of the few places in Siouxland offering bingo.

The flood of 2011 – here is an aerial shot of the berm put in place to prevent severe

flooding at WinnaVegas Casino Resort. (Photo courtesy of Jerome LaPointe Sr.)

Bingo Hall employees pictured during a session of BINGO! Can you recognize any

familiar faces??? (Message us on our Facebook page for a chance to win a prize).

A complete refresh for the exterior of the hotel tower was completed. This was

the first major maintenance project since the hotel opened in 2012! Followed by

the entire hotel exterior painted and restored to its original colors. Work expertly

completed by Ho-Chunk Construction, under the direction of Mr. Jamie Chamberlin

from HCI.

The late Kenneth DeCora and Wanda Lewis, Winnebago Tribal Members, pictured

with others during a Winn-A-BINGO session.

A newly installed Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska logo is proudly displayed above the

center entrance which leads directly towards the 360 lounge inside of the casino.

Winn-A-Bingo becomes WINNAVEGAS!!! Pictured during his speech is former

Chairman for the Winnebago Tribe, John Blackhawk, alongside his colleagues.

Into the early 2000’s, here is a glance at what WinnaVegas looked like at that time.

In efforts to share more of the HoChunk culture, WinnaVegas Casino Resort

collaborated with Ho-Chunk Renaissance for a display called, A Place of Honor for

the Winnebago Tribe. This display features all 12 clans from the Winnebago Tribe

and explains the importance of each clan’s role in the tribe.