Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska • Volume 49, Number 7 • Saturday, April 4, 2020

Bago Bits…

Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska • Volume 49, Number 7 • Saturday, April 4, 2020

Despite the Coronavirus, major construction projects continue

for the Winnebago Tribe

Winnebago Public School Kitchen staff

working hard to get out lunches and

breakfast for our students during the

COVID-19 pandemic.

Remember to protect yourself during this

time from the COVID-19 spread.

Here a few members of the HoChunk

Renaissance staff demonstrated theHoChunk Pinaga card game for a history

video recording.

The old Senior Citizen Complex was bulldozed on Monday March 23, 2020

Winnebago, NE - The Nebraska

Department of Transportation (NDOT)

has begun construction on US-75/US77 highway in Winnebago on April 1.

There are many questions and concerns

about the new construction project occurring in the community. A concern

is how to keep the Nebraska Department of Transportation workers and

the community safe from COVID-19.

Scott Brummond the Environmental

Coordinator for the Nebraska Department of Transportation mentioned

NDOT employees are currently practicing social distancing and will take into

consideration any new CDC guidelines.

The North roundabout was a request

from the Village of Winnebago and the

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. According to the NDOT: Roundabouts are successful at managing traffic by reducing

traffic conflicts, increasing interception

capacity, controlling vehicle speeds,

and reducing car accidents. Statically,

roundabouts reduce car crashes up to

40%, reduce injury accidents up to 75%,

and reduce fatal accidents by 90%.

Jason Lawrence the BIA Chief of

Police from Winnebago Police Department stated, to be mindful of the NDOT

workers. They are here to do their job

and have the same concerns as the community about COVID-19. He encourages everyone to continue to practice

social distancing. US-75/US-77 is a

heavily traveled highway so it is important to keep everyone safe. Brummond

encourages drivers to stay clear of the

construction zone when possible and to

keep your eyes on the road while driving

through the area. It is enticing to peek

at what is going on but it is more important to watch the road ahead. Obey

construction speed limits and be ready

to stop at unusual locations by flaggers.

Some of the construction areas have

deep excavations and will be protected

by appropriate devices but it is always a

good idea to steer clear. Address safety

concerns with younger family members

that may not be aware of the hazards

of road construction. Lawrence also

encourages drivers to watch for markers, stay vigilant, and be extra careful

for children. He also mentioned, while

driving through the village to be aware

of our residents and if there are any

concerns to report it to the Winnebago

Police Department.

If you want to know more about

roundabouts there is a video link to

“Roundabouts – Saving Lives, Saving

Time, Saving $” on the NDOT website.

The anticipated completion time for this

project is late Summer of 2021.

Winonah Leader Charge, WIN Editor

Center For Disease Control and Prevention Makes Important Visit

to Winnebago

Educare Wave Parade Tuesday March

24, 2020. Winnebago PD and Winnebago

Fire Department lead the teachers and

staff for the parade.

The burnt remains of George Lopez's

residence after unknown cause of house

fire. The house was originally owned by

the Leedom family.

Winnebago, NE – On Monday, March

16th, 2020 representatives from the

Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare

System (WCHS) and the Winnebago

Tribe of Nebraska met with officials

from the federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Representing

the CDC was Dr. Jose Montero, Director

of Center for State, Tribal, Local and

Territorial Support along with Captain

Carmen Clelland, Director of the Office

of Tribal Affairs and Strategic Alliances.

Presentations were given on multiple health programs and initiatives

throughout the community. Danelle

Smith, CEO of WCHS, began the day

with introductions and an overview of

the Tribe’s self-governance health system and integration of the hospital and

health department. At the time, COVID-19 was on the brink of community

exposure in the United States so naturally discussions about coronavirus

were prominent. Mona Zuffante, Winnebago Public Health Administrator,

shared recent COVID-19 preparedness

efforts made by the Winnebago Public

V i s i t

u s

a t

Health Department. Laura Gamble,

Twelve Clans Unity Hospital Chief Operations Officer, also gave a presentation on the hospital’s preparedness.

Other points of discussion included the

hospital’s use of telemedicine and the

hospital’s new medically assisted treatment program.

Another area of focus was the high

rate of suicide ideation and behavioral

health crisis both locally and in Indian

Country. Mona Zuffante also gave presentations on recent successes and

programs available to the community,

which included Dental, Diabetes, Health

and Wellness, and Health Promotions

and Outreach. She also gave the CDC

officials updates on the health department’s path to public health accreditation.

Later in the day, WCHS executive

staff discussed possible needs for future

funding. Throughout all the discussions

and presentations, Dr. Montero and

Captain Clelland were intrigued and

impressed by the organization’s efforts

in improving community health and

well-being.

As part of the day-long site visit, the

CDC officials were also given a tour of

the various facilities on the Winnebago

Reservation. This included the hospital,

health department, Land of Wellness,

Whirling Thunder Wellness Center,

and the Ho-Chunk Village. The tour

concluded with a cultural presentation

featuring a Ho-Chunk applique and

hoop dance exhibition in the Village

Market.

This visit was monumental to

Winnebago for many reasons. Not

only did it put the Tribe and its

programs on a national stage with

the CDC, it showcased the work

and potential of the Winnebago

Comprehensive Healthcare System.

The CDC is the leading national public health institute of

the United States. It is a United

States federal agency, under the

Department of Health and Human

Services, and is headquartered in

Atlanta, Georgia.

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 4, 2020

BAGO NEWS

Comics

by Joseph "Joe Fish"Levering

Next WIN News Deadline:

April 13th

Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, April 4, 2020 — Page 3

WINNEBAGO BUFFALO HARVEST

Winnebago Buffalo Herd is vital to the survival of our people

In a time of a global pandemic it was suggested by the Winnebago Tribal Council

to prepare in all aspects to maintain our way of life. It was decided to harvest a

buffalo and store the meat as a precaution towards the COVID-19 virus. In the

Winnebago community there is a food sovereignty task force that have developed

ways to feed our tribal members in a time of need. This is one of the avenues

towards that mission. The Winnebago Buffalo Herd is vital to the survival of our

people. Buffalo meat is a healthier option and we encourage everyone during this

pandemic to keep their immune systems up.

The buffalo that gave its life today was prayed for and thanked by members of

the Winnebago Tribal Council. The council offered tobacco and words of prayer

before it was harvested. Winnebago Tribal Council Member and US Army &

Marine Corp Veteran, Aric Armell was asked to take down the buffalo for our

people. Winnebago Tribal Secretary, Thelma Whitewater organized helpers and

places to butcher & package the buffalo meat. Winnebago Vice-Chairman, John

Snowball led efforts to process the harvested buffalo. The Winnebago Tribe of

Nebraska would like to thank those who came forward to help. Winnebago Wildlife

and Parks Department, Volunteers John St.Cyr, Andre Snowball, Betty St.Cyr,

Kristine Earth & daughters, Monica Whitewater and family.

If you or your family are running dangerously low on food please inform the Wildlife and Parks Department or Winnebago T ribal Counc i l . Yo u c a n a l s o m e s s a g e t h e Wi n n e b a g o T r i b e F a c e b o o k P a g e .

Together we are strong and together we will get through this pandemic.

The next issue of the WINNEBAGO INDIAN NEWS will be published on April 18, 2020.

——————————————————

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, 2020.

Yearly Subscription Rates

Nebraska Residents ....................$12.50

Out-Of-State ................................$15.00

Overseas .....................................$35.00

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

...................................................... Editor

.......................................Office Manager

Kayleen Blackhawk .......Office Assistant

Bethani Redhorn............Office Assistant

Christina Parker............Desktop Publisher

Winnebago Tribal Council

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

John Snowball ................ Vice Chairman

Thelma Whitewater................. Secretary

Roland Warner ....................... Treasurer

Tori Kitcheyan .......................... Member

Melton Frenchman.................... Member

Arik Armell ................................ Member

Louie LaRose ........................... Member

vacant ....................................... Member

Page 4 — Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, April 4, 2020

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Work to Begin on US-75/US-77 in Winnebago

March 30, 2020 (Norfolk, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will begin the

week of April 1 on US-75/77 in Winnebago, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. The project begins 500-feet south of Beck Street

and ends 600-feet north of BIA Road 52/Mission Road.

Work will include concrete pavement, retaining walls, the reconstruction

of the storm sewer, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection

of US-75/77 and BIA Road 52/Mission Road. Traffic will be maintained with

lane closures. The anticipated completion is late summer 2021. For further

information, please visit NDOT website at https://dot.nebraska.gov/projects/

future-projects/inwinnebago.

Motorists are reminded to use caution when driving through construction

work zones.

New Employee Spotlight...

My name is Winonah Leader Charge. I feel fortunate to be working for the

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska as the new Winnebago Indian News Editor. I am

excited and look forward to working with the Winnebago tribal members and the

community. My mission and goal is to follow the Winnebago Indian News mission

statement: 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. I am an enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton

Oyate on the Lake Traverse Reservation of South Dakota. I have a Bachelor of

Science degree in Psychology with a Minor in Interdisciplinary Sciences and a

Masters degree in Public Administration from the University of South Dakota.

Go Yotes! I have also worked in the public service field for many years mainly

in higher education. Additionally, I am happily married and I have four sons. I

enjoy learning on all different levels and meeting new people. I look forward to

my time here and immersing myself into Ho Chunk rich culture and community.

With that said, please contact me at winonah.leadercharge@winnebagotribe.com

with any story ideas.

25 Simple (And Free!) Things to do at Home

with Kids

1. Take a walk around the neighborhood.

2. Read a book together

3. Build a fort.

4. Play a card game.

5. Color each other a picture.

6. Build a card house.

7. Bake your favorite treat.

8. Play Keep-It-Up.

9. Throw the frisbee or football around.

10. Ride your bikes.

11. Play Hide & Seek

12. Build a block or magna-tile structure.

13. Paint a picture.

14. Choreograph a dance.

15. Listen to podcasts together.

16. Look through old photo albums.

17. Facetime a relative.

18. Blow bubbles.

19. Do some yoga moves or easy exercises.

20. Play instruments.

21. Set up a pretend store.

22. Play with playdough.

23. Blast some music and do chores.

24. Have a tea party.

25. Watch a movie together.

JESUS OUR SAVIOR

LUTHERAN OUTREACH

"Essential versus essentials"

Are you one of those who is

considered 'essential?' You know

what I mean - is your job/occupation essential in this time of

a pandemic? Is it necessary for

the welfare of others for you to

be at work?

We immediately think about

the health care workers - the doctors, nurses, pharmacists, EMTs,

lab technicians, and all those

who serve at our hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living, etc.

Another area that is vital is the

government on the federal, state

and local levels. There are also

the police, fireman and emergency workers who serve and protect

our communities. We also need

those who update us through the

various news medias, as well as

keeping us area of what we might

expect when it comes to weather

forecasts.

During this COVID19 crisis

we have had our eyes opened to

so many others who are vital to

our welfare. These include, but

are not limited to: grocery store

employees, truck drivers, postal

workers, gas station attendants,

etc.

Three industries that have

had to take a back seat are: the

travel - including hotels and convention centers, casinos cruise

ships, etc., the sporting and the

entertainment. Strictly speaking

these are not 'essential' unless

you make your living through

them. The good news for some is

that your 'team' did not lose today, the bad news is that they did

not get the chance to play today.

The good news is that there are

countless TV shows and movies

that you can still view at home.

When it comes to how God sees

you - you are essential. Each and

every person is 'essential' and

has been blessed with life for an

important reason. You are all

precious to your Creator and He

would treasure a close relationship with you. And more impor-

tantly He is Essential to you.

Which brings me to a couple of

questions. I wonder what is your

relationship with the One who

should truly be Essential? I ponder how many are bummed about

not being able to accept God's

invitation to gather in one of His

Houses of worship each week?

How essential is your Creator and

His Son in your life?

On the one hand, we are following the guidelines and not coming together in mass numbers on

Sunday mornings. On the other

hand, God's Word is still going

out. As a matter of fact God's

Word is being delivered in ways

that the Evil One did not foresee.

If you have access to the internet

you can watch whole worship

services. I have been sharing my

sermons on Facebook live. There

are also opportunities to watch

a complete worship service on

Sunday mornings - Main Street

Living on channel 9 at 10:30.

Or on Sunday mornings you

can tune your radio to the Good

Shepherd Hour on KSCJ, AM1360

at 8. Or you can listen to the Lutheran Hour at 8:30 on the same

station; or at 11:30 on either

KTIC AM840 or KWPN FM107.9.

When it comes right down to

what is essential there is really

only One who is Essential and

He desires you to treasure Him.

Jesus said, “Do not store up for

yourselves treasures on earth,

where moth and rust destroy, and

where thieves break in and steal.

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and

rust do not destroy, and where

thieves do not break in and steal.

For where your treasure is, there

your heart will be also" (Matthew

6:19-21 NIV84).

When one's faith is in God,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, then

one can rest assured that God

will see us through. Your life is

essential for the welfare of others

and the Son of God, Jesus Christ

is Essential for your spiritual

well-being, now and forever more!

"National Health Sales Tax"

All people have health insurance. Health Sales tax is 1 cent on all

sales, buying and selling, import and export. Everyone pays this

tax from the poorest to the richest in America. Every American have

insurance since they all pay for it. Every time they buy & sell the

tax is 1 cent for every dollar sales tax.

Thanks,

Patrick Greyhair

Hōcąk Corner

Hacįja rahi?

(hah-cheen-jah rdah-hee)

Where did you go?

Jāgu rōragų?

(jah-ghoo rdoh-rdah-ghoo)

What do you want?

Jāgu rāc?

(jah-ghoo rdahch)

What did you eat?

Kīkuruža re.

Next WIN News Deadline:

April 13th

Pastor Ricky Jacob

(kee-koo- rdoo-zhah rday)

Wash yourself.

Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, April 4, 2020 — Page 5

COMMUNITY NEWS

Over $1.5 billion Secured for Indian Health

Service and Tribal Nations to Address

COVID-19

Tribes ask for fair, streamlined disbursement process with federal agencies.

WASHINGTON, DC—March 30, 2020—With COVID-19 reaching more and more

Tribal communities every day, funding and resources for the Indian health system

are needed now more than ever. The National Indian Health Board (NIHB), which

serves all 574 federally recognized Tribes, along with partner organizations has

continuously advocated for the inclusion of Tribes and Tribal organizations in

recent pandemic response funding packages. This advocacy is reflected in Tribal

health provisions contained in last week’s historic $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid,

Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Now, NIHB shifts its focus to working with federal agencies to streamline the disbursement of this critical funding.

“Most Tribal health facilities are already operating on a slim budget, so this

funding is vital to Tribes’ ability to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak safely

and effectively while also caring for their communities, families and elders,” said

NIHB Chairperson Victoria Kitcheyan. “NIHB is committed to working with the

Administration to ensure that all funding gets to Tribes and Tribal organizations

in a way that is fair, streamlined and expedited. Tribes need this money now.”

Tribes have expressed that they want all COVID-19 relief funding to come

through the Indian Health Service (IHS) because IHS has the statutory authority

to disseminate funds to Tribes through self-governance and self-determination

contracts and compacts, which is the method of delivery that Tribes prefer.

NIHB is actively working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC) and IHS to bring the agencies together with Tribal leadership and consult

with Tribes about the best way to distribute the funds. Specifically, NIHB is

actively working with Tribes, IHS and CDC leaders to conduct telephonic tribal

consultation sessions.

“All Tribes across the country are feeling the effects of Coronavirus. All Tribes

are suffering. All Tribes need funding. All Tribes need assistance to combat this

virus and save their people’s lives,” said Chairperson Kitcheyan. “We are thankful to our allies in Congress, like Congressman Tom Cole, Congresswoman Deb

Haaland, Senator Mark Udall, Senator Steve Daines and so many others for

continuing to fight for our people’s health and wellbeing. We are thankful for

the Statesmen and Stateswomen who are actively working with Tribes to fulfill

the trust and treaty responsibilities of the federal government through adequate

funding, resources and support for public health in Indian Country.”

Legislative victories related to Tribal public health in the CARES Act

include:

Healthcare

$1.032 billion for the Indian Health Service (IHS) Services Account

Includes up to $65 million for electronic health record stabilization and support

Allows up to $125 million to be transferred to IHS Facilities

At least $450 million shall be distributed immediately to Direct Service Tribes

and Self-Governance Tribes

Public Health

Minimum $125 million in set-aside funding for Tribes and Tribal organizations

under Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Funding is for surveillance, epidemiology, laboratory capacity, infection control,

mitigation, communications, and other preparedness and response activities

Minimum $15 million in set-aside funding for Tribes and Tribal organizations

under Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Funding is for mental and behavioral health services in response to COVID-19

Minimum $15 million in set-aside funding for Tribes and Tribal organizations

under Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

Funding is for health surveillance and other needs under the HRSA Rural

Health program

Housing

$300 million under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA)

$200 million is for Native American Housing Block Grants

$100 million is for Indian Community Development Block Grant

Nutrition

$100 million for the Food Distribution Program for Indians Reservations

$50 million is for facility improvements and equipment upgrades

$50 million is for additional food purchases

Funding in the CARES Act is in addition to the $80 million reserved for Tribes

and Tribal organizations under the first COVID package and administered through

the CDC, and the $134 million for IHS under the second package. CDC released a

funding plan to award $30 million to eight regionally designated tribal organizations and one Tribal health corporation, then the organizations will sub-award to

the member Tribes within their respective regions. CDC will award $40 million in

new non-competitive grants for eligible Tribes that currently have a Title 1 and

Title V contract or compact.

A fourth supplemental funding package is expected to be considered by Congress in the coming weeks. NIHB will continue to advocate for Tribal funding

and legislative priorities.

National Indian Health Board Mission Statement

Established by the Tribes to advocate as the united voice of federally recognized

American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, NIHB seeks to reinforce Tribal sovereignty, strengthen Tribal health systems, secure resources, and build capacity

to achieve the highest level of health and well-being for our People.

Visit WWW.NIHB.ORG

for all of the latest updates and resources on Coronavirus (COVID-19) response.

For all media inquiries, please contact April Hale at ahalepr@gmail.com

Steps to protect children from getting sick

• Clean hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer

• Avoid people who are sick (coughing and sneezing)

• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas

(e.g. tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles,

desks, toilets, sinks)

• Launder items including washable plush toys as appropriate in accordance

with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the

warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty

laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.

Children may present with mild symptoms

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in children and adults. However,

children with confirmed COVID-19 have generally presented with mild symptoms. Reported symptoms in children include cold-like symptoms, such as fever,

runny nose, and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported. It’s not

known yet whether some children may be at higher risk for severe illness, for

example, children with underlying medical conditions and special healthcare

needs. There is more to learn about how the disease impacts children.

Children don’t need to wear facemasks

No. If your child is healthy, there is no need for them to wear a facemask.

Only people who have symptoms of illness or who are providing care to those

who are ill should wear masks.

Children and their friends

Practice Social Distancing: The key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 is

to limit contact as much as possible. While school is out, children should not

have in-person playdates with children from other households. If children are

playing outside their own homes, it is essential that they remain 6 feet from

anyone who is not in their own household.To help children maintain social

connections while social distancing, help your children have supervised phone

calls or video chats with their friends.

Clean Hands Often: Make sure children practice everyday preventive behaviors, such as washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20

seconds. This is especially important if you have been in a public place.

Revise Spring Break & Travel Plans: Revise spring break and travel plans if

they included non-essential travel.

Remember, if children meet outside of school in groups, it can put everyone

at risk.

Senator Joni Albrecht WEEKLY UPDATE

March 30, 2020

Our physical office at the Capitol

may be closed but my staff and I have

been hard at work in the District and

remote from our homes.

My week has included assessing

current status, answering questions, and finding answers for many

individuals and agencies all over

District 17.

I am proud to report that throughout the District, I have found communities to be compliant with safety

guidelines and coming together to

creatively socialize even while observing social distancing.

Some example of creativity can be

found in the emergence of the “Corona Cruise”, in Wayne and Dakota

counties, where residents exercising

social-distancing while driving their

neighborhoods and waving at neighbors. Additionally, in Pender, the

residents go out onto their driveways

and recite the Pledge of Allegiance

together at 9:00 A.M. What a great

way to start the day!

My Administrative Assistant and I

visited all three counties in the District to listen to concerns and needs,

to discuss the President and the Governor’s directives, and to discuss local efforts including school closings,

social distancing, meeting size limitations, feeding programs for school age

children, and more concerning the

Coronavirus and COVID 19.

For discussions in the District we

combined small in-person groups

with more modern technology of

Zoom, etc., that allow us to meet in

groups fewer than ten and to maintain social distancing guidelines. On

Thursday and Friday, we met with

the following:

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Macy, Nebraska: Thurston County

and Omaha Tribal Emergency Managers, Tribal leaders, law enforcement, first responders, Northeast

Nebraska Public Health Department

administrators, school officials, and

community leaders.

Dakota County Health Department & Emergency Management:

DCHD Director, DCEM Director, SSC

Chief of Police. Discussion included

special challenges during this time

for communities operating with

shared state borders.

Friday, March 27, 2020

Wayne County, Wayne Area Economic Development Office. Met with

WAED Executive Director Luke Virgil

and produced the weekly Chamber

Facebook broadcast. We discussed

the challenges faced by local businesses and creative solutions being

implemented by many. I also updated viewers about the latest from the

Governor’s office and the importance

of following the guidelines provided

by the State Health Department.

Wayne County Emergency Management: visited with the County

Emergency Manager and Wayne

County Commissioners. In addition to the topics noted above, we

discussed challenges for children of

essential personnel like health department, nurses, fire, rescue, and

law enforcement.

Northeast Nebraska Public Health

Department (NNPHD): We discussed

the commendable actions of members

of District 17 in following the guidelines of social distancing, maintaining

healthy hygiene practices and working to keep everyone safe during this

time. Weekly calls are taking place

with schools.

At this point, I want to give a

huge shout out to our District 17

newspapers, radio, and television

stations. They have done a wonderful job of keeping residents fully

informed and up to date during this

crisis. As a reminder, there is more

information available in the District

by going to the website of Northeast

Nebraska Public Health Department

(NNPHD), watching the weekly Wayne

Area Economic Development (WAED)

programming with Luke Virgil, at the

Nebraska Department of Health and

Human Services (DHHS) website.

Additionally, the Governor is holding daily briefings that are broadcast

on weekdays at 2 PM on 98.9 FM in

Wayne and at NET TV.

LEGISLATIVE SESSION:

The Legislature met on Monday

and Wednesday March 23 and 25

to pass an emergency $83.6 million

appropriations bill to help families,

health care providers, and businesses

get through this health crisis.

The Legislature will reconvene

upon the call and direction of the

Speaker.

Speaker Scheer announced on

Wednesday that, because of the delays and uncertainties of dates that

it will reconvene, his plan is that,

when the Legislature does reconvene,

we will meet for six days straight for

two weeks, and finish off the 17 days

remaining for the session the following week.

My office is preparing to hear a

large number of bills in a fairly short

time. One of the primary debates I

expect we will have upon return is

property tax relief. Earlier in the session, LB974 was introduced and had

first round debate. Since that debate,

Senator Linehan and members of the

Revenue Committee have been working with schools, governing bodies,

and other Senators to make changes

that are acceptable to them while still

moving forward with the primary goal

of property tax relief for landowners

across the state. The result of that

work has taken the form of LB1106,

which incorporates LB974 and the

changes. My office is researching

and analyzing the changes so that

I can present updated information

and comparisons in my newsletter

next week.

As always, I invite you to let me

know your thoughts, ideas, concerns,

or suggestions by contacting me at

jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov or by calling my

office at 402.471.2716.

Garden Bits

By Kathleen Cue, Nebraska Extension Horticulture Educator in Dodge County

If you’re at home and practicing social distancing, the one bit of good news

in all of this is that we can be outside to tinker with plants. Spring is an

exciting time, full of promise and possibilities. If you’re not a gardener, no

worries, learning how to garden is a trial and error process. The definition of

a gardener, after all, is “one who kills many plants.” Heaven knows I’ve killed

my share and I’ve learned far more from my failures than my successes. Even

now, umpteen years of gardening and two horticulture degrees later, I still

relish the challenge of growing a vegetable I haven’t grown before, planting

a tree I’ve only seen in catalogs, and searching for that elusive new cultivar

I’ve heard about.

Now is a great time to plant the seeds of cool season crops like radishes,

lettuce, and snap peas into the garden. Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage

transplants can be set out too. Tomato and eggplant seeds can be started

indoors for moving plants outside after danger of frost is past. If fresh herbs

are your thing, start basil, dill, parsley and cilantro inside, planting them

outside after frost. Whatever kind of edible gardening you like, new as well as

veteran gardeners can add something different each year. What new favorites

are just waiting for you to try them?

‘Montmorency’ and ‘North Star’ are two sour cherry cultivars that have

been around for a long time. Now, new releases of shrub-form cherries offer

cold tolerance, shorter stature, AND high sugar content. From the University

of Saskatchewan comes the Romance Series of cherries, with cultivar names

like ‘Romeo’, ‘Juliet’, ‘Cupid’, ‘Crimson Passion’ and ‘Valentine’. These tough

cherry shrubs are new enough to the green industry that finding them can

be problematic. This doesn’t mean they are impossible to find but ordering

early is important.

Extension Master Gardeners are gearing up for Growing Together Nebraska, a joint service program between Nebraska Extension’s Nutrition

Education Program and Master Gardeners to grow vegetables for the food

insecure. Even if you don’t have a Growing Together Nebraska program in

your county, be sure to donate excess produce from your garden to local

food pantries.

Page 6 — Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, April 4, 2020

BAGO NEWS

Indianz...

We need the money right now': Tribes await

billions of dollars in coronavirus relief

Wednesday, April 1,

By Acee Agoyo

Higher Education Department

DEADLINES FOR

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL

ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS

1. All undergraduate applicants shall comply with the following deadlines:

a.

Applications, and Certificates of Indian Blood are to be received by

WSFAP as follows:

Fall Semester/Quarter/Trimester

April 15

Summer Sessions

April 15

Winter/Spring Semester/Quarter/Trimester

October 15

b.

Transcripts, Letter of Admission, Class Schedule, Education Plan and

Financial Need Analysis are due to be received by WSFAP as follows:

Summer Sessions

April 15

Fall Semester/Quarter/Trimester

July 15

Winter/Spring Semester/Quarter/Trimester

November 15

2. All continuing applicants and/or recipients shall comply with the above

deadlines except for transcript submission. All continuing applicants shall

submit their grade reports and transcripts to the WSFAP no later than fifteen

(15) working days after the completion of the academic term.

3.

All graduate applicants shall submit required documents in accordance with the above deadlines except for transcript submission. All graduate

applicants shall submit their grade reports and transcripts to the WSFAP no

later than fifteen (15) working days after the completion of the academic term.

With the number of COVID-19

cases in Indian Country continuing

to rise, the Trump administration is

embarking on the most consequential tribal consultation in recent

history.

Starting on Thursday, the Department of the Interior and the Department of Treasury will be asking

tribes about the $8 billion coronavirus relief fund that was just approved by Congress. The goal is to

get the much-needed funds out to

Indian Country as soon as possible

to help address the devastating cultural, social and economic impacts

of the global health pandemic.

"We need the money right now,"

Aaron Payment, the chairperson of

the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, said on an Indianz.

Com broadcast on Wednesday

evening.

"We are 100 percent relying on

these dollars," Payment added,

noting that it will take at least $20

million to keep his tribe's operation -- which serves thousands of

citizens and employees hundreds

of people throughout Michigan -afloat during the crisis.

"Don't forget," said Payment,

who also serves as vice president of

the National Congress of American

Indians. "We pre-paid for everything. We are the only population

in the country that has a federal

right to health care, education and

social welfare."

Federal officials are in agreement about getting the funds out

as quickly as possible. The first

consultation on Thursday will be

followed by another one next week,

with comments from tribes due by

April 13.

"A compressed timeline is necessary, so that we may distribute the

funds as soon as possible to address your needs in these unprecedented and uncertain times," Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs

Tara Sweeney wrote in a Dear Tribal

Leader Letter on Tuesday.

Tribes and key members of Congress pushed strongly for the $8

billion fund, though it's much lower

than the $20 billion initially sought.

Lawmakers from both parties said

they had to fight tooth and nail

for the money, which is included

in H.R.748, also known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic

Security Act, or the CARES Act.

The bill passed the U.S. Senate on

March 25, before clearing the U.S.

House of Representatives two days

later.

"I won't bore you with all the

knife-fighting that had to happen

here," Sen. Martha McSally (RArizona), a member of the Senate

Committee on Indian Affairs, said

on a town hall hosted by several

Indian organizations last Thursday,

"but I was literally presiding on the

floor of the Senate the night that the

deal was announced and this fund

was still in jeopardy."

McSally, whose Republican party

controls the chamber, said she

"went to the mat" with high-level

officials from the White House and

from the office of Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), the Republican

Senate Majority Leader, to keep

the $8 billion alive after attempts

to reduce it -- and even remove it

-- were made.

"I told them, 'We've gotta get this

money for the tribes!'" McSally said

on the town hall. "It has to happen!"

But the funds in the hands of

the executive branch, lawmakers

want to make sure the federal government lives up to its trust and

treaty responsibilities. Led by Sen.

Tom Udall (D-New Mexico), the vice

chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, a bipartisan

group of lawmakers wrote to President Donald Trump on Wednesday,

seeking adequate consultation as

the money rolls out to tribes and

their citizens.

"The U.S. government has specific

trust and treaty responsibilities to

American Indians and Alaska Natives, responsibilities that all federal agencies share equally," the 31

members of the House and the Senate wrote in the letter. "Implementation of the CARES Act will require

many federal agencies within DOI,

the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of

Treasury, the Small Business Administration, and others to work

directly with Indian Country on

implementation of complicated new

authorities and deployment of critical funding."

The $8 billion tribal government

relief fund isn't the only resource

available as a result of the CARES

Act. The law, which President Trump

signed on Friday, infuses about $2

billion into the federal agencies that

serve American Indians and Alaska

Natives.

A significant amount -- more than

$1.5 billion, according to the National Indian Health Board -- will

go to critical health programs in

Indian Country. The funding includes $1.032 billion for the Indian

Health Service, at least $125 million for tribes through the Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention,

a minimum of $15 million from

the Substance Abuse and Mental

Health Services Administration and

at least $15 million from the Health

Resources and Services Administration.

“Most tribal health facilities are

already operating on a slim budget,

so this funding is vital to tribes’

ability to respond to the COVID-19

outbreak safely and effectively while

also caring for their communities,

families and elders,” said NIHB

Chairperson Victoria Kitcheyan.

“NIHB is committed to working

with the administration to ensure

that all funding gets to tribes and

tribal organizations in a way that

is fair, streamlined and expedited,"

said Kitcheyan, who serves on the

council of the Winnebago Tribe.

"Tribes need this money now.”

The consultations this Thursday

and next Thursday will take place

over the phone. Call-in numbers

are available on the Indianz.Com

COVID-19 page.

LEGAL NOTICE

To: Tasia Childress

Next WIN News Deadline:

April 13th

You are hereby notified that a COMPLAINT TO MODIFY has been filed against

you in the Winnebago Tribal Court, TCS13-007, entitled TASIA CHILDRESS vs

WAKAJA HARDEN. You must file a responsive pleading in this matter by April

08, 2020 or be subject to a default judgment being entered against you.

Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, April 4, 2020 — Page 7

WINNEBAGO THROWBACK PICS

Construction of the new treaty hospital, back in 2002

1992 View of the Old Heritage IGA, in the making

2005 view of Ho-Chunk Village, in the making

Early 90's view of the old iconic Merry Mart getting demolished

Taking a look back into 1997

A look down Main Street Winnebago, before the first roundabout

The Heritage Mall in 2000

A view from the late 90's

The old car wash in June 1997