Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
Tribal code
Ask Donna
What actually matters in this document.
Text
Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
An HoChunk Actress,
Lillian St.Cyr Story
STORYTELLERS:
Part 3
page: 6
page: 8
Volume 55, Number 2
Chief Little Priest / Huk-xunu-ga (18291866) is our featured masthead for this
second issue of the 2026 Winnebago Indian
News. Chief Little Priest is the last great
war chief of our Hocak people. Many
stories have been written about his life, and
his legacy lives on to this day. Our tribal
college also bears his name in honor of his
dying statement, “Be strong and educate
my children.” Our annual Homecoming
Celebration honors the return of Chief Little
Priest and the Fort Omaha Company “A”
Scouts. In 2026, the Winnebago people will
mark 50 years since the construction of the
current site for our powwow celebration
– Veteran’s Memorial Park. In 1976, the
people built that celebration grounds area
into what we see in large part today. Our
people celebrate our heritage with the best
powwow grounds anywhere for over half a
century now. The Winnebago tribe will host
the 160th Annual Homecoming Celebration
during the traditional last full weekend in
July, which is July 23rd – 26th, 2026.
Nį̄ šoc Nįgešąną
On January 22nd, Ho-Chunk, Inc. hosted a
fan appreciation night at the Winnebago Indians vs. The Ponca Indians game. The first
450 fans received hotdogs and a half-time
shot for a pop fundraiser. Proceeds went towards the Winnebago Veterans Association.
The Ponca Varsity girls won 33-62. The
Winnebago Varsity boys won 76-54.
The WPS Indians competed at the Oakland-Craig Invitational. Girls’ results: Zowie Wilkie and Ziniyah Redhorn took 3rd,
Lula Decora and Ricarda Littlewalker took
2nd, and Javianna Chavez and Eva Nieman
placed 5th. Boys’ results: Jared Doxey took
1st, Jacob Lincoln 2nd, Ho-Hump Snake
3rd, EJ Latray 4th, and Drake Griffin and
Patrick finished 5th.
On January 12th, Ho-Chunk Renaissance
started their Princess Etiquette Program.
Over the course of 4 weeks, 10 young ladies in grades 4th-8th will be able to learn
various cultural things like the language,
self-introductions, teachings passed down
through generations and more.
Hųc wiconį na
First Bear Moon
Saturday, January 31, 2026
A Community Discussion On Membership
By Bethani Redhorn
Photography from WIN Archive
[Winnebago, NE] On Thursday, January
15, 2026, the Winnebago Tribal Enrollment Committee hosted a hybrid-styled
community forum at the Whirling Thunder Wellness Center in the evening from
5:00 to 7:00 PM. Tribal members were
able to attend in-person or virtually using
the Zoom link. The purpose of the event
was to discuss the current enrollment criteria for the Winnebago Tribe and to give
tribal members an opportunity to provide
feedback on whether the current enrollment criteria should remain the same or if
updates should be made.
The agenda for the enrollment forum
began with welcoming remarks and a
prayer by Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska’s
Tribal Councilmember Eugene DeCora,
followed by the meal and presentation that
was presented by Danelle Smith, WTN Legal Counsel from Big Fire Law & Policy
Group LLP.
It was explained that the legal foundation for Winnebago’s enrollment starts
with the Tribal Constitution, this defines
enrollment criteria and delegates certain
authority to the Tribal Council. The Tribal
Council exercises powers by adopting
Tribal codes, resolutions, and motions.
The Tribal Enrollment Code is the law
of the tribe, it establishes authority of the
Enrollment Committee, department, and
processes. The Enrollment Committee is
appointed by Tribal Council, establishing
policies and procedures, reviewing enrollment applications, and making recommendations to the Tribal Council. Carrying out
the day-to-day operations in compliance
with the Constitution, Tribal code, and
policies and procedures is the Winnebago
Enrollment department.
During the presentation, Danelle
outlined the current standing for tribal
membership, the above-mentioned legal
foundation, the history of blood quantum,
the Indian Reorganization Act, current
criteria for tribal enrollment, an enrollment timeline, considerations towards
enrollment, and explained the process for
Secretarial Election.
Following the presentation, there was a
concluding portion for questions and comments. Various tribal members provided
feedback, which included both questions
and comments about the current criteria
for enrollment, inquiring about different
enrollment scenarios. One of the questions
Con’t. on page 2...
Making Dreams into Reality: Sweet Thangs Diner
By Bethani Redhorn
Photography by Tyler Snake
[Winnebago, NE] Making their dreams
into reality, Winnebago Tribal Members
Keri LaPointe and Greg Walker turned three
lemons into a food truck which has now
evolved into a diner that is located inside of
Ho-Chunk Village in Winnebago, NE. It has
been two months since the grand opening of
Sweet Thangs Diner on November 20, 2025,
and business has been up and running.
The Winnebago Indian News recently sat
down for an interview at the new diner to
hear about the Sweet Thangs story and learn
more about their business. LaPointe shared
that the story began in their garage with only
three lemons, which was followed by their
signature rolled ice cream and then the food
truck. The couple set up the food truck in the
front yard of their home and began taking
orders, while also developing the area to offer a dine in option and be more welcoming
for customers. LaPointe stated that many of
Sweet Thangs loyal customers included the
local youth, who would stop over to the food
truck after practice or a game.
In January 2025, planning for Sweet
Thangs Diner began with a full renovation
of the space, designed by Keri and Greg
themselves, where they were able to personalize and create a diner vibe. Inside the
diner, you will find a dedicated display for
“Flame Keepers,” which Keri describes as
the important individuals who helped Sweet
Thangs Diner come to fruition. The Flame
Keepers include Aaron and Jade LaPointe,
Pearl LaPointe, Jack and Emma LaMere,
Kenneth and Brenda Vampola, Carlos and
Veronica Meraz, and Lance Morgan.
The diner, located at 201 Ho-Chunk Plaza,
currently features a lot of home-cooked
foods, including all-day breakfast, appetizers, entrees, a kid’s menu, rolled ice cream
flavors, a variety of drinks, and baked goods
such as pies and cookies. They are open
Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 8:00
PM, with options for dining in, carryout, or
delivery, and offers catering services. To stay
in the know, you can follow Sweet Thangs
on Facebook: @sweet.thangs.baby
Visit us at winnebagotribe.com
Page 2 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, January 31, 2026
ANNOUNCEMENTS
...Cont. from front page: WINNEBAGO TRIBAL
ENROLLMENT FORUM...
that were posed was, why now? Winnebago Tribal Councilmember Victoria Kitcheyan
spoke on the ongoing discussion revolving around enrollment, mentioning the continued
efforts that have been made over the years by the Winnebago Tribal Council and the Enrollment Committee, including a resolution for a Secretarial Election and multiple survey
initiatives.
The recent Winnebago Enrollment Survey had a deadline of December 5, 2025,
and was extended to January 31, 2026. The goal was to obtain at least 40% of surveys
completed by enrolled members which was estimated at 1,796. As of Friday, January 23,
2026, there have been 958 surveys submitted. The forum was recorded by the Winnebago Tribe’s Communications department and is available for viewing by any Winnebago
Tribal Members. To view the recording, email the WTN Webmaster Christina Parker:
christina.parker@winnebagotribe.com.
NEW FACES IN WTN PLACES!
Welcome to our newest
Winnebago Tribal Employees!
Glenda Bruggeman
Tribal Enrollment
Enrollment Clerk
Brandy Baker
WTN Social Services
Caseworker 1
Derrick Littlebear
Tribal Facilities
Custodian
David Wingett
Wildlife & Parks
Conservation Officer
Jacie Walker
Ho-Chunk Renaissance
Language Apprentice
NEXT W.I.N. DEADLINE:
FEBRUARY 10, 2026
Saturday, January 31, 2026 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 3
Wāgax hųk ra wāgax hokik’ųna
Letter to the Editor
ATTENTION WTN GARBAGE CUSTOMERS:
All garbage collection patrons of the Winnebago Tribe will have
their service provider reassigned from Gill Hauling (WMS) to Kings
Disposal Co. beginning March 1st, 2026.
Kings Disposal will be delivering replacement dumpsters to your
residence prior to their collection start date. Gill will be collecting
their dumpsters on or before February 28th, 2026.
All billing and payment information remains unchanged. Collection days will also be communicated once the new disposal route is
completed by Kings Disposal. Also, recycling options may be available following the onset of services with Kings Disposal. Details for
additional service options, including fees, will be provided at a later
date.
Please contact Kristin Neff with any questions at (402) 878-2203
ext. 2105, or by email at: kristin.neff@winnebagotribe.com
‘Good. Better. Best.’
I know that many of my family members
and friends are Chicago Bears fans. Their
coach Ben Johnson drills into them: Good.
Better. Best. Never Let it Rest. Till Your
Good Gets Better and Your Better Gets Best!
The Chicago Bears were in the NFL
playoffs for the first time in many years. They
somehow won their first playoff game against
the Green Bay Packers coming from behind.
They almost won their second playoff game
against the Los Angeles Rams losing in overtime. Their Best was not good enough.
When it comes right down to it - no one is
good enough when it comes to one’s relationship with one’s Creator. Even our best is not
good enough. Unfortunately, many are living
their lives in opposition to Creator God. They
are Bad. Worse. Worst. That is how the tribe
of Israel was living in the day of Amos in
around 750 BC.
Amos was sent by Creator God to condemn those who were the worst of the worst.
They were trampling on the poorest of the
poor [Amos 2:7a]; each man and his father
would go in to the young woman, so that
they were defiling Creator God’s holy name
[Amos 2:7b]. They drank wine obtained
By: Pastor Ricky Jacob
through fines in the temple of their false gods
[Amos 2:8b].
And yet, Creator God through the prophet
Amos offers hope to those who did not deserve mercy. In the final verses of Amos’ letter
he offers hope. Yes, Creator God through
the prophet Amos offered hope to a hopeless
people. He offers this same hope to you.
Jesus offers you his best - and that is good
enough. Jesus, due to his sinless sacrifice,
offers you rest - the rest of having your burden
of sin offloaded that Amos spoke about.
Creator God sent His Son, the Messiah, God’s
anointed One to bear the burden of the sin of
the tribe of Israel. And not only to those tribal
members, but to people of each and every
tribe, language and nation.
I close with the admonition that the life
of a Christian, the life of one led by God’s
Spirit placing his/her faith in Jesus will follow
the Bear’s coaching words. Through faith
in Jesus - Creator God is well pleased with
you. Therefore you, the believer in Jesus, are
good in God’s eyes. Then your good will get
better and better, and you will never let it rest
till your good gets better and your better gets
best! All of this is the blessed work of God’s
Spirit - in and through you.
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Hearing
Case No. CV26-021
In the Matter of the
Name Change Petition of:
LATRICIA LUCERO to LATRICIA
BLACKHAWK
To:
JESUS OUR SAVIOR
LUTHERAN OUTREACH
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. CV26-021 has
been scheduled and will be heard in the
Winnebago Tribal Court of Winnebago,
Nebraska, on the 19TH day of FEBRUARY, 2026, at the hour of 11:30 A.M.
Notice of Hearing
Case No. JFJ26-012
The People of the Winnebago Tribe
In the Interest of:
E.E.S. (Born 09/2012)
To:
DELRAE MEDICINE HORSE,
Mother
GEORGE ELKSHOULDER, FATHER
You are hereby notified that a hearing
for an Initial Appearance concerning the
above referred minor individual(s) in case
no. JFJ26-012 has been scheduled and will
be heard in the Winnebago Tribal Court
of Winnebago, Nebraska on the 25th day
of FEBRUARY, 2026 at the hour of 11:30
A.M.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The next issue of the WINNEBAGO INDIAN NEWS will be published on February 14, 2026.
——————————————————
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 February 10, 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”
Lorelei DeCora...........................Member
Yearly Subscription Rates
Nebraska Residents....................................$25.00 WTN Communications
Eugene DeCora..........................Member
Winnebago Indian News
P.O. Box 687
Winnebago, NE 68071
or contact us at our e-mail address:
Out-Of-State................................................$35.00
Overseas.....................................................$50.00
Advertising Rate
Per Column Inch............................................$7.00
Garan Coons.............................Comm. Officer
Gayla Whitewater..........Comm. Office Manger
Christina Parker.............................Web Master
Kevin Ebert..................Multimedia Coordinator
Page 4 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, January 31, 2026
TRIBAL COUNCIL MINUTES
WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
REGULAR TRIBAL COUNCIL
MEETING
January 5, 2026
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Coly Brown
Isaac Smith
Teresa Littlegeorge
Eugene DeCora
Trey Blackhawk
Victoria Kitcheyan
Ireta Frazier
Lorelei DeCora
Rona Stealer (in at 9:07 a.m.)
OTHERS PRESENT:
Chad Smith
Darla LaPointe
Tiffany Buchanan
Anna Bess Preston
Jae Payer
Barbara Pretends Eagle
Char Richardson
Charli O Earth
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Brown
called to order at 9:05 a.m.
OPENING PRAYER: Councilwoman
Kitcheyan offered the opening prayer.
APPROVE AGENDA:
Chairman Brown gives notice that he
wants to work pay increases for non-officer Tribal Council members and possibly
all council members to at least match our
DHD.
Rona Stealer motioned to approve the
amended agenda. Ireta Frazier seconded.
VOTE:
(8) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
READING OF THE MINUTES:
December 15, 2025 – Mid-Monthly
Tribal Council meeting minutes.
Eugene DeCora motioned to approve the
December 15, 2025, Mid-Monthly Tribal
Council meeting minutes. Trey Blackhawk seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(8) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
December 17, 2025 – General Counsel
meeting minutes
Isaac Smith motioned to approve the
December 17, 2025, General Counsel
meeting minutes.
VOTE:
(8) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
RATIFY FIVE SIGNATURES:
Approval of Resolution #26-60: Young
Natural Resources Professionals Cohort
FY 25
Rona Stealer motioned to ratify the
five-signature approval of Resolution #2660: Young Natural Resources Professionals Cohort FY 25. Isaac Smith seconded
the motion.
VOTE:
(8) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Approval for the Tribal Council to cover
the cost of 2025 All Natios Championship
Hoodies for the football team.
Eugene DeCora motioned to ratify the
five-signature approval for the Tribal
Council to cover the cost of 2025 All
Natios Championship Hoodies for the
football team. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(8) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Approval of Resolution #26-61: Amendments to Winnebago Tribal Code, Title 3,
Article 7 Protection of Schools and Restricted or Sensitive Areas from Dangerous
Weapons.
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to ratify
the five-signature approval of Resolution #26-61: Amendments to Winnebago
Tribal Code, Title 3, Article 7 Protection
of Schools and Restricted or Sensitive
Areas from Dangerous Weapons. Eugene
DeCora seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(8) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
Letter of Support for Flandreau Indian
Boarding School
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to approve
to send the letter to Bureau of Indian
Education in Support of Flandreau Indian
Boarding School funding and to use some
of the content for testimony that the Tribe
will provide in the future. Rona Stealer
seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(8) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
State Chess Champion
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to approve to purchase a jacket for the 2025
WPS Chess Champion funding to come
from Tribal Council donations. Victoria
Kitcheyan seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(8) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Tribal Council salary increases
Discussion regarding the job descriptions from 1994, and the amounts are the
same. Will research further and place on
an upcoming agenda.
TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS:
Executive Session
Eugene DeCora motioned to enter
executive session at 9:31 a.m. Teresa
Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(8) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to exit
executive session at 10:53 a.m. Teresa
Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(8) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Eugene DeCora motioned to appoint
Lisa (Livingston) Walker to the Winnebago Gaming Commission for a 3-year term,
at a $55,000 salary. Teresa Littlegeorge
seconded the motion.
OBJECT: Lorelei DeCora
VOTE:
(6) yes (2) no, IS, LD
(0) abstain
Motion carried.
Isaac Smith motioned to schedule a
meeting with Winnebago Gaming Development Corporation Board for an update
on current situation. Lorelei DeCora
seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(8) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
ADJOURN:
Eugene DeCora motioned to adjourn the
meeting at 11:00 a.m. Victoria Kitcheyan
seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(8) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Chairman Brown adjourned the meeting
at 11:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Littlegeorge, Secretary
Winnebago Tribal Council
WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
TREASURER’S REPORT MEETING
January 6, 2026
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Coly Brown
Teresa Littlegeorge
Rona Stealer
Ireta Frazier
Lorelei DeCora
Victoria Kitcheyan
Trey Blackhawk (in at 9:28 a.m.)
Eugene DeCora (in at 9:21 a.m.)
Isaac Smith (in at 11:04 a.m.)
OTHERS PRESENT:
Mark Grant
Ray Thomas
Tom Teesdale
Angel Derochie
David Edwards
Beth Wewel
Brittany Thomas
Kellen Kelsey
Simon Wood
Blake Harkness
Darell Hill
Monica Flores
Petra Nielsen
Cecelia Earth
Anna Bess Preston
Kellie Snow
Nakia Mallory
Cheryl Painter
Kiana Lewis
Lynelle Blackhawk
Darla LaPointe
Tanya Baker
Alfred Lopez
Terri Lee Medina
Charli Earth
Ron Nohr
Aaron LaPointe
Christina Parker
Karl Baker
Willy Bass
Thomas Snow
Tyresha Romero
Ricky Suarez
Joi Long
Billie Kitcheyan
Tiffany Buchanan
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Brown
called to order at 9:07 a.m.
OPENING PRAYER: Brittany Thomas, Planning Director, offered the opening
prayer.
APPROVE AGENDA:
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to approve
the amended agenda. Rona Stealer seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(5) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT:
Presentation from Tribal Energy Alternatives presented by Simon Wood, Blake
Harkness, and Darell Hill.
[Eugene in at 9:21 a.m.]
[Trey in at 9:28 a.m.]
[Rona out at 9:47 a.m., in at 9:50 a.m.]
Break: Technical difficulties 10:10 am,
reconvened at 10:17 a.m.
[Teresa in at 10:20 a.m.]
Lorelei DeCora motioned to adopt Resolution #26-62: Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska – Tribal Energy Alternative (Tea)
– Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (Grant).
Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
OBJECT: Victoria, Rona
Discussion
Teresa Littlegeorge withdrew the second, until review of the Agreement that is
being offered.
Lorelei DeCora withdrew her motion.
Eugene Motioned to table the resolution
until the PRD Report on Monday and to
have Planning Department circulate the
agreement for review. Victoria Kitcheyan
seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
[Victoria out at 10:55 a.m.]
WTN FINANCIALS: Presented by
Cheryl Painter, Interim CFO
[Victoria in at 11:02 a.m.]
[Isaac in at 11:04 a.m.]
[Isaac out at 11:11 a.m., in at 11:17
a.m.]
Eugene DeCora motioned to approve
Winnebago Tribal October and November
2025 Financial Report as presented. Trey
Blackhawk seconded the motion.
Discussion: Statement from Liberty, and
an update on the BIA ARPA funds.
VOTE:
(8) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
WCHS/12 CLANS FINANCIAL
REPORT: Presented by Beth Wewel and
David Edwards.
Tribal Council has September and October reports, the November report was not
received for the Tribal Council to review.
[Eugene out at 11:24 a.m., in at 11:27
a.m.]
The November Report will be presented
at the next Treasurer’s Report.
October Financials and Revenue Cycle
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to approve
the October Financials and Revenue Cycle
reports. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the
motion.
VOTE:
(8) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
WINNEBAGO GAMING COMMISSION REPORT: Presented by Nakia
Mallory
Isaac Smith motioned to approve the
October and November 2025 Winnebago
Gaming Commission Reports. Victoria
Kitcheyan seconded the motion.
[Isaac out during the vote]
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
BREAK: 11:51 a.m., reconvene at 12:09
p.m.
WARHORSE FINANCIAL REPORT:
Presented by Angel Derochie and Lance
Morgan.
[Isaac in at 12:19 p.m.]
Teresa Littlegeorge October and November 2025 Financial Reports.
Eugene DeCora seconded the motion
VOTE:
(8) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Presentation of the Warhorse revenue
check to the Tribal Council.
RECESS: 12:56 p.m., reconvened at
1:53 p.m.
WINNAVEGAS FINANCIAL REPORT:
[Eugene in at 1:55 p.m.]
[Isaac out in at 1:55 p.m.]
OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER FINANCIAL REPORTS: Presented by Mark
Grant
Eugene DeCora motioned to approve the
WinnaVegas October and November 2025
Financial Reports. Victoria Kitcheyan
seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
MARKETING PRESENTATION: Presented by Petra Nielsen
WINNAVEGAS APPROVALS: Presented by Petra Nielsen and Tom Teesdale
The Marketing Department is requesting
approval of the January and February 2026
“$200,000.00 Cash Plus” promotional
drawings.
Lorelei DeCora motioned to approve the
Marketing Department request of the January and February 2026 “$200,000.00 Cash
Plus” promotional drawings. Victoria
Kitcheyan seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
The Marketing Department is requesting approval of the March 2026 “On the
House” promotional drawings.
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to approve
the Marketing Department request for the
March 2026 “On the House” promotional
drawings. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded
the motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
The Marketing Department is requesting
approval of the April 2026 Continuity Program entitled “Delta Matte & Matte Rose
Appliances”.
The Marketing Department is requesting approval of the May 2026 Continuity
Program entitled “It’s a Banger!”.
The Marketing Department is requesting
approval of the June 2026 Continuity Program entitled “American Patriotism!”
Rona Stealer motioned to approve the
Marketing Department requests for the
April, May, and June 2026 Continuity
Programs. Eugene DeCora seconded the
motion.
VOTE:(7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS:
NCAI Resolution and Dues
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to adopt
resolution #26-62: National Congress of
American Indians Membership, appointing
Rona Stealer as the Delegate and Eugene
DeCora as the Alternate also approving the
payment of NACI dues of membership.
Trey Blackhawk seconded the motion.
VOTE:(7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Executive Session
Eugene DeCora motioned to go into
Executive Session at 2:53 p.m. Victoria
Kitcheyan seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
[Rona out at 3:03 p.m., in at 3:06 p.m.]
Eugene DeCora motioned to exit
Executive Session at 3:24 p.m. Teresa
Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
ADJOURN:
Eugene DeCora motioned to adjourn
the meeting at 3:24 p.m. Trey Blackhawk
seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Chairman Brown adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Littlegeorge, Secretary
Winnebago Tribal Council
WINNEBAGO TRIBAL COUNCIL
PHYSICAL RESOURCES REPORT
January 12, 2026
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Coly Brown
Teresa Littlegeorge
Ireta Frazier
Trey Blackhawk
Eugene DeCora
Lorelei DeCora
Victoria Kitcheyan (in at 9:10 a.m.)
Isaac Smith(in at 9:53 a.m.)
OTHERS PRESENT:
Christina Parker
Brian Chamberlain
Darla LaPointe
Autumn Nieman
Kellie Snow
Danelle Smith
Tom Teesdale
Fannie LaTray
Annabess Preston
Harvey Freemont
Ron Nohr
Barbara Pretends Eagle
Cecelia Earth
Brittany Thomas
Trisha Rivers
Tiffany Buchanan
Natalie Davis
Tyresha Romero
James Price, Sr.
Willy Bass
Lynelle Blackhawk
TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:
Rona Stealer (PTO)
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Brown
called to order at 9:07 a.m.
OPENING PRAYER: Brian Chamberlain, Physical Resources Director, offered
the opening prayer.
APPROVE AGENDA:
Eugene DeCora motioned to approve
the amended agenda. Teresa Littlegeorge
seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(5) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT:
Tribal Energy Alternatives – Ron Nohr
presented overview.
[Victoria in at 9:10 a.m.]
Lorelei DeCora motioned to adopt
resolution #26-63: Winnebago Tribe of
Nebraska - Tribal Energy Alternatives
(TEA) – Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund.
Saturday, January 31, 2026 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 5
TRIBAL COUNCIL MINUTES
Trey Blackhawk seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
LAST BEAR MOON POW-WOW
COMMITTEE:
Request to allow Food Trucks at the
LBM Pow-wow.
Eugene DeCora motioned to approve
to allow the Food Trucks to participate as
vendors at the Last Bear Moon Pow-wow.
Trey Blackhawk seconded the motion.
ABSTAIN: Ireta Frazier
VOTE:
(4) yes (1) no, LD (1)
abstain Motion carried.
LAND MANAGEMENT:
Homesite Cancellation – JP
Ireta Frazier motioned to adopt resolution #26-64: REF: Cancellation of Home
Site Lease, Julie Paulsen. Eugene DeCora
seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Homesite Cancellation – KC
Eugene DeCora motioned to adopt
resolution #26-65: REF: Cancellation of
Home Site Lease, Kelton Chilson. Teresa
Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Amend Resolution 26-37
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to adopt
resolution #26-37A: Amending REF:
Agricultural Lease Bid – Allotment 233L
David Shallon, 357 Jacob Horn. Trey
Blackhawk seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Amend Resolution 26-40
Ireta Frazier motioned to adopt resolution #26-40A: Amending REF: Authorizing Request for and Approving Withdrawal
Tribal Appropriated Funds and Approving
Land Purchase from Cynthia Earth. Teresa
Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Amend Resolution 26-42
Eugene DeCora motioned to adopt
resolution #26-42A: RE: Authorizing
Request for and Approving Withdrawal
Trial Appropriated Funds and Approving
Land Purchase from Jade Harden. Teresa
Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(6) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
PHYSICAL RESOURCES REPORT:
Monthly Report – Presented by Autumn
Nieman, and Brian Chamberlain
[Eugene out at 9:33 a.m., in at 9:36
a.m.]
[Isaac in at 9:53 a.m.]
Discussions: Wildlife and Parks Conservation Officers and Security moving to the
Winnebago Police Department.
BIA- PD Lease Payments – Informational
Pow-wow Grounds 50-year anniversary
– Informational.
Fire/EMS Lease – Informational.
[Teresa out at 10:22 a.m., 10:25 a.m.]
EPD/Facilities Garbage Proposal – Presented by Sasha Rivers.
Lorelei DeCora motioned to authorize
the Winnebago Tribe’s Facilities Department solid waste service provider from
Gill Hauling to King’s Disposal. Teresa
Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) o
(0)
abstain Motion carried.
WLP Information
Legal Funding for JD Modifications
Reimbursement for transport costs associated with PD on call.
Job Description modifications
There is a working plan for SLEC.
CONSTRUCTION TAX – PRD ASSISTANCE:
[Rona in at 10:44 a.m.]
Lorelei DeCora motioned to authorize
the Physical Resources Department to collect Construction Tax Information to assist.
Trey Blackhawk seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(8) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS:
Museum Building Repair – Update from
Ron Nohr.
Sewer Line by Store – Update from Ron
Nohr.
[Isaac out at 10:57 a.m., in at 10:59
a.m.]
RTCAC Indigenous Food and Agricultural Travel – TBH
Isaac Smith motioned to approve travel
for Trey Blackhawk to attend Regional
Tribal Advisory Council at the Miccosukee
Tribe of Indians in Miami, FL. On January
19-23, 2026.
Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
ABSTAIN: Trey Blackhawk
VOTE:
(7) yes (0) no (1)
abstain Motion carried.
ADJOURN:
Eugene DeCora motioned to adjourn at
11:15 a.m. Trey Blackhawk seconded the
motion.
VOTE:
(8) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
Chairman Brown adjourned the meeting
at 11:15 a.m.
OBJECT: Lorelei DeCora
VOTE:
(7) yes (1) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
[Eugene out at 10:28 a.m.]
ADMINISTRATION:
CEO DECEMBER REPORT: Presented
by Darla LaPointe.
[Teresa and Isaac out at 10:31 a.m., in
at 10:37 a.m.]
Respectfully submitted,
[Rona out at 11:30 a.m.]
Teresa Littlegeorge, Secretary
[Eugene in at 11:31 a.m.]
Winnebago Tribal Council
[Rona in at 11:38 a.m.]
[Trey out at 11:38 a.m.]
Lorelei DeCora motioned to approve
the CEO December Report. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
CEO REPORT MEETING
Motion carried.
January 14, 2026
[Coly out at 11:44 a.m., Isaac assumes
the chair]
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
[Rona out at 11:47 a.m.]
Coly Brown
CAO DECEMBER REPORT: Presented
Rona Stealer
by Tiffany Buchanan.
Teresa Littlegeorge
Eugene DeCora motioned to approve
Ireta Frazier
the CAO December Report. Teresa LitTrey Blackhawk
tlegeorge seconded the motion.
Eugene DeCora
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Lorelei DeCora
Motion carried.
Isaac Smith
IN-HOUSE LEGAL DECEMBER ACOTHERS PRESENT:
TION ITEMS REPORT
Gordon Rave
Amend Resolution #26-50; Approving
Bruce Kennedy
Amended Tribal Agricultural Land Leases
Caroline Fiscus
Policy and Procedures
Velma Alaniz
[Rona in at 11:53 a.m.]
Aric Armell
[Coly in at 11:53 a.m., reassumes the
Anthony Snake
chair.]
Darla LaPointe
Trey Blackhawk motioned to adopt
Christina Parker
resolution #26-50A: Approving amended
Chad Smith
Tribal Agricultural Land Lease Policy and
Tiffany Buchanan
Procedures. Eugene DeCora seconded the
Larry Payer
motion.
Anthony Bassette, Jr.
OBJECT: Isaac Smith
Alfred Lopez
VOTE: (7) yes (1) no, IS (0) abstain
Kevin Ebert
Motion carried.
Kellie Snow
BREAK: 12:19 a.m., reconvene at 12:45
Kiana Lewis
p.m.
Victoria Kitcheyan
[Eugene, Isaac out]
Danelle Smith
Continued with In-house legal report.
Taylor Bass
BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:
Tyresha Romero
WCHS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Crystal White
Ireta Frazier motioned to nominate AnOTHERS PRESENT (CONTINUTED): gel Barclay. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded
Cecelia Earth
the motion.
Anna Bess Preston
Lorelei DeCora motioned to enter ExecTerri Lee Medina
utive Session at 12:51 a.m. Trey BlackBethani Redhorn
hawk seconded the motion.
Lynelle Blackhawk
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Maggie Miller
Motion carried.
Jennifer Berridge
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to exit
Brian Chamberlain
Executive Session at 1:18 p.m. Eugene
Janelle DeCora
DeCora seconded the motion.
Billie Kitcheyan
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Ramona Sheridan
Motion carried.
Willy Bass Eugene DeCora motioned to nominate
Amy LaPointe
Dash Thunder. Trey Blackhawk seconded
James Price, Sr.
the motion.
Peggy LaRose
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to cease
Rebecca DeCora
nominations.
Natalie Earth
Lorelei DeCora motioned to re-adverKarl Baker tise. Victoria Kitcheyan seconded the
Brittany Thomas
motion.
Tatanka Petite
OBJECT: Eugene DeCora
Carmelita LaTrey
VOTE: (4) yes, LD, VK, TBH, RS
Audreianna Levering
\
(4) no, TL, IF, ED, IS
Tie vote
Lisa DeCora
Chairman voted no to break the tie.
Randy DeCora
Final Vote:
(4) yes (5) no (0)
Oyate Means
abstain Motion failed.
Jonna Price
Raise of hand voting:
Dulcie Paiva Angel (2) votes
Joi Long
Dash (4) yes
Adrianna Alcaraz
Rona Stealer abstains from the raise of
Marshall Bass
hand vote because she feels we need anSarah Snake
other medical doctor on the WCHS Board.
Eugene DeCora motioned to appoint
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Brown
Dash Thunder to the WCHS Board. Ireta
called to order at 9:02 a.m.
Frazier seconded the motion.
OPENING PRAYER: Larry Payer
OBJECT: Lorelei DeCora
offered the opening prayer.
VOTE: (7) yes (1) no, LD
(0)
APPROVE AGENDA:
abstain Motion carried.
Isaac Smith motioned to approve the
[Isaac out at 1:28 p.m.]
agenda. Trey Blackhawk seconded the
TRIBAL HOUSING
motion.
Eugene DeCora motioned to appoint
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Natalie Earth and James Sun III to the
Motion carried.
Tribal Housing Committee. Trey BlackEXECUTIVE SESSION: Veterans
hawk seconded the motion.
Discussion
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to enter
Motion carried.
Executive Session at 9:06 a.m. Eugene
ENROLLMENT:
DeCora seconded the motion.
Tribal Enrollment Applicants
VOTE:
(8) yes (0) no (0)
[Isaac in at 1:32 p.m.]
abstain Motion carried.
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to adopt
Eugene DeCora motioned to exit Exresolution #26-67: Tribal Enrollment Apecutive Session at 10:10 a.m. Isaac Smith
plicants [A4439, A4445, A4446, A4567,
seconded the motion.
A4612, A4780, A4781, A4782, A4804,
VOTE:
(8) yes (0) no (0)
A4805, A4806, A4812, A4814, A4818,
abstain Motion carried.
A4819, A4831]. Ireta Frazier seconded the
BREAK: 10:10 A.M., reconvene at
motion.
10:25 a.m.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Issac Smith motioned to adopt resoluMotion carried.
tion #26-66: Tribal Enrollment Applicant
Tribal I.D. Discussion
– Emergency Enrollment [A4841] per
Isaac Smith motioned to authorize Enrequest from the Combat Veterans. Eugene rollment Department to do 60 days of Free
DeCora seconded the motion.
Tribal I.D.s for all Tribal Members due to
the activities of ICE. Teresa Littlegeorge
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Eugene DeCora motioned to request Big
Fire Law to give us guidance if ICE comes
to the reservation, and to support the chairman to put out a statement to people. Trey
Blackhawk seconded the motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Ireta out at 1:49 p.m.]
[Eugene out at 1:49 p.m.]
[Rona out at 1:49 p.m.]
TRIBAL COURT: Department Spotlight, presented by Jennifer Berridge.
[Ireta, and Eugene in at 1:51 p.m.]
[Teresa out at 1:54 p.m.]
[Teresa and Rona in at 2:11 p.m.]
[Isaac out at 2:31 p.m.]
EDUCARE:
[Isaac in at 2:49 p.m.]
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to approve
the 5% COLA for Educare being retroactive to October 1, 2025. Ireta Frazier
seconded the motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT: Presented by Brittany Thomas.
FY2025-2026 Tribal Transportation
Program Safety Fund, Data Assessment
Rona Stealer motioned to adopt resolution #26-68: FY2025-2026 Tribal
Transportation Program Safety Fund, Data
Assessment. Eugene DeCora seconded the
motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
FY2025-2026 Tribal Transportation
Program Safey Fund: Safety Plans
Isaac Smith motioned to adopt resolution #26-69: FY2025-2026 Tribal Transportation Program Safey Fund: Safety
Plans. Ireta Frazier seconded the motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
BREAK: 2:59 pm., reconvene at 3:09
p.m.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION: Presented by
Tatanka Petite
Eugene DeCora to approve PT Issuance
Clerk Job Description and Food Distribution Org Chart.
Trey Blackhawk seconded the motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS: Presented by
Darla LaPointe
Eugene DeCora motioned to approve
Radio Broadcast Manager Job Description
and Communications Org Chart. Teresa
Littlegeorge seconded the motion.
VOTE:
(8) yes (0) no (0)
abstain Motion carried.
HUMAN SERVICES:
Ireta Frazier motioned to approve the
Tribal Assistance Position and (3) three
Senior Pilot positions and the Human
Services Org Chart. Rona Stealer seconded
the motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
FACILITIES:
Lorelei DeCora motioned to approve
the (7) seven facilities positions; Assistant
Facilities Manager, Grounds Keeper (2),
Tribal Maintenance Specialist, Assistant
Carpenter, Custodian I, and Org Chart.
Victoria Kitcheyan seconded the motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS:
APPROVE FY26 WTN ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Eugene DeCora motioned to approve
the FY 2026 Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Tribal Organizational Chart. Victoria
Kitcheyan seconded the motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
STAC NOMINATION
Lorelei DeCora nominated Victoria
Kitcheyan to represent the Winnebago
Tribe of Nebraska as the STAC Nominee.
Eugene DeCora nominated Ireta Frazier
to represent the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska as the STAC Nominee.
Raise of hand votes:
Victoria 7
Chairman Brown appointed Victoria
Kitcheyan by acclamation.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Eugene DeCora motioned to enter
Executive Session at 3:50 p.m. Victoria
Kitcheyan seconded the motion.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Eugene and Trey out at 4:50 p.m.]
Page 6 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, January 31, 2026
Question of the Issue:
Winter Sports, Super Bowl, and Playoff Games are in full force
this time of year. What is one of your favorite sport memories?
GARAN: The Big Voice Radio was asked to cover Santee vs Mullen game in middle
Nebraska. To be honest I don’t remember what town the game was in. Anyways, Santee needed to win this game to head to state. Santee had never been to the state tourney
in basketball. So, it was pretty cool to be invited to cover as a Native radio station. I
served as the play-by-play commentator, Bethani was director, Bill DeCora and my
brother Gentry were camera operators. We got sponsorship from the Santee booster
club and NICC. It was a battle of a game! Santee ended up winning and the Big Voice
radio was there to cover! It was an amazing game and to know that we covered history
in the making was a sight to see!
BRIAN: Winter sports includes high school basketball. I’ll take us back to 1990 when
the Lady Indians played rival Walthill. Always a battle back then, and this time was
one of those famous barn burners. End of the game, Bago looking to score to take the
lead and win. Everyone was expecting one of the high scoring upperclassmen to get
the ball and win the game. But little did the Bluejays know, young player, Annette
Bass, would end up getting the ball right under the basket. She nailed it! Lady Indians
with the win!! Loved it. #GBB
KEVIN: Winnebago’s playoff game against Ansley was one of the craziest nights
I’ll ever remember — our first playoff game in about 25 years, and the whole town
showed out. Every time we scored, the crowd got so loud it was hard to even get back
to the sidelines. What made it even better was seeing two charter buses in the parking lot — Native people from surrounding towns came to support and watch history.
Going into the 4th quarter we were down 30–18, and it looked like we might run out
of time… but Bago wasn’t done. We came storming back and put up 20 points in the
4th quarter to take the lead. Then with seconds left, Ansley scored and pushed it to
the edge again. On the final play, they tried to get into the endzone — and Troy Smith
made the game-winning tackle, keeping them out and sealing the win. Final score:
Winnebago 38 – Ansley 36. That wasn’t just a game… that was a whole memory and
what made it that much better was the fireworks that followed behind every score. I
will always be a Proud Indian!
TYLER: I was almost going to say i don’t have a cool sports memory. But I remember
in 2017 the Bago boys were playing for 3rd place at state, the gym was packed, and
they hit a buzzer beater. I still have the video and it’s cool seeing everyone all hype.
Good memories!
BETHANI: The big 3 era for the San Antonio Spurs when Manu Ginobili, Tony
Parker, and Tim Duncan ran the court! In 2014, the Spurs won the championship
game against the Miami Heat, and I had money on the line as I placed 3 bets that the
Spurs would win! They had lost the previous year in 2013 against the same team and
my brother-in-law was a big Miami Heat fan, at that time. Ending the game at 104-87,
it was safe to say that I went to bed smiling ear to ear that night and was richer by
$150.00. Shout-out to Chris aka Sid & Tav aka Hiddy!!!
CHRISTINA: My favorite memories are from when I went to support the Winnebago
Indians at State. Those games are the most exciting!
GAYLA: I’m not much of a sports person. Maybe when the Bago boys went to state
back in 2015. I think that was the most united I ever saw our tribe, ha ha.
AYDEN: I don’t watch team sports that often, so for sports I would have to go with
ufc 300 when max Holloway knocked out justin gaethje it was just such a hype moment, you had to be there.
STORYTELLERS: THE FINALE
Winnebago Volunteer Fire Department
Continuing forward with our Storyteller’s series featuring the Winnebago Volunteer Fire Department, we covered parts
one and two in past editions of the WIN
published in 2025, where earlier days with
the WVFD were shared. The Winnebago
Indian News is grateful to continue sharing
our Storyteller’s column and will maintain
elements originally introduced by BKC.
Our hope is to share and highlight
the history of the WVFD while sharing
insights into the realities of firefighting
and the significant impact that the department has towards community safety. The
WIN interviewed three Winnebago tribal
members who are currently involved in
the department or have been involved in
the past, including current Fire Chief Isaac
Smith, Assistant Fire Chief Clint Free, and
retired Volunteer Firefighter Josh Chamberlain. Each of these gentlemen provided
a different perspective into their firefighting experiences but shared the same
mission; to serve, to protect, and to make a
difference in the safety of the Winnebago
community.
As previously included, the WIN will
employ a standard verbatim dialogue
throughout the printed interview to
preserve the original intent and context
from each discussion as much as possible.
However, there will be editing included for
clarity and as it was requested, there will
be a summarized narration in the concluding portion. The original transcripts will
remain in possession of the WIN.
We greatly appreciate Isaac,
Clint, and Josh for their time and for
sharing their experiences serving in the
WVFD. Please allow us to continue into
the finale for this series of Storyteller’s
in the WIN (W): Winnebago Volunteer
Fire Department with Clint Free (C), Josh
Chamberlain (J), and Isaac Smith (I).
Winnebago Indian News (W): (CONTINUED FROM PART TWO: Reflecting
on earlier days in the WVFD as a Volunteer Firefighter)
Clint Free (C): While I first came on,
my dad was the Fire Chief. I was on with
my brother, my sister Michelle, my sister
Francine, my cousin Carl, his wife Robin,
and my uncle Norman. So, all eight of us
were on there at one time.
(W): Is there an age restriction to being
a Volunteer Firefighter?
(C): Age restriction, I believe you have
to be 19 to join the department but no age
restrictions after that. I’m probably the
second oldest on the department now. I
think the oldest member is 66 or 67, somewhere in there.
(W): How does the process go for someone that maybe wanted to join the WVFD?
(C): That process goes as they show up
to a department monthly meeting which is
handled on the second Monday of every
month. At the initial meeting, they will be
given a packet of information, paperwork
to fill out, and they will let us know why
they want to join. Then, they come back
to the next meeting a month later and they
will be voted on as a member after that.
Basically, all our training from them on
is in-house and includes how to run the
pumps, how to get water out of a truck
if we need, and where the equipment’s
located…that kind of thing. If you wanna
move on to Firefighter I class, you can get
certified in that and how to handle hazard
materials; it is available as a free class, and
they can get a driving class.
(W): Besides fires in the area, what are
some other emergencies that are dispatched?
(C): We’ve been dispatched to house
fires, other types of fires, vehicle accidents, train derailments – we’ve had a
couple here in town, train accidents (train
versus car), hazardous materials if we have
a tank or truck leaking, maybe due to an
accident. We’ve also been dispatched for,
like, a search and rescue type of thing.
We’ve assisted Macy in searching for and
locating people that have been lost, maybe
down by the river. We try our best to help
law enforcement search for people here.
Maybe a child wandered off, we can help
look for them.
(W): (Discussing the reality of a firefighter, tell us about it)
Isaac Smith (I): Joining the volunteer
fire department may look glamourous on
the outside, but when you face your first
call and see somebody in a crisis, that
first call you usually always remember,
especially if it’s life-threatening for a
human. We don’t promote those types of
situations, but we do have to warn new
volunteers about the risks that come with
joining the fire department and be mindful
of how they cope with things in life, encouraging them to take care of their mental
health. It’s not meant for everybody; some
try it out and then find out that it’s not for
them. The main reason that we do what we
do is because we want to continue to care
for the community and help one another.
In the emergency world, we don’t
see color. We just see an emergency or
incident taking place and no matter where
you’re from or who you are, we’ll respond
and do our very best to try to provide
the services that each one of us wish our
families would come by when we’re in
those needs, in that time. It is sometimes
a thankless job; I’ve heard it expressed in
meetings where some of the firefighters
will feel unappreciated. There is a common misconception about the WVFD
being a paid position and that is not true.
We don’t receive any form of compensation when it comes to volunteering as a
firefighter. The money that does come into
the department is greatly appreciated by
each member because then we can upgrade
our outdated equipment and we can update
our safety equipment to make our jobs a
little bit easier in case of an incident taking
place.
(W): That’s a good point. It’s not a
paid gig and is completely voluntary but
extremely crucial to community safety.
It’s important to highlight how the funding
that is received is beneficial to the whole
department as it helps with updates, upgrades, and training.
(I): One other thing about being a
volunteer is a lot of the time, we’ll be
sitting at home, watching TV or eating
dinner with our families, or we’ll be at a
birthday dinner or some kind of event and
that call comes in, so we have to leave
that event. We can be at a child’s birthday
dinner or maybe just sitting down at the
dinner table, and then you go on a call and
see somebody fighting for their life. You
return home and it can be a hard thing to
do, sometimes these people don’t make
it through and they lose their life. Then,
we will return home to the same birthday
atmosphere or that event, and we try not
to carry all that weight from what you see
on those calls. Majority of the firefighters,
because they’re volunteers, don’t take as
good care of themselves as they should.
You need to take care of your mind, body,
and spirit; you can overwork yourself,
boosting your adrenaline which will only
increase your blood sugar and make it
go up. You’ll see those that put in twenty
years of fire service, but they’ll face that
one call that they just know – I can’t do
this anymore, I’m done.
There’s a bunch of statistics out there,
but in Winnebago, certain things aren’t
talked about or shared as much. In the
first responder world itself a long time
Con’t. on next pg....
Saturday, January 31, 2026 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 7
...Con’t. from pg. 6...
ago, it was frowned upon if you needed
some form of therapy, counseling, or
treatment, or if you needed medication,
you were viewed as weak. And today, they
started doing studies due to such a high
volume of veterans and first responders
that commit suicide or experience mental
health disorders like PTSD, depression, or
a form of anxiety. Being in the emergency
services first responder world, you are
trained to react fast, assess the situation,
and then get the person to the hospital.
Sometimes, you never hear and you’ll be
wondering, did they make it? Those things
apply to the dispatchers as well. They hear
the radio traffic and then that’s it, so the
mental health aspect of it all applies to the
dispatchers, too.
A lot of people in Winnebago aren’t
familiar with what exactly PTSD is and
some of our own frown upon this, saying
that it is just used as an excuse. That’s one
of the reasons why you don’t see a lot of
people that can cope with cutting somebody out of a car or putting up a body bag
and carrying them to the ambulance or
the hearse. Not everybody is signing up,
there’s not a line to the door to do the work
that the first responders do. There needs
to be a way to bring more awareness to
these topics, but I would encourage those
out there that may have a first responder in
their family to check on them. Take time
out of your life and check in with them,
tell them that you care, you know, and
you just want to make sure they’re okay
mentally.
During those traumatic incidents when
our little village experiences hardships, it
is one of the hardest things to see a family
go through. As traumatic as it sounds, the
smell of burnt blood and burnt skin will
never leave somebody’s mind, how the
body doesn’t naturally twist or bend that
way It will never leave your mind, so it’s
important to find ways to cope with that,
to realize, and know that that’s a part of
the duties that we do when we are called
upon and then to do it all without being
paid a dime. The question that’s usually
asked is why do we do it? Why do we put
ourselves through that stuff? You’re volunteering to help, you can do good and you
can give back to the community, but they
don’t talk about the aftereffects of seeing
so many different events that are tragic in
our community.
We need to create those safe spaces;
create safe people where they’re not going
to weaponize what you share with them
and use what troubles your mind against
you. Those are some of the things that
exist today; on the outside looking in,
functional depression will appear as if
everything is okay and you’ll get up, take
care of your day-to-day stuff. At the same
time, at the end of the day during your
quiet time, you’ll have to replace some of
these things you’ve seen. You might wake
up in the middle of the night with a bad
dream or a flashback of the actual incident.
Sometimes, the first responders will beat
themselves up mentally, saying I could’ve,
should’ve, would’ve did better on the call
if this or that. That’s why proper training is
important, the after-action review of these
incidents, briefing and debriefing these
incidents are so vital.
These are the things to think about when
joining first responder services, you need
to be aware of what you’re signing up for.
The keyword for the fire department in
Winnebago is Volunteer; where doctors,
nurses, emergency medical services, and
law enforcement are all paid for their
services, the fire department is not. Each
serves an equal purpose towards community safety and a goal for the WVFD is
to secure the funding to be able to have a
paid fire department to better support each
of the firefighters.
(W): I agree on the importance of having
a safe space to decompress, first responders are at the frontlines of the most traumatic situations. It’s important that they
practice what works for them, you know,
their coping skills and how they deal with
this line of work. Thank you for the raw
perspective into the reality of firefighting.
The WIN appreciates your insight. It was
our hope to shed light on those realities
of what it’s like to serve as a volunteer,
sharing about those earlier days, and what
is in the future for the department. There
is the new centralized emergency services
hub – what are your thoughts on the new
facility?
(C): With the new facility, obviously,
we’re going to have more room for our
vehicles and hopefully a bigger space
for training – especially with the winter months coming up. Now there is a
chance to look at additional equipment
because our community is expanding so
rapidly, the additional equipment would
be maybe grass-rigs and pumper trucks.
These will help us respond quicker,
with more units available to fight house
fires when they occur, you know? We’re
lucky we haven’t had any in the wild,
but that’s what I’m excited about and
hopefully help increase interest in people
wanting to join the department.
(J): I think that the new building looks
really good from the outside. I like that
we can see the hocak numbers and the
building has a hocak name. I really
like the concept of having all the first
responders being co-located together to
be able to work together in their training
needs and make the programs more connected. This building appears to enhance
what each of the services has and allows
for expansion and growth into the future.
(I): With the new building, we’re
grateful to the Winnebago Tribe and all
the tribal council members that have
been a part of the process. We want to
continue to ask for support for safety in
the future for our children, our elders,
and everybody in between. We want to be
able to do a good job and have the best
equipment for our people. If there was a
way to help motivate commitment and
drive from our volunteers, we’d be able
to restore that sense of pride of what it
is to be a volunteer firefighter serving in
the WVFD. We always wanted to start
a cadet program for our youth, but right
now there is lack of administrative staff.
Hopefully, there will be more opportunities like a cadet program in the future.
We’re in the process of trying to get into
a 501(c)(3) status which is a non-profit
status. Once that is in place, we will be
able to look into grants and more opportunities to get new trucks and equipment
for the department. Each truck has a
lifetime expectancy of twenty years and
after that, insurance companies want new
trucks and new equipment on the frontlines. We are reaching that mark now and
need to look at getting new equipment.
(W): It’s important that we remember
how we got to be where we are today.
There are a lot of people in the community who have stepped up to protect and
serve, and we are deeply grateful to each
one of you. Do you have any concluding
thoughts you’d like to share?
(I): With All the past people that have
ever joined the volunteer fire department, we want to say thank you to them
because they didn’t have the equipment,
tools, and safety equipment that we
have today. We’re grateful for those that
cleared the path for us to be able to be
fortunate to have good equipment to use.
Thank you to all the departments and
entities that always ask us or include us
in things taking place in the community.
Thank you for always being supportive
of our volunteer efforts that we try to
make.
THE WINNEBAGO INDIAN NEWS
WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND OUR
SINCEREST GRATITUDE TO CLINT
FREE, JOSH CHAMBERLAIN, AND
ISAAC SMITH FOR THEIR TIME AND
FOR PROVIDING PERSONAL INSIGHT
INTO YOUR FIREFIGHTING EXPERIENCES. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO
READ THIS STORYTELLER’S COLUMN FEATURING THE WVFD! Find
parts one and two in WIN Volume #54,
numbers 23 and 24.
Standing Opposite: Seeing Ourselves in the Gallery
- January 17, 2026
By Gayla Whitewater, Communications Office Manager
Walking into the Des Moines Art
Center to experience Henry Payer ’s
exhibition, Aagakinąk Haciwi: We
Live Opposite Each Other, felt like
more than visiting a museum. It felt
like stepping into a space where my
own history, our history as HoChunk people, was finally being
spoken out loud, on the walls, in
a place where it is so often overlooked.
As a Ho-Chunk person, being in
Iowa adds another layer of meaning.
This land is part of our traditional
territory. Our presence here didn’t
begin with borders or state lines,
yet much of that history is buried,
softened, or erased in public memory. To see a Ho-Chunk artist’s work
centered in a major Iowa museum
felt powerful, like a quiet but firm
reminder that we have always been
here, and we are still here.
Henry’s exhibition lives in that
space between past and present. The
title, Aagakinąk Haciwi, meaning
“We Live Opposite Each Other,”
feels like an invitation to sit with
tension, between memory and modern life, displacement and belonging,
visibility and erasure. His layered
collages pull from history, pop culture, and personal experience, creating a visual language that feels both
intimate and collective at the same
time. Standing in front of his work,
I didn’t feel like a distant viewer. I
felt like part of the story.
What made this experience especially emotional for me was thinking back to where my connection
to Henry’s art began. I remember
seeing his work displayed in the
Winnebago Public School art room
when I was younger. Back then, it
sparked something in me, pride,
curiosity, and the idea that someone
from our own community could create something that mattered beyond
our walls. To stand years later in a
museum gallery, seeing his name and
his work featured with such intention, felt like watching a full circle
moment unfold in front of me.
Representation in spaces like this
isn’t just about visibility. It’s about
voice. Henry’s work doesn’t just “include” Ho-Chunk history. It centers
it. His art speaks about relocation,
resilience, and identity in ways that
feel honest and layered, not simplified or romanticized. It allows our
stories to be told by one of our own,
with care, complexity, and feeling.
As I moved through the gallery,
I kept thinking about Ho-Chunk
youth, and what it means for them to
see someone who shares their roots
in a space like this. It sends a quiet
but powerful message. Our stories
belong here. Our voices belong here.
Our creativity belongs here.
If you are a Winnebago tribal
member, I truly encourage you to
visit this exhibition. Being in this
space, on our traditional land, surrounded by work that reflects who
we are and where we come from, is
grounding in a way I didn’t expect.
Aagakinąk Haciwi isn’t just an art
show. It’s a reminder of presence,
persistence, and the power of telling
our own stories, wherever we stand.
Aagakinąk Haciwi: We Live Opposite Each Other by Henry Payer is on
view at the Des Moines Art Center,
Des Moines, Iowa from January 17 June 17, 2026. Admission is free and
open to the public!
Page 8 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, January 31, 2026
LILLIAN ST. CYR STORY
The following feature was originally
printed within Indian Country Today
(ICT) – a renowned publication famous
throughout our indigenous communities.
The feature is reprinted here with kind
permission from ICT. This story showcases the life and presence of one of our
own Hochunk hinuks – Lillian Saint Cyr.
100 Years Ago: Lillian St. Cyr, First
Native Star in Hollywood Feature
By Angela Aleiss
February 24, 2014 (original print
date) - Part One of Three
One hundred years ago, Winnebago
actress Lillian St. Cyr became the first
Native woman to star in a feature film.
Cecil B. DeMille’s The Squaw Man
was released to American audiences
on February 23, 1914, and marked the
first time a feature Western was made in
what is now Hollywood. Lillian St. Cyr,
known by her stage name “Princess Red
Wing,” played a leading role as a Ute
woman caught in an ill-fated marriage
with an Englishman.
“She talked about DeMille a lot,”
says Louis Mofsie (Winnebago) by
phone from his New Jersey home.
Mofsie, 77, was born in Brooklyn and
lived near Lillian when she later settled
in New York City. His grandmother
Minnie was Lillian’s sister. “I think [Lillian] was very proud of her work there.
She had a good time. I think she really
enjoyed what she was doing,” he adds.
Lillian’s Hollywood career spanned
approximately 15 years, but she worked
hard to promote Native culture throughout most of her 90-year life. Relatives
recall Lillian as short and stout with
dark brown-black hair and a real
warmth about her.
Lillian was born on February 13,
1884, on Nebraska’s Winnebago reservation. Back then, tribes had lost much
of their land to white settlers, and government agents forcibly removed Native
children from their homes to boarding
schools. Lillian’s parents were Julia De
Cora (ca. 1846-1885), a Winnebago, and
Mitchell St. Cyr (ca.1834-1888), a farmer whose father was reportedly French
Canadian and mother a Sauk. “Mitchell’s mother remarried Mitchell St. Cyr,
Sr. (Winnebago), who adopted her son
and renamed him Mitchell St. Cyr, Jr.,”
says Winnebago tribal historian David
Lee Smith.
According to the 1887 tribal census,
Lillian had five siblings: David, Julia,
Annie, Minnie, and Louis. Smith says
that another sister, Pauline, died at a
young age. Lillian’s two half-brothers,
Levi and Abner, were from Mitchell’s
marriage to another woman.
Three of Lillian’s siblings had attended the Carlisle Indian Industrial School
in Pennsylvania. She entered Carlisle
in 1894 and graduated in 1902. Mofsie
recalls that while Lillian didn’t like
being confined to a boarding school, she
understood the benefits of an education.
“But Carlisle was very strict. That she
didn’t like,” he explains. “I always remember her as a very feisty woman. She
wanted to be her own person.”
Both the DeCoras and the descendants of Mitchell St. Cyr left a legacy of
talent. Older sister Julia (ca. 1857-1947)
was a champion of Indian rights and
had graduated from Virginia’s Hampton
Normal and Agricultural Institute (now
Hampton University). Lillian’s mother
was a cousin to the renowned artist,
teacher, and author Angel De Cora
(1871-1919). One of Lillian’s relatives,
Vincent or “Vince” St. Cyr (1930-1997),
acted in Hollywood movies and television for nearly 20 years.
Mofsie recently celebrated the 50th
anniversary of the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers, a New York-based
dance troupe he helped found. Lillian
would also leave her own legacy. For
a while, she lived in Washington, D.C
with Kansas Sen. Chester I. Long
and his family. Her life changed in
1906 when she married James Young
Johnson (Nanticoke), who grew up in
Washington, D.C. and had completed
a three-year tour with the Navy in the
Spanish-American War. James Young
Johnson eventually became James
Young Deer and would make a name
for himself and his wife in the budding
movie industry.
Part Two to follow: Lillian’s Hollywood Years
The Lillian St. Cyr Story, Part 2:
‘Squaw Man’ and the Hollywood Years
By Angela Aleiss
February 28, 2014 (original print date)
The Squaw Man opened a century ago
-- February 23, 1914, to be exact -- and
became a financial success. For Lillian
St. Cyr, her role in the 90-minute film
would make Hollywood history. The
Squaw Man was co-directed by Cecil B.
DeMille and Oscar C. Apfel and based
upon the successful stage play by Edwin
Milton Royle. The movie’s story of an
Indian woman who married a white man
and tragically killed herself exposed the
problem of social prejudice surrounding
Indian/white unions.
“And I was hired mainly because I
was a real Indian rather than an actor,”
Lillian told the New York World-Telegram in 1935. (It should be noted that
Lillian St. Cyr is not related to the
burlesque star Lily St. Cyr.)
But her performance stunned veteran actor Dustin Farnum when she so
convincingly broke into hysterics for
a scene. “In all my years on the stage I
never saw anything like it,” he told The
Moving Picture Word in 1914. “It was
absolutely the reverse of everything we
have been taught about Indians.”
Lillian’s acting career began years
earlier. In 1906, she married the business-savvy James Young Deer (Nanticoke) who discovered that during an era
of dime novels and Wild West Shows,
he and Lillian could entertain audiences
and “pass” for Plains Indians.
So, the couple joined 100 or so (Lakota) Sioux Indians at New York City’s
enormous Hippodrome Theatre as part
of the “Pioneer Days: A Spectacle Drama of Western Life.”
Together they reenacted stagecoach
battles and performed the Ghost Dance
against a breathtaking orange moon.
When the pair teamed up with Chief
[Sherman] Charging Hawk, they posed
as “authentic” Sioux Indians from the
Pine Ridge Agency and regularly entertained at Manhattan’s social clubs. Lillian, now “Princess Red Wing,” became
Charging Hawk’s 16-year-old niece and
serenaded audiences with “My Navajo”
and “Arrowana.”
Back then, these performances were
one way for Native people to assert
their own cultural identity. Both Young
Deer and Lillian knew white America’s
expectations and adapted as a means of
survival.
The couple soon captured the attention of early filmmakers who capitalized
on the Western formula and churned out
one- and two-reel “shorts” every week.
Kalem’s The White Squaw (1908) was
possibly Lillian’s first short film. A year
later, D.W. Griffith hired the pair as
actors and technical advisors for two of
his Indian tales.
In November 1909, Young Deer and
Lillian were among the small company
of Bison’s stock players that headed to
sunny Los Angeles. (The couple now
identified themselves as Winnebago.)
Lillian rose to prominence as she and
her husband starred in many Bison movies actually named after their characters,
Young Deer and Red Wing.
But Young Deer got his big break in
1910 when became head of production for Pathé Frères, a French-based
company that opened a studio near Los
Angeles. As director and scenario writer
for nearly 150 Western shorts, Young
Deer delivered quirky stories with thrilling stunts and often cast his wife as the
female Indian lead.
The Squaw Man was the highlight
of Lillian’s career and her first feature
film. She also had a small role in Fighting Bob (1915) and played an Indian
woman who fell in love with cowboy
star Tom Mix for In the Days of the
Thundering Herd (1914). The 1916 version of Ramona, based upon the Helen
Hunt Jackson novel, featured Lillian as
Ramona’s mother.
In 1921, she had an uncredited role in
White Oak starring silent Western hero
William S. Hart. Her last feature was
a Richard Barthelmess film, Soul Fire
(1925), in which she reportedly played a
minor role as a South Sea maiden.
Young Deer and Lillian eventually
separated, and tribal records show that
by 1920 she was single and living with
her brother Louis in Omaha. But movie
offers dwindled, and Lillian retired from
acting. Meanwhile, her sister Julia and
her niece had made a home in New York
City with its thriving urban Indian community. By the mid1920s, Lillian made
up her mind to join them.
Part Three to follow: Lillian after
Hollywood
The Lillian St. Cyr Story, Part 3: New
York City
By Angela Aleiss
March 6, 2014 (original publication
date) Nearly ten years after The Squaw
Man, Native actress Lillian St. Cyr left
Hollywood and headed toward New
York City. “We all knew each other,”
says Lillian’s great nephew Louis
Mofsie of the city’s then-growing Indian
population.
Mofsie’s older sister Josephine was
a close friend to Muriel Miguel of the
Spiderwoman Theater, a group of three
urban Native women who continue to
perform using storytelling mixed with
humor and personal experience.
But except for a sizable Caughnawaga
Mohawk population of steelworkers
who had settled in Brooklyn, the city’s
Indian people lacked a unified presence.
Initially, only two groups in the city, the
Indian League of the Americas and the
Thunderbird American Indian Dancers,
offered Natives a community.
Years later, the American Indian
Community House would emerge as
the leading urban Native resource in the
New York City tri-state area. Mofsie
was one of its founders. “Lillian was
actively involved in helping us start it,”
he explains.
Lillian eventually settled in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and Mofsie’s
family lived nearby. He recalls that she
remained active and “would keep herself quite busy” making Indian outfits
and entertaining children. For a while,
she worked on Indian costumes for FAO
Schwarz and Eaves Costume Company.
“My impression of my aunt is she
would take on things. She wasn’t held
back by herself. She wasn’t shy or anything,” Mofsie says.
A 1931 Universal Newspaper Newsreel shows Lillian performing a short
skit in which she sits inside her tipi
high atop a New York City skyscraper.
She later dons an elaborate Plains war
bonnet and waves graciously to the
construction men. “Far out,” says tribal
historian David Lee Smith of the video.
“Our women didn’t wear feathers in
their hair, and they didn’t live in tipis.”
But Linda M. Waggoner, a scholar
of ethnic studies, says that beneath the
showmanship and costumes there’s still
a resistance. “She really tries to educate
people wherever she goes about Native
culture,” explains Waggoner, who is
currently working on a biography of
Lillian St. Cyr. “She knows how to play
the game but makes damn sure they
learn something about Native culture.”
Lillian continued to lecture and perform in New York City until her death
on March 13, 1974. She was buried in
St. Augustine Cemetery in Nebraska.
“There’s not a lot of Indian women
who were movie stars. [Lillian] was a
kind of pioneer the way she kept adapting herself to the situation,” Waggoner
adds. “I feel she was never a victim.”
For Mofsie of the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers, Lillian’s legacy was
personal. “She had a great influence on
me,” he says. “She gave me inspiration
beyond a performer.”
Editor’s Note: Indian Country Today
is an independent, non-profit multimedia news organization covering
Indigenous issues and communities. We
are supported by foundations, donor
contributions, and corporate sponsorships. Follow us on Facebook, YouTube,
TikTok, and Bluesky.
Above: Photo Courtesy Marc Wanamaker/Bison Archives. Lillian St.
Cyr as Nat-U-Ritch in the 1914 silent film ‘The Squaw Man.’
Lillian’s older sister Julia St. Cyr (sitting, right) with two Winnebago
friends, 1898. Photo Courtesy David Lee Smith.
Saturday, January 31, 2026 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 9
TRIBAL AWARENESS
January 22, 2026
Statement from the Winnebago Tribal Council to Tribal Citizens
The Winnebago Tribal Council is aware of recent Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE) actions occurring across the country, including in Minnesota, where many of our Tribal citizens live and work. We recognize that reports
of these actions—including instances where Native people have been stopped
or taken into custody—have caused fear, anxiety, and uncertainty within our
communities.
We want to be clear and unequivocal: all Native Americans born within the
United States are United States citizens under the Indian Citizenship Act of
1924. Enrolled Tribal citizens should not be subjected to immigration enforcement, detention, questioning, or profiling based on race, appearance, or mistaken assumptions about citizenship status.
The Winnebago Tribe asserts its inherent sovereignty and reminds the federal
government of its treaty obligations, trust responsibilities, and legal duty to
engage in meaningful consultation with Tribal Nations. Immigration-related
enforcement actions against enrolled Tribal citizens are unacceptable and must
cease.
To our Tribal members: you are not alone. Your Tribal government is closely
monitoring these developments and is committed to advocating for the safety,
rights, and dignity of our citizens. We encourage Tribal members to carry valid
state or Tribal identification and to familiarize themselves with their constitutional rights. If you or a family member experience questioning or detention that
you believe is improper, please seek legal assistance as soon as possible.
The Winnebago Tribal Council stands with our people. We will continue to
defend our citizens, uphold our sovereignty, and work to ensure that our communities remain safe, respected, and free from fear.
Page 10 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, January 17, 2026
WPS SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF
WINNEBAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
A Meeting of the Board of Winnebago Public Schools was convened in open and
public session on Monday, December 15, 2025 at 4:47p.m. in the board room at the
Winnebago Public Schools, Highways 77 & 75, Winnebago, Nebraska. The roll was
called and the following Board members were present or absent:
Present: Teresa Littlegeorge, Nilah Solomon, Crystal Ross, Greg Bass III, Kiana
Lewis, Kristine Earth
Others Present: Jessica LaTray, Tressa Smith, Francine Smith, Officer Starr, Lea
Cleveland,
Chief Lonewolf, Marge Gilpin, Laurice Gilpin, Zariyah Whitewater, Thelma
Whitewater, Isaac Smith,
Tina Lewis
Notice of the meeting was given in advance by posting in accordance with the Board
approved method for giving notice of meetings. Notice of the meeting was given in
advance to all members of the Board of Education. Availability of the agenda was communicated in the publicized notice. All proceedings of the Board of Education, except
as may be hereinafter noted, were taken while the convened meeting was open to the
attendance of the public.
1.Receiving of Delegations:
2. Call to Order
Meeting was called to order at 4:47p.m. by President Teresa Littlegeorge, also President Littlegeorge states, “MEMBERS OF THE BOARD RECEIVED NOTICE OF THE
MEETING SHOWING THE TIME AND PLACE OF THE MEETING INCLUDING
THE AGENDA TO BE CONSIDERED. NOTICE OF THE MEETING WAS PUBLISHED BY POSTING ON THE OFFICE DOOR AND THREE OTHER PLACES.”
A COMPLETE COPY OF THE OPEN MEETING ACT IS POSTED ON THE SOUTH
WALL.
3. Approval of Agenda
Motion: Ross
Second: Solomon
Discussion: None
Voting for: Lewis, Ross, Solomon, Littlegeorge
Voting Against: None
Not Voting: None
Absent: Bass III, Earth
Motion Carried: (4-0-0-2)
4. Business Affairs
4-1. Approve minutes of November 10, 2025 Regular Meeting
Motion: Solomon
Second: Lewis
Discussion: None
Voting for: Ross, Solomon, Littlegeorge, Lewis
Voting Against: None
Not Voting: None
Absent: Bass III, Earth
Motion Carried: (4-0-0-2)
1.
December 15, 2025 School Board Meeting
4-2. Approve accounts payable in the amount of $541,545.04, petty cash account/
treasurer’s report.
Motion: Lewis
Second: Solomon
Discussion: accounts payable
Voting For: Solomon, Littlegeorge, Lewis, Ross
Voting Against: None
Not Voting: None
Absent: Bass III, Earth
Motion Carried: (4-0-0-2)
Voting Against: None
Not Voting: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried: (0-0-0-0)
2.
December 15, 2025 School Board Meeting
5-3. Discussion-Law Enforcement/CPS policy on questioning/removing students at
school
5-4. Update from October 2024 Data Incident
5-5. Update/Discussion from Firearm on Campus Incident 12/10/25
5-6. Update/Discussion on Power Outage Incident 12/11/25
5-7. Discussion-Bullying
5-8. Discussion-Due Process for WPS Employees
5-9. Discussion-With communications employee on publishing information
5-10. Discussion-Athletic uniform rotation and donations.
6. Reports
1.Superintendent:
a. SERC Building Update
b. Christmas Celebration December 19, 2025
2. Administration Reports
a. Dean of Students
b. Athletic Director
c. Elementary
d. High School
e. Special Education
f. School Staff Slideshow
7. Public Comment (No board discussion)
8. Closed Session 84-1410 Enter Motion 8:15 p.m.
Exit Session at 10:50 p.
m.
To discuss: 1. Employee Policy Concern 2. Coaching Positions 3. Superintendent
Evaluation
Motion:
Ross Motion: Solomon
Second: Earth
Second: Bass III
Voting For: Ross, Solomon
Voting For: Solomon, Bass III,
Bass III, Littlegeorge, Lewis, Earth
Littlegeorge, Lewis,
Voting Against: None
Voting Against: None
Not Voting: None
Not Voting: None
Absent: None Absent: None
Motion Carried: (6-0-0-0)
Motion Carried (5-0-0-1)
Kristine Earth out at 9:41 p.m.
9. Superintendent Contract Action
9-1. Approve Superintendent Contract
Motion: Bass III
Second: Ross
Discussion: None
Voting for: Bass III, Littlegeorge, Lewis, Ross, Solomon
Voting Against: None
Not Voting: None
Absent: Earth
Motion Carried: (5-0-0-1)
3.
December 15, 2025 Board Meeting
10. Adjourned at 10:52 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
Crystal Ross, Secretary
Winnebago Board of Education
4-3. Approve Facilities WEFLC: $22,503.75
Motion: Ross
Second: Solomon
Discussion: report of progress
Voting For: Littlegeorge, Lewis, Ross, Solomon
Voting Against: None
Not Voting: None
Absent: Bass III, Earth
Motion Carried: (4-0-0-2)
Greg Bass III in at 4:52
Kristine Earth in at 4:56
NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE BOARD OF
EDUCATION
DISTRICT 17
WINNEBAGO, NEBRASKA
4-4. WPS Final Audit Report for 2024-2025 (Digital Attachments)
4.5 Policy Updates for January 2026 (Information Only-digital)
5. New Business
5-1. Discussion/Approval Academy Trip and Handbook
Table the Handbook until the January meeting
Motion: Ross
Second: Bass III
Discussion: update on fundraising/student contribution
Voting For: Lewis, Earth, Ross, Solomon, Bass III, Littlegeorge
Voting Against: None
Not Voting: None
Absent: None
Motion Carried: (6-0-0-0)
5-2. Discussion/Approval J.A.G. Program for 2026-2027
Table until the January meeting, need to review the MOU
Motion:
Second:
Discussion: Jobs for Americas Graduates
Voting For: Earth, Ross, Solomon, Bass III, Littlegoerge, Lewis
The regular meeting of the Board of Education (the “Board”) of
Thurston County School District 0017 (Winnebago Public Schools)
in the State of Nebraska (the “District”) will be held at 4:45 PM,
on Monday, February 9th, 2026 in the regular meeting place of the
Board, the School Conference Room on Highway 77 & 75 in the
Village of Winnebago, Nebraska. An agenda, kept continuously
current, is available for public inspection in the offices of the District Superintendent, located at Highway 77 & 75, 878-2224. The
meeting will be open to the attendance of the public. If the meeting
needs to be rescheduled, the 1st rescheduled date and time is Thursday, February 12th, 2026 at 4:45p.m. and the 2nd rescheduled date
and time will be Monday, February 16th, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 31, 2026 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 11
SUMMER INTERNSHIP
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.