Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska • Volume 50, Number 27 • Saturday, January 9, 2021

Bago Bits…

Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska • Volume 50, Number 27 • Saturday, January 9, 2021

Little Priest Tribal College Debuts Two New Buildings

From the Winnebago Indian News Staff:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Little Priest Tribal College (LPTC) President Manoj Patil with LPTC Board of Trustees Chairwoman Esther Mercer, Sunshine Thomas-Bear

and Lynelle Blackhawk Board of Trustees, and LPTC staff at the Virtual Dedication Ceremony of the new IT building and new dormitory.

Congratulations to these tournament

champions! The Jr. High 8th Grade Girls

Basketball Team! #BagoPride (Picture

courtesy of Krystal Grant)

A reminder from the Twelve Clans Unity

Hospital’s Facebook Page: COVID-19

testing is done by appointment only and

through the new drive-up testing garage.

(Pictured above) The COVID-19 testing

garage is located near the east entrance

of the hospital.

Winonah Leader Charge

WINNEBAGO, NE—The Virtual Dedication Ceremony of the new IT building

and new dormitory took place January

6th. The ceremony was live streamed on

the Little Priest Tribal College (LPTC)

Facebook page.

CARES Act funding and funding

from the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

made it possible for the Little Priest

Tribal College to successfully install

the new IT building (Fish Clan) located

on campus, and the new dormitory (Pigeon Clan) located off-campus on Hawk

Street. The new dormitory is designed

to house 8 students and 1 Resident

Assistant.

Little Priest Tribal College President

Manoj Patil stated, “Little Priest Tribal

College is now in a growth mode. Even

though the pandemic has caused significant problems to a lot of people across

the globe including the Winnebago

community. We believe the CARES Act

funding and awards from the Winnebago

Tribe of Nebraska has really made a

difference to the community and to the

college. These two infrastructures; the

IT building and the new dorm is going

to significantly increase our enrollment

and help provide better quality instruction to the students.”

The new IT building was built to help

improve online instruction to the LPTC

students and build IT capacity for the

future. The new dormitory will be used

by the Twelve Clans Unity Hospital for

isolation and quarantining purposes.

LPTC plans to use the dormitory as a

third dorm after the completion of the

COVID-19 pandemic.

Patil shared, “The Chief Little Priest

mission ‘Be strong and educate my

children’ and that is what we are doing.

We are going to enhance and continue

his mission not only to the Winnebago

Tribe of Nebraska but to the entire

Tristate area. We are very thrilled with

this opportunity and grateful for the

community support.”

Vaccinating for Our Future

Congratulations to our Winnebago girls

that placed in the Winnebago Girls Invite

on December 30th. Winnebago Girls team

scored 46.0 which placed them #7 out of

12.

The Library in Winnebago is now open to

the public and the students of Little Priest

Tribal College with hours of operation

being 9AM-5PM, you can stay up to date

with their Facebook page: LPTC Public

Library.

Pictured during the Boys and Girls Club

After-School Program, kids were able to

get creative for the Christmas holiday

and participate in a gingerbread house

activity!

Tribal Council member and Wildlife & Parks Director John Snowball receives the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the COVID-19 clinic

for non-healthcare essential workers, spiritual leaders, and language speakers.

Winonah Leader Charge

WINNEBAGO, NE—On January 6,

the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for NonHealthcare Essential Workers, Spiritual

Leaders, and Language Speakers took

place at the Winnebago Public School in

the gymnasium. This is the first round

of doses for the second phase of COVID-19 vaccinations in the Winnebago

community.

In the CDC distribution plan, the

first phase of vaccinations went to all

healthcare workers and those living in

long term assisted living facilities. The

second phase is for non-health care essential workers and adults over the age

of 65. The third phase is for adults with

a chronic disease. These phases ensure

the vaccine gets to those who are at the

V i s i t

u s

a t

highest risk for exposure.

The COVID-19 vaccination that is

being administered at these clinics is

the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and it is a

2-dose series given three weeks apart.

“Getting the vaccine is better than

having COVID. We have had losses in

our community and each loss is devastating to us, those are knowledge holders and language keepers we cannot get

back. I encourage people to look at who

is attending and taking part in these

community vaccination events to show

these are their relatives, in hopes that

they will feel more comfortable” said

Winnebago Public Health Administrator

and EMT, Mona Zuffante.

The second dose of vaccine will be

given to Winnebago healthcare workers

on January 7th, 2021. “I know people

are hesitant to get the COVID-19 vacci-

nation. I hope after receiving the second

dose that people will all see that we are

all okay and that when we get to their

vaccination group, they will take the

vaccine” shared Zuffante.

2 new COVID-19 positive cases and

a recent death related to COVID-19

were reported in the Winnebago community as of Tuesday, January 5th.

The total number of positive COVID-19

cases is at 310. Reports indicate that

289 individuals have recovered from

COVID-19. There are currently 17

active cases and 21 families in quarantine.

127 vaccines were administered at

the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for NonHealthcare Essential Workers, Spiritual Leaders, and Language Speakers.

So far, 317 vaccines have been given

in Winnebago.

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, January 9, 2021

BAGO NEWS

Winnebago Emergency Medical Services

and Winnebago Public Health Department New Ambulance

CONGRATULATIONS to the Christmas

Lighting Contest WINNERS!

On behalf of the Winnebago Indian News, we want to thank all 33 households

that entered this year’s Holiday Lighting Contest. We want to thank our retired

WIN editor, Jerome LaPointe for always hosting this event for the community in

the name of his mentor and one of the founders of the WIN, Neola Walker. Old

Lady Walker always had a special place in her heart to make sure the Winnebago

community came together, especially during the holidays. This year was a tough

decision for the contest judge, as all the homes were decorated amazingly! We look

forward to 2021’s Christmas Lighting Contest. Congratulations to all 8 winners!!!

1st Place: Jeffrey Berridge

2nd Place: Joi Long

Pictured is the exterior of the Winnebago Emergency Medical Services and Winnebago

Public Health Department new Ambulance.

Emilee Longuski, Communications Manager at Winnebago Comprehensive

Health System

3rd Place: Larry Payer

The Winnebago Public Health Department’s Emergency Medical Service

Department has received a new custom ambulance that was purchased using

CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act Funding. The vehicle

is an AEV TraumaHawk Ford F-550 purchased through American Response

Vehicles and arrived in Winnebago on Tuesday, January 5th, 2021.

The new ambulance features many custom integrations to provide a higher

level of patient care and provider safety. One of the features of the ambulance

includes the ActiveTek Induct 500 Decontamination System, which improves air

quality and treats contaminated surfaces. This system also works to reduce COVID-19 contamination and kills up to 99.98% of the virus that causes COVID-19.

The vehicle is currently being outfitted with communication equipment and

necessary supplies and is expected to be in rotation in the next month.

4th Place: Keri LaPointe

5th Place: Deidre J. Redhorn

6th Place: Diana DeCora

7th Place: Casey Kearnes-Nava

8th Place: Qui Qui St. Cyr

Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, January 9, 2021 — Page 3

THROWBACK PHOTOS

The next issue of the WINNEBAGO INDIAN NEWS will be published on January 23, 2021.

——————————————————

Postmaster Send Address Changes To

Winnebago Indian News

P.O. Box 687

Winnebago, Nebraska 68071

——————————————————

The Winnebago Indian News (WIN),

founded in January 1972, is published

bi-weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of

Nebraska.

The Mission of the WIN is to inform and to

educate the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

of issues that affect them, and to be a

vehicle in which stresses positive and

beneficial concerns and points of view.

LETTER POLICY: Signed editorials, letters and articles appearing in the WIN

are the responsibility of the authors and

do not necessarily reflect the opinion or

attitude of the Winnebago Indian News or

the Winnebage Tribal Council.

The WIN encourages the submission of

Letters to the Editor; however, letters must

be signed and addressed. Letters may be

edited for language and length.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The reproduction of editorial or photography content

without permission is prohibited.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please send

change of address with old mailing label to:

Winnebago Indian News

P.O. Box 687

Winnebago, NE 68071

contact us at our e-mail address:

winnebagoindiannews@

winnebagotribe.com

402-878-2272

“Official Newspaper of

the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska”

DEADLINE for this issue will be January 19, 2021.

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

Winonah Leader Charge .............. Editor

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

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

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

Winnebago Tribal Council

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

Brian Chamberlain .......... Vice Chairman

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

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

Coly Brown .............................. Member

John Snowball . ........................ Member

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

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

Thelma Whitewater................... Member

Page 4 — Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, January 9, 2021

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

January is Radon Awareness Month

What if you found out there was a presence in your home? Something

invisible that could attack you without you even knowing it’s there? A

scary thought! -Right? What if I told you it's real?

What is it you ask? It's something called Radon!

What's Radon? Radon is an element that naturally forms in the ground

from the decay of another element called Radium. Radium is found in the

soil of much of the United States. While Radium is a metal, Radon forms

as a gas. As the Radon gas accumulates underground, its low density

forces it to migrate up into the atmosphere. Any Radon gas that comes

up outside gets diluted and dissipates quickly, becoming harmless. But

if Radon makes its way into your home, it can accumulate inside. This is

when it becomes a problem. If you are exposed to high levels of Radon

day after day for many decades, the accumulative effect can harm you.

How can Radon get inside my home? As Radon makes its way up

through the ground, it travels through any cracks or gaps in your floor,

or walls of your basement or crawlspace. Any mechanical ventilation

in your home or even differences in temperature between upstairs and

down can cause negative pressure inside that can draw in Radon gas

from the surrounding soil.

If I have Radon in my home how can it affect me? Since Radon is a

gas it mixes in with the air we breathe. As you breathe it, it enters your

lungs. Because radon is radioactive, it emits something called alpha

particles. Alpha particles can cause damage to cell DNA that could lead

to lung cancer.

How do I know if I have Radon is in my home? You can't see or smell

Radon. The only way to detect it is by its radioactivity. There are tests

available that will detect its presence by counting those Alpha particles

it emits. One testing method is done by setting out a charcoal canister

for a few days, then sending it to a lab to determine how much is present. There are many brands available at your local hardware store, and

they are relatively cheap. -- Usually less than $20.

Thurston County is in a high-risk area for Radon. But that doesn’t

mean your home is automatically getting Radon gas. Radon might come

into one house and skip the house next door. The only way to know is

to test for it.

The EPA has set the action level for Radon at 4 pCi/L. "pCi/L" stands

for “picocuries per liter” of air. - A measurement for counting radioactivity.

There are no safe levels of Radon. Any level carries some risk. Of

course, the lower the level the lower the risk. In the US, people who die

of lung cancer caused by Radon are pretty low. Data has shown about

2,900 people each year die from lung cancer caused by Radon. This is

a big number. But when shown in the context of the full US population

(328+ million) then the odds of dying of radon are pretty low. -- About

.0008%

Smoking along with Radon exposure dramatically increases the odds

of getting lung cancer than from Radon exposure alone. People who lived

with high Radon levels and who smoke, (or used to smoke), show more

than a seven-fold increase in the odds of getting lung cancer. According

to the EPA, about 21,000 people per year die of lung cancer from radon

exposure and who also smoked. So smoking along with high levels of

Radon can be dangerous.

There are ways to combat Radon. The first step is to test for it and

find out if you are at risk. Pick up a tester and find out

Conservation Reserve Program General

Signup Begins Today, Ends February 12

LINCOLN, Nebraska, Jan. 4, 2021 – Agricultural produce rs and

private landowners interested in the Conservation Reserve Program

(CRP) can sign up for the popular program beginning today, Jan. 4,

2021, until Feb. 12, 2021. The competitive program, administered

by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides annual rental payments for land devoted to conservation purposes.

“This signup for the Conservation Reserve Program gives producers and landowners an opportunity to enroll for the first time or

continue their participation for another term,” FSA State Executive Director Nancy Johner said. “This program encourages conservation on sensitive lands or low-yielding acres, which provides

tremendous benefits for stewardship of our natural resources and

wildlife.”

Through CRP, farmers and ranchers establish long-term,

resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses

or trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality and

enhance wildlife habitat on cropland. Farmers and ranchers who participate in CRP help provide numerous benefits

to their local region and the nation’s environment and economy. CRP general signup is held annually and is competitive.

New cropland offered in the program must have been planted for

four out of six crop years from 2012 to 2017. Additionally, producers

with land already enrolled but expiring on Sept. 30, 2021, can reenroll this year. The acreage offered by producers and landowners

is evaluated competitively; accepted offers will begin Oct. 1, 2021.

CRP signup informational resources, including an educational

video and the opportunity to sign up for online, live question and

answer sessions, have been posted at nebraskapf.com/crp-signup/.

Three question and answer forums are scheduled for Jan. 19 at

noon MST; Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. CST; and Jan. 21 at noon CST. These

virtual meetings are being hosted by several Nebraska natural

resource and wildlife partners.

Signed into law in 1985, CRP is one of the largest private-lands

conservation programs in the United States. The program marked

its 35-year anniversary in December 2020.

All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including those

that restrict in-person visits or require appointments. All Service

Center visitors wishing to conduct business with FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service or any other Service Center agency

should call ahead and schedule an appointment. Service Centers

that are open for appointments will pre-screen visitors based

on health concerns or recent travel, and visitors must adhere to

social distancing guidelines. Visitors are also required to wear a

face mask.

JESUS OUR SAVIOR

LUTHERAN OUTREACH

"Whom do you fear?"

Recently, I was told by an adult that

she was taught to have NO FEAR! It is

good for one to be brave and to have

courage - even in the face of death.

However is it wise to have absolutely

NO FEAR?

I have also been told that the expression by Lakota warriors of 'it is a good

day to die' was a statement of confidence

even with the strong likelihood of dying

that very day.

Now to be brave and courageous

is a noble and upright characteristic,

especially for a warrior who goes into

battle. Moses was nearing the end of his

trail, inspired by God, he gave Joshua

these reassuring words prior to warring

against the tribes living in the promised

land: "Be strong and courageous. Do

not fear or be in dread of them, for it is

YAHWEH your God who goes with you.

He will not leave you or forsake you”

[Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)].

For the Spiritual Warrior these words

hold true as well. What confidence and

courage one has in knowing that he or

she is never alone! Those who place their

trust in YAHWEH and His Son Jesus will

never be forsaken by YAHWEH as Jesus

was while he hung dying on the cross.

Earlier Moses gave these words of advice prior to going off to war: “When you

go out to war against your enemies, and

see horses and chariots and an army

larger than your own, you shall not be

afraid of them, for YAHWEH your God

is with you, who brought you up out of

the land of Egypt. . . . And the officers

shall speak further to the people, and

say, ‘Is there any man who is fearful

and fainthearted? Let him go back to

his house, lest he make the heart of his

fellows melt like his own" [Deuteronomy

20:1, 8].

The trait of a courageous warrior is

his/her bravery even in the face of the

enemy. The Spiritual Warrior faces three

such enemies on a daily basis: the Evil

One = Devil, the world and its temptations, and one's own self-centered sinful

nature. Have no fear of them.

However is there someone you should

fear? Who is that someone? Mauna Earth Maker or in the Hebrew language

YAHWEH.

The children of the tribe of Israel

were taught various teachings through

songs. Some of their songs were put

into poetic format and are referred to

as Psalms. Here is one such Psalm that

speaks of whom one should fear: 'The

fear of YAHWEH is the beginning of

wisdom; all those who practice it have

a good understanding' [Psalm 111:10].

King Solomon wrote: 'Fear God and

keep his commandments, for this is

the whole duty of man' [Ecclesiastes

12:13b]. When one comes to the realization that he/she has not kept God's

commandments, this should move one

to fear Mauna's wrath and to seek His

mercy or pity. That is the purpose of the

Law and a proper fear of Mauna is spiritually healthy as it moves one to trust

in Mauna's loving gift of His son, Jesus.

When one comes to believing in Jesus

as one's Lord and Savior, then one no

longer has to fear God and His just judgment. One of Jesus' apostles - John put

it this way: 'God is love. Whoever lives

in love lives in God, and God in him. In

this way, love is made complete among

us so that we will have confidence on

the day of judgment, because in this

world we are like him.'

For the believer in Jesus one has

confidence and looks forward to the

end of his trail and the meeting of one's

Maker. Each and every one of us will

experience the day of judgment, the

Christian lives in love and therefore

has confidence on the day of judgment.

John continues: 'There is no fear in

love. But perfect love drives out fear,

because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made

perfect in love' [1st John 4:16b–18].

Since our Spiritual Warrior Savior, Jesus, endured our punishment driven

by His love for all of creation, we live

basking in the love of Mauna, without

fear of His wrath!

Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, January 9, 2021 — Page 5

TRIBAL COUNCIL MINUTES

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

CEO REPORT

December 9, 2020

TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:

Victoria Kitcheyan

Rona Stealer

Brian Chamberlain

Lorelei DeCora

Louis LaRose

Aric Armell

John Snowball

Coly Brown (in @ 10:15 a.m.)

Thelma Whitewater

OTHERS PRESENT:

Ether Mercer

Joy Johnson

Alan Post

Desiree Kitcheyan

Cece Earth

Mary Painter

Dave Mentzer

Shelly Bear

Barb Pretends Eagle

Greg Bass

CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman

Kitcheyan called the meeting to order

at 10:04 a.m.

OPENING PRAYER: Esther Mercer

offered the opening prayer.

AGENDA:

Brian Chamberlain would like to add

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Employee

Off-Duty Conduct Policy.

Brian Chamberlain motioned to

approve the agenda. Aric Armell seconded.

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

Motion carried.

CEO ITEMS:

TRAVEL APPROVALS: Update only.

SIGNATURE PROCESS POLICY

REVISION:

Lorelei DeCora motioned to approve

the Signature Process Policy as presented. Brian Chamberlain seconded.

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

Motion carried.

[Coly Brown in at 10:15 a.m.]

PROCUREMENT:

VEHICLE PURCHASE:

Brian Chamberlain motioned to

approve the purchase of 2021 Chevy

Equinox purchase for the procurement

Department for $24,459.30, using the

2010 GMC Acadia as a trade-in. (funds

are from the Procurement Department)

Aric Armell seconded.

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

Motion carried.

FACILITIES:

SKID LOADER FOR PURCHASE

(David Mentzer)

Brian Chamberlain motioned to approve the purchase of skid loader from

Murphy Tractor (John Deere) with

$10,000.00 down payment with fouryear loan payment. (Annual payments

at $12,000.00) Louis LaRose seconded.

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

Motion carried.

PLANNING DEPARTMENT:

STRATEGIC PLAN STATUS UPDATE:

Initial Strategic Plan done. Tribal

Council and DHD Survey has some

trouble with it. Community Engagement will begin late January into

February.

Aric Armell brought up water issues

on the Reservation.

Water infrastructure meeting invite

whole Tribal Council. CEO will get the

meeting scheduled.

TRIBAL COUNCIL:

RADIO STATION:

Thelma Whitewater trying to get

tower going. Agreement with Dakota

City sent to Legal.

Garan needs funding.

CFO will work with group in a startup budget.

Garan – Non-commercial license

(license donated) so can only do sponsorship.

(97.1 KWTN)

Brian Chamberlain asked what is

being requested.

Alan Post stated $12,000.00 initial

start-up budget. (No personnel)

Rona Stealer requested a budget.

John Snowball motioned to have

CFO Budget for the three items: Power,

Internet, and Lease for the radio station

project. Brian Chamberlain seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Thelma Whitewater motioned to form

the Radio Station under the Communications Department of the Winnebago

Tribe of Nebraska. Brian Chamberlain

seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Rona Stealer stated need Job Description, Org. Chart, and Budget.

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

EMPLOYEE OFF DUTY CONDUCT

POLICY

(Chairwoman reads section of the

policy)

Brian Chamberlain – No conversation with CEO, revamp the policy to

specify which level of criminal activity

results in loss of job?

CEO will work with H.R., will need

feedback to revise the policy.

Brian Chamberlain motioned to

place on the table the Winnebago

Tribe of Nebraska Employee Off-duty

Conduct Policy revisions until the MidMonth meeting on December 21, 2020.

Louis LaRose seconded.

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

Motion carried.

[Coly Brown out]

Brian Chamberlain motioned to

authorize the CEO to take all actions

necessary to affect changes to the Employee Off-duty Conduct Policy. Rona

Stealer seconded.

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

Motion carried.

ADJOURN:

Brian Chamberlain motioned to adjourn. Louis LaRose seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned

the meeting at 11:41 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorelei DeCora, Secretary

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

REGULAR TRIBAL COUNCIL

MEETING

December 11, 2020 GoTo meeting

TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:

Victoria Kitcheyan

Brian Chamberlain

Lorelei DeCora

Rona Stealer

Aric Armell

John Snowball

Louis LaRose

Thelma Whitewater

OTHERS PRESENT:

Linae B igfire

Cecelia Earth

Esther Mercer

Brandon Stout

Erika Dunn

Garan Coons

Teresa Littlegeorge

TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:

Coly Brown (absent-leave)

CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman

Kitcheyan called the meeting to order at 9:03 a.m.

OPENING PRAYER: John Snowball offered the opening prayer.

AGENDA:

Added Items: Thelma Whitewater

added Profit Sharing, HCI Board of

Directors, and V. Kitcheyan vs. Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska to Tribal

Council Items.

Aric Armell motioned to approve

the agenda as amended. Thelma

Whitewater seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain

Motion carried.

READING OF THE MINUTES:

NOVEMBER 16, 2020 – MIDMONTHLY MEETING MINUTES

Rona Stealer motioned to approve the November 16, 2020 Midmonthly meeting minutes. Brian

Chamberlain seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain

Motion carried.

NOVEMBER 18, 2020 – GENERAL COUNSEL MEETING MINUTES

Rona Stealer motioned to approve

the November 18, 2020 General

Counsel meeting minutes. Brian

Chamberlain seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain

Motion carried.

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 – CEO REPORT MEETING MINUTES

Rona Stealer motioned to approve

the November 19, 2020 CEO Report

meeting minutes. Aric Armell seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain

Motion carried.

NOVEMBER 30, 2020 – TREASURER’S REPORT MEETING MINUTES

Rona Stealer motioned to approve

the November 30, 2020 Treasurer’s

Report meeting minutes. John

Snowball seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain

Motion carried.

RATIFY FIVE SIGNATURE:

ADOPT RESOLUTION #21-31;

APPROVING THE BIG FIRE LAW &

POLICY GROUP, LLP AS GENERAL

COUNSEL FOR THE WINNEBAGO

TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

Brian Chamberlain motioned to

ratify the five signature adopting

resolution #21-31; Approving the

Big Fire Law & Policy Group, LLP as

General Counsel for the Winnebago

Tribe of Nebraska. Rona Stealer

seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain

Motion carried.

ADOPT RESOLUTION #21-32;

FY21 U.S. BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS (BIA) – WINNEBAGO SOLAR

FEASIBILITY STUDY

Rona Stealer motioned to ratify

the five signature adopting resolution #21-32; FY21 U.S. Bureau of

Indian Affairs (BIA) Winnebago Solar

Feasibility Study. Brian Chamberlain seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain

Motion carried.

ADOPT RESOLUTION #21-33;

AUTHORIZING WHDC TO SUBMIT

A GRANT PROPOSAL TO THE HUD

IHBG COMPETIVE GRANT PROGRAM FOR FUNDING TO SUPPORT

A FIVE-YEAR RENOVATION, NEW

CONSTRUCTION, AND HOUSING

INFRASTRUCTURE EXPANSION

PROJECT TO BE CONDUCTED ON

THE WTN RESERVATION

Brian Chamberlain motioned

to ratify the five-signature adopting resolution #21-33; Authorizing

WHDC to submit a grant proposal

to the HUD IHBG Competitive Grant

Program for funding to support a

five-year renovation, new construction, and housing infrastructure

expansion project to be conducted

on the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

reservation. Lorelei DeCora seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain

Motion carried.

ONE TIME EMG FOR MADISON

TOMPKINS

Louis LaRose motioned to ratify

the five-signature approving the one

time Emergency Grant for Madison

Tompkins to assist in her loss of

home due to fire. Brian Chamberlain seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain

Motion carried.

ONE TIME EMG FOR LAUREN

BUCHANAN

Louis LaRose motioned to ratify

the five-signature approving the

one time Emergency Grant for

Lauren Buchanan to assist during

her family emergency. Aric Armell

seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain

Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

TRIBAL SOCIAL SECURITY – APPROVE THE INDIAN TRIBAL COUNCIL COVERAGE AGREEMENT

Lorelei Decora motioned to adopt

resolution #21-34; Approving the

Indian Tribal Council Coverage

Agreement for Tribal Social Security. Thelma Whitewater seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain

Motion carried.

WINNEBAGO LAND CORPORATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES

Lorelei Decora requesting the

entire minutes for the Tribal Council records of the Winnebago Land

Corporation from June 21, 2018

until current.

Brian Chamberlain motioned to

direct the Former Land Corporation

Board members to deliver all the

Board meeting minutes and materials related to such from January 1,

2018 to present within two weeks

to the Winnebago Tribal Council.

Rona Stealer seconded.

DISCUSSION:

John commented: Minutes can be

found by the CEO, utilizing the Land

Management and Physical Resource

Director Ireta Hunter as she was the

one that conducted the meetings.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain

Motion carried.

TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS:

18 QUAR TS OF CORN THAT

TRIBAL COUNCIL PURCHASED:

Lorelei Decora would like to donate the 18 quarts of corn that the

Tribal Council paid for to the senior

center.

Thelma Whitewater asked if there

are any other activities that they will

need that for so we are not purchasing again.

Victoria Kitcheyan not aware of

any other events.

Brian Chamberlain motioned to

authorize the Tribal Council secretary take all actions necessary to

resolve the location and use of the

18 quarts of corn. Louis LaRose

seconded.

Thelma Whitewater: Objects

VOTE: (5) yes, BC, LD, LLR, JSB,

RS

(2) no, TW, AA

(0) abstain

Motion carried.

PROFIT SHARING:

Thelma Whitewater motioned to

direct HCI to submit no later than

15 days after receiving notification

of this motion, a report of profit

sharing that has been paid to all HCI

employees since 2010-2020. Listing

the number of employees and the

amount received.

2018, 2019, 2020 the report must

contain the names of employees and

the amount each employee received.

Aric Armell seconded.

DISCUSSION:

Lorelei DeCora comments she will

be opposed to this motion because

it violates the Federal Law Privacy

Act.

Thelma Whitewater comments

that she disagrees, it’s not a national corporations it’s a private one

owned by the Tribe.

Brian Chamberlain comments

Federal Law still applies.

Brian Chamberlain, Louis

LaRose, Lorelei DeCora, Rona

Stealer Object.

VOTE: (3) yes, TW, AA, JSB (4)

no, RS, LLR, BC, LD

(0) Abstain

Motion failed.

HCI BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Thelma Whitewater requested

information from Tribal Council

Board members Brian Chamberlain and John Snowball regarding

the new gaming issue, but did not

receive a response.

Thelma Whitewater motioned to

have the HCI Board of Directors

make their report to the Tribal

Council. Aric Armell seconded.

DISCUSSION:

Brian Chamberlain stated that

the request came in two-days ago

late in the afternoon, and its out of

turn to say that no reply was given

because of the amount of detail

that was requested. It should be

understood as a matter of policy

and process that the request is

not immediate and that should be

clarified for the Council and the

membership. The Board of Directors are forthcoming in any action

that it takes and the minutes are

also in the process of being brought

forward from any activity that has

occurred since my appointment.

John Snowball stated that any

Council member should be able to

request the minutes of the meetings

and not being denied.

OBJECT: Brian Chamberlain

VOTE: (3) Yes, JSB, AA, TW (3)

No, BC, LD, LLR

(1) Abstain,

RS

Motion failed.

FURTHER DISCUSSION:

Chairwoman states she doesn’t

support the motion, but does agree

that the information should be

shared with the council and will

not be voting.

Aric Armell would also would like

to have more information on the

new gaming in Nebraska.

Lorelei does not like it when one

entity is “singled out”, and would

like a report from every board or

committee that the Tribal Council

sits on.

Thelma Whitewater clarified her

email request.

Victoria Kitcheyan vs. Winnebago

Tribal Council

Thelma Whitewater motion to remove Victoria Kitcheyan from Tribal

Council for conflict of interest.

Brian Chamberlain states that

the motion is out of order.

Chairwoman Kitcheyan states

she will not recognize the motion,

that it is out of order, also is not

the process for removing a Tribal

Council member.

Brian Chamberlain states the

Agenda item was to discuss the

Court case, not to remove a member. Chairwoman Kitcheyan explains the case history to the membership.

John Snowball states disheartened that we are discussing the

court case that is ongoing, and that

it was aloud.

OLD BUSINESS:

Emergency Grant & Natural Disaster Grant Discussion/Approval

of changes to Applications

Brian Chamberlain motioned to

approve the amendments on both

the Emergency Grant and Natural

Disaster Grant Applications. Louis

LaRose seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain

Motion carried.

ADJOURN:

Brian Chamberlain motioned to

adjourn. Rona Stealer seconded.

VOTE: (7) yes

(0) no ( 0 )

abstain

Motion carried.

Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned the meeting at 9:59 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorelei DeCora, Secretary

Winnebago Tribal Council

Page 6 — Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, January 9, 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

Senator Joni Albrecht WEEKLY UPDATE

January 4, 2021

I am grateful and humbled to again

be part of the opening week of the Nebraska Legislature. It is a week of timehonored tradition even in the midst of

a global pandemic.

With a prayer, the presentation of

colors, and the swearing in of newly

elected members, the 107th Legislature begins. The welcome looks a bit

different this year because of COVID.

Family members who usually accompany Senators at their seats will not

this year. They will be able to attend

and view the proceedings from the

balconies. The dividers installed last

year to prepare for the July return of

the Legislature remain. Senators are

socially distanced, and procedures

concerning the actual workings of the

Legislature may be modified as we begin to deal with “housekeeping.”

Time-honored traditions remain.

The first order of businesses, like in

opening sessions past, is adoption of

temporary rules, election of Officers,

election of the Speaker of the Legislature and election of Committee chairpersons. Senators may introduce Bills

during the first ten (10) days of Session. If the current tentative schedule

stands, that means January 20, 2021.

Watch for other differences this

year as we work through the rules and

legislation that addresses COVID challenges, a 2-year budget, re-districting

following last years’ Census, and my

own Bill to provide tools to keep the

public and Nebraska’s law enforcement

and other first responders safer.

My office will be experiencing change

also. My Legislative Aide Cyndi will be

leaving the office for another position

within the Capitol. We in the office are

happy for this next chapter in Cyndi’s

career and will miss her.

Bills to be introduced:

Below is a list of some bills I will be

introducing in the 2021 Session. As

they are introduced and scheduled for

hearings, I will provide more details in

this column.

My First Responder and Public

Safety Bill will address some of the

concerns that emerged surrounding

officer and public safety during riots

this past summer. The bill will define

and enact criminal violations related

to rioting, inciting or recruiting, or

participating in a riot, violence towards

law enforcement officers, riot-related

vandalism, and blocking public roads.

Erin’s Law will require that public

schools provide students and staff in

K-5 age-appropriate body safety and

awareness education to prevent child

sexual abuse. Erin’s Law has already

been adopted in 37 states. I was approached by a constituent of District

17 to introduce this Bill. My office has

visited with many individuals, professionals, and educators who support

the Bill.

I also plan to bring the Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Prevention Act. This Bill seeks to limit pornographic material that may be injurious

to children or that may promote human

trafficking by requiring retailers of internet enabled devices to ensure that

their products contain activated filters

that block by default websites that are

known to facilitate human trafficking

or display child pornography, revenge

pornography, or X-rated material prior

to those sites being enabled by a user.

The Bill also creates a grant fund available for organizations fighting human

trafficking.

I will once again introduce the Public Comment at Open Meetings Bill.

This Bill will require that members of

the public be given the opportunity to

speak at any public meeting that is

subject to the Nebraska Open Meetings

Act. This Bill had incredible support

at last year’s pre-COVID hearing and

I expect that same support this year.

Again, it is important to note that

each bill must receive a hearing and

amendments may be recommended by

the Committee and/or added on the

floor when the Bill is being debated.

I will continue to provide an updated

status for constituents on these and

other bills as the Session unfolds.

COVID-19 State Response Update.

At his press briefing on January

4, the Governor announced that the

number of available hospital beds

throughout Nebraska remains strong.

As of that date, there are 36% of patient beds available, 36% of Intensive

Care Unit (ICU) beds, and 76% of ventilators available.

The federal government has also

responded by providing additional aid

to individuals and businesses. Congress passed, and the President signed

the Consolidated Appropriations Act of

2021. The Act provides new stimulus

funding of $600 per person, including children to assist with economic

damage and hardship caused by the

pandemic. The payment is subject

to the same qualifications and income limits of the checks received in

early 2020. The Act also provides for

Round 2 of Small Business Paycheck

Protection Program (PPP) funding and

other programs to assist businesses

themselves. PPP funding will be available for businesses that saw a 20% or

greater decline in revenues in a quarter

of 2020 as measured against the same

quarter in 2019. PPP funding available

for hospitality industry businesses has

been expanded and there are grants

available for theaters, museums, concert halls and other venues that have

had significant drops in revenue. New

application forms for the PPP funding

are set to be available by mid-January

and the deadline for applications currently appears to be March 31, 2021.

Meanwhile, it is likely that compiling

the monthly revenue records for each

business for 2019 and for 2020 will

be most helpful to the application process. For more information on the past

and new funding can be found on the

SBA’s website online at: https://www.

sba.gov/funding-programs/grants

Winnebago Indian News to Reset Subscriptions

on 1/1/21. Update Your Subscription Today!

Dear Winnebago Indian News Readership,

On behalf of the Winnebago Indian News, I would like to express our deepest

gratitude for your continued membership and support. At this time, we are asking

all subscribers to please update their subscription with the Winnebago Indian

News. Your membership and commitment to the Winnebago Indian News allows

us to continue striving as a department and providing a bi-weekly newspaper.

Effective January 1st, 2021 there will be a small increase for a yearly subscription. During the past year, Winnebago Indian News has seen increase costs

for publishing and mailing. Winnebago Indian News is committed to giving our

membership the best newspaper and services. This price increase does not affect

members who have paid and have an active agreement.

Yearly Subscription Rates: Nebraska Residents -$25.00 - Out-Of-State Residents -$35.00 - Overseas - $50.00

***Failure to update subscription and submit payment will cancel services***

Additionally, we will continue focusing on our mission 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.

If you have any questions about the renewal process, please contact:

Phone: 402-878-2272 Extension 4000 & 4001

E-mail: winnebagoindiannews@winnebagotribe.com

Please send subscription information and payment to:

Winnebago Indian News

P.O. Box 687

Winnebago, NE 68071

Thank you once again for your commitment to the Winnebago Indian News.

We look forward to serving you for another year.

Sincerely,

Winonah Leader Charge

Winnebago Indian News Editor

COVID-19 numbers in District 17

The number of positive tests reported for the periods December 24, 2020,

and December 31, 2020 in District 17

are as follow:

Dakota County

+67 (3600)

Thurston County:

+36 (911)

Wayne County:

+11 (933)

As always, it is of great importance

that I hear from my constituents to effectively do my job as your voice in the

Legislature. I encourage you to contact

me and I look forward to hearing from

you. You can reach me by phone at

402-471-2716 or by email at jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov

Winnebago Public School Star Students:

Josef has been a great 4th grade student all year. He has had a positive attitude all year despite the many changes that have happened at

school. He is kind and helpful to other students and staff. He does his

best job on all his work and applies feedback from his teachers to improve his understanding. He always asks questions when he doesn't

understand a concept.

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

In the Matter of the

Estate of:

LEVI DECORA, Deceased,

In the Matter of the

Name Change Petition of:

JAMISON N. ROBINSON JR.

to JAMISON N. SMITH

Notice of Hearing

Case No. CV21-014

Notice of Hearing

Case No. CV21-024

WILBUR DECORA, Petitioner.

To: CORAL DECORA, SHELL Y

DOENHOEFER, MIRIAM DECORA,

JENNY DECORA, CORNELIUS DECORA, AND WILLARD DECORA

You are hereby notified that a petition

has been filed and a hearing concerning

the above referred Individual(s) estate in

case no. CV21-014 has been scheduled

and will be heard in the Winnebago

Tribal Court of Winnebago, Nebraska

on the 18TH day of MARCH, 2021 at

the hour of 11:00 A.M.

To: JAMISON ROBINSON SR.

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. CV21024 has been scheduled and will be

heard in the Winnebago Tribal Court

of Winnebago, Nebraska on the 15TH

day of FEBRUARY, 2021 at the hour

of 9:00 A.M.

The Winnebago Tribal Council is 100% AGAINST Meth. Not only is Meth

harmful to the individual, it destroys families and our community. Meth

use is not the HoChunk/Winnebago way of life. On 12-30-19, during the

Winnebago Mid-monthly Tribal Council meeting, a motion was passed to

publish all meth related offenses occurring on the Winnebago reservation,

in the Winnebago Indian News.

The following individual(s) has been arrested for a meth offense…

As of 1-5-21, no recent meth arrest(s) have been reported.

Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, January 9, 2021 — Page 7

TWELVE CLANS UNITY HOSPITAL

Hōcąk Corner

Wažątire

(wah-zhah-dee-rday)

Automobile, Car

Wažą hiraruti

(wah-zhah hee-rdah-rdoo-dee)

Pick-up truck

Nāgu wirakara hitaža

(nah-ghoo wee-rdah-kah-rdah hee-dah-zhah)

Traffic lights

Wikįnį ruwį eja

(wee-kee-nee rdoo-wee ay-jah)

Gas station