Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska • Volume 49, Number 9 • Saturday, May 2, 2020
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Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska • Volume 49, Number 9 • Saturday, May 2, 2020
Amid Pandemic, Winnebago Tribe Prioritizes Resources
On behalf of the WTN, THANK YOU to
the communications team for continuing
to keep the community informed with
weekly COVID-19 updates. Above is Garan Coons coordinating the live stream,
making sure everything is operating
smoothly!
On April 16th, Michael Foods transported
and delivered hundreds of boxes full of
food to the community. A huge thank you
to The Winnebago Atlas Program for coordinating the distribution pick-up/delivery
and to the CHR Program for assisting
with delivery to elders and families in
need.
Construction for the new roundabout is in
progress, north of town. Seen here is one
of the workers directing traffic during a
busier time in the day, lunchtime!
T ribes across the country have
been battling the economic impact of
the coronavirus pandemic. They have
been met with challenges and obstacles
that have led to delays and feelings of
uncertainty.
The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska,
like all the other tribes across the nation, has been affected by the coronavirus. Social distancing restrictions
has caused many changes within the
community including the temporary
closing of the Winnavegas Casino, the
main resource for the Winnebago Tribe
of Nebraska. Inevitably, this also forced
the tribe to temporary furlough certain
tribally funded positions.
Unfortunately, the Winnebago Tribe
of Nebraska, a government agency, is
not eligible for the Paycheck Protection
Program (PPP) “a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll”
(sba.gov). Staying optimistic and proactive, the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
has been taking steps to take care of
the tribal members, community and its
employees to the best of its ability. Some
of the tribe’s entities (HCI, LPTC, and
WCHS) are considered small businesses
under the SBA rules and did qualify for
the first round of PPP loans. The Tribal
casinos (Winnavegas, Native Star, and
Iron Horse) did not qualify under the
SBA rules for the first round of PPP.
However, with the second round of PPP
loans, Congress made funds available
to gaming operations.
The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska is
waiting for a distribution from the US
Department of Treasury. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security
(CARES) Act was passed by Congress
and signed by President Trump which
included an $8 billion allocation for all
tribes to fund COVID-19 prevention,
preparedness and response. All tribes
including the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska are waiting for this payment. At
this time, it is unknown how much or
when this payment will be distributed
to the tribes, but the tribe anticipates a
portion of this funding by April 30.
The Funding resources for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska include the
land leases, and dividends from the casinos, and HCI. The land lease fees are a
portion of the tribe’s apportions budget
as well as dividends received from the
casinos and HCI. This is how the tribe
pays for its operations. The fiscal budget for this year was established before
the coronavirus pandemic.
The CARES Act funding the tribe has
received and will receive is critical to
the tribe’s activities for prevention, preparedness and response to COVID-19.
The Tribal Council recently allocated construction tax dollars to
Tribal programs to ensure Winnebago
Tribal members have direct access to
an emergency loan program through
the Credit department. They allocated funding to start a food pantry
to respond to potential needs in the
community. And they infused more
resources into the Human Services
Department for assistance needs as
well.
The Treasurer and Finance office
will be using the Winnebago Indian
News as a means of communication
to the public. There will be further
updates in future WIN editions. The
Treasurer and Finance Office thanks
all of you for your patience and understanding. They are doing their best
during these trying times.
Winona Leader Charge, WIN Editor
Public Health Protection "No Mask No Service" Order
During the 4/23 live stream, Superintendent Dan Fehringer took a moment to
recognize and honor State Qualifier/WPS
Senior, Robbie Lovejoy, on an amazing
wrestling season!
On Wednesday, Winnebago Tribal Council orders resolution 20-120 "Use of Facemask or Face Cloth Covering During Covid-19 Pandemic".
Pictured is a tribal security officer reminding community members "No Mask No Service" at the Blackhawk Community Center Post Office
Entrance.
Local leaders and family members gather
at a residence to pray for a tribal member
who is positive for Covid-19.
A very special THANK YOU to our
frontline healthcare responders, the
Winnebago CHR/EMS Program, for delivering masks to the elders, community
members, and healthcare professionals! Shown is Lorelei DeCora receiving
her masks delivery from CHR, Nicole
Redhorn.
April 29, 2020 the Winnebago
Tribe of Nebraska has instituted an
Order for Protection of Public Health
and Safety involving the use of Face
Masks or Cloth Face Coverings.
Vice-Chairman John Snowball who
advocated and supports wearing a
facemask in the community stated,
“No Mask No S ervice. I think it will
be well received by our community
and I would feel a lot safer with this
measure in place.”
Shelia Corbine of Big Fire Law
Firm highlighted important information about the new Order, No Mask
No Service.
This measure was recommended
by the Public Health Department
and the Pandemic Preparedness Task
Force to the Winnebago Tribal Council. In the interests of the safety of
tribal membership the Council enacted the Order. Public Health experts
have determined that it is possible
to transmit COVID-19 even before a
V i s i t
u s
a t
person shows symptoms and through
aerosol transmission, therefore wearing a cloth face covering helps to prevent the transmission from an infected
person to any other person.
The Order requires the wearing of
masks or cloth face coverings (that
cover the mouth and nose) to be worn
in any public place or business where
there is a likelihood of coming within
six (6) feet of another person. Specifically mentioned in the Order is that”
Individuals shall use a mask or face
covering upon entering any health
care facility, government building,
business, the U.S. Post Office, any grocery store or convenience store. Further, if using public transportation
services or transport offered on the
Reservation face masks or cloth face
coverings shall be worn then as well.
The Order does not require the
use of a mask or cloth face covering
by anybody for whom doing so would
be contrary to their public health or
safety. However, it is important to
note that many businesses on the
Reservation will refuse service to
those not wearing a face mask. Also
excluded from the Face Mask or Cloth
Face Covering Order are children under the age of 2 due to a higher risk
of suffocation. Children is a child
care setting are not required to wear
face masks nor are children older
than 2 if their parent or guardian or
other person responsible for the child
cannot safely place the mask on the
child’s face.
The Winnebago Tribal Council is
vested with the power to promote
the safety and general welfare of the
Tribe and taking proactive steps to
help protect tribal membership during this time of pandemic and passing this Order is an exercise of that
power and their duty to the tribal
membership.
Winona Leader Charge, WIN Editor
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, May 2, 2020
BAGO NEWS
Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, May 2, 2020 — Page 3
WINNEBAGO NEWS
MEMORANDUM
Winnebago Finance Department Update
TO:
Winnebago Tribal Council
FROM:
John Snowball, Vice-Chairman & Chair, COVID Task Force
DATE:
April 6, 2020
RE:
COVID Task Force Updates
Summary of Activities
The COVID Task Force has met twice since it was created. The last meeting
was Friday, April 3. The first meeting was held on Thursday, March 26, 2020.
At the first meeting a series of subcommittees were created and leads for each
were identified. They are:
Tribal Food Security (utilize current Food Sovereignty Task Force) – Aaron
LaPointe
Community Healthcare (utilize current Public Health planning team) – Mona
Zuffante
Federal & State Funding – Ann Marie Bledsoe Downes
Business & Employment – Mayan Beltran
Community Utilities - (Nomination for James Price, Matt May declined)
Tribal Security – John Snowball
Tribal Communications – Garan Coons
Each subcommittee has met and the second meeting of the COVID Task Force
consisted primarily of updates from each subcommittee. Most subcommittees
identified some missing entities or individuals that needed to be included. Also,
initial meetings focused primarily on bringing everyone up to speed on the goals
and role of the subcommittees.
Key Findings
Several items were raised both at the Task Force level and subcommittee
level that are critical for the Tribal Council to be aware of. A summary of some
of those findings include:
A Pandemic Plan is part of the Winnebago Public Health Department planning.
That plan is available for review.
Funding under the Payment Protection Act and other loan programs part of
the recently passed legislation will be due immediately and require quick action
by eligible entities as funding will be first come first served.
Tribal Consultation on the 8 billion dollars in the CARES Act will occur on
April 2 and 9, the funding has to be distributed to tribes by the end of April.
CARES Act funding (in particular the 8 billion) will be subject to audit and
in many instances will need to be related to items “not accounted for in most
current approved budget.”
TPA funding from BIA is expected to be transferred to tribes by April 10.
Some healthcare funding for COVID testing and related expenses is expected
soon by WCHS.
Additional law enforcement personnel are needed and a proposal for 8 new
officers is forthcoming.
Making applications for unemployment easy and helping with that application is important.
Additional PPE is needed for offices and frontline workers.
Space for health workers who wish to stay in the community and for expanded
beds for healthcare needs should be identified and plans for any necessary renovation should begin to be prepared.
New barriers will be installed at Pony locations to limit contact between workers and customers.
There is an immediate need for a temporary workforce for the planting and
harvesting season.
There is no single effective way to communicate community-wide. There are
multiple outlets but it may be valuable to invest in a community wide communication tool.
Recommendations
Based on the work of the COVID Task Force and subcommittees there are a
couple of recommendations for the Tribal Council to consider. Additional recommendations will be made in further updates.
The communication subcommittee submit a proposal to the COVID Task
Force to present to the Tribal Council with options for a community wide communication tool.
As part of the COVID Task Force priorities, staff be hired to assist with the
planting and harvest season for 2020.
The Tribal Council consider instituting a curfew or stay at home order to limit
movement on and off the reservation.
All departments, programs and organizations of the Winnebago Tribe implement, if they have not already, a fiscal tracking method for any and all costs
related to COVID planning and response activities (including personnel diverted
to these efforts). These costs have the greatest chance of being reimbursed or
forgiven.
The COVID Task Force and subcommittees will continue to meet and provide
updates to the Tribal Council during regularly scheduled meetings. If a need
arises that is time sensitive updates or recommendations can be made earlier
than that schedule allows.
The Tribal Council speaks...
Good afternoon, I’d like to
say “THANK YOU” to all our enrolled membership for adhering to
the curfew and practicing SOCIAL
DISTANCING. As I have been moving about during the day I come
to see more families, friends, and
relatives becoming closer. This is a
special time whether we know it or
not. OUR individual persons, OUR
families, and OUR mother earth
are all healing. This is the way the
creator has paralleled OUR paths
in a good way. As this time comes
and goes I’d like to see OUR way of
life keep close to what we are currently going through, learning, and
experiencing. I’d also like to commend our VOLUNTEER fire dept,
law enforcement, and medical staff
for the sacrificing they doing for
US. THANK YOU for aiding and
answering the calls, requests, and
requirements of OUR community
members to be healthy, happy,
and SAFE. So Let US help them
by continuing to follow the curfew
and by social distancing. Remember DON’T forget to mask-up as
you go any place outside of your
homes and especially into public
areas. These times may seem uncertain, but WE all must do OUR
little parts for one another so TOGETHER as HO-CHUNK people
WE WILL get through this and …
WE WILL PREVAIL!!!
Roland Warner, Winnebago Tribe's Treasurer (pictured left) and Alan Post, Winnebago
Tribe's Chief Financial Officer (pictured right) reported to the Winnebago Tribal Council
they earned another unmodified opinion (the best audit earned). Alan Post said "I'm very
proud of the whole Winnebago Tribe Finance Department for all of their hard work. A lot
of it had to do with everyone in our organization doing their part"
The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska recently completed its required annual
Single Audit for the fiscal year which ended September 30, 2019. The audit was
issued on March 30, 2020, three months before the original deadline to issue of
June 30, 2020 and a month ahead of the last years audit issuance date. The
Tribe is pleased to report that for the third year in a row, the Tribe has earned
an Unmodified Opinion (the best audit opinion that we can get) on its financial
statements and for compliance for its major federal programs. Also, for the third
in a row as well, there are no audit findings or significant deficiencies reported.
This distinction ranks the Tribe in the top 3% of all single audits submitted to
the Federal Single Audit Clearinghouse to date for 2019.
The accomplishment of unmodified audit opinions coupled with no audit
findings classifies the tribe as a low risk auditee. Being in this classification,
opens doors to greater funding with less restrictions as one benefit. For example,
when the tribe is ready to expand the casino, having clean audits makes any
potential grantor agencies and lending institutions see this distinction and it
makes it easier to obtain funding. The results of the audit speaks volumes about
the hard work by all tribal departments to make sure everything is documented;
the rules are followed, and our financial and compliance information is properly
reported. Congratulations and keep up the good work!
WINNEBAGO TRIBAL COUNCIL
PRIMARY & REGULAR ELECTION
SCHEDULE
SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 & OCTOBER 6, 2020
——————————————————
Postmaster Send Address Changes To
Winnebago Indian News
P.O. Box 687
Winnebago, Nebraska 68071
——————————————————
The Winnebago Indian News (WIN),
founded in January 1972, is published
bi-weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of
Nebraska.
Draft of Eligible Voters List Posted
June 8th, 2020
Monday
Special Tribal Council Meeting
Monday
June 15th, 2020
June 22nd, 2020
Monday
Special Tribal Council Meeting
Post Eligible Voters List-Five (5) Days to
Deadline for Challenges to Eligible Voters List
Challenges to Eligible Voters List Approved
Election Board Officially Appointed
Friday
June 26th, 2020
Tribal Election Code
July 1st, 2020
Update & Approve Eligible Voters List
Nominate Election Board
Monday
June 8th, 2020
Challenge
Post Final Eligible Voters List &
Wednesday
First Day of Notice of Intent
August 3rd, 2020
Monday
Last Day of Notice of Intent
August 4th, 2020
Tuesday
List of Candidates Posted
August 5th, 2020
Services-Primary
Wednesday
Send Ballots to Automated Election
August 21st, 2020
Friday
Deadline for Absentee Ballot Requests
August 24th, 2020
Monday
Absentee Ballots Mailed Out-Primary
September 8th, 2020
Tuesday
PRIMARY ELECTION
September 9th, 2020
Wednesday
Post Top Candidates
September 9th, 2020
Wednesday
Requests
Special Tribal Council Meeting
Approve Enrollment & Adoption
September 10th, 2020
Election Services-Regular
Thursday
Send Ballots to Automated
September 18th, 2020
Requests
Friday
Deadline for Absentee Ballot
September 21st, 2020
Regular
Monday
Absentee Ballots Mailed Out-
October 6th, 2020
Tuesday
REGULAR ELECTION
October 7th, 2020
Oath of Office
Wednesday
Notification of Newly Elected Members
Re-Organizational Meeting of New Tribal Council Members
Tribal Council Approved ___April 20, 2020___________________________
The next issue of the WINNEBAGO INDIAN NEWS will be published on May 16, 2020.
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.
Monday
May 4th, 2020
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 May 11, 2020.
Yearly Subscription Rates
Nebraska Residents ....................$12.50
Out-Of-State ................................$15.00
Overseas .....................................$35.00
Advertising Rate
Per Column Inch ............................$7.00
Advertising/News Deadline
12:00 Noon Monday Printing Week
Periodicals Postage Paid
(Issn 1060-3026) At Winnebago, NE
Winnebago Indian News Staff
Winonah Leader Charge .............. Editor
.......................................Office Manager
Bethani Redhorn............Office Assistant
Christina Parker............Desktop Publisher
Winnebago Tribal Council
Coly Brown .............................Chairman
John Snowball ................ Vice Chairman
Thelma Whitewater................. Secretary
Roland Warner ....................... Treasurer
Tori Kitcheyan .......................... Member
Melton Frenchman.................... Member
Arik Armell ................................ Member
Louie LaRose ........................... Member
vacant ....................................... Member
Page 4 — Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, May 2, 2020
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
New Employee...
The Education Department has
a new addition to the team. Sandy
"Macky" Scott was selected for the Project Coordinator position for the State
Tribal Education Partnership (STEP)
grant. Sandy is an enrolled member of
the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and is
currently working toward his bachelor
of science in business management at
the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Sandy is a first-generation student
and values the importance of higher
education. Sandy has worked in the
higher education field for nearly five
years at Little Priest Tribal College
through different roles such as a Recruiter, Retention Specialist, Director
of Student Support Services, and more.
Sandy is excited to continue his work
in education and to be working for the
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.
The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
was awarded the STEP grant in September. The objective of the grant is
for the WTN to formulate and develop
a Tribal Education Agency (TEA) and
enhance collaboration with Local Education Agencies (LEA) and State Education Agencies (SEAs). The STEP grant is
aimed to strengthen Tribal Education
Departments as they set high academic
standards and incorporate tribal culture, language, and history into the
local public school curriculum.
An Education Planning Team will
be created to will involve Local Education Agencies such as the Winnebago
Public School, St. Augustine Indian
Mission School, Little Priest Tribal College, HoChunk Renaissance, and other
education entities. The Education Planning Team will have the opportunity to
collaborate and communicate with the
State Education Agency.
The goals for the STEP grant is
to promote tribal self-determination
in education, improve the academic
achievement of Indian children and
youth, and promote coordination and
collaboration with the State Education
Agency.
For more information about the
STEP grant, please contact Sandy
"Macky" Scott at sandy.scott@winnebagotribe.com or (402) 878-4370.
In Loving Memory...
Kathleen Joy Huffman Stout
Kathleen Joy (KJ) Huffman Stout,
Little Eagle Woman, born May 1,
1951, left us peacefully on January
27, 2020, to enter the Spirit World.
Wake and burial services were held
at the Ho-Chunk Community Building on Thursday, January 30, 2020.
Internment was at Winnebago Tribal
Cemetery.
KJ was a woman of strength and
personality during her time with us
here on earth. She worked all her life
to support herself and her children.
She worked most recently with the
Winnebago Tribal Human Resources
Department. Previously, retired from
her position in the housekeeping Department at Ho-Chunk, Incorporated.
Her co-workers from both organizations spoke very well of their experience working with her. Clients also
spoke highly of her and her ability to
relate to them and her way of greeting/assisting them when she could.
She loved reading, music, flower
gardening, spending time with her
great-grandchildren and especially
life. She shared her love of life with
her children, grandchildren, and
great-grandchildren. She was a great
role model for the girls and women in
her family, demonstrating there was
nothing to fear by being a woman of
strength and courage.
She loved antiquing and spent
large amounts of time looking for
pictures of Native American people in
various settings, upon her passing she
left some of her pictures to the museum
for others to enjoy.
Her light-hearted presence will be
sorely missed by all who were fortunate
enough to know her during her lifetime.
Whenever, there was music playing you
could count on her to, “bust a move!”
Her favorite artist Al Green, said it all
when he sang, “Love and Happiness”.
KJ is survived by her sons Jay
(Dawn) Stout, Michael (Lisa) Stout, of
Winnebago, her companion of 25 years
Bruce Buresh, of Fremont who was her
constant caregiver during her illness,
grandchildren, Aliesa (Rob) LaBelle, of
Sioux City, Jenaya (Emilio) Stout, Crystal Stout, Jessica Stout, Tessa Stout
and Jarren Stout all of Winnebago, and
12 great-grandchildren, her brothers
Rick (Marlene) Huffman, Fred Huffman and sister Laura Huffman, her
two aunts Sharon Frenchman, of Albuquerque, Catherine Frenchman, of
Winnebago and Benny Pretends Eagle
of Winnebago, and many more relatives
and friends, the entire Mojica family of
Lubbock, Texas.
She is preceded by her Grandmother, Allie H. Eagle, her Mother Patricia
Pretends Eagle, her Brother, Teddy
Huffman, her sister Merina Mojica,
her Aunt, Maryann Pretends Eagle, her
cousins Thomas and Daniel Pretends
Eagle, and her Uncles Howard Bassette,
Daniel Pretends Eagle, and Francis
Frenchman.
Thank You
The family of, Kathy Joy (KJ) Huffman Stout wish extend their gratitude to
the many people who expressed their condolences and provided help during
this very difficult time.
To those who lead and assisted with the wake, John Blackhawk, Reva DeCora,
and Sharon Frenchman thank you for the selfless guidance you extended to us
through this sorrowful time.
Thank you to Mel and Blake Frenchman, and Bill DeCora the Fire men who
stayed true to their grueling job day and night.
Thank you to Lea Cleveland, Martina DeCora, and Jean Masquat-Ricehill for
their wonderful preparation of the meals and accepting this backbreaking task.
Thank you Robin and Trevyn Bear of the Winnebago Wake and Burial program,
your kindness and empathy never ceases to touch our hearts.
Thank you to the facilities department for always doing all that is asked of
them: rain, snow, sleet or sunshine. Your work is greatly appreciated.
Thank you to all the mourners near and far who sent and gave support and
donations.
A special thanks to Marilyn and Angie who represented Hospice of Siouxland
without whose assistance would have made this a more difficult journey, may
God bless you both for your kindness and compassion.
Thank you Dorothy “Dot” Houghton for all you did for us during our time of
loss; may you receive many blessings for your thoughtfulness.
JESUS OUR SAVIOR
LUTHERAN OUTREACH
"Advice during a pandemic"
Recently I read an article by Joseph
Griffith entitled: 'C. S. Lewis’ Advice
To Students During A Pandemic: Will
Do All Our Souls Good Right Now.' In
the autumn of 1939, as Nazi Germany
invaded Poland and ignited the fuse of
World War II, the great British theologian C. S. Lewis preached a sermon
called “Learning in War-Time” to the
students of Oxford.
In his sermon, Lewis identifies three
enemies facing students during crises
such as ours and mental exercises to defend against each. His thought are also
helpful to those who are not students.
The first enemy is “excitement.” The
news can overwhelm our thoughts and
feelings with excitement or anxiety,
paralyzing our studies. It’s hard to focus
with so much going on.
Lewis’ advice is to look to history: at
a minimum, it will help restrain “your
nerves and emotions” from leading you
to think that “your present predicament
is more abnormal than it really is.”
The second enemy is “frustration”
about the future. What if I don’t have
time to finish my work? What will life
look like once this is all over? When
will the economy recover? What if—fill
in the blank.
Lewis’ advice: first, remember that
worrying about the future will not solve
a thing. “You may as well” leave the
future to God, Lewis writes, “for God
will certainly retain it whether we leave
it to Him or not.” Second, pray for your
daily bread. What do you need before
the sun goes down? Focus on that.
Finally, devote your time and energy to
your vocation. Vocation refers to what
role one has in serving God and his/her
neighbor. Such as: a student, parent,
sibling, care-taker, a income provider,
a hunter/gatherer/farmer, etc.
The last enemy is “fear” about death.
What if the virus comes for me or my
loved ones? Rather than resort to the
extremes of either “stoic indifference”
or being carried away by “the illusions
of imagination,” Lewis asks his students
to realize that war—or, in our case,
COVID-19—does not increase the probability of death but “makes death real
Pastor Ricky Jacob
to us.” It forces us to reckon with our
own mortality.
It seems odd, but, as Lewis adds,
“most of the great Christians of the
past” would consider this a blessing.
“Teach us to number our days,” says
the Psalmist, “that we may apply our
hearts to wisdom.” When we realize that
time is our scarcest resource, we turn
to what’s most important.
Now I would like to connect these
three enemies that C.S. Lewis noted
to the Sacred Word of God: The first
enemy 'fear/anxiety': 'But now, this is
what YAHWEH says— he who created
you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O
Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed
you; I have summoned you by name;
you are mine' (Isaiah 43:1). Peter wrote,
'Cast all your anxiety on him because
he cares for you' (1st Peter 5:7).
The second enemy 'frustration':
our powerlessness to overcome illness
or disease can totally frustrate us. I
turn your attention to a story from
the Gospel of John: 'As (Jesus) went
along, he saw a man blind from birth.
His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who
sinned, this man or his parents, that
he was born blind?” “Neither this man
nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus,
“but this happened so that the work of
God might be displayed in his life. As
long as it is day, we must do the work
of him who sent me. Night is coming,
when no one can work' (John 9:1–4).
The third enemy 'fear of death': Jesus once asked, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life"
(Matthew 6:27)? And finally, the Apostle
Paul puts life and death into proper
perspective: "For to me, to live is Christ
and to die is gain. If I am to go on living
in the body, this will mean fruitful labor
for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do
not know! I am torn between the two:
I desire to depart and be with Christ,
which is better by far; but it is more
necessary for you that I remain in the
body. Convinced of this, I know that I
will remain, and I will continue with all
of you for your progress and joy in the
faith, so that through my being with
you again your joy in Christ Jesus will
overflow on account of me" (Philippians
1:21–26).
WINNEBAGO REPORTS FIRST KNOWN
CASE OF COVID-19
WINNEBAGO, NE – Winnebago
Comprehensive Healthcare System, which is comprised of the
Winnebago Public Health Department and Twelve Clans Unity
Hospital, has confirmed the first
case of 2019 novel coronavirus
disease (COVID-2019) in the local area of Winnebago. Testing
was conducted with a sample
taken at the individual’s home
by the Winnebago Public Health
Department’s Public Health
Nursing Department and shipped
via carrier to a certified laboratory to confirm diagnosis. This
individual is in good condition
and remains isolated at home
to prevent spread of infection to
others. To protect the patient’s
privacy, no other details will be
released at this time.
The individual who tested
positive is suspected to have
been a community-spread case.
The Winnebago Public Health
Department is actively investigating when the individual’s symptoms began and is reaching out
to any potential contacts of the
individual.
“The Winnebago Public Health
Department and Twelve Clans
Unity Hospital are working in
cooperation to take all the appropriate steps to identify potential
exposures, ensure necessary
isolation precautions are taken,
and provide testing to individuals
when warranted. We continue to
urge community members to stay
home as much as possible and to
practice social distancing if you
must go out for essential supplies,” said Danelle Smith, Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System CEO.
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness with no known cure or vaccine. Community members experiencing shortness of breath, sore
throat, runny nose, and cough
are urged to call the COVID-19
Hotline at (402) 922-1508. Per
Center for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) guidelines, it
is recommended that individuals
stay home except to get necessary
medical care. Individuals with
underlying conditions, such as
diabetes or those with compromised immune systems, are the
most high-risk for contracting
the virus.
Prevention measures include
washing your hands often with
soap and water for at least twenty
seconds each time and routinely
cleaning frequently touches surfaces. Other recommendations
include social distancing and remaining at least 6 feet away from
each other with groups of no more
than 10 people.
Winnebago Comprehensive
Healthcare System has been taking many important steps to further protect the health and safety
of the community. These steps,
among others, have included
implementing a no visitor policy
within the hospital, increasing the
frequency of cleaning facilities,
making certain services available
remotely, implementing a drivethru pharmacy, and placing staff
on telework status when possible.
Winnebago Comprehensive
Healthcare System is operated by
the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
and consists of two divisions.
Twelve Clans Unity Hospital is a
13-bed state-of-the-art healthcare
facility that serves an estimated
10,000 Native Americans who live
on the Winnebago Reservation
and in the surrounding region.
Health care services provided by
the hospital include an ambulatory care clinic, inpatient care,
express care clinic, pharmacy,
radiology, emergency care, medical laboratory, physical therapy,
social services, and more. The
Winnebago Public Health Department strives to create and
maintain a healthy community
by providing a wide range of total
health and wellness programs.
These programs include physical,
mental, safety, and social services
that benefit the Winnebago community.
Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, May 2, 2020 — Page 5
TRIBAL COUNCIL MINUTES
WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
REGULAR TRIBAL COUNCIL
MEETING
April 6, 2020
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Coly Brown
John Snowball
Thelma Whitewater
Roland Warner
Aric Armell
Louis LaRose
Victoria Kitcheyan
Melton Frenchman
Vacant Seat
OTHERS PRESENT:
Barbara Eagle (via GOTO)
Mike Means (via GOTO
Mayan Beltran (via GOTO)
Alan Post
Lance Morgan
Matt May
Erika Dunn
Esther Mercer
Joy Johnson
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman
Brown called the meeting to order at
9:12 a.m.
OPENING PRAYER: Aric Armell
offered the opening prayer.
APPROVE AGENDA:
ADDITIONS: Curfew Ordinance,
Shelter in Place order, Conduct of
Tribal Council meetings during Pandemic, Big Fire Law & Discussion,
Executive Session, Process for 5 Signature Grants.
John Snowball motioned to adopt
the agenda with additions. Aric Armell
seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
READING OF THE MINUTES:
3-16-20 Mid-monthly Tribal Council
meeting minutes
Roland Warner motioned to approve the March 16, 2020 Midmonthly T ribal Council meeting
minutes. Louis LaRose seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
3-17-20 Special Tribal Council
meeting minutes-WinnaVegas Casino
Aric Armell motioned to approve the
March 17, 2020 Special Tribal Council
meeting minutes- WinnaVegas Casino.
Melton Frenchman seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
3-18-20 Special Tribal Council
meeting minutes
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to
approve the March 18, 2020 Special
Tribal Council meeting minutes. Louis
LaRose seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
3-24-20 Special Tribal Council
meeting minutes
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to
approve the March 24, 2020 Special
T ribal Council meeting minutes.
Melton Frenchman seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
3-27-20 Special Tribal Council
meeting minutes – COVID-19
John Snowball motioned to approve the March 27, 2020 Special
T ribal Council meeting minutesCOVID-19. Aric Armell seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
3-30-20 Treasurer’s Report meeting
minutes
Roland Warner motioned to approve the March 30, 2020 T reasurer’s Report meeting minutes. Louis LaRose seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
RATIFY FIVE SIGNATURES: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
Adopt resolution – IMLS Native
American Library Services Basic Grant
Louis LaRose motioned to ratify the
five signature adopting resolution 20109: FY2020 Winnebago Public Library
Project. Roland Warner seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS:
Barb Eagle request for Financial
Assistance.
Moved to the end of the meeting for
Executive Session.
ADDED ITEMS:
Curfew Ordinances
John Snowball motioned to authorize Big Fire Law to come up with a
Curfew Ordinance during the Pandemic. Roland Warner seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Shelter in Place Order
John Snowball motioned to authorize Health Department, Big Fire Law,
Thelma Whitewater, Clan Leaders,
Family Leaders, and spiritual Leaders
to draw up and ordinance to designate
one person in family to get Food/Supplies and bring back to the table for
Approval. Roland Warner seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Tribal Council meetings: Discussion
only no action taken.
Big Fire Law & Discussion: Information only.
Five Signature Process for Grants:
John Snowball motioned to waive
the stipulation on five signature policy, until the Pandemic is done, and
to use docusign by email, that all
T ribal Council members view the
Docusign. Louis LaRose seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Suspend the rules Casino Funding
Letter
John Snowball motioned to suspend
the rules for WinnaVegas approvals.
Aric Armell seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to
authorize Chairman Brown to send a
letter to the SBA and Treasury clarifying eligibility for all tribal concerns
and the paycheck protection program. Melton Frenchman seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Roland Warner motioned to abide
by State of Iowa Governor recommendation to close the Casinos until April
30, 2020. John Snowball seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
HCI: Lance Morgan of HCI presented
information on the Small Business Loan
(SBA). No Action taken.
WINNAVEGAS: SBA Loan – Liberty
Bank; Option 1 and Option 2 presented
by Mayan Beltran.
John Snowball motioned to authorize
Mayan Beltran to apply for an SBA Loan
through Liberty Bank. Louis LaRose
seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Roland Warner motioned to go into
Executive Session at 10:22 a.m. Aric
Armell seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
John Snowball motioned to come out
of Executive Session. Melton Frenchman seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Discussion. No action.
ADJOURN:
Roland Warner motioned to adjourn
at 11:23 a.m. John Snowball seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Chairman Brown adjourned the
meeting at 11:23 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Thelma Whitewater, Secretary
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
CEO REPORT MEETING
April 8, 2020
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Coly Brown
John Snowball
Thelma Whitewater
Roland Warner
Louis LaRose (via GoTo)
Victoria Kitcheyan (via GoTo)
Melton Frenchman
Vacant Seat
OTHERS PRESENT:
Esther Mercer
Tina Lewis (via GoTo)
Kim Sulsberger (via GoTo)
Brandon Stout
Garan Coons
Joy Johnson (via GoTo)
Kellie Snow (via GoTo)
Teresa Littlegeorge (via GoTo)
TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:
Aric Armell
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Brown
called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m.
OPENING PRAYER: Esther Mercer
offered the opening prayer.
APPROVE AGENDA:
ADDITIONS: USDA Winnebago Nutrition Education resolution, Enrollment
discussion.
Melton Frenchman motioned to approve the agenda with the additions.
Victoria Kitcheyan seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT:
FY2020 CARES Act Funding Proposal
for Recovery of COVID-19 Pandemic for
Winnebago Tribal Transit.
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to adopt
resolution #20-110: FY2020 CARES Act
Funding Proposal for Recovery of COVID-19 Pandemic for Winnebago Tribal
Transit. Melton Frenchman seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
FY20 Historic Preservation Fund
Grant – Tribal Historic Preservation
Offices
Melton Frenchman motioned to adopt
resolution #20-111: FY20 Historic Preservation Fund Grant – Tribal Historic
Preservation Offices. Victoria Kitcheyan
seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
FY2020 Winnebago SMART Adam
Walsh Act Project (SORNA)
Roland Warner motioned to adopt
resolution #20-112: FY2020 Winnebago
SMART Adam Walsh Act Project (SORNA). Louis LaRose seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
USDA Winnebago Nutrition Education
Louis LaRose motioned to adopt
resolution #20-113: USDA Winnebago
Nutrition Education. Melton Frenchman seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:
Winnebago Community Police Review
Board - (2) Vacancies (0) applicants
Re-advertise for (2) Vacancies
Melton Frenchman motioned to readvertise (2) two vacancies for 30 days
for the Winnebago Community Police
Review Board. Louis LaRose seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Enrollment Committee- (1) vacancy,
(1) applicant; Discussion for Enrollment
Thelma Whitewater motioned to readvertise for the Enrollment Committee.
Roland Warner seconded.
VOTE: (2) yes (4) no (0) abstain
Motion failed.
John Snowball motioned to appoint
Bill DeCora. Louis LaRose seconded.
VOTE: (4) yes (2) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
LPTC – (1) vacancy; (1) applicant
Victoria Kitcheyan motioned to appoint Sunshine Bear to the Little Priest
Tribal College Board of Trustees. Roland Warner seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Winnebago Athletic Commission -(1)
vacancy; (2) applicants
Melton Frenchman motioned to appoint Wambli Dolezal. Louis LaRose
seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Winnebago Gaming Development
Corp. – (3) vacancies; (10) applicants
Selection by ballot vote to eliminate
candidates voting for 3 each round:
Round #1
Victor Bird, Jr. 4
Lance Morgan 2
Janet Bird
3
Thomas Snow 3
Ilona Maney
4
Mary Painter
3
Caroline Bassette 1
Tyren Wolf
1
Round #2
Victor Bird, Jr. 5
Thomas Snow 5
Ilona Maney
4
Lance Morgan 3
Janet Bird
2
Mary Painter
2
Round #3
Victor Bird, Jr. 7
Thomas Snow 6
Ilona Maney
5
John Snowball motioned to appoint
by ballot nominations; Victor Bird, Jr.
for 3 year term, Thomas Snow for 2
year term, Ilona Maney for 1 year term.
Roland Warner seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Winnebago Gaming Commission
John Snowball motioned to extend
terms for 30 days for Damon Payer and
Tanya Baker and advertise for 30 days
starting April 8, 2020 and extending
until May 8, 2020. Melton Frenchman
seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
HUMAN RESOURCES (EXECUTIVE
SESSION)
John Snowball motioned to go into
Executive Session at 11:14 a.m. Roland
Warner seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
COVID – 19 Related Employment
Status for Tribal Government Positions
(Admin Leave)
John Snowball motioned to adopt the
COVID-19 Related Employment Status
for Tribal Government Positions (Admin.
Leave). Melton Frenchman seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
PTO
John Snowball motioned to approve
the limited waiver on PTO Policy expire
effective April 10, 2020. Roland Warner
seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
FMLA
John Snowball motioned to follow
current COVID-19 Policy regarding
FMLA. Victoria Kitcheyan seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Infectious Disease Control Policy
John Snowball motioned to approve
the Infectious Disease Control Policy
with corrections. Roland Warner seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Hiring Freeze
John Snowball motioned to approve the modification of Hiring
Freeze. Melton Frenchman seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
CEO ITEMS (EXECUTIVE SESSION):
Information only, no action taken.
ADJOURN:
John Snowball motioned to adjourn
at 12:22 p.m. Roland Warner seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Chairman Brown adjourned the
meeting at 12:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Thelma Whitewater, Secretary
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
MONTHLY LAND MEETING
April 13, 2020
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Coly Brown
John Snowball
Thelma Whitewater
Roland Warner (in @ 9:20 a.m.)
Aric Armell
Louis LaRose (via GOTO)
Melton Frenchman
OTHER PRESENT:
Ireta Blackbird (via GOTO)
Teresa Littlegeorge (via GOTO)
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman
Brown called the meeting to order at
9:14 a.m.
OPENING PRAYER: John Snowball
offered the opening prayer.
APPROVE AGENDA:
ADDITIONS: Curfew/Stay at home
ordinance, Homesite Discussion.
John Snowball motioned to approve
the agenda with additions. Melton
Frenchman seconded.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
LAND EXCHANGE:
Beverly Fourcloud Land Exchange
John Snowball motioned to adopt
resolution #20-116: Ref: Beverly
Fourcloud Land Exchange, the Tribe
will reimburse for $48.06. Louis LaRose
seconded.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Natalie Earth Land Exchange
Aric Armell motioned to adopt resolution #20-117: Ref: Natalie Earth Land
Exchange, the Tribe will reimburse for
$237.61. Melton Frenchman seconded.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
TRIBAL COUNCIL DISCUSSION:
Meeting schedule
John Snowball motioned to use Go
To meeting for Tribal Council meetins.
Melton Frenchman seconded.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Roland in at 9:20 a.m.]
Curfew/Stay at home ordinance
John Snowball motioned for curfew ordinance to be drafted up and
enacted fr om 7:00 p.m. to 5:00
a.m. Melton Frenchman seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Homesite discussion
John Snowball motioned to go into
Executive Session at 9:30 a.m. Melton
Frenchman seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
[Teresa off of Go To meeting]
Aric Ar mell motioned to come
out of Executive Session at 9:48
a.m.
Louis LaRose seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
John Snowball motioned to adjourn
at 9:49 a.m. Aric Armell seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Chairman Brown adjourned the
meeting at 9:49 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Thelma Whitewater, Secretary
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
GENERAL COUNSEL MEETING –
VIA GOTO MEETING
April 15, 2020
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:
Coly Brown (via GoTo)
John Snowball (via GoTo)
Louie LaRose (via GoTo)
Thelma Whitewater (via GoTo)
Victoria Kitcheyan (via GoTo)
Melton Frenchman (via GoTo)
Aric Armell (via GoTo)
Roland Warner (via GoTo)
OTHERS PRESENT:
Brandon Stout (via GoTo)
Garan Coons (via GoTo)
Lisa DeCora (via GoTo)
Sheila Corbine (via GoTo)
Teresa Littlegeorge (via GoTo)
Lynelle Blackhawk (via GoTo)
Kellie Snow (via GoTo)
Tyresha Wolfe (via GoTo)
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman
Brown called the meeting to order at
10:09 a.m.
OPENING PRAYER: Chairman
Brown asked everyone for 2 minutes of
silence to pray on his or her own.
APPROVE AGENDA:
John Snowball motioned to approve
the Agenda. Melton Frenchman seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
CURFEW ORDER:
cont. in next issue
Page 6 — Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, May 2, 2020
BAGO NEWS
Ho-Chunk Farms makes first cattle purchase
Ho-Chunk Farms recently made its first livestock purchase: 61 head of cattle.
This complements the larger food sovereignty efforts within the Winnebago Tribe
of Nebraska.
“It’s an insurance policy,” said Aaron LaPointe, manager of Ho-Chunk Farms.
“We did that to have access to beef.”
The cattle were purchased at three different weights in increments of 200
pounds. They are being housed and fed by Morgan Feedlot in Walthill, Nebraska.
The first 20 head are about 100 days away from reaching their finishing weight.
The plan is to buy more, as soon as next week, to continue the cycle.
This decreases dependency on the government supply chain for food assistance
programs in Winnebago and guarantees that the people who need help get it.
In recent years, there have been ongoing efforts for the Winnebago people –
who once lived as hunters and gatherers – to reclaim their power over how and
where they get their food.
Ho-Chunk Farms, the Winnebago Tribe and community partners have been
promoting food sovereignty through a number of projects.
Over 100 community members have received raised bed gardens to grow
their own vegetables. The new farmers market in Ho-Chunk Village increases
access to fresh, healthy food. And there’s a resurgence in planting and harvesting traditional Indian corn.
The overall goal is to produce healthy, sustainable, culturally appropriate
food. More projects are underway.
Winnebago Pandemic Taskforce
Answer Key:
The Winnebago Pandemic Preparedness Task Force supports the
overall public health response being led by the Winnebago Tribe of
Nebraska. Its mission is to develop immediate and long-term plans to
help ensure the health, safety and welfare of tribal members during
this public health emergency and any other public health emergencies declared by the Winnebago Tribal Council.
Several subcommittees are working together to create a coordinated community-wide response to COVID-19, including mitigation
measures to slow and minimize the effects of the virus. Focus areas
include health, food security, infrastructure, finance, education and
employment.
Employment Opening
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 4-27-20 no meth arrests have been reported.
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Hearing
Case No. CV20-054AB
In the Matter of the
Guardianship Petition of:
REBECCA VALENTINE
In Re:
E. B. (Born 2/2011)
I. B. (Born 10/2013)
TO: AMANDA HARD, Mother
JESSE BIRDNECKLACE,Father
You are hereby notified that a petition
has been filed for Guardianship and a
hearing concerning the above referred
Individual(s) in Case No. CV20-054AB
has been scheduled and will be heard
in the Winnebago Tribal Court of Winnebago, Nebraska on the 4TH day of
AUGUST, 2020 at the hour of 9:00 A.M.
Next
WIN News
Deadline:
May
11th
Winnebago Indian News, Saturday, May 2, 2020 — Page 7
WINNEBAGO THROWBACK PICS
Photo from the 118th Annual Winnebago Powwow in 1984
1996 Tri-M Music Honor Society
Bago Boys Basketball Team in 1993
WPS group photo 1997
Tara Picotte and Richard Walker 1997
Bago Girls Basketball Team in 1993
Janelle DeCora, Codi Bird, Julie Paulsen 1998
Summertime swimming in 1994
Bago Boys Football Team, Homecoming of '94
Denbone and Nieman enjoying The Veterans Day Parade in '99
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.