# Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska • Volume 49, Number 9 • Saturday, May 2, 2020 > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Awinnebago%3Ab4f2405074b49254 ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text Bago Bits… 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 --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Awinnebago%3Ab4f2405074b49254. Public record. Not legal advice.