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Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
NEW Question of
the issue!
page: 6
Volume 53, Number 19
Our masthead for this issue features Mr.
Curtis H. Saint Cyr / Honįįne ga [They search
for him] [1958 – 2019] A genuine hocak leader for our people, he served four terms with
our tribal council during his lifetime. Seated
as Vice-Chairman at his passing. Curtis’
presence at the table was an indelible one as
he gave his deep awareness of who we are
always. Also well known as a dynamic musician, he played with many well-known talents
who topped the musical charts, including
several Grammy winners. That presence was
also felt in the regional entertainment community. He even headlined the premiere event
in the Siouxland area – Saturday in the Park.
Curtis would share his talents with the community in various ways, playing and singing
for the relatives in a variety of ways. He represented us all alongside his family singing
with the HoChunk Singers drum group who
served as host drum for our annual powwow
many times. A dedicated tribal leader, hocak singer & traditional dancer, multi-sport
athlete, boxing champion, blues man, and
father, the list goes on. Service to our people
remains his legacy. Our gratitude to his family
for their kind permission to feature him here.
Nį̄šoc Nįgešąną
Bago Bits
Homecoming week started at Winnebago Public School on September
9th. The Senior Court consisted of King
Jonathon Earth & Queen Daynee Harlan,
Prince Kobe Rogers & Princess Ylaina
Frazier, Duke Lavelle Smith & Duchess
Nadia Bass, Lord Kellen Medina & Lady
Charlize Frenchman. Congratulations
to all of the 2024 Homecoming Royalty!
Starting Monday and ending Thursday,
the themes were: Adam Sandler, Throwback Tuesday, Babies & Old folks and
each grades chosen class color. The
Winnebago football team is set to play
McLaughlin after the “There’s no place
like homecoming” themed parade. The
week was full of school spirit! Go Big
Blue!!!
WPS Students begin school
year with no Cellphone use
page: 6
Hųwą žuk wīra
Elk Calling Moon
LIVE STREAM HITS RECORD
By Brian Chamberlain / Garan Coons /
Bethani Redhorn
Photos by Brian Chamberlain / Bethani
Redhorn
[Winnebago, NE / Veteran’s Memorial
Park] The Winnebago tribe hosted the
158th Annual Homecoming Celebration
back in July here. The weekend’s activities
were amazing in so many ways. The always
great food, the perennially great dancing
and singing, and the wonderful feeling of
having our families home for a few days,
it all makes for time that will always be
remembered. The Winnebago powwow is
truly something special.
This year the Winnebago Tribe’s Communications Department continued with its
LIVE broadcast of the weekend’s activities.
As has been done for several years going
now, the Big Voice Radio / KWTN 100.9 FM
has used the internet to help bring the oldest
powwow celebrating the return of Chief Little
Priest and the Company “A” Scouts into the
world of our people who are spread across
the globe. “We do our best to make sure
that everyone, all of our people, can watch
and take part in the greatest celebration.”
Garan Coons, Communications Officer for
the Winnebago Tribe told the WIN.
What makes this year special, however,
is the reach the live broadcast had. “We had
over 50,000 views over the whole weekend.
That number is incredible!” Coons continued. This grand total sets a new record for
how many people watched the powwow
from their own vantage point via the internet
driven broadcast. Bethani Redhorn, Communications Office Manager, and technical
contractor for the department drove the
technology that captured the powwow, once
again this year. “It’s a lot of hours to make
it all happen. But in the end, it’s all worth it
because our people can watch what’s going
on no matter where they are.”, she stated.
The Winnebago Tribe began LIVE
streaming events like the powwows several
years ago. The pandemic period made the
use of our technology a requirement. “We’ve
had a good opportunity to learn how to best
use the equipment we have. The early days
were a good place to start. It also showed us
what we did well and what kind of hardware
we needed.”, Coons told the WIN. The Big
Voice Radio staff, which includes Garan
Coons and Bethani Redhorn, also utilized
other talented tribal members as camera
operators and equipment specialists. Each
of them helps to capture some of the excellent video and audio displayed on the LIVE
broadcasts.
The WTN Communications Department is
proud of the work that opened the door for
our people to be able to experience what
was going on here in Winnebago, even if
they could not make it home for the event
itself. “Connecting our membership is important to us. We hope to bring even more
people together as our opportunities grow.
Everyone loves our powwow, so we’ll do our
best to make sure everyone gets to participate”, Coons concluded. Congratulations
to the WTN Communication Department
and staff for the outstanding work and for
reaching a new milestone in how far reaching your efforts are. The Winnebago tribe is
better off when more of our people can see
and watch and participate in all the things
we do. We’re already looking forward to the
159th in 2025.
INDIANS WIN HOME OPENER
By Brian Chamberlain
Photos by Brian Chamberlain
Reminder to pay attention to the foot
traffic in town! Whirling Thunder’s walking wellness started September 3rd and
will go till October 10th for grades K-8th.
Monday-Thursday, 3:30-4:30. SLOW
DOWN as there are multiple crosswalks
on Hwy 77.
Saturday, September 14, 2024
[Winnebago, NE] The Winnebago Indians football team began their season last
week travelling deep into South Dakota to
play Cheyenne-Eagle Butte. The Indians
came away with the convincing win dishing
out a spanking to the host team. The win set
the stage for another big season. However,
their first home game of the season was
not going to be anything similar. For their
home opener, the Indians played host to
the Thorpes from Pine Ridge here.
Pine Ridge travelled into Winnebago also
touting a win over their season opening rival.
Sporting their own 1-0 record, the Thorpes
arrived primed and ready to take on the Indians hoping to deal a blow to the momentum
of Big Blue. “There’s [some] really good
teams in our league. They’ll all mix it up this
year.”, said Head Coach Dusty Welsh when
giving comments about the Indians rivals.
Pine Ridge is definitely in that mix. Welsh is
beginning his first year as Head Coach for
the Indians.
The Thursday afternoon matchup gave
the players and fans a gorgeous day to play
football. Beginning promptly at 3:00pm, the
opening kick-off rang out like a blast getting
the large crowd fired up for some Indians
football. “I love coming here! Go Big Blue!”
exclaimed one loyal Indians fan to the WIN.
The contest was controlled handily by the
host Indians in the early part of the game.
But the Thorpes came to play and quickly
Con’t. on page 2...
Visit us at winnebagotribe.com
Page 2 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, September 14, 2024
COMMUNITY
...Cont. from front page INDIANS WIN HOME OPENER...
closed the gap scoring their own touchdowns in rapid fire order. While the Indians did
set the pace, the game was by no means a runaway at any point. In the final quarter the
action reached a furious pace as the Thorpes threatened to tie the score following their
own touchdown and from the mishandling of an onside kick by the Indians immediately
following that score. During that heated exchange, the coaching staff for the Blue kept
pushing the home team to stay up and push through.
The gridiron action came to its frenzied close though following a long scamper down
the field by the Indians creating the final score. Despite not getting the final extra point
run, Winnebago held on and took the 40-34 win. On the game Coach Welsh told the WIN,
“We won. [We have] a lot of things to clean up. We did things good that we wanted to do
with running the ball. But defensively we just gave up too many big plays.” He continued,
“It’s good. We have a lot of young kids, so we’ll learn and move on.” The WIN asked if
he expected to see the Thorpes again. He said, “We’ll see them in the semis or the finals
depending on how things shake out.”
Winnebago returns to football action for their Homecoming game on Thursday, September 12th, playing against the McLaughlin Mustangs. The afternoon game begins at
2:00pm. Good job, Indians. Keep up the great effort. GO BIG BLUE!
Next
WIN News Deadline:
Sept. 24th
Saturday, September 14, 2024 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 3
Wāgax hų̄k ra wāgax hokik’ųna
Letter to the Editor
JESUS OUR SAVIOR
LUTHERAN OUTREACH
SUICIDE IN INDIAN COUNTRY PART 55
Is thinking about death or suicide dangerous?
It depends. Everyone has thought about his or her own death, which includes suicide. It is “normal” to have thought about one’s own death. The truth is the majority of
“normal” people have not thought about and studied suicide enough. Through study,
experimentation, death has been prevented or delayed for many life-ending diseases.
This is not the case with suicide.
Death is the conclusion of life. As people grow older, they make provisions for their
natural death; they make decisions about finances and possessions. This is “normal”.
People who work in the field of suicidology think about suicide a lot. This is “normal”.
Thinking about suicide is dangerous when a suicidal person is not only thinking
about suicide, but has a method available, and has planned where and when to do it.
Do suicidal people really want to die?
Yes and no. Until the point of absolute hopelessness, suicidal people are ambivalent about dying – part of them wants to live and part wants to die. They make various
attempts to reduce their pain on that self-destructive scale from one to ninety-nine.
From their point of view, they have tried, and failed, at all the alternatives. The tragedy
of suicide death is that a suicidal state of mind is temporary; if the person can be kept
safe from himself – even forcibly – the mood will pass. The fact that a suicidal state of
mind is temporary is the basis of suicide intervention.
Suicidal feelings may come and recur, but they always leave. Suicidal people feel
hopeless because, although they remember that the feelings leave, they know that
for them, they also return.
Will love, understanding and careful listening prevent suicide?
No. Being loved and understood, by themselves, cannot save anyone from suicide
any more than they can prevent people from dying from cancer or heart disease.
Many people believe that careful listening to suicidal people will pull them through a
crisis, but people who are thinking and talking about suicide need medical care, not
sympathetic listening from a well-meaning friend or kindly intended adult.
In a suicidal state of mind, a person’s thinking is very narrow, and so focused they
see only in black and white. They have so much emotional pain they are unable to
think of their loved ones, cannot be reasoned with, and cannot appreciate all the good
things they have in their lives.
Do hotlines prevent suicide?
Not directly. Hotlines are extremely helpful in intervention, but doubtful in prevention. Suicide attempters who are seeking changes in their lives – not death – are often
helped through their crisis by a hotline. They serve a vital need for people in crisis,
confusion, hostility and loneliness.
A crisis line listener is a phone friend who helps by listening sympathetically, and
connecting callers with community resources. People who kill themselves have done
all the reaching out they can, and have arrived at 100 on the suicidal behavior scale.
Suicide completers plan it, mean it, and do it.
Some studies have shown that suicides do not decrease in communities that have
hotlines when compared to those that don’t. The fact is that the same thirty-five years
that saw the installation of hotlines was the same period in which suicide rose so dramatically among young people.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 (TALK), Winnebago Behavioral Health 1-402-878-2911, After Hours Crisis # 1-712-259-3263.
“Sorrow turned to joy”
There are some people who enjoy inflicting
pain and sorrow on others. Maybe it is because
they have suffered in unspeakable ways. Or
maybe they don’t even realize why they say
and do what they are doing or saying. Some
people enjoy enduring pain themselves from
others as well as self-inflicted suffering and
sorrow through the choices that they make.
And then there are those, who attempt to
avoid every form of pain and suffering.
There are still others who reluctantly cause
sorrow. A parent might be a good example of
this. A loving parent will discipline, not harshly
mind you, his or her child. A parent who fails
to discipline his/her child may be placing said
child on the path that leads only to death, not
only physical death but also spiritual death.
The apostle Paul wrote two letters to those
to whom he had been entrusted to tell the Good
News about Jesus. In his first letter he wrote
words that caused sorrow, much like a parent
or elder how knows what is best. The purpose
of the first letter did not end with the last word
of it. The purpose was that the Good News
from Creator would do have the impact and
the blessing to the hearer/reader.
Now I would like for you to read what Paul
By: Pastor Ricky Jacob
wrote in his second letter to the saints/believers
in Christ Jesus at Corinth:
‘I know that letter I wrote caused you sorrow.
At first, this made me wish I had not written
it, but since your sorrow was only for a short
time, I no longer feel that way. Now my heart
is glad, not that you were made sad, but that
your sadness led you to change your ways.
This is what Creator wanted, so that you would
not be harmed by our letter. With the help of
the Great Spirit, sorrow can create a change of
heart that will not turn back, which sets us free
and makes us whole. But there is a sorrow in
this world that leads only to death.
Look at what Creator has done in you. He
turned your sorrow into something good. You
took my warnings to heart, restored your reputation, and put your anger to good use. You
treated my counsel with great respect, and
your burning desire was to make the wrongs
right again. In every way you have represented
yourselves in a good and sacred manner.
I wrote that letter not because of the one
who did wrong, or because of the one who
was harmed. I wrote so that in the eyes of
the Great Spirit you would see for yourselves
how much we care for the well-being of all the
sacred family.’ [2nd Corinthians 7:8-12 First
Nations Version].
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Hearing
Case No. CV24-144B
Winnebago
In the Matter of the
Guardianship Petition of:
Tremaine Free
In Re:
C.H. (Born 04/2008)
Indian News
is owned and
published by the
TO:
Henry Payer, 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. CV24-144B has been scheduled
and will be heard in the Winnebago Tribal
Court of Winnebago, Nebraska on the 3rd
day of October, 2024 at the hour of 10:30
A.M.
Winnebago Tribe of
Nebraska”.
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
In the Matter of the
Divorce Petition of:
SONYA ORTIZ
vs
WILLIAM CARTER
In the Matter of the
Divorce Petition of:
JUAN GONZALEZ JR.
vs
AURORA LEAL
To:
To:
Notice of Hearing
Case No. CV24-145
Notice of Hearing
Case No. CV24-107
WILLIAM CARTER
You are hereby notified that a Divorce
petition has been filed and a hearing concerning the above referred Case No. CV24107 has been scheduled and will be heard
in the Winnebago Tribal Court of Winnebago,
Nebraska on the 3RD day of OCTOBER,
2024 at the hour of 11:00 A.M
AURORA LEAL
You are hereby notified that a Divorce
petition has been filed and a hearing concerning the above referred Case No. CV24145 has been scheduled and will be heard in
the Winnebago Tribal Court of Winnebago,
Nebraska on the 3rd day of October, 2024
at the hour of 10:00 A.M.
The next issue of the WINNEBAGO INDIAN NEWS will be published on September 28, 2024. DEADLINE for this issue will be September 24, 2024.
——————————————————
The Mission of the WIN is to inform and to educate
the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska of issues that
affect them, and to be a vehicle in which stresses
positive and beneficial concerns and points of view.
LETTER POLICY: Signed editorials, letters and
articles appearing in the WIN are the responsibility
of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the
opinion or attitude of the Winnebago Indian News
or the Winnebage Tribal Council.
The WIN encourages the submission of Letters to
the Editor; however, letters must be signed and
addressed. Letters may be edited for language
and length.
Postmaster Send Address Changes To
Winnebago Indian News
P.O. Box 687
Winnebago, Nebraska 68071
——————————————————
The Winnebago Indian News (WIN), founded ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The reproduction of
in January 1972, is published bi-weekly for the editorial or photography content without permission
is prohibited.
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please send change of Advertising/News Deadline
address with old mailing label to:
12:00 Noon Monday Printing Week
Winnebago Tribal Council
Victoria Kitcheyan................Chairwoman
Periodicals Postage Paid
Isaac Smith...................... Vice Chairman
(Issn 1060-3026) At Winnebago, NE
Lorelei DeCora........................ Secretary
Rona Stealer........................... Treasurer
winnebagoindiannews@winnebagotribe.com Winnebago Indian News Staff
Phone: 402-878-2272
Brian Chamberlain...................................Editor Coly Brown................................ Member
Tyler Snake............................. Office Manager Kenny Mallory.............................Member
“Official Newspaper of
Christina Parker...................Desktop Publisher Aric Armell..................................Member
the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska”
Theresa Littlegeorge..................Member
Yearly Subscription Rates
Nebraska Residents....................................$25.00 WTN Communications
Eugene DeCora..........................Member
Winnebago Indian News
P.O. Box 687
Winnebago, NE 68071
or contact us at our e-mail address:
Out-Of-State................................................$35.00
Overseas.....................................................$50.00
Advertising Rate
Per Column Inch............................................$7.00
Garan Coons.............................Comm. Officer
Bethani Redhorn...........Comm. Office Manger
Christina Parker.............................Web Master
Kevin Ebert..................Multimedia Coordinator
Page 4 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, September 14, 2024
TRIBAL COUNCIL MINUTES
WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
PHYSICAL RESOURCES REPORT
August 12, 2024
TRIBAL COUNCIL:
Victoria Kitcheyan
Isaac Smith – in at 9:06 .m.
Lorelei DeCora
Rona Stealer
Eugene DeCora Sr.
Coly Brown
Kenneth Mallory
Aric Armell – in at 9:14 a.m.
Terresa Littlegeorge
OTHERS:
Lynelle Blackhawk
Cecelia Earth
Esther Mercer
Ireta Frazier
Autumn Nieman
Julie Smithart
Brittany Thomas
Fannie LaTray
Robin Armell
Kevin Ebert
Jasmine Lammers
Janelle DeCora
Desiree Kitcheyan
Billie Kitcheyan
Erika Porter
Kristine Earth
Kellie Snow
Annabess Preston
Harvey Fremont
CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman Victoria
Kitcheyan Called the Meeting To Order at
9:03 a.m.
PRAYER: Offered by Eugene DeCora
AGENDA: Add: Homesite Land Lease.
Add Executive Session.
Eugene DeCora motioned to approve
the agenda. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Land Management – presented by Fannie
LaTray
Rona Stealer motioned to accept the August 2024 Land Management Report. Isaac
Smith seconded.
VOTE: (7) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Eugene DeCora motioned to adopt
Resolution #24-177 approve the Home Site
Lease with Katherine Rice and Kayla Greene
for fifty (50) years in the amount of $250.00
per year on
T -2081.Teresa Littlegeorge seconded.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Emergency Management – presented by
Julie Smithart.
seconded.
VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Hazard Mitigation 101 – presented by
Erika Porter
Discussion
Aric Armell motioned to accept the August 2024 Emergency Management Report.
Eugene DeCora seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Physical Resources Report – presented
by Ireta Frazier & Autumn Nieman
Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to accept
the Physical Resources June 2024 Report.
Kenneth Mallory seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Break
Native Star Estimate - $466,500.00
Discussion:
Aric Armell motioned to go into Executive
Session. Coly Brown seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
In Executive Session at 11:08 a.m.
Eugene DeCora motioned to come out of
Executive Session. Coly Brown seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Out of Executive Session at 11:50 a.m.
Aric Armell motioned to adjourn. Coly
Brown seconded.
VOTE: (8) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Chairwoman Victoria Kitcheyan adjourned the meeting at 11:50 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lorelei DeCora,
Winnebago Tribal Council Secretary
WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
REGULAR TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING
August 12, 2024
TRIBAL COUNCIL:
Victoria Kitcheyan – in at 1:29 p.m.
Isaac Smith – PTO
Lorelei DeCora
Rona Stealer
Eugene DeCora Sr.
Coly Brown
Kenneth Mallory
Aric Armell
Teresa Littlegeorge
OTHERS:
Keely Purscell
Annabess Preston
Kevin Ebert
Jasmine Lammers
Brittany Thomas
CALL TO ORDER: Tribal Council Secretary Lorelei DeCora Called the Meeting
to Order at 1:08 p.m.
PRAYER: Offered by Aric Armell
AGENDA: Add under Old Business:
Past Tribal Council motion for $500.00 for
all Tribal members payment
Aric Armell motioned to approve the
agenda. Eugene DeCora seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
READING OF THE MINUTES:
Kenneth Mallory motioned to approve the
July 15, 2024, Mid-Monthly Meeting Minutes.
Coly Brown seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Kenneth Mallory motioned to approve
the July 17, 2024, General Counsel Meeting
Minutes. Coly Brown seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
RATIFY THE FIVE SIGNATURES:
1. Aric Armell motioned to Ratify the Five
Signature of July 11, 2024, approval to pay
$700.00 rent for T.B. to avoid eviction out of
Tribal Council Donations. Eugene DeCora
seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
2. Aric Armell motioned to Ratify the
Five Signature of July 16, 2024, approve
hotel tower exterior repairs and remediation
project, $35,731.00 storm damage and
$119,771.00 repairs to the west side of the
building, repairs to the east side of the building $240,079.00 for a total of $395,581.00
out of Capital Improvement of WinnaVegas
Casino Resort. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain Motion
carried.
3. Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to Ratify
the Five Signature of July 22, 2024, approve
changes to Finance/Guest Services Job descriptions and org. chart. Also to combine
Guest Service part-time position with the
Guest Service full-time position at WinnaVegas Casino Resort. Rona Stealer seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
4. Aric Armell motioned to Ratify the Five
Signature of July 22, 2024, approval for
changes to the following job descriptions:
HVAC, Asst HVAC Lead Tech I, Building
Maintenance Supervisor, Tech II, Tech I,
and water treatment operator (level III) and
adding an additional Tech III position at
WinnaVegas Casino Resort. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
5. Rona Stealer motioned to Ratify the
Five Signature of July 22, 2024, Approval
of changes to the security job descriptions,
manning doc, and org chart. Request to
move 1st Asst. Supervisor and 2nd Asst.
Supervisor to Security Guard positions and
request to grandfather in two Greeter/Valet
positions until the business need is no longer
warranted at WinnaVegas Casino Resort.
Teresa Littlegeorge seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
6. Aric Armell motioned to ratify the five
signature of July 23, 2024, Adopting of Resolution #24-170: Trust Account Drawdown;
request to drawdown from the Winnebago
Tribe of Nebraska Account PL 7334-70-6 in
the amount of $1,731,946.04 for land lease
funds. Eugene DeCora seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
7. Aric Armell motioned to ratify the five
signature of July 23, 2024, Adopting Resolution #24-171: Winnebago Tribe Senior
Home Improvement Project FY25. Rona
Stealer seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
8. Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to ratify
the five signature of July 25, 2024, adopting
resolution #24-172: Fy25 Water Resources
Performance Partnership Grant-Clean Water Act Sect. 106 and Sect. 319, the tribe
shall apply for funding support totaling
$139,914.00. Eugene DeCora seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
9. Aric Armell motioned to ratify the five
signature of July 25, 2024, adopting resolution #24-173: FY24 Prescribed Fire Fund the
tribe shall apply for funding in the amount
of $47,400.00 which will be used to procure
equipment, PPE, labor and fire apparatus to
support BIL Hazardous Fuel Reduction project on the Winnebago Reservation. Eugene
Decora seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
10. Kenneth Mallory motioned to ratify
the five signature of July 25, 2024, adopting
resolution #24-174: Winnebago Mechanical
Treatment FY24 Hazardous Fuel Reduction
Fund. The Tribe will apply for funding totaling $16,800.00 which will be used to conduct hazardous fuels reduction operations
including purchasing mechanical treatment
supplies. Eugene DeCora seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
11. Kenneth Mallory motioned to ratify the
five signature of July 31, 2024, approving
of Tony Bennett: the Official Musical Celebration Entertainment Concert contract
for $35,000 on October 4, 2024. Teresa
Littlegeorge seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
12. Rona Stealer motioned to ratify the
five signature of August 1, 2024, adopting
resolution #24-175: WTN-Child Support
Program FY25 Funding totaling $314,048.66,
will be used to strengthen families of the
Winnebago Tribe by providing assistance
to gain financial support from non-custodial
parents. Eugene DeCora seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
13. Eugene DeCora motioned to ratify the
five signature of July 22, 2024, approval of
the capital Improvement Project for the hotel
HVAC System. The amount is for $74,150.00
from C.W. Suter. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
Discussion Only: Outreach on New Government Accountability of Public Law 280
Coly Brown motioned to table the Outreach on New Government Accountability
of Public Law 280 until the August 19, 2024
Mid-Monthly Meeting. Aric Armell seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS:
Discussion on past motion for the 500
payment at pow-wow for the Winnebago
Tribal Membership. Not enough funding
to do this even though it was with good
intention.
Jasmine will set up a special meeting on
looking at FY 25 Budgent.
TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS:
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Aric Armell motioned to go into Executive
Session at 1:47 p.m.. Coly Brown seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Eugene DeCora motioned to come out
of Executive Session at 2:54 p.m. Rona
Stealer seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Eugene DeCora motioned to approve
travel for Tribal Council to attend the
GPTLHB on September 5-7, 2024. Teresa
Littlegeorge seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
ADJOURN:
Eugene DeCora motione to adjourn the
meeting at 2:55 p.m. Rona Stealer seconded.
VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Chairwoman Victoria Kitcheyan adjourned the meeting at 2:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lorelei DeCora,
Winnebago Tribal Council
Secreary
WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA
CEO REPORT MEETING MINUTES
August 14, 2024
TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESNT:
Victoria Kitcheyan
Isaac Smith
Aric Armell
Kenneth Mallory
Coly Brown
OTHERS PRESENT:
Esther Mercer
Barbara Pretends Eagle
Ramona Sheridan
Jasmine Lammers
Janelle DeCora
Kellie Snow
Peggy LaRose
Brittany Thomas
Tatanka Petite
Anna Bess Preston
Billie Kitcheyan
Amy LaPointe
Kiara Lewis
Christa Spears
Ireta Frazier
Misty Jefferson
Isabell Freemont
Terri Lee Medina
Aric Brown
Cecelia Earth
Lynelle Blackhawk
TRIBAL COUNCIL ABSENT:
Rona Stealer (Feenstra Visit)
Teresa Littlegeorge (Feenstra Visit)
Eugene DeCora (Feenstra Visit)
Lorelei DeCora (PTO)
CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman Kitcheyan called to order at 9:29 a.m.
OPENING PRAYER: Councilman Armell
offered the opening prayer.
APPROVE AGENDA:
Isaac Smith motioned to approve the
agenda. Aric Armell seconded.
VOTE:(4) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
ADMINISTRATION:
CEO REPORT:
Aric Armell motioned to accept the CEO
Report. Isaac Smith seconded.
VOTE:(4) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
CAO REPORT:
Kenneth Mallory motioned to accept the
CAO Report. Coly Brown seconded.
VOTE:(4) yes (0) nob(0) abstain
Motion carried.
10-minute break
BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:
LPTC Board: 1 vacancy/5 applicants
Aric Armell motioned to appoint Tyler
Smith. Coly Brown seconded.
VOTE:(4) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Tyler Smith Appointed to the LPTC Board.
Tax Commission: 1 Vacancy – 3 applicants
Aric Armell motioned to appoint Monica
Cleveland. Isaac Smith seconded.
Kenneth Mallory motioned to appoint
Janelle DeCora. Motion failed for lack of
second.
Vote conducted on appointment of Monica Cleveland to the Tax Commission.
VOTE:(4) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Monica Cleveland appointed to Tax
Commission.
ICWA: 1 Vacancy – 2 applicants
Isaac Smith motioned to appoint Terri
Lee Medina to the ICWA Committee. Coly
Brown seconded.
VOTE:(4) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Terri Lee Medina Appointed to the ICWA
Committee.
IRB: 1 vacancy – 1 applicant
Kenneth Mallory motioned to appoint
William Bass to the WTN Institutional Review
Board. Coly Brown seconded.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
William Bass appointed to the IRB.
ENROLLMENT:
Resolution – Tribal Enrollment applicant
Aric Armell motioned to adopt resolution #24-179: Tribal Enrollment Applicant
#A4475. Isaac Smith seconded.
VOTE:(4) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT:
Resolution #24-176A ITBC FY2023 Herd
Development Grant
Aric Armell motioned to adopt resolution
#24-176A ITBC FY 2023 Herd Development
Grant. Isaac Smith seconded.
VOTE:(4) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
EDUCATION:
EHS and HS COLA:
Kenneth Mallory motioned to approve the
EHS and HS COLA. Isaac Smith seconded.
VOTE:(4) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
EduCare Assistant Director
Aric Armell motioned to approve the Assistant Director – EduCare position request.
Isaac Smith seconded.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
EduCare Director
Aric Armell motioned to approve the
Director – EduCare position request. Isaac
Smith seconded.
VOTE:(4) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
EduCare Org Chart
Aric Armell motioned to approve the revision to the EduCare Org Chart. Kenneth
Mallory seconded.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION:
Supply issues: Discussion.
TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEM:
Pow-wow chair rental for dignitaries’
hospitality area
Aric Armell motioned to pay the invoice
for $534.50 out of the Tribal Council Events
and Activities line item. Kenneth Mallory
seconded.
VOTE:(4) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Aric Armell motioned to go into Executive Session at 11:27 a.m. Coly Brown
seconded.
VOTE:(4) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Kenneth Mallory motioned to come out of
Executive Session at 12:58 p.m. Aric Armell
seconded.
VOTE: (4) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
ADJOURN:
Aric Armell motioned to adjourn the
meeting at 12:59 p.m. Kenneth Mallory
seconded.
VOTE:(4) yes (0) no (0) abstain
Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Victoria Kitcheyan, Chairwoman
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
Saturday, September 14, 2024 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 5
COMMUNITY
WCHS Completes Phone System Roll Out
By Erin McElroy, Communications
Manager
Winnebago, NE – Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System (WCHS)
announces direct phone numbers for
all WCHS locations including Domestic
Violence Program, Land of Wellness, Recovery Program, Senior Citizens Center,
Whirling Thunder Wellness Center, WIC
Program, Winnebago Health Foundation,
and Urban Indian Connections.
In January of 2024, WCHS upgraded
their phone system as part of a Network
Cutover. During the Network Cutover,
the Health System rebuilt their entire
network infrastructure from scratch to
become independent from the Indian
Health Services D1 network and allow
the organization to grow, improve,
and better function for longevity. The
new phone system allows the organization to manage all numbers, control
where they are directed to ensure
coverage, prevent outages in our
patient experience and collect data
to monitor and set goals for customer
service. Since the network cutover,
there have been no phone outages,
a feat WCHS’s and its patients could
not go 30-days without experiencing
prior.
For the past 9 months, the organization
has and will continue to have trainings,
strategic conversations, and testing
alternative solutions to improve customer service provided to each caller across departments. In July, the
Health System was able to upgrade
their pharmacy software to create an
automated refill line 402-745-3952
and RefillPro application allowing
patients to request prescriptions 24/7.
“These upgrades allow us the data to
identify issues and resolve them quickly
ensuring a quality experience for those
we serve”. says Sharon Frenchman,
Chief Administrative Officer. “We are
not perfect, but we are committed to
continuing to monitor and improve. I
am proud of our Operator and Patient
Access Representative teams for their
willingness to adapt, collaborate, and
continue efforts to make it better.”
In August, all WCHS locations were
trained to receive and manage their
calls within this new system. Having
direct phone numbers for other locations
will finally enable all WCHS departments
to be on the same system, allowing
seamless transfers and a more streamlined communication model designed for
longevity.
“This new set up and direct numbers will be a significant improvement
in communications throughout the
organization.” says Monti Molzen,
Director of IT. “It is designed to make
our services even more accessible
and provide a more consistent experience for our internal team and
everyone we serve.”
WCHS would like to request you update
the new numbers in your contacts to make
this transition with them. For now, all old
numbers will continue to be forwarded
to the new directory of numbers.
Throughout the transition, there are
magnets, social graphics, posters, and
other communication tools available on
request - please email marketing@
wchs.health.
WCHS Directory
Main Phone: 402-745-3950
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-575-9244
Emergency: 402-745-3951 Pharmacy
Refill Line: 402-745-3952
Other Locations:
Domestic Violence Office & Shelter:
402-745-3959
Land of Wellness Facility: 402-745-3955
Recovery Program: 402-745-3961 Senior
Citizens Center: 402-745-3957
Urban Indian Connections- Sioux City:
712-560-4750 Winnebago Health Foundation: 402-745-3956 Whirling Thunder
Wellness Facility: 402-745-3955 Women,
Infant, & Children Program: 402-7453958.
Page 6 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, September 14, 2024
Question of the Issue:
If you were going on a long road trip and could only
listen to one singer or band, who would that be?
EDITORIAL –
LIMITING DIGITAL EXPOSURE:
First Look at Results
Garan: Hands down it would be Dru Hill... enough said. I say it all the time,
please bring back the singing groups! [Editor’s Note: Hear, hear!!]
Brian: Easy. Depeche – all day long. Their entire discography is amazing
and it’s literally days’ worth of music. Now if you ask me which album I’d go
with, assuming only one could play, that’s where we’d have a tough time. Their
Music For The Masses album would probably get the nod (remastered extended versions), but again that would be tough. Violator and Songs of Faith
and Devotion would be right there – and of course Black Celebration. But yup
Depeche Mode hands down. :-)
Tyler: I would say Drake. He has a large collection of albums n I wouldn’t get
tired of it fast.
Kevin: I would have to go with Prince. So many albums and songs to choose
from. But of course, you know Purple Rain would be in there, most of the time.
[Editor’s Note: Ebbz, don’t sleep on Sign-O-The Times]
Christina: This would be a challenge for me I can't listen to one person for
too long I need variety on my playlist. Unless the road trip was farely short,
less than an hour, then I would be able to listen to a couple songs by the same
artist. In that case, perhaps it would be the Weeknd. Anyone that really knows
me and how I listen to music in the car, knows that I am constantly switching
the song otherwise I'll take a nap lol.
Bethani: If I could only listen to one BAND for the entire road trip, I would
put on Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. There are many songs that I could
listen to over & over and never get tired of hearing them. It will be a good time
to practice up on my karaoke gigs.
Point your phone’s camera at the QR code to
go to the Big Voice Radio webpage!
KWTN 100.9 FM
The Official Radio Station of the
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
By: Brian Chamberlain / WPS
Photos: archive / WPS
[Winnebago, NE] The Winnebago Public
School decided prior to the onset of the
‘24-‘25 school year to restrict cell phone
devices from the student body. The use of
the devices was viewed as being detrimental to the students for a variety of reasons.
The school administration took actions to
advise the school age community, kids and
parents both, of the new change in policy.
When the doors opened for the new school
year, the cell phones went away. Students
could no longer use their devices during
school hours.
The Winnebago Board of Education
took action earlier this summer, placing the
statement of their move out to the public
in July of 2024 via their website and social
media outlets. Along with the description
of their cell phone policy ban, a listing of
punishments for infractions was enumerated as well. One parent who declined to
be identified told the WIN upon hearing of
the new ban, “I don’t know what to expect
because sometimes I need to get ahold of
my [child]. Now, I’ll have to locate someone
at the school first. I hope that doesn’t cause
a problem. But we’ll see, I guess.”
Recently, the WPS Classroom News
page shared an article written to describe
the first three weeks experience with the new
cell phone ban. That article is shared below.
Their article calls the ban an incredible
success. It quotes members of the faculty
who back up the assertion, but there was
none from parents, nor the students whose
phones were now banned.
The WIN sought student input to balance
the question, as the WPS article only spoke
of teacher response and administrative
points of view. One student told the WIN,
“I guess it’s ok. But I think the punishments
are too extreme. We’re only a few weeks into
the year and some kids I know are already
near expulsion. I don’t like that.” As was
stated by the announcement made by the
school following Board action approving the
measure the penalties are:
“1st Offense: 3 days in-school suspension / 2nd Offense: 5 days out-of-school
suspension / 3rd Offense: 10 days out-ofschool suspension.”
There is nothing stated about infractions
beyond the 3rd offense. Student input also
included, “I don’t see why we can’t use
them during lunch or other breaks. We aren’t
doing anything then so I don’t know why we
can’t [use our phones] then. That doesn’t
make any sense to me.” Another student
added, “Sometimes I have to wait for rides to
get home, now I have to wait longer because
I don’t know where anyone is going to be
until we are out. I hate that. Not all of us live
in town. We can’t just walk home.”
At this point it is unclear as to when or
even if the new ban will be reviewed by the
decision makers. But it does seem there is
room for amendment based on the students’
points of view. It’s understandable how the
use of cell phones can be disruptive, but
technology is designed to move society
forward with greater pace. Academic performance is the primary goal of our educational
system(s), so it is quite plausible that this
first round of action reigning in the influence
of that technology within our public schools
may be just that – a first round of action.
** TAKEN FROM WINNEBAGO PUBLIC
SCHOOL WEBSITE – CLASSROOM NEWS**
“Immediate Success of New Phone Ban
Noticed by Teachers”
Winnebago Public Schools
September 9, 2024
It has been three weeks since students
returned to classes at WPS, and the teachers are describing the Electronic Device
ban as an absolute success. Yes, there
have been significant growing pains, and a
number of students have had to experience
In-School-Suspension. But the classroom
results have been overwhelmingly positive
and recent suspensions have also decreased
as students have started to turn phones completely off.
Here are some teacher comments:
“I LOVE IT. I think it is making a big difference. They hold each other accountable at
times, and it is making my job-teaching the
kids-easier.” -Mrs. Pick
“It is working. I have had zero issues in
class so far, and students have been more
engaged than I have seen in the past few
years.” -Mr. Halsey
“I see students participating in discussion
more, a higher percentage of work completion, and just more overall interaction between
students.” -Dr. Brasch
“I love having my students’ full attention
during instruction. They have also been
socializing with each other more.” -Senora
Fernandez
“I have loved that the students have their
eyes up and are focused on learning. They
also are speaking to each other...like actually
speaking! I think it has been nothing but positive.” -Mrs. Benne
“It is working great. Kids are way more
engaged and working in class.” -Mr. Johnson
“100% positive!! I’m not fighting with
phones or to get their attention. They aren’t
distracted.” -Ms. Shipman
“I see quite a bit more engagement and
purposeful student conversation in classrooms.” -Mrs. Addison
“This is a big step in the right direction,
the absence of phones has increased student
attentiveness and better grades so far.” -Mr.
Alberts
As we can see from the comments from our
teachers, WPS has made a policy decision
that is having an incredibly positive impact
on the classroom environment. Teachers
have noticed and are seeing participation
and engagement levels return to a pre-covid,
pre-phone state and this can only produce
positive results.
WPS administration is aware there are
concerns about enforcement, equity, and the
length of suspensions, but we are attempting
to make a significant positive impact on the
lives and habits of our students, and this
comes with challenges. We believe that
meeting and overcoming these challenges
will be of lasting benefit to our entire school
community.
Saturday, September 14, 2024 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 7
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.