Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

Published Bi-Weekly for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

Thurston County Tribes

Editor’s Review:

Palermo Italian Cuisine

& Bar

successfully negotiated

a court approved redistricting plan.

page: 6

page: 7

Volume 53, Number 3

Our masthead photo features Mr. Frank

D. LaMere (1950-2019). Hocak name: Manape Huk Ga. Devoted advocate of tribal

people everywhere, LaMere represented all

throughout his career, and his Winnebago

people during his long association with the

Democratic National Committee. A proud

Winnebago leader. Our gratitude to his family

for their permission to feature his photo.

Saturday, February 3, 2024

2023 – A Year In Review

By: Brian Chamberlain

Photos by: Jordana Bass / Garan

Coons / Tyler Snake / Archives

On Tuesday, January 30th the Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System put together a blood drive. Located

at the Whirling Thunder Wellness Center,

WPDH nurses serviced donators. Thank

you to those who helped save a life!

(Pictures courtesy of Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System)

2023 was a dynamic year for our

Winnebago people. So many stories told,

even more experiences had. The tribal

organization saw quite a few challenges

faced too, while our people experienced

a wide range of matters both small and

large. The WIN has reviewed the issues

published in the year that was 2023 and

we have pulled out some of the top stories

that defined that year.

June 24th and November 25th, 2023

– IOWA LAND RESTORATION STORY

CONTINUES

(Jordana Bass / Garan Coons / Tyler

Snake / BFLPG)

A story over 50 years in the making,

2023 saw significant movements forward

in the Tribe’s long-time battle to have land

taken illegally from our people returned.

Spanning over 1,600 acres along the

Missouri River on the Iowa side of our

reservation, in two distinct tracts, tribal

efforts to have the US Army Corps of

Engineers claim which dislocated these

hundreds of acres, was moved forward in

significant ways.

Taking a literal Act of Congress to correct, delegations from both Nebraska and

Iowa officially began the process required

to correct a legal wrong stemming from actions taken from as far back as 1970. Tribal

Council Chairwoman, Victoria Kitcheyan,

accompanied by the tribal council and legal

team met with representatives both onsite of

the riverside acreage and in Washington DC.

After multiple sessions holding discussions

to introduce the matter, and push for action,

the news came bills were drafted and introduced in both Houses of Congress.

This story continues to evolve. The WIN

will stay on top of this breaking story to keep

everyone informed. 2024 holds for even more

actions to be taken, and the diligence of the

council leadership will prove invaluable. All

our hopes are with our tribal leadership as

they carry the efforts of our past trailblazers

with them. We know someday soon our land

will return to us. #LANDBACK

Con’t. on page 2...

Indian Gaming: A Winnebago Story

By: Brian Keith Chamberlain

Photos: Kellie Snow / archives

Introduction

On Saturday, January 27th the Winnebago Public School’s Speech team

travelled to Logan View for their first

meet of the season. The team placed 4th

overall, Congrats! Pictured above left to

right is Tylie Chilson (1st place Novice

poetry & 6th place Varsity serious prose),

Ariayla Suniga (2nd place Varsity OID &

7th place Varsity poetry), Melodine Earth

(5th place varsity persuasive), Kahlen

Littlegeorge (4th place novice extemporaneous) and Ayden Littlegeorge (3rd

place novice extemporaneous & 2nd

place varsity OID). This Saturday, on

February 3rd the team will be performing

in Homer, Check it out. #GoBigBlue

Winners not pictured are Shyleigh

Horn (5th place novice humorous prose

& 4th place serious prose), LaHea Kearnes (3rd place novice entertainment)

and Fiona Soap (6th place novice humorous prose, 3rd place persuasive & 2nd

place varsity OID) Congratulations to all

students and team members

The Winnebago tribe has been involved in high stakes gambling of some

sort for decades. What most people may

not realize, however, is the pathway to

our status was not as cut and dry as people may think. In this introduction to that

story, we will explore some of the major

turns taken by the leadership of our

tribe and describe decisions that shape

our world today as the tribe continues

to move forward in the ever-changing

gaming world.

Tribes engaged in many forms of

gaming since time began. Traditional

games abound and our tribe is certainly

no different. Hochunk traditional games

include Kasu, the Moccasin Game, and

others. In the modern era, bingo began

to take on a larger presence, which the

Winnebago tribe also participated in and

does to this day.

In the mid-1980s the Winnebago tribe

opened a high stakes bingo parlor on

tribal lands just east of the Missouri River,

outside Sloan, Iowa. This operation was

called, “Winn-a-Bingo.” The traditional

From left: Greg Bass, Sr., Ramona Wolfe, Keith Chamberlain, Cece Earth, John Blackhawk, Gerald Pond

game of bingo was set forward, including

large payout jackpots utilizing a multi-level

buy-in system that appealed to all sorts

of players. The core of the operation was

premised upon the classic paper bingo

game (daubers included) and branched

out into creative re-stylings of other games,

like Blackjack or “21”, roulette, and even

craps. Although never coming close to

the real thing, these alternate games created

business volumes during the times when regular bingo sessions were not being held. Bingo

remains a part of the Winnebago tribe’s gaming mix today with live sessions held weekly.

During this early period, nationally, the

presence of high-stakes bingo games began to make waves in other jurisdictions

Con’t. on page 2...

Visit us at winnebagotribe.com

Page 2 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, February 3, 2024

FRONT PAGE NEWS

2023 - A Year in Review

...Con’t. from front pg...

August 6th, 2023 – WINNEBAGO COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES MULTIPLE

WATER LINE BREAKS

(Jordana Bass)

In the early morning hours of August 3rd, 2023, the Winnebago community was

rocked as the first of several water line breaks emerged. The cause of the breaks

is still under investigation. However, community authorities sprang into action to

help mitigate the harrowing episode that captured the attention of all community

members. Even local television media became aware of the conundrum. Boil

orders went into effect, while full assessment of the damage became known.

Tribal Councilman, Isaac Smith, wearing both his political hat as well as that

of Fire Chief gathered a group of those needed who could bring resolution and

effort to the alarming situation. Within hours the patching equipment was enroute

so the community’s water supply could be restored. Local departments and

organizations also helped ensure our most vulnerable were fully taken care of

with adequate water supply alternatives. The whole situation helped remind us

of the importance of our water resources, and that they must be taken care of,

indeed. Our continued gratitude to all who pitched in to quell a stressful time in

Winnebago.

May 27th, 2023 – WINNEBAGO PUBLIC SCHOOL GRADUATES THE LARGEST CLASS IN WPS HISTORY

(Allison Levering / Garan Coons)

WinnaVegas Casino mid 1990s

WinnaVegas Casino under construction 1993

As is customary every year in May, the Winnebago Public High School held its

Commencement Ceremony. In 2023, the school promoted the largest number of

graduates in school history. Sixty students walked across the stage, marking a

high-water point in the school’s matriculation efforts. Class Valedictorian, Alexander George, gave poignant remarks leading the record-breaking group over

this archetypical threshold. Celebrating the day with grand indigenous style in

both song and dress, the Class of 2023 will certainly be one to remember. Concurrently, Little Priest Tribal College graduated another large member class from

its halls, many with associate degrees. Congratulations, again!

Indian Gaming: A Winnebago Story ...Con’t. from front pg...

too; most notably in Oklahoma, Florida, and

California. Because tribal operations were

beginning to create substantial amounts

of revenue for themselves, many for the

first time in history, the states surrounding

their lands saw that revenue as something

that should be taxed or ended for assorted

reasons. The Winnebago tribe felt a similar

push back in Iowa, and Winn-A-Bingo faced

many threats before it was ultimately closed

in 1990.

However, in 1988 the US Congress

passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act

(IGRA) following the legal momentum created by a few landmark court cases. Refer

to Seminole v. Butterworth and moreover

California v. Cabazon, aka ‘The Cabazon

Decision.’ This Act of Congress was in part

designed to provide a structure for tribes to

operate gaming legally and with integrity,

as well as set standards for how the tribes

could create compacts with the states where

gambling was legal. The IGRA as a legal

compromise to the growing momentum

within various tribes offered to the tribes

an ability to create revenue for themselves

without fear of state or Federal impunity, the

kind of revenue which was never seen before

in Indian Country.

Concurrently, Iowa began delving into the

realm of historic riverboat gaming. Taking its

cue from the growing momentum across the

state, it was not long before Iowa legalized

the early forms of casino gaming in that state

– a necessary component to the compact

negotiation process.

The Winnebago tribe entered the world

of casino gaming armed with the knowledge

gained via the bingo operation, along with a

fresh perspective on how to create opportunity for our people when massive financial

devastation occurred following the demise

of Winn-A-Bingo. 1991 in Winnebago was

not a wonderful time in our tribal history.

Unemployment rates skyrocketed. Many

were forced to leave Winnebago to find work.

The destitute reality of the tribe felt a new low

during this time.

However, by April 1992, the political and

economic reality of the Winnebago tribe

would be changed forever.

IGRAs Provisions and Definitions

Among the many regulations created

under the IGRA were a few notable definitions and provisions. First, the classification

of Indian Gaming became known: Class I,

Class II, and Class III gaming were defined

which created a general framework for what

type of gaming each tribe was to operate.

Class I gaming was generally defined as

traditional or ceremonial types of gaming

held by tribes according to cultural activities

and customs. Kasu and the Moccasin game

etcetera fit into this definition for our people.

Class II gaming was generally defined as

Bingo and other forms of non-house banked

games, like pull-tabs. Bingo with electronic

aids was also part of this definition and became a crucial point years later in our story.

Class III gaming was generally defined all

other types not identified in Class I or

II, and included slot machines, most

table games, etc. It was in essence

casino gaming as seen in Nevada

and New Jersey.

Class I and Class II do not require

a compact with the state to hold or operate gaming. Class III does require

such a compact.

Along with these definitions, the

IGRA created provisions which set

forth the requirement for the states to

negotiate a compact with the tribes.

The IGRA’s requirements to the states

compelled the Governors to come to

the table in good faith, or the tribes

could sue the state. Therefore, if

gambling were legal within a state

via any means, using the definitions

described above, the tribes could

benefit from a compact that allowed

the legal operation of such gaming on

their own lands, under Federal oversight. Our tribe holding reservation

lands within Nebraska and Iowa had

the ability to negotiate a compact with

both states.

The Winnebago Tribe negotiated

its first compact with the State of Iowa

in 1992, which was signed into law by

both the Governor of Iowa and the

Chairperson of the Tribe. A compact

has been in place between the two

sovereigns ever since.

One other notable provision of

the IGRA was the requirement for

the tribe to enact its own gaming

ordinance establishing the protocol

and process for legalized gaming,

as defined in Class I, II, and III. The

Winnebago tribe adopted the necessary gaming ordinance and originally

created Title IX (9) of the Winnebago

Tribal Code (our law) by official resolution in 1992.

Soon after this enactment, and

upon successful negotiation of a

gaming compact with the State of

Iowa, Winnebago leadership created

the organization that became WinnaVegas Casino which operates to

this day near Sloan, Iowa, inside the

structure originally created to house

Winn-A-Bingo.

New WinnaVegas Casino circa 1993

Craps dealers, Kellie Snow (Boxman)

Original WinnaVegas Casino trailers

This story will continue in later

issues of the WIN.

Editor’s Note:

Chamberlain began working in

the gaming industry in January of

1993. His 30-year career in the gaming industry includes experience in

operational management, executive

management, compliance regulation,

compact negotiations, political leadership, and business establishment in

both Indian Gaming and commercial

gaming. He is a proud member of the

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.

Bingo callers and staff at Winn-a-Bingo, Scott Snake

Approaching Winn-a-Bingo 1980s road unpaved

Saturday, February 3, 2024 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 3

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

SUICIDE IN INDIAN COUNTRY PART 39

Getting What You Need From Counseling

Selecting a counselor is an important decision, and you’ll find many options for various

types of therapy. When choosing a counselor, it’s vital to find someone who is comfortable

with and has experience talking about suicide. It’s also important to remember that if drugs

or alcohol played a part in the problems that led to your suicide attempt, your counselor

should have experience in substance abuse treatment.

Medication could be an important part of your path to recovery, especially if you’ve

ever been diagnosed with major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or an anxiety disorder, or if your symptoms are so troubling that you’re having problems getting

through the day. This might include having serious problems sleeping; having no appetite

or eating too much; thinking negative thoughts that you can’t stop, no matter how hard

you try or hearing voices. If this sounds like you, you’ll want to discuss medication with

your counselor. Together you can find a doctor or psychiatrist who can work with you to

determine whether medication might be helpful.

Different people have different needs, and sometimes it takes time to find a counselor

who is right for you. This can be a frustrating process, but if one counselor, doctor, or

type of therapy doesn’t work, you have the right to keep trying until you find one that does.

Think about your preferences in a counselor (or clinician, therapist, doctor, or psychiatrist): a man or woman, their age range, ethnicity, language, etc. If you have a choice of

counselors, call ahead for an interview or use the first session to get to know them better.

Ask questions to see if they might be a good match for your style and needs.

The following questions can be helpful when selecting a counselor:

What type of education do you have?

How long have you been practicing?

What types of treatment do you offer?

Do you specialize in any particular issues or treatment types?

Have you treated clients with problems similar to mine? Have you worked with a person

who has survived a suicide attempt?

If I need help after regular business hours, how should I get it? Do you take after-hours/

emergency calls?

What will you expect from me in therapy, and what can I expect from you?

How will your treatment help me with thoughts of suicide?

If I’m feeling suicidal, do you believe that the first course of action is for me to be in a

hospital, or will you work with me on ways to stay safe in my home (or with family or friends)?

If I want to try medications, can you help me with that?

Remember, it’s crucial that you be persistent. Any important decision requires some

research, and sometimes it takes trial and error before you get it right.

While there are many different approaches to therapy, research shows that the following

methods are especially helpful for those struggling with suicidal thoughts and attempts:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a short term, goal –oriented counseling approach.

The premise behind CBT is that changing your thoughts can change the way you feel and

behave. CBT has been used to treat a variety of disorders and issues, including helping

people struggling with suicide.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) combines techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy with additional skills of emotion regulation. A goal of DBT is to help you to accept the

things you cannot change and change the things you can.

Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) is an approach to

suicide risk assessment and therapy that engages a person in a collaborative way and

specifically works to address suicidal thinking and motivation.

The Lifeline was mentioned earlier as a source for finding referrals for counselors, but

it’s also a great place for support if you’re in crisis. While not a substitute for ongoing

therapy, the Lifeline is a network of confidential crisis hotlines across the country that are

staffed by trained crisis workers. This means they won’t be shocked or scared by what

you say and, importantly, they won’t judge you. Lifeline crisis workers will talk with you

about your suicidal feelings and brainstorm ways to help you stay safe. Crisis workers are

available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Best of all, it’s a free service.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 (TALK), Winnebago Behavioral

Health 1-402-878-2911, After Hours Crisis #1-712-259-3263.

JESUS OUR SAVIOR

LUTHERAN OUTREACH

“Upward direction”

How would you answer the following

question: in which direction is your life

heading? Whether you have plans for your

future or not, you indeed are heading in a

direction.

The apostle Paul wrote the following

words to the saints at Corinth: ‘Do you not

know that in a race all the runners run,

but only one gets the prize? Run in such

a way as to get the prize. Everyone who

competes in the games goes into strict

training. They do it to get a crown that will

not last; but we do it to get a crown that

will last forever. Therefore I do not run like

a man running aimlessly’. [1st Corinthians

9:24-26 NIV].

The apostle Paul attempts to compare

one’s spiritual life with a runner. This was

quite fitting for those to whom he was

writing to, namely the believers in Christ

of Corinth. Every two years the Isthmian

Games would take place some ten miles

from Corinth. This is where the Olympic

games had their start.

Now while none of us have competed

in the Olympic games - we can all relate to

running. At one time in your life you probably had to run in gym class, or from the

bullies, or away from an angry neighbor

or his dog.

Paul observed and points out that in his

day only one won the race. There were no

silver or bronze medals. Nor were there

participation ribbons. You either won or

you lost. The winner of the race won a

By: Pastor Ricky Jacob

crown that, like cut flowers, did not long

. . . last.

Recently someone told me that she

had finished the first of the losers - that is,

rather than saying that she came in second. Yes, she was the first of the losers,

but still a Loser.

In the words of Henry Russell (Red)

Sanders, former UCLA and Vanderbilt

football coach: “Winning isn’t everything,

it’s the only thing.” This holds turn for losing

in spiritual matters.

Don’t run through life aimlessly and

think that you will receive the crown of life.

There is one and only one way to win the

race and receive the crown of everlasting

life. Actually there is one and only one who

won the race that was set before him. That

one is the Son of Creator, Jesus. Jesus

won the race and now he wants to share

with you in his glory.

How can one share in his glory and receive the crown of life everlasting? The one

who places his/her faith in Jesus shares in

Jesus’ victory. Such an individual desires

to be a child of God and has had his/her

sins washed away through the water of

Holy Baptism. Such an individual was willing to have God place His name, Father,

Son and Holy Spirit on him or on her.

Furthermore, at the direction of the

Spirit of God a child of God lives his/her

life walking in the ways of God with the

hope of everlasting life in mind. Such an

individual is not running aimlessly through

life, but rather has direction. Such spiritual

direction is upward!

In loving memory...

Margaret Rose McDonald

Margaret Rose McDonald, 74 years old, began her journey at 4:33 am on January

19, 2024 at an Omaha hospital. She was born in Winnebago, NE to James Noble Rice

and Dorothy Elaine SeeWalker. She was raised by Fred and Belle Snake Rice.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Kenneth McDonald, daughters Carrie

Rice of Omaha, Benita (Damon) Payer of Winnebago, and Jodeen Frenchman of

Winnebago. One son Melton (Cari) Frenchman also of Winnebago, NE.

Siblings; Theresa Walker (Rick), Suzette Green, Rose Smith, Helen Hernandez,

Kenneth Shelbourn, Michael Condon, Joseph Condon, James Condon and Terry

Condon. Other siblings include; Pearl Morgan, Rebecca Elkshoulder, Lucille Rave,

Harolene Bigfire and Henry Bigfire.

She will be missed by friends and family which includes 21 grandchildren and 42

great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Sue Ellen Smith and brother

James Vandenberg.

Funeral services were conducted at the Hochunk Center at 2:00pm in Winnebago

on January 22, 2024.

An Oldie But Goodie!

Pictured L to R: Keith Chamberlain, Louis Mallory, Sr., Neola Walker, Laura Whitewing,

Joe Henry, and Victor Smith. We still need help to identify to lady on the far left.

The next issue of the WINNEBAGO INDIAN NEWS will be published on February 17, 2024. DEADLINE for this issue will be February 13, 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

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the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska”

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Page 4 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, February 3, 2024

TRIBAL COUNCIL MINUTES

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

MID-MONTHLY MEETING

December 20, 2023

TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:

Victoria Kitcheyan

Lorelei DeCora

Rona Stealer

Eugene DeCora

Coly Brown

Kenneth Mallory

Isaac Smith

Aric Armell

Teresa Littlegeorge

OTHERS PRESENT:

Tanya Baker

Tyresha Romer

Deidre Redhorn

Mary Painter

Tyler Snake

Julie Smithart

Ronald Painter

Arianna Rave

Raven Turner

Thelma Whitewater

Marilyn Grant

Nicole Lonewolf

Kellie Snow

Damon Payer

Cecelia Earth

Jasmine Lammers

Danae Vargas

Dawn Blackfish

Craig Cleveland Jr.

Eli Painter

John Rave

Jade Archambeau

Julie Paulson

Danie Greene

Billie Kitcheyan

Brandon Stout

Kevin Ebert

Christina Parker

CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman

Kitcheyan Called the Meeting To Order

at 5:09 p.m.

OPENING PRAYER: Vice Chairman

Smith

AGENDA:

Add: Under New Business 1. Hazard

Mitigation Work Group

Under Old Business 2. Tribal Housing

Committee

Under New Business 2. New Year’s Eve

Pow-Wow Donation

Under Tribal Council Items. 2. Carlisle

Lawsuit

Executive Session

Aric Armell motioned to approve the

agenda. Eugene DeCora seconded.

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

Motion carried.

READING OF THE MINUTES:

Aric Armell motioned to approve the 1128-23 Sp TC. Mtg. New Child Care Center

Meeting Minutes. Rona Stealer seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Eugene DeCora motioned to approve

the 12-1-23 Sp. TC. Mtg Human Resources

Meeting Minutes. Rona Stealer seconded.

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

Motion carried

Aric Armell motioned to approve the 121-23 TC. Mtg. Gaming Commission Meeting Minutes. Eugene DeCora seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Rona Stealer motioned to approve the

12-4-23 Regular TC Meeting Minutes. Aric

Armell seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Rona Stealer motioned to approve the

12-12-23 Sp. TC. Mtg. Special – Swearing

In Meeting Minutes. Aric Armell seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Eugene DeCora motioned to approve

the 12-13-23 CEO Report Meeting Minutes. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Rona Stealer motioned to approve the

12-14-23 Physical Resources Meeting

Minutes. Aric Armell seconded.

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

Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

Hazard Mitigation Work Group

Aric Armell motioned to appoint Julie

Smithart to the Hazard Mitigation Work

Group. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded.

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

Motion carried.

New Year’s Eve Pow-Wow Donation

Aric Armell motioned to donate the

$900.00 Drum Split from Tribal Council

Donations for the 2023 New Year’s Even

Pow-Wow. Eugene DeCora seconded.

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

Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS:

Winnebago Gaming Commission Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.

Eugene DeCora motioned to approve

the Winnebago Gaming Commission Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.

Kenneth Mallory seconded.

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

Motion carried.

IS – out

IS- -back

Kenneth Mallory motioned to approve

the September 2023 and October 2023

revised Financial Report of the Winnebago Gaming Commission. Rona Stealer

seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Tribal Housing Committee

Kenneth Mallory motioned to appoint

Tyresha Romero and William Bass to the

Tribal Housing Committee. Eugene DeCora seconded.

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

Motion carried.

TRIBAL COUNCIL ITEMS:

VK - Winter Break

Discussion by the Chairwoman, Tribal

Council members and Tribal members.

Coly Brown motioned to approve the

Winter Break of Wednesday, December

27, 2023, Thursday, December 28, 2023

and Friday, December 29, 2023 for 2023

excluding the weekend. Aric Armell

seconded.

OBJECT: Lorelei DeCora

VOTE: (6) yes, ED, TL, RS, CB, AA,

KM

(1) no, LD (1) abstain, IS Motion

carried.

Aric Armell motioned to authorize a

lawsuit against the Army to enforce the

Native American Graves and Repatriation

Act (NAGRA) in the Winnebago Tribe’s

effort to repatriate Winnebago Relatives

buried at the Carlisle Post. Isaac Smith

seconded.

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

Motion carried.

5 minute break at 7:40 p.m.

Aric Armell motioned to go into Executive Session. Teresa Littlegeorge

seconded.

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

Motion carried.

In Executive Session at 7:21 p.m.

Aric Armell motioned to come out

of Executive Session. Eugene DeCora

seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Out of Executive Session at 7:44 p.m.

Aric Armell motioned to authorize Planning and Information Technology (IT) to

work with Land Management to get more

information for the Winnebago Fiber Optic

Project within 30 days. Eugene DeCora

seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Aric Armell motioned to Adjourn. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Chairwoman Kitcheyan Adjourned the

Meeting at 7:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorelei DeCora, Secretary

Winnebago Tribal Council

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

REGULAR TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING

January 2, 2024

TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:

Victoria Kitcheyan

Isaac Smith

Lorelei DeCora

Coly Brown

Kenneth Mallory

Teresa Littlegeorge

Rona Stealer – Leave

Aric Armell – Absent

Eugene DeCora – Leave

OTHERS PRESENT:

Lynelle Blackhawk

Esther Mercer

Annabess Preston

Christina Parker

Kevin Ebert

CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman

Kitcheyan Called the Meeting To Order

at 9:16 a.m.

OPENING PRAYER: Vice-Chairman

Isaac Smith offered the opening prayer.

APPROVE AGENDA:

Isaac Smith motioned to approve the

agenda. Coly Brown seconded.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

READING OF THE MINUTES:

Kenneth Mallory motioned to approve

the December 20, 2023 General Counsel

Meeting Minutes. Teresa Littlegeorge

seconded.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Kenneth Mallory motioned to approve

the December 20, 2023 Mid-Monthly

Meeting Minutes. Teresa Littlegeorge

seconded.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

RATIFY FIVE SIGNATURES:

NEW BUSINESS:

OLD BUSINESS:

Winnebago Tribal Housing Committee

– Two Vacancies

Kenneth Mallory motioned to take no

further action on the two Tribal Housing

Committee vacancies and uphold the 2

appointed at the 12-20-23 Mid-Monthly

Meeting. Coly Brown seconded.

OBJECT: Lorelei DeCora

VOTE: (3) yes, KM, TL, CB

(1) no, LD

(1) abstain, IS

Motion carried.

Coly Brown motioned to adjourn. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned the

meeting at 9:26 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lorelei DeCora, Secretary

Winnebago Tribal Council

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

SPECIAL TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING

NEBRASKA CLASS III GAMING COMPACT NEGOTIATION

January 3, 2024

TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:

Victoria Kitcheyan – in at 9:19 a.m.

Isaac Smith

Lorelei DeCora

Rona Stealer

Eugene DeCora

Coly Brown

Kenneth Mallory

Aric Armell

Teresa Littlegeorge

OTHERS PRESENT:

Danelle Smith

Michele Mitchell

Randi Scott

Don Weseley

Rebecca DeCora

Kevin Ebert

Sandy Olivares

Sharon Redhorn

Annabess Preston

Joy Johnson

Thomas Snow

Damon Payer

Esther Mercer

Tyren Wolfe

Brian Chamberlain

Caroline Bassette

CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chairman

Smith Called the Meeting To Order at

9:10 a.m.

OPENING PRAYER: Eugene DeCora

AGENDA: LD – add IDEO Beacons

Price Award

Lorelei DeCora motioned to approve

the agenda. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded.

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

Motion carried

VK – in 9:19 a.m. Assumes the Chair

Danelle Smith & Michele Mitchell

present according to the Nebraska

Class III Gaming Compact Negotiation

– Discussion Outline. Nebraska Gaming

Compact Negotiation Team: Coly Brown,

Brian Chamberlain, Janet Bird, Caroline

Bassette, Tyren Wolfe, Sharon Redhorn.

Chairwoman will request an update

on the condition of the Old Store Building

from Ron Nohr for the Physical Resources

Report 1-8-24.

5 minute break at 10:24 a.m. Back at

10:36 a.m.

Michelle presents on the Nebraska

Gaming Compact Overview and Letter.

Discussion.

Aric Armell motions to adopt Resolution

# 24-75 Authorizing Commencement of

Nebraska Class III Gaming Compaction

Negotiations. The Tribal Chairwoman is

authorized to transmit official notification

in a letter to the Governor of the State of

Nebraska that Winnebago Tribe wishes to

commence negotiations for the purpose

of entering into a tribal-state compact for

a Class III Gaming Compact that shall

protect the health, safety, and welfare of

the public and promote tribal economic

development, tribal self-sufficiency and

a strong tribal government. The Tribal

Council authorizes and directs the Gaming

Compact Negotiation Team to commence

negotiations with Governor Jim Pillen or his

designated representative for a Class III

Gaming Compact, with such agreement

subject to approval by the Winnebago

Tribal Council. Eugene DeCora seconded.

Motion carried.

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

Teresa Littlegeorge motions to agree

to accept the IDEO Beacons Price under

the previous schedule by December 22,

2023. Coly Brown seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Eugene DeCora motions to adjourn.

Coly Brown seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned the

Meeting at 12:04 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lorelei DeCora, Secretary

Winnebago Tribal Council

WINNEBAGO TRIBAL COUNCIL

PHYSICAL RESOURCES REPORT

January 10, 2024

TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:

Victoria Kitcheyan

Isaac Smith – in 11:09 a.m.

Lorelei DeCora

Rona Stealer

Eugene DeCora

Coly Brown

Kenneth Mallory

Aric Armell

Teresa Littlegeorge

OTHERS PRESENT:

Brian Coyle

Desire Kitcheyan

Garan Coons

Fannie LaTray

Harvey Freemont

Julie Smithart

Cecelia Earth

Kevin Ebert

Annabess Preston

Jasmine Lammers

Ireta Frazier

Autumn Nieman

D.C. McCauley

Jewel Parker

Joseph Littlegeorge

Aaron LaPointe

Ron Nohr

Les Painter

Cassie Kitcheyan

Melanie Parker

Tyresha Romero

Tom Teesdale

CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman Victoria Kitcheyan Called the Meeting To Order

at 11:05 a.m.

OPENING PRAYER: Kenneth Mallory

AGENDA: add # 4 Last Bear Moon

Pow-Wow 2024 Budget

Add #5 Two EduCare Grant Resolutions

A. & B.

Rona Stealer motioned to approve the

agenda. Eugene DeCora seconded.

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

Motion carried.

ATM: Liberty Bank – presented by

Brian Coyle

IS – in at 11:09 a.m.

Isaac Smith motioned to work with

Liberty National Bank to put in a Walk In

ATM east of the Blackhawk Center in the

Parking Lot. Aric Armell seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Eugene DeCora motioned to authorize

the Treasurer to develop a Work Group

to bring this project to fruition. Kenneth

Mallory seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Break Back at 12:20 p.m.

Land Management – presented by

Fannie LaTray

RS – out

Aric Arnell motioned to adopt Resolution #24-76 approving a five (5) year

agricultural lease for James Hurdec &

Benjamin Barber at the rate of $23,400.00

per year for the term of the lease. Isaac

Smith seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Eugene DeCora motioned to adopt

Resolution #24-77 approve withdrawal of

funds in the amount of $161,284.17 from

the Tribal appropriated funds for use in the

Trust Land Purchase from Randall Carter

by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.

Teresa Littlegeorge seonded.

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

Motion carried.

RS – back in

Ho-Chunk Inc. Terminate Business

Lease of the building housing the Old

Store/Native Star Casino, and Laundry presented by Aaron LaPointe.

Land Management will work with the

Winnebago Gaming Development Corporation on a lease for the Native Star Casino.

Ron Nohr will look at the status of the

Building.

Possible Subdivision Names & Districts

– submitted by Ho-Chunk Renaissance.

The Tribal Council is asked to review

the possible subdivision names & districts.

Emergency Management – presented

by Julie Smithart

Emergency Operation Plan. Julie will

work with the Chairwoman & Secretary

to schedule a Training and Mitigation at

WinnaVegas for the Tribal Council and

Department Heads.

Aric Armell motioned to accept the

Emergency Management Report. Teresa

Littlegeorge seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Physical Resources Report – presented

by Ireta Frazier & Autumn Nieman

Isaac Smith motioned to schedule a

Joint Meeting of the Tribal Council with

the General Counsel, Wild life & Parks,

and WinnaVegas Management & Security.

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

Motion carried.

Aric Armell motioned to pause utilizing

the WinnaVegas Security Contractors

until the Joint Meeting. Eugene DeCora

seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Saturday, February 3, 2024 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 5

TRIBAL COUNCIL MINUTES

Aric Armell motioned to accept the

Physical Resources Report.

OBJECT: Teresa Littlegeorge

VOTE: (7) yes, LD, KM, ED, AA, CB, IS,

RS (0) no (1) abstain TL Motion carried.

Snow Removal – Snow Plow Priority

List: 1) Dialysis patients, 2) medical

needs, 3) emergency service workers, 4)

seniors. Contact Mona Zuffante to see if

you are on the list.

Wild Life & Parks – presented by Jewel

Parker & Joseph Littlegeorge

Big Bear Park Tree Assessment.

Tribal Council discussion. Consensus

for Wild Life & Parks to conduct a Hazardous Tree Risk Assessment Certification.

Ron Nohr reports on the Old Store,

Native Star Casino, & Laundry Building is

not sinking and the building is safe. Will

need to check on the status of the roof

and have the Fire Marshall take a look at

the building.

CB – out 2:50 p.m., Back 3:05 p.m.

Last Bear Moon Pow-Wow 2024 Budget

Aric Armell motioned to approve the

Last Bear Moon Pow-wow 2024 Budget

as presented. Kenneth Mallory seconded.

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

Motion carried.

EduCare of Winnebago Grant Applications

Rona Stealer motioned to adopt Resolution #24-78 approving the submittal of

the EduCare of Winnebago -Technology

Access Project FY 24 assisting with updating technology hardware at EduCare.

Eugene DeCora seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Eugene DeCora motioned to adopt

Resolution #24-79 approving the submittal

of the EduCare of Winnebago – Restoration

and Enhancement Project FY 24 submittal

of a funding request totaling $237,864 over

a one-year period for EduCare of Winnebago. Rona Stealer seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Aric Armell motioned to go into Executive Session. Teresa Littlegeorge

seconded.

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

Motion carried.

In Executive Session at 3:55 p.m.

Eugene DeCora motioned to come out

of Executive Session. Teresa Littlegeorge

seconded.

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

Motion carried

Out of Executive Session at 4:19 p.m.

Aric Armell motioned to select the

ACORN Contract for development of a

Land Use Plan. Lorelei DeCora seconded.

OBJECT: Kenneth Mallory

VOTE: (7) yes, LD, RS, TL, AA, CB, IS,

ED, (0) no (1) abstain KM Motion carried.

LD out

Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to adjourn. Eugene DeCora seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned the

Meeting at 4:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorelei DeCora, Secretary

Winnebago Tribal Council

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

SPECIAL TRIBAL COUNCIL MEETING

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

January 15, 2024

TRIBAL COUNCIL PRESENT:

Victoria Kitcheyan

Isaac Smith – in 2:20 p.m.

Lorelei DeCora

Rona Stealer

Eugene DeCora

Coly Brown

Teresa Littlegeorge

Kenneth Mallory – absent

Aric Armell – absent

OTHERS PRESENT:

Danelle Smith

Julie Smithart

Garan Coons

Ireta Frazier

Aaron LaPointe

Esther Mercer

Sharon Redhorn

James Price Sr.

Kenneth Walker Sr.

Jasmine Lammers

Christina Parker

Lynelle Blackhawk

Miskoo Petite

CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman Victoria Kitcheyan Called the Meeting To Order

at 2:15 p.m.

OPENING PRAYER: Eugene DeCora

AGENDA: 1) Water Break; 2) Snow

Removal; 3) Emergency Preparedness;

4) Declare a State of Emergency

RS – out

Eugene DeCora motioned to approve

the agenda. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

RS – back

IS – in 2:20 p.m.

Water Main Break – James Price Sr.

reports the water line is dug up, waiting for

the Village Water Operator to return with

the parts to replace the line. Should be

up and running before tonight.

Snow Removal – Ireta

Updating the list of priorities for snow

removal. Had trouble with diesel jelling

up in our snow removal vehicles due to

the below zero windchill.

Buffalo – Wild Life & Parks do have

access to feed and water them.

Emergency Preparedness – Julie

Smithart

A training & mitigation will be scheduled for the Tribal Council and the Department Heads.

Declare A State of Emergency – Start

Date January 8, 2024

Treasurer will work with the CFO and

Departments on costs associated with the

Emergency.

Rona Stealer motioned to adopt Resolution #24-80 Declaration of State of

Emergency for the Winnebago Reservation

Due to Extreme Winter Weather. Teresa

Littlegeorge seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Propane by Miskoo Petite. Human

Services got 10 applications for propane

assistance within the past week and are

processing them.

Ho-Chunk Center was having a heating

issue during the below zero windchill.

We can use the Blackhawk Center or

Vets Building for Wakes/Funerals until the

heating issue gets resolved.

Julie Smithart will head up a group to

work on a Non-Perishables Tribal Stockpile

for the future when these types of emergencies happen.

YCIC having upstairs heating issues

during the below zero windchill. Are

keeping the youth downstairs where its

warm until the heating issues get resolved.

If needed, the Tribe does have water

to distribute to the homes impacted by

the water shut-off while the water line is

being replaced.

Eugene DeCora motioned to adjourn.

Rona Stealer seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried

Chairwoman Victoria Kitcheyan adjourned the meeting at 4:04 p.m.

Land Transfer Act is scheduled for February 8, 2024 in Washington DC. The

Winnebago Tribe’s Legislative Luncheon

is also re-scheduled to February 8, 2024

in Lincoln.

Kenneth Mallory motioned to approve

the addendum to the FIN Strategies Agreement Contract to a month-to-month basis.

Eugene DeCora seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to adopt

Resolution #24-82 Affirming the Intention

of the Winnebago Tribe to Maintain Status

and Use of Land under the Winnebago

Land Transfer Act. Kenneth Mallory

seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Aric Armell motioned to authorize the

General Counsel to research with Wild Life

& Parks and Commission and provide input for S 1149. Eugene DeCora seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Aric Armell motioned to reiterate Wild

Life & Parks to update their website to accommodate on-line purchases of licenses

and permits with the Tribe’s Finance and

Webmaster by the close of business. Lorelei DeCora seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

LPTC BIE Funding – General Counsel

is meeting with the LPTC President on this

tomorrow.

Aric Armell motioned to authorize the

General Counsel to draft a Resolution

designating the CAO as the designated

representative to process Law Enforcement Complaints to receive and act upon

and reporting results. The language will

be submitted by the General Counsel.

Coly Brown seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried

5 min break 10:16 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorelei DeCora, Secretary

Winnebago Tribal Council

WINNEBAGO TRIBE OF NEBRASKA

GENERAL COUNSEL MEETING

January 18, 2024

TRIBAL COUNSEL PRESENT:

Victoria Kitcheyan

Isaac Smith – in at 10:34 a.m.

Lorelei DeCora

Eugene DeCora

Coly Brown

Kenneth Mallory

Aric Armell

Teresa Littlegeorge

Rona Stealer – PTO

OTHERS PRESENT:

Kevin Ebert

Cecelia Earth

Esther Mercer

Josh Pitre

Dustin Earth

Harvey Freemont

Danelle Smith

Michele Mitchell

Fannie LaTray

Ireta Frazier

Tyresha Romero

Annabess Preston

Lynelle Blackhawk

Marvin Horn

Brian Chamberlain

CALL TO ORDER: Chairwoman Victoria Kitcheyan Called the Meeting To Order

at 9:07 a.m.

OPENING PRAYER: Coly Brown

AGENDA: Add: Enrollment

Tribal Holidays

THPO Concern

Tribal Member Consideration

Kenneth Mallory motioned to approve

the agenda. Coly Brown seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Enrollment

Teresa Littlegeorge motioned to adopt

Resolution #24-81 Enrollment of A4346,

A4399 into the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. Eugene DeCora seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Tribal Holidays

Eugene DeCora motioned to approve

the Tribal Holiday pay rate of 1 and ¼ of

regular rate of pay excluding the birthday

holiday. Teresa Littlegeorge seconded.

OBJECT: Lorelei DeCora

VOTE: (5) yes, KM, TL, CB, ED, AA

(1) no, LD (0) abstain

Motion carried.

General Counsel Agenda:

Winnebago Land Transfer Act

Senate Hearing on the Winnebago

LB 1288 State Recognition of Tribal

EPC/Mental Health Commitment Orders

IS – in 10:34 a.m.

LB 923 Recognition of Tribal IDs

LB 11311 Tribally Owned Community

Drinking Water & Sewer Systems Funding

LB 1262 Native American Voting Issues

Study

Isaac Smith motioned to direct the General Counsel to look into LB 1262. Eugene

DeCora seconded.

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

Motion carried.

Animal Control

Thunder Way LLC – NIFA Crown Program

IS – out

Aric Armell motioned to go into Executive Session. Eugene DeCora seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

In Executive Session at 11:30 a.m.

LD - out

Aric Armell motioned to come out

of Executive Session. Eugene DeCora

seconded.

VOTE: (5) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Out of Executive Session at 12:02 p.m.

LD – in

Aric Armell motioned to table the remaining Executive Session items. Eugene

DeCora seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Eugene DeCora motioned to adjourn.

Aric Armell seconded.

VOTE: (6) yes (0) no (0) abstain

Motion carried.

Chairwoman Kitcheyan adjourned the

meeting at 12:03 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorelei DeCora, Secretary

Winnebago Tribal Council

Page 6 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, February 3, 2024

MOVIE REVIEW:

IT’S HAKEWE! HAAZZATT!

By Brian Chamberlain

“Nyad – Mythology in True Life”

By Brian Chamberlain

The Winnebago Indian News is excited to introduce “HAKEWE”!

The exclusive content to be featured on our Page 6 will be the new location for all

things related to society created by and grown by our people. The Winnebago people’s

diversity is certainly one of our many strengths. Hakewe (pronounced Haw kay way)

is designed to help capture the vitality of our people, and share it with one another,

helping to answer the rhetorical question, what does it mean to be a part of the Winnebago community and society?

Among limitless possibilities, Hakewe will feature reviews of music, books, movies,

and events of all kinds. The perspectives offered will be tribal voices telling their points

of view on the myriad of mediums out there. We will also have food reviews of all sorts,

eclectic experiences like powwow and concerts described through tribal eyes, and

unique stories told from tribal minds and memories.

Looking at life through the lens unique to us is one way we can ensure the strengths

of our people endure. As part of our reporting, where applicable, these experiences we

will also employ the new rating system called: Haazzatt! [pronounced: hawz zatt] With

the greatest, the most-best reviews, receiving all 5 Haazzatts, and those not-so-great

fairing as low as zero Haazs. Using our one-of-a-kind review system, we hope to keep

you interested and informed on what is moving our people and what needs your attention.

Hakewe and Haazzatt are timeless. Surely some of the latest items shall debut with

reviews coming as often as possible. Yet, we will also delve deep into what already

exists, because sometimes things need another look, or perhaps absence has kept

someone from knowing about a really good thing. No matter what the time, place, or

reason, Hakewe is your source for the buzz with our people as we live our lives.

Hakewe began in the previous issue, and you can find all this content only on page

six of the Winnebago Indian News. Welcome!

RESTAURANT REVIEW:

Sicily Goes Country

By: Brian Chamberlain

Photos by: Brian Chamberlain / Sharon

Redhorn-Chamberlain

Probably not conspicuously noted for

its foreign cuisine offerings, rural Dakota

County Nebraska is home to a real gem.

Located on Highway 20 in the heart of

downtown Jackson, Nebraska, a genuine

piece of Sicily comes to life. Palermo, a

restaurant situated right on the main street,

which is also a major US Highway, offers

a dynamic plateful of authentic Italian

cuisine.

Our family celebrated a birthday and

decided to try Palermo. Never before making our way to the well-renovated restaurant, we arrived to find the place ready to

serve. We were seated promptly, and drink

service commenced immediately. Décor

featured a heavy dose of Nebraska chic,

with added punches of Italy throughout.

Seating was comfortable for our 4-top

party, while music filled the background

in a well-appointed way.

Being spoiled by chain restaurants, we

were delighted to find there were many

drink choices to appeal to a wide array

of tastes, including a full-service bar and

specialty beverages. Tonight, we stayed

in the soft drink realm. The wait-staff was

prompt, attentive and quick with the refills.

Table appetizer was a warm homemade

sliced loaf and a garlic butter mix made

from scratch. The menu was good sized

and classic offerings took on a fresh look

that was certainly appealing.

Appetizer selections for us were the

Beef Meatballs with Pomodoro sauce,

and the Beef Carpaccio. Both arrived in

short order complete with plate service

and more drink refills. The Beef Meatballs

are served piping hot doused generously

in the Pomodoro sauce. The flavor of

which takes on a near marinara texture

but is most certainly not your everyday

tomato-based sauce. We kept the bowl to

use the excess as dipping sauce for the

refills of sliced loaf they kept full. The Beef

Carpaccio on the other hand is served

room temperature, swimming nicely in an

oiled flavor all its own. Accompanied by

toasted bread, the Beef Carpaccio had

a nice jolt of spice that was unexpected.

Everyone enjoyed both selections, but the

Beef Meatballs were the clear favorite.

Entrée selections were Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken, the Spaghetti Mare

a Monti, and the Chicken alla Limone.

Handsome portion sizes for all three dishes came fresh from the kitchen in almost

no time. The Fettuccini Alfredo was well

prepared, with a nice thick and creamy

Alfredo. I did not sample that order, so

the added cheese quantity was unknown,

but looked good from across the table.

The Spaghetti Mare a Monti, a recommendation of the staff, was a dynamic

pasta bowl served steaming hot. Including mushrooms, shrimp, steak, and other

visible spices it had an aroma and flavor

that drew the diner in quickly.

The Chicken alla Limone was my order.

A large chicken breast fileted and marinated in a subtle but flavorful lemon base

was paired with garlic mashed potatoes,

and a sautéed spinach bundle nestled

into the mashed spuds. The lemon flavor

within the overall sauce of the dish was

absolutely delectable. The entire entrée

is now a new favorite of mine, and the

sautéed spinach was simply delicious. I

wanted to ask for more!

No birthday celebration would be

complete without a decadent dessert. We

ordered both options given, their Crème

Brulée and Chocolate Tart. The Crème

Brulée came complete with caramel

sauce drizzled generously over the cream

base of the dessert, which also featured

fried wafers giving the dish good texture.

The Tart was a masterpiece of chocolate

decadence, served ala mode with a

scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and fresh

raspberries drenched in berry sauce. All

of it covered with a sprinkle of powdered

sugar. Magical!

Overall, our journey deeper into Dakota

County was a great one. The experience

is one that I hope to repeat again soon.

Parking was adequate, and the seating

area looked capable of handling parties

into the dozens. The atmosphere is nice,

and the whole establishment was well

prepared and clean. Pricing is moderate

and what is expected of such cuisine, so

do not look for dollar menu fare. There is

a kid’s menu too. I want to try some of the

other dishes next time, but hopefully the

spinach is a part of the order.

On our HaazZatt scale Palermo is a

strong 4 ½. I will go back because the food

is not simply good, it was great. They are

closed on Mondays and have Facebook

and a website. Take the short drive west

and check it out when you can, just do not

forget your appetite.

Palermo Italian Cuisine & Bar

113 W. Elk Street

Jackson, NE, 68743

(402) 987-6611

Question of the Issue:

What is your favorite cartoon?

Garan: TMNT - Growing up watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was the best.

They made me crave pizza after every episode. Turtle Power!

Brian: “Smurfs when I was little, then SuperFriends and Dungeons & Dragons

Tyler: Mine would be Brandy & Mr. Whiskers from Disney. Around 5 years old I’d

wake up at night to it playing and be so happy because I’d never get to watch

since it played so late. It was probably 10pm but still lol.

Kevin: Looney Tunes ... they call you!

Christina: I would have to say Looney Tunes also. Reminds me of when I was

little at my kakas house watching Saturday morning cartoons. The coyote and

roadrunner were my fave.

Bethani: What trio was made of sugar, spice, & everything nice?!

The Powerpuff Girls!

Netflix is arguably the most wellknown streaming video service around.

Recently released on that internet-based

platform, a movie called NYAD takes us

down the path of the real-life story of

Diana Nyad. Showing now on Netflix, the

media giant continues to bring forward

quality content and shows no sign of

slowing.

NYAD, (Rated PG-13) is based on

the 2015 memoir Find A Way written by

Diana Nyad and is a story based on her

attempts to swim from Cuba to Florida.

The film premiered in September of 2023

at the famous Telluride Film Festival as

part of its 50th Anniversary, according

to Wikipedia. Opening to widespread

critical acclaim, including the Golden

Globes, Screen Actors Guild, and Oscars, the movie is still garnering awards

and nominations as the award season

progresses into 2024.

The director’s chair seats two individuals, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and

Jimmy Chin. The duo most famous for

their Oscar winning documentary, Free

Solo. That production won Best Documentary Feature of 2019 at the 91st

Academy Awards. The pair are married

and have worked together on numerous

other projects.

NYAD, stars Annette Bening (American Beauty/The Women/Death on the

Nile) in the lead role playing the real-life

protagonist Diana Nyad. Nyad is a

trained swimmer who broke records of

the time for swims around Manhattan and

from The Bahamas to Florida. Bening’s

portrayal of the aging athlete could not

be more well cast. Her performance indicative of the many award nominations

received for the role. Attempting to now

make the over 100-mile swim in her 60s.

The journey was not only lengthy it was

also life-threatening, as the waters in

the Florida Straits were shark infested

and poisonous jellyfish abound. Nyad’s

attempts were without shark cage protection, nor lifeboat rest periods - a feat

never before achieved.

In a supporting role enters Jodi Foster

(The Silence of the Lambs/The Accused/

Contact). The Academy Award winner

does not disappoint as she plays Diana’s

best friend, Bonnie. Bonnie ends up becoming the coach to the athletic Nyad.

Foster’s abilities as an actor are amazing.

In this role she captures the hearts of

the audience by creating depth with the

character as she relentlessly supports her

best friend, while simultaneously fearing

for the life of her driven friend.

The movie also features Rhys Ifans as

the wise sea captain, whose experience

in and around the Caribbean proved vital

to the journey. Musical soundtrack by

French composer Alexandre Michel Gerard provides a poignant and compelling

atmosphere throughout.

The story as based on real events follows a timeline known for the sports fans

who remember the feats as the attempts

were made. Both Bening and Foster own

their roles as only well-seasoned actors

can. Bening’s fearlessness and Foster’s

cautious but unwavering support make the

story not just about the wild adventures of

Diana Nyad, but also a story of resilience,

and a story of the power of friendship.

Sitting down to watch Nyad one evening at home via Netflix made 120 minutes

speed by, very much unlike the endless

hours in the water that both Diana Nyad

and Bening must have endured. I enjoyed

this movie. Our “Haaz Zatt” rating: 4 of 5.

Movie Title: NYAD (Netflix / Black Bear

Pictures / Mad Chance Productions)

Starring: Annette Bening / Jodie Foster

/ Rhys Ifans / Karly Rothenberg

Produced by: Andrew Lazar / Teddy

Schwarzman

Production Co: Black Bear Pictures /

Mad Chance Productions

Screenplay by: Julia Cox

Directed by: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi

& Jimmy Chin

By Netflix - IMP Awards, Fair use,

https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74720393

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Hearing

Case No. CV24-072

In the Matter of the

Guardianship Petition of:

Jacobie Grant

In Re:

O.L. (Born 09/2010)

TO:

ORLANDO LASLEY SR, 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. CV24-071 has

been scheduled and will be heard in the

Winnebago Tribal Court of Winnebago,

Nebraska on the 11TH day of March, 2024

at the hour of 10:30 A.M.

Winnebago Indian

News

is owned

and

published by the

Winnebago Tribe of

Nebraska”.

Saturday, February 3, 2024 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 7

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WCHS Makes Medical Records Digital

By: Erin McElroy

Winnebago, NE – The Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System is embarking

on a Health Information Management (HIM)

digitization project. This initiative involves the

scanning and digitizing of medical records

to enhance patient care and accessibility.

At WCHS, our HIM department plays a

pivotal role in collecting, analyzing, storing,

and protecting patient health information.

Accurate, secure, and accessible medical

records are essential to nearly every department at WCHS from primary care to business

office, and from purchase referred care to

dental clinic. By enabling this information to

transition to a digital platform, WCHS aims

to expedite access and retrieval of patient

records throughout the organization with the

ultimate goal of fostering efficient and seamless care delivery for our patients.

Tara Divis, HIM Manager at WCHS commented, “This project of digitizing medical

records to make them key word searchable

has been a long time want for our team. We

are excited to see it streamline operational

processes by ensuring our providers have

swift access to critical patient information.”

The digitization process will mean

the secure and transition of current

physical records into a digital format,

enabling faster access to patient information for all WCHS healthcare services

while allowing the appropriate security

controls and limitation functionality to

ensure access is relevant and keep

patient information safe. This transition

will enhance data security, control

access to patient histories, and unlock

physical space previously occupied by

paper records for other initiatives within

the health system.

Beth Wewel, CFO at WCHS, highlighted the significance of this initiative,

stating, “The HIM digitization project

exemplifies WCHS’s unwavering commitment to meeting the evolving healthcare

needs and expectations of our patients.

Embracing digital transformation is a

demonstration of our dedication to using

innovation to enhance the quality and

efficiency of patient care in alignment

with the healthcare standards of today.”

WCHS Creates and Launches New Network

By: Erin McElroy

Winnebago, NE – The Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System is pleased to

announce the successful transition to a new

independent network. The establishment

of this new network is the third phase of a

technology transformation that represents

a significant investment that starts by advancing our staff operations and ends with

an improved patient experience.

“By engineering the new domain, phone

systems, and network, the health system

and those we serve enjoy enhanced bandwidth, functionality, reliability, and digital

independence to support the nation-leading indigenous healthcare we are striving to

provide,” explains Information Technology

Manager, Monti Molzen.

By upgrading to this new network, WCHS

recognizes the importance of effective

communication, and technology place in

delivering innovative quality care to meet

the needs of today’s patients/relatives they

serve. WCHS has a big year ahead of them

as they seek to use the new network’s capabilities and adaptability, in conjunction with

the communication and collaboration tools

enabled by the new domain/phone systems

to accomplish several of the strategic goals

listed in their FY24 Annual Plan.

David Edwards, CEO of WCHS, expressed his enthusiasm for the new sys-

tem’s implementation, stating, “We are

thrilled to announce that the transition

to our new independent network was

a success. This bold move toward organizational independence allows us

to revolutionize our internal processes

and enhance patient interactions in

person, on the phone, and online.”

In this process, WCHS took and is still

taking proactive steps to minimize service disruption to patients and staff as

they finish the remaining steps of this

transition. This necessary but significant

undertaking has occurred with minimal

unscheduled interruptions to patient

experience as possible over the long

weekend. WCHS extends its gratitude

to the community for their support and

grace during this time and reminds

them to update their contact information

to the following to ensure their smoothest transitions in care.

WCHS Main Phone: 402-745-3950

Please note: For the next year,

WCHS’s former numbers will be forwarded to 402-745-3950 as efforts are

made to help patients and relatives

make this transition as well.

For Emergencies: 402-745-3951

Toll Free: 1-(888) 575-9244

Emails: firstname.lastname@wchs.

health

Native Voters and Tribal Nations

Negotiate Fair Districts in Nebraska

Press release provided by NARF

(Omaha, Neb.) - Native voters,

the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska,

and the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska

have successfully negotiated a court

approved redistricting plan with Thurston County to settle the redistricting

lawsuit Winnebago Tribe and Omaha

Tribe, et. al. v. Thurston County, et.

al. On January 26, 2024, the U.S.

District Court for the District of Nebraska approved a consent decree

that requires the Nebraska county to

adopt a new district plan to provide

Native Americans a fair opportunity

to elect candidates to the Thurston

County Board of Supervisors. Local

elections will use the new map starting in next year’s elections and until

the next redistricting process begins

after 2030.

Given that Native Americans now

comprise a majority of Thurston

County’s population, the new map

will provide that four of the seven

Board of Supervisors districts will

provide Native voters with a fair

opportunity to elect their preferred

candidates, as required by the federal Voting Rights Act (VRA). This case

marks the third time Thurston County

has been successfully sued under

the VRA for a redistricting plan that

violates the rights of Native American

voters in the county.

“Native people in Thurston County

have thrived against all odds in spite

of any setback, and this includes

defending Native voters’ right to

participate in legal and fair elections

in Nebraska,” said Winnebago Tribe

of Nebraska Chairwoman Victoria

Kitcheyan. “We negotiated the new

district map with county officials so

Native voters will have a fair chance

at electing candidates to the Board

of Supervisors in 2024.”

“This case shows that we will

keep fighting for our right to vote,”

said Omaha Tribe Chairman Jason

Sheridan. “The new consent decree

resolves the third and hopefully last

lawsuit against Thurston County to

get a legal and equitable redistricting process. The Omaha Tribe is

dedicated to fight any legal battles

Thurston County throws at us.”

In 1979, courts subjected Thurston County to a consent decree

forbidding the adoption of an at-large

voting system as violating Section

2 of the VRA, because an at-large

system would disenfranchise the

estimated 28% population of Native

voters in the county at the time. As a

result of another lawsuit, the courts

in 1996 required Thurston County to

create a legal district map that fairly

apportioned the then estimated 36%

population of Native voters in accord

with the VRA. The 2023 consent

decree requires Thurston County to

create a legal district map that reflects

that Native Americans now comprise

almost 60% of the county’s population

and make up a majority of the voting

age population of Thurston County.

During Thurston County’s redistricting

process after the release of the 2020

Census, the Board of Supervisors refused to implement a VRA-compliant

map proposed by both Tribes, and

instead adopted a map that will now

be replaced by a VRA-compliant map

as required under the new consent

decree.

Before approving the consent

decree, the court asked the parties

to submit briefing on what effect a

recent Eighth Circuit opinion had on

the court’s ability to approve the consent decree. That Eighth Circuit case,

Arkansas State Conference NAACP

v. Arkansas Board of Apportionment,

made the unprecedented ruling that

private citizens do not have a right

of action under Section 2 of the VRA.

However, the judge ultimately found

that authority does exist for the Nebraska court to approve the consent

decree.

The Native voters and tribal governments, represented by the Native

American Rights Fund (NARF), the

Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights

Under Law, and Big Fire Law and

Policy Group, retained their right under the new consent decree to take

Thurston County back to court should

the county officials fail to abide by the

new decree.

“Fair and legal elections will finally

take place in Thurston County, only

after Tribes and Native voters fought to

secure an equitable district map,” said

NARF Staff Attorney Michael Carter.

“This consent decree reinforces the

essential mandate that district lines

cannot be drawn in a way that stops

voters of color from participating fully

and equally in our democracy. “ said

Ezra Rosenberg, co-director of the

Voting Rights Project of the Lawyers’

Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

We and our clients have produced

a court approved redistricting plan

that removes the barriers that would

have prevented Native Americans in

Thurston County from electing their

candidates of choice.”

More about Winnebago Tribe et al v.

Thurston County et al: https://narf.org/

cases/thurston-nebraska-redistricting/

CONTACT: Lilia Shahbandeh, Native American Rights Fund, 303-4478760 x5, media@narf.org

Lacy Crawford, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, 202558-7900, press@lawyerscommittee.

org

Page 8 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, February 3, 2024

COMMUNITY

WTN Current Employment Opportunities:

Associate Teacher EHS • CFS Lead Caseworker • Child and Family Case Aide •

Child and Family Services Trainee • Cook HCNCHC • Data Center Manager •

Dispatcher • Early Childhood Assistant • Early Childhood Assistant Program Manager

• HoChunk Renaissance Deputy Director • Lead Teacher EHS • Lead Teacher HS •

Media & Design Specialist • Media Production Manager • Minibus Driver •

Planning and Development Director • Project Development Officer • Senior Pilot Worker

• Teacher Aide EHS • YCIC HCNCHC Youth Worker I • YCIC HCNCHC Youth Worker II

WINNEBAGO TRIBAL COURT CONTRACT POSITIONS:

Child Support Presenting Officer • Chief Judge • Supreme Court Chief Justice

Winnebago Food Distribution: Nutrition Education Calendar

Saturday, February 3, 2024 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 9

LAST BEAR MOON POWWOW

SCAN HERE!

To check out the

KWTN 100.9 FM

webpage!

Page 10 • Winnebago Indian News • Saturday, February 3, 2024

WARHORSE CASINO

Saturday, February 3, 2024 • Winnebago Indian News • Page 11

HO-CHUNK INC.