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Inside this edition –

U.S. House passes Tribal Law and Order Act; Read comments by President Obama, Amnesty International, and legislators

Great Sioux Nation meeting called next week at Ft. Thompson

Community selected as suicide prevention training site

Preparations underway for 2010-2011 school year; See TZTS calendar, read open letter from Superintendent Ted     Hamilton

S-W Federal Credit Union to hold 31st annual meeting August 12th

More poems from the pen of Elden Hayes

Photo highlights of Women’s, Men’s Wellness Day

REB to certify candidates for Tribal office next week

Last week, the office of SWO Tribal Secretary Delbert Hopkins announced the names of members filing letters of intent to run for offices in the upcoming 2010 Tribal Elections. The Reservation Election Board has until August 6th to certify candidates.

SWO Tribal Executive Applications

Tribal Chairman: Kenny Seaboy Jr., E.S.D., turned in 6/28/2010; Andrew J. Grey Sr., E.S.D., turned in 7/8/2010; Michael J. Roberts, E.S.D., turned in 7/14/2010; Jacob Thompson, L.T.D., turned in 7/16/2010; Robert Shepherd, B.C.D., turned in 7/16/2010.

Tribal Vice-Chairman: Michael I. Selvage Sr., L.T.D., turned in 7/14/2010; Garryl Rousseau (incumbent), B.L.D., turned in 7/15/2010; David Redthunder, L.T.D. turned in 7/16/2010.

Tribal Secretary: Winfield Rondell, Heipa, turned in 7/12/2010; Floyd Kirk Jr., O.A.D., turned in 7/14/2010; Terri Larsen, B.L.D., turned in 7/14/2010; Travis Max Sr., L.H.D., turned in 7/14/2010; Olivia “Libby” Locke, E.S.D., turned in 7/15/2010.

SWO Tribal Council Applications

Buffalo Lake District: Arnold White Jr., turned in 7/13/2010; Louie Johnson, turned in 7/13/2010; Elwood GreyBufffalo Sr., turned in 7/15/2010; Donovan White, turned in 7/16/2010.

Lake Traverse District: Dawn Thompson, turned in 7/9/2010; Jerry Flute, turned in 7/14/2010; Francis Crawford, turned in 7/15/2010.

Enemy Swim District: Loren Welch, turned in 7/7/2010; Patricia Roth, turned in 7/9/2010; Delbert Hopkins Jr. E.S.D., turned in 7/13/2010; Cheryl Owen, turned in 7/15/2010; Kevin Roberts (incumbent), turned in 7/15/2010; David Gill, turned in 7/16/2010; Dawn Seaboy Block, turned in 7/16/2010; Sean Contreras, turned in 7/16/2010.

Big Coulee District: Norma Perko (incumbent), turned in 6/29/2010; Carrie Kampeska, turned in 7/14/2010; Calvin Max Sr., turned in 7/14/2010; Lynn DuBoise, turned in 7/16/2010.

Old Agency District: Jerome Renville Sr., turned in 7/9/2010; Martha Renville, turned in 7/16/2010; Michael LaFontaine, turned in 7/16/2010; Rhonda Kampeska, turned in 7/16/2010.

Long Hollow District: Joyce Country, turned in 7/6/2010 (incumbent, running unopposed).

Heipa District: Anthony Barker, turned in 7/9/2010; Lloyd LaBelle Jr., Verlyn Beaudreau, turned in 7/15/2010; Katherine Wanna, turned in 7/14/2010; turned in 7/16/2010; Jonathan Gill, turned in 7/16/2010.

Remaining Deadlines/Election Dates

August 6, 2010 – Deadline for Reservation Election Board to qualify candidates.

August 9, 2010 – Absentee ballots may be requested.

August 13, 1010 – Deadline for another qualifying candidate to challenge the Board’s decision.

August 20, 2010 – Deadline for unqualified candidates to appeal in Tribal Court.

August 27, 2010 – CERTIFICATION OF CANDIDATES FOR TRIBAL EXECUTIVES/COUNCIL POSITIONS by the Reservation Election Board to the Tribal Secretary.

September 3, 2010 – Deadline to post notices by Tribal Secretary of all qualified candidates and the Office(s) for which the Primary Election is being held; and the time and Place of the Primary Election.

September 13, 2010 – Deadline in filing request for absentee ballot for Primary Election.

PRIMARY ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, September 28, 2010. Polling Hours: 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Voting at the respective District Centers. Voting will be held at each District Center or designated place. Ballots will be counted at the Veterans Memorial Youth Club Gym, Agency Village, SD.

RUN-OFF ELECTION DAY: In case of a TIE for the PRIMARY ELECTION – Tuesday, October 12, 2010, 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

GENERAL ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, November 2, 2010. Polling Hours: 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Voting at the respective District Centers. Voting will be held at each District Center or designated place. Ballots will be counted at the Veterans Memorial Youth Club Gym, Agency Village, SD.

RUN-OFF ELECTION DAY: In case of a TIE for the GENERAL ELECTION – Tuesday, November 16, 2010, 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Non-Resident Voters: Registered non-resident voters must vote in person in the District of their registration.

Crow Creek to host Great Sioux Nation meeting

The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe will be hosting a Great Sioux Nation meeting on August 4 and August 5, 2010 in Fort Thompson, SD.

Meeting agenda items include treaty issues, water rights, cultural and historic resources and sites and open discussion.

Invited speakers and participants include DuWayne Good Face, Harold Salway, Mario Gonzales, Lionel Bordeaux, Faith Spotted Eagle and all treaty people.

For more information contact Wilfred Keeble at 605-730-3613 or Stacey LaCompte at 605-280-8588.

There's Hope-Suicide Prevention Project selected as project site for SD Community Partnership for Suicide Prevention Project

There's Hope-Suicide Prevention Project was selected by the South Dakota Division of Mental Health to partner together to bring suicide prevention training and activities to the community. The State of South Dakota received a Federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to target suicide prevention activities to youth ages 14-24. The focus of the project is to bring trainings to the communities that are selected to partner with the Division of Mental Health.

With the target focus of this project on youth ages 14-24, schools are asked and encouraged to participate in the project with trainings tailored to the individual school's needs. Various community mental health agencies, local law enforcement personnel, first responders, as well as additional community organizations will be involved in the suicide prevention taskforce's efforts.

The taskforce will receive technical assistance from the South Dakota Division of Mental Health to identify community needs; including bringing the specific types of suicide prevention trainings that the task force identifies. It will also work with the community's mental health providers and first responders to develop and improve upon the referral network's protocols in order to ensure the needs of those identified at-risk of suicide receive immediate mental health care.

A number of suicide prevention trainings will be available to the community at no cost to participants, including schools, mental health and healthcare providers, suicide survivors support group facilitators, first responders, and the general public.

Anyone can take this opportunity to learn more about suicide, including the warnings signs of suicide and how they can help someone at-risk of suicide.

For more information on this project or to request a training, please contact Sara McGregor-Okroi at 605-698-7688 or saram@humanserviceagency.org.

Statement by President Obama on passage of Tribal Law and Order Act

Washington, DC – July 21, 2010 – Today’s passage of the Tribal Law and Order Act is an important step to help the federal government better address the unique public safety challenges that confront tribal communities. The fact is, American Indians and Alaska Natives are victimized by violent crime at far higher rates than Americans as a whole. Native communities have seen increased gang and drug activity, with some tribes experiencing violent crime rates at more than ten times the national average. And one in three Native women will be the victim of rape in her lifetime.

The federal government’s relationship with tribal governments, its obligations under treaty and law, and our values as a nation require that we do more to improve public safety in tribal communities. And this Act will help us achieve that. It will strengthen the relationship between the federal government and tribal governments. It will improve our ability to work with tribal communities in the investigation and prosecution of crime, and it authorizes resources for tribes to fight crime more effectively.

While many members helped pass this bill, I especially want to applaud Senators Dorgan, Barrasso and Kyl, and Representatives Herseth Sandlin, Kildee, Cole, Conyers, Scott, Rahall, Simpson and Pastor for their leadership on this issue.

I look forward to signing the Act into law.

Applauds landmark legislation addressing sexual violence against Native women

Washington, DC – July 21, 2010 – Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) today applauded House passage of the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010, a groundbreaking piece of legislation that tackles the complex jurisdictional maze that allows violent crime against American Indians to continue unabated. The Tribal Law and Order Act, a long overdue effort to address public safety issues in Indian Country, would enhance the criminal justice system by improving coordination and communication between federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies.

"This historic, bi-partisan legislation addresses long-overlooked human rights abuses in Indian Country. It is an important effort to tackle major challenges that allow crimes against Native American and Alaska Native peoples to flourish," said Larry Cox, executive director for AIUSA. "If properly implemented, it will open the door for the U.S. government to address the erosion of tribal authority. In time it will decrease the high levels of rape and finally provide Native women with effective recourse if they are sexually assaulted. In short, this legislation stands to curtail the impunity that allows rapists to prey on Native women like vultures."

The Tribal Law and Order Act is bi-partisan legislation that was introduced by Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD). The Act passed the Senate on June 23, 2010, as part of H.R. 725, The Indian Arts and Crafts Amendment Act of 2010. Today, the House passed H.R. 725 with the Tribal Law and Order Act attached. The legislation addresses disturbing rates of sexual violence against American Indian and Alaska Native women, a subject that Amnesty International drew national attention to in its 2007 report, Maze of Injustice: The Failure to Protect Indigenous Women from Sexual Violence in the USA.

Maze of Injustice exposed the disproportionately high levels of rape and sexual violence that Native American and Alaska Native women suffer in this country -- 2.5 times higher than for non-native women in the United States. The complex maze of tribal, state and federal jurisdictions often allows perpetrators, 86 percent of them non-Native men, to rape with impunity. To navigate this maze, authorities need to establish whether the crime took place on tribal lands and whether the perpetrator was Native or non-Native to determine which law enforcement agency has jurisdiction, during which critical time is lost. This leads to inadequate investigations or a failure to respond.

“It is encouraging to see Congress begin to address some of the complicated jurisdictional issues that arise in Indian country,” said Sarah Deer, Assistant Professor at William Mitchell College of Law and a consultant for AIUSA’s Maze of Injustice report. “The erosion of tribal authority means that Native perpetrators tried in tribal court can receive only one year per offense, while non-Native perpetrators cannot be prosecuted at all. The legislation provides beginning steps to empower tribal governments to take more direct action in cases of violent crime. When victims know that their perpetrators will be held accountable for their behavior, they will be more likely to report crimes. Empowering tribal law enforcement personnel to protect their communities is the key.”

In addition to the jurisdictional morass, the lack of trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) at Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities to provide forensic exams and gather essential evidence is a factor that leads to a failure to prosecute. The AI report raised concerns about the lack of prosecutions and the need for accurate information about prosecution rates.

“Currently there are no standardized sexual assault protocols within the Indian Health Service, meaning that victims of sexually violent crimes may not be given rape kits that obtain critical evidence to prosecute perpetrators,” said Charon Asetoyer, chair of AIUSA’s Native Advisory Council. “The Tribal Law and Order Act will remedy this and underscore the importance of the need for medical staff that collect forensic evidence to testify in a court of law. It is a critical step toward ensuring that Native women’s human rights are recognized.”

The Tribal Law and Order Act of 2009 is in direct response to concerns raised by tribal leaders, tribal organizations, Native American and Alaska Native women and the AI report. Specifically the Act will:

*Clarify the responsibilities and increase coordination among federal, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies with respect to crimes committed in tribal communities.

*Begin to restore tribal governments with authority, resources, and information to address crimes on tribal land.

*Combat violence against Indian and Alaska Native women.

*Increase and standardize the collection and distribution of criminal data in tribal communities, including the data that establishes whether crimes are being prosecuted.

Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 2.8 million supporters, activists and volunteers who campaign for universal human rights from more than 150 countries. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied.

U.S. House gives final approval to Tribal Law and Order Bill

Washington, DC – July 21, 2010 – The U.S. House gave final approval, Wednesday, to the Tribal Law and Order Act authored by U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and sent it to the President who is expected to sign it into law. Dorgan got the bill passed in the Senate on June 23, 2010. In the House, it was included as part of H.R. 725, the Indian Arts and Crafts bill, which was approved Wednesday on a 326-92 vote.

Dorgan said the bill is a response to the “crisis” in law enforcement on many Indian reservations where violent crime rates far exceed the national average. Enacting the bill has been one of his top priorities as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.

The legislation aims to improve all aspects of the justice system on American Indian reservations and clear up jurisdictional confusion among tribal, state and local law enforcement officials, which often gridlocks effective law enforcement in Indian Country.

“Every American has a right to live in a safe community. That certainly includes the First Americans,” Dorgan said. “The federal government has treaty and trust obligations to ensure that Native Americans live in safe communities. This bill will help us do a much better job of meeting those obligations. It is legislation that is not only urgently needed and important, but it is also an historic step forward in improving the lives of Native Americans.”

In North Dakota, the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation suffered 8.6 times the national rate of violence in 2008. At that time, there were only nine police officers patrolling the 2.3 million acre reservation. As a result, victims of violence reported often waiting hours and sometimes even days before receiving a response to their emergency calls.

Violence against American Indian and Alaska Native women has reached epidemic levels. The Department of Justice and Centers for Disease Control report that more than one in three American Indian and Alaska Native women will be raped in their lifetimes, and two in five will face domestic or partner violence.

Dorgan said the “broken system of justice” in Indian Country often acts as a magnet for outside criminal groups.

*Evidence Sharing and Declinations: Federal officials have declined to prosecute more than 50 percent of violent crimes in Indian country, and a higher rate of sexual assaults. The bill will require the Department of Justice to maintain data on criminal declinations and share evidence with tribal justice officials when a case is declined.

*Three-year Tribal Court Sentencing: Federal law limits tribal court authority to sentence offenders to no more than one year in prison, which limits their ability to provide justice to the victims and the tribal community. The bill establishes an option for tribes to increase sentencing authority for up to three years where a tribe provides added protections to defendants.

*Deputizing Tribal Police to Enforce Federal Law: The complex jurisdictional arrangement in Indian Country prevents tribal police from arresting offenders, even when a crime is committed in plain view. The bill will enhance the Special Law Enforcement Commission program, to deputize tribal police officers to enforce federal laws on Indian lands against all offenders.

*Tribal Police Access to Criminal History Records: Many tribal police have no access to criminal history records. As a result, when pulling over a suspect, the officer has no background on the person who is detained. The bill will provide tribal police greater access to criminal history databases such as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

*Domestic and Sexual Violence: The bill will require tribal and federal officers serving Indian country to receive specialized training to interview victims of sexual assault and collect crime scene evidence. It also requires Indian Health Service facilities to implement consistent sexual assault protocols, and requires federal officials to provide documents and testimony gained in the course of their federal duties to aid in prosecutions before tribal courts.

*Programs to Improve Justice Systems and Prevent Crime: The bill reauthorizes and improves programs designed to strengthen tribal court systems, tribal police departments, and tribal corrections programs. It also updates laws to address high rates of alcohol and substance abuse, and programs to improve opportunities for at risk youth on Indian lands.

Legislation will help ensure Safety and Security in Indian country

Washington, DC – July 21, 2010 – Today the full U.S. House of Representatives passed Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin’s bipartisan Tribal law and Order Act, legislation to help enhance safety and security in Indian Country. The bipartisan bill now heads to the President’s desk for his signature. The bill earlier passed the Senate by Unanimous Consent, included as part of H.R. 725.

Herseth Sandlin said, “I introduced this bipartisan bill because of the urgent need to improve law enforcement in Indian Country. Native American families, like all families, deserve a basic sense of safety and security in their communities. I’m proud to pass the Tribal Law and Order Act through the House and send it to the President for his signature.”

The bill has the support of South Dakota’s nine Sioux Tribes. “We’ve worked long and hard for Tribal Law and Order legislation, almost 3 years now. We’re very happy that Representative Herseth Sandlin sponsored this and took the time to listen to the tribes. We’re so happy it has finally passed,” said Gay Kingman, Executive Director of the Great Plains Tribal Chairman's Association.

The Tribal Law and Order Act strengthens tribal law enforcement, establishes accountability measures for Federal agencies responsible for investigating and prosecuting reservation crime, and provides tribes with additional tools to combat crime locally.

The need for this bill is clear, both in South Dakota and nationwide. Indian reservations nationwide suffer more than 2.5 times the national violent crime rate. It’s estimated that more than 1 in 3 American Indian and Alaska Native women will be raped in their lifetimes. Drug trafficking organizations are targeting Indian reservations to manufacture and distribute illegal substances, because of the lack of police presence on Indian lands. Less than 3,000 Bureau of Indian Affairs and tribal police patrol more than 56 million acres of Indian lands – less than half the law enforcement presence in comparable rural communities.

In South Dakota, the statistics are just as stark. South Dakota tribal law enforcement officers often put in heavy overtime putting them at risk of burnout. Officials from the Oglala Sioux Department of Public Safety recently had six officers on duty to cover the Pine Ridge Reservation, an area larger than the states of Delaware and Rhode Island combined. In addition, there are typically 10 or fewer officers per shift to patrol these large areas, requiring each officer to patrol hundreds of miles. This hinders response times and puts the safety of officers and the people they are patrolling at risk. This bill will improve recruitment efforts and provide tribal law enforcement officers with the tools they need to protect Indian Country.

Major provisions of the legislation include:

*Evidence sharing and declination data: Requires federal prosecutors to maintain data on criminal prosecution declinations in Indian country, and to share evidence to support prosecutions in tribal courts.

*Tribal Court sentencing: Increases tribal court authority from 1 to 3 years imprisonment where certain constitutional protections are met.

*Federal Testimony: Helps ensure Federal officials who work in Indian country to testify about information gained in the scope of their duties to support a prosecution in tribal court.

*Improves transparency in Public Safety spending by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and requires greater consultation on the part of the BIA to tribal communities on matters affecting public safety and justice.

*Increased sexual assault training and standardized protocols for handling sex crimes, interviewing witnesses, and handling evidence of domestic and sexual violence crimes in Indian country.

*Authorizes Deputization of Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys to prosecute reservation crimes in Federal courts.

*Increases Deputizations of Tribal and State Police to Enforce Federal Law: Enhances Special Law Enforcement Commission program to deputize officers to enforce federal laws on Indian lands.

*Authorizes the Drug Enforcement Agency to deputize tribal police to assist on reservation drug raids.

*Increases recruitment and retention efforts for BIA and Tribal Police.

*Expands training opportunities for BIA and Tribal police to receive training at State police academies, and tribal, state, and local colleges – where Federal law enforcement training standards are met.

*Tribal Police Access to Criminal History Records: Many tribal police have no access to criminal history records. The bill will provide tribal police greater access to criminal history databases that provide them with essential information when detaining or arresting a suspect.

*Investigating fraudulent Indian arts and crafts: The Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act included in the bill will allow any federal law enforcement officer to investigate fraudulent Indian arts and crafts. Currently only the FBI can investigate these crimes.

*Programmatic Reauthorizations: The bill will reauthorize existing programs designed to strengthen tribal courts, police departments, and corrections centers – as well as programs to prevent and treat alcohol and substance abuse, and improve opportunities for at-risk Indian youth.

Applauds House passage of Tribal Law and Order Act

Washington, DC – July 21, 2010 – U.S. Senator John Thune today commended the House of Representatives’ passage of the Tribal Law and Order Act (TLOA). Thune was an original cosponsor of the TLOA, which passed the Senate by Unanimous Consent on June 26, 2010.

“Ensuring safety and rule of law in Indian Country is vital to the long-term success of our tribes in South Dakota and across the nation,” said Thune. “After working closely with tribal leaders across the state, I’m pleased to see the full Congress pass the Tribal Law and Order Act, and I hope the President will swiftly sign the legislation into law.”

Since an original version of the TLOA was introduced in 2008, Thune has worked to address the serious safety issues in Indian Country through legislation. Thune asked South Dakota tribal leaders, law enforcement officials, and other stakeholders to submit their comments and suggestions on a draft TLOA that was circulated at that time. As a result of those comments, Thune worked with Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) to include a provision that allows magistrates to hold trials and other court proceedings in tribal courtrooms as opposed to federal courts. Thune also added a provision to study the effectiveness of the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services program and how community policing and the broken windows theory can be applied on remote reservations like those found in South Dakota.

Thune also successfully included a provision into the recently passed TLOA that would increase the maximum hiring age for Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement officers from 37 years old to 47 years old. This would allow individuals who retire from military service to serve as tribal law enforcement officers.

In addition to his work on this bill, Thune has requested that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) study tribal court systems and ways they can be improved. The GAO continues to make progress regarding their study and indicates that a report should be ready by the fall.

Announces passage of CJS Appropriations Bill

Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD), a member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that the full committee has passed the Fiscal Year 2011 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations bill. The bill includes more than $4 million in Johnson-secured funding for South Dakota projects.

"I’m pleased that we were able to provide for important Indian Country projects in this spending bill despite tough budget constraints,” said Johnson. “The unfortunate reality is that crime remains an issue on our reservations. The Tribal Law and Order Act has now passed Congress and is on its way to the President. This bill will put much-needed resources behind it.”

Johnson continued, “This bill makes an investment in proven programs like Boys and Girls Clubs and tribal justice initiatives that have a major impact across South Dakota communities. I hope that this measure can be passed in the coming weeks without falling victim to partisan political games.”

Johnson-Secured Funding in the Bill Includes:

Moody County Boys and Girls Club - Boys and Girls Club Educational Programs: $100,000. This funding will be used be used for drug and alcohol prevention, gang prevention, healthy lifestyle programs, leadership development and community awareness activities. The Club, located in Brookings, serves a total of 225 youth from ages 6-18, and 66 percent of the participants are Tribal youth. Funding would enable the Club to reach more children in the Tribal community and to better serve its current club members.

Crow Creek Sioux Tribe - Three Districts Boys and Girls Club: $150,000. This funding will be used by the Three Districts Boys and Girls Club on the Crow Creek Indian Reservation to inspire and enable Tribal youth to reach their full potential and to raise awareness of the issues faced by at-risk youth. Funds would support the youth development strategy that works to prevent drug and alcohol abuse, gang violence and crime.

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe - Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Justice System: $1,000,000. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe would use this funding to support law and order activities, including the operation of the tribal court system, the Office of the Prosecutor and the community foot patrol program. This funding would enhance public safety on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation by providing training, personnel and equipment.

Rosebud Sioux Tribe - Rosebud Sioux Tribal Justice System: $1,000,000. The Rosebud Sioux Tribe would use this funding to support multiple aspects of the Tribe’s justice department, including providing much needed training to law enforcement staff. Funds would also be used for tribal juvenile justice services, equipment procurement and tribal court operations.

Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety- Oglala Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Enhancement: $1,000,000. The Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety will use this funding to promote public safety and law and order on the Pine Ridge Reservation by providing support for law enforcement personnel and programs. Funds would be used for equipment procurement and upgrades, personnel training and tribal court operations.

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe - Cheyenne River Emergency Response Upgrades: $200,000. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe will use this funding to convert the tribal law enforcement and dispatch radio system to digital. Upgrading to a digital system would expand the operational area of the dispatch system to better serve law enforcement officers and protect public safety and wellbeing.

Rosebud Sioux Tribe - Rosebud Sioux Tribe Emergency Response Upgrades: $200,000. This funding will be used to support upgrades to the Tribe’s emergency dispatch system. An updated system will increase rapid response, save lives and promote public safety. Funds would be used to purchase modern emergency response equipment and technologies and would provide access to current broadband resources.

Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety - Oglala Sioux Tribe Emergency Response Upgrades: $800,000. This funding will be used to replace the outdated emergency response system with the technology necessary to begin the Next Generation 9-1-1 Program. Presently, the Tribe is only able to operate basic 9-1-1 services, and the equipment is outdated and insufficient for the public safety needs of the reservation.

National Funding Included in the Bill:

- COPS Hiring Program - $400 million.

- Violence Against Women Prevention and Prosecution Programs--$468 million.

- Byrne Justice Assistance Grants--$520 million.

Secures federal investment for ND law enforcement and science projects

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), a senior member of the Senate’s Appropriations Committee, announced Wednesday that he has secured a number of federal investments that will boost commerce, justice and science related initiatives in North Dakota.

Dorgan, a member of the Commerce, Science and Justice (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee, secured the funding as part of the Fiscal Year 2011 Congressional appropriations process. The legislation will next go to the Senate Full Appropriations Committee for approval.

Some highlights of the bill include $3 million to continue operations at the University of North Dakota’s Upper Midwest Aerospace Consortium and $1 million for United Tribes Technical College to boost its law enforcement training program. It also ensures that the Williston Radar continues operation.

“These are important investments in successful high-tech activities and Native American programs around North Dakota,” Dorgan said. “This funding also makes certain that a helpful weather facility to northwestern North Dakota ranchers stays open.”

North Dakota projects in the CJS legislation:

Upper Midwest Aerospace Consortium: $3 million. This funding will be used by the University of North Dakota’s Upper Midwest Aerospace Consortium, which makes NASA data and research publicly available for practical applications such as agriculture, land management, carbon sequestration, drought and flood mitigation.

UTTC Tribal Law Enforcement Training: $1 million. Funding will be used to help increase law enforcement training and equipment within United Tribes Technical College’s (UTTC) criminal justice program. UTTC has partnered with the Bureau of Indian Affairs to provide specialized tribal law enforcement training to address the shortage of law enforcement officers in Indian Country.

Youthworks - At Risk Youth Intervention: $600,000. Funding will be used to provide intervention services for at risk Native American youth on North Dakota’s Indian reservations. Services will address mental health and developmental issues, focusing on violence and substance abuse.

Standing Rock Juvenile Prevention Services: $500,000. Funding will be used to expand services at the Lake Oahe group home near Fort Yates, which helps at- risk youth between the ages of 12 -17.

Native Americans into Law: $300,000. This funding will be used to continue the Native Americans into Law program at UND, which is aimed at recruiting and retaining American Indian law students. The program has assisted students from tribes across the country, many of whom are practicing law in Indian communities.

Williston Radar Station. This action maintains operation and staffing of the Williston Radar Station, a vital information link providing needed weather warnings that can save the lives of both people and livestock in northwestern North Dakota and northeastern Montana.

Natural Resources Field Hearing on Indian Education issues

U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin has announced she will host a field hearing of the Natural Resources Committee in Eagle Butte on August 6th, 2010.

The hearing will focus in issues relating to Indian education including: K-12 education, school facilities, tribal colleges, restoring local control, counseling, native languages and more.

The hearing will include testimony from South Dakota tribal leaders.

This event is open to the public and members of the media.

It is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. (MT) at the Cheyenne River College Center, 100 Lincoln Street, Eagle Butte, SD.

“As South Dakota’s lone representative I have the privilege of representing nine sovereign Sioux tribes, and I am proud to host this field hearing focusing on education in Indian Country,” said Rep. Herseth Sandlin.

“We owe it to students, parents and teachers in Indian Country to ensure that we have adequate curriculum, facilities and resources to provide a quality education. I invite and encourage all South Dakotans to attend the meeting in person, or share their thoughts with me on ways we can improve education opportunities and better serve the needs of Native students and teachers.”

S-W Federal Credit Union to hold 31st annual meeting

The Sisseton-Wahpeton Federal Credit Union will hold its 31st annual meeting on August 12, 2010 at the SWO Tribal Elderly center beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Agenda for the day includes:

*Financial report.

*Committee reports.

*Election of two members to the Board of Directors.

*Other business.

*Door prize drawings.

SWO to host 1st annual Country Polo Challenge

The Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate will sponsor a first annual Country Polo Challenge Saturday, August 7, 2010.

The event will be held at the SWO pow wow grounds at Agency Village, seven miles south of Sisseton, SD beginning at 11:00 a.m.

There is a $500 champion’s prize.

Entry fee is $100.

Organizers are the volunteer mentors involved in the Sunkan Wakan Owe “Horse Tracks” program.

For information, contact: Gabrielle Tiomanipi at (605) 268-2797; or Lorae Mercado at (605) 237-1695.

S-W Vietnam Veterans Kit Fox Society planning annual Veterans Day wacipi

The Sisseton-Wahpeton Vietnam Veterans/Kit Fox Society is in the planning stages of this November 11th’s annual Veterans Day pow wow.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a special (Veteran-related) should contact any of the following before August 31st:

Duane “Doc” Wanna: 698-3223.

Gerald Thompson: 932-3611.

Lincoln DeMarrias: 742-0204.

John Two Stars: 932-3514.

Dayton Seaboy: 698-3299.

Editorials –

Sota guest editorial –

Custer Died for Your Sins

By Tim Giago (Nanwica Kciji)

June 08, 2010 – The bumper stickers were born before the holiday. They could be seen on cars coming and going from the Indian reservations in America. They read "Custer Died for Your Sins," or "Custer Wore Arrow Shirts." And then came the holiday.

The Indian holiday on June 25 marks the 134th Anniversary of the thrashing of George Armstrong Custer's Seventh Cavalry at the Little Big Horn, or Greasy Grass, as the Indians called it. On all of the Sioux Indian reservations in South Dakota it is a statewide holiday. The Cheyenne and the Arapahoe, also participants in the great victory, also have joined the celebration.

They celebrate the day their ancestors handed the United States Army one of its worst defeats in all of the so-called "Indian Wars." The Indians called them the “White Man Wars.”

Ironically, Custer considered himself to be a religious man. And yet the fatal charge he made into the valley of the Greasy Grass happened on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Two hundred and ten American cavalrymen rode to their deaths that day, led by a man who was told by Cheyenne medicine men -- after he slaughtered their kinsmen at the Washita -- that if he ever attempted that feat again, he would surely be killed.

Custer met his demise on June 25, 1876, two years after he discovered gold in the Black Hills, a discovery that precipitated the deadly battles to follow and led to the eventual theft of the He' Sapa (Black Hills) by the United States government.

As part of the archeological excavations 14 years after the battle, marble markers were set in place to mark where each soldier had fallen. According to the National Park Service, the field was eventually dotted with 252 markers or 42 more than the number of soldiers reportedly killed that day.

The Midwest Archeological Center reported that the archeologists chose to view the battlefield as a crime scene. And by using a combination of forensic techniques, such as studies of firing pin marks on cartridge cases and rifling marks on bullets, they have been able to determine the variety of weapons used in the battle.
Further excavations revealed skull fragments that had been broken while the bone was green, indicating what is called "perimortem blunt instrument trauma."

The famous Lakota warrior, Black Elk, when describing the final moments of the battle to which he was a witness, said the Indians used hatchets and clubs to finish off the surviving soldiers. The report indicates that the evidence of trauma on the recovered human bone supports Black Elk's memory of the battle.

In what resembled a segment of the CSI television programs so popular today, forensic science indicated that the troopers of the 7th Cavalry were heavy users of coffee and tobacco. The bones demonstrated that the men led a rugged and hard life indicated by broken bones and significant back problems.

The archeological digs have substantiated much of what we have seen in the movies over the years. Custer did divide his troops into three elements and then subdivided his command into wings, which happened to be an accepted and field tested military tactic that had proven to be quite successful until the Battle of the Greasy Grass.
Often, I have wondered how many places in America celebrate victories over the U.S. Army. Do descendants of the Confederate Army celebrate? But weren't they also a part of an American army fighting another American army?
The victory by the combined forces of the Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapahoe over Custer's 7th Cavalry was short and swift. Some Lakota warriors have said it lasted less than 30 minutes. But that battle raised the hackles of white America. The victorious warriors and their families would pay a heavy price for that victory. As punishment and retribution, the three tribes would lose millions of acres of land for having the audacity to stand up and fight for their people and for freedom. If the word "patriots" has meaning, these warriors define it.

Few good things happened to Native Americans in the late 1800s or early 1900s, so this one good memory is firmly planted in the minds of a warrior society and lives on. While the rest of America goes about its business, the people of the Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapahoe Nations will reflect upon their day of glory with cookouts, horse races, dancing and prayers to commemorate a time when they ruled the Great Plains and were praised by Gen. Tecumseh Sherman as "the greatest light cavalry he had ever seen."

Oh yes! One of the more recent Indian bumper stickers: "Fighting terrorism since 1492."

*****

Tim Giago, an Oglala Lakota, is the publisher of Native Sun News. He was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard with the Class of 1990. His weekly column won the H. L. Mencken Award in 1985. His book Children Left Behind was awarded the Bronze Medal by Independent Book Publishers. Giago was inducted into the South Dakota Newspaper Hall of Fame in 2007. He can be reached at editor@nsweekly.com/.

Sota guest editorial –

Friendship

(Editor’s note: This poem was forwarded by Iris Keoke.)

The author of this poem is only 11 years of age. So innocent but her poem is so true.

Friendship is priceless,

And can never be forgotten,

Friendship is timeless,

And never rotten

It takes more than hugs and kisses

To be a real friend,

The nature of friendship

Requires a blend.

The road to a happy life,

May sometimes make us stumble.

But to have a friend to give us a hand,

Teaches us to be humble.

Good friends are hard to find,

Hard to lose,

And impossible to forget,

But when they fly away,

Your anger turns to regret.

Sometimes in life we need a special person

To listen while we talk.

A special person who will not discourage or judge,

But encourage us as we walk.

Friends are there

To help you along,

The journey through friendship,

Is always long.

In life, there are big ships,

And there are small ships,

But the best ship of all,

Is friendship.

Brief editorial comments from the editor’s desk –

On and Off the Lake Traverse Reservation

Last week’s passage of the Tribal Law and Order Act should provide more resources for law enforcement and victim advocacy on the reservations.

Please read comments on the legislation by President Obama, by our Congressional delegates, and also Amnesty International. Amnesty International has long been concerned over domestic violence and abuse of women on the reservations.

*****

We’re reprinting the list of candidates who have filed notices of intent to run for office in the 2010 Tribal elections.

REB still must determine eligibility and certify them to run.

Certification deadline in August 6, then there is a period for court hearings and challenges to the REB rulings.

*****

Our thanks to Audrey German for providing photo highlights of the recent SWO womens and mens wellness day activities.

These pictures were not all that Audrey sent us, but much of the files never came across the internet. The remainder could be available in next week’s Sota.

*****

Thanks, once again, to Elden Hayes and his prolific pen!

It is always a privilege to share Elden’s writings on the Sota pages, and this week is no exception.

Sometimes his poems strike close to the heart, close to what’s “real” on the Reservation, but always they give us as readers an opportunity to pause and think about things.

*****

Please note that the internet link to the Enemy Swim Day School website has changed.

The school’s url is now: http://www.esds.us

You can also find a link on the Sota website.

*****

We’ve got another website address change to share with readers.

Here’s the updated internet link for Tiospa Zina Tribal School:

http://www.tiospa-zina.us

You can also click on the updated link on our Sota home page under “Links.”

*****

Words to consider (or, perhaps not!):

“Knowledge is power, if you know it about the right person.” Ethel Mumford

“Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve.” George Bernard Shaw (1856 - 1950)

“I have noticed that the people who are late are often so much jollier than the people who have to wait for them.” E. V. Lucas

“No one can earn a million dollars honestly.” William Jennings Bryan (1860 - 1925)

“No man remains quite what he was when he recognizes himself.” Thomas Mann (1875 - 1955)

*****

There is always so very much happening across the seven Districts of the Reservation, and with relatives living away from home, it is just not possible for your Sota staff to cover everything.

We encourage our readers and friends to submit material, news and pictures, whenever you can.

Submission of articles, ideas and rough drafts, and photographs, are always welcome.

If you have an interesting family tale to tell, or news to share, please contact the editor.

*****

Copy to be considered for publication – news, advertising, editorial opinion letters, etc. – are to be submitted to: Sota, P.O. Box 5, Wilmot, SD 57279 by 10:00 a.m. on Thursday. FAX and e-mail submissions will be accepted until 12:00 noon on Friday (with the exception of letters to the editor/open letters to the Oyate, or “opinion” letters, which must be received no later than 10:00 a.m. Thursday).

If you are writing an opinion letter, please note that it must be signed and the author’s name will appear in print. Letters must not contain libel and must be brief, ideally 500 words or less. Letters may be edited for content. Omissions will be identified with periods . . . editor’s explanations will be provided in [brackets]. Readers who want access to unedited versions will need to contact the authors.

Earlier receipt of copy is always appreciated. So, if you are aware of a date or message that needs to be publicized or advertised, please let us know about it in advance of the weekly deadline.

The preferred way to submit typed articles and ads, art and photos, is by e-mail.

The editor can be reached at the following e-mail address:

earthskyweb@cs.com

For more information, leave a message on the Sota production office voicemail (605) 938-4452, or send a fax to the 24-hour dedicated line (605) 938-4676.

-- CDF

Note –

There are no obituaries reported in this week’s Sota.

Notice of editorial policy

(Editor’s note: The following comes from the editor’s column and the Sota “deadlines and policies” statement published weekly in the Sota.)

Copy to be considered for publication – news, advertising, editorial opinion letters, etc. – are to be submitted to: Sota, P.O. Box 5, Wilmot, SD 57279 by 10:00 a.m. on Thursday. FAX and e-mail submissions will be accepted until 12:00 noon on Friday (with the exception of letters to the editor/Open letter to the Oyate, or “opinion” letters, which must be received no later than 10:00 a.m. Thursday).

If you are writing an opinion letter, please note that it must be signed and the author’s name will appear in print. Letters must not contain libel or offensive language and must be brief, 500 words or less. Letters may be edited for content. Omissions will be identified with periods . . . editor’s explanations will be provided in [brackets]. Readers who want access to unedited versions will need to contact the authors.

Open letter to the Oyate

Hau Mitakuyapi,

De Dakota wowapi Sota ed daku wabdake, tanhansi mitawa wowapi kage ake. Tanhansi ohanzi he daku wan “Blood Qauntum” eyab he ewohdake. He ska oyate wicoiye heca. Miyekse de Dakmakota heceyena stodwaye.

Ahanna oyate unkitawapi wanna sunkawakan oge cimb kinhan, akicita topa es zaptan wihniyab ga sungodeb ce. Hehan ehnunageh nakun hahatonwan winyan wanzi eyuzab ce ga akiyahdab ce. He wicasta winyang manu he wanna he tawa ga tawicuto ce, hehan waniyetu wanzi es nunpa esam eyaye kinhan, winyan he wanna Dakod wohdake onspe ga wanna Dakota ehceda. Hehan wanna tokahe okcidyuhab ga hoksina kinhan, kunsitku tawa, “takoza, de tona Blood Qauntum duha he?” eye sni. Hoksina he takozakpaku tawa ga Dakotah heca. Misa de Damakota.

Ska oyate cinpkinhan blood quantum yuhapte, miyekse Dakota hemaca. Tuktentukaska untib etanhan toketusni, waziyatahan,es wiyohiyanpata, es itokagata, es wiyohpeyata, he etanhan tokcasni….Henanh wasteundakaptesni, heun mis blood quantum wicawadasni, mis Dakota se nawazinkte.

Dakota se, Hau Mitakuyapi, Vine T. Marks, Sr.

Open letter to the Oyate

In August 2008 I received a certified letter from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Dakota Community (owners of Mystic Lake Casino) which stated that if my onze (butt) shows up at any of their properties they will call the Prior Lake police and charge me with Minnesota State trespassing laws. (Another real sovereign nation.) The reason being the tribal officers (Glen and Stanley Crooks and Keith Anderson) did not like it when I called them “Mdewakanton imposters.” Or maybe it was because I was trying to convince the SWO Tribe to investigate the possibility of partner shipping with the State of Minnesota to build a casino/hotel in downtown Minneapolis. The SWO Tribe was scared cesdi-less of that idea because at the time we owed Shakopee over $30 million dollars, and apparently the SWO council felt that Shakopee would jerk our chain if we actually investigated the Twin Cities casino idea.

Getting 86’ed from the Shakopee Dakota Community neither makes me angry or proud. If anything, I am thankful. Now, I don’t have to take Wakanka (the old lady) down there to gamble away my hard earned mazaska (money). Pida miya do, Shakopee! (Thank you very much.) Oh, I can still drive down Highway 42 but I can’t stop for gas or drop some quarters in their slot machines.

Those of you who are interested in learning more about the Shakopee Mdewakanton identity heist you can go to the Mohrman & Kaardal website. Click on Barbara Feezor Butte’s book entitled: “Beyond Sovereignty, the Mdewakanton Identify Heist.” All I was doing was quoting from this Phd. anthropologist and for that I was permanently banned from the Shakopee community.

On a similar matter, on June 18, 2010 I received a letter from Delbert Hopkins, SWO Tribal Secretary which gave me a 60 Day Notice of Disenrollment. The letter states: “It has come to my attention that you are dually enrolled with the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate. Article 1 Section 2 of the SWO Constitution provides that: A member of the SWO of the Lake Traverse Reservation SHALL NOT be dually enrolled in another tribe.” I have belonged to the Sisseton Tribe since 1975; and I also am enrolled with the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma since April 2009. My “crime or sin” is that a SWO tribal member cannot be enrolled in two tribes at the same time.

I have until August 17, 2010 to decide if I want to be a Sisseton Oyate or a Seneca-Cayuga Indian. Of course, I have due process rights and it’s not like I am going to be “tribe-less” after August 17.

I immediately called one of tribal attorneys and told her that Article 1 Section 2 does not exist! Look for your selves there is no Article 1, Section 2 in the SWO Constitution! I informed the Tribe that if indeed the SWO Tribe is going to throw me out of the Tribe then would they please use an article or law that exists. It’s actually Article 2, Section 2 which contains the dual enrollment prohibition. The Tribal Secretary then issued me a new letter citing the proper article.

My dad is 7/8th’s Sisseton. My mother is ½ Seneca and ½ Omaha Indian. That makes me 15/16 mutt Indian. Her parents met at the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania. They married and moved to the Omaha Indian Reservation in Nebraska. My grandmother Melinda Cayuga and my great grandparents Nicholas Cayuga and Anna Basset are full-blood Seneca-Cayuga Indians. Like many Indian tribes in America the Seneca-Cayuga’s and the Sisseton-Wahpetons share a similar history of having got kicked out of their ancestral homeland. The Seneca-Cayuga’s are originally from New York who got relocated to Sandusky Ohio then to northeastern Oklahoma.

When I was a lad my mother enrolled my siblings and me with her father Francis Freemont’s Omaha Indian Tribe. When I realized that I would never live in Macy, Nebraska I relinquished my enrollment with them and enrolled with the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe. I have always thought of myself as a Sioux Indian (back in my days of youth we hadn’t yet become Dakota’s or Oyates). In fact, when we would go to the Omaha rez’ for my mother’s summer vacation my brothers and I would have to duke it out with the Omaha boys because they called us “dog eating Sioux’s.” Any Sioux worth his salt ain’t gonna’ let someone from another tribe get away with those kinds of insults. Dog eating Sioux’s, the audacity of them Oo-Maa-Haa’s!

So what’s wrong with being dual enrolled?

Well, according to some Oyate’s it’s a question of double dipping. Somehow it is wrong, sinful, or a crime to get crumbs from two tribes. I get $1,350 per year from the “sharing and generosity” believing Sisseton and Wahpeton’s (Twelve $100 elder coupons and $150 birthday mazaska); and the Seneca-Cayuga’s give their elders $2,500 once a year. Getting money from you’re tribe is a new phenomena in Indian country possible only because of gaming revenues. But, some Oyates believe it is greed, sinful, wrong, and immoral to get mazaska from two tribes. Line up two Oyates - one will say more power to you Grady and the other will call me Greedy Grady.

Interestingly, it is not a Seneca-Cayuga “sin or crime” to be dual enrolled. They don’t care if I am enrolled at Sisseton or do they care if I get some mazaska from the SW Oyate. Incidentally, the Seneca-Cayuga’s also do not have a blood quantum requirement, so it turns out a bunch of “watered down” Indians believe more in the Dakota values of Sharing and Generosity and Mitakaya Owasin than the SWO’s.

So what is wrong with “double dipping?” Actually, there is no double dipping. Double dipping is a misnomer (incorrect name). I only dip once from the Sisseton Oyates and once from the Seneca-Cayuga’s. Now the way I look at it is if the Seneca-Cayuga’s want to give me money why should the SWO’s care? What the Seneca-Cayuga’s give me doesn’t come out of any of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate’s pocket so what the hell. Rather, than being an issue of unfairly “double dipping” or “single dipping” it almost seems to me like it’s an issue of good old fashion Dakota nawizi (jealousy).

The dual enrollment prohibition was voted on by the membership and enacted in November 2006. Let me make it perfectly clear as much trouble as I had with the last Tribal Council they did not enact the dual enrollment prohibition because of me. From what I have been able to find out the dual enrollment prohibition had something to do with the late Gerald Blue, the Lake Traverse, and Enemy Swim Districts. Looking back to 2006 I am not even sure if Gerald Blue was alive at the time. Anyway, Gerald can also be an Upper Sioux Indian and apparently he was going back and forth between Sisseton and Granite Falls. Also, there were some members in the Enemy Swim District who can go back and forth between Crow Creek and Sisseton and the intention of the dual enrollment prohibition was to stop all of this sharing and generosity.

Since the former council people, in my opinion, never did anything positive in their four years in office I figured I’d enroll with the Seneca-Cayuga’s and someday challenge the dual enrollment prohibition.

But, to be fair, let’s say that the former council was actually watching out for the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate best interest by enacting the dual enrollment prohibition. Well, Personally I don’t think they gave a hoot about the Oyate, especially since it was these same people who allowed Travis Carrico, the former CEO of Dakota Nation Gaming, to walk out the door with $100,000 severance pay without any motions or resolutions authorizing him to do so. And lest we forget, it was on their watch that $1,125,000 disappeared when Carrico and the disbarred attorney Moen secretly attempted to outlaw South Dakota video lottery. At the $1,350 annual rate I am getting from the SW Oyate it would take old Shady Grady 907 years to get what the last council wasted on those two fiscal fiasco’s. Getting kicked out of Shakopee and now possibly getting kicked out of the Sisseton Oyate (remember Oyate is an inclusive term) as gotten me to thinking. Maybe it doesn’t really matter if I am a certified Indian anymore. I can always fall back on my city, county, state and US citizenship since they don’t have a problem with me being a dual citizen.

I will keep you posted.

Until next time. Grady Renville gradymazaska@yahoo.com/.

Open letter to the Oyate

The Celebration of Hope Committee would like to give a special thanks to everyone that helped make the 2K/5K walk/run a success.

We would like to thank Dakota Magic Casino, Dakota Sioux Casino, and the SWO Fitness Center for their generous donation of prizes.

A big thank you to all who helped with the event, especially Jerry and Jenaette Larson and the timekeepers.

We would also like to thank the Firemen, Policemen, and all the community members who participated in the walk/run.

We had a total of 35 runners and walkers – the most participants ever in this event.

Last but not least, we would like to congratulate the Firemen for winning the Policemen/Firemen Challenge!

-- Gary Gaikowski (for the Committee).

Open letter to the Oyate

Thank you from the American Cancer Society.

Roberts County residents raised more than $28,000 at the 15th annual American Cancer Society "Celebration of HOPE" held on July 8th in Sisseton SD. The event started with a 2K/5K race that sparked a lot of interest from fellow runners and joggers. Residents really showed their spirit at this year's event. Cancer survivors, teams and residents showed up to participate and most of the area businesses either sponsored or donated to the event.

There were 16 teams that represented area businesses, clubs and organizations. They raised about $5,000 more than last year as they enjoyed an assortment of food and games for those in attendance.

Katy Heinecke and Colleen Ellingson were the 2010 "Celebration of HOPE" Co-Chairs. The 2010 committee did an excellent job and their leadership was evident as they guided the teams to exceed their goal once again.

Funds raised from Celebration of Hope has helped the American Cancer Society provide programs and services to cancer patients and their families right here in Roberts County…services like transportation and lodging assistance, free wigs/hats/scarves, free prosthesis and bras for breast cancer patients, support groups, 24/7 information through our call-in center and website, Look Good…Feel Better classes, youth scholarships and camps, and much more. But more importantly, your donations support our research program, which provides cancer patients with life-saving medications and treatments every day!

On behalf of the 2010 Celebration of HOPE Committee and the American Cancer Society, I would like to thank the Roberts County residents for their generous support. YOU are saving lives in Roberts County!

Peg Schultz, Community Relations American Cancer Society.

Dr. Kass announces retirement and sale of Rosholt Clinic

Coteau des Prairies Hospital and Clinic of Sisseton is pleased to announce that they will be continuing the operation of Dr. Kass’s clinic in Rosholt as he has determined now is a good time to retire from the practice of medicine.  Dr. Kass has practiced in Rosholt for 50 years and has also been credentialed to provide medical and surgical services at Coteau des Prairies Hospital in Sisseton.  “The hospital has had a long and mutually supportive relationship with Dr. Kass and we are honored that he wanted Coteau to continue the high quality of care that he has maintained all these years in Rosholt,” says Coteau’s CEO, Dan Ellis.

“The time has come for me to retire.  Thank you to my faithful patients who supported me over the years.  It was a pleasure for me to take care of such nice people.  I truly will miss all of my patients and my faithful staff at the clinic, Karen, Ann and Delores.  I would not have been able to serve the people without the skillful help of my clinic staff.  I hope the community and my patients will continue to support the new health care team from Coteau des Prairies Hospital and Clinic.  I will stay on for a few months during the transition to introduce the new health care providers,” says Dr. Kass.

Karen Hanson, office manager also shares, “I was happy to hear Rosholt will continue to have health care providers at the Kass Clinic.  I will miss working with my co-workers and Dr. Kass, but I am going to continue working at the clinic and be a part of the new patient care team.  I hope the community and our patients will continue to support the Rosholt Clinic.”

Coteau will formally take over the operation of the clinic on, or about August 1st. Initially the clinic will be staffed by a Physician and a Physician’s Assistant 2-3 days per week.  Coteau is currently recruiting more providers and hopes to expand the days that it will have a provider present at the Rosholt clinic.  Dr. Kass will continue to be present at the clinic as needed to help with the transition, but will not be providing any patient care. Coteau will also provide a physician to take care of the Clinic’s patients residing at the nursing home.  Coteau utilizes the Sanford/MeritCare hospital in Fargo for most of its transfers.

“Coteau is committed to maintaining a medical practice in Rosholt because we feel it is important that the residents of Northeast Roberts County and the surrounding area continue to have access to quality healthcare.  We look forward to the opportunity to serve the people of this area for years to come,” says Mary Carlson, CDP Hospital and Clinic Board Chairperson.

Workplace safety, chemical exposure agenda for July 27 “On Call”

Brookings, SD – Earning a living not only requires a good work ethic, it can require safe practices to avoid a variety of hazards, from hearing loss to injury.

During the July 27 “On Call®” program, safety on the job – to include a look at how some work involves chemicals – is the focus, and the audience is invited to share their questions.

“On Call” medical editor Dr. Richard Holm and program producer and host Tami Watson will welcome their guest, Betsy Buehrer, who serves in the corporate occupational medical department with 3M.

“Workplace safety is important, and not just on the farm,” said Watson. “We’ll provide information about avoiding chemical exposure while farming, and we’ll also look at other health risks that workers may face and answer questions from the workers in our viewing audience.”

“On Call” airs Thursdays on South Dakota Public Broadcasting-Television at 7 p.m. Central, 6 p.m. Mountain. The South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service produces “On Call,” a weekly program about health.

During the live broadcast, viewers can call 1-888-DrOnCall (1-888-376-6225) with their questions about workplace safety and chemical exposure. Viewers also can e-mail their questions in advance of the broadcast by visiting the “On Call” website at this link: http://oncall.sdstate.org/.

The South Dakota State Medical Association and the South Dakota Department of Health both endorse “On Call” and its programming. “On Call” is the only show to receive these endorsements.

The program is made possible by major underwriter support from Avera Health and the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care. Additional sponsors include Dakotacare, Brookings Health System, the South Dakota American College of Physicians, Swiftel Communications, and the Friends of SDPB.

The Brookings Health System, Fishback Financial Corporation, and the Larson Foundation provide closed captioning for “On Call.”

During the Aug. 5 “On Call” program, the medical heritage of South Dakota will be the focus of conversation and questions.

For more information about the program, visit the “On Call” website at this link: http://oncall.sdstate.org/.

Al-Anon meetings

“Troubled by someone else’s drinking, whether the alcoholic is drinking or not. Alcoholism is a family illness, let’s talk.”

Al-Anon is meeting every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the Dakotah Pride Center half-way house meeting room, Rehab Village.

Contact organizer Collette, (605) 268-2734.

Developmental Disabilities Support meetings

The parent group, Grant/Roberts Developmental Disabilities Support Services (GRDDSS) meets the third Tuesday of each month at the Middlebrook community room, 902 E. Milbank Ave., Milbank, SD at 6:30 p.m.

The mission statement is: “Promoting and supporting options for people with disabilities to achieve their desired level of independence within the community of their choice.

For more information, please call Ember at (605) 698-7692, Char at (605) 862-8327, Carol at (605) 445-0548, or Rachel at (605) 698-7445.

SWO Health and Wellness Column –

Zani Unpi

How much do you know about Infant Formula?

Submitted by Jodi Lutjens, RN, Maternal Child Health

Woodrow Wilson Keeble Memorial Health Care Center

Have you ever read the ingredient list on infant formula? The ingredient list tells you what ingredients are in a packaged food. Ingredients are listed by weight from most to least.

Here is the list of ingredients on one type of infant formula:

Reduced Minerals Whey, Nonfat Milk, Vegetable Oil (Palm Olein, Soy, Coconut, and High Oleic Sunflower Oils), Lactose, and Less than 1%: Mortierella Alpina Oil [a Source of Arachidonic Acid (ARA)], Crypthecodinium Cohnii Oil [a Source of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)], Mono- and Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Carrageenan, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E Acetate, Vitamin K1, Thiamin Hydrochloride, Vitamin B6 Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12, Niacinamide, Folic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Sodium Ascorbate, Ascorbic Acid, Choline Chloride, Inositol, Calcium Phosphate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Cupric Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Citrate, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Selenite, Taurine, Nucleotides (Adenosine 5'-Monophosphate, Disodium Guanosine 5'-Monophosphate, Disodium Uridine 5'-Monophosphate).

Have you ever heard, "If you can't pronounce the words in the ingredient list or don't know what those words mean, it is best not to eat it and make a healthier choice?"

Manufacturers have tried to make infant formula as close to human breast milk as they can, and market the idea that today's "highly scientific" breast milk substitutes have been "specially formulated" to be "like breast milk." The fact is that no matter what, formula is a synthetic form of infant nutrition and cannot be an equal replacement for human breast milk.

Here are some facts on some of the ingredients in infant formula:

*Whey is a waste by-product of producing certain dairy products, particularly cheeses.

*Palm, coconut and safflower oils are some of the least expensive oils, and are used in many snack foods.

*Some formulas contain processed free glutamic acid (MSG) and processed free aspartic acids - both neurotoxins. Hypoallergenic formulas tend to contain more of these neurotoxins that non-hypoallergenic formulas.

*All formulas contain Bisphenol A (BPA) which is an industrial chemical used to coat the lining of the formula can.

*Soy formulas contain: Manganese, aluminum; phytoestrogens (plant estrogens), phytates (which reduce absorption of zinc and selenium).

Risks associated with Infant Formula:

Contamination:

*Formula is not a pure substance .

*More than 14 formula recalls have been posted in the past 9 years for reasons ranging from contamination, mislabeling, improper label instructions leading to seizures, excessive mineral content, etc. (National Alliance for Breastfeeding Advocacy).

Powdered infant formula has been associated with serious illness and death in infants due to infections with Enterobacter sakazakii, which causes meningitis. Studies have been done by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations on possible risks of contamination of powdered infant formula during production with harmful bacteria such as Enterobacter sakazakii, as well as Salmonella enteric a. Using the current manufacturing technology, it is not feasible to produce sterile powdered infant formula; so during preparation, inappropriate handling could cause the powdered formula to be contaminated. As a result, they recommended that caregivers, particularly for infants at high risk, should be regularly alerted that powdered infant formula is not a sterile product.

*WHO developed revised recommendations for formula preparation and storage:

wMix powdered formula with water at a temperature of at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit to kill E.sakazakkii. In order to reach this temperature, you need to boil the water and allow it to cool for no longer than 30 minutes before mixing.

wRemember that formula made with hot water needs to be cooled quickly to body temperature if it is being fed to the baby immediately.

wIf formula is not being fed immediately, refrigerate it right away and keep refrigerated until feeding.

wAvoid mixing up large amounts of formula at one time. Formula can only be stored in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

wTo re-warm these bottles, you need to leave them in the refrigerator until right before use. Do not re-warm them for more than 15 minutes. Do not warm bottles in the microwave. Uneven heating can cause hot spots that can cause the baby's mouth to get scalded.

wAvoid saving formula left in a bottle that has already been offered to baby.

Other routes of contamination:

*Water used to dilute formula (even bottled water should be boiled before use).

*Bottles due to improper cleaning. All bottles and nipples should be cleaned with warm soapy water and then boiled prior to use. Plastic bottles may contain BPA and other chemicals of concern.

*Bottle nipples can be contaminated through improper cleaning. Rubber nipples can contain nitrosamines (chemical compounds that may be carcinogenic).

Dangers of improper preparation:

*Use the exact amount of water recommended on the label to reconstitute powdered or concentrate formula. Always add the water to the bottle first, then add the powdered formula.

*Under-diluted formula can cause problems related to dehydration.

*Over-diluted formula will not provide adequate nutrition, and, if fed for an extended period of time, may result in slower growth. It may also result in water intoxication.

Health Outcomes Associated with Formula:

Both Cow and Soy formulas:

wDiabetes - Higher incidence of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus in those babies exclusively formula fed versus those babies that were exclusively breastfed

wObesity

wAllergies

Cow milk based formula is also linked to:

wGastrointestinal reflux (GER) - just under half of the cases of GER in infants less than one year of age are associated with cow milk allergy. (formula allergy)

wCrying and colic

There are Nutrients Missing from Formula:

wBoth cow and soy formula are lacking:

wCholesterol which is used in myelination of the nerves and brain

wNaturally occurring long chain polyunsaturated fats (LCPUFAs)

Breast milk is a good source of cholesterol and LCPUFAs

wFormula companies are heavily marketing products enriched with LCPUFAs (lipil)"

wThe source of these fats is fermented algae and soil fungus

wLCPUFAs are known to be fragile fats - what is happening to them during the manufacture, storage, and home preparation of formula?

wPotential side effects of fat enhanced formula include reported cases of diarrhea, vomiting, bloating and GI discomfort

Soy formula, and some cow milk based formula, are lacking lactose (a sugar that is only found in mammal milk). Lactose is necessary for calcium absorption.

There are times when a newborn is unable to breastfeed due to medical reasons, but formula is not the second choice. The World Health Organization (WHO) states: "The second choice is the mother's own milk expressed (pumped) and given to the infant in some way. The third choice is the milk of another human mother. The fourth and last choice is artificial baby milk." The above information meant to give you some facts, allowing you to make an informed choice when you decide whether or not to breastfeed or formula feed your infant. There are times when there is no other option than formula, but do the research and determine which formula is the best and safest for your baby. Resources: American Academy of Pediatrics World Health Organization

Zani unpi.

Announces over $99,000 for Small Business growth

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) has announced that the Eagle Nest Community Development Corporation in Pine Ridge will receive a $99,123 federal grant from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development. The funding, from the Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program, will be used to assist small and emerging businesses in the Eagle Nest District on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

“It is important to encourage growth and development in rural communities,” Johnson said. “I am pleased that the Eagle Nest Community Development Corporation will receive this funding to provide needed assistance to local businesses and bring investments to the community.”

The Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program supports and facilitates the development of local private business enterprises in rural areas. Funding is allocated to assist with project development costs, including acquisition of land and rights, construction and infrastructure expenses, start-up costs, technical assistance, professional service fees, and establishment of revolving loan funds.

Arizona men sentenced for illegally possessing Golden Eagle

Washington, DC – Three men were sentenced in federal court in Flagstaff, Ariz., for illegally possessing a protected golden eagle, the Justice Department announced.

Arthur Batala, Darrell Batala and Steven Silas, all members of the Hopi Indian Tribe of Arizona, were sentenced for taking and possessing a golden eagle in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a federal law that protects most species of birds in the United States. Magistrate Judge Mark E. Aspey of the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona sentenced Art Batala to pay $500 restitution and serve two years of probation, Darrell Batala to pay $500 restitution and serve one year of probation and Silas to pay $500 restitution and serve one year of supervised probation.

Eagles are viewed as sacred in many Native American cultures, and the feathers and other parts of the birds are central to Native American religions and customs. By law under the Migratory Bird Treaty and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Acts, enrolled members of federally recognized Indian tribes may obtain permits to take eagles for religious purposes, but federal law prohibits the sale of bald and golden eagles or their feathers and other parts.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service operates the National Eagle Repository, which collects eagles nationwide that die naturally, by accident or other means, to supply enrolled members of federally recognized tribes with eagle parts for their religious use.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement, the Hopi Resource Enforcement Services, and the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife. The case was prosecuted by the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section.

SD man sentenced for Bribery, Theft

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Randy Shields, a Ft. Thompson, S.D., man charged with bribery and theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, was sentenced on June 28, 2010, to 40 months in custody, two years of supervised release, an $11,000 fine, $1,000 restitution, and a $100 assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund.

Shields, along with his co-defendants, was indicted for bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds and retaliation against a witness by a federal grand jury in November 2008. At that time, Randy Shields was an elected official serving as a tribal council member for the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. During this time, Shields illegally received bribes from Archie Baumann, a construction contractor from Fort Pierre, who was attempting to obtain construction contracts and other business from the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe.

Youth, school activities highlighted –

Education watch on the Lake Traverse Reservation

Open letter to Parents of TZTS Students

July 14, 2010

To the parents of Tiospa Zina Tribal School Students:

Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. Although it is July, we are getting ready for the upcoming return of students to Tiospa Zina. I have asked Chuck at the Sota to put the school calendar into the paper for the next three weeks so everyone can have a copy to put up on their refrigerators or other spot in the house to keep track of happenings at the school.

There are some changes to the school schedule this year.

We are focusing our efforts to improve student academic success in reading, math and science and have added an emphasis on Dakota Language.

This year we are going to have school start at 8:25 a.m. and end at 3:50 p.m. This is an additional 30 minutes to the school day. This allows us to have 50 minutes of Dakota Language instruction for all students K-8 and allows us to increase time for science instruction.

We will be letting out at 1:50 on Friday afternoons so faculty can finish their lesson plans for the upcoming school week and get any other planning in place so we are ready on Monday morning to start again. It also provides a time for any training that is necessary so instruction won't be disrupted during the school week.

This is a change from last year where we had a late start each Wednesday morning. This way we start at the same time every day which is less confusing to the students.

I hope the rest of your summer is fun and restful and we will see you on August 25th when we start classes again at Tiospa Zina Tribal School.

Take Care!

Ted Hamilton, Superintendent.

From the office of Waubay School Superintendent –

Public message to community

Hello, this is a special message from the Waubay School.

The Waubay School has received reports of someone in the area calling on patrons of our district using the Waubay School name in regard to a "survey." This is an attempt to get into your home to sell educational products for your children.

Please be advised these people are not in any way connected to the Waubay School and their products are not endorsed by the school. The Waubay School has not given any information to these people or authorized the use of the Waubay School name in connection with this "survey" or any educational products they are selling.

Thank you for your interest in your school.

Al Stewart, Waubay School Superintendent.

DOJ holds Tribal Youth Summit

Washington, DC – July 19, 2010 – The Department of Justice is hosting a Tribal Youth Summit at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, N.M., on July 19–23, 2010. More than 110 American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth representing 21 tribal communities from across the nation are expected to participate. The youth were nominated by their tribal community and selected by representatives of the department’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW).

Speakers on the summit’s first evening will include Larry Echo Hawk, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior; and Wes Studi, renowned actor, musician and Native American advocate. Tribal leaders and elders will be involved in many facets of the summit, including special informational sessions and AI/AN cultural presentations, which will take place throughout the summit.

The summit will also feature sessions on the prevention of substance abuse, teen dating violence and gang involvement. Among other topics to be covered are strategies for promoting academic success during the middle- and high-school years and career opportunities for youth. Presenters at the sessions will include representatives from OVW, the Office for Victims of Crime, the Bureau of Indian Education, the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ (BIA’s) Criminal Justice Division and youth advocate George Galvis.

On July 21, 2010, the department will convene its first Listening to the Voices of Tribal Youth Circle, in which a youth representative from each tribal community will share a high-priority youth issue with top-ranking officials from the department and BIA. U. S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico Kenneth J. Gonzales; Deputy Associate Attorney General Karol Mason; Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Mary Lou Leary; and OJJDP Senior Advisor Catherine Pierce will be among the officials participating in the circle. The goal of the circle is to create a venue for communication between tribal youth and federal government staff as a tool in shaping policy and programs that will affect tribal youth for years to come.

Gonzales, Mason and. Leary will meet with the media at 5:15 p.m. on July 21, 2010, in the board of director’s conference room, CLE Building of the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe to discuss the department’s programs for tribal youth and what they learned during the listening session.

For more information, please contact Adam Spector of the Office of Justice Programs Office of Communications Congressional Affairs Division at 202-307-0703 or Educational Development Center – Training and Technical Assistance Center Director Stephanie Autumn at 507-217-7903.

2010 Native American Student Artist competition exhibit

Washington, DC – July 20, 2010 – The U.S. Department of Education opens its sixth annual Student Artist Competition (SAC) Winners’ Exhibit tomorrow in the Department lobby, featuring 21 art and nine writing entries chosen from more than 1,000 art and writing entries from more than 250 tribes in 34 states. The competition celebrates the value and successes of education in Native American communities and is open to all American Indian and Alaska Native students in preschool through grade 12.

“This exhibit is a testament to the value of a public education that embraces Native Americans’ rich cultural heritage,” said Charlie P. Rose, general counsel of the Department. “Through this display of student artwork, audiences can witness a passionate celebration of Native American culture.”

The exhibit opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony will honor winners of the art and writing awards from around the country. Following the ceremony, students will take a guided tour of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.

Rose will deliver remarks at the opening. Additional remarks will be given by Carolyn Webb de Macias, chief of staff of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE), Samilou Smith, an art teacher in Maryetta School District in Oklahoma whose nine students are in the show as 2010 SAC winners, Keevin Lewis, museum program coordinator of the Smithsonian Institution’s Emerging Artist Program, and two of the 11th- and 12th-grade first-place winners for art and writing, Macklin Becenti (Navajo) and Berdina Nieto (Santo Domingo/Kewa). Clayton Old Elk (Crow) will open the ceremony with a traditional blessing, and Dennis Zotigh (Kiowa) of the National Museum of the American Indian will be featured in a musical cultural performance.

Sponsored by the Office of Indian Education (OIE) in the Department’s OESE, the SAC started in 2005 with only 138 student art entries. Over the course of the next year, the exhibit will travel across the country and be shown at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, Oklahoma History Center, Sisseton School District, Towanits Education Center, John Wesley Powell Memorial Museum, Quapaw Tribal Library, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

To participate in the competition, Native American students submitted art and writing related to this year’s theme, Bringing Honor Through Education. The Department’s OIE hopes to inspire students to explore the connection between their education and culture through art and writing. The traveling exhibit demonstrates students’ artistic talents and is a testament to American Indian and Alaska Native students’ visions of their education and culture. More information about the exhibit as well as past and future competitions can be found at http://kids.indianeducation.org/sac.

Stretch your back-to-school budget

By Jason Alderman

State and local government budget cuts have taken their toll on practically every public service, including school districts. As parents, you're probably already being asked to contribute more and more to fund your children's classroom and extracurricular activities. That means when it comes to personal budgeting, we've got to do more with less.

Take back-to-school shopping. Some of the money you earmarked for new clothes may now have to go toward classroom supplies or to pay for childcare you need because after-school programs have been shuttered.

Here are a few tips on how to better manage back-to-school expenses while helping your school get through tough times:

First, calculate how much you can afford to spend without blowing your overall budget or racking up debt. Consider spreading some purchases like clothing throughout the school year – added bonus, your kids won't outgrow everything all at once.

Next, make a comprehensive list of all anticipated expenses, and leave wiggle room for unexpected ones as well. A few strategies:

* Try to recall what you bought in previous years – and compare notes with other, more experienced parents.

* Ask the school which supplies they expect parents to purchase. Go in with other families to take advantage of volume discounts and sales.

* Find out the financial commitment for extracurricular activities like athletics, music and art programs. Consider things like uniforms, membership dues, private lessons, field trips, etc.

* Don't forget public transportation, school bus charges or your share of gas for the car pool, if any apply.

* Compare the cost, convenience and nutritional value of school lunches and food you prepare yourself.

Prioritize "needs" versus "wants." Although outgrown shoes should be replaced to ensure proper physical development, you can probably get one more year's use out of an older computer if money is tight. Share your decision-making process with your kids – it's never too soon for them to learn about delayed gratification and compromise.

Before buying new clothing or accessories, look for "gently used" items in the closets of your older kids, friends and neighbors, at garage sales, thrift or consignment stores, and at online shopping sites like eBay and Craig's List.

Many retailers post discount coupons in newspapers and on their websites. In addition, numerous consolidation websites post downloadable coupons and sale codes you can enter at online shopping sites. Some of the better sites I've seen include: www.dealnews.com, www.couponcode.com, www.mybargainbuddy.com, www.dealcoupon.com, www.dealhunting.com and www.alexscoupons.com.

A few additional shopping tips:

* Wait until after school starts to shop fall clearance sales – that's when department stores want to make room for holiday merchandise.

* Although shopping online can save you money, time and gas, shipping and return costs can undo your savings, so anticipate these expenses before making a purchase.

* Understand your school's dress code so you don't buy inappropriate clothing.

Help your school. To stretch your dollars even further, you can join school fundraising organizations like eScrip (www.escrip.com) and OneCause.com (www.onecause.com/schoolpop). A percentage of all purchases made by members at participating retailers and service organizations are donated to the school of your choice.

With a little careful planning, you can stretch your dollars and ease the financial pain of back-to-school shopping.

Jason Alderman directs Visa's financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney/.

Garden Corner

Submitted by Eric Hanseen

Browns Valley, Minnesota

Tomato Diseases Part 2:

Tomato Diseases Of The Foliage Continued:

Southern Blight: Southern Blight manifests as a white mold growing on the stem

near the soil line. Dark, round spots will appear on the lower stem and both the outer and inner stem will become discolored. Southern Blight fungus girdles the tomato stem and prevents the plant from taking up water and nutrients.

Young plants may collapse at the soil line. Management: Crop rotation seems to help. There has also been some evidence that extra calcium and the use of fertilizers containing ammonium offer some protection.

Verticillium Wilt: This name can be misleading, as sometimes the leaves will turn yellow, dry up and never appear to wilt. Verticillium wilt is caused by a soil-borne fungus and it can affect many different vegetables. The fungus can persist in the soil for many years, so crop rotation and selection of resistant varieties is crucial. Symptoms include: wilting during the hottest part of the day and recovering at night, yellowing and eventually browning between the leaf veins starting with the older, lower leaves and discoloration inside the stems.

Verticillium Wilt inhibits the plants ability to take in water and nutrients and will eventually kill the plant. Verticillium wilt is more pronounced in cool weather. Management: Remove affected plants and choose resistant varieties.

Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is first noticed on older leaves as a yellow spotted appearance, that upon closer inspection has a whitish-gray powder on the surface. The leaves will eventually die, but usually remain attached to the stem. The disease is worse under warm, dry conditions. Control: Sulfur dusts or wettable sulfur sprays are effective preventative controls. The established disease will require one of the labeled mildew fungicides.

Cucumber Mosaic Virus: Virus-infected plants are stunted, often with poorly expanded leaves. Plants are bushy in appearance. Leaves may be mottled, and often have a "shoestring" appearance. Fruit are small and misshaped.

Control:

Aphids often are virus vectors, so an attempt to control the aphids is the first step. Eliminate weeds and remove infected plants from the field as soon as they are seen.

Alternaria Canker: Symptoms of Alternaria canker appear on stems, leaves and fruit. Large areas of the leaf lamina between veins is killed, leading to leaf curling and eventual death of the entire leaf. Control: Fungus over winters in crop residue and is easily spead by wind. Wounding of young plants (by mechanical damage or pruning) provides an entry site for infection. Furrow or drip irrigation is preferred over sprinkler irrigation. Preventative fungicide sprays may be required if a "zero tolerance" for defects production system is needed. These are just a few of the main Leaf diseases.

Coming next week: Tomato Diseases of the Fruit.

Information in this article by Marie Iannotti available online at http://gardening.about.com/od/vegetablepatch/a/TomatoProblems.htm. And Texas AgriLife Extension Services online at http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/publications/tomatoproblemsolver/leaf/.

July 27 “Garden Line” opens many senses for viewers at famous Brookings garden

Brookings, SD – The McCrory Gardens in Brookings include one area where it’s just fine to touch the flowers.

During the July 27 “Garden Line” program, the show will feature the Sensory Garden at McCrory Gardens, where visitors are encouraged to sniff and touch the flora. Of course, they are welcome just to look, too.

The South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service’s weekly program on all things green also includes Extension Horticulture Specialist Rhoda Burrows demonstrating the technique to separate irises from one another.

And since it’s the season, the show also includes Extension Pesticide Application Training Coordinator Jim Wilson explaining the proper method to apply permetherin, an insect repellent that’s applied to clothing and that helps protect against mosquito bites and West Nile virus.

South Dakota Cooperative Extension specialists also will take viewer questions and do their best to answer them on the July 27 “Garden Line.”

“Garden Line” airs on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Central time, 6 p.m. Mountain on South Dakota Public Broadcasting-Television. The South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service produces the show, and SDSU faculty and Extension educators and specialists who work all across South Dakota provide their expertise on gardening, plants, trees, and lawn care.

The “Garden Line” program repeats twice each week on South Dakota Public Broadcasting’s Digital Channel Three also known as the Create channel. The encore broadcast can be seen Thursdays at 11 a.m. Central and Saturdays at 4 p.m. Central. Check your local listings to find SDPB-TV-3.

Viewers can call 1-866-595-SDSU (7378) during the show to ask their questions, or they can e-mail their questions to this address: SDSU_Garden_Line@sdstate.edu.

Accidents happen: Get your affairs in order

By Jason Alderman

Recently, a man stepping off a curb near my office was struck and killed by a passing bus. Only 49, he clearly had many productive years ahead. Reading about it reminded me how quickly unexpected accidents can turn your family upside down, and how vitally important proper planning is.

No matter what your age, you should have already drafted a will and other key documents that outline how you'd like your financial and health matters to be handled if you die, become disabled or fall seriously ill. Even if you already have such documents in place, however, it's important to review them periodically, particularly if your financial or family situation changes – say you get married or divorced, have a baby, a beneficiary dies, etc.

Among the things that could go wrong if you haven't made your current wishes known:

* Court-supervised probate could hold up your estate and result in costly fees.

* Your ex-spouse might still be named primary beneficiary of certain assets.

* The state usually awards assets to surviving spouses, children and other relatives, so friends and favored charities could be passed over.

* With no will, the state decides guardianship for minor children if both parents die.

Here are a few documents to consider for preventing these scenarios:

A will declares who should receive your assets, chooses an executor to handle your estate and names a guardian for your minor children, among other decisions.

A revocable living trust creates a trust to which ownership of your assets is transferred. As trustee, you control the trust and as beneficiary, you own its assets. After you die, assets are transferred to your successor beneficiaries (heirs) without having to go through probate.

A financial durable power of attorney specifies who has legal authority to pay your bills, manage assets and conduct other financial matters if you become incapacitated.

A healthcare durable power of attorney assigns someone to make your medical decisions if you're unable. Be sure to pick someone who would closely follow your wishes and can make tough decisions.

A living will instructs doctors and hospitals which medical treatments and life-support procedures you do or don't want. Have your doctor put a copy in your medical file.

There are a few additional considerations for any of these documents:

* Sign, date and notarize them and file for safekeeping.

* Compare will or trust beneficiaries to those named in your insurance or retirement plans to eliminate conflicts.

* Before naming an executor or power of attorney, make sure they are up to the task.

* Name alternate beneficiaries and executors in case anyone dies before you.

Do-it-yourself kits like Quicken WillMaker Plus are available, although you should probably have an attorney who specializes in estate law review your documents. And if trusts, complex estates or large assets are involved, definitely hire a professional – one typo or skipped signature could end up costing far more than the lawyer's fee.

Free or low-cost legal assistance is often available for lower-income people. A few helpful sites include LawHelp.org (www.lawhelp.org), Legal Services Corporation (www.lsc.gov) and the American Bar Association (www.abanet.org under "Public Resources").

My motto: Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.

Jason Alderman directs Visa's financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

Legal Notices –

Legal Notice

Venture Communications Co-op. is the recipient of Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866)377-8642 (relay voice users). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Trading Post –

4-FAMILY RUMMAGE SALE & TACO SALE

THURSDAY, JULY 29TH from 8-5 P.M. & FRIDAY 30TH 8-3 P.M. ST. CATHERINES HALL. THURSDAY YVONNE'S INDIAN TACO STARTING AT 11:00A.M. UNTIL GONE. FRIDAY WALKING TACOS STARTING at 11:00A.M. UNTIL GONE.

FOR SALE: New born girl clothing, size 2 toddler girls/boys clothing, size 3/4 toddler t-shirts, boys size 5/6 and 8/10 clothing, young girls clothing and shoes, young women's clothing and shoes, large women's clothing, x-large women's clothing, x-large men's clothing, recliner, rocker, tv, vcr, baby furniture, books, dishes, rugs, curtains, towels, shower curtains, bedding, blankets, knick knacks, Americana knick knacks, luggage, and many many household items. Williams and Red Wing families.

Huge 5-Family Rummage Sale

Saturday, July 31, 2010, 312 6th Ave E, 8:00-5:00. Lots of Harley shirts & items, Boy clothes newborn - 5T, Girls clothes 6-12, Women's clothes, Leather Coats, Household items. Breakfast Burrito's, Walking Tacos and Bake Sale.

Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate

Job Openings

Office Manager, Tribal Historic Preservation Office.

Data Entry/Assistant, Tax Department.

Closing date: July 30, 2010 at 4:30 p.m.

Case Manager/Diabetes Advocate, Health & Fitness Program.

Recreational Coordinator, Planning Department.

Closing date: August 6, 2010 at 4:30 p.m.

All interested applicants may obtain application and job description information at the Human Resource Department of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate. You may contact Arnold Williams at (605) 698-3911 ext. 112.

Sisseton Wahpeton College

Job Opening

The Sisseton Wahpeton College is hiring for the following positions:

Vice President of Academic Affairs: Master's degree in Curriculum Development, Education Administration, or Education leadership required. 5 years of teaching experience. 5 years administration/management experience. Supervisory experience required.

Adjunct Instructors - Bachelor's degree in Specific Field required; Master's degree preferred. Art Instructor. Business Instructor. Dakota Studies - SD teaching certificate in Dakota studies. Dakota Quillwork instructor. English instructor.

For further information contact the Human Resources office at (605) 698-3966 ext. 1105 Send complete application to: Sisseton Wahpeton College, ATTN Human Resources, PO Box 689, Agency Village, SD 57262.

Visit our website: www.swc.tc for a full job description and application. Positions open until filled.

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Tiospa Zina Tribal School

Job Openings

Position Opening: Benefits Specialist Preferred Qualifications: Bachelors degree in related field Opening Date: 6/18/2010 Closing Date: Open until filled.

Position Opening: After School Coordinator Preferred Qualifications: Masters degree in school administration Opening Date: 6/18/2010 Closing Date: Open until filled.

Position Opening: Network Administrator Preferred Qualifications: Associates Degree +; Strong knowledge base in Cisco routing and networking, MS IIS, MS sharepoint, Sonic wall, Active Directory, CDP and Internet Appliance, Altiris, E-rate Opening Date: 5/18/2010 Closing Date: Open until filled.

Position Opening: 2 Cooks Preferred Qualifications: High School Diploma/GED; Willing to complete Track I and II Food Preparation Certifications (renew every 2 years) Opening Date: 4/16/2010 Closing Date: Open until filled.

Position Opening: Safety Monitor Preferred Qualifications: High School Diploma/GED; Certified in First Aid and CPR Opening Date: 4/9/2010 Closing Date: Open until filled.

Siyo Peters, TZTS Human Resources Director, PO Box 719, Agency Village, SD 57262. Phone: 605-698-3953 ext. 3207. Fax: 605-698-7686. Web Page: http://www.tiospa-zina.us/TZ2010/hr/employment.html.

Enemy Swim Day School

Job Opening

Enemy Swim Day School has an opening for a child care worker in our Child Development Center. Wage is dependent upon experience. Please visit www.esds.us for application and job description. Applications are also available at the school during normal school hours. Call (605) 947-4605 and ask for Sherry to inquire about the position. Closing date is August 4, 2010. Indian preference policies will be followed.

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Dakota Wicohan AmeriCorps

Promise Fellow: 3 positions available

Placement Site:

Dakota Wicohan, P.O. Box 2, Morton, MN 56270

dakotawicohan@gmail.com

Submit resume & letter by: July 26, 2010 Inquiries: Teresa Peterson, Program Director teresarp@redred.com • 320-226-1227

Position Overview: Fellows will mentor Dakota youth in school & community, engage intergenerational community support for youth and actively develop their own academic and career path. Emphasis will be on Dakota leadership, academic support and civic engagement; using Dakota language & Dakota-based curriculum. Each fellow will be supported with adult mentors, Dakota speakers, teachers and community leaders. The fellows are hosted by the MN Alliance with Youth and Dakota Wicohan.

Requirements: • Must be 18 years old • U.S. citizen • Successfully pass a background check.

Qualifications:

• Interest in Dakota youth, service, education, and non-profit work

• Commitment to learning the Dakota language

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Able to take initiative

• Self-motivated, able to work independently

• Strong organization skills

• Able to present oneself in a highly professional manner and be

a Dakota & AmeriCorps ambassador Desirable Characteristics:

• Volunteer experience

• Experience working with youth

• Commitment to positive youth development

• Has initiative to see and follow through with “next steps” to be taken

• To be neutral in terms of tribal politics and remain focused

• Healthy lifestyle

Benefits: As a full-time AmeriCorps Promise Fellow (1700 hours from August 15, 2010 - August 14, 2011) will receive: Modest Living Allowance ($950/month; pre-tax); Basic Health Insurance; Qualified Student Loan Deferment; $4,725 Education Award upon successful completion of service; Ongoing and extensive support and training from AmeriCorps and Dakota Wicohan.

Additional benefits include: mileage reimbursement to required trainings and extensive guidance and assistance with developing personal and career paths.

Dakota Sioux Casino & Hotel

Job Opening

Hotel:

Front Desk Clerk (1 full-time).

General function: Staffs the Front Desk to attend to the needs of the guests throughout their stay.

Requirements: High School Equivalent or GED. Three to six months related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Good people skills, both in person and on the telephone. Must meet the requirement of a non-gaming license upon hire.

This position will close on July 27, 2010 at 4 p.m.

Indian Preference will apply/EEO.

Contact the Human Resources Department for complete job descriptions at 1-800-658-4717 ext. 1653.

If interested please fill out an application and submit to: Dakota Sioux Casino & Hotel, Human Resources Department, 16415 Sioux Conifer Road, Watertown, SD 57201.

Dakota Magic Casino & Hotel

Job Openings

Cage Department: Shift Supervisor (1 Full-Time) Swing.

Golf Course Department: Bartender (1 Full-Time) Day/Swing.

Hotel Department: Room/Laundry Attendant (1 Full-Time) Rotating.

Housekeeping Department: Porter (2 Full-Time) Graveyard.

Closing Date: July 30, 2010 @ 4:00 p.m.Starting Wage: D.O.E.

High School diploma or G.E.D. required for most positions.

Two identification documents required upon hire.

If interested please submit application to Human Resources Department, 16849 102nd Street SE, Hankinson, ND 58041. For complete Job Description contact Terra Haug @ 701-634-3000 ext. 475, Indian Preference will apply/EEO. (Please Provide Tribal Enrollment.) Must be licensable by the SWO Gaming Commission.

Dakota Connection Casino

Job Opening

Facilities/Maintenance Department: Maintenance Workers (2) full-time, rotating shifts; day, swing, graveyard, weekends & holidays. Physical mobility through out the facility and surrounding grounds 75% percent of time; will be stooping, bending, walking for long periods of time, physical ability to lift heavy objects up to 40 pounds. Knowledge of and ability to use necessary equipment. At least 2 years experience with all aspects of maintenance. Experience in new construction and renovations. Will be exposed to noise and tobacco smoke. Must be at least 18 years old, must have a High school diploma or GED. State and Tribal Drivers License is required.

Opening date: Tuesday, July 20, 2010.

Closing date: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 @ 4:00 p.m.

Indian Preference will apply/EEO Employer.

If you already have an application on file with the Human Resources Department and would like to be considered for this job please call us or stop by the HR office to have your application reactivated. Your application must have been on file within the past 6 months. Apply with the Human Resources Department, call or write for job description. Submit application, and/or credentials to: Human Resources Department, Dakota Connection Casino, 46102 SD Hwy 10, Sisseton, SD 57262.

Dakota Connection Casino

Job Opening

Position:  Facilities Manager

Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED. Excellent communication skills - both written and verbal. Excellent customer service skills with both external and internal customers. Must possess knowledge of and ability to use the necessary equipment. Previous experience working with cleaning chemicals and knowledge of safety requirements. Must have a valid state driver's license. Must be physically able to move throughout the facilities and the surrounding grounds. Must have physical ability to lift heavy objects 60-70 lbs. Mechanical skills. Excellent leadership, organizational, and motivational skills. Excellent supervisory skills, conflict resolution skills, and computer program skills. 1 year managerial experience required. At least 2 years experience with all aspects of maintenance and engineering (special emphasis on plumbing, air conditioning, and maintenance of all equipment, including the C-Store fuel pumps). Must be very dependable, and available to work any & all shifts.

Opening Date: Tuesday, July 20, 2010.

Closing Date: Wednesday, August 4, 2010 @ 4:00 p.m.

Indian Preference will apply/EEO Employer.

If you already have an application on file with the Human Resources Department and would like to be considered for this job please call us or stop by the HR office to have your application reactivated. Your application must have been on file within the past 6 months. Apply with the Human Resources Department, call or write for job description. Submit application, and/or credentials to: Human Resources Department, Dakota Connection Casino, 46102 SD Hwy 10, Sisseton, SD 57262.

30-2tc

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