More photos from White House Medal of Honor, Pentagon induction of PRESORTED Woodrow Keeble into Hall of Heroes ceremonies Sota Per Copy STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE S.D. Governor Rounds holds ceremony honoring Master Sergeant Keeble Sota Iya Ye Yapi PAID this Monday at state capitol; Photo highlights next week c/o Earth & Sky Enterprises production office WILMOT, SD PERMIT NO. 1 Heipa District members recognized with healthy lifestyle awards P.O. Box 5 ¢ HJ ProVoice expands broadcast services Wilmot, SD 57279 Depression screening program coming to Sisseton 50 Sota news, editorial: S.D. Attorney General Larry Long attends Roberts Co. Postmaster: Commissioner meeting, referees dispute Contents -- Time-Dated News Do Not Delay Next week: SWO Tribe takes leadership role on environmental issues This edition mailed at Wilmot, SD on March 17, 2008 Vol. 39 March - Ista Wicayazan Wi - “Moon of Snow Blind Eyes” - Wednesday, March 19, 2008 No. 12 Serving the Sisseton and Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation since 1968 Sota news, editorial feature -- It has been difficult to watch the most recent public smear campaign in other local and regional newspapers and across the television screen against Roberts County Sheriff Vince Owen. It is not that what has been reported is not true, it is, but as Paul Harvey would say, it neglects “. the rest of the story!” Yes, as Commissioner Kenneth Buck reported investigating officers it was all just a “joke.” to the media, he was the object of comments A hearing, originally set for this week, has by the Sheriff against him, allegedly threatening been re-scheduled for Monday, April 14, 2008, simple assault during an executive session of the at 3:30 p.m. at the Roberts County Courthouse South Dakota Attorney General Larry Long meets with Roberts County Commissioners last Commissioners. to determine the merit of Buck’s allegations and Tuesday morning. (Photo courtesy of Kevin Deutsch, Sisseton Courier.) And yes, at Buck’s request, the South Dakota whether or not his temporary restraining order will Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has come become permanent. have limited rights over the Sheriff’s office. to the County to investigate the allegation, which Friends and supporters of the Sheriff are Commissioners meeting. He noted that there seems to be disagreement was the basis for Commissioner Buck to seek and encouraged to come and show their support in the The Attorney General requested that about what authority the Commissioners have over receive a temporary restraining order against Sheriff courtroom. Already many have indicated they will the meeting be held in executive session but the Sheriff’s office, and told the Commissioners they Owen. attend, including law enforcement officers from Commission Chairman Louie Voeltz said the really have no power or control over the Sheriff or What has been ignored is the fact that the DCI several jurisdictions. meeting needed to be kept open to the public and it his staff. is also investigating Kenneth Buck for comments he It seems that common sense continues to was. There were about ten people present to watch He handed out a copy of his opinion on a similar allegedly made at his place of business, comments elude several of our County Commissioners who what was happening. case, #06-07 Beadle County. which sparked the Sheriff to say what he did at the remain fixated on removing the Sheriff and Jail First order of business was for the Attorney He said he had been States Attorney of Bennett Commissioners meeting. Administrator (Chad Ward) from office. General to clarify that after his office’s investigation County for 18 years, and it was similar to what Commissioner Buck allegedly earlier had The restraining order fiasco seems to be the of complaints against Sheriff Owen no charges Roberts County is today. told someone in his place of business to “get the result of two Commissioners not getting the entire will be filed. Readers may recall the alleged “So I’ve been down this road before,” he said. troublemakers,” that he would furnish “names and Commission and the S.D. Attorney General’s office sexual harassment charge against the Sheriff the Basically, he explained that if the Sheriff takes addresses.” To Sheriff Owen, this sounded like on board with their most recent call for removing Commissioners made in order to remove Vince disciplinary action and the Commissioners don’t Kenneth Buck was hiring somebody to go after his the Sheriff from office. Owen from office -- that and a $20,000 bribe. Larry agree they cannot enforce it more or make it any family and relatives, and he responded accordingly The escalating conflict has captured attention Long announced that there would be no charges for less. The Sheriff can hire, fire, and discipline his during the Commissioners meeting. not only of the local and regional media but of state either the alleged complaint or for a counter-charge staff, including jail employees, as he chooses. By the way, when confronted about the government. by Sheriff Owen against the County Commissioners statement, Commissioner Buck and the other South Dakota Attorney General Larry that he had been offered a “bribe.” Sota news, editorial feature person did not deny what was said but told Long attended last Tuesday’s Roberts County Second, he clarified that the Commissioners Continued on Page2 eipa District members JoAnn Sharpfish and Kelsey Jayne Kampeska were honored for District. She is in the 8th Grade at Sisseton Middle This session is one in a series of ongoing monthly Hliving and promoting healthy lifestyles during the March 7th session of SWO Tribal Council. School and worked for the Summer Youth at Heipa presentations that recognize the many individuals on Certificates were presented to the recipients in behalf of the District, Tribal Council, and Human District this past summer. the Lake Traverse Reservation that live and promote Services Board. The recipients were recognized with an honor song. Kelsey Jayne Kampeska healthy lifestyles. This activity is a step in implementing Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Health Plan Strategic Issue are Joanna Frenier (maiden name) and Levi DuMarce Heipa District Youth JoAnn Sharpfish Kelsey Jayne Kampeska is the daughter of LaVoy A. To support and promote healthy lifestyle choices. Sr. and Rose Phillips and Narcisse Sharpfish. JoAnn is Heipa District Adult T. Kampeska and Dina K. Owen. Her grandparents Strategy 1: Provide positive examples to the community JoAnn Sharpfish is the daughter of Janice DuMarce the oldest of nine (four sisters and four brothers). She is are Mike and Sylvia Owen & Irene Kampeska. She has by recognizing people from the Districts for living and (maiden name) and Larry Sharpfish Sr. Her grandparents the mother of four (two sons and two daughters and a a brother, Patrick Wayne Hopkins, and two sisters, promoting healthy lifestyles. grandson). Miranda Lila Hopkins and Memory LaVon Kampeska. The Human Services Board selected these individuals Reflecting on why she was selected for this award, She also has a wonderful nephew, Joriyah JaVon because the District recognizes that they demonstrate the JoAnn writes: “My family is my main priority and Hopkins, that she loves with all her heart . She teaches following healthy lifestyle qualities: I feel that I need to provide a safe, healthy, positive him things and baby sits a lot. Her family includes many *”Well-balanced” (living and promoting a lifestyle environment for my children to grow up and live in. And more aunts and uncles. that is healthy in body, mind and spirit). for me living an alcohol and drug-free lifestyle, soon to Kelsey was selected for this recognition because *Abstinence from alcohol, habitual use of tobacco be three years, has brought on a lot of exciting and new she is drug free, alcohol free, smoke free, and promotes (cigarettes, chew), illegal (non-prescription) drugs, and challenges.” healthy living and lifestyles. Her proud parents write: all other addictive substances. “I am not sure if this is going to make any sense “She loves every cat and dog she sees. She is still in *Caring, empathetic, and has respect for others. to some readers, but the passing of a loved one, to me school. She is happy to be home with her parents or at *Well respected in the community. I will say it was a spiritual awakening or call, because the rollerskating rink instead of out on the streets.” I was soon into inipi ceremonies and prayer in which has changed my ways. I was given a gift of life in which she has helped me to remain strong and to look at life differently.” “I am proud of my older sons and my other daughter and happy to be a young grandma. I have become a more dependable and successful employee for four years at Dakota Magic Casino and Hotel and am also on the “There’s Hope” Suicide Prevention Group, in If moods are negatively affecting your life or you Heipa Youth Committee Board.” cooperation with Catholic Family Services, is offering are witnessing them in someone you love, and you don’t “I am so thankful for my family and companion a free depression screening program Thursday, March know what to do, then attend the depression screening for believing in me and thankful to my District for 27th, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at St. Catherine’s Hall in program to understand the many aspects of depression. JoAnn Sharpfish of the Heipa District is Sisseton. The program will cover: recognized for living and promoting a healthy nominating me for this award. I really appreciate it that you recognize me for being who I am.” Do you ever feel that life might now be worth *Education.