LCO Constitution Reform Group Invites the Community to Read New Proposed
Home The Constitution Reform Group Invites Tribal Members for New Proposed Constitution Read By Jennifer CadottePublic Relations Specialist The Constitution Reform Group would like to invite tribal members to join them to read the new draft of a revised constitution being proposed. These proposed changes are made on behalf of the Constitutional Reform Group comprised of Lac Courte Oreilles tribal members. WHERE: Sevenwinds Casino WHEN: Saturday, March 29th, 2025, 10:00am – 12:00pm Hard copies of the new proposed constitution can be found at Koobies Coffee and the Kinnamon School Museum or scan the QR code below. Lunch will be provided. Back To All News
School Board Meeting – 3/21/2025
Home LCO School Board Meeting 3/21/2025 By Jennifer CadottePublic Relations Specialist On March 21, 2025, the Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Ojibwe School Board convened with Superintendent Jessica Hutchison to review the projected budget and calendar for the 2025-2026 school year. Concerns were raised regarding a recent Executive Order (EO) signed by President Trump to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (US DOE). The EO removes federal oversight, shifting the responsibility for coordinating public school operations and funding to states. The LCO School Board has advocated for the U.S. Department of the Interior (US DOI), which oversees Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools, to manage BIE funding distribution. However, the implementation of the EO remains unclear, with no confirmation from federal or state officials on how it will be enacted. Superintendent Hutchison informed the Board that the 2025-2026 budget is based on funding from the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 fiscal years. While no cuts to funding have been confirmed, a contingency plan has been developed in case of reductions. Currently, the budget supports all teachers, staff, and services as planned. The LCO School Board unanimously approved the 2025-2026 budget and academic calendar. LCO Ojibwe School Superintendent, Jessica Hutchison, LCO School Board Members: Bill Trepanier, Tweed Shuman, Michelle Beaudin, Don Carley, and Louis Taylor Back To All News
Wisconsin Indigenous Housing and Economic Development Corporation
Home Wisconsin Indigenous Housing and Economic Development By Jennifer CadottePublic Relations Specialist On March 18, 2025, members of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board (LCO TGB) attended a presentation hosted by the Wisconsin Indigenous Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WIHEDC) in Madison, WI. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers was also in attendance. WIHEDC’s mission is to promote Native economic development by advancing the financial sovereignty of Native individuals, families, Native-owned businesses, Tribal enterprises, and communities across Wisconsin. LCO Vice-Chairman Tweed Shuman emphasized the importance of networking at such events, stating, “Engaging with other tribal leaders and professionals helps us expand our resources, enabling us to create more economic opportunities for our community.” The LCO TGB also met with Kathy Blumenfeld, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Administration. During the meeting, LCO Chairman Louis Taylor raised concerns regarding the administration of federal education funding. Chairman Taylor expressed, “Tribes should receive these funds directly, allowing us to utilize them according to our needs, without state regulation.” Secretary Blemenfeld responded, stating, “We want to make sure basic needs are met, especially food sovereignty. The pressure will be to be more efficient.” LCO TGB Secretary/Treasurer Bill Trepanier, LCO Chairman Louis Taylor, Governor of Wisconsin Tony Evers & LCO Vice Chairman Tweed Shuman LCO TGB Member David Scott Bisonette, Secretary of the WI DOA Kathy Blumenfeld, LCO Vice-Chairman Tweed Shuman, WI DOA Intergovernmental Affairs Dawn Vick, LCO TGB Secretary/Treasurer Bill Trepanier & LCO Chairman Louis Taylor Back To All News
Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council Board Meeting
Home Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council Board Meeting By Jennifer CadottePublic Relations Specialist On March 19, 2025, the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council (GLITC) held a Board of Directors meeting in Madison, WI, following the 2025 State of the Tribes Address. All eleven federally recognized tribes in Wisconsin were present and met with state officials to discuss concerns facing native communities and explore collaborative solutions. Wisconsin State Attorney General (AG) Josh Kaul led the discussion thanking members of GLITC for their engagement in government-to-government communications and working together on a number of shared priorities. One of those shared priorities we are working on includes monitoring the changes being made to federal policies, how it’s impacting people and what we at the Department of Justice are doing to respond to those changes. Our office is working with AGs offices around the country to prepare a legal strategy in response to changes in the federal administration. One of the cases we are involved in is the president’s change in the way birth right citizenship works. We joined a multi-state suit the next day challenging that order. We have obtained a preliminary injunction order from the court which blocks the order from going into effect. Governor Tony Evers, State Representatives, and other State Department Secretaries were also in attendance. Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Tribal Chief of Police Susie Taylor addressed the governor, emphasizing the urgent need for tribal police to access state retirement benefits to aid in recruitment and retention. Taylor stated: “Investing in officers’ well-being is an investment in the safety and security of tribal communities. Tribal officers wear the same uniform, face the same dangers, and make the same sacrifices as state, local, and federal law enforcement officers. We put our lives on the line every day, yet we are unfairly denied the same retirement benefits simply because of jurisdiction. This disparity is not only unjust but also a failure to recognize the dedication and service to our tribal communities. By prioritizing fair retirement, injury, and death benefits, we honor the service and sacrifices of tribal law enforcement officers, ensuring stronger and safer communities for future generations.” Governor Evers expressed his appreciation for the work of Police Chief Taylor and other tribal law enforcement officers contribute to the safety and well-being of our communities. He committed to creating a policy to grant tribal law enforcement officers the ability to join state law enforcement retirement benefits by finding language that does not impede tribal sovereignty. GLITC Board pf Directors with WI Governor Tony Evers LCO Vice-Chairman Tweed Shuman, Chief of Police Susie Taylor, and St. Croix Secretary/Treasurer Bernice Taylor WI Governor Tony Evers and GLITC Board of Directors Back To All News
Footage From the State of the Tribe’s Address
Home FOOTAGE FROM THE STATE OF THE TRIBES ADDRESS – 3/18/2025 PICTURES VIDEOS Videos will be uploaded soon! Please check back later. Videos will be uploaded soon! Please check back later. Back To All News
Statement from LCOPD RE: Flock Safety Cameras
Home 13394 W Trepania RdHayward, WI 54843 Phone: 715-634-8350Fax: 715-634-2407 SUSIE TAYLOR Chief of Police DIANAH TON Assistant Director BRANDON SAMS Sergeant CHRIS LEVERTON Investigator Lac Courte Oreilles Community Members, Your safety is our top priority, and we are committed to using the best technology to protect our neighborhoods. As part of this effort, the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Police Department has implemented Flock Safety cameras in strategic locations throughout our community. Flock cameras are designed to enhance public safety by capturing objective evidence, including license plate information, to help law enforcement prevent and solve crimes. These cameras do not use facial recognition and are not intended for traffic enforcement. Instead, they serve as a valuable investigative tool to identify stolen vehicles, locate missing children and adults, and deter criminal activity. The use of Flock cameras aligns with our commitment to transparency and responsible policing. Data collected is securely stored and automatically deleted after a certain number of days unless it is actively being used in a criminal investigation. Access to this information is strictly limited to authorized personnel and is never used for surveillance or tracking individuals without cause. Additionally, many other law enforcement agencies across the country have implemented Flock camera due to their effectiveness in reducing crime and enhancing community safety. This growing network allows agencies to work together more efficiently, sharing critical information when neccessary to solve crimes that cross juridictional boundaries. This cooperative approach strengthen public safety efforts. We believe that this technology will contribute to a safer community for all. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the Lac Courte Oreilles Police Department. We apreciate your support in keeping Lac Courte Oreilles safe. Sincerely, Chief Susie TaylorLac Courte Oreilles Tribal Police Department Back To All News
LCO Health Center Relocation Update
Home LAC COURTE OREILLES COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER 13380 W Trepania Road | Hayward, Wisconsin 54843-2186Telephone: 715-638-5102 | Fax: 715-634-6107www.lcohc.com LCO Health Center Relocation Update March 14, 2025 We are excited to announce that the LCO Health Center will begin its move to our new location on April 7th! Below is a breakdown of the anticipated reopen dates for specific departments. Please note that the following are subject to change. For the latest updates, please refer to the LCOCHC website, lcohc.com. Medical Services: Walk-in services w ill be available from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, starting Wednesday, April 10th, at our new facility. During this time, we will temporairly be using the urgent care area for walk-ins. Please note that our lab department may be unavailable on April 9th and 10th, so only basic medical care will be provided on those days. Radiology will also be unavailable for the first week of the move. Dental Services: Dental will continue providing emergency care at the old clinic until the new clinic is fully equipped to handle dental emergencies. There should be no interruption in emergency dental services. We will uipdate the newsletter and pst signs on the door once we are ready to take emergency dental patients at the new facility, which is expected to be within the first week of the move. Pharmacy: Beginning April 7th the pharmacy will be in the process of transferring and setting up their new robotic system and computer software. This setup will take at least 3.5 days, with limited operations expected to begin after 1 PM on April 10th. During walk-in operations hours new prescriptions can be picked up at Marketplace Pharmacy. We are working closely with Marketplace Pharmacy to ensure that the cost of prescriptions is covered by the LCO Clinic. Please note that current prescriptions cannot be transferred to Marketplace and must be refilled and picked up at the LCO pharmacy on or before April 7th, 2025. Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) and Bizhiki Wellness Center: Both MAT and Bizhiki Wellness Center will be open and operational at the new facility beginnign Wednesday, April 9th. Crisis services will be available at the Bizhiki Wellness Center April 7th and 8th. In case of a crisis during this transition: Please contact the Sawyer County Crisis Line at 1-866-317-9362, or dial 911 for emergencies. In-Service Safety Training: The clinic will be closed during the following hours for in-sercvice safety training: Monday, April 14: 12:00 PM – 4:30PM Tuesday, April 15: 12:00 PM – 4:30PM Wednesday, April 16: 8:00 AM – 12:30PM To ensure you have the medication and care you need during our closure, we encourage uoi to talk to your doctor about getting a 60 or 90-day refill before we close. This will help ensure you are well stocked while we settle into our new space. For any questions regarding refills, please contact your provider or pharmacy at 715-638-5146 Back To All News
Save The Date! HTE Homecoming & Powwow
Home Save the Date! Honor the Earth Homecoming Celebration & Powwow July 18th – 20th, 2025 Back To All News
Contingency Planning – Phase III
Home Contingency Planning Update – Phase III March 14, 2025 By Jennifer CadottePublic Relations Specialistpublicrelations@lco-nsn-gov On March 14, 2025, the Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Planning/Grants Department met with tribal directors to update them on federal budget developments. LCO Assistant Attorney General (AG) San Juanita Lopez stated: “The federal budget remains unapproved. The House passed a Continuing Resolution (CR), and the Senate has until the end of business day today to either pass or reject it. If passed, the CR will extend 2024 funding allocations through September 2025. Two scenarios are possible: if the Senate rejects the CR, the government will shit down until a budget is passed; if the CR passes, the president must sign, and the government will remain open. The AG’s office is closely monitoring this situation.” LCO Chief Financial Officer Ernest Vargas, Jr. emphasized that both scenarios will result in budget cuts, and contingency planning is essential. Departments are to complete and submit contingency plans to Jordan St. Germaine, Director of Planning/Grants Department. St. Germain will compile and present these plans tyo the LCO Tribal Governing Board (TGB). Once further information is available, the TGB will review expenses and make decisions to ensure continuity of progrmas and services for tribal members. Back To All News
Fentynal Awareness Community Gathering
Home PRESS RELEASE Community Event March 14, 2025 FENTYNAL AWARENESS FOR THE LAC COURTE OREILLES NATION (FALCON) COMMUNITY GATHERINGTuesday, March 25, 20254:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.Sevenwinds Casino Conference Center This event is hosted by the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board (LCO TGB) and the Nenaginaawaad Team. We are dedicated to raising awareness about the opioid crisis and bringing the LCO community together for healing, education, and support. The FALCON Community Gathering will feature: Support from leadership and resources for those affected Prayer circle and drumming Cultural strengthening and non-judgmental discussions Community-driven solutions Prizes and dinner For more details, visit FALCONLCO.com Please let us know if you would like to attend or need further information. Miigwech for your support in bringing awareness and solutions to our community! For more information contact:Carlena Dennis(715) 934-9485cdennis@lcohc.com Back To All News