The Bismarck Tribune from Bismarck, North Dakota • 26

Page 2E Wednesday, February 9, 1994 The Bismarck Tribune DAKOTA leroirS on WaSnpston school called a Whitewash' lack of discipline, and the retaliatory firings of 14 staff members. The panel did not investigate some oi tne most serious charges, however. The BIA report, riddled with typograph vented the school from firing them. A federal grand jury also is investigating employee allegations that the school fraudulently obtained federal grant money. The school's lawyers maintain the federal government no longer has jurisdiction over the Wahpeton Indian School "Let's get this thing over with and get on with the business of serving those young people there," said Baker.

"That's what we're all about: services to the Indian weapons had been stolen occurred in a previous school year, before Hall was hired, and was therefore outside the scope of the investigation. Baker said he was troubled that controversy continued to plague Wahpeton Indian School, which serves roughly 190 students from 30 tribes. Five employees were suspended last fall after complaining that children were being abused and neglected. A temporary restraining order, issued in December, has pre eluded. "It was, however, evident that the new philosophical direction had the support from a majority of the employees and the school board." The report noted the BIA was required to give employees and the union 60 days notice of plans to reduce staff before schools were transferred to tribal control and that the agency "did not err in this process." The gang-rape incident and another report that a car and loaded ical and spelling errors, also ac knowledged that only 90 students were left on campus when its review team 0 km.

arrived May 19. FARGO (AP) The Bureau of Indian Affairs has made public a report on its probe of the Wahpeton Indian School, but even its author isn't satisfied with the results. Sen. Kent Conrad, said the BIA investigation was "a sham and a whitewash." The leader of the six-member review team, Jim Baker, blamed politicians and the media for interfering with the process. "If there is concern, why don't people get in there and help to get things going, rather than starting fires here and there?" said Baker, director of the BIA's Oklahoma-area Office of Indian Education Programs and an Indian educator for more than 30 years.

"Has anyone found anything positive? I certainly did," Baker said. "But until the people are left alone and given the opportunity to implement their ideas, they are going to spend too much of their time putting out those fires." The BIA report, made available to The Associated Press, contains findings on 32 issues, including allegations of sexual abuse, financial mismanagement, petty crime, a Conrad and Rep. Earl Pomeroy, demanded that conditions at the school be investigated after a federal lawsuit alleged that a 12-year-old student had been gang-raped in 1992. A review already had been initiated, however, in response to a letter-writing campaign organized by the Wahpeton Indian School's employee union and as part of an application to transfer the school from BIA control to that of an independent tribal school board. The union had opposed the transfer.

Fourteen employees, union leaders among them, complained last spring that their employment contracts had not been renewed because they had publicly criticized school administrator Robert Hall. The BIA panel interviewed 31 staff, 12 students, five supervisors, two parents and 18 members of the community at large over a five-day period. It also reviewed financial, classroom and dormitory records. "It was immediately evident that philosophical differences existed between many employees and the administration," the panel con- Conrad Upset. "It was not my idea of an investigation," Conrad said.

"It was not conducted in a way that gave me confidence in the result." In a telephone interview, Baker said he was every bit as disgusted with the outcome. "I did not get the time to give the document the fair treatment it needed because everybody was so interested, wanting this and wanting that," he said. "I finally just threw up my hands and said, 'Here it FOR UPBEAT Friday, Saturday Sunday February 11, 12, 13 Just make a $5.00 or more donation to our local "Upbeat" teen center and receive 20 off coupons (Reg. priced items) for these participating stores: Care program has bumpy start Associated Press MusicElectronics Disc Jockey Musicland ServicesBeauty Regis Hairstylists City Looks Salon Shoes Naturalizer Shoes Gifts "Joy's Hallmark Hatch's Hallmark King Queen Food health clinic services, speech and hearing therapy and home health services. "We think it's going to have a lot of merit in terms of preventive care," said Wayne Anderson, deputy director of the Department of Human Services.

"It should reduce unnecessary utilization of services, or at a minimum control utilization of services." "By locking in recipients to a primary care physician we hope that their first contact will be with their own doctor, rather than going into an emergency room in a non-emergency situation," Anderson said. The Human Services Department expects to save $3.5 million over the next two years. The program began with about 33,000 patients last month, and some problems have cropped up early on. Under the program, those who do not pick a doctor have one appointed for them by county social service agencies. And that has led to problems in matching physicians with patients.

Department of Human Services officials acknowledge the problems, but say they can be worked out. Department Store JCPenney Apparel Superior Silk Screen Morrey Alan Vanity Halberstadts Northern Reflections Jewelry Walkers n'Daughters Zales Jewelry A new program in which low-income North Dakotans select a single doctor to direct their medical care has had a bumpy ride in its first month, but officials believe it could save money in the long run. The program, called North Dakota Access and Care, operates through a waiver of a federal law that allows Medicaid patients to choose their own doctors. Authorization is required for hospital care, physical therapy, laboratory or X-ray services, rural HobbvSpecialtv Scheels Sports Northern League Flavors Plus Earth Pantry Exclusions apply See store for details! Get your coupon by donating to one of several locations in the Mall. ii New in the Community? Call newcomers for a fantastic in-home visit with lots of freebies and city information.

Bismarck 223-7300 BEAUTY SALON PERM SPECIAL s2100 includes haircut styie. Long hair extra) filALL EVENTS February 12 RCC Western Stores "Kids Stick Horse Event" Registration at 10:30 a.m. February 12 Autograph session with the Bismarck Bullets, 10 AM-3 PM February 12, 13 "Heartbeats for Upbeat" Have a video taped message made for your Valentine for $1 0.00 with all proceeds going to the Upbeat Program. February 13-19 Kirkwood Mall's Annual Boat Show HAIRCUTS s650 255-3139 201 N. Washington, Bismarck Parking available in Dairy Queen tot Don't Miss The KirkvwodTlZ Seventh Street Bismarck Expressway Bismarck, nu MALL HOURS: 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 12 noon-5 p.m.

A NNm INI Nl 1MMW Now Everything You Wot Is Within Reach. CK PLAZA B5 We've only changed our name, not our delicious home cooking and hearty portions. You'll still find our appetizing breakfasts, lunches and dinners served to your liking any hour of the day. And don't forget about our famous, natural hickory-smoked ribs. So come on in to Skillets Cafe for a taste just like home.

That car or truck you've had your eye on. That comfortable couch and love seat that just went on sale. The three-season porch you've always wanted to add. Whatever your heart desires can be yours within minutes simply by calling Loans By Phone. COUPON BUY ON GET ONE REE with this coupon on the following items: '2 Broasted Chicken Dinner V2 Rack Baby Back Rib Dinner BBQ Texas Beef Rib Dinner We take your, application right over the phone.

And we approve your loan in no time at all. So if you really want something but can't quite put your finger on it call Loans By Phone 222-6262. We'll Help You Get There Subject to verification 11 I First Bank Bismarck I I I KXLLETS at Skillets Cafe, formerly Truck Plaza 35 1-94 Exit 15 7, Bismarck 255-2222 Above meals wilh "a the fixins. Nol valid with any olher offer. Expires 3-6-94 North Office Main Office A 200 North 3rd Street Arrowhead Plaza Member FDIC.