Outgoing YPT Chairman Elwood Emm Jr. Hands Reins to New Tribal Chairman Ginny Hatch

December 11, 2024 Mason Valley, Nevada

Yerington Paiute Tribal Council met for General Session on Wednesday at the Tribal Gymnasium on Campbell Lane. Many people attended in person with 16 more joining online through Zoom.

On December 7, 2024 an election was held to seat the Yerington Paiute Tribal Council for the 2024 to 2028 Term. The YPT Preliminary Voter’s List for 2024 initially noted 118 current/registered YPT voters who would be deciding on the 7 Council Seats that 20 candidates were competing for.

Voting tribal members re-elected Council Members Thomas Foster, Linda Howard, and Elwood Emm Jr.; and elected new Council Members Laurie Thom, Marlene Smallwood Hussey, Ginny Hatch and Melissa Castillo.

After Tribal Police Chief Rick Gutierrez swore in the new 2024 Yerington Paiute Tribal Council, Council members voted to place Ginny Hatch as Tribal Chairwoman; Linda Howard as Tribal Vice-Chairwoman; re-appointment of Secretary for Council, Renee Rogers; and re-appointment for Council Treasurer, Yasmin Mahoney. Tribal Chairwoman Ginny Hatch swore in Renee Rogers and Yasmin Mahoney when the Tribal Police Chief had been called away from the meeting.

“Elwood was gifted this headdress in February 2023 by Alfred Smith, who explained that the eagle feathers represent goodness and will protect, as well as the prayers offered for all our people. Elwood was honored with this gift by Alfred who will be honoring all Veterans in November (of 2023). Much love and respect to both men, Katie Emm”

Information about the Yerington Paiute Tribe – the following slides are from a PowerPoint that Tribal Chairwoman Ginny Hatch created previously for a grant project: