PAWHUSKA, Okla. – An Osage Nation contract at the heart of a civil lawsuit is now out in the public domain.

Last month, the Osage News filed a lawsuit against Chief John Red Eagle for not responding to an open records request submitted in writing on Jan. 31 for the terms of pipeline consultant Ron Hartness’ employment. Hartness is not a tribal citizen and prior to working for the tribe, received sponsorships from Osage Casinos for his rodeo career.

As per the tribe’s Open Records Act, Red Eagle’s office had 10 business days to provide the contract, request additional time or explain in writing why the request could not be fulfilled. Since Red Eagle’s office did not respond within 35 business days, the Open Records Act allows for the request in tribal court.

On Thursday, Red Eagle’s attorney, Kirke Kickingbird, included a copy of the contract in his client’s response to the Osage News’ complaint.

In his response, which asks that the suit be declared moot, Red Eagle admits that his office did not provide a timely response to the records request, but denies that it was intentional or in bad faith.

Shannon Shaw Duty, editor of the Osage News, confirmed Monday that the newspaper will continue with its lawsuit, despite the release of Hartness’ contract.

“While the Osage News is pleased Chief Red Eagle finally released the Rod Hartness contract, the Osage News still has a duty to uphold its integrity and follow through with the law,” she said. “We are still asking the Osage Nation court to hold Chief Red Eagle accountable for violating the Open Records Act.”

Red Eagle’s office also gave a copy of the contract to the Bigheart Times, a weekly newspaper based out of Barnsdall, Okla., that had requested the document earlier this year.

The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 11 in tribal court. Potential penalties include a fine of up to $5,000, plus attorney’s fees.