CNF offers three types of scholarships: private
Cherokee Nation Foundation announced more than $500,000 in scholarship awarded to 108 students for the 2025-2026 academic year
continuing to increase access to education for Cherokee students and families
TAHLEQUAH – Cherokee Nation Foundation announced more than $500,000 in scholarship awarded to 108 students for the 2025-2026 academic year
“Education is the key to unlock financial independence and mobility for young Cherokees,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr
“These scholarships are investments in the next generation of Cherokee leaders and the future of tribe
In addition to helping students on a successful career path
scholarships also ease the financial burden of education on Cherokee families.”
The competitive awards are separate from the funds available through the tribe’s college resource center
All applications are evaluated on academic achievement
and intentions to serve the Cherokee community
“Our scholarships enable students to reach their highest goals through education without hobbling their future success with debt,” said Janice Randall
“The potential value of these investments cannot be overstated
Our recipients have improved educational outcomes
achieve higher career paths and generationally enrich the Cherokee community
“Cherokee Nation Foundation is not a one-way street for scholarships
We are a pathway to help students achieve their academic goals and then find ways to serve or give back to the tribe.” 
All awards are given to applicants following a process that evaluates academic performance as well as community and cultural involvement
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It has been said that one could throw a rock from anywhere in Detroit and hit a small-block Chevy
While Piper Cherokee parts are perhaps not quite that plentiful
With over 32,000 examples manufactured over a period of seven decades
few aircraft types make it as easy to find the parts you’re after quickly and easily
New pilots enjoy the forgiving nature of the thick wing
and experienced pilots appreciate the overall stability
This example is perhaps the single greatest combination of airframe and engine
The legendary Lycoming O-360 provides a significant boost in power compared to 140-160-horsepower Cherokees
making it far easier and more comfortable to clear departure-end obstacles on hot days
ultimately creating a remarkably well-balanced airplane
and the matching wheel pants provide a nice
finished look while boosting the cruise speed by a few knots
and among similar models with typical 1970s style
The front seats are equipped with shoulder harnesses for additional safety
While the panel is equipped with traditional analog flight instruments
it has been upgraded with not one but two Garmin GPS units - one mounted on the yoke
A Stratus transponder provides ADS-B in and out
and an S-tec autopilot makes long cross-countries less fatiguing with altitude hold.&nbsp;
With a relatively low total time of 3,027 hours
there’s plenty of life left in the airframe
making it a good candidate for a fresh overhaul
Owned by the same individual for the last 21 years
this PA-28 looks to be a solid option for the next caretaker
You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance and quickly calculate your monthly payment using the airplane finance calculator. For more information, email <a href="mailto:info@flyingfinance.com">info@flyingfinance.com</a>. 
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<a href="https://weisradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WEIS-STOCK-Arrest-Files.png"></a>
In the Cherokee County Arrest Files for the previous 24 hours:
was arrested by the Cherokee County Sheriff&#8217;s Office on charges of the unlawful possession of a controlled substance and the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia
was arrested by the Cherokee County Sheriff&#8217;s Office for failure to appear on a previous charge of driving while revoked
was arrested by the Cherokee County Sheriff&#8217;s Office on charges of drug trafficking methamphetamine
four counts of the unlawful possession of a controlled substance
2nd degree unlawful possession of marijuana
and the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia
was arrested by the Cherokee County Sheriff&#8217;s Office on hold for another agency
was arrested by the Cherokee County Sheriff&#8217;s Office on charges of drug trafficking fentanyl
six counts of the unlawful possession of a controlled substance
two counts of the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia
Arrests are based on probable cause; all subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
there are a total of 100 inmates housed in the Cherokee County Detention Center
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<a href="https://gsabusiness.com/event/best-places-to-work-in-south-carolina/">Best Places to Work in South Carolina</a>
Aerowerks will create 52 jobs at its first U.S
where workers will make service equipment for the food manufacturing industry
A manufacturer for the food service industry has selected Cherokee County to establish the company’s first U.S
operation with a $10 million investment that will create 52 new jobs
<a href="https://aero-werks.com/">Aerowerks</a> made the announcement May 2 through the South Carolina Department of Commerce
Aerowerks specializes in the manufacture of custom material handling systems
The company currently operates a production facility in Ontario
The company is headquartered in The Netherlands
manufacture and assemble the company’s material handling systems
“We are excited to establish our first U.S
a strategic location that will allow us to serve our customers better and expand our footprint in the food service industry,” Aerowerks Corp
of America President Balbir Singh said in the release
“Our $10 million investment demonstrates our commitment to growth and innovation
and we are proud to contribute to the local economy by creating 52 new jobs
This facility will be integral to our vision of providing high-quality
and we look forward to working alongside the community to create a successful and sustainable operation.”
Related: <a href="https://gsabusiness.com/usda-south-carolina-fund-4-1m-to-boost-local-food-supply-chain/">USDA, South Carolina fund $4.1M to boost local food supply chain</a>
Related: <a href="https://gsabusiness.com/food-industry-player-moving-hq-to-oconee-county-spending-50m-on-expansion/">Dutch company relocating manufacturing HQ to Oconee County</a>
Operations are expected to be online later this month
USDA and South Carolina Department of Agriculture award $4.1M to support 26 local projects strengthening food [...]
The company plans to create 172 new jobs on the expansion and will move its headquarters from Georgia to Ocone[...]
The South Carolina Department of Agriculture has chosen five specialty crop projects to be supported by a fede[...]
A $2.6 million investment will expand opportunities for South Carolina farmers
Legislation in 2023 eliminated DHEC and redistributed its programs among other agencies …
From pickled vegetables with roots in Haiti to wood pellets made from pecan shells and coffee grounds
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 Hundreds turn out to see what governor and South Carolina Department of Employment and Wor[...]							
 Brian Kolb of EVG Media shares insights on AI’s impact
 Huntington National Bank opens its first South Carolina branch in Spartanburg
 Aerowerks invests $10M in Cherokee County for its first U.S
creating 52 jobs and expandin[...]										
 Blackstream Christie’s opens a Six Mile office to serve luxury real estate buyers near Lakes Keowe[...]										
 South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis will stay in office for now as the House opts not to act on S[...]										
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A recent 2.5-mile trail expansion is named for LeFrancois
Cherokee County opened a 2.5-mile expansion of its trails at Lake Whelchel near Gaffney on May 1
The lake now offers around 10 miles of trails
GAFFNEY — There are now miles more trails at Lake Whelchel in Cherokee County
Cherokee County opened a 2.5-mile natural surface trail expansion
a new trailhead and parking area at the lake on May 1
The trail winds along a large peninsula on the lake’s west side
who chairs the Overmountain Victory Trail Steering Committee for Cherokee County
Lake Whelchel now offers roughly 10 miles of trails for walking
The trailhead and parking area — which added 42 parking spots — are on Pleasant School Road
The expansion furthers the county’s long-term goal of a 35-mile multi-use trail from Chesnee to Kings Mountain National Military Park
the Lake Whelchel expansion cost around $135,000
with $98,000 coming from a grant from the S.C
Construction on the new trail began in September 2024 and finished this January
The Upstate’s focus on outdoor activities and trails has been touted as a reason behind its rapid growth over recent years. To the west, Spartanburg’s metropolitan area was the <a href="https://www.postandcourier.com/spartanburg/news/spartanburg-metro-area-tenth-fastest-growing/article_53259cfe-ff73-11ef-b96b-2717f8ae831c.html" target="_blank">10th fastest-growing in the nation</a> from July 1
<a href="https://www.postandcourier.com/spartanburg/" target="_blank">Spartanburg</a> features the extensive <a href="https://www.palspartanburg.org/the-dan" target="_blank">Daniel Morgan Trail System</a>, which sprawls across the city and beyond for 55 miles. An <a href="https://www.postandcourier.com/spartanburg/news/spartanburg-trail-system-southside/article_12e7ee33-b712-48f3-89fc-ff91c79a0af2.html" target="_blank">expansion of around 8 miles</a> from Arcadia to near the C.C
Woodson Community Center is set to start construction in the late summer or early fall
The Lake Whelchel trail is part of two regional trail networks
the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail and the Carolina Thread Trail
The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail stretches from Chesnee to Kings Mountain National Military Park
It honors the route of the Patriot militia during the Revolutionary War as they chased the Loyalist militia
The two groups met at Kings Mountain in 1780
LeFrancois said the trail expansion was a product of collaboration among many groups
and it was really a community effort that made it happen,” LeFrancois said
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By <a class="text-decoration-none" href="/authors/atlantanewsfirststaff/">Atlanta News First staff</a>Published: Apr
2025 at 5:07 PM EDTEmail This LinkShare on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInATLANTA
(Atlanta News First) - A man was killed in a fiery vehicle crash in Canton on Wednesday afternoon
according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office
Deputies responded to the fatal accident on Knox Bridge Highway near Fieldstone Drive around 12:30 p.m
First responders found a Chevrolet truck fully engulfed in flames
A man who was driving the truck was pronounced dead at the scene
His identity is being withheld until his next of kin are notified
Deputies said a Dodge truck was also involved in the accident
continued to drive down Knox Bridge Highway “for a short distance” and then pulled over and called 911
The sheriff’s office said it’s investigating the cause of the crash and that “no charges have been filed at this time.”
The National Indian Gaming Commission approved the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians' gaming ordinance
and then the tribe signed a gaming compact with the state of Oklahoma
It comes as the tribe continues its long-running dispute with the Cherokee Nation
which says none of these actions change the fact that the UKB is not a gaming tribe
The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians says their recently awarded gaming ordinance and state gaming compact bring them closer to operating gaming
and that was shut down due to the actions of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma
and so we are going through the steps to get our gaming back up and operating," UKB Attorney General Tori Holland said
The Cherokee Nation claims that the casino was illegal
"The UKB has attempted to open casinos over the years; at one point in time
operated an illegal casino that was shut down," Attorney General Chad Harsha
The UKB says they submitted their request for a gaming ordinance months ago
and the National Indian Gaming Commission approved the tribe's request
the Cherokee Nation says the UKB doesn't have the land suitable for gaming
"I don't see any legal basis for this idea that somehow
they're going to start gaming within the Cherokee Nation reservation," said Harsha
"The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma isn't the one who gets to decide who gets to operate gaming," said Holland
Department of Interior under the Biden Administration said in January that the UKB has jurisdiction in the Cherokee Nation
but the Trump Administration suspended that opinion and is reviewing it
"I think my sense is that opinion is going to be at some point withdrawn
because it's not an accurate reflection of either fact or law."
The UKB says that opinion is not directed at the tribe because President Trump suspended all opinions from the Biden Administration
the UKB says they will keep taking the necessary steps to open another casino
"We've seen the success of having a casino operation and how much money that can bring in
and then we turn into services for our tribal members," said Holland
they have a pending trust application for where the old casino used to sit in Tahlequah
The Cherokee Nation says the tribe will take action if the UKB tries to operate a casino
and so we are going through the steps to get our gaming back up and operating,\" UKB Attorney General Tori Holland said
\"The UKB has attempted to open casinos over the years; at one point in time
operated an illegal casino that was shut down,\" Attorney General Chad Harsha
\"I don't see any legal basis for this idea that somehow
they're going to start gaming within the Cherokee Nation reservation,\" said Harsha
\"The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma isn't the one who gets to decide who gets to operate gaming,\" said Holland
\"I think my sense is that opinion is going to be at some point withdrawn
because it's not an accurate reflection of either fact or law.\"
\"We've seen the success of having a casino operation and how much money that can bring in
and then we turn into services for our tribal members,\" said Holland
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LISTEN:&nbsp;Hundreds of people showed up for a Thursday night town hall in Cherokee County
Georgia Democrats packed a church Thursday night in Cherokee County
an area about 30 miles northwest of Atlanta
As people walked into the Allen Temple AME Church from its full parking lot
staff added folding chairs to have enough seating
By the time the town hall with Georgia state Rep
Cherokee County remains a longtime Republican stronghold even as Cobb County and other metro Atlanta suburban areas have shifted to the political middle
The county is part of the 11th Congressional District
all the county's Democrats can do is organize
and it's just been a game of numbers — we were so small that it was like a supper club," Rich said
"Very social in nature because it was just survival so people don't feel alone because we're in a deep red rural community
That's really changed in the last 16 months."
Rich said the group's goal is to have more Democrats run in Cherokee County in 2026
Loudermilk spoke at a gathering of his Republican constituents
"It was a great honor to speak to the grassroots patriots of the 11th Congressional District Republican Party today," Loudermilk <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KtHeoKDj6/?mibextid=wwXIfr">wrote in a Facebook post</a>.&nbsp;
Ellen Eldridge (she/her) is the senior health care reporter for Georgia Public Broadcasting
GPB is committed&nbsp;to bringing you comprehensive news coverage from Georgia
across the country and around the world.&nbsp; Your support makes this possible.&nbsp; Please consider making a gift today to support this vital public service
He began his college wrestling career at the University of Oklahoma
but Josh Heindselman spent his final year of eligibility with the University of Michigan
Winning has never been everything for Cherokee Nation citizen Josh Heindselman but it is still important
and he did a lot of winning in wrestling; a sport that can teach discipline regardless of how many matches are won
– Winning has never been everything for Cherokee Nation citizen Josh Heindselman but it is still important
closed his collegiate wrestling career by achieving NCAA Division I All-America honors – an accomplishment he pursued for many years
“This meant a ton to me,” Heindselman said
“It was everything I had been working toward accomplishing in my wrestling career.”
He earned his All-American status by placing seventh at the NCAA Championships this spring
It was his fifth and final appearance at the national tournament
Heindselman first wrestled for the University of Oklahoma
but transferred to the University of Michigan for his final season
believing the move gave him the best shot at making it to the podium
“Part of my success this season can be attributed to them,” he said of the Wolverines program
“I was able to work with their coaches and some of the wrestlers in the room
Among those training partners was Mason Parris – an Olympic representative for Team USA in 2024
“Wrestling with the best helped me jump levels,” Heindselman said
there is much Heindselman wants to achieve
he will begin his medical school study in Tahlequah at the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation
He sees significance in attending the first tribally affiliated medical school in the U.S
Referencing the school’s emphasis on improving health care access to tribes and rural areas
Heindselman said: “Being part of the Cherokee tribe and growing up in rural Oklahoma has led to both of these areas being incredibly important to me
In both of these fields it can be difficult for individuals to receive quality care because of neglect and underfunding
these are fields I would like to make change in.”
The decision to attend OSU Osteopathic in the CN also had personal and cultural significance
and grandfather Jon Heindselman have instilled a great sense of pride in my Cherokee heritage,” he said
it has greatly impacted my decision on where I want to attend medical school.”
Heindselman holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s in healthcare law from OU
He also took classes in social work at Michigan
handling a demanding course load with wrestling practices twice a day
“After practice I would often be exhausted
making it hard to focus on schoolwork,” he said
“This is where I am grateful for wrestling
It has taught me great time management and the ability to balance a busy schedule.”
Heindselman said family was among the reasons he got into wrestling
“He was a state champion from McLoud in high school
I believe the sport can teach you confidence
discipline and toughness – and I feel the sport has helped improve all of these skills.”
Soon Heindselman’s journey will take him to the Cherokee Nation toward a profession in health care and service
“I want to continue working with the Cherokee Nation as I pursue this career in medicine,” he said
“I believe med school in Tahlequah gives me the best opportunity to do that.”
Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInSTORM LAKE
Iowa (KTIV) - Over a month after a two-vehicle crash that left one woman dead
Court documents show 28-year-old Jorge Ortega-Ortega of Cherokee
has been charged with one count of homicide by vehicle - reckless driving
crash that resulted in the death of 65-year-old Rose Bumsted of Nemaha
Authorities say Ortega-Ortega was driving a 2020 Honda Civic west on the highway when he put his left turn signal on and moved to the eastbound lane
This was near the County Highway M27 and Highway 3 intersection
Authorities say Ortega-Ortega continued driving in the opposite lane for one mile
at one point going past a “no passing” sign
Ortega-Ortega’s westbound Honda Civic collided head-on with another vehicle going east on the highway’s eastbound lane
died from the injuries she received in the crash
“Events leading up to the collision were captured on an in-car camera in [Ortega-Ortega’s] car,” said authorities in court documents
“This video shows [Ortega-Ortega] failing to maintain the proper lane of travel
as well as the fog line on several occasions
and driving for an extended period in the opposite lane of travel before causing the crash.”
Ortega-Ortega was booked into the Buena Vista County Jail on April 23
he is still in jail and being held on a $20,000 cash-only bond
The homicide by vehicle charge Ortega-Ortega is facing is a Class C Felony
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Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInGAFFNEY
a manufacturer for the food service industry
announced plans to establish its first U.S
Aerowerks said it specializes in the manufacture of custom material handling systems
The company’s $10 million investment will create 52 new jobs
Individuals interested in joining the Aerowerks team should contact <a href="mailto:plchan@aero-werks.com" target="_blank">Ping Chan</a>
“We are thrilled to welcome Aerowerks to Gaffney,” Gaffney Mayor Lyman Dawkins III said
This milestone is a testament to the strength of our community and the incredible partnership with Cherokee County
we are paving the way for economic growth and innovation
ensuring a prosperous future for all our residents.”
MORE NEWS: <a href="https://www.foxcarolina.com/2025/05/02/very-bad-gaffney-local-business-says-school-closure-will-hurt-city/">‘Very bad for Gaffney’-Local business says school closure will hurt city</a>
By <a class="text-decoration-none" href="/authors/atlantanewsfirststaff/">Atlanta News First staff</a>Published: May
2025 at 2:32 PM EDTEmail This LinkShare on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInATLANTA
(Atlanta News First) - A Cherokee County man has been found guilty of murdering a 1-year-old boy
four counts of cruelty to children in the first degree
and willful obstruction of law enforcement officers in the death of 1-year-old James “Jamie” Marco Palcio
the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office announced Friday
Prosecutors said the jury deliberated for about an hour on Thursday before convicting Davis
Cherokee County deputies responded to a 911 call about an unresponsive baby at a home in Waleska
Davis was the only adult with 1-year-old James Palcio
Prosecutors said Davis had been caring for Palcio while his mother was at work
Pediatric specialists found that the boy had suffered “abusive head trauma consistent with shaking.” 
Palcio’s injuries included “subdural hemorrhage
and fractured vertebrae in the lumbar spine,” prosecutors said
The 1-year-old was declared brain dead on April 30
An autopsy confirmed his cause of death was “acute and healing traumatic injuries to the head
and torso,” and the manner of death was ruled a homicide
the jury heard testimony from 24 witnesses for the state and one for the defense
Prosecutors also presented 114 exhibits as evidence
The judge said sentencing would be scheduled at a later date
The Cherokee Nation is hoping to keep thousands of kids fed over the summer break through its Summer EBT program after Oklahoma turned down the statewide program for the third year in a row
Hunger Free Oklahoma (HFO) says there are around 403,000 children in Oklahoma who would have been eligible to receive Summer EBT if the state had opted in
it’s partnered with the Cherokee Nation and several other Oklahoma tribes to offer the program to students on tribal land
that means eligible students going to school across its 7,000-mile reservation can enroll in the program
The tribe expects to help around 50,000 children this summer
HFO says the partnership will only be able to cover around 261,000 students
just over half of the number of students who qualify statewide
Qualified families will receive $120 per child
The Summer EBT benefit will not affect eligibility for other assistance programs
Students who get free or reduced-price school meals are eligible for Summer EBT
That includes children attending schools that offer free meals to all students
Students at certain participating schools are automatically enrolled in the program
Students who do not attend participating schools can apply for Cherokee Nation Summer EBT by:
Oklahoma opted out of the program for Summer 2025
Governor Kevin Stitt says he is confident existing resources
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May 2 edition of Georgia Today:&nbsp;Democrats rally in one of Georgia's Republican strongholds
two incarcerated women sue the state over Georgia's cash bail law
and Coastal Georgia's sea turtle nesting season is officially underway.&nbsp;
Peter Biello: Welcome to the Georgia Today podcast
Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom
Democrats rally in one of Georgia's Republican strongholds
and Coastal Georgia's sea turtle nesting season is officially underway
Will Hicks: It's always exciting when we get a nest first in the season
Peter Biello: Two incarcerated women in Atlanta are suing the state of Georgia over its recently enacted cash bail law
added 30 crimes to the list requiring cash bail
More than half of those added are always or often misdemeanors
the women argue the law prevents judges from considering whether cash bail is actually needed to ensure that people accused of crimes appear in court or don't pose any public safety risk
Republicans who supported the measure have argued that people let out of jail without bail are less likely to show up for court
although national studies contradict that claim
advocates have warned it would hurt low-income people who are less likely to have the means to pay cash bail
The law was a reversal of the course lawmakers took in 2018 when criminal justice reform passed by then-Gov
Nathan Deal let judges release people accused of misdemeanors without bail
Deal said it would combat unnecessary incarceration
make sure kids grew up with parents in the home
Peter Biello: Hundreds of workers and union members from around Georgia gathered at the state Capitol yesterday
Amanda Andrews: The rally began with a variety of speakers
from farm laborers to baristas to teachers
all stressing the importance of solidarity and workers' rights
Speaker Katie Getty represented the Union of Southern Service Workers
She says they're pushing back against the idea that all fast food workers are teenagers who don't need benefits
Katie Getty: Teenagers cannot work at midnight when you're drunk and trying to come in to get a waffle to sober up
Amanda Andrews: Amaya Ward is with the Teamsters Local 728
She says workers deserve every right and opportunity
Amaya Ward: We will not be replaced by artificial intelligence
and we will not be stripped of our dignity
Teamsters will secure an even stronger contract
Amanda Andrews: The rally concluded with a march with stops at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Field Office and City Hall
Peter Biello: Democrats say they're beginning to unite in an unlikely place: the Republican stronghold of Cherokee County
Hundreds of people showed up at a rally last night in the metro Atlanta county
Nate Rich is chair of the Cherokee county Democrats
it's just been a game of like numbers — we were so small
Very social in nature because it was just like survival so people don't feel alone because we're in a deep red rural community
That's really changed in like the last 16 months
is to have more Democrats run in Cherokee County in next year's elections
District 11 is represented by Republican Barry Loudermilk
Peter Biello: The Historic Savannah Foundation has released its first-ever Endangered Places List
GPB's Benjamin Payne reports it's part of an effort to raise awareness of properties in need of preservation
Benjamin Payne: The inaugural list includes six properties: a historically Black cemetery
That church was founded by formerly enslaved people displaced from St
Catharines Island after the federal government's 40 acres and a mule policy was rescinded by President Andrew Johnson
Ellie Isaacs is director of preservation at the Historic Savannah Foundation
She says they modeled their program after the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation's "Places in Peril" list
Ellie Isaacs: We wanted something that was hyperlocal to Savannah and bring awareness to sites that may or may not
Benjamin Payne: The Historic Savannah Foundation is accepting nominations online for its next Endangered Places list
Peter Biello: A Georgia pilot program aims to provide exams to people who are victims of strangulation
Sofi Gratas: Cases of abuse where someone is strangled are common
But less so are exams for these cases at shelters because nurse availability and reimbursement from the state is limited
The biggest line item would be to pay the nurse for her time
funding organized by state Representative Karen Lupton through the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council will help seven centers
and Marietta to pay for these non-fatal strangulation exams through next year
With the funding comes better documentation to aid in prosecution and fill a data gap on these nonfatal cases
People strangled are far more likely to die from abuse
Peter Biello: The Trump administration is calling off a federal grant that the Biden administration awarded to the city of Savannah for an energy efficiency program
The $1 million grant promised to serve households with energy efficiency needs and train more local electricians and HVAC technicians
The grant came from an environmental protection agency initiative that was aimed at disadvantaged communities and climate resilience
Peter Biello: A new law will memorialize a little-known chapter in Georgia history
The Original 33 Memorial Act honors the 33 Black legislators who were expelled by white lawmakers from the General Assembly during Reconstruction
Lawmakers now have authorized construction of a monument on the grounds of the state Capitol
Next steps include appointing members to the Memorial Committee
Peter Biello: University of Georgia officials broke ground today on a research farm next to the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry
The 250-acre farm will serve as a hub for research
and data analysis to increase productivity while conserving resources
Peter Biello: A Georgia Tech commencement speaker left graduating students with more than inspiring words today
Alumnus and tech entrepreneur Christopher Klaus promised to cover the incorporation costs for any graduate launching a startup
Christopher Klaus: Every founder needs someone to believe in them early
Peter Biello: Georgia Tech has spent years cultivating an entrepreneurial ecosystem around its campus in Midtown Atlanta
Klaus co-founded a company to connect students with mentors and funding to launch startups
Coastal George's sea turtle nesting season is officially underway
as the first loggerhead nest of the year was found yesterday on Jekyll Island
Will Hicks is a conservation technician with the Jekyl Island Authority
He and a colleague were the lucky ones who spotted the nest while patrolling the beach on their utility terrain vehicle
It's always exciting when we get a nest first in the season
Peter Biello: The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is forecasting a busier nesting season than last year when the endangered species laid around 2,500 nests in the state
Peter Biello: And that's a wrap on a busy week of news. But thank you so much for tuning in. You can check GPB.org/news over the weekend for all of the latest headlines. And remember to subscribe to this podcast because we will be back in your feed on Monday afternoon. Your feedback powers this podcast and makes our work better. So please do send it our way. Email is the best way to reach us: <a href="mailto:GeorgiaToday@GPB.org">GeorgiaToday@GPB.org</a>
Thanks again for listening and have a great weekend
For more on these stories and more, go to <a href="https://www.gpb.org/gpb.org/news">GPB.org/news</a>
Peter Biello is the host of All Things Considered on GPB.&nbsp;
His interviews and stories can be heard every weekday from 4 to 6 p.m
musician and podcast producer from Atlanta
He edits and produces&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gpb.org/podcasts/salvation-south">Salvation South</a>&nbsp;and other podcasts for GPB
GA-(WDEF-TV) Northwest Whitfield saw their season come to an end on Thursday
They were swept in their Sweet 16 series against Cherokee Bluff
2023.Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
.st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By <a class="byline__authorLink" href="https://www.nj.com/staff/mcosenti/posts.html" title="Matt Cosentino at For NJ Advance Media">Matt Cosentino | For NJ Advance Media</a>Winning pitcher Brett Gable allowed just four hits
struck out seven and walked one in six shutout innings as second-seeded Cherokee
blanked 22nd-seeded Bordentown 8-0 in the second round of the 51st Joe Hartmann Diamond Classic in Voorhees
The Chiefs improved to 16-0 and advanced to the quarterfinals
where they will face either top-seeded Gloucester Catholic or 11th-seeded Clearview
Cooper Burti and Steve Barbagiovanni each had two hits
an RBI and two runs and Brett Chiesa tripled and drove in a run for Cherokee
which broke open a close game in the final three innings
Connor Collora had two hits for Bordentown (10-5)
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was arrested by the Cedar Bluff Police Department for failure to appear on previous charges of the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and 2nd degree unlawful possession of marijuana
was arrested by the Cherokee County Sheriff&#8217;s Office on a charge of probation violation
was arrested by the Cherokee County Sheriff&#8217;s Office on a charge of 2nd degree receiving stolen property
there are a total of 98 inmates housed in the Cherokee County Detention Center
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e-mail us at circulation@cherokeetribune.com or call us at 770-479-1441
Cherokee Nation Elections Director Connie Parnell reviews updated forms with the CN Election Commission on Feb
6 in preparation for the June 7 General Election
An updated Cherokee Nation district map is seen Feb
3 at the CN Election Commission office in Tahlequah
The Cherokee Nation Election Commission office
a total of 33 hopefuls signed up to run for a seat on the Cherokee Nation’s Tribal Council in June
TAHLEQUAH – Following a four-day filing period
Up for grabs this year are seats in districts 2
along with one of the two at-large positions
There are at least two opponents in each of the nine races
“We’re in election mode,” Elections Director Connie Parnell said Feb
final day of the candidate-filing window for the June 7 General Election
The Tribal Council has 15 district representatives and two at-large members
Councilors serve four years and are limited to two back-to-back elected terms
All six eligible incumbents filed on the first day
Candessa Tehee (incumbent); Issac Collins; David Walkingstick
Janis Dearman; Joie Sneed; Mandy Scott; Stephen Maples; Uriah Grass; Steve Carter; Elana Stroble Gallardo
Ashley Grant; Frank Whitlock; Charles Wilkes
Rusty Henson; Anthony Davis; Clifton Hughes; Connie Newton; Cody Scott; Debra McGlasson; Mike Purcell
Melvina Shotpouch (incumbent); Haley Buzzard
Kendra McGeady (incumbent); Timothy Keeton; Janatha Carter
Danny Callison (incumbent); Jennifer Blalock
Johnny Kidwell (incumbent); William Crowder II; Jonathan Carter; Brandi Ross
Callison and Kidwell are all seeking a second term in office
who was appointed by the council in September 2024 to fill the seat vacated by District 11 Councilor Victoria Vazquez
Councilors terming out this year are Mike Dobbins in District 4
“Junior” Smith in District 5 and Mike Shambaugh in District 9
Challenges to a candidate&rsquo;s eligibility can be made by an opponent from Feb. 7-13. This year&rsquo;s voter registration deadline is March 31, followed by the absentee ballot request deadline on April 7. For more information, visit <a href="http://election.cherokee.org">election.cherokee.org</a>
call 918-458-5899 or visit the CN Election Commission office at 17763 S
Updated district maps are available for viewing on the EC’s website
the Tribal Council approved new district maps based on growth and what the tribe calls “major” shifts in population over the past decade
Council seats open in the 2027 General Election will include districts 1
The current councilors are Sasha Blackfox-Qualls in District 1
A Mural in downtown Gaffney in Cherokee County
The county is set to see a $10 million investment from Aerowerks
a food service industry manufacturer based in Ontario
is investing $10 million and creating 52 jobs in Gaffney with a manufacturing plant
It will be the company's first plant in the United States
GAFFNEY — A food service industry manufacturer based in Ontario
<a href="https://aero-werks.com/" target="_blank">Aerowerks</a> will invest $10 million in a manufacturing plant at 330 Huntington Road in Gaffney
The plant will create 52 jobs and assemble
design and manufacture the company’s material handling systems
The company specializes in manufacturing custom material handling systems
Gaffney Mayor Lyman Dawkins III said the announcement is a “testament to the strength of our community and the incredible partnership with Cherokee County.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Aerowerks to Gaffney,” Dawkins said
Aerowerks Real Estate Inc. bought the 330 Huntington Road property for $2.3 million on March 29, according to <a href="https://qpublic.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?AppID=908&amp;LayerID=17379&amp;PageTypeID=4&amp;PageID=7808&amp;Q=65565131&amp;KeyValue=081-00-00-023.012" target="_blank">public property records</a>
As its neighbor, <a href="https://www.postandcourier.com/spartanburg/" target="_blank">Spartanburg County</a>, has boomed with massive capital investments like a <a href="https://www.postandcourier.com/spartanburg/business/northmark-strategies-spartanburg-computing-center/article_ac48993f-b936-4ee6-aa21-da9867e1ff7c.html" target="_blank">$2.8 billion computing center</a>
South Carolina’s second-largest single investment to date
Cherokee County has seen some similar success
Gov. Henry McMaster said the latest investment in Cherokee County is an example of the state continuing to “build on its success in the manufacturing industry.” <a href="https://www.sccommerce.com/" target="_blank">The S.C. Coordinating Council for Economic Development</a> approved job development credits related to the project
“Aerowerks’ $10 million investment in the Cherokee County community will greatly benefit the region and create new opportunities for our people
and we congratulate the company on this new operation,” McMaster said
The sun shines down on Limestone University's Winne Davis Hall of History on the day
announced the 179-year-old institution would be shutting down and selling off its campus
Some hope had remained that the school must stay open
but trustees made a final decision to close on April 29
Limestone University's announced closure prompts Cherokee County's public school system to consider buying the defunct school's 125-acre campus
GAFFNEY — With the announcement that Limestone University would be closing for good
interest was piqued among Cherokee County public school officials who potentially want to buy the campus
"Emphasis is on the word 'potential,'" said Thomas White
the Gaffney-based district's interim superintendent
The Cherokee County School Board voted unanimously this week to have White look into purchasing some
of the 125-acre property of the soon-to-be-defunct Limestone University near the heart of Gaffney
not to mention the economic impact of it," White told the newspaper
"We have huge numbers of people who are in this school district
My own sister graduated from Limestone University."
The school board's move came within two days of the university's board of trustees determining the 179-year-old school had <a href="https://www.postandcourier.com/spartanburg/news/limestone-university-closing-financially-troubled-gaffney-sc/article_166a53d5-7b40-43a3-977c-0b2695f49fdb.html" target="_blank">no viable path to remaining financially solvent</a>
The decision to close the university means more than 300 faculty and staff will lose their jobs and 1,750 students must transfer to a new school
An initial announcement about the school's <a href="https://www.postandcourier.com/education-lab/limestone-university-close-private-college-gaffney-sc/article_5f9e1013-1010-412a-ab94-94129f06c767.html" target="_blank">closure on April 16</a> prompted nearly two weeks of hurried fundraising in an effort to save the school
First reported in <a href="https://www.gaffneyledger.com/articles/school-district-interested-in-buying-limestone/" target="_blank">The Gaffney Ledger</a>
the Cherokee school board's motion on May 1 was to have White "explore and proceed with negotiations regarding the potential purchase or acquisition of real estate and other property associated with Limestone University."
The 7,712-student district could take on classroom space or athletic facilities or both
adding that it is too early to say how much the district might be willing to pay
"We're in the process now of upgrading some athletic facilities — baseball and softball
— so exploring whether or not those things might meet some of our needs that were identified in a facility study from as far back as August of 2022 just seemed like a prudent thing to do," White said
The district's <a href="https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3010/CCSD/2824798/District_Facilities_Study_.pdf" target="_blank">August 2022 facilities study</a> identified a total of $288 million in needed upgrades and new construction among Cherokee County schools
However, when the district asked <a href="https://www.postandcourier.com/spartanburg/politics/voters-reject-cherokee-county-referendum/article_2f859880-7dd8-11ee-9a2c-932938ad1f85.html" target="_blank">voters in November 2023</a> for a 30-mill increase in taxes to pay for about half that amount
To date, no sale price has been advertised for Limestone's campus. It has not yet appeared on the popular commercial real estate site, <a href="http://loopnet.com">loopnet.com</a>
Limestone took out a $34.7 million USDA in 2021 with most of its campus put up for collateral, <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aea4Ffzh-cSV9alWVGHvdCmJVEbbC8yq/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">records show</a>
When Limestone President Nathan Copeland announced April 16 that the campus would have to be sold
he mentioned that the university was $30 million in debt
Cherokee County public school students are accustomed to making routine visits to the Limestone campus
The district's roughly 50 Scholars Academy high-school students took courses there — four of whom received two-year associate's degrees at the university's final graduation on May 3
Swim team members practiced at the university's pool
White said he hoped to visit the campus as early as next week to check on the grounds and facilities
"I'm sure (Copeland) has someone on his staff who could open doors for us," he said
The Post and Courier’s Education Lab focuses on issues and policies affecting South Carolina’s education system. It is supported by donations and grants to the nonprofit Public Service and Investigative Fund, whose contributors are subject to the same coverage we apply to everyone else. For more information and to donate, go to <a href="https://postandcourierfund.com" style="text-decoration:none !important; text-color=#1d8acb">postandcourierfund.com</a>
News tips/online questions: <a href="mailto:newstips@postandcourier.com">newstips@postandcourier.com</a>
Improvements to Cherokee Nation Sallisaw Creek Park in Sequoyah County
Upgrades are expected to wrap up in mid-2025
The Cherokee Nation’s business arm says “significant progress” has been made on upgrades to a popular park near Sallisaw
SALLISAW – The Cherokee Nation’s business arm says “significant progress” has been made on upgrades to a popular park near Sallisaw
the tribe began a major phase of the project at Cherokee Nation Sallisaw Creek Park on the Robert S
Plans included the addition of infrastructure to support 74 new RV sites and five cabins
we have made significant progress,” said James Thornton
director of the development at Cherokee Nation Businesses
“We’ve installed more than 30 miles of underground utilities
and the five family-style cabins are close to completion.”
the main park area remains closed to the general public
There are approximately 14 miles of horseback trails
archery hunting is open to tribal citizens
with designated parking to accommodate those needs,” Thornton said
“The limited access allows for safe enjoyment of these specific sites while construction continues in the rest of the park.”
Phase one is expected to wrap up in mid-2025
“We also anticipate some smaller beautification projects and enhancements to continue as needed,” Thornton said
“The phased approach will allow us to deliver access to the park while also refining more areas for the public over time.”
While details regarding phase two have not yet been made available
additions have been made to the first stage “to better enhance the park’s amenities,” Thornton said
“The new features include boat ramp parking
a welcome center that will house guest check-in
“We also have some remaining infrastructure projects
which included things like finalizing the cabin driveways
completing roadways and some landscaping work to ensure the park is both welcoming and safe for guests.”
hopes the addition of RV sites will help the park become “a hub of outdoor enjoyment,” but also generate local jobs and drive economic activity
“RV activities nationwide continue to grow
especially as the Baby Boomer generation pursues the hobby,” Thornton said
“It is a boon for economic development in the Sequoyah County area
When we offer increased tourism and retail opportunities
we support locally-owned family businesses.”
The tribe’s investment in the park began under the administration of Chief Bill John Baker, but is now a projectunder the <a href="https://cherokee.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=9214787&amp;GUID=9D4B92EE-8049-436B-8108-D11AF3DAB71E">Cherokee Nation Park, Wildlands, Fishing and Hunting Preserve Act</a> signed by Chief Chuck Hoskin
Under Cherokee Nation <a href="https://cherokee.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=10233419&amp;GUID=A8F762BE-9F13-4BC6-A979-C1DAD990E3B0">law</a>
tribal owned properties are named by acts of the Council
 The 2021 park law designated the names of several properties
including naming the park at the Kerr Reservior as “Cherokee Nation Sallisaw Creek Park.”  
including Cherokee Nation Sallisaw Creek Park
are managed under the authority of the tribe’s Secretary of Natural Resources
 Cherokee Nation Sallisaw Creek Park is being developed and managed under an agreement with Cherokee Nation Businesses
According to CNB, which will manage the new 100-acre development, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers transferred the full 1,300-acre-property to the Cherokee Nation in 1998. <a href="https://www.cherokeephoenix.org/news/cn-improving-sallisaw-creek-park/article_31d0ba64-4b1e-519f-b938-34ba8871db63.html">In 2013, it opened</a> to the public for day-use
horseback-riding trails and limited hunting
Cherokee Nation Sallisaw Creek Park’s official address is 457959 E
This year marks the 53nd anniversary of the <a href=https://cherokeetriangle.com/art-fair/ target=_blank rel="noreferrer noopener">Cherokee Triangle Art Fair</a>
a rite of spring in one of Louisville’s most historic neighborhoods
is a marquee event for the Cherokee Triangle neighborhood
Artists and food vendor booths will again line the streets surrounding Willow Park in the Cherokee Triangle neighborhood between Willow Avenue and Cherokee Road
Live music performances will take place in the Willow Park gazebo and the popular children's parade takes place at 10 a.m
More: <a href=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/entertainment/events/kentucky-derby/2025/03/24/kentucky-derby-party-ideas/78625128007/ rel=noreferrer target=_blank>Throwing a Kentucky Derby party? Here are 5 easy steps to follow</a>
Here's what else you need to know as you make plans to visit the Cherokee Triangle Art Fair:  
The 2025 Cherokee Triangle Art Fair runs from 10 a.m
Where is the Cherokee Triangle Art Fair?The fair takes place along Cherokee Parkway between Willow Avenue and Cherokee Road
Street parking in the Cherokee Triangle neighborhood is available on a first-come
there will be more than 200 artists and creators from all over the country participating in the weekend event
Is there live music at the Cherokee Triangle Art Fair?Yes
Musicians and a schedule of performances will be announced closer to the event date
More: <a href=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/entertainment/events/kentucky-derby/2024/03/11/food-and-drink-recipes-to-try-for-a-kentucky-derby-2025-party/72633052007/ rel=noreferrer target=_blank>Looking for Kentucky Derby food, drink ideas? Try these 10 recipes in 2025</a>
You must be 21+ to purchase any alcoholic beverages at the Art Fair
Please stop by the green Cherokee Triangle Association tent for an ID check and to receive your 21+ wristband
What else can I do at the Cherokee Triangle Art Fair?There will be arts and crafts activities for families
a variety of food and drink tents and the annual Saturday evening street party with live music
Live music performances will take place in the Willow Park gazebo
The annual Cherokee Triangle Art Fair is the major fundraiser for Louisville’s Cherokee Triangle Association
and proceeds are returned to the community and neighborhood
The CTA uses proceeds to fund summer concerts in Willow Park and make donations to the Highlands/Shelby Park branch of the Louisville Free Public Library
Visit the Cherokee Triangle Association at <a href=https://cherokeetriangle.com/ target=_blank rel="noreferrer noopener">cherokeetriangle.com</a>, or its social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram (<a href=https://www.facebook.com/CherokeeTriangleAssociation/ target=_blank rel="noreferrer noopener">@cherokeetriangleassociation</a>), X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, (<a href="https://twitter.com/cherokeetriangl?lang=en" target=_blank rel="noreferrer noopener">@CherokeeTriangl</a>)
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com
After over ten years of battling on the World Series of Poker Circuit and 19 final tables along the way, restaurant owner Fikret ‘Fix’ Kovac finally broke through early Friday morning by topping a 489-entry field to win the <a class="pros-embed-body__link" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.poker.org/instant/89/wsopc-cherokee/?tab&#x3D;updates" >WSOPC Cherokee</a>&nbsp;$400 Double Stack Opener
While Kovac came into the series opening event with a solid WSOP resume that showed almost $700,000 in earnings over 49 cashes
including six Main Event final tables (four at Cherokee)
‘I’ve been working for so many years," Kovac said after the win
Asked if after all those near-misses whether it was happiness or relief to finally win a WSOP Circuit ring
Kovac was surprisingly cool about his response
The final table came down to an incredible rematch from this very event in August 2024
it was Kovac and last night’s runner-up Russell Brooks battling in the final three
with Kovac finishing third and Brooks winning
they were the last two standing with Kovac
the two clashed in the biggest pot of the tournament with three tables left
The duo got their stacks in preflop with Kovac holding aces to Brooks’ kings in what should have been a pot to extend Kovac’s already sizeable lead
Brooks hit a king to score a huge double-up and take over the chip lead
leading to their eventual final clash for the ring
After getting the best of Brooks this time
He’s very close to living where I live… he told me he lives very close to my restaurants and has visited (them)
He’s an amazing guy… he’s a great player.”
Now that Kovac has finally won his first Circuit ring
and it’s the other variation of WSOP hardware that he now has his sights set on
WSOPC Cherokee $400 Double Stack Opener final table results
Want all of the stories, photos, and results from every WSOP Circuit stop? <a class="pros-embed-body__link" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://t.co/d0PF7yMoOu" target="_blank">Sign up for The Circuit newsletter</a> and we'll drop it in your inbox
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr
announces the tribe's more than $3.1 billion economic impact on the state of Oklahoma
CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses highlights the company's continued success
as well as its future growth during a luncheon at Hard Rock Hotel &amp; Casino Tulsa
founding partner at the Economic Impact Group
explains his team's methodology in evaluating Cherokee Nation's positive influence on Oklahoma's economy
Infographic listing key findings from the Cherokee Nation’s economic impact report that studied fiscal year 2023
Infographic listing the Cherokee Nation’s economic impact within each county inside the tribe’s reservation
The Cherokee Nation continues to be a driving force in Oklahoma’s economy
generating more than $3.1 billion in annual economic impact
according to the latest assessment unveiled on April 2 at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa
TULSA – The Cherokee Nation continues to be a driving force in Oklahoma’s economy
Russell Evans of the Economic Impact Group and professor of economics for Oklahoma City University
Officials said the CN continues to be a tremendous stimulus to the Oklahoma economy
The CN adds to good and services available
The research suggests the CN directly and indirectly supports more than 23,000 jobs and $1.2 billion in wages and benefits each year
The CN government and its businesses make more than $536 million in purchases from local vendors and small businesses in northeast Oklahoma
“Cherokee Nation’s economic impact is about more than dollars and data,” Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr
“It’s a reflection of our deep commitment to the prosperity of the Cherokee people and the communities we call home
In addition to illustrating where our dollars go across the reservation and how those investments ripple through our communities
this report reminds us just how far each dollar reaches; creating opportunities
strengthening communities and building a better future for all.”
CN funds received through the American Rescue Relief Plan Act added a further $189 million impact in the state
Such funding was issued directly to citizens for hardship assistance or provided for programs such as construction of housing and community buildings
“Economic impact reports measure how deeply rooted a center of economic activity is in the broader economy,” Evans said
“Cherokee Nation’s $3.1 billion impact is a direct reflection of their roots in northeastern Oklahoma where they support local businesses through vendor purchases and local communities through grants and economic development partnerships
as well as provide local labor markets with a steady demand for workers
The Nation’s strategic use of one-time federal recovery funds is designed to create an additional long-term impact on the region
ensuring even deeper roots and stronger connections for years to come.”
During that year the CN funded $17.5 million in higher education scholarships
provided vocational training and educational assistance for more than 1,300 Native Americans
and funded $7.8 million in contributions from car tag sales to public schools in northeast Oklahoma
CN also put $7.4 million into construction and expansion of its child development centers
and provided 10,000 food vouchers and 74,000 clothing vouchers for schoolchildren
Native-owned enterprises did more than $150 million in business with the CN in FY 2023
“That is one of the things that makes us unique as an economic powerhouse in northeast Oklahoma,” he said
“We’re not wondering if someday maybe we’ll pick up and move somewhere else
We’re not wondering if someday we’ll find some economic conditions that might be just a little bit better for our bottom line
We’re looking at this as our forever home and we’re treating it that way
so every time we have a hand in creating a job or getting behind an entrepreneur – that’s personal to us
Cherokee Nation Businesses has contributed $1.2 billion in dividends to support CN programs and services
the tribe’s gaming operations have contributed more than half a billion dollars to state coffers since the state-tribal compacts were established in 2005
“CNB’s mission to broaden and strengthen Cherokee Nation’s economy as we invest
diversify and grow has always been at the core of everything we do
and it always will be,” said Chuck Garrett
investments and more continue to grow every year
it is an absolute honor to see our company’s efforts creating even more of an impact throughout our communities and across Cherokee Nation.”
For information, visit <a href="http://cherokeenationimpact.com">cherokeenationimpact.com</a>
Limestone University has a prospective buyer for its historic Gaffney campus: the Cherokee County School District
Interim Superintendent Thomas White said on Friday that he plans to discuss the situation with Limestone President Nathan Copeland and take a team of district staff members to tour the campus and assess the condition of its buildings and grounds
White said the district conducted a facilities study several years ago that identified numerous needs
including the construction of two new middle schools
Cherokee County voters rejected a bond referendum that would have increased property taxes to raise $162 million for facility needs
White said he does not have an estimate on a possible price tag for the 125-acre Limestone campus
The school district has partnered with Limestone to house its Scholars Academy
a program for academically advanced high school students
“We know a little bit about the academic classrooms and things like,” White said
Limestone unveiled a new library and student center
which was made possible by a loan of more than $30 million from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Program
The campus has numerous outdoor and indoor athletic facilities
Few public school districts have full college-style campuses
White said the Limestone campus would “give us an opportunity to rethink how we do a lot of things – what we could do more efficiently
but we are just on the front end of the process
We want to see what makes sense moving forward.”
As the WSOPC Cherokee series draws closer to what will undoubtedly be another massive Main Event
more and more big names have been spotted in the tournament fields
Just look at some of these faces in the $600 Pot-Limit Omaha event Monday
You don't have to be a multi-time WSOP bracelet or ring winner (or wear pineapple sunglasses
but it doesn't hurt) to get your own professional photo on the felt
A pair of familiar faces in the Cherokee PLO8 or Better streets found each other again at the final table of Event #5 on Monday as Tyler Phillips and John Holley both battled their way through 303 entries to meet heads-up for the title
Holley defeated Phillips heads-up to win the Cherokee WSOPC PLO8 title
taking this chapter for $21,323 and a long-awaited 2nd WSOP Circuit ring
“I come to Cherokee every stop and I feel like I have a chance every time I come here
This is the game I actually play the most now online
so it means a lot to win it in this specific event.”
In the last two WSOPC PLO8 tournaments here
Phillips has a fifth-place result to his name as well as the runner-up finish to Holley last May
Phillips also denied Holley his 12th WSOP Circuit ring
Phillips said that defeating a challenger as strong as Holley while evening their series made the win that much better
It especially helped that I had a massive chip lead coming into heads up
and then I doubled him up twice right away
not again’ but luckily I won the last hand.”
Phillips did have a sizeable lead entering heads-up play
holding 5,3000,000 of the six million chips in play
Phillips sealed the victory by turning a full house with his top two pair against Holley’s bottom set to make a better full house and then fade Holley’s live low draw on the river
when might we see Round 3 between Phillips and Holley
Today’s winner will be looking forward to the next battle
and usually PLO8 is one of those games where you see the same people all the time at the final table
so I’m sure we’ll play again sometime soon.”
Event #5: $400 Pot-Limit Omaha 8 or Better final table results:
registration has closed in Event #7: $600 Pot-Limit Omaha
That field has built a prize pool of $169,950 that will pay the final 50 players at least a min-cash of $1,223
The winner will lay claim to $35,420 along with a gold WSOP Circuit ring and entry into the WSOP Tournament of Champions next week at Commerce Casino in Los Angeles
Here's a complete breakdown of the payouts:
Play will continue tonight until the end of Level 18
After John Holley beat him heads-up in this very event last year
defeating Holley heads-up in the rematch to win Event #5: $400 Pot-Limit Omaha 8 or Better
Phillips' win is his second on the Circuit
and entry into the WSOP Tournament of Champions
Cherokee Nation Speaker of the Council Mike Shambaugh speaks during the 2022 Tri-Council meeting
The Council unanimously approved a resolution at the Dec
2024 legislative body’s monthly meeting withdrawing from Tri-Council
In a unanimous decision by tribal lawmakers
the Cherokee Nation has withdrawn from the Tri-Council
describing the annual gathering as an outlet for the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians to attack the tribe’s sovereignty
TAHLEQUAH – In a unanimous decision by tribal lawmakers
“It’s not towards the UKB citizens,” Tribal Councilor Joe Deere said Dec
“It’s not the fault of anything they have done
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and UKB meet annually as the Tri-Council to communicate and pass resolutions that represent all three federally recognized Cherokee tribes
tribal leaders have addressed various issues like sovereignty
the gatherings have become “a platform for attack against” the Cherokee Nation
often cited as “Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma” by the UKB
“It’s difficult to sit there meeting after meeting and get into it,” Shambaugh said
“Back when we were in North Carolina … we knew they were going to attack our treaty rights
Tri-Council is a place where we find common ground
where we work together for the betterment of the three of us.”
The approved resolution states that in practice
the Tri-Council no longer achieves its “legitimate objectives,” but instead “serves as a forum for the UKB to attack the sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation” and “falsely claim rights under Cherokee treaties.”
the CN will “pursue collaboration with EBCI and/or UKB in forums and by means that are not divisive,” according to the resolution
Tribal Councilor Candessa Tehee told fellow councilors that despite having UKB family members
she supported the withdrawal based on the UKB leadership’s “continued level of disrespect and attacks on Cherokee tribal sovereignty.” 
said his “point of no return” was when the UKB opposed former CN Attorney General Sara Hill’s appointment as a federal judge in 2024
“Judges at the federal level have generational
lifetime impacts in the decisions that they make,” he said
“And the only thing that we’ve ever asked for at Cherokee Nation is to have a judge that understands our story
Because generally when we do have a court that understands
Nominated by President Joe Biden to fill a position in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma
said he supported the Council’s resolution withdrawing from Tri-Council
but that the action did not mean the three tribes cannot work together
“My sense is the Council feels the same way I do
which is that when there are opportunities in the future to work with either or both of the Cherokee bands on matters of shared interests
“But now we can end what has become an annual forum for UKB to spin its phony grievances in a forum subsidized by the other two tribes.”
The CN and UKB have recently been at odds over law enforcement jurisdiction
The Cherokee Nation has long contended that within its 14-county reservation
the UKB Lighthorse police force operates within reservation boundaries
“When you start talking about the things going on like with law enforcement and everything like that
A total of 32 Oklahoma law enforcement officials have attached their signatures to a letter calling the UKB’s police presence “an active and clear threat” to their ability to keep communities safe and hold criminals accountable
Stephen Jones talked about a policy change that ends contract care for UKB citizens
“This is a change from what we’ve been doing in the past because … the UKB has been awarded some money for purchase-referred care strictly for UKB citizens,” he said
“They don’t have to spend that on anything else
which is a deviation from what we’re required to do
The money that we get from (the Indian Health Service) for purchase-referred care is for all beneficiary members of any federally recognized tribe.”
IHS notified the Cherokee Nation this fall that it struck an agreement with the UKB to grant $5.6 million in purchase and referred care funding specifically for the UKB
Those federal dollars will now cover a program for UKB members
in lieu of the care they received from the Cherokee Nation
which will impact approximately 1,300 UKB citizens
Affected patients will be given electronic notifications
“We’ll also be posting information at all of our registration areas at all of our clinics,” Jones said
“We are going to help them navigate to the UKB for whatever system UKB is going to run for their (purchase and referred care)
IHS has told us their contact person will be Martha Ketcher
We’re hoping to have that information before we send those text messages out.”
Ketcher previously worked for CN Health Services but separated from CN in 2023
She is now the point of contact for UKB purchase and referred care (PRC) program – a federally funded
independent health care program for tribes
(WLOS) — After winning the Smoky Mountain Conference title
the girls&#x27; basketball team at Cherokee High School were faced with a memory they wish to forget
they were met with obscene hand gestures and remarks online from the opposing school&#x27;s fanbase
“Our team didn’t get to celebrate their championship win,” said Lori Rogers
who has two daughters who play for Cherokee High School
You think it’s a great time and it will be a great time
but that was nothing of what we expected.”
<a href="https://wlos.com/news/local/cherokee-addiction-recovery-runner-fundraiser-addiction-trail-of-tears-community-cross-country-san-francisco-wilmington" target="_blank" title="https://wlos.com/news/local/cherokee-addiction-recovery-runner-fundraiser-addiction-trail-of-tears-community-cross-country-san-francisco-wilmington" class="themeColorForLinks">CHEROKEE RUNNER&#x27;S CROSS-COUNTRY JOURNEY TO RAISE FUNDS FOR ADDICTION RECOVERY</a>
What seemed like another championship win was anything but that
As the Cherokee girls celebrated another conference title
fans inside the Hayesville gym could be seen making inappropriate hand gestures towards the winning team
combined with comments made on social media about the team
caused a reaction from Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Michell Hicks
He wrote the following statement to News 13:
<a href="https://wlos.com/news/local/work-begins-find-permanent-housing-people-displaced-eastern-band-of-cherokee-indians-riverside-motel-fire-red-cross-officials" target="_blank" title="https://wlos.com/news/local/work-begins-find-permanent-housing-people-displaced-eastern-band-of-cherokee-indians-riverside-motel-fire-red-cross-officials" class="themeColorForLinks">WORK BEGINS TO FIND PERMANENT HOUSING FOR PEOPLE DISPLACED BY CHEROKEE MOTEL FIRE</a>
Hicks also released a statement <a href="https://www.facebook.com/principalchiefmichellhicks/posts/pfbid02Vg8cgwYgGzo7cK6s9GD9VFEkU46wmKseP5r5bcRXACQMwwv9RhvJDfdhbqbfzKZDl" target="_blank" title="https://www.facebook.com/principalchiefmichellhicks/posts/pfbid02Vg8cgwYgGzo7cK6s9GD9VFEkU46wmKseP5r5bcRXACQMwwv9RhvJDfdhbqbfzKZDl" class="themeColorForLinks">on Facebook</a> Monday
in part: &quot;Despite the hostility they faced
and proved what it means to be a champion – on and off the court
 We are incredibly proud of them and will always stand behind them.&quot;
Clay County Schools, which includes the opposing team Hayesville, also released a statement <a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid032P2C5r1XCVXmHukXNFJHkykXNnuUgRi84wBDAxEMzt9sdRD9aTdjuAwXPi9BgBpJl&amp;id=100063587318654" target="_blank" title="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid032P2C5r1XCVXmHukXNFJHkykXNnuUgRi84wBDAxEMzt9sdRD9aTdjuAwXPi9BgBpJl&amp;id=100063587318654" class="themeColorForLinks">on Facebook</a>
“Even that night as the comments were coming in that night
These kids have put a lot of work into what they’ve mastered.”
this is about continuing to push for change while also thriving on the court
<a href="https://wlos.com/news/local/seeing-green-ebci-pot-sales-surge-local-impact-and-future-plans-discussed" target="_blank" title="https://wlos.com/news/local/seeing-green-ebci-pot-sales-surge-local-impact-and-future-plans-discussed" class="themeColorForLinks">SEEING GREEN: CHEROKEE POT SALES SURGE, LOCAL IMPACT AND FUTURE PLANS DISCUSSED</a>
get educated and help other communities because this tribe does help the surrounding communities
We’re teaching everybody to support each other
The Cherokee girls&#x27; basketball team return to action Tuesday night at Cherokee High School
They take on Bradford Preparatory School in the first round of the state playoffs
Deputy Secretary of State Canaan Duncan and CCO Executive Director Savannah Smith gather to celebrate the first distribution of Hawiya packages
Cherokee Nation has signed MOUs with various Community and Cultural Outreach organizations to enter into the newly announced Hawiya Food Sovereignty Program
TAHLEQUAH — Cherokee Nation has signed MOUs with various Community and Cultural Outreach organizations to enter into the newly announced Hawiya Food Sovereignty Program
CCO organizations will distribute food packages including meat from Cherokee Nation’s own 1839 Meat Co
Participating organizations will coordinate delivery and safe handling practices with Cherokee Nation’s Food Distribution programs
Participating CCO organizations will distribute packages during the last three business days of each month
Limited quantities are available for eligible families
we as a nation saw the critical need to invest into the health of our citizens,” said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr
“We know that Native Americans are disproportionally affected by unhealthy diets and outcomes of those diets
The fact is that many communities in rural areas are in food deserts and lack access to proper nutrition
The Hawiya program uses the strength of our grassroots organizations to bridge the physical gap in securing adequate nutrition for Cherokees.” 
Any household with a Cherokee citizen is eligible regardless of age
Preference is given to Cherokee elders age 60 and up
along with first-language fluent Cherokee speakers
Recipients have the opportunity to receive packages monthly through this program
“We’re remaining committed to breaking down barriers that our citizens face
whether that be food-insecurity or another issue,” said Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner
“Increased access to quality nutritional food will not only help individuals but reduce the chance of adverse health outcomes for our nation.” 
Individuals in Cherokee Nation’s FDPIR Program or SNAP are ineligible except in cases of hardship
as self-reported by the recipient and determined by the CCO organization
Cherokee Nation utilizes the United States Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement to supplement acquiring and distributing packages
LFPA usesnon-competitive cooperative agreements to provide funding for state
tribal and territorial governments to purchase foods produced within the state or within 400 miles of the delivery destination to help support local
Earlier this month CCO identified the above organizations operating community buildings within the reservation who have adequate capacity to participate in the Hawiya program
Those organizations who are interested in participating can participate in the future by reaching out to CCO to determine eligibility
For more information contact Community and Cultural Outreach at 918-207-4963 or <a title="mailto:cco@cherokee.org" href="mailto:cco@cherokee.org">cco@cherokee.org</a>
The Cherokee Nation received more than 13,000 applications for heirloom seeds this year
according to Secretary of Natural Resources Christina Justice
More than 13,000 applications were submitted for Cherokee heirloom seeds
according to the Secretary of Natural Resources
TAHLEQUAH – More than 13,000 applications were submitted for Cherokee heirloom seeds
During her March report to the Tribal Council’s Resource Committee
Christina Justice said the seed bank received 13,033 requests within the application window
“I think it’s great that we’re doing a draw so that people have that satisfaction of being able to complete the process of requesting those seeds,” she said
This year was the first for a random-draw system through the online Gadugi Portal
the Cherokee Nation offers its citizens seeds that represent centuries of Cherokee cultural and agricultural history
The seeds provide “a great opportunity for Cherokees to continue the traditions of our ancestors and elders
as well as educate our youth in Cherokee culture,” according to the CN website
“Items in our seed bank are rare cultivars and generally not commercially available,” the site adds
the limited supply of seeds was snatched up within hours
prompting the Tribal Council to reevaluate the seed-allocation strategy
A third-party drew the names this time around
The first seeds were sent out in mid-March and the rest will be sent “until we run out of inventory,” she added
the way that’s going this year,” Justice said
Cherokee seeds have been distributed to CN citizens since 2016
more than 9,500 seed packages were given to tribal citizens
This year’s seeds include multiple types of corn
The tribe is expanding its effort to promote Cherokee agricultural traditions with “Harvesting Our Heritage,” a new initiative that provides heirloom seeds to Community and Cultural Outreach-participating organizations across the country for community gardens and citizen distribution
Participating organizations will receive specialized seed packets with traditional Cherokee corn
The packets contain larger quantities than standard individual distributions
enabling communities to establish sustainable growing operations
For more information, visit <a href="http://anadisgoi.com/index.php/culture-stories/cherokee-nation-launches-harvesting-our-heritage-program-to-expand-heirloom-seed-distribution">anadisgoi.com/index.php/culture-stories/cherokee-nation-launches-harvesting-our-heritage-program-to-expand-heirloom-seed-distribution</a>
Although seeds grown and shared through the Harvesting Our Heritage program are not certified heirloom seeds due to the exacting standards of that certification
the tribe says it is optimistic that future CCO organization-based sites can participate at the certified level