The Planning Board of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) met Tuesday, July 30 to hear monthly updates from Becky Bowe, the manager of EBCI Project Management Office.

The Cherokee Police Commission met at the Health and Human Services building July 26. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Gene Tunney Crowe (Tsisqwohi, Birdtown).

In the heart of downtown Cherokee lies the Oconaluftee Island Park. Along the riverbanks, park visitors frequently build wading pools and stack rocks out of the water. These rock structures may seem harmless, but their environmental impact can’t be ignored.

New Kituwah Academy-Elementary announced today that it has earned Cognia® Reaccreditation. Cognia is a nonprofit organization that provides quality assurance for schools, school districts, and education service providers. 

Magdalene “Maggie” Calhoun-Bowman was 48 years old when her partial remains were found under a peacoat and leaves in the winter of 2006. Maggie, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), was a daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother. Her sister, Bernice Bottchenbaugh, says her and Maggie were so close, people thought they were twins.

A total of 20 U.S. Army Soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest U.S. military decoration, for actions during the Wounded Knee Massacre.  Now, the Department of Defense will be looking into whether those medals should be retained or will be rescinded. 

An application to restore the name of Clingman’s Dome, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, to its original Cherokee name, Kuwohi (mulberry place), was sent to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) in February.  Officials say a vote could be coming soon. 

Travis Climbingbear, 44, pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him at his arraignment in Cherokee Tribal Court on Monday, July 15. Charges were filed May 13, and Climbingbear was arrested May 17 and placed under a $2,000 bond.