Casino estimates construction completion in 2021
The $330 million construction project at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Resort could be seeing a grand opening in the coming months.
Originally slated for completion by early 2021, the project’s timing has primarily stayed true to course. The budget, however, saw an $80 million increase from the first projection of $250 million to complete the construction. This led to a budget meeting with Tribal Council last year to address the finance and communication between Harrah’s and the Tribe.
An aerial photo taken of the construction as of March 2021 at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Resort. (Photo contributed by Harrah’s Cherokee)
Cherokee Police Commission pushing for more communication
For the last several months, the reorganized Cherokee Police Commission has been requesting more consistent information from the entities they oversee. This was again the primary topic of discussion on Thursday, April 22.
The Commission discussed questions and concerns for the first 40 minutes of the meeting before bringing in the first guests to present.
Frank Dunn had a list of questions that he wished to have answered by the Cherokee Indian Police Department (CIPD). He was concerned that he had not seen much of anything in terms of CIPD financials. Dunn said he had been collecting many of these questions from the community.
CIPD Arrest Report for April 25 - May 2, 2021
The following people were arrested by the Cherokee Indian Police Department and booked into the Anthony Edward Lossiah Justice Center. It should be noted that the following defendants have only been charged with the crimes listed and should be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
WCU prepares to offer full college experience this fall
CULLOWHEE – Western Carolina University is gearing up for a traditional college experience this fall with plans to resume all academic, social and extracurricular activities and continue the academic excellence for which the institution is known.
Western Carolina University’s Homecoming Parade is one of many events that will be held this academic year. (WCU photo)
WCU is planning in-person classes, homecoming activities, concerts, Freshman Run, sporting events, Pride of the Mountains Marching Band performances, Family Weekend, and more. Residential Living is planning a return to full occupancy with common area gathering spots, and all buildings and facilities, including dining operations, the library, and the recreation center plan a return to normal hours and increased capacity.
Concern grows for pediatric dental care in Cherokee
Dental care wasn’t the first worry for most people when the pandemic brought life to a screeching halt last Spring.
Schools, places of work, and restaurants all closed their doors. Day-to-day routines were shattered. Among all of this, health care started becoming an issue. People couldn’t see hospitalized family members, and previously basic procedures become near impossible feats.
Mellie Burns, center, EBCI/PHHS Children’s Dental Program manager, delivered 700 oral health kits to the Cherokee Elementary School on the morning of Thursday, April 8. She is shown with Jess Walkingstick, fifth grader, and Addie Martin, Pre-K, at the school. “We’re just really trying to promote a good dental health message,” said Burns. She related earlier that the program is not able to provide the routine services at the school due to COVID-19 restrictions. “But, I wanted to ensure all students had the needed supplies to c