Motorcycle fatality on Clingmans Dome Road
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Rangers responded to a report of a motorcycle wreck on Clingmans Dome Road at 4:08 p.m. on Sunday, April 18.
Maynoy Alexander Ardon, age 20, of Guatemala, was traveling down Clingmans Dome Road when he lost control of his motorcycle near Collins Gap. He veered off the roadway and landed approximately 100 feet below the embankment. Bystanders were able to reach Ardon and performed life-saving efforts until emergency responders arrived. Ardon succumbed to his injuries on scene and was pronounced deceased at 4:33 p.m.
Cherokee EMS and Fire also responded and assisted with recovery operations. Ardon was transported by Appalachian Funeral Home of Sylva. No other vehicles or visitors were involved in the accident. No additional details are available at this time.
WCU gains grant for improving advance care planning in Cherokee community
CULLOWHEE – The National Institute of Nursing Research has awarded just over $374,500 to Western Carolina University’s Department of Social Work to work in partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for advance care planning with the Native American community.
The project will be led by assistant professor Elizabeth Anderson and professor Turner Goins and is intended to create positive outcomes in clinical and public health practices that also are responsive to cultural values and beliefs and provide further opportunity to express and document care wishes.
Advance care planning – expressing desired treatment goals and expected health outcomes, especially at the end of life – is underused among Native peoples, who as a population often experience higher prevalence of serious, life-limiting illnesses. “Our project is designed to partner with relevant tribal stakeholders to fac
Mountain Heritage Day planning for return to WCU campus this fall
CULLOWHEE – Mountain Heritage Day, the festival of cultural traditions presented by Western Carolina University, is again being planned as a live, in-person event on Saturday, Sept. 25.
The annual community celebration on campus regularly draws thousands to enjoy music, dance, food, and arts and crafts, but was cancelled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, a performance by Summer Brooke and the Mountain Faith Band and a series of digital programs were viewed via university livestreams.
With an announcement March 11 that WCU would resume “close to” normal operations for the fall semester, Mountain Heritage Day was included in campus events and activities being reset.
CIPD Arrest Report for April 4-11, 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.
Right Path Adult Leadership Program accepting nominations
The Right Path Adult Leadership Program (RP) is accepting nominations for participation in the 2021-22 program. This program is for members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). Participants will learn Cherokee history and culture and develop leadership competencies. Participants will meet two days per month, for 12 months, and will engage in case study work, classroom lectures, and experiential learning.
Candidates must be age 18 and over, have a high school diploma or GED. Knowledge of Cherokee culture and/or experience in a professional environment is a plus.
Nomination forms can be found on their website at Right Path – Ray Kinsland Leadership Institute (rkli.org) or by contacting Tara McCoy 359-5542 or tara.mccoy@cherokeeboysclub.com.