TAHLEQUAH —
The Cherokee Nation Tribal Council approved legislation Monday night providing housing plan revisions necessary for the tribe to retain its federal stimulus funding.
But several tribal councilors are concerned some of the money is being used for programs other than building homes for its citizens.
“I won’t vote for another housing plan that doesn’t include building houses,” said Councilor Bill John Baker.
Councilor David Thornton Sr. pointed out a portion of the housing funds are used for the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service. Tribal Treasurer Callie Catcher indicated the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development had some concerns about how HUD funding is being allocated to the Marshal Service, but that one such incident from 2005 had recently been closed to HUD’s satisfaction, and she expects the other three years – 2006-2008 – would reach the same conclusion.
Cherokee Nation Housing Authority officials told councilors the housing plan needed a vote during the March meeting, as it would affect the tribe’s ability to continue receiving its allocation of federal stimulus money.
Councilor Tina Glory-Jordan said she shares Baker’s concerns about not building houses for tribal citizens.
“We’re getting $30 million a year, and we’re failing to build houses with it, folks,” said Glory-Jordan. “I believe at some point, someone is going to want to know where this money is going if we’re not building houses. I’ll vote for it tonight because I know we have a deadline to make, but we have to visit this in the near future to address this situation.”
In other business, the council:
• Passed a resolution recognizing former Deputy Chief Hastings Shade as a national treasure of the Cherokee Nation.
• Passed a resolution designating the bald eagle, the black bear and the cougar as culturally protected species with regard to the tribe’s hunting and fishing code.
• Passed a resolution ratifying an off-track wagering compact with the state of Oklahoma.
• Passed a resolution confirming the nomination of Rob Thompson as a member of the editorial board of directors.
• Tabled a resolution confirming William Grass as a member of the board of managers of Cherokee Medical Services.
Local News
Tribal Council questions housing measure
- Local News
-
-
Cherokee Nation releases economic impact report
The Cherokee Nation on Tuesday released its economic impact report for 2010, which shows the tribe provides over 9,000 jobs, $831 million to Oklahoma state output and more than $257 million in income to Oklahoma residents.
-
Botts to run for re-election
Bobby Botts, a lifelong resident of Cherokee County, has announced his plan to run for re-election as District 2 County Commissioner.
-
Hulbert bond issue fails
A bond issue that would have funded needed elementary classrooms, a boys’ and girls’ athletic facility and air conditioning for a gymnasium, while providing a new roof for a leaking auditorium, has been voted down again.
-
Former UKB health services director facing rape charge
A former health services employee for the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma is facing a first-degree rape charge in Cherokee County.
-
TPS may create new curriculum position
Tahlequah Board of Education members this week adopted a job description for what could be a new administrative role within the district.
-
Boy Scouts go co-ed
When Jeff Carroll first got involved with the Boy Scouts back in 1980, the only women involved were den mothers. Times have changed.
-
Voters boot Baker
Tahlequah I-35 voters overwhelmingly voted out the sitting school board president Tuesday night.
Seat 2 incumbent Tim K. Baker received 487 votes, or 34.13 percent, compared to challenger David Morrison’s 940 votes, or 65.87 percent. -
Cool jazz with Cole
At 79 years old, Freddy Cole, younger brother of Nat King Cole, still has his jazz chops.
-
TPS approves districting plan
Tahlequah Public Schools board members Monday night approved a plan to divide the district into two zones beginning next year.
-
Hospital grows as training facility
Tahlequah City Hospital is gaining recognition as a training ground for new physicians, and hospital officials hope their experience here will move them to open their practices in Tahlequah.
- More Local News Headlines
-
More Than 350 Die in Honduran Prison Fire
Defiant Iran Loads Own Fuel Rods Into Reactor
Lawmakers Move to Cusp of Payroll Tax Cut Deal
Raw Video: Syrian Army, Rebels Battle in Homs
Video Essay: Saving the Miami Blue Butterfly
NYPD Officer Shot During Subway Confrontation
Obama's Valentine's Advice: 'Go Big'
San Francisco's Valentine's Gift to Tony Bennett
Iranian Boats Shadow US Aircraft Carrier in Gulf
Hundreds Rally Against Alabama Immigration Law
Whitney Houston Funeral to Be Invitation Only
New Details in Search for Missing Utah Mom
Raw Video: Protesters, Security Clash in Bahrain
Obama: Good US-China Ties Help the Whole World
School Pays Students to Attend Class
Raw Video: 5 People Injured in Bangkok Blasts
Trial Opens for Ala. Man in Bride's Diving Death
Baltimore's 'Crime Stopper' Is a Basketball Star
Arm Wrestler Not Guilty Plea in Wife's Death
