Local News
Walkingstick announces candidacy
David Walkingstick has announced he is running as an independent candidate for Cherokee Nation Tribal Council District 1, Cherokee, Seat 2.
Walkingstick is a native of Tahlequah, was raised in the Woodall community, and is the son of DeAnn and the late Delbert Walkingstick. His father was the first chief of the Cherokee Nation Marshall Service.
“My father’s service to protecting his people extended beyond the job to building relationships with his elders and helping them in any way possible,” said Walkingstick.
He is a proud alumnus of Sequoyah High School, where he was the first All-State basketball player and member of the first Sequoyah basketball team ever to qualify for the state basketball tournament. Walkingstick said he is grateful to see young students from Sequoyah and Indian Country excel not only on the basketball court, but in the classroom.
“Seeing students maximize their potential to the fullest is winning, and I want to carry that winning tradition over into the Cherokee Nation,” said Walkingstick.
Walkingstick, 26, graduated from University of Central Oklahoma with a bachelor’s of arts degree in science; played collegiate basketball; and holds a master’s degree in school administration from East Central University.
He has had the opportunity to coach at Bell Elementary, and he is actively involved at Keys First Southern Baptist Church, where he helps with youth and worship.
Walkingstick says he believes in being more than a political candidate of partnerships and pledges to be a leader of principles. He says some of biggest challenges faced are health care, education, housing, sovereignty, and corporate accountability. He would like to see priorities to expand beyond corporate profits, to emphasizing the elders and children through educational programs and housing programs.
“I pledge to stay actively involved in community functions and make decisions for the generations of Cherokees that will follow,” said Walkingstick.
One of Walkingstick’s goals is to reallocate funding formulas so more money from the business enterprises goes back to the people. He believes too many needs in the rural communities are going unmet.
“The support given to me by the community during by career as a student athlete is what makes me want to help and return those kind gifts to the Cherokee people,” Walkingstick said.
- Local News
-
-
A chilly masterpiece
Korbin Dietz, 2-1/2, puts the finishing touches on his ice-cube painting at the Tahlequah Public Library.
-
Man headed to court on drug charges
A Tahlequah man is scheduled to be in court next week on a drug charge.
-
Non-profits in jeopardy?
Several dozen organizations with last-known mailing addresses in Cherokee County could soon lose their tax-exemption status, the Internal Revenue Service said this week.
-
Pair of teens injured in crash Wendesday
Two teenagers were injured Wednesday night in a single-car crash near Stone Bluff in Wagoner County.
-
Around the County news
The preliminary hearing for a Cherokee County man charged with child sexual abuse and performing a lewd act in the presence of a minor will continue next month.
-
Four parents fail to pay child support
Four non-custodial parents allegedly failed to appear for a child support docket this week, and bench warrants have been issued for their arrests.
-
Sheriff's Beat - Deputies investigate vandalism report
Sheriff's Beat
-
Waiting for a cure
Six years ago, Kenny Boling’s life took an unexpected U-turn.
-
Woman nabbed for child stealing
A Mississippi woman charged last week with child stealing has been arrested on the charge.
-
Man due in court on porn charge
A Cherokee County man charged with pornography is due in court next month.
- More Local News Headlines
-
