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(left to right): Marvin Jones, executive director of Community Services at Cherokee Nation, Bell resident Thomas Muskrat, Jackie Bob Martin, Cherokee Nation Tribal Council member, Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, and Bell resident Charles Kester break ground on the new Bell Community Building.

BELL, OKLAHOMA - The Bell community recently had a groundbreaking and hog fry to celebrate the construction of the new Bell community building. The day included events such as the groundbreaking ceremony, hog fry, and singing by members of the Salem Church. Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, served as guest speaker at the festivities.

“The people of Bell really deserve all the credit for getting this project moving,” Smith said. “They wanted this building and they are working together to see that it gets finished.”

The Cherokee Nation is providing materials and some site work to help the community get started, but Bell residents will construct the building themselves.

The 50’ x 75’ metal building will be used for community activities such as family reunions, singings, meetings, and special presentations. The building is for public use with first priority given to those living in the Bell, Salem, and Oak Ridge communities.

Dirt work and pre-construction work on the building has already started. Slab work and building construction are slated to begin by mid-October. Community volunteers working with a lead carpenter will complete the actual building construction. Community volunteers may select the date and time that they are available work.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Willard Mounce or Don Greenfeather, phone: 918-431-4177.