Candidates for the two chief offices up for election this year will square off in a pair of debates at the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center in Cherokee next week. 

Sponsored by the Junaluska Leadership Council and the Cherokee One Feather, the debates will cover topics including freedom of the press, separation of powers, government transparency, economic development, addiction issues, alcohol sales on the reservation, the minors fund and land use. One Feather editor Robert Jumper will moderate. 

• Vice chief candidates Larry Blythe (incumbent) and Richie Sneed will take the stage at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4. 

• Principal chief candidates Tunney Crowe and Patrick Lambert will debate at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6. 

Official write-in candidates are encouraged to participate with an RSVP to The One Feather. Both debates are free and open to the public. The Cultural Arts Center is located at Cherokee Central Schools on Ravensford Drive. 

828.359.6261.