By Alabama Public Radio
Fort Payne, AL – The chief of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians is trying to quash rumors about a possible casino in northeast Alabama. Chief George Wickliffe says his tribe has no plans whatsoever to open a gambling casino in Fort Payne. He says he and other tribal leaders haven't even thought about it. But the landowner who was going to give the property to the tribe says he was told the project could include gambling. Chief Wickliffe says the tribe is planning to build a cultural heritage center, and work could begin this spring.