MURPHY, N.C. —  The Rotary Club of Murphy will bring back its popular Scholastic Book Fair from Oct. 27 through Nov. 1 at the Cherokee Art Council Building in downtown Murphy. The event will run daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 33 Valley River Ave., Suite C. On Halloween, the fair will stay open until 7 p.m., offering candy to shoppers while they browse. Proceeds from the fair will benefit the Rotary Reads program, which provides books to local children and classrooms. Teacher

ANDREWS, N.C. —  The Town of Andrews will host its annual Christmas parade this year with a festive twist. The event, titled A Gingerbread Christmas Parade , is scheduled for Dec. 13, 2025, at 6:15 p.m. Residents and visitors are encouraged to save the date for the holiday celebration, which will feature a gingerbread theme. For more information, contact Ali Huls at ali.huls@andrewsnc.gov  or Ethan McCubbin at ethan.mccubbin@andrewsnc.gov . Additional details are available at

CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.C. —  The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about spam calls targeting local medical providers in which scammers pose as law enforcement officers. According to the sheriff’s office, callers have been falsely claiming to be Chief Deputy Justin Jacobs and telling victims they missed jury duty. The callers then attempt to extort money over the phone. Deputies emphasized that the sheriff’s office will never solicit money from anyone by phone

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — With the first real chill of fall settling across western North Carolina and north Georgia, homeowners are being urged to take advantage of the cool, dry days ahead to prepare their homes for winter. Local experts say a few preventive steps now can save money and prevent costly damage once freezing temperatures arrive in the mountains. The transition from mild autumn afternoons to frosty mornings often comes quickly in the southern Appalachians, where ele

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Press Release CHEROKEE COUNTY, NC – Cherokee County Sheriff Dustin Smith announces conclusion to drug trafficking case. On October 16, 2025 Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office concluded a two-month investigation into the distribution of fentanyl into Cherokee County by Ashli Shawnai Roberts of Murphy, NC. The investigation came to an end after law enforcement received information that Roberts was on her way back to Murphy from Atlanta with a lar

Hayesville, N.C. — The ongoing federal government shutdown is beginning to affect daily life and economic activity across Clay and Cherokee counties in far western North Carolina, where tourism, agriculture and federal programs play central roles. Federal services remain open in many cases but are operating with limited staff or reduced support. The Nantahala National Forest, which spans both counties, continues to allow public access, though road maintenance, campground ope

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Residents of Western North Carolina and northern Georgia should prepare for a winter that is more likely to be warmer and drier than normal, federal and regional climate forecasters said this month, a pattern driven in part by a return of La Niña conditions in the tropical Pacific. The Climate Prediction Center, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, issued seasonal outlook maps in mid-October that favor above-average temperatures an

Chief Deputy Justin Jacobs Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Murphy, NC- The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has completed an extensive organizational assessment through a partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s National Training and Technical Assistance Center (BJA NTTAC). This no-cost initiative was designed to help the Sheriff’s Office strengthen community engagement, modernize operations, and align local law enforcement practices with national best sta

MURPHY, N.C. — The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department will host a community blood drive on Friday, Oct. 17, from noon to 4 p.m. at 577 Regal Street in Murphy. The event is organized in partnership with Blood Assurance, which encourages residents to donate and help save lives. According to Blood Assurance, a single donation can save up to three lives. Those who donate between Oct. 16 and Oct. 31 will receive a pair of limited-edition “Count Me In” vampire socks as a thank-y

MURPHY, N.C.  — Murphy Middle School briefly went into a Code Yellow status Tuesday, Oct. 14 after a student reported inappropriate drawings and writing in the girls’ restroom, according to Principal Adam Clonts. In a letter sent to parents, Clonts said the precautionary measure was taken to enhance school security and maintain heightened awareness while classes continued as normal. The school’s administrative team conducted a thorough investigation, including interviews with

MURPHY, N.C. — The Town of Murphy is inviting families to enjoy a free outdoor movie during its Halloween BOO-vie Night on Saturday, Oct. 25. The event will take place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Konehete Veterans Park and will feature a showing of Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation . Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, pillows, and chairs for the outdoor screening. Food trucks and concessions will be available, and a kids’ costume party will be held before the movie

MURPHY, N.C.  — Cherokee County officials say a quick response from detention and medical staff likely saved an inmate’s life following a suspected fentanyl overdose at the Cherokee County Detention Center on the evening of Oct. 11. According to the Sheriff’s Office, a female inmate became unresponsive around 6:06 p.m., prompting Cherokee County EMS to respond. Before paramedics arrived, detention officers administered multiple doses of NARCAN and performed chest compressions

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Christian Reagan announced Tuesday he will not seek a congressional seat in 2026, instead throwing his support behind incumbent Rep. Chuck Edwards. In a press release, Reagan praised Edwards for his “100% support for Trump’s agenda” and his staff’s tireless efforts in hurricane relief. “As a result, I have chosen to stand with him in support and extend my hand in friendship,” Reagan stated. The decision reflects a shift in Reagan’s political strategy, optin

MURPHY, N.C. — Downtown Murphy will come alive with creativity during a free fall window painting event at Olive's Porch. Participants...

HIAWASSEE, Ga. — The Georgia Mountain Fall Festival is set to return to the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds this October, offering two...

MURPHY, N.C. — The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has provided vital support to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault since...

MURPHY, N.C. — The town of Murphy is gearing up for a family-friendly Halloween kickoff with a free outdoor movie night featuring a...

YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Young Harris College will host its annual Fall Fest on Oct. 30, inviting families and Halloween enthusiasts to...

BRASSTOWN, N.C. (AP)  — Pumpkins will soar through the autumn sky once again this October as the annual Punkin Chunkin festival returns...

MURPHY, N.C. — The Murphy Riverwalk is set to host a cleanup event on Saturday, September 18, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and volunteers are...