Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release On July 30, 2026, at approximately 8:47 p.m., a narcotics agent with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a motorcycle displaying no registration plate. After the agent activated his emergency lights and siren, the motorcycle failed to stop, initiating a pursuit on Blairsville Highway. The pursuit ended safely when a civilian vehicle came to a stop in the roadway, allowing the agent to posit

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release On July 26, 2026, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported larceny of a motorcycle. The owner of the stolen motorcycle provided information as to a possible area to find it. The information of the location and the description were relayed to all deputies working to aid in locating the stolen property. While enroute to the suspected area that the property could be located, a deputy observed a motorcycle matchin

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division has been conducting a “months long” investigation into the distribution of fentanyl in the Andrews area of Cherokee County. As part of this investigation, two individuals were charged with trafficking fentanyl earlier in this month. During the follow-up investigation related to the charges on these two individuals, evidence was developed that indicated that Lanessa Shenee’ S

Press Release The Town of Murphy has been awarded a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to construct a new sewer lift station that will move critical infrastructure out of the floodplain, improve reliability, and support future economic growth. The award was announced by U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Paul Dabbar during an event in Asheville on Monday highlighting federal investments that will strengthen Western North Carolina’s econo

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release Agents with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Division began an investigation into Harold Wayne Wolfenbarger, known by the street name "Wolf," for suspected methamphetamine trafficking. During the investigation, agents requested assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI), which worked alongside the Sheriff's Office throughout the case. The investigation spanned from California to North C

(Photo courtesy of Sheba Brown) Seylah Brown works on her form as she continues to train in martial arts. By Travis Dockery The Mountain Buzz Local student Seylah Brown is heading to the national stage this August as a competitor in the 2026 Patriot Games, a high-profile athletic competition celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. One male and one female athlete were chosen from each state or territory. Brown, a student of the U.S. Chung Do Kwan Association, under the instr

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release In 2025, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a concerned parent who requested to speak with investigators regarding an older man who was allegedly paying minor girls in exchange for sexually explicit photographs. In 2026, Detective Sparks assumed the lead role in the case and immediately began an extensive investigation into the allegations. During the investigation, detectives identified electronic communicatio

MURPHY, N.C. — The City of Murphy is using a “Christmas in July” theme to remind residents and visitors that supporting local businesses benefits the community year-round, not just during the holiday season. Officials say every dollar spent at local retailers and restaurants — particularly when paid in cash — circulates within the local economy, helping sustain jobs and services in the North Carolina mountain town. The message encourages shoppers to make downtown Murphy their

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release Murphy, NC — The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has charged Hayden Rain Moss, 21, of Marble, NC, following an investigation into multiple fraud-related incidents involving vehicle repair services. Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division began receiving reports from individuals and businesses who alleged they paid Moss for vehicle repairs that were either not completed or were improperly performed. In several cases,

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release On July 8, 2026, an agent with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit conducted a traffic stop in the Andrews area of Cherokee County after observing multiple traffic violations. K-9 Deputy Blomgren and K-9 Ellie responded to assist with the investigation. K-9 Ellie conducted a free-air sniff of the vehicle and positively alerted to the odor of narcotics. Agents, with the assistance of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s O

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release On July 3, 2026, at approximately 12:40 a.m., members of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling along U.S. 64 after observing multiple traffic violations. During the investigation, deputies determined that a rear-seat passenger, Michael Moore of Acworth, Georgia, was wanted on an outstanding felony probation violation warrant from Georgia. The underlying offenses in

Press Release Murphy, NC –The Town of Murphy announced yesterday that the Murphy Fire Department has earned the highest fire insurance ratings in its history following the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal's (OSFM) 2026 inspection. Effective October 1, 2026, the Town of Murphy Fire District will improve from a Public Protection Classification (PPC) of Class 3 to Class 2, while the Murphy Rural Fire District will improve from Class 4 to Class 3. The new ratings place

Press Release The Murphy Town Council approved a resolution authorizing the Town to convey Fort Butler Park and Historical Site to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians at no cost, pending completion of the legal transfer process. Fort Butler was located near present-day Murphy and served as an Army headquarters during the forced removal of Cherokee people in 1838 during the Trail of Tears. The property now known as Fort Butler Park sits in the vicinity of that historic site.

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release MURPHY, N.C. — On June 30, 2026, detectives with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office arrested Michael Lloyd Johnson on five counts of Third-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. The arrest resulted from a thorough investigation initiated after allegations were made regarding Johnson’s consumption of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The investigation began promptly upon receipt of the report. On May 7, 2026, a search warrant

MURPHY, N.C. — The Town of Murphy has released an updated schedule for its weekend family events, with organizers shifting the America 250 Heritage Festival to a 6 p.m. start time because of a heat advisory and guidance from local emergency services teams. The changes affect Saturday’s activities in downtown Murphy. All other events remain as planned at Konehete Veterans Park. Thursday Kids Movie Night begins around 9:15 p.m. at the park, featuring Disney’s “Zootopia 2.” Frid

MURPHY, N.C. (AP) — David Gentry, the winningest high school football coach in North Carolina history and a legendary figure at Murphy High School, has been inducted into the National Federation of State High School Associations National High School Hall of Fame. Gentry was among 12 honorees in the 2026 class inducted Monday during the NFHS Summer Meeting in Salt Lake City. The retired coach compiled a career record of 426-195-3 over 47 seasons, including 370 wins at Murphy.

Cherokee County, NC — On Friday, June 26, 2026, at approximately 11:14 a.m., deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office responded to 184 Wakefield Road in Andrews following a report of a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, deputies located Jeffrey Wade McTaggart, 49, deceased in the backyard of the residence. The individual who admitted to firing the weapon remained on scene and immediately called 911 to report the incident. The individual told investigators that an alterca

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release Agents with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division became aware of a drug trafficker operating within Cherokee County and subsequently opened an investigation. Through that investigation, agents determined that Loretta Huskins of Andrews was traveling to Georgia to obtain methamphetamine for distribution within Cherokee County. In coordination with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (NC), deputies and agents worked

MURPHY, N.C. — The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office is alerting residents to a jury duty phone scam in which callers impersonate law enforcement officers and demand money to resolve alleged warrants. According to the sheriff's office, a caller recently contacted a victim claiming they had missed jury duty and had an active warrant for their arrest. The caller, identifying himself as "Sgt. Edward Peterson" with the Cherokee County Sheriff's Department, demanded $2,000 to avoid

Yellow squash multiplies overnight in the Southern Appalachian gardens of North Georgia and Western North Carolina. If your patch is overflowing, here’s how to harvest, use, preserve, and share the bounty. Harvest Tips Pick squash young (4–8 inches) for best flavor and texture. Harvest every day or two during peak summer to keep vines productive. Cut with a knife, leaving a short stem. Fresh Kitchen Ideas Sauté slices with onions, garlic, and fresh garden herbs. Grill or roas