Gardeners in Zone 7 — which includes Clay and Cherokee counties in North Carolina and Towns and Union counties in Georgia — can take advantage of February to get a jump on the growing season by starting certain seeds indoors. While outdoor planting is still limited this time of year, February is considered an ideal month to begin slow-growing plants from seed. Starting early allows seedlings to develop strong root systems before being transplanted outside once warmer temperat

Cherokee County Sheriff Dustin Smith announced Thursday that he will resign effective Friday and will not seek reelection, following a public call for his resignation from District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch citing a “loss in confidence, trust, and respect” in his leadership. Welch formally requested Smith’s resignation in a letter, saying ongoing issues within the sheriff’s office had negatively impacted the criminal justice system and raised concerns about officer safety

A 22-year-old from Murphy is heading to the next round of American Idol after a standout performance on the show’s second episode of the season. Braden Rumfelt appeared on the popular singing competition accompanied by his twin brother, Kellen Rumfelt, who played guitar during the audition. The brothers’ performance of "Girl Crush" impressed all three judges — Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie — earning Braden a unanimous vote to advance. Rumfelt’s audition mar

A 57-year-old Murphy man was killed Sunday night in a weather-related crash in Cherokee County, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The crash happened Feb. 1 on NC 294 near the Tennessee state line. A vehicle ran off the roadway and overturned amid hazardous road conditions, according to NCSHP Lt. Joshua E. Dowdle. The driver was identified as Robert Walker, 57, of Murphy. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Dowdle said excessive speed for the road conditio

Even though February’s cold grip still holds much of North Georgia and Western North Carolina — with snow on the ground in many areas — local gardeners are finding practical ways to prepare for the upcoming growing season. Winter’s chill may delay outdoor planting, but seasonal experts and extension services say there’s plenty that can be done now to lay the groundwork for a successful spring and summer garden. “February isn’t a time to put your tools away,” said a gardening

A powerful winter storm is set to impact north Georgia and nearby mountain areas this weekend, bringing snow, strong winds and dangerously cold temperatures to Towns, Union, Clay and Cherokee counties. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Union and Towns counties from 7 p.m. Friday until 1 a.m. Sunday. Forecasters say the system is expected to produce 2 to 4 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible, especially in higher elevations. Wi

Angry Orange has recalled about 1.5 million units of its Enzyme Stain Removers after tests showed the products may contain harmful bacteria, federal safety officials announced. The recalled products can contain Pseudomonas aeruginosa , a bacterium commonly found in soil and water. While people with healthy immune systems are usually not affected, exposure can pose a serious infection risk for individuals with weakened immune systems, underlying lung conditions, or external me

While parts of Clay, Cherokee, Towns and Union counties saw impacts from the weekend winter storm, the region largely avoided the worst of the system. Light snow and ice were reported in some higher elevations, along with slick road conditions late Saturday and early Sunday. However, accumulations were minimal for most communities, sparing the area from the heavier snowfall and widespread power outages seen elsewhere across the Southeast. Despite the limited storm impact, dan

Another surge of Arctic air could bring some of the coldest temperatures of the winter to North Georgia and Western North Carolina early next week, according to Mountain Buzz’s official meteorologist, Greg Majewski. Majewski said the American GFS weather model continues to indicate the potential for sub-zero temperatures in parts of the region on Tuesday, Jan. 27, following a storm system expected to move through over the weekend. “The American GFS continues to push out sub-z

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division, with assistance from the Criminal Investigations Division, executed a search warrant on January 20, 2026, at a residence located at 244 West Saw Mill Road in Murphy. The search warrant was the culmination of a lengthy investigation into drug trafficking activities within Cherokee County. As a result of the search, agents seized approximately 102 grams of methamphetamine, al

A major winter storm is forecast to hit portions of North Georgia and Western North Carolina as soon as Friday night, with significant impacts possible through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service and regional meteorologists. Forecasters are warning of a complex system capable of producing snow, sleet, freezing rain and dangerous ice accumulations as Arctic air clashes with Gulf moisture. Storm System Overview Meteorologists describe the approaching system

Photo credit: Valleytown Fire and Rescue Valleytown Fire and Rescue responded to a large commercial structure fire Friday night at the Andrews Valley Poultry Farm, resulting in an estimated $5 million in property damage. According to a press release from Valleytown Fire and Rescue, crews were dispatched at 9:18 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, to a fire at 417 Taylors Creek Road, the location of Dutt and Wagner Inc. and the Andrews Valley Poultry Farm. Firefighters arrived to find one l

A pretrial inmate at the Cherokee County Detention Center died Thursday morning after being transported to Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff’s officials said Charles Jefferies was taken to the hospital at approximately 9 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, after reporting abdominal discomfort overnight. Jail staff notified the on-duty nurse, who monitored Jefferies through the night and evaluated him again early Thursday mor

Spencer Mathis Director of Media & Communications Young Harris College is excited to announce transformative enhancements to its soccer and lacrosse venue, positioning it as one of the premier athletic facilities in Conference Carolinas. Beginning this winter, the Mountain Lions' home will undergo major upgrades that will elevate the experience for fans, student-athletes, and media alike. The facility will proudly bear the name Art & Tammy Deas Stadium, honoring the generosi

Photo from the Downtown Murphy Facebook page. MountainTrue will host a volunteer workday to remove nonnative invasive plants along the Murphy Riverwalk in partnership with the Town of Murphy. The event will focus on removing species such as Chinese privet, bittersweet and multiflora rose. Volunteers will primarily pull roots and use hand tools to clear invasive plants from the area. Organizers said tasks of varying difficulty will be available, and participants do not need to

Photo via Grape Creek Volunteer Fire Department Station 16 Facebook page. Crews from multiple fire departments responded Monday, Jan. 12, to a structure fire on Joe Brown Highway that was fully involved when firefighters arrived. According to officials, units from the Grape Creek, Unaka, Murphy, Hanging Dog and Peachtree fire departments were dispatched to the scene. The first arriving engine reported the structure was fully engulfed, with the fire being fed by a large propa

Wildlife officials in Tennessee are investigating what could be described as a serial burglary after a bear broke into a Gatlinburg candy store for the fourth time. Glades Homemade Candies said in a social media post that a bear broke into the shop Thursday night, ransacking the store and causing significant damage to both the building and its products. The owners said the latest break-in marks the fourth time a bear has entered the business. “We have nurtured our arts and cr

North Carolina voters who requested absentee-by-mail ballots for the 2026 primary election will soon begin receiving them, as county boards of elections start mailing ballots Monday, Jan. 12. The mailing of absentee ballots marks the official start of voting for the state’s March 3 primary election. Election officials say voters who have already submitted a request should expect their ballots to arrive in the coming days. In North Carolina, any eligible voter may request, rec

As a new year begins, many of us look ahead - scanning the trail for what’s coming next. In the natural world, that act of looking forward often starts with looking more closely at what’s around us right now . Sometimes wildlife announces itself clearly - a flash of bluebird wings, a bugle of an elk, a treefrog chorus at dusk. More often, it’s the quiet moments that tell the story. Tracks in the earth, a path worn through grass, or scattered feathers reveal who passed through

As 2025 comes to a close, residents across North Georgia and Western North Carolina will have no shortage of ways to welcome the arrival of 2026. From lively parties and family-friendly attractions to faith-based gatherings, communities throughout the region are offering a variety of New Year’s Eve celebrations. In Murphy, North Carolina, Chevelles Restaurant & Bar 66, located at 66 Hiawassee Street, will ring in the new year with all-night karaoke and a crowd-pleasing food s