Press Release The John C. Campbell Folk School is offering a discount for local residents on select summer classes for sign-ups from April 13-May 31.    The Summer Local Discount (50%) applies to the following areas/counties listed on our website:  North Carolina:  Cherokee, Clay, Macon, Swain, Jackson, and Graham.  Georgia:  Fannin, Towns, Union, Gilmer and Rabun.  Tennessee:  Polk.    Those looking to receive a local benefit are required to present one of the following, sho

The U.S. Postal Service is proposing a postage rate increase while taking steps to cut costs, including temporarily suspending certain retirement contributions, as it works to stabilize its finances. The agency announced it is seeking approval to raise the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp by 4 cents, from 78 cents to 82 cents. If approved, the increase would take effect July 12. At the same time, USPS has suspended its employer contributions to a federal pension prog

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release Cherokee County, NC — On Saturday, April 11, 2026, a Narcotics Agent initiated a vehicle pursuit on Johnsonville Road. The vehicle was operated by Patrick James Sizemore, with Colby Brett Phillips as a passenger. Phillips had been wanted by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for approximately one month, with multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest. During that time, he is believed to have been hiding in Georgia. Following

Press Release A joint investigation conducted by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the arrest of a significant methamphetamine supplier operating within both counties. Rennie Davenport, 63, of Hayesville, NC, was taken into custody at his residence on April 2, 2026. At the time of his arrest, Davenport was found in possession of more than 300 grams of methamphetamine. Investigators have identified Davenport as a major source

The Murphy Business Association is turning up the volume on community spirit with “Murphy Takes the Mic,” a multi-night karaoke competition designed to spotlight local singers and celebrate the town’s vibrant talent before the highly anticipated Murphy Spring Festival. According to the Hello From Murphy blog — the popular insider’s guide to living beautifully in Western North Carolina — the event was highlighted in a recent postdated April 4, 2026, as part of the lead-up to s

Agents with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division, along with detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division, executed a search warrant at a residence on Barnett Road. As a result of the search, suspected methamphetamine was seized. At the time the warrant was executed, the resident was not present. Authorities subsequently obtained an arrest warrant for Jeffery Kenneth Stiles. Stiles later surrendered himself to the Cherokee County Detention Center an

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release Murphy, NC – The Clay County Sheriff's Office has successfully taken into custody Stephanie Michelle Vega Burgos, who was wanted on outstanding felony warrants from Cherokee County Sheriff's Office. Burgos was apprehended on April 2, 2026, and is being held at the Clay County Detention Center under a $15,000 secured bond. She is scheduled to appear in Cherokee County District Court on April 21, 2026. Sheriff Wood extends his app

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Press Release On Monday, March 30, 2026, deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residential break-in in the Hanging Dog community after a victim reported that a male and female suspect had been captured on his home security cameras stealing property. The victim posted photographs from the security footage to his Facebook page, which quickly generated leads from the community. Members of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s