Cherokee Scout, Murphy, North Carolina

Fireworks lit up the sky in Murphy, Andrews and Ranger this week. Photos by Ben Katz

PHOTO GALLERY: Fourth of July was fantastic in Cherokee County

Cherokee County had a myriad of celebrations going Thursday, when the Fourth of July in the mountains was blessed with beautiful, sunny weather. Murphy had its parade back for the second straight year with fire engines and patriotically...

Betsy Henn, who has taught art to young people for many years, still does so today at the Murphy Art Center. Photo by Ben Katz

FIRESIDE CHATS: Henn lives life through theater, art

Murphy – As a small girl, Betsy Henn Bailey remembers traveling to Phoenix by train with her mom and dad, Betty Pearson and Preston Jefferson “P.J.” Henn. Her family had a sleeper compartment on the train, and the young Henn had plum...

Tim Ford demonstrates oil painting with pallet knife during Art Walk at the Murphy Art Center on Friday. Photos by Ben Katz

Art Walk brings community together once again

Murphy – Downtown was filled with visitors and locals learning about the 30 artists and some non-profit organizations Friday night for Art Walk. Tim Ford, who coordinates the event for the Valley River Arts Guild, said it was a good turnout...

The Culberson Fire & Rescue Department recently got a new fire truck, showing it off during their annual Independence Day celebration Saturday night.

Culberson Fire celebrates with food, fun

Culberson – Dignitaries from throughout Cherokee County joined residents Saturday during the fourth annual Independence Day Open House at the Culberson Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department. “The volunteer firefighters are the pride of our...

Murphy High School incoming senior Trinity Garrett is spending her summer at High Point University for the 2019 Governor’s School.

Garrett enjoying summer of science at Governor's School

Murphy – Trinity Garrett is one of 335 North Carolina high school students spending most of her summer vacation at High Point University for the 2019 Governor’s School. “It’s really great,” said Garrett, who hasn’t stopped smiling. She’s...

U.S. 64 West through Murphy will be widened starting in the fall. Photo by Ben Katz

Highway 64 price set at $22 million

Murphy – The U.S. 64 West widening project may begin as early as mid-September. Last week, the N.C. Department of Transportation awarded the contract to Wright Brothers Construction of Charleston, Tenn., with a price of $22,692,801. The...

News for Subscribers

Scout hires new sales associate

Debbie Dills, started working in the front office of the Cherokee Scout on Nov. 15, 2013, has been named the local newspaper’s newest sales associate.

By Staff Reports

Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition merges with larger group MountainTrue

Murphy – After a quarter-century of environmental success in Cherokee and surrounding counties, the Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition is becoming part of a larger operation.

By Matthew Osborne

Andrews looks to stabilize police, ponders curfew

Andrews – That didn’t last long.

By Penny Ray

Reid offers free rent to next DMV license tag contractor

Andrews – The mayor has offered to provide a building free of charge to whoever lands the contract to operate the license plate agency currently in Murphy.

By Penny Ray

Murphy suffers two more sewage spills in a week

Murphy – After two more spills with a combined 3,500 gallons of untreated wastewater, the town is still looking for answers on how to make it stop.

By Matthew Osborne

Sports for Subscribers

Elliot Salinas and Rob Turner were among the 5K runners at the Compound on Saturday morning. Photos by Ben Katz

Runners raise money for Wildcat basketball team

Andrews – Runners were out in force early Saturday morning to help raise money for a team that could have big things in its future.

Class of 2018 Murphy High School graduate Cory Farmer has adopted an unusual, albeit task: journey from Murphy to Manteo on his mountain bike. Farmer plans to begin his trip in August.

Local man to make much-hyped Murphy to Manteo trip on a bike

Murphy – When crossing the state line from Tennessee into North Carolina on U.S. 64 East, travelers are greeted with a sign that indicates “Manteo, 563.”

Line Drive Sports Academy held its grand opening Saturday, with the 10,000 square-foot facility including batting cages and even a birthday party area.

One-of-a-kind sports facility opens in Murphy

Murphy – It seems to be a natural fit: batting cages and karate under the same roof.

Sabrina Clinard (front left) and Wayne Spong (front right) await the return from Gary Sears (back right) as Linda Knowles (back left) looks on during a friendly game of pickleball at Konehete Park on Friday. Photo by Kevin Hensley

County serves up new tennis courts

Murphy – Tennis and pickleball players will have a new surface to play on in Murphy in the next year, as the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners voted June 19 to completely

Flanked by television cameras, Murphy head coach David Gentry is all smiles after winning his 400th career game against Swain on Oct. 19. Gentry was inducted into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame after press time. Photo by Kevin Hensley

Memories of a terrific sports year

From state titles to thrilling upsets and personal accomplishments to deep playoff runs, there was no shortage of excitement in the Cherokee County high school sports arena this year.

Videos

World War II veteran Jack Rhodes was honored by fellow veterans Saturday in Cherokee County. Read more about Rhodes' life and honors in the March 27 edition of the Cherokee Scout.

Free Local Publications

Obituaries

Lamont Johnson

Lamont (Monty) Johnson, 62, of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2019, following an extended battle with cancer.
Monty was a native of Warren, Mich., born in Detroit.

Jerry Robinson

Jerry A. Robinson, 75, of Hayesville, passed away Thursday, July 4, 2019, in a Clay County care facility.

Oscar Stone

Oscar Terrell “Stoney” Stone, 92, of Murphy, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 26, 2019.

Celebrate Cherokee

CELEBRATE CHEROKEE COUNTY: Mountains feel like home to natives, newcomers alike

52 Things to Celebrate About Cherokee County: No. 52 – Our Mountain Lifestyle

Natalie and Madison King got to Shop With a Cop (in this case Murphy police Officer Samuel Allen, foreground) on Saturday, getting Christmas presents for themselves and their families. Photos by BEN KATZ

CELEBRATE CHEROKEE COUNTY: No limit to county's generosity

52 Things to Celebrate About Cherokee County: No. 51 – Christmas Charities

The United Way donated to 11 county agencies in 2018. From left, first row are Grace Henderson, Cherokee County 4-H; Lynda Christen, Cherokee County Sharing Center; Karen Borchers, United Way executive director; Cecilia Crawford, REACH; Dianne Young, United Way president; Netta McFaddin, Far West Families First. Second row are Roger Holloway, United Way treasurer; Crystal Glenn, HAVEN Children’s Advocacy Center; Pat Meeks, Hurlburt-Johnson Friendship House homeless shelter; and Joel Franks and Eugene Craig.

CELEBRATE CHEROKEE COUNTY: Civic groups lend helping hand

52 Things to Celebrate About Cherokee County: No. 50 – Local Clubs & Organizations

ScoutBlog

Town council to consider veterans' plea for sign change

The Fourth of July Parade in Murphy made a nice comeback Wednesday, led by American Legion Post 96 and Cub Scout Pack 400 and followed by plenty of terrific entries.