Murphy – Folks from different communities across Cherokee County met at Downtown Pizza on Dec. 7 to discuss future plans for their areas ,as well as mark some accomplishments that have been made due to hard work and dedication.
Areas represented at the luncheon included Unaka, Grape Creek, Texana, Peachtree, Martins Creek, Bellview, Culberson, Ranger and Hiwassee Dam. The three main goals on the agenda were cell service, broadband and issues with Joe Brown Highway.
Political leaders attending the community meeting included Mayor Tim Radford, Commissioner Jan Griggs and Lake Silvers, western field representative for U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.), whose office has been helping obtain funding for issues affecting western North Carolina.
One concern is Joe Brown Highway, which has had long-standing issues for residents, primary in public safety. Citizens are concerned about edges of the roadway as well as potholes.
Radford; Griggs; Silvers; Keith Martin, a retired engineer; and Alan Keith, a retired electrical engineer, traveled along Joe Brown Highway after the meeting to look at problem areas along that roadway.
“The congressman was recently appointed to the Appropriations Committee in D.C., which controls the spending that goes through D.C. He intends to use it to benefit western North Carolina,” Silvers said.
Edwards’ office is looking at grants and other ways to assist with fixing these areas.
“The congressman is also seeking funds for Murphy’s water system. We feel very confident that will go through, it’s just a matter of time,” Silvers said.
Andy Russell, district engineer for the N.C. Department of Transportation, assured the group that contracts regarding some of their issues and concerns with the roadways are in the works, but the construction process takes time.
An update on the Hanging Dog bridge was that it will be the first bridge to be replaced in the future.
“The process is very lengthy when you get into it,” Russell said.
He advised anyone with concerns about potholes to call the office at 828-321-4105 or visit ncdot.gov and look for the link regarding potholes so that area can be put on the list and addressed.
Beginning in January 2024, The Cable Company will be rebranding itself with a name change to Peachtree Broadband Fiber. Thanks to grant funding, they are working to replace coaxial cable with underground fiber broadband, which will offer 1Gig of speed to many of the homes in northwest Cherokee County.
Cell hone service is another area of concern for Unaka, Grape Creek, Ogreeta, Hanging Dog, Violet and Hiwassee Dam, as well as Upper Beaver Dam and portions of Joe Brown Highway, all of which have spots without cell service. Concerns include not being able to make calls for help during an emergency.
Nancy Helms let folks know of some requests for assistance that have been fulfilled. Grape Creek assisted with getting 22 Hiwassee Dam students jackets and providing Reach of Cherokee County with new socks, gloves and other items. The community also provided the Hurlburt-Johnson Friendship House homeless shelter with heavy throws and made 37 dresses out of pillowcases for missionaries at Little Brasstown Baptist Church.
Susan Garrett is the director of Western North Carolina Communities, whose purpose it to provide training, funding and assist folks identify areas for funding. They have helped community centers learn from each other since 1947.
Garrett thanked Cherokee County for everything they do and how much they are getting done for their communities. Several areas were mentioned for their best practices, including Texana, Peachtree and Bellview.