Food distribution planned for Aug. 19
Andrews Seventh-Day Adventist Church and Grace Fellowship Baptist Curch will distribute produce canned goods and other items from Manna Foods of Asheville on Wednesday, Aug. 19 from noon-1:15 p.m. Distribution will be at Andrews Senior Center at Main and Park. All citizens of Cherokee County are welcome! For further information call Raymon at 828-361-1429
Town of Murphy awarded $2.1 mMillion EDA critical infrastructure grant
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 economy and continue the region’s recovery from Hurricane Helene.
The funding was awarded through EDA’s FY 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program, which supports long-term economic recovery in communities impacted by natural disasters. Murphy’s new lift station will replace aging infrastructure, provide reliable service to homes, businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and the Riverwalk area, and create the capacity needed to support existing businesses and future economic development.
“This investment is about protecting Murphy’s future,” said Mayor Tim Radford. “Reliable infrastructure is the foundation of a strong community. It protects the services we depend on every day, supports our local economy, and ensures we’re ready for new opportunities as Murphy continues to grow.”
Town Manager Chad Simons led the Town’s grant application process, devoting significant time and effort to developing the successful proposal that secured the highly competitive federal funding. The Town also recognizes Hillary Sherman, North Carolina and South Carolina Economic Development Representative for the EDA, whose guidance and support were instrumental throughout the application process. Dogwood Health Trust provided the required local matching funds, helping make the project possible.
The Town of Murphy extended its appreciation to the U.S. Economic Development Administration, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Paul Dabbar, Governor Josh Stein and the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Dogwood Health Trust, Russ Harris, Becca Scott and Anne Wade with Southwestern Commission, Cherokee County, and everyone who helped move this project forward. The Town also appreciates Congressman Chuck Edwards, whose work on the House Appropriations Committee helped provide the supplemental funding that made these EDA recovery investments possible, and for joining federal, state, and local leaders in announcing this important investment in Murphy’s future.
Wildlife agency recommends a 'SHOCK-ing' tool to keep bears out
RALEIGH – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is providing guidance to residents on using electrified wires to exclude bears.
Properly installed, electrified wires are the most effective, non-lethal tool to keep people, property and bears safe. When bears touch the wire, they receive a brief electric shock. The shock causes no permanent harm to the bear – or, for that matter, to any people or pets that may touch the wire. It discourages the bear from approaching in that moment and from approaching in the future. Creating a negative association with your property helps teach bears to focus on natural areas and food sources, rather than seeking out food around people and communities.
Electrified wire can be used in a variety of scenarios to discourage bears, including on livestock enclosures, beehives, compost piles, homes and sheds. Electric fencing is the most common application for electrified wire. Standard fencing is not effective in keeping bears at bay. Bears climb trees, so a standard 4-foot or 6-foot fence is easy work for a bear to climb. The electrified wire can be turned off if the area needs to be accessed or if pets or children are around. It can also be installed permanently or temporarily, making it a flexible tool.
“I find myself recommending electric fencing more and more to residents, especially to keep bears out of crawlspaces and under decks,” says NCWRC BearWise® Coordinator Ashley Hobbs.
NCWRC is recommending electric fencing throughout the state as a proactive measure to keep bears moving through communities, rather than sticking around if they are able to access human-provided foods.
“On a weekly basis, I’m recommending electrified wire on the outside of deck railings, crawlspace vents, around garbage carts and through electrified ‘unwelcome mats’,” Hobbs says. “It’s about as close to a guarantee to keep a bear out as you can get.”
Electrified unwelcome mats are another form of electrified wire that can be placed on the ground in front of doors, windows and other entryways. It works by shocking the bear’s paws if it approaches the entryway and steps on the mat. The best part – people can step on the mat with standard, rubber-soled shoes and not get shocked! The electrified unwelcome mats, like any other electrified wire, can simply be turned off when pets or guests are in the area.
One of the most common uses for electric fencing is to keep small livestock safe from bears.
“Bears are quick learners and highly food motivated. Once they discover an easy food source, like a chicken coop, they will come back and visit others,” says NCWRC Black Bear Biologist Jenna Malzahn. “This can be heartbreaking and costly for people and puts bears at risk of harm by food-conditioning bears to humans and livestock.”
Calls about bears killing livestock are most common in the summer and fall months when bears are looking for easily accessible food sources to pack on extra pounds for the winter. Standard coop, pen and barn designs aren’t strong enough to keep out a determined bear. Properly constructed and maintained electric wires around these structures are the best method to keep bears out and keep your animals safe.
Check with your HOA, community or county for any local regulations before installing electrified wires, mats or fencing.
BearWise® is an Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies program dedicated to helping people live responsibly with bears. It offers information and instruction on installing and maintaining electrified wires, mats and fencing. BearWise also offers detailed information on securing livestock with electric fencing.
To learn more about using electrified wires in bear country, please visit BearWise.org and contact NCWRC’s Wildlife Helpline for assistance at 866-318-2401, Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fires Creek Outdoors to hold Sportsman’s Swap Meet in Warne
WARNE — Fires Creek Outdoors will host its first Fires Creek Outdoors Sportsman’s Swap Meet on Sunday, Aug. 9, from noon to 5 p.m. at the shop, located at 5100
Old Hwy 64 W, Warne, NC, at Hogsed’s.
The event is designed to bring together local outdoor enthusiasts, collectors, families, visitors, and vendors for an afternoon of buying, selling, trading, and swapping stories.
Attendees can browse outdoor gear, sporting goods, vintage finds, fishing items, camping gear, tools, knives, field guides, backwoods treasures, and other outdoors-related goods.
“We wanted to create something that felt like an old-fashioned sportsman gathering,” said Greg Farris of Fires Creek Outdoors. “A place where people can clean out the shed, find
something useful, pass along gear they no longer use, and spend the afternoon talking outdoors with neighbors and visitors.”
The Sportsman’s Swap Meet is free to attend. Vendor spaces are available for $10 per 10’ x 10’ space, with vendor setup taking place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
“This is exactly the kind of event we love hosting at Fires Creek Outdoors,” said Julie Farris. “It’s not just about shopping. It’s about finding old favorites, discovering new treasures,
meeting fellow outdoor folks, and swapping stories on the porch.”
Fires Creek Outdoors encourages vendors with outdoor gear, sporting goods, vintage sportsman items, camping supplies, fishing gear, tools, knives, packs, books, and
backwoods treasures to reach out through the Fires Creek Outdoors Facebook page for vendor details.
Fires Creek Outdoors is a vintage-inspired outdoor shop and porch gathering place located in Warne, North Carolina. The shop offers outdoor goods, vintage finds, handmade gear,
books, knives, leather goods, hats, gifts, and items for explorers of all ages. Fires Creek Outdoors is known for its front porch atmosphere, local makers, community events, and
love of mountain life.
Celebrate Smokey Bear's 82nd Birthday with Fee-Free Events at Anna Ruby Falls and Brasstown Bald
Families and visitors of all ages are invited to celebrate Smokey Bear's 82nd Birthday with two special fee-free events on Saturday, August 8, at Anna Ruby Falls Visitor
Center and Brasstown Bald Visitor Center.
These celebrations honor America's iconic symbol of wildfire prevention while encouraging visitors to learn about protecting our forests through a day of family-friendly activities, special
appearances, and birthday festivities.
Since becoming the national symbol for wildfire prevention in 1944, Smokey Bear has reminded generations that each of us plays an important role in caring for our public lands. As
wildfire awareness becomes increasingly important across the country, these celebrations provide an opportunity for visitors to meet Smokey Bear, hear his remarkable true story, and
discover how simple actions can help protect our forests.
Both locations will be open free of charge for the day and will feature opportunities to meet Smokey Bear, enjoy birthday cake, explore the beautiful sites, and participate in educational
activities celebrating wildfire prevention.
Whether visitors choose the waterfalls of Anna Ruby Falls or Georgia's highest peak at Brasstown Bald, they can expect a day filled with education, fun, and celebration alongside one
of America's most recognizable conservation icons.
Ingles Markets donated cakes for the celebration.
For more information about both events, visit FIND Outdoors' website at gofindoutdoors.org or follow FIND Outdoors on social media.