MURPHY
Gardening classes set
Cherokee County will be offering a series of Pro Gardening classes beginning Wednesday, Jan.14.
The classes will begin at
9 a.m. at the Extension Annex for participants who want to learn about gardening but are not quite ready
to become an Extension Master Gardener. Each class is $15.
Individuals who participate in the Pro Series will receive training credit and a $30.00 discount for the next Master Gardener certification/initial training (not for 2026). Class offerings are:
- Jan. 14 – Soils and Composting.
- Jan. 28 – How to Diagnose Insects and Diseases in the Garden.
- Feb. 4 – Choosing the Right Plants for the Landscape,
- Feb. 25 – Dividing, Potting and Propagation.
- March 4 – Vegetable and Square Foot Gardening.
- March 25 – Deadheading and Firescaping.
Details: Visit cherokee.ces.ncsu.edu/2025/11/pro-garden-series-classes-in-2026.
MURPHY
Robot team another 1st
In 2025, Murphy Middle School’s Lego Robotics Team was awarded a $5,000 grant by the Tennessee Valley Authority, as featured in the Cherokee Scout. The team was recently recognized again for a first-place win at a recent competition in Dalton, Ga.
“Circuit Overload” went up against 11 other teams, securing the top spot. The team presented their innovation research project on a vacuum-sealed container that would better preserve fossils and artifacts. Their ability to code the robot was vital as the proper coding is what instructs the robot on what to do after it leaves its docking station.
No remote controls were used, and the robot could not be touched without penalty – it was all in the team’s coding abilities, coach Brian Gatti said. Their robot achieved its goals, earning the team a total of 210 points, putting them in first place for this part of the competition. No other teams scored above 200 points.
As a result, the team won a ticket to the next round at the Volkswagen Center in Chattanooga, Tenn. Murphy will then compete against the top 24 teams from across seven states. If “Circuit Overload” does well at that competition, the next step will be nationals.
WASHINGTON
N.C. granted rural health
The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has awarded North Carolina $213 million through the Rural Health Transformation Program.
These funds will improve health-care access for rural North Carolinians. In November, the state submitted its application with bipartisan support from the congressional delegation. These funds are awarded for 2026, and North Carolina will be eligible for more funding each of the next five years.
North Carolina has the second-largest rural population in the country, second only to Texas. The rural population of North Carolina represents more than 5% of the U.S. rural population.
Details: Visit ncdhhs.gov/divisions/office-rural-health/rural-health-transformation-program.
MURPHY
Sanctity of Life event
Choices of WNC invites everyone in our community to the annual Sanctity & Protection of Human Life Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14.
This year’s theme is “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.” Enjoy light refreshments, learn about the life-affirming services offered at Choices and connect with others who care about supporting local families.
Details: Call the office at 828-835-3444.
HAYESVILLE
Forum set for House Dems
The Democratic Parties of Clay and Cherokee counties are sponsoring a forum for the five Democratic candidates seeking the N.C. 11 U.S. House seat, which is held by Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.).
The forum will be from 12:30-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Hinton Center., 2330 Hinton Center Road. The format will include preset questions as well as questions taken from the audience as time permits.
Everyone is invited to attend the free event.
Details: Visit ccdp-nc.net.
CHEROKEE COUNTY
Public meetings
THIS WEEK
- Murphy Town Council meets at 5 p.m. today at Murphy Electric Power Board, 107 Peachtree St. downtown. Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.
- Cherokee County Board of Education meets at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Central Office, 2230 Airport Road in Marble. Live-streamed on the school district’s YouTube channel.
- Andrews Board of Aldermen meets at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St. Live-streamed on the Town of Andrews’ Facebook page.
- Cherokee County Tourism Development Authority meets at 4 p.m. Monday in the Murphy Visitors Center, 20 Tennessee St.
- Cherokee County Board of Health meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Cherokee County Health Department, 228 Hilton St. in Murphy.
COMING SOON
- Cherokee County Veteran Forces meets at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy.
- Some local, state and federal government offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 19, for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
- Andrews ABC Board meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, in the ABC Store, 13934 U.S. 19 in Andrews.
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy. Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.
- Murphy ABC Board meets at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, at the ABC Store, 818 U.S. 64 W. in Murphy.
Compiled by Publisher David Brown.