CHEROKEE COUNTY
$50K grant for industry
The Golden LEAF Board of Directors has awarded a total of $14,267,573.59 in funding across five Golden LEAF Programs.
The Golden LEAF Foundation Board of Directors awarded $4,403,985 million in funding for 10 projects through the Golden LEAF SITE Program in Caldwell, Cherokee, Chowan, Columbus, Gaston, Harnett, Nash, Northampton, Warren and Wilkes counties. These projects will use funding to complete eligible due diligence activities such as environmental assessments, archaeological analyses and mapping. Cherokee County Local Government received $50,000 for an industrial park on U.S. 19/74.
The board also awarded two projects totaling $680,000 in Open Grants Program funding. These projects will support workforce preparedness in Cherokee, Edgecombe and Nash counties. Tri-County Community College – serving Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties – received $480,000 for construction of a new driving pad on the college’s main campus, dedicated solely to the CDL program and the recently launched Heavy Equipment Operator program in response to increased demand.
Details: Visit goldenleaf.org.
MURPHY
Arts, crafts supply sale
The Murphy Public Library will be having its popular craft supply sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
The annual event draws crafters of all different types of work, as well as anyone who just wants a great deal. The sale is a shopper’s paradise for jewelry makers, sewing enthusiasts, knitters, quilters, artists, basket makers and more.
This opportunity to stock up on craft supplies at discounted prices is sponsored by Friends of the Murphy Public Library.
Details: Call 828-837-2417.
FRANKLIN
Grant helps health care
The SECU Foundation has awarded a $1.6 million grant to Vecinos for a new medical center and human services hub in Macon County
A groundbreaking kicked off the initiative to bring greater access to health-care and supportive services for low-income and uninsured adults in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties.
Vecinos works with partner organizations to provide quality integrated primary health-care services using mobile clinics and outreach programs. The new hub will increase its capacity to add 2,000 clinical patients in the first year and 1,000 clients through its partnerships.
SECU Foundation Board Chair Chris Ayers said in a release, “We are excited to be part of their larger vision and healthcare outreach to create healthy and thriving communities in the Western region and other underserved areas of the state.”
Details: Visit ncsecufoundation.org and vecinos.org.
CHEROKEE
Museum gets $385K grant
The Museum of the Cherokee People has been awarded a $385,000 grant from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation to support the museum’s goals to update its public facility, built in 1976, by providing critical funding for architectural schematic drawings for its offsite collections facility, the services of an owner’s representative, capital campaign consultant, strategic plan consultant and a mini redesign of the lobby.
“We are appreciative of the foundation’s continued investment in the exceptional work of the museum’s staff to deliver on our mission of perpetuating and preserving the history, culture and stories of the Cherokee people,” Cory Blankenship of the Museum of the Cherokee People Board of Directors said in a release.
The project is aligned with Cherokee Preservation Foundation’s goals to bolster economic development supporting the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and enhance downtown Cherokee’s cultural district. Addressing the museum’s aging and outdated infrastructure ensures the safety and well being of staff, guests, and the object and archival material collections in its care.
Details: Visit cherokeepreservation.org and motcp.org.
RALEIGH
Cop dogs’ health care
The N.C. House of Representatives passed HB1042, “Vet Care for Retired Law Enforcement Dogs,” a landmark bill that ensures reimbursement for veterinary care for retired law enforcement dogs, on June 11.
State Rep. Karl Gillespie (R-Franklin), primary sponsor of the bill, said in a release, “This important legislation is significant because it honors the invaluable service and dedication of our canine heroes who have devoted their lives to making our communities safer. HB1042 reflects our deep gratitude for these loyal companions who have served alongside our officers with courage and dedication.”
Law enforcement dogs play a crucial role in drug prevention, search and rescue missions, suspect apprehension, and more. If HB1042 becomes law, owners of retired law enforcement canines will be eligible to receive up to $1,500 each fiscal year in reimbursement for veterinary care.
HB1042 heads to the N.C. Senate to consider.
HIWASSEE DAM
Field Day Saturday
The Appalachia Amateur Radio Club of Murphy is hosting its annual National Field Day event from 1-4 p.m. Saturday at the Fields of the Wood Bible Park, 10000 N.C. 294.
Field Day is held as part of a 24-hour emergency preparedness exercise for local licensed amateur radio operators. The exercise allows the operators to demonstrate their abilities, skills and expertise in radio technology for non-commercial communication, emergency preparedness and public service, events as well as scientific exploration.
In addition, operators will be setting up radio equipment and antennas, then making contacts across the airwaves, both nationally and internationally.
This event is open to the public. Anyone interested in seeing operators in action or learning more about this interesting hobby are welcomed to join in.
Details: Email public information officer Shannon Greathead at k1lywnc@gmail.com or visit appalachiaarc.org.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Public meetings
THIS WEEK
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy. Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page, if possible.
COMING SOON
- Cherokee County Board of Education meets at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 27, at Central Office, 911 Andrews Road in Murphy. Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page, if possible.
Compiled by Publisher David Brown.