MURPHY
Ceremony ‘topping out’
Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel hit a milestone in its expansion project with a “topping out” ceremony last week.
The “topping out” ceremony featured the placement of the final steel beam on the new 12-story hotel, a project that began in 2022. Harrah’s officials said this addition will include 296 new rooms, an indoor pool, spa and new restaurant.
The hotel’s new gaming floor opened in the spring. Harrah’s officials said they expect to have the hotel completed later this year.
ANDREWS
Food Truck Friday back
Food Truck Fridays returns to Hall Memorial Park on First Street downtown this week.
The free event, which is run by the Andrews Chamber of Commerce, will be held from 5-8 p.m. Friday with food trucks, vendors and live music. Musician Stephen Vaclavick is scheduled to perform on the Gazebo Stage.
In addition, there will be picnic tables set up in the park as well as and a beer and wine garden. An expanded children’s area will include a bouncy house, plus there will be a “doggie station” to help keep furry friends hydrated and happy.
Details: Call 828-321-3584 or visit visitandrewsnc.com/food-truck-fridays.
MURPHY
Recalling ’74 tornado
Tornado Talk is hosting a special event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the devastating F4 tornado that struck Murphy and Cherokee County on April 3, 1974.
This significant event, the strongest tornado ever to hit the community, will be reflected upon in a presentation and community gathering at 4 p.m. Thursday at the Murphy Fire Department, 1 Firehouse Lane.
The event will feature a detailed presentation covering several critical topics, including:
- What are tornadoes?
- How to stay safe during a tornado.
- The importance of tornado history.
- Historical tornadoes in Cherokee County
Local leaders and meteorologist Jennifer Narramore, WKRK radio’s staff meteorologist and owner of the Tornado Talk podcast, will guide the presentation. This event is a collaboration between Narramore and the Town of Murphy, Cherokee County Emergency Management, Murphy Fire Department, Cherokee County Historical Museum and Cherokee Scout.
Tornado Talk is also seeking personal stories from those who experienced the 1974 tornado. Include your full name and phone number to schedule an interview.
Details: To share your story, email Narramore at info@tornadotalk.com.
CHEROKEE COUNTY
Almost 100K more meals
Cherokee County Schools reported a significant increase in the number of meals served to students during the 2023-24 school year.
The school district served 91,246 more meals this school year than the previous year, Jennifer Hibberts, director of school nutrition for Cherokee County Schools, said in a memo to the school board.
“This notable rise is attributed to multiple factors,” she wrote.
The Community Eligibility Program has allowed students to have school meals at no cost to students, while changes introduced an improved menu. She also credited the “dedication and exceptional customer service provided by cafeteria staff across the county.”
“As our team members, they have the privilege of interacting with students daily, providing care, support and encouragement for students to adopt wholesome eating habits,” she wrote.
During the 2023-24 school year, which just ended, Cherokee County Schools served 271,821 breakfasts, 371,603 lunches and 285,691 suppers, Hibberts reported.
MURPHY
Ricks adds town’s title
David Ricks, planning and zoning administrator for Andrews and code enforcement official for Cherokee County, added another title on July 1 – zoning administrator for the Town of Murphy.
The Murphy Town Council voted to appoint Ricks to replace Frank Dickey in the role. Dickey is also a town council member.
In his additional role, Ricks will administer and enforce the town’s zoning laws, “exercising the full police power of the town,” according to the town’s zoning ordinance.
The board also voted to appoint Bill Forsyth and Jonathan Dickey to the town’s Planning & Zoning Board. Other board members are Blake Hughes, Lindsay Campana and Noland Smith.
Chair Carl Auvil and Dickey stepped down from the board, leading to the new appointments.
NANTAHALA
1st festival set in July
The Nantahala Community Development Club is planning on hosting its first Arts & Crafts Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 27 – rain or shine – at the Nantahala River rafting launch at the corner of U.S. 19/74 and Wayah Road.
Stroll the festival along the Nantahala River and see handcrafted pottery, glass, metal and wood crafts from local artisans. Meet business owners providing a unique Nantahala River experience. And enjoy music and games for all ages, along with food trucks and much more.
Corporate sponsors are Duke Energy and Balsam West. The Cherokee Scout is also a sponsor.
Details: Email nantahalaclubfestival@gmail.com.
MURPHY
Town talking about bitcoin
The Murphy Town Council will hold a public hearing over whether to add bitcoin mining to the town’s zoning ordinance.
Bitcoin mining has been controversial in Cherokee County, which enacted a one-year moratorium on new or expanding bitcoin mining operations while the county planning board – which is also the county board of commissioners – works on plans to permanently ban new bitcoin mining operations in the county.
The Murphy public hearing will be at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12, in Town Hall, at Peachtree and Wofford streets downtown.
ASHEVILLE
Vaya touts Total Care
Vaya Health launched Vaya Total Care, an N.C. Medicaid Managed Care Behavioral Health & Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Tailored Plan, on July 1.
This new plan is designed for individuals with serious mental health conditions, severe substance use disorders, I/DD or traumatic brain injuries, combining a wide range of services into one comprehensive plan.
“Launching whole-person care for over 35,000 people in the communities we serve across 32 counties gives Vaya a major opportunity to improve care,” said Tracy Hayes, area director and chief executive officer.
Vaya Total Care aims to simplify access to care by integrating Medicaid physical and behavioral health care, pharmacy benefits, I/DD services, TBI services, LTSS and unmet health-related resource needs. The plan includes services available through the N.C. Innovations Waiver.
Details: Visit vayahealth.com/vaya-total-care.
MURPHY
Restrooms fix at Rock Gym
The old Rock Gym at Konehete Veterans Park off of Connahetta Street will soon have its restrooms upgraded.
Murphy-based Shore’s Construction Inc. submitted the only bid – $218,270 – to upgrade the restrooms so they comply with requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act. ADA-compliant restrooms will allow the county to use the Rock Gym for public events.
The county received a $170,000 state grant sponsored by state Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-Franklin). The county will have to fund the balance of the project, which is $48,270.
CHEROKEE COUNTY
Help seniors with needs
The Mountain Lakes Board of Realtors is holding a summer drive to help homebound seniors in Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties, according to a release.
With many seniors unable to leave their homes, the items below can help with everyday needs. The collected items will be given to nutrition sites so they can be delivered alongside Meals on Wheels.
Drop off donations – items like adhesive bandages, blankets, detergent, hand lotion, non-slip socks, paper towels, soap, tissues, toilet paper, wipes, shampoo and conditioner – to the Mountain Lakes Board of Realtors office in Murphy or at:
- Carolina Mountain Homes in Ranger.
- Coldwell Banker in Murphy.
- ReMax Town & Country in Murphy.
- Old Town Brokers in Andrews.
- Exit MVP Properties in Murphy.
- Adventure Realty in Murphy.
Details: A wish list is available on amazon.com.
RALEIGH
Free voting seminars
Do you or your organization want to learn more about the voter registration process and voter registration drives in North Carolina? The State Board of Elections is offering free voter registration seminars, which include detailed information about the following:
- legal qualifications for registering to vote;
- tips on completing a voter registration application and updating an existing registration;
- key considerations when conducting a voter registration drive.
These seminars will also include information about the photo identification requirements for voting. They will be conducted upon request in person anywhere in North Carolina or online.
Any interested group can request a seminar on the State Board of Elections website. Requesters will be asked for their name, organization, contact information, proposed date and time for their event, and the type of seminar requested.
Details: Visit ncsbe.gov.
CHEROKEE COUNTY
Public meetings
THIS WEEK
- Cherokee County Veteran Forces meets at 10 a.m. today at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in Murphy.
- 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 Department of Social Services Board meets at 5 p.m. Tuesday at 4800 U.S. 64 W. in Ranger.
Compiled by Publisher David Brown and Editor Randy Foster.