MURPHY
New hours at 2 Dumpsters
With just a week or so after changes took effect, Cherokee County is adjusting hours at two convenience sites following a flurry of complaints.
The county has adjusted convenience center hours to ensure that each site is staffed during operating hours. The change was made to ensure that the sites are not abused.
Some customers were upset that the convenience site at the county landfill was locked after being accustomed to use it 24/7. Commissioner Ben Adams said he has received a number of calls from upset constituents.
The board agreed to keep two convenience centers open 24/7 – the landfill convenience center in Marble and the Mountain Folk Center site in Ranger – one on each side of the county.
The revision will be evaluated after a six-month trial.
TOPTON
New library now open
After months of construction and years of planning, the new Nantahala Community Library reopened to the public Monday.
Fontana Regional Library Director Tracy Fitzmaurice gave the update during her report at the July 9 Board of Trustees meeting. Fitzmaurice said BalsamWest completed the fiber connections to the new building. The carpet is installed and the walls are painted.
Frontier is scheduled to install the phone lines this week. Fitzmaurice said there was no confirmation on when the library’s furnishings, paid for by Macon County, would be installed.
The library, next to Nantahala School, closed this week so staff can transition. The new library will be 1,200 square feet. The Nantahala Community Group will operate in the other half of the building with a shared bathroom.
The new library, at 36B White Oak Lane in Topton, will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The library will offer the same services and resources including Wi-Fi computer access, printing and copying, and access to print and digital materials for all ages.
There will be receptions at each of the six libraries for FRL’s 80th anniversary celebration. The Nantahala Community Library reception will coincide with the next Macon County Public Library Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 6. The reception will be from 2-4 p.m., while the meeting will start at 4 p.m.
MURPHY
Rotary and ice cream
The Rotary Club of Murphy invites community members to an Ice Cream Social from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday at Pop’s Mountain Ice Cream Store (formerly Nate’s Country Store).
This event provides an excellent opportunity for those interested in learning more about Rotary to meet members, ask questions and discover the club’s various avenues of service to the community.
“We’re excited to welcome potential new members and share our passion for community service,” said Jacqueline Egli, president of the Rotary Club of Murphy. “This casual setting allows us to connect with our neighbors while enjoying some delicious ice cream.”
The evening will feature a raffle for free ice cream at 7 p.m. Attendees must be present to win.
Details: Stop by Pop’s Mountain Ice Cream Store, 1162 Andrews Road, or visit rotaryclubofmurphy.com.
MURPHY
Be a voice for a child
Don’t let another child’s voice go unheard.
The Guardian ad Litem program is seeking volunteers in Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties, to be the voice of a child in court. The N.C. Guardian ad Litem program thrives on volunteers. and its vital work is only made possible by dedicated volunteers who are committed to the cause of keeping children safe from future harm.
Training classes will begin the evening of Thursday, Aug. 29, at the Cherokee County Annex Building (40 Peachtree St. downtown). Start times for the classes have yet to be determined.
In Cherokee and Graham counties, call program supervisor Jake Shamblin at 828-371-9331. In Clay County, call program supervisor Tonya Steiert at 828-835-7788.
Details: Visit volunteerforgal.org.
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.
CHEROKEE COUNTY
Public meetings
- No public meetings are scheduled this week.
Compiled by Publisher David Brown, Editor Randy Foster and the Franklin Press.