RALEIGH
$15.5 million in storm help
Gov. Roy Cooper announced last week that donations of $15.5 million made to the N.C. Disaster Relief Fund are going to the N.C. Community Foundation to help with Hurricane Helene long-term recovery and unmet needs.
“We are so grateful for this outpouring of generosity toward the people of western North Carolina,” Cooper said in a release. “Recovering from Hurricane Helene will be a marathon and each and every donation helps.”
The N.C. Community Foundation will use the funds, along with another $12 million the foundation has raised, to support long-term recovery and unmet needs through grants to nonprofits serving western North Carolina.
Gov. Cooper established the state’s relief fund to raise donations to help western North Carolina rebuild following the unprecedented destruction caused by the storm. In total, donors contributed $16,820,346, with $1,272,391.54 going to immediate needs grants for nonprofits working in hard-hit areas through the United Way of North Carolina.
Details: Visit nccommunityfoundation.org/nonprofits/disaster-relief-fund/hurricane-helene-response.
MURPHY
300 receive holiday meal
In a heartwarming display of generosity and community spirit, more than 300 people enjoyed a Christmas meal thanks to the collective efforts of local organizations, donors and volunteers.
The event, made possible through partnerships and heartfelt contributions, brought joy and nourishment to many during the holiday season.
The Gospel Music Outreach Foundation, Singing News and Singing News Radio played a significant role by donating 100 meals, setting the foundation for a successful event. Additional support came from Cherokee County Toys for Tots, which provided soft drinks, and Shannon Coleman, who contributed fruit bags. There were also various donations of hygiene products from other caring individuals and groups in the community.
The event would not have been possible without the dedication of volunteers, whose hard work and enthusiasm ensured everything ran smoothly.
“I want to thank all the partnering organizations and the incredible volunteers who made this event a success. It’s a testament to what can happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose,” Mayor Tim Radford said in a release.
The outpouring of support highlights the true spirit of the season – compassion, unity and care for one another. Events like this not only meet immediate needs but also strengthen the bonds within the community, leaving a lasting impact on all involved.
RALEIGH
GOP is sued for new laws
Gov. Roy Cooper and Gov.-elect Josh Stein have sued Republican legislative leaders, arguing that recent changes to the State Board of Elections and county boards of elections clearly violate the separation of powers in the N.C. Constitution.
“We have had the same structure for our state board of elections for nearly a century and it has served North Carolina well, with fair and secure elections across our state through every cycle,” Cooper said in a release. “These blatantly partisan efforts to give control over elections boards to a newly elected Republican will create distrust in our elections process and serve no legitimate purpose.”
The changes were a part of Senate Bill 382, which was enacted along straight party lines in December over Cooper’s veto. The challenged provisions would transfer all appointments to the State Board of Elections away from the governor to the Republican State Auditor who was just elected. The bill would also transfer the power to appoint the chair of each county board of elections from the governor to the state auditor.
MURPHY
Council will tour building
The Murphy Town Council has scheduled a tour and work session at 3:30 p.m. Monday, before the regular monthly board meeting, at 93 Peachtree St., the former Murphy Police Department building.
This session will allow town council members to walk through the vacant building and start considering potential options for its future use. No decisions about the building’s usage will be made during this work session or at the regular meeting. This is intended to facilitate initial exploration and discussion.
Details: Visit townofmurphync.com.
RALEIGH
Find public tech support
Gov. Roy Cooper has announced the launch of the state’s Tech Resource Finder, a new website that provides more than 1,100 resources that help North Carolinians use the internet, find public computers and Wi-Fi and access technical support, as well as digital skills classes across the state.
“All North Carolinians need the resources to access high-speed internet and use it safely and effectively,” Cooper said in a release. “This website will help ensure that more people can be part of the growing digital economy to work, learn, access telehealth and connect with others online.”
As part of the division’s partnership with the United Way/NC 211, the Tech Resource Finder offerings will be integrated into the NC 211 system, so their trained community resource specialists can connect callers to these verified sources.
Details: Visit ncbroadband.gov.
CHEROKEE COUNTY
Public meetings
THIS WEEK
- Local, state and federal government offices, and the Cherokee Scout, will be closed today for the New Year’s holiday. The Scout will reopen at 9 a.m. Thursday.
- Andrews Board of Aldermen will hold a work session at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St.
- Murphy Town Council meets at 5 p.m. Monday at Murphy Electric Power Board, 5 Wofford St. downtown. Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.
- 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.
COMING SOON
- Cherokee County Veteran Forces meets at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy.
- Andrews Board of Aldermen meets at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, 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, Jan. 13, in the Murphy Visitors Center, 20 Tennessee St.
- Cherokee County Board of Health meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13, at the Cherokee County Health Department, 228 Hilton St. in Murphy.
- Cherokee County Board of Education meets at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at Central Office, 2230 Airport Road in Marble. Live-streamed on the school district’s YouTube channel.
- Andrews ABC Board meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, in the ABC Store, 13934 U.S. 19 in Andrews.
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, 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. 21, at the ABC Store, 818 U.S. 64 W. in Murphy.
- Cherokee County Department of Social Services Board meets at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, in the DSS conference room, 4800 U.S. 64 W. in Ranger.
Compiled by Publisher David Brown.