MURPHY
Town preps for $26M upgrade
The town council heard a preliminary report for an estimated $26.5 million wastewater treatment plant upgrade that, when complete, will accommodate future town growth for years to come.
McGill Associates, an Asheville-based civil engineering firm that has advised the town on infrastructure since 2002, is handling preparation work for the project.
Murphy’s sewer plan, located on the Hiwassee River northeast of town, provides wastewater treatment from Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel to Ranger Elementary School and from Murphy to Peachtree. The plan serves around 1,400 customers and treats around 1.4 million gallons of wastewater per day.
The plant, which was built in the mid-1960s, has been upgraded and expanded four times since then. As the casino and hotel expansion, and newly built Valley River Apartments, near opening, demands on the system will increase.
Planned upgrades would increase capacity by 50% and be further expandable for another similar increase when needed.
Town officials are exploring grant and loan opportunities to pay for the project. No timeline has been released about the project, other than at some point the upgrades will be necessary.
MURPHY
SABA road funds OK’d
The Southern Appalachian Bicycle Association received approval of up to $10,000 in town funds to repair and upgrade Pine Knob Trail to improve access to its trails.
SABA serves cyclists in western North Carolina, north Georgia and eastern Tennessee. In addition to weekly group road rides, it maintains the Jackrabbit Mountain Biking and Hiking Trail System in Hayesville, Piney Knob Trail System in Murphy and Ramsey Bluff Trail System in Hanging Dog.
The Piney Knob trail system attracts an average of more than 1,600 users per month, Rod Fortney of SABA said. The road leading to the Piney Knob trails has been improved in the past, but it’s in need of repairs and, in some parts, paving.
The group secured an estimate to grade and gravel the road and fix ditches where necessary for $16,750. SABA is raising funds to pay half the cost and is asking the town and Cherokee County Tourism Development Authority to split the difference.
The Murphy Town Council voted unanimously to put in up to $10,000, citing the group’s economic impact on the community.
Details: Visit sabacycling.com.
BRASSTOWN
Still filling up Empty Bowls
Artists at John C. Campbell Folk School are hard at work crafting beautiful handmade bowls for this year’s Empty Bowls event, set for Saturday, March 29.
Each unique bowl represents the dedication and generosity of the community to raise awareness about hunger in Cherokee and Clay counties, according to a release.
“We are grateful for the support of this meaningful tradition, where all proceeds benefit local food banks,” Executive Director Bethany Chaney said. “Making an impact on the surrounding community is an important part of the folk school mission; make plans to join us to this event, which blends the gifts of our artisans with vital outreach.”
Event schedule:
- 4-5 p.m. – Stop by the Craft Shop for a 15% off sale on all pottery.
- 5 p.m. – Doors open in the Community Room for bowl preview, selection and the Brown Bag Raffle.
- 6 p.m. – Dinner is served in the Dining Hall.
- 6:15 p.m. – Additional bowls and raffle tickets will be available for sale.
- 6:45 p.m. – Brown Bag Raffle winners announced.
Tickets are $53.65 and include a delicious meal featuring soup, salad, bread, beverage and a handmade bowl to take home.
“We extend our deepest thanks to all the artists who have generously donated their work to make this event possible. A special thank you as well to U.S. Foods,” Chaney added.
Details: To purchase tickets, visit folkschool.org/events/empty-bowls.
MURPHY
Simons and credentials
Murphy Town Manager Chad Simons has been recommended to receive the ICMA Credentialed Manager designation in April.
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This recognition, awarded by the International City/County Management Association, highlights professional local government managers who demonstrate strong leadership, integrity and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Simons holds a master of public administration degree from Appalachian State University and a master of accounting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Cherokee County resident since 2012 came to Murphy in 2018 after serving a year as town manager in Bryson City.
The ICMA Credentialed Manager status is widely respected in public service and sought after in government leadership roles. Simons’ recommendation reflects his dedication to effective governance and public stewardship in Murphy.
ANDREWS
‘Beauty and the Beast’ set
The Community Youth Players will present the classic story Beauty and the Beast at the Valleytown Cultural Arts Center.
Evening performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Fridays and March 21, as well as Saturday and March 22. Matinees are planned for 3 p.m. Sunday and March 23.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and children 17 and under. Ages 5 and under get free admission. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show times.
This spring play is directed by Sawyer Bradley and Luisa Edwards, both longtime volunteers with the Community Youth Players.
FRANKLIN
Corbin host at town hall
State Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-N.C.) will host a town hall meeting with state Reps. Mike Clampitt, Karl Gillespie and Mark Pless from 1-3 p.m. Friday to provide updates on broadband expansion and Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in western North Carolina.
The meeting will take place in the Holly Springs Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 366 Holly Springs Church Road.
The town hall will include updates on the state’s initiatives to close the digital divide from N.C. Department of Information Technology secretary and state chief information officer Teena Piccione and broadband infrastructure office director Angie Bailey. Leaders of the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina will discuss Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
Attendees can ask questions about high-speed internet infrastructure projects.
Details: RSVP to Corbin’s legislative assistant by email at cindy.hobbs@ncleg.gov or call 919-733-5875.
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 Republican Party Executive Committee meets at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Mariolino’s Italian Cuisine, 1164 U.S. 64 W. in Murphy.
- Andrews ABC Board meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the ABC Store, 13934 U.S. 19 in Andrews.
- 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.
- Murphy ABC Board meets at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the ABC Store, 818 U.S. 64 W. in Murphy.
- Cherokee County Department of Social Services Board meets at 5 p.m. Tuesday in the DSS conference room, 4800 U.S. 64 W. in Ranger.
Compiled by Publisher David Brown and Editor Randy Foster.