MURPHY
Local story at book signing
William “Bill” Clark, a Christian author and contributing writer to Chicken Soup for the Soul, will be signing his new two-volume short story collection, A Walk on the Sunny Side - And More!, during his 10th annual Book Signing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Living Water Bookstore, 3090 U.S. 64 W.
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Clark’s new book contains a patriotic Murphy story. Besides his books, Clark will also have new Chicken Soup for the Soul books – as well as inspirational books about personalities like Dolly Parton and the Rev. Billy Graham – at a discount.
From 3-4 p.m. Saturday, Clark will be signing his new book at Waffle King, 780 U.S. 64 W., which is where his new patriotic story begins and ends.
Those who get the new short story collection with the Murphy story will be entered in a drawing that takes place at 4 p.m. The winner will receive prizes valued at $20, including a $7 Waffle King gift certificate.
For 10 years, Clark’s nonprofit work has helped support the oldest and largest homeless mission in the country, Pacific Garden Mission.
MURPHY
New GOP board meets
The newly elected Cherokee County Republican Party Executive Committee will hold its first meeting at 6 p.m. Monday in the back room at Downtown Pizza, 52 Hiwassee St.
Grab a bite before the meeting starting at 5 p.m. The meeting itself will start promptly at 6 p.m.
This meeting is for the party’s executive committee to conduct business, so there will be no public comment, which is reserved for general membership meetings. The time and date for that will be discussed during this meeting. Precinct chairs are encouraged to attend.
BRASSTOWN
Fool’s Ball set Saturday
The Brasstown Morris Dancers will present the 2025 Fool’s Ball from 7-10:30 p.m. Saturday in the Keith House Community Room at John C. Campbell Folk School.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and dancing begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, with ages 12 and under free.
The event will feature contra dancing, a silent auction, bake sale, wine pull, cake walk and performances by Stix in the Mud Border Morris, Dames Rocket Northwest Clog Morris and Magic Rapper Sword. All proceeds will help the team travel to England this summer.
Details: For tickets, visit checkout.square.site/merchant/MLSR8Y8MW1S6Z/checkoutVDVGCFM2TZU7QREU3CZTLM4Q?src=qrg; or contact Evan Conklin at conklin.evanj@gmail.com or 828-837-4279.
UNAKA
Game Night on Saturday
Looking for a fun way to spend your Saturday evening? Mark your calendar for Game Night at the Unaka Community Center from 5-7 p.m. Saturday.
Bring your friends, family, and game face for an evening full of laughter, friendly competition and community spirit. Whether you’re a board game champion or just in it for the fun, there’s something for everyone.
Details: The Unaka Community Center is at 14945 Joe Brown Highway. Call 828-837-8313.
TEXANA
Bridging and bonding here
A Bridging and Bonding event will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Texana Community Center, 29 Texana Community Center Road north of Murphy.
A panel discussion will be led by Pamela Meister, former director of the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University. Guests on the panel are Ibe Crawley, who specializes in book and paper arts; Francine Haskins, a doll maker; and Lynette Youson, a sweetgrass basket maker.
MURPHY
It’s an Easter ‘extravaganza’
Join Peter Rabbit and friends for an Easter Bunny Extravaganza this month at Lotsa Memories Antiques, 2118 U.S. 64 W.
The store is holding a fundraiser for the World Food Program operated through the United Nations.
Lotsa Memories is sponsoring a Bunny Raffle, with tickets $2 each, which will be drawn at 3 p.m. Friday. The live bunny comes with a cage and starter set of food.
The store also has lots of Easter items for sale as part of the fundraiser.
Details: Visit lotsamemories-shop.info.
BELLVIEW
Fire station needs help
The Bellview Volunteer Fire Department is looking for a few good volunteers.
No experience is necessary, and training will be provided at no charge. This is a great opportunity to help your community in times of need.
Details: Call 828 837 0214 or email bellview17@brmemc.net.
ANDREWS
Library helps school supply
The Andrews Public Library is seeking donations for Andrews Elementary School students.
Drop off supplies for school during the library’s regular business hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
Items needed include baby wipes, Lysol spray, Clorox wipes, lip balm, construction paper and card stock, notebooks, pencils and pens.
Bins are at the front entrance of the library or can dropped off at the circulation desk.
Details: Visit facebook.com/AndrewsPublicLibrary.
BRASSTOWN
Spots open in Little Middle
A favorite summer tradition at John C. Campbell Folk School still has spots available, offering young people enriching hands-on learning experiences.
The folk school opens its doors to ages 7–17 for Little Middle Folk School, a lively weeklong session for youth to discover Appalachian culture, while taking part in hands-on programs in dozens of arts and crafts.
Participants are divided into two groups. “Littles” are rising second- to rising sixth-graders, while “Middles” are rising seventh- to rising 12th-graders.
This year, several scholarship slots are available for Middles on a first-come, first-serve basis. Little Middle is set for June 15-21.
Details: Visit folkschool.org/events/little-middle.
CHEROKEE COUNTY
Vaccine stops rabies spread
The N.C. Department of Health & Human Services is teaming up with federal wildlife officials to curb the spread of rabies.
Starting last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will distribute oral rabies vaccines for raccoons across western North Carolina. Vaccine baits coated in fishmeal will be dropped by air in 17 counties, including Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Macon and Swain.
When bitten, the bait releases liquid triggering an immune response that protects against infection. The program, usually held in the fall, was delayed last year due to Hurricane Helene.
The vaccine is not harmful to dogs or cats, but is only approved for use in raccoons and coyotes.
Residents should avoid handling the baits. If exposed, officials say they should wash the area thoroughly and call the number on the vaccine packet.
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 downtown Murphy.
- Cherokee County Tourism Development Authority meets at 4 p.m. Monday in the Murphy Visitors Center, 20 Tennessee St.
- Cherokee County Board of Health meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Cherokee County Health Department, 228 Hilton St. in Murphy.
- 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.
COMING SOON
- Andrews Board of Aldermen will hold a work session at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 17, in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St.
- Andrews ABC Board meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 21, in the ABC Store, 13934 U.S. 19 in Andrews.
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 21, at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy. Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.
- Andrews Board of Aldermen meets at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 24, in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St. Live-streamed on the Town of Andrews’ Facebook page.
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Chairman’s Forum meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 5, in the Texana Community Center, home of District 3 Commissioner Ben Adams.
Compiled by Publisher David Brown.