Quick Reads

  • Sam Jokich/Staff Correspondent Murphy Farmers Market: It was beautiful day at the L&N Depot in Murphy on April 12, as artists and farmers kicked off the 2025 season. That afternoon, there was also a Spring Sidewalk Showcase downtown, with special items placed in front of the stores.
    Sam Jokich/Staff Correspondent Murphy Farmers Market: It was beautiful day at the L&N Depot in Murphy on April 12, as artists and farmers kicked off the 2025 season. That afternoon, there was also a Spring Sidewalk Showcase downtown, with special items placed in front of the stores.
  • N.C. Rural Center: During the nonprofit agency’s annual summit meeting on March 26, state Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-Franklin) – along with Sen. Dan Blue and Rep. Jake Johnson – were honored as State Legislative Advocates of the Year “for their consistent commitment to serving the rural communities across North Carolina in their roles at the General Assembly.”
    N.C. Rural Center: During the nonprofit agency’s annual summit meeting on March 26, state Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-Franklin) – along with Sen. Dan Blue and Rep. Jake Johnson – were honored as State Legislative Advocates of the Year “for their consistent commitment to serving the rural communities across North Carolina in their roles at the General Assembly.”

    MURPHY

    22 Hump set for Saturday

    With Mark Ware as the new director, Warriors Veteran Outreach is gearing up for their 11th annual 22 Hump on Saturday.

    The march to raise awareness for veterans’ suicides and’ needs in Cherokee County on Saturday. The walk will begin at 9 a.m., with registration at 8 a.m. and the group leaving at 8:45 a.m. from behind The Mason Bar downtown. There will also be a hamburger meal afterward in Fain Alley downtown.

    The walk will again span the 11-mile stretch between Murphy and Marble along U.S. 19/74 East and will complete the return to downtown. The “22” refers to the national veterans’ suicide statistic of an average of 22 veterans taking their lives per day.

    The all-volunteer group Warriors Veteran Outreach helps veterans from every

    branch of service who live in Cherokee County, after a complete vetting process, with fulfilling material needs such as building wheelchair ramps to cutting fallen trees or providing and gas.

    Warriors Veteran Outreach welcomes interested volunteers. The nonprofit meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the former Marine Corps League building, 4955 Airport Road in Andrews There are no dues or fees for joining the group.

    Details: Warriors Veteran Outreach can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 828-557-6881 or visit warriorsveteranoutreach.com.

    ANDREWS

    Welcome to vets in 2026

    The annual Welcome Home Veterans: A Tribute to All Who Serve event will return Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Western Carolina Regional Airport.

    Due to various factors and scheduling conflicts with other regional fall events, there will not be an event in 2025. By shifting to spring 2026, organizers aim to secure an even stronger lineup of static aircraft displays and veteran resource vendors and extended fundraising opportunities to enhance the experience for all attendees.

    More details will be announced as the event approaches. Veterans, families and community members are encouraged to save the date in 2026 and come honor those who have served in the U.S. armed forces.

    If you are interested in being a vendor, call Danna Pash, director of Cherokee County Veteran Services, at 828-835-8663, Ext. 1899, or email danna.pash@cherokeecounty-nc.gov.

    Details: Call the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce at 828-837-2242 or email director@cherokeecountychamber.com.

    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.

    MURPHY

    National Day of Prayer set

    Cherokee County will observe the 2025 National Day of Prayer at noon Thursday, May 1, on the steps of the Cherokee County Courthouse downtown.

    The theme for the National Day of Prayer, which falls on the first Thursday every May, is “Pour Out to the God of Hope and Be Filled!” This theme is inspired by Romans 15:13.

    Chris West, pastor of Shepherd of the Mountains

    Church in Murphy, will lead the assembly through multiple prayers for the country.

    ANDREWS

    Democrats convening

    The Cherokee County Democratic Party County Convention will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at party headquarters, 142 Main St.

    Officers will be elected by cluster delegates, and resolutions to the N.C. Democratic Party will be considered. Adam Tebrugge, a recent candidate for the General Assembly, will be the featured speaker.

    Details: Call Chair Diane Snyder at 828-557-0410 or email ccdpofnc@gmail.com.

    GRAPE CREEK

    Movie night plays Friday

    The Grape Creek Fire Department is hosting a free community movie night starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday at 5576 Joe Brown Highway.

    After the cartoon Curious George, there will be a safety chat for children before playing the movie Mufasa (Lion King 2). Popcorn and drinks will be provided.

    Grape Creek Fire Chief Alan Andrews said this is hopefully just the first of many for children in Grape Creek, Unaka, Beaver Dam and Hanging Dog.

    Details: Email grapecreek-vfd1600@gmail.com.

    UNAKA

    Enjoy a Poor Man’s Dinner

    Everyone is invited to a Poor Man’s Dinner, a wonderful opportunity for home-cooked food and fellowship, from 4-6 p.m. Saturday in the Unaka Community Center, 14946 Joe Brown Highway.

    In addition to the meal, representatives from the Cherokee County office of the N.C. Forest Service will be on hand to give a special presentation on wildfires and fire abatement in our community. Come enjoy a great meal, learn something important, and celebrate with friends and neighbors.

    RALEIGH

    Deadly N.C. flu season

    North Carolina is experiencing its deadliest flu season since the state began broad tracking in 2009.

    More than 500 flu-related deaths have been reported during the 2024-25 respiratory virus season, according to a release from the N.C. Department of Health & Human Services. Six additional adult deaths were reported last week.

    “This grim milestone serves as a reminder that seasonal influenza and other respiratory viruses can be serious and, in some cases, even fatal,” state health officials said. “Prevention and response to these, and other illnesses and outbreaks, is one of the critical roles that public health serves.”

    State data shows flu-related hospitalizations peaked in early February and have declined each week since.

    The milestone comes as the agency raises alarms over recent federal funding cuts.

    ANDREWS

    Comedy gets fried in South

    The ACT2 Players will present the uproarious comedy Southern Fried Funeral as a dinner theatre performance the first weekend of May at the Valleytown Cultural Arts Center, 125 Chestnut St. downtown.

    Described as “a big-hearted comedy about family served Southern-style,” the play follows the family Frye, who reunite after losing their patriarch. Evening performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3.

    Tickets are $30, and doors open 30 minutes prior to showtimes. This season’s final play is directed by Sarah Reynolds.

    Details: Visit facebook.com/ACT2Players.

    BLAIRSVILLE, Ga.

    Home show set for July

    The Northeast Georgia Home & Garden Show scheduled for this weekend at the Towns County Recreation & Conference Center has been canceled.

    Instead, officials will focus their efforts on the July 26-27 Home & Garden Show in Blairsville, Ga.

    Details: Visit expomanagementinc.com.

    CHEROKEE COUNTY

    Public meetings

    THIS WEEK

    • 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.

    COMING SOON

    • Cherokee County Board of Education meets at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at Central Office, 2230 Airport Road in Marble. Live-streamed on the school district’s YouTube channel.
    • Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Chairman’s Forum meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 5, in Texana Community Center.

    Compiled by Publisher David Brown. Staff Correspondent Nicole Wright contributed to this report.