MURPHY
Congressional staff visiting
Staff from the office of U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.), who represents Cherokee and surrounding counties, will be bringing the Carolina Cruiser to Cherokee County today to meet with local residents.
The Carolina Cruiser will stop in Murphy, where staff members will be available from 10:30 a.m. to noon in front of the L&N Depot, 4 Railroad St.
Edwards’ team will be on hand to help with federal agency issues, listen to concerns and share updates from Washington. Residents are encouraged to stop by and connect with their representative’s office.
Details: Visit edwards.house.gov.
RANGER
Child Support Unit awarded
Child support state officials with the N.C. Department of Health & Human Resources have recognized the Cherokee County Department of Social Services’ Child Support Unit as the fourth top performer in the state for establishing Child Support Orders.
“Serving families that have a need for child support in a timely manner is the priority of our child support unit here at DSS. The first step to financially supporting families is establishing an order for support as soon as possible from the initiation of the child support case,” said Jessica Watkins, child support unit supervisor at the local DSS office. “The order establishment and collection of support results in custodial parents’ financial stability which in turn increases positive outcomes for the children in each case.”
Studies have shown that children who receive financial support from “child support” have improvements in cognitive development, academic achievement and social behavior in addition to financial stability. DSS Director Amanda McGee said the Cherokee County Child Support Unit works each day to make sure their cases are handled timely and efficiently so children get the support they need, which extends to their overall health and well being.
“There are many misconceptions about child support,” McGee said. “Often parents can get stuck in what happened between them, when really, it is only about helping ensure that the children get the school supplies, shoes, clothes, food and other supports that they need. The CCDSS Unit remains focused on the needs of the children.”
Details: Call Watkins at 828-837-7455.
MURPHY
Foxfire called ‘hidden gem’
Foxfire of Murphy RV Park was listed among the “hidden gem campgrounds” by Campspot, a campground booking platform that compiles a Best Campgrounds in North America list.
In Campspot’s search for unique, but understated camping spots The Cove Resort & Pub in Inverness, Fla., rose to the top. Few campgrounds have a beloved waterfront pub on their premises – and perhaps even fewer are accessible by boat or boast a storied history as a fish camp, a place where people fished, stayed and cooked their catch.
Other “hidden gems” in addition to Foxfire were Byrd’s Branch Campground in Elkin; Doe River Landing in Roan Mountain, Tenn.; and Stone House Lodge in Los Ojos, New Mexico.
Details: Visit foxfiremurphyrv.com.
BRASSTOWN
Folk school’s local discount
John C. Campbell Folk School is offering a discount for local residents on select summer classes for sign-ups from April 15 to May 31.
The Summer Local Discount of 50% applies to residents of the following counties listed on our website: North Carolina: Cherokee, Clay, Macon, Swain, Jackson and Graham. Georgia: Fannin, Towns, Union, Gilmer and Rabun. Tennessee: Polk.
Those looking to receive a local benefit are required to present one of the following, showing proof of local address including city and state: a valid driver’s license, voter registration card, tax bill or utility bill. Memberships must be renewed every three years.
Discounts must be declared at registration and cannot be applied to someone enrolled in a class.
Details: Visit folkschool.org/programs/tuitiondiscount.
RANGER
Folk center’s work funded
Cherokee County commissioners have approved a $25,000 contribution to pay for renovations to the riding arena at the Mountain Folk Center. The Cherokee County Saddle Club will chip in an additional $25,000 for the project.
The facility, at 9275 U.S. 64 E., has fallen into disrepair from erosion and disuse over the last few years, and the horse arena has become unusable. The money will be used for grading and to correct drainage of a 165- by 290-foot space, which expands the size of the arena. Work will be conducted by Murphy-based Helton Excavating LLC.
County Commissioner Alan Bryant worked out the details of the project and identified the contractor. Funds from the saddle club will come from the N.C. Agricultural Foundation, according to the club.
County commissioners voted unanimously to approve the county’s portion of the $25,000. Project supporters say a usable horse arena will allow events to be held at the facility, attracting visitors and spending.
MURPHY
National Day of Prayer set
Cherokee County will observe the 2025 National Day of Prayer at noon Thursday on the steps of the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. 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.
CHEROKEE COUNTY
Public Meetings
THIS WEEK
- Cherokee County Board of Education meets at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Central Office, 2230 Airport Road in Marble. Live-streamed on the school district’s YouTube channel.
- Cherokee County Democratic Party meets from 1-3 p.m. Saturday at headquarters in Andrews. Lake Silver, field representative for U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.), and Murphy Mayor Tim Radford will be the speakers.
- Murphy Town Council meets at 5 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at Murphy Electric Power Board, 5 Wofford St. downtown. Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Chairman’s Forum meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Texana Community Center.
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners will hold a special budget presentation meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday 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, May 7, at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy.
- Cherokee County Tourism Development Authority meets at 4 p.m. Monday, May 12, in the Murphy Visitors Center, 20 Tennessee St.
- Cherokee County Board of Health meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 12, at the Cherokee County Health Department, 228 Hilton St. in Murphy.
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting for budget hearings at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy. Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting for budget hearings at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy. Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.
- Andrews ABC Board meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 19, in the ABC Store, 13934 U.S. 19 in Andrews.
- Murphy ABC Board meets at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 20, at the ABC Store, 818 U.S. 64 W. in Murphy.
- Cherokee County Department of Social Services Board meets at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, in the DSS conference room, 4800 U.S. 64 W. in Ranger.
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy. A public hearing on the recommended 2025-26 fiscal year budget will be held. Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.
- Andrews Board of Aldermen will hold a work session at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 22, in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St.
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting for budget hearings at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy. Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.
- Local, state and federal government offices, and the Cherokee Scout, will be closed Monday, May 26, for the Memorial Day holiday. The Scout will reopen at 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 27.
Compiled by Publisher David Brown. Editor Randy Foster contributed to this report.