Quick Reads

  • Nicole Wright/Staff Correspondent Taking community action: Volunteer coordinator Michelle Updike (left) and Executive Director Sue Lynn Ledford during Four Square Community Action’s November 2023 fundraiser at Andrews United Methodist Church. Four Square will celebrate its 60th anniversary from 3-5:30 p.m. Thursday at the nonprofit’s main office, 61 Milton Mashburn Road in Andrews. Everyone is invited to stop by.
    Nicole Wright/Staff Correspondent Taking community action: Volunteer coordinator Michelle Updike (left) and Executive Director Sue Lynn Ledford during Four Square Community Action’s November 2023 fundraiser at Andrews United Methodist Church. Four Square will celebrate its 60th anniversary from 3-5:30 p.m. Thursday at the nonprofit’s main office, 61 Milton Mashburn Road in Andrews. Everyone is invited to stop by.
  • Down the Road: Annie Fain of John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown graces the cover of the latest edition of the Blue Ridge Music Trails magazine.
    Down the Road: Annie Fain of John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown graces the cover of the latest edition of the Blue Ridge Music Trails magazine.

    ANDREWS

    It’s hip to be Four Square

    Four Square Community Action Inc. will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a “Hip to be Square” open house at the main office from 3-5:30 p.m. Thursday.

    The nonprofit organization provides assistance of several types to low-income individuals and families. Their goal is “helping individuals and families turns their hopes into realties.”

    Executive Director Sue Lynn Ledford invites all former employees and board of directors members, as well as the community, to the event.

    Refreshments will be served. The regular board meeting will take place afterward at 6 p.m.

    Details: To RSVP, call 828-321-4475; stop by 61 Milton Mashburn Road in Andrews; and visit foursquarecommunityactioninc.com.

    MARBLE

    Next school calendar out

    Cherokee County Schools has released its 2025-26 school calendar.

    Key dates include:

    • First day of school: Aug. 25, 2025.
    • Progress report: Sept. 23.
    • Report cards: Oct. 24.
    • Thanksgiving holiday: Nov. 27-28.
    • Progress report: Dec. 5
    • Christmas break: Dec. 22 through Jan. 6, 2026.
    • Report cards: Jan. 16.
    • Progress report: Feb. 10.
    • Spring break: April 3-10.
    • Progress report: April 23.
    • Grades 3-8 end-of-grade testing: May 15.
    • High school end-of-grade testing: May 22.
    • Last day of school: May 29.

    BRASSTOWN

    Folk school on the road

    Hot off the press, the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina is publishing its seventh edition of the Down the Road: Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Guide.

    This April 25 issue celebrates John C. Campbell Folk School’s 100th anniversary. Also take a look back at fundraising efforts for musicians post-Hurricane Helene, plus find music events and festivals occurring across western North Carolina.

    Down the Road can be found at welcome centers and venues throughout the region as well as online.

    Details: Visit issuu.com/smokymountain/docs/down_the_road_2025.

    MURPHY

    Grab your forks, corks

    Forks & Corks: Local Savor 2025 starts at 5 p.m.

    Thursday, June 5, at The Hackney Warehouse, 11 Railroad St., downtown. Check in by 6:15 p.m.

    Join the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce for an unforgettable evening celebrating the best local food, drink and community spirit.

    Sample the finest local cuisine from top restaurants, caterers, breweries, wineries and more – all in one place. This year’s event features live vintage jazz music by Denise Moore, a Passport & Raffle and voting on your favorites.

    Tickets are $40 through May 1, $45 afterward. Only 300 tickets are available.

    Details: Email info@cherokeecountychamber.com, call 828-837-2242 or visit cherokeecountychamber.com.

    ANDREWS

    Sequoyah in the far west

    The Sequoyah Fund announces the Far West Outreach Program, bringing direct access to the tribal organization’s lending services and community support to Cherokee, Clay and Macon counties, with the first round from May through July.

    On the last Wednesday of each month, Sequoyah Fund staff and loan officers will be available on site from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Industrial Opportunities Inc., 2586 U.S. 19 Business, to meet with individuals and small business owners interested in learning more about Small Business Loans, Housing Rehabilitation Loans (EBCI only) and other community-driven programs.

    Details: Register online at sequoyahfund.wufoo.com/forms/q19e80j80bd7bza; or call 828-359-5001.

    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/tuition-discount.

    CHEROKEE COUNTY

    Schools ready for graduation

    Cherokee County Schools and Tri-County Community College have released the Class of 2025 commencement ceremony dates.

    Cherokee County Schools graduation schedules are:

    • The Oaks Academy – 6 p.m. Thursday, May 29, at Tri-County Community College’s Enloe Multipurpose Room in Peachtree.
    • Andrews High School – 8 p.m. Thursday, May 29, at Andrews High School
    • Tri-County Early College High School – 6 p.m. Friday, May 30, at Tri-County Community College’s Enloe Multipurpose Room.
    • Murphy High School – 8 p.m. Friday, May 30, at Murphy High School.
    • Hiwassee Dam High School – 10 a.m. Saturday, May 31, at Hiwassee Dam High School. 

    Tri-County Community College’s commencement schedules are:

    • Region A Nursing Consortium Pinning Ceremony – 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, Haywood Community College’s Charles M. Beall Auditorium.
    • Tri-County Community College Graduation Ceremony – 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 9, in the college’s Enloe Multipurpose Room.
    • High School Equivalency Graduation Ceremony – 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10, in the college’s Enloe Multipurpose Room.

    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.
    • Tri-County Community College Board of Trustees meets at noon Thursday in the college’s Administrative Wing Conference Room, 21 Campus Circle in Peachtree.
    • 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.
    • Cherokee County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting for budget hearings at 6:30 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 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.
    • Andrews Board of Aldermen meets at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 29, in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St. Live-streamed on the Town of Andrews’ Facebook page.

    Compiled by Publisher David Brown. Editor Randy Foster contributed to this report.