MURPHY
Commander set to speak
The Mountain Country Rod & Gun Club will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Choices – Murphy Pregnancy & Family Center, 1262 Andrews Road. There is plenty of parking available.
The special guest speaker will be retired Commander Efren A. Lopez, a U.S. Coast Guard retiree of 23 years, police officer for 29 years and member of the Army Reserve, 75th Ranger Regiment MIB, for 17 years.
Lopez has attended a long list of colleges. His assignments included major fraud, homeland security, narcotics and gangs. He is an active member of DAV Chapter 11, in Blairsville, Ga. His topic will be “Prevent Fraud Scams on Elderly.”
Details: Call 828-837-3444 or club president Jeff Gustason at 828-837-2240.
RALEIGH
Corbin named top legislator
The N.C. Community Action Association announces state Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-Franklin) as its 2025 Legislator of the Year, honoring his exceptional commitment to public service, advocacy for vulnerable populations and leadership in advancing transformative legislation, according to a release.
Representing Senate District 50 – which includes Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain and Transylvania counties – Corbin has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the needs of rural communities in western North Carolina, NCCAA Executive Director Sharon Goodson said.
A lifelong public servant, Corbin began his political career at age 22 on the Macon County Board of Education, serving for two decades, including 16 years as chair. He later served as a Macon County commissioner, a member of the N.C. House of Representatives and was elected to the N.C. Senate in 2020.
Corbin was instrumental in the expansion of Medicaid in North Carolina, extending health-care coverage to 600,000 previously uninsured residents. He has also championed the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps improve energy efficiency, health and safety in low-income households.
“It is an incredible honor,” Corbin said. “I was surprised, but very thankful for the recognition.”
MURPHY
Elder Abuse Walk planned
The 13th annual Elder Abuse Awareness Walk will be held starting at 5 p.m. Monday under the pavilion beside the playground at Konehete Veterans Park.
Entry is free. There will be a community resource time from 5-5:45 p.m., opening regards from 5:45-6 p.m. and the walk begins from 6-7 p.m. Reach of Cherokee & Graham Counties is the sponsoring organization.
“Our elder deserves to be treated with respect,” according to a release from Reach. “Join the cause, and spread the word.”
Details: Visit reachofcherokeecounty.org.
CHEROKEE COUNTY
Free meals this summer
Cherokee County Schools and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be serving free summer meals for ages 18 and under.
Children do not have to be enrolled in Cherokee County Schools to participate. Adults pay $3.50 for breakfast, $5.50 for lunch.
Meals will be provided Monday through Friday at these school cafeterias:
- Andrews Elementary: June 9 through July 25.
- Martins Creek: June 9-27.
- Murphy Elementary: June 9 through July 25.
- Murphy High: June 9 through July 18.
- Peachtree Elementary: June 9-27.
- Ranger Elementary: June 9 through July 18.
Breakfast is served from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Lunch is from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
CORRECTION
Due to the program being incorrect, there was an error in the article “Andrews High graduation lights up night” on page 10A in the June 4 edition of the Cherokee Scout. Andrews High School’s graduating class president is Wesley Smith. The Scout regrets the error.
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.
- 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.
- 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.