Quick Reads

  • Photos by Sam Jokich/ Staff Correspondent First Friday Art Walk: The dog days of summer started early during the Art Walk in downtown Murphy on June 7. The monthly event sponsored by the Valley River Arts Guild returns from 5-8 p.m. Friday, July 4, with arts, crafts, food, music, conversation and an opportunity to visit some of the small business establishments that make up the backbone of the local economy. Both humans and canines are always welcome.
    Photos by Sam Jokich/ Staff Correspondent First Friday Art Walk: The dog days of summer started early during the Art Walk in downtown Murphy on June 7. The monthly event sponsored by the Valley River Arts Guild returns from 5-8 p.m. Friday, July 4, with arts, crafts, food, music, conversation and an opportunity to visit some of the small business establishments that make up the backbone of the local economy. Both humans and canines are always welcome.
  • Photos by Sam Jokich/ Staff Correspondent First Friday Art Walk: The dog days of summer started early during the Art Walk in downtown Murphy on June 7. The monthly event sponsored by the Valley River Arts Guild returns from 5-8 p.m. Friday, July 4, with arts, crafts, food, music, conversation and an opportunity to visit some of the small business establishments that make up the backbone of the local economy. Both humans and canines are always welcome.
    Photos by Sam Jokich/ Staff Correspondent First Friday Art Walk: The dog days of summer started early during the Art Walk in downtown Murphy on June 7. The monthly event sponsored by the Valley River Arts Guild returns from 5-8 p.m. Friday, July 4, with arts, crafts, food, music, conversation and an opportunity to visit some of the small business establishments that make up the backbone of the local economy. Both humans and canines are always welcome.

    MURPHY

    Solesbee new election chair

    State auditor Dave Boliek has appointed local resident Sandra Solesbee to serve as chair of the Cherokee County Board of Elections, according to a release.

    Solesbee has been a member of the board of elections since July 18, 2023, as reported in the Cherokee Scout. This moves comes after the N.C. General Assembly voted to take the appointment of election officials away from the governor, who is a Democrat; and onto the state auditor, a Republican.

    Solesbee’s term began June 24 and will continue until their successors are appointed and qualified.

    YOUNG HARRIS, Ga.

    TVA asks to save energy

    The Tennessee Valley Authority seeks public appeal for voluntary load reductions by all customers as some record high temperatures are expected throughout the region.

    Together with TVA, Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corp. is monitoring the upward trend in electricity use and its impact on the regional power supply. All members are asked to voluntarily reduce the use of all non-essential electricity until further notice.

    Here are some quick and easy ways to make an impact and save you money:

    • Set your thermostat to 72°F degrees or a temperature that is both comfortable and safe.
    • Use ceiling fans to circulate cooler air.
    • Turn off everything when you leave a room, including lights and electronic devices.
    • Close window coverings on the sunny side of your home.
    • Delay using washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and other large appliances until the cooler parts of the day when overall cooling demand is lower.

    Details: Visit brmemc.com.

    MURPHY

    Movie night for the kids

    The Town of Murphy invites families to a special outdoor movie night at 9:15 p.m. Thursday at Konehete Veterans Park. This free community event features a screening of the beloved movie The Sandlot.

    The Sandlot is a 1993 coming-of-age sports comedy that follows young Scotty Smalls as he moves to a new town and befriends a group of neighborhood kids through their shared love of baseball. Set during the summer of 1962, the film captures the adventures, challenges and camaraderie of childhood, making it a nostalgic favorite for all ages.

    Kids will enjoy complimentary kettle corn and snow cones, making it a summer evening under the stars. Families are encouraged to bring blankets and pillows to relax on the lawn.

    Details: Email Laura Lachance at downtowndirector@townofmurphync.com.

    BRASSTOWN

    Register now at folk school

    Online registration is officially open for classes running from July through June 2026 at John C. Campbell Folk School.

    From blacksmithing and weaving to woodworking, pottery, painting, music, dance and more, the folk school offers immersive, hands-on experiences rooted in Appalachian traditions. With expert instructors, a welcoming campus and a focus on community and creativity, there’s something for every level of learning – from curious beginners to seasoned makers.

    Discounts are available for teachers, youth, active military and veterans, and those who live nearby. Scholarships are also available.

    Details: Visit folkschool.org/discountprograms.

    CHEROKEE COUNTY

    Public meetings

    THIS WEEK

    • Local, state and federal government offices – and the Cherokee Scout – will be closed Friday for the Fourth of July. The Scout will reopen at 9 a.m. Monday.
    • Murphy Town Council meets at 5 p.m. Monday at Murphy Electric Power Board, 5 Wofford St. downtown. Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page. u Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Chairman’s Forum meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Andrews Sunshine Senior Center, 54 Park St., with Commissioner Cal Stiles.

    COMING SOON

    • Cherokee County Board of Education meets at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 3, at Central Office, 2230 Airport Road in Marble. Live-streamed on the school district’s YouTube channel.
    • Cherokee County Veteran Forces meets at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 9, at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy.
    • Andrews Board of Aldermen meets at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 10, in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St. Live-streamed on Andrews’ Facebook page.
    • Cherokee County Tourism Development Authority meets at 4 p.m. Monday, July 14, in the Murphy Visitors Center, 20 Tennessee St.
    • Cherokee County Board of Health meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 14, at the Cherokee County Health Department, 228 Hilton St. in Murphy.
    • Andrews ABC Board meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 21, in the ABC Store, 13934 U.S. 19 in Andrews.
    • Murphy ABC Board meets at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, at the ABC Store, 818 U.S. 64 W. in Murphy.
    • Cherokee County Department of Social Services Board meets at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, in the DSS conference room, 4800 U.S. 64 W. in Ranger.
    • Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 29, at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy. Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.

    Compiled by Publisher David Brown.