Quick Reads

  • Sam Jokich/Staff Correspondent Heavy metal: John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Folks in the blacksmith shop are busy creating new works of art.
    Sam Jokich/Staff Correspondent Heavy metal: John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Folks in the blacksmith shop are busy creating new works of art.
  • Open for business: The governor and first lady, Josh and Anna Stein of Raleigh, spent the last week in western North Carolina to promote the “Rediscover the Unforgettable” initiative and encourage tourists to visit the mountains. Their visit included a rafting trip down the whitewater rapids of the nearby Nantahala River.
    Open for business: The governor and first lady, Josh and Anna Stein of Raleigh, spent the last week in western North Carolina to promote the “Rediscover the Unforgettable” initiative and encourage tourists to visit the mountains. Their visit included a rafting trip down the whitewater rapids of the nearby Nantahala River.

    BLAIRSVILLE, Ga.

    Home show this weekend

    The Northeast Georgia and Western North Carolina Home & Garden Show is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at the Union County Sports Center, 519 Industrial Blvd.

    The event will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission and parking are free.

    See the newest in home improvement products and services, plus furnishings, accessories, decorating and remodeling ideas – all the  latest from floor to roof, patio to pool, inside and out.

    The Cherokee Scout is a sponsor of the annual event.

    Details: Visit facebook.com/ganchomeandgardenshow.

    MURPHY

    Talent show at Chevelles

    Chevelles bar and grill, 66 Hiwassee St. downtown, is planning a talent show big bash from 9 p.m. to midnight Friday, Sept. 5.

    The stage is waiting for you at the at the no-judgment zone event night. The host is international disc jockey DJ Makavelidre.

    VIP tables are available.

    Details: Visit Chevelles’ page on Facebook.

    MURPHY

    TomatoFEST coming soon

    The Cherokee Clay Food Alliance invites you to the third annual TomatoFEST from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Riverwalk behind the L&N Depot and Murphy Farmers Market.

    The alliance is celebrating all things tomato with a tasting of varieties and cooking demos at the market, food trucks, vendors, live music by Blue, tomato-themed children’s activities and the best Bloody Mary competition featuring bartenders from local restaurants.

    The festival is free to attend. There is a suggested $10 donation to sample and vote for the winning drink.

    RALEIGH

    Grants help after Helene

    The Office of State Fire Marshal is accepting applications for the second round of

    Disaster Recovery Grants for fire departments and rescue squads impacted by Hurricane Helene.

    The additional $18 million in funding was authorized through House Bill 1012/Session Law 2025-26 by the N.C. General Assembly to further support storm recovery and strengthen wildfire preparedness across western North Carolina. Eligible departments and squads may receive a flat $50,000 grant award to help replace damaged equipment or facilities, or to enhance wildfire response capacity.

    Departments or squads must be located in one of the following counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe,

    Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Clay, Cleveland, Cherokee, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey.

    Details: Visit survey123.arcgis.com/share/aede9a3e15664ce19ec940fdd8481b92.

    CHEROKEE COUNTY

    Public Meetings

    THIS WEEK

    • 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.

    COMING SOON

    • Murphy Town Council meets at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, 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, Aug. 4, in Unaka with District 5 Commissioner Alan Bryant.
    • Cherokee County Board of Education meets at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at Central Office, 2230 Airport Road in Marble. Live-streamed on the school district’s YouTube channel.
    • Cherokee County Tourism Development Authority meets at 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, in the Murphy Visitors Center, 20 Tennessee St.
    • Cherokee County Board of Health meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, at the Cherokee County Health Department, 228 Hilton St. in Murphy.
    • Cherokee County Veteran Forces meets at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy.
    • Andrews Board of Aldermen meets at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, 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, Aug. 18, in the ABC Store, 13934 U.S. 19 in Andrews.
    • Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, 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, Aug. 19, at the ABC Store, 818 U.S. 64 W. in Murphy.
    • Cherokee County Department of Social Services Board meets at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, in the DSS conference room, 4800 U.S. 64 W. in Ranger.

    Compiled by Publisher David Brown.