MURPHY
Art Walk set Friday night
The Valley River Arts Guild will present the next monthly Art Walk from 5-8 p.m. Friday downtown.
Stroll the streets of the downtown square, plus meet and purchase directly from dozens of artists and crafters, who’ll show you their locally crafted wares. Enjoy live music, savor snacks and beverages, and have fun.
Details: Visit valleyriverarts.com.
MURPHY
Thompson earns honor
A special ceremony was held recently to honor BJ Mills Thompson, who has retired after 40 years of service with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Thompson spent much of her career in the Rural Development Housing Department, where she helped families secure affordable housing by processing and approving loan applications.
During the celebration, she was presented with a U.S. flag flown over the Capitol on May 27, 2024, in her honor. The flag and certificate were given on behalf of U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards.
The Town of Murphy issued a proclamation recognizing Thompson’s career. Mayor Tim Radford praised her dedication, noting that her work opened doors for families to achieve home ownership, strengthened rural communities and supported economic stability.
“BJ, we thank you, we celebrate you, and we wish you every blessing as you begin this new chapter of retirement,” Radford said.
Thompson’s four decades of service leave behind a legacy of compassion and commitment, with countless families living in homes made possible by her efforts.
MURPHY
New country store opens
Appalachian Mountain Wholesale Country Store has a little something for everyone at 5635 U.S. 64 W. in Ranger Plaza, across from Hot Spot.
The country store offers old-fashioned candies, clothing, eggs, milk, fresh produce, homemade breads as well as key lime and hummingbird pies. Tools, knives, artwork, jewelry, candles, make-up, gifts, cabin decor or seasonal items are also on hand.
“We’ve got a little bit of everything including things that would surprise you. We’ve got great prices and things you’re not gonna find anywhere else. We also have things you’re gonna fall in love with,” store owner Dan Stout said.
Details: Call 706-400-8966
MURPHY
Local champ for children
Gov. Josh Stein signed a proclamation of September 2025 as Smart Start Month. In celebration, the Region A Partnership for Children is honoring eight Champions for Children in our region who have been chosen because of their exceptional service and support for children and families.
“We appreciate the role these people play in supporting the Smart Start mission in Region A and helping to keep the statewide network an exceptionally strong initiative,” officials said.
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Honored this month is Lori Baker of Cherokee County, a health-care navigator with Legal Aid of North Carolina, which provides help with domestic violence, consumer protection, government benefits, health care and more.
Baker attends and provides resources to families at community events in Cherokee County and other parts of the region by representing the Navigator Consortium as well as Legal Aid of NC.
She regularly attends and supports the Cherokee County Smart Start/Local Interagency Coordinating Council Team meetings.
“I am honored to receive the Champion for Children award during Smart Start month,” Baker said. “This recognition reflects my commitment to supporting children and families by providing resources, education and advocacy so they can thrive. Every child deserves a strong start, and I will continue working to ensure that happens.”
ANDREWS
Meet GOP candidates
The Cherokee County Republican Party invites the public to attend a Meet & Greet with GOP municipal candidates at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the P.B. Ferebee Community Center, 535 Main St.
Party Chair Mark Kephart said this will be a valuable opportunity for residents to hear directly from Republican candidates running for local municipal offices. Attendees will be able to ask questions, learn about the candidates’ priorities and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of their community.
Light refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public.
Details: Email cherokeecountyncgop11@gmail.com or visit cherokee.nc.gop.
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.
- 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.
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Chairman’s Forum meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday in Martins Creek with District 3 Commissioner Ben Adams and Chair Dan Eichenbaum.
COMING SOON
- Cherokee County Veteran Forces meets at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy.
- Cherokee County Tourism Development Authority meets at 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, in the Murphy Visitors Center, 20 Tennessee St.
- Cherokee County Board of Health meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, at the Cherokee County Health Department, 228 Hilton St. in Murphy.
- Andrews Board of Aldermen meets at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, 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, Oct. 20, in the ABC Store, 13934 U.S. 19 in Andrews.
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, 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, Oct. 21, at the ABC Store, 818 U.S. 64 W. in Murphy.
- Cherokee County Department of Social Services Board meets at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, in the DSS conference room, 4800 U.S. 64 W. in Ranger.
Compiled by Publisher David Brown. Staff Correspondent Anngee Quinones-Belian contributed to this report.