UNAKA
Help when disaster hits
You’re welcome to “join us” from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Unaka Community Center for American Red Cross disaster training.
Admission is free. There will be hands-on tips for preparedness and sheltering.
Discover how you can make a difference when disaster strikes. Learn how to care for your family and community in times of crisis. Learn how to support your family and neighbors, put together an emergency kit and plan, get tips on how to stay informed and become a vital part of your community’s disaster response.
Whether you’re curious about disaster preparedness or ready to take action, this event offers practical guidance, local connections and a chance to become a Red Cross Shelter Hero. “Together, we can build a stronger, safer community,” according to a release.
Details: The Unaka Community Center is at 14945 Joe Brown Highway. Call 828-835-8313.
NORTH CAROLINA
Register to vote Friday
The voter registration deadline for the Tuesday, Nov. 4, municipal elections in North Carolina, including, Andrews and Murphy,
is Friday.
Early voting begins Thursday, Oct. 16, and ends at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1. During the “one-stop” period, you can vote at any early voting site – unlike on Election Day, when you must vote at your assigned precinct.
Details: Visit cherokeecounty-nc.gov/274/Board-of-Elections.
ASHEVILLE
Smith seeks House seat
Adam Smith, a nearly 17-year U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and founder of Savage Freedoms Relief Operations, has announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District.
That seat is held by U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.), who defeated Madison Cawthorn in the 2022 Republican primary. Cawthorn said he plans to seek a congressional seat in Florida next year.
Smith, a business owner and father raising his daughter in western North Carolina, brings battle-tested leadership and commitment to self-reliance to the fight for conservative values, according to a release.
Smith’s military service, including multiple global deployments, instilled unbreakable principles: defend freedom, protect the Constitution and act decisively in crisis. After leaving the Army, Smith founded Savage Freedoms Defense to empower veterans and civilians with leadership and preparedness training.
“Politics was never my calling. I’m a warrior, not a Washington insider,” Smith said. “But after a decade of watching liberal Marxism erode our Constitution, flood our borders and fuel inflation that crushes families, I can’t stand idle.”
Details: Visit AdamRSmithforNC.com.
MURPHY
Lunch served at State Farm
Steven Aft State Farm Insurance held customer appreciation day on Oct. 1.
The free lunch offered hot dogs, popcorn, cake and freebies, along with a chance to win a raffle for a basket filled with various goodies.
Betsy Lane started the office in 1991. Back then, the closest State Farm agency was in Franklin. They had no policies; she just opened the doors and started. Lane was only the second female agent in western North Carolina.
“I came with two kids and no policy holders, but I think I can do this,” she said.
When Lane retired, her son-in-law, Aft, took over. They realize their customers make the company successful and wanted to show their appreciation.
“Today was a huge success, just bringing our customers and community together, celebrating the opportunity to take care of them as much as they’ve taken care of us. We’re so grateful for everyone who came,” Aft said.
BRYSON CITY
Woman wins $110K lotto
Carmen Jones of Bryson City took a chance on a $1 Cash 5 ticket and won a $110,000 jackpot.
Jones bought her lucky Quick Pick ticket for the Sept. 22 drawing from MAPCO on U.S. 19 South. The odds of matching all five balls are 1 in 962,598.
She claimed her prize last week at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. After required federal and state taxes, she took home $78,925.
Cash 5 is one of six lottery games in North Carolina where players have the option of buying tickets at a retail location or with Online Play through the lottery’s website or the N.C. Lottery Official Mobile App. Thursday’s jackpot is $376,000.
Details: Visit ncplaysmart.com.
ASHEVILLE
New bridge at I-26 opened
Another major step in the widening of Interstate 26 in Buncombe County is complete.
Traffic is now using a new permanent bridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway over I-26, which allows for an N.C. Department of Transportation contractor to remove the old bridge and finish widening the interstate underneath.
“We are certainly excited to accomplish this feat before visitors flock to western North Carolina to enjoy leaf season in Asheville and along the Blue Ridge Parkway,” Division 13 Engineer Tim Anderson said. “While this is not related to Hurricane Helene repairs, it’s another sign that WNC is open for business and NCDOT is progressing on other projects in addition to storm repairs.”
The new bridge is necessary to accommodate widening the interstate. Piers for the old bridge interfere with the construction. So the DOT, Federal Highway Administration, National Park Service and other agencies agreed to construction of the new bridge.
Details: Visit DriveNC.gov.
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 will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. today in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St. Live-streamed on the Town of Andrews’ Facebook page.
- 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.
COMING SOON
- 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.