Quick Reads

  • Nativity: Remembering the reason for the season. Donald Hale/Contributing Photographer
    Nativity: Remembering the reason for the season. Donald Hale/Contributing Photographer
  • Sew Much Fun Sewing Club: The Cherokee County Extension Community Association awarded Reach of Cherokee & Graham Counties with a large quantity of handmade canvas tote bags on Dec. 3. The bags will serve as a place to store belongings to the individuals and families that Reach serves. The Sew Much Fun Sewing Club will be having additional upcoming “Sew for a Cause” days in 2026. From left are Fran Parker, Sally Blom, Tamra Lee Dunn, Holly Willis, Zuleika Behar, Janelle Warren and Marlana Baker. Details: Vis
    Sew Much Fun Sewing Club: The Cherokee County Extension Community Association awarded Reach of Cherokee & Graham Counties with a large quantity of handmade canvas tote bags on Dec. 3. The bags will serve as a place to store belongings to the individuals and families that Reach serves. The Sew Much Fun Sewing Club will be having additional upcoming “Sew for a Cause” days in 2026. From left are Fran Parker, Sally Blom, Tamra Lee Dunn, Holly Willis, Zuleika Behar, Janelle Warren and Marlana Baker. Details: Vis
  • Even Santa Claus needs a lunch break: Ralph Mathis and girlfriend Cherrie Wages of Hiawassee, Ga., stopped by Rib Country in Hayesville last week for a midday meal. Milk and cookies were offered, but he’s saving himself for the big night this week. Mathis dons his full Santa suit to make appearances at area locations. Tracy Barnes/Contributing Photographer
    Even Santa Claus needs a lunch break: Ralph Mathis and girlfriend Cherrie Wages of Hiawassee, Ga., stopped by Rib Country in Hayesville last week for a midday meal. Milk and cookies were offered, but he’s saving himself for the big night this week. Mathis dons his full Santa suit to make appearances at area locations. Tracy Barnes/Contributing Photographer
    Holly Christy

    Holly Christy

    ANDREWS: Attorney to leave post

    Town of Andrews Attorney Holly Christy announced her intent to leave the position at the Dec. 11 meeting.

    Christy said she was leaving to focus on her private practice, but she would serve the town until a replacement is chosen. She has been with Andrews since 2021.

     

    MURPHY: Sanctity of Life event

    Choices of WNC invites everyone in our community to the annual Sanctity & Protection of Human Life Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026.

    This year’s theme is “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.” Enjoy light refreshments, learn about the life-affirming services offered at Choices and connect with others who care about supporting local families.

    Details: Call the office at 828-835-3444.

     

    Copperhill, Tenn.: Biosolids returning

    Mayor Greg Barker said he was not given a start date for renewed biosolids applications at Copperhill Industries when he received a call on Nov. 24.

    Barker said he learned few specifics when Meghan Ploch called to inform him biosolids were coming back. Ploch is the regional director for External Affairs for the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. Barker said he was told the biosolids would be coming out of Chattanooga, and each shipment would be brought in and processed within three days.

    He said Ploch told him the spreading was for a specific area and had been recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency because there was “no viable alternative.” The spreading is to stop before the “growing season.”

    Non-EQ biosolids are commonly known as Class B biosolids. Known to contain PFAS forever chemicals Chattanooga is required to monitor these chemicals and provide their testing results to TDEC, Donnals wrote.

    “They’ve made it clear they don’t care about the residents.” Barker said.

     

    PEACHTREE: A Christmas House ready

    The creators of the Peachtree Haunted House have changed it into a Christmas House.

    Take a walk through a relaxing Christmas tour. Enjoy Snowman village, Candy Cane Lane and Santa’s Living room.

    The Christmas House is open at 1046 N.C. 141 from 5-8 p.m. weekdays and 5-7 p.m. Saturday.

    Details: Watch a video of the Christmas House on the Cherokee Scout’s Facebook page.

     

    CHEROKEE COUNTY

    Public meetings

     

    THIS WEEK

    Local, state and federal government offices, and the Cherokee Scout, will be closed Thursdays, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The Scout will also close at noon Wednesdays, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. The Scout will reopen at 9 a.m. on the following Fridays, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2.

     

    COMING SOON

    Murphy Town Council meets at 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5, at Murphy Electric Power Board, 107 Peachtree St. downtown. Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.

    Cherokee County Board of Education meets at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, at Central Office, 2230 Airport Road in Marble. Live-streamed on the school district’s YouTube channel.

    Andrews Board of Aldermen meets at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St. Live-streamed on the town’s Facebook page.

    Cherokee County Tourism Development Authority meets at 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, in the Murphy Visitors Center, 20 Tennessee St.

    Cherokee County Board of Health meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, at the Cherokee County Health Department, 228 Hilton St. in Murphy.

    Cherokee County Veteran Forces meets at 10 a.m.  Wednesday, Jan. 14,  at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy.

    Some local, state and federal government offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 19, for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

    Andrews ABC Board meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, in the ABC Store, 13934 U.S. 19 in Andrews.

    Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, 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, Jan. 20, at the ABC Store, 818 U.S. 64 W. in Murphy.

    Cherokee County Department of Social Services Board meets at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, in the DSS conference room, 4800 U.S. 64 W. in Ranger.

    Compiled by Publisher David Brown. Staff Correspondents Michelle Bradbeer and Nicole Wright, and The News Observer, contributed to this report.