MURPHY
Gardening classes set
Cherokee County will be offering Pro Series Gardening classes beginning today.
The classes will begin at 9 a.m. at the Extension Annex for participants who want to learn about gardening but are not quite ready to become an Extension Master Gardener. Each class is $15.
Details: Visit cherokee.ces.ncsu.edu/2025/11/pro-garden-series-classes-in-2026.
MURPHY
Protect life event today
Choices of WNC invites everyone to the annual Sanctity & Protection of Human Life Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today.
This year’s theme is “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.” Enjoy refreshments, learn about the services offered at Choices and connect with others who care about supporting local families.
Details: Call the office at 828-835-3444.
HAYESVILLE
Forum set for House Dems
The Democratic Parties of Clay and Cherokee counties are sponsoring a forum for the five Democratic candidates seeking the N.C. 11 U.S. House seat held by Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.).
The forum will be from 12:30-3 p.m. Saturday at the Hinton Center., 2330 Hinton Center Road.
Everyone is invited to attend the free event.
Details: Visit ccdp-nc.net.
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.
- Many city, county, state and federal government offices will be closed Monday for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
- Andrews ABC Board meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the ABC Store, 13934 U.S. 19 in Andrews.
- Murphy ABC Board meets at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the ABC Store, 818 U.S. 64 W. in Murphy.
- Cherokee County Department of Social Services Board meets at 5 p.m. Tuesday in the DSS conference room, 4800 U.S. 64 W. in Ranger.
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy. Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.
RALEIGH
Independents growing faster
While Republicans claim 30.25% of North Carolina’s registered voters and Democrats have 30.21%, unaffiliated voters have both parties beat, with 39% of total voter registrations, Carolina Public Press reported.
It’s still a two-party system, so second place matters. However, North Carolina’s unique registration breakdown makes the impact of Republicans’ achievement on the upcoming midterm elections a bit murkier.
Registering as unaffiliated wasn’t always so popular. In 1977, the first year it was an option in the state, unaffiliated voters made up just 4.1% of registered voters.
At the time, North Carolina had closed primaries. That changed in 1988.
Compiled by Publisher David Brown. Staff Correspondent Anngee Quinones-Belian contributed to this report.