WASHINGTON
National News Literacy Week
With AI-generated content everywhere, it’s not easy to know what information is accurate – or even real.
That’s why the seventh annual National News Literacy Week from Feb. 2-6 focuses on helping teens find credible news and information they can trust. Presented by the News Literacy Project, E.W. Scripps Co. and USA Today Network, the week provides educators with free tools and resources to teach how to judge for themselves when information is reliable, accurate and fair.
When it’s hard to know what’s true, many young people default to distrusting news and other information. A recent
News Literacy Project study found that 84% of U.S. teens hold negative views of the press, often describing journalism as deceptive or inaccurate.
Students who learn news and media literacy skills report higher trust in the press and are more likely to consume news. It helps teenagers embrace healthy skepticism – not harmful cynicism – about the information they encounter.
Details: Visit newslit.org/news-literacy-week.
MURPHY
GOP seeks a treasurer
The Cherokee County GOP Executive Committee is seeking to fill the vacant treasurer position. Nominations will be accepted via email through noon Tuesday.
The Executive Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Murphy Public Library for the purpose of voting on the new treasurer. This meeting will be brief and limited to the treasurer vote.
The previously scheduled candidate meet-and-greet will begin immediately following the conclusion of the Executive Committee meeting.
Details: Call party Chair Mark Kephart at 828-557-4677.
ANDREWS
Chamber is in the Valley
As the season picks up and seasonal businesses begin to ramp back up, the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce wants to continue being present and accessible to Andrews, Murphy and Brasstown with expanded office hours.
From February through April, chamber Director Victoria will be in Andrews every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon as a resource for local and seasonal businesses. Whether you’re preparing for the busy season, have questions or simply want to connect, the chamber is here to support you.
These office hours will take place in the Garden 58 building at 992 Main St. downtown.
Details: Visit cherokeecountychamber.com.
CHEROKEE COUNTY
Big Brothers, Sisters sought
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina is calling on local leaders, parents, retirees, business owners and community-minded residents to help shape the future of mentorship for children in Cherokee County by serving on a local advisory council.
Advisory council members serve as local champions for children and youth, ensuring that mentoring programs remain strong, visible, and responsive to the needs of their community. Council members help by:
- u Acting as brand ambassadors, sharing the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters throughout the community.
- u Helping plan activities and experiences for “Littles” enrolled in the program.
- u Supporting local fundraising efforts that keep mentoring programs accessible and sustainable.
The time commitment is:
- One hour per month for an advisory council meeting.
- An additional 3–5 hours per month during peak fundraising seasons.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina creates and supports mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of young people. Through school-based, community-based and group mentoring programs, BBBSWNC helps children build confidence, strengthen academic outcomes and develop life skills – with the support of caring adults close to home.
Details: Email program coordinator Tina Raffler at tinar@bbbswnc.org.
MURPHY
‘Only a drill’ at courthouse
The Cherokee County Courthouse will close at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, for an active shooter drill.
County officials want to emphasize well in advance that this is only a drill.
Raleigh
State’s No. 1 for business
For the third time in six years, North Carolina is No. 1 for business climate and economic development in selections by Business Facilities magazine.
The State of the Year, as the award is known, follows a 2025 calendar year.
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.
- 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
- Murphy Town Council meeting originally scheduled for Feb. 2 was postponed. The meeting will now be held at 5 p.m. Monday at the Murphy Electric Power Board conference room.
- Cherokee County Veteran Forces meets at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy.
- Andrews Board of Aldermen meets at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, 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, Feb. 16, in the ABC Store, 13934 U.S. 19 in Andrews.
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, 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, Feb. 17, at the ABC Store, 818 U.S. 64 W. in Murphy.
- Cherokee County Department of Social Services Board meets at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, in the DSS conference room, 4800 U.S. 64 W. in Ranger.
Compiled by Publisher David Brown.