MURPHY
Urgent care open Monday
Carolina QuickCare announces the opening of its newest urgent care clinic, expanding access to fast, affordable health care for residents of Cherokee and surrounding counties.
The clinic will officially open Monday at 232 Bulldog Drive. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed Saturday and Sunday.
Carolina QuickCare – Murphy will provide walk-in urgent care services, offering treatment for a wide range of non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Services include urgent care for minor illnesses and injuries; cold, flu, COVID-19 and RSV testing and treatment; on-site X-rays, sports and employment physicals; DOT physicals; wound care; treatment for sprains and strains, respiratory illnesses, UTIs and occupational medicine services.
“We’re proud to expand access to high-quality urgent care for patients across Cherokee County,” said Suzy Buck, chief operating officer of Carolina QuickCare. “By opening our Murphy location, we’re helping ensure local families have convenient, dependable care close to home.”
Details: Visit CarolinaQuickCare.com or call 828-660-1460.
BRASSTOWN
Empty Bowls filling up soon
John C. Campbell Folk School is excited to continue the Empty Bowls tradition to raise awareness about hunger in area communities.
The annual event is scheduled from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, March 28, in the folk school Dining Hall. Tickets are $50 and available for purchase. Admission includes soup, salad, bread, beverage and a handmade bowl.
All profits benefit food banks that serve Cherokee and Clay counties: the Sharing Center in Murphy, Matt’s Ministry, Cherokee County Food Bank and Clay County Food Pantry. The 2025 event generated more than $9,000.
Details: Visit folkschool.org.
MARBLE
County GOP convention
The Cherokee County Republican Party will hold its county convention Saturday, March 14, at the Cherokee Indian Community Center, 300 Airport Road.
Here’s the schedule:
- Registration: 7:30 a.m.
- Precinct convention: 9 a.m.
- County convention: 10 a.m.
Coffee and pastries will be available for attendees.
Details: Call Cherokee County GOP Chair Mark Kephart at 828-557-4677.
TOPTON
USFS talks Crossover
The U.S. Forest Service has released its final decision on the Crossover Project, which seeks to restore and strengthen native hardwood forests on more than 1,900 acres of the Nantahala National Forest throughout the Snowbird Mountains near Topton.
Work on the Crossover Project started in 2017 with the goal of making the area healthier and more enjoyable for visitors. The plan focused on creating more young habitats and bringing back native plants, which have become rare over time due to 20th-century timber and fire management practices.
Adding young forest areas will benefit wildlife by creating sunny openings in the forest canopy. Oak trees and native plants, like grasses and wildflowers, thrive with sunnier conditions. The project will also improve aquatic habitats for several species, including brook trout, hellbenders and smoky dace.
Recognizing the importance of incorporating tribal values and traditional ecological knowledge into forest
management, the Forest Service entered a Tribal Forest Protection Act agreement with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in 2023.
Details: The final Environmental Assessment and Decision Notice for the Crossover Project is available at fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/projects/56347.
MURPHY
Drill canceled at courthouse
The active shooter drill scheduled to close the Cherokee County Courthouse at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, has been canceled, according to county officials.
The drill may be rescheduled at a later date.
ANDREWS
Vets coming on April 18
The annual Welcome Home Veterans: A Tribute to All Who Serve event will return Saturday, April 18, at Western Carolina Regional Airport off of U.S. 19/74.
Due to various factors and scheduling conflicts with other fall events, there was not be an event in 2025. By shifting to spring 2026, organizers aim to secure an even stronger lineup of static aircraft displays and veteran resource vendors and extended fundraising opportunities to enhance the experience for all attendees.
Details: Contact the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce at 828-837-2242 or email director@cherokeecountychamber.com; or Danna Pash, director of Cherokee County Veteran Services, at 828-835-8663 Ext. 1899, or email danna.pash@cherokeecounty-nc.gov.
CHEROKEE COUNTY
Public meetings
THIS WEEK
- Andrews Board of Aldermen meets at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St. Live-streamed on the Town of Andrews’ Facebook page.
- Cherokee County Republican Party Executive Committee meets at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Educate for Success Building, 315 Family Church Road in Peachtree, for the purpose of naming a new sheriff.
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meets at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy, to accept a letter of recommendation from the Cherokee County Republican Party for filling a vacancy for sheriff. Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.
COMING SOON
- Murphy Town Council meets at 5 p.m. Monday, March 2, at Murphy Electric Power Board, 107 Peachtree St. downtown. Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.
- Primary election will be held from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, across North Carolina. Early voting is at the Cherokee County Board of Elections.
- Cherokee County Board of Education meets at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at Central Office, 2230 Airport Road in Marble. Live-streamed on the school district’s YouTube channel.
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 9, at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy. Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.
Compiled by Publisher David Brown.