Quick Reads

  • Photos by Samuel Jokich/Staff Correspondent Winter wildlife: In between ice and snow storms over the last few weeks, these critters were spotted enjoying the relative warmth in western Cherokee County.
    Photos by Samuel Jokich/Staff Correspondent Winter wildlife: In between ice and snow storms over the last few weeks, these critters were spotted enjoying the relative warmth in western Cherokee County.
  • Photos by Samuel Jokich/Staff Correspondent Winter wildlife: In between ice and snow storms over the last few weeks, these critters were spotted enjoying the relative warmth in western Cherokee County.
    Photos by Samuel Jokich/Staff Correspondent Winter wildlife: In between ice and snow storms over the last few weeks, these critters were spotted enjoying the relative warmth in western Cherokee County.

    BLAIRSVILLE, Ga.

    Grief circle for animals  

    The Companion Animal Grief Circle is for anyone who has lost an animal companion – either recently or long ago – and still feels grief surface in unexpected ways.

    The group meets from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month, making the next meeting on March 11, at Nottely Oaks Animal Hospital’s restorative therapy entrance, 1885 Pat Colwell Road. A total of 14 people attended the first session.

    All are welcome to the free meeting. People can bring anything that helps them 
    feel more supported or at ease, like a photo of their beloved companion,a blanket or toy.

    Details: Call Lisa Waggoner at 828-644-9148 or Nottely Oaks Animal Hospital at 706-623-6624.

    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 no 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.

    Organizers encourage veterans, families and residents to save the date​ and honor those who have served in the armed forces.

    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. 189​9,​ or email danna.pash@cherokeecounty-nc.gov​.

    MURPHY

    Local moves up on ‘Idol’  

    Local resident Braden Rumfelt received a golden ticket on Feb. 2 and will be moving on to the next round of the hit television show American Idol on ABC.

    Tune in on Mondays to see how far the Murphy singer will make it in Nashville, Tenn., and if a star is born.

    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.

    CHEROKEE COUNTY

    Public meetings

    THIS WEEK

    • Murphy Town Council meets at 5 p.m. Monday 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 across North Carolina. Early voting ends Saturday.
    • Andrews Zoning Board will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday at Andrews Town Hall, 188 Main St.

    COMING SOON

    • 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.
    • Cherokee County Tourism Development Authority meets at 4 p.m. Monday, March 9, in the Murphy Visitors Center, 20 Tennessee St.
    • Cherokee County Board of Health meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 9, at the Cherokee County Health Department, 228 Hilton St. in Murphy.
    • Cherokee County Veteran Forces meets at 10 a.m.  Wednesday, March 11, at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy.
    • Andrews Board of Aldermen meets at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 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, March 16, in the ABC Store, 13934 U.S. 19 in Andrews.
    • Murphy ABC Board meets at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 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, March 17, in the DSS conference room, 4800 U.S. 64 W. in Ranger.
    • Cherokee County Board of Commissioners will hold a special work session to discuss animal control Monday, April 20, immediately following its regular 6:30 p.m. meeting.

    Compiled by Publisher David Brown.