Quick Reads

  • Trevis Hicks/Contributing Photographer: Some Cherokee County residents were in Washington on Nov. 29 for the lighting of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree – Ruby the red spruce from the Pisgah National Forest, which came through Murphy on Nov. 6. Each North Carolina county had an ornament hanging on the tree; Clay and Graham were spotted, but Cherokee was carefully hiding.
    Trevis Hicks/Contributing Photographer: Some Cherokee County residents were in Washington on Nov. 29 for the lighting of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree – Ruby the red spruce from the Pisgah National Forest, which came through Murphy on Nov. 6. Each North Carolina county had an ornament hanging on the tree; Clay and Graham were spotted, but Cherokee was carefully hiding.
  • Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent  Santa Claus (otherwise known as the jolly John Midkiff of Hiwassee Dam) takes requests from craft vendor Ashley Scanlon on Saturday morning during Christmas at the Murphy Farmers Market.
    Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent  Santa Claus (otherwise known as the jolly John Midkiff of Hiwassee Dam) takes requests from craft vendor Ashley Scanlon on Saturday morning during Christmas at the Murphy Farmers Market.
  • U.S. Rep.-elect Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.), Catcuce “Coche” Micco Tiger (left) and other members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians enjoy the Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 29 in Washington.
    U.S. Rep.-elect Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.), Catcuce “Coche” Micco Tiger (left) and other members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians enjoy the Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 29 in Washington.

    CHEROKEE COUNTY

    County still in lowest tier

    The N.C. Department of Commerce released the county tier designations for 2023 today. The designations, which are mandated by state law, play a role in several programs that assist in economic development.

    Cherokee County is still ranked in Tier 1, the counties generally considered the most economically distressed. Tier 3 counties are generally the least economically distressed.

    The 2023 rankings comply with the methodology prescribed by the General Assembly, which identifies four economic factors to be used to analyze and rank each of North Carolina’s 100 counties. The rankings are based on an assessment of each county’s unemployment rate, median household income, population growth and assessed property value per capita.

    The law calls for 40 counties to be designated as Tier 1, 40 counties to be designated as Tier 2 and 20 counties to be designated Tier 3. Nearby Swain County is moving to a less-distressed tier ranking in 2023. For details, visit nccommerce.com/grants-incentives/county-distress-rankings-tiers.

    RALEIGH

    Prepare for winter now

    Winter Weather Preparedness Week is Dec. 4-10, and Gov. Roy Cooper is encouraging North Carolinians to plan and prepare now, before potentially dangerous winter weather arrives. 

    While warmer and drier than normal conditions are favored across North Carolina due to La Niña conditions likely continuing throughout the winter, this does not mean that wintry precipitation will not develop across the state, leading to potentially icy roads and other hazards.

    Cooper urges residents to monitor winter weather conditions and forecasts by listening to local media and paying close attention to winter weather watches, warnings and advisories. While the criteria for these may vary across North Carolina the premise is the same, so remember:

    • Winter Storm Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for either heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain within the next 24-48 hours.
    • Winter Storm Warning is issued when confidence is high that a winter storm will cause significant impacts within the next 24 hours.
    • Winter Weather Advisory is issued when wintry weather is expected and residents should exercise caution as light to moderate amounts of snow, sleet or freezing rain are expected within the next 24 hours, causing travel difficulties.

    ANDREWS

    Credit union turning five

    Stop by the State Employee Credit Union located at 1090 Main St. from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, and enjoy some refreshments to help them celebrate.

    The credit union will be celebrating its fifth anniversary and the introduction of a new program for financial advisory services, which will offer insurances, state planning, trusts and investments.

    Mayor James Reid will be on hand for the Andrews Chamber of Commerce’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, which is set for 1 p.m. For details, call 321-8130.

    RALEIGH

    Capitol trees and wreaths

    Gov. Roy Cooper greeted members of the N.C. Christmas Tree Association to accept the Christmas trees and wreaths that will be displayed inside the State Capitol during the holiday season. This is the 44th annual competition hosted by the association to determine which farmers will be asked to send trees and wreaths to the capitol.

    “The best Christmas trees in the country come from North Carolina, bringing holiday cheer and family memories to people all over the country,” Cooper said. “Thank you to the farmers, artisans, organizations and others who make this season special.”

    The governor accepted two trees provided by Cline Church Nursery in Fleetwood, including the 12-feet-tall tree inside the capitol rotunda. He also accepted 13 wreaths provided by Carolina Wreath Co. in Rocky Mount.

    The governor also accepted 50 poinsettias from Phil Campbell of Campbell Road Nursery in Raleigh and former North Carolina Secretary of State Rufus Edmisten. The State Capitol building is in downtown and open to the public.

    MURPHY

    A week at the beach

    The Rotary Club of Murphy is holding a raffle for a chance to win a week at member Mark Stalcup’s condominium in North Myrtle Beach, S.C.

    For $50 a ticket, you could win a week in a beautiful three bedroom, three Bath oceanfront condo on the fifth floor of North Beach Plantation, one of the newest luxury complexes in the area. It’s within walking distance of Barefoot Landing, with numerous restaurants and shopping opportunities on the way.

    See Stalcup, who is donating the week in memory of his late wife, or a member of the Rotary Club for tickets. For details, visit www.northbeachrentals.com.

    LOCAL GOVERNMENT

    Public meetings

    THIS WEEK

    • Andrews Board of Aldermen meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St. This meeting will be live-streamed through the Scout’s Facebook page.

    COMING SOON

    • Cherokee County Veteran Forces meets at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy.
    • Cherokee County Board of Education meets at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, at Central Office, 911 Andrews Road in Murphy. This meeting will be live-streamed through the Scout’s Facebook page.

    Compiled by Publisher David Brown.