Quick Reads

  • A $25,506 grant from the Firehouse Subs Foundation allowed the Hiwassee Dam Volunteer Fire Department to purchase this Polaris Ranger XP1000 utility terrain vehicle to help keep local citizens safer.
    A $25,506 grant from the Firehouse Subs Foundation allowed the Hiwassee Dam Volunteer Fire Department to purchase this Polaris Ranger XP1000 utility terrain vehicle to help keep local citizens safer.
  • The Pediatric Cancer Treatment Foundation’s 2023 kid’s bike giveaway campaign got under way last week. Tickets cost $20 each, or five for $40, to win a 16-inch kid’s E-bike from Moose Racing. Director Robert Trigueros said the bike is valued at $800. Tickets are available at Cherokee Guns,1936 U.S. 64 in Murphy and the Fannin County MX Track Racing Series rounds. The drawing will be held in October, and you don’t have to be present to win.
    The Pediatric Cancer Treatment Foundation’s 2023 kid’s bike giveaway campaign got under way last week. Tickets cost $20 each, or five for $40, to win a 16-inch kid’s E-bike from Moose Racing. Director Robert Trigueros said the bike is valued at $800. Tickets are available at Cherokee Guns,1936 U.S. 64 in Murphy and the Fannin County MX Track Racing Series rounds. The drawing will be held in October, and you don’t have to be present to win.
  • Randy Foster/editor@cherokeescout.com The Martins Creek Community Center is looking for volunteers. Membership is free to all residents in the Martins Creek Fire District. For details, call finance officer Judy Perez at 813-310-2267 or email dennisp41@verizon.net.
    Randy Foster/editor@cherokeescout.com The Martins Creek Community Center is looking for volunteers. Membership is free to all residents in the Martins Creek Fire District. For details, call finance officer Judy Perez at 813-310-2267 or email dennisp41@verizon.net.

    HIWASSEE DAM

    Fire team adds UTV

    The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has awarded a $25,506 grant to the Hiwassee Dam Volunteer Fire Department to purchase Polaris Ranger XP1000 utility terrain vehicle.

    The new equipment will allow first responders to be better prepared in emergency situations and protect Cherokee County citizens.

    “On behalf of the Hiwassee Dam Volunteer Fire Department and its members, I want to thank Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and our local Firehouse Subs in Cleveland, Tenn.,” Chief Chad McNabb said in a release. “We are so grateful to be awarded the necessary resources to continue to keep the community of Hiwassee Dam safe and protected.”

    The grant was used to purchase a Polaris Ranger XP 1000 UTV in order to further enhance our ability to access the wilderness areas of our fire district. To learn more about Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation or donate directly, visit FirehouseSubsFoundation.org.

    MARBLE

    Biz summit held Friday

    A Business Start-Up Summit will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at the Tri-County Community College Small Business Center, 2415 Airport Road.

    Learn more about what it takes from business owners and professionals. Sessions cover finding money, sales and marketing, how to get started and more.

    The college’s Small Business Center is sponsoring the event, and lunch will be provided. Preregistration is required at www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=520430017.

    WESTERN N.C.

    Litter Sweep help needed

    The N.C. Department of Transportation is looking for volunteers for the 2023 Spring Litter Sweep, which runs April 15-29.

    Scheduled for the last two weeks of April, the Litter Sweep is one of the DOT’s primary roadside litter initiatives. Maintenance crews also dedicate one week of their time to pick up litter and collect orange bags placed on the roadsides by volunteers. Residents throughout the state are encouraged to participate in local efforts to help clean up local roadways.

    “North Carolina is a beautiful place to live, work and play,” said David Harris, state roadside environmental engineer. “Keeping it that way, is only possible through the contribution and efforts of our amazing volunteers.”

    Volunteers can request gloves, safety vests and bags from their local county maintenance office during the sweep. For details, visit www.ncdot.gov.

    HIWASSEE DAM

    Easter egg hunt Sunday

    The annual Easter Egg Hunt starts at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Hiwassee Dam Volunteer Fire Department on N.C. 294.

    A hot dog lunch starts at 2 p.m. Ages 0-4 will hunt eggs at 2:30 p.m., while ages 5-12 will hunt eggs at 3 p.m.

    After the egg hunts, there will be an Easter Hat (Bonnet) Parade & Contest. Award ribbons and prizes will be handed out for Most Creative, Funniest, Largest and Best All Around.

    There will also be food, fun and fellowship with face painting, 2,000 prize-filled eggs, 75 door prizes, Sparky the Fire Dog and the Easter Bunny. Everyone is welcome at the free community event.

    PEACHTREE

    Poetry night set at college

    The McSwain Lecture Hall at Tri-County Community College will host an Open Mic Poetry Night at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 6.

    Light refreshments will be served at the free event. For details or to sign in and read, stop by the Writing Center in the McSwain Annex, Room 150, or email writingcenter@tricountycc.edu.

    MURPHY

    After Hours with BBQ

    The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce invites residents to the first AfterHours Networking Event of 2023 from 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Smoky Mountain BBQ Co. on Tennessee Street downtown.

    This is a great opportunity to introduce your business and yourself in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Lance Collins from Tri-County Community College’s Small Business Center will be there to update the chamber on what the Small Business Center can do.

    Admission is free. For details, visit cherokeecountychamber.com.

    MARBLE

    Scholarship fundraiser

    Everyone’s invited to a night of fundraising for the Steve Bias Memorial Scholarship on Saturday, April 1, in the Marble Community Center.

    Bias, a resident of Andrews who died on April 7, 2016, was very active in the community. This event includes silent auctions for basked goods, homemade quilts, crochet and woodwork starting at 4 p.m. At the same time, barbecue and hot dog plates will be served.

    Bingo will kick off ay 6 p.m., with the top prize being a 5-cubic feet deep freezer. For details, see the Marble Community Center’s Facebook page.

    HANGING DOG

    Easter with equestrians

    High Lonesome Therapeutic Equestrian Center will host an Easter egg hunt and pancake breakfast from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, at the facility, 15712 Joe Brown Highway.

    Everyone’s invited for breakfast, eggs and a good time while supporting the center’s good work. For details, call Lauren Dilts at 828-835-3739.

    PEACHTREE

    Black ties for TCCC

    The Tri-County Community College Foundation will host a Black-Tie Gala from 6-10 p.m. Saturday at McGuire’s Millrace Farm off of Hendrix Road.

    There will be a silent auction, dinner and open bar, along with blackjack, poker and roulette. There also will be a wine pull.

    Tickets are $200 each. For details, call 828-837-6810.

    MURPHY

    Bake sale at thrift store

    The Valley River Humane Society will host a fundraising bank sale from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at the thrift store, 1211 U.S. 64 W.

    Come on and buy a cake, or volunteer to make one to support the county’s animal shelter at 7450 U.S. 19 in Marble. For details, visit valleyriverhumanesociety.org.

    WESTERN N.C.

    Patrols added over weekend

    From March 13-19, law enforcement agencies statewide increased patrols to keep impaired drivers off the roads during the St. Patrick’s Day “Booze It & Lose It” enforcement campaign.

    “St. Patrick’s Day is well established as a time for celebration, but people should do so responsibly,” said Mark Ezzell, director of the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program.

    “Never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking alcohol. Drinking and driving can be deadly. Have a plan to get home safely so you don’t risk seriously injuring or killing yourself or someone else.”

    During last year’s weeklong observation of St. Patrick’s Day, 225 alcohol-related crashes resulting in 11 deaths occurred on North Carolina roads. Increased enforcement during specific campaign periods year-round is a key part of making North Carolina roads safer. For safe driving tips, visit ncghsp.org.

    LOCAL GOVERNMENT

    Public meetings

    THIS WEEK

    • Tri-County Community College Board of Trustees will meet at noon Thursday in the college’s Hospitality Suite, 21 Campus Circle in Peachtree.
    • Cherokee County Needs & Solutions Advisory Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Commissioners Boardroom (342) at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy.

    COMING SOON

    • Murphy Town Council will meet at 5 p.m. Monday, April 3, at Murphy Electric Power Board, 5 Wofford St. downtown. (Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.)
    • Cherokee County Board of Commissioners will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 3, in the Commissioners Boardroom (342) at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy. (Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.)
    • Good Friday-Easter holiday will be celebrated Friday, April 7, through Monday, April 10. Some local, state and federal government offices will be closed.
    • Andrews Board of Aldermen will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St. (Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.)
    • Cherokee County Tourism Development Authority will meet at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, in the Murphy Visitors Center, 20 Tennessee St.
    • Cherokee County Board of Health meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 10, at the Cherokee County Health Department, 228 Hilton St. in Murphy.
    • Cherokee County Veteran Forces will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy.
    • Cherokee County Board of Education will meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at Central Office, 911 Andrews Road in Murphy. (Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.)
    • Andrews ABC Board will meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 17, in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St.
    • Cherokee County Board of Commissioners will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 17, in the Commissioners Boardroom (342) at Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy. (Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.)
    • Cherokee County Department of Social Services Board will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, in the DSS conference room, 4800 U.S. 64 W. in Ranger.

    BUDGET HEARINGS

    • Meetings are held in the Commissioners Boardroom (342) at Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy.

    Tuesday, April 4

    • 2 p.m. – Valley River Humane Society.
    • 2:30 p.m. – Tri-County Community College.

    Monday, April 24

    • 6:30 p.m. – Cherokee County Schools.

    Compiled by Publisher David Brown.