Quick Reads

  • Randy Foster/editor@cherokeescout.com Making plans: The Cherokee County Planning Board is sworn in during its inaugural meeting on March 21. The oath is administered by assistant county manager Maria Hass (from left) – with legal advice provided by county attorney Darryl Brown – with board members Dan Eichenbaum, Ben Adams, Randy Phillips, Jan Griggs and Cal Stiles – all of whom are also county commissioners – taking the oath.
    Randy Foster/editor@cherokeescout.com Making plans: The Cherokee County Planning Board is sworn in during its inaugural meeting on March 21. The oath is administered by assistant county manager Maria Hass (from left) – with legal advice provided by county attorney Darryl Brown – with board members Dan Eichenbaum, Ben Adams, Randy Phillips, Jan Griggs and Cal Stiles – all of whom are also county commissioners – taking the oath.
  • Eggcellent: John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 8. See page 3A for details.
    Eggcellent: John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 8. See page 3A for details.
  • Live and lovin it: National recording artists Drivin N Cryin (right) and War Hippies (left) will be playing at the Murphy Music & Brews spring fundraising event Saturday, April 22. See details on page 2A.
    Live and lovin it: National recording artists Drivin N Cryin (right) and War Hippies (left) will be playing at the Murphy Music & Brews spring fundraising event Saturday, April 22. See details on page 2A.
  • Live and lovin it: National recording artists Drivin N Cryin (right) and War Hippies (left) will be playing at the Murphy Music & Brews spring fundraising event Saturday, April 22. See details on page 2A.
    Live and lovin it: National recording artists Drivin N Cryin (right) and War Hippies (left) will be playing at the Murphy Music & Brews spring fundraising event Saturday, April 22. See details on page 2A.
  • Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent Sweet ride: This 1971 blue Cutlass turned heads at the Calvary Cars auto show on May 18 at Calvary Chapel in Murphy. Owner Wayne Agamie also has a 1965 Shelby Cobra, 1985 Monte Carlo SS and 2023 Corvette Stingray Convertible, making it a fun but expensive hobby. See the article in the March 22 edition of the Cherokee Scout.
    Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent Sweet ride: This 1971 blue Cutlass turned heads at the Calvary Cars auto show on May 18 at Calvary Chapel in Murphy. Owner Wayne Agamie also has a 1965 Shelby Cobra, 1985 Monte Carlo SS and 2023 Corvette Stingray Convertible, making it a fun but expensive hobby. See the article in the March 22 edition of the Cherokee Scout.
  • Randy Foster/editor@cherokeescout.com Worked up: Ledford & Parker Inc. workers remove a malfunctioning fire hydrant on Main Street in Andrews on March 20. The town has been repairing and replacing broken fire hydrants for the last two weeks. See the article in the March 22 edition of the Cherokee Scout.
    Randy Foster/editor@cherokeescout.com Worked up: Ledford & Parker Inc. workers remove a malfunctioning fire hydrant on Main Street in Andrews on March 20. The town has been repairing and replacing broken fire hydrants for the last two weeks. See the article in the March 22 edition of the Cherokee Scout.

    MURPHY

    Board begins future plans

    The inaugural meeting of the Cherokee County Planning Board was held March 21. The entire board consists of members of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners.

    Assistant county manager Maria Hass opened the meeting as chair and swore in the commissioners in their new dual role as planning board members.

    District 3 Commissioner Ben Adams was selected as chairman, while District 4 Commissioner Dan Eichenbaum was selected as vice chairman. Both were nominated by District 5 Commissioner Jan Griggs and seconded by District 1 Commissioner Cal Stiles.

    The board recessed the meeting for the following week to determine the time and place of meetings.

    The planning board will develop and enforce a land-use plan for the county in an attempt to control high-intensity industrial operations from taking advantage of the county’s lack of zoning laws. It is aimed at uses such as toxic waste dumps, but was spurred on with the construction of three crypto mines in the county in Marble, Murphy and Ranger.

    MURPHY

    Music, brews coming soon

    The first Murphy Music & Brews spring fundraising event is coming next month, and injured veterans will benefit.

    Buck Bald Brewing will hold a release party at 4 p.m. Friday, April 21, at 104 Tennessee St., Suite D, with music by Shannon York. For details, visit https://buckbaldbrewing.com/brews/22paleale.

    The Murphy Music & Brews festival will run from 4-10 p.m. Saturday, April 22, on Tennessee Street downtown, as the city will close Tennessee Street. In addition to food and beverages, there will be live musical entertainment from Drivin N Cryin, War Hippies and more.

    All proceeds from these events benefit the work of Shepherd’s Men, which supports injured veterans seeking comprehensive help at the SHARE Military Initiative, Shepherd Center, in Atlanta. For details and tickets, visit https://murphymusicandbrews.com. For details about Shepherd’s Men, visit www.shepherdsmen.com.

    RALEIGH

    $500K to get more online

    North Carolina will receive $500,000 to help more low-income households afford monthly high-speed internet service, Gov. Roy Cooper announced last week.

    The Federal Communications Commission has awarded the N.C. Department of Information Technology Division of Broadband & Digital Equity an Affordable Connectivity Program Outreach Grant to help the state reach its goal of enrolling 1 million state households in the Affordable Connectivity Program by the end of 2024. More than 690,000 already are participating in the program.

    The Affordable Connectivity Program offers eligible low-income households a $30 per month discount on high-speed internet service, with households on qualifying tribal lands eligible for up to a $75 per month. Participating families can also get a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50.

    Eligible families who pair their ACP benefit with one of these plans can receive high-speed internet at no cost. For details or to enroll, visit http://getinternet.gov. For details on the state’s plan, visit https://www.ncbroadband.gov.

    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.

    STECOAH

    Corridor K under way

    Before earth-moving operations can begin for the long-awaited Corridor K expansion along N.C. 143 (Sweetwater Road) and N.C. 28, Sevierville, Tenn.-based Charles Blalock & Sons Inc., and Robbinsville’s Adams Contracting have been working in tandem with local crews – such as Graham County Land Co. – to meet a May 1 deadline to complete all roadside clearing necessary for excavation to commence during the warmer months.

    The deadline is to ensure the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s bat moratorium can begin without interruption. The moratorium is in place from May 1 through July 31, as pup-rearing season is at its peak during the time frame.

    In turn, traveling straight through the strip has been impossible. Lane closures have been consistent, with several passengers expressing concerns over the lengthy wait time they can often encounter.

    However, an N.C. Department of Transportation official said the contracts stipulate that closures should not exceed 20 minutes. “The delays are necessary for the safety of both the drivers and the workers,” he added.

    MARBLE

    Scholarship fundraiser

    Everyone’s invited to a night of fundraising for the Steve Bias Memorial Scholarship on Saturday 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 at 6 p.m., with the top prize being a 5-cubic feet deep freezer. For details, see the Marble Community Center’s Facebook page.

    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.

    HANGING DOG

    Easter with equestrians

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

    Everyone’s invited for breakfast, eggs and a good time while supporting the center’s work.

    For details, call Lauren Dilts at 828-835-3739.

    BRASSTOWN

    Easter egg hunt planned

    John C. Campbell Folk School will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8. The lively event features crafts, dancing and entertainment.

    The Easter Bunny has been extra busy this winter, storing eggs and candy for this year’s hunt. All the fun will take place in the folk school’s Festival Barn.

    Arrive at 1 p.m. for craft making or 1:30 p.m. for music, games, clogging and a visit from the Easter Bunny. The egg hunt for ages 1-5 will begin promptly at 2 p.m., while the egg hunt for ages 6 and up will begin promptly at 2:20 p.m.

    Parking is available near the Fiber Arts building or in the large gravel lot on the corner of Brasstown Road and Harshaw Road. For details, call 828-837-2775 or visit folkschool.org/calendar.

    MURPHY

    Bake sale at thrift store

    The Valley River Humane Society will host a fundraising bake 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.

    MURPHY

    Derby for Democracy

    Tri-County Democratic Women are sponsoring a Democracy Derby – civics fun, with brain teasers and prizes – from 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, at the Murphy Public Library, 9 Blumenthal St. downtown.

    You can join a team or bring a team of your own to participate. For details, visit Tri-County Democratic Women’s Facebook page.

    LOCAL GOVERNMENT

    Public meetings

    BUDGET HEARINGS

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

    Tuesday

    • 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.

    THIS WEEK

    • Murphy Town Council will meet at 5 p.m. Monday 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 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 Planning Board will meet at 3 p.m. Tuesday in the Commissioners Boardroom (342) at Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy, immediately following the budget hearings.
    • Andrews Board of Aldermen will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St. (Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.)

    COMING SOON

    • Good Friday-Easter holiday will be celebrated Friday, April 7, through Monday, April 10. Some local, state and federal government offices will be closed.
    • 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 Needs & Solutions Advisory Committee meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, at the Cherokee County Indian Community Club, 300 Airport Road in Marble.
    • Cherokee County Tourism Development Authority will meet at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, in the Murphy Visitors Center, 20 Tennessee St. 
    • 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. (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.

    Compiled by Publisher David Brown.