MURPHY
Stations of the Cross
A Crosswalk (Stations of the Cross) will take place at 10 a.m. on Good Friday.
The walk will start at St. William Catholic Church, 765 Andrews Road, proceed through town and end at Murphy First United Methodist Church, where there will be a worship service at noon with a light lunch afterward. The Way of the Cross represents the journey that Jesus Christ made with the cross on His shoulders.
Those attending will be encouraged to share the burden of carrying the cross, just as Jesus needed help from Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross to Golgotha. Two stops will be made along the way – to pray and reflect on the Via Dolorosa (the Way of the Cross) and to remember the sacrificial journey Jesus made for all mankind.
Organizers said, “All are welcome to join this beautiful devotion, placing ourselves in spirit beside our Savior as He walked this sorrowful journey to die on Calvary for the love us.”
MURPHY
‘Boom, Boom Boom, Boom’
The above headline is the catchy title for the first book by B.G. Samueis of Murphy. Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom is available at Amazon, Kindle and bookstores everywhere.
Samueis, a celebrated photographer for more than four decades, has taken the reins of authorship and ran with it, creating the first book in a series of action-adventures that guarantees you won’t put it down.
If you’re looking for a fun, action-packed summer book, look no further.
“If you can’t find something to read, write something” – the author.
“Oh! Honey, this is really good” – his wife.
MURPHY
Chicken Soup for the Soul
The seventh annual Chicken Soup for the Soul book signing will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at Living Water Christian Book Store, 3090 U.S. 64 W.
The event will include the new, popular book, Miracle and the Unexplainable, as well as The Magic of Cats and a lot of other Chicken Soup for the Soul titles, including reprints of the original 1993 best seller. For details, see the April 12 edition of the Cherokee Scout.
ANDREWS
Spring Fling set April 22
The annual Andrews Spring Fling will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 22.
Take a Nature Walk at 10 a.m. in Heritage Park. Eat at the Food Court and shop with more than 70 vendors. The KidZone has a bounce house, petting zoo, rock painting, games, sidewalk chalk and more.
Rocky the Hellbender returns to the event and will be located in the Andrews Public Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Doxie Derby (wiener dog races) starts at noon across from the library.
Betty Vaughn & Friends will be playing from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., while country singer Danny Dawson will be playing from 2-5 p.m. Dogs are welcome!
Stop at the Andrews Chamber of Commerce’s Info Tent and pick up a commemorative pin and sticker set, then take a photo for our Photo Booth Contest. For details, visit AndrewsSpringFling.com.
RALEIGH
Rural grant fund money
A third opportunity opened last week for local governments in North Carolina’s rural areas to once again apply for a Rural Transformation Grant. The popular grant program from the Department of Commerce helps communities overcome challenges that limit their economic competitiveness. Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division administers the $48 million grant fund.
Commerce will accept grant applications for local projects meeting the program’s criteria through May 3. A pool of about $8 million is available during this third round of grant-making. Last year, Commerce awarded 72 grants from the fund, benefiting rural communities across the state.
The Rural Transformation Grant Fund awards money in four categories. For details and an online application, visit commerce.nc.gov/transform.
RANGER
Hot Spot reopening
The Hot Spot convenience store, gas station and restaurant – at the intersection of U.S. 19/64/74/129 – will hold its grand reopening Wednesday, April 12, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for 8 a.m.
There will be drawings starting at 10 a.m. drawings for cash prizes; registration starts Monday. There will also be free swag bag giveaways; everyone is invited.
HANGING DOG
Easter with equestrians
High Lonesome Therapeutic Equestrian Center, 15712 Joe Brown Highway, will host an Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast from 9-11 a.m. Saturday.
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. The lively event features crafts, dancing and entertainment.
Organizers say 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 and Harshaw roads. For details, call 828-837-2775 or visit folkschool.org/calendar.
MURPHY
Honor essay contest wins
The Tri-County Democratic Women’s Club invites the public to join them in celebrating winners of the club’s Essay Contest. The event is being held at Penland Senior Center, 69 Alpine St. downtown, at 6 p.m. Monday, April 17.
Entrants, along with their family and friends, are invited to attend and join TCDW members in congratulating the winners. Light refreshments will be served.
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 buckbaldbrewing.com/brews/22paleale.
The Murphy Music & Brews festival will run from 4-10 p.m. Saturday, April 22, downtown, as the city will close Tennessee Street. In addition to food and beverages, there will be live music from national recording act 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.
For details and tickets, visit murphymusicandbrews.com. For details about Shepherd’s Men, visit shepherdsmen.com.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Public meetings
THIS WEEK
- Good Friday-Easter holiday will be celebrated Friday through Monday. Some local, state and federal government offices, as well as some businesses, will be closed.
- Cherokee County Board of Health meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Cherokee County Health Department, 228 Hilton St. in Murphy.
- Cherokee County Tourism Development Authority meets at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Murphy Visitors Center, 20 Tennessee St.
- Cherokee County Needs & Solutions Advisory Committee meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Cherokee County Indian Community Club, 300 Airport Road in Marble.
COMING SOON
- Cherokee County Veteran Forces meets at 10 a.m. Wednesday, | April 12, at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy.
- Cherokee County Board of Education meets at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at Central Office, 911 Andrews Road in Murphy. (Live-streamed on Scout’s Facebook page.)
- Andrews ABC Board meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 17, in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St.
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meets 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 Scout’s Facebook page.)
- Cherokee County Department of Social Services Board meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, in the DSS conference room, 4800 U.S. 64 W. in Ranger.
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners will hold a budget hearing for Cherokee County Schools at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 24, in the Commissioners Boardroom (342) at Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy.
Compiled by Publisher David Brown.