CHEROKEE COUNTY
2 events for Memorial Day
There will be Memorial Day ceremonies Monday in both Andrews and Murphy.
In Andrews, veterans are invited to remember the lost from noon-4 p.m. Monday at the Andrews Senior Center, 54 Park St. Hot dogs, chips, soda and dessert will be served at no cost to veterans.
In Murphy, the U.S. Marine Corps League, Cherokee Detachment 1011 in Marble, will host the annual Memorial Day ceremonies at 11 a.m. Monday in the veterans memorial park downtown.
“Come and join us to honor our fallen veterans, who gave their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy today,” said George Bendzen, commander of the local detachment.
ANDREWS
Vote for the best in town
The Andrews Chamber of Commerce’s annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, in the fellowship hall of Andrews United Methodist Church, 101 Chestnut St. downtown.
Before that can take place, it’s time to vote for the annual awards. The deadline is Friday, June 2, to make your voice heard online at visitAndrewsNC.com/annual-awards-vote. If you would prefer to vote by paper ballot or know someone who would, call Executive Director Nola Cooper at 828-321-3584 and ask to have one mailed to you. Email director@andrewschamber.com for details.
Nominees for Joe El Khouri Volunteer of the Year for 2022:
- Bill Anderson.
- Jeff Cooper.
- Michelle Morgan.
- Jan Olson.
Nominees for Business of the Year for 2022:
- Dragon Ass Smoked BBQ.
- Homespun Hobbies Bakery & Mercantile.
- Jumpers Party Rentals.
- Locust Trading Co.
Nominees for Beautification Project of the Year for 2022:
- Andrews Garden Club.
- Pamela Hopkins.
- Mark Marvin.
MURPHY
Edwards’ staff visiting
Staff members with U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) are bringing his mobile office, the Carolina Cruiser, to town from 8:30-10 a.m. Thursday.
The cruiser will be parked at the L&N Depot, 4 Railroad St. downtown. Staff will be ready to meet with constituents and assist with casework. For details, visit edwards.house.gov.
BRASSTOWN
Folk school raises money
John C. Campbell Folk School raised $53,558 through 147 donations in its Spring Appeal, surpassing the goal of $52,000.
“We sincerely appreciate your support, and can’t thank you enough,” according to a release. “Your contribution will help us make essential enhancements to our campus, and continue our mission of promoting lifelong learning through creative exploration and interpersonal connections.”
For details, visit folkschool.org/giving, which in the future will showcase what contributions have funded.
ANDREWS
Board OKs own pay hike
The Andrews Board of Aldermen approved across-the-board pay bumps for some and bonuses for others as part of the town’s 2023-24 spending plan.
The annual budget was approved at the May 6 meeting. No one spoke during the public hearing portion, and the board unanimously passed the budget with no discussion.
The plan keeps property taxes and fees the same. It increases pay for the mayor and aldermen by $200 per month, raising aldermen pay to $600 per month and pay for the mayor to $800 per month – a $12,000 annual increase in all.
Most full-time workers will get bonuses instead of raises, with bonuses drawn from $33,782 that the board approved. Other employees will get hourly pay raises ranging from $1-2 per hour, with funds drawn from a $27,980 increase.
The plan includes $35,000 to update and standardize computers and servers in every town department, which will enable them to communicate within the system.
The budget also includes $2.08 million from American Rescue Plan Act COVID-19 relief grants to repair or replace aging water and sewer lines throughout the town. Grant funding will also cover the $425,000 cost for the first phase of improvements to the town’s water treatment plant.
In a letter to the board, Town Administrator/Finance Officer Tammy Holloway and deputy finance officer/budget officer Ethan McCubbin said the budget “will responsibly address our operational and capital needs in the coming fiscal year. We feel this proposed budget is the best estimate during this time.”
RALEIGH
Facts about N.C. voter ID
Voters will be asked to show photo ID when voting in North Carolina starting with the 2023 municipal elections, which include Andrews, as a result of recent court rulings, according to the State Board of Elections.
While most voters will show their state driver’s license, many other types of photo ID will be accepted. See the list of acceptable IDs at ncsbe.gov/voter-id.
Voters without ID can get a “No Fee ID Card” from the N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles. The state board is developing a process for approving student and public employee IDs for voting. Lists will be added to the Voter ID website as soon as IDs are approved.
When a voter checks in to vote at a polling place, they will be asked to show an acceptable photo ID. Election workers check to see if the picture on the ID reasonably resembles the voter. The address on the photo ID does not have to match the voter registration records.
Voters who vote by mail will be asked to include a photocopy of an acceptable ID inside the photo ID envelope that comes with their ballot. Photo ID is not required for military or overseas voters, who vote using special absentee voting procedures that federal law makes available for such voters.
ANDREWS
Ferebee Park work to begin
The Valleytown Visionary Guild, a local nonprofit established recently to help improve the area, will start work on its inaugural project – improvements at Ferebee Park.
Work will begin once organizers check with state regulatory agencies to ensure the improvements meet safety standards. The target start date is June 5, with work expected to take three to four weeks, said Kathy Dillon, the nonprofit’s secretary, and Michelle Morgan, the group’s president.
MURPHY
Stick a fork & cork in it
Forks and Corks: Local Savor 2023 is happening Thursday, June 1, at The Hackney Warehouse downtown. Come out and taste local cuisine.
This event gives the community a chance to experience offerings from area restaurants, caterers, breweries, wineries and more. Tickets for the event at either 5 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. may be purchased online or at the chamber office, 805 U.S. 64 W., for $30 each; visit cherokeecountychamber.com for details.
The chamber is only offering 300 tickets this year, with attendance by reservation only. All ticket holders will be checked in and issued an event passport. Ticket holders with a complete passport at the close of their reservation will be given a complimentary beverage. And don’t forget to cast a ballot for your favorite vendor.
The Cherokee Scout is a co-sponsor of the event.
ANDREWS
Patrols for homeless
The Andrews Police Department is stepping up patrols around the Andrews Public Library on Main Street following reports of a growing problem with homeless people hanging out behind the building.
Staff at the library have reported feeling unsafe, with poor lighting behind the building and drug paraphernalia being found discarded on the grounds.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Public meetings
THIS WEEK
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners will hold a budget work session at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Commissioners Boardroom (342) at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in Murphy.
COMING SOON
- Murphy Town Council meets at 5 p.m. Monday, June 5, at Murphy Electric Power Board, 5 Wofford St. downtown. (Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.)
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 5, in the Commissioners Boardroom (342) at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in Murphy. (Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.)
- Andrews Board of Aldermen meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St. (Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.)
Compiled by Publisher David Brown.