MURPHY
Intersection set to close
U.S. 19 Business – better known as Hiwassee Street – will be closed to all through traffic through the entrance of Murphy First Baptist Church starting at 7 a.m. Monday.
The N.C. Department of Transportation said in a release that the closing is necessary to excavate, grade and pave the new alignment. The DOT anticipates reopening that section of road no later than 8 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1.
Barricades and signs will be placed as reminders. The DOT said the primary detour route for motorists will be to use Peachtree Street.
MURPHY
Visit Third Thursday
Third Thursday will be held from 5-8 p.m. this week at the L&N Depot on Hiwassee Street downtown.
Local food trucks and beverages will be on hand, while Paddy’s Return will be playing live music. Tables and chairs will be set up inside the depot for eating and enjoying the event. Everyone is welcome.
Details: Call Downtown Development Director Laura Lachance, 828-837, 2510, Ext. 6.
MURPHY
Forsyth on power board
The Murphy Town Council reappointed longtime member Bill Forsyth Jr. to another six-year term on the Murphy Electric Power Board one July 10.
Forsyth’s reappointment came recommended by the board, according to Larry Kernea, CEO and general manager of Murphy Power.
MURPHY
Town breaks sales record
The Town of Murphy collected $778,112 in local sales taxes during the fiscal year ending June 30 – the most the town has ever collected, according to a report to the Murphy Town Council on July 10.
Also according to the report, the town collected $10,401 in ad valorem taxes in June, bringing the annual total to just under $1.07 million – with a collection rate of close to 95 percent.
Non-tax gross revenue from city services ending the fiscal year include just shy of $1.3 million for water and $690,313 for sewer, according to the report. Fun fact: Railroad Depot rentals produced $4,000 for the town last fiscal year.
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga.
Garden and home show
The ninth annual Summer Northeast Georgia & Western North Carolina Home & Garden Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday in the Towns County Recreation & Conference Center on Georgia 515.
See what’s new in home improvement products and services, along with furnishings, accessories, decorating and remodeling ideas. The Cherokee Scout is a co-sponsor of the event.
For details, visit expomanagementinc.com/north-east-georgia.
MURPHY
Library still being used
The Murphy Public Library checked out 3,991 books in June, including 152 audio books, according to a report presented to the Murphy Board of Commissioners on July 10.
Books were four times more popular checkouts than movie/TV series videos, which came in at 1,007 for the month. Videos were 500 times more popular than music CDs – the library checked out only two of those.
Other stats for the month: library computers were used 333 times, 122 people accessed wifi inside the library during the month and there were two calls to police.
MURPHY
City police busy in June
Murphy Police Department statistics offer a snapshot of summertime crime in the town.
According to the police department’s monthly report to the Murphy Town Council, there were nine felony arrests in June, along with 19 motor vehicle accidents, 28 alarms and 487 business and security checks. Police provided seven citizen assists and seven community policing school walkthroughs and 19 instances of community policing.
There were four DWI arrests, 171 extra patrols, 34 foot patrols and 13 special assignments. Police made 81 vehicle stops in June and 38 welfare checks. They responded to 71 reports of suspicious persons.
The department also announced the hiring of Cody Williams as its newest officer. Williams, who had been with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office., has nine years of experience in law enforcement.
CHEROKEE COUNTY
Realtors’ pet drive
The Mountain Lakes Board of Realtors is holding a Pet Drive to support local animals in need.
Participating offices will be collecting animal food, treats, toys, beds and cleaning supplies. Anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated.
The drive will began Monday and runs through Friday, Aug. 18. Items can be dropped off at:
- Adventure Realty in Murphy.
- Appalachian Land Co. in Ranger.
- BIG Realty in Murphy.
- Mountain Lakes Board of Realtors office in downtown Murphy.
- Old Town Brokers in Andrews.
- ReMax Mountain Properties, Poltrock office, in Murphy.
- ReMax Town & Country, Srabian office, in Murphy.
BRYSON CITY
Patrol has promotions
The N.C. Highway Patrol held a promotion ceremony last week at Hope Community Church to recognize the latest promotions of sworn and civilian members. This special celebration served to recognize all members who have been promoted since the last ceremony took place, which was in February 2022.
“Being a leader is not easy, nevertheless you have accepted this calling into public service and have demonstrated unwavering preparedness to lead others,” said Col. Freddy Johnson Jr., commander of the Highway Patrol. “Today we take time to recognize the contributions you have made to our mission of saving lives, and we look forward to the positive impact you will have as leaders of this organization.”
The trooper closest to Cherokee County receiving a promotion was Sgt. G.S. Hemby, a former first sergeant from Beaufort County who is moving to the Swain County station.
MURPHY
Bank joins with UCB
United Community Banks Inc. completed its merger with First Miami Bancorp Inc., effective July 1.
In this transaction, First Miami’s bank subsidiary, First National Bank of South Miami, was also merged into United’s bank subsidiary, United Community Bank. After conversion, FNBSM will operate under the United Community brand.
As of March 31, First National Bank of South Miami had total assets of $945 million, total loans of $605 million and total deposits of $823 million. In addition to traditional banking services, the company offers private banking, trust and wealth management services with about $320 million in assets under management.
“We are thrilled to welcome this group of talented bankers to our team,” said Lynn Harton, chairman and CEO of United.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Public meetings
THIS WEEK
- Cherokee County Board of Education meets at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Schools of Innovation & Technology in Peachtree. Live-streamed on the Cherokee Scout’s Facebook page.
COMING SOON
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7, at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy. Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.
- Cherokee County Planning Board meets Monday, Aug. 7, after the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting.
Compiled by Publisher David Brown.