ANDREWS
Town gets $45K grant
Gov. Roy Cooper announced last week that 19 rural local governments across North Carolina – including Andrews – will receive funding to support key economic development projects.
A total of $855,000 will be awarded to the fourth cohort of the Rural Community Capacity Building Program, which is part of the N.C. Department of Commerce’s Rural Transformation Grant Fund, according to a release. The program helps rural communities strengthen their economic competitiveness by providing local government staff with vital educational resources and professional development opportunities.
This initiative also allows local governments to apply the knowledge they gain by developing and submitting funding proposals for specific projects that support local strategic priorities. Andrews and the other 18 selected jurisdictions will receive $45,000 grants to support local economic development.
Details: Visit commerce.nc.gov/transform.
FRANKLIN
Corbin will help rebuild following Helene
Gov.-elect Josh Stein has launched a Rebuilding Western North Carolina Advisory Committee, which will help advise his work to address communities affected by Hurricane Helene.
State Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-Franklin), who represents Cherokee and surrounding counties, is co-chair of the committee along with Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer.
“Rebuilding western North Carolina will be a top priority for my administration,” Stein, a Democrat, said in a release. “I am grateful that this group of experts will give their time to make sure I know what’s need to rebuild and recover the right way.”
The committee will have 25 members, including local politicians, business owners and former state leaders. They are closely connected to their communities and can provide counsel and strategic advice.
“I appreciate the opportunity to work for the much-needed recovery in western N.C.,” Corbin said. “Our region has been damaged more severely than ever before, and this calls for a robust response from federal, state and local private partners. This bipartisan effort is needed for maximum impact for our citizens and businesses. I thank Gov.-elect Stein for including me in this process.”
CHEROKEE COUNTY
Power bill assistance available
Cherokee County residents are eligible to apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, a federally funded program that provides a one-time payment to help eligible households pay heating bills.
Households including someone ages 60 or older, or with an individual receiving disability benefits and services through the N.C. Division of Aging & Adult Services, are eligible to sign up for assistance through Dec. 31. All other households may apply from Jan. 1 through March 31, 2025, or until all funds are exhausted.
Apply online at epass.nc.gov or in person at the Cherokee County Department of Social Services, 4800 U.S. 64 W. in Ranger.
Details: Call DSS at 828-837-7455.
UNAKA
Seniors get golden gala
The Unaka Community Center is rolling out the red carpet for its cherished seniors with the “Golden Years Gala,” an event celebrating the contributions of past and present members.
Set from 10 a.m. noon Wednesday, Dec. 18, at the center, 14945 Joe Brown Highway, the gathering will feature games, guest speakers and a complimentary lunch sponsored by Rose Tree Service, according to a release from Murphy Mayor Tim Radford.
The event is open to all and promises a morning filled with fun, camaraderie and recognition for the seniors who have helped shape the place they call home. Mark your calendar and join in this heartfelt celebration of heritage and community spirit.
CHEROKEE COUNTY
6,278 will get online
The N.C. Department of Information Technology’s Division of Broadband & Digital Equity has posted Completing Access to Broadband program scopes of work to expand high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved homes and businesses at about 93,674 eligible locations.
That includes 6,278 locations in Cherokee County, 1,614 locations in Clay County and 1,188 locations in Graham County, according to a release. The division previously awarded nearly $118 million to fund CAB projects in 44 counties, bringing high-speed internet to almost 47,000 homes and businesses.
The program creates a partnership among state government, county leaders and internet service providers to identify eligible project areas, develop the scope of work and fund broadband deployment projects with $400 million from the American Rescue Plan. Each county’s scope of work will be posted through Feb. 17, 2025.
Details: Visit ncbroadband.gov/active-cab-proposals.
CORRECTIONS
There was a reporting error in the article “How to properly fold U.S. flag” on page 10A in the Nov. 27 edition of the Cherokee Scout. The organization that provided the ceremony was American Legion George Lee Post 532 in Hayesville. The Scout regrets the error.
A month after restoring hours at the convenience center in Granny Squirrel, most Cherokee County commissioners declined to make further changes to other convenience sites in the county except one – members restored 24/7 service to the heavily used Caney Creek convenience site at 320 Old Murphy Road. The article “Trash site hours to stay same” on page 1A in the Nov. 20 edition of the Cherokee Scout contained incomplete information. The Scout regrets the omission.
CHEROKEE COUNTY
Public meetings
THIS WEEK
- Andrews Board of Aldermen will hold a work session at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St.
- Cherokee County Tourism Development Authority meets at 4 p.m. Monday in the Murphy Visitors Center, 20 Tennessee St.
- Cherokee County Board of Health meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Cherokee County Health Department, 228 Hilton St. in Murphy.
COMING SOON
- Andrews Board of Aldermen meets at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St. Live-streamed on the Town of Andrews’ Facebook page.
- Andrews Board of Aldermen will hold a public hearing at 6:10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, in the Facilities Building, 85 Fourth St., over whether to repeal a ban on carrying firearms on town property. Live-streamed on the Town of Andrews’ Facebook page.
- Cherokee County Veteran Forces meets at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy.
- Cherokee County Board of Education will hold a facilities workshop at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at Central Office, 2230 Airport Road in Marble. Live-streamed on the school district’s YouTube channel.
- Cherokee County Board of Education meets at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at Central Office, 2230 Airport Road in Marble. Live-streamed on the school district’s YouTube channel.
- Andrews ABC Board meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, in the ABC Store, 13934 U.S. 19.
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy. Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.
- Cherokee County Department of Social Services Board meets at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, in the DSS conference room, 4800 U.S. 64 W. in Ranger.