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Locals and visitors like Ben and Becky McDonald of Hanging Dog and Sandy and Sam Graves of Robbinsville enjoyed the fireworks throughout downtown. Photo by Stacy Van Buskirk/Cherokee Scout

Locals and visitors like Ben and Becky McDonald of Hanging Dog and Sandy and Sam Graves of Robbinsville enjoyed the fireworks throughout downtown. Photo by Stacy Van Buskirk/Cherokee Scout

Murphy marks America’s 250th with patriotic celebration

Stacy Van Buskirk
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Body Murphy - The skies above Murphy came alive with color Saturday night as residents and visitors gathered to celebrate the nation’s 250th Independence Day with an evening of communit

Bill Hughes dead at 87

News Staff
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Body MURPHY – Lifelong educator and community leader William “Bill” Hughes, 87, of Murphy, died July 2, 2026.
Braden Rumfelt, shown with microphone in his left hand, performs during a concert in Murphy on Friday. Photo by Bill Belian/Contributing photographer 

Braden Rumfelt, shown with microphone in his left hand, performs during a concert in Murphy on Friday. Photo by Bill Belian/Contributing photographer 

Crowd greets Idol star Rumfelt at hometown concert

Sarah Foster
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Body MURPHY – American Idol Season 24 finalist and Murphy resident Braden Rumfelt treated his hometown to a free serenade Friday, June 12 at Konehete Veterans Park.
Cherokee County Sheriff Chris Wood, center, holds a news conference to announce a deputy-involved shooting in the Peachtree community on June 11. Flanking him are, from left, Narcotics Det. Parker Southard, Lt. Nathan Henderson, Lt. Drew Payne and Narcotics Agent Hunter Wood.

Cherokee County Sheriff Chris Wood, center, holds a news conference to announce a deputy-involved shooting in the Peachtree community on June 11. Flanking him are, from left, Narcotics Det. Parker Southard, Lt. Nathan Henderson, Lt. Drew Payne and Narcotics Agent Hunter Wood.

Deputy wounds woman after she points gun at him

Randy Foster
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Body EDITOR'S NOTE: This article has been edited since first published to correct a reporting error.
Laura Lachance, retired executive director of Murphy's Main Street Program, cuts the ribbon dedicating the new Downtown Square and Stage.

Laura Lachance, retired executive director of Murphy's Main Street Program, cuts the ribbon dedicating the new Downtown Square and Stage.

Downtown amenities dedicated

News Staff
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Body The Town of Murphy dedicated its new Town Square and Center Stage on Thursday, celebrating a new community space for gatherings, events, and entertainment while also serving as a tribute to local v
Murphy native and American Idol contestant Braden Rumfelt sings during season 24 of the show.

Murphy native and American Idol contestant Braden Rumfelt sings during season 24 of the show.

Rumfelt homecoming concert this week

Nicole Wright
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Body MURPHY – Murphy welcomes American Idol contestant Braden Rumfelt home for a free concert this on Thursday.The concert starts at 7 p.m. at Konahete Veterans Park in Murphy.