The Unaka community, like many rural areas in Cherokee County, has struggled with illegal dumping.

Leash law violation: Two dogs were off their leashes at Billy Joe Derreberry’s residence in this photo taken in September 2024.

Randy Foster/editor@cherokeescout.com Cherokee County resident Katherine Taaffe (left) presents a petition to Maria Hass, clerk to the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners, calling for the county to protect public lands from private development at the Feb. 16 board of commissioners meeting.

Melissa Barker began volunteering at the Murphy Public Library after moving to town in 2007.

Photos by Aiden McCoy Williams/Staff Correspondent Peyton Mixon (middle) was able to attend the Home Run Derby held Saturday to raise funds for her and her family.

Melissa Barker began volunteering at the Murphy Public Library after moving to town in 2007.

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Randy Foster/editor@cherokeescout.com A cement truck pulls another cement truck after it got stuck on soft ground near the intersection of Peachtree Street and U.S. 19/74 in Murphy on Friday.

Photos by Samuel Jokich/Staff Correspondent Winter wildlife: In between ice and snow storms over the last few weeks, these critters were spotted enjoying the relative warmth in western Cherokee County.