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Michelle Bradbeer/Staff Correspondent An aerial photo shows expansion work in progress at the Core Scientific generative AI plant in Marble on Feb. 17.

Michelle Bradbeer/Staff Correspondent An aerial photo shows expansion work in progress at the Core Scientific generative AI plant in Marble on Feb. 17.

County planning board to address AI, crypto concerns

Randy Foster
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Body Murphy – Cherokee County Commissioner Ben Adams will be convening the county’s dormant planning board to address industrial growth with potentially detrimental impacts on the count
Photos by Aiden McCoy Williams/Staff Correspondent Fun carnival games were set up for students to win prizes.

Photos by Aiden McCoy Williams/Staff Correspondent Fun carnival games were set up for students to win prizes.

Murphy Elementary PTO hosts Winter Carnival

News Staff
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Body Murphy – The Murphy Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization hosted a Winter Carnival for students and families Friday.
Waynesville ABC staff photo Waynesville ABC store manager Mark Strugnell (left) welcomes Mountain Projects Prevention Manager Libby Ray as she places a display rack for alcohol locks. Mountain Projects gave away more than 1,500 free locks for bottles, cabinets and refrigerators around western North Carolina in 2025. This prevention strategy is meant to reduce access to alcohol for those who are underage.

Waynesville ABC staff photo Waynesville ABC store manager Mark Strugnell (left) welcomes Mountain Projects Prevention Manager Libby Ray as she places a display rack for alcohol locks. Mountain Projects gave away more than 1,500 free locks for bottles, cabinets and refrigerators around western North Carolina in 2025. This prevention strategy is meant to reduce access to alcohol for those who are underage.

Free alcohol locks at ABC stores

News Staff
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Body Locking up beer, wine and other alcohol may not be something many people think about doing.
100 acres: While the Winding Stairs Alpha Fire was 50% contained as of Feb. 11, flames were still burning all too close to vehicles traveling on U.S. 64.

100 acres: While the Winding Stairs Alpha Fire was 50% contained as of Feb. 11, flames were still burning all too close to vehicles traveling on U.S. 64.

Law & Order

News Staff
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Body ANDREWSEx-alderman faces charges  

Cherokee County Arrest Report

News Staff
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Body The following people were booked through the Cherokee County Detention Center from Feb. 8-14, 2026, and federal law enforcement officers handled the cases.
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.

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.

Quick Reads

News Staff
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Body MURPHYUrgent care open Monday  
Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent Ernie Sherman and Melissa Wright tied the knot at Cherokee Guns in Murphy on Saturday for Valentine’s Day. Bridesmaid Beth Picklesimer held a free shotgun wedding gift.

Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent Ernie Sherman and Melissa Wright tied the knot at Cherokee Guns in Murphy on Saturday for Valentine’s Day. Bridesmaid Beth Picklesimer held a free shotgun wedding gift.

2 shotgun weddings – literally

News Staff
Tuesday, February 17, 2026