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The Murphy High School band rehearses its music before an upcoming performance. Pictured are (front row, from left) James Wynn, Ethan Ceberek, Tristan Nicholson, Olivia Ceberek, Addison England, Arianna Sowell and AJ Ceberek. Back row (from left) are Emily Robertson and Noah Warman.

The Murphy High School band rehearses its music before an upcoming performance. Pictured are (front row, from left) James Wynn, Ethan Ceberek, Tristan Nicholson, Olivia Ceberek, Addison England, Arianna Sowell and AJ Ceberek. Back row (from left) are Emily Robertson and Noah Warman.

Murphy’s marching Bulldogs

Cannon Crompton
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Body MURPHY – The Murphy High School marching and concert band is marching in the right direction under the leadership of band director Sarah Cooper.

Murphy woman drowns in Lake Chatuge

News Staff
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Body HIAWASSEE, Ga. – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating the death of Shelley Lynn Dietrich, 59, of Murphy, N.C., who was found in Lake Chatuge.
Braden Rumfelt with his duet partner and "American Idol" alum Clay Aiken (right).

Braden Rumfelt with his duet partner and "American Idol" alum Clay Aiken (right).

Rumfelt shines on Idol finale

Nicole Wright
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Body While Braden Rumfelt didn't make the top three finalists on Season 24 of ABC television's American Idol, the Murphy native did put in an appearance on  Monday night's three-hour seaso
Frank Mason (shown in an undated photo) was struck by a vehicle while he was riding his bicycle on Airport Road in August 2025. He died a few days later.

Frank Mason (shown in an undated photo) was struck by a vehicle while he was riding his bicycle on Airport Road in August 2025. He died a few days later.

Woman charged in bicyclist's 2025 death

Randy Foster
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Body Andrews – A local woman has been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle stemming from the death of a bicyclist on Airport Road between Western Carolina Regional Airport and the
Thom Richard of Warbird Adventures flashes a wide grin next to his Warhawk as crowds marvel at the plane at the April 18 Welcome Home event at Western Carolina Regional Airport. He said the plane is always his most popular attraction at shows. Richard operates a flight school in Ninety-Six, S.C.

Thom Richard of Warbird Adventures flashes a wide grin next to his Warhawk as crowds marvel at the plane at the April 18 Welcome Home event at Western Carolina Regional Airport. He said the plane is always his most popular attraction at shows. Richard operates a flight school in Ninety-Six, S.C.

Welcome Home celebrates veterans at Western Carolina Regional Airport in Cherokee County

Nicole Wright
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Body Andrews – The annual Welcome Home event for veterans was held April 18 at Western Carolina Regional Airport, with speakers including Staff Sgt.