Randy Foster/editor@cherokeescout.com Cherokee County Emergency Management coordinator Sam Davis (left) and Emergency Management Director Robin Caldwell show off the newly opened emergency command center at the new Emergency Management offices at 911 Andrews Road in Murphy. The building, formerly Cherokee County Schools Central Office, now houses emergency management, building code enforcement, fire inspections – all services that were previously located off of Hiwassee Street downtown. Upgrades to the buil

Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent Ric Edgemon taught an informative class on March 12 about plant propagation that included a visual presentation and hands-on opportunity. N.C. Cooperative Extension – Master Gardeners presented the class at 699 B Connahetta St. in Murphy, which included raffles with plant giveaways. The class brought out about 25 people. Attendees got their hands dirty during the planting hands-on portion of the class, and folks appeared to enjoy the activity. Details: Visit cherok

Sam Jokich/Staff Correspondent Murphy Farmers Market: It was beautiful day at the L&N Depot in Murphy on April 12, as artists and farmers kicked off the 2025 season. That afternoon, there was also a Spring Sidewalk Showcase downtown, with special items placed in front of the stores.

K9 crew: Meet the newest members of the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation – the professional, well-dressed and always happy to see you K9 division of Pita, Lola and Lobo. Lobo and Pita are explosives detection dogs, while Lola specializes in human remains detection. These additions will enhance SBI capabilities and enable officers to respond more quickly to partner agencies. The SBI has 16 K9s – including six human remains dogs, four bomb dogs, two drug dogs, two arson dogs, one electronics storage detecti

This is the front page of the April 22, 1971, edition of the Cherokee Scout, which was 54 years ago this week. The “Escape Artist” story and photo on the front page is still stunning to behold.

A panel discussion in at the Texana Community Center marked the second Bridging & Bonding event on April 15 in the Texana Community Center.  

Photos by Randy Foster/editor@cherokeescout.com Above: Kudzu and other vegetation burns along U.S. 19/74 just east of Topton early Friday morning. Below: The fire, reportedly started by debris pile blaze at a nearby construction site, quickly spread to nearby woods.