Thanks for Career Day
I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you who came out and participated in our Career Expo. Our students truly enjoyed the event, and I hope it was beneficial for you as well.
I cannot express enough how much I appreciate you sharing your time, expertise and “freebies” to help teach our students about the amazing opportunities awaiting them in their future careers.
Thank you again for your generosity and support.
Dana Anderson, Murphy
Where’s God in the world?
In a world of hurt and pain, we wonder why God allows so much suffering to fall upon us, and the answer is simple. Sin entered into this world because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience and the whole human race has been dealt the same hand. Some folks might say: How can a Holy God of love and grace do this to us and expect us to worship Him in spirit and truth? Even after God created everything in six days, God knew that mankind would disobey Him, because we all fall short of the glory of God.
God gave all free will to choose whether to serve Him or reject Him. God never forces Himself on anyone, so when suffering, heartache, disappointment, pain and sorrow come our way we can choose to deal with it on God’s terms or curse God, either way God allows it for a purpose that we might never know, but it’s always in the best interest of those who love God during our trying times. If we never had hard times, then we would never have to depend on God to see us through them.
Romans 8:28 says, “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” God uses all experiences, both positive and negative, for their ultimate good. God has a larger, benevolent plan, even during difficult times. Trust Him in all things, good and bad, and God will work it out to bring Him all praise and glory.
Frank Combs, Blairsville, Ga.
Officer and not a guard
In reference to the Nov. 12 edition on page 1A, you refer to Detention Officer Francisco Flattes, who died in the line of duty, as a “jail guard.” On page 10A, you use the proper title.
Your use of jail guard is an insult to all who wear the badge, to Flattes and his family, most of whom also serve as first responders or with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
Flattes was a good, honorable man, and an outstanding officer. The world was a better place with him in it. He deserves the utmost respect.
Brittany Leitner, Murphy
Insight from county’s jail
I’m writing in regard to the death of a friend who got hit by a vehicle. I don’t think it’s right for the person that hit her to be released on such a low bond. He veered off the road multiple feet and hit her. His bond was $1,500 unsecured.
We have people setting in here for multiple $1,000 bonds for a little bit of drugs and low threats. The guy had failure to maintain lane charge, ain’t that probable cause for manslaughter charges? I don’t think it’s right for the system to hold us due to our past reputations on such high-dollar bonds.
I just want this to be known to our community how Cherokee County’s system and chain of command treats individuals because of their past.
Jessy Cable, Murphy
Medicaid a moral issue
On Nov. 13, N.C. Senate President Phil Berger ignored calls by Gov. Josh Stein to call a special session of the General Assembly to fund a shortfall of $319 million for the Medicaid program in North Carolina.
The shortfall has occurred because the General Assembly has failed to pass a budget. The issue is not a fight between Democrats and Republicans. It is fight between both Republican majority chambers of the General Assembly, who cannot agree on revenue projections.
Because there is no budget, as of Nov. 1, all Medicaid programs were cut by 3-10%. This includes payments to primary care providers, hospitals, nursing homes and related service providers who provide PT and OT and speech therapy to school children and people suffering the aftermath of debilitating illnesses, such as strokes. Rural hospitals will be placed in further financial jeopardy.
According to a May 2025 report provided by the N.C. Association of County Commissioners, Medicaid provides coverage for 9,348 individuals in Cherokee County which represents 31% of the population. More than half of these recipients are children. And several citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities are provided with the services needed to ensure a meaningful and self-determined life.
One of those recipients is my son, David, who lives in his own cabin and serves as a custodian at the EMS base in Graham County. This is possible because of the N.C. Innovations Waiver program funded by Medicaid. He adds to the community because of the support provided by the program.
This is not a political issue. It is a moral issue, as we are called as Christians to take care of the least of these. Part of our responsibilities is to work to ensure we all have the opportunity to lead a meaningful and healthy life. It could mean the difference between life or death for you or someone you love.
Rebecca Garland, Andrews