Fire danger remains high across Cherokee, Clay, and Graham
Even as holiday lights turn on, the fire danger meter is still pointing toward High to Very High across the far western counties. Dry leaf litter, low humidity, and ongoing drought stress mean conditions remain ripe for wildfire, and residents are being asked to avoid outdoor burning until we get more meaningful rain.
* Regional fire danger tools show elevated risk levels for Cherokee, Clay, and Graham counties.
* Dry leaves and brush can carry fire quickly, even from small backyard burns or unattended fire pits.
* Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged; any smoke or fire without crews present should be reported so responders can react quickly.
Sources:
* https://products.climate.ncsu.edu/fire_danger/
* https://www.ncforestservice.gov
News as of: December 1, 2025.
Wintry weather possible on the highest ridges
A passing system is bringing the chance of wintry weather to the high country, with forecasters calling for freezing rain and light snow in parts of the North Carolina mountains Monday night into Tuesday. Most valleys around Murphy, Andrews, and Hayesville are expected to see mainly cold rain or little impact, but drivers using high-elevation routes should still keep an eye on conditions.
* Winter weather advisories and discussions focus on the higher ridges, where freezing rain and light snow are most likely.
* One to three inches of snow is possible on some of the highest peaks, while lower elevations are likely to see much less.
* Drivers using mountain passes overnight should be prepared for slick spots, fog, and changing conditions.
Sources:
* https://forecast.weather.gov
* https://www.weather.gov
News as of: December 1, 2025.
Holiday lights tour: Andrews, Hayesville, Murphy, Blairsville, Blue Ridge, and Hiawassee
From Andrews to Blue Ridge to the shores of Lake Chatuge, small towns across the region have flipped the switch on their Christmas lights, giving families plenty of options for a holiday evening drive. Downtown streets, courthouse squares, and fairgrounds are glowing with decorations, music, and special events that make it easy to build a “lights tour” weekend within an hour of Murphy.
* Andrews, Hayesville, and Murphy have lit up their downtown streets and courthouse squares with trees, garlands, and seasonal decorations.
* Blairsville and Blue Ridge are offering synchronized light shows, major tree lightings, and downtown holiday events that draw visitors from across the mountains.
* Mountain Country Christmas in Lights at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Highuhwahsee is running on select nights, transforming the grounds into a walk-through Christmas village.
Sources:
* https://andrewsnorthcarolina.com/christmas-on-main-2025-a-magical-holiday-festival-in-andrews-nc
* https://www.cccra-nc.org/historic-courthouse-beal-center
* https://lightupblueridge.net
* https://www.blueridgemountains.com/events/annual-events/light-up-blue-ridge/
* https://georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/localevents/christmas
News as of: December 1, 2025.
“Paws, Claus, and Family Smiles” at Tri-County Community College
Families in Clay County and beyond can combine a Christmas tradition with local giving at the “Paws, Claus, and Family Smiles” event at Tri County Community College. The photo day gives kids and pets a chance to meet Santa, while donations help support the college foundation’s work with students across the tri-county area.
* The event is scheduled this afternoon and evening at the Hayesville location of Tri County Community College.
* Kids and pets can meet Santa and get photos in an indoor, weather-safe setting.
* A suggested donation supports scholarships and student programs through the college foundation.
Sources:
* https://business.claychambernc.com/calendar/Details/paws-claus-and-family-smiles-1566108
News as of: December 1, 2025.
Murphy Christmas Parade set for Saturday, December 6
The annual Murphy Christmas Parade returns this Saturday, December sixth, bringing floats, trucks, tractors, and marching groups through downtown in what is typically the largest holiday gathering in Cherokee County. Families from across the region line the route from Valley Village Shopping Center to the L and N Depot to watch the lights, listen to music, and wave at Santa at the end.
* The parade steps off in the early evening and typically lasts a couple of hours.
* The route follows the main corridor from Valley Village Shopping Center into downtown and up to the depot.
* Registration remains open for community groups, schools, churches, and businesses that want to participate.
Sources:
* https://www.townofmurphync.com/main-street-murphy/page/2025-murphy-christmas-parade
News as of: December 1, 2025.
Clay County Christmas Care clothing and gift drive
In Clay County, the Christmas Care program is working quietly in the background to make sure more than three hundred children have new clothing and gifts under the tree. Residents can drop off new items or make financial contributions throughout December, with local volunteers organizing and distributing the donations ahead of Christmas.
* The program partners with local churches, schools, and community groups to identify children and families in need.
* Donations of new clothing, shoes, and winter outerwear are especially needed, along with monetary gifts to fill remaining gaps.
* A mix of local volunteers and partner organizations help manage logistics and distribution.
Sources:
* https://business.claychambernc.com/calendar
* https://hintoncenter.org/donate
News as of: December 1, 2025.
John C. Campbell Folk School Kids’ Christmas Party
Toward the end of the month, the John C Campbell Folk School in Brasstown will host a free Kids Christmas Party that feels like something out of a storybook. Santa arrives on a fire truck, and children can enjoy crafts, music, storytelling, and treats in a classic folk school setting.
* The party is scheduled for a Saturday afternoon in mid to late December at the Folk School campus.
* Activities typically include hands-on crafts, live music, and time with Santa in a relaxed, family friendly environment.
* Admission is free, making this an accessible holiday outing for families across Cherokee, Clay, and nearby counties.
Sources:
* https://allevents.in/brasstown/john-c-campbell-folk-school-kids-christmas-party/200027784043534
* https://www.folkschool.org
News as of: December 1, 2025.
Supporter spotlight: Good Bookkeepers LLC
Good Bookkeepers LLC is helping keep books balanced for small businesses and households across our region, including many listeners in the Murphy area. From everyday bookkeeping to year-end closeout and tax-ready records, having a dedicated bookkeeping partner can free up time for owners to serve customers and staff instead of wrestling with spreadsheets.
* The firm focuses on bookkeeping and related services for small and mid-sized clients.
* Good Bookkeepers is active in local community and business networks.
* Professional bookkeeping can help prevent costly mistakes and surprise bills at tax time.
Sources:
* https://www.facebook.com/goodbookkeepersllc
* https://www.goodbookkeepersllc.com
News as of: December 1, 2025.
Supporter spotlight: Wagner Worx Co-Working Bar in downtown Murphy
Wagner Worx Co Working Bar in downtown Murphy has become a go-to spot for remote workers, creatives, and small business owners who need a place to plug in and get things done. With its mix of working tables, private rooms, and a relaxed bar and coffeehouse vibe, the space is set to celebrate a Grand Opening with music and community partners.
* The co-working bar offers workspace, printing, and meeting areas alongside drinks and snacks.
* Its location in the Mill Building places it within easy walking distance of other downtown shops and restaurants.
* The Grand Opening celebration includes a ribbon cutting, live music, and community activities with local partners.
Sources:
* https://shopmurphync.com/wagner-worx
* https://www.facebook.com/p/Wagner-Worx-Co-Working-Bar-61576193198614
News as of: December 1, 2025.
Supporter spotlight: Big Head’s Grub and Buck Bald Brewing
Big Head’s Grub, a food truck known for its brisket smash burgers and barbecue fries, is partnering with Buck Bald Brewing in downtown Murphy for special events built around nachos, local beer, and community giving. It is another example of local businesses teaming up to keep people in town for food, fun, and charitable support during the holidays.
* Big Head’s Grub serves a rotating menu that often features brisket-based specials and hearty sides.
* Buck Bald Brewing continues to grow its Murphy taproom with a full list of house beers and regular food truck partners.
* Events that pair local food and drink with holiday donation drives help support programs like Shop With A Cop.
Sources:
* https://www.facebook.com/p/BigHeads-Grub-INC-61572944639879
* https://buckbaldbrewing.com
* https://www.facebook.com/buckbaldbrewingmurphy
News as of: December 1, 2025.
Where to listen and follow Appalachia Daily Update
You can get the Appalachia Daily Update in the format that works best for you.
* Substack for full write-ups, email delivery, and an easy archive of past newscasts.
* Apple Podcasts for listeners on iPhone and iPad.
* Amazon Music for those who like to ask Alexa to play the latest update.
* Spotify for people who stream news right alongside their music playlists.
Quick question for you. Which podcast platform do you use most often to listen to local news?
Notes, methods, and rights
This update was assembled using a mix of human editorial judgment, public records, and reputable local and regional news sources, with help from artificial intelligence tools to summarize and organize information. All information is drawn from publicly available sources listed above. Every effort is made to keep details accurate as of publication time, but listeners and readers should always confirm time-sensitive items like event dates, road conditions, and weather forecasts with official channels.
All original Appalachia Daily Update content, formatting, and presentation are copyright 2025 River Run Digital, all rights reserved. For more information about our work and other projects, visit
https://go.riverrun.digital
This Appalachia Daily Update was created with the help of AI tools working alongside a human editor.
All information is drawn from publicly available sources listed above.
Rights for the Appalachia Daily Update are reserved by River Run Digital, which produces hyper local news for small towns across Appalachia and beyond.
To learn more about River Run Digital and its local news projects, visit
https://go.riverrun.digital
