Today’s weather and fire check
A cold start gives way to a bright, cool day across Cherokee County and nearby communities. Temperatures climb into the upper forties by afternoon under mostly sunny skies, then drop below freezing overnight.
* Morning lows sit near or just below freezing around Murphy and the river valleys.
* Afternoon highs reach the upper forties with light winds and dry air.
* Clear skies tonight mean another freeze, with the coldest spots in the mid twenties.
* Leaf piles and brush are still dry enough that any outdoor burning should be kept small, attended, and entirely out before you head inside.
Sources:
* National Weather Service point-and-click forecast for Murphy, North Carolina – https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=35.1175874&lon=-84.1435136
* North Carolina State Climate Office Fire Weather page – https://climate.ncsu.edu/fire/
* North Carolina Daily Fire Danger map – https://products.climate.ncsu.edu/fwip/nc_danger/
News Date: December 3, 2025.
County emergency services and law enforcement upgrades
Cherokee County commissioners have approved new spending for emergency services and law enforcement, with local reporting describing “thousands of dollars” in upgrades grounded in recent board actions. The changes are intended to bolster equipment and capabilities for agencies that respond when residents dial 911.
* Upgrades focus on new equipment and operational improvements for emergency services and the sheriff’s office.
* The actions follow ongoing conversations about coverage gaps and response needs across a large rural county.
* These decisions directly affect how quickly help arrives and what tools first responders have when they get there.
Sources:
* Cherokee Scout – “County emergency services, law enforcement getting upgrades” – https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-opinion/county-emergency-services-law-enforcement-getting-upgrades
News Date: December 2, 2025.
County and humane society funding deal keeps Marble shelter operating
Cherokee County and the Valley River Humane Society have reached a new agreement to keep the Marble animal shelter operating beyond the end of December, avoiding a funding cliff that had worried animal advocates and pet owners.
* The previous funding arrangement between the county and the shelter was set to expire on December 31.
* The new deal extends support while clarifying expectations for services and reporting.
* Continued shelter operations help manage strays, owner surrenders, and public safety issues across the county.
Sources:
* Cherokee Scout – “County, humane society make a deal” – https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/county-humane-society-make-deal
News Date: December 2, 2025.
Ledford Street site in Murphy set to become a Dollar General
A Georgia-based developer plans to turn a Ledford Street property in Murphy into a new Dollar General, adding another national chain to the local retail mix and raising questions about traffic and neighborhood character.
* The project would place a discount store along Ledford Street within town limits.
* Residents and downtown merchants are watching potential impacts on traffic and nearby small businesses.
* The proposal reflects broader tension between chain expansion and the feel of a small mountain town.
Sources:
* Cherokee Scout – “Ledford Street site set to become a Dollar General” – https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/ledford-street-site-set-become-dollar-general
News Date: December 2, 2025.
Candidate filing opens and school board member seeks commission seat
Candidate filing has opened for key Cherokee County offices, and at least one sitting school board member has filed to run for a seat on the county commission, signaling early crossover between education issues and county governance.
* Filing for the next election cycle opened at midday on December 1.
* Initial filings include a current school board member pursuing a commission seat.
* The developing candidate list will shape debates over schools, taxes, and services heading into 2026.
Sources:
* Cherokee Scout – “Filing for elections starts now; one school board member seeking commission seat” – https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/filing-elections-starts-now-one-school-board-member-seeking-commission-seat
News Date: December 2, 2025.
Former Murphy Bulldog facing felony charges
A Texana man who once led the Murphy High School football team in rushing is now facing felony charges, according to recent crime and courts reports.
* The defendant’s high school football legacy has drawn additional community attention to the case.
* Coverage outlines the nature of the charges and the current status of the case in the court system.
* Reports emphasize that he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Sources:
* Cherokee Scout – “Ex-Murphy High football star Cox facing felony charges” – https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/ex-murphy-high-football-star-cox-facing-felony-charges
News Date: December 2, 2025.
Murphy Bulldogs advance to state football final four
Murphy High School’s football team has advanced to the state final four in the two-A West bracket, setting up another high-stakes home playoff game on Friday and energizing fans across Cherokee County.
* The latest playoff win capped a strong run that has already brought multiple home games.
* Friday’s matchup gives students, families, and alumni another chance to pack the stands.
* Local businesses often see extra foot traffic on game nights as fans eat and shop before kickoff.
Sources:
* Cherokee Scout – “Murphy football team advances to state’s final four” – https://www.cherokeescout.com/sports-newsletter/murphy-football-team-advance-states-final-four
News Date: December 2, 2025.
Blue Ridge holiday fun: Blue Ridge On Ice and the Holiday Express
Blue Ridge, Georgia, has shifted into holiday mode with Blue Ridge On Ice at the Farmers Market and the Holiday Express train offering short, festive rides on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.
* Blue Ridge On Ice operates from late November through early January on a covered outdoor rink with concessions and group options.
* Regional guides highlight the rink as an easy winter outing for families from nearby counties.
* The Holiday Express train adds a one-hour ride with Santa, music, and hot chocolate on select December dates.
Sources:
* Blue Ridge Mountains tourism listing – “Blue Ridge On Ice 2025” – https://www.blueridgemountains.com/events/blue-ridge-on-ice/
* Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals blog – “December Events 2025” – https://www.southerncomfortcabinrentals.com/blog/blue-ridge-mountains-january-events
* Explore Tennessee River Valley feature on Blue Ridge On Ice – https://www.facebook.com/exploretennesseerivervalley/posts/1201532178746647
News Date: November 30, 2025.
Blairsville holiday lights and Tour of Trees
In Blairsville, the Union County Community Center’s Tour of Trees and nearby Mountain Country Christmas in Lights give Western North Carolina and North Georgia families a close-to-home holiday lights option.
* Tour of Trees fills the community center with more than fifty decorated trees and wreaths created by local organizations.
* The display is free to visit and open throughout December during regular building hours.
* Mountain Country Christmas in Lights at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee adds outdoor displays, music, and kid-friendly activities through Christmas Eve.
Sources:
* VisitBlairsvilleGA events – “Tour of Trees 2025” – https://members.visitblairsvillega.com/events/details/tour-of-trees-2025-142215
* Blue Ridge Country – “Tour of Trees” event listing – https://blueridgecountry.com/events/tour-of-trees-2025/
* Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds – “2025 Mountain Country Christmas in Lights” – https://georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/pageserver/christmas-info
News Date: November 29, 2025.
Murphy Mountain Christmas weekend: Art Walk, tree lighting, and parade
Murphy Mountain Christmas weekend brings together an extended Art Walk, the town tree lighting, and the Murphy Christmas Parade, concentrating holiday fun and shop-local energy in downtown Murphy.
* Friday’s Murphy Art Walk features extended hours with artists, music, and activities across downtown.
* The town Christmas tree lighting follows on Friday evening, turning the heart of town into a community gathering spot.
* On Saturday night, the Murphy Christmas Parade steps off at six, traveling from Valley Village Shopping Center through downtown to the L and N Depot.
Sources:
* Town of Murphy – “Murphy Mountain Christmas” – https://www.townofmurphync.com/main-street-murphy/page/murphy-mountain-christmas
* Visit Cherokee County NC – “Murphy Mountain Christmas Festival” – https://www.visitccnc.com/events/murphy-mountain-christmas-festival/
* Visit Cherokee County NC Christmas events tag – https://www.visitccnc.com/events-tag/christmas/
News Date: November 27, 2025.
Supporter spotlight – Good Bookkeepers LLC, Cherokee Guns, Gerard’s Automotive Shop, Misty Mountain Coin Laundry and Wash and Fold
Today’s supporter spotlight recognizes local businesses that have recently connected with the Appalachia Daily Update on social media and around town.
* Good Bookkeepers LLC is a husband-and-wife bookkeeping team that provides meticulous books and timely financial insights so small-business owners can focus on serving their customers.
* Cherokee Guns is a locally owned shop with a loyal following across Cherokee County.
* Gerard’s Automotive Shop keeps local drivers on the road with repair work and regular maintenance.
* Misty Mountain Coin Laundry and Wash and Fold offers families and travelers a convenient one-stop option for laundry.
Sources:
* Good Bookkeepers LLC official site –
https://good-bookkeepers.com/
* Good Bookkeepers LLC Facebook page – https://m.facebook.com/good.bookkeepers/
* Cherokee Guns official site –
https://www.cherokeegunsnc.com/
* Cherokee Guns Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/p/Cherokee-Guns-NC-61565781965374/
* Gerard’s Automotive Shop official site –
https://www.gerardsautomotive.shop/
* Gerard’s Automotive Shop Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/gerardsautomotiveshop/
* Misty Mountain Coin Laundry and Wash-N-Fold Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/p/Misty-Mountain-Coin-Laundry-and-Wash-N-Fold-61575143553996/
* Misty Mountain Coin Laundry and Wash-N-Fold Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mistymountainlaundry/
News Date: December 3, 2025.
Where to listen and follow
You can listen to the Appalachia Daily Update on major podcast platforms and follow along on social media for daily show links, supporter spotlights, and late-breaking updates between episodes.
* Podcast platforms, including Spotify and other major apps.
* Facebook page for the Appalachia Daily Update with show posts, links, and community feedback.
Notes, methods, and rights
This update was assembled using a mix of human editorial judgment, public records, and reputable national and sector-specific 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 readers should always confirm time-sensitive items such as policy changes, budget figures, and timelines with official documents and briefings.
Rights for the Appalachia Daily Update are reserved by River Run Digital, which produces hyperlocal 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 or contact us at adu@riverrun.digital
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