Cherokee County offices closed for Thanksgiving
Cherokee County government offices are closing Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday, with normal operations resuming on Monday. This affects most non-emergency services, so residents are encouraged to plan tax payments, permitting, and in-person business around the long weekend. Emergency services and 9 1 1 remain available as usual.
Sources:https://www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=1014https://www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov/Calendar.aspx
Harshaw Chapel restoration continues in downtown Murphy
Restoration work is moving ahead at historic Harshaw Chapel in downtown Murphy, where crews have been stabilizing the structure and making visible progress on long-awaited roof and steeple repairs. The project aims to protect one of Murphy’s oldest landmarks and eventually reopen it for public use and tours, keeping its role in the town’s story alive for future generations.
Sources:https://www.cherokeescout.com/local/work-harshaw-chapel-beginshttps://www.cherokeescout.com/local/quick-reads-187https://www.townofmurphync.com/community/page/downtown-murphy-history-tour
Hayesville’s mayoral election results move toward certification
Hayesville voters have chosen town council member Benita England as the next mayor, with unofficial results showing a solid margin over challenger Michael Castellano. Local boards of elections are meeting this week to complete canvasses and finalize results, a standard post-election step that confirms totals before they become official.
Sources:https://www.claycountyprogress.com/local-newsletter/england-elected-mayor-hayesvillehttps://er.ncsbe.gov/?contest=0&county_id=22&election_dt=11%2F04%2F2025&office=ALL
Cherokee County arrest report highlights recent bookings
The latest Cherokee County arrest report details recent bookings at the county detention center, including several ongoing cases with federal components. While many entries involve routine local charges, the mix of offenses offers a snapshot of current law enforcement activity in and around Murphy.
Sources:https://www.cherokeescout.com/local/cherokee-county-arrest-report-117https://www.cherokeescout.com/local
Region-wide curve safety project targets dangerous mountain roads
North Carolina D O T has approved a regional safety project to install new curve warning signs on a mix of U S, state, and secondary routes across Cherokee, Clay, Graham, and neighboring counties. The effort puts fresh attention on sharp mountain curves and rural stretches where visibility and speed can combine into serious crash risks, especially during wet or icy weather.
Sources:https://www.ncdot.gov/about-us/board-offices/boards/board-transportation/Documents/202511_ProjectList.pdfhttps://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/safety/TrafficSafetyResources/HSIP%20Projects.pdf
Nantahala National Forest prescribed burn near Hiwassee Dam
The Nantahala National Forest carried out a 74-acre prescribed burn near Hiwassee Dam Access Road and Prospect Road in the Murphy area, part of an ongoing effort to reduce fuel loads and lower the risk of severe wildfires. Visitors were asked to watch for warning signs and temporary closures as smoke and fire crews worked in the area under tightly controlled conditions.
Sources:https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/alerts/nantahala-national-forest-prescribed-fireshttps://wlos.com/news/local/prescribed-burn-set-for-nantahala-national-forest-united-states-forest-service-visitors-western-north-carolina-hiwassee-dam-prospect-road-weather-conditions
Holiday giving: Shop with a Cop & Operation Christmas Child
Holiday giving season is underway across the region. In Murphy, the long-running Shop with a Cop program is again pairing local kids with law enforcement officers for a special shopping trip, backed by fundraisers and donations. At the same time, Operation Christmas Child’s National Collection Week is inviting churches and community groups to pack shoebox gifts for children around the world.
Sources:https://www.townofmurphync.com/police/page/shop-cophttps://cherokeecountychamber.chambermaster.com/events/details/shop-with-a-cop-fundraiser-44433https://www.cherokeescout.com/local/buck-bald-shops-copshttps://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/fact-sheet-occ/
Holiday events and early look at Murphy basketball
Holiday calendars are filling up, from Andrews’ Christmas on Main festival and vendor market to Blue Ridge, Georgia’s Light Up Blue Ridge weekend with a parade and big tree lighting. On the sports side, Murphy High’s basketball teams are finalizing rosters and schedules, with early December matchups—including a December 5 game against Rosman—marking the transition from football season to winter hoops.
Sources:https://andrewsnorthcarolina.com/christmas-on-main-2025-a-magical-holiday-festival-in-andrews-nc/https://lightupblueridge.net/https://www.blueridgemountains.com/events/light-up-blue-ridge/https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/murphy/murphy-bulldogs/basketball/schedule/https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/murphy/murphy-bulldogs/basketball/roster/https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/murphy/murphy-bulldogs/basketball/girls/roster/
Disclaimer: The author used AI in collaboration to create this newscast.All sources are from publicly available sources.All rights reserved: Appalachia Daily.The Appalachia Daily is a production of RiverRun.Digital. https://riverrun.digital
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