Cherokee County burn ban lifted, but safety rules remain
Cherokee County has lifted its local burn ban as of November twenty second, giving residents more flexibility to burn yard debris again. Officials are still urging caution, reminding people that only natural vegetation should be burned, fires should be kept small and attended, and residents should check for any permit requirements or local restrictions before lighting a match.
* Recent rain and improving conditions allowed county leaders to remove the ban.
* Fire officials still warn that wind and dry spots can cause small fires to spread quickly.
* Residents are encouraged to keep water or extinguishers nearby and to avoid burning on windy days.
Sources:https://www.cherokeescout.com/regional-news-newsletter/burn-ban-lifted-nov-22https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2025/03/20/burn-ban-issued-all-north-carolina-counties-due-hazardous-forest-fire-conditionshttps://abc45.com/news/local/increased-fire-danger-monday-wildfire-burn-ban-polk-buncombe-henderson-haywood-western-north-carolina-us-forest-service-emergency-services
Federal package sends $3 million to Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital
Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital in Murphy is slated to receive three million dollars for facility improvements as part of a recent federal spending agreement. For a small rural hospital that serves much of far-western North Carolina, this money can support critical upgrades to buildings and equipment and help sustain services that residents rely on every day.
* The same package includes funding for other rural hospitals in the region.
* Congressman Chuck Edwards highlighted Erlanger Western Carolina among his targeted community projects.
* The hospital remains the only facility of its kind west of Bryson City and Franklin.
Sources:https://newschannel9.com/news/local/federal-shutdown-bill-gives-millions-for-rural-hospital-improvements-in-pikeville-murphy-erlangerhttps://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-edwards-votes-reopen-government-secure-funding-disaster-reliefhttps://edwards.house.gov/media/press-releases/edwards-announces-wnc-targeted-funding-requests-fy25https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erlanger_Western_Carolina_Hospital
Murphy Police joins growing “police plus social worker” model
Murphy Police Department is part of a new wave of rural agencies partnering with Western Carolina University to embed social workers alongside officers. Instead of sending only police to calls tied to homelessness, addiction, or mental health crises, the Community Care program pairs officers with trained social workers who can connect people to services and follow up after the initial 9 1 1 call.
* The model began in Sylva and has expanded to eight departments across western North Carolina.
* Police leaders say social workers help reduce repeat calls and unnecessary arrests.
* The program aims to add tools for officers, not replace them.
Sources:https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/11/19/police-social-workers/
Thanksgiving week forecast: Nice now, rainy mid-week, crisp on the holiday
Sunday brings a mild, sunny day to both Murphy and Hayesville, with highs in the mid- to upper-sixties and cool nights. Monday looks dry and comfortable as well, making it a good day for early travel or outdoor chores. By Tuesday, clouds and periods of heavy rain move in, raising the risk of ponding on roads and slower drive times.
* Tuesday is the wettest and most travel-challenging day for much of the region.
* Wednesday keeps showers and clouds in the mix, especially around Hayesville.
* Thanksgiving Day itself trends cooler but mostly sunny, with classic late-fall conditions.
Sources:https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/murphy/28906/daily-weather-forecast/333640https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/hayesville/28904/daily-weather-forecast/333641
Hayesville Alumni Basketball Game brings the community together
An Alumni Basketball Game at Hayesville High School is bringing former Yellow Jackets back to the court for a night of nostalgia and school spirit. Organized with help from the student council, the event gives fans a chance to see familiar faces play again and helps support school activities in the process.
* Alumni return to the gym to play in front of current students, staff, and families.
* The game serves as a mini-reunion and a community night out.
* Proceeds typically help support student programs or local causes.
Sources:
https://www.claycountyprogress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/search/posts/?q=hayesville%20alumni%20basketballhttps://www.facebook.com/bealcenterhayesville
Clay County holiday markets and “Shop With a Hero” for local kids
Clay County’s holiday calendar is packed with events that blend shopping local with supporting children in need. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is running its Shop With a Hero program, accepting applications from families and donations from the community through November twenty sixth. At the same time, the Clay County Chamber is promoting a series of markets and events that encourage residents to keep their holiday spending close to home.
* Shop With a Hero pairs kids with law enforcement and first responders for holiday shopping.
* Black Friday and Small Business Saturday feature events like the Black Friday Market at the Lazy Llama and Shop Local at the Old Jail Museum.
* A Small Business Weekend “Explore More in Hayesville!” campaign includes an evening concert downtown.
* A breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus later in the month helps raise funds for Shop With a Hero.
Sources:https://business.claychambernc.com/calendar/Details/shop-with-a-hero-program-accepting-applications-donations-needed-1559023https://business.claychambernc.com/calendarhttps://www.facebook.com/claychambernc/posts/1243235117836469https://www.visitsmokies.org/events/black-friday-small-business-saturday-market-at-lazy-llama/
Clay County fall sports wrap: Volleyball shine and a tough playoff exit
Clay County Progress sports coverage highlights a strong fall across multiple teams, with local volleyball squads combining for a high number of match wins. Yellow Jackets volleyball stands out as a particular bright spot. On the football side, the Jackets made the postseason but saw their run end in a game where miscues proved costly.
* Volleyball teams delivered an impressive regular-season record.
* The football team earned a playoff spot, reflecting consistent work through the fall.
* Headlines emphasize both accomplishment and the heartbreak of a narrow postseason loss.
Sources:https://www.claycountyprogress.com/sportshttps://www.claycountyprogress.com/sports/miscues-end-playoff-runhttps://www.claycountyprogress.com/sports/yellow-jackets-volleyball-season-recap
Arts and gratitude: MAC, Valley River Arts Guild, and Thanksgiving reflections
Opinion writers in the Cherokee Scout are using the week before Thanksgiving to spotlight local arts and the power of gratitude. A guest column about the Mountain Arts Center and the Valley River Arts Guild celebrates a year of classes, exhibits, and youth programs on Murphy’s downtown square. Another column from the Woman to Woman series invites readers to make their own list of things they’re thankful for, turning a familiar seasonal idea into a local conversation.
* MAC and the Valley River Arts Guild are expanding arts access for children and adults.
* Downtown Murphy’s arts presence has grown over the past year.
* Thanksgiving-themed commentary encourages neighbors to share what they appreciate in this season.
Sources:https://www.cherokeescout.com/opinion/mac-together-we-color-our-future-brighthttps://www.cherokeescout.com/opinion/woman-woman-lets-make-list-what-were-thankfulhttps://www.cherokeescout.com/opinion
Disclaimer: The author used AI in collaboration to create this newscast.Source Attribution: All sources are from publicly available sources.All rights reserved: Appalachia DailySponsor: The Appalachia Daily is a production of RiverRun.Digital.
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