Today’s update covers a fatal morning crash in Polk County, an ongoing search for a missing hiker in Union County, and a major $10 million settlement agreement in Cherokee County. We also look at SNAP benefit uncertainty, the failure of the FLOST tax in Union County, and a big playoff win for the Murphy Bulldogs.
Today’s Topics
Driver Killed in Early Morning Crash in Polk County, TN A driver was killed in a fatal crash early this morning on New Highway 68 in Polk County, Tennessee. Details are still emerging as the investigation is ongoing.
* Source: FetchYourNews (fetchyournews.com/polk-fatal-crash-hwy-68)
Search Continues for Missing Law Professor in Union County The multi-agency search is still active for 67-year-old Charles Hosch, an SMU law professor who went missing on November 11. He was last seen on the Byron Herbert Reece Trail near Blairsville, GA.
* Source: 11Alive News (11alive.com/union-co-search-hosch-update)
Cherokee County to Pay $10 Million Settlement in 2022 Shooting Cherokee County’s insurance provider has agreed to a $10 million settlement stemming from a 2022 incident. In that case, a resident was nearly killed by officers at his home.
* Source: The Assembly NC (theassemblync.com/cherokee-county-settlement-shooting)
Potential Partial SNAP Benefits for November Due to Funding Issues Low-income residents in Cherokee County and the surrounding region are facing uncertainty regarding their November SNAP benefits. Due to federal funding issues, officials warn that only partial benefits may be issued.
* Source: Cherokee Scout (cherokeescout.com/snap-funding-uncertainty)
FLOST Tax Proposal Fails in Union County, GA Voters in Union County rejected a proposed 1% FLOST (Fire and Life Safety) tax. This means the county’s sales tax rate will remain at 7% when the new term begins in 2026.
* Source: North Georgia News (northgeorgianews.com/union-flost-tax-fails)
Murphy Bulldogs Advance in Playoffs The Murphy High School varsity football team is advancing to the next round of the state playoffs. The team secured a decisive 57-14 victory over Albemarle on Friday, November 14.
* Source: MaxPreps (maxpreps.com/murphy-hs-football-playoffs)
Community Events Roundup Several local events are underway. The “Harvest Moon Festival” is happening today in Blairsville. In Murphy, the Big Art Show and Sale is ongoing, and the Tri-County Community College is preparing for an upcoming Blood Drive. Registration is also officially open for the annual Murphy Christmas Parade, scheduled for December 6th.
* Sources: Union County GA, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce (cherokeecountychamber.com/events), Town of Murphy
Community Good News We’re highlighting positive stories from the region: A new documentary is celebrating the long career and community impact of Murphy physician, Dr. Brian Mitchell. A Fannin County High School senior has been selected to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And at Ranger Elementary, the DARE program is engaging fifth-graders with special presentations.
* Sources: Cherokee Scout (cherokeescout.com/dr-mitchell-documentary-dare), The News Observer (thenewsobserver.com/fannin-student-macys-parade)
Disclaimer: The author used AI in collaboration to create this newscast. Source Attribution: All sources are from publicly available sources. All rights reserved: Appalachia Daily
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