Andrews balks at sewer deal for Marble AI supercomputer plant
Core Scientific’s Marble data facility is expanding into a supercomputer-scale artificial intelligence operation and needs reliable water and sewer service. The company is working with Marble Community Water System for water and has approached Andrews about providing wastewater treatment. Still, town leaders have raised concerns about capacity, long-term costs, and the level of risk a small-town utility should assume for a single massive industrial customer.
* Expansion would make the Marble plant part of a large-scale AI supercomputer cluster.
* Andrews officials are uneasy about tying their system to a single high-demand industrial user.
* The debate highlights how rural mountain towns handle the growth of data centers and AI infrastructure.
Sources:
* https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/local-plant-turns-ai-expand
* https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/core-scientific-marble-sold-coreweave
News as of. November 29, 2025.
Airport Road bicycle deaths between Marble and Andrews
Airport Road between Marble and Andrews has seen two fatal bicycle crashes in roughly three months, including the November death of forty-eight-year-old Marble resident Helen Runge, who was struck while riding along the road. The pattern has prompted local coverage about a mounting bicycle death toll on a narrow, heavily used connector with limited shoulders.
* Two cyclists were killed on Airport Road in a short span.
* Road design, speeds, and mixed car and bike traffic all play a role.
* Raises pressure for better awareness and potential safety improvements.
Sources:
* Cherokee Scout reporting on Airport Road bicycle fatalities.
News as of. November 29, 2025.
Clay County signs Helene debris removal agreement, including PPDR
Clay County has signed a memorandum of agreement with the State of North Carolina to clear storm debris left by Tropical Storm Helene. The deal covers debris along public roads, in waterways, and on private property through the Private Property Debris Removal program, with work funded through state and federal programs rather than directly through local tax dollars.
* Stream and roadside debris can be cleared under unified state guidance.
* Private Property Debris Removal helps eligible owners when debris poses a threat to health and safety.
* Residents are encouraged to review official Clay County and state program documents for eligibility and process.
Sources:
* https://www.themountainbuzz.com/post/clay-county-signs-moa-with-state-for-debris-removal
* https://ncdebriscleanup.com
News as of. November 29, 2025.
Shop Small Weekend and Downtown Dollars in Murphy
Downtown Murphy is hosting a Shop Small Weekend Downtown Dollars promotion across Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Shoppers who spend $50 at participating downtown Murphy retailers receive $10 in Downtown Dollars that can be used on future purchases through March 31, helping keep more holiday spending on Main Street.
* Promotion runs Friday and Saturday in downtown Murphy.
* Ten dollars in Downtown Dollars for every fifty dollars spent at participating businesses.
* Aims to support local retailers during the key holiday shopping season.
Sources:
* https://www.facebook.com/downtownmurphync/photos/shop-small-shop-localon-friday-november-28-saturday-november-29-come-shop-in-dow/1220121323498586
* https://www.facebook.com/downtownmurphync/posts/this-friday-and-saturday-in-downtown-murphy-ncshopsmall-shoplocal-downtownmurphy/1223200303190688
* https://www.townofmurphync.com/main-street-murphy/page/second-saturday-shop-sip
* https://www.townofmurphync.com/main-street-murphy/page/attractions-beyond-downtown-murphy
News as of. November 29, 2025.
Murphy Mountain Christmas and the December parade season
The holiday season is underway, with the Town of Murphy confirming its annual Christmas parade for Saturday, December 6 at six p m, running from Valley Village Shopping Center to the L and N Depot as part of the Murphy Mountain Christmas lineup. Nearby communities, including Hayesville and Blue Ridge, are also rolling out parades, tree lightings, and holiday markets over the next two weeks.
* Murphy Christmas Parade set for Saturday, December 6 at six p m.
* Events include a Christmas tree lighting and downtown activities.
* Regional towns are offering similar free and low-cost family holiday events.
Sources:
* https://www.townofmurphync.com/main-street-murphy/page/second-saturday-shop-sip
* https://www.townofmurphync.com/main-street-murphy/page/attractions-beyond-downtown-murphy
News as of. November 29, 2025.
Murphy and Robbinsville football playoff runs
Murphy’s Bulldogs extended their playoff push with a home win over Corvian Community, taking a forty-nine to forty shootout in the two A bracket on Friday night. Robbinsville’s Black Knights dominated South Davidson forty-one to seven to claim the one A West regional title and advance to the state championship game.
* Murphy moves to eleven and two on the season with a nine-game winning streak and now hosts Starmount at home in the two A West regional final on Friday, December five, at seven p m.
* Robbinsville heads back to a 1A state final after another strong playoff run.
* Friday night games continue to bring fans into local restaurants, gas stations, and shops before and after these big playoff games.
Sources:
* https://www.maxpreps.com/games/11-28-2025/football-25/corvian-community-vs-murphy.htm
* https://www.maxpreps.com/news/b1P9WGleQU-RPgxln3dsIg/football-recap-murphy-finds-playoff-glory-versus-corvian-community.htm
* https://prepredzone.com/game/murphy-vs-corvian-community-november-28-2025
* https://www.maxpreps.com/games/11-28-2025/football-25/robbinsville-vs-south-davidson.htm
* https://www.highschoolot.com/story/1-robbinsville-routs-2-south-davidson-claims-1a-west-regional-title-and-heads-to-state-final/22265942
News as of. November 29, 2025.
Supporter spotlight – Wagner Worx Co-Working Bar in downtown Murphy
Wagner Worx Co-Working Bar in downtown Murphy has been printing more flyers for the Appalachia Daily team, helping get local news into more hands across the mountains. On the latest visit, we ended up meeting several other Appalachia area business owners who were using the shared space, a reminder that Wagner Worx has quickly become a networking hub where people come to print, plan, and connect with fellow local entrepreneurs.
Sources:
* https://www.facebook.com/61576193198614
* https://shopmurphync.com/wagner-worx
News as of. November 29, 2025.
Supporter spotlight – Big Head’s Grub in Murphy
Today’s supporter spotlight shines on Big Head’s Grub in Murphy, one of the local businesses sharing the Appalachia Daily Update with their customers. This food truck is well known for its signature 100% brisket smash burgers and popular barbecue fries and will soon roll out an updated menu. Starting in December, Big Head’s Grub will be parked full-time at Buck Bald Brewery on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, giving locals and visitors a regular spot to grab a burger and a brew.
Sources:
* https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572944639879
News as of. November 28, 2025.
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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 assistance from artificial intelligence tools to help summarize and organize information.
All sources of information are from publicly available sources.
Every effort has been made to keep details accurate as of the time of publication. Still, listeners and readers should always confirm time-sensitive information, such as event dates, road conditions, and weather forecasts, with official sources.
All original content, formatting, and presentation are copyright 2025 River Run Digital, all rights reserved.
For more information about our work and other projects, visit
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