Cool, damp Sunday with showers across Cherokee County
Sunday is shaping up to be a cool, wet day across Cherokee County, with showers likely through the morning and early afternoon before conditions improve tonight. The National Weather Service forecast calls for temperatures to stay in the forties with rain tapering off as evening approaches.
* High temperature near 49°F with showers likely, especially during the morning and early afternoon hours.
* Rain chances are around 80% early, dropping to 40% by afternoon as the system moves through.
* Overnight low around 28°F under mostly cloudy skies.
* Monday looks partly sunny with a high near 54°F, though a 30% chance of showers returns Monday night.
* Wet leaves and damp pavement mean drivers should take it easy on curves and hills, though no major travel impacts are expected.
Sources:
* https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Murphy&state=NC
News as of: November 30, 2025.
Toys for Tots fundraiser this afternoon at FernCrest Winery in Andrews
Listeners who want to support Toys for Tots and enjoy a relaxed Sunday outing have a chance this afternoon in Andrews. FernCrest Winery Tasting Room on Main Street is hosting a Toys for Tots fundraiser with homemade soup and live music, giving residents a simple, local way to brighten the holidays for children in need.
* The Toys for Tots fundraiser runs today, Sunday, November 30, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at FernCrest Winery Tasting Room in Andrews.
* Attendees are invited to bring an unwrapped toy or make a monetary donation to support Toys for Tots.
* Homemade soups, bread, desserts, and other treats are available for donors.
* Local musician Bill Vespasian is scheduled to play, and his tips are being donated to Toys for Tots.
Sources:
* https://allevents.in/andrews/toys-for-tots-fund-raiser/200029118223021
* https://www.facebook.com/ferncrestwinery/
* https://www.facebook.com/bvespasianmusic/
News as of: November 30, 2025.
Holiday events coming up in Murphy and Hayesville
With Thanksgiving in the rear-view mirror, the next couple of weeks bring a full slate of holiday events across the far western counties, from art walks and tree lightings to small-town parades and shop-local promotions.
* In Murphy, the December Murphy Art Walk is set for Friday, December 5, 2025, with extended hours from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. throughout downtown, featuring music, sidewalk arts and crafts, and kid-friendly activities.
* That same evening, the 2025 Town of Murphy Christmas Tree Lighting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the downtown tree, in conjunction with the Art Walk.
* On Saturday, December 6, 2025, the 2025 Murphy Christmas Parade is planned for downtown Murphy, with a 6:00 p.m. step-off.
* On Saturday, December 13, 2025, Hayesville will host its 2025 Christmas Parade around the Historic Clay County Courthouse and Beal Center.
* The Clay County Chamber’s “Shop Small in Hayesville and Win a Gift Basket” promotion runs through December 13, giving shoppers entries into a holiday gift basket drawing when they support participating local businesses during that window.
Sources:
* https://www.townofmurphync.com/main-street-murphy/page/murphy-mountain-christmas
* https://www.townofmurphync.com/main-street-murphy/page/murphy-christmas-tree-lighting
* https://business.claychambernc.com/calendar
* https://allevents.in/hayesville/2025-christmas-parade/200029096506037
News as of: November 30, 2025.
Supporter Spotlight: Wagner Worx Co-Working Bar celebrates grand opening December 5
Wagner Worx Co-Working Bar is celebrating its grand opening on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Mill Building in downtown Murphy. This new business combines a co-working space with a bar, axe-throwing (”Ax Daddy”), and live music, creating a unique community gathering spot.
* Grand Opening: Friday, December 5, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
* Location: Mill Building, Downtown Murphy, NC
* Ribbon Cutting: 1:00 p.m., hosted by Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce
* Live Music: Holden Le Dinh performing from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
* Regular Hours: Monday-Friday 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
* Features: Co-working space, bar, axe-throwing
Wagner Worx is a supporter of the Appalachia Daily Update, and we appreciate their commitment to keeping local news flowing in Cherokee County. If you are downtown for the Art Walk that evening, stop by earlier in the day to check out this new addition to Murphy’s business community.
Sources:
https://www.facebook.com/p/Wagner-Worx-Co-Working-Bar-61576193198614/
* https://allevents.in/murphy/wagner-worx-ribbon-cutting-ceremony/200029236120909
* https://www.facebook.com/cherokeecountync/posts/1264556059046799/
News as of: November 30, 2025.
Local schools awarded STEM-E grant from Cherokee Preservation Foundation
Seven local school systems and four schools were recently awarded the “Bridging the Gap with STEM-E” grant from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation. This funding will increase accessibility to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) education across far-western North Carolina.
* The grant will provide elementary through high school students with mobile science unit field trips, exploration in entrepreneurship, STEAM study within their classrooms, and teacher STEAM professional development.
* Students and teachers from Cherokee County, Cherokee Central, Clay County, Graham County, Haywood County, Macon County, Swain County, New Kituwah Academy, Mountain Discovery Charter, Shining Rock Classical Academy, and Catamount School will be included.
* The grant partnership includes the schools, Western Region Education Service Alliance, and Mountain Satellite Office of the Science House of N.C. State.
* The goal is to provide teachers and students with tools for increasing STEAM literacy for a stronger future workforce.
Sources:
* https://www.cherokeescout.com/local/quick-reads-188
News as of: November 30, 2025.
TVA hosting open house in Clay County on December 4
The Tennessee Valley Authority is hosting a public open house on Wednesday, December 4, 2025, to discuss proposed transmission improvements in Clay County. The open house will provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about the project and ask questions directly to TVA representatives.
* The open house is scheduled for Wednesday, December 4, 2025.
* The event will focus on proposed transmission improvements in the Clay County area.
* Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the project.
* Details on the time and location were published in the Clay County Progress this week.
Sources:
News as of: November 30, 2025.
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Notes, methods, and rights
This Appalachia Daily Update was created with the help of AI tools working alongside a human editor.
All information is drawn from publicly available sources listed above.
Rights for the Appalachia Daily Update are reserved by River Run Digital, which produces hyperlocal news for small towns across Appalachia and beyond.
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