* Unseasonable Warmth Today

* Highs will reach 70°F across Murphy, NC and North Georgia today.

* Residents are encouraged to enjoy the outdoor conditions before a return to overcast skies.

* Sources: 2026-02-16 | https://www.foxweather.com/local-weather/north-carolina/murphy

* Lake Hiwassee Protection Movement

* A grassroots petition with 4,000+ signatures was presented to Cherokee County Commissioners.

* The goal is to secure a permanent resolution protecting public lands from development.

* Sources: 2026-02-16 | https://mountaintrue.org/good-news-a-campaign-to-save-public-lands-in-cherokee-county-from-development-is-working/

* Union County Multi-Agency Safety Drill

* Union County Schools partnered with Fire, EMS, and 911 for a comprehensive safety exercise.

* The drill focused on inter-departmental coordination and emergency readiness.

* Sources: 2026-02-16 | https://www.unioncountyga.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=114

* 2026 Farmers Market Planning

* Returning vendor applications for the 2026 season open March 13th.

* Forms will be available at the Union County Cannery.

* Sources: 2026-02-16 | https://www.unioncountyga.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=113

* Gun Range Challenge Coins

* The Union County Gun Range has released official collectible challenge coins.

* Coins are available for purchase directly at the range.

* Sources: 2026-02-16 | https://www.unioncountyga.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=115

Appalachia Daily Update is a service of River Run Digital. We provide hyper-local news for Murphy, North Carolina, and the surrounding mountain communities. For more information or to support our work, visit https://podcasts.riverrun.digital/adu.