Chris Wood Selected to Complete Cherokee County Sheriff Term

The Cherokee County Republican Party executive committee voted Thursday night to recommend Chris Wood to finish the unexpired term of former Sheriff Dustin Smith.

This provides important continuity for public safety services across Cherokee County.

News as of: February 20, 2026.Sources:

* 2026-02-20 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-news/chris-wood-complete-former-sheriff-dustin-smiths-term-cherokee-county-sheriff

Fannin County High School Names 2026 STAR Student and Teacher

Madeline Schueneman has been named the 2026 STAR Student and Miranda Roof the STAR Teacher at Fannin County High School.

These annual awards recognize outstanding academic achievement and teaching excellence in our neighboring Georgia county.

News as of: February 17, 2026.Sources:

* 2026-02-17 | https://www.thenewsobserver.com/local-news-newsletter/schueneman-roof-named-fchs-stars

Scheduled Water Outage on Hiawassee Street in Hayesville

Clay County officials have scheduled a water service interruption for addresses on Hiawassee Street in Hayesville. The outage begins Monday afternoon.

Residents in the affected area should prepare accordingly.

News as of: February 19, 2026.Sources:

* 2026-02-19 | https://www.claycountyprogress.com/local/scheduled-water-outage

Soundcheck Friday – Original Music, Line Dancing & Local Songwriter Spotlight This Weekend

This weekend brings live original music to the area. The Songwriters Showcase 58 takes place Saturday evening at the Peacock Performing Arts Center in Hayesville.

We are also highlighting local songwriter Dee Wayne Anthony and his single Through the Fire, available now on Spotify. The track speaks directly to real mountain experiences, when the river runs dry, fields turn to dust, and hard times feel endless. Yet the song carries a clear message of faith, resilience, and rising stronger after every test.

News as of: February 2026 event calendars.Sources:

* Current | https://peacockperformingartscenter.thundertix.com/events/254223

* Current |

* Current | https://www.folkschool.org/calendar/

Where to listen

https://go.riverrun.digital/ADU-Podcasts

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. To learn more about River Run Digital and its local news projects, visit

https://go.riverrun.digital

Cherokee County GOP to Select Sheriff Replacement Tonight

The Cherokee County Republican Executive Committee meets tonight at six p.m. to recommend a candidate to fill the sheriff vacancy.

This appointment process is important for maintaining steady law enforcement leadership and public safety services for all residents of Cherokee County.

News as of: February 19, 2026

Fannin Middle School Safety Incident Resolved

A student who left Fannin Middle School campus was located quickly this week with no threat to others.

School staff and local first responders worked together effectively. This outcome highlights good coordination between schools and law enforcement in Fannin County, Georgia.

News as of: February 17, 2026

Local Legends: Remembering Bill Forsyth

Bill Forsyth, seventy nine, a longtime economic development leader in Cherokee County, has passed away.

For decades he worked to bring jobs and growth to the mountains. His efforts left a lasting positive impact on the local economy.

News as of: February 17, 2026

Local Wrestlers Advance to State Tournament

Weston Adams and Anthony Catuto from Murphy, along with Hayden Virtanen from Andrews, qualified for the state wrestling tournament.

Their success is a point of pride for local high school sports programs.

News as of: February 17, 2026

Shotgun Weddings at Cherokee Guns

Two couples held their wedding ceremonies at Cherokee Guns in Murphy on Valentine’s Day.

Each couple got to keep the shotgun used in their unique ceremony.

News as of: February 17, 2026

Supporter Spotlight: BigHead’s Grub and Wagner Worx

BigHead’s Grub offers some of the best brisket smash burgers in the tri-state area from their Murphy location. Wagner Worx Co-Working Bar provides flexible workspaces, collaboration areas, and beverages right in downtown Murphy.

These local spots add convenience and community to daily life in the area.

Sources:

* 2026-02-19 | https://www.facebook.com/WKRKRadio/posts/1520886666710280

* 2026-02-17 |

https://www.fannin.k12.ga.us/p/~board/superintendents-news/post/february-17-2026

* 2026-02-17 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/economic-developer-bill-forsyth-dies-79

* 2026-02-17 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/sports-newsletter/3-local-wrestlers-heading-state

* 2026-02-17 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/2-shotgun-weddings-literally

* 2026-02-19 | https://www.facebook.com/people/BigHeads-Grub-INC/61572944639879/

* 2026-02-19 |

https://www.facebook.com/p/Wagner-Worx-Co-Working-Bar-61576193198614/

Where to listen

https://go.riverrun.digital/ADU-Podcasts

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. To learn more about River Run Digital and its local news projects, visit

https://go.riverrun.digital

Leadership in TransitionChief deputies in Graham and Cherokee counties’re currently managing sheriff operations following recent leadership changes. Chief Deputy Travis Brooks in Graham and Chief Deputy Justin Jacobs in Cherokee’re being recognized for their steady leadership during this transitional period.

Sources:

* 2026-02-17 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/chief-deputy-charge-until-gop-appoints-new-sheriff

* 2026-02-17 | https://www.grahamstar.com/local-regional-newsletter/petition-removal-suspension-filed-against-graham-county-sheriff

Lake Hiwassee VictoryA community-led petition drive’s successfully halted plans to sell public land around Lake Hiwassee to private bidders. Cherokee County Commissioners reversed their decision after hearing from concerned neighbors.

Sources:

* 2026-02-17 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/campaign-save-public-lands-working

Civic Alert: Early VotingEarly voting for the March 3 primary continues through March 1. Turnout’s been light in the opening days, and residents’re encouraged to cast their ballots early.

Sources:

* 2026-02-17 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/early-voting-turnout-low-so-far

Polk County School Health ConcernsParents at Benton Elementary in Polk County’re demanding transparency following a health inspection score of 68. Concerns center on the aging infrastructure of the 100-year-old school building.

Sources:

* 2026-02-17 | https://newschannel9.com/news/local/parents-demand-transparency-as-benton-elementary-health-violations-raise-funding-questions

Blue Ridge Community Theater GalaThe theater’s 2nd annual gala’s set for this Saturday, February 21, at 6:00 PM. The event features a Hall of Fame induction and live entertainment to support the local arts.

Sources:

* 2026-02-15 | https://fannin.fetchyournews.com/2026/02/15/blue-ridge-community-theater-gala-hall-of-fame/

Appalachia Daily Update’s 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.

* 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.

We kick off the third week of February with a clear weather window and a focus on the local economy. From storefront grants in Murphy to high-stakes civic meetings in Blairsville, here is what you need to know for Monday, February 16, 2026.

* Mountain Weather Outlook A sunny start to the week with highs reaching 54°F today and 58°F on Tuesday.

* Sources:

* 2026-02-16 | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Murphy&state=NC

* New Business Monday: Murphy and Blairsville Murphy: Main Street Murphy highlights the PRONTO incentive grants, which continue to fund aesthetic and structural improvements for downtown businesses. Blairsville: The Union County Chamber is reporting record interest in upcoming networking events as local business membership grows.

* Sources:

* 2026-02-13 | https://www.townofmurphync.com/main-street-murphy

* 2026-02-15 | https://members.visitblairsvillega.com/events/calendar

* Civic Alert: Tonight’s Meetings Cherokee County: Commissioners meeting at 6:30 PM at 75 Peachtree Street, Murphy. Union County: Rescheduled Short-Term Rental Board meeting at 5:00 PM at the Blairsville Community Center.

* Sources:

* 2026-02-16 | https://www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=984&month=2&year=2026&day=16&calType=0

* 2026-02-16 | https://www.unioncountyga.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=893&month=2&year=2026&day=16&calType=0

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.

Good morning and happy Valentine’s Day to everyone across our corner of the mountains. If you are looking to get outdoors today, the Piney Knob Trails in Murphy are the perfect destination. The weather is holding up beautifully for a Saturday morning hike or mountain bike ride. With over thirteen miles of professionally built singletrack, there is plenty of room to explore and get some fresh air. It is a fantastic way to start the day before the rain arrives on Sunday.

For those who might have forgotten to make evening reservations, you are in luck. The Murphy Ballroom is hosting a Valentine’s Fundraiser today, open to the public. Their Day of Dance kicks off at three thirty this afternoon. You can drop by to enjoy the music, hit the dance floor, and support local arts without the pressure of a formal, sit-down dinner.

Over in Union County, the Blairsville Civic Center is hosting a special Valentine’s Edition of their Community Line Dance. The music starts at six thirty tonight. Instructors will be on hand to help beginners learn the steps. This makes it a fun, stress-free way to spend the evening with your neighbors, even if you have two left feet.

If your weekend plans involve a scenic drive, please be aware of a road closure in the Pisgah National Forest. Forest Service Road five thousand, also known as Wash Creek Road, is closed to through traffic. The closure stretches from the Wash Creek Horse Camp up to the Blue Ridge Parkway for safety and maintenance. You will need to plan an alternate route toward the Gap if you are heading east.

Finally, we highly recommend taking advantage of the weather today. We are looking at a high of sixty-one degrees with a pleasant mix of sun and clouds. Sunday will bring an eighty percent chance of heavy rain that is expected to linger into Monday. Make sure to get your outdoor chores and activities done today while the skies are clear.

This is a community-supported update. For more local news and daily broadcasts, visit our podcast home. https://podcasts.riverrun.digital/adu

Soundcheck Friday: 65 and Out We kick off the weekend with a powerful new release from local songwriter D. Wayne Anthony. His latest track, “65 and Out,” bridges the gap between the historical struggles of coal mining and the modern reality of digital layoffs. It is a gritty folk-rock anthem that captures the frustration of being “cast out to the pines” after a lifetime of work. You can listen to the track now on the Riverrun Digital music platform.

Weekend Gig Guide: Copper Basin & Murphy The local music scene is active starting tonight. In Copperhill, Rusted Melody brings their high-energy set to the Copper Basin Brewstillery. Across the line in Murphy, Cody King takes the stage at The Toasted Lion.

The music continues Saturday with Gabe Myers playing an acoustic set at the Brewstillery and Justin Farrington performing at The Toasted Lion. For those heading toward Asheville, the Bluegrass First Class festival is in full swing at the Crowne Plaza, featuring heavy hitters like Seth Mulder & Midnight Run.

Community Happenings: Second Saturday Downtown Murphy hosts its monthly “Second Saturday Shop & Sip” tomorrow, February 14th. From 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, residents can enjoy live buskers performing on street corners while visiting local shops. It is a great opportunity to grab a last-minute Valentine’s gift while supporting local businesses.

Weather Outlook Expect typical mountain weather for Friday with a high of 52 degrees and some mist. Saturday looks clearer with temperatures staying in the mid-50s, making it a solid day for walking around downtown.

Sources:

* Riverrun Digital

* 2026-02-12 | https://music.Riverrun.digital/65-and-Out

* Escape to Blue Ridge

* 2026-02-12 | https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/february-events-2026

* Blue Ridge Music NC

* 2026-02-12 | https://www.blueridgemusicnc.com/event/bluegrass-first-class/2026-02-13/

* Town of Murphy

* 2026-02-12 | https://www.townofmurphync.com/main-street-murphy/page/events

* Weather Channel

* 2026-02-12 | https://weather.com/weather/today/l/28906

Appalachia Daily Update (ADU) is your hyper-local source for news and events in the Murphy, NC area and beyond. Stay connected to your community by subscribing to our daily briefings and following us on social media. Take care of your neighbors, and they will take care of you. Listen to the full podcast at https://podcasts.riverrun.digital/adu.

Morning Safety: Black Ice Advisory Morning travelers in Murphy and surrounding areas should use caution on bridges and shaded roadways. Overnight lows of 31°F have likely caused freezing of standing water from yesterday’s heavy rains. Temperatures are expected to rebound to a high of 50°F with sunny skies today.

* Sources:

* 2026-02-11 | https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/13687874

* 2026-02-12 | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Murphy&state=NC

Hero Update: Six Credited in Windy Ridge Rescue New details from Fannin County identify six first responders—three deputies and three firefighters—involved in the heroic life-saving rescue of two residents during a recent house fire on Windy Ridge Road.

* Sources:

* 2026-02-03 | https://www.thenewsobserver.com/local-news-newsletter/fannin-firefighters-rescue-two-saturday-blaze

STAR Students Banquet Tonight The Union County Chamber of Commerce will honor top academic achievers tonight at the STAR Students Banquet. The event begins at 6:00 PM at the Union County Community Center in Blairsville.

Sources: 2026-02-12 | https://members.visitblairsvillega.com/events/details/an-evening-with-the-stars-2026-143215

Cherokee Schools Superintendent to Retire Cherokee County Schools Superintendent Keevin Woody has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2026. The Board of Education will begin the process of seeking a successor for the district’s top leadership role.

* Sources:

* 2026-02-11 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/local/quick-reads-197

Sit & Knit Group Meeting The Extension Community Association’s fiber arts group meets today from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Extension Meeting Room on Connahetta Street in Murphy. All skill levels are welcome.

* Sources:

* 2026-02-12 | https://cherokee.ces.ncsu.edu/event/1725911170/eca-sit-knit-group/

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