The Appalachia Daily Podcast

The Appalachia Daily for May 26, 2026,

Cherokee County holds public hearing on FY 2026-27 budget tonight at 5:30 p.m.The county is inviting residents to the courthouse in Murphy this evening to share thoughts on next year’s spending plan. Your input helps shape funding for roads, safety, schools, and everyday services. Cherokee County Schools names Angel Owens new superintendentThe Board of Education selected Angel Owens, a Murphy High School graduate with nearly three decades of education experience, to lead the district starting July 1. She currently serves in Clay County Schools and is excited to return home. Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association celebrates 50th Spring Arts in the ParkThe nonprofit hosted its golden anniversary event in downtown Blue Ridge this past weekend. Juried artists, demonstrations, and community gatherings highlighted the best of our mountain arts scene. Clay County Communities Revitalization volunteers spruce up local buildingsVolunteers spent time cleaning and painting soffits and fascias, helping keep our towns neat and welcoming. Tri-County Community College celebrates record-breaking graduating classThe college recognized 321 graduates who earned a total of 429 credentials—the largest class in school history. Sources:2026-05-26 | https://www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov/2026-05-22 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/local/school-board-picks-new-superintendent [https://www.cherokeescout.com/local/school-board-picks-new-superintendent]2026-05-23/24 | Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association event coverage via local reports2026-05-21 | https://www.claycountyprogress.com/2026-05-19 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/ (TCCC graduation) Where to listenProduced by River Run Digital Media and Entertainment – https://www.facebook.com/groups/riverrundigitalmedia [https://www.facebook.com/groups/riverrundigitalmedia] or https://x.com/RRDigital_media [https://x.com/RRDigital_media]River Run Digital Media and Entertainment is a division of RiverRun Digital www.riverrun.digital [http://www.riverrun.digital] Take care of your neighbors, and they’ll take care of you. Notes, methods, and rightsAll information is drawn from publicly available sources listed above. Rights for the Appalachia Daily Update are reserved by River Run Digital Media and Entertainment, which produces hyperlocal news for small towns across Appalachia and beyond. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adu.riverrun.digital [https://adu.riverrun.digital?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Appalachia Daily for May 25, 2026, Monday

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office arrests break-in and arson suspects in Murphy Officers took two people into custody following recent break-ins and an arson attempt at King Ford. The swift response helps protect local businesses and residents. Oak & Stone NC celebrates grand opening in Murphy The new countertops and cabinets shop at 945 Connahetta Street held its grand opening this past weekend. The Cherokee County Chamber gave them a warm welcome. Juna’s General Store now open on Main Street in Andrews Fresh general-store convenience has arrived downtown—exactly the kind of small-business energy that keeps our mountain towns strong. Memorial Day observances today honor our veterans Communities across the region are remembering those who served. The VFW service in Hayesville starts at 11 a.m. at Veterans Park. Kid’s Fishing Day coming Saturday, May 30 Mark your calendar for this free family event in Cherokee County—perfect chance to get kids outdoors and hooked on our local lakes and streams. Sources:2026-05-22 | https://www.facebook.com/CherokeeCountySheriffNC/ [https://www.facebook.com/CherokeeCountySheriffNC/]2026-05-23 | Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce FB posts2026-05-23 | Local chamber announcements2026-05-25 | VFW and chamber event listings2026-05-25 | N.C. Cooperative Extension Cherokee County Produced by River Run Digital Media and Entertainment – https://www.facebook.com/groups/riverrundigitalmedia [https://www.facebook.com/groups/riverrundigitalmedia] or https://x.com/RRDigital_media [https://x.com/RRDigital_media]River Run Digital Media and Entertainment is a division of RiverRun Digital www.riverrun.digital [http://www.riverrun.digital]Take care of your neighbors, and they will take care of you. Facebook Post Key TopicsThe Appalachia Daily Update for May 25, 2026, Monday * 🚨 Sheriff’s Office arrests two in Murphy break-ins and arson at King Ford—quick work keeps us safe * 🛠️ Oak & Stone NC grand opening in Murphy—new countertops and cabinets shop now open * 🛒 Juna’s General Store now open on Main Street in Andrews—welcome to the neighborhood * 🇺🇸 Memorial Day observances today—VFW service 11 a.m. in Hayesville * 🎣 Kid’s Fishing Day this Saturday, May 30—free family fun in Cherokee County Full show drops now → Produced by River Run Digital → https://x.com/RRDigital_media [https://x.com/RRDigital_media]Email: adu@riverrun.digital [adu@riverrun.digital]Take care of your neighbors, and they will take care of you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adu.riverrun.digital [https://adu.riverrun.digital?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Appalachia Daily for May 22, 2026, Friday

Cherokee County offices closed Monday for Memorial Day County buildings shut down Monday so plan ahead and make the most of the long weekend honoring our veterans. Cherokee County Schools names new superintendent Angel Owens Angel Owens steps in from Clay County Schools to lead local education effective July first—great news for every student, teacher, and family across Cherokee County. Soundcheck Friday: Eli Young Band live Sunday at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino in Murphy Eli Young Band brings their Strange Hours Tour to Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel this Sunday night. A big weekend highlight for country fans right here at home. Free Pickin’ on the Square tomorrow in Franklin Low Tide Band performs at the gazebo Saturday at six p.m. Free live southern rock and country music, food trucks, and mountain atmosphere in downtown Franklin. Live music lineup this weekend in Blue Ridge, GA Tonight Justin Farrington and George Colavecchio take the stage at Misty Mountain Hops, followed by Savannah and Sam Saturday—plenty of local acts at venues and wineries just across the line in Fannin County. Sources:2026-05-22 | https://www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov/ (Memorial Day closure)2026-05-21 | https://www.facebook.com/CherokeeScoutnews/ [https://www.facebook.com/CherokeeScoutnews/] and cherokee.k12.nc.us (new superintendent)2026-05-22 | https://www.ticketmaster.com/eli-young-band-strange-hours-tour-murphy-north-carolina-05-24-2026/event/2D00647311CB996C [https://www.ticketmaster.com/eli-young-band-strange-hours-tour-murphy-north-carolina-05-24-2026/event/2D00647311CB996C] (Eli Young Band)2026-05-22 | https://www.facebook.com/FranklinNCEvents/ [https://www.facebook.com/FranklinNCEvents/] and Town of Franklin events page (Pickin’ on the Square)2026-05-22 | https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/may-events-2026 [https://www.escapetoblueridge.com/blog/may-events-2026] (Blue Ridge live music) Produced by River Run Digital Media and Entertainment – https://www.facebook.com/groups/riverrundigitalmedia [https://www.facebook.com/groups/riverrundigitalmedia] or https://x.com/RRDigital_media [https://x.com/RRDigital_media]River Run Digital Media and Entertainment is a division of RiverRun Digital www.riverrun.digital [http://www.riverrun.digital]Take care of your neighbors, and they’ll take care of you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adu.riverrun.digital [https://adu.riverrun.digital?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Appalachia Daily for May 21, 2026, Thursday

Cherokee County burn ban lifted After steady rain, the local burn ban is gone. Residents can now handle yard cleanup safely—always confirm with the sheriff’s office first. Library Board meets today in Andrews The Nantahala Regional Library Board holds its quarterly session at the Andrews Public Library this afternoon. Public input helps shape programs across Cherokee, Clay, Graham, and Macon counties. Braden Rumfelt brings American Idol home to Murphy tonight Murphy’s own American Idol contestant returns for a free concert with his full band at Konehete Veterans Park at 7:30 p.m. Bring chairs and celebrate local talent. Young Murphy legend Colson Goings shines in Junior Ranger program Seven-year-old Colson from Murphy is advancing in the National Junior Ranger competition while championing conservation and outdoor stewardship—proof that our next generation already loves these mountains. The railroad story behind the town of Andrews Col. Alexander Boyd Andrews established the commissary and tracks that grew a Cherokee settlement into the Andrews we know today. That history still connects every train whistle and Main Street view. Sources:2026-05-19 | https://www.facebook.com/CherokeeScoutnews/ [https://www.facebook.com/CherokeeScoutnews/] (burn ban)2026-05-21 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/ (library meeting)2026-05-14 / 2026-05-19 | Cherokee Scout & Visit Cherokee County FB (Braden Rumfelt concert)2026-05-19 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/ (Colson Goings)https://www.andrewsnc.org/our-history/ [https://www.andrewsnc.org/our-history/] (Andrews founding history) Produced by River Run Digital Media and Entertainment – https://www.facebook.com/groups/riverrundigitalmedia [https://www.facebook.com/groups/riverrundigitalmedia] or https://x.com/RRDigital_media [https://x.com/RRDigital_media] River Run Digital Media and Entertainment is a division of RiverRun Digital www.riverrun.digital [http://www.riverrun.digital] Take care of your neighbors, and they’ll take care of you. Notes, methods, and rightsThis 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 Media and Entertainment, which produces hyperlocal news for small towns across Appalachia and beyond. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adu.riverrun.digital [https://adu.riverrun.digital?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Appalachia Daily for May 20, 2026, Wednesday

Cherokee County Honors Fallen Hero Francisco Flattes On National Peace Officers Memorial Day, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office paid tribute to Detention Officer Francisco Flattes. His name is now permanently etched on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. Sheriff Chris Wood described the engraving as a permanent reminder of Francisco’s courage and the sacrifice he made for Cherokee County. Sources:2026-05-15 | https://www.odmp.org/officer/reflections/27435-detention-officer-francisco-paul-flattes/ [https://www.odmp.org/officer/reflections/27435-detention-officer-francisco-paul-flattes/]2026-05-15 | Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office official announcement Road Work Continues in Cherokee and Clay Counties Drivers should plan extra time this week. Martins Creek Road (SR-1556) southwest of Murphy remains closed in both directions for construction through mid-August. In Hayesville, expect ongoing lane closures and detours on US-64 Business and nearby county routes. Check DriveNC.gov before traveling. Sources:2026-05-19 | https://drivenc.gov/ Murphy Police Sergeant Adam May – A Hometown Hero in Blue A recent profile in the Cherokee Scout highlighted Sergeant Adam May’s journey. After years as a land surveyor in Georgia, May chose law enforcement to serve his community. He comes from a family with deep roots in military and police work and says he still finds purpose in the job despite the daily challenges. Sources:2026-05-05 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/day-life-adam-may-sergeant-murphy-police-department [https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/day-life-adam-may-sergeant-murphy-police-department] Graham County Heritage Festival Brings Veteran Celebration Mark July 3-4 on your calendar for the Graham County Heritage Festival in downtown Robbinsville. The two-day event features live music, crafts, food trucks, fireworks, and a special salute to veterans. It’s a wonderful chance for neighbors from Graham, Cherokee, and surrounding counties to gather and honor service. Sources:2026 | https://grahamcountytravel.com/event/graham-county-heritage-festival/ [https://grahamcountytravel.com/event/graham-county-heritage-festival/] Produced by River Run Digital Media and Entertainment – https://www.facebook.com/groups/riverrundigitalmedia [https://www.facebook.com/groups/riverrundigitalmedia] or https://x.com/RRDigital_media [https://x.com/RRDigital_media]River Run Digital Media and Entertainment is a division of RiverRun Digital www.riverrun.digital [http://www.riverrun.digital] Take care of your neighbors, and they’ll take care of you. Notes, methods, and rightsThis 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 Media and Entertainment, which produces hyperlocal news for small towns across Appalachia and beyond. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adu.riverrun.digital [https://adu.riverrun.digital?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]