The Appalachia Daily for May 25, 2026, Monday

The Appalachia Daily for June 23, 2026, Tuesday

Road Work Underway on US 19/129 in Cherokee County NCDOT crews are building a new alignment and installing storm water drainage at the intersection with Martins Creek Road and the south end of Lance Road. The area is closed to through traffic. Drivers should expect detours and add a few extra minutes to their trips. Slowing down and staying alert around work zones keeps everyone safe on our mountain roads. Cherokee County Commissioners Approve Modest Tax Increase for Employee Pay The Board of Commissioners voted to raise the county portion of the millage rate by one cent. On a home assessed at two hundred fifty thousand dollars, the change adds roughly twenty-five dollars a year. The additional revenue will support pay adjustments aimed at improving retention and reducing turnover in county government positions. Clay County Historical and Arts Council Prepares 45th Festival on the Square Volunteers and organizers with the Clay County Historical and Arts Council are finalizing plans for the annual Festival on the Square in Hayesville. The event runs July 10 through 12 and features dozens of artists, live music, food vendors, and community activities around the historic Beal Center Courthouse square. It stands as one of the region’s longest-running celebrations of local talent and neighborly connection. Fightingtown Creek Nature Park Project Advances in Fannin County Non-profits and volunteers are moving forward with development of the Fightingtown Creek Nature Park near Blue Ridge. The roughly one hundred ninety-acre site will include about ten miles of natural-surface hiking and biking trails, a disc golf course, picnic areas, and nature-based features designed with sixth through twelfth graders in mind. The project will provide a free outdoor recreation space for families in the greater Fannin County community. Cherokee Scout Newspaper Plans Practical Relocation to Stay Local The Cherokee Scout, which has served Cherokee and surrounding counties since 1889, announced plans to sell its longtime building and move to a smaller local office. The weekly print edition and online coverage will continue without interruption. The move is intended to improve efficiency while keeping the paper firmly rooted in the community it has covered for generations. Where to listenProduced by River Run Digital Media and Entertainment – https://media.riverrun.digital [https://media.riverrun.digital] 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 June 20, 2026, Saturday

Date: June 20, 2026 Flame Azalea Festival in Robbinsville The Annual Graham County Flame Azalea Festival runs today from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Robbinsville High School. This free event features self-guided hikes through the azalea maze on Hooper Bald, live music, arts and crafts, food, and Cherokee demonstrations. Sources:2026-06 | grahamcountytravel.com Woodsy Woman Weekend & Bear Hair Gap Trail in Blairsville In Blairsville, the Woodsy Woman Weekend continues with guided hikes on the Appalachian Trail. Nearby at Vogel State Park, the Bear Hair Gap Trail is a moderate four-mile loop through the forest with views of Lake Trahlyta. The Georgia State Fiddler’s Convention is also happening today at the Union County Schools Fine Arts Center. Sources:2026-06 | Georgia State Parks & local event listings Turtle Creek Falls Trail near Turtletown, Tennessee In the Turtletown area of Polk County, Tennessee, the Turtle Creek Falls trail is a moderate hike of about 3.5 to 4 miles round trip in the Cherokee National Forest. It features roughly 500–600 feet of elevation gain and leads to a scenic twin waterfall after following the creek and descending via switchbacks. Wildflowers are blooming along the trail this time of year. Fall Branch Falls Trail in the Blue Ridge Area In the Blue Ridge area, the Fall Branch Falls trail in the Aska Adventure Area is a shorter option of less than one mile round trip. It leads to a double waterfall surrounded by mountain laurel and rhododendron, making it a good choice for waterfall views without a long hike. Where to listenListen to the full newscast and subscribe at adu.riverrun.digitalProduced by River Run Digital Media https://media.riverrun.digital [https://media.riverrun.digital] Also at https://www.facebook.com/groups/riverrundigitalmedia [https://www.facebook.com/groups/riverrundigitalmedia] https://x.com/RRDigital_media [https://x.com/RRDigital_media] 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 June 19, 2026, Friday

Date: June 19, 2026 Shenandoah at Anderson Music Hall in Hiawassee (Hayesville / Blairsville area) Country music legends Shenandoah perform at Anderson Music Hall in Hiawassee on June 19, delivering classic hits like “Two Dozen Roses” and “Church on Cumberland Road” for a major weekend concert experience accessible to residents in the Hayesville and Blairsville areas. Sources:2026-06 | Bandsintown and local venue references Justin Farrington and Live Music at Misty Mountain Hops in Blue Ridge (Blue Ridge / McCaysville area) Misty Mountain Hops and other Blue Ridge venues feature live music on weekends, including performances by artist Justin Farrington on June 19, offering local and regional talent for great food, drinks, and sounds. Sources:2026-06 | Escape to Blue Ridge and local venue listings Summer Brooke Band at Concerts on the Creek in Sylva (Bryson City area) The Summer Brooke Band performs as part of the free Concerts on the Creek series in Sylva on June 19 from 7 to 9 p.m., bringing live music right to the heart of the community near Bryson City for a classic Soundcheck Friday experience. Sources:2026-06 | Concerts on the Creek / RomanticAsheville listings EBCI single item: Morgan Jay at Harrah’s CherokeeComedian and performer Morgan Jay brings his “The Goofy Guy Tour” to Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center on June 19, adding a fun weekend entertainment option in the EBCI community. Sources:2026-06 | Harrah’s Cherokee and ticket references Where to listenListen to the full newscast and subscribe at adu.riverrun.digitalProduced by River Run Digital Media https://media.riverrun.digital Also at https://www.facebook.com/groups/riverrundigitalmedia [https://www.facebook.com/groups/riverrundigitalmedia] | https://x.com/RRDigital_media [https://x.com/RRDigital_media] 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 June 18, 2026, Thursday

Date: June 18, 2026 Junaluska – Cherokee Hero and Local Legend (Murphy) Junaluska, a prominent 19th-century Cherokee leader and hero of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, has deep ties to the Murphy area. His story of bravery and leadership remains a powerful local legend connecting the community to its Cherokee heritage. Sources:2026-06 | Local historical and Cherokee references The Founding of Hayesville and Early Pioneer Legends (Hayesville) Hayesville’s origins as a county seat and its early pioneer stories, including tales of settlement and community building in the mountains, form enduring local legends that highlight resilience and heritage. Sources:2026-06 | Local historical and chamber references Local Mountain Legends and Pioneer Stories in the Blairsville Area (Blairsville) Blairsville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains are rich with pioneer legends, tales of early settlers, and mountain folklore that continue to shape community identity and pride. Sources:2026-06 | Local historical society and chamber references The Cherokee Sister Towns of Tomotla and Konohete near Andrews (Andrews area) Andrews was once home to significant Cherokee sister towns Tomotla and Konohete (“Long Place” or “Long Valley”). These sites and their stories represent important local legends of Indigenous history in the region. Sources:2026-06 | Local historical and Cherokee references Pioneer Legends and Notable Figures in the Blue Ridge Area (Blue Ridge / McCaysville area) The Blue Ridge and McCaysville area features rich pioneer legends, mountain folklore, and stories of notable early figures that define the cultural heritage and community spirit of the region. Sources:2026-06 | Local historical and chamber references River Run Digital Career Hub Special OfferThis summer, River Run Digital is focusing on practical, hands-on AI workshops right here in our region — helping neighbors build real skills to work smarter with AI while staying rooted in real-world work. Go to w w w dot riverrun dot digital to learn more. Share this newscast and receive 20% off the workshop cost. Just send a quick screen shot of your share via SMS to eight two eight, two three seven, two three give seven and we’ll send you the code for the discount. Where to listenListen to the full newscast and subscribe at adu.riverrun.digital [https://adu.riverrun.digital]Produced by River Run Digital Media https://media.riverrun.digital [https://media.riverrun.digital] Also at https://www.facebook.com/groups/riverrundigitalmedia [https://www.facebook.com/groups/riverrundigitalmedia] | https://x.com/RRDigital_media [https://x.com/RRDigital_media] 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 June 16, 2026, Tuesday

Community Spotlight Tuesday — highlighting the volunteers, non-profits, and community organizations that keep our mountain towns strong and connected. Date: June 16, 2026 Supporting Local Health Through Blood Donation Drives (Hayesville) Blood donation drives across the region give residents a simple but powerful way to support local health services. One upcoming drive is scheduled for June 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Clay County Community Services Building on Riverside Circle in Hayesville. These events let folks roll up their sleeves and make a real difference for neighbors who need it most. Sources:2026-06 | Local blood donation listings and community service references Union County Farmers Market and Ongoing Volunteer Projects (Blairsville) The Union County Farmers Market runs every Tuesday (in addition to the Saturday schedule), including today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 290 Farmers Market Way in Blairsville. It brings the community together with local produce, goods, and that neighborly spirit. At the same time, non-profits and volunteer groups continue organizing service projects that strengthen Union County year-round. Sources:2026-06 | Union County Farmers Market and local chamber references Community Events and Gatherings in the Blue Ridge Area (Blue Ridge / McCaysville area) Community groups and non-profits in the Blue Ridge and McCaysville area host a variety of events that enrich daily life. Today’s activities include bingo and poker night in Blue Ridge, along with live music and gatherings at local spots like The Flying Trout. These efforts bring residents together for shared causes and good fun. Sources:2026-06 | Local chamber and community event listings VFW and Community Organization Support in Andrews (Andrews) The VFW and other community organizations in Andrews continue their important work through regular events and fundraisers. These volunteer-driven gatherings support veterans, families, and local causes while keeping the community connected and strong in Cherokee County. Sources:2026-06 | VFW and local community organization referencesTake 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. Produced by River Run Digital Media and Entertainment – https://media.riverrun.digital River Run Digital Media and Entertainment is a division of RiverRun Digital www.riverrun.digital [http://www.riverrun.digital] 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]