The Appalachia Daily for June 30, 2026, Tuesday

The Appalachia Daily for June 30, 2026, Tuesday

Date: June 30, 2026 Tri-County Community College Builds Homes and Skills Students in the Building Construction Technology program are constructing affordable homes in Andrews while learning trades that stay local. The college celebrated its largest graduating class and continues offering summer camps and fall classes that serve Cherokee, Clay, and Graham counties. MountainTrue Volunteers Protect the Murphy Riverwalk Volunteers partner with the Town of Murphy to remove invasive plants along the Riverwalk. The ongoing walking series meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. for health, fitness, and friendly conversation. Rotary Club of Lake Chatuge Serves Hayesville The 23rd annual Car-B-Que on the historic square featured classic cars, live music, and barbecue plates that raised scholarship funds for Hayesville High and Towns County seniors. FBC Blairsville Turns Trail Magic into Ministry Church members feed and minister to Appalachian Trail thru-hikers at crossings like Unicoi Gap. The Beacon Mission Team and class groups provide consistent practical and spiritual support during hiking season. EBCI Advances Housing and Cultural Work The Eastern Band received major HUD housing grant funding. New Cherokee Cultural Grounds are underway, and the return of the Nikwasi Mound strengthens historic ties in the region. Local Libraries and Extension Build Practical Skills Hayesville’s Moss Memorial Library and NC Cooperative Extension volunteers offer teen events, canning, gardening, native plants, and sewing classes that give neighbors usable skills close to home. Sources:2026-06 | https://www.tricountycc.edu/ 2026 | EdNC housing project coverage2026-02/06 | MountainTrue and Town of Murphy Riverwalk updates2026-06 | Rotary Club of Lake Chatuge Car-B-Que materials2026-05 | Christian Index FBC Blairsville ministry story2026 | HUD and EBCI announcements on housing and cultural grounds2026 | Moss Memorial Library and NC Cooperative Extension program listings Produced by River Run Digital Media and Entertainment https://media.riverun.digital, a division of RiverRun Digital https://go.riverrun.digital Take care of your neighbors, and they’ll take care of you. Notes, methods, and rights 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 June 29, 2026, Monday

Date: June 29, 2026 Cherokee County Gets $14 Million Tax Boost from AI Data Center At a recent commissioners meeting the county tax assessor and CFO delivered big news on the CoreWeave AI data center in Marble. The facility reported a 2026 depreciated value exceeding $2.25 billion. That single filing could generate roughly $14 million in direct business property tax revenue to Cherokee County for this year alone. The information arrived late, after the board had already approved a one-cent millage rate increase in early June. Once commissioners saw the full picture they voted unanimously to rescind the increase, with visible celebration in the room. Chairman Alan Bryant told local radio afterward, “It will change the world for us, unless they default on paying taxes or go bankrupt.” For scale, the combined cryptocurrency mining centers in the county are expected to pay a total of about $35,000. The county budget has not been formally adopted yet, and officials are weighing whether this level of revenue will continue. Sources:2026-06-23 | WJRB local radio newscast – https://www.facebook.com/WJRBRadio/posts/by-jeff-battenwjrb-951wjul-977-newscastapril-19-2026investigators-are-still-cons/1727965438265270/ [https://www.facebook.com/WJRBRadio/posts/by-jeff-battenwjrb-951wjul-977-newscastapril-19-2026investigators-are-still-cons/1727965438265270/] Meth Trafficking Arrests in Cherokee County Deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office worked with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Marietta Police Department in Georgia. They arrested Loretta Huskins of Andrews and Rose Cathey after a traffic stop where roughly half a pound of methamphetamine was seized from the vehicle. A follow-up search warrant at Huskins’ home recovered additional suspected methamphetamine, digital scales, and packing materials. The operation highlights ongoing efforts to keep dangerous drugs out of our communities. Sources:2026-06-25 | https://www.wyff4.com/article/deputies-arrest-two-women-meth-trafficking-bust/71733522 [https://www.wyff4.com/article/deputies-arrest-two-women-meth-trafficking-bust/71733522] New Dollar General Opens in Murphy A new Dollar General store has opened at 138 Ledford Street in Murphy. The grand opening event is set for this Saturday at 8 a.m., with $10 gift cards for the first 50 adult customers and tote bags for the first 100 shoppers. The location is expected to create 6 to 10 new jobs and improve access to affordable everyday goods while contributing to local tax revenue and economic activity. Sources:2026-06 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/dollar-general-opens-new-murphy-store [https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/dollar-general-opens-new-murphy-store] Panel Built Expands Operations in Blairsville Panel Built, Inc. announced major facility expansions in Blairsville. The company is adding a 73,000-square-foot addition to its main campus and a 6,400-square-foot expansion at another site. The growth supports increased production of modular buildings and enclosures for large-scale infrastructure and utility projects. It also strengthens ongoing partnerships, including work with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories on power infrastructure solutions. Sources:2026-05-13 | https://apnews.com/press-release/access-newswire/panel-built-inc-announces-facility-expansions-to-support-strategic-growth-and-key-utility-partnerships-bb4a3d7fa892f63522eb071099ba6321 [https://apnews.com/press-release/access-newswire/panel-built-inc-announces-facility-expansions-to-support-strategic-growth-and-key-utility-partnerships-bb4a3d7fa892f63522eb071099ba6321] Gateway Project Advances in Blue Ridge Work continues on the 34-acre Gateway project in Blue Ridge, Georgia, located across Blue Ridge Drive from Walmart. Infrastructure installation, including water and sewer lines, is underway. The development will be anchored by a new grocery store with additional retail planned. Construction is projected to employ around 500 people, with a goal of hiring locally. Officials expect a Spring 2027 opening and note the project will help retain local spending and tax revenue. Sources:2026-06 | https://www.thenewsobserver.com/local-news-newsletter/gateway-project-step-closer [https://www.thenewsobserver.com/local-news-newsletter/gateway-project-step-closer] Take care of your neighbors, and they’ll take care of you. Produced by River Run Digital Media and Entertainment https://media.riverun.digital [https://media.riverun.digital], a division of RiverRun Digital https://go.riverrun.digital [https://go.riverrun.digital] 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 26, 2026, Friday

Date: June 26, 2026 Clint Black Live in Hiawassee Tonight Country music star Clint Black performs tonight at Anderson Music Hall on the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hayesvul. The show begins at 7:00 PM and also features Bryce Leatherwood. It’s a major concert right here in our area. Sources:2026-06 | Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds / Anderson Music Hall event listings Quick Brown Fox at Blairsville Social Tonight Quick Brown Fox is performing live at Blairsville Social in Blairsvul this evening. It’s a convenient local option for residents looking for live music close to home. Sources:2026-06 | Local venue listings (Blairsville Social) Blair Crimmins and The Hookers on Saturday in Hayesville Blair Crimmins and The Hookers perform at the Peacock Performing Arts Center in Hayesvul on Saturday night. It’s another solid live music choice for the weekend. Sources:2026-06 | Peacock Performing Arts Center event listings Public Safety Update The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office continues active enforcement, including recent arrests on serious charges. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant. Weekend Travel Note Construction continues on sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Allow extra time if traveling that route this weekend. 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 25, 2026, Thursday

Multi-agency drug seizure in Cherokee CountySheriff’s office teams pulled in methamphetamine and fentanyl through a recent operation. These efforts help protect families and keep our communities safer. Local road work and detoursConstruction continues on key routes near Murphy and Hayesville. Drivers should check conditions and plan extra time. Murphy affordable housing project earns national awardRecognized for important work creating more housing options for local families. RiverRun Digital AI workshops this summerHands-on sessions help folks learn practical AI skills while staying grounded in trades and mountain life. Next one is July 9th in Blue Ridge at Copper Fox Coffee Loft. Sources:2026-06-23 | Sheriff Facebook release2026-06-25 | DriveNC.gov incidents2026-06-12 | Town of Murphy news page Where to listen: adu.riverrun.digital [https://adu.riverrun.digital]Produced by River Run Digital Media and Entertainment [https://media.riverrun.digital], a division of RiverRun Digital [https://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 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]