The Appalachia Daily for June 23, 2026, Tuesday

The Appalachia Daily for July 13, 2026, Monday

Murphy Advances Wastewater Resiliency Project The Town of Murphy has an open RFQ for engineering on its $5 million-plus Wastewater Resiliency Improvements Project. Permanent backup generators will go in at nine lift stations that currently lack them. SCADA upgrades will let operators manage the system remotely during floods. Lift Station #1 gets elevated electricals and the force main to the plant will be replaced with stronger materials. Full grant funding means no hit to ratepayers. Design work starts soon after consultant selection. Sources:2026-07 | https://www.townofmurphync.com/public-works/bids-rfp/rfq-town-murphy-wastewater-resiliency-improvements-project [https://www.townofmurphync.com/public-works/bids-rfp/rfq-town-murphy-wastewater-resiliency-improvements-project]2026-04-17 | https://www.townofmurphync.com/public-works/page/town-murphy-awarded-over-5-million-wastewater-resiliency-improvements [https://www.townofmurphync.com/public-works/page/town-murphy-awarded-over-5-million-wastewater-resiliency-improvements] Renew NC Opens $55 Million in Infrastructure Grants Western North Carolina local governments can now apply for the first round of Renew NC Community Infrastructure grants. Fifty five million dollars is available for projects tied to Helene recovery. Awards range from $500,000 to $15 million. Priority goes to water and sewer, parks, roads and bridges. Eligible counties include Clay, Macon, Swain, Graham and others in our broader area. Applications close September 8. Sources:2026-07-06 | https://www.commerce.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/07/06/renew-nc-launches-community-infrastructure-program-western-north-carolina [https://www.commerce.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/07/06/renew-nc-launches-community-infrastructure-program-western-north-carolina] Moog Murphy Takes Home Manufacturing Excellence Award Moog’s Murphy facility earned the 2026 State Manufacturing Leadership Award of Excellence from the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership. The plant was recognized for continuous improvement, innovation, sustainability, workforce development and community impact. Production of data center liquid cooling pumps has grown from about 70 units a week to nearly 800, with plans to go higher. Roughly 305 people work there. Sources:2026-04-14 | https://ncmep.org/moog-inc-awarded-the-2026-manufacturing-excellence-leadership-award/ [https://ncmep.org/moog-inc-awarded-the-2026-manufacturing-excellence-leadership-award/] Valley River Apartments Named Development of the Year Murphy’s Valley River Apartments, a 56-unit affordable workforce housing community, received the Development of the Year award from the Community Affordable Housing Equity Corporation. The complex serves families at 40 to 60 percent of area median income with one-, two- and three-bedroom homes. Mayor Tim Radford accepted the honor in Raleigh. Sources:2026-06-12 | https://www.townofmurphync.com/home-page/page/murphys-affordable-housing-development-receives-national-award [https://www.townofmurphync.com/home-page/page/murphys-affordable-housing-development-receives-national-award] Cherokee Scout Plans Efficiency Move The Cherokee Scout is preparing to sell its 2008 building at 89 Sycamore Street in Murphy, including the former press plant, and relocate to a smaller local office. The current space is nearly three times larger than needed. Weekly publishing and day-to-day operations will continue without interruption. Sources:2026 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/scout-planning-relocate-office [https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/scout-planning-relocate-office] 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 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 July 11, 2026, Saturday

Date: July 11, 2026 Flood Watch Active Through Sunday Evening A Flood Watch remains in place for Cherokee and Clay counties until 8 p.m. Sunday. Flash flooding from heavy rain can hit creeks, streams, low-lying roads, and trails quickly. Monitor forecasts and avoid flooded roads. Sources:2026-07-10 | https://www.newsobserver.com/news/weather-news/article316444964.html [https://www.newsobserver.com/news/weather-news/article316444964.html] Fort Butler Park Transfer Approved in Murphy The Murphy Town Council unanimously approved conveying Fort Butler Park and Historic Site, about 0.8 acres, to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians at no cost. The site served as a detention point during the Trail of Tears. Mayor Tim Radford and Principal Chief Michell Hicks both spoke about honest history and stewardship. Legal transfer should finish in the coming weeks. The town maintains the park until then. Sources:2026-07-09 | https://www.heraldsun.com/news/state/article316439668.html [https://www.heraldsun.com/news/state/article316439668.html]2026-07-07 | https://www.local3news.com/local-news/town-of-murphy-nc-to-transfer-fort-butler-park-to-eastern-band-of-cherokee-indians/article_a4dcff7a-d7f9-47f5-89b3-3f6a3a57d5a4.html [https://www.local3news.com/local-news/town-of-murphy-nc-to-transfer-fort-butler-park-to-eastern-band-of-cherokee-indians/article_a4dcff7a-d7f9-47f5-89b3-3f6a3a57d5a4.html] 45th Festival on the Square Happening Now in Hayesville The free three-day Festival on the Square runs through Sunday in downtown Hayesville. Arts vendors, live music, food, and family fun fill the square. The street dance opened the weekend Friday night. Sources:2026-06-05 | https://www.themountainbuzz.com/post/cchac-s-45th-annual-festival-on-the-square-returns-to-hayesville-july-10-12 [https://www.themountainbuzz.com/post/cchac-s-45th-annual-festival-on-the-square-returns-to-hayesville-july-10-12] Byron Herbert Reece Trail Relocation Complete The new 1.4-mile sustainable route of the Byron Herbert Reece side trail is open. It connects the trailhead to the Appalachian Trail near Flatrock Gap. The project improves wilderness character and long-term trail health. Sources:2026-06-09 | https://appalachiantrail.org/news-stories/byron-herbert-reece-trail-reroute/ [https://appalachiantrail.org/news-stories/byron-herbert-reece-trail-reroute/] Nantahala Trails Strongly Recovered for Summer Hiking The vast majority of roads and trails in the Nantahala National Forest are reopened after Hurricane Helene recovery work. Most popular hiking areas are accessible again. Always check current conditions before heading out. Sources:2026-07-11 | https://www.hendersonvillelightning.com/news/15484-more-than-90-of-forest-service-roads-trails-have-reopened.html [https://www.hendersonvillelightning.com/news/15484-more-than-90-of-forest-service-roads-trails-have-reopened.html] 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 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 July 6, 2026, Monday

Date: July 6, 2026 Training Underway at New EcoKing Manufacturing Plant in Robbinsville Training has started at the former Stanley Furniture site in Robbinsville for EcoKing Solutions, the U.S. subsidiary of Zhejiang Kingsun Eco-pack. The company is investing $80.5 million to create its first North American facility producing biodegradable paper tableware such as trays, bowls, and platters. Initial plans call for 300 jobs growing toward 515 total, with average wages above $46,700. State and local incentives supported the project. Construction and retrofit work are advancing at the 588,000-square-foot plant that sat vacant since 2014. Sources:2025-07-22 | https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/07/22/governor-stein-announces-515-new-jobs-western-nc-manufacturer-selects-graham-county [https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/07/22/governor-stein-announces-515-new-jobs-western-nc-manufacturer-selects-graham-county]2026-07-02 | Cherokee Scout coverage Cherokee Scout Planning Office Relocation in Murphy The Cherokee Scout is planning to sell its 2008 building at 89 Sycamore Street in Murphy, including the former press plant, because the space is nearly three times larger than current needs. Publisher David Brown said the paper will move to a smaller, more efficient local office while maintaining full operations. Printing stays on Tuesdays, mailing on Wednesdays, and the e-edition continues without interruption. The move is about efficiency with no change in service to readers. Sources:2026-07 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/scout-planning-relocate-office [https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/scout-planning-relocate-office] Andrews Discusses Reviving Water Interconnect with Murphy The Andrews Board of Aldermen is reviewing options to reactivate the 10-mile drinking water interconnection with Murphy. The line was installed in 1999 with a multimillion-dollar grant. Recent outages and advisories in Andrews have renewed interest. Murphy Mayor Tim Radford confirmed openness to sharing water and noted regular flushing on the Murphy side. The Andrews end requires a 72-hour flush process before drinking water use. This step aims to improve reliability for both communities. Sources:2026-07 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/andrews-seeking-water-murphy [https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/andrews-seeking-water-murphy] Hayesville Intermediate School Construction on Schedule Work on the new Hayesville Intermediate School continues on schedule. Recent progress includes the base for tiered seating, a catwalk prepared for paint, and ongoing work around the stage area. Superintendent Melissa Godfrey held a construction meeting this week to keep momentum. The project represents a significant investment in local education facilities for Clay County students and families. Sources:2026-07-02 | https://www.claycountyprogress.com/ Festival on the Square Preparations in Hayesville Downtown Hayesville is gearing up for the 45th annual Festival on the Square, set for July 10-12. The long-running event features free entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, and food options that draw visitors from across the Southeast. Bands are booked and local businesses are preparing. It remains one of Clay County’s signature weekends for community gathering and supporting downtown shops. Sources:2026-07-02 | https://www.claycountyprogress.com/ 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 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 July 3, 2026, Friday

Date: July 3, 2026 Murphy’s First-Ever Drone Show Tonight Cherokee County is marking America’s 250th birthday and Murphy’s 175th with its first-ever drone show at Konehete Veterans Park. The free event starts at dark and honors our heritage, freedom, veterans, and first responders. Best viewing on baseball fields 1-4. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Graham County Heritage Festival Opens in Robbinsville The Graham County 2026 Heritage Festival begins today with vendors, crafts, games, music, kids activities, a veterans celebration, contests, and fireworks at 10 p.m. at Robbinsville High School. It continues tomorrow in a classic small-town celebration of mountain heritage and America 250. Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians 4th of July Powwow Begins Grand entry starts at 7 p.m. today at the Old Acquoni Expo Center in Cherokee. The event features traditional dancing in full regalia, drumming, storytelling, craft demonstrations, and authentic food. It runs through Sunday as a vibrant celebration of Cherokee culture. Holiday Weekend Safety Reminders With big crowds out for the long weekend, take a little extra time for traffic, park safely, stay hydrated, and watch the kids. Public safety teams are working across the area to keep everyone safe at these community events. More Special Events Today The Murphy Art Walk runs downtown from 5 to 8 p.m. The Andrews Farmers Market is open noon to 4 p.m. Over in the McCaysville and Copper Basin area, Independence Day celebrations and fireworks are happening tonight. Tomorrow’s Big July 4 Celebrations Murphy hosts the America 250 Heritage Festival downtown with live performances and downtown fireworks. Andrews has a full day at the rec park. Hayesville has the Freedom 250 Festival and parade. Blairsville has events at Meeks Park and the fairgrounds. Plenty of options close to home. 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 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. Sources:2026-07-03 | https://www.townofmurphync.com/community/page/america-250-drone-show [https://www.townofmurphync.com/community/page/america-250-drone-show]2026-07-03 | https://grahamcountytravel.com/event/graham-county-heritage-festival/ [https://grahamcountytravel.com/event/graham-county-heritage-festival/]2026-07-03 | https://visitcherokeenc.com/event/2026-4th-of-july-powwow/ [https://visitcherokeenc.com/event/2026-4th-of-july-powwow/]2026-07-03 | Local sheriff and town updates2026-07-03 | Local town and chamber event listings2026-07-03 | https://wlos.com/news/local/list-celebrate-americas-250th-birthday-local-july-4-events-asheville-buncombe-cherokee-county-montreat-black-mountain-weaverville-independence-day-fireworks-celebration [https://wlos.com/news/local/list-celebrate-americas-250th-birthday-local-july-4-events-asheville-buncombe-cherokee-county-montreat-black-mountain-weaverville-independence-day-fireworks-celebration] 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 July 2, 2026, Thursday

Date: July 2, 2026 Local Legend: The Railroad That Built Andrews The Richmond and Danville Railroad reached Andrews in spring 1890 and transformed a quiet valley into the community hub it remains. That history still shapes decisions about growth and preservation today. Sources:2026-07-02 | https://www.andrewsnc.org/our-history/ [https://www.andrewsnc.org/our-history/] Clay County Historical Society Pioneer Book Submissions The society is gathering stories and photos for the 2026 Pioneer Book. It is a hands-on way to preserve the family histories and pioneer grit that define Clay County as we mark the nation’s 250th. Sources:2026-07-02 | Clay County Historical Society and chamber references Cherokee County Historical Museum Housed in the old Carnegie Library building in downtown Murphy, the museum holds Cherokee artifacts, pioneer tools, and the everyday stories of mountain life. It is an open invitation to connect with the legends that built us. Sources:2026-07-02 | Local museum and tourism listings Local Legend: Cherokee Ties to the American Revolution Perspectives on how Cherokee people engaged with the events of 1776 highlight resilience and contributions to our shared regional story. These threads run through the heritage events we enjoy during the 250th celebrations. Sources:2026-07-02 | https://theonefeather.com/ and Museum of the Cherokee People references America 250 Heritage Festival and Festivities in Murphy and Andrews Tonight, July 2, in Murphy at Konehete Veterans Park there is a free kids movie night. Bounce houses open at 5:00 p.m. and Disney’s Zootopia 2 starts around 9:15 p.m. It is the easy family kickoff to the weekend. Saturday, July 4, the Cherokee County America 250 Heritage Festival fills downtown Murphy from 4:00 p.m. until dark. Expect live Cherokee cultural song and dance, veteran recognition, Appalachian music performances, family activities, food vendors, and special deals from local restaurants and shops. Fireworks launch right from downtown Murphy at dark. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. The town square will be pedestrian-only for the best views. Over in Andrews the traditional Fourth of July celebration runs at the Recreation Park. Opening ceremony at 11:00 a.m., food trucks, free games and activities all day, and fireworks around 8:30 p.m. These gatherings turn our legends into living celebrations. Sources:2026-07-02 | https://www.townofmurphync.com/community/page/cherokee-countys-america-250-heritage-festival [https://www.townofmurphync.com/community/page/cherokee-countys-america-250-heritage-festival]2026-07-02 | https://wlos.com/news/local/list-celebrate-americas-250th-birthday-local-july-4-events-asheville-buncombe-cherokee-county-montreat-black-mountain-weaverville-independence-day-fireworks-celebration [https://wlos.com/news/local/list-celebrate-americas-250th-birthday-local-july-4-events-asheville-buncombe-cherokee-county-montreat-black-mountain-weaverville-independence-day-fireworks-celebration] Festivities in Hayesville, Blairsville, and the Blue Ridge / McCaysville Area In Hayesvul the Freedom 250 Festival and Parade takes over the Historic Beal Center Courthouse Square on July 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Parade steps off at 10:00 a.m., family games and activities run all morning, and Cletus Way band plays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Free community event honoring 250 years of independence. Over in Blairsvul the Red, White and Blairsvul / Freedom & Fireworks: The 250 celebration happens at Meeks Park on July 4. Expect bounce houses, cornhole, kickball, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Chatuge. Free admission and parking. Plenty of mountain room for everyone. In the blueridge and makaysvul area today, July 2, is Firefly Day. Georgia recognizes its fireflies and encourages protecting their habitat. Turn off outdoor lights for an hour this evening to enjoy the natural show, and visit the Blue Ridge or McCaysville visitor centers for firefly-themed gifts for kids. On July 4 catch the Old Timers’ Parade downtown around 10:00 a.m. and the Lake Blue Ridge fireworks, plus patriotic events and fireworks in the McCaysville and Copper Basin area. These events keep the pioneer spirit and neighborly traditions alive while we celebrate the 250th. Sources:2026-07-02 | https://www.claychambernc.com/freedom-festival/ [https://www.claychambernc.com/freedom-festival/]2026-07-02 | https://members.visitblairsvillega.com/events/details/freedom-fireworks-the-250-in-blairsville-2026-143365 [https://members.visitblairsvillega.com/events/details/freedom-fireworks-the-250-in-blairsville-2026-143365]2026-07-02 | https://www.blueridgemountains.com/events/fannin-county-firefly-day/ [https://www.blueridgemountains.com/events/fannin-county-firefly-day/]2026-07-02 | https://www.blueridgemountains.com/blog/fourth-of-july/ [https://www.blueridgemountains.com/blog/fourth-of-july/] These stories and gatherings remind us that the legends of our mountains are not just history. They are the reason we still come together with pride, music, fireworks, and simple neighborly fun two hundred fifty years after independence. 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 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]