The Appalachia Daily Podcast

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. Initia...

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 Robbins...

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/ Clay County Historical Society Pioneer Book Submissions The society i...

Date: July 1, 2026 Cherokee County Sheriff’s Multi-Agency Drug Seizure Protects Our Communities Deputies in Cherokee County worked with partners from Union, Fannin, and Gilmer counties in Georgia on June 23 to seize methamphetamine and fentanyl before it reached local streets. Sheriff Chris Wood praised the strong cross-border teamwork. These efforts by our law enforcement heroes make a real diffe...

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 t...

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...

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 Blairsvil...

Multi-agency drug seizure in Cherokee County Sheriff’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 detours Construction continues on key routes near Murphy and Hayesville. Drivers should check conditions and plan extra time. Murphy affordable housing project earns national aw...

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 mounta...

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 Trai...

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 | Bandsintow...

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 Hayes...

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 fro...

Murphy Riverwalk – Easy Hiking and Walking Trail Along the Hiwassee River (Murphy) The Murphy Riverwalk offers an easy, scenic 3.4-mile out-and-back trail along the Hiwassee River right in town. It’s perfect for a relaxed weekend hike, birdwatching, or family outing with beautiful river views and easy downtown access. Sources: 2026-06 | Local trail listings (e.g., AllTrails and Town of Murphy refe...

Music Events at Peacock Performing Arts Center in Hayesville (Hayesville) The Peacock Performing Arts Center in Hayesville hosts a variety of live music performances, bringing regional artists to the stage for community entertainment and weekend shows. With its intimate setting and excellent acoustics, the center has become a hub for everything from heartfelt singer-songwriters to lively tribute b...

This 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 the trades and real-world work. This month’s workshop is in Canton, GA, at Thrive in the Mill Building. Visit go.riverrun.digital to learn more including a workshop near you. Long ago, the Cherokee knew this be...

Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Approves Property Tax Increase to Improve County Employee Pay (Murphy) The Board approved a modest property tax increase (roughly $10 more per year per $100,000 assessed value) to help address pay disparities and high turnover in county positions, including law enforcement and emergency services. The change is expected to generate about $400,000 annually. Sou...

Valley River Arts Guild Provides Year-Round Support for Local Artists and Community Through Its Gallery, Classes, and Monthly Art Walk Events The Valley River Arts Guild, a volunteer-driven non-profit, supports dozens of local artists and crafters through the Murphy Art Center gallery, classes for all ages, and the popular monthly Art Walk. These efforts enrich community life and help keep downtow...

Oak & Stone, NC Holds Grand Opening of New Showroom in Murphy Oak & Stone, NC celebrated the grand opening of its new showroom at 945 Connahetta Street in Murphy over the weekend. The business specializes in countertops and cabinets and is already serving local homeowners and contractors with kitchen and bath projects. Sources: 2026-06-07 | https://oakandstonenc.com/ Local chamber and social media...

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Celebrates National Trails Day with Fee-Free Entry Today is National Trails Day and the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is waiving day-use fees at all standard recreation sites. It’s a great opportunity for hikers and families to get out on the trails and enjoy the North Georgia mountains without the usual fees. Sources: 2026-06-06 | https://www.fs.usda.go...

Georgia Mountain Scottish Festival & Highland Games Kicks Off This Weekend in Hiawassee The Georgia Mountain Scottish Festival and Highland Games opens Friday night, June 5, with a traditional Ceilidh at Hamilton Gardens. The full event continues Saturday and Sunday, June 6–7, at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee with massed pipe bands, Highland dancers, traditional musicians, clan gat...

Old Hwy 64 West Road Closure in Clay County Continues Through June 5 Drivers in the Hayesville area should allow extra time. Old Highway 64 West is closed daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, June 5, from the area near 5834 Old Highway 64 West to the Beach Cove Road intersection for maintenance work. Sources: 2026-05-22 (updated) | https://www.themountainbuzz.com/post/clay-county-road-closu...

Warning Issued on Electrical Hazards at Blue Ridge Lake Boat Docks Fannin County and Blue Ridge Lake officials are reminding dock owners to inspect wiring and install GFCI outlets before summer peaks. Last year the lake saw one death and one near-death tied to electrical issues. Moving water can damage lines, and proactive checks now can prevent tragedy. Sources: 2026 (timely warning) | https://ww...

Graham County Sanitation Sites Closing July 1 Two sanitation centers in Graham County — Bear Creek and Snowbird — will close effective July 1. The East Buffalo and Stecoah sites will operate four days a week with new hours: Tuesdays 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Thursdays 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sundays 1–5 p.m. The main location remains open 24 hours. County officials say the ch...

Graham County Commissioners Meet Today to Finalize 2026-27 Budget Graham County Commissioners are holding their continued meeting today at 1 p.m. to lock in next year’s spending priorities. This directly affects roads, services, and taxes for families and businesses across the county. Dollar Tree Grand Opening in Blairsville The new Dollar Tree in Blairsville celebrated its grand opening on May 21...