The Appalachia Daily Podcast

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026 Hayesville Roadless Rule Meeting Draws Local Voices About three dozen neighbors gathered Thursday at the Historic Courthouse Beal Center in Hayesville for a public meeting on the federal Roadless Rule. Mountain True’s Resilient Forests Director Josh Kelly presented, and the discussion centered on protecting untouched areas in the Nantahala National Forest. These road...

April 24, 2026 Happy Friday, neighbors! Spring is bringing music, cars, and practical opportunities across our mountain communities. Blairsville Music & Seafood Festival Starts Today Live local musicians, fresh seafood, vendors, bounce houses, and family fun at the Historic Mock House in Blairsville. $5 admission (kids free). Runs through Sunday. Polk County Ramp Tramp Festival – April 24–25 Class...

Appalachia Wildfire in Polk County Now 60% Contained Fire crews have made strong progress on the blaze in the Cherokee National Forest. Some roads and trails are reopening, and air quality concerns are easing for folks in the Ducktown and Copperhill area. Cherokee County Couple Arrested for School Attendance Law Violations Sheriff’s deputies and school officials teamed up to enforce the law in Mur...

Swain County Sheriff’s Office Honors Fallen Part-Time Deputy James “Jim” Hipp The Swain County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Brian Kirkland are mourning alongside the North Carolina Highway Patrol after the passing of Part-Time Deputy James “Jim” Hipp. Jim retired as a sergeant from the Highway Patrol in 2018 and continued serving the Bryson City community part-time until recently. He’s remembered...

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Distributes First 2026 Per Capita Payments Tribal members received their first per-capita distribution of the year on April 20. The payments provide direct support to enrolled families across the Qualla Boundary and neighboring Swain County communities. Swain County Commissioners Hold Regular Meeting Today in Bryson City The board meets this evening in Bryson City...

Historic First: Cherokee Tribe Member Nominated to NC House A member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has been nominated to run for the North Carolina House of Representatives — the first time anyone from the tribe has received that nomination. It’s being called a proud and historic step forward for representation in Raleigh. Sources :2026-04-20 | https://www.wspa.com/news/local-news/first-...

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Vehicle Pursuit Leads to Fugitive Arrest The sheriff’s office handled a pursuit that ended in an arrest. It’s another reminder that our local law enforcement stays on top of things so we can all feel safer on the roads. Oral Rabies Vaccine Baits Distributed Across Western NC Including Cherokee County Crews placed six hundred thousand baits this week to protect wild...

Cherokee County Grand Jury Indicts Marble Man on Multiple Child Sex Offenses The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office announced a grand jury indictment yesterday against a Marble man on multiple child sex offenses. The suspect is in custody. It’s the kind of steady work that helps keep our families safe. Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Meets Monday The board holds its regular meeting Monday eve...

Extreme Drought Worsens and Fire Risk Stays High in Our Mountains Drought conditions have intensified across Cherokee County and fifteen other counties. Forests sit at high fire risk with the statewide burn ban still in place. Residents are reminded to use extreme caution with any outdoor activity that could spark a fire. Sources: 2026-04-14 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/ Murphy Native Braden Ru...

Murphy Police Officer Brayden Snow Honored with DWI Task Force Pin Murphy Police Officer Brayden Snow received the Western DWI Task Force pin today for his strong work on impaired-driving enforcement. These recognitions remind us how much our local officers do every day to keep mountain roads safe. Cherokee County Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Wanted Fugitive Deputies pursued and arrested a wanted man...

Extension Master Food Volunteers launch Donation Station at Murphy Farmers Market The Extension Master Food Volunteers have brought back their Donation Station. Every second and fourth Saturday, you can drop off fresh produce or cash, and it all goes straight to our local food pantries. It’s a simple way to help fight hunger while you’re already supporting our farmers. House of Esther beauty shop...

Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company opens new location in historic downtown Murphy The popular tasting shop now has a spot right on main street in Murphy. Locals and visitors can sample fresh oils and balsamics while supporting downtown business. Miss Vicky’s Country Store holds grand opening ribbon cutting in Blairsville The new store welcomed the community with its official ribbon cutting. It adds shop...

Nantahala National Forest Named Among Top Travel-Worthy Hiking Destinations for 2026 Our own Nantahala National Forest earned national attention on the 2026 travel-worthy list. It’s a great reminder of the hiking opportunities we have right in Cherokee County. Four Standout Trails in Nantahala to Hit This Spring Glen Falls, Secret Falls, Wesser Bald Fire Tower, and Yellow Mountain Fire Tower offer...

Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival Kicks Off Today with Live Music and Appalachian Tales The festival runs today and tomorrow in Blairsville with traditional storytelling sessions paired with live music performances. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate our shared Appalachian heritage. Sources: 2026-04-10 | Visit Blairsville GA event listing Weekend Live Music Roundup: What’s Playing Around Murph...

Public Safety Alert: Fake Parking Violation Scams Circulating in Area Folks around Murphy and nearby counties are reporting fake texts and calls claiming to be parking violations from local authorities. The scammers want immediate payment. Authorities say never click links or send money – always verify directly with the sheriff’s office. Sources: 2026-04-09 | Local law enforcement alerts via Chero...

Sheriff Chris Wood Connects with Andrews Students Sheriff Chris Wood spent time at Andrews Elementary sharing about careers in law enforcement. These face-to-face moments build trust between officers and the next generation right here at home. News as of: April 2, 2026. Cherokee County Investigators Stay on the Job Recent arrest reports show local investigators handling cases that protect families...

Cherokee County Extension Seeks 4-H Volunteers for 2026 Programs The Cherokee County Extension office is calling for volunteers to support 4-H youth programs this year. These programs help local kids build skills in agriculture, leadership, and service, and volunteers make it all possible right here at home. News as of: March 30, 2026. Main Street Murphy Volunteers Needed for Spring Clean Workday...

Downtown Murphy Welcomes New Shops Including House of Esther Downtown Murphy’s seeing fresh retail energy with new stores opening, including House of Esther at 10 Tennessee Street on Town Square. Neighbors now have more local options for shopping, which helps keep dollars circulating right here and makes downtown even more inviting. News as of: Early April 2026. Paxton Media Group Acquires Cheroke...

A Date: April 4, 2026 Burn Ban in Effect with Recent Wildfire Activity in Nantahala National Forest The Forest Service responded to three new fires earlier this week on Nantahala land. The statewide burn ban remains active because of dry spring conditions. This advisory matters for everyone who hikes, camps, or enjoys our forests. Stick to marked trails and avoid any open flames. News as of: April...

Burn Ban in Effect for Cherokee County Dry spring weather has officials keeping the burn ban in place across Cherokee County. Residents are asked to use extra caution with any outdoor flames or sparks to protect our forests and homes. News as of: April 1, 2026. Cherokee County Offices Closed Today Good Friday means county offices in Murphy are closed. Plan your errands and services around the holi...

Fannin County First Responder Loses Shop in Structure Fire A local firefighter, paramedic, and county coroner in Fannin County watched her shop burn, but fellow first responders saved her nearby home. Crews used creek water and pond pumps under Red Flag conditions to stop the spread. No injuries. News as of: March 30, 2026. Bellview Volunteer Fire Department Faces Access Detour New firehouse const...

Community Spotlight Tuesday: Good Shepherd Hospice Seeks Volunteers Good Shepherd Hospice is actively recruiting volunteers to provide respite care, reading, music, and companionship for patients and families in Cherokee, Clay, and Graham counties. Your time can make a real difference for neighbors facing tough times. News as of: This Week. Community Yoga at John C. Campbell Folk School Today A co...

New Business Monday: House of Esther Opens in Downtown Murphy House of Esther has opened at 10 Tennessee Street on the corner of Town Square in downtown Murphy. Locals are already giving it high marks, and it’s adding more shopping options right in the heart of town. Stop by and support this new addition. News as of: March 26–28, 2026. Narrative Bookstore Grand Reopening Today Narrative Bookstore...

Two Lenten Fish Fries Tonight St. William Catholic Church in Murphy (Andrews Road): 5-7pm, $15 plate (grilled/fried fish, fries, slaw, hush puppies, drink, dessert, 50/50 ticket), kids under 10 free. Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Andrews (214 Aquone Rd): 5-7pm, $15 (fried trout, fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, dessert, drink). Dine in or carry out. Soundcheck Friday Live Music Murphy spots: Will...

Town of Murphy Says Goodbye to Downtown Director Laura Lachance The Town of Murphy announced the retirement of Downtown Director Laura Lachance. Her work helped the downtown area earn North Carolina Main Street status faster than expected. This milestone supports more local events and stronger businesses for residents and visitors alike. News as of: March 23, 2026. Murphy’s Braden Rumfelt Delivers...