Weather Alert: State of Emergency Declared

Governor Stein has declared a State of Emergency for North Carolina ahead of a winter storm. We expect rain to transition into freezing rain and sleet starting Saturday morning in Area 1. Dangerous wind chills are forecasted for Monday. Use today to prepare and stay off the roads once the ice begins to accumulate.

Sources

2026-01-23 | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Murphy&state=NC

2026-01-21 | https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/01/21/governor-stein-declares-state-emergency-ahead-winter-storm

Soundcheck Friday: Weekend Live Music

The mountains are full of music tonight. Here is the local lineup:

* Blairsville: Mike Lane at The Flying Trout (6–9 PM).

* Blue Ridge: Weekend sets at Grumpy Old Men Brewing (7–9 PM).

* Murphy: Hunter Flanagan at The Mason Bar.

Sources

2026-01-23 | https://www.flyingtroutblairsville.com/events

2026-01-22 | https://grumpyoldmenbrewing.com/music%2Fevents

2026-01-23 | https://www.facebook.com/themasonbar/

New Music: “Dirt Road Dreams” by D.Wayne Anthony

Local artist D.Wayne Anthony has released a soulful new track that captures the spirit of our backroads. It is a tribute to the history and freedom found in every bend of the mountain gravel.

Sources

2026-01-23 | https://music.Riverrun.digital/Dirt-Road-Dreams

2026-01-23 | https://music.Riverrun.digital/WayneAnthony

Community & Sports

* Brasstown: Bluegrass Week kicks off Monday at the John C. Campbell Folk School.

* Basketball: Fannin County Rebels (18-1) continue their dominant run while Union County preps for a heavy-hitting regional matchup.

Sources

2026-01-21 | https://www.folkschool.org/events/

2026-01-22 | https://www.maxpreps.com/ga/blue-ridge/fannin-county-rebels/basketball/