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.

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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

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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.

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.

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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.

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 Trail in Blairsville

In Blairsville, the Woodsy Woman Weekend continues with guided hikes on the Appalachian Trail. Nearby at Vogel State Park, the Bear Hair Gap Trail is a moderate four-mile loop through the forest with views of Lake Trahlyta. The Georgia State Fiddler’s Convention is also happening today at the Union County Schools Fine Arts Center.

Sources:2026-06 | Georgia State Parks & local event listings

Turtle Creek Falls Trail near Turtletown, Tennessee

In the Turtletown area of Polk County, Tennessee, the Turtle Creek Falls trail is a moderate hike of about 3.5 to 4 miles round trip in the Cherokee National Forest. It features roughly 500–600 feet of elevation gain and leads to a scenic twin waterfall after following the creek and descending via switchbacks. Wildflowers are blooming along the trail this time of year.

Fall Branch Falls Trail in the Blue Ridge Area

In the Blue Ridge area, the Fall Branch Falls trail in the Aska Adventure Area is a shorter option of less than one mile round trip. It leads to a double waterfall surrounded by mountain laurel and rhododendron, making it a good choice for waterfall views without a long hike.

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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 | Bandsintown and local venue references

Justin Farrington and Live Music at Misty Mountain Hops in Blue Ridge (Blue Ridge / McCaysville area)

Misty Mountain Hops and other Blue Ridge venues feature live music on weekends, including performances by artist Justin Farrington on June 19, offering local and regional talent for great food, drinks, and sounds.

Sources:2026-06 | Escape to Blue Ridge and local venue listings

Summer Brooke Band at Concerts on the Creek in Sylva (Bryson City area)

The Summer Brooke Band performs as part of the free Concerts on the Creek series in Sylva on June 19 from 7 to 9 p.m., bringing live music right to the heart of the community near Bryson City for a classic Soundcheck Friday experience.

Sources:2026-06 | Concerts on the Creek / RomanticAsheville listings

EBCI single item: Morgan Jay at Harrah’s CherokeeComedian and performer Morgan Jay brings his “The Goofy Guy Tour” to Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center on June 19, adding a fun weekend entertainment option in the EBCI community.

Sources:2026-06 | Harrah’s Cherokee and ticket references

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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.

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 Hayesville and Early Pioneer Legends (Hayesville)

Hayesville’s origins as a county seat and its early pioneer stories, including tales of settlement and community building in the mountains, form enduring local legends that highlight resilience and heritage.

Sources:2026-06 | Local historical and chamber references

Local Mountain Legends and Pioneer Stories in the Blairsville Area (Blairsville)

Blairsville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains are rich with pioneer legends, tales of early settlers, and mountain folklore that continue to shape community identity and pride.

Sources:2026-06 | Local historical society and chamber references

The Cherokee Sister Towns of Tomotla and Konohete near Andrews (Andrews area)

Andrews was once home to significant Cherokee sister towns Tomotla and Konohete (“Long Place” or “Long Valley”). These sites and their stories represent important local legends of Indigenous history in the region.

Sources:2026-06 | Local historical and Cherokee references

Pioneer Legends and Notable Figures in the Blue Ridge Area (Blue Ridge / McCaysville area)

The Blue Ridge and McCaysville area features rich pioneer legends, mountain folklore, and stories of notable early figures that define the cultural heritage and community spirit of the region.

Sources:2026-06 | Local historical and chamber references

River Run Digital Career Hub Special OfferThis 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 real-world work. Go to w w w dot riverrun dot digital to learn more. Share this newscast and receive 20% off the workshop cost. Just send a quick screen shot of your share via SMS to eight two eight, two three seven, two three give seven and we’ll send you the code for the discount.

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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.

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 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Clay County Community Services Building on Riverside Circle in Hayesville. These events let folks roll up their sleeves and make a real difference for neighbors who need it most.

Sources:2026-06 | Local blood donation listings and community service references

Union County Farmers Market and Ongoing Volunteer Projects (Blairsville)

The Union County Farmers Market runs every Tuesday (in addition to the Saturday schedule), including today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 290 Farmers Market Way in Blairsville. It brings the community together with local produce, goods, and that neighborly spirit. At the same time, non-profits and volunteer groups continue organizing service projects that strengthen Union County year-round.

Sources:2026-06 | Union County Farmers Market and local chamber references

Community Events and Gatherings in the Blue Ridge Area (Blue Ridge / McCaysville area)

Community groups and non-profits in the Blue Ridge and McCaysville area host a variety of events that enrich daily life. Today’s activities include bingo and poker night in Blue Ridge, along with live music and gatherings at local spots like The Flying Trout. These efforts bring residents together for shared causes and good fun.

Sources:2026-06 | Local chamber and community event listings

VFW and Community Organization Support in Andrews (Andrews)

The VFW and other community organizations in Andrews continue their important work through regular events and fundraisers. These volunteer-driven gatherings support veterans, families, and local causes while keeping the community connected and strong in Cherokee County.

Sources:2026-06 | VFW and local community organization referencesTake 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.

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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 references)

Jackrabbit Mountain Trail and Forest Trails in Hayesville Area (Hayesville)

Trails like the Jackrabbit Mountain Trail (moderate 2.2 miles with summit views and lakeside scenery) and the Central and Burnt Tree Loop provide excellent hiking options in the Hayesville area, offering a mix of forest, lake views, and accessible outdoor recreation for all levels.

Sources:2026-06 | AllTrails and local Clay County trail references

Hiking in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Near Blairsville (National Get Outdoors Day) (Blairsville)

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest near Blairsville offers numerous hiking trails, and June 13 is National Get Outdoors Day with fee-free entry to standard amenity sites. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore the mountain trails and celebrate the outdoors.

Sources:2026-06 | US Forest Service Chattahoochee-Oconee references and local event listings

Local Hiking and Outdoor Recreation in the Andrews Area (Andrews)

The Andrews area features accessible local trails and outdoor recreation opportunities along rivers and forests, providing residents and visitors with convenient weekend hiking options close to town for exercise and nature connection.

Sources:2026-06 | Local trail listings and Cherokee County outdoor references

Trails and Outdoor Recreation in Blue Ridge and McCaysville Area (Including Pinhoti Reroute) (Blue Ridge / McCaysville area)

The Blue Ridge and McCaysville area offers great hiking with trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest and the recent 2.6-mile Pinhoti National Recreation Trail reroute near Mack White Gap, providing scenic and improved options for outdoor enthusiasts.

Sources:2026-06 | Local trail and Pinhoti references

The EBCI area features excellent hiking options like the easy Oconaluftee River Trail and the more challenging Fire Mountain Trail System, offering cultural and natural experiences for hikers exploring the mountains.

Sources:2026-06 | Visit Cherokee NC and EBCI trail references

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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.