Regional weather: cool, dry, and travel friendly
An early winter pattern is holding over the tri state region that Appalachia Daily Update covers. Daytime highs are landing in the upper 40s to low 50s with a mix of sun and clouds, while overnight lows drop below freezing across Cherokee, Clay, and Graham counties, Fannin and Union counties, and into Towns County and the Copper Basin. There are no major storm systems or severe weather alerts aimed directly at the area, but drivers still need to watch for black ice on shaded back roads and bridges.
Highs in the upper 40s to low 50s with partly cloudy skies.
Overnight lows below freezing in valleys and along the ridges.
No major winter storms in the immediate forecast window.
Patchy black ice possible on bridges and back roads late at night and early morning.
Sources:
https://forecast.weather.gov
https://www.weather.com
News Date: December 10, 2025.
Cherokee County commissioner will not seek re-election
A sitting Cherokee County commissioner has told the local newspaper he will not seek another term, citing ongoing frustration and gridlock on the board. After losing a bid to become chair, he said he does not feel he can get much done in the current environment and plans to step away at the end of his term. The decision guarantees at least one open seat in the next election cycle.
The commissioner publicly expressed frustration with the current board and its internal dynamics.
His choice not to run again creates an open seat for new candidates and ideas.
County commissioners influence tax rates, capital projects, and core services across Cherokee County.
The move sets up a fresh round of debates over schools, infrastructure, and economic development.
Sources:
https://www.cherokeescout.com
News Date: December 9, 2025.
Marble standoff ends with safe arrest and no injuries
In the Marble community, a warrant service turned into a three hour standoff that could have ended badly but did not. Deputies went to a home on L J Moss Lane to serve a felony larceny warrant and say they heard what sounded like a shotgun being loaded. They reported seeing the suspect, identified as Levi Charles Moss, moving around inside with a firearm and covering windows with blankets.
At one point, Moss tried to exit through a rear window where two officers were already positioned. A Taser was used but did not stop him, and deputies say he climbed back inside and fired three shots from what they believe was a pistol. After several hours of negotiation and containment, deputies took him into custody with no injuries to Moss, officers, or neighbors. He now faces multiple charges related to larceny, drugs, and assault on law enforcement and is being held on a high secured bond.
Deputies went to serve a felony larceny warrant in Marble.
Law enforcement reported hearing a firearm being loaded and seeing the suspect with a gun.
A Taser deployment was ineffective, and the suspect fired shots from inside the home.
After about three hours, deputies took him into custody with no injuries to anyone on scene.
Sources:
News Date: December 9, 2025.
Regional security hiring event in Murphy
Walden Security is running a hiring event in Murphy, seeking applicants for security officer roles and related positions. The postings indicate hourly pay that starts in the high teens and can reach into the twenties based on assignment and experience. While the event is hosted in Murphy, these kinds of jobs often support courthouse and facility security work that touches multiple counties.
For residents in Cherokee County and nearby areas of Clay, Fannin, and Union, this event may be within commuting range. Security roles can be a good match for veterans, former law enforcement, or anyone who is dependable, observant, and comfortable dealing with the public.
Walden Security is recruiting for security officers in and around Murphy.
Pay ranges reflect experienced and entry level roles with benefits.
The company highlights equal opportunity and is typically open to veteran applicants.
The event offers a chance to meet recruiters face to face rather than only applying online.
Sources:
https://www.indeed.com
https://www.waldensecurity.com
News Date: December 10, 2025.
Blue Ridge Love Light tree honors loved ones and supports local care
In Blue Ridge, the Blue Ridge Medical Center Auxiliary Love Light tree is once again providing a way for families to honor or remember loved ones during the holiday season. A recent feature describes how donations sponsor individual lights on the tree, with the names behind those bulbs recorded and recognized. Funds raised support hospital projects and patient services, turning a symbolic tree into tangible help for community health.
For listeners in Cherokee, Clay, and Union counties, Blue Ridge is an easy evening drive. The Love Light tree can be paired with downtown shopping, dinner on the square, and a walk through seasonal lights. It is a simple way to blend remembrance with support for local health care.
The Love Light tree is organized each year by the Blue Ridge Medical Center Auxiliary.
Families sponsor lights in honor or memory of loved ones.
Proceeds support hospital projects and patient services in Fannin County.
The program complements downtown Blue Ridge’s wider holiday season.
Sources:
https://www.thenewsobserver.com/local-news-newsletter/lives-love-represented-love-light-tree
News Date: December 10, 2025.
Blairsville’s Tour of Trees anchors Union County’s December calendar
Blairsville’s Union County Community Center plays host each December to the Tour of Trees, which fills the building with decorated Christmas trees sponsored by local groups, churches, and businesses. Visitors are invited to walk through, enjoy the displays, and often vote for favorites or participate in related events. The Tour of Trees has become a staple of Union County’s holiday calendar, drawing both locals and visitors from neighboring counties.
The broader Blairsville schedule typically includes concerts, markets, and visits with Santa around the town square and the community center. For residents of Cherokee, Clay, Fannin, and Towns counties, Blairsville offers a nearby option for a winter outing that feels festive but still close to home.
Dozens of decorated trees fill the Union County Community Center each December.
Local groups and businesses sponsor trees as part of Blairsville’s Tour of Trees.
The event is a focal point for Union County’s holiday season and draws regional visitors.
Additional concerts and small markets help support local artists and merchants.
Sources:
https://www.visitblairsvillega.com
https://www.unioncountyga.gov
News Date: December 8, 2025.
Hayesville and Hiawassee round out Clay and Towns county holiday events
In Hayesville, Clay County’s Christmas parade and related events around the historic courthouse and the Beal Center offer residents another chance to gather on the square. Nighttime parade times bring out decorated floats and square side viewing, but also require some patience with parking and road closures. The small town setting and focus on local groups give the event a community first feel.
Across the state line in Hiawassee, lakeside lights, church programs, and downtown gatherings help Towns County keep the season going even when there is no single big event on the calendar. Visitors can combine a slow drive along the lake with a walk through downtown and nearby neighborhoods to take in the lights and decorations.
Clay County’s Christmas parade runs through downtown Hayesville around the courthouse and Beal Center.
Local groups, churches, and small businesses participate with floats and displays.
Hiawassee offers lakeside lights and low key gatherings that showcase Towns County’s scenery.
Together, Hayesville and Hiawassee provide multiple options for residents who prefer shorter drives and smaller crowds.
Sources:
https://www.claychambernc.com
https://www.claycountyprogress.com
News Date: December 9, 2025.
Where to listen and follow
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Notes, methods, and rights
This Appalachia Daily Update was assembled using public records, local and regional news outlets, and official event listings, with help from AI tools to search, summarize, and organize information. All news details in this post come from publicly available sources listed above. Time sensitive information like event times, road closures, and weather conditions can change, so please confirm specifics with official sites or organizers before you go.
All original writing, formatting, and presentation for this update are copyright 2025 River Run Digital, all rights reserved. To learn more about River Run Digital and its local news projects, or to talk with us about working together, visit:
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