Cherokee County remains in the same economic development tier
North Carolina has released its latest economic development tier rankings, and Cherokee County will stay in its current tier. The designation may not change day-to-day life on its own, but it quietly shapes how competitive the county is when seeking grants and incentives for jobs, infrastructure, and other projects.
The state’s tier system helps determine which counties get more favorable terms for specific incentives and grants.
Staying in the same tier means Cherokee County has neither fallen into a more distressed category nor climbed into a significantly stronger one.
Local leaders and employers must work within this incentive landscape when recruiting for jobs and funding improvements.
The ranking adds context to future news about industrial prospects, infrastructure projects, and grant awards.
Sources:
Cherokee Scout economic tier story: https://www.cherokeescout.com/local/cherokee-county-remains-same-economic-tier
NC Economic Development Partnership overview of county tiers: https://edpnc.com/incentives/county-development-tier-designations/
News Date: December 3, 2025
Crime and courts: Former Murphy Bulldog facing felony charges
A Texana man who once led the Murphy High School Bulldogs in rushing is now facing felony charges in Cherokee County court. Local crime and courts coverage has outlined the allegations and current status of the case, which is drawing more attention than a typical docket entry because of his past role as a standout athlete.
The individual is a former Murphy High football rushing leader now charged with felony offenses.
The case is proceeding through Cherokee County’s court system, with further hearings expected.
The story has a higher profile than most court items because many residents remember his time on the field.
He remains presumed innocent unless and until a court finds otherwise.
Sources:
Cherokee Scout local crime and courts coverage: https://www.cherokeescout.com/local
News Date: December 2, 2025
New Business Monday: Murphy Paper Co. opens on Tennessee Street
Downtown Murphy has a new creative retail option with the opening of Murphy Paper Co. on Tennessee Street. Social posts and short videos introduce the shop as a specialty paper and gift store, with journals, planners, greeting cards, pens, and Christmas wrapping paper featured on the shelves.
Murphy Paper Co. is now open on Tennessee Street in historic downtown Murphy.
Downtown pages describe it as a little sister to Rare Bird Emporium, signaling a growing cluster of creative shops.
The store’s focus on paper goods, cards, and wrap gives residents another local option for holiday and year-round gift needs.
Shoppers can pair a visit with coffee, lunch, and other stops downtown, keeping more spending close to home.
Other local businesses are part of the same story, with BigHead’s Grub serving up hometown comfort food and Wagner Worx celebrating its grand opening last Friday as another sign of new energy in the Murphy business community.
Sources:
Murphy Paper Co. business page: https://www.facebook.com/p/Murphy-Paper-Co-61581801413641/
Downtown Murphy video feature: https://www.facebook.com/downtownmurphync/videos/murphy-paper-co-is-now-open-at-85-tennessee-st-in-downtown-murphy-nc-downtownmur/1142083374689886/
Murphy Paper Co. product photos and reels: https://www.instagram.com/murphy_paper_co/
Rare Bird Emporium video introducing Murphy Paper Co.: https://www.facebook.com/100063701194776/videos/murphy-paper-co/793978683636804/
News Date: November 26, 2025
Regional holiday events and school concerts for the week ahead
Within about an hour of Murphy, families have several options for parades, festivals, and school performances this week. In Hayesville, Copperhill, Macon County, and Blairsville, communities are lining up their mid-December events, while Tri-County Early College and the Schools of Innovation are inviting the entire region to holiday plays and a chorus concert in downtown Murphy.
Hayesville is preparing for its Christmas Parade around the Historic Clay County Courthouse and the Beal Center, alongside a Shop Small Hayesville promotion.
Copper Country Christmas in downtown Copperhill will bring Santa, Mrs. Claus, music, and vendors to the Copper Basin following the local parade weekend.
Blairsville continues Classic Christmas at Meeks Park and the Tour of Trees at the Union County Community Center and around town.
Tri County Early College and the Schools of Innovation have holiday plays on Monday and Tuesday, and a Christmas Chorus or Show Choir Concert on Thursday evening at First United Methodist Church in downtown Murphey.
Sources:
Hayesville Christmas Parade listing: https://allevents.in/hayesville/2025-christmas-parade/200029096506037
Copper Country Christmas event details: https://copperhill.gov/events-calendar/copper-country-christmas-2025/
Union County holiday events and Tour of Trees: https://www.unioncountyga.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx
Tri County Early College calendar:
https://tcec.cherokee.k12.nc.us/
Tri County Early College social updates: https://www.facebook.com/TriCountyEarlyCollegeHighSchool/
News Date: December 4, 2025
Two day weather outlook for the tri state mountain region
The start of the week brings classic December weather to the far western mountains, with a colder, mostly cloudy Monday followed by a brighter but still chilly Tuesday. Temperatures will tug at the mid-40s to around 50 for daytime highs, while overnight lows in the mid-20s raise the risk of icy spots in the usual trouble areas.
Monday stays cloudy primarily and colder, with a passing shower possible in a few locations and highs in the mid-40s.
Monday night drops into the mid-20s, especially in hollows and higher elevations.
Tuesday is expected to be partly sunny, with highs near 50 and another night in the mid-20s.
Drivers should watch for icy patches on bridges, shaded curves, and steep driveways early Tuesday, where moisture remains from Monday.
Sources:
Regional forecast for Murphy, North Carolina, retrieved December 8, 2025, from a national weather provider.
News Date: December 8, 2025
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This update is assembled using a mix of human editorial judgment, public records, and reputable local and regional news sources, with help from artificial intelligence tools to summarize and organize information. All information is drawn from publicly available sources listed above. Every effort is made to keep details accurate as of the time of publication, but listeners and readers should always confirm time-sensitive items such as event dates, times, and locations with official organizers before traveling.
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