Clay County Bans Commercial Data Centers
Clay County commissioners unanimously enacted an ordinance prohibiting commercial data centers in unincorporated areas following a public hearing with strong community support.
The decision addresses concerns over energy demands, water use, noise, infrastructure strain, and preservation of the county’s rural character.
Sources:
News as of: January 14, 2026.
Pretrial Inmate Dies at Cherokee County Detention Center
A pretrial inmate at the Cherokee County Detention Center passed away on Thursday after being transported to Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital due to abdominal discomfort.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is conducting a standard review of the incident.
Sources:
News as of: January 15, 2026.
Graham County Selected for 2026 U.S. Census Test
Graham County has been chosen as part of the Western North Carolina test site (including Cherokee, Jackson, Swain counties, and the Qualla Boundary) for the 2026 U.S. Census Test.
This initiative aims to refine census processes ahead of the 2030 count, with field operations beginning in March 2026.
Sources:
News as of: January 2026.
Small Plane Crash in Polk County
A small aircraft crashed Tuesday on Cookson Creek Road in Polk County, Tennessee. The pilot sustained minor injuries and was able to walk away.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause.
Sources:
News as of: January 13, 2026.
Fatal Collision on U.S. 64
An early morning collision between two pickup trucks on U.S. 64 in Peachtree on January 9 resulted in the death of a Murphy father of three, with two others injured.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues its investigation.
Sources:
News as of: January 13, 2026.
Murphy Bulldogs Sweep Summit Charter
The Murphy High School boys and girls basketball teams both defeated Summit Charter Academy in recent home games with strong performances.
These victories highlight local high school athletic talent and bring excitement to the Cherokee County community.
Sources:
News as of: January 6, 2026.
Weekend Community Activities
The Peachtree Community Development Club hosted Grocery Bingo on Friday night, offering residents a fun opportunity to win groceries and household items in a friendly gathering.
Additional weekend events may be ongoing—check the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce calendar for more local activities.
Sources:
News as of: January 16, 2026.
Trail Spotlight Saturday: Chattooga River Ranger District Road Closures
The U.S. Forest Service has temporary road closures in the Chattooga River Ranger District due to slides. Drivers should avoid affected forest roads and barricades, and plan alternate routes in areas with limited cell service.
As a reliable alternative, Brasstown Bald provides access to Georgia’s highest point with panoramic views across four states via a paved summit trail or shuttle.
Sources:
News as of: January 14, 2026.
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Notes, methods, and rights
This Appalachia Daily Update was created with the help of AI tools working alongside a human editor.
All information is drawn from publicly available sources listed above.
Rights for the Appalachia Daily Update are reserved by River Run Digital, which produces hyper local news for small towns across Appalachia and beyond.
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