Dense Fog Advisory and Travel Safety (Murphy area and nearby valleys)
A Dense Fog Advisory can mean visibility changes fast, especially in low spots and along river corridors. If you’re heading out early, plan like you’re going to lose sightlines and give yourself more time than usual.
Slow down earlier than you think you need to.
Use low beams, not high beams, to reduce glare.
Increase following distance, especially on two-lane roads.
If you can delay an early run, even a little, it often helps.
Sources: * 2026-01-07 | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=35.08&lon=-84.03
Hometown Heroes Wednesday: Cherokee County Schools CTE kickoff and Teacher of the Year note
Cherokee County Schools shared a CTE kickoff note as educators prepare for 2026. They also congratulated Morgan Dudley as a new Teacher of the Year who will represent Cherokee County at the state level.
CTE programs connect classroom learning to real skills and careers.
A quick thank-you message to a teacher goes a long way.
This is a good week to celebrate educators in your own circle.
Sources:
Undated | https://www.facebook.com/100057597672015/posts/1299265232003387/
Towns County Sheriff’s Office: Two former employees arrested (GBI charging agency), separate cases
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced arrests and charges in two separate cases involving former Towns County Sheriff’s Office employees. These are active investigations, so the best neighbor move is to stick to confirmed information and avoid rumor sharing.
One case relates to a missing gun inventory investigation and notes a recovered firearm.
The other case relates to an investigation tied to an accountability court program.
Both releases emphasize the investigations are active and ongoing.
Sources:
2026-01-06 | https://gbi.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-01-06/gbi-arrests-former-towns-county-deputy
2026-01-06 | https://gbi.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-01-06/gbi-arrests-towns-county-sheriffs-office-official
Union County elections planning note: Board of Registrars meeting packet posted
Union County’s Agenda Center has the Board of Registrars meeting packet posted. It’s a small planning step that helps you avoid deadline surprises later.
If you moved recently, double-check your registration information.
If you’re new in town, this is a good time to learn the local process.
Put key dates somewhere you’ll actually see them.
Sources:
2026-01-07 | https://www.unioncountyga.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/1735?fileID=10025
Franklin land return vote: Town of Franklin returning land to Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
Franklin voted to return land to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This is a civic decision with deep cultural meaning, and it’s part of the broader story of Western North Carolina and the communities connected to Cherokee and the Qualla Boundary.
Land carries history and identity, not just value on a map.
Regional decisions like this can shape long-term community relationships.
It’s worth reading the details before debating it.
Sources:
2026-01-06 | https://wlos.com/news/local/town-franklin-western-north-carolina-returning-land-eastern-band-cherokee-indians-ebci-city-council-tribe-culture-tradition-qualla-boundary-vote
Hiawassee weekend plan: Marshall Tucker Band show at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
If you want an easy weekend option close to home, tickets are posted for a Marshall Tucker Band show in Hiawassee on Saturday, January 10.
Confirm doors and start time before you go.
Plan extra time for parking.
If you’re driving home late, take it slow on mountain roads.
Sources:
Undated | https://georgiamountainfairground.thundertix.com/events/246685
Fannin County planning: Board of Commissioners regular meetings list for January
Fannin County’s government events calendar lists regular Board of Commissioners meeting dates for January. Even if you never speak at a meeting, knowing the schedule helps you stay oriented to what’s coming.
Check the schedule if you want to follow local decisions.
If a topic affects your neighborhood, read up before meeting night.
This is also a good “no surprises” habit for the year.
Sources:
Undated | https://www.fannincountyga.com/events
Where to listen and follow
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Notes, methods, and rights
This update is assembled with the help of AI tools, using public sources and official notices whenever possible. We work to confirm details before we publish, but availability and schedules can change, so please verify time-sensitive information with the originating agency.
This project is produced by River Run Digital. For questions, corrections, or tips, email adu@riverrun.digital
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