Appalachia Daily Update - March 14, 2026

Practical AI Workshop for Small Businesses at North Georgia Technical College

North Georgia Technical College in Clarkesville is offering a hands-on AI workshop on March 24 and 31 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. Participants learn practical tools for automation, content, customer service, and growth, plus receive a personalized action plan.

This is a strong opportunity for local business owners and tourist operators across Fannin, Union, and Cherokee counties to stay competitive in our mountain economy.

Signup Here: https://go.riverrun.digital/AI-Workshop-NGTC

News as of: March 2026.

Arrest Made in Martins Creek Arson Investigation

A Blairsville man faces multiple felony arson charges in both North Carolina and Georgia following a joint investigation into deliberate fires near Martins Creek.

The coordinated work by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Murphy Police, and forest services brings closure and helps protect our wooded areas and neighborhoods.

News as of: March 11-12, 2026.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Happening Today

The Blue Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade starts at 11:00 AM downtown. Line up early at First Baptist Church if marching; spectators line Main Street. In Hayesville, the second-annual St. Patty’s Day Bash runs noon to 9:00 PM with Irish food, live bands, drinks, and a bouncy house for kids.

These events offer easy family fun and support for local businesses right here in the mountains.

News as of: March 14, 2026.

Trail Spotlight Saturday – Murphy Riverwalk

The Murphy Riverwalk is an easy 3-mile greenway (6-mile round-trip) along the Hiwassee and Valley Rivers with scenic views, wildlife, spring wildflowers, and 19 QR-code interpretive stops on local Cherokee heritage and history. Multiple town-center access points make it simple to enjoy.

Pair it with today’s St. Patrick’s events for a full day outdoors.

News as of: March 14, 2026.

Heads-Up on Prescribed Burns in Nantahala National Forest

The U.S. Forest Service is conducting controlled burns this month to reduce fuels, improve habitat, and lower wildfire risk. Smoke may be visible.

Check conditions before hiking or outdoor plans to stay safe.

News as of: March 2026.

Sources:

• 2026-03 | https://ce.northgatech.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=1159620

• 2026-03-11 | https://wlos.com/news/local/georgia-man-facing-arson-charges-cherokee-county-north-carolina-investigation-martins-creek-community-wooded-brush-areas-forests-services-murphy-poice-department-ongoing-secured-bond

• 2026-03-14 | https://www.blueridgemountains.com/events/st-patricks-day-parade/

• 2026-03-14 | https://business.claychambernc.com/calendar

• Ongoing | https://www.townofmurphync.com/community/page/murphy-riverwalk

• 2026-03 | https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/newsroom/releases/prescribed-burning-planned-pisgah-and-nantahala-national

Where to listen

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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 hyperlocal news for small towns across Appalachia and beyond. To learn more about River Run Digital and its local news projects, visit

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