Fire Weather Check: Low fire risk for the Cherokee County, NC area
The fire risk forecast for the Murphy area is in the Low range today, which is a good place to be for mid-December. Even with a low rating, dry winter fuels can still catch, so keep burns small and supervised, and don’t leave a pile “smoldering for later.” A cold weather advisory is also in play this morning, so it’s a good day to check pets, outdoor pipes, and anyone who might be vulnerable to cold.
Fire risk is rated Low for the Murphy area today.
Use extra caution with any burn piles or outdoor ash disposal.
Cold weather impacts are a separate safety concern this morning.
Sources:
https://forecast.weather.gov/zipcity.php?inputstring=Murphy%2CNC
News Date: 2025-12-15.
New Business Monday: North Georgia Waterjet & Woodworks in Epworth
A new ribbon cutting spotlighted North Georgia Waterjet & Woodworks in Epworth. They offer waterjet cutting, CNC routing, and woodworking services, and they’re positioning the shop as a woman-owned, veteran-operated family business. It’s a practical addition to the local economy because precision cutting and fabrication services can help everyone from small manufacturers to hobby builders do better work without driving far.
A recent ribbon cutting marked the shop’s local launch.
Services include precision cutting and routing for custom parts and projects.
It’s a “make stuff here” kind of business, which is always good news.
Sources:
https://www.northgeorgiawaterjet.com
News Date: 2025-12-12.
Union County, GA: Administrative Office Position closes tonight
Union County has an Administrative Office Position posted, and the listing shows the closing time as 11:59 p.m. today. If you’ve been looking for a county government job, this is one of those “don’t wait” deadlines that can sneak up fast.
The posting is live on the county’s job opportunities page.
The listing shows a hard deadline at 11:59 p.m. today.
If you’re interested, it’s worth checking the full description and application instructions now.
Sources:
https://www.unioncountyga.gov/Jobs.aspx
News Date: 2025-11-25.
Union County traffic heads up: Highway 515 widening detour updates
There’s an updated traffic heads up tied to the Highway 515 widening work between Blairsville and Young Harris. Detours and shifting traffic patterns can change quickly during these projects, so the best move is to follow the posted signage, slow down through work zones, and plan for a little extra time.
A detour update was shared for the 515 widening corridor.
Expect changing patterns and reduced patience, and drive accordingly.
This is a good week to leave a few minutes early if you commute that route.
Sources:
https://www.facebook.com/UnionCountyGaGovt/posts/1158366166478805/
https://www.facebook.com/Unioncountysheriffsofficega/posts/122280536870231750/
News Date: 2025-12-01.
Hiawassee: Police deputization and mutual aid agreement
Towns County Interim Sheriff Anthony Coleman formally deputized members of the Hiawassee Police Department during a city council work session, and the city and sheriff’s office signed a mutual aid agreement. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes cooperation that can improve coordination and response when something happens near town, on the lake, or across jurisdiction lines.
Deputization expands who can assist under specific circumstances.
A mutual aid agreement strengthens cross-agency support.
Cooperation is especially valuable when staffing is stretched.
Sources:
https://x.com/access_wdun/status/1993424006943260834
News Date: 2025-12-02.
Clay County, NC: Resolution opposing TVA and BRMEMC line plans
Clay County commissioners passed a resolution opposing TVA and Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation transmission line plans, and asked for a longer public comment period. This is a local-impact issue that touches land use, viewsheds, and long-term infrastructure decisions, so it’s worth reading up and engaging in the comment process with specifics.
Commissioners approved a formal resolution of opposition.
The request includes a longer comment window for the public.
Local participation is most effective when it’s detailed and respectful.
Sources:
https://mountainbuzz.org/clay-county-commissioners-pass-resolution-opposing-tva-and-brmemc-line-plans/
https://www.clayconc.com/board-meetings
News Date: 2025-12-10.
Murphy: Public hearing set for a Jackson Street rezoning request
The Town of Murphy scheduled a public hearing for 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the annex of the Town of Murphy Electric Power Board building on Peachtree Street. The hearing is for a proposed zoning map amendment that would change several parcels near Jackson Street from R-2 High Density Residential to H-B Highway Business. If you live nearby or care about how Murphy grows, it’s a meeting worth tracking.
A public hearing date and location are officially set.
The request involves rezoning near Jackson Street.
Community turnout helps keep the process transparent.
Sources:
News Date: 2025-12-10.
Andrews: Board of Aldermen meeting and swearing-in note
The Town of Andrews shared its December 11 Board of Aldermen meeting and noted that Representative Karl Gillespie and Judge Wingate were present to swear in the newest leadership. Local government decisions are where day-to-day services get shaped, so even a simple meeting post can be a useful prompt to stay engaged.
The town shared the December 11 meeting link and recap note.
New leadership swearing-in was highlighted in the post.
It’s a good time to refresh your sense of who represents you locally.
Sources:
News Date: 2025-12-11.
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Notes, methods, and rights
This daily update is assembled with the help of AI tools and publicly available sources. We aim for accuracy, but we always recommend confirming details with official sources, especially for public safety, closures, and changing event schedules. Copyright 2025 River Run Digital. Learn more at
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