Date: July 30, 2026
Free sports physicals today in Murphy
The Cherokee County Health Department offers free sports physicals today from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for pre-K through 12th-grade students. Walk-ins are welcome or call ahead. Location is 228 Hilton Street in Murphy. This is a practical way to get athletes cleared for the coming season.
Sources:
2026-07-28 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/ (Sports Shorts for July 29, 2026)
Cleanup continues after Tuesday storms
Severe storms on July 28 brought damaging winds, hail, heavy rain, and widespread power outages. Cherokee County Emergency Management reported five structure damages, mostly in Peachtree and near Andrews. Blue Ridge Mountain EMC recorded about 7,200 customers without power at the peak across its service area that includes Cherokee, Clay, Fannin, and Union counties. No injuries were reported. Cleanup remains underway.
Sources:
2026-07-29 | https://www.facebook.com/WKRKRadio/posts/severe-storms-leave-widespread-damage-across-the-tri-state-areacommunities-acros/1680536827411929/
TomatoFEST this Saturday in Murphy
The 4th Annual TomatoFEST runs Saturday, August 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Riverwalk behind the historic L&N Depot in downtown Murphy. Cherokee Clay Food Alliance hosts cooking demos, a family fun tent, music, local vendors, and a Bloody Mary contest. General admission is free.
Sources:
2026-07-28 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/
Current | https://www.wncccfa.org/tomatofest
Local Legend: Cherokee County Historical Museum
The museum at 87 Peachtree Street in Murphy occupies the historic Carnegie Library building. It displays more than 2,000 Cherokee artifacts, pioneer tools, and a replica 1830s Cherokee dwelling. It is designated an official National Park Service Trail of Tears Interpretive Site. Hours are weekdays with modest admission.
Sources:
Current | https://cchistoricalmuseum.com/
Current | https://www.townofmurphync.com/main-street-murphy/page/cherokee-county-historical-museum
Local Legend: The Peavine Railroad
The Carolina-Georgia “Peavine” Special linked Andrews and Hayesville beginning around 1920-21. It hauled timber, supplies, fertilizer, and bark until operations ended and the rails were removed in the early 1950s. A historical marker in Andrews preserves the story of how the short line shaped both communities.
Sources:
Current | https://www.andrewsnc.org/our-history/
Current | https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=305636
Blue Ridge Street work coming to Blairsville
The City of Blairsville expects to begin the Blue Ridge Street Improvement Project next month. The work includes resurfacing between the square and Earnest Street, drainage repairs, and pedestrian safety upgrades. Officials plan to keep one lane open. Businesses along the corridor remain open.
Sources:
2026-07-22 | North Georgia News coverage of City of Blairsville and Union County project details
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Notes, methods, and rights
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