Appalachia Daily Update – November 25, 2025

Record breaking drug trafficking sentence in Cherokee CountyA Cherokee County jury has convicted a Peachtree man in what local officials describe as a record breaking meth trafficking case, with a prison term approaching two decades. The case involved high level manufacturing and trafficking charges and a multi agency investigation, and the stiff sentence is meant to send a message about large scale drug operations in the county.* Jury found the defendant guilty on multiple high level meth trafficking counts.* Superior court judge imposed a sentence of roughly eighteen to twenty three years in state prison.* Officials say the case reflects ongoing efforts to crack down on meth labs and major distribution.Sources:https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/jury-finds-peachtree-man-guilty-drug-trafficking-record-breaking-casehttps://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/north-carolina-jury-convicts-man-record-meth-caseMurphy Police join Community Care social worker programMurphy Police have joined the Community Care program, a Western Carolina University initiative that embeds social workers with rural departments to handle complex, non criminal calls. Social workers help respond to or follow up on calls involving homelessness, addiction, mental health crises, and frequent nine one one use, connecting people with services and reducing repeat emergencies.* Program began in Sylva and has expanded to multiple western North Carolina agencies.* Social workers ride along or follow up after calls to connect people with housing, treatment, or counseling.* Goal is to lower repeat calls, reduce strain on officers, and improve outcomes for vulnerable residents.Sources:https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2025/11/19/police-social-workershttps://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/sheriff-seeks-grant-form-crisis-teamVeterans honored in Cherokee and new college benefitsIn Cherokee, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians hosted a Veterans Day tribute at Steven Youngdeer American Legion Post one four three, where community members gathered to thank those who served. At the state level, new laws are expanding in state tuition, tuition assistance, and flexible enrollment for veterans and military families across the UNC System, which now has more than twenty three thousand military affiliated students.* Veterans Day event highlighted gratitude and ongoing service among local veterans in Cherokee.* Military Tuition and Residency, Tuition Assistance, and Deferred Enrollment acts expand college access.* Western mountain campuses expect more veterans and family members to enroll under the new rules.Sources:https://wlos.com/news/local/eastern-band-cherokee-indians-host-veterans-day-tribute-steven-youngdeer-american-legion-post-commander-community-thankshttps://www.northcarolina.edu/news/new-laws-expand-college-access-for-north-carolinas-veterans-and-military-familieshttps://www.northcarolina.edu/students/militaryhttps://ckh.enc.edu/news/new-laws-make-college-easier-for-veterans-in-north-carolinaFire danger and mountain weather checkAfter a stretch of high wildfire concern across North Carolina, today’s fire outlook for Cherokee County is helped by clouds and periods of rain, which lower near term fire spread risk but do not remove it. State fire danger tools continue to show at least moderate risk across parts of the state, and the North Carolina Forest Service is urging residents to use caution with any outdoor burning.* North Carolina State Climate Office publishes a daily fire danger map based on national rating categories.* Recent statewide advisories have highlighted the risk of fast spreading wildfires in dry and windy conditions.* Today’s local forecast brings cooler temperatures and showers to Cherokee County.Sources:https://products.climate.ncsu.edu/fwip/nc_dangerhttps://nclocal.org/2025/11/19/wildfire-danger-is-high-across-nc-heres-what-you-should-knowhttps://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-forest-service/fire-control-and-prevention/sit-reporthttps://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-forest-servicehttps://www.weather.gov/gspMurphy Mountain Christmas and Shop Small weekendDowntown Murphy is gearing up for Murphy Mountain Christmas, a season of small town holiday events built around Shop Small Weekend. The program features an art walk, Christmas tree lighting, parade, Santa visits, and other activities that encourage residents to spend their holiday dollars with locally owned businesses.* Town of Murphy Main Street promotes the events as free and family friendly.* Shop Small Weekend kicks off the season by highlighting downtown merchants.* Posters and social posts point residents to local pages for event dates and details.Sources:https://www.townofmurphync.com/main-street-murphy/page/murphy-mountain-christmashttps://www.facebook.com/downtownmurphync/photos/remember-this-holiday-season-to-shop-small-shop-local-downtownmurphync-murphync-/1215412783969440Murphy Bulldogs aim for regional playoff tripThe Murphy Bulldogs football team is ...