1) New Business Monday: PT Solutions Opens in Blue Ridge (Ribbon Cutting Jan. 14)

News Date: Undated (event listing)

A new business opening is more than just a storefront. It can mean one less long drive, more options close to home, and one more place where neighbors can get what they need without leaving the mountains.

If you’re in the Blue Ridge area, this ribbon cutting is a good moment to welcome a new business, meet the folks behind it, and learn what services are now available locally.

Sources

* Undated | https://www.blueridgemountains.com/listing/pt-solutions-physical-therapy-blue-ridge/7255/

2) Fannin County Commissioners: Jan. 13 Agenda Highlights

News Date: Undated (PDF)

The Fannin County Board of Commissioners agenda for the January 13 meeting includes items like development variances, board appointments, and routine administrative actions. These meetings are where a lot of the “how the county runs” decisions happen, even when the agenda looks technical.

If you live or own property in Fannin County, it’s worth scanning the agenda and showing up when topics touch your neighborhood or your priorities.

Sources

* Undated | https://fannincountyga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/January-13th-2026-Regular-Scheduled-Board-Meeting.pdf

3) Union County Public Hearing: Proposed Revisions to Commissioner Salary Ordinance (Jan. 15)

News Date: 2025-12-23

Union County has posted an official notice for a public hearing on proposed revisions to its ordinances regarding commissioner salary. Public hearings are a key moment for community transparency and input, even if you’re just attending to listen.

If you have questions, concerns, or support for the proposed direction, this is the right forum to learn what’s on the table and make your voice part of the record.

Sources

* 2025-12-23 | https://www.unioncountyga.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/105

4) Fannin County Schools: 2026 Board Meeting Dates and Agenda Deadlines

News Date: 2026-01-09

Fannin County Schools has published its board meeting schedule and includes deadlines for when agenda items are due. For parents, staff, and community members, knowing the meeting dates and submission windows makes it easier to participate and stay informed.

Weather can always shift plans in the mountains, but a clear schedule is still the best starting point.

Sources

* 2026-01-09 | https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1767974953/fannink12gaus/fannink12gaus/zvaboatbce9diwijmf7w/BoardMeetingsDateTime2026Updated1-9-2026.pdf

5) Regional Heritage: Nikwasi Mound Deed Returning to the Eastern Band

News Date: 2026-01-07

A meaningful regional heritage update out of Franklin, North Carolina: The Nikwasi Mound is moving closer to returning to the stewardship of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This is a significant story for Western North Carolina and the wider mountain region, where Cherokee history and community identity are deeply connected.

Even when it’s outside our core counties, it matters because our mountain communities share history, culture, and family ties across these lines.

Sources

* 2026-01-07 | https://smokymountainnews.com/news/item/40736-completing-the-circle-nikwasi-mound-to-return-to-the-eastern-band

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Today’s Highlights

Flood Watch: Stay Weather-Aware Through This Evening

A Flood Watch is in effect through this evening across southwest North Carolina and a large portion of north Georgia. That means flooding is possible, especially in low-lying areas, creeks, and places that don’t drain well. If you’re out today, treat water over the road like a hard stop, and keep an eye on changing conditions.

Sources

* 2026-01-10 | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=NCZ060&lat=35.1939&local_place1=10+Miles+NW+Murphy+NC&lon=-84.1425&product1=Flood+Watch&warncounty=NCC039&warnzone=NCZ060

* 2026-01-10 | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=GAZ006&lat=34.8979&local_place1=4+Miles+ENE+Morganton+GA&lon=-84.1724&product1=Hazardous+Weather+Outlook&warncounty=GAC111&warnzone=GAZ006

Union County Parks & Recreation: 2026 Baseball, Softball, and T-Ball Registration

Union County Parks & Recreation has posted the 2026 baseball, softball, and T-ball registration information. If you’ve got kids who want to play this spring, this is your calendar reminder to check the registration window and the age group rules early, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

Sources

* 2026-01-09 | https://www.unioncountyga.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=108

* 2026-01-09 | https://www.unioncountyga.gov/ImageRepository/Document?documentId=786

Union County: Youth Wrestling Registration

Youth wrestling registration is open for a limited window, with practice days and times listed. If your family has been looking for a winter activity that builds confidence and keeps kids moving, this is a good one to review.

Sources

* 2025-12-29 | https://www.unioncountyga.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=106

Union County: Public Hearing on Proposed Revisions Related to Commissioner Salary

Union County has posted an official notice for a public hearing where residents can learn more, ask questions, and participate in the process. If you care about local governance, this is a good “show up and listen” moment.

Sources

* 2025-12-23 | https://www.unioncountyga.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=105

Cherokee National Forest: Access Disruption South of Parksville Lake for Culvert Replacement

The Forest Service has an alert about disrupted access south of Parksville Lake due to a culvert replacement project. If you’re planning outdoor time in that area, build in extra travel time and plan around the detour routes listed in the alert.

Sources

* 2026-01-05 | https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/cherokee/alerts/access-disruption-south-parksville-lake-culvert-replacement

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