Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

Hayesville Roadless Rule Meeting Draws Local Voices

About three dozen neighbors gathered Thursday at the Historic Courthouse Beal Center in Hayesville for a public meeting on the federal Roadless Rule. Mountain True’s Resilient Forests Director Josh Kelly presented, and the discussion centered on protecting untouched areas in the Nantahala National Forest. These roadless zones are exactly where many of us hike and find quiet. Clay County residents made it clear they want a say in keeping our backcountry special.

Nantahala Trail Access & Spring Conditions

Planning a weekend hike? Connely Creek Road (NFSR 86) in Macon County remains closed until October 2026 for major improvements between Cowee Bald Road and Barkers Creek. Access to Cowee Bald is still possible from the other side. Overall spring trail conditions across the Nantahala Ranger District are improving – drier paths and emerging wildflowers make it a great time to get out, but always check current USFS alerts before heading up.

Swain County Passes Data Center Moratorium

Swain County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to impose a 12-month moratorium on new data centers. The move follows a packed March 31 public hearing where residents raised concerns about water use (some facilities need hundreds of thousands of gallons daily), energy demands, noise, and visual impact on the landscape. A local fly-fishing guide spoke up about protecting the outdoor economy that draws visitors to the area. Swain now joins Clay County and other WNC communities in pausing development to study smarter long-term rules. Commissioner Tanner Lawson emphasized getting any future ordinance “as perfect as we can get it.”

Local Track & Field Teams Deliver Strong Results

Hayesville’s track athletes shone at the recent 15-school meet in Swain County. The Jackets baseball team defeated Swain County 10-0, and the girls soccer squad earned a solid victory. Andrews Wildcats and Murphy Bulldogs also posted strong performances. Our kids continue to make us proud on the field and the track.

Union County Farmers Market Opens May 2

Mark your calendars – the Union County Farmers Market opens Saturday, May 2 with the theme “Where the Community Meets.” It’s a great spot for fresh local produce and neighborly connection just over the Georgia line. Perfect way to kick off the spring market season in our extended mountain region.

Partnership Shout-outNorth Georgia Technical College (in partnership with River Run Digital) is offering a hands-on AI Workshop: Practical Uses in the Workplace on May 18–19 at their Clarkesville campus. Six hours of real-world training on tools that help small teams automate tasks, create content, and make smarter decisions. Participants receive a personalized “Workflow Pack” to use immediately. Full details in the show notes.

Sources

* Clay County Progress (April 23, 2026)

* U.S. Forest Service – National Forests in North Carolina alerts (April 2026)

* Mountain Xpress (April 21–22, 2026)

* Union County News Leader (April 2026 edition)

Where to listenApple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube • adu.riverrun.digital

Produced by River Run Digital – hyper-local news for the greater Andrews/Murphy area and the surrounding Appalachian communities.

April 24, 2026

Happy Friday, neighbors! Spring is bringing music, cars, and practical opportunities across our mountain communities.

Blairsville Music & Seafood Festival Starts Today

Live local musicians, fresh seafood, vendors, bounce houses, and family fun at the Historic Mock House in Blairsville. $5 admission (kids free). Runs through Sunday.

Polk County Ramp Tramp Festival – April 24–25

Classic Appalachian celebration in Reliance, TN (near Ducktown) with ramps, music, and proceeds benefiting Polk County 4-H.

Andrews Spring Fling – Tomorrow on Main Street

Vendors, crafts, food trucks, and family fun from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. in downtown Andrews.

Andrews Wildcats Remain Undefeated at 17-0

Huge local pride for our high school baseball team after sweeping Murphy.

Weekend Weather: Perfect for Getting Out

Highs in the low-to-mid 70s with sunshine across the entire coverage area.

Copperhill Cleanup Week – April 27 to May 1

Time to pitch in and keep our mountain towns beautiful.

Cherokee Spring Rod Run Today on EBCI Lands

Annual classic car show and community celebration happening today in Cherokee, NC on Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians lands.

Supporter Spotlight: NGTC AI Workshop – May 18-19

North Georgia Technical College is offering a practical, hands-on AI Workshop: Practical Uses in the Workplace May 18–19 (9 AM–12 PM each day) at their Clarkesville campus.Cost: $149 | 6-hour workshop focused on real tools small teams can use immediately — automating tasks, creating content, and making smarter decisions.Partnership between North Georgia Technical College and River Run Digital, producer of this broadcast.You’ll leave with a personalized “Workflow Pack” you can start using right away.More info: https://bit.ly/SBAIW

Where to ListenFull episode and archives:

Produced by River Run Digital →

https://www.riverrun.digital/

Email: adu@riverrun.digital

Take care of your neighbors, and they’ll take care of you.

Appalachia Wildfire in Polk County Now 60% Contained

Fire crews have made strong progress on the blaze in the Cherokee National Forest. Some roads and trails are reopening, and air quality concerns are easing for folks in the Ducktown and Copperhill area.

Cherokee County Couple Arrested for School Attendance Law Violations

Sheriff’s deputies and school officials teamed up to enforce the law in Murphy. The case highlights the community’s commitment to keeping kids in the classroom.

Murphy Native Braden Rumfelt Advances to Top Seven on American Idol

Our hometown singer keeps impressing the judges and the whole region is rooting for him. Braden’s run is a proud moment for Murphy and all of Cherokee County.

Union County Proclaims Marion Durkee Day for Blairsville Resident’s 100th Birthday

Commissioners honored a true mountain matriarch who’s been part of Blairsville for a century. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate local legends who’ve shaped our communities.

Cherokee Scout Shares This Week in Local History

The latest column pulls stories straight from the archives, reminding us of the people and events that built Cherokee County.

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Receives $4.75 Million Housing Grant

The funding will support affordable housing projects that benefit tribal members throughout our area.

Sources:2026-04-22 | https://www.local3news.com/local-news/update-650-acre-appalachia-fire-in-polk-county-now-60-contained/article_f354dd74-6154-463b-86ee-1106f9e0abeb.html2026-04-17 | https://www.facebook.com/CherokeeCountySheriffNC/posts/for-immediate-releaseapril-17-2026couple-arrested-for-school-attendance-law-viol/1377208401104274/2026-04-21 | https://newschannel9.com/news/local/murphy-native-braden-rumfelt-advances-to-american-idol-top-72026-04-22 | North Georgia News / local FB groups (Marion Durkee proclamation)2026-04-21 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/cherokee-county-local-history-april-8-222026-04-22 | theonefeather.com / WLOS (EBCI grant)

Where to listenCatch the full show on your favorite podcast app or at adu.riverrun.digital.

Notes, methods, and rightsThis 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 Media and Entertainment, which produces hyperlocal news for small towns across Appalachia and beyond.