Dog Attack Confirmed in Hiwassee Dam Community

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has released more details about the death of a seventy-five-year-old woman last week. Deputies responded to a welfare check and later confirmed through autopsy that she died from a dog attack. Three dogs were seized and quarantined.

News as of: February 27 - March 1, 2026.

Live Grenades Discovered in Culberson Home

A family cleaning a deceased relative’s property in Culberson found a smoke grenade and an MK two grenade on February twenty sixth. The devices were stable but live. The state bomb squad safely disposed of them with no charges expected.

News as of: March 1, 2026.

Tri-County Students Building Affordable Homes in Andrews

Students in the Building Construction Technology program at Tri-County Community College have begun work on the first homes on a twelve-acre site gifted to the college foundation. A two-point-eight-million-dollar grant is supporting the effort to create workforce housing and training opportunities.

News as of: March 2, 2026.

Candidate Qualifying Underway in Union County, Georgia

Qualifying for local offices is taking place this week at the Union County Elections and Registration Center at thirty three Roscoe Collins Drive in Blairsville. The change is due to ongoing courthouse construction.

News as of: March 2, 2026.

New Business Monday Spotlight

Wagner Works hosted an AI training session this past Saturday in Murphy. We want to thank them for organizing the event and recognize everyone who participated, with a special note to the team from Gray Matters Boutique.

Sources:

* 2026-02-27 | https://www.local3news.com/local-news/update-75-year-old-woman-killed-in-dog-attack-cherokee-co-sheriff-says/article_1a03189f-fb73-43e9-a101-ddb2f83d562b.html

* 2026-03-01 | https://newschannel9.com/news/local/two-bombs-found-in-deceased-persons-home-in-cherokee-county-authorities-confirm

* 2026-03-02 | https://www.ednc.org/building-skills-building-homes-tri-county-community-college-launches-new-initiative-to-address-housing-shortages/

* 2026-03-02 | https://www.nganews.com/

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Notes, methods, and rights

This 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, which produces hyperlocal news for small towns across Appalachia and beyond. To learn more about River Run Digital and its local news projects, visit

https://go.riverrun.digital

Investigation Underway After Unidentified Person Found Dead in Hiwassee Dam Community

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an unidentified person found on Cross Creek Lane in the Hiwassee Dam area. State Bureau of Investigation agents are assisting with the case.Authorities confirm no threat to the community as they work to identify the individual and notify next of kin.News as of: February 26, 2026.

Chris Wood Sworn In as New Cherokee County Sheriff

Chris Wood has officially taken the oath to complete the unexpired term following Dustin Smith’s resignation.The change provides continuity for law enforcement services in Cherokee County ahead of the March primary.News as of: February 24, 2026.

Early Voting Ends Saturday for March 3 Primary

In-person early voting for the March 3 primary wraps up at 3 p.m. Saturday.This is the final opportunity for residents to cast ballots in key local races before Election Day on Tuesday.News as of: February 27, 2026.

Soundcheck Friday – Murphy’s Braden Rumfelt Announces Two Upcoming Shows

Murphy native Braden Rumfelt, who is advancing on American Idol, will perform with his band in a free pop-up show March 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Western Carolina University’s University Center Grand Room. He will also take the stage at Myst Bar inside Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort on March 7 at 8 p.m.The events give local fans a chance to support one of our own as he chases a national spotlight.News as of: February 25-26, 2026.

Where to listen

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Notes, methods, and rights

This 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, which produces hyperlocal news for small towns across Appalachia and beyond. To learn more about River Run Digital and its local news projects, visit

https://go.riverrun.digital

Murphy Native Braden Rumfelt Shines in American Idol Hollywood Week

Twenty-two-year-old Braden Rumfelt from Murphy delivered a standout cover of Sam Smith’s I’m Not the Only One during Hollywood Week in Music City, joined by his twin brother Kellen on guitar. The judges stood and cheered, and Luke Bryan told the other judges he may win the whole thing.

The episode ended on a cliffhanger, awaiting Lionel Richie’s decision. Viewers learn his fate on the next episode airing Monday, March second. The season continues with live voting starting late March and runs to the finale expected in mid to late May. Tune in, cheer him on, and get ready to support our local talent.

News as of: February 26, 2026.

Hiwassee Dam Lady Eagles Win Little Smoky Mountain Conference Title

The Hiwassee Dam girls varsity basketball team defeated Summit Charter to claim the Little Smoky Mountain Conference tournament championship.

It is a proud moment for the community as the Eagles turn their focus to the state playoffs.

News as of: February 25, 2026.

Early Voting Ends Saturday for March 3 Primary

Early voting sites stay open through Saturday at three p.m. for the March third primary. Cherokee County and nearby areas have several local races on the ballot.

Make time to vote if you have not already.

News as of: February 26, 2026.

Fannin County Responders Rescue Ill Hiker on Appalachian Trail

A forty-six-year-old solo hiker became ill and could not walk near Hawk Mountain on February twenty first. Fannin County EMA, fire, EMS, and Georgia DNR teams responded.

They carried him out in a Stokes basket over difficult ground and used a helicopter long line for extraction. The full operation took more than eight hours before he reached the hospital.

News as of: February 24, 2026.

Where to listen

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Notes, methods, and rights

This 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, which produces hyperlocal news for small towns across Appalachia and beyond. To learn more about River Run Digital and its local news projects, visit

https://go.riverrun.digital