Appalachia Daily Update | Friday, December 26, 2025

Trail Spotlight Friday: Vogel State Park First Day Hikes and a winter-friendly trail pickVogel State Park is a great “fresh air, no drama” option for Trail Spotlight Friday, and the First Day Hikes listings give you a ready-made plan for New Year’s Day. If you’re trying to reset after the holidays without making it complicated, this is an easy win.* A simple outdoor plan can be the best kind of plan.* Choose a trail that matches daylight and your group’s pace.* Winter hiking is layers, water, and leaving early.Sources:* https://gastateparks.org/FirstDayHikes* https://gastateparks.org/VogelNews Date: 2025-12-26Union County, GA: Public hearing notice for the tax digest and proposed millage rateUnion County has a public hearing notice posted regarding the tax digest and the proposed millage rate. Even if you don’t follow government closely, this is one of those “quiet but important” steps that affects everyday costs and local services.* The notice provides specific hearing details for the public.* This is a practical moment for residents to listen and participate.* You don’t need to be an expert to attend and ask questions.Sources:* https://www.unioncountyga.gov/public-notice/notice-of-public-hearing-on-the-tax-digest-and-the-proposed-millage-rate/News Date: 2025-12-26Clay County, NC: Board of Commissioners agenda packet for the January meetingClay County’s agenda packet is posted for the next Board of Commissioners meeting. Agenda packets are the best way to see what’s actually on the table, including discussion items and the structure of the meeting.* Agenda packets help you track decisions before they happen.* If you care about a topic, reading first is the best first step.* Share key items with neighbors who may not see the posting.Sources:* https://www.claync.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01082026-626News Date: 2025-12-22Update: TVA transmission proposal in Clay County and the next feedback meeting dateThere’s a new, specific next-step meeting date tied to the TVA transmission proposal conversation in Clay County. For neighbors who want to be involved, a posted meeting date is the difference between “I heard about it” and “I can actually show up and speak.”* The key update is the next scheduled feedback meeting.* This is a civic-process story with real long-term implications.* Stay respectful and stay specific if you participate.Sources:* https://www.claycountyprogress.com/local-news/tva-holding-feedback-meeting-in-clay-county* https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-news/tva-information-meeting-regarding-valley-river-line-projectNews Date: 2025-12-20Cherokee County Schools: Consolidation plan submitted to the state, and what happens nextCherokee County Schools have submitted a consolidation plan to the state, moving the process forward into the next phase. Families and staff should watch for details on the timeline and any upcoming opportunities for public input.* Submission is a major milestone in the process.* The next steps will include review points and decision moments.* Keep discussion respectful because real students and staff are affected.Sources:* https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-news/cherokee-county-schools-submit-consolidation-plan-stateNews Date: 2025-12-18Towns County, GA: “Battle of the States” basketball tournament scheduleTowns County has the “Battle of the States” tournament schedule out for Saturday. If you’ve got family playing, or you’re traveling to cheer, it’s a helpful weekend planner item.* The schedule helps families plan travel and arrival times.* Tournament days run more smoothly when you plan ahead.* Be the kind of crowd you’d want cheering for your kid.Sources:* https://www.towns.k12.ga.us/tchs/documents/%28BOS%29%20Battle%20of%20States%20Schedule.pdfNews Date: 2025-12-26Where to listen and followYou can listen on your favorite podcast app. You can also follow along on the show’s main channels for episode posts and updates.Notes, methods, and rightsThis update was assembled with the help of AI tools using publicly available sources and reviewed by a human producer. While we work to verify details, information can change quickly. Copyright 2025 River Run Digital. Learn more at https://go.riverrun.digital This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adu.riverrun.digital