Appalachia Daily Update — Friday, January 23, 2026

Weather Alert: State of Emergency DeclaredGovernor Stein has declared a State of Emergency for North Carolina ahead of a winter storm. We expect rain to transition into freezing rain and sleet starting Saturday morning in Area 1. Dangerous wind chills are forecasted for Monday. Use today to prepare and stay off the roads once the ice begins to accumulate.Sources2026-01-23 | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Murphy&state=NC2026-01-21 | https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/01/21/governor-stein-declares-state-emergency-ahead-winter-stormSoundcheck Friday: Weekend Live MusicThe mountains are full of music tonight. Here is the local lineup:* Blairsville: Mike Lane at The Flying Trout (6–9 PM).* Blue Ridge: Weekend sets at Grumpy Old Men Brewing (7–9 PM).* Murphy: Hunter Flanagan at The Mason Bar.Sources2026-01-23 | https://www.flyingtroutblairsville.com/events2026-01-22 | https://grumpyoldmenbrewing.com/music%2Fevents2026-01-23 | https://www.facebook.com/themasonbar/New Music: “Dirt Road Dreams” by D.Wayne AnthonyLocal artist D.Wayne Anthony has released a soulful new track that captures the spirit of our backroads. It is a tribute to the history and freedom found in every bend of the mountain gravel.Sources2026-01-23 | https://music.Riverrun.digital/Dirt-Road-Dreams2026-01-23 | https://music.Riverrun.digital/WayneAnthonyCommunity & Sports* Brasstown: Bluegrass Week kicks off Monday at the John C. Campbell Folk School.* Basketball: Fannin County Rebels (18-1) continue their dominant run while Union County preps for a heavy-hitting regional matchup.Sources2026-01-21 | https://www.folkschool.org/events/2026-01-22 | https://www.maxpreps.com/ga/blue-ridge/fannin-county-rebels/basketball/ 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