Appalachia Daily Update - March 12, 2026

Two Cherokee County Commissioners Resign EarlyCal Stiles and Dr. Dan Eichenbaum have resigned from the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners effective immediately. Both lost their primary races on March third.Their early exit means new commissioners will be appointed soon to handle key local issues including budgets and infrastructure.News as of: March 11, 2026Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Seizes Methamphetamine in Murphy RaidDeputies executed a search warrant at a home on Hampton Church Road in Murphy. They discovered a suspect hiding in a chimney and seized suspected methamphetamine along with paraphernalia.This is a separate incident from any previously reported cases. Horace Moneymaker faces felony charges including conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine. Sheriff Chris Wood called it part of ongoing efforts to remove drugs from our area.News as of: March 9, 2026Prescribed Burns Completed Near Lake Hiwassee and MurphyThe U S Forest Service carried out controlled burns in the Ramsey Bluff area and near Panther Top lookout.These operations help reduce the risk of wildfires and improve habitat on Nantahala National Forest land. Any recent smoke in the area was from these managed burns.News as of: March 11, 2026Downtown Murphy Shop & Sip Returns This SaturdayThe popular Second Saturday event returns March fourteenth from two to five p m.Downtown merchants will offer special deals, refreshments, and raffles. It’s a great opportunity to shop local and enjoy community in Murphy.News as of: March 12, 2026Where to listenhttps://go.riverrun.digital/ADU-PodcastsNotes, 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, 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.digitalSources:* 2026-03-11 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/eichenbaum-stiles-resign-early-commissioners* 2026-03-09 | https://www.local3news.com/local-news/deputies-find-man-in-chimney-during-murphy-nc-meth-bust/article_a3445c88-5810-4e68-974c-c45fb25a24a0.html* 2026-03-11 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/forest-service-holds-controlled-burns* Current | https://www.townofmurphync.com/main-street-murphy/page/second-saturday-shop-sip 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