Appalachia Daily Update - November 16, 2025

Today’s update focuses on two large-scale search and rescue operations in Graham and Union counties. We also cover the ongoing Collett Ridge Fire, new fees in Union County, and a big playoff win for the Murphy Bulldogs.Topic: Major Search Efforts for Missing Men (GA/NC) Urgent search operations are active for two missing men. One search is for 67-year-old professor Charles Hosch, missing since Nov. 11 on the Byron Herbert Reece Trail (GA). A separate search is underway for a local man in Graham County (NC). Cold weather is a major concern for both operations.* Sources: NBC DFW, The Graham StarTopic: Collett Ridge Fire Update Firefighting efforts are ongoing at the Collett Ridge Fire in Clay County, NC. Officials are providing updates on containment progress.* Source: Clay County ProgressTopic: Union County, GA, Approves New Fees, STR Licenses The Union County Commission has approved several new short-term rental business licenses. Additionally, a resolution was passed to create a new “Technology Fee” for the probate court.* Source: Union County, GA GovernmentTopic: Copperhill Quarry Seeks New Storm Water Permit Hedrick Industries has applied for a new storm water discharge permit for its Copperhill Quarry. This permit is intended to manage water runoff from the industrial site.* Source: The News Observer (Blue Ridge, GA)Topic: Your Core Weather Forecast The forecast for the Murphy area shows mostly sunny skies for Sunday, with a slight chance of showers Sunday night. Conditions are expected to clear for a sunny Monday.* Source: National Weather Service (Morristown)Topic: Murphy Bulldogs Advance to Third Round The Murphy High School football team has advanced to the third round of the state playoffs after a decisive win against Albemarle. Their next game is scheduled for November 21st.* Source: Citizen TimesTopic: Clustered Community Events Local weekend events included the Harvest Moon Festival at the Union County Farmers Market, a “Tom The Gobbler Painting” class in Murphy, and a “Wicked Fun” wand-making event at the Clayton library.* Sources: Union County Chamber, AllEvents.in, Town of ClaytonTopic: Marine Corps 250th Birthday Celebrated Local veterans and community members gathered in Blue Ridge, GA, on Saturday night to celebrate the 250th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps.* Source: The News Observer (Blue Ridge, GA)Topic: Potential for Northern Lights Tonight A G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm is forecast by NOAA for tonight. This creates a rare possibility that the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) could be visible in our region.* Source: NOAA Space Weather Prediction CenterDisclaimer: The author used AI in collaboration to create this newscast. Source Attribution: All sources are from publicly available sources. All rights reserved: Appalachia Daily Sponsor: The Appalachia Daily is a production of RiverRun.Digital. https://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