The Appalachia Daily for July 11, 2026, Saturday

Date: July 11, 2026Flood Watch Active Through Sunday EveningA Flood Watch remains in place for Cherokee and Clay counties until 8 p.m. Sunday. Flash flooding from heavy rain can hit creeks, streams, low-lying roads, and trails quickly. Monitor forecasts and avoid flooded roads.Sources:2026-07-10 | https://www.newsobserver.com/news/weather-news/article316444964.htmlFort Butler Park Transfer Approved in MurphyThe Murphy Town Council unanimously approved conveying Fort Butler Park and Historic Site, about 0.8 acres, to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians at no cost. The site served as a detention point during the Trail of Tears. Mayor Tim Radford and Principal Chief Michell Hicks both spoke about honest history and stewardship. Legal transfer should finish in the coming weeks. The town maintains the park until then.Sources:2026-07-09 | https://www.heraldsun.com/news/state/article316439668.html2026-07-07 | https://www.local3news.com/local-news/town-of-murphy-nc-to-transfer-fort-butler-park-to-eastern-band-of-cherokee-indians/article_a4dcff7a-d7f9-47f5-89b3-3f6a3a57d5a4.html45th Festival on the Square Happening Now in HayesvilleThe free three-day Festival on the Square runs through Sunday in downtown Hayesville. Arts vendors, live music, food, and family fun fill the square. The street dance opened the weekend Friday night.Sources:2026-06-05 | https://www.themountainbuzz.com/post/cchac-s-45th-annual-festival-on-the-square-returns-to-hayesville-july-10-12Byron Herbert Reece Trail Relocation CompleteThe new 1.4-mile sustainable route of the Byron Herbert Reece side trail is open. It connects the trailhead to the Appalachian Trail near Flatrock Gap. The project improves wilderness character and long-term trail health.Sources:2026-06-09 | https://appalachiantrail.org/news-stories/byron-herbert-reece-trail-reroute/Nantahala Trails Strongly Recovered for Summer HikingThe vast majority of roads and trails in the Nantahala National Forest are reopened after Hurricane Helene recovery work. Most popular hiking areas are accessible again. Always check current conditions before heading out.Sources:2026-07-11 | https://www.hendersonvillelightning.com/news/15484-more-than-90-of-forest-service-roads-trails-have-reopened.htmlProduced by River Run Digital Media and Entertainment https://media.riverun.digital, a division of RiverRun Digital https://go.riverrun.digitalTake care of your neighbors, and they’ll take care of you.Notes, methods, and rightsAll information is drawn from publicly available sources listed above. Rights for the Appalachia Daily Update are reserved by River Run Digital Media and Entertainment, which produces hyperlocal news for small towns across Appalachia and beyond. 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