The Appalachia Daily for July 23, 2026, Thursday

Date: July 23, 2026Hayesville Teacher Earns Worldwide RecognitionErin McCoy of Hayesville Middle School has been named one of only three Participate Learning Teachers of the Year for 2026. The honor recognizes her work leading Global Leaders initiatives that help students link classroom learning to future careers.Sources:2026-07-01 | https://www.themountainbuzz.com/post/hayesville-teacher-named-one-of-three-worldwide-participate-learning-teachers-of-the-yearNew Playground Opens Friday in Clay CountyThe Clay County Regional Sports Complex will hold a grand opening for its new playground this Friday, July 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families are invited to come try it out.Sources:2026-07 | https://business.claychambernc.com/calendar/Details/grand-opening-clay-county-recreational-park-playground-1850662Blue Ridge Street Work Coming to BlairsvilleThe City of Blairsville will begin resurfacing Blue Ridge Street next month. Motorists should expect temporary traffic disruption in the downtown area while the project is underway.Sources:2026-07-22 | https://www.nganews.com/Ice Hockey Training Arrives in BlairsvilleThe Sticks Ice Arena, a private facility owned by Don Whalen, is now offering learn-to-skate lessons and hockey training for youth and adults. The 40-by-80-foot rink opened in November 2025 and fills a long gap in local access to ice sports.Sources:2026-07-22 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/sports/sticks-brings-hockey-areaGreen Bean Festival Returns This WeekendDowntown Blairsville’s Green Bean Festival is back July 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Historic Courthouse square. Admission is free.Sources:2026-07 | https://www.downtownblairsvillega.com/events/green-bean-festivalProduced 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