Cherokee County News

GOOD SAMARITAN SHOT WHILE TRYING TO INTERCEDE IN APPARENT DOMESTIC DISPUTE

Murphy, NC— The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a couple that is wanted for questioning in connection with a felony assault committed on Old U.S. 64 in Cherokee County on June 24, 2011.

At about 3:45 pm. June 24, 2011 Cherokee County Dispatch received a report from Murphy Medical Center that a person was in the Emergency Room suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Officers of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched and commenced an investigation.

Information provided by the victim indicated that previous to the arrival at Murphy Medical Center the victim observed a male and female who appeared to be engaged in a verbal and physical altercation. When the victim attempted to intercede the victim was shot.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is looking for assistance in locating a grey or silver colored sports utility vehicle possibly missing the back window. The vehicle is said to be cluttered with clothing and junk inside. The vehicle possibly has North Carolina plates.

The male occupant is described as white, in his mid 20’s approximately 5’8” tall slender build with light brown short hair possibly a military style hair cut. He possibly has a barbed wire tattoo and is wearing light blue possible stone washed blue jeans. The male occupant was armed with a small caliber hand gun.

The female occupant is described as white in her mid 20’s as well. She is slightly taller than the male. She has dirty blonde hair which comes just past her shoulders. She was last seen wearing a sundress and flip flops.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office asks if anyone should have information about the vehicle or the incident please call 828-837-2589 or 828-835-4142.

NEW NAME, NEW AFFILIATION

Owner, Dee Witting, was joined on June 17 by representatives of the Cherokee County Chamber as she cuts the ribbon celebrating the Grand Re-opening of her campground, and its affiliation with the national KOA group of campgrounds.  The new name is Murphy/Peace Valley KOA.  This change was made to bring more tourists to Cherokee County.  Barbara Hughes is holding her dog, Coco, signifying that Murphy/Peace Valley KOA is a pet-friendly campground.  For reservations or additional information, call 837-6223.  The campground is located at 17 Happy Valley Road in Marble.

Cold Nose College owners, Lisa and Brad Waggoner, are joined by apprentice Tiffany Lovell and Chamber representatives as they cut a ribbon celebrating the expansion and relocation of their business.   Also pictured are Australian shepherds, Cody and Gibson, who work with the Waggoners in their business.  Cold Nose College has recently taken on additional space and moved a few doors down, still their original location at 5718 Highway 64 West, Murphy.  The expansion was to accommodate the fulfillment of a long-time dream to add classes to teach dog trainers from around the country.  In addition, Cold Nose College now offers a Mountains of Learning program designed for owners who would like to bring their pets to our area for a weekend of training classes.  Both these new curriculum additions will help to increase tourism in Cherokee County.

For additional information, call Cold Nose College at 644-9148.

Murphy Medical Center Foundation awards 20 scholarships

Murphy Medical Center Foundation has awarded 20 scholarships totaling $35,000 to area students pursuing higher education in the healthcare arena.

“Scholarships are awarded each year to graduating seniors from high schools in Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties,“ said Kathi Osborne, Foundation Director at the hospital. “This year the Foundation’s Board of Directors is very pleased to add a new scholarship in honor of Dr. Jeff Larson to benefit students graduating from Tri-County Early College.”

Osborne added that the Larson scholarship was made possible by the generous support of several local donors who wanted to recognize the contribution Larson made to the community before his retirement earlier this year.

Other scholarships are granted in the names of three valued community members:  Dr. Helen Wells, Mr. John Carringer, and Ms. Dorothy Cloer.

This year’s high school student recipients were Aleisha Allen of Andrews, Kaitlin Bourscheid of Hiawassee Dam, Anna Breazeale of Murphy, Lacey Burke of Robbinsville, Abby Chester of Hayesville, Taylor Peterman of Murphy, Kim Pullium of Murphy and Bailie Walters of Hayesville.

Each student received a scholarship of $1,750.

The hospital annually renews scholarships as students continue to qualify throughout their undergraduate studies.  An additional 12 scholarships of $1,750 each were awarded this year to college students pursuing a wide range of healthcare-related education.

Murphy Medical Center Foundation has an endowment of approximately $1.5 million, proceeds from which are used, in part, to fund the annual healthcare education scholarships.  Donations to the Foundation also help the hospital fund ongoing improvements and ensure the future stability of the hospital.  Cash, bequests, stocks, or in-kind donations are accepted. To discuss making a tax-deductible gift to Murphy Medical Center, contact Osborne at 835-7506.

Students walk to Cherokee County Historical Museum

By Julie Chautin

Contributing Writer

Murphy Elementary School teacher Jessica Mashburn found a great way to save on gas – she took a walking trip recently with her students to the Cherokee County Historical Museum in downtown Murphy.

Museum director Wanda Stalcup spoke to them about life in Cherokee County in times past.  The students asked a lot of questions and related their own family stories learned from their grandparents.  Then they discovered the reproductions of old toys in the museum gift shop and their visit was complete.

School groups and families are always welcome at the museum.  For information call 837-6792.

Locally-based Indulgence Gift Company offers Elegant  and Stylish Gifts for all Occasions

MURPHY, NC- A new business now open in Murphy is offering gift baskets for the most distinguished tastes and is specializing to meet the small business needs. Indulgence Gift Company owner Angela Martin, said, ” We offer a vast selections for every occasion.”  Options include spa baskets, wedding, anniversaries, baby showers, get well and sympathy, graduation and many others. There are affordable options and many styles to choose from on their website www.giveindulgence.com. Customers may also call 835-6837 to take advantage of custom design services for special occasions. The Indulgence Gift Company design studio is located in the Valley River Merchant building at 33 Valley River Avenue in downtown Murphy beside Cocnutz.

Angela Martin, an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is married to Joseph Martin, and have  a son, A.J. She was the Director of hotel operations at Harrah’s Cherokee from 2005-2008 and has also worked in revenue management,planning and analysis and marketing. She holds a B.S.B.A. in economics from Appalachian State University, and lives in Marble.