Bulldogs Star Torin Rogers Nominated For McDonald’s All-American Game

TeamFYNSports

Photo courtesy of Murphy High School Athletics (Dana Anderson)

 

MURPHY- Murphy High School basketball standout Torin Rogers was selected as a nominee for the McDonald’s High School All-American game. She is now part of an elite list of the top high school basketball players in the country, as only 760 athletes were nominated.

The 2022 McDonald’s All-American game will be held in Chicago in March, and will showcase the Nation’s top basketball talent. This list of over 700 is used to highlight a larger pool of players, before being narrowed down to the top 24 boys and 24 girls who will actually suit up for the game at Wintrust Arena. Being chosen as a McDonald’s All-American is the highest recognition a high school hooper can receive.

This has been an incredible year for Rogers already, who has her team sitting at 12-2 overall and ranked as one of the top teams in the state of North Carolina.

Through 14 games, the Richmond commit is averaging a double-double, posting a line of 26 points per game, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks on average each time she steps on the floor.

Players were nominated for this prestigious honor by either a coach, athletic director, principal or member of the McDonald’s All-American selection committee. The top 24 boys and top 24 girls selected to fly to Chicago and participate in this year’s event will be revealed live on ESPN on January 25th at 3:00 pm.

After the teams are selected, fans can tune in to watch the 45th McDonalds All-American games live on ESPN2 on Tuesday, March 29th.

MHS 2021 Fall Testing Schedule

Murphy High, School Corner

May be an image of text that says 'MHS 2021 FALL TESTING Testing begins December concludes Students may leave dismissals students complete testing. dismissals should turned in before testing -remember dismissals must writing. Please ahead and begin sending your early dismissals Mrs. Chapman. 15 1st Math| Math3 Foods| Ûh” CivicLiteracy 16 2nd Block Exams Biology- Math Health Science| .dHsory Entertainment Fitness C”rts English||| English| 3rd Block Exams Science Biology -EOC WrldHistory EOC Found. Science Foods| Chemistry Spanish toMh •ArtIV 20 4th Block Exams American History B.AdvancedP Literacy Entertainment Mkt 21 Make-up Exams that student was absent today. Games exams students early dismissals should turned BEFORE testing- writing.'

Murphy High plans parade to honor 2020 graduates

Cherokee County Schools, Murphy Bulldogs, Murphy High
graduation

MURPHY, N.C. – Murphy High School (MHS) Principal Jason Forrister released details for 2020 graduation, which include a socially distanced ceremony, video, and May 29 parade.

“Suffice to say, the conclusion of this senior year has been unfamiliar and unexpected. The administration, faculty, and staff have missed seeing you in the classrooms, watching you play your senior seasons, enjoying prom, and participating in many of the other parts of senior year. We know these missed events have weighed heavily on you, as they have on us. With the time of graduation approaching, we do not want this season to pass without doing our best to offer you a timely, inclusive, meaningful, and memorable celebration of your successes and your transition to your new beginning,” wrote Forrister in his letter to MHS seniors.

This year, MHS will graduate 128 seniors, and the senior sponsors, Asst. Principal Wend Leatherwood, and Forrister tirelessly researched the best way to hold ceremonies during the pandemic. The plan they created is approved by the health department and similar to other schools’ graduation plans in the area.

To begin, seniors and up to seven guests will be scheduled to attend a socially distance ceremony; here they will accept diplomas and turn tassels. A videographer and photographer will be on hand to document the entire experience.

Part one of the graduation letter.

Faculty, staff, and guests are encouraged to wear face coverings and socially distance of up to six feet during this ceremony.  The families and guests will watch their student participate in the ceremony from the designated viewing area. Once their student is finished with the ceremony, a family photography area will be available. However, graduates and families can’t congregate with other graduates. Once finished with their photographs, they must leave the premise.

The videographer will edit all the footage together, including commencement speakers into one video that will be released on May 29.

On May 29 at 7 p.m., MHS will hold a parade for the 2020 seniors. The route will run from Save-a-Lot, behind Murphy Middle to the high school.

Graduates are encouraged to decorate their cars and wear cap and gowns. They are limited to one car per graduate, and everyone must remain in their vehicle throughout the entire event.

Forrister added that a traditional ceremony isn’t out of the question, but no one knows what the social mandates for N.C. will be throughout the summer. MHS wanted its seniors an opportunity to participate in this right of passage.

Images courtesy of Murphy High School Facebook.

Part two of the graduation letter.

Rumfelt to McCracken too much for Life Christian Academy

Murphy Bulldogs, Team FYN Sports

A special report by the voice of the Murphy Bulldogs- J.R. Carroll!

On the first play of Murphy’s first possession, Murphy quarterback, Kellen Rumfelt, rolled out and found Peyton McCracken for a 72 yard. With 8:54 left in the game Murphy led 6-0 as the extra point attempt was wide. 

Rumfelt and McCracken would connect two more times before the night was through, leading Murphy to a 45-28 win over a very talented group of athletes from Life Christian Academy. 

Murphy quarterback Kellen Rumfelt rolls out for a touchdown pass. Image credit: hudl

Late in the first quarter LCA took advantage of a Murphy fumble and struck on a 7 yard touchdown with a minute left. The two point conversion failed and the score was tied at 6-6 at the end of the first. 

Murphy didn’t let it stay that way long. With only two minutes gone in the second quarter, Ray Rathburn hit paydirt from 10 yards out. Devonte Murray added a two point conversion to take a 14-7 lead. LCA didn’t take long to tie it up with two pass plays, the last being a 21 yard touchdown pass. 

LCA added another two point conversion to tie it again at 14-14 with 8 minutes to go in the first half. Murphy followed that up with a one yard sneak by Rumfelt with 5 minutes to go in half. Two point conversion failed and Murphy led 20-14. LCA scored two minutes later with a 19 yard pass. They missed on their two point conversion and the score was again tied at 20-20.

Murphy had seen enough of the lead changes and took the lead for good with two minutes to go in the half when Rumfelt and McCraken connected again for a 6 yard touchdown pass. Point attempt was good and Murphy led 27-20 at the half.

A Murphy Bulldogs receiver takes it to the house. Image credit: hudl

Murphy took the opening kick of the second half and Devonte Murray, who rushed for 15 times for 124 yards on the night, got 50 plus of those yards to set the Dogs up for their first score of the second half. A couple of plays later the Rumfelt to McCraken connection hit paydirt again from 12 yards out. The conversion failed and Murphy led 33-20. 

The Dogs never relinquished the lead again. Ray Rathburn, who was the leading rusher for the Dogs with 153 yards, scored from 55 yards out later in the third. LCA’s lone second half score came with a 6 yard run for touchdown and a two point conversion to bring the score to Murphy 39, LCA 28. Devonte Murray would seal the deal when he had a three yard touchdown late in the third to net the final Murphy 45, LCA 28.

Rumfelt finished the night with 5 completions for 9 attempts for 102 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for a touchdown. The Dogs had two 100 yard rushers- Rathburn and Murray.

Murphy opens Smoky Mountain Conference action this Friday night when they travel to Andrews. Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week- Peyton McCraken, no. 3

Murphy Bulldogs, Player of the Week, TeamFYNSports

Peyton McCracken was a force to be reckoned with in the Bulldogs game against Life Christian Academy. For this effort, he is the TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week for the Murphy Bulldogs!

On the first play of the Bulldogs’ first possession, quarterback Kellen Rumfelt connected with Peyton for a 72 yard touchdown pass! This score gave the Bulldogs an early lead of 6-0. Peyton would score twice more throughout the game after catching passes from Rumfelt.

Congratulations to Peyton McCracken- the TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week in the game against Life Christian Academy!

Bulldogs Fall to Christ School 27-7

Murphy Bulldogs, Sports, Team FYN Sports

The Murphy Bulldogs hung tough for three quarters of play against Christ School of Asheville, which we will now refer to as University of Christ School. Last week we talked about two different cultures meeting and the challenges that it cause each team to face. This week Murphy was in an unusual position for them. They found themselves on the short end of the stick. 

Christ School has the luxury of recruiting players from all over Western North Carolina and other states, by offering a college prep education to students who if they were not playing football would cost around $30,000 a year. The argument is heard loudest around metro areas where these schools are more prevalent, but it has now made its way to WNC.

A runner for a Murphy touchdown. Image credit: hudl

Teams with the same number of students as a 1A public school, boasting of six to eight D1 commits playing football. The attrition finally got to the Bulldogs midway through the fourth quarter.  Murphy trailed 14-7 midway through the fourth. The dogs had scored on their first possession and went up 7-0, when Murphy scored in two plays after a Rumfelt pass to Justice Dorset set up a 43 yard touchdown scamper by Devonte Murray for a Bulldog touchdown. 

Christ School’s passing game was held in check most of the night by the Bulldog defense, but Christ School running back Pierce Hammonds found running the ball much more productive. Hammonds set up the Greenies first touchdown with a long run down to the Murphy 9 yard line. Quarterback Navy Shuler found former Cherokee Brave, Cade Mintz, in the end zone for a touchdown.  Ayden White added the two point conversion and Christ School took the lead for good 8-7. 

Shuler’s passing game was pretty much held in check in the first half, limiting him to only 6 completions in 18 tries for 86 yards. Unfortunately for the Dogs they didn’t have an answer for Hammonds. After a long pass play that set Christ School up in the red zone, Hammonds hit pay dirt again from nine yards out and the point attempt was wide. Christ School led 14-0 to finish out the half. 

Hammonds put the game away for the Greenies. After two stops by the Murphy defense inside the red zone, Hammonds broke loose on his second touchdown of the night for a 33 yard run. Point attempt was good  and Christ School led 21-0. Wanting to add salt to the wound, Christ School added another touchdown late in the fourth on a 19 yard strike from Shuler to Ayden White. That was the final score- Christ School 27 Murphy 7.

Dogs will host Life Christian Academy next Friday at David Gentry Field in Murphy.

Bulldogs begin 2019 season with tough win

Murphy Bulldogs, Murphy High, Sports, Team FYN Sports

Murphy, N.C. – A pair of tough touchdown runs and a stingy defense was the difference Friday night as the Murphy High football team knocked off Pisgah, 12-0, to open the 2019 campaign.

The defending 1A state-champion Bulldogs kept the visiting Bears out of the end zone, while senior running back Devonte Murray managed to force his way to two scores and secure the win for Murphy.

“I’ll take this win. I’d rather have an ugly win than a pretty loss,” Murphy head coach David Gentry said after the game. “We’ve been an offensive team since I’ve been here, but it just didn’t sync tonight, mainly because we were snapping so bad. It’s going to get better, it’ll just take a lot of snaps.”

Senior Brady Satterfield, who usually handles the snapping duties for the Bulldogs, is out with a knee injury, forcing Gentry to slide junior Dallas Rayburn from guard to center.

Despite a few miscues between Rayburn and sophomore quarterback Kellen Rumfelt, who fumbled the ball twice but managed to recover both, the Bulldogs were able to stay organized and come out with the win.

“We’ll be better next week,” Gentry said. “We’ve got to mix in some passes and stuff like that. We’re a young football team, and we are going to get better.”

Rumfelt only attempted three passes on the night, completing one to sophomore Payton McCracken for just one yard.

Murray, who finished the night with 149 yards on 18 carries, managed to break through late in the first half for the first of his two scores. The extra-point try was unsuccessful and the Bulldogs went into halftime with a 6-0 lead.

“(Murray) wouldn’t have scored that first touchdown if he wasn’t so strong,” Gentry said. “He was hit and should have probably went down, but he works hard in the weight room and he managed to fight through that and get in the end zone.”

With a 6-0 lead late in the game, Murray managed to spin his way into the end zone to put the Bulldogs up 12-0 with a minute left to go.

Murphy also benefitted from two forced turnovers as Rumfelt and junior Ray Rathburn each recovered fumbles on defense in the first half.

Rathburn also carried the ball 11 times for 37 yards, while adding an interception late in the game.

In a game that was played mostly near midfield, the Bulldogs received solid play along the offensive and defensive line, anchored by junior Yousef Mugharbil and senior Colby Stalcup.

Mugharbil, who is 6-foot-5 and more than 300 pounds, consistently put opposing lineman on their backs all night.

“He’s got seven or eight (scholarship) offers already from division-one schools,” Gentry said of Mugharbil. “So we expected him to play well, and he did.”

Mugharbil, along with several other players, battled cramps late in the game, but Gentry said that will be addressed during the upcoming week.

“They weren’t as in shape as they should be, and that’s my fault. Better hydration and better conditioning, and we’ll take care of that,” the coach said after the game.

Up next for Murphy is Franklin High. The Bulldogs won last season’s game 35-14 at home, but will travel to Franklin this season and Gentry expects the Panthers to be ready.

“It’s always been tough over there on us. We handled them pretty good last season, and I don’t think they appreciated that, so they’ll be ready for us,” Gentry said.

The Murphy Bulldogs snatches The Cherokee Braves Undefeated season record 35-12!

Cherokee County Schools, Murphy Bulldogs, Murphy High

Cherokee, N.C.- The Murphy Bulldogs game Friday night against The Cherokee Braves was an intense game no doubt! Previously, Cherokee was undefeated until the Bulldogs came in and handed them their first loss of the season. A few weeks ago, I interviewed Murphy’s Coach Nelson, a statement I remember was the coach answering with “These boys are a second half team. They come back stronger.” Well, that statement proved to be true.

In the 2nd Q, it was Murphy’s #32, Slade McTaggart who score the first touchdown followed by #3 Katelyn Jones making good on the PAT. It wasn’t until the 3rd Q when the game started to pick up. Murphy scored two more touchdowns, while Cherokee was just making their first touchdown of the game by #5 I Evans. PAT by #30 T Pete was no good. The 4th Q Murphy came in even stronger by scoring three more touchdowns with every single PAT being good. Cherokee was finally able to score their last and final touchdown, again, by #5 I Evans. That PAT was blocked however.

This Friday, The Murphy Bulldogs will have a home non-conference game against South Stanly (5-6,4-3) from Norwood, N.C. @7:30 pm November 10th, 2017. Come cheer on The Murphy Bulldogs and show that Bulldog pride!

The Murphy Bulldogs dominate The Rosman Tigers 48-22

Murphy High, Sports, Team FYN Sports

Murphy, N.C.- Friday night, The Murphy Bulldogs (8-2,4-1) hosted a conference game against The Rosman Tigers (2-8,1-4) for their Senior Night. For many of the players, this would be their last home game as a Senior at MHS. Lot’s of proud parents walked their children onto the field with a look of pure joy. The coaches gleamed with pride and proudful expressions as the Seniors walked onto the field. It was bittersweet.

It was a cold night temperature wise, but the Bulldogs wasted no time at warming up the field with their impressive win against the Tigers. The final score was 48-22! The first TD was scored by #10 Keivon Allen for 16 yds followed by a PAT by #3 Katelyn Jones. In the 2nd Q, #28 Devonte Murray was handed the ball and scored a 21 yard TD. QB #1 Joey Curry followed up with three more TD passes with #3 Katelyn Jones making good on 3 of the 4 PAT’s. The 3rd Q, Murphy score 2 more TD’s bringing them to a score of 48. Despite Rosman’s 3 TD’s and 3 onside kick recoveries, they fell all too short to The Bulldogs dominating defense.

When I asked The Bulldogs, Coach Gentry how he prepared the boys for this game, he stated that he felt he didn’t need to over work them. That you would only over work the players had they not tried in their previous game. Fact is, the boys did try, and they worked hard. However, you may not win every game. Obviously this coach knows what he’s talking about because The Bulldogs came back with a vengeance and took victory over The Rosman Tigers

This Friday, November 3rd, come out and show your Bulldogs support when they face off against Cherokee in a away game. Kick off starts @7:30pm!

Superintendent Dr. Conley makes a statement

Cherokee County Schools
Cherokee County Schools NC
Superintendent Dr Jeana Conley

Dr. Jeana Conley

Downtown Murphy, N.C.-  Superintendent of Cherokee County Schools Dr. Jeana Conley made a statement concerning the counties September 12, 2017, school day.

“Cherokee County Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay tomorrow, Tuesday, September 12, 2017. The delay will give bus drivers enough light of day to see any potential debris in the road. The wind gusts, according to current weather models will have rescinded to acceptable speeds for buses. Thank you for your continued patience. We realize that disruptions to established schedules are hard on families and parents who work.” – Superintendent Dr. Jeana Conley

 

 

FetchYourNews.com, FYNTV.com, &  LIVE Broadcasting on FYNTV.com Mon.- Fri. 8-10 a.m.

     If you see news call 706-889-9700

          To watch all of our videos, subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Fetch Your News.

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

Graham appears in Superior Court Tuesday

Cherokee County Schools, News

MURPHY, N.C. – Thomas Graham, the Murphy High School principal charged with two counts of indecent liberties with a student stemming from incidents occurring in January and February of 2016, appeared before Judicial District 30A Judge William H. Coward in Superior Court Tuesday, March 6, in Murphy.

On Tuesday, the next court date for Murphy High School Principal Thomas Graham was set for July 2.

Graham is represented by Murphy attorney Gerald R. Collins, and Judge Coward set Graham’s next court appearance for July 2.

Graham, 45, was indicted by a grand jury and arrested by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Thursday, Feb. 8, and later released from the Cherokee County Detention Center on a $2,500 bond. According to the Cherokee County School System, the principal was suspended with pay Jan. 26, prior to the arrest. Since then, Jason Forrister has served as acting principal of Murphy High School.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

Author

Jason Beck

Born in Merrillville, Indiana, raised in Cleveland, Tennessee, and currently resides in Copperhill, Tennessee. Graduated from Bradley Central High School in 1996 and attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, eventually earning a B.A. and M.A. in English. Hobbies include hiking, camping and fly-fishing. Interests include baseball, hockey and cliff jumping.

Murphy Bulldogs takes the win against East Surry, securing their spot in the last round of the playoffs

Murphy Bulldogs, Sports, Team FYN Sports

MURPHY, N.C.- The Murphy Bulldogs won Friday’s game against the East Surry Cardinals, which secured the bulldogs place in the final regional game being held in Mount Airy this Friday  Dec 1, 2017.

As the team captains took the field, the bulldogs won the coin toss, showing the coaches had great faith in their defense. The coaches would not be disappointed.  After a strong defensive showing by the Bulldogs, Chase Roberts (#40) ran for 1-yard to put Murphy on the board first, with a 7-0 lead following the perfect PAT by Katelyn Jones.

A few plays follow the kickoff, Tanner Creelman (#25) picked off a pass to give the ball back to the explosive Murphy offense.

Joey Curry (#1) and Slade McTaggert (#32) took turns chopping up the Cardinals on the ground as the Bulldogs pounded the ball upfield, until Curry connected with Micah Nelson (#2) for a 54 touchdown strike.  Jones aced the PAT and the Dogs were rolling, 14-0.

Roberts, who plays both sides of the ball, came away with the second interception of the night for the Bulldogs on the next series, and an unsportsmanlike conduct call against the Cardinals put the Dogs right back in scoring position, but they were unable to capitalize on this possession.  As the quarter came to a close, Murphy was in control of their own destiny with a 14-0 lead.

With 11:54 remaining in the half, East Surry finally found the end zone, cutting the lead to 7.

It wouldn’t take Murphy long to answer, however, as Devonte Murray (#28) carried the ball from 5 yards out on 3rd down to put Murphy back up by 14. PAT good, 21-7.

Murphy would put another touchdown on the scoreboard before the half, completely dominating on their way to the final four in the 1AA State Championship brackets.

Bulldogs McTaggart (#32) rushed for a team-high 180 yards and two touchdowns. It was the Bulldogs #40 Chase Roberts who lead the team with three touchdowns, of which two being scored in the first half of the game.

Bulldogs senior QB #1 Joey Curry completed 6-of-12 passing attempts with one touchdown in the game.  The Bulldogs once again showed their strength on the ground, with a rush-heavy offense, rushing for 437 yds, with 103 pass yds respectively.

East Surry struggled on the field with several penalty flags being thrown for unsportsmanlike behavior and personal fouls. After all was said and done, East Surry somehow managed to score four player ejections from the game for these penalties, but falling short on the win against Murphy.

In the end, the Bulldogs won the game with a final score of 49-27.

The Murphy Bulldogs will go toe to toe with the Mount Airy Granite Bears (13-0,5-0) for a spot at the state championships. If the Bulldogs defeat Mount Airy on Friday, then this will be the Bulldogs 12th time since 1972 going to the state championships. Below you will find a list of the final four teams who will vie for a spot in the state championship game.

Murphy Bulldogs demolish South Stanly in last night’s game

Murphy Bulldogs, Sports, Team FYN Sports

It was freezing cold last night when the Murphy Bulldogs (10-2,5-1) played against South Stanly (5-7,4-3)in the first round of playoffs. You could tell the Bulldogs were ready for a battle before the game started. The boys were pumped along with the coaches as they embarked on their journey towards the first game of the playoffs.

Murphy won the coin toss, but elected that South Stanly kick off with Murphy to receive the ball. #89 Travis Seabolt returned the ball to the Bulldogs 47 for 12 yards. With 7:50 mins left in the 1st Q, the Bulldogs scored the first touchdown and the PAT was good by #3 Katelyn Jones.

#10 Kaivon Allen scored a 21 yard touchdown. A two-point conversion was attempted and made good by #10 as well. QB #1 Joey Curry scored the third touchdown, but the two-point conversion that was attempted by #32 Slade McTaggart was unsuccessful. This bringing the score to 21-0.

In the 2nd Q, #1 Joey Curry threw a pass incomplete to #12 Hagan Newton to the Bulls 17 yard line for 0 yards . A penalty was handed to South Stanly for defense roughing the passer for 15 yards.

It wasn’t as if the Bulldogs needed any help with scoring, but the Rebel Bulls scored a safety for which brought the already embarrassing score to the 30-0, Bulldogs. It seemed as if South Stanly came back in the second half a little more charged, scoring 13 points. Unfortunately the possibility to win was long gone in the first half of the game.

The final score was 44-13, Bulldogs! Murphy will face off against North Stanly in New London, NC for the second round of playoffs, this Friday November 17th, 2017, with kick off starting at 7:30pm.

Murphy Bulldogs #32 Slade McTaggart

Board approves temporary off-site fitness plan for Station 1 first responders

News

MURPHY, N.C. – The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners approved a temporary off-site fitness plan for on-duty emergency personnel at Station 1 at the board’s June 4 meeting.

The plan will now allow only Station 1 personnel to use nearby fitness centers at their own expense while on duty in an effort to improve health and strength of the emergency personnel and provide the best service to citizens, according to information provided by the Cherokee County Emergency Services.

As Chairman Dr. Dan Eichenbaum explained, “(The agreement) is only until they get a new facility. It has been shown this will not cause a delay in response time. Both truck workers must agree and only one truck at a time (may leave Station 1). This is to allow them because they do not have adequate space to work out in (at the station).”

Brian King, of the Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), explained to commissioners there has been a “movement” within the department to work out and exercise to increase physical strength and improve job performance over the past five years, but limited space at Station 1 has disallowed its personnel from doing so.

According to information presented to the commissioners from EMS concerning response times for personnel at a fitness center, “Crews are very adept at being able to meet our required chute times during all situations. Any delay would no different than eating showering, using the restroom, being at the hospital, or sleeping.”

Commenting on the benefits of the plan, Commissioner Gary Westmoreland stated, “Personally, I would rather somebody healthy pick me up than somebody out of shape. And I think it’s good for them. It’s good for their morale.”

Commissioner C.B. McKinnon stated while he himself can see the benefits of the plan to the county’s emergency personnel, he is also concerned about public perception.

“I understand that we’ve been in this location for a lot of years and I don’t know what’s been done in the past … but the optics of it – the public just doesn’t understand it. We’ll have the other facility up soon, and for that reason, I’m just not willing to support it,” McKinnon explained.

Ultimately, the board approved the temporary plan 4-1, with McKinnon voting against.

The board also approved a contract with Turner & Company CPAs (certified public accountant) to conduct the county’s fiscal year 2017-18 audit in the amount of $44,900.

County Finance Officer Candy Anderson explained to the commissioners the cost of the audit is the second lowest among seven counties in western North Carolina.

“I checked with surrounding counties … and a lot of them are seeing 12 to 41 percent increases in their audit fees,” Anderson stated.

The contract was approved by the board unanimously.

A capital project ordinance for the phase 5 construction project at the Cherokee County Solid Waste facility in Marble was approved by the commissioners. The ordinance appropriates $2.5 million to the project for permitting, construction, engineering, and contingency funds. According to the ordinance, revenues from the general fund are anticipated to be available to complete the project.

The board approved a number of 2017-18 budget revisions including a revision in the total amount of $31,043 to allow the use of the restricted/designated school sales tax fund balance for various projects. The amount will cover the purchases of a generator replacement at Ranger Elementary School ($19,207), bus cameras and camera systems for five new buses ($4,925), fertilizer for Bermuda turf for the football fields at Andrews and Murphy high schools ($2,653), approximately 225 lbs. of refrigerant for a compressor at Hiwassee Dam School ($2,517), and diagnostic services from Trane ($1,741).

A budget revision in the amount of $800 was approved to transfer funds from the fund balance to the detention center trust account for legal settlements.

A budget revision in the amount of $94.14 was approved to cover half the cost of new carpeting at the Martins Creek Community Center. Previously, the board approved an amount of $261; however, actual costs for the carpeting came to $710.27, which increased the county’s half share to $355.14.

In other business, commissioners also voted to allow Lewis and Clark Circus to again use Heritage Park Sept. 22 and 23 of this year.

The board also voted to allow North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission law enforcement officers to enforce laws concerning spotlighting wildlife from the right-of-way of any public road, street, or highway.

A number of upcoming Board of Commissioners are slated for June. On June 21 and 25, the board will hold fiscal year 2018-19 budget work sessions in the boardroom of the Cherokee County Courthouse at 6:30 p.m. The Board of Commissioners next regularly scheduled meeting is set for June 18 at 6:30 p.m. In addition, the board will have a special called meeting June 28 at 6:30 p.m. to officially adopt the new county budget. All meetings are open to the public.

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

Author

Jason Beck

Born in Merrillville, Indiana, raised in Cleveland, Tennessee, and currently resides in Copperhill, Tennessee. Graduated from Bradley Central High School in 1996 and attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, eventually earning a B.A. and M.A. in English. Hobbies include hiking, camping and fly-fishing. Interests include baseball, hockey and cliff jumping.

Murphy High principal arrested, suspended amid allegations of misconduct

News

MURPHY, N.C. – According to a statement from Cherokee County (N.C.) Schools (CCS) issued Saturday morning, Feb. 10, Thomas Graham, principal of Murphy High School, has been suspended with pay from school duties in response to allegations of misconduct and Graham’s subsequent arrest Thursday, Feb. 8.

In the statement, Graham’s suspension came from CCS Jan. 26. “Mr. Jason Forrister has been acting principal during this time and will continue in that role as long as necessary,” CCS stated.

The statement from the school system continued to say:

“Cherokee County Schools has been working with local and state law enforcement agencies and has fully cooperated with their investigation. Because personnel matters are considered confidential under state law, CCS cannot make any further comment regarding Mr. Graham. Further it is imperative that CCS strive alongside law enforcement agencies to seek the truth and impart fairness to all parties involved … Student safety is the first priority of Cherokee County Schools and CCS takes the appropriate measures necessary to provide a welcoming and safe atmosphere for all students, staff, parents and volunteers. Cherokee County Schools would like to thank the state and local law enforcement officials for the professionalism they have demonstrated thus far. CCS will continue to work with law enforcement throughout the entire process.”

According to CCS, the law requires any suspension taking place during an investigation to be paid.

Graham, 45, was arrested by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Thursday afternoon, Feb. 8, and later released from the Cherokee County Detention Center on a $2,500 bond.

According the booking report from CCSO, Graham is charged with two counts of indecent liberties with a student stemming from incidents occurring in January and February of 2016. Graham is scheduled to appear in Superior Court in Murphy March 5, at 9 a.m.

 

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

Author

Jason Beck

Born in Merrillville, Indiana, raised in Cleveland, Tennessee, and currently resides in Copperhill, Tennessee. Graduated from Bradley Central High School in 1996 and attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, eventually earning a B.A. and M.A. in English. Hobbies include hiking, camping and fly-fishing. Interests include baseball, hockey and cliff jumping.

Murphy Bulldogs will host Rosman Tigers tonight 10/27/17

Murphy Bulldogs, Sports, Team FYN Sports

Come out and show your Bulldog pride tonight as The Murphy Bulldogs (7-2,3-1) set out to claim victory against The Rosman Tigers (2-7,1-3)! Tonight’s game will be a home conference game with kick off starting at 7:30 pm. Although the Bulldog’s have been in the dog house since falling short against Swain County at last Fridays game, the Bulldog’s will prevail to no end! I’m sure Murphy will rise up with a vengeance, and dominate Rosman as they have done so in the past.  So come out and show your Bulldog pride and team spirit! GO BULLDOGS!

Back to Top