Andrews woman arrested for falsely reporting crimes
Press Release January 24, 2018
MURPHY, N.C.— Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the Jan. 16, 2018, arrest of 28-year-old Samantha Carol Head, of Andrews, North Carolina, for falsely reporting crimes.
On Jan. 14, 2018, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation of a female who during the past two years had been calling the administrative phone lines at the 911 center and falsely reporting an array of crimes. The reports included vehicle accidents, fights, and breaking and entering in progress. Head was identified as the calling party, and it was later determined that she was using an Android phone application on her phone to disguise her number.
Head was brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center where she was booked on 19 counts of falsely reporting an incident. Head was released on a $10,000 unsecure bond and is expected to be in Cherokee County District Court Feb. 26, 2018.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated, “This type of crime might appear insignificant, but in reality, could have some serious implications. Not only does this tie up our communicators who may be needed on real emergencies, it also ties up law enforcement and other public safety agencies whose services may be needed to attend to serious life-threatening situations.”
To report suspicious activity and suspected violations of the law, please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Maroon Devils outlast Bulldogs, 29-27
Murphy Bulldogs, Murphy High October 22, 2017
By Tiffany Santos, TeamFYNSports Reporter:
The crisp October air set the tone for the friday night football game between the Murphy Bulldogs (7-2, 3-1) and Swain County Maroon Devils (5-4, 4-1). The last time Murphy went up against this rival, the Bulldogs handed the Maroon Devils a harrowing loss (35-3). October 20th’s game between the rivalry schools was a different story. The Bulldogs put up a great effort but fell short by a 2-pt loss with a final score of 29-27; Swain taking home the win and the bragging rights.
In the 1st Quarter, senior #12 Brodie Bowman from Swain County scored the first touchdown with a 9-yard blast to paydirt. However, #11 Tanner Wiggins’ PAT was no good. With the missed kick, Swain started the game with a lead of 6-0.
Murphy answered with a touchdown by senior quarterback (#1) Joey Curry, who threw a pass complete to senior receiver (#4) DeAndre Jackson for 58 yards. The PAT was spot on by senior kicker and female football superstar (#3) Katelyn Jones. With this touchdown Murphy led Swain 7-6 as the 1st quarter came to a close.
The 2nd quarter exploded with two touchdowns for Murphy, and two for Swain. It seemed like each team was coming in strong without backing down. With 0:51 seconds left in the 1st half, Murphy quarterback (#1) Joey Curry threw a 17-yard pass complete to (#2) Micah Nelson. Jones once again showed how she earned her jersey, making good on her PAT kick. The TD and PAT tied the score up 20-all going into halftime.
By the end of the 3rd, Murphy was leading Swain with a score of 27-26, but a 24-yard field goal was successfully attempted by Swain County #11 Tanner Wiggins, bringing the lead to Swain County with a 29-27 score. It’s safe to conclude that penalties and mental mistakes may have cost Murphy the game, as the Bulldogs were penalized a total of 14 times for 131 yards on the night.
Nearing the end of the 4th Quarter, a player for the Bulldogs made a mistake that put Murphy in a 4th and 72 play. The player recovered the ball that was fumbled by his own team, but mistakenly ran the wrong way. Thankfully a teammate was able to stop him from running any further.
“I ain’t blaming this on anybody, I blame this on everybody. Not just one side,” Murphy Bulldogs Coach Gentry told TeamFYNSports. “Everybody that stepped on this field tonight didn’t do their job. It’s that simple. It’s not what tonight is, it’s how you react to it, and how big you come back!”
All-in-all, the Bulldogs and Maroon Devils put up a good fight, but in the end the Maroon Devils were the ones to taste victory. Sportswriter’s note: They say those that never win, never learn from loss. From hearing Murphy’s head coach speak about this defeat, I believe the Bulldogs will be able to learn from this game and make any changes necessary to continue on the road to the State Championships.
The Murphy Bulldogs (7-2, 3-1) have a home conference game vs Rosman (2-7, 1-3) this Friday, October 27th, 2017 @ 7:30pm.
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Changes made to upcoming Board of Commissioners Meetings
Business July 18, 2017
MURPHY,Cherokee Co, N.C.-
The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners have rescheduled the August 7th board meeting to August 15th. The August 15th meeting will be held at the usual time of 6:30pm at Cherokee County Courthouse, in Downtown Murphy, N.C.
The Board of Commissioners have also canceled its August 21st meeting, in respect to the Great American Solar Eclipse event.
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
John Clayton “JC” Newton: Obituary
Obituaries November 26, 2018August 22, 1944 – November 18, 2018
Mr. John Clayton “JC” Newton, age 74 of Marble, entered his heavenly home on Sunday, November 18, 2018 at his home with his family by his side. Mr. Newton was born August 22, 1944 in Murphy, NC to the late Lester Newton and the late Mary Ann Laney Newton. A member of Tomotla Baptist Church, he was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Crayton Newton and son, John Brian Newton. In his spare time, JC enjoyed farming, hunting, and going to livestock sales. He was an animal lover and he enjoyed taking them in and caring for them.
Survivors include loving wife of 53 years, Sallie Ruth Newton, son and daughter-in-law, John Steven and Mary Newton, brother and sister-in-law, Albert and Becky Newton, brother and sister-in-law, Therman and Jody Newton, sister and brother-in-law, Verdie and Joe Patterson, sister and brother-in-law, Annie Mae and Bobby Dockery, three grandchildren, Heather Newton, Greg Newton, and Michael Newton, and one great-grandchild, Little John Newton. Also several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy with the Rev. Mitchell Totherow officiating. Music provided by Regina Owens Delili and Mary Newton. Interment will follow in the Little Brasstown Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Greg Newton, Michael Newton, Jason Newton, Jack Newton, Bronson Newton, Heather Newton, Marty Cook and Terry Macky. Honorary pallbearer is Jamie Reynolds.
The family will receive friends at the Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy on Monday evening, November 19, 2018 from 5-9 pm.
Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy, NC. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.
Peter Anthony Argo: Obituary
Obituaries November 7, 2018
Peter Anthony Argo
07/13/1930 – 10/29/2018
Joan Proksch: Obituary
Obituaries November 1, 2018Joan Proksch
11/08/1940 – 10/26/2018
She was born in Haywood County, NC to the late Ray Mercer and Mallie Wooten Anderson. Joan worked at Clifton Precision as an assistant personal manager.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brothers: Jude, Ray Jr., Lynwood and Kenneth Anderson and sister, Brenda Teems.
She is survived by her brothers, Neal, Lane, Tommy, Robert and Terry Anderson; sister, Peggy Henson; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at 2 pm, Monday, October 29, 2018 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Rev. Aud Brown will officiate. Burial will be in the Hickory Stand United Methodist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Carl Henson, Joe Henson, Jimmy Henson and Greg Teems.
The family will receive friends from 12-2 pm, Monday, October 29, 2018 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy, NC.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Curtis Hewatt: Obituary
Obituaries November 1, 2018Curtis Hewatt
12/15/1967 – 10/25/2018
He was born in Gwinnett County, GA to the late Curtis Hewatt and Hazel Stroud and husband Boyd of Andrews, NC. Curtis was a self-employed painter.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his brother, Randy Hewatt; four sisters, Mary Brown, Jennifer Roper, Serena Hewatt and Cassandra Hewatt.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com
Denise Elaine Holiway: Obituary
Obituaries October 25, 2018Denise Elaine Holiway, 53 years young, passed away Friday, October 12, 2018 at her home in Jacksonville, FL.
Denise was born December 31, 1964 in Lemasa, California to Shirley Holiway and the late Kenneth Holiway. She was the youngest of four children. Denise graduated high school at Hernando High School in Brooksville, FL.
Denise loved praising the Lord and singing in the choir. She loved to read her bible, and mark the verses.
Denise loved spending time with family, laughing and always wearing a smile. She was loving and caring person giving hugs to everyone. “To know her was to love her.”
Denise, surviving in addition to her mother, Shirley Holiway; sisters, Sheila Cenizal and Pamela Holiway; brother, David Holiway; brother-in-law, Roger Cenizal; sister-in-law, Gina Holiway; four nieces, five nephews, and 20 great-nieces and nephews in addition to cousins and friends.
Denise’s hobbies were bowling, swimming, playing go fish, working in her activity books and crayons.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:30 pm, Sunday, October 21, 2018 at the Harris Chapel Church of God.
The family will receive friends from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm, Sunday, October 21, 2018 at the Harris Chapel Church of God.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Wynn Anthony Abernathy: Obituary
Obituaries October 17, 2018
Wynn Anthony Abernathy, 52, of Murphy passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 16, 2016.
Wynn was born in Murphy, North Carolina on October 3, 1966 to Dr. F.L. (Linford) and Ginger DeWeese Abernathy. He graduated from Murphy High School in 1985. Wynn was an outgoing and friendly person with a loving heart. His most special times were spent with his family and friends. Wynn loved every holiday; planning the celebration and decorating was his fun times.
An avid outdoorsman, Wynn loved fishing, being on the lake and just hanging out with his friends. Another passion was restoring old cars. Wynn always participated in the car shows and traveled to those all over the Eastern United States.
After his graduation, Wynn worked with Steve Forrister and was later employed by Jacky Jones for 20 years in Cleveland, Georgia.
Wynn was preceded in death by his father, Dr. F.L. (Linford) Abernathy; paternal grandparents, “Frosty” and Illma Abernathy; and maternal grandparents, Ralph and Flonnie DeWeese.
Wynn is survived by one daughter, Emma Cowart and husband, Matt of Cleveland, Georgia; his mother, Ginger DeWeese Abernathy; one sister, April Harper and husband, Bill; one nephew, Matthew Harper; and one niece, Isabella Harper, all of Murphy.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 21, 2018 in Murphy First Baptist Church with the Revs. Jimmy Tanner and Fred Lunsford officiating. The inurnment will be at a later date in Moss Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Brent Hoover, Richie Hughey, Bill and Matt Harper, Matt Cowart, and Cody Ramey.
The family will receive friends from 2-2:45 Sunday afternoon at the Murphy First Baptist Church prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Wynn Abernathy to the Good Neighbors Auto Club Scholarship, c/o Frankie Hughes, 1716 Martins Creek Road, Murphy, NC 28906.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.
Michael Irving Ruff: Obituary
Obituaries October 17, 2018
A graveside memorial service will be held for Irving Carl Ruff and his son, Michael Irving Ruff on Friday, October 19, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Greenlawn Cemetery with the Rev. Jimmy Tanner officiating. Irving, Beverly, and their family spent many memorable and wonderful years in Murphy.
Friends and acquaintances are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to the Gideons International, PO Box 164, Murphy, NC 28906 or First Baptist Church of Murphy, 517 Hiwassee Street, Murphy, NC 28906.
They are in our hearts, forever and always.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of local arrangements.
Johnny Lowery: Obituary
Obituaries October 5, 2018
Johnny Lowery, age 53, of Murphy, passed away Friday, September 7, 2018 in a Murphy hospital. Johnny was born in Tate, Georgia, but had lived in Cherokee County throughout his life. He had worked for Creative Woodworks as a cabinet maker for nearly 15 years. Johnny enjoyed racing, fishing, Tennessee football, and practical jokes was his favorite pastime. Johnny loved being a father and was proud of his family.
He was the son of the late Mark Lowery and Roberta James Harrell. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Louise Gulledge.
Surviving are his loving wife of 28 years, Shea Lowery; two daughters, Shelby and Morgan Lowery, both of the home; two sons, Heath Goad and wife, Kalie and Kelton Goad, all of Lubbock, Texas; a sister, Doris Pressley of Murphy; two brothers, Harold Lowery and wife, Teresa of Dalton, Georgia and Timothy Harrell and wife, Michelle of Marble; three grandchildren, Avery, Hunter, and Natalie Goad and another grandchild on the way. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
The family received friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.
Thomas W. Kline: Obituary
Obituaries October 5, 2018
Thomas W. Kline, age 76 went to be with the Lord Sunday September 23, 2018.
Tom was a veteran of the US Navy and later retired from Northwest Airlines after 39 years.
He is survived by his loving wife, Robin Kline; sister, Marybeth Schipke; brother, Robert Kline; two stepsons, Steven and Lloyd Hazelbaker; stepdaughter, Sharon Risner and six grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Charles Kline and brother, Donald Kline.
Tom was a member and treasurer of Messiah Chapter of The Brotherhood of St. Andrew and was a groundskeeper at the Episcopal Church of the Messiah.
Tom was a devoted fan of the Minnesota Vikings and The Minnesota Twins.
He was a good friend who would always lend a hand to anyone.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am, Thursday, September 27, 2018 at the Church of the Messiah.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at www.mem.com
Robert T. Davis: Obituary
Obituaries October 5, 2018
Robert T. Davis, age 76 of Fontana Dam, NC passed away Saturday, September 29, 2018.
He was a native of Swain County, NC and the son of the late James Lewis and Minnie Rowland Davis. Robert was a heavy equipment operator. He was a family man and delighted in spending time with each of them. Robert was an avid woodsman, enjoyed reading and loved a good prank.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by four brothers, James, Jack, Ralph and Charles Davis and one sister Fannie Davis Ware.
Jack is survived by his wife Nellie Jenkins Davis, one son Allen Davis; five daughters, Deborah Davis, Sandra Bales, Angela Freeman, Cynthia Lundy and Roselle Brown and several grand-children and great-grandchildren.
The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Powell’s Branch Church Building Fund, % John Jenkins, 80 Yellow Branch Road, Fontana Dam, NC 28733.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements
Andrews Man Jailed For Domestic Violence
Police & Government July 27, 2018
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer July 22nd, 2018 arrest of 40 year old Benjamin Lee Stanley of Andrews North Carolina for domestic violence.
On Sunday July 22nd. 2018 at about 5:30 pm Deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office went to the Andrews North Carolina residence of Benjamin Lee Stanley in an attempt to serve warrants for violations of a domestic violence protective order as well as cyberstalking. Stanley refused entry to the deputies and fled to a crawl space area as he had done during his arrest in April of this year. Deputies located Stanley in the crawl space, who was hiding in a makeshift compartment he had constructed causing delay in his capture. During the search and eventual arrest of Stanley radio communications was lost with the deputies and units with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded and were able to notify dispatch that the officers were safe and sound.
Stanley was taken to the Cherokee County Detention Center for: INTIMIDATING WITNESS, VIOLATE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION ORDER X 2, CYBERSTALKING. The North Carolina Magistrate set a $50,000.00 secure bond on the Intimidating State Witness Charge, however no bond has been set on the Domestic Violence and Cyber Stalking charges at this time.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “Good work by the deputies locating and apprehending Stanley. There was a very tense 20 minutes or so during the time that communication was broken with the deputies at the scene. We thank the Troopers from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol who responded to let us know our folks were safe.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-1344 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Murphy Man Charged with Indecent Liberties with a Child
Press Release June 15, 2018
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the June 5th, 2018 arrest of Dawson Michael Burris, a 18 year old Murphy North Carolina man for a sexual assault on a child.
On or about May 13th, 2018 the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation into a reported child sexual assault which happened in the Marble Community of Cherokee County. During the investigation assistance was provided by the HAVEN Child Advocacy Center. As the investigation progressed information was gained which was presented to the June 4th, 2018 Cherokee County Grand Jury which returned a true bill of indictment against Burris for an Indecent Liberty with a Child.
Dawson Michael Burris was arrested at his residence without incident and taken before the North Carolina Magistrate where he was given a $50,000.00 secure bond. Burris is expected to be in Cherokee County Superior Court on July 02nd, 2018.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “Great team work by our Patrol Deputies, our Investigators and HAVEN. It is this kind of team work that allows us to be successful in these most difficult of crimes.”
Due to the nature of the crime and the age of the victim no further information will be released concerning this incident.
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].
Traffic Stop Nets Drugs
Press Release June 13, 2018
Murphy, NC— Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced the June 06th, 2018 arrest of Makayla Louise Trentham a 20 year old Copperhill Tennessee woman for possession of illegal controlled substances.
On or about June 06th, 2018 a deputy while on patrol observed a vehicle which was being driven in a manner that was suspicious. The deputy made an investigative stop. During the stop a small amount of suspected methamphetamine and several alprazolam (Xanax) tablets were confiscated. Investigation revealed that Trentham was in possession of the illegal substances.
Trentham was arrested and brought to the Cherokee County Detention Center where she posted a $1,000.00 secure bond and is expected to be in Cherokee County District Court on June 12th, 2018.
Sheriff Derrick Palmer stated “Even small amounts being taken off the streets is worth it. Good work by the deputy for being alert and looking farther into the situation.”
To report suspicious activity and suspect violations of the law please call 828-837-3144 or submit a tip at [email protected].



