Murphy Lady Bulldogs break Cherokee’s 30-game streak
Murphy Bulldogs, Team FYN Sports January 28, 2018
The Murphy Lady Bulldogs have been nothing short of legendary this season, but that’s nothing new for them. Last year the varsity girls went 26-2, falling by only one point in the Elite 8 to the eventual state champions.
“I couldn’t ask for a better team. They work extremely hard and do everything asked of them,” Murphy head coach Ray Gutierrez told TeamFYNSports last week. This week was no exception.
The Lady Bulldogs (18-1, 7-0) kicked last week off with a 52-32 win on the road at Hayesville, followed by a 74-26 road win over Andrews.

Jessica Beckner (15) pulls in a tough rebound while Sydni Addison (35) and Bri Moore (10) assist defensively in a game earlier this season. Photo by Jenni Dixon, TeamFYNSports.
Sydni Addison, the ball hawk of the night, had seven steals on defense, scored six points and pulled in seven rebounds.
How do you beat two great wins on the road? You turn around and win two big games back-to-back at home.
How do you beat a 19-90 road win over Nantahala (Topton, NC)? You hold them under 10 points of offense.
On Friday, Nantahala took a rough road trip down to Murphy only to leave with their lowest offensive performance of the season. The Lady Bulldogs (wo)man-handled the Lady Hawks, coming away with a 77-8 home win, their 17th team victory of the season. They knew Saturday night’s game would be a true test.
Following the huge win over Nantahala, the Braves of Cherokee High (then 10-4, 7-0), came to Murphy for the matchup the entire state of North Carolina has been waiting to see.
“Cherokee had won 30 straight regular season conference games,” coach Gutierrez said of their opponent. “The gym was packed and both teams played their guts out. It was a great atmosphere for a basketball game.”
The first quarter was a close one – much closer than many of the games Murphy has played this season – with the Lady Bulldogs holding only a 4-point margin over the Braves, 18-14. The Lady Bulldogs, who average more than 60-points per game, were hitting their usual offensive numbers; but the Braves’ offense was up to the task early-on, making this game a true challenge for Murphy.

The ability of the Murphy Lady Bulldogs’ defense to collapse on the ball and apply pressure for four full quarters of basketball is a large part of their success this season. Photo by Jenni Dixon, TeamFYNSports.
By halftime, Murphy had extended their lead by only one point. Trailing by five (43-38), the Braves were still in a dangerous position and neither team was a sure victor. Sharpshooters Clapsaddle and Pickens refused to leave the game in anyone’s hands other than their own. The two combined for 8-of-11 3-point attempts, combining for 31% of the total points for the Lady Bulldogs.
In the end, the Lady Bulldogs held on to defeat the Cherokee Braves 77-74, giving the Braves their first conference loss of the season (breaking a 30-game streak).
Clapsaddle scored 30 points, while Pickens had 14. Beckner scored 12 points in the game while Thompson scored nine points, Bri Moore had six, Martin scored four points and Addison scored a basket for two. Addison led the team with rebounds (8), while Beckner also pulled in eight boards, three offensively and five on defense.
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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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.
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
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].
Elsie Bruce: Obituary
Obituaries November 26, 2018January 28, 1928 – October 16, 2018
Mrs. Elsie Bruce, age 90, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 16, 2018, after an extended illness. She was the daughter of the late Ervin Jones and the Late Sarah Trantham Jones. Mrs. Bruce was preceded in death by mother and father, brothers, George Jones and Sherman Jones, sisters, Nora Spurling, Ora Hembree, and Ethel Cross.
Survivors include her daughters, Mary (Jess) Deaver of Blairsville, GA, and Callie Johnson of Murphy, NC, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral Services will be at the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, NC on Friday, October 19, 2018, at 3:00 PM with Rev. Bo Phillips officiating. Interment will follow in the Valley Town Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Friday, October 19, 2018, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home in Murphy, NC. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.
Alma Mae Davis: Obituary
Obituaries November 7, 2018Alma Mae Davis
09/14/1921 – 11/04/2018
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Davis Sr.; son, Ralph Davis Jr. and brothers, William and Frederick Young.
She is survived by her son, Roger Davis of Athens, TN; daughter-in-law, Norma Davis; sisters, Wilma Smith, Bernice Geislen, Mary Brown, Thelma Firshing and Marty Zarzaka; 8 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
No services are planned at this time.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
George J. Menasian: Obituary
Obituaries October 25, 2018George J. Menasian
12/09/1931 – 10/18/2018
He was a native of Wayne County, Detroit and the son of the late George Ead Menasian and Pearl Amanda Truett Menasian. George spent his summers in North Carolina with his grandmother, Amanda Truett. He was a member of the Cherokee Masonic Lodge # 146 and a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Murphy, NC.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, George Edward Menasian; his daughter, Lois Ann McGarry of Bethlehem, PA; his brother, Edward Menasian; his sisters, Mary Menasian of Murphy, NC, Yvonne Toft of Howell Michigan, and Trudy Cusick of Royal Oak, Michigan.
He is survived by his wife, Lois Allison Menasian; his daughters, Linda Marie Cook of Michigan and Laura Jean Miller of Puyallup, Washington; his sisters, Glenna Barcyz of Warren, Michigan, and Sandra Kersey of Williamsburg, Kentucky; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 12:00pm to 2:00pm on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, NC. The funeral service will follow at 2:00pm. Rev. Gerald Derreberry will officiate. Pallbearers will be Dustin Whitener, Ed Menasian, Marc Menasian, Jason Savugot, Michael Savugot, and Kevin Bailey. Burial will be in the Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Oxford Home for Children, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565 and the Shady Grove Cemetery Fund, 6 Deweese Street, Murphy, NC.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
Ashley Annette Weaver: Obituary
Obituaries October 9, 2018Ashley Annette Weaver | 12/10/1983 – 10/05/2018
In addition to her parents, she is survived by her children; Aiden Weaver and Chloe Roe; sister, Crystal Gadd, Brailey Barmore and Tasha Wooten and one nephew, several nieces and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 7PM, Wednesday October 10, 2018 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. Rev. Freddy Maney will officiate. Pallbearers will be David Taylor, Tommy Taylor, Corey Hancock, Cameron Hancock, Frank Millsaps Jr. and Doug Millsaps. Honorary pallbearers will be Preston Mashburn, Cliff Queen and Glen Maney.
The family will receive friends from 5-7PM, Wednesday October 10, 2018 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy.
You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com
Townson-Rose Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Cherokee NC County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report 09/30 to 10/06
Arrest Reports October 8, 2018
Cherokee County NC Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report without images. Pursuant to the state open records law, North Carolina General Statutes Public Records § 132-1, Criminal investigations, § 132-1.4, Access to Records, § 132-9, allows for www.fetchyournews.com to obtain and post the arrest records of any and all individuals arrested in Cherokee County, North Carolina. Those arrests are posted on www.fetchyournews.com for your viewing pleasure. Please remember that all individuals listed have been arrested and charged, however, they are presumed innocent until guilt has been proven in a court of law.



