Weather & Safety: The Emergency is Over

The double-hit of Winter Storm Fern (ice) and Winter Storm Gianna (snow) is finally in the rearview. Murphy has officially terminated its Local State of Emergency. We’re expecting a sunny Tuesday with a high of 48°F. The thaw is here, but watch for black ice on shaded curves during the overnight refreeze.

Sources:2026-02-03 | https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/murphy/28906/february-weather/3347892026-01-27 | https://www.townofmurphync.com/news

Community Spotlight: Pigs on the Ridge

Our local agricultural youth continue to shine. Students from Fannin, Dawson, and Walker cownees competed in the Young Farmers Association Market Hog Show in mid-January. A special shoutout to Fannin’s Justin Burrell, who secured three top honors, showcasing the dedication of our local 4-H and FFA programs.

Sources:2026-01-27 | https://www.thenewsobserver.com/local-news-newsletter/ten-fannin-win-pigs-ridge-events

Sports: Hyatt Claims the Throne

History was made in Copperhill as Copper Basin’s Alexis Hyatt became the all-time leading scorer in the modern era at Copper Basin High School. Hyatt’s 1,446 career points place her at the top of the mountain for both the boys’ and girls’ programs in school history.

Sources:2026-01-27 | https://www.thenewsobserver.com/sports/alexis-hyatt-sets-basins-all-time-record

Local Legends: Carl Pickens Signs are Up

Murphy High’s own Carl Pickens is now officially recognized at the town’s gateways. Signs honoring the NFL star and 2023 Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame inductee were installed along US 19/74, celebrating a legacy that began on the local gridiron and reached the highest levels of the sport.

Sources:2026-01-27 | https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/murphy-shows-pride-carl-perkins-signs

Civic Notice: Blue Ridge Planning

The Blue Ridge Planning Commission will meet tomorrow, Feb 4, at 6:00 PM at City Hall (480 West First Street). Agenda items include significant rezoning discussions and administrative transitions.

Sources:2026-02-03 | https://www.cityofblueridgega.gov/bc-pz/meeting/february-4-2026-planning-commission-meeting

Take care of your neighbors, and they will take care of you.

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Winter Storm Gianna: Travel and Safety

The region remains under an Extreme Cold Warning following Winter Storm Gianna. While precipitation has ended, local authorities warn of significant “black ice” on secondary roads and main arteries like Highway 515 and Highway 64. The Georgia State of Emergency has been extended by Governor Kemp and is active through Feb 6, 2026.

Local Government Notice: Murphy, NC

The Murphy Town Council meeting originally set for tonight, Feb 2, is officially postponed due to hazardous travel conditions. The meeting is rescheduled for Monday, Feb 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM at Murphy Town Hall on Wofford Street.

New Business Monday

* Guthrie’s Chicken (Blairsville, GA): The long-awaited chicken finger specialist is now open on Highway 515, providing a new dining option for the Union County community.

* Oak & Oar Interiors (Copperhill, TN): Now open on Ocoee Street, this new boutique specializes in regional home decor, furniture, and interior design services that capture the mountain aesthetic.

Warming Stations and Assistance

GEMA and Georgia State Parks have opened warming stations for residents without reliable heat. ParkPass fees are waived for those seeking warmth at State Park facilities during this extreme cold event.

Sources:2026-02-01 | https://www.cherokeescout.com2026-01-30 | https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-01-30/gov-kemp-declares-new-state-emergency-ahead-winter-storm2026-02-01 | https://gema.georgia.gov/winter-storm-jan-20262026-02-01 | https://www.townofmurphync.com/meetings2026-02-01 | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=35.06842&lon=-84.03852

Take care of your neighbors, and they will take care of you. For more local updates, visit https://go.riverrun.digital.

Winter Storm Warnings Across the Region

Winter Storm Warnings are in effect across western North Carolina, northwest Georgia, and east Tennessee, with snow and hazardous travel expected from Friday evening through the weekend. Listeners are encouraged to monitor local conditions and expect last-minute event cancellations.

Sources

* 2026-01-30 | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=mrx&wwa=all

* 2026-01-30 | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=ffc&wwa=all

Soundcheck Friday: Town-by-Town Picks

News Date: 2026-01-30

Live music is listed across the region tonight and into the weekend, with weather conditions likely to affect schedules. Always check venue social pages before heading out.

Sources

* Undated | https://chevellerestaurants.com/events/

* Undated | https://www.facebook.com/61566924058083/photos/d41d8cd9/122197336166564135/

* Undated | https://georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/localevents/id/493

* Undated | https://www.flyingtroutblairsville.com/events

* Undated | https://www.bandsintown.com/e/106340179-jessey-adams-at-misty-mountain-hops

* Undated | https://www.blueridgemountains.com/events/karaoke-with-heather-copperhill-brewery-taproom/

* Undated | https://www.yelp.com/biz/thirsty-turtle-beer-garden-turtletown

Forest Service Road Conditions

News Date: 2026-01-29

Several Forest Service roads in the Blue Ridge Ranger District remain impassible due to heavy ice, and drivers are urged to avoid forest roads during the storm window.

Sources

* 2026-01-29 | https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/chattahoochee-oconee/alerts/multiple-forest-service-roads-affected-winter-weather

Local Listen: The Royal Ghost of East Tennessee

News Date: 2026-01-30

A new Americana release from the show’s producer explores heritage, identity, and the ghosts that follow us home, set against the mountains around Johnson City.

Sources

* 2026-01-30 |

Take care of your neighbors, and they will take care of you.

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