Murphy NC 28906

Ann Castle, assistant vice president of Appalachian Community Bank, recently donated $500 to Kenny Garland, principal of Hiwassee Dam High School.

This donation will be used to offset the cost of a new display case located in the high school gym, which will promote student achievement, college awareness, and the athletic accomplishments of the school’s students.

The Murphy, NC, office of Appalachian Community Bank, FSB, is located at 3000 West US 64, Suite 123, Murphy, NC 28906.

You can reach the bank by phone at the following numbers: 828-837-4150, Fax: 828-837-4150, Anytime Access (Toll Free): 1-888-493-2722.

ELLIJAY, Georgia, April 25, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) — Appalachian Bancshares Inc. (Nasdaq:APAB), the holding company of Appalachian Community Bank, today announced the grand opening of its new federally chartered thrift subsidiary, Appalachian Community Bank, F.S.B. The thrift’s operations are based in McCaysville, Ga.

Appalachian Community Bank, FSB, has completed the acquisition of Appalachian Community Bank’s existing banking center in McCaysville, and its loan production offices in Ducktown, Tenn., and Murphy, N.C., which have become full-service banking centers. The McCaysville office is located at 109 Blue Ridge Drive, the Ducktown office is located at 125 Five Points Drive and the Murphy banking center is located at 3000 West US 64.

“With the opening of our thrift operations, we can now deliver our full range of customer-focused community banking products and services to fast growing communities beyond the borders of our traditional North Georgia markets,” said Chief Executive Officer Tracy R. Newton. “We also are better positioned to become strong supporters of the communities that surround our new locations in southeastern Tennessee and western North Carolina.”

The new thrift offers customers a full array of community banking products and services, including checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, commercial and consumer loans, real estate financing, mortgage lending and other financial products.

“This important milestone gives us a great deal of flexibility for the long-term growth of our company,” said Joe Moss, president and chief operating officer. “Being able to branch into any state at a relatively low cost will allow us to strategically grow our banking franchise where and when it makes the most sense.”

About Appalachian Bancshares Inc.

Appalachian Bancshares Inc., based in Ellijay, Ga., is the $758 million-asset bank holding company of Appalachian Community Bank, a state-chartered bank organized under the laws of the State of Georgia, and Appalachian Community Bank, F.S.B., a federally chartered thrift. Through its subsidiaries, Appalachian Bancshares provides a full range of community banking services to individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, real estate developers, contractors and farmers. Appalachian Community Bank, which also operates under the trade name of Gilmer County Bank, has full-service banking offices throughout North Georgia in Ellijay, East Ellijay, Blue Ridge, Blairsville, Chatsworth and Dawsonville. Appalachian Community Bank, F.S.B. has full-service banking offices in McCaysville, Ga., Ducktown, Tenn., and Murphy, N.C. The common stock of Appalachian Bancshares is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market, under the symbol APAB. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.apab.com.

The fifth annual Dog Parade and Show will begin at 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 4, 2007, sponsored by Lisa DiCuffa of Century 21 Foxfire Realty Group.

Entrants will meet at Wings and Things, located near Murphy Elementary School, in Murphy, North Carolina.

The entry fee is $5.00.

Proceeds will benefit the Valley River Humane Society. Lisa serves on the Advisory Board of the Valley River Humane Society and donates $100.00 to them on every real estate sale.

For more information, call Lisa DiCuffa at 828-361-6060.

Understand the damage caused by family violence.

Recognize the warning signs of children suffering from family violence.

Support efforts to help children and their families, and to end family violence.

Lend a helping hand - and make a difference in a child’s life!

REACH, Inc., is an agency providing services to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in Cherokee County, NC. They are located at 203 Peachtree Street, Murphy, North Carolina. Their mailing address is PO Box 997, Murphy, NC 28906.

24 hour crisis line: 828-837-8064.

You can find a bargain and help support REACH by patronizing their Thrift Store at 115 Tennessee Street, Murphy, NC 28906, which is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm and on Saturday from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm.

Proceeds go to battered women and children.

John Strawn, owner of Hanging Dog Valley Nursery, recently donated labor and landscaping services to the new Hiwassee Valley Pool and Wellness Center, which opens this weekend.

He planted numerous trees, shrubs, and flowers, and also provided site preparation and fill dirt for the project.

Hanging Dog Valley Nursery is located at 2600 Boiling Springs Road, Murphy, NC 28906.

For more information, call 828-837-7921.

National recording artist Conni Laine will appear on Saturday, June 9, 2007, at Doyle’s Cedar Hill Restaurant in Murphy, North Carolina.

She will be performing originals and classic songs of blues, classic rock, and a touch of jazz and country music.

For more information, call 828-837-3400.

Friends of The Murphy Public Library will hold its annual auction on Saturday, June 9, 2007, at Bob Grove Auctions on US 64 East just past the river in Clay County, NC.

Silent auction starts at 5:00 pm.

Bob Grove lifts his gavel for the live auction at 7:00 pm.

Fine local crafts include Joe Miller ironwork, Charles Patricolo dolls, Dawn Gabrielli basket, Pete-Mar cottage cupboard, and Jane Hensley gift baskets, among many others.

There will be free refreshments.

More donations are needed.

For more information, call the library at 828-837-2417.

See more information about the Murphy Public Library on their website.

Nancy Chancy will be the featured musician on Friday, June 8, 2007, as she plays the acoustic guitar at Doyle’s Cedar Hill Restaurant in Murphy, North Carolina.

For more information, call 828-837-3400.

The Business Women of Murphy, in conjunction with the Cherokee County Recreation Department and Town of Murphy, are organizing a Fourth of July Hometown Celebration that will begin at 8:00 am with a 5K run and end with a spectacular fireworks display at 10:00 pm.

A dog show and parade, organized by Lisa DiCuffa, will take place downtown, followed by a kids “wheels and walking” parade and a float parade.

Other events will take place at Konehete Park, including a fishing tournament, field games, live music on two stages, a men’s softball tournament, car show, peanut drop, food booths, and, of course, the grand finale - a fireworks show.

The Business Women of Murphy are looking for corporate sponsors, crafters, and food vendors who would like to take part in this fun family event.

Crafters should call Linda Bamfield at 828-361-6848.

Food vendors should call Bonnie Kotchenreuther at 828-361-1027.

Scout troops, 4-H, or any organization or club that wants to march or have a float in the parade may call Linda Hurd, parade organizer, at 828-361-3707.

Anyone interested in participating in a “pick up” marching band and has his or her own instrument may call Hurd for details.

Contacts for other events include: 5K run: Jeff Keen at 828-835-7200; dog parade: Lisa DiCuffa at 828-361-6060; kids and float parade and car show: Linda Hurd at 828-837-3374; other general information: Marie Speigel at 828-835-8821.

Corporate sponsorships are available in the following increments: Stars and Stripes: $1,000, Firecracker: $500, Sparkler: $250. For more information, call Tammi Johnson at 828-361-6930.

Exit Realty Mountain View Properties is proud to present their new Associate Broker, Jack Shingler.

Jack is originally from Marion, Ohio and has lived in Winter Park, Florida for the last fifteen years.

He has been a resident in Murphy, NC since July 2006.

Jack has a background in the sales and service industry for 30 years.

He is affiliated with the North Carolina Mountain Lakes Board of Realtors and the Northeast Georgia Multiple Listing Service.

You can contact Jack Shingler at Exit Realty Mountain View Properties at 828-837-2288 or stop by and see him at 1900 Hwy 64 West, Murphy, NC 28906.

For more information, call Jack Shingler at 828-837-2288, or toll free at 877-837-2288.