Murphy NC 28906

Since I live on Joe Brown Highway and cross Hanging Dog Creek every time I go into Murphy, I have paid attention to the idea that the skirmish at Hanging Dog Creek was one of the last battles fought during the Civil War, after General Lee had already surrendered.

Today, Rob Neufeld wrote an article in the Asheville Citizen-Times newspaper:

Skirmish at Hanging Dog Creek was one of Civil War’s last

It’s a short article, but interesting.

All the best,

JD

It’s time to get ready to go back to school and college and the North Carolina legislature has done something to make it a little easier for many families in the state.

State law provides an exemption for some items of tangible personal property sold this weekend, Friday August 7 through Sunday August 9.

Items that are exempt from sales tax include:

* Clothing, footwear, and school supplies of $100 or less per item.

* School instructional materials of $300 or less per item.

* Sports and recreation equipment of $50 or less per item.

* Computers of $3,500 or less per item.

* Computer supplies of $250 or less per item.

Not exempt from sales tax this weekend are clothing accessories, jewelry, cosmetics, protective equipment, wallets, furniture, items used in a trade or business, and rentals.

You can learn more on the North Carolina Department of Revenue page for Sales Tax Holiday. There are links to a list of items that are exempt, a list of frequently asked questions, and a Sales and Use Tax Technical Bulletin.

Many local retailers will be taking advantage of both the local sales tax holiday weekend as well as many back to school specials.

Heather Rice, owner of Rumors Clothing, said, “There will be savings throughout Rumors Clothing. Come out and save big this weekend. 20% to 50% off everything in the store.”

Rumors Clothing is located in Brothers Landing, six miles west of Murphy, NC.

Learn more about Rumors Clothing on Murphy Gold.

Recently, John Poltrock, one of the owners of The Poltrock Team, sent me a recommendation for Ronnie Byers, the owner of Brasstown Lawn Care.

If you’re looking for someone to help you with your lawn care, mowing, and landscaping jobs, I recommend Ronnie Byers, owner of Brasstown Lawn Care. He is an excellent family guy and runs a great business. I’ve used him for a lot of our clients. Great guy, great business! You can phone him at 828-361-8429.

If you would like more information on why he recommends Ronnie, please contact John Poltrock.

You can see more recommendations of other local business owners from John Poltrock on his Poltrock Team - Murphy, NC Real Estate page on MurphyGold.com.

Don’t miss all the testimonials to John and Jessica Poltrock’s outstanding service to their clients on that same page.

Recently, John Poltrock, one of the owners of The Poltrock Team, sent me a recommendation for Chris Jones, the owner of Jones Trucking.

When you’re looking for someone to help you with your grading, hauling, driveway, and other needs, I recommend Chris Jones, owner of Jones Trucking. He does excellent work and is a small-time operation. He treats people fairly, does great work, and his prices are better than anyone else. You can contact Chris at 828-837-3906.

If you would like more information on why he recommends Chris, please contact John Poltrock.

You can see more recommendations of other local business owners from John Poltrock on his Poltrock Team - Murphy, NC Real Estate page on MurphyGold.com.

Don’t miss all the testimonials to John and Jessica Poltrock’s outstanding service to their clients on that same page.

Julie Chautin is a volunteer with Friends of Murphy Library and has been doing an excellent job of publicizing their activities in the local newspapers for quite some time.

I was very pleased when she emailed me yesterday to let me know that she has started a new Friends of Murphy Library blog and asked me to help her spread the word.

I’m more than happy to do that.

If you have any interest in the Murphy Library and the fundraising and other things the Friends are doing to help out, you will want to be a regular reader of her new blog.

I enjoyed the articles and the photos that Julie has posted.

I also created a new group on Murphy Connections for Friends of Murphy Library. Please note that this is not an official site of the organization, just something I think I can do to help them spread the word about their important activities in support of the Murphy Public Library.

Congratulations, Julie! You’ve done a fine job with your new blog and I expect to be a reader for a long time.

All the best,

JD

On Saturday, June 27, 2009, from Noon until 4:00 pm, several of the businesses located at Brothers Landing will celebrate customer appreciation day.

There will be a car and truck show, bounce houses for the kids, and a live classic rock band.

Rumors Clothing, owned by Heather Rice, will host a fashion show at 2:00 pm.

Courtnie Howard, owner of Images By Courtnie, will be taking fashion photographs during the show.

Tranquility Salon will offer free makeup consultations featuring their new TIGI BedHead makeup line.

Brother’s Restaurant, George’s Butcher Shop, Rumors Clothing, and Tranquility Salon will be offering giveaways and discounts to their valued customers and brand new customers.

For example, Rumors Clothing has several special offers for their valued customers who shop Saturday afternoon during customer appreciation day:

Roxy Swimwear - 40% off
Roxy Sportswear - 20% off
All dresses - 30% off, including name brands such as Griffin Paris and 5th Culture.
5th Culture tops - 20% off
Volatile Sandals - 20% off
All pocketbooks - 20% off

There will be a drawing for a free Biagi Lobster Claw Clasp Bracelet and numerous gift certificates.

Rumors Clothing is located at 5718 Hwy 64 West, Suite 2, Murphy, NC 28906. For more information, contact Heather Rice at 828-837-1444.

Brothers Landing is located in the Ranger community on US Hwy 64 W, just past the Hwy 19 turn-off and the flea markets. If you are coming from Murphy, stay on the four-lane after you go through the traffic light and look for these stores on your right.

On Saturday, September 5, 2009, Heritage Partners of Cherokee County will host the Ninth Annual Heritage Walk and Festival in Konehete Part, Murphy, NC.

Local area artists and crafters are invited to visit the Heritage Walk and Festival website and download an application form in PDF format. (See the left column right next to “Arts & Crafts Show” for the link.)

Original artwork, hand-made items only. No imports or commercial goods will be approved.

No electrical service will be provided.

$25 application fee.

Your completed application form and check must be received by the August 8, 2009 deadline.

I created a social networking site for Murphy, NC on ning.com a few weeks ago at MurphyNC28906.ning.com. You can still reach it at that address, but now it has a new name: Murphy Connections.

Along with a new name, it has a new domain: MurphyConnections.com.

If you have bookmarked the site, please update your bookmarks to reflect the domain change.

If you live in Murphy, NC or if you live somewhere else and you’re interested in our town and what people in our area are doing, come on over and join us at Murphy Connections.

Act on your dream!

JD

Good morning!

I don’t think it’s been much of a secret that I’ve been feeling pretty awful for the last month or so, but I’m happy to tell you that I’m feeling much better this week.

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about how we can work together to share our experiences of living in Murphy and meeting new friends who live here or plan to move or visit here.

So, yesterday, I started a new discussion in our forum and I look forward to reading your thoughts…

What is my vision for this Murphy NC social networking site?

Perhaps you have different ideas for making this a more active and useful site and I’m open to your critiques and suggestions. I’m happy to do the behind-the-scenes work, but the site will only become useful if you are active here.

I’ve also been doing a lot of thinking about patronizing locally-owned businesses versus chain stores and I’d love to hear what you think.

Here’s the forum discussion on this topic…

Why are local businesses important?

I hope you’re having a great day and look forward to discussing these issues, and others, with you.

Act on your dream!

JD

Visit Murphy NC 28906 at: http://murphync28906.ning.com

I received an email from Theresa Victa, owner of Mountain Spirit Essentials, about the upcoming Spring Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, April 25, 2009, from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm.

A portion of the proceeds from each merchant will support Relay For Life.

The following downtown merchants will be participating:

Antiquities
Appalachian Outfitters
Bless My Stitches Quilt Shop
Bella Blue
Blue Moon Elise
Chevelles
Consider the Lillies Consignment
Curiosity Shop Bookstore
Classic Swan
Helen Nora Boutique
The Corner Candy Store
Sassy’s Wardrobe
The Daily Grind & Wine
StuffTiques Antiques
Kids Wear
Timeless Treasures
Sophisticated Lady Boutique
Mountain Spirit Essentials

Come out Saturday, rain or shine.

Act on your dream!

JD