Update on Hiwassee Dam Dog Attack Death Investigation

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as 74-year-old Diane Emily Pellington of Murphy. An autopsy confirmed death resulted from a dog attack during a welfare check response on February 25. Three dogs were seized and quarantined.

News as of: March 2-3, 2026.

Sheriff Chris Wood Reads to Andrews Elementary Students

Newly appointed Sheriff Chris Wood visited Andrews Elementary School to read Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss and discuss the importance of literacy with students. Positive community outreach from local law enforcement.

News as of: March 2, 2026.

Candidate Qualifying Underway in Fannin and Union Counties

Qualifying continues this week through Friday for Fannin County commissioner Post 2 and school board seats, with parallel process in Union County at the elections office.

News as of: March 2, 2026.

John C. Campbell Folk School Online Auction Now Open

Bidding is live through March 13 on handcrafted ironwork, textiles, jewelry, pottery, paintings, woodturnings, and Centennial Artists items. Proceeds support the Folk School’s educational programs in Brasstown.

News as of: March 2, 2026.

Sources:

* 2026-03-02 | https://www.local3news.com/local-news/update-74-year-old-veterinary-assistant-killed-in-murphy-nc-dog-attack/article_1a03189f-fb73-43e9-a101-ddb2f83d562b.html

* 2026-03-02 | https://www.facebook.com/CherokeeCountySheriffNC/posts/for-immediate-releasemarch-2-2026sheriff-chris-wood-celebrates-literacy-at-andre/1340181938140254/

* 2026-03-02 | https://www.thenewsobserver.com/local-news-newsletter/fannin-election-qualifying-starts-mon

* 2026-03-02 | https://www.folkschool.org/events/online-auction/

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This Appalachia Daily Update was created with the help of AI tools working alongside a human editor. All information is drawn from publicly available sources listed above. Rights for the Appalachia Daily Update are reserved by River Run Digital, which produces hyperlocal news for small towns across Appalachia and beyond. To learn more about River Run Digital and its local news projects, visit

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