The U.S. Small Business Administration granted North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s request for a disaster declaration for small businesses that are suffering economic losses due to the new Coronavirus, COVID-19.

“Many small businesses are desperate right now and this SBA approval will help,” said Governor Cooper.  “Even more is needed and we will continue to push for additional assistance while we work to protect the health of North Carolinians.” 

At the Governor’s request, the SBA granted a disaster declaration to small businesses across the state, allowing affected businesses to apply for low interest SBA disaster loans.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov.

​Businesses and individuals may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or 1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan application forms can also be downloaded at disasterloan.sba.gov.

On March 8th, 2020, at around 9:00 am, Cherokee County E-911 Dispatch Center received a 911 call in reference to a unknown problem with a minor child in the Cool Springs community of Murphy, North Carolina.

Cherokee County Paramedics, along with Murphy Police Department,
responded to the scene. Cherokee County E-911 Dispatch Center were able to ascertain that the child had a head injury.

The minor child was airlifted to Children’s Health Care of Atlanta, Scottish Rite Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, where the child was later pronounced deceased as a result of blunt force trauma to the head.

On March 11th, 2020, Mr. Morgan Jemar Kimble, DOB: 08/01/1991, was arrested in Murphy, North Carolina and charged with Murder.  Mr. Kimble is the father of the minor child.  Mr. Kimble was booked into the Cherokee County Detention Center and is currently under a one million dollar secure bond.  Mr. Kimble has an initial court appearance date of May 5th, 2020.

This case is still an active investigation and due to the nature of the investigation, there will be no further press releases at this time.

Thank You,
​Assistant Chief Dustin D. Smith