The Cherokee Scout is the largest publication in far-western North Carolina, serving residents and visitors since 1889. Building on that long history of providing accurate and fair local news and information in print, the Scout also operates the most dynamic website in Cherokee County.
CherokeeScout.com provides readers with the latest news, sports, features and advertising pertinent to our growing community. Our loyal newspaper readers also can rely on the Scout to keep them abreast of the issues most important to them via the online e-edition. We merged with the Andrews Journal in 2019 for complete countywide coverage.
The print edition of the Scout is published every Wednesday, year-round, and has a circulation of more than 6,000, reaching almost 70 percent of the county's households. In addition to the weekly print edition of the Scout, we produce speciality publications throughout the year, including:
* Living Healthy medical directory magazine, published in February;
* Spring Sports, published in March;
* Celebrate Cherokee County magazine, the county’s annual information guide, published in May;
* Seniors graduation special, published in June;
* Business Card & Resource Directory, published in July;
* School Roundup, published in August;
* Pigskin Preview, published in August;
* Readers’ Choice, published in October;
* Celebrating Our Veterans, published in November;
* Mountain Hoops, published in December;
* Christmas Greetings, published in December.
The Scout also sponsors many important events in our community, and associates volunteer with local nonprofit boards and churches. We also help support charities, worthwhile causes like litter cleanup and non-profit organizations such as the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, Andrews Chamber of Commerce, Cherokee County Arts Coalition and MountainTrue.
The Scout is part of Community Newspapers Inc., which publishes 24 quality hometown newspapers across the Southeast. “Our mission is to publish distinguished and profitable community newspapers. Among our overall goals are:
* to publish newspapers whose focus will be excellence in terms of news and advertising content, reproduction and service;
* to maximize profits consistent with product quality, but in no case less than required to assure long term growth and our editorial independence;
* to be fundamentalists in our support of the public’s right to know, and the right of free speech and press;
* to take a bias in support of the communities we serve: providing aggressive, visionary leadership.
The mission will be accomplished through the teamwork of professionals who are dedicated to truth, integrity, loyalty, quality and hard work. We believe that a community must first know about itself in order to act in its own best interest. We believe that strong newspapers build strong communities. "Newspapers get things done!"
The Scout's 125-year history of quality journalism, effective advertising and community service has resulted in winning many major awards and honors. This is a only a partial list going back to 1970.
AWARDS WON BY THE CHEROKEE SCOUT (please put in style of other awards)
2020 N.C. Press Contest
First place
• Staff Writer Samantha Sinclair, “Murphy man stuck at sea,” Beat Feature Reporting.
• Assistant Editor Penny Ray, “Homeless man killed in Andrews,” Breaking News Coverage.
• Staff, Celebrating Our Veterans 2019-20 magazine, Special Section.
Second place
• Publisher/Editor David Brown, “Newspaper uses; Baseball been good to me; The Otter Place,” Lighter Columns.
• Sinclair, “Cub Scouts off to the races,” Photography, General News.
• Sports Writer Noah Shatzer, “Gentry cements himself as North Carolina's top Dog,” Photography, Sports.
• Shatzer and staff, Best Sports Coverage.
• Sinclair and staff, “Kindergarten hand washing lesson,” Video.
Third place
• Ray, “Gun Store burglarized by gang of nonresidents,” Beat Feature Reporting.
• Brown, “Primary changes; Thumbs up; No more secrecy,” Editorials.
• Brown and staff, Best Editorial Page.
• Ray, “Return of the roundabout,” News Enterprise Reporting
• Staff, Best Website.
2018 NCPA News, Editorial & Photo Journalism
* Hugh Morton Photographer of the Year: Staff Photographer Ben Katz.
* First Place – News Enterprise Reporting: “Decade of DSS questioned,” Editor Matthew Osborne.
* First Place – Lighter Columns: “Richard the Rooster’s last crow,” Brown.
* First Place – Serious Column: “Is my job dangerous?,” Brown.
* First Place – Sports Feature Photo: “True love of the outdoors,” Katz.
* Second Place – Appearance and Design: Staff.
* Second Place – Photo Page or Essay: “Hammer time,” Katz.
* Second Place – Photography Feature: “Keith Litterman,” Katz.
* Second Place – Photography, General News: “Wild Blue Yonder,” Katz.
* Second Place – Religion & Faith Reporting: “Faith interwoven throughout county,” Staff Writer Dwight Otwell.
* Second Place – Use of Photographs – Community/Speciality/Online: Staff.
* Third Place – Sports Feature Writing: “Can’t keep Crewman down,” Sports Writer Kevin Hensley.
* Third Place – Community Service Award – Community Newspapers: “Celebrate Cherokee County,” staff.
* Third Place – Editorials: “Society killing people, not guns,” Osborne.
* Third Place – Headline Writing: “Gourd vibrations,” Osborne.
* Third Place – Photography , Sports: “Athletes let the light shine,” Katz.
* Third Place – Serious Columns: “America strong, but flickering,” Osborne.
* Third Place – Sports News Reporting: “Second time’s the charm,” Hensley.
2018 NCPA Best Ad Contest
* First Place – Best Use of Color: Closed for Christmas, Publisher David Brown, Composition Manager Christy Guthrie.
* First Place – Best Newspaper Promotion: Out of Sight, Brown, Guthrie.
* First Place – Best Use of Humor: Happy 50th Birthday, Dave Stevens, Graphic Artist Tina Sheldon.
* First Place – Institutional Ad: Murphy School of Dance, Sales Manager Donna Cook, Sheldon.
* Second Place – Best Motor Vehicle Ad: Jacky Jones, Cook, Sheldon.
* Third Place – Best Use of Color: Cook, Sheldon.
* Third Place – Institutional Ad: School Registration, Cook, Sheldon.
2018 CNI Awards
* 2018 Best of CNI in Division A
* First Place – Best Local News Coverage
2017 NCPA News, Editorial & Photo Journalism
* First Place – Appearance and Design: staff.
* First Place – Editorials: Publisher David Brown.
* First Place – Special Section: Peaks & Valleys 2017, staff.
* First Place – Use of Photographs: Staff.
* Second Place – Best Community Coverage: Staff.
* Second Place – Editorials: Editor Matthew Osborne.
* Second Place – Feature Writing: “Murphy resident volunteers to paint 277-year-old plantation,” Staff Writer Kelsey Richardson.
* Second Place – Headline Writing: Osborne.
* Second Place – Religion & Faith Reporting: “Crowd gets fired up at revival,” Staff Writer Dwight Otwell.
* Third Place – Editorial Page: Osborne, Brown.
* Third Place – Photo page or Essay: “Learning to graze in nature’s classroom,” Staff Photographer Ben Katz.
* Third Place – Serious Column: Brown.
2017 NCPA Best Ad Contest
* First Place – Best Apparel, Jewelry & Accessories: Paula’s Jewelers, Sales Manager Donna Cook, Graphic Artist Ann Koles.
* First Place – Best Healthcare/Medical Ad: Dr. Mims, Cook, Koles.
* First Place – Best Newspaper Promotion: Scout names, Brown, Koles.
* First Place – Best Niche Publication: Peaks & Valley 2017, staff.
* Second Place – Best Small Ad: Paula’s Pawn and Jewelry, Cook, Koles.
* Second Place – Institutional Ad: Randy Barnett, Cook Koles.
* Third Place – Best Motor Vehicle Ad: Dave Stevens, Koles.
* Third Place – Best Niche Publication: Country Roads Fall 2017, staff.
2017 CNI Awards
* 2017 Best of CNI Division A
* Best Community Service Award
2016 NCPA News, Editorial & Photo Journalism
* First Place – General News Photography: “Dancing Queens,” Staff Photographer Ben Katz.
* First Place – Photo Page or Essay: “Dance of the flame,” Katz.
* First Place – Sports Coverage: Cherokee Scout, Sports Writer Kevin Hensley, Editor Matthew Osborne.
* First Place – Religion & Faith Reporting: “Finding God behind bars,” Staff Writer Dwight Otwell.
* First Place – Religion & Faith Reporting: “Changing Christian Love,” Otwell.
* Second Place – Best Niche Publication: Country Roads Summer 2016, staff.
* Third Place – Sports Feature Photo: “Rodeo gets rowdy,” Katz.
* Third Place – Photo Page or Essay: “Harnessing mountain roots,” Katz.
2016 NCPA Best Ad Contest
* First Place – Best Community Service Signature Page or Best Shared Page: Shop Local – Save Big, Graphic Artist Ann Koles, Sales Manager Donna Cook, Sales Associate Dave Stevens.
* First Place – Best Shared Page in a Niche Publication: Coutryard Jewelry, Bobby Clayton Realty and A Andrews Mini Storage, Stevens, Koles
* Second Place – Best Real Estate Ad in a Niche Publication: Bobby Clayton Realty and Construction Inc, Stevens, Koles.
* Second Place – Best Restaurant/Entertainment Ad in a Niche Publication: Valley River Brewery & Eatery, Cook, Koles.
* Third Place – Best Innovative Concept/Wild Card: 2016 Business Honor Roll, Publisher David Brown, Koles, Cook.
* Third Place – Best Niche Publication: Peaks & Valleys 2016, staff.
2015 NCPA News, Editorial & Photo Journalism
* Hugh Morton Photographer of the Year – Community Newspaper: Staff Photographer Ryan Revock.
* First place – General Excellence – Community Newspaper: Staff.
* First place – General News Photography: “Lights of Hope,” Ryan Revock.
* First place – Best Editorial Page: staff.
* First place – Best Use of Photographs: staff.
* Second place – Serious Columns: Publisher David Brown.
* Second place - Best Photo Page: “Pinewood Derby,” Ryan Revock.
* Second place – Best Niche Publication: Summer country Roads magazine, staff
* Second place – General News Photography: “House Fire,” Ryan Revock.
* Second place – Best Niche Publication: Summer Country Roads magazine, staff
* Third place – Best Niche Publication: Fall Country Roads magazine, staff.
2015 NCPA Best Ad Contest
* First place – Best Advertising Campaign: REACH Inc., Sales Manager Donna Cook, Graphic Artist Ann Koles.
* First place – Best Newspaper Promotion: 942 Names in the Feb. 18, 2015 edition, David Brown, Ann Koles.
* First place – Best Black & White Restaurant/Entertainment ad: “Forks & Corks,” Donna Cook, Ann Koles.
* First place – Best Innovative Concept/Wild Card: Business Honor Roll, Donna Cook, Sales Associate Dave Stevens, Ann Koles.
* First place – Best Real Estate Ad in a Niche Publication: Western Carolina Real Estate Co. Inc., Donna Cook, Ann Koles.
* Second place – Best Black & White Institutional Ad: Wayne’s Feed Store, Donna Cook, Ann Koles.
* Second place – Best Real Estate Ad in a Niche Publication: Western Carolina Real Estate Co. Inc., Donna Cook, Ann Koles.
* Second place – Best Retail Ad in a Niche Publication: Deb’s Jewelry, Donna Cook, Ann Koles.
* Third place – Best Use of Color: Scout’s “Merry Christmas” ad, David Brown, Ann Koles.
* Third place – Best Retail Ad in a Niche Publication: Trader’s Corner, Dave Stevens, Ann Koles.
2014 NCPA News, Editorial & Photo Journalism
* First place – Serious Columns: Publisher David Brown.
* First place – Editorial Page: Staff.
* First place – News Feature Writing: for militarization article, Editor Matthew Osborne.
* First place – Sports Feature Photo: “Winter wonderland.”, former photo editor Scott Wallace.
* First place – Photo Page: “Feeling their pain,” Wallace and staff.
* First place – Use of Photos: Staff.
* First place – Special Section: Country Roads spring magazine, staff.
* Second place – General Excellence for Newspaper Websites: www.cherokeescout.com<http://www.cherokeescout.com/>, staff.
* Second place – News coverage: Staff.
* Second place – Sports Feature Photo: Harlem Wizards, Wallace.
* Third place – Sports Feature Photo: Editorials, Osborne.
2014 NCPA Best Ad Contest
* Best in Show & First place – Best Color Institutional Ad: 9/11 prayer gathering, staff.
* First place – Best Color Apparel & Accessories Ad – Paula’s Pawn & Jewelry, Sales Manager Donna Cook and staff
* First place – Best Black & White Institutional Ad: Murphy School of Dance. Cook and Graphic Artist Ann Koles.
* Second place – Best Innovative Concept/Wild Card: Cherokee Scout’s readers survey, Publisher David Brown and Composition Manager Christy Guthrie.
* Second place – Best Motor Vehicle Ad: Jacky Jones Superstore, Cook and Guthrie.
* Third place – Best Innovative Concept/Wild Card: Business Honor Roll, Cook, Sales Associate Dave Stevens and staff.
* Third place – Best Black & White Institutional Ad: Walk for Foster Care, Cook and Guthrie.
* Third place – Best Small Ad: Dr. Tom Mims, Cook.
* Third place – Best Advertising Campaign: REACH Inc, Cook and staff.
* Third place – Best Niche Publication: Country Roads fall magazine, staff.
* Third place – Best Retail Ad in a Niche Publication: Cherokee Cellars, Cook and Koles.
* Third place – Best Shared Page in a Niche Publication: Peaks & Valleys, Cook and staff.
2013 NCPA News, Editorial & Photo Journalism
* First place – Online Breaking News: Mother of two killed in a 2–car wreck staff.
* First place – General News Photography: “Cat–astrophy,” Photo Editor Scott Wallace.
* First place – Feature Photography: Fun at fall carnival, Wallace.
* First place – Sports Photography: Flipping out, Wallace.
* First place – Editorials: Keep government in sunshine, Publisher David Brown, staff.
* First place – Serious Columns: Death moves our priorities, Brown
* Second place – General News Reporting: Possum drop will go on Monday, staff.
* Second place – Online Breaking News: Road collapses, staff.
* Second place – Feature Photography: Spelling showdown, Wallace.
* Second place – Photo Page: Gunfights erupt in Hiwassee Dam as paintball opens, Wallace.
* Second place – Sports Coverage: staff.
* Second place – News Coverage: staff.
* Third place – Serious Columns: “There are real heroes,” staff.
* Third place – Use of Photographs: staff.
* Third place – Special Section: Peaks & Valleys, staff.
2013 NCPA Best Ad Contest
* First place – Best Shared Page in a Niche Publication: Lakeside Plaza and More, Sales Associate Dave Stevens, staff.
* Second place – Best Food Ad: 17th Annual Chili Cook–off, staff.
* Second place – Best Apparel, Jewelry and Accessories Ad: Need to Pay Your Taxes?, Sales Manager Donna Cook, staff.
* Second place – Best Community Service Signature Page or Best Shared Page: Shop Locally, Cook, Stevens, staff.
* Second place – Best Restaurant/Entertainment Ad in a Niche Publication: Cherokee Cellars, Cook, Staff.
* Second place – Best Community Service Signature Page or Best Shared Page: Shop Locally, Cook, Stevens, staff.
* Third place – Best Color Apparel, Jewelry and Accessories Ad: Debs Jewelers, Cook, staff.
* Third place – Best Niche Publication: Country Roads Fall, Cook, Stevens, Composition Manager Christy Guthrie, staff.
* Third place – Best Restaurant/Entertainment Ad in a Niche Publication: Brother’s Restaurant, Stevens, staff.
2013 Best of CNI
* Overall Excellence Award Division A
* Best Sports Photo: “Flipping Out,” Wallace
2012 NCPA News, Editorial & Photo Journalism Contest
* First place – Sports Feature Photo: Race track revs up Andrews’ economy, Wallace.
* First place – Sports Photography: Swim team out of blocks quickly, Wallace.
* First place – Serious Columns: Past time to open up, staff.
* First place – Appearance & Design: staff.
* First place – Best Community Coverage: staff.
* Second place – Sports Photography: Lady Eagles win conference, staff.
* Second place – Photo Page: Walking on water, Wallace.
* Second place – Sports Columns: Penn State, Paterno pay for not taking action to help, staff.
* Second place – Use Of Photographs: staff.
* Second place – Best Niche Publication: Country Roads, staff.
* Third place – News Feature Writing: Flight has taken off in county, Staff Writer Dwight Otwell.
* Third place – Profile Feature: Lilly keeps smiling despite injuries, Otwell
* Third place – Sports Feature Photo: Busted with burgers, Wallace.
* Third place – Best Niche Publication: Peaks & Valleys, staff.
2012 NCPA Best Ad Contest
* First place – Best Real Estate Ad: Poltrock Team, staff.
* First place – Best Institutional Ad: Thanks Volunteers, Cook, staff.
* First place – Best Use of Color: The Cherokee Scout (house ad), Guthrie, staff.
* First place – Best Use Of Humor: Humane Society, staff.
* First place – Best Innovative Concept/Wild Card: Calendar, Guthrie, Cook, staff.
* First place – Best Real Estate Ad In A Niche Publication: Exit, staff.
* First place – Best Retail Ad in a Niche Publication: Deb’s Jewelry, Cook, staff.
* First place – Best Shared Page in a Niche Publication: Downtown & Around, Cook, staff.
* Second place – Best Real Estate Ad: Special Sale, Cook, staff.
* Second place – Best Apparel, Jewelry and Accessories Ad: Paula’s Pawn & Jewelry, Cook, staff.
* Second place – Best Innovative Concept/Wild Card: Go Dogs!, Guthrie, Cook, staff.
* Second place – Best Community Service Signature Page or Best Shared Page: 2011 Cherokee County, staff.
* Second place – Best Advertising Campaign: Celebrate Cherokee County, Guthrie, staff.
* Second place – Best Real Estate Ad In A Niche Publication: The Poltrock Team, staff.
* Second place – Best Restaurant/Entertainment Ad in a Niche Publication: Downtown Pizza Co., Cook, staff.
* Third place – Best Motor Vehicle Ad: Log Cabin Auto, staff.
* Third place – Best Institutional Ad: Relay For Life, Guthrie, staff.
* Third place – Best Innovative Concept/Wild Card: Business Honor Roll, staff.
* Third place – Best Newspaper Promotion: Attention graduates!, Cook, staff.
* Third place – Best Special Section: Mountain Hoops, Cook, staff.
* Third place – Best Real Estate Ad In A Niche Publication: Remax, staff.
* Metro Creative Graphics Plus Business Award
2012 Best of CNI
* Best Sports Photo: “Fun, games and the Bible,” Wallace.
* First place – Best Feature Story: “Flight has taken off in county,” Otwell.
* First place – Best Column: Moment of silence best,” staff.
* First place – Best Feature Photo: “Incoming,” Wallace.
* Second place – Best Editorial Page
* Second place – Best News Story: “Possom drop,” staff.
2011 NCPA News, Editorial & Photo Journalism Contest
* First place – Editorials: Firing Badger wrong decision, Brown, staff.
* First place – Best Community Coverage: staff.
* Second place – Section General Excellence Award
* Second place – Arts & Entertainment Reporting: Nightlife bustling in Murphy, staff.
* Second place – Lighter Columns: Marital lessons learned not easy, staff.
* Second place – Sports Columns: An albatross no more, staff.
* Second place – Sports Coverage: staff.
* Third place – Headline Writing: Local runners hit all the right notes, Bell takes toll on big field at half marathon, Lady Dogs send Cats to litter box, staff.
* Third place – Use of Photographs: staff.
* Third place – News Coverage: staff.
2011 NCPA Best Ad Contest
* First place – Best Use Of Color: Lifetime Kia, staff.
* First place – Best Online Advertising: Free Coupons, staff.
* First place – Best Niche Publication: Peaks & Valleys, staff.
* First place – Best Real Estate Ad in a Niche Publication: The Poltrock Team Remax, staff.
* First place – Best Shared Page In A Niche Publication: Brother’s Landing, staff.
* Second place – Best Food Ad: Save-a-Lot, Cook, staff.
* Second place – Best Motor Vehicle Ad: Year End Closeouts, staff.
* Second place – Best Apparel, Jewelry and Accessories Ad: Big Store Closing Sale, staff.
* Second place – Best Innovative Concept/Wild Card: 2011 Calendar, staff.
* Second place – Best Newspaper Promotion: WANTED, staff.
* Second place – Best Special Section: Christmas Greetings, staff.
* Third place – Best Real Estate Ad: Showcase of Homes, staff.
* Third place – Best Motor Vehicle Ad: Lifetime Kia, staff.
* Third place – Best Home Furnishings and Appliances Ad: Bellview Home Furnishings, staff.
* Third place – Best Apparel, Jewelry and Accessories Ad: Elayne’s Closet, staff.
* Third place – Best Color Apparel, Jewelry and Accessories Ad: Elayne’s Closet, staff.
* Third place – Best Institutional Ad: Cherokee Diabetes Program, staff.
* Third place – Best Newspaper Promotion: Show me the money!, staff.
* Third place – Best Small Ad: Queen of Hearts Sweepstakes, Guthrie, Cook.
2011 Best of CNI
* Second place – Best Overall Design.
* Best News Photo: “Victims speak up”, Wallace.
* Second place – Best Ad, Black & White: Elayne’s Closet.
* Second place – Best Promotional Campaign: “Showcase of Homes.”
* Second place – Best New Advertising Idea: “Eats & Drinks.”
2010 News, Editorial & Photo Journalism Contest
* First place – Editorial Page.
* First place – General News Photography: Sgt. Edgerton comes home, Wallace.
* First place – Photo Page: The face of truth, Wallace.
* Second place – Lighter Columns: staff.
* Second place – Criticism: staff.
* Second place – Sports News Reporting: Gentry staring down No. 300, staff.
* Second place – Feature News Photography: Beating the heat, Wallace.
* Second place – Sports Feature Photography: Put me in, coach, staff.
* Second place – Sports Feature: Murphy nails hammerheads, Wallace.
* Third place – Serious Columns: Brown.
* Third place – Headline Writing: staff.
* Third place – General Excellence.
* Third place – Sports Coverage.
* Third place – Use of Photos.
* Third place – News Coverage.
* Third place – Education Reporting: Students explore bold new horizons, staff.
2010 NCPA Best Ad Contest
* First place – Best Full Color Motor Vehicle Ad: Jacky Jones Superstore, Cook, staff.
* First place – Best Use of Spot Color: The Stephanie Grace Dance Center, Cook, staff.
* First place – Best Use of Humor: “Black Friday?,” staff.
* First place – Best Innovative Concept: Stick it to win it! Shop Locally Campaign, staff.
* First place – Best Newspaper Promotion: Country Roads “It’s a Keeper,” staff.
* First place – Best Shared Page: 2010 Calendar, staff.
* First place – Best Small Ad: Valley River Humane Society “Want a pet?,” staff.
* First place – Best Advertising Campaign: Jacky Jones Superstore Wrestling for the Belt, Cook, staff.
* First place – Best Online Advertising: Cherokee Scout Web site, staff.
* First place – Best Online Revenue Producer: Appalachian Land Top Homes, staff.
* First place – Best Niche Publication: Peaks & Valleys, staff.
* First place – Best Real Estate Ad in a Niche Publication: Pleasant Valley Homes, staff.
* First place – Best Restaurant/Entertainment Ad in a Niche Publication: Brother’s Restaurant, staff.
* First place – Best Retail Ad in a Niche Publication: Logan’s Run Rescue, staff.
* Second place – Best Full Color Motor Vehicle Ad: Jacky Jones Superstore, Cook, staff.
* Second place – Best Food Ad: Save-A-Lot Free Picnic on Us, Cook, staff.
* Second place – Best Full Color Institutional Ad: Murphy School of Dance, Cook, staff.
* Second place – Best Use of Humor: Who loves ya baby?, staff.
* Second place – Best Innovative Concept: Stick it to win it! Shop Locally Campaign, staff.
* Second place – Best Real Estate Ad in a Niche Publication: The Alpaca Ranch at Cobb Creek Cabins, staff.
* Second place – Best Restaurant/Entertainment Ad in a Niche Publication: Doyle’s Cedar Hill Restaurant, Cook, staff.
* Second place – Best Retail Ad in a Niche Publication: Cold Nose College, staff.
* Third place – Best Use of Full Color: Mountain Top Wireless “Let’s Talk,” Cook, staff.
* Second place – Best Special Section: Spring Home & Garden Improvement Guide, staff.
* Second place – Best Classified Section: staff.
* Second place – Best Niche Publication: Country Roads, staff.
* Second place – Best Real Estate Ad in a Niche Publication: The Poltrock Team, staff.
2009 News, Editorial & Photo Journalism Contest
* First place – Sports News: Coverage of a state playoff softball game between Murphy and Swain, staff.
* First place – Lighter Columns: Southerners being masters of the obvious, whether dogs go to heaven and churches needing a laugh, Brown.
* First place – Best Video: Scouting Around video about how the high waters in local lakes and rivers is not impeding recreational activities, Wallace.
* Second place – Sports Feature Writing: Tyree Allen adapting to playing pro football in Germany, staff.
* Second place – News Coverage: staff.
* Third place – General Excellence: staff.
* Third place – Sports Columns: staff.
2009 NCPA Best Ad Contest
* First place – Best Motor Vehicle Ad: Ground to Graphics, staff.
* First place – Best Local Recruitment Ad: “Is your house different?,” staff.
* First place – Best Full Color Local Recruitment Ad: “Home for the Holidays” recipe request, staff.
* First place – Best Restaurant/Entertainment Ad: Murphy’s Chophouse, Donna Cook.
* First place – Best Use of Humor: Cherokee Well Drilling, staff.
* First place – Best Innovative Concept: “Profits Soar,” staff.
* First place – Best Newspaper Promotion: 2009 Rate Card, Cook, staff.
* First place – Best Single Sheet Insert: “What can you do with an extra $44?,” Cook, staff.
* First place – Best Real Estate Ad in a Niche Publication: Overlook Martins Creek, staff.
* First place – Best Restaurant/Entertainment Ad in a Niche Publication: Cherokee Hills Golf Course, Cook, staff.
* First place – Best Retail Ad in a Niche Publication: Outdoor Living, staff.
* Second place – Best Full Color Local Recruitment Ad: “Best time to buy is now,” staff.
* Second place – Best Home Furnishings and Appliances Campaign: Cook’s Carpet, staff.
* Second place – Best Use of Spot Color: Badcock & More, Cook, staff.
* Second place – Best Newspaper Promotion: “Advertise Your Business,” staff.
* Second place – Best Niche Publication: Country Roads, Cook, staff.
* Third place – Best Full Color Motor Vehicle Ad: Jacky Jones Superstore, staff.
* Third place – Best Full Color Local Recruitment Ad: “Reader’s Choice” ballot, Cook, staff.
* Third place – Best Use of Spot Color: Peddlers Village, staff.
* Third place – Best Newspaper Promotion: “Unseen, Unsold,” Cook, staff.
* Third place – Best Classified Section: Cook, staff.
* Third place – Best Real Estate Ad in a Niche Publication: Crawford’s Campground, Cook, staff.
2008 News, Editorial & Photo Journalism Contest
* First place – Serious Column: the Murphy alcohol referendums, the closing of Marble’s Coats American plant and suspected gasoline price gouging, Brown
* Second place – Photo Page: Lunar Eclipse visible in Cherokee County on Feb. 20, Wallace.
* Third place – General News Photograph: Exhausted Firefighter, Wallace.
* Third place – Feature Photograph: Cancer patient getting her head shaved surrounded by her friends, Wallace.
* Third place – News Coverage: staff.
* Third place – Sports Coverage: staff.
2008 NCPA Best Ad Contest
* Best in Show, Full Color Real Estate Ad: “Meet your new neighbors” for Newell & Denna Collins, Cook, staff.
* First place – Best Full Color Real Estate Ad: Newell & Deena Collins, Cook, staff.
* First place – Best Full Color Local Recruitment Ad: Cherokee Scout Readers’ Choice, Cook, staff.
* First place – Best Full Color Institutional Ad: Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, Cook, staff.
* First place – Best Newspaper Promotion: Cherokee Scout History, Cook, staff.
* First place – Best Small Ad: Mike Welch Detailing, Cook, staff.
* First place – Best Local Recruitment Ad: Cook, staff.
* Second place – Best Real Estate Ad: Re/Max, staff.
* Second place – Best Motor Vehicle Ad: Ground to Graphics, staff.
* Second place – Best Full Color Local Recruitment Ad: Cherokee Scout/Cherokee County Schools Art Contest, Cook and staff.
* Second place – Best Newspaper Promotion: Wish You Were Here, Cook, staff.
* Second place – Best Classified Section: Cook, staff.
* Third place – Best Full Color Real Estate Ad: Re/Max, staff.
* Third place – Best Local Recruitment Ad: Hiwassee Valley Pool & Recreation, Cook, staff.
* Third place – Best Full Color Retail Ad: High End Tile, Cook, staff.
* Third place – Best Use of Full Color: Cherokee Scout Web Site promotion, staff.
* Third place – Best Full Color Restaurant/Entertainment Ad: Longhouse Restaurant & Bar, staff.
* Third place – Best Use of Spot Color: Everglades Electric Supply, staff.
* Third place – Best Use of Humor: Wild Bill’s Truck & Trailer, staff.
* Third place – Best Wild Card: Murray the Lost Dog, Cook, staff.
* Third place – Best Advertising Campaign: Cherokee Scout’s New Real Estate Section, Cook, staff.
* Gold Star, Best Special Section: Home for the Holidays, Cook, staff.
2008 Best of CNI Contest
* First place – Best Sports Photo: “Coming Through,” staff.
* First place – Best Ad, Black and White: “Ground to Graphics Hot Foot Street Rods,” staff.
* Second place – Best of CNI: staff.
* Second place – Best Promotional Campaign: “We were here then, we are here now, we’ll be here tomorrow,” staff.
* Second place – Best Special Section: Peaks & Valleys magazine, staff.
* Third place – Best Overall Design: staff.
* Third place – Best Sports Photo: “Out of the blocks,” staff.
* Third place – Best Use of Photos: staff.
2007 NCPA News, Editorial and Photojournalism Contest
* First place – General Excellence: staff.
* First place – Duke Divinity School Award for Excellence in Religion, Community Division: staff.
* First place – Feature Photography: 2006 Cherokee County Air Show, Wallace.
* First place – Photo page: 2006 Cherokee County Air Show, Wallace.
* Second place – Headline Writing: “Burning desire to help,” staff.
* Third place – Special Section: 2007 Spring Home and Garden Improvement Guide, staff.
* Third place – Sports News Reporting: Murphy’s comeback win over Franklin in football, staff.
* Third place – Use of Photographs: Oct. 11 and Oct. 25, 2006, staff.
2007 NCPA Advertising Contest
* First place – Best Motor Vehicle Ad: Ground to Graphics, staff.
* First place – Best Local Recruitment Ad: Cherokee Scout, Cook, Guthrie.
* First place – Best Innovative Concept: Clay’s Corner ‘Possum Drop, Cook, staff.
* First place – Best Niche Publication: Wish You Were Here, Cook, staff.
* Third place – Best Full–Color Real Estate Ad: Exit Realty, staff.
* Third place – Best Small Ad: Valley River Humane Society, Cook, staff.
* Gold Star, Best Special Section: Home for the Holidays, Cook, staff.
* Gold Star, Best Special Section, Peaks & Valleys: Cook, staff.
2007 Best of CNI Contest
* First place – Best Editorial Writing: Tri–County Early College High School and former Murphy police chief Mark Thigpen’s forced resignation, Brown, staff.
* First place – Best News Story: “Early college planning done in secret,” staff.
* First place – Best Sports Page, staff.
* Second place – Best of CNI: staff.
* Second place – Best Sports Story: “Eagles ascend into Elite,” staff.
* Second place – Best News Photo: “Lucky to be alive,” Wallace, staff.
* Third place – Best Front Page: staff.
* Third place – Best News Photo: “Sorrow turns to joy,” Wallace.
* Third place – Best Feature Photo: “What a big fish,” Wallace.
* Advertising All–Star: staff.
2006 NCPA News, Editorial and Photojournalism Contest
* First place – Editorial Page: staff.
* First place – News Feature Writing: “Victim takes stand,” Staff.
* First place – Investigative Reporting: Work on the new Tri–County Early College High School, staff.
* First place – Sports News Reporting: “Eagles ascend into elite,” staff.
* First place – Use of Photographs: staff.
* First place – General News Photography: “Lucky to be alive,” Wallace.
* First place – Feature Photography: “Big fish,” Wallace.
* Second place – News Enterprise Reporting: staff, for the work reporting on homeless students.
* Second place – Headline Writing: “Controversy brewing” over an article on the county’s various alcohol laws. Staff.
* Third place – General Excellence: staff.
* Third place – Feature Photography: “Nose to nose,” Wallace.
* Third place – Sports Feature Writing: “Ready, set, surf!,” Staff.
* Third place – News Coverage: staff.
* Third place – News Enterprise Reporting: The out–of–county student debate, Staff
* Third place – Sports Photography: “Hammer throw,” Wallace.
* Third place – Feature Writing: “Ladies help inmates find freedom,” Staff.
2006 Best of CNI Contest
* First place – Best Editorial Writing: Publisher David Brown, staff.
* First place – Best Humorous Column: staff.
* First place – Best Ad: Black & White, staff.
* First place – Increase in Display Ads: staff.
* Advertising All–Star: Cook.
2005 N.C. Press Association News, Editorial and Photojournalism Contest
* First place – Editorial Page: staff.
* First place – Headline Writing: staff.
* Second place – General News Reporting: “Rudolph gives up fight,” about Eric Rudolph’s guilty plea.Staff.
* First place – Profile Feature: “Surviving the numbers game,” about a Holocaust survivor living in the area. Staff.
* Second place – Appearance and Design: staff.
* Second place – News Coverage: staff.
* Third place – General Excellence: staff.
2005 Best of CNI Contest
* First place – Best Editorial Page, staff.
* Second place – Best Use of Photos, staff.
2005 Other Awards
* Community Service
* American Cancer Society Relay for Life, South Atlantic Division, All–Star team, Bronze level.
2004 NCPA News, Editorial and Photojournalism Contest
* First place – Serious Columns, Publisher David Brown.
* Second place – Appearance and Design, staff.
* Second place – Sports Photography, staff.
* Second place – News Enterprise Reporting, staff.
* Third place – Serious Columns, staff.
* Third place – Special Sections, staff, for Peaks & Valleys.
* Third place – Sports Columns, staff.
2004 NCPA Advertising Contest
* Third place – Best Spot Color Institutional Ad, Murphy School of Dance, Sales Manager Donna Cook.
2004 Best of CNI Contest
* First place – Best Front Page, staff.
* First place – Best News Story, staff, for “Fugitive captured at shopping center.”
2004 Other Awards
* Community Service
* Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition, Media Award.
* Certificate of Appreciation, Valuable contribution to Peeks Creek Victims Boot Drive.
* Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, People’s Choice Award, Chili Cook–Off.
2003 NCPA News, Editorial and Photojournalism Contest
* Second place – General Excellence, staff.
* Second place – Special Section, staff.
* Third place – News Coverage, staff.
2003 NCPA Advertising Contest
* First place – Best Motor Vehicle Ad, Sales Manager Donna Cook, staff.
* Second place – Best Spot Color Home Furnishings and Appliances Ad, staff.
2003 Best of CNI Contest
* Second place – President’s Award, for the Cherokee Scout being the first newspaper in America to report in print on the arrest of fugitive Eric Rudolph.
* Second place – Best Editorial Page, staff.
* Honorable mention, Best Feature Photo, staff.
2003 Other Awards
* Community Service
* Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, Showmanship Award, Chili Cook–Off.
2002 NCPA News, Editorial and Photojournalism Contest
* First place – General News Reporting, staff.
* Second place – Appearance and Design.
* Second place – News Coverage.
* Second place – General News Photography, staff.
* Second place – Profile Feature, staff.
2002 Best of CNI Contest
* Third place – Best Sports Page, staff,
* Third place – Best Sports Photo, staff.
2002 Other Awards
* Community Service
* Statewide Outstanding Print Media Coverage for the Special Olympics in North Carolina.
2001 Best of CNI Contest
* First place – Best Sports Page, staff.
* First place – Best Sports Photo, staff.
* Second place – Best Promotional Campaign.
Other Awards
* Community Service
* U.S. Marine Corps, Toys for Tots, Commander’s Award.
2000 NCPA Association News, Editorial and Photojournalism Contest
* First place – Appearance and Design, staff.
2000 Best of CNI Contest
* First place – Best New Advertising Idea, “Y2K.”
* Third place – Best Feature Photo, “One Kid to Another.”
2000 Other Awards
* Community Service
* MS Walk, Highest Pledge Average and Largest Team Corporate, Mid–Atlantic Chapter.
* Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, Showmanship Award, Chili Cook–Off.
1999 N.C. Press Association News, Editorial and Photojournalism Contest
* First place – General Excellence, staff.
* First place – Use of Photographs, staff.
1999 Best of CNI Contest
* Third place – Best Classified Section.
1998 N.C. Press Association News, Editorial and Photojournalism Contest
* Second place – Best Editorial Page, staff.
* Second place – Sports Columns, staff.
1998 Best of CNI Contest
* Scout Press, Press Quality Award.
1997 NCPA News, Editorial and Photojournalism Contest
* Second place – Sports Coverage: Sports Editor Charlene Kephart.
* Third place – Feature Writing: staff.
Best of CNI Contest
* First place – Best Community Service: “Love a Child.”
* Honorable mention, Best Special Section: “River Traveler.”
1996 American Press Institute
* First place – Community Design and Content.
* First place – Editorial Page Design and Content.
1996 Best of CNI Contest
* Advertising All–Star, staff.
1995 Best of CNI Contest
* First place – Best New Advertising Idea.
* Third place – Best Ad, Black & White.
* Efficiency Award, Scout Press.
* President’s Award in Advertising, Cook.
* Advertising All–Star, staff.
1994 Best of CNI Contest
* First place – Best New Advertising Idea.
* First place – Efficiency Award: Scout Press.
* Second place – Best Advertisement.
* Honorable mention – Best Editorial Page.
1993 Best of CNI Contest
* Second place – Collections of Accounts Receivable.
1992 Best of CNI Contest
* First place – Best Advertisement.
* First place – Collection of Accounts Receivable.
* Efficiency Award: Scout Press.
1991 Best of CNI Contest
* First place – Best Feature Photo.
* Second place – Collection of Accounts Receivable.
* Third place – Best Front Page.
1990 Best of CNI Contest
* First place – Award for General Excellence.
* Third place – Best Progress Edition.
* Third place – Best Feature Photo.
* Honorable mention, Best Press Plant: Scout Press.
1974 NCPA Weekly Contest
* First place – News Writing.
1973 NCPA Weekly Contest
* First place – Advertisements.
1971 NCPA Weekly Contest
* First place – Excellence in Typography.
Other Awards
* Community Service
* Fourth annual Cherokee/Clay County Great American Duck Race.
* Murphy Youth Baseball, Certificate of Appreciation.
* Murphy Elementary School PTA, Donation to Continuing Education.
* Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, Third place – Chili Cook–off.
* Murphy Christmas Parade, Most Original, Commercial.