BRASSTOWN
Punkins to be chunked
The 16th annual Punkin Chunkin festival returns to 811 Settawig Road on Saturday and Sunday.
The Chili & Anything Pumpkin Cook-off kicks off the festival at 6 p.m. Friday on the historic Hayesville square. Thousands of people come out to the event, sponsored by the Clay County Chamber of Commerce.
If you have never seen a pumpkin fly, Punkin Chunkin is your chance. Catapults, air cannons, trebuchets and other powerful machines toss pumpkins up to several thousand feet in a battle between champion punkin chunkers.
In addition, there will be pie-eating contests, live entertainment, food and craft vendors. Old-time tractors will be on display with hayrides, as well as airplane rides. The Kidzone is filled with lots of kids’ activities.
No pets nor firearms are allowed; bring a lawn chair. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Parking is $5, admission is $5 and children under age 5 are free.
On both days, machines are scheduled to launch pumpkins from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4 p.m. The machines will take practice throws before then so you can take an up-close look at the machines.
Details: Visit claychambernc.com/punkin-chunkin-festival or call the chamber at 828-389-3704.
ANDREWS
Grant set for park project
Judy Nichols Recreational Park is getting a major upgrade thanks to a $128,174 grant from the N.C. Division of Parks & Recreation, according to the town’s e-newsletter.
This project will bring a fresh new look and better amenities to the park we all love. Improvements include new concrete sidewalks for easier access, bleachers for spectators to cheer games in comfort and plenty of new American With Disabilities Act-compliant picnic tables – some with shade and some without – so families and friends have more places to gather, eat and relax.
The pavilion and pool bathrooms are getting a makeover, with new sink basins, grab bars and motion-activated dispensers to make the facilities cleaner, safer and more accessible.
CHEROKEE
Lunsford a ‘beloved man’
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has bestowed the exalted title of Beloved Man to the late Rev. Fred Bruner Lunsford, according to the One Feather.
Tribal Council approved Resolution No. 435 unanimously on Sept. 30, which made the designation. Prior to passage, Principal Chief Michell Hicks said of Lunsford, “His work record, his community record speaks for itself. I can’t think of anyone more deserving for the impact he had on our people and communities.”
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The resolution speaks to Lunsford’s service: “An important part of his life was as an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; he was recognized as an elder of the tribe.”
Lunsford, who was born on March 7, 1925, was a World War II veteran. He graduated from Andrews High School and married Gladys on March 17, 1944. He was licensed to preach the gospel on Oct. 23, 1949, at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Murphy and ordained in 1950. Lunsford received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2015.
UNAKA
Help when disaster hits
You’re welcome to “join us” from 1-3 p.m. Saturday at the Unaka Community Center for American Red Cross disaster training.
Admission is free. There will be hands-on tips for preparedness and sheltering.
Discover how you can make a difference when disaster strikes. Learn how to care for your family and community in times of crisis. Learn how to support your family and neighbors, put together an emergency kit and plan, get tips on how to stay informed and become a vital part of your community’s disaster response.
Whether you’re curious about disaster preparedness or ready to take action, this event offers practical guidance, local connections and a chance to become a Red Cross Shelter Hero. “Together, we can build a stronger, safer community,” according to a release.
Details: The Unaka Community Center is at 14945 Joe Brown Highway. Call 828-835-8313.
FRANKLIN
Amazon to close office
When Amazon drivers in Franklin showed up for work Oct. 8, they were met not with their usual routine but instead with news that the facility will close on Dec. 10 – right around the time a new one opens 31 miles west in Hayesville, the Smoky Mountain News reported.
About 40 people are employed inside the warehouse, with another 100 or so drivers operating under the company’s Flex program – an app-based gig system that has long been both a gateway to quick income and a source of frustration for those trying to make a living in rural western North Carolina.
The Franklin facility serves as a last-mile delivery station. Workers sort and distribute packages to Flex drivers, who compete through the app for limited “blocks” – three- to four-hour shifts that pay variable rates depending on distance, demand and delivery conditions.
MURPHY
Open house at New Old Stuff
New Old Stuff will be having an open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at 93 Rockridge Road, 2 miles down Caney Creek Road off U.S. 64 West.
New Old Stuff is celebrating 44 years in business with refreshments, drawings and giveaways. All are welcome.
Details: Visit newoldstuff.net or call 518-674-3900.
CHEROKEE COUNTY
Public meetings
THIS WEEK
- Andrews ABC Board meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the ABC Store, 13934 U.S. 19 in Andrews.
- Cherokee County Board of Commissioners meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Cherokee County Courthouse, 75 Peachtree St. in downtown Murphy. Live-streamed on the Scout’s Facebook page.
- Murphy ABC Board meets at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the ABC Store, 818 U.S. 64 W. in Murphy.
- Cherokee County Department of Social Services Board meets at 5 p.m. Tuesday at DSS, 4800 U.S. 64 W. in Ranger.
Compiled by Publisher David Brown.