Stacy Jewell/Contributing Photographer This cow was a popular guest during the annual Welcome Home – A Tribute to All Who Served event on Oct. 26 at Western Carolina Regional Airport in Andrews.

Nicole Wright/Staff Correspondent Nicole Phelps shows sixth-graders at Andrews Middle School a slideshow that includes a picture of her former classroom (bottom right) at her former school, Owen Middle School in Swannanoa. Andrews Middle students are writing letters to Owen Middle to offer encouragement in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation of the area.

Lowe’s in Murphy gave the first 25 people in the home improvement store, which opened at 6 a.m., a bucket filled with tools like a work battery, light and utility knives worth about $150.

Olivia McNabb/Contributing Photographer Fire trucks from different departments traveled to the Culberson Fire Department on Nov. 16 in a show of love and respect for a fellow firefighter who passed away Nov. 1.

This is the front page of the Dec. 2, 1965, edition of the Cherokee Scout, which was 59 years ago this week.

Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent  N.C. Highway Patrol Officer Chris Cook enjoyed spending shopping time with little partner Wyatt Patterson at a past Shop With a Cop event.

The 2024-25 Hiwassee Dam High School homecoming court includes (from left) Sarah Stock, Avery McNabb, Josey Ware, Kalli Hagelin, Gracie Rhodes, Abby Lee, Kara Maruska, Ally Ledford, Bella Stiles and Olivia McNabb.

Nicole Wright/Staff Correspondent Member of Liberty Baptist Church Choir of Sylva sing during the Nov. 16 Praise & Provision Gospel Singing for Western North Carolina held at the Texana Community Center by One Dozen Who Care. The fundraiser benefitted those in Buncombe and other counties impacted by Hurricane Helene.