Photos by Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent  A ceremony Cherokee County Courthouse on Thursday officially welcomed Mylie Sparks as the Murphy Police Department’s newest officer to the force. She was all smiles as she moved closer to fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a law enforcement officer. She said, “I’m super excited to be a part of something that’s so good for our community.” Sparks’ first full shift as a police officer was Friday. From left are Crystal Sparks, Mylie Sparks, Murphy Po

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Juan Aguilar of RRG Roofing & Gutters in Murphy is aware of the hazards of working atop a roof and takes extra precautions to prevent injuries.

Stacey Jewell/Contributing Photographer The annual patriotic event Welcome Home Veterans: A Tribute to All Who Served took place on Oct. 26 at Western Carolina Regional Airport in Andrews.

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Photos by Nicole Wright/Staff Correspondent Young Jim Hawkins, played by Caleb Spatola, finds himself back home after his adventure on Skeleton Island and ready to celebrate Halloween with all his mateys in the Youth Community Players production of “Treasure Island” in October. The musical is a modernized take on the classic by Robert Louis Stevenson.

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Aiden Williams/Staff Correspondent Preschool age children work to develop reading skills at Eagle’s Nest Early Learning Center & Preschool.