Paulette Smithmeyer learned to help people early in life as part of her upbringing. She spends much of her time as president/secretary with American Legion Auxiliary Unit 96.

Nicole Wright/Staff Correspondent Kim Wackenhut is shown with one of her former Kids Corner of Peachtree day-care students, CJ, during Saturday’s fundraiser at Andrews United Methodist Church. Wackenhut is battling esophageal cancer, and her co-workers and family put on the benefit to help with medical costs and lost wages.

Paulette Smithmeyer/ Contributing Photographer  This is the first time American Legion Auxiliary Unit 96, Western Carolina District 15, has held and entered the Poppy Program. A big thank you goes to Jessica Yonce Mashburn, teacher at Murphy Elementary School, for her support and ability to round up 27 fourth- and fifth-grade students, getting them onboard. From left are American Legion Post 96 Commander Bob Strawhecker, first-place winner Case Revis, second place Gio Perrone, third place Hope Bain, honorab

Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent  Korean Prayer Ambassadors prayed for and over Al Lovingood, chief of the Murphy Fire Department; Mayor Tim Radford; and Tim Lominac, chief of the Murphy Police Department, on Thursday at Murphy City Hall. The prayers were for them, their leadership rolls in the community as well as the members of their departments.

Nicole Wright/Staff Correspondent  From left are Taylor Swain as Marley, director Cory Cheeks as Drew, Sarah Reynolds as Jessica and Philip Dekle as Ben in Lone Star Spirits, the last show of the spring season at the Valleytown Cultural Arts Center.

Walmart Wellness Day encourages families to check in on their health by providing tools and resources to seek care, improve healthy lifestyles and maintain successful habits.

Photos by Sam Jokich/Staff Correspondent Dark clouds couldn’t stop the first Murphy Art Walk of the 2024 season from taking place downtown on May 3. The sidewalks were filled with artists and vendors showing off what they can do and make. The Valley River Arts Guild presents the event, which will take place from 5-8 p.m. every first Friday of the month through November. Details: Visit valleyriverarts.com.

Aleeah McKay from Murphy Middle School has been crowned the winner of N.C. Soil & Conservation’s annual State Speech Contest after winning at both the local and regional levels. With her is Bryan Evans, director of the N.C. Association of Soil & Water Conservation. To her left is Gail Hughes, Soil & Water education program director, while to the right is David Williams, director of the division of N.C. Soil & Water Conservation Districts.