Photos by Aiden McCoy Williams/Staff Correspondent Fun carnival games were set up for students to win prizes.
Chris Wood, left, will become Cherokee County sheriff after a vote to recommend him over Sam May, right, by the Cherokee County Republican Party executive committee on Thursday evening.
Waynesville ABC staff photo Waynesville ABC store manager Mark Strugnell (left) welcomes Mountain Projects Prevention Manager Libby Ray as she places a display rack for alcohol locks. Mountain Projects gave away more than 1,500 free locks for bottles, cabinets and refrigerators around western North Carolina in 2025. This prevention strategy is meant to reduce access to alcohol for those who are underage.
100 acres: While the Winding Stairs Alpha Fire was 50% contained as of Feb. 11, flames were still burning all too close to vehicles traveling on U.S. 64.
Samuel Jokich/Staff Correspondent Winter wildlife: In between ice and snow storms over the last few weeks, these critters were spotted enjoying the relative warmth in western Cherokee County.
Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent Ernie Sherman and Melissa Wright tied the knot at Cherokee Guns in Murphy on Saturday for Valentine’s Day. Bridesmaid Beth Picklesimer held a free shotgun wedding gift.
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Randy Foster/editor@cherokeescout.com Justin Jacobs, chief deputy of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, has been busy cleaning out his desk and office, preparing for new leaders to take over.