Trevis Hicks/Contributing Photographer A fire was reported Thursday on Fain Mountain near the Tanglewood development in Murphy. Both U.S. and N.C. Forest Service personnel worked to quickly extinguish the flames, which are barely visible at right beyond the Cherokee County Courthouse.

Sam Jokich/Staff Correspondent Carolina Crafting, a staple of downtown Murphy for years, has a new name and new owners. Indigo Mountain Traders at 49 Peachtree St. is owned by Lisa Gibbs Meadows and her husband, Gene, who have moved things around and added a bunch of items to the store’s inventory. Everyone is invited to stop by and say hi to some of the community’s latest entrepreneurs. Details: 407-227-3918.

Nicole Wright/Staff Correspondent Austin Zackary won season two of “Andrews Idol” and a real check, not just the big one to display in photos. Other finalists were Allison Hasty (second place), while Adrian Stover and Gage Hill tied for third.

Photos by Sam Jokich/ Staff Correspondent Students from Shepherd Academy came to the Curiosity Shop bookstore in Murphy on Nov. 30 for a book reading from owner and retired school principal Timi Godin. All of the kids were mesmerized by Godin’s ability to grab their attention and hold it through the reading. Then they enjoyed arts and crafts, plus hot chocolate and snacks.

Photos by Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent Top: Andrews Police Chief Caleb Stiles partnered with the personable Tatum Lackey at Walmart on Saturday morning during the annual Shop with a Cop. He had to teach the youngster a lesson about spending after she loaded up her cart with items far exceeding the allotted dollar amount.