Officer Melissa, who teaches the DARE program to fifth-graders at Ranger Elementary School, arranged for Cherokee County sheriff’s Deputy Leslie to be a Red Ribbon Week guest speaker during her class on Oct. 29. Leslie was able to show the students how officers test for certain drugs while on patrol and what they do during an overdose call. The students also got to meet his K9 partner, Epic, and watch a demonstration outside. School officials say the students greatly enjoyed his visit.

Randy Foster/editor@cherokeescout.com Skid marks show the path of a vehicle that struck and killed a bicyclist on Airport Road in Marble on Nov. 3.

Photos by Michelle Bradbeer/Staff Correspondent Above: Members of the Hiwassee Dam High School Student Council serve U.S. military veterans breakfast Monday morning during the school’s annual observance of the federal holiday. Below: Children salute to show their patriotic spirit. A nice crowd was on hand to honor veterans from Cherokee County.

Photos by Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent  Emma Grace Campbell enjoys playing songs like “Amazing Grace” using bagpipes. The distinctive sound draws folks closer to wherever she is.

Aiden McCoy Williams/Staff Correspondent Writers of all genres gather to write together and share their work for feedback. The next get-together is on Tuesday.

Photos by Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent  The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office came to the third annual Cherokee County Schools CTE Career Expo with a police dog, vehicles and tools used in law enforcement. However, the real draw for youth seemed to be handcuffs.

Kenneth Roberts enjoys the retired life, spending time with his family and church.