Local

The rat snake, one of the most commonly found snakes in western North Carolina back yards, is non-venomous. Photo by Jodie Owen

The rat snake, one of the most commonly found snakes in western North Carolina back yards, is non-venomous. Photo by Jodie Owen

How to shake a snake at home

Cannon Crompton
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Body     Picture this: You’re walking in the mountains on a nice weekend hike, you come around the corner and there’s a dark-looking stick in the middle of the path in your way.
Murphy Elementary School Principal Dane Rickett shows decals placed on the floors to remind children to maintain 6 feet of distance. Children were told to not walk in the center of the hallway within the yellow stripes. Photo by Samantha Sinclair

Murphy Elementary School Principal Dane Rickett shows decals placed on the floors to remind children to maintain 6 feet of distance. Children were told to not walk in the center of the hallway within the yellow stripes. Photo by Samantha Sinclair

Students happy to be back in school

Samantha Sinclair
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Body     Principal Ruby Cutshaw didn’t sleep a wink Sunday night.
This patriotic float was on display during the 2019 Veterans Day Parade in downtown Murphy. The parade will move to Andrews this year if plans hold.

This patriotic float was on display during the 2019 Veterans Day Parade in downtown Murphy. The parade will move to Andrews this year if plans hold.

‘A Tribute to Veterans’ still on schedule

Samantha Sinclair
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Body     Andrews – There’s still one major event that hasn’t been canceled due to the coronavirus, and organizers are staying optimistic the event will go on.
COVID-19 update.

COVID-19 update.

Two outbreaks in one week countywide

Samantha Sinclair
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Body     Two outbreaks of the coronavirus were reported over the weekend – one at Murphy Nursing & Rehabilitation in Peachtree, the other at Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters in Andrews.
Ed Wood (left) and his son, Matthew, take care of the family farm in Andrews. Ed’s brother, Keith, owns the farm with him. Matthew, who started working at the farm when he was 13 years old, is the fourth generation to work the land. Photos by Samantha Sinclair

Ed Wood (left) and his son, Matthew, take care of the family farm in Andrews. Ed’s brother, Keith, owns the farm with him. Matthew, who started working at the farm when he was 13 years old, is the fourth generation to work the land. Photos by Samantha Sinclair

The family farm

Samantha Sinclair
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Body     Andrews - Ed Wood will be the first to admit that farming isn’t for the weak of heart, but he loves it anyway.