Nicole Wright/Staff Correspondent Silas Morrow and family were able to attend the fundraiser Saturday sponsored by A&J’s Adventures & More at White’s Plaza in Andrews. From left are Julie Pendergrass of A&J’s, Annette Palmer of A&J’s, Samuel Morrow, Julie Morrow, baby Silas, Adam Morrow and Brayden Morrow. The benefit raised more than $5,000 for the family’s ongoing medical and travel expenses.

Downtown Murphy is with the N.C. Main Street program.

Randy Foster/editor@cherokeescout.com Logging trucks gather timber off of Hiwassee Dam Access Road in western Cherokee County in this 2023 file photo.

Photos by Anngee Quinones-Belian/Staff Correspondent  Sheriff Dustin Smith and members of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office accepted the heartfelt gift of a sketch drawing of Officer Francisco Flattes on Aug. 27. From left are David Williams, patrol captain; Justin Jacobs, chief deputy; Hunter Cornwell, deputy; Mike Lalone, artist; Sheriff Dustin Smith; Robert Manning, deputy; and Brian Smith, captain over the Cherokee County Detention Center, where Flattes worked.

Sam Jokich/Staff Correspondent Eagle-eyed: This majestic bird looked to be on the lookout for lunch over the weekend while hanging out near the walking trail along the Hiwassee River in Murphy.

Retired: The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office wishes a happy retirement to its longtime chaplain, the Rev. Alan Wildsmith. “We are forever grateful for his many years of selfless service to our agency and Cherokee County. To say he will be missed is an understatement,” the sheriff’s office said. With Wildsmith is the new chaplain, Earl Delvalle, sporting their newest attire.