Photos by John Altenbernd/Contributing Photographer The Rev. Tim Huff of Murphy Free Methodist Church baptizes Johnny Walker into Christ on Aug. 2 in the Valley River, as church members watch from the nearby bridge. While the water isn’t as clear as it used to be, many folks say getting baptized in the river outside in nature brings them a greater sense of spiritual peace.
Nathaniel Johnson, 8, with his mother, Felisha Johnson, shows off the cut he suffered trying to rescue cats from a fire. Nathaniel saw the smoke and alerted his family and others, hastening their escape
Photos by Randy Foster/editor@cherokeescout.com A firefighter catches his breath during a two-story building blaze at Meadowbrook Apartments on Aug. 26.
Randy Foster/ editor@cherokeescout.com A motorized wheelchair marks the scene Friday where an elderly nearby resident in the 400 block of Wilson Road in Brasstown fell in to Stamey Branch and was pinned down by his wheelchair until rescuers arrived.
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Randy Foster/editor@cherokeescout.com Preparation work is underway off Old Robbinsville Road in Andrews to prepare for construction of 17 houses, with framing for the first three expected to begin in the fall.
Bill Belian/Contributing Photographer Community leaders and supporters gather to say goodbye to years of mortgage payments at the Friendship House Reseller thrift store on U.S. 64 West in Murphy.
Photos by Randy Foster/editor@cherokeescout.com Top: Valley River Humane Society Board of Directors President Don Reynolds (bottom left) addresses a crowd at the unveiling of a new building addition at the animal shelter in Marble on Aug. 27.