When small towns think and act big, amazing things can happen. Anyone who has traveled has come across communities that have taken risks and been rewarded for it, vibrant small towns that are just fun to visit.

I think the town center plan currently being studied in Maggie Valley fits that description.

The primary visitor center for Haywood County will be moving this spring from downtown Waynesville to Maggie Valley.

Maggie Valley’s dream of having a viable downtown inched closer last week when a $7 million town center plan was unveiled.

After interviewing seven people Monday night, the Maggie Valley Board of Aldermen unanimously chose Clayton Davis to fill a two-year unexpired term on the board.

In a surprising last-minute turnout, nine Maggie Valley residents have submitted applications to be considered for a board of aldermen vacancy.

Maggie Valley is still accepting applications from potential candidates to fill a two-year unexpired term on the board of aldermen.

Alaska Presley has had plenty of good intentions and ideas for Ghost Town in the Sky since she bought the rundown amusement park out of foreclosure in 2012.

It’s a feeling that Chris Bates can’t shake. “Being outside, in the winter, on the mountain — there’s nothing like it,” he said. “There’s a sense of exhilaration when you’re on a pair of skis. It’s a rush I’ve never gotten enough of.”

Bates, who has been the general manager at Cataloochee Ski Area for 17 years, is sitting inside the main lodge high above Maggie Valley this past Monday morning. Gazing out the windows onto the snowy slopes, the troves of eager skiers and snowboarders already cruising down the mountain, Bates can’t help to be excited that the 54th season at “Cat” got underway this week.

Despite the recent election, the Maggie Valley Board of Aldermen still has an empty seat to fill.

Ghost Town in the Sky will no longer be a western-themed amusement park come next summer, according to a recent announcement.