After 60 years and just one ownership change eight years ago, Joey’s Pancake House is still thriving, with a healthy reputation that extends far beyond the mountains of Western North Carolina. 

Next week, the restaurant will celebrate its diamond anniversary with a special day of live music, food and events, including a pancake-eating contest.

The annual Front Street Arts & Crafts Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 13, in downtown Dillsboro.  

Dozens of booths lining Front Street will display handmade items from regional artists and crafters.

A prominent regional storyteller, Davy Arch will join the “Conversations with Storytellers’ series at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center in Waynesville.

Arch tells Cherokee stories and presents lectures on Cherokee history and culture. He also demonstrates carving, flint knapping and mask making. Using artwork from different mediums, he describes both Cherokee history and contemporary Cherokee life. 

Jackson County Board of Elections member Jay Pavey described his choice of two potential Cullowhee early voting sites to be a “no brainer.”

When compared to the “approximately 300 square foot” space at the Cullowhee Recreation Center, Pavey, a Republican, said the “1,100, 1,200 square feet” at Western Carolina University’s satellite Health and Human Sciences building — 1.7 miles from campus but accessible to students through WCU’s Cat-Tran transportation system — is substantially better for Jackson County residents. 

Starting a business is difficult and inherently risky. Doing so in an urban area replete with resources is easier than doing so in a rural area with fewer guardrails. 

During a visit last week to Haywood County, North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall touted a state program that hones in on rural areas in hopes to provide more resources to budding entrepreneurs.  

The monthly “Waynesville First Friday: Shop, Sip, Stroll” will take place from 5-8 p.m. Friday, June 5, in downtown.

The downtown merchant corridor transforms into a lively celebration of local art, music and community. Stroll the streets, explore galleries, meet artists, enjoy live music and discover local shops and delicious restaurants. 

What began as a welcoming gathering during the cold winter months has become something more. At “Stecoah Stories and Seeds,” local guests engage the group in stories of people, agriculture and traditions. Following the presentations, a free lunch is provided, offering time and space for Q&A and social connection.

Mountain Credit Union has announced the promotion of Suzie Shook to Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of Amy Woody, who had served as CEO since September 2020.

Shook brings more than 30 years of credit union experience to the role, having dedicated her entire professional career to Mountain Credit Union since joining the organization in July 1993 as a Member Service Representative. 

White rice is a good source of carbohydrates and a handy and versatile grain to keep on hand as it stores well.

Here are 5 things you can do with white rice: 

DYK that North Carolina is the top the sweetpotato (and yes, it’s one word!) growing state in the US?

Sweetpotatoes are a good source of beta carotene and complex carbohydrates (and fiber)

Here are 5 things to do with sweetpotatoes: