Nature moves in on Macon County resident.

Living in the mountains, folks are liable to encounter all manner of wildlife, bears in the recent past and deer, and smaller game like rabbits, groundhogs and squirrels that become regulars in their backyards. Enthusiastic nature lovers will often seek to attract wildlife by putting out species-appropriate food like birdseed for birds or corn for the native white-tail deer. Few, however, have made hard and fast friends by hitting them with a car.

Gene Schley was nearly home one day last April when a grouse flew up and collided with the hood of his car. Concerned for the welfare of whatever he hit, he got out of his car to investigate. The bird was sitting in a ditch, appeared to be dazed, but otherwise didn’t seem to have suffered any potential lifethreatening injury.

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Team U.S.A. recently announced its new head coach. Paul Bourcq, of Franklin, will be bringing the top six youth anglers from Team USA to the World Championships in Mende, France. This team was able to win a Gold Medal at the worlds in Italy last year, the first time the United States has ever won gold in its 25-year history in the event. Team USA is excited to have Bourcq on board. His experience with non-profit and leadership will allow Team USA to continue to grow.

Before coaching for Team USA Bourcq was a well-respected member and Team Captain of the North Carolina Fly Fishing Team. The NCFFT was the nation’s first non-Profit fly fishing team.

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American POW in Afghanistan honored at event.

On Saturday, more than a hundred came to attend a first ever ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial Park in Macon County.

The event was a standard function of the Rolling Thunder organization, which honors American prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action. Sixteen Rolling Thunder chapters from across the southeast came in support of the event, which was not only held to honor those held captive in past wars, but those soldiers who are still missing in action.

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Summer at Grandfather Mountain brings a brand new event with unique and new opportunities. The First Annual Grandfather Mountain Campout July 27-29, is an allweekend event hosted by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.

During this campout, guests can spend up to three days and two nights camping in MacRae Meadows and attending organized events all over the Mountain. Grandfather's education and interpretive staff will be present in the camp area to assist novice campers, answer questions and even offer campfire treats and activities. The campsite will be safe, cater to all levels of camping experience and welcomes families, couples, and solo adventurers throughout this weekend of wonder.