A $6 million working lands conservation easement will permanently protect 480 acres of Claxton Farm.  The farm, a well-known event and wedding venue, made headlines after its historic tobacco building burned to the ground in November. Plans are underway to rebuild the barn and is expected to be completely rebuilt by April.

(Asheville Citizen-Times 02/10/10)

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"The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians may pursue legal action against Duke Energy after learning about the utility company's plans to put an electric substation near Kituwah mound, the tribe's most sacred site.  In November, Duke began bulldozing part of a mountainside tract near the Hyatt Creek/Ela exit off the Smoky Mountain Expressway between Cherokee and Bryson City to prepare for construction of the substation. The mountainside is considered by the Cherokee to be a part of the greater Kituwah mothertown, which was once the tribe's spiritual and political center. Should the project move forward, it would mar a viewshed integral to the tribe's cultural identity. "

(Smoky Mountain News 02/10/10)

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What is Kituwah? Learn more here...

"Can you guess what Mecklenburg County town can claim Tunis Hood (an ancestor of Elvis Presley), more than 18 known gold mines, and a grave that dates to 1774?  If you answered Mint Hill, you're right.  If this kind of information interests you, consider signing up for the Mint Hill Historical Society's volunteer orientation on Feb. 20.  The historical society has spent the last 25 years preserving Mint Hill's history, and now it would like your help."

(Charlotte Observer 02/14/10)

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An eight-foot statue Nina Simone will be dedicated in central Tryon in a ceremony on Feb. 21. The world renowned singer and musician was born Eunice Wayman in Tryon in 1933.
JazzTimes.com (2/7/2010) 

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Learn more the at the  Eunice Waymon–Nina Simone Project