About Murphy's Tri-county Community College

This is part of a series introducing student writers from Tri County Community College

Located in the western-most part of North Carolina Hiwassee Dam is an excellent community site for visitors and locals alike. You can see wildlife of all species and find out about the background of the dam and the history behind Tennessee Valley Authority River Systems. Hiwassee Dam is off of Highway 294 on Hiwassee Dam Access Road. When turning at the intersection off of Highway 294 one can see the historical marker for the Hiwassee Dam. Located about five miles from the 294 intersection Hiwassee Dam is extremely difficult to avoid because one has to drive over this 307 feet high and 1,376 feet wide handmade dam that took nearly four years to build to continue down the road.

After crossing the Dam, on the right side of the road is a small parking lot with a model turbine in the center of it. This small pavilion area seats about forty people and has several historical markers to identify the history of Hiwassee Dam. As you look out towards the Dam, you will see the Hiwassee Reservoir. Being surrounded by the Nantahala and Cherokee National Forest, this site offers an abundance of wildlife for viewing. The Hiwassee Reservoir has the flood storage capacity of 205,600 feet. With an average temperature of fifty-seven degrees, Hiwassee Reservoir provides access for boating, fishing, and exploring the lake and its tributes. Hiwassee Dam can be used for many other purposes like power generation for the Tennessee Valley region. The Reservoir and Dam together help provide hydroelectric power.

Hydroelectric Power is a greener source of energy and can be produced by water ran through a generating unit. The impact of water from the reservoir released through the dam spins the blades of a turbine. Allowing the water to pass through the turbine at a high speed is what generates electricity through the generator, which is connected to the turbine. The water is then released into the river on the downstream side of the dam. Hydroelectric power represents eleven percent of The Tennessee Valley Authority’s total revenue. Hiwassee Dam is one of twenty-nine hydroelectric dams in The Tennessee Valley Authority’s River Systems.

To find out more information about Hiwassee Dam, The Hiwassee Reservoir or The Tennessee Valley Authority one may go to the Tennessee Valley Authority website athttp://www.tva.gov. With regard to the group pavilion at the Hiwassee Reservoir and to make reservations for the pavilion, contact TVA’s toll-free number, (866) 494-7186.

Stefanie Saeger

TCCC Scribes

See Also: McGuire Millrace Farm written by Stefanie

The Project Is Complete - with project details and links to all articles.

This is part of a series introducing student writers from Tri County Community College

Have a memorable event to plan and no where to host it? Plan your event in the mountains at McGuire’s Millrace Farm. Escape with in the colorful colors and all the history of this impressive venue when you come to see the McGuire’s Millrace Farm - owned by Tommy and Linda McGuire. This farm, located in the Peachtree area of Murphy at 600 Hendrix Road, was inherited from Tommy’s grandfather, John Jacob McGuire, and can still be used as a running farm. Owned by Linda and Tommy McGuire, McGuire’s Millrace Farm has been around since the Civil War. Still standing on the property is the original McGuire’s house but just like the old McGuire’s Country Store that John Jacob McGuire ran during the Great Depression neither of these structures are still occupied.

Being one of Linda’s favorite places on the land about seventy-five percent of events to take place at the McGuire’s Millrace Farm take place at The Barn. The Barn is 6,600 square feet, with thirty foot vaulted ceilings, and acts as a large banquet hall for receptions, weddings, proms and banquets. Hanging from the high ceilings are large chandeliers to create a sophisticated setting. This large barn provides his and hers dressing rooms that are handicap accessible and dual staircases leading down from the large balcony to create a perfect place for photo opportunities. In addition to this space, there is a commercial kitchen and pantry for cooking large amounts of food for your party guests.

With full catering available, the chef at the McGuire’s Millrace Farm can prepare a menu to meet anyones personal preference including finger foods, full meals, desserts or anything in between. On top of catering, Linda McGuire loves to decorate for every event. Linda and Tommy take pride in making every event they host change from a dream to a reality. Events at the farm may be held outdoors also, Linda says, “We have banquet tents just in case.” Linda will always be prepared for the worst before any event.

Linda and Tommy McGuire specialize in unique events at their location. To create your own one of a kind event, do not hesitate to contact Linda by visiting the farm at 600 Hendrix Road, Murphy, NC 28906, or e-mailing her at info@mcguiresmillracefarm.com. You may also call her at (828) 837-0015 or, if you are out of state, you can contact the farm toll free at (888) 774-0015.

Stefanie Saeger

TCCC Scribes

See Also:

Stefanie's other article - Hiwassee Dam

The Project is Complete with details about the project and links to all articles.

Each day we are introducing you to students from Catherine Rayburn-Trobaugh’s English 111 Class at Tri-County Community College in Murphy NC.

Today meet Stefani Saeger, a member of the “TCCC Scribes” as they call themselves.

Hey, I’m Stefani Saeger and I am a 19 year old freshman student at Tri-County Community College.

I recently finished the cosmetology program at Tri-County and am now proceeding in a degree to become a Cosmetology Teacher. I enjoy creating fun designs with hair and hair color. In my spare time I like to try new and exciting things.

As part of being a freshman student at Tri-County, I have had to take an English class and part of the English class was to write two blogs to attract tourism.

Please take a moment to read the offerings from Stefanie. McGuire Millrace Farm and Hiawassee Dam. The students will be following this series and we encourage you to share your comments with them. You never know when your words of encouragement may be the spark that is needed to light a fire within someone!

Bill and Cyndi

This is part of a series introducing student writers from Tri County Community College

When thinking of a small town the first scenarios that probably come to mind are parks, flea markets, an original restaurant or some small historical establishments. Well, what about a zoo? This is a real zoo that houses plenty of unique and exotic animals ranging from lions, tigers and bears. “Oh my” is right because here in our small town of Murphy, North Carolina we certainly have a wonderful and unique local zoo: The King Kong Zoo.

Murphy North Carolina is quiet, small, yet incredibly beautiful with its ever changing scenery and mountainous climates makes it one of the more perfect places to hold a local zoo. With all definite four-seasons to be assured in our area, the weather is most suitable to sustain the perfect climates annually for family visits and flawless living conditions for the animals.

The King Kong Zoo,which is located at the intersection of Hwy 64 and US 19/129 next to the flea markets, offers a wonderful place to hold celebrations, field trips, or just to take a tour to relax and see some amazing animals. The zoo is also weather appropriate with complete roofing to cover up for your visit rain or shine. It’s also very safe and protected against any potential danger by having enclosed walkways and grass dividers. King Kong Zoo has a large variety of animals that range from big cats like lions, tigers and panthers to other species such as bears, lemurs and apes. There is also a reptile house that includes spiders, lizards and snakes, a petting zoo and a small area dedicated to a unique collection of different kinds of birds.

The owners of the King Kong Zoo are father and son, John and Stanley Curtis. They moved here in 1989 from Florida and share between them 116 years worth of experience working with animals and running the zoo life. John Curtis offers informative and professional tours around the zoo viewing all the animals they have and telling about their breeds, backgrounds and how they raised them from the start. To top off all things great about the King Kong Zoo the price is completely affordable. Admission is $10 dollars for adults, $6 dollars for kids and free for children three and under. The hours of the zoo are regulated seasonally.

The King Kong Zoo is a fascinating and educational place to come visit. It’s very informative and a wonderful, friendly environment to be around. So whether you’re planning to visit, move or even just have the day off and want to get the kids out of the house don’t hesitate to come and experience the wonderful sites and animals of the King Kong Zoo.

Alura "Ali" Oberg

TCCC Scribes

This is part of a series introducing student writers from Tri County Community College

When adventuring to the calm surroundings of the beautiful, mountainous, small town of Murphy, North Carolina it’s always a nice time to stop and enjoy your surroundings. Whether it’s taking a drive through the mountains, taking a calm walk through the woods or even a ride down one of our famous rivers in our state. If it’s just a visit or there’s plans to stay awhile, one of the places that’s a ‘must see’ is our very own Nantahala River White Water Rafting near Cherokee and Bryson City. The beautiful scenery, daring waters and breathe-taking Nantahala River is something to not miss out on.

With high quality service with over 40 years’ experience of guided adventures that range among South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. Any experience level is matched with an adventurous journey on the river, meaning there are different levels of rapids for each individual rider. The start of the round trip of the Nantahala River begins and ends at the main campus which is located US Hey 19 which is approximately 12 miles west of Bryson City on the south side of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park.

The rapids of the Nantahala River are in different classes and are both “mild, but exciting” as quoted on a local review. The Nantahala River White Water Rafting also offers eight miles of easy practice rapid runs that are suitable for any age and experience. There are also nine types of rapids to choose from. Each of the rapids has their own distinct classification and all the rivers are different and vary from one another.

A few things to consider when booking a raft trip on any of the supporting rivers. To begin, the Adventure Level: This is decided on experience level, intense action or just wanting a nice soothing ride with the family or something fun and bouncy. Then ages and weights are considered: They require carrying a minimum or maximum age and weight, but is pretty much for everyone. Lastly, the seasons are considered in how to go about taking a trip. Whether it’s hot and sunny or cool and springtime, the different seasons change each of the river’s atmospheres, but manageable for any weather type, but is definitely something to look into.

The Nantahala River also has a few choices on how to go about running the course of the river. The options for the river include: Nantahala Fully Guides trips: the best option for beginners, Nantahala Guide-Assisted trips: there’s a guide in every-other raft which gives the options of experiencing going about it alone, but knowing the security of someone experienced being in a nearby raft. Also, raft rentals are available which will allow any rafter to navigate their own trip. The price is determined by which trip is picked, but every one is reasonable and affordable.

The Nantahala River White Water Rafting is a great place to enjoy if you’re visiting or wanting to take some time off and spend time with the family. It’s cool, refreshing and relaxing and is definitely a beautiful place that is enjoyed by all, young and older, to just have fun and spend some time in the sun!

Alura "Ali" Oberg

TCCC Scribe