Ivanhoe Times

09/25/2025

09/19/2025

Students of the Week submitted to the Times by Jenn VanOverbeke: Congratulations to our students of the week. Jacob Citterman, Tommy Krier, Jack Citterman, Ronin Laleman, Oliver Frensko, Ruth Jerzak, Jaycen Citterman & Colby Noble. Missing from this picture is Paxton Pies! Great job!

09/18/2025

Here is a good reason to advertise with the Ivanhoe Times and get your ad on facebook; We reach a wider area than the Sw Peach with our Facebook ads that you place in print.

09/18/2025

🍂 As summer fades to fall, the annual elk rut begins. 🍂

This dramatic and unpredictable season sees bull elk competing for dominance: bugling, sparring, and defending their territory. Watching this wild behavior can be an unforgettable experience, but it is important to remember that bulls will charge or challenge anything they perceive as a threat, including people and vehicles. Female elk, cows, are also protective of their calves, adding to the stress in elk herds.

Now is the time to be extra cautious around elk.

📌 Safety guidelines:
➤ Keep your distance. Stay at least 50 yards (150 feet) away from elk and other wildlife.
➤ Respect closures and staff guidance. Adhere to direction given by park rangers and volunteers regarding your viewing distance. Fields in Oconaluftee and Cataloochee are off-limits during the rut.
➤ Drive carefully. Elk may unexpectedly cross roadways. Stay cautious and drive to speed limit.
➤ Use designated pull-offs and make sure your vehicle is completely off of the roadway when viewing elk.
➤ Calmly back away if approached by an elk and give it plenty of space.



Photo by Bill Pattison

09/18/2025

Oct. 5-11, 2025, marks the 85th celebration of National Newspaper Week. Since 1940, Newspaper Association Managers has sponsored and supported National Newspaper Week, a week-long promotion of the newspaper industry in the United States and Canada.

Embracing Local Journalism for a Better Future
Local journalism is the heartbeat of informed communities. It brings stories to light that national outlets often overlook—stories about school board decisions, city council debates, neighborhood events, and local heroes. In a world increasingly shaped by global headlines and social media noise, reconnecting with local news is vital for civic engagement, accountability, and community resilience.

Why Local Journalism Matters:
• Informed Citizens: Local reporting empowers people with the information they need to make decisions in their everyday lives—from voting to attending town hall meetings.
• Accountability: Local journalists often serve as watchdogs, uncovering corruption or negligence that directly impacts their communities.
• Community Connection: Local news fosters a sense of belonging by highlighting stories that resonate on a personal level.
• Economic Development: Thriving local media can support small businesses through advertising and partnerships, strengthening the local economy.��
A Call to Action:
To build a better future, we must support local journalism through subscriptions, donations, sharing stories and encouraging young reporters. Schools, libraries, and civic groups can also play a role in educating the next generation about media literacy and the importance of a free press.

By embracing local journalism, we’re not just preserving the past — we’re shaping a more informed, connected, and empowered future.

Celebrate National Newspaper Week with Us!
National Newspaper Week is a time to reflect on and reinforce the vital role newspapers play in informing, empowering, and uniting our communities.

09/18/2025

Spotted: a tiny forest resident doing its part to keep the Smokies magical 🍄

In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, more than 3,000 species of fungi quietly thrive: just one part of a wildly biodiverse ecosystem full of hidden wonders.

Do you have a hiking buddy who stops every few steps to admire the mini marvels of the forest!



Photo by Kenzie Connor

09/16/2025

09/15/2025

Parts City is in good hands — ownership transition update:
Welcome to Ivanhoe Armstrong Family!!

Dear Valued Customer and Readers,
We want to share some important news about Parts City in Ivanhoe. Ag Plus Cooperative has reached an agreement to sell the business to the Armstrong family, with the transition expected to be completed by the end of the month.
We know how important Parts City is to the Ivanhoe community, and we’re pleased to assure you that the store and shop will remain open under new ownership. The Armstrongs bring a strong commitment to keeping reliable parts and service available locally, and we’re confident you’ll be in good hands.
A note from Neal Armstrong, new owner:�“Professionally, I’ve been in the automotive world for 15 years, but I’ve been a car enthusiast since I was little. My wife Anna and I have two daughters, Natalie (6) and Katherine (2), who are also excited for this new chapter. We look forward to serving the Ivanhoe community and keeping Parts City strong for years to come.”
In addition, Ag Plus plans to continue supporting the location by facilitating propane tank fills on-site, along with potential oil supply. This means you’ll still be able to bring your own propane tanks to Parts City for refills — a service we’re proud to help maintain for the community.
On behalf of all of us at Ag Plus, thank you for your support and loyalty over the years. While Ag Plus will no longer be the operator, we are excited for the Armstrong family’s ownership and for the continued service Parts City will provide to the community.
Sincerely,�Josh Hilbrands�CEO, Ag Plus Cooperative