Photo Credit: Joshua L. Jones/file

As the Flagpole staff takes a much-needed break over the holidays, we're reposting 11 of our most popular, most important, funniest and/or otherwise noteworthy stories of this most dismal of years. Look for a new post each day through Jan. 2.

Yes, Winterville's mayor literally rocks. The small town just outside of Athens elected renowned local roots-rocker Dodd Ferrelle mayor last year, and he took office in January with big plans to turn the sleepy 'burg into a regional destination for arts and music.

One key will be the arts and cultural center that opened around the same time as Ferrelle's inauguration. The opening reception in April featured works by Winterville residents Jim White, Jimmy "Cap Man" Straehla and Cameron Bliss Ferrelle (the city's first lady).

Next up is the renovation of the theater next door, funded in part by a revitalized Marigold Festival—where hizzoner himself kicked out the jams.