Archived News

Wednesday, 11 May 2011 20:36

Veterans sought for Memorial Day parade

The Haywood County Veterans Office and the Haywood County Veterans Council are calling for veterans to participate in the Memorial Day Parade, scheduled for 1 p.m. on Monday May 30th, in Canton. The parade will feature several National Guard and…

Wednesday, 11 May 2011 20:35

Constitutional workshop set for Franklin

A Citizen’s Constitutional Workshop will be held in Franklin Friday, May 20, at The Fun Factory on U.S. 441 South. Experts from the John Locke Foundation and N.C. History Project will be at the event, which lasts from 1 p.m.…

Wednesday, 11 May 2011 20:32

After a decade of debate, Duke’s dams on the Tuck get federal approval

Duke Energy has received a new 30-year permit to operate its five hydroelectric dams in Jackson County, which could pave the way for new economic and recreational opportunities along the Tuckasegee River. Kayaking for several days a year on the…

Wednesday, 11 May 2011 20:31

WCU faculty reject plan to set Honors students free from general curriculum

A proposal to set up a special track for Western Carolina University’s crème de la crème — the honor students on campus — failed recently to win approval of a majority of the faculty’s leaders. The thumbs down by the…

Wednesday, 11 May 2011 20:30

Bothwell to run in Democratic primary

Cecil Bothwell, who announced his congressional bid in March, will not run as an Independent but instead run in the 2012 Democratic primary. “I’ve heard from hundreds of people, from Western North Carolina to Washington, D.C., who believe the most…

Wednesday, 11 May 2011 20:30

Donate food for Haywood kids

Donate food to the Manna Food Bank Summer Sack program from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 12 and help feed Haywood County children this summer. Collections, organized by Keller Williams, will be taken in Waynesville at K-Mart and…

Wednesday, 11 May 2011 20:29

Waynesville leaders compromise on parking in front of businesses

Developers in Waynesville rejoice: your customers may now park in front of your buildings. Sometimes. In some places. The new rules, passed after nearly two years of deliberation, will allow limited parking in the front of businesses for high-traffic commercial…

Wednesday, 11 May 2011 20:28

Democrats ‘struck speechless’ by state budget cuts

Under the newly verdant trees shading the lawn of the historic Haywood County Courthouse, 29 people silently lined the sidewalk last Friday, sending the message that they were “struck speechless” by slashed state funding proposed by House Republicans. Their signs…

Wednesday, 11 May 2011 20:24

Thai food spices up Waynesville’s culinary scene

Americans love pad thai. This one fact, Nonglak Pafuang is sure of. After moving to the U.S. from Thailand five years ago, she’s learned that the varied cuisines of her homeland are popular stateside, but none more than pad thai,…

Wednesday, 11 May 2011 20:23

Angel close to merger with Mission if state bill stays at bay

The pending merger of Angel Medical Center with Mission Health System could be sidelined, at least temporarily, by a state bill aimed at limiting Mission’s influence in the region. Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, said he introduced the bill to offer…

Wednesday, 11 May 2011 20:19

Mission in the crosshairs: Hospital turf war in WNC heats up

A state bill aimed at ensuring a balance of power between Mission Health System and smaller hospitals has placed lawmakers in the middle of a healthcare turf war. As Mission steps up efforts to acquire smaller hospitals and doctors’ practices…

Wednesday, 11 May 2011 20:18

Sylva leaders support DSA with more funding

The future of the Downtown Sylva Association remains unclear despite a move by town leaders to increase public funding for the group. The town board unanimously voted last week to increase funding from $12,000 to $15,000 a year, but that…

Wednesday, 11 May 2011 20:16

Politics, Cherokee style, are in high gear leading up to primary

The July 7 primary is drawing closer in Cherokee, when the field for principal chief will narrow from five to two. Current Principal Chief Michell Hicks is making a play for his third four-year term. He’ll again be facing his…

Friday, 06 May 2011 13:10

Murray selected as Jackson schools superintendent

The Jackson County Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Michael L. Murray as the new Superintendent of Jackson County Schools. The Board voted unanimously to offer the position to Dr. Murray who will begin work…

Wednesday, 04 May 2011 19:33

Lack of childcare hindering WCU recruitment, retention

Finding childcare, particularly for infants, has surfaced as a growing problem for the young professionals who make up much of Western Carolina University’s faculty and staff. Take Elizabeth McRae, a professor of history at WCU, who when she gave birth…

Wednesday, 04 May 2011 19:32

Legislation would give Tribal ABC Board more authority

Legislation that would bring alcohol regulation in Cherokee completely under tribal control is now working its way through the General Assembly. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians established its own Alcoholic Beverage Commission in 2009 following a resolution to allow…

Wednesday, 04 May 2011 19:30

Sylva makes bid to Jackson leaders for old library

Sylva leaders want their Jackson County counterparts to lease, for $1 a year, the old library building to them, citing space needs and a heightened Main Street presence for the town’s police department. The Sylva library is in the process…

Wednesday, 04 May 2011 19:29

No tax increase projected for Jackson

No increase in taxes, more funding for the new public library, the same amount for the schools and a more than 3 percent overall drop in spending highlight Jackson County’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Does the proposal…

Wednesday, 04 May 2011 19:28

A recipe for helping kids

It’s 4:30 on a Tuesday afternoon, and in a kitchen in Frog Level, a chocolate almond layered torte is beginning to take shape. It’s a paragon of decadent, gourmet virtue, and it’s being lovingly crafted, layer on layer, for entry…

Wednesday, 04 May 2011 19:25

Is it worth it?

Despite years of negative publicity surrounding the contamination of soil at Barber’s Orchard, the actual health risk posed by the soil is miniscule, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The only health hazard comes from eating the soil, not just…

Wednesday, 04 May 2011 19:24

Uphill battle to purge Barber’s Orchard of dirty soil

Residents of Barber’s Orchard will safely be able to eat the dirt on their lots after a $15 million federal cleanup of the subdivision. Trace levels of arsenic in the soil date to its former days as an apple orchard,…

Wednesday, 04 May 2011 19:22

State reprimands EPA over Superfund cleanup

Federal contractors performing a $15 million cleanup of Barber’s Orchard have violated state erosion laws, failing to keep the arsenic-tainted soil from eroding and washing away, according to state environmental inspectors. The massive operation calls for digging up the top…

Wednesday, 04 May 2011 19:19

Haywood schools bracing for deep state budget cuts

The state’s bloodletting has begun, and for Haywood County Schools, the losses might add up to more than $4 million siphoned off next year’s budget. School officials have been steadily crunching numbers since the state House of Representatives offered a…

Wednesday, 04 May 2011 19:11

Maggie erupts with showdown between bar and museum

A formerly notorious bar will reopen in Maggie Valley despite bombastic protests from the owner of Wheels Through Time Museum, who fears it will attract the same seedy crowd and societal ills as the past establishment. Dale Walksler commanded a…

Wednesday, 27 April 2011 20:22

News for birders

Go birding, support the arts A “Birding for the Arts” outing in Haywood County will be held from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, May 7. The Blue Ridge Mountains have become the summer-nesting sanctuary for many neo-tropical varieties, as…

Wednesday, 27 April 2011 20:03

Canton feels slighted by shift in visitor center funding

In the world of Haywood County tourism, a turf battle is brewing, and the fiefdoms under fire are the county’s visitor centers. What might seem like the friendly face of local tourism has once again become a battleground where funding…

Wednesday, 27 April 2011 20:02

Folkmoot funding gets the ax

Folkmoot festival has lost a vital source of advertising money, jeopardizing its ability to lure visitors to Haywood County during the festival’s two-week summer run. The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority announced its intention this month to yank its annual…

Wednesday, 27 April 2011 20:01

A decade in the making, new SCC building expands campus holdings

A new building started taking shape last month at Southwestern Community College’s campus in Sylva, with completion slated for next March. When finished, the nearly $8-million project will be called the Conrad G. Burrell building after longtime board of trustee…

Wednesday, 27 April 2011 19:58

A Jackson County library primer

For Jackson County’s book-loving residents, the temporary closure of the public library in Sylva presents true hardship, a time of doing without and intense, shared community pain. The current library on Main Street closes May 2 while some 40,000 items…

Wednesday, 27 April 2011 19:57

Healthcare reform specialist to speak at GOP meeting

Dr. C.L Gray, who is well known for his activities promoting healthcare reform, will speak on May 3 at the Mountain High Republican Women’s Club luncheon at the High Hampton Inn and Country Club. Gray founded Physicians for Reform in…

Wednesday, 27 April 2011 19:57

WCU sends off graduates May 6-7

Western Carolina University’s spring graduating class will be honored as the university holds a trio of commencement ceremonies over a two-day period, May 6 and 7. Commencement for WCU’s Graduate School will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, May 6.…

Wednesday, 27 April 2011 19:54

Here we go again: Sylva town leaders spar over DSA funding

The organization many credit with helping to create and nurture Sylva’s vibrant downtown scene is facing the possibility of going belly up over funding issues. During a budget work session last week, a majority of town commissioners indicated they might…

Wednesday, 27 April 2011 19:54

Training for dealing with the mentally ill

A 40-hour training program for professionals who have encounters with mentally ill people will be held May 16 through 20 at Haywood Community College. CIT (Crisis Intervention Training) specializes in teaching the best methods to defuse and stabilize encounters with…

Wednesday, 27 April 2011 19:53

Macon County achieves success with open access

The Macon County Health Department implemented a new open-access appointment system in February that has cleared a four-week backlog of appointments. The open-access system replaced the previous system of clinic days. Now, most services are available every weekday, allowing patients…

Wednesday, 27 April 2011 19:51

Haywood may look to property tax hike to offset still sagging sales tax revenue

Haywood County, like everyone else, is bracing for the impact of state budget cuts. But the good news is that they may leave the budget fray with fewer scrapes than they thought. In Raleigh, budget committees have been busily trying…

Wednesday, 27 April 2011 19:49

Gearing up: Mill outage to bring hundreds of outside laborers to Canton

For the last month, Greg Petty has been on a leaflet campaign around Canton. He’s been to parking lots. He’s been to offices. He’s been to bulletin boards. He’s been inside Evergreen Packaging, the paper mill that looms large in…

Wednesday, 27 April 2011 19:49

MMS offers three-day mediation training

Mountain Mediation Services will hold a three-day community mediation training from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., May 24 through 26 in the Bryson City United Methodist Church at 76 Main Street. The training is recommended for those who want to…

Wednesday, 27 April 2011 19:47

Dillsboro could be on the hook for railroad loan

Depending on which town leader you ask, Dillsboro is prepared to co-sign on a more than $300,000 loan for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad — or, short of that, the town is inclined to help the railroad in some significant,…

Wednesday, 20 April 2011 20:24

Ghost Town bankruptcy hits dead end

Ghost Town in the Sky has no hope of pulling itself out of bankruptcy, according to a federal bankruptcy administrator. The court will decide this week whether to let the amusement park continue to languish in bankruptcy, where it has…

Wednesday, 20 April 2011 20:24

Who exactly will pay for all that electricity?

With Jackson County set to take possession next month of the renovated historic courthouse and new library, commissioners agreed it’s high time to get some ground rules in place for their future tenants. The county wants formalized agreements not only…

Wednesday, 20 April 2011 20:23

Jackson educators expecting deep state dollar cuts

Jackson County Schools isn’t asking for extra money this year from county commissioners despite an expected 10 percent or more cut from the state. What is taking a back seat in these tough economic times, however, are school-board members’ wishes…

Wednesday, 20 April 2011 20:21

Haywood commissioners caught in backlash over new property values

An angry crowd accused Haywood County commissioners this week of unfairly slapping some property owners with higher values while letting others off the hook in the recent countywide appraisal. About 50 people turned out at the commissioners meeting Monday to…

Wednesday, 20 April 2011 20:21

Learn how social media can boost your business

The Small Business Center of Haywood Community College will offer a free seminar entitled, “Business Owner’s Guide to Facebook and Twitter: Starting from Scratch to Online Success” from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26. The hands-on workshop will be held…

Wednesday, 20 April 2011 20:21

Jackson dropout rates decline in 2009-10

Jackson County is one of four counties in North Carolina that has decreased its dropout rate the most, according to a report recently released by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. Jackson County’s dropout rate fell from 4.43 percent in…

Wednesday, 20 April 2011 20:20

Hearing planned for McCoy Bridge project

The N.C. Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 25, regarding alternatives for replacing the McCoy Bridge on Rose Creek Road over the Little Tennessee River in Macon County. NCDOT has…

Wednesday, 20 April 2011 20:18

With construction down, Haywood Home Builder’s struggle to stay viable

While the construction industry, the Haywood Home Builders’ Association is giving itself a makeover, one it hopes can keep them afloat and the doors open. With home building still flagging, membership has been steadily declining, and instead of waiting on…

Wednesday, 20 April 2011 20:17

Musical chairs between Franklin, Macon government posts

Mike Decker is retracing the steps he made 11 years ago when he left county government for a job across the street in Franklin’s town hall. Decker is returning to county government as human resource director and deputy clerk to…

Wednesday, 20 April 2011 20:16

Regional food forum to look at WNC needs

With the latest increase in gas and grocery prices, the already long lines at soup kitchens and food pantries across Western North Carolina are growing even longer. “The need is going up again,” said Amy Grimes, executive director of The…

Wednesday, 20 April 2011 20:14

Swain, Macon commissioners try to rein in DOT plans for Needmore Road

Swain and Macon commissioners believe a state plan to widen and pave a 3.3-mile gravel road along a remote stretch of the Little Tennessee River goes too far. Leaders of both counties have unanimously called for a scaled down version…

Wednesday, 20 April 2011 20:14

Chamber trash pick-up planned

A trash pick-up of Veterans’ Boulevard and U.S. 19 is being organized by the Swain County Chamber of Commerce beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 30. Participants will meet in the Ingles’ parking lot and the chamber will provide…

Wednesday, 20 April 2011 20:13

Canary Coalition lobbies for bill that rewards conservation

A presentation on a state bill to overhaul energy consumption will be given by the Canary Coalition at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21, in Sylva. Avram Friedman, director of the Canary Coalition, will explain the Efficient and Affordable Energy Rates…

Wednesday, 20 April 2011 20:13

Hagan sets constituent meeting this week

U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan will meet with constituents Thursday, April 21, from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the Southwest Development Commission in Sylva. The office is at 125 Bonnie Lane, across from Southwestern Community College. The purpose is to…

Wednesday, 20 April 2011 20:11

Spiritual community: A matter of being part of something greater

Plink plink plink. A moment of silence. Again – plink plink plink. It’s 6 a.m. and the sky is still unlit, the color of chalky charcoal. But in a corner, a small orange light is on a steady, metronomic blink,…

Wednesday, 20 April 2011 20:10

Learn to resolve conflict at Haywood workshop

Waynesville resident Kristen Wall, a trainer with the Asheville Compassionate Communication Center, will present two workshops on conflict resolution. “Communication: Skills for Transforming Conflict” will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, at the Haywood County Library in…

Wednesday, 20 April 2011 20:08

Cherokee business community tests the waters on alcohol sales

The absence of alcohol in Cherokee is hurting tourism, according to the business community. And that’s something the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce might like to change. Over the past month, the chamber has conducted an informal poll of businesses to…

Wednesday, 20 April 2011 19:57

Jackson commissioners give bypass thumbs down

The likelihood of the state Department of Transportation building a bypass around Sylva seems increasingly unlikely after Jackson County commissioners elected this week not to push for the new highway. The Jackson County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 on a…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 12:40

Swain DSS: Related documents

RELATED DOCUMENTS:• Swain commissioners call for DSS board resignations• Jim Gribble and Bob Thomas resignation letters• Public statement by DSS Board Chairman Jim Gribble• Public statement by DSS Board member Bob Thomas• Read the warrant

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 19:57

Celebrate Earth Day

Haywood Community College’s Earth Day celebration will include demonstrations of renewable energy and sustainable technologies, a Green Business Expo, green games and green films. The Earth Day activities will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 19:22

Discounted cat adoptions

Cat adoption fees will be discounted from April 16 to 19 at Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation in Waynesville. Cats between four months and four years old will be $1 per pound. The adoption fee will be waived completely for cats…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 19:22

March against domestic violence

Men and boys are encouraged to gather in Sylva to take a stand against violence against women at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 16. The 100-Man March will begin at the Sylva Bridge Park for the official count of all…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 19:21

Macon County airport getting longer soon

A 600-foot extension of Macon County’s airport runway is scheduled for completion by mid-May and plans for a ribbon-cutting ceremony are in the works, Miles Gregory, chairman of the airport authority, told local leaders last week. The $4.5 million project…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 19:20

Documentary on school crisis in America

The documentary on the state of education in America “Waiting for Superman” will be shown at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 21, followed by a talk with a school reform activist at the Cashiers Library. Charter school advocate and activist Ned…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 19:20

Life coach teaches how to be a better person

Life coach Marne Harris will conduct a workshop “Alter Yourself: 5 Fundamentals of Fulfillment” from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, at Old Mountain Health Center in Waynesville. The course focuses on core changes people can make to…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 19:19

Program teaches raw food diet for pets

Learn about the benefits of raw food diets for cats and dogs at the Western Carolina Dog Fanciers Association’s April meeting held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, at Creature Comforts near Lake Junaluska. Founder of Earth Green Pet Foods,…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 19:19

Learn conversational Spanish in Haywood

A new class for people who want to learn conversational Spanish is being setup by the Latino Institute for Human Development in Waynesville. Conversational Spanish can be a resume builder, allowing people to communicate with Spanish-speaking employees or facilitate interaction…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 19:17

WCU faculty seeks role in university restructurings

It required barely 15 minutes and a minimum of discussion for Western Carolina University’s Faculty Senate to unanimously vote it be given a role in any future reorganization efforts. Whether they get what they ask for will depend on WCU’s…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 19:13

Money Mosh puts real life money lessons in play for Cherokee youth

David Cozzo is sitting behind a table at the Holiday Inn in Cherokee, trying to sell a ’76 Volkswagen to a teenager. “The maintenance on these is rough, but you’d look good in it,” Cozzo pitched to his potential buyer,…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 19:13

Help children dealing with split custody

Children In The Middle, a class for any parent who shares custody of children, will be held from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.April 26 and 27 in Canton. The program was developed to reduce children’s experiences with loyalty conflicts that often…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 19:13

Swain chamber to hold annual banquet

Swain County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual banquet from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at the Fryemont Inn in Bryson City featuring an evening of food and entertainment. Business Citizen of the Year will be announced,…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 19:12

Tea Party rally in Waynesville on tax day

Fiscal responsibility and property revaluation in Haywood County will be among the main topics discussed at the annual tax day rally in Waynesville. “Are You Taxed Enough Already?” will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 15, on…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 19:11

Swain to host wedding expo

The annual Swain County Wedding Expo will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the Nantahala Village Resort and Spa. The expo will showcase local bakeries, caterers, florists and more while promoting the area as…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 19:10

Business owners rally to make Maggie blossom

Maggie Valley is gearing up for its next round of beauty treatments in an ongoing effort to spruce up the town and bring some color to its streets. The beautification program, led by master horticulturalist and Maggie Valley resident Clayton…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 19:09

Maggie loses another attraction with closure of Eaglenest Entertainment

After eight years of entertainment, Maggie Valley’s largest venue is closing its doors, falling prey to the poor economy. 800-seat Eaglenest Entertainment was one of the largest in Haywood County and has drawn big-name acts such as Percy Sledge and…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 19:08

Senior expo offers free health screenings

A senior expo and health fair in Franklin will provide free seminars, health screenings, entertainment and refreshments from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at the Macon County Community Facilities Building. The event is sponsored by MedWest Health…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 19:08

Tap personal potential with workshop

A workshop geared toward reaching emotional freedom and full-potential, “7 Keys to Self Empowerment,” will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 29, at Apple Hill Farms in Waynesville. The intent of the program is to transform…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 19:07

Counties push back against state threat to shift its budget burdens

Budget concerns that the state will dump responsibilities on local governments, and anecdotal assessments of the current economic climate, dominated a meeting last week of Macon County’s elected local leaders. The informal, relatively freewheeling discussion took place over plates of…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 19:00

WCU meets its new chancellor: First new leadership in 16 years

Western Carolina University’s next chancellor is David Belcher, a classically trained pianist who is currently a top administrator at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Belcher, 53, will start his appointment July 1. His base salary will be $275,000.…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 18:59

Belcher brings unique skills to new post as WCU chancellor

The last time David Belcher played publicly was about a year or so ago, when he paired with cellist Melita Hunsinger of the Arkansas Symphony orchestra in a performance of Rachmaninoff’s Sonata for Cello and Piano in G minor, Op.…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 18:58

Repairs aim to get Lyn Lowry cross lit by Easter

The cross on Mount Lyn Lowry still lies dormant, but repairs are under way with hopes that the bulbs will be shining again by Easter. The 60-foot cross is a nighttime landmark in the Balsam mountains between Waynesville and Sylva.…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 18:57

The Bobcats are back at HCC

“Go Bobcats!” can now be the cry at Haywood Community College, where they’ve adopted the feline as their new mascot. The bobcat doesn’t, as yet, have a name but the school plans to hold a contest this autumn to christen…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 18:52

Merchants fear higher rent in fallout from rising commercial property values

Despite its vibrant façade, downtown Waynesville hasn’t been immune to the economic recession. So Richard Miller was surprised, to put it mildly, when he learned his downtown building doubled in value over the past five years — at least according…

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 18:49

HART presents ‘The Cemetery Club’

The comedy “The Cemetery Club” opens April 15 at Haywood Arts Regional Theater’s Studio Theater in Waynesville,with performances at 7:30 p.m. on April 15, 16, 22 and 23 and 3 p.m. on April 17 and 24. The show tells the…

Wednesday, 06 April 2011 15:24

Tutorial: How much is your neighbor’s home worth?

It’s what everyone wants to know: is their neighbor’s house worth more or less than their own? It’s not hard to find out at the county’s mapping site, where there’s a plethora of property revaluation data to keep even the…

Wednesday, 06 April 2011 19:10

Waynesville considers compromise on parking in front of building

Waynesville leaders will vote this month on whether to loosen town guidelines governing growth. A special task force spent the past 18 months reviewing the town’s development standards and recommending changes. The town’s land-use plan was heralded for its smart…

Wednesday, 06 April 2011 19:10

Take a walk in her shoes

Men and their families are invited to Take A Walk In Her Shoes, a sexual assault awareness event, will run from 11:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 9 from in front of the Historic Haywood County Court House.…

Wednesday, 06 April 2011 19:09

Enroll in Red Cross babysitter’s training

The Haywood County Red Cross is encouraging boys and girls ages 11 to 15 who would like to start their own babysitting business to enroll in the Babysitters Training Program. This course is also aimed toward older siblings who…

Wednesday, 06 April 2011 19:08

Dropouts stay-in more in Jackson County

Jackson County Schools’ dropout rate has decreased by 56.2 percent – from 4.43 in 2008-09 to 1.99 in 2009-10. Jackson County has been highlighted as one of four counties across the state for achieving the greatest decrease in dropout…

Wednesday, 06 April 2011 19:08

Bridge near Highlands slated for replacement

A bridge will be replaced over the Cullasaja River on Mirror Lake Road near Highlands in Macon County. A $577,544 contract was awarded to Dane Construction Inc. of Mooresville. Work can begin as early as April 25 and is scheduled…

Wednesday, 06 April 2011 19:07

League to discuss health care

The League of Women Voters of Macon County will present a program on affordable health care in North Carolina at 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, at Tartan Hall in Franklin. George Six, a volunteer with Healthcare for All North…

Wednesday, 06 April 2011 19:07

Program encourages families of the disabled

The author of “Grown Man Now,” and Western Carolina University professor Jane B. Schulz, will speak at a program geared toward encouraging families with members who have disabilities. The free program is hosted by Pure in Heart and will be…

Wednesday, 06 April 2011 19:06

Paint pottery for a cause

Paint a bowl to fill a bowl – proceeds from pottery painting at Claymates from April 1 to April 17 will support The Community Table’s annual empty bowl fundraiser. The Community Table is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving nutritious…

Wednesday, 06 April 2011 19:05

Railroad will return to Dillsboro for less than originally requested

Bringing regular train service back to Dillsboro greatly depends on whether Jackson County commissioners come up with dollars to help restore a steam engine and bring it here from Maine, Kim Albritton, vice president and general manager of Great Smoky…

Wednesday, 06 April 2011 19:03

Train contemplates engine turn-around, but search for the right site continues

Private land in Dillsboro might spare the historic Monteith House site from becoming home to a turntable for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, part of a plan to return regular train service to this tourism-dependent town. Kim Albritton, the railway’s…

Wednesday, 06 April 2011 19:03

Learn about butterflies this Easter

Easter Butterflies: Magical, Mystical, Majestical is the topic of an April program through the Lake Junaluska Live and Learn Committee. Butterflies are often included as natural and spiritual symbols of the Easter Resurrection story. A program relating to this…

Wednesday, 06 April 2011 19:02

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