‘Big Slow Movers’ plague Cowee Mountain route
It’s easy to spot the unstable embankments as you drive over Cowee Mountain between Macon and Jackson counties.
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New district lines unveiled for Central Elementary students
Students who attend Central Elementary School in Waynesville learned this week what their new school will be come fall. SEE…
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R-5000 contractor under suit: DeVere being sued by bonding company
There’s another kink in the knot surrounding the ill-fated R-5000 road project connecting N.C. 107 and N.C. 116 in Jackson…
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‘Seed money’ being raised for new Swain library
The community support behind getting a new public library in Swain County has been impressive, but the fundraising efforts have…
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Director of regional planning commission resigns
After being at the helm of Region A’s Southwestern Commission, Executive Director Ryan Sherby tendered his resignation on March 1…
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New UNC president promises to fight for higher salaries, engage WCU faculty on policy
The mood was jovial as Western Carolina University’s Faculty Senate waited over cookies and coffee for their hour with Margaret…
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Plan advances to convert old hospital to affordable lofts
Haywood County commissioners will hold a public hearing next Monday on whether to give away the “old hospital” to a…
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Haywood visitor center makes the move to Maggie
The primary visitor center for Haywood County will be moving this spring from downtown Waynesville to Maggie Valley.
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2016 Election Primary Results
Preliminary results are current as of March 15. Look for more in-depth coverage of the local and state races online Wednesday,…
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WCU police need help identifying suspects
CULLOWHEE – The Western Carolina University Police Department is asking for assistance in an ongoing investigation into recent property damage…
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Little help from lottery: N.C.’s education games falling short of promises
As people across North Carolina daydream about what they would do if they won millions from playing the lottery, they…
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Franklin banner issue causes tempers to flare
Franklin officials thought the controversy over banners would end when the board of aldermen passed an ordinance last year allowing…
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Congressional primary moved to June 7
North Carolina will now have two primary elections in 2016 as lawsuits challenging the state’s districting maps continue to play…
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Leap Day baby born at Haywood Regional
Only 200,000 people in the United States have their birthdays fall on Feb. 29, and one of those lucky babies…
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REACH celebrates opening of new shelter in Macon
The staff of REACH of Macon County understands how difficult it is to leave your home, even under the most…
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$7 million price tag on Maggie’s downtown dream
Maggie Valley’s dream of having a viable downtown inched closer last week when a $7 million town center plan was…
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Sound off: Haywood candidates talk animal shelter
Haywood County commissioner candidates were asked whether they think the county should spend $3.5 million on a new animal shelter.
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Numbers down at animal shelter, but space still doesn’t add up
On paper, the case for a new, bigger Haywood County Animal Shelter is hard to justify.
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Tenants announced for Western’s mixed-used facility
A full-service restaurant, an outdoor equipment outfitter, a combination bookstore and coffee cafe, a popular convenience store and a nationally…
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Capital priorities get sorted in Jackson
The animal shelter and health department are in, and the swimming pool and Green Energy Park expansion are out, Jackson…
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Sylva writer’s historic cabin purchased by county
In a tiny cabin on a sliver of property adjacent to the Jackson County Historic Courthouse, Sylva author John Parris…
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Community collaborates to help Jackson’s uninsured, groom future medical professionals
When someone shows up to a medical clinic, sick and suffering, the hardest words to say can be, “Sorry, but…
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In state House race, Dems think viability
Two Democrats squaring off in the primary for the state House seat spanning Haywood, Madison and Yancey counties claim they’re…
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Sales tax on Jackson’s June ballot
Sales tax in Jackson County could rise to 7 percent if voters approve a referendum vote that would add a…
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Jackson County begins county manager search
It’s been two months since Jackson County Manager Chuck Wooten announced his impending retirement, and county commissioners are beginning the…
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A look at the races
• Republican reboot on tap for House 119 primary• Rep. West’s retirement leads to Republican primary tussle• Congressional primary moved to June 7• Meet…
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Swain sees Hepatitis B cases skyrocket
The Swain County Health Department is concerned about the number of Hepatitis B cases confirmed in 2015.
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NOC considering Dillsboro location
If discussions between Nantahala Outdoor Center and Jackson County continue to move forward, the outdoor recreation giant could start work…
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Blurred lines for Haywood commissioner race
On the right track or wrong track? That question was posed to candidates running for Haywood County commissioner and could…
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Some say time is right for land-use discussions
The controversy over a proposed gun range in a rural farming community in Haywood County has raised questions about the…
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Republican reboot on tap for House 119 primary
The March ballot might feel a bit like déjà vu for Republican voters in N.C. House District 119, as Aaron…
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Rep. West’s retirement leads to Republican primary tussle
Rep. Roger West’s, R-Marble, announcement that he wouldn’t be running for re-election left a void in N.C. House District 120,…
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Voting begins March 3
The 2016 Primary Election will be held March 15 and polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.…
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Meet the candidates in Haywood County’s commissioner primary
Over the past two weeks, The Smoky Mountain News has explored where Haywood County commissioner candidates stand on education, economic…
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Higher education leaders push for Connect N.C. bond
With $120 million at stake, higher education leaders in Western North Carolina have taken every opportunity in the last month…
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Referendum on sales tax increase possible in Jackson
Jackson County Commissioners will vote this week on whether to approve a referendum vote for a quarter-cent sales tax increase…
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How about them apples?
The Smoky Mountain News won more awards in the large circulation, non-daily newspaper category than all but one newspaper in…
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Murphy’s Law turns simple water line repair into quagmire
Residents and business owners in Hazelwood have grown increasingly frustrated by the slow pace of water-and-sewer line work that has…
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Champion Credit Union donation gives teachers a deserved boost
Champion Credit Union donated $100,000 last week to nine local school systems in the communities it serves — including Haywood,…
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After 19-year run, Meadowbrook to end its year-round school experiment
Meadowbrook Elementary in Canton is ending its long run as a year-round school.
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Oscar winners to film movie in Sylva
Sylva is going to hit the big screen next year, made over as the fictional town of Ebbing, Missouri, and…
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WCU preps for visit from new UNC president
Western Carolina University leaders are getting ready to roll out the red carpet for the impending arrival of Margaret Spellings,…
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Bishop back out on bond after failing drug test
Former Macon County Elections Director Kim Bishop recently had to appear before a federal judge for the second time to…
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Tobacco-free ordinance on hold in Swain
Swain County Commissioners postponed a vote on whether to make the county recreation center a tobacco-free area after hearing feedback…
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Animal hospitals donate pet oxygen masks
Country Lane Animal Hospital in Clyde and The Animal Hospital in Waynesville teamed together to address the issue of pet…
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Development could be in Cullowhee’s future
Phones in Jackson County’s planning department have been buzzing lately with people interested in developing property in Cullowhee, and that…
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WCU chancellor to host forum on NC bond issue
Western Carolina University Chancellor David Belcher will host an educational forum at 12:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29, in the theater…
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Schools work through calendar challenges
Macon County teachers recently voted overwhelmingly in favor of adding 20 minutes to their school days in an effort to…
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Homeless shelter planned for Cherokee
Work will begin on establishing a shelter for Cherokee’s homeless following passage of a resolution Principal Chief Patrick Lambert introduced…
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Artificial turf likely for Smoky Mountain High
A plan to replace the football field at Smoky Mountain High School with artificial turf is likely to move ahead…
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