New compensation rules for disabled workers worry local organizations

coverIn his 38 years at the helm of Haywood Vocational Opportunities, George Marshall has seen his share of change in the regulations and trends surrounding the intersection of worlds in which HVO deals. 

HVO, a not-for-profit social enterprise that produces medical supplies, is Haywood County’s fifth largest employer and the nation’s largest producer of custom medical drapes.

Pisgah-Tuscola rivalry is as good as it gets

op coxWhen my daughter, who is a freshman this year at Tuscola High School, made the Color Guard this summer, the first thought I had was that I would soon be seeing high school football games again for the first time since the late 1980s, when I was a fledgling sports writer for the Watauga Democrat in Boone. My second thought was that I would finally get my first real taste of the vaunted Tuscola-Pisgah rivalry, an intense battle that has been going on for more than 50 years.

Shining Rock finds long-term location

fr srcaThe entire staff was called into the Shining Rock Classical Academy’s board meeting Monday afternoon to hear the news — the charter school has finally secured a location for the next five years.

Passionate public hearing on recycling sorting plant in Haywood draws masses

fr recyclingMore than 160 people packed a heated public hearing over a proposed recycling sorting facility in Haywood County Monday night, pleading with county commissioners to turn down the project.

Candidates: Maggie Valley is moving forward

fr maggieThe four candidates vying for two seats on the Maggie Valley Board of Aldermen can all agree on one point — the town is in much better shape than it was two years ago. 

Proposed recycling clearinghouse raises red flags for neighbors

fr recyclingA commercial recycling sorting plant proposed in Haywood County is being met with skepticism by neighbors, who fear it will create noise, odors and traffic for the Beaverdam community.

Recycling business starts up in Haywood

fr recyclingA new company that sorts and resells recyclable materials announced its plans this week to locate in Haywood County, adding a minimum of 30 jobs to the local economy and as many as 70 at full build out.

Long-time Haywood commissioner plans to not run again

haywoodHaywood County Commission Chairman Mark Swanger publicly announced this week that he plans to retire from elected office next year and won’t be on the ballot when his seat comes up for election in fall of 2016.

Serving up Southern cuisine and camaraderie

wib roosterThere was little fanfare in 2010 when Mary Earnest opened the Blue Rooster, a Southern diner in a strip mall past its prime.

Building a legacy: Sheppard Insurance is a mother-daughter, all-woman affair

wib sheppardWhen Kathy Sheppard got her start in the insurance world 30 years ago, she was a pioneer in a male-dominated profession.

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