Internal debate divides Haywood GOP

coverSome mainstream Republicans in Haywood County fear their local party is being hijacked by a far-right faction with extreme views on what limited government should look like. 

The ascension of what some deem the radical right into leadership positions on the party’s executive committee is steering the party into uncharted activist territory, threatening to veer the party off course, they say.

Haywood County Manager Marty Stamey to step down

fr stameyAfter navigating Haywood County through some of its toughest budget times, County Manager Marty Stamey will leave his position Jan. 1 after just three years overseeing county operations.

Family, feuds and football

coverHeather Brookshire is behind enemy lines. 

“Everybody has been giving me a hard time all day,” she chuckled.

Taking orders and running around DuVall’s Restaurant in Waynesville last Friday morning, Brookshire is sporting a bright red and white shirt with the words “Pisgah Black Bears” emblazoned across it. 

Haywood couple stands against N.C. gay marriage ban

fr marriagedocsAmy Leonhart and Louise Jones met 17 years ago at church.

“The best match for me was going to be a church girl,” said Jones, a 60-year-old native of Tennessee. When she met Leonhart, “It’s kind of like everybody else, things just kind of clicked.”

Waynesville employee takes position in Henderson County

Assistant Town Manager Alison Melnikova is leaving Waynesville for a new job, meaning the town is on the search for her replacement.

King leads group saying revaluation was off the mark

The Haywood County Republican Party, siding with a two-time county commission candidate, has submitted a resolution to the county saying it should hire a professional appraisal firm to review all home values.

Case against alleged cross burner dismissed

The case against a Haywood County teenager charged with felony cross burning was dismissed two weeks ago.

Maggie boasts crowded field for town elections

Finances and the future of the festival grounds were front and center at a Maggie Valley Board of Aldermen candidate forum last week.

About 30 spectators showed up to hear what the candidates for aldermen had to say. Each candidate answered 11 questions posed by voters and vetted by the Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce, which sponsored the event.

Swain school officials take swift action against football player for racial insults on Facebook

A Swain County High School junior varsity football player was suspended from school for 10 days and kicked off the team for racially derogatory comments made to a member of the Cherokee JV football team.

Replacing power poles a never-ending job

If you come across men in bright orange vests directing traffic around crews handling a towering power pole into the ground, steer clear and drive slow.

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