More than a building: Legacy of healing continues during Sexual Assault Awareness Month
 

More than a building: Legacy of healing continues during Sexual Assault Awareness Month

As Sexual Assault Awareness Month comes to a close, Haywood County is witnessing a powerful moment of continuity, collaboration and…
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Sara Vogel.
 

From silence to prevention: Rethinking sexual violence, healing and the future we build

As of April 1, I marked my first full year as the Executive Director of REACH of Haywood County. After nearly…
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Queen has spent neary two decades educating Haywood students.
 

Buffy Queen makes a mark: Longtime advocate helps middle-schoolers navigate relationships

Safe Dates is a three-to-four-day Hazelton Betty Ford Foundation course about healthy relationships, and for nearly 20 years, Buffy Queen…
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Hidden in plain sight: Recognizing grooming and protecting our children
 

Hidden in plain sight: Recognizing grooming and protecting our children

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. REACH advocates routinely work with victims and survivors of all forms of sexual assault…
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Katie Miller.
 

Kindness is not weakness — it’s prevention

My high school English teacher might have had a love-hate relationship with the phrase “hurt people hurt people,” challenged by…
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When communities unite: Protecting children from abuse
 

When communities unite: Protecting children from abuse

Protecting children from harm requires a coordinated, informed, and proactive approach. KARE House, a children’s advocacy center in Haywood County,…
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Demakus Staton (left) is Executive Director of Reflections of Inspiration and Kayla Brown is its Director of Operations. The pair were tabling at an outreach event.
 

The things we never said: Growing up, sex and silence in Appalachia

In the part of southern Appalachia where I was raised, there were certain things you learned early: how to be…
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Susannah High (left) and Elan Seago (right).
 

Supporting a friend: What to do when someone confides in you

It usually doesn’t start with a report or a formal complaint — it starts with a conversation. A friend, a…
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Wendolyn Forbes is a community member who took the RADS course.
 

A RAD mother-daughter journey

In the quiet moments of a morning at Panacea Coffee House, a chance conversation with Waynesville Police Chief David Adams…
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Dig through record bins on Feb. 15 in Waynesville.
 

‘Yonder Mountain Record Show’

Presented by Astro Record Store, the “Yonder Mountain Record Show” will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb.…
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City Lights presents ‘The Accident Report’
 

City Lights presents ‘The Accident Report’

Ralph Ellis will discuss his new novel, "The Accident Report," in conversation with Susan Puckett at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb.…
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‘Blue Suede’ by Dori Settles.
 

HCAC’s ‘Inspired by a Song’

The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) latest exhibit “Inspired by a Song” is being showcased at Haywood Handmade Gallery in…
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Ready for the ‘Outhouse Races’?
 

Ready for the ‘Outhouse Races’?

A beloved winter spectacle in Western North Carolina, the 19th annual “Outhouse Race” will return to the slopes at 3…
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Grand Funk Railroad will play Cherokee Jan. 10.
 

Harrah’s welcomes Grand Funk Railroad

Classic rock megagroup Grand Funk Railroad will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10, at Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event…
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Commissioner Jenny Lynn Hooper is taking on added responsibilities despite a poor attendance record in 2025.
 

Attorney finds Hooper violated Jackson TDA attendance policy

Jackson County Commissioner Jenny Lynn Hooper made a rare appearance at a Jackson County Tourism Development Authority meeting last week…
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 Martin Tanaka will work with researchers to develop a device to treat lymphedema.
 

Professor secures funding for new medical device

Martin Tanaka, a professor of engineering and technology at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, has a knack for creating innovative…
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Hands off Haywood organizer Mary Ford (right) presents a check to Blake Hart of Haywood Christian Ministry.
 

Protest group funds local hunger relief

A weekend rally organized by Hands off Haywood commenced with the presentation of a $2,500 check to Haywood Christian Ministries…
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Lumbee Chairman John Lowery speaks in Washington, D.C.
 

EBCI chief criticizes Lumbee as federal recognition nears finish line

The National Defense Authorization Act cleared the House with bipartisan support last week, prompting the Senate’s Dec. 15 procedural vote…
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Pisgah Legal Services offers representation in civil court for people experiencing a wide variety of issues.
 

Pisgah Legal’s bind: IOLTA funding freeze leaves nonprofit’s leader uncertain

Nonprofits that provide legal services are calling for North Carolina’s General Assembly to unfreeze funds necessary to their operations. In…
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Macon County has found itself backed up against a wall with the need to construct new landfill cells.
 

Macon OKs $10 million landfill expansion

The decision to secure over $10 million to build two new landfill cells was, in a sense, an easy one…
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WCU’s $15 million allotted to sports ranks ‘towards the bottom’ of the Southern Conference.
 

WCU grapples with cost, resources amid changes in NCAA policy

For decades, college athletes generated millions of dollars in revenue for universities in exchange for a full tuition scholarship, at…
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WCU Chancellor Kelli Brown talks fiscal responsibility.
 

WCU navigates budget uncertainty, prepares for what’s ahead

Six months after the North Carolina General Assembly’s deadline to produce an annual budget, Western Carolina University in Cullowhee is…
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Emma Dao is a second-year student in the medical sonography program at Southwestern Community College.
 

SCC student’s diligence, attention to detail lead to early cancer discovery

Throughout her first two-and-a-half semesters in Southwestern Community College’s Medical Sonography program, Emma Dao heard her instructors repeatedly emphasize the…
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Emma Dao is a second-year student in the medical sonography program at Southwestern Community College.
 

Sylva ups its selfie game

The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, in collaboration with the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), announced…
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Western North Carolina’s road to recovery remains fraught with challenges.
 

Federal gridlock continues to stall Helene recovery

Nearly 15 months after Hurricane Helene tore through rural Appalachia, North Carolina recovery officials said in a Dec. 15 meeting…
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Ethics violation prompts removal of tribal ABC Commissioner
 

Ethics violation prompts removal of tribal ABC Commissioner

Travis Smith began his career with the Tribal Alcohol and Beverage Control Commission on Feb. 27, 2024. He was guaranteed…
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Swain residents expressed their concerns about the 2025 animal services ordinance
 

Swain Animal Services meeting filled with public shock, disapproval

Swain County’s standing animal services ordinance dates back to late 2019, pending the establishment of an animal services center and…
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Jack Horton has lived a life of public service as both a county and town manager and elected official.
 

A career of service: Former Franklin Mayor Jack Horton reflects on decades in government

Last Monday marked the likely end of a career of service for outgoing Franklin Mayor Jack Horton. But, that career…
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NCDOT awards contract for N.C. 107 reconfiguration
 

NCDOT awards contract for N.C. 107 reconfiguration

The N.C. Department of Transportation recently awarded a contract to improve travel conditions on N.C. 107 through Sylva. Buchanan &…
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Applications sought to operate Waynesville license plate agency
 

Applications sought to operate Waynesville license plate agency

The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles is seeking applicants for a commissioned contractor to operate a license plate agency in…
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Jackson County Board of Elections members (left to right) Jay Pavey, Roy Osborn, Bill Thompson, Wes Hanemayer and Betsy Swift listen to public comment during the Dec. 9 meeting.
 

Jackson Board of Elections votes to close Western Carolina University early voting site

The seemingly indiscriminate closure of an early voting site at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee prior to the March 3,…
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Left to right: Lavita Hill, Shannon Swimmer, Venita Wolfe and Shennelle Feather were recently elected to tribal council.
 

Compassionate visions, courageous leadership: Meet the women of tribal council 2025

Lavita Hill has dreamed of joining tribal council since high school.  Painttown’s Shannon Swimmer feels less like she’s taking on…
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Perry Matthews won his election to be seated on Sylva’s town council in November.
 

Newly elected Sylva councilmember shares experience, values and vision

At any given moment, Perry Matthews — caterer, culinary instructor, homeschool curriculum-builder and veteran chef of upscale restaurants — was…
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Local law enforcement and elected leaders gathered to reaffirm their commitment to combat drunk driving in Western North Carolina.
 

Local leaders speak out against drunk driving

Law enforcement leaders and elected officials from across Western North Carolina gathered the day before Thanksgiving to remind people about…
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The new Franklin town council, from left to right: Joe Collins, Travis Higdon, Rita Salain, Mayor Stacy Guffey, Vice Mayor Mike Lewis, Robbie Tompa and Jeff Berry.
 

Franklin swears in new council

The town of Franklin now has a new mayor, vice mayor and council member. After winning their elections in November,…
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A group of county employees and elected officials cut the ribbon on the new EMS base.
 

Haywood opens new EMS base near Lake Junaluska

A new EMS base in Haywood County is now operational.  The base was completed earlier this year. It is part of…
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N.C. State University has established the Wolfpack Connect Guaranteed Admission Program to provide a seamless transfer pathway for HCC students.
 

HCC announces new university transfer agreements

Haywood Community College continues to expand university transfer agreements with North Carolina universities. HCC offers transferable degree programs and credit…
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Michelle Harris.
 

Harris named ‘Communicator of the Year’

Michelle Harris, director of engagement & marketing and public information officer at Haywood Community College, has been named the 2025…
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Professional craft students to host holiday craft sale
 

Professional craft students to host holiday craft sale

Students in the Professional Crafts Program at Haywood Community College will host a holiday craft sale from 10 a.m. to…
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Rhiannon Skye Tafoya stands in front of her commissioned pieces at the Tsali Care Center, a senior care facility in Cherokee that opened last year.
 

Word from the Smokies: Cherokee artist weaves strands of place and culture

In October 2019, Rhiannon Skye Tafoya was a year out of her master’s program and excited to begin an art…
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The November FRL board meeting was held in Jackson County.
 

Fontana library trustees get bogged down on small changes

The Fontana Regional Library Board of Trustees is again struggling to implement changes as it trudges forward without legal representation. …
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Town staff and elected officials celebrate the ribbon cutting.
 

Franklin fire substation opens

A new fire substation in Franklin years in the making is now operational.  After lingering in limbo following initial construction, the…
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Vecinos provides free, bilingual medical care to low-income patients.
 

As Border Patrol generates fear, neighbors and organizations step up

As of noon Thursday, ICE and Border Patrol have engaged in operations from Lenoir to Raleigh, largely avoiding Asheville and…
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Danny Davis is a retired judge who's served in a variety of capacities.
 

Democrat challenges Pless for state house

Democrat Danny Davis has announced that he will challenge Republican incumbent Mark Pless for North Carolina 118th House District, made…
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Comment

Books about Christmas, and as a gift
 

Books about Christmas, and as a gift

The Christmas season, dreaded by some, beloved by others, especially children. Already you’ll find houses festooned with lights and yards…
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Steven Hawkins.
 

Haywood man convicted of assaulting officers with a firearm

A still photo extracted from a deputy’s body-cam video shows a critical moment in the events of April 6, 2024, in…
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REACH of Haywood County Executive Director Sara Vogel talks about the importance of sharing stories.
 

Speakers highlight survivorship, healing at EBCI conference

Keohana Lambert’s presentation was catalyzed by a question. “What’s one word comes to mind when you think about the intersection…
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A group consisting of (from left) Dolly Pressley Byrd, Dr. Ernesto de la Torre, Casey Cooper, C.Y. Wang, Dr. William Hathaway, Carol Burton, Kelli Brown and Ashley Tickle cut the ribbon at MAHEC’s new Cullowhee facility.
 

Rural care gap drives MAHEC push west

Western North Carolina has struggled for decades with a simple problem that produces complex consequences — not enough primary care…
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Kaylin Greene was recognized as the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office October Employee of the Month.
 

Haywood dispatcher thinks fast to save a life

Dispatchers are an often overlooked part of a county’s overall emergency response, but their role is as vital as any…
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A quarter cent sales tax would generate well over $2 million per year for Macon County.
 

Quarter-cent sales tax back on the ballot in Macon

Macon County voters will again have the chance to raise their sales tax by a quarter cent, from 6.75 to…
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