Panhandling public hearing planned for Sylva

Sylva plans to hold a public hearing on a panhandling ordinance after residents raised concerns about its growing prevalence at…
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Cherokee approves election law changes

During a special called meeting Thursday, Sept. 29, the Cherokee Tribal Council passed an update to the tribe’s election ordinance that…
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Admin shuffle following Nolte’s retirement

Earlier this school year, Haywood County Schools Superintendent Dr. Bill Nolte declared his impending retirement. Shortly thereafter, the school board…
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Following criminal charges, Taylor resigns Council seat

Wolfetown Rep. Dennis Edward “Bill” Taylor has resigned his seat on Tribal Council following an Oct. 6 incident that led…
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Sylva awards contract for Allen Street repair

Sylva has taken the next step in the long process of repairing Allen Street after slope failure destroyed parts of…
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Folkmoot USA hosts inaugural ‘Field Summit’
 

Folkmoot USA hosts inaugural ‘Field Summit’

Folkmoot USA hosts the inaugural Field Summit in the Queen Auditorium, 112 Virginia Ave. Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, from 9…
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Scholarship to serve as final curtain call for WCU professor

Although the footlights have fallen dark on an influential Western Carolina University theatre professor and director, a final curtain call…
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Support Ukrainian humanitarian relief Oct. 31

The community is invited to a Gatsby-style event, with a cause — supporting humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine. The fundraising…
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Council Rep. Taylor faces domestic violence charges

Dennis Edward “Bill” Taylor, a fourth-term Wolfetown representative on the Cherokee Tribal Council, is facing a trio of criminal charges…
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SCC’s Boots, Blue Jeans & Bling annual gala sets records

For the last two years, Southwestern Community College’s Boots, Blue Jeans and Bling gala had to be canceled due to…
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Away from home: Indian boarding schools leave lasting legacy

Mary Smith Sneed was just four or five years old the day a wagon rolled up as she played outside…
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Chief Sneed to seek 
re-election

Just four days after the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ election season officially began, Principal Chief Richard Sneed announced his…
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Haywood County Animal Services offers ‘Free ride home’ for lost pets
 

Haywood County Animal Services offers ‘Free ride home’ for lost pets

Haywood County Animal Services is offering a free ride home for lost pets they find wandering the county if there…
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BPR announces ‘Big Switch’
 

BPR announces ‘Big Switch’

Blue Ridge Public Radio announced an upgrade to its services that will expand its capacity to provide 24/7 news and…
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Sarge’s honors community with ‘Furrst Responder Hero Calendar’
 

Sarge’s honors community with ‘Furrst Responder Hero Calendar’

Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation is introducing a new way to help furry friends in its care by creating the first…
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Council Rep. Saunooke dies in office

Painttown Rep. Tommye Saunooke, 82, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 9, in the midst of her 12th consecutive term on…
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SMAC brings in two new coaches

Smoky Mountain Aquatic Club has not one, but two new coaches at the helm that know a thing or two…
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Defamation suit filed in North Carolina against Colorado congresswoman Lauren Boebert

American Muckrakers, the North Carolina political action committee that has hounded Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-Henderson) throughout his tenure, filed suit in North Carolina today…
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Bombshell report claims NC law enforcement interference with syringe service programs, including in Haywood

A General Assembly-backed initiative to prevent opioid overdoses, provide linkages to care and stem the spread of communicable diseases through the…
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More misinformation: Miller’s 'missing' millions

After a marathon misinformation session at an August Haywood County Commissioners meeting during which commissioners fought back against comments from the public…
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Shetley wins national book award

The NYC Big Book Award recognized “The Jolt Felt Around the World” in the category of Childrens Environment as a…
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Officials break ground on Corridor K project

State and local officials celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony Monday for Corridor K, a project that will improve mobility in Western North…
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Tribe begins $275 million expansion at Murphy casino

One day after the seven-year anniversary of the Valley River Casino’s grand opening just outside of Murphy, tribal officials and casino…
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Stadium snafu: After a rumored County Clash venue change, Tuscola to host rivalry game

Heated speculation lit up social media the night of Oct. 3. The rumor: The 2022 County Clash wouldn’t take place…
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Haywood will lease parking spots for forthcoming Waynesville hotel

A Raleigh-based hospitality corporation that wants to build a new hotel at the corner of Depot and Montgomery streets in…
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Haywood needle exchange resolution would have statewide impact

After first discussing the matter almost a month ago, Haywood County commissioners are now calling upon the General Assembly to…
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‘In perpetuity’: NPS director celebrates National Public Lands Day in the Smokies 


National Public Lands Day dawned crisp and cool Saturday, Sept. 24, a celebration of everything most beloved about fall in…
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A new sculpture for downtown Sylva

As part of its public art initiative, Sylva will host a large, interactive cat sculpture in Bridge Park this fall…
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WCU student worker fired following union creation

Aiás Magitas, a 20-year-old forensic anthropology student from Charlotte, had been working the guest services desk at Western Carolina University’s…
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Public asked to help shape Maggie land use plan

The Town of Maggie Valley is encouraging residents to participate in developing its upcoming land-use plan. 
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Tribe explores pathway to tax-free casino distributions

Starting in March, members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians may have the chance to sign up for a…
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Public notice requirements for voter challenge hearing may not have been met

A meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. on Sept 28 by the Graham County Board of Elections to hear voter registration challenges against…
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Building Outdoor Communities Program launches

The WNC: MADE X MTNS Partnership officially launched the Building Outdoor Communities Program (BOC) last week, welcoming over 100 attendees for an…
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SCC names building in honor of school president

During a recent meeting, Southwestern Community College’s Board of Trustees unanimously agreed to name the new Health Sciences Center in…
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Swain runner advocates for sports equality

Amaya Hicks, Swain County High School senior and captain of the women’s cross country, basketball, indoor and outdoor track teams,…
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Sylva extends take-home vehicle policy for police

In the face of a housing shortage and increased competition for employees, the Town of Sylva has updated its policy…
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Canton woman’s lawsuit will test COVID immunity law for health care providers

A Canton woman has filed a lawsuit against the Hospital Corporation of America in which she claims “egregious acts of…
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Smathers sues HCA for 'egregious' medical negligence during son's birth

A Canton woman has filed a lawsuit against Hospital Corporation of America in which she claims “egregious acts of medical…
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Haywood seeks event center board members
 

Haywood seeks event center board members

The Haywood County Board of Commissioners is accepting applications to fill two upcoming vacancies on the Smoky Mountain Event Center…
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NCWorks hosts Manufacturing Day event
 

NCWorks hosts Manufacturing Day event

National Manufacturing Day is Oct. 7, and to celebrate NCWorks will be hosting its second annual Manufacturing Day event. The…
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Legal Aid to host clinics for those affected by Tropical Storm Fred
 

Legal Aid to host clinics for those affected by Tropical Storm Fred

Legal Aid of North Carolina is helping those recovering from the catastrophic flooding that occurred in August 2021 through free…
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Maggie Valley officer recognized for life-saving courage

An officer who risked her own safety to save the lives of others was hailed as a hero last week…
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Audience chastised for applauding nonprofit leader’s mishap

Members of Waynesville’s Board of Aldermen responded harshly to applause from the audience after payments to a nonprofit contractor were…
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Haywood County Schools names teacher of the year

Bethel Middle School teacher Sally Hundley was named Haywood County Schools’ 2023 Teacher of the Year.
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With county funding, AWAKE will complete building repairs

The Jackson County Commission allocated just over $60,000 of American Rescue Plan funds to AWAKE Children’s Advocacy Center for the…
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Legislative raises hit WCU paychecks

Faculty and staff at Western Carolina University have been seeing higher paychecks since July following the N.C. General Assembly’s passage…
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Tribal Council debates election law changes

Term limits could be on the chopping block in Cherokee’s updated election ordinance due to legal advice arguing that the…
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FUR hosts seventh annual Barnyard BBQ Blast

FUR’s seventh annual Barnyard BBQ Blast fundraiser will be held on Sunday, Oct. 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. With…
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Waynesville Police to launch new app

As the world becomes more and more accessible in the palm of our hands, local governments must adapt to ensure…
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Ambitious proposal could be game-changer for affordable housing in Haywood

Haywood County was recently awarded another substantial grant to help address the affordable housing crisis, but the way the county…
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