Jackson makes the case for a middle school
There has long been talk of creating a traditional middle school in Jackson County, but now the conversation appears to…
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Controversial ‘Parent Bill of Rights’ bill moving quickly
A controversial education bill making its way through the Republican-dominated North Carolina General Assembly proposes granting parents a slate of “rights”…
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CIPD officers shoot Murphy man in SWAT response
When officers shot Murphy resident Jason Harley Kloepfer, 41, while responding to a disturbance call Monday, Dec. 12, a press…
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Haywood grant approval comes after opponents once again rail against the vaccine
Two weeks after it was pulled from the consent agenda to allow more time for research and discussion, a $75,735…
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Harbor Freight seeks workers for new Waynesville location
More than a year after announcing plans to open a location in Waynesville, popular tool retailer Harbor Freight Tools said…
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‘Native Renaissance’: Cherokee filmmakers seek to tell Native stories with Native voices
When Cherokee Nation member Brit Hensel got hired for the camera department of FX’s Reservation Dogs, her resume was short and…
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Waynesville police issued pre-emptive statement on Tyre Nichols video
On Jan. 26, one day before the Memphis, Tennessee Police Department released video footage of the beating that led to…
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Sylva begins budget process
The Town of Sylva began its budget process last week with the first workshop of the year. Staff and elected…
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Sylva fills board vacancies
News of Sylva Mayor Lynda Sossamon’s resignation last week left the town board with decisions to make about who would…
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Jackson votes to keep school-based and district sports in place
After much discussion and community input, the Jackson County School Board has decided to keep its middle school sports situation…
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Police in Waynesville kick-start motorcycle program
Chief David Adams and the Waynesville Police Department will begin implementing a motorcycle program and hope to have bikes on…
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Canton selects architects for municipal buildings
The town that refuses to stay down made another big move toward getting back on its feet last week, selecting…
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Crowe resigns Tribal Council seat
Wolfetown Rep. Bo Crowe has announced his resignation from the Tribal Council seat he’s held since 2013. The announcement follows…
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Saunooke turns down TGC nomination
In January, Principal Chief Richard Sneed made the unusual move of nominating a man who is attempting to unseat him…
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Mountain BizWorks now accepting applications for first Latino catalyst cohort
Mountain BizWorks is now accepting applications for its first Latino Catalyst Cohort, which will be facilitated entirely in Spanish.
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Waynesville cemetery committee will address parking issues
Haywood County residents have always been very protective — and particular — about Waynesville’s historic Green Hill Cemetery, but at…
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Know before you go: cemetery etiquette
Maintaining a dignified and beautiful resting place for departed loved ones is no easy task. It is important to have…
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What are the odds of a casino in Asheville? State considers expanding legalized gambling
North Carolina can support as many as nine Las Vegas-style casinos with gambling throughout the state, including one in the…
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Throwback sign could again grace Waynesville’s Main Street
When the old Downtown Waynesville Association imploded back in 2021 due to mismanagement and a general lack of enthusiasm, it left…
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Haywood Tourism Development Authority announces new executive director
Corrina Ruffieux has been hired as the executive director of the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA) following a national search. She…
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Lynda Bennett pleads guilty to campaign finance violations
Haywood County real estate agent Lynda Bennett, a 2020 candidate for the Republican nomination in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District,…
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As Sylva attempts to move forward with grant application, some question value of public art
The choice by Jackson County Commissioners not to move forward with a municipal grant application from the Town of Sylva…
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Sylva Mayor Lynda Sossamon resigns
After more than 16 years of service to the Town of Sylva, Mayor Lynda Sossamon has notified town staff of…
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Local writer hosts workshop for new writers at Cashiers Library
Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library is proud to present a new workshop series for aspiring writers. Beginning Feb. 2, the Winter…
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Haywood’s capital projects prompt report from financial advisor
With long-term debt rolling off the books and a number of high-dollar, high-profile projects on the horizon, Haywood County commissioners…
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Emergency watershed protection coming to East Fork
Asheville-based McGill Associates will begin work to provide emergency watershed protection in areas affected by Tropical Storm Fred after Haywood…
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WCU can now enroll more out-of-state students
Western Carolina University can now draw up to one-quarter of its first-year undergraduates from out of state, following a Jan.…
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Tribal Council focuses on cannabis enterprise
As the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians prepares to launch its medical marijuana program, cannabis was the main topic of…
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Town seeks JCTDA funding for Bridge Park project
Without additional funding from the Rural Transformation Grant offered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Town of Sylva…
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Webster Park project approved
Webster Park is slated for a host of upgrades and new construction, including a pavilion, after Jackson County Commissioners approved…
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More misinformation at Haywood commission meeting
It may be a new year with a new county commission, but anti-vaccination conspiracy theorists are still offering the same…
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Mountain Projects Waynesville resale store sees early success
In the two months since the Mountain Projects resale store opened in Waynesville, it’s already seen serious success in both…
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Complaints mount against internet provider Zito Media
The front door of the office for Zito Media in Haywood County has a piece of paper taped to the…
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911 call from Lambert Wilson’s death released
Swain County Emergency Management today released audio from a 911 call that sheds light on the circumstances leading up to…
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Ramey makes false statements regarding delinquent tax issues
Republican Haywood County Commissioner Terry Ramey attempted to quell the uproar over his decade-old delinquent tax bills last week, but…
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Pinning ceremony honors Human Services grads
To help address the mental health crisis facing the nation and this region, four Southwestern Community College students recently completed…
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Marked absent: From kindergarten through college, men struggle in school
Even as an elementary school kid, Chris Cable hated school. It felt pointless, and so boring that he struggled to…
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Scammers claiming to be with DOT sending emails with payment link
The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles routinely receives complaints from customers who have been targeted by scammers claiming to be…
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Highlands Middle School renovations incoming
Whether it is routine maintenance, renovation, expansion or new construction, Macon County Schools has a long list of needed capital…
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Taylor pleads guilty, judge commends him on alcohol recovery
Bill Taylor, a former chairman and member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council, pleaded guilty Monday, Jan.…
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Western legislators weigh in on upcoming General Assembly session
North Carolina’s General Assembly convened last Wednesday, beginning a new session with new dynamics that will come into play as…
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Corbin, Gillespie tapped for important leadership positions
Western North Carolina voters — and legislators — often complain about the feeling of being ignored by Raleigh, but as…
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Design alteration may come to Waynesville’s South Main Street
An awkward Hazelwood intersection could be scrapped ahead of planned North Carolina Department of Transportation improvements to South Main Street,…
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Property values on the rise in Macon
Macon County is undergoing a tax reappraisal this year, and while the numbers are jarring, they won’t be a surprise…
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Affordable housing crisis crops up in Waynesville parcel deal
A Waynesville resident who wants to buy a parcel from the town may or may not get their way after alderman…
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Haywood commissioners issue joint statement on Ramey
Republican Commissioner Terry Ramey should pay his taxes and stop threatening the media for reporting on the issue, according to…
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Now Hiring: Tuscola begins search for new football coach
In recent months Haywood County has been shaken by the suspension and eventual resignation of physical education teacher and head…
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Jackson County hits brakes on Sylva’s municipal grant request
Each year, the Jackson County Commission offers the Municipal Grant Program in which municipalities can apply for grants of up…
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Searching for a seeker: The fearless life and tragic disappearance of Melissa McDevitt
Flitting about her apartment on Vancouver Island, Melissa McDevitt had already packed her bag in preparation for the long journey…
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Appointments available for ACA health insurance
Enrollment for 2023 health insurance through the ACA Marketplace ends Jan. 15. Folks who sign up now can have quality, affordable…
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