Three newcomers, three incumbents on the ballot for Haywood Schools

On the heels of new academic data showing Haywood County Schools ranking seventh among the state’s 115 districts, school board…
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Macon to vote on new school board members, funding option for new high school

This year, Macon County Schools began the process of building a new high school. The Franklin High School that exists…
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As NC Republicans eye supermajority for abortion 
restrictions, Edwards calls pro-choice voters ‘evil’

The debate over abortion rights now moves to the General Assembly — and therefore, the ballot box — but both…
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Performance vs. Promise: West, Cothran seek Haywood tax collector position

This is probably the only election story you’ll read about a county tax collector’s race in North Carolina, because Haywood…
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Five vie for three seats on Haywood Commission

Three incumbents, along with two challengers, are all running for the Haywood County Board of Commissioners this year, and there…
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Big changes coming in WNC law enforcement leadership

Earlier this year candidates for sheriff began campaigning across the region, hoping to earn the trust of voters who, in…
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Bryson, Wilke square off in highly anticipated Haywood sheriff race

After nearly 10 years in office, Haywood County Sheriff Greg Christopher announced his retirement in Mach 2021, giving prospective candidates more…
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Jackson sheriff race down to Buchanan, Farmer

With the impending retirement of Jackson County Sheriff Chip Hall, two candidates will compete for the seat this fall in…
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Cochran seeks fifth term as Swain Sheriff

To be a sheriff in North Carolina is to be the most powerful elected official in a county.
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Race for Jackson County Commission: 
Incumbent Democrats vs. Republican newcomers

The Jackson County Commission has three seats on the ballot this fall. In addition to commission chairman, districts one and…
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McMahan and Letson compete for commission chair 


This election season, there are three seats up for grabs on the Jackson County Commission, all held by Democrats, all…
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Macon commission candidates address issues facing county

Correction: An earlier version of this article stated that John Shearl ran unopposed in his party's primary, which is not…
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Forgiveness for me, but not for thee: Right wing hypocrisy on debt forgiveness reaches WNC

Democratic President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan drew its fair share of cheers and jeers, but as it turns…
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Legislators, candidates stake out positions on abortion ban

After nearly 50 years of contention and debate over what was once considered “settled law,” abortion has now become a…
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House GOP majority could target Social Security, Medicare

The life story of Hendersonville resident Marge Cullen isn’t much different than that of many other retirement-aged Americans.
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Election deniers are targeting North Carolina elections

With dozens of debunked allegations surrounding a “rigged” 2020 election still fresh on the minds of right-wing conspiracy theorists, Western…
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New grant funding available for tech-oriented small businesses
 

New grant funding available for tech-oriented small businesses

Applications are now being accepted for a new round of grantmaking from the One North Carolina Small Business Program, a…
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Tribal Council commits $324 million for sports-related brand, resort projects

During Annual Council Oct. 24, Tribal Council approved “Project Coda,” a $324 million effort to control “a brand recognized worldwide”…
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American hero starts new chapter at SCC-PSTC

Arin Canon doesn’t utilize the parking spot reserved for veterans at Southwestern Community College’s Public Safety Training Center.
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Experts explain IRS’s data security plan template
 

Experts explain IRS’s data security plan template

Anyone renewing their preparer tax identification number (PTIN) for 2023 will be asked to attest to their data security responsibility…
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WNC mourns Lambert Wilson

The Oct. 20 death of Lambert Wilson — a beloved educator, business owner and supporter of Native American art —…
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Moody’s bond revoked for failure to appear

The Haywood County woman charged with 59 counts of interstate threats and conspiracy to kidnap after sending threatening letters to public officials…
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Tribal Council approves anti-panhandling law

In a unanimous vote Monday, Oct. 17, the Cherokee Tribal Council passed an ordinance that prohibits begging and panhandling in…
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Waynesville housing development makes quick progress

Construction on one of Waynesville’s largest ever single-family home development hasn’t been underway for long, and it’s already transformed the…
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Community Care: With successful data in hand, Sylva’s pilot police program grows

When Western Carolina University Professors Katie Allen and Cyndy Caravelis approached Sylva Police Chief Chris Hatton with a proposal for…
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Taylor domestic violence case headed to trial

Former Tribal Council Rep. Dennis Edward “Bill” Taylor is now facing a fourth charge in the domestic violence case that…
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Crowe announces run for Cherokee chief

Bo Crowe, a fifth-term Tribal Council member representing Wolfetown and Big Y, has announced his intention to challenge Principal Chief…
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Waynesville veteran pinned in special ceremony

A special veteran pinning ceremony was held last week in honor of Air Force Veteran Edward Tobin of Waynesville. The…
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Major I-40 bridge project starting in Haywood County

A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation will launch a two-year project to completely replace two bridges on Interstate…
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Committed to community: WCU grad wins national journalism award

Focused on cleaning up her inbox, Sara Stanley, a May graduate from Western Carolina University’s journalism program, was about to…
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$10 million in capital improvements approved for Macon Schools

Macon County Commissioners approved a slew of capital improvement projects totaling almost $10 million during a joint meeting with the…
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Council approves $55 million for Kituwah LLC investments

Following a 90-minute closed session discussion Monday, Oct. 24, the Cherokee Tribal Council voted to allocate an additional $55 million…
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Waynesville man pleads guilty to sex crimes, adds time to active sentence
 

Waynesville man pleads guilty to sex crimes, adds time to active sentence

Timothy Connor, of Waynesville, pleaded guilty to the sexual assault of a child adding 26-41 consecutive months to his existing…
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Jackson County man to spend life in prison after jury verdict

A 40-year-old Jackson County man will spend the remainder of his life behind bars for the repeated sexual assault of…
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Maggie Valley gets new elk crossing signs

Folks driving up or down Soco Mountain on the Haywood County side may notice some new signage indicating elk could…
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Macon moves along with new high school planning

The Macon County Board of Commissioners and Board of Education have authorized architectural firm LS3P to submit designs for the…
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Legal Aid of North Carolina debuts new website

Legal Aid of North Carolina has fully launched its new website at the existing legalaidnc.org address. Designed and developed by Charlotte-based Kelso Communications and Priceless…
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With replacement complete, century-old WCU steam plant to retire

After nearly a century in operation, years of inspiring trepidation at winter’s approach and $33 million from the state legislature,…
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Dec. 15 special election to fill Tribal Council vacancies

A special election Thursday, Dec. 15, will seat new Tribal Council members to fill vacancies left by the death of Painttown…
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Feds prosecute sexual abuse case in Cherokee

A woman is facing five federal charges stemming from two alleged incidents of sexual abuse of a minor on tribal…
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WCU partners with Statesville school for mentorship program

For many students at Statesville High School, stepping onto the campus of Western Carolina University was their first college experience. 
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Franklin announces next chief of police

Town Manager Amie Owens announced that Devin Holland will be appointed as Franklin’s next Chief of Police effective Dec. 1.
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Moody fails to appear for hearing, taken back into custody

A Haywood County woman arrested by the FBI on Sept. 7 for making threats to public officials is back in custody after…
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Complaint to DPI alleges abuse at 
Shining Rock Classical Academy

A parent at Shining Rock Classical Academy has filed an official complaint about discipline at the school with the North Carolina…
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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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