EPA announces completion of Helene response in WNC
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the agency has completed its work supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local health departments with hurricane response efforts in western North Carolina.
BearWaters Brewing plans rebuild with new focus after devastating floods
After two major floods in three years, BearWaters Brewing Company is adapting its business to ensure a future in downtown Canton. During a Feb. 13 town meeting, brewery representatives detailed their struggles and their vision for a new chapter, which includes shifting away from brewing on-site while expanding into a whole new line of business.
Of truth and trust: Lack of accountability haunts charitable hurricane relief efforts
After Hurricane Helene completed its devastating march from the Gulf of Mexico to the Great Smoky Mountains, the struggles of disaster survivors — from environmental devastation and bureaucratic hurdles to inadequate recovery support — have exposed a broken cycle of aid and accountability, where truth and trust become enveloped in a murky ethical mist that consists, at least partially, of exploitative promises made worse by false premises and finger-pointing.
Gov. Stein promises intensive storm relief measures
Gov. Josh Stein has made it clear that he intends on prioritizing Hurricane Helene relief in Western North Carolina.
Shortly after being sworn in on Jan. 1, Stein issued six executive orders meant to expedite aid to the still-devastated region where some have complained about a slow response, especially when it comes to housing amid frigid temperatures.
Helene assistance deadline extended
At the request of Gov. Josh Stein, FEMA has granted North Carolina an extension for local governments and certain types of non-profits to apply for public assistance until Feb. 6, 2025.
Rental assistance available for homeowners, renters
Homeowners and renters in North Carolina may be eligible for FEMA Rental Assistance if they cannot live in their homes because of damage due to Tropical Storm Helene.
Canton Fire Department moving to new temporary home
The Town of Canton’s temporary operations hub on Summer Street, home to town hall and the police department since shortly after deadly flooding in 2021, is about to get a little bigger.
FEMA extends deadline to apply for Helene assistance
The deadline for North Carolinians in 39 counties to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance after Hurricane Helene has been extended to Jan. 7, 2025.
Don’t feed us lies during this tragedy
To the Editor:
Donald Trump has been guilty of spewing so many fact-free statements over the years that ‘fact checking’ has become a ritual after every Trump pronouncement. No one, including the people that support him, denies this fact.
We must put planet over profit
To the Editor:
A vote for Trump is a vote for Project 2025, the incredibly dangerous game plan for a far-right authoritarian government that would strip away vital protections enjoyed by the American people today.