This year, Tammy Ensley celebrated 15 years as coach of Pisgah’s varsity cheerleading team and her first year coaching the girls’ track team.

Some 15,000 much-needed surgical masks are now available for health care providers across the 18 counties of Western North Carolina, thanks to big efforts by a small group centered at Western Carolina University.

Haywood County Public Health received notice May 18 that two more Haywood County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, marking the 27 and 28 cases in the county. The individuals are in isolation at home.

Macon County Public Health received a positive test result on Friday, May 15. A fourth Macon County resident has tested positive for COVID–19. The individual is between the ages of 25-49.

The Pisgah National Forest has begun to reopen many trails and roads and partially lift restrictions for dispersed camping.

An additional case of COVID-19 has been announced for Jackson County, putting the total number of residents diagnosed with the disease at 24. In addition, two part-time residents have been confirmed to have the disease, and Jackson County health providers have diagnosed 20 non-residents as well.

A faculty member in Western Carolina University’s Department of Communication is seeking volunteers to participate in a research study exploring how people obtain and assess information about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Haywood County Public Health received notice May 15, that a 24th Haywood County resident has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. The individual is in isolation at home.

Drive-thru testing for COVID-19 will be available at the Walmart parking lot in Sylva beginning Friday, May 15.

Visitors from 26 different states and Washington, D.C., traveled to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park last weekend after it opened for the first time since coronavirus concerns prompted a complete closure March 24.