The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season began today, and Gov. Josh Stein urged North Carolinians to have a plan in place in case tropical weather impacts the state this season. Although the National Hurricane Center predicts a below-normal season, North Carolinians know that it takes only one storm to affect communities statewide.  

Protecting children from harm requires a coordinated, informed, and proactive approach. KARE House, a children’s advocacy center in Haywood County, is dedicated to supporting children and families affected by abuse, neglect or exploitation. This work is carried out through comprehensive services including outreach, advocacy, specialized interventions and a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach designed to put children first. 

The stories came in waves, each more graphic than the last, until the room itself seemed to tighten under the weight of them — a dog so badly abused she could not walk, a horse found dead in a dry creek bed, another starving animal that did not survive despite last-ditch rescue efforts. By the time public comment ended March 16, Haywood County commissioners were left facing a stark question residents had repeated in different ways all night: how had so many warnings gone unanswered? 

Trees already line many of Waynesville’s streets and ring the town’s parks, but after Town Council’s Oct. 28 meeting, their future care will no longer be left to chance. Council members voted unanimously to adopt a new municipal tree ordinance designed to protect public trees, reduce energy use, improve aesthetics and promote long-term environmental sustainability. 

A Domestic Violence Protective Order, sometimes called a restraining order, is one of the most important legal tools available to protect survivors of domestic violence. A DVPO is a court order that forbids an abuser from contacting their victim. If that order is violated, the abuser can face criminal charges. 

The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust is proud to announce the permanent protection of 47.97 acres of ecologically significant land generously donated by High Hampton. This private conservation easement ensures the preservation of unique natural features such as rock outcrops, mature forests, headwaters, floodplains and mountain bogs. 

As the summer season comes to an end, Haywood County Health and Human Services is urging residents to take immediate action to reduce the risk of mosquito and tick-borne illnesses, including encephalitis and Lyme disease.