Federal government announces $20 million for improvements to Corridor K
 

Federal government announces $20 million for improvements to Corridor K

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced a $20 million grant from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to…
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Ada Limón. adalimon.net photo
 

U.S. Poet Laureate to visit Smokies

United States Poet Laureate Ada Limón is coming to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a special event at…
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Become a Master Gardener volunteer
 

Become a Master Gardener volunteer

Join a network of passionate community members across the state dedicated to learning and sharing research-based information, enhancing their communities…
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Haywood Rec offers Parkway sunset yoga
 

Haywood Rec offers Parkway sunset yoga

Join Haywood County recreation for a sunset yoga session on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 
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Paddling ahead: Nantahala Outdoor Center enters new chapter
 

Paddling ahead: Nantahala Outdoor Center enters new chapter

It’s not lost on Colin McBeath how unique and cherished the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is to locals and visitors…
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Dennis Thurman (left) and Helen Ryde shake hands after a prayer meeting held by the Haywood Baptist Association on June 28.
 

First Amendment on display as opposing sides reckon with Pride

For many, a Pride festival is a fairly straightforward event, a celebration of unity among people marginalized for who they…
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This artist's rendering shows what the bronze plaque on the monument might look like.
 

Monument to papermakers coming to Canton

The shuttered paper mill at the heart of Canton is still there — for now. One day it won’t be,…
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The photograph, depicting Masa on a rock outcrop with his camera and a companion, was previously believed to have been taken at Graybeard Mountain. Recent findings confirm that the actual location is Blackstack Cliffs in the Cherokee National Forest. Donated photos
 

Iconic photo of George Masa ID’d

The true location of one of the most iconic photographs of George Masa has been accurately identified. The photograph, depicting…
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George Masa Foundation announces Youth Conservation Photography Prize
 

George Masa Foundation announces Youth Conservation Photography Prize

The George Masa Foundation has announced the launch of the inaugural George Masa Youth Conservation Photography Prize. This unique competition…
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Since its first running 34 years ago, the Firecracker 5K has grown from 30 to 300 runners. Donated photo
 

Firecracker 5K returns to Bryson City

Thursday, July 4, marks the 34th running of the Firecracker 5K in Bryson City. Created in 1989 to celebrate the…
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Fourth of July in the Smokies
 

Fourth of July in the Smokies

Nothing says summer more than the Fourth of July with friends and family. And in Western North Carolina, we celebrate…
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The Brothers Gillespie will play Waynesville July 6. File photo
 

Ready for 'The Great American Bash'?

Presented by Adamas Entertainment and The Scotsman Public House, “The Great American Bash” will feature Americana/rock sensation The Brothers Gillespie…
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Dale Ann Bradley will play Robbinsville June 29. Donated photo
 

Stecoah welcomes bluegrass legend

As part of the annual “An Appalachian Evening” concert series, bluegrass icon Dale Ann Bradley will hit the stage at…
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Maggie Valley Arts & Crafts Show
 

Maggie Valley Arts & Crafts Show

The 33rd annual Maggie Valley Arts & Crafts Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 6-7…
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‘Thunder in the Smokies’ returns to Maggie Valley June 28-30. File photo
 

‘Thunder in the Smokies’

The annual “Thunder in the Smokies” spring rally will be held June 28-30 at the Maggie Valley Fairgrounds. 
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A host of Pride events are scheduled for this coming weekend. File photo
 

Haywood’s inaugural Pride festival kicks off

Raymond Valentine has seen a lot of things in his long life, but after 80 years he doesn’t have to…
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Haywood reappraisal will bring huge numbers, huge choices
 

Haywood reappraisal will bring huge numbers, huge choices

Appraisers are still in the field putting the finishing touches on the upcoming countywide property reappraisal set to take effect…
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Sylva Town Council will likely appoint the members of the economic development board. Hannah McLeod photo
 

Sylva to create economic development board

The Town of Sylva is looking to create an economic development board made up of business owners outside the downtown…
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As seen here, David Loftis, far left, was present prior to the closed session, but was absent once commissioners returned and video resumed. From YouTube
 

Swain County commissioner expelled from meeting

Following a heated exchange with another county commissioner during a closed session, Swain County Commissioner David Loftis was expelled from…
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Metal boxes like these contain lifesaving help for opioid overdoses. Michele Rogers photo
 

Free opioid overdose kits available in three Haywood locations

Most people don’t realize that some accidental opioid overdoses are reversible with the quick administration of an opioid antagonist called…
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Public safety, personnel costs push Waynesville tax increase
 

Public safety, personnel costs push Waynesville tax increase

In the second split budget vote in the last four years, Waynesville’s Town Council approved a property tax hike of…
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Old Edwards Inn is the oldest building in Highlands. Garret K. Woodward photo
 

Old Edwards Inn changes ownership : Highlands officials expect ‘business as usual’

Old Edwards Inn — the historic Highlands landmark and premier worldwide travel destination — has been sold, but little is…
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The census had a 56% participation rate. From EBCI.com
 

EBCI reveals census results

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Census results have been finalized for the first time in over two decades. 
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Despite challenges, no tax increase in Canton budget
 

Despite challenges, no tax increase in Canton budget

A full year after one of the county’s largest employers — the Pactiv Evergreen paper mill, in downtown Canton — shut…
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This photo of Southwestern’s campus in 1971 compared to the campus in 2024 (in article below). Donated photos
 

Potential SCC scanning day would explore campus history

Southwestern Community College (SCC), a crucial Western North Carolina educational institute since 1964, is exploring the possibility of hosting a…
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Vecinos CEO Marianne Rupp Martinez (left to right) with SECU Foundation representatives Jama Campbell, executive director, Chris Ayers, board chair, Parker Patterson, senior grants officer and Scott Southern, director of grants administration. Donated photo
 

Vecinos receives SECU Foundation grant

SECU Foundation recently awarded a $1.6 million grant to Vecinos for a new medical center and human services hub in…
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Nantahala Health Foundation launches grant cycle to benefit youth
 

Nantahala Health Foundation launches grant cycle to benefit youth

Nantahala Health Foundation will launch its next competitive grant opportunity on July 1 with a focus on investing in educational,…
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Swain County raises taxes
 

Swain County raises taxes

Swain County will be raising its tax rate for the first time in 11 years in fiscal year 2024-25. Commissioners…
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SCC recognizes OTA graduates
 

SCC recognizes OTA graduates

The newest members of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program recently celebrated their completion of Southwestern Community College’s program with family…
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Large animal vets encouraged to apply for state grants
 

Large animal vets encouraged to apply for state grants

Large animal veterinarians in North Carolina are eligible to apply for up to $25,000 in funds to help support their…
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State to ramp up impaired boating enforcement efforts
 

State to ramp up impaired boating enforcement efforts

 In efforts to ensure a safer July 4 holiday experience on the water, wildlife law enforcement officers with the N.C.…
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Hunting, fishing fees to change July 1
 

Hunting, fishing fees to change July 1

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is announcing an increase to fees for hunting, fishing, trapping and activity licenses,…
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Mountain View Garden Club plant sale
 

Mountain View Garden Club plant sale

Come out to Waynesville for the Mountain View Garden Club plant sale from 9 a.m. to noon July 6 at…
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A cow elk moves through a wooded area. According to a recent DNA study, 240 elk were estimated to be living in Western North Carolina as of 2022.  Of those, 178 were female. Paul Stubbs photo
 

Word from the Smokies: DNA study yields new estimate of Smoky Mountain elk population

Over the decades since 52 elk were reintroduced to Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Cataloochee Valley in 2001 and 2002, wildlife…
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All lanes of I-40 in Pigeon River Gorge now open
 

All lanes of I-40 in Pigeon River Gorge now open

Contract crews for the N.C. Department of Transportation have completed major operations at two locations of Interstate 40 in the…
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High-speed internet grants awarded in WNC
 

High-speed internet grants awarded in WNC

63 North Carolina community service, nonprofit, higher education and regional organizations will get a combined $30 million in grants funded…
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Sarah Songbird Turkey will play Bryson City June 27. Donated photo
 

Americana at Marianna

The Summer Music Series will continue with an evening of old-time and traditional music by Susan Pepper & Sarah Songbird…
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Rene Russell will play Waynesville June 20. Wayne Ebinger photo
 

‘Brisket, Bourbon & Beer’

The “Brisket, Bourbon & Beer” fundraiser for REACH of Haywood County will take place from 5:30-9 p.m. Thursday, June 20,…
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Laura Walkingstick is a cherished WNC artist. File photo
 

Mountain Artisans showcase

The annual Mountain Artisans “Summertime” Arts & Crafts Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 28-29…
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The Maggie Valley Band will play Waynesville June 22. File photo
 

Maggie Valley Band returns to Frog Level

The Maggie Valley Band will perform at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. 
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Hunting Boy Wood Carving is part of the Drive-About tour. File photo
 

Stecoah Drive-About Tour

The annual “Stecoah Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tour” will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 28-29 at featured…
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Alma Russ will play WNC this month. File photo
 

Indie, folk rolls through WNC

Rising singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Alma Russ will hit the stage at 9 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at The Gem downstairs…
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Outlaw Whiskey will play Bryson City June 22. Garret K. Woodward photo
 

Ready for classic rock, country gold?

Haywood County rock/country act Outlaw Whiskey will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Bryson City Brewing in Bryson…
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‘And So I Run’ reading at City Lights
 

‘And So I Run’ reading at City Lights

Local author Anne Jobe and editor Christine Reed will host a special reading at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at…
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A critical July 1 funding deadline approaches. Cory Vaillancourt photo
 

Legislative infighting overshadows child care crisis

Without immediate action from the General Assembly, Pandemic-era federal grants to child care providers will run out on July 1…
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‘A two-generation workforce issue’: Child care availability impeding economic development
 

‘A two-generation workforce issue’: Child care availability impeding economic development

Stakeholders around Western North Carolina recognize the end of COVID-era child care stabilization funding and the broader lack of available…
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The new budget sets the foundation for $145 million in capital improvements, including the construction of a new high school. File photo
 

Macon passes budget with adjustments

After several lengthy discussions, Macon County Commissioners approved the fiscal year 2024-25 budget by a split vote with a couple…
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Democrats claim school vouchers detract from child care grants
 

Democrats claim school vouchers detract from child care grants

As the July 1 budget deadline for Child Care Stabilization grants approaches, it appears the Republican-led North Carolina House and…
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Chris Williams was approved as Western Carolina University's new chief information officer by the WCU Board of Trustees Friday, June 14. WCU photo
 

WCU Board of Trustees approves new CIO

On Friday, June 14, Western Carolina University’s Board of Trustees approved Chris Williams’ selection as its chief information officer. Williams,…
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Charlotte Joy Norris will receive the award on July 13 in Salt Lake City. File photo
 

Months after passing away, Haywood child wins national award

Less than six months after her death at just over two years old, Charlotte Joy Norris is posthumously receiving an…
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