From Waynesville to the Big Apple

By Michael Beadle

Nick Taylor’s career in journalism has spanned four decades and several cities, but it all began in Western North Carolina.

Downtown Waynesville wi-fi to go live by April

Since Suzanne Gernandt opened Textures in downtown Waynesville three years ago, she’s noticed one question in particular has been on the rise among her customers: where can I find wireless Internet?

TDA has equal parts Maggie Valley, Waynesville

The Haywood County Board of Commissioners have appointed two new members to the Tourism Development Authority board: Deborah Reed, a leader of the Canton merchant’s association FOCUS, and Art O’Neil, owner of Sunset Inn, Sunset Bakery and Sunset Café at Lake Junaluska, and Sunset on Main restaurant in downtown Waynesville.

Campaign kicks off to replace historic Francis Mill’s waterwheel

The Francis Mill Preservation Society in Haywood County is gearing up for a major campaign to replace the metal wheel on the grist mill.

Town quells Allens Creek ‘jake’ brake problem

Residents along Allens Creek in Waynesville are cheering a long-sought ban on the use of “jake” brakes by gravel trucks on their way to and from a rock quarry located in their otherwise residential community.

“It is like living in a different world out here,” Charles Miller, a resident of Allens Creek, said of the ban. “It’s definitely quieter up Allens Creek.”

Wal-Mart rolls out unique design

The controversy over a proposed Super Wal-Mart complex in Waynesville took a turn at a town planning board meeting this week when developers presented a design for the store’s façade that by all accounts was the nicest looking Super Wal-Mart anyone had ever seen.

Unified voices calling for a better big box

When Waynesville leaders met earlier this month to discuss the site plan and variance requests for the proposed big-box development at the old Dayco site, it seems they spoke with a unanimous voice, urging construction of something other than an off-the-shelf retail center.

Appearance commission holds its own

“You can do better.”

That was the message last week from Waynesville town leaders to developers of a Super Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Staples complex being considered in the former Dayco site in west Waynesville. The developers are seeking a slate of exemptions from the town’s land-use plan intended to preserve the town’s character.

Neighbors surprised by Dayco development

Brenda Fowler’s customers usually keep her posted of the latest news and gossip when they stop in at her produce stand on South Main Street in Waynesville. But word of a big-box development sporting Home Depot and Super Wal-Mart coming to the closed-down Dayco factory a stone’s throw away hadn’t yet circulated when a reporter stopped by gathering opinions on the proposed development last week.

Leading the way: Folkmoot guides are instrumental in making sure group’s visits run smoothly

By Marian Larson • Contributing Writer

They are part camp counselor, part dorm parent, and part U.N. ambassador.

As Folkmoot arrives in Waynesville this week, the visiting dancers must somehow orient to their temporary American life in the mountains. Someone must help them manage their strict daily routine and orchestrate the elements of their day from meal to shower to performance.

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.