With the help of Swain County commissioners, Mountain Discovery Charter School is about to begin a capital campaign to build a new gymnasium at the school that can also be utilized by the community at large.

Rev. Howard “Howdie” White, former rector of the Episcopal Grace Church in the Mountains in Waynesville, is being investigated in two states after being accused of sexual misconduct with minors. 

Five Swain County Democrats are heading for the March 15 primary election in hopes of securing a seat on the board of commissioners.

Drone operators have found that navigating the Federal Aviation Administration’s regulations is more complicated than navigating their unmanned aircrafts.

Though it can make certain aspects of life easier, technology often has unintended consequences.

Great Smoky Mountain Railroad officials say they will make their deadline for getting a steam engine back up and running in Bryson City.

With a few fresh faces, the Franklin Board of Aldermen met last Saturday morning to make plans and set priorities for 2016.

With less than two weeks to go, the Women of Waynesville (WOW) are eager with excitement to bring to Haywood County the first ever Bachelors Ball for Belles auction and fundraiser.

A devoted customer stood at the counter at Walker Service chatting with Clayton Cathey before picking up his truck for what may be the last time.   

“What’s this rumor I hear about you closing?” the customer asked.

Tara Keilberg, a founding board member for the Shining Rock Classical Academy, has resigned from her post as chairwoman on the board of directors to become the charter school’s new business manager.

Before it becomes a mandate from a judge, Macon County commissioners are looking to make improvements to security at the courthouse.

After interviewing seven people Monday night, the Maggie Valley Board of Aldermen unanimously chose Clayton Davis to fill a two-year unexpired term on the board.

Haywood County Schools have pulled the trigger on Saturday school, announcing that this Saturday (Jan. 30) will be a snow make-up day. School will dismiss at 12 p.m.

Many residents in Canton and Clyde were without water overnight as a result of an 8-inch waterline break yesterday and a high demand due to the winter storm.

In a surprising last-minute turnout, nine Maggie Valley residents have submitted applications to be considered for a board of aldermen vacancy.

Though community college leaders aren’t allowed to take an official position on whether they support the $2 billion Connect NC Bond initiative, the proposal could mean $350 million for community colleges across the state.

Despite the large number of politicians that will be on the ballot March 15, Western Carolina University in Cullowhee probably has the most to gain and the most to lose during the primary election.

On March 15, North Carolina voters will be asked whether they support borrowing $2 billion to fund a backlog of infrastructure projects throughout the state.

SEE ALSO:
• Bond could give higher education an influx of funds
• Community colleges also stand to benefit from bond passage 

The $2 billion Connect NC Bond proposal includes funds for earmarked projects in 72 out of 100 counties for universities, community colleges, state parks, National Guard facilities, agricultural research, water and sewer upgrades and more.

Macon County commissioners maintained their stance against creating more wilderness areas in the county despite The Wilderness Society’s attempt to change their minds.

Dr. Frank VanMiddlesworth is on a mission to bring free medical care to the uninsured in Swain County and improve the overall health of its residents.

The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office is requesting assistance from the public in locating two suspects in an armed robbery that occurred at Galloway’s Convenience Store just outside the Canton city limits Friday night.

Parents of Central Elementary School students were shocked Tuesday morning when they heard the Haywood County School Board was considering closing down the longstanding Waynesville institution.

Maggie Valley is still accepting applications from potential candidates to fill a two-year unexpired term on the board of aldermen.

Rescue crews recovered the body of Sean Kasey around 1:30 p.m. Sunday from the Cullasaja River after conducting a search for nearly 24 hours.

Heavy rains and high waters in December have resulted in more than $1 million in flood damage in Macon County.

Barring any unexpected circumstances, Howell Mill Road should be open to vehicle traffic in a couple of weeks.

The $11.7 million North Carolina Department of Transportation project began back in May 2015 with road closures beginning in July. The original completion date was set for October 2016, but Nathan Tanner, NCDOT District 14 assistant resident engineer, said some hard work and cooperative weather helped keep the project way ahead of schedule.

Plans for a brand new residential subdivision in Franklin will move forward after the town board of aldermen approved a special-use permit for Scenic Ridge Properties.

As allegations of police brutality continue to dominate the news all across the country, many law enforcement agencies have turned to body cameras as a possible solution.

Incumbent Mark Meadows, R-Cashiers, will face a challenger in next year’s election to represent the 11th District of North Carolina in the U.S. House of Representatives.

After conducting research and gathering public input for several months, an ad hoc committee finally has a working draft for what might be Swain County’s first animal control ordinance. 

Six candidates have signed up to run for two commissioner seats in Macon County next year.

Canton’s outdoor pool has given the community a place to gather, play, exercise and relax for more than 70 years.

Seven candidates will be vying for two commissioner seats in Swain County next year.

Public officials aren’t required to place their hand on a Bible to be sworn into office, but a majority of them still do.

In the last couple of weeks, Franklin Mayor Bob Scott has been called un-American, arrogant and an asshole, but he’s taking it in stride knowing he made a decision based on his conscience and not on fear.

New Smartphone applications are being developed every day, and many of them are helping teenagers keep secrets from their parents.

Five candidates are running for two commissioner seats in Macon County and there are still five days left to sign up for the race.

It has cost Canton half a million dollars to keep ownership of a piece of property it already owns.

People can buy a real Christmas tree just about anywhere these days — from the big box stores to the side of the road.

Some like them tall and thin. Others like them shorter and thick.

The Christmas tree business is not a get-rich-quick kind of industry. Once a seedling is planted, it takes about eight years of growth before the tree can fulfill its Christmas destiny.

With the sign-up period for the 2016 election underway, two more candidates have tossed their hats in the ring to run for commissioner in Macon County.

As the demand for services continues to grow, Franklin will begin its search for a full-time fire chief to run the Franklin Fire Department.

Alaska Presley has had plenty of good intentions and ideas for Ghost Town in the Sky since she bought the rundown amusement park out of foreclosure in 2012.

Following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor, the United Steelworkers Local 9-507 in Canton has to redo its election of officers before March 31, 2016.

While November is usually still a busy time for downtown Bryson City merchants, Paige Christie said her sales are down a third over last year.

Roberta Brunk could have easily become a victim of circumstance. Growing up in an abusive home and being moved around to different foster homes and schools could have permanently shaped her life and set her up for disaster, but she didn’t let that happen.

Linda Morgan, executive director at Broyhill Children’s Home in Clyde, said she’s seen the pendulum swing many times during her 42 years working in the system. Some years the cottages at Broyhill are sparsely occupied, but the children’s home has been at capacity with 50 children for a solid two years.