It was nearing midnight last Saturday when I found myself in a circle of friends in the small, cozy sitting nook between the front door and the bar counter of The Scotsman in Waynesville. 

The Haywood County Arts Council’s (HCAC) “Small Works” exhibit will run through Dec. 31 at the HCAC Gallery & Gifts showroom in downtown Waynesville. 

A special stage production of Agatha Christie’s legendary whodunit “The Mousetrap” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8-9, 15-16 and 2 p.m. Nov. 10 and 17 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. 

A state-mandated countywide property reappraisal that was nearly complete and slated to take effect on Jan. 1, 2025, has been shelved by Haywood County commissioners until Jan. 1, 2027, due in large part to property damage incurred during Hurricane Helene.  

A coalition of Haywood County community organizations, quasi-governmental institutions, local businesses and private individuals have stepped in where the North Carolina General Assembly wouldn’t — by creating a fund that will make grants to small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

Two Republicans seeking to fend off a challenge by a lone Democrat, Waynesville native Tausha Forney, have done so, and will return to their seats on the Haywood County Board of Commissioners.

“First the huffin’, then the stuffin’.” 

That’s the motto for the Waynesville-Sunrise Rotary Club’s fourth annual 5K turkey trot, held 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 28, at Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center. 

In the wake of the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene, “Rock For Relief: A WNC Flood Benefit Festival,” an all-day musical gathering for charity, will take place Saturday, Nov. 2, at a variety of venues in Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Canton and Sylva. 

We’ve had more than a week of picture-perfect fall days, usually a part of the recipe for a busy, successful tourist season. But there’s an unshakeable uneasiness among the business community since Helene, and especially in Haywood County. I hope elected leaders take note. 

Following the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, Haywood County Schools reopened its doors to students and staff last week.