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Losing ground: Six months after Helene, local governments still haven’t been paid

Most days, Brandon Rogers has dirt under his fingernails — a badge of honest labor. Owner of a small auto repair shop on the outskirts of Canton, Rogers usually wakes up, puts on some sturdy workwear and heads to the shop to support his family, one customer at a time. Last Tuesday, his day began not with the percussive whir of impact wrenches or the earthy aroma of motor oil, but instead with a crisp suit and a trip to the airport. 

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Sylva selects new commissioner

During its March 27 meeting, the Sylva Board of Commissioners voted to appoint Joseph Waldrun to fill the seat left vacant by Commissioner Mark Jones in February. 

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Jan. 6 participant speaks to Macon Republican Women’s Club

On Jan. 6, 2021, Nathan Baer stormed the Capitol in Washington, D.C. On April 26, 2023, he was arrested in Asheville and hit with numerous charges. On April 5, 2024, he pleaded guilty to one felony and was sentenced to four months in federal prison. On Jan. 21 of this year, he was pardoned by President Donald Trump and released from incarceration. On March 19, he spoke to the Macon County Republican Women’s Club in Franklin. 

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Legislators tag-team proposal for professional wrestling museum

North Carolina lawmakers are stepping into the ring with a $500,000 proposal to grapple with the idea of establishing a professional wrestling museum, hoping to pin down the state’s rich sports entertainment history before the final bell rings on funding. 

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Macon Early College to field its own athletic teams

The Macon County Board of Education approved funding to permit Macon Early College in Franklin to apply to become a member of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association and field its own sports teams. Previously, MEC students had participated in athletics at Franklin High School. 

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Sylva aims to maintain current tax rate

As Sylva closes in on a final proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, it looks like the town will be able to achieve its top budget priorities without an increase to the tax rate, due in part to growth in its taxable value from the 2025 tax revaluation in Jackson County.  

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KARE hosts events to recognize child abuse prevention month

In recognition of April as child abuse prevention month, KARE is inviting the community to join in celebrating the strength and hope that help families thrive.

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DA rebukes Cherokee County deputy after new filings in 2022 shooting

New filings in the civil suit Jason Harley Kloepfer filed seven months after he was shot by police in the doorway of his own home cast a new shadow over the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

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Kitchens Branch Fire in Sylva mostly contained

As of 10 a.m. this morning, the Kitchens Branch fire in Sylva is 94 acres and 60% contained.

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