News Headlines
Haynes selected as next Haywood clerk of court
Former Haywood County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jeff Haynes has been named the county’s new clerk of superior court.
The announcement was made the morning of Nov. 7, two weeks after Hunter Plemmons informed Chief Resident Superior Court Judge Roy Wijewickrama that he was going to resign after eight years of service.
Western Republicans buck national trend in Nov. 4 election
Overwhelmingly, municipal officials take pride in their nonpartisan service, but once they’re elected, they don’t just leave their party hats at the chamber doors.
Guffey wins Franklin mayoral race, Salain retains council seat
Franklin will have a new mayor and two new council members.
Democrats keep shutdown going to save health care subsidies
As the federal shutdown drags on, Republicans accuse Democrats of prolonging it for political reasons, pointing to stalled votes that could reopen the government and fully restore programs like SNAP. But Democrats say what they’re holding out for isn’t politics — it’s protection. Specifically, protection for millions of Americans who rely on Affordable Care Act subsidies that will soon expire.
Public works pay crisis prompts Waynesville study
The steady loss of workers who keep Waynesville’s water running and streets clean has town leaders on edge.
At the Oct. 28 meeting, council heard grim numbers and took action, voting to fund a pay study meant to stop an exodus that’s led to tremendous turnover and left nine out of about 80 positions vacant.
Sylva election navigates division and growth
Sylva voters faced a crowded ballot and a divided community, weighing seven candidates for three council seats amid ongoing cultural battles and financial strain.
Voters pick two new faces for Forest Hills, sort of
Forest Hills residents faced a defining choice this election, selecting leaders who will decide how the small Jackson County village balances development pressure, rising costs and the preservation of its valley character.
Webster elects new faces amid record turnout
Webster voters ended one of the most competitive elections in the town’s history by choosing a mix of new and familiar names to lead them through coming years of growth, traffic and tax debates. Five candidates sought three seats, reflecting renewed interest in local government after years of uncontested races.
Clyde challenger, incumbent take alderman seats
Clyde voters confronted familiar questions this election — how to rebuild after disaster, how to manage growth without losing the town’s identity and how to plan for a future defined by both opportunity and risk. Four candidates competed for two seats on the Board of Aldermen, offering different ideas but sharing a commitment to long-term resilience.
