News Headlines
Governor appoints new WNC judge
Haywood County attorney Bill Jones has been appointed to fill a vacant District Court seat in the judicial district made up of the state’s seven westernmost counties. The appointment was announced late last week in a press release sent out by Gov. Josh Stein’s office.
Public safety, tourism impact behind Pless’ TDA bill
Last week, Haywood County Republican Rep. Mark Pless filed a bill that would strip the county of its ability to levy room occupancy taxes. Now, he’s revealed that the impact of tourism on public safety and tight county budgets are also a motivating force behind it.
Commissioners push for partisan school board elections without notice
After a surprise move by Commissioner John Smith at a meeting on Feb. 18, Jackson County is one step closer to partisan school board elections.
But the move, which was approved unanimously by the commission, was not on the agenda, which means the public, and members of the Board of Education, were left in the dark on the issue and the fact that commissioners were even considering the move.
Waynesville Fire Department 'in good hands; after Helene response
Saying 2024 was an “eventful” year for the Waynesville Fire Department may have been an understatement by Chief Joey Webb, Sr., but so is saying the department “made many great strides forward.”
Swift but uneven recovery from Helene continues
After a disastrous September and October, some — but not all — counties impacted by Hurricane Helene on Sept. 27 are getting back to business as usual.
Haywood EMS considers how to navigate I-40 ahead of partial re-open
It’s been about five months since the 20-mile stretch of Interstate 40 in Haywood County up to the Tennessee state line has been shut down due to massive damage over a span of about three miles, but as of now, one lane of travel in each direction is expected to be restored next week.
Proposals sought for services to court-involved youth in Haywood
The Haywood County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council announced $182,420 in funds available for 2025-27 from the Department of Public Safety for services for juvenile court-involved youth in Haywood County.
Mark Jones resigns from Sylva Town Board
Sylva Commissioner Mark Jones tendered his resignation from the board through a letter during the Feb. 13 meeting, citing health-related reasons.
Collins appointed to TDA board
Jackson County Commissioners appointed Dale Collins to the county’s Tourism Development Authority Board, filling a vacancy that had been left open since before December.
