Watch your bank account
To the Editor:
Trump and his puppet master Elon Musk are killing our economy that was recovering better than any other major nation after the terrible worldwide COVID experience, an economy with bipartisan infrastructure investments that were good for working people and poised to take off in a measured and secure way with inflation down and jobs up.
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.
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.
America's worst idea: Cuts to national parks put safety, economy, legacy at risk
Often called “America’s best idea,” the National Park System founded more than a century ago has given generations of visitors from across the country and the world a unique opportunity to come together amid the bountiful natural beauty and historical dignity this nation has to offer.
Cutting USAID hurts farmers
To the Editor:
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) buys about $2 billion — billion — in U.S. agricultural products per year. American crops like wheat, peas, lentils, rice, corn, soybeans, vegetable oil and sorghum are purchased for USAID programs.
Haywood TDA looks at tourism, post-Helene
Despite Hurricane Helene’s disruption of the region’s tourism industry, the entity charged with collecting and spending room occupancy taxes in Haywood County to promote visitation has presented a 10-year master plan outlining a comprehensive strategy for sustainable tourism development.
USDA implements new wood processing program
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack unveiled a new program to support American wood processing facilities.
Grants for businesses impacted by Helene are on the way in Haywood County
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.
Connecting local businesses with the outside world
Challenges still abound after Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina a little over a month ago. But one resource created by local leaders in economic development is aiming to put WNC businesses on the map and connect the local economy with the outside world.
Choose wisely with your vote
To the Editor:
This upcoming election is going to be a close call. According to many of the polls being taken, the number one issue for many voters is the economy. A Gallup poll on late 2023 showed 53% of Americans thought the Republicans are better at running the economy compared to 39% for Democrats.
