The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation SBI, in partnership with the Henderson County Drug Interdiction and Criminal Enforcement unit, concluded “Operation Uptown Funk,” a year-long investigation into an alleged local Drug Trafficking Organization. 

The First Presbyterian Church of Waynesville has created a coupon book offering discounts to Waynesville merchants who lost business due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.

Organized by Brenda Stiles, about 25 businesses are participating. 

At the recent MerleFest, the nation’s premier Americana/bluegrass festival in Wilkesboro, an emerging act from our region, Upstream Rebellion, not only made its debut at the gathering as part of the band competition, the members also walked away immensely inspired. 

A long-anticipated recreation project in Haywood County took a significant step forward on June 2 as commissioners accepted a bid for the construction of Raccoon Creek Bike Park. 

As part of the multi-year America 250 NC effort, Haywood County’s Sons of the American Revolution, Daughters of the American Revolution and the Haywood County America 250 NC team will host a historical presentation by George Washington’s favorite general — sort of. 

Hands off Haywood will host a rally and speakers beginning at noon on Saturday, June 14 at the Historic Haywood County Court House, 285 Main St. in Waynesville.

In recognition of Flag Day, rally organizers have purchased small American flags to distribute to participants. 

A “Spirit of America Celebration” will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. The theme of the event, sponsored by the Haywood County Republican Party, is “Proud to be an American.” 

Haywood Regional Medical Center is proud to announce the launch of the Special Delivery Program, a new initiative focused on improving postpartum care and reducing maternal mortality. Through this program, postpartum patients will receive wristbands to wear for six weeks after delivery, serving as a visual reminder to remain vigilant about their health and seek timely care if complications arise. 

To the Editor:

On Memorial Day — a holiday that originally honored Union soldiers who died defending the principles enshrined in our Constitution and Declaration of Independence, and now encompasses all who have served these United States — my wife and I revisited my childhood haunts in Western North Carolina.

When Hurricane Helene slammed into Western North Carolina in late 2024, public attention focused on damaged homes, washed-out roads and the rigid bureaucracy meant to help with recovery, but the widespread physical damage was closely followed by a slow-moving economic catastrophe unfolding among the region’s small businesses, farmers and local governments. Now, eight months later, help may finally be on the way.