‘No Kings’ movement sweeps through Appalachia
Since 1932, the ashlar veneer of the Haywood County Courthouse in Waynesville has borne silent witness to memorable events in local and national history — the Great Depression, World War II, Korea, the Civil Rights era, Vietnam, 9/11, Afghanistan, the Gulf Wars and most recently the county’s first LGBTQ+ Pride celebration — but a gathering on Flag Day, the same day President Donald Trump celebrated his birthday with a military parade in Washington, D.C., may prove to be just as enduring.
A note about numbers
I get asked about it after every protest I’ve been to, from Andrews to Asheville, from Chicago to Washington, D.C., and everywhere in between.
Rally attendance is one of the most debated aspects of any public gathering — be it left, right, center, secular or spiritual. At outdoor venues that don’t use ticketing and don’t have fences or walls to contain the crowds, estimates can be even more difficult.
‘Islands in the Sky’ launch to highlight Helene survivors, amplify Appalachian voices
Next week, award-winning graphic novelist Andrew Aydin will return to Haywood County to help kick off an ambitious new creative endeavor — one that aims not only to elevate overlooked Appalachian voices but also to preserve the stories of Hurricane Helene’s survivors in a way that’s never been done before.
This must be the place: 'Dear lord, do right by me, you know I'm tired of being lonesome, ornery and mean'
It happened to me, again. Somebody stole my laundry. All of it. And it wasn’t even in the dryer yet. They ran out the door of my neighborhood laundromat in downtown Waynesville with two loads of wet clothes, never to be seen from or worn out and about one more time.
Bluegrass comes to Folkmoot
Rising regional Americana/bluegrass act Upstream Rebellion will hit the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 19, at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville.
Hailing from the depths of Western North Carolina, Upstream Rebellion is rooted in the intricate musical traditions of the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountain ranges.
Clean energy tax credits help all of us
To the Editor:
On May 22, the House of Representatives voted to pass a budget bill (The One Big Beautiful Bill) that drastically cuts America’s clean energy tax credits. Make no mistake: these cuts will hurt North Carolina and the Town of Waynesville if they become law.
June 14 rally is about America
To The Editor:
Do you believe that our country deserves better than this current administration? Do you feel fearful, angry, hopeless or powerless at times? Do you wish there was something you could do to bring about positive change? Then come join your voices with ours on Saturday, June 14 at noon at the Haywood County Historic Courthouse for “Hands Off Haywood — No Kings Rally.”
Haywood ‘Pride on Main’ Returns to Waynesville
From June 27 to 29, IDEA Haywood will present the second annual “Pride on Main” celebration in Waynesville under the banner, “y’all means all.”
Festivities begin Friday, June 27, at 9 p.m. with a kickoff event at the Water’n Hole Bar & Grill. On Saturday, Pride begins at 10 a.m. at the Haywood County Courthouse with opening remarks and performances by Grand Marshal Kat Williams, an Emmy-nominated singer.
Waynesville church offers local coupon book
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.
‘Art & Yoga’ workshop series
The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) will present “Art & Yoga: Embodiment & Creative Expression,” a new class series designed to nourish both body and soul.
