News Headlines
The war on peace: Kristen Wall lost her job, but not her mission
It was 9:32 p.m. on Friday, March 28, and as Kristen Wall was getting ready for bed, she learned via email that she, along with colleagues, had just joined more than 200,000 federal workers who’d been fired. But Wall didn’t work for the National Park system, or the Social Security Administration, or NASA, or even FEMA. Wall’s work involves a somewhat higher purpose.
‘Hands off’ protests hit their mark, nationally and locally
Joining millions across the globe, thousands in Western North Carolina rallied this past weekend, demonstrating against the policies of President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk while expressing grave concerns about the future of myriad federal programs and services. Their message? “We want people to know that we are not going anywhere.”
Fueled up: Public opposition mounts over gas station project
A new gas station, T&C General Store, is planned for the corner of N.C. 107 and South River Road, where the old Jack the Dipper used to sit, right on the Tuckasegee River.
While a project of this nature is permitted in the zoning district, the public has expressed concern over environmental, aesthetic and traffic safety concerns, especially in the wake of flooding from Hurricane Helene.
Pheasant sentenced to life in prison for murder
Ernest D. Pheasant, Sr., has received a sentence of life in prison for the murder of his ex-wife, Marie Walkingstick Pheasant.
In 2013, Marie’s body was found in a vehicle that investigators later determined was intentionally set on fire. An autopsy revealed that she died from stab wounds to the neck and abdomen.
Waynesville church hosts suicide support group
Over 49,000 people died by suicide in 2022 — one death every 11 minutes. Over one million people a year survive a suicide attempt, and 13.2 million seriously think about ending their life.
Guardrail replacement work begins in Swain County
Contract crews for the N.C. Department of Transportation will be replacing guardrail along a stretch of N.C. 28 for the next several months.
WCU students to hold Helene fundraiser
The Night’s Watch, a student group at Western Carolina University, will hold a fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Helene at Sylva’s Bridge Park from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 12.
Trump urges full federal recognition for Lumbee: Eastern band continues its opposition
After over a century since receiving recognition from the state of North Carolina as an Indian Tribe, the Lumbee appear to be on the cusp of full federal recognition.
Waynesville repairs, reopens damaged bridge despite lack of FEMA funding
More than six months after Hurricane Helene dealt millions in damage to government infrastructure across the region, the Town of Waynesville reopened a newly repaired bridge — despite the complete absence of FEMA funding.
