News Headlines
‘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.
Pless TDA, deannexation bills advance
A pair of local bills pushed by Rep. Mark Pless (R-Haywood) — one welcomed by most, another, not so much — have recently taken important steps through the General Assembly, but still have a long way to go if they’re to become law.
The cost of ‘free:’ Americans are surviving not because of the system, but in spite of it
Squeezed into a corner room on the ground floor of what was once a grade school in a quiet Waynesville neighborhood, a small free pantry and market provides food, clothing and household goods to some of Haywood County’s most vulnerable citizens at no cost. The pantry is one of many, rooted in compassion and community, but also in contradiction.
A burning question: Jackson commissioners still considering library withdrawal
In a year when Jackson County commissioners are proposing a substantial property tax hike, outside agitators are still pushing commissioners to consider a costly withdrawal from the Fontana Regional Library system that could result in an even costlier lawsuit, all over an issue that will never be resolved to everyone’s liking — the definition of “inappropriate.”
WCU official describes secret ‘strategy’ to skirt DEI ban in undercover video
A senior administrator at Western Carolina University was secretly recorded describing how the school is continuing to promote diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives despite a systemwide ban enacted by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors last year.
Haywood recovery court graduates third and fourth participants
There are few, if any, occasions that take place in a Haywood County courtroom that are as joyous as a celebration for someone who graduates from the Adult Accountability and Recovery Court program.
Last Friday, the program honored its third and fourth graduates. Both individuals were joined by family and friends who knew too well how addiction had derailed their lives.
Corbin named 2025 legislator of the year
Westernmost North Carolina Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-Macon) has been named the legislator of the year by the North Carolina Community Action Association, honoring his exceptional commitment to public service, advocacy for vulnerable populations and leadership in advancing transformative legislation.
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.
