News Headlines
Maggie Valley residents look to de-annex from town
A small group of property owners in Maggie Valley are taking advantage of Rep. Mark Pless’ offer to de-annex them from the town, with at least one citing development restrictions and others saying they’re not getting what they’re paying for.
The state of JCSO: Overdoses decline, detention center at max capacity
Jackson County Sheriff Doug Farmer gave his annual report to his county commissioners last week, and while overdose deaths have declined dramatically, the agency is facing difficulties housing inmates in a crowded jail.
Congress may mandate AM radios in every car, for safety and security
A bipartisan collaboration to bolster critical communication resources during natural disasters is gaining momentum in Congress after lessons learned during the devastation of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina last year.
Jackson County one step closer to partisan school board elections
On March 6 Jackson County Representative Mike Clampitt filed a local bill in the North Carolina House of Representatives to make the Jackson County Board of Education election a partisan race. If the bill passes, partisan elections for the school board would begin with the 2026 election.
General Assembly considers fourth Helene relief bill
Nearly six months after Hurricane Helene killed 106 people and caused more than $60 billion in damage across Western North Carolina, the General Assembly is set to approve another storm-related relief bill.
Commissioners address library security
A Jackson County commissioner brought up the issue of library security during the commission’s March 4 meeting, citing safety concerns for staff at the Jackson County Library in Sylva.
All down the line: Bill seeks to help local railroads affected by Hurricane Helene
Highways, roads and bridges weren’t the only components of transportation infrastructure impacted by Hurricane Helene last fall. Now, a pair of Western North Carolina legislators have filed a bill in the North Carolina General Assembly to help a pair of railroads get back on track.
State education superintendent to visit Haywood County
State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green is set to be in Western North Carolina next week as part of his “Mo Wants to Know” tour happening throughout March and April.
Rep. Edwards to host in-person town hall
Western North Carolina Republican Congressman Chuck Edwards will host an in-person town hall on Thursday, March 13, from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Ferguson Auditorium at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.
