News Headlines
Violent threats lead Henderson County Democratic chair to resign
As chair of the Henderson County Democratic Party, Leslie Carey has spent years helping to build the county’s progressive infrastructure and lead one of the most successful local party operations in the state. After her family received death threats, she says she can no longer continue in the role.
Moving mountains: REACH of Haywood County | Preventing abuse, supporting survivors
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month in the United States.
This week, the Smoky Mountain News has partnered with REACH of Haywood County to publish a series of stories outlining the ways domestic violence perpetrators can victimize those they should love and what resources are available for anyone in need.
Somebody, do something!: WNC leaders plead for fixes to broken justice system
It was supposed to be a routine public safety forum, and in a way, it was — the faces were familiar, the frustrations all the same.
Elected officials, troopers, prosecutors and politicians once again took turns describing a justice system straining under its own weight, a system where clogged courts, half-hearted drug treatment, mental health failures and chronic underfunding blur the thin blue line between order and chaos. Their words carried a sense of urgency, tinged with exhaustion.
Fundraising picks up in NC-11 congressional race
With third-quarter fundraising reports now filed, campaign finance records show sharp contrasts in both fundraising totals and donor bases among candidates in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District as they look to Primary Election contests in March.
Incumbent Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards reported raising $233,163 from January through September, with no personal contributions to his own campaign.
Early voting continues through Nov. 1
In-person early voting continues through Saturday, Nov. 1. Voters can vote in-person at their county board of elections and are able to register to vote the same day if necessary.
Hours of operation can vary among polling places. Voters can find their polling place and the operating hours by checking voter registration at vt.ncsbe.gov.
Jackson commissioner skips key board meetings
Minutes from the Dec. 3, 2024, meeting of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners show that newly elected Commissioner Jenny Lynn Hooper “stated her willingness to serve on the Tourism Development Authority, Transit Board and the Mountain Projects board.” Records from those three boards show she’s missed at least 13 of 16 meetings this year.
Jackson County park system review shows strength, needs
Jackson County’s parks and recreation system is in solid condition overall but faces notable shortfalls in land, staffing and key recreational offerings, according to a recent report by McGill Associates.
Framing local park systems on a spectrum between “expense” and “investment,” the report shows that communities treating recreation as an investment tend to enjoy economic dividends through higher property values, visitor spending and improved quality of life.
Clyde loses out on debris deal
It’s not a lot of money, but it’s the principle — the hurricane-ravaged Town of Clyde is out more than $3,400 due to a baffling disconnect between FEMA reimbursement guidelines and a state program meant to ease the burden of debris removal on private land.
WCU Cherokee Center to hold 50th anniversary celebration
Western Carolina University’s Cherokee Center will celebrate five decades of outreach and partnership with the Cherokee community on Tuesday, Nov. 4, with an open house beginning at 5 p.m. followed by a reception and panel discussion at the Cherokee Youth Activity Center from 6 to 8 p.m.
