News Headlines
Mountain Projects celebrates 60 years of service, calls for community action
As Mountain Projects celebrates its 60th anniversary serving Haywood and Jackson Counties, the organization is marking a season of both reflection and action. Executive Director Patsy Davis, who has led the agency for 27 years, will retire this summer.
Multi-county drug investigation nets several WNC arrests
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation SBI, in partnership with the Henderson County Drug Interdiction and Criminal Enforcement unit, concluded “Operation Uptown Funk,” a year-long investigation into an alleged local Drug Trafficking Organization.
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.
NCDOT Selects Sites for Rock to Rebuild I-40
The N.C. Department of Transportation and its partners have selected two sites in the Pigeon River Gorge for extracting and storing material to help rebuild sections of Interstate 40 damaged by Hurricane Helene.
Slow down and move over for stopped emergency vehicles
The N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program and state and local law enforcement are launching a statewide enforcement campaign to remind drivers of the importance of the Move Over Law.
Ken Brown pledges local control, servant leadership in 118th District bid
Sales executive Ken Brown says he’ll enter the Republican Primary for North Carolina’s 118th House District, setting up a challenge to incumbent Rep. Mark Pless.
A relative newcomer to electoral politics but a familiar figure in conservative circles, Brown will campaign on a platform of “servant leadership,” with an emphasis on collaboration, transparency and deference to local governments.
Crane leads the charge: Prosecutor wants tribunal to prosecute Russia for crimes of aggression
At odd hours of the day and night, Maggie Valley resident David Crane grabs a cup of coffee, meanders to the basement of his mountain cabin and speaks with the members of the high-level international workgroup he chairs. The aim: Establish a court through which to try Vladimir Putin and others for crimes of aggression against Ukraine.
No tax increase proposed for Macon
Macon County’s proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget maintains the current tax rate, even as county revenues are projected to increase slightly.
“Revenues are slightly higher due to an increase in the taxable value of properties,” said County Manager Warren Cabe in his first ever budget presentation to county commissioners.
Budget increases, millage rate decreases in Jackson
The proposed Jackson County budget for fiscal year 2025-26 contains a six cent decrease in the millage rate, and yet, for most people in Jackson County, property tax bills will increase significantly.
