News Headlines
Bryson City wastewater plant breaks ground
The new Bryson City wastewater treatment plant broke ground on May 19 in a public ceremony, but town Director of Engineering and Public Works Nate Bowe anticipates far less recognition during the next phase of the project.
“In the utility world, there’s not a lot that’s typically visible, except during construction, when we’re in everybody’s way, and we’re making a mess,” he said, adding that “public feedback is not usually positive.”
Education funding falls short of requests: Jackson Schools, SCC won’t get amounts they say are needed
Immediately after Jackson County Public Schools Associate Superintendent Jake Buchanan and Southwestern Community College President Don Tomas proposed their respective departmental appropriations for fiscal year 2026-27, Jackson County Manager Kevin King presented commissioners with a May 19 draft county budget that left both requests unfulfilled.
Tension dominates Swain County commissioners’ meeting
Swain County Commission meetings have become increasingly heated over the past couple of months.
One side consists of several vocal constituents and Commissioner David Loftis, sick of what they categorize as unlawful decisions and a general lack of transparency on behalf of the board.
WCU celebrates first physics-focused graduate in 25 years
Western Carolina University is celebrating a milestone achievement that underscores its commitment to student success, interdisciplinary learning and hands-on research.
This spring, Asratun Sarmin Anjum, an international student from Bangladesh, became the first WCU graduate in 25 years to earn a degree rooted in physics — an accomplishment made possible through a customized, interdisciplinary academic pathway.
WCU to launch engineering master’s program in fall 2026
Western Carolina University will launch a new Master of Science in engineering program in fall 2026, expanding graduate opportunities and responding to growing regional demand for engineers with advanced credentials.
The in-person program, based at WCU’s Cullowhee campus, blends advanced coursework with applied research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Lecture focuses on proud North Carolina son Daniel Boone
Learn about Daniel Boone at an event held at the Western Waters Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.
The lecture, delivered by award-winning author Randell Jones will discuss the exciting episodes of America’s pioneer hero during the tumultuous, eventful years of the United States’ Founding Era.
Gov. Stein visits future site of Canton’s wastewater treatment plant
Last week, Gov. Josh Stein and North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson stopped by Canton to talk to media, local leaders and State Reps. Lindsay Prather and Eric Ager about the town’s construction of a new wastewater treatment plant. He also highlighted the role the state played in bringing the project to fruition while calling on federal legislators to provide more funding to ensure more towns can complete similar crucial infrastructure improvements.
Haywood commissioners talk brass tacks on schools, jail funding
This week’s Haywood County Commission meeting featured over a dozen speakers decrying the board’s decision to not grant the full funding requested by school officials ahead of the budget vote.
The meeting began with County Manager Bryant Morehead presenting the budget, as he’d done during an earlier meeting. The budget looked almost the exact same as the prior presentation with one exception, an additional $1 million fund balance appropriation to bolster school funding, leaving the county $700,000 short of meeting the $3 million funding increase request.
Jackson commission meeting raises questions about library board
When Jackson commissioners on May 5 reviewed a draft document outlining the framework of a new county library board upon departure from Fontana Regional Library system, Commissioner Jenny Lynn Hooper, clad in a Turning Point USA T-shirt, was quick to express her central grievance: “I don’t think [a board member] ought to have a library card.”
Bitter laughter erupted from the audience.
