News Headlines
Fitzmaurice wins American Library Association Award
Former Jackson County Library Director and Fontana Regional Library System Director Tracy Fitzmaurice has received an American Library Association “I Love My Librarian Award.”
Fitzmaruice was one of 10 winners nationwide. According to a an ALA press release, the 2026 honorees are “exceptional” in their field and were nominated by community members “for their expertise, dedication, and profound impact on the people in their communities.”
Jackson nonprofit speaks out after former director arrested
Following the arrest of former executive director Gretta Worley, HERE of Jackson County is reassuring residents that it will continue to pursue its mission.
On March 31, Worley was indicted on 10 felony counts of obtaining property by false pretenses. According to the indictment, Worley used her position as director of the nonprofit to “obtain and use multiple credit cards” that were used by her and her family for “person expenditures not authorized by her position.”
Waynesville mural project ends with community paint day
The Waynesville Public Art Commission announced that the Historic Main Street Mural project is underway. The new mural will grace the side of High Country Style at 121 North Main St.
The WPAC worked alongside the muralist-Max Dowdle, local historian, Alex McKay, local artist, Teresa Pennington, the property owner, Doug Worrell, and held a public input session to inspire a mural that feels like a walk through Waynesville’s history.
Republicans select replacement for late Rep. Clampitt
The Republican parties of Jackson, Swain and Transylvania counties, during a joint meeting, selected a replacement for Rep. Mike Clampitt (R-Swain), who passed away March 18 at age 71 following a prolonged battle with cancer.
Former Graham Sheriff Brad Hoxit to appeal removal from office
An attorney representing former Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit said his client will appeal a recent decision by Superior Court Judge William T. Stetzer that bars Hoxit from returning to office.
Shining Rock Head of School Josh Morgan resigns after eight years of allegations
The Shining Rock Classical Academy Board of Directors on March 10 unanimously accepted the resignation of Head of School Joshua Morgan, approving 90 days of severance pursuant to an attorney-drafted agreement. After a five-year tenure as Shining Rock school director, Sara Jenkins will serve as the school’s interim executive director, effective immediately.
Chair Alyson Weimar made both announcements at a March 11 special called meeting, adding that the board will move forward with the support and guidance of Leaders Building Leaders.
Swain public hearing brings moratorium support, data center opposition
A March 31 Swain County public hearing for a data center moratorium drew a crowd of around 140 people, a turnout proportionate to 12,900 residents in Wake County, confronting commissioners to plead their case.
Attendees filled the six rows facing commissioners, leaving a couple dozen straining to watch the event behind the open double-doors. All had shown up to be part of the conversation about hyper-scale data centers and out of concern for about how these facilities could impact every aspect of their livelihoods.
Roundtable examines homelessness divide in Sylva
Silicon Valley and Sylva are about as different as any two places can be, but they do share at least one thing in common.
In Cupertino, billion-dollar office buildings rise within sight of tents and tarps. People sleep in cars or on bare ground backdropped by a landscape where extreme wealth and extreme poverty exist side by side.
Qualla Enterprises chair, attorney may have committed misdemeanor as tribal council suspends board
Just as the members of Qualla Enterprises’ board were all suspended, its attorney and chair may have engaged in the unauthorized practice of law.
Qualla Enterprises, LLC, owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee, is the only cultivator of legal cannabis in the state of North Carolina. It sells recreational products to the public through its subsidiary, Great Smoky Mountains Dispensary.
