News Headlines
Macon Early College to field its own athletic teams
The Macon County Board of Education approved funding to permit Macon Early College in Franklin to apply to become a member of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association and field its own sports teams. Previously, MEC students had participated in athletics at Franklin High School.
Sylva aims to maintain current tax rate
As Sylva closes in on a final proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, it looks like the town will be able to achieve its top budget priorities without an increase to the tax rate, due in part to growth in its taxable value from the 2025 tax revaluation in Jackson County.
KARE hosts events to recognize child abuse prevention month
In recognition of April as child abuse prevention month, KARE is inviting the community to join in celebrating the strength and hope that help families thrive.
DA rebukes Cherokee County deputy after new filings in 2022 shooting
New filings in the civil suit Jason Harley Kloepfer filed seven months after he was shot by police in the doorway of his own home cast a new shadow over the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
Kitchens Branch Fire in Sylva mostly contained
As of 10 a.m. this morning, the Kitchens Branch fire in Sylva is 94 acres and 60% contained.
Silenced: 307 words, phrases and acronyms Trump doesn’t want you to use
Whether you’re Black, Hispanic, Indigenous or White — LGBTQ+ or cisgender — if you’re thinking about promoting equity and inclusion in historically marginalized communities by combating institutionalized discrimination, racism and sexism, congratulations! You just committed thoughtcrime, because some words are more equal than others.
HCS grapples with tight budget
Haywood County Schools Board of Education passed its budget for 2025-26, and despite multiple years of contraction and yet another budget focused on offsetting losses and minimizing expenses, the school system continues to outperform other districts across the state.
Tough budget discussions ahead for Waynesville
Preliminary projections from Town of Waynesville show a tight budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Elected officials don’t want to raise taxes, fees or utility rates, but a variety of factors that all came together in a perfect storm will leave Town Council with some tough decisions after a budget retreat held March 21.
Solar panels proposed for Waynesville town facilities
Two members of Waynesville’s Town Council, Chuck Dickson and Jon Feichter, have come forward with a bold proposal that could save the town thousands of dollars over decades if they can find a way to pay for it.
