The bar is low, but Trump slithers under it

They may be coming for just the signs, but the message is clear: let’s rewrite history while ignoring science. The disappointments of this administration just never stop piling up. 

A leaked memo from the Department of the Interior contained a list of markers and educational signage at national parks that this administration may have a problem with.

Don’t sacrifice Swain’s future

To the Editor:

In a current notice, the Swain County Commissioners have asked for public input on March 17 at 5:30 p.m. concerning a moratorium on permitting of high-impact facilities, including but not limited to data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations, server farms and similar uses within the unincorporated areas of Swain County.

Plot twist emerges in Jackson library fight

After months of tension between Jackson County and the Fontana Regional Library system, commissioners appear to be charting a new course — one that could ultimately reverse their June decision to withdraw from the regional library partnership. 

At the very end of their Nov. 4 meeting, Jackson commissioners discussed three proposed amendments to the Fontana Regional Library interlocal agreement

Kirkland sworn in, transparency questions remain

Jason Kirkland was sworn in as chairman of the Swain County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 4, marking the end of an appointment process marred by transparency concerns and procedural misunderstandings. 

The swearing-in ceremony began 15 minutes late, the individual facilitating the ceremony was not using a microphone and the oath began before attendees knew where to look. 

Macon County to hear public comments on health department takeover

Macon County Commissioners will gather public comments on Tuesday, Sept. 9, ahead of a potential decision to take over the county health department. 

In North Carolina, county health departments are tasked with acting in residents’ best interest to promote good public health, including environmental health, personal health, vaccinations and disease tracking. 

Jackson residents blast library exit, demand explanation

Public frustration boiled over at the July 1 Jackson County Board of Commissioners meeting, where speaker after speaker condemned the board’s recent decision to withdraw from the Fontana Regional Library system, urged reconsideration and asked for a public statement from commissioners. 

Haywood farmers talk Hurricane Helene recovery, continuing loss of farmland

Local elected leaders and farmers, along with state and federal officials, gathered April 14 over bacon and eggs to tackle twin challenges facing Western North Carolina’s agricultural sector — ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene and the accelerating loss of prime farmland. 

Fueled up: Public opposition mounts over gas station project

A new gas station, T&C General Store, is planned for the corner of N.C. 107 and South River Road, where the old Jack the Dipper used to sit, right on the Tuckasegee River. 

While a project of this nature is permitted in the zoning district, the public has expressed concern over environmental, aesthetic and traffic safety concerns, especially in the wake of flooding from Hurricane Helene. 

Commission requests report on libraries

The Jackson County Commission invited Library Director Tracy Fitzmaurice to come before the board and give a report on the state of libraries in the county after concerns were raised over library security last month

Haywood EMS considers how to navigate I-40 ahead of partial re-open

It’s been about five months since the 20-mile stretch of Interstate 40 in Haywood County up to the Tennessee state line has been shut down due to massive damage over a span of about three miles, but as of now, one lane of travel in each direction is expected to be restored next week. 

Page 1 of 2
Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
JSN Time 2 is designed by JoomlaShine.com | powered by JSN Sun Framework
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.