Haywood County’s proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget carries the kind of consequence that will land in every mailbox and on every mortgage statement across the county — a 7-cent property tax increase, pushing the rate from $0.55 to $0.62 per $100 of assessed valuation.

As North Carolina braces against a surge in large-scale data center development, a new bill filed by Rep. Lindsey Prather (D-Buncombe) aims to redraw the rules governing how those facilities use electricity, consume water and tap into public subsidies.

In filing the bill, Prather noted that she was inspired by a 12-month moratorium passed in the Town of Canton in February, but also that the bill was “crowd-sourced.”

As Sexual Assault Awareness Month comes to a close, Haywood County is witnessing a powerful moment of continuity, collaboration and commitment to ending violence. 

On April 27, REACH of Haywood County officially purchased the longtime home of KARE at 1159 North Main Street — a transition that reflects far more than a change in ownership. It is a passing of purpose, a shared mission and a promise that survivors of sexual violence will never be left behind. 

As of April 1, I marked my first full year as the Executive Director of REACH of Haywood County. After nearly a decade working in this field — seven years as a Title IX Coordinator and now leading a nonprofit that serves survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault — I’ve come to believe something deeply: awareness is only the beginning. Prevention must be the goal. 

Safe Dates is a three-to-four-day Hazelton Betty Ford Foundation course about healthy relationships, and for nearly 20 years, Buffy Queen has been bringing it to Haywood middle schools. 

She started at KARE House, a Haywood County advocacy center responding to child abuse and neglect through outreach and intervention, after a grant enabled the nonprofit to train a staff member through the nationally recognized curriculum. 

Protecting children from harm requires a coordinated, informed, and proactive approach. KARE House, a children’s advocacy center in Haywood County, is dedicated to supporting children and families affected by abuse, neglect or exploitation. This work is carried out through comprehensive services including outreach, advocacy, specialized interventions and a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach designed to put children first. 

In the quiet moments of a morning at Panacea Coffee House, a chance conversation with Waynesville Police Chief David Adams sparked an unexpected journey for my daughter and me. He mentioned the upcoming Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) program at the Waynesville Recreation Center, hosted by REACH of Haywood County, our local rape and domestic violence crisis center, and the Waynesville Police Department. 

Come out to Wildcat Ridge Farm during May to enjoy a blooming peony paradise. The farm will be open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free for all visitors.

As a Certified Appalachian Grown farm, Wildcat Ridge specializes in the finest herbaceous and intersectional peony plants and cut blooms. Herbaceous peonies are durable perennials that can live for over 100 years, while Intersectional (Itoh) peonies are known for their sturdy stems and vibrant, pastel color combinations. 

Lake Junaluska’s Spring Plant Sale will be 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym.  

For sale will be a few thousand plants, including an assortment of annuals, perennials, herbs and vegetables, hanging baskets and several varieties of native plants from the Corneille Bryan Native Garden, said Melissa Marshall, Lake Junaluska grounds director. 

Waynesville is inviting residents to attend a second open house for its parks  and recreation Master Plan on from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at the Waynesville Recreation Center.

Following an initial round of public input earlier this year, this second open house will give community members an opportunity to review draft recommendations shaped by that feedback and help refine priorities that will guide improvements and investment in Waynesville’s parks and recreation system over the next 10 years.