Last Thursday afternoon, dark storm clouds overtook downtown Canton. Sitting on a couch in the Cold Mountain Art Collective on Adams Street, Hannah Burnisky gazes out at the raindrops sliding down the large front windows of the business. 

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. 

In a move that will cost the state and local governments hundreds of millions of dollars, the Federal Emergency Management Agency denied North Carolina’s request for an extension on the period during which the federal government would reimburse 100% of recovery expenses for Hurricane Helene. 

In a year-in-review summary report released this week, Haywood County Sheriff Bill Wilke outlined key accomplishments and challenges from 2024, marking a year of operational growth, community engagement and the continuing fight against crime and drugs. 

Maggie Valley’s proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year reflects a cautious and calculated approach, with officials holding the line on taxes but planning modest increases to some service fees. 

Haywood Community College is asking Haywood County commissioners for a modest increase in its operating budget for fiscal year 2025–26, citing inflationary pressures, employee retention initiatives, rising costs across multiple service categories and a surprising surge in enrollment. 

Three public information officers who serve the people of Haywood County were recently recognized in Asheville by the North Carolina City and County Communicators, a statewide network of dedicated professionals working in public information, communications, marketing and media across local governments and universities. 

N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announced that the Agricultural Disaster Crop Loss Program is open and accepting online applications through May 4 from farmers who suffered crop losses from Hurricane Helene, Tropical Storm Debby and drought and other weather-related conditions in 2024. 

When Hurricane Helene tore through Southern Appalachia last year, it left behind more than just downed trees and flooded homes. Helene carved enduring, indelible stories into the lives of those who lived through it.

The Night’s Watch, a student group at Western Carolina University, will hold a fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Helene at Sylva’s Bridge Park from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 12.