University employees sue UNC System, Gov. Cooper

Seventeen employees at University of North Carolina System schools — including two from Western Carolina University — are suing the university system and Gov. Roy Cooper in a class-action lawsuit demanding a halt to plans to resume residential instruction until such instruction can take place safely. 

In narrow vote, WCU Faculty Senate opposes reopening

In a nearly split vote held during a special-called meeting Aug. 10, the Western Carolina University Faculty Senate passed a resolution opposing a residential opening for fall 2020 and calling on the state to guarantee funding for the university system should future outbreaks force its institutions to return to online-only instruction. 

COVID-19 cluster identified at Haywood Regional

The Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency has identified a COVID-19 cluster connected to Haywood Regional Hospital.  Currently, fewer than 20 of more than 800 current employees have tested positive for COVID-19.

Haywood reports 6 more COVID-related deaths

Haywood County Health and Human Services are reporting six additional COVID-19 associated deaths. The individuals died within the last week, at two separate facilities. 

Fifth COVID-19 death announced in Jackson

A fifth COVID-19 death has been confirmed in Jackson County.

More COVID-19 outbreaks reported in WNC

According to the Haywood County Health Department, a significant number of the close contacts of positive COVID-19 cases recently identified by contact tracers have refused to participate in contact tracing, testing, and/or quarantine.

New COVID-19 outbreak identified in Macon

Macon County Public Health has identified a COVID-19 outbreak in staff and residents at Drake Cottage, a congregate living facility. Four individuals have tested positive for COVID-19.

COVID-19 death reported in Jackson

A new COVID-19 death has been confirmed in Jackson County, bringing the county’s total death toll to four.

Haywood has 74 new COVID-19 cases

Haywood County Public Health received notice of 74 new cases of COVID-19 since the last press release on July 24. As of this release, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has recorded 268 cases in Haywood County.

Third COVID-19 related death in Macon County

A Macon County resident diagnosed with COVID-19 has died. The person was over the age of 65 and had underlying health conditions. To protect the family´s privacy, no further information will be released about this patient.

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
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.