As the sun set over Canton on Feb. 11, the scene at the town’s makeshift municipal building more closely resembled that of a trendy big-city nightclub. More than 100 people had lined up outside, hoping to join the other 49 people who’d pushed the modular double-wide’s fire code to its absolute limit by making it inside. Their minds weren’t focused on drinks or dancing, but instead on data — Big Data, and its effect on small towns. 

Renowned jazz/funk ensemble Kanola Band will perform at 7 p.m. Feb. 14, at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville.

Whether reimagining the soulful grooves of Fats Domino, channeling the joyful spirit of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band or celebrating the resilience of the Mardi Gras Indian tradition, Kanola Band is dedicated to spreading joy and honoring the deep roots of New Orleans music. 

There will be a special “Valentine’s Day Open House” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Museum of Haywood County in Clyde.

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, love letters and Valentines from Haywood County’s past will be featured. 

A special production of “The White Chip” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20-21 and 27-28 and 2 p.m. Feb. 22 and March 1 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

“The White Chip” tells the story of one man’s journey through addiction, ambition and the messy art of starting over.

The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) latest exhibit “Inspired by a Song” is being showcased at Haywood Handmade Gallery in downtown Waynesville.

“Inspired by a Song” explores the powerful connection between music and visual art. In conjunction with HCAC and the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre’s recent “Cool Jazz” concert, artists were invited to create work inspired by a song of their choosing — any genre, any era — that moves or motivates them.

To the Editor:

Choosing the right leader for the Haywood County Board of Commissioners means selecting someone who puts residents first and guards public resources carefully. Terry Ramey stands out as a candidate who embodies these qualities. His record shows a strong commitment to conservative values, fiscal responsibility and a willingness to challenge decisions that do not serve the community’s best interests. 

The Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department will host expert fly-tying instructors from the Cataloochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited and conduct an “Introduction to Fly Tying” class on three evenings in February. Intended for first-time fly tyers wanting to learn the basics, the class will also appeal to crafters seeking a challenge, as well as to anglers looking to get some expert tips. 

Join the fun and the community at Lake Junaluska Cleanup Day held from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at Lake Junaluska.

The cleanup will focus on clearing debris that has collected along the shorelines of and entrance roadways to Lake Junaluska. Volunteers should dress accordingly for the weather and potentially muddy conditions. All work will be done outside, rain or shine. 

People new to vegetable gardening and folks looking for a refresher to hone those skills can learn from a master gardener next week.

Topics covered in the class will include starting a new garden, planning a garden for spring and fall planting, following a garden calendar, improving soil and composting. The class will involve both lectures and hands-on demonstrations. 

Few Primary races across the region have drawn the attention that the contest for Haywood County Sheriff has seen. 

Squaring off for the position in the Republican Primary are incumbent Sheriff Bill Wilke, who has made reform a cornerstone of his first term in office, and Mark Mease, a former HCSO captain who promises to bring back a level of integrity and professionalism he said has been absent the last three-plus years.