The Voices in the Laurel choirs have announced that spring registration is now open and the organization invites new/returning singers from Haywood, Buncombe, Jackson and Swain counties to be part of its 30th season. 

What do rangers eat for lunch? How did the Great Smoky Mountains get their name? Do rangers have to feed the bears? Are there alligators in the park? What about moose? Dolphins? 

“The kids really want to know,” said Scott Young, a volunteer at Great Smoky Mountains National Park who, together with his wife Jayne, has answered every letter kids from across the country send to the national park since they first took on the task in 2021.

Duke Energy Foundation has awarded The North Carolina Arboretum a $25,000 grant as part of its effort to support local conservation efforts and environmental impact programs across North Carolina. 

Jackson County Parks and Recreation has announced two introductory archery programs this November, perfect for learning the fundamentals of shooting a bow and arrow in a safe and structured environment. 

Last September, when Hurricane Helene brought flooding to much of the region, the little league baseball field behind the Waynesville Elks Club was swamped by several inches of water, dugouts were destroyed and lights were carried downstream along with tons of other debris. But now, hundreds of thousands of dollars and hundreds of person-hours later, action has returned to that hallowed diamond. 

Can you feel it? Can you see it? 

The slightest bit of crispness has crept into the air. A tiny hint of color teases the trees. On the ground, small pumpkins appear in the patch. Autumn is quietly arriving, gently moving into our days and nights, simmering down the fever pitch of summer. 

It’s been two months since Haywood County Schools announced their “innovative middle school,” and while there aren’t concrete updates, leaders continue to express a sincere commitment to turn their vision into a reality by the 2026-2027 school year.  

The child care industry has been sounding the alarm for years now, but with federal stabilization grants drying up a few months ago, what was for many a smoldering problem has become a five-alarm fire. 

Kayden is doing her very best not to tell me about the preparations she and mom and Jack have made for Father’s Day, but she is six years old, and at this age especially, secrets are like little, wet bars of soap.

Kids ages 10-14 in Jackson County will have the chance to learn the ins and out of archery.

The course will be held from 5-8 p.m. May 30 at the Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center.