Great Smoky Mountains Superintendent recieves Walter T. Cox Award for conservation

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that Superintendent Cassius Cash was recently awarded the Walter T. Cox Award for conservation excellence by the Clemson University Institute for Parks. The Walter T. Cox Award recognizes park administrators who demonstrate exemplary leadership in the field of conservation. Superintendent Cash was one of five individuals recognized this … Read more

Three WCU residence halls get new names

CULLOWHEE – Western Carolina University’s Board of Trustees formally named the three lower campus residence halls currently under construction during its recent annual retreat. The three separate residence halls will be called Water Rock Hall, Shining Rock Hall and Black Rock Hall. The buildings are set to be complete in fall 2022 and spring 2023. … Read more

Routine traffic stop in Haywood County netted police over 4 pounds of meth

A routine traffic stop in Haywood County recently netted police over 4 pounds of meth. Haywood County Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted to pullover a driver, later identified as Brandon Purvis of Waynesville, on US 23, but he sped off prompting a brief police pursuit which ended when Purvis stopped near Lake Junaluska after police say … Read more

Haywood County is listed as a COVID hotspot

Haywood County is listed as a COVID hotspot. As of this week, 65 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Haywood County, according to the North Carolina Department of Health. This week 94.2 percent of new COVID cases were unvaccinated. Nearly all of those who require hospitalization are unvaccinated. MEANWHILE… COVID-19 vaccinations are now … Read more

Haywood County Public Schools are easing COVID quarantine rules

Haywood County Public Schools are easing COVID quarantine rules. Following a careful review of current school policies and in partnership with the Haywood County Health Department, schools will implement a new COVID-19 quarantine policy change that will reduce isolation time from 14 days to 10 for students and staff who are considered close contacts. The … Read more

Multi-agency chase leads police through several Western North Carolina counties

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A multi-agency chase led police through several Western North Carolina counties Monday. A Haywood County Sheriff’s Office spokesman said it all started in Jackson County, and deputies were joined in the police pursuit of the stolen vehicle by officers from the Waynesville and Canton police departments, before coming to an end as … Read more

Waynesville’s Greenhill Cemetery honors veterans with Wreaths Across America tribute

Dozens of volunteers will come together this December to pay homage to deceased veterans laid to rest at Waynesville’s Greenhill Cemetery as part of Wreaths Across America. The annual tribute of placing Christmas wreaths on grave markers is held in thousands of communities across America every December. This year’s date is Saturday, Dec. 18. -0-

Pisgah Legal Services helping people navigate ACA enrollment

Pisgah Legal Services is providing help for people to navigate the Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance sign up. Open enrollment for affordable health insurance in 2022 is open now and runs through Jan. 15. In addition, this year many new plans from different health care providers are being offered to people in WNC. You … Read more