WAYNESVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) – A task force has finalized recommendations for reducing homelessness in Waynesville. The panel recommends the town hire a full-time cares director to more effectively coordinate gaps in services by working with service providers and nonprofit organizations. Other recommendations focus on addressing mental health issues and substance abuse educational programs to lift … Read more
FEMA is sending ambulances across North Carolina to help with the increased amount of calls emergency services have received during the pandemic. 25 ambulances with two EMS workers each are going out across the state. In Western North Carolina, that includes two ambulances for Graham County and two for Macon County. Most crews will stay … Read more
A North Carolina-based hospital system announced Monday that more than 175 of its workers have been fired for refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Last week, Novant Health Systems announced 375 employees had been suspended and given five days to comply with the mandate, but missed the Friday deadline. Novant workers who have gotten their … Read more
Western Carolina University has surpassed it’s fundraising goals. A National Park Service grant in August for $420,000 pushed WCU’s Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines, over the $5 million mark for funding to support its research and work. -0-
MACON COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) – Mover over COVID, flu season is moving in. With flu season gearing up, the Macon County Public Health Center announced drive-thru seasonal influenza clinics kicked off Monday, September 27, and will be held at the public health center on Lakeside Drive Mondays and Thursdays. vVaccine will be available as long … Read more
Households enrolled in North Carolina’s Food and Nutrition Services program are about to see an increase in their benefits. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced that FNS benefits will increase 25% as of October 1. This comes following a congressionally mandated re-evaluation of the SNAP food stamp program to determine if … Read more
A poker run to benefit Haywood County flood victims is set for Saturday, Oct. 2. The starting point is the Clarion Hotel in Maggie Valley. Registration starts at 11 a.m., last bike out at 12:30 p.m.. A parade will be led by Haywood County Sheriff’s Department, Canton Police Department and the Cruso and Canton fire … Read more
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – FEMA will open a Document Drop-off Center in Haywood County Tuesday, Sept. 28 for survivors of Tropical Storm Fred to submit any required supporting documents for their disaster assistance application. Survivors may also register with FEMA at the sites. The drop-off center in Haywood County will be located at: East Fork Baptist … Read more
CANTON, N.C. (WLOS) – LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES CONTINUE DEALING WITH COVID OUTBREAKS AND A VACCINE MANDATE COULD BE IMPLEMENTED TO HELP BATTLE THE DEADLY DISEASE. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reports that while the vaccination rates vary from facility to facility in the mountains, for nursing home residents it is often higher … Read more
WAYNESVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) – Residents living near a proposed low income housing subdivision in Waynesville are voicing their concerns about the development. The town wants to build 115 affordable single-family homes on 32 acres off Sunnyside Road, but some neighbors are worried about too much traffic, along with issues of lighting, parking and sight distances. … Read more