Jackson County recorded at least four more COVID-19 deaths this week. 68 cases were reported in Jackson on Sept. 14 and 94 the day before. The county’s previous high was 101 last September. The Jackson County Department of Public Health now offers additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Boosters are not yet approved or available. … Read more
The three-day murder trial of a Cherokee man accused of beating his uncle to death with a baseball bat ended with a federal jury in Asheville returning a guilty verdict. Shane McKinley Swimmer, 21, was convicted of second-degree murder last Thursday for the Nov. 10, 2018, beating death of Charles Ray “Chino” West, at his … Read more
Haywood County Schools performance test scores are ranked 10th out of 115 schools, putting the district in the top 9 percentile in the state. Haywood Early College tied for first in the state in overall performance, while the system placed 8th in the state on ACT test scores and first in the state for Grade … Read more
FRANKLIN – SCC has decided to move two job fairs outdoors due to COVID concerns. Both the event set for Thu. evening [Sept. 16] and another one on Sept. 30 will now be held – rain or shine – on the sidewalk behind SCC’s Groves’ Center in Franklin. A third job fair is scheduled for … Read more
NC residents impacted by Tropical Storm Fred are getting some tax relief. North Carolina residents now have until Dec. 15, 2021, to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced, following the recent disaster declaration issued by FEMA. Also penalties on deposits due on or after … Read more
Haywood County officials lowered property taxes this year, but not as much as they could’ve. When property values spike, local governments typically lower the tax rate, and although this year Haywood County and the four municipalities in the county all lowered their tax rate to reduce the property tax burden, none decided to lower it … Read more
ATLANTA – Residents are being warned about a property repair identity theft scam. Authorities say be aware that con artists may try to obtain money or personal information, and noted, legitimate FEMA housing inspectors are never authorized to collect your personal financial information. If you believe you or a loved one are the victim of … Read more
CANTON, N.C. (WLOS) – Local business owners impacted by last month’s flooding are getting a helping hand as they look for ways to recover and stay financially afloat. Applications for numerous grants and loans are now being accepted, including the Haywood Strong Disaster Relief Fund, in which business’ can qualify for up to $3,000 in … Read more
Canton officials have been working to get the town’s flooded recreational facilities back on line, with the futue of one of them now uncertain. The town-owned Camp Hope suffered major damages during the Aug. 17 floods in the wake of Tropical Storm Fred which hit Haywood County hard. Officials said they are trying to sort … Read more
The Walk for Hope, hosted each October by the Sylva Police Department to promote breast cancer awareness is now featured in a Washington DC exhibit. Police Chief Chris Hatton said he was excited for the police department to be recognized with an exhibit on community policing at the National Law Enforcement Museum, which displays a … Read more