After more than two years of consistent reports, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) health officials are ceasing publication of the COVID-19 dashboard. The last one is set to be released to the public on Wednesday [Sept. 28]. Since the start of the pandemic, a total of 240 COVID-19 dashboards were released through the … Read more
A Haywood County man convicted in the deadly Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection is pleading his case in hopes of probation instead of jail time. The attorney for Lewis Easton Cantwell, of Waynesville, argued that his client helped an officer being beaten and shocked with a Taser while a rioter urged people to kill him … Read more
The Cherokee Central Schools (CCS) Board of Education discussed the potential of some major changes in its meeting this week [Sept. 19], including pay hikes across CCS. Officials could follow the lead of the EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) government and implement a $15 minimum wage, as part of a school-wide raise. The Tribe … Read more
Sylva officials are gearing up for the Walk for Hope and are encouraging residents to wear pink to remember and support victims of breast cancer. The sixth annual local event, which organizers boast will be the biggest yet, is set for Saturday, Oct. 1, from 10a to noon. COVID-19 kept the last two events small … Read more
Sylva police have filed official charges against a hit and run suspect for striking two Sylva residents with his truck and then driving off. Sylva Police said, Michael Thad Schrader, 52, was in a dispute about money with, Eva Massingale, 66, and Ronald Wilson, 75, and as they were walking through a parking lot he … Read more
Western Carolina University students employed by the college form a union over what is described as issues and concerns over the work environment. The Western Carolinian reports the organization named the Undergraduate Alliance for Student Worker Success was created this semester. The union’s president says student workers deserve dignified wages and treatment for their work. … Read more
A Macon County traffic stop turns into a drug bust. The WNC Times reports police tried to stop a driver who sped through a road construction zone and a pursuit ended with the driver crashing into a tree off Golf View Drive. A search resunted in the seizure of fentanyl and methamphetamine. According to investigators … Read more
The North Carolina Mountain State Fair wrapped up on Sunday and officials tell WLOS this year’s numbers could set attendance records. The previous record was set in 2013 at just over 190,000. An average of 9,000 people attended each day. Revenue from the midway set a new record and officials credit the unlimited ride stamps … Read more
Tyson Phillips is named as the first superintendent of Pisgah View State Park. According to a news release Phillips began his career with the division in 2009 as a park ranger at Chimney Rock State Park. The park located in the town of Candler remains under construction and the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation … Read more
The North Carolina Association of County Attorneys names Jackson County Attorney Heather Baker as County Attorney of the Year. According to the Herald Baker received the award at the Association’s summer conference last month. She has been County Attorney for the last 7 years and was the Association president in 2021. Before Baker was hired … Read more