News Headlines
Making do: Haywood Schools budgets for post-mill future
When Pactiv Evergreen announced it would close its Canton paper mill last year, Haywood County Schools was already facing a host of other challenges, among them a declining student population, costs incurred from damages caused during the Pigeon River flood in 2021, and the impending end of COVID-era relief funds.
Cherokee funeral home hires director with criminal past: Owner currently faces several felonies
The owner of Long House Funeral Home, himself facing decades in prison, has hired a convicted felon to be funeral home’s director.
Construction contract approved for Haywood jail expansion
After an extensive, yearslong process featuring dozens of public hearings, presentations and private meetings, Haywood County will finally get its badly-needed jail expansion, even though the final step was marred by threats and misinformation from a familiar face.
Canton plans for water system upgrades
Although concerns about Canton’s post-mill wastewater treatment remain front and center, the town’s recovery from devastating flooding in 2021 continues to move forward with a project budget meant to shore up the town’s aging water infrastructure.
Charters of Freedom bring founding documents to life in Canton
Canton is paying homage to some of this nation’s most vital founding documents through the installation of Charters of Freedom settings at the town’s museum next to the former town hall building.
Quarter-cent sales tax headed for Macon ballot
Macon County residents will see the quarter-cent sales tax referendum on the ballot this November after commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to put the decision to voters again.
Large donation fully funds Canton playground
A longtime community advocate has made a substantial financial donation to the Town of Canton that will help speed the completion of its all-abilities playground at Recreation Park.
Spreading it around: Waynesville pushes plans for prosperity in Frog Level, Hazelwood
Waynesville’s North Main Street has been an important economic engine for the town and the county for decades, and the town’s municipal service district has played a significant role in that success.
Quiet western Primaries signal November's partisan battles, voter frustration
While the March 5 Primary Election was relatively quiet in the west — with few races and even fewer competitive races — results from state and national contests not only solidified partisan matchups for November’s General Election but also highlighted growing dissatisfaction with major party candidates.