Several years had passed since I’d last hunted with any enthusiasm. I’d go out into the field, find some game, and take home a few trophies, but the old thrill, that sense of anticipation and joy, had gone missing in action. I began to suspect my days of excitement and pleasure while on the hunt were at an end. 

The Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Grassroots Arts Program grants.

Applications are open through Sept. 5, 2025. Local nonprofit arts organizations and arts programs are encouraged to apply. This grant opportunity is not open to individuals. 

To the Editor:

Local elections don’t receive much attention but are vital for the well-being of our communities, especially in places like Waynesville, Canton, Maggie Valley and Clyde. The choices made by local officials directly impact our lives, from public safety to essential services. “The Informed Citizen” understands why electing conservative candidates is vital for our city councils. 

When storms hit or property projects begin, Western North Carolina residents now have a dependable neighbor to call — Haynes Tree & Excavation. Based in Waynesville and serving surrounding communities like Clyde, Maggie Valley, and Canton,

Richard Baker is in an interesting place, looking back at a prolific body of work while also staring down an uncertain future.  

Baker, who is sitting on the doorstep of 70, had his work featured at a retrospective last weekend at the Folkmoot Center in Waynesville. The event was well attended, largely by people familiar with the artist and his paintings, people who admire his unique style.   

District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch announced that a Waynesville man pleaded guilty this week to calling in a bomb threat last spring that forced authorities to evacuate Haywood County Justice Center. 

If you want to support local businesses, be on the look out for these local products at your Ingles Market. Note: These products are distributed by Blue Mountain Distributors and may only be in select stores. 

The Waynesville Town Council will remove two members from the town’s Zoning Board of Adjustment after an investigation by The Smoky Mountain News last month revealed they’d each been appointed to a fourth term in violation of the town’s own term limits policy.

The Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville will use its cafeteria to host a two-day show featuring the work of local painter Richard Baker.

Featuring over 200 works from Baker, the exhibition will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 8-9. In addition, there will be a reception from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9. 

Despite a decline in room occupancy tax revenue, the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority is celebrating a banner year for its signature winter event while doubling down on aggressive promotional campaigns and strategic long-term investments aimed at driving off-season traffic and insulating the county from mixed national trends in tourism spending.