Celebrating libraries means ending book bans
 

Celebrating libraries means ending book bans

I’m no extremist. I like discourse with people who hold opposing viewpoints. You can sway me with sound arguments. I…
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How can Christians support Trump?
 

How can Christians support Trump?

To the Editor: To all Donald Trump supporters who identify as Christians:  I’m writing to summarize Trump’s unholy actions during…
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Trump’s espionage demands action
 

Trump’s espionage demands action

To the Editor: In early March, Jack Teixeira, the former Massachusetts Air National Guardsman who posted classified intelligence reports online,…
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Smokies' first dispensary to open: Cherokee's long-awaited marijuana venture to finally generate some green
 

Smokies' first dispensary to open: Cherokee's long-awaited marijuana venture to finally generate some green

The path to cannabis legalization on the Qualla Boundary has been riddled with roadblocks, some of which the Eastern Band…
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Jo Ellyn Woodward, right, a.k.a. The Blunt Queen, is the driving force behind the Stoner’s Ball. Donated photo
 

Stoner’s Ball brings legal high to Haywood County

The Stoner’s Ball is coming to Haywood County, but it may not be quite what people think. 
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Recreational cannabis remains unlikely in NC
 

Recreational cannabis remains unlikely in NC

In recent years, more and more states have made the decision to legalize, regulate and tax recreational cannabis products —…
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Board members (left to right) Tim Shepard, Ralph Hamlett, Zeb Smathers, Gail Mull and Kristina Proctor attend a budget workshop on April 8. Cory Vaillancourt photo
 

Canton budget hole, thanks to Pactiv, approaches $1 million

Ever since Pactiv Evergreen announced back on March 6, 2023, that it would shutter its paper mill in Canton, town…
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One person hospitalized after officer-involved shooting in Haywood County
 

One person hospitalized after officer-involved shooting in Haywood County

The State Bureau of Investigation is investigating an officer-involved shooting with the Haywood County Sheriff’s office over the weekend.
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Tessa Sellers gained Gov. Roy Cooper’s appointment to Superior Court after winning a vote to appear on the ballot in November. File photo
 

Cooper makes appointment to fill WNC judicial vacancy

Gov. Roy Cooper has appointed a new Superior Court judge in Western North Carolina. 
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Duotech to expand in Macon
 

Duotech to expand in Macon

Almost 100 high-paying jobs are expected in Macon County with the expansion of Duotech Services, LLC. 
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Two unaffiliated Swain commission candidates make the cut
 

Two unaffiliated Swain commission candidates make the cut

Swain County now knows who will appear on the November General Election Ballot for county commissioner. 
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Cherokee man charged in wife’s murder from 10 years ago
 

Cherokee man charged in wife’s murder from 10 years ago

A Swain County man is facing a federal charge for allegedly killing his wife in 2013, announced Dena J. King…
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From left to right, Mike Parker, Tribal Council chairman; WCU Chancellor Kelli R. Brown; Carmaleta Monteith, chair of the CIHA Governing Board; and Casey Cooper, CIHA CEO and WCU Board of Trustees Member. Donated photo
 

WCU, Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority sign agreement for McKee Clinic funding

Throughout Western North Carolina, there is a critical need for pediatric psychologists to conduct testing and provide other resources needed…
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Drivers urged to put the phone down
 

Drivers urged to put the phone down

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is calling on motorists to focus solely on the road and do all they…
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Pigeon Center program director Tausha Forney will lead the Pigeon Community Conversations with Storytellers Series, through August. Cory Vaillancourt photo
 

The art of the tale: Pigeon Center storyteller series focuses on conversations

Stories abound in these here mountains, almost as countless as the towering trees that cloak those familiar slopes. But beneath…
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An old-school mystery for leisurely reading
 

An old-school mystery for leisurely reading

For me mystery novels are summer. They are captivating, enjoyable and the perfect thing to read on a vacation.
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Africa, Indiana, is on the Ohio River. Garret K. Woodward photo
 

This must be the place: ‘Beg, steal or borrow two nickels or a dime to call me on the phone’

Hello from Room 623 at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Owensboro, Kentucky. Just about six and a half hours…
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John Brown will play Hayesville April 5. File photo
 

‘John Brown: An Evening of Jazz’

Jazz artist John Brown will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 5, at the Peacock Performing Arts Center…
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Imij Of Soul will play Waynesville April 6. File photo
 

Hendrix tribute to rock Boojum

A rock-n-roll power trio tribute to the sound, music and vibe of Jimi Hendrix, Imij of Soul will hit the…
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Kevin Fitzgerald is a well-known runner and coach in Western North Carolina. Donated photo
 

A conversation with WNC coach, athlete Kevin Fitzgerald

Recently, Kevin Fitzgerald left his Waynesville home and made the long trek up to West Virginia University to watch one…
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All registration proceeds will go directly to the Riley Howell Foundation Funds expenses. Donated photo
 

Run for Riley at the fourth-annual Mighty Four Miler

The Riley Howell Foundation Fund’s (RHFF) yearly fundraiser race, the Mighty Four Miler, will take place at 8 a.m. on…
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Hike Haywood County
 

Hike Haywood County

Haywood County Recreation will host a series of spring hikes throughout April. Here’s a look at what’s coming up. 
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Gateway to the Smokies
 

Gateway to the Smokies

Presented by The Smoky Mountain News, the fourth annual Gateway to the Smokies half-marathon and four-miler will be held at…
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The climbing route closures give the nesting pair a needed buffer while allowing climbing in other areas. Donated photo
 

Rock climbing restrictions will protect young falcons

The U.S. Forest Service and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) are temporarily restricting activities on or near several…
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Waynesville Rec hiring summer camp counselors
 

Waynesville Rec hiring summer camp counselors

Waynesville Parks & Recreation is currently hiring for summer camp counselors for Base Camp 2024. 
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Wildlife commission to open trout waters
 

Wildlife commission to open trout waters

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will open approximately 1,000 miles of Hatchery Supported Trout Waters at 7 a.m. April 6.…
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Now is a great time to submit soil samples
 

Now is a great time to submit soil samples

Experts are using the spring weather to remind people to test their soil if that has not been done in…
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Mark Warren. File photo
 

Hear about ‘Survival Tricks of the Trail’

Award winning author Mark Warren will discuss his book, “Survival Tricks of the Trail,” at 6 p.m. on April 11…
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NOC to open high-end bungalow accommodations
 

NOC to open high-end bungalow accommodations

The Nantahala Outdoor Center unveiled its newest lodging, The Hemlocks by NOC. 
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Panthertown friends hiring public engagement position
 

Panthertown friends hiring public engagement position

Friends of Panthertown is hiring a part-time trails and stewardship assistant. 
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Are the ‘deniers’ practicing better science?
 

Are the ‘deniers’ practicing better science?

I don’t deserve to be called a scientist, but maybe I’m at least a fringe scientist after spending 50 years doing…
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Enjoying the Madness
 

Enjoying the Madness

It’s March Madness, and as a graduate of North Carolina State University, I am thoroughly enjoying it. We Wolfpack fans…
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Let’s not go back in time
 

Let’s not go back in time

To the Editor: In North Carolina we have a candidate for governor who is alleged to have said, “I absolutely…
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Lawmakers should support our schools
 

Lawmakers should support our schools

To the Editor: Since the beginning of the new year, I have seen several photos of Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-Macon)…
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'Busting at the seams': JCPS reconsiders partnership with Catamount School
 

'Busting at the seams': JCPS reconsiders partnership with Catamount School

The memorandum of understanding between Jackson County Public Schools and the Catamount School is up for annual review, and this…
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Haywood County Farm Bureau President Don Smart speaks during a breakfast event at the Lambuth Inn. Cory Vaillancourt photo
 

Farm Bureau sounds the alarm on disappearing agricultural land

The Haywood County Farm Bureau’s legislative breakfast is an annual tradition where the usual topics of conversation include crop prices,…
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Unintended consequences: Jackson County school board signs suicide screener resolution
 

Unintended consequences: Jackson County school board signs suicide screener resolution

The North Carolina General Assembly passed the Parent Bill of Rights in August of last year, and now school systems…
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Funds allocated to address foster care needs
 

Funds allocated to address foster care needs

The Jackson County Department of Social Services has faced incredible challenges over the past year associated with placing children in…
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Betty Warstler, along with her husband, Herald, have given decades of service to Macon County. Donated photo
 

Women’s History Trail names seventh ‘Macon Matriarch’

With the opening of the Women’s History Trailhead at Women’s History Park and the unveiling and dedication of “Sowing the…
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New homes coming to the Waynesville Golf Club and Inn are for illustrative purposes and don’t necessarily depict the exact footprint of future development. Town of Waynesville photo
 

Waynesville grants golf club development request

Raines Company can now move forward with plans to open up development for 13 custom-built single-family homes on 11 acres…
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David Walton, who heads up the program, said GBS offers a diverse array of students the opportunity to study the Black experience. Donated photo
 

WCU Global Black Studies program shines

Every year, the National Council for Black Studies, the preeminent professional Black studies organization, recognizes one academic program for outstanding…
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Macon students speak up about coming NCHSAA changes
 

Macon students speak up about coming NCHSAA changes

Macon County Early College student athletes took to the public comment period during the March 25 school board meeting to…
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Real estate supply increasing, but so is demand
 

Real estate supply increasing, but so is demand

Critically low housing inventory has been steadily rising across the region since last fall and average sales prices have slipped…
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Kayla Renee Stroud (left), and Coty Jackson (right). File photos
 

Two plead guilty to drug trafficking in separate cases

Two people in unrelated cases pleaded guilty to trafficking charges in Cherokee County, District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch said. 
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Lake Junaluska summer activity passes are now available. Donated photo
 

Get your Lake Junaluska activity pass

Lake Junaluska Outfitters summer activity passes are now available. The passes provide admission to the lakeside pool all summer long,…
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The NAR settlement may change the way homes are bought and sold in the United States, but not much.
 

Settling for less: Plenty of questions remain over local, national impact of realtor settlement

A recent multimillion-dollar court settlement involving realtor commissions has left many unanswered questions in the real estate industry, especially when…
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Canton Assistant Town Manager Lisa Stinnett (left) and Town Manager Nick Scheuer listen to speakers during a meeting of the Town of Canton Board of Aldermen/women moments before assuming their new roles.
 

Canton realigns staff to focus on recovery from flood, mill closure

The Town of Canton, still beset with myriad issues related to both natural and human-caused disasters, took an unprecedented step…
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Randall Bramblett will play Hayesville March 30. Ian McFarlane photo
 

Built to last: A conversation with Randall Bramblett

At 76, singer-songwriter/keyboardist Randall Bramblett has been a musical artist most of his life. In recent years, a new outlook…
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The Chihuly exhibit will run at the Biltmore Estate through Jan. 5.  Garret K. Woodward photo
 

This must be the place: ‘The idea is not to live forever, it is to create something that will’

Hello from the Antler Village at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. It’s 11:34 a.m. The wine bar around the corner…
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Helprin’s new novel shows off his skills
 

Helprin’s new novel shows off his skills

It was another ordinary day when I swung by the public library on my way to town. I picked out…
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