Waynesville’s Kathryn Greeley has been appointed to the University of North Carolina Board of Governors. Donated photo
 

Greeley appointed to UNC Board of Governors

The Western Carolina University Board of Trustees will have a bit of a different look at its next meeting.  Kathryn…
Read More

Comment

While cannabis will be available to tribal members, it’s still not known when non-enrolled adults will be able to purchase it. Great Smokies Cannabis Company photo
 

EBCI to sell recreational cannabis to enrolled members

Cherokee is moving one step closer to full adult recreational cannabis use. The newest advance will come July 4 when…
Read More

Comment

Lake Junaluska
 

Lake Junaluska to host services and workshops

Lake Junaluska’s Summer Worship Series has now resumed with seven visiting theologians serving as guest preachers. Summer Worship Series’ services…
Read More

Comment

Federal government announces $20 million for improvements to Corridor K
 

Federal government announces $20 million for improvements to Corridor K

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced a $20 million grant from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to…
Read More

Comment

Ada Limón. adalimon.net photo
 

U.S. Poet Laureate to visit Smokies

United States Poet Laureate Ada Limón is coming to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a special event at…
Read More

Comment

Become a Master Gardener volunteer
 

Become a Master Gardener volunteer

Join a network of passionate community members across the state dedicated to learning and sharing research-based information, enhancing their communities…
Read More

Comment

Join Franklin Bird Club for Macon County walks
 

Join Franklin Bird Club for Macon County walks

The Franklin Bird Club leads walks along the greenway on Wednesday mornings at 8 a.m. Walks start at alternating locations:…
Read More

Comment

Haywood Rec offers Parkway sunset yoga
 

Haywood Rec offers Parkway sunset yoga

Join Haywood County recreation for a sunset yoga session on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 
Read More

Comment

Paddling ahead: Nantahala Outdoor Center enters new chapter
 

Paddling ahead: Nantahala Outdoor Center enters new chapter

It’s not lost on Colin McBeath how unique and cherished the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is to locals and visitors…
Read More

Comment

Dennis Thurman (left) and Helen Ryde shake hands after a prayer meeting held by the Haywood Baptist Association on June 28.
 

First Amendment on display as opposing sides reckon with Pride

For many, a Pride festival is a fairly straightforward event, a celebration of unity among people marginalized for who they…
Read More

Comment

This artist's rendering shows what the bronze plaque on the monument might look like.
 

Monument to papermakers coming to Canton

The shuttered paper mill at the heart of Canton is still there — for now. One day it won’t be,…
Read More

Comment

The photograph, depicting Masa on a rock outcrop with his camera and a companion, was previously believed to have been taken at Graybeard Mountain. Recent findings confirm that the actual location is Blackstack Cliffs in the Cherokee National Forest. Donated photos
 

Iconic photo of George Masa ID’d

The true location of one of the most iconic photographs of George Masa has been accurately identified. The photograph, depicting…
Read More

Comment

George Masa Foundation announces Youth Conservation Photography Prize
 

George Masa Foundation announces Youth Conservation Photography Prize

The George Masa Foundation has announced the launch of the inaugural George Masa Youth Conservation Photography Prize. This unique competition…
Read More

Comment

Since its first running 34 years ago, the Firecracker 5K has grown from 30 to 300 runners. Donated photo
 

Firecracker 5K returns to Bryson City

Thursday, July 4, marks the 34th running of the Firecracker 5K in Bryson City. Created in 1989 to celebrate the…
Read More

Comment

Fourth of July in the Smokies
 

Fourth of July in the Smokies

Nothing says summer more than the Fourth of July with friends and family. And in Western North Carolina, we celebrate…
Read More

Comment

The Brothers Gillespie will play Waynesville July 6. File photo
 

Ready for 'The Great American Bash'?

Presented by Adamas Entertainment and The Scotsman Public House, “The Great American Bash” will feature Americana/rock sensation The Brothers Gillespie…
Read More

Comment

Dale Ann Bradley will play Robbinsville June 29. Donated photo
 

Stecoah welcomes bluegrass legend

As part of the annual “An Appalachian Evening” concert series, bluegrass icon Dale Ann Bradley will hit the stage at…
Read More

Comment

Maggie Valley Arts & Crafts Show
 

Maggie Valley Arts & Crafts Show

The 33rd annual Maggie Valley Arts & Crafts Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 6-7…
Read More

Comment

‘Thunder in the Smokies’ returns to Maggie Valley June 28-30. File photo
 

‘Thunder in the Smokies’

The annual “Thunder in the Smokies” spring rally will be held June 28-30 at the Maggie Valley Fairgrounds. 
Read More

Comment

A host of Pride events are scheduled for this coming weekend. File photo
 

Haywood’s inaugural Pride festival kicks off

Raymond Valentine has seen a lot of things in his long life, but after 80 years he doesn’t have to…
Read More

Comment

Haywood reappraisal will bring huge numbers, huge choices
 

Haywood reappraisal will bring huge numbers, huge choices

Appraisers are still in the field putting the finishing touches on the upcoming countywide property reappraisal set to take effect…
Read More

Comment

Sylva Town Council will likely appoint the members of the economic development board. Hannah McLeod photo
 

Sylva to create economic development board

The Town of Sylva is looking to create an economic development board made up of business owners outside the downtown…
Read More

Comment

As seen here, David Loftis, far left, was present prior to the closed session, but was absent once commissioners returned and video resumed. From YouTube
 

Swain County commissioner expelled from meeting

Following a heated exchange with another county commissioner during a closed session, Swain County Commissioner David Loftis was expelled from…
Read More

Comment

Metal boxes like these contain lifesaving help for opioid overdoses. Michele Rogers photo
 

Free opioid overdose kits available in three Haywood locations

Most people don’t realize that some accidental opioid overdoses are reversible with the quick administration of an opioid antagonist called…
Read More

Comment

Public safety, personnel costs push Waynesville tax increase
 

Public safety, personnel costs push Waynesville tax increase

In the second split budget vote in the last four years, Waynesville’s Town Council approved a property tax hike of…
Read More

Comment

Old Edwards Inn is the oldest building in Highlands. Garret K. Woodward photo
 

Old Edwards Inn changes ownership : Highlands officials expect ‘business as usual’

Old Edwards Inn — the historic Highlands landmark and premier worldwide travel destination — has been sold, but little is…
Read More

Comment

The census had a 56% participation rate. From EBCI.com
 

EBCI reveals census results

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Census results have been finalized for the first time in over two decades. 
Read More

Comment

Despite challenges, no tax increase in Canton budget
 

Despite challenges, no tax increase in Canton budget

A full year after one of the county’s largest employers — the Pactiv Evergreen paper mill, in downtown Canton — shut…
Read More

Comment

This photo of Southwestern’s campus in 1971 compared to the campus in 2024 (in article below). Donated photos
 

Potential SCC scanning day would explore campus history

Southwestern Community College (SCC), a crucial Western North Carolina educational institute since 1964, is exploring the possibility of hosting a…
Read More

Comment

Vecinos CEO Marianne Rupp Martinez (left to right) with SECU Foundation representatives Jama Campbell, executive director, Chris Ayers, board chair, Parker Patterson, senior grants officer and Scott Southern, director of grants administration. Donated photo
 

Vecinos receives SECU Foundation grant

SECU Foundation recently awarded a $1.6 million grant to Vecinos for a new medical center and human services hub in…
Read More

Comment

Nantahala Health Foundation launches grant cycle to benefit youth
 

Nantahala Health Foundation launches grant cycle to benefit youth

Nantahala Health Foundation will launch its next competitive grant opportunity on July 1 with a focus on investing in educational,…
Read More

Comment

Swain County raises taxes
 

Swain County raises taxes

Swain County will be raising its tax rate for the first time in 11 years in fiscal year 2024-25. Commissioners…
Read More

Comment

SCC recognizes OTA graduates
 

SCC recognizes OTA graduates

The newest members of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program recently celebrated their completion of Southwestern Community College’s program with family…
Read More

Comment

Large animal vets encouraged to apply for state grants
 

Large animal vets encouraged to apply for state grants

Large animal veterinarians in North Carolina are eligible to apply for up to $25,000 in funds to help support their…
Read More

Comment

State to ramp up impaired boating enforcement efforts
 

State to ramp up impaired boating enforcement efforts

 In efforts to ensure a safer July 4 holiday experience on the water, wildlife law enforcement officers with the N.C.…
Read More

Comment

Hunting, fishing fees to change July 1
 

Hunting, fishing fees to change July 1

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is announcing an increase to fees for hunting, fishing, trapping and activity licenses,…
Read More

Comment

Mountain View Garden Club plant sale
 

Mountain View Garden Club plant sale

Come out to Waynesville for the Mountain View Garden Club plant sale from 9 a.m. to noon July 6 at…
Read More

Comment

A cow elk moves through a wooded area. According to a recent DNA study, 240 elk were estimated to be living in Western North Carolina as of 2022.  Of those, 178 were female. Paul Stubbs photo
 

Word from the Smokies: DNA study yields new estimate of Smoky Mountain elk population

Over the decades since 52 elk were reintroduced to Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Cataloochee Valley in 2001 and 2002, wildlife…
Read More

Comment

All lanes of I-40 in Pigeon River Gorge now open
 

All lanes of I-40 in Pigeon River Gorge now open

Contract crews for the N.C. Department of Transportation have completed major operations at two locations of Interstate 40 in the…
Read More

Comment

High-speed internet grants awarded in WNC
 

High-speed internet grants awarded in WNC

63 North Carolina community service, nonprofit, higher education and regional organizations will get a combined $30 million in grants funded…
Read More

Comment

Sarah Songbird Turkey will play Bryson City June 27. Donated photo
 

Americana at Marianna

The Summer Music Series will continue with an evening of old-time and traditional music by Susan Pepper & Sarah Songbird…
Read More

Comment

Rene Russell will play Waynesville June 20. Wayne Ebinger photo
 

‘Brisket, Bourbon & Beer’

The “Brisket, Bourbon & Beer” fundraiser for REACH of Haywood County will take place from 5:30-9 p.m. Thursday, June 20,…
Read More

Comment

Laura Walkingstick is a cherished WNC artist. File photo
 

Mountain Artisans showcase

The annual Mountain Artisans “Summertime” Arts & Crafts Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 28-29…
Read More

Comment

The Maggie Valley Band will play Waynesville June 22. File photo
 

Maggie Valley Band returns to Frog Level

The Maggie Valley Band will perform at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. 
Read More

Comment

Hunting Boy Wood Carving is part of the Drive-About tour. File photo
 

Stecoah Drive-About Tour

The annual “Stecoah Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tour” will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 28-29 at featured…
Read More

Comment

Alma Russ will play WNC this month. File photo
 

Indie, folk rolls through WNC

Rising singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Alma Russ will hit the stage at 9 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at The Gem downstairs…
Read More

Comment

Outlaw Whiskey will play Bryson City June 22. Garret K. Woodward photo
 

Ready for classic rock, country gold?

Haywood County rock/country act Outlaw Whiskey will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Bryson City Brewing in Bryson…
Read More

Comment

‘And So I Run’ reading at City Lights
 

‘And So I Run’ reading at City Lights

Local author Anne Jobe and editor Christine Reed will host a special reading at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at…
Read More

Comment

A critical July 1 funding deadline approaches. Cory Vaillancourt photo
 

Legislative infighting overshadows child care crisis

Without immediate action from the General Assembly, Pandemic-era federal grants to child care providers will run out on July 1…
Read More

Comment

‘A two-generation workforce issue’: Child care availability impeding economic development
 

‘A two-generation workforce issue’: Child care availability impeding economic development

Stakeholders around Western North Carolina recognize the end of COVID-era child care stabilization funding and the broader lack of available…
Read More

Comment

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.