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Masking rules take effect on public lands
On Jan. 20, President Joe Biden issued an executive order requiring coronavirus prevention protocols — including mask-wearing — on all…
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Disc golf course proposed in Franklin
The Whitmire property on East Main Street in Franklin could soon become a public disc golf course.
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‘Something’s got to give’: Sylva police chief argues for more officers
Every year, Sylva’s department heads have a chance to tell town commissioners what they need — and what they want…
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Macon steps up COVID response
When Macon County Commissioners met on Jan. 12, health department staff was having a difficult time meeting the demands of…
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Jackson gets influx of vaccine doses
Jackson County is still lagging behind surrounding counties when it comes to the percentage of its population that’s received a…
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WNC schools already adhering to state recommendation
Last week, North Carolina officials recommended that all schools return to in-person learning as soon as possible.
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Cost-saving measure could lead to less government transparency
A bill in the North Carolina General Assembly that would allow local governments to stop publishing mandated legal notices in…
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Jail expansion project enters critical phase
Opponents of Haywood County’s proposed $16 million jail expansion project are ramping up pressure on county commissioners to consider alternative…
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Council overrides veto claiming Charter violation
Following an 80-minute closed session discussion, Tribal Council voted 9-3 last week to override Principal Chief Richard Sneed’s veto of…
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Tribe to explore indoor sports facility
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is moving toward construction of an indoor baseball and softball facility following a Feb.…
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May your belly be full, your cup runneth over: Amici’s brings fine Italian to Waynesville
It’s 8:45 a.m. and 28 degrees outside of Amici’s in the Hazelwood neighborhood of Waynesville. The sidewalk has been shoveled,…
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This must be the place: Bein’ a decrepit old bag of bones, that’s what’s ridiculous, gettin’ old
Late Thursday night. I’m sitting in my recliner. Netflix and the half-full lukewarm beer next to the chair have both…
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Jackson County art grants
The Jackson County Arts Council has awarded $50,250.06 in business interruption grants to local nonprofit arts organizations, other organizations with…
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NASA extends SCC partnership for 5 years
Two years before a total solar eclipse left area residents breathless in 2017, Southwestern Community College started working with the…
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What to know about second dose appointments
COVID-19 Second Dose clinics are coming up in Haywood County, here is what you need to know.
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Three more COVID deaths reported in Macon
Macon County Public Health reported that three Macon County residents diagnosed with COVID-19 have passed away. To protect the family…
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Reparations, Six Months Later: So Far, Empty Promises
By Barbara Durr and Peter H. Lewis • Asheville Watchdog | Six months ago, as part of a reckoning on…
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Haywood reports five more COVID-19 deaths
Since mid-January Haywood County Health and Human Services has received notice of five more COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total number now…
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WCU center examines economic recovery after pandemic
The Center for the Study of Free Enterprise at Western Carolina University has issued an assessment of economic recovery, sustainability and growth in North…
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The Table: We're Here For The Food
I’m not really into football. I’m more into the food and the company on Superbowl Sunday.
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‘Dis Tew Much’- Reimagining A Less Performative Black History Month
By Dana Murray Patterson, Ph.D. — Celebrating Black History Month as a Black person has become much like being the host…
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Join Bohemian Jean For Valentine's Day Show
Musical duo Bohemian Jean is made up of Matt Welborn and Jessi Stone, who is also news editor from Smoky…
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A modest proposal for Medicare
By Steven Wall • Guest Columnist | With so much division in our country, and some folks even losing faith…
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Madison Cawthorn needs to go
To the Editor: For weeks leading into the insurrection and ransacking of our Capitol on Jan. 6, Madison Cawthorn’s words…
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Facts, compassion are important
To the Editor: Humanity has a universal propensity for lies and distortions, and Trump-supporting extremists ruled by reality-free ideas are…
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Despite claims, truth does matter
To the Editor: I always enjoy the illuminating letters from Carol Adams. Her most recent (last week’s Smoky Mountain News, www.smokymountainnews.com/opinion/item/30705)…
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We must learn to protect the earth
To the Editor: In the aftermath of recent events in our nation’s Capitol, we are still reeling in shock, disbelief…
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Masks required at Park Service facilities
Face masks are now required at all National Park Service buildings and facilities as a result of President Joe Biden’s…
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WCU offers outdoor industry certificate program
A new professional outdoor industry certificate will be available through the Western Carolina University Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment…
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Friends of Dupont gets help with Share the Trails
Friends of DuPont Forest will receive 100 free hours of public relations and marketing services thanks to the Stand Up…
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Raising canes: River cane project protects environment, Cherokee culture
The sky shone an unbroken blue and afternoon sunshine cast sparkles on the lazy Pigeon River as a group of…
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Ginseng, family, friends and home
Many of us who read novels find ourselves in awe of authors who create a landscape and a place so…
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Sarge’s dedicates memorial plaque
Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation dedicated a memorial plaque to honor Gary Smith Dec. 17, at Sarge’s Adoption Center.
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Haywood vaccinations surge, other counties lag
The number of Haywood County residents receiving a first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine jumped by 45 percent between…
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Cashiers crossroads developer offers last-minute plan reduction
After nearly eight hours of discussion and testimony on Monday, Jan. 25, the first day of the quasi-judicial hearing that…
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Bi-partisan opposition builds against Cawthorn
He hasn’t even been in office for a month, but Western North Carolina’s Republican Rep. Madison Cawthorn is already starting…
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Equal Rights Amendment introduced in General Assembly
More than 40 years after it first took up the matter, the North Carolina General Assembly may consider finally ratifying…
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Pro-bono legal service requests spike during COVID
As people continue to struggle through the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for pro-bono legal services has spiked, putting more demand…
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Enrollment for ACA coverage open Feb. 15 through May 15
People have a new opportunity to enroll in health insurance for 2021 on HealthCare.gov, but only for a limited time.
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Franklin man pleads guilty to trafficking
A Franklin man who pleaded guilty last week to trafficking in methamphetamine has been sentenced to serve 70 to 93…
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Dog park coming to Cashiers
Cashiers will get a dog park following the Jackson County Commissioners’ unanimous vote Jan. 26 to approve a contract with…
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The things I’ve Seen: Pink Beds release debut rock album
What started out as a casual jam to entertain a keg party has morphed itself into one of the most…
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This must be the place: Ode to mighty Erica, ode to the Waldrops
Western North Carolina has lost a truly kind and beautiful soul. Erica Waldrop passed away in a tragic car accident…
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Blue Ridge Music Trails podcast
Listen for new episodes of “Down the Road” on the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina, a series highlighting…
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Expecting the unexpected: Shuping retires after 20 years as Haywood’s emergency manager
Greg Shuping was 19 years old when he launched his emergency services career in his native Burke County. The son…
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SCC to host two virtual job fairs
Even as the pandemic continues, employers continue to seek eager workers to fill important job roles. To help with the search,…
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Significance of iconic Rock City Barn in Bryson City
Unbeknownst to many a passerby as they enter the town of Bryson City from the east, there lies a structural…
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Ultra-cold vaccine freezers come to UNC schools
New mobile freezers capable of capable of safely storing and transporting COVID-19 vaccine vials will soon arrive at all 15…
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WCU students research which masks work the best
Things like color, size, shape, prints and even bling, factor into the decision-making process. There are standard face coverings and…
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