An innovative high school dropout program in Haywood County was rescued from the chopping block this week after county commissioners and school officials agreed to go halves on the $61,000 needed to keep it open.

Swain County commissioner incumbents Steve Moon and David Monteith received the vote of confidence in the Democratic primary election.

Incumbent commissioner Paul Higdon and political newcomer Karl Gillespie will move on to the general election after winning the primary in Macon County. 

A freewheeling discussion on how to create more jobs stumped Haywood County commissioners last week as they pondered what else the county could be doing that it’s not already.

A $15,000 contribution from Jackson County Commissioners will ensure that housing for the county’s homeless continues through the winter.

Macon County commissioners maintained their stance against creating more wilderness areas in the county despite The Wilderness Society’s attempt to change their minds.

Jackson County’s animal lovers had a message for county commissioners last week, and it couldn’t have been clearer: We need a new animal shelter, and quickly, speaker after speaker told the board. 

A proposal to build a new cell tower outside Cashiers got the OK from Jackson County Commissioners last week, a decision that came after months of public discussion and heated debate.

Six candidates have signed up to run for two commissioner seats in Macon County next year.

Seven candidates will be vying for two commissioner seats in Swain County next year.