Clyde EMS base moves forward with bid approval
Haywood County commissioners advanced the long-planned Clyde EMS base project Oct. 20 by approving a $2,069,955 construction contract with RYSE Construction.
The bid represents the second phase of a federally funded initiative to redevelop the Clyde Armory campus into a modern emergency response hub that will serve as both an EMS base and a regional emergency shelter, right in the geographic center of Haywood County.
Canton secures land for wastewater plant, launches bold bid for economic revival
In a move more than a half-century in the making, the Town of Canton has announced the pending purchase of a key parcel of land where it plans to construct a new, state-of-the-art flood-proof wastewater treatment plant — ending a long chapter of dependence on a private system operated by the now-shuttered Pactiv Evergreen paper mill and setting the stage for a bold economic redevelopment of the historic site.
Local officials feel good about Pactiv mill parcel sale in Canton
Apprehension over the fate of a huge industrial parcel in the heart of Canton is now transitioning to cautious optimism.
Haywood TDA reacts to Helene problems with grants, budget cut
Two days after Haywood Chamber President and CEO David Francis announced the creation of a small business grant recovery program for businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene, the Haywood County Tourism Development authority jumped on board — in a big way — while tempering its own expectations of what the post-Helene landscape looks like.
Latest flood relief bill leaves businesses underwater
The Republican-led North Carolina General Assembly took its second step in flood recovery on Oct. 24, designating from the state’s $4.4 billion Rainy Day Fund an additional $604 million in funding and resources for disaster recovery in response to Hurricane Helene — far less than the $3.9 billion the state’s Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper wanted, and with little real help to businesses that can’t afford to take out more loans.
Long road to recovery ahead for Waynesville’s post-Helene businesses
A region largely dependent on the tourism industry is now asking a question not heard since the COVID-19 pandemic — how to support retail and hospitality businesses that depend on foot traffic while respecting public safety guidelines and strained infrastructure across the region.
Developer still pursuing Pactiv parcel despite Helene damage
Hurricane Helene has dealt serious damage to Pactiv Evergreen’s shuttered Canton paper mill, but the St. Louis-based demolition and development company owner trying to buy the 185-acre parcel remains undeterred.
Haywood awards nearly $6 million for affordable housing developments
Haywood County commissioners approved two funding recommendations from its Affordable Housing Development Committee that will increase affordable housing stock at no cost to Haywood County taxpayers.
Local leader to serve as Haywood Chamber of Commerce President
The Haywood County Chamber of Commerce announced the appointment of David Francis as its new president.
Folded: chronicling the closure of Pactiv Evergreen’s Canton paper mill
History will whisper through the mountain mists that once upon a time, Pactiv Evergreen’s paper mill in Canton stood as a symbol of industry and economic prosperity for generations. But behind its towering façade, the specter of mismanagement and malfeasance eventually led to a botched closing announcement, a health care coverage crisis and more than a thousand workers helplessly watching their good-paying jobs evaporate like morning dew in the midday summer sun.

INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Question: I’m really trying to work on keeping my Type 2 diabetes under control by exercising, taking my medications and counting carbohydrates, but some days my blood sugar will run high no matter what I do. What could be causing this?
Read MoreQuestion: “I have Type 2 diabetes. What are some good ideas for breakfasts and snacks that will help me keep my blood sugar under control?”
Answer:
First, it’s important to know how many carbohydrates or servings of food with carbohydrates you can have at a meal/snack.
Read MoreMilk is definitely in the news these days, specifically whole milk. At your local Ingles Market, you can find a variety of cow’s milk options as well as non-dairy alternatives. All of the milk sold at Ingles Markets is pasteurized. Pasteurizing milk is a food safety measure. Pasteurized milk is still a good source of protein, vitamin D, and other vitamins and minerals. Our store brand of milk is Laura Lynn milk which is primarily sourced from local dairy farmers within about 150 miles of Asheville, NC.
Read MoreI got a question this week on LinkedIn (yes, you can find me there!) about chia seeds so let’s take a look:
What are they?: They are small black seeds from the chia plant which is native to Mexico and Guatemala. They look a little like poppy seeds but are larger.
What’s the benefit of eating/using or cooking with them?
Chia seeds are a source of fiber, omega 3-fatty acids, and protein.