Effective 5 p.m. today, Haywood County will still be under a state of emergency; however, the countywide curfew will be extended later into the evening.

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.

Around 7:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, Haley Ramey, co-owner of Soul Sisters Depot in Frog Level, began receiving calls from ADT that the store’s security alert system was sensing motion. 

“I tried to look at the security videos on my phone but couldn’t see what was going on. I started breaking down knowing something really bad was happening,” said Haley. “I could just feel it.”

Despite criticizing ridiculous conspiracy theories that came in the wake of Hurricane Helene — and supporting state Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-Macon) for calling them out — North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis made clear today that in his opinion, not everything has gone smoothly during the state’s recovery from the storm. Gov. Roy Cooper pushed back on at least one aspect of Tillis’ claim.

Josh Stein, North Carolina’s attorney general, visited Canton today to survey damage, to talk with local leaders and first responders and to caution those seeking to profit off of the misery of a storm-lashed region.

Just a half-mile from the Historic Frog Level District in Waynesville — whose streets were once home to burgeoning, eclectic shops but have been devastated by the recent floodwaters of Tropical Storm Helene — stands a sanctuary of tranquility and solace: the Pearl Psychedelic Institute.

Throughout Hurricane Helene, the slogan going around Haywood County has been, “neighbors helping neighbors.” The personification of those words is nowhere more apparent than at Haywood Pathways Center in Waynesville, where a small group of volunteers gathered on Oct. 5 to minister to some of the county’s most vulnerable residents.

Amid the devastation and human suffering caused by Tropical Storm Helene, it’s only natural to lose sight of the fact that in less than 30 days, voters across the country will head to the polls to participate in a close, consequential election. Come hell or high water — Western North Carolina has had both — local election officials are working feverishly on a short timeline to ensure there are no disruptions to early voting, absentee balloting or Election Day activities.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, with FEMA Administrator Deanna Criswell in tow, continued his multi-day western swing today, making stops in Haywood County to survey damage from Hurricane Helene, to thank volunteers and to hear from local officials.

The head of FEMA, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, Republican Haywood County Sheriff Bill Wilke and Republican Haywood County Commission Chair Kevin Ensley flatly denied rumors and conspiracy theories circulating on social media alleging a lack of government response to the catastrophe left in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene.

The comments came during a Friday afternoon press conference at the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office. Cooper began by praising emergency response professionals who are on the ground and in the water rescuing people, but he also thanked volunteers aiding in the recovery.