What remains: Following Helene flooding, MANNA FoodBank releases benefit album

In the seven months since Hurricane Helene ravaged the mountains and valleys of Western North Carolina, there’s been one constant thought rolling through the mind of Guy Smith. 

“In memorializing Helene’s savagery, the agony it caused, the grief and loss, but also the resilience and charity,” Smith said.

No tax increase for Canton, but rates will rise

The Town of Canton is currently wrestling with one of the ugliest budget conundrums in decades due to a combination of natural and human-caused disasters, the general unsustainability of the American health care coverage system and a colossal mistake by a contracted service provider.  

Hurricane Helene heroes honored

Recovery from Hurricane Helene hasn’t been a partisan affair — on the ground, at least — but North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District Republicans took time out of a busy district convention day to honor those who helped. 

Good intentions gone wrong: Maconians sound alarm on excessive debris removal

By this point, more than six months after Hurricane Helene barreled through Western North Carolina, it’s a common sight. Heavy machinery moving in and around waterways, working to remove debris that choked rivers and streams during extreme flooding caused by the storm. 

Taking the wheel: Following Helene flooding, Canton art collective to reopen

Last Thursday afternoon, dark storm clouds overtook downtown Canton. Sitting on a couch in the Cold Mountain Art Collective on Adams Street, Hannah Burnisky gazes out at the raindrops sliding down the large front windows of the business. 

Haywood farmers talk Hurricane Helene recovery, continuing loss of farmland

Local elected leaders and farmers, along with state and federal officials, gathered April 14 over bacon and eggs to tackle twin challenges facing Western North Carolina’s agricultural sector — ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene and the accelerating loss of prime farmland. 

FEMA decision to cost WNC millions: Rep. Edwards accepts ruling while governor files formal appeal

In a move that will cost the state and local governments hundreds of millions of dollars, the Federal Emergency Management Agency denied North Carolina’s request for an extension on the period during which the federal government would reimburse 100% of recovery expenses for Hurricane Helene. 

From hurricanes to handcuffs: Sheriff Wilke recaps a whirlwind year

In a year-in-review summary report released this week, Haywood County Sheriff Bill Wilke outlined key accomplishments and challenges from 2024, marking a year of operational growth, community engagement and the continuing fight against crime and drugs. 

Maggie budgets for ‘needs, not wants’

Maggie Valley’s proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year reflects a cautious and calculated approach, with officials holding the line on taxes but planning modest increases to some service fees. 

Small increase proposed for Haywood Community College budget

Haywood Community College is asking Haywood County commissioners for a modest increase in its operating budget for fiscal year 2025–26, citing inflationary pressures, employee retention initiatives, rising costs across multiple service categories and a surprising surge in enrollment. 

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