A noble cause on the surface, Waynesville’s smoking ban on sidewalks is fraught with what-ifs

Waynesville leaders are wrestling over how far to go with a smoking ban in public spaces.

The proposed ban would apply to sidewalks and streets in business districts throughout town, from Main Street to Russ Avenue.

Waynesville to drop back and punt on no-smoking zones

A public hearing on whether to ban smoking in public spaces in Waynesville — including outdoors — was held Tuesday night (March 24), after the newspaper’s press deadline.

Lake Junaluska merger bill racks up endorsements

Elected government leaders in Haywood County have lined up behind a state bill to add Lake Junaluska to Waynesville’s town limits.

Waynesville pursues bike-friendly roads

Big white stencils of helmeted bikers now adorn a growing number of streets throughout Waynesville.

Bring on the bikes: Mountains to coast bike ride to kick off from Waynesville

out frThe plans are set: Waynesville’s getting invaded this fall, and the army will be 1,000 strong. 

Semi trucks will haul luggage and portable showers, tents will dominate the lawn of the Waynesville Recreation Center and, most importantly, the soldiers, adventurous souls who have signed up to pedal nearly 500 miles across the state in Cycle North Carolina’s Mountains to Coast Tour, will show up with two-wheeled mounts in tow.

Cigarette users about to find it harder to light up in Waynesville

fr smoking“Where will the smokers go?” has been the question on many people’s mind since the town of Waynesville and Haywood County commissioners both announced proposed smoking bans.

New bill heads to Raleigh to join Lake J with Waynesville

fr lakejThe Lake Junaluska community will make a renewed bid to merge with the town of Waynesville this year, this time with the added measure of a formal vote.

Folkmoot center renovation plans finalized

Folkmoot USA has finalized its capital improvements and business plan for the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Hazelwood. 

Since taking over ownership of the building from the county last year, Folkmoot has been working on plans to renovate the building to accommodate year-round programming for the organization.

Babcock resigns from Folkmoot

fr babcockAfter being at the helm of Folkmoot USA for six years, Karen Babcock has resigned as executive director and is in the process of training her successor to take over by March 1.

One foot in front of the other: Haywood runner seeks to push her limits, share the joy of running

out frPushing through 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 of biking and 26.2 of running, it was all Jennifer Jacobson could do to keep moving toward the finish line of Ironman Louisville in Kentucky last summer. But she did make it, earning an achievement to boost her mood for years to come. 

“That was basically an ultimate bucket list goal for me, and if I don’t ever do another one again, I’m OK with that,” said Jacobson, 33. “But just having that experience was something I’ll never forget for sure.”

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