News Headlines
Kirkland unanimously appointed as Swain County chairman
Swain County commissioners appointed Jason “Jay” Kirkland on Oct. 28 as board chairman, just shy of the 60-day following the former chairman Kevin Seagle’s resignation.
Commissioner Bobby Jenkins brought forward Kirkland’s nomination, and Commissioner David Loftis immediately seconded the motion.
$1.25m gift to WCU athletics pushes ‘Fill the Western Sky’ campaign past $100m goal
A planned gift from a longtime Western North Carolina economic development and marketing professional and his spouse has pushed Western Carolina University’s “Fill the Western Sky” comprehensive fundraising campaign past its minimum goal of $100 million in philanthropic support.
Waynesville forms new nonprofit to boost downtown revival
Waynesville took another step toward stabilizing its downtown program on Oct. 28, approving incorporation papers for a new nonprofit that will let the town’s Downtown Waynesville Commission accept tax-deductible donations and compete for grants.
New tree ordinance adopted in Waynesville
Trees already line many of Waynesville’s streets and ring the town’s parks, but after Town Council’s Oct. 28 meeting, their future care will no longer be left to chance. Council members voted unanimously to adopt a new municipal tree ordinance designed to protect public trees, reduce energy use, improve aesthetics and promote long-term environmental sustainability.
More funding announced for temporary jobs, training for Helene recovery
The U.S. Department of Labor has released additional funds to help North Carolinians get back to work in areas affected by Hurricane Helene.
The new funds, totaling $4 million, represent the remaining portion of a $10 million Disaster Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant that the DOL initially awarded to North Carolina in 2024 in the wake of Helene.
Macon goes green for Veterans Day
Businesses, homes and county buildings throughout Macon County will sport green lights through Veterans Day, and organizers are hoping that next year, even more will participate.
The effort is part of a larger campaign organized by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers.
Where to get food in WNC if SNAP benefits are halted
As federal SNAP support remains uncertain, dozens of food pantries in Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties — as well as on the Qualla Boundary — are preparing for surging need.
Federal shutdown threatens food aid in WNC
Waynesville resident Sam Wilds is blind, cannot work, uses her entire Social Security disability check for household bills, has approximately $50 left on her SNAP card for the month of October, and once it’s gone, it’s gone.
As one Haywood volunteer fire department celebrates a big win, others struggle
As the sun set behind the Saunook fire station in west Haywood County, members of the community gathered in the bay that would normally house the fire trucks and anxiously took their seats. They were told the news was good, they just didn’t know how good.
