News Headlines
Breeden sworn in, Young appointed chairman
The first commission meeting of December after an election usually comes with a change in leadership, and such was the case for the Macon County Commission at its Dec. 2 organizational meeting.
WCU appoints Henley as director of the Pride of the Mountains and Athletic Bands
Western Carolina University announced the appointment of Matt Henley as the next director of Athletic Bands and director of the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band.
Haywood commissioner Ramey rebuked
Editor’s note: this story contains strong language.
Since his election in 2022, Haywood County Commissioner Terry Ramey has been known for lying — about his delinquent taxes, about his votes, about being assaulted — but this time, his acquiescent appearance in a YouTube video that spread misinformation about the county’s powers to circumvent state law has Ramey’s fellow commissioners receiving death threats and Haywood’s state representative calling for Ramey’s resignation.
You are not alone: Macon housing needs assessment tells familiar story
When Patrick Bowen, president of Bowen National Research, presented a housing needs assessment to the Macon County’s board of commissioners earlier this month, there was one thing he kept coming back to.
Veto override: Lawmakers expand funding for private school vouchers
Lawmakers in the North Carolina General Assembly voted last week to override Governor Roy Cooper’s veto and pass a mini budget bill that includes $463 million in funding for the Opportunity Scholarship Grant Program that provides voucher money for families with students attending private schools.
Cooper taps Wijewickrama for superior court seat
Judge Roy Wijewickrama has been appointed to fill the recently vacated senior resident superior court seat in the district made up of Haywood and Jackson counties.
The appointment, announced by Gov. Roy Cooper in a press release, came the afternoon of Nov. 14.
The Pigeon Center responds to community’s disaster needs: Support needed to make up fundraising shortfall
The Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center quickly became a storm recovery hub in Waynesville just days after Hurricane Helene devastated areas of Haywood County.
WNC law enforcement aims to turn ‘Blackout Wednesday’ blue
In some areas, Thanksgiving Eve is one of the biggest drinking days of the year, and it is known the kick-off to the festive holiday season.
A 2017 study by UPSERVE restaurant management, states that beer sales increased 270%, liquor sales by 114%, and “growler” sales by a staggering 658% on the night before Thanksgiving.
Rental assistance available for homeowners, renters
Homeowners and renters in North Carolina may be eligible for FEMA Rental Assistance if they cannot live in their homes because of damage due to Tropical Storm Helene.
