News Headlines
Hands off Haywood hosts ‘No kings’ rally
Hands off Haywood will host a rally and speakers beginning at noon on Saturday, June 14 at the Historic Haywood County Court House, 285 Main St. in Waynesville.
In recognition of Flag Day, rally organizers have purchased small American flags to distribute to participants.
Haywood GOP sponsors “Spirit of America Celebration”
A “Spirit of America Celebration” will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. The theme of the event, sponsored by the Haywood County Republican Party, is “Proud to be an American.”
HRMC launches program to improve maternal health and save lives
Haywood Regional Medical Center is proud to announce the launch of the Special Delivery Program, a new initiative focused on improving postpartum care and reducing maternal mortality. Through this program, postpartum patients will receive wristbands to wear for six weeks after delivery, serving as a visual reminder to remain vigilant about their health and seek timely care if complications arise.
Part of broader effort, Helene recovery bill offers $60M for small businesses
When Hurricane Helene slammed into Western North Carolina in late 2024, public attention focused on damaged homes, washed-out roads and the rigid bureaucracy meant to help with recovery, but the widespread physical damage was closely followed by a slow-moving economic catastrophe unfolding among the region’s small businesses, farmers and local governments. Now, eight months later, help may finally be on the way.
'Equal opportunity offender:' Community defends FRL amidst Jackson’s possible withdrawal
Two weeks after the Jackson County Commission floated a possible withdrawal from the Fontana Regional Library system, residents showed up to speak at the May 20 commission meeting for more than three and a half hours of public comment, with the majority voicing their opposition to withdrawal.
Persistence pays off: Pless champions long-delayed infrastructure project
After more than four years of setbacks, political wrangling and bureaucratic delays, a small but vital infrastructure project in Haywood County is nearly complete — thanks in large part to the persistence of Rep. Mark Pless (R-Haywood).
Pifer named WCU Director of Athletics
Western Carolina University Chancellor Kelli R. Brown announced on May 19 the selection of Kyle Pifer to serve as the director of athletics following approval of his contract by the university’s Board of Trustees during a special called meeting.
Despite illness, Clampitt plans to run again
Republican Mike Clampitt, currently serving his fourth term as District 119 House Rep., tells The Smoky Mountain News he plans to run for reelection in 2026 despite recent health concerns. In April, Clampitt announced that he had been diagnosed with a rare, serious form of blood and bone marrow cancer known as Myelodysplastic syndrome.
Settlement reached in Cherokee County police involved shooting case
More than two years after he was shot by Cherokee Indian Police Department SWAT Team members, Jason Harley Kloepfer has reached a $10 million settlement with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Cherokee County, ending any chances of what was shaping up to be a difficult and complicated federal trial.
