Smoky Mountain News

OldTown Bank

Fri05242013

     Subscribe  |  Contact  |  Advertise  |  RSS Feed  |  Other Publications

Subscribe to this RSS feed
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:49

Romney wins Western North Carolina but loses nationally

Western North Carolina voters favored Gov. Mitt Romney over President Barack Obama despite the president’s narrow victory nationally.
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:48

Davis beats Snow by a wide margin

Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, pulled out a surprisingly strong win over his Democratic challenger John Snow in what was supposed to be razor thin race.
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:46

Queen slips by Clampitt in House race

Waynesville Democrat Joe Sam Queen beat out Republican candidate Mike Clampitt by a commanding margin to take an open seat in the N.C. House.
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:43

Ray Rapp out of N.C. House

N.C. Rep. Ray Rapp, D-Mars Hill, was defeated after serving a decade in Raleigh. It was one of the most surprising election results of the night, given Rapp’s popularity, accomplishments and likeability during his long tenure.
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:17

Sales tax for schools goes down in Swain

Swain County voters shot down a quarter-cent sales tax increase that would have funded school construction by a 3-to-1 margin.  The optional sales tax increase would have brought in roughly $250,000 a year and would have paid for a $2…
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:16

Macon voters replace Democratic commissioner

The Republican stronghold of Macon County chose to elect conservative Paul Higdon over Democrat incumbent Bobby Kuppers to the board of county commissioners. 
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:14

Jackson to keep its current mix on board

The Jackson County Commissioner race was decided by a large margin, granting incumbent Mark Jones another term in office. He defeated Republican candidate Marty Jones handily, despite the county overall narrowly going for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. 
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 05:06

Haywood County commissioners to remain unchanged

Commissioners Mark Swanger and Kevin Ensley — a Democrat and Republican respectively — won reelection to the Haywood County Board of Commissioners Tuesday. 
Tuesday, 06 November 2012 22:03

WNC voters step to the plate

Temperatures dropped on Election Day, with high elevation snowflakes and low-lying raindrops greeting voters around Western North Carolina, making for low voter turnout trailing that of 2008. With troves of citizens opting for early voting — more than half those…
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 00:00

Tourism-driven growth in Cherokee burdens sewer system

The tribal council for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians recently approved a $28 million upgrade for the sewage treatment plant, which will double the capacity and accommodate demand fueled in part by growth of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 00:00

Haywood keeps tabs on contaminants leaching from old landfill

Eight new monitoring wells will be drilled an old landfill in Haywood County, the latest step in an ongoing effort to track and measure groundwater contamination emanating from the now-closed landfill.
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 00:00

Seminar will address physical therapy, lower back pain

Orthopedic physical therapist Todd Watson will speak at a free Dine and Learn seminar that addresses the links between physical therapy and back pain from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the MedWest Rehabilitation Service office on the MedWest-Harris campus…
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 00:00

Waynesville Rec Center basketball courts get facelift

The Waynesville Recreation Center recently had a new design placed on the basketball courts. This was the first time the lines had to be removed so the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department decided to go with a new layout. The…
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 00:00

Girl Scouts offer affordable and fun activities

Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont (GSCP2P) has opportunities for volunteers who are committed to helping girls develop courage, confidence and character. Volunteers are the heart and soul of Girl Scouting – whether you have an hour, a day, a…
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 00:00

Online database holds the key to reining in stolen goods black market

A $12,000 tractor stolen in Macon County and sold as scrap in Georgia for a fraction of the price; rusting automobiles yanked from lawns in the middle of night; copper wiring stripped from construction sites — rising scrap metal prices…
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 00:00

Safety committee tries to improve emergency response

When Kevin Seagel slipped into Swain County’s courthouse during a mock exercise brandishing a pretend weapon, it only took emergency responders one minute to find him, but by then, he had already killed several people.
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 00:00

Swain’s courthouse metal detector not pulling its weight

Swain County may heighten security measures at the courthouse and administration building to stop guns and weapons from being carried into the lobby.
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 00:00

Vehicle property tax bill will soon be wrapped in with tag registration

In an effort to extinguish delinquent vehicle taxes, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a law that will combine vehicle property tax and car registration into one bill. When it goes into effect, drivers can’t get their tags renewed until…
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 00:00

Waynesville police engage residents through forums

A committee of Waynesville residents is putting the community in the term “community policing.”
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 00:00

College music scene at Sylva’s No Name Pub clashes with neighbors

Two years ago, Gregg Fuller tried to fill a void in Sylva’s nightlife scene when he opened the No Name Sports Pub, featuring drinks, food and live bands three to four nights a week. But soon, the increasingly boisterous crowds…
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 00:00

Sylva town board forces auto dealer to keep sidewalk promise

Despite pleas for leniency, the owner of a Sylva auto dealership faces a $500 fine for failing to build a sidewalk in front of his car lot. Russ Cagle, owner of Concept Automotive, initially agreed to build the sidewalk last…
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 00:00

WCU program for intellectually disabled seeks applicants

Western Carolina University is seeking applicants for the next class of its University Participant Program, which offers a two-year, on-campus living and learning experience for college-age persons with intellectual disabilities. The goal of the UP Program is to facilitate the…
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 00:00

Join November Ladies Night Out

Macon County Public Health and Angel Medical Center are hosting a Ladies Night Out talk Nov. 13 The topic will be Diabetes Awareness, and the guest speaker will be Jennifer Trippe, a registered dietician with Macon County Public Health. She…
Wednesday, 07 November 2012 00:00

WCU eyes long-term infrastructure needs

Plans made in the coming months could set the tone for the following decade or two of construction, renovation and development on Western Carolina University’s campus. Faculty, staff, administrators and students at the school have been working since September to…
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:59

Business notes

Caesar’s Entertainment recently donated $2 million dollars for the purchase and continued maintenance of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine to the Cherokee Hospital. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Oct. 24. ••• Russell Hawkins, a financial advisor with Edward…
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:58

“Partners in Leadership” launches mentoring program

The Haywood County Chamber of Commerce Women in Business and the Young Professionals of Haywood have launched the “Partners in Leadership” mentoring program.  “Partners in Leadership” is designed to prepare Haywood County Young Professional Women (YPW) to become future business…
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:57

Net zero home built in Haywood County

A “net zero home” constructed in Haywood County will have an open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 3 and 10. Located in Beaverdam Valley, the structure strikes an elusive balance between work and play. It produces…
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:55

County landfills grapple with fluorescent bulb conundrum

A compact fluorescent light bulb uses about 75 percent less energy than the old-fashioned kind and lasts up to 10 times longer. They may cost more upfront, but a net savings of $25 during the life of each bulb has…
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:52

More news briefs

Microchip your pet to ensure safety Haywood Spay/Neuter is holding a pet microchip clinic 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 in Waynesville.  Many dogs and cats end up in shelters because they lack proper identification to be returned to…
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:51

WCU to hold open house

Western Carolina University will welcome prospective students and their families and friends to campus when the university holds its second open house starting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10. Hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Admission, the open house gives…
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:50

Donate a turkey dinner for those in need

Maggie Valley Area Lodging Association is once again donating turkey dinners to Haywood County residents this year, which will be distributed at the Haywood County Department of Social Services in Clyde starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20.   “We…
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:49

Maggie leaders question the wisdom of holding out for tourism

Maggie Valley is trying to figure out what exactly it wants to be. Maggie once reigned supreme in the mountain tourist trade, witnessed by the row of restaurants, bars, hotels and gift shops that line the valley’s main drag.
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:46

‘Twilight’ saga teen idol brings positive message to Cherokee youth

Chaske Spencer, more widely known as werewolf Sam Uley from the “Twilight” saga series, drew on his Native American roots during an appearance in Cherokee last week, hoping to transcend his star appeal to bring home a broader message.
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:46

Fairground auction seeking donations

Second annual benefit auction for the Haywood County Fairgrounds will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 3 at the fairgrounds. Donated items for the auction will be accepted beginning at 1 p.m., with the auction scheduled to begin at 6…
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:45

Motorcycle toy run, to roll through Haywood

21st annual Haywood County Motorcycle Parade and Toy Run will take place at noon Saturday, Nov. 10, starting at Canton’s Town Hall. This year’s route will take riders up N.C. 110 to Bethel and then turns toward Waynesville on U.S.…
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:40

Sales tax on the ballot in Swain: If passed, money would go toward school construction

Swain County voters are being asked this election whether they want a quarter-cent sales tax increase to help pay for school construction. The quarter-cent sales tax would bring in roughly $250,000 a year and would pay for a $2 million…
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:40

Volunteers needed in Franklin

Kids Against Hunger will host a 30,000-meal packing event starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at First Christian Church of Franklin on Bellview Park Road. Volunteers will package food for hungry families. The items include a nutritious mixture of…
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:38

Macon pool to get major improvements by next summer

Macon County is poised to begin major renovations to its pool at Veterans Memorial Recreation Park, including extensive upgrades to the locker rooms and the addition of water play features in the kiddy pool. The $600,000 project will consist of…
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:37

Cashiers and sweepstakes parlors don’t mix

The upscale tourism and second-home community of Cashiers hopes to ban sweepstakes parlors, making it one of the first in the region to outright prohibit the pseudo video-gambling businesses that have cropped up in staggering numbers over the past year.…
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:33

Jackson commissioners declare time’s up on wrangling over new tourism structure

A festering disagreement over how to overhaul Jackson County’s tourism agency is coming to an end, but some lodging owners who have resisted the changes aren’t happy about it.
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:27

Face-off on stage at WCU covers full spectrum of political talking points

In a debate that focused on everything from Iran and health care to equal pay for women and earmarks, Congressional candidates Republican Mark Meadows and Democrat Hayden Rogers pushed back from the similarities that people draw between the two conservatives.
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:24

Meadows touts rise as self-made businessman

Looking at Mark Meadows today, it is difficult to imagine him as a self-described “fat nerd” wandering the high school halls in Tampa Bay, Fla. The Republican candidate for the 11th U.S. Congressional District has come a long way during…
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:21

Rogers keeps his roots close on campaign trail

Hayden Rogers grew up hunting, fishing and playing the chasing game ‘Fox and the Hound’ in Robbinsville. Touting himself as the all-around Western North Carolinian, Rogers reminisced about his childhood in rural Graham County, just a short jaunt from his…
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:17

The final days

Both considered conservatives within their own political parties, Republican Mark Meadows and Democrat Hayden Rogers have more in common than just a handful of political similarities. Both are Christian, came out of humble beginnings to find success, married their high…
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:17

NCDOT to work on tunnel drainage

North Carolina Department of Transportation will perform work on two tunnels in the Pigeon River Gorge on Interstate 40 in Haywood County starting next week.  From Monday, Oct. 29 until Friday, Nov. 2, work will be performed on the tunnel…
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:15

School back in session on Saturday

To make up for school being cancelled on Tuesday, Oct. 30, Haywood County schools will have class from 8 a.m. until noon, Saturday, Nov. 3 if weather is permitting. According to Bill Nolte, associate superintendent, the school district misses about…
Wednesday, 31 October 2012 00:12

Do-over on Haywood Community College president search raises questions

Haywood Community College employees earlier this month presented the board of trustees with a list of concerns about the college’s protracted search for a new president. The community college began looking for a president after retiring president Rose Johnson announced…
Wednesday, 24 October 2012 12:09

All’s fair in love and politics

Western North Carolina found itself in an unflattering national media spotlight a year ago when a reporter from The New Yorker picked the state Senate race between Jim Davis and John Snow to illustrate a masterful takeover of national politics…
Wednesday, 24 October 2012 12:03

Money, flyers steal the show in Davis-Snow rematch

John Snow dreads his daily trip to the post office these days. It’s just two blocks from his home outside Murphy, but the whole way there he wonders what will be waiting for him this time. Once inside, he heads…
Wednesday, 24 October 2012 00:00

Sylva auto dealer locked in sidewalk stand-off with town

A grand goal of bringing sidewalks to the main commercial drag in Sylva has elicited protests from one business owner who claims he’s the victim of costly and unrealistic goals of creating a walkable community along a five-lane highway.
Wednesday, 24 October 2012 00:00

HCC students register voters

A Haywood Community College political science class got a good dose of the mechanics of voting by running a voter registration booth on campus. “These students did this on their own time,” said Greg McLamb, HCC Lead History instructor. “Voting…
Wednesday, 24 October 2012 00:00

Organizations in Haywood hosting support group

The MedWest Health System Chaplaincy Service, Haywood Community Connections and Mountain Projects are hosting a free Caregivers Unite support group meeting from 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Senior Resource Center of Haywood County in Waynesville. The Caregivers…
Wednesday, 24 October 2012 00:00

Manufacturing leads Haywood out of recession

For the second year in a row, area research economist Tom Tveidt delivered his state of Haywood County’s economy address — a rare look at the county’s individual resources and statistics. Typically, economic data is collected for the region as…
Wednesday, 24 October 2012 00:00

Swain brings business training and education center online

After about 18 months of construction, the $1.5 million Swain County Regional Business Education and Training Center is officially open for business, or education, or training for that matter. “This facility will wear many hats,” said Swain County Commissioner Donnie…
Wednesday, 24 October 2012 00:00

Golden LEAF offering funding for Swain

The Golden LEAF Foundation and Swain County are hosting a community forum at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at Room at the Business Training Center at 45 East Ridge Road in Bryson City. The purpose of the forum is to discuss…
Wednesday, 24 October 2012 00:00

Early voting numbers continue to rise

Absentee voters have been licking their stamps for weeks, and beginning last Thursday, early voters started arriving at polling places across Western North Carolina.
Wednesday, 24 October 2012 00:00

News in brief

The newly formed Haywood Area Wholistic Integrative Practitioners group (known as HAWIP) is hosting a silent auction and reception 6:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at Where Angels Gather, a holistic retail store and education center on 124 Miller St. in Waynesville.…
Wednesday, 24 October 2012 00:00

Business owners lobby for train at every turn

Since the headquarters of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad moved from Dillsboro to Bryson City in 2008, the little picturesque tourist village in Jackson County has been waiting for its gravy train to return.
Wednesday, 24 October 2012 00:00

Tribal employee charged with embezzlement

An Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians employee was recently charged with embezzlement during a 15-year period. Amanda Leigh Smoker, 33, was arrested on Oct. 9 by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office after being charged with one count of embezzlement from…
Wednesday, 24 October 2012 00:00

Where Jackson commissioner candidates stand

Whether a grassroots movement to spark planning in Cullowhee dies or moves forward will rests with the next Jackson County board of commissioners. A group of Cullowhee residents have called for development guidelines. Without standards, Cullowhee is vulnerable to unattractive…
Wednesday, 24 October 2012 00:00

A push for planning in Cullowhee gets lukewarm reception from county for now

This November could prove to be the do or die month for the planning effort in Cullowhee when Jackson County commissioners decide whether to give the thumbs up or down on the next pivotal step in Cullowhee’s journey to become…
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 13:28

Swain fund balance once again teetering on the brink

Swain County might have to raise taxes or make budget cuts to keep its cash reserves from falling into unhealthy territory. Swain County’s cash reserves are hovering around $1.6 million, barely above the state-recommended minimum. Independent auditor Eric Bowman recently…
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 13:26

Swain property owners will soon find out where they fall on real estate roller coaster

Just after the New Year, property owners in Swain County will find out just how well — or how poorly — their property weathered the real estate downturn. Swain County is wrapping up a countywide property revaluation, where every home,…
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 13:22

Macon commissioner candidates talk budget matters, schools and slope regulations

Despite having three Macon County commissioner seats on the ballot this fall, only one has any competition. In the conservative leaning county, two sitting Republican commissioners will stroll back on the board after no Democratic candidates stepped up to run…
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 13:21

Haywood gets offer for vacant office building

A nonprofit in Waynesville has made an offer to buy a vacant building from Haywood County. LIFESPAN, which offers programs and services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has offered $145,000 for a small building next door…
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 13:20

Return to sender: Homeowners denied road name change for Henry Dingus Way

Homeowners on Henry Dingus Way in Maggie Valley who don’t like their street name have struck out in their quest to get it changed. The Campbell Woods Property Owner’s Association have been trying since spring to change the name of…
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 13:18

Commissioners quietly opt not to rein in protestors

The ordinance was discussed and drafted; Jackson County’s legal counsel had reviewed it; and it had the stamp of approval from the county manager. Once it got passed, the county would be able to corral and rein in protestors.
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 13:15

Survey says … Business poll sets the stage for new day in Jackson economic strategy

After several stumbling blocks, disbanded boards and departed directors, proponents of a Jackson County economic development program hope to soon be back on course.
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 13:14

Mothers-in-law shatter stereotype in joint restaurant venture

Sitting in their bakery-café last week, Ann Cooper and Kim Buchanan were constantly intervening to expound on the other’s comments or completing each other’s thoughts.
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 13:13

Children-focused consignment sale in Waynesville

Duck Duck Goose is hold a consignment sale from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 18-20 and Oct. 22, just off Russ Avenue on Walnut Street in Waynesville. The sale will include children’s clothing and other kids’ items, all being…
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 13:13

Free baby gear during SIDS awareness month

MedWest-Haywood and the North Carolina Healthy Start Foundation (NCHSF) will partner to distribute onesies, nightlights and parent checklists to new parents during October, in conjunction with National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month. The front side of the onesies…
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 13:12

Library offering classes on building website, using Craigslist

The Sylva library will host a class on building a website at 5:45 p.m. Oct. 22 and another course on how to sell items on Craigslist.com at 5:45 p.m. Oct. 24 The classes are the first of a new series…
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 13:12

Kids Against Hunger needs volunteers

Kids Against Hunger in Franklin is looking for people to help package meals at 8 a.m. Nov. 3 at the First Christian Church of Franklin. Kids Against Hunger packages nutritious meals for starving and malnourished children and families. The meals…
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 13:11

Pancake breakfast to support international and local charities

Sylva Rotary Club will host its twice-annual pancake breakfast from 7:30-10 a.m. on Oct. 26 at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Sylva. Proceeds will go to the local Neighbors in Need organization and the international Polio Plus program.…
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 13:11

Citizen responsibility and empowerment expert to present at WCU

Paul Loeb, a writer who has spent more than 30 years researching citizen responsibility and empowerment, will deliver a lecture at 6 p.m. Oct. 24 in the theater of A.K. Hinds University Center at Western Carolina University. The event is…
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 13:11

Students register voters

A Haywood Community College political science class got a good dose of the mechanics of voting by running a voter registration booth on campus. “These students did this on their own time,” said Greg McLamb, HCC Lead History instructor. “Voting…
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 13:08

Forum attracts diverse audience, engaged candidates

Nearly 200 people came out for a candidate forum in Jackson County Monday (Oct. 15) to listen to a slate of candidates spar over local, state, federal — and sometimes existential — issues facing Western North Carolinians today.
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 13:07

Meditation class looks to resolve conflict

Sylva and Western Carolina University will raise awareness of conflict mediation as an alternative to litigation and to settle personal disputes on Oct. 23-24. On Oct. 23, a panel of lawyers and certified mediators from Mountain Mediation Services will discuss…
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 13:07

Meadows, Rogers to debate at WCU Oct. 23

Western Carolina University’s Department of Political Science and Public Affairs and the Public Policy Institute will host a debate between the two candidates for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District. The debate will begin at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 and will…
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 13:04

Meadows catches Rogers in U.S. Congressional race fundraising

Republican Mark Meadows has out fund-raised his competitor 2-to-1 this quarter, but the two candidates for the U.S. Congress are almost neck and neck in the overall money race. Not counting candidate contributions to their own campaigns, Meadows and Democrat…
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 13:03

Macon faces five-year countdown to ready more landfill space

The trash keeps piling up, and if Macon County doesn’t do something soon, its landfill could be overflowing. By conservative estimates, the section of the Macon County dump now in use will be full in less than five years. Each…
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 13:00

Tattoo parlor knocking on Canton’s door prompts likely repeal of 30-year-old ban

Cruso native Nathan Poston wants to open a tattoo parlor in Canton — the first in that town since at least the 1980s — but first must convince town fathers to change the law.
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 12:57

A recipe for success: Waynesville B&Bs score kudos for scrumptious breakfasts

People rent hotel rooms because they need a place to shower and lay their weary heads. But, people check into bed and breakfasts because they want a place that feels like home.
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 12:56

Lt. Gov. candidate to visit Haywood

Dan Forest, Republican candidate for Lt. Governor, will be at a meet and greet at noon Oct. 29 at Shoney’s on Paragon Parkway in Waynesville. The event is open to the public. Forest is on a tour of more than…
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 12:56

‘Bootiful Babies Benefit’ planned for future birthing center

To raise money for its New Generations Birthing Center, Smoky Mountain OB/GYN Associates will host the first “Bootiful Babies Benefit” from 2-7:30 p.m. outside their Sylva office at 64 Eastgate Drive. There will be a wide selection of activities for…
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 12:55

Clyde community recognized as best of N.C.’s affordable housing

Barefoot Ridge in Clyde was recognized as one of the best affordable housing communities in North Carolina. Barefoot Ridge is an 43-home community in Clyde that provided new housing for flood victims in the wake of two tropical storms that…
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 12:55

‘Twilight’ saga actor to speak in Cherokee

Chaske Spencer, who plays Sam Uley, the leader of the Wolfpack in the “Twilight” saga, will speak at from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center. Spencer is a member of the Lakota Sioux tribe…
Wednesday, 17 October 2012 12:38

‘Last of the Main Street merchants’ Hometown department store owner calls it quits at 93

His name is James C. Jacobs. His friends call him J.C., “but not like Penney,” he insists. For more than 55 years, Jacobs has owned a department store in downtown Franklin, its racks and shelves lined with standard housewares and…
Wednesday, 10 October 2012 15:02

Leap of faith by NOC bus driver saves paddler from watery death

When Rob Kelly climbed behind the wheel of a bus two Saturdays ago for a relatively routine assignment shuttling paddlers up and down the Nantahala River, little did he know he would soon be face to face with death and…
Wednesday, 10 October 2012 14:58

State candidates wrangle over 1-cent sales tax

Democratic and Republican candidates squaring off in state races this year offer voters a clear choice on a key philosophical issue gripping North Carolina during the past two years: taxes versus budget cuts.
Wednesday, 10 October 2012 14:56

Old O’Malley’s building to get new lease on life

The building that once housed the downtown anchor O’Malley’s On Main Pub and Grill in Waynesville has a new owner.
Wednesday, 10 October 2012 14:56

Learn tips and tricks for coupon clipping

A Clip and Save Coupon Club meets from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Senior Resource Center in Haywood County. “It seems to me that now more than ever, people need help at the cash register, not…
Wednesday, 10 October 2012 14:55

Journey stories brought to light at WCU

A panel of veterans ranging from World War II to Afghanistan will discuss of the physical, emotional and psychological journeys of soldiers before, during and after war at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, at the Mountain Heritage Center at Western…
Wednesday, 10 October 2012 14:55

Adult basketball leagues starting up

The Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department will hold an organizational meeting 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8, for the adult and masters basketball league at the Waynesville Recreation Center. This meeting is a mandatory meeting for anyone interested in entering…
Wednesday, 10 October 2012 14:54

HCC brings on interim president for short stint

Haywood Community College trustees have picked an interim president to replace current leader Rose Johnson who will retire at the end of this month. William Aiken will start as interim president at HCC on Nov. 1. He served as president…
Wednesday, 10 October 2012 14:52

Cherokee ramps up green initiatives with new energy czar

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is hiring an energy program coordinator to oversee a growing slate of energy-saving and green energy projects. The tribe already has a strategic energy plan in place to make Cherokee more environmentally sustainable but…
Wednesday, 10 October 2012 14:52

‘Coats for Folks’ drive is underway

People can drop off gently used or new winter clothing articles for children and adults at any Swain County governmental facility such as the County Administration Building, Health Dept., Social Services, all Swain County Schools, the bus garage and the…
Wednesday, 10 October 2012 14:52

Is your genealogy revolutionary?

A genealogical “how to” presentation will be held Monday, Oct. 15, at the Boiler Room restaurant in Franklin by the The Silas McDowell Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Dinner starts at 5:15 p.m. and the meeting starts…
Wednesday, 10 October 2012 14:49

Inch-by-inch, Jackson County plods toward vision of Tuckasegee greenway

The vision is grand: a snaking, multi-use recreational path along the shores of the Tuckaseegee River — approximately 20 miles stretching from East Laporte to Whittier — lined with trees, dotted with parks, fishing spots, river access, picnic tables and…
Page 5 of 39