Shining Rock leaders say transparency is goal

schoolsShining Rock Classical Academy, a new charter school opening in Haywood County next month, will pull in more than $2 million in state and county tax dollars its first year if the current enrollment of around 230 students holds.

Shining Rock off to rocky start: Did new charter school violate open government law?

fr shiningrockAs a public entity receiving public dollars, Shining Rock Classical Academy — Haywood County’s first charter school — is required to follow the state’s Public Records and Open Meetings laws.

Landscape shifts early in the game in Waynesville’s mayor race

election timeA candidate for mayor in Waynesville is dropping out of the race, although his name will still be on the ballot.

The Waynesville Inn, Golf Resort & Spa

travel wciWhen asked why he loves Western North Carolina, Travis Smith had to pause for a moment. “Well, that’s a good question,” he chuckled. “It’s special to me because I’ve been here most of my life. I love the mountains, the people. You’re away from the cities, from all the traffic and noise.”

A brush with fate

travel bucknerJust mere feet from a bustling South Main Street in Waynesville resides a cocoon of creativity. With a steady stream of vehicles rushing by, one enters Jenny Bucker’s studio as if to step into a portal of a calmer ambiance. Vibrant, intricate paintings hang from any available wall space, while the sounds of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Scarborough Fair” echo throughout the cozy abode.

From the farm to your plate — The Chef’s Table

travel chefstableWhat started as a job while in high school turned itself into a lifelong career and passion for Josh Monroe.

“It’s about using the best possible ingredients you can find and being able to let those ingredients shine in every dish,” he said.

Political posturing once again waylays vote on Lake Junaluska, Waynesville merger

fr presnellA bill paving the way for the merger of Lake Junaluska with the town of Waynesville was blocked at the 11th hour this week in the N.C. General Assembly.

Waynesville election won’t be dull this year

haywoodThe dust has settled following a last-minute scramble of candidates signing up to run for the Waynesville town board last week, and voters now have their work cut out.

When the going gets tough, bring in the bomb dog

haywoodA new K9 skilled in bomb and explosive detection will soon be joining the ranks of the Waynesville Police Department.

Road closure coming for Howell Mill Road

fr howellmillHowell Mill Road won’t be an option for those planning to drive the length of the Waynesville route for the rest of the summer.

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