LATEST NEWS
The long muck-out: Helene recovery has progressed slowly over two years. How long until things are back to ‘normal’?
Zeb Smathers checks activity in the Gulf of Mexico whenever he looks at the weather in Western North Carolina. He began this practice after Tropical Storm Fred inundated Canton in August 2021. In September 2024, he saw something concerning. A storm was developing that would soon become known as Hurricane Helene.
In the months bef ore…
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Jackson Commission candidates discuss school bond, library, Flock, and more
Early voting in Jackson County (and across the state) begins Oct. 15, and ahead of the election, The Smoky Mountain News has interviewed the five challengers in the…
The burden of trust: WLOS meteorologist reflects on Helene
Many across Western North Carolina wondered what they could have done differently in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
People can think of a host of folks this would…
‘Meet in the Middle’ event brings leaders together to talk public safety
For the second year in a row, law enforcement leaders, elected officials, and advocates met to discuss key issues affecting public safety with the goal of working toward…
One Big Beautiful Bill shifts SNAP costs to counties
Counties throughout North Carolina are gearing up to adjust to changes outlined in HR 1, or the One Big Beautiful Bill, which will cost local counties hundreds of…
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Outdoors
Smokies reminds visitors to view elk and bears safely
Great Smoky Mountains National Park reminds visitors to view wildlife safely as elk and black bear activity increases this fall. Autumn offers opportunities to witness elk during their…
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
‘The Gentleman’s Car’: Southeast Cougar Club to host show at Haywood County Fair
In 1982, when Chris Jones turned 16 years old, he inherited his brother’s 1968 Mercury Cougar. The vehicle was originally bought and sold at the Miami-Dade Lincoln Mercury dealership in Florida by Jones’ uncle.
“So, it was a love affair that started a long, long time ago,” Jones chuckled. “I got bit by the Cougar…
This must be the place
This must be the place: ‘You know that old trees just grow stronger, and old rivers grow wilder every day’
Wednesday morning. Stepping onto the front porch of my apartment in downtown Waynesville, the air was cool. A breeze wafted through town from the nearby mountain ridges cradling the community. Walking to my truck, I noticed the first of the fallen leaves on the sideyard. “Felt like fall this morning,” I commented to my publisher…
This must be the place: Ode to Aunt Moe, ode to those I (we) miss
My father, Frank, is 84 years old and he never calls me, at least on his own accord. We usually chat when I’m talking to my mother and he’s moseying around in the background of the conversation. He has a cell phone (old flip phone), but usually leaves it at my folks’ farmhouse whenever he ventures out. It’s always charging silently and unused next to…
Partner content: UnitedHealthcare investment aims to expand care access in Western North Carolina
Getting health care is not always as simple as finding a doctor. For people who are uninsured, live in rural areas or need language support, the path to care can be more difficult – especially when specialty services are involved. This is especially true for individuals in Western Carolina who are still feeling the impact…
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Partner content: Introducing NEW Local Products at Ingles Markets
Ingles Markets is proud to work with local food and beverage makers and farmers. You’ll find local and regional products throughout our stores from in-season fruits and vegetables in our Produce Department, artisan breads from City Bakery and Annie’s Breads in the bakery, local meat and sausage from Hickory Nut Gap Farms, trout from…
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Partner content: Fiber maxxing?
Question: Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of information about “fiber maxxing” on-line. How much fiber should I be trying to get each day?
Answer: Most of us should aim for at least 25-35 grams of fiber per day ( 25 grams of fiber each day for women and closer to 35 grams/day for men)
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Partner content: Can You be MISDIAGNOSED with Celiac Disease?
Yes! But typically, this would only be if you self-diagnosed without being tested or were diagnosed by a medical provider solely by your symptoms/reactions to eating foods with gluten and didn’t have testing. A medical provider should order blood tests for screening. The gold standard for diagnosing celiac disease is a biopsy of the lining…
Keep readingOpinion
Don’t you just love the First Amendment!
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the…
letters to the editor
Constitution is worth celebrating
As Constitution Day just recently passed (Sept. 17), it is…
We just want to feel loved
The gifted and recognized poet, Maya Angelou, once wrote, “I’ve…
The slow death of community
C.S. Lewis once stated that “The greatest evils in our…
Don’t believe Whatley’s lies
GOP candidate for Senate in North Carolina, Michael Whatley, lies…