Smoky Mountain News

12/07/2025

COLUMN: "Many live in this region because of its outdoor amenities, but a lot of people don’t take advantage of our forests and waterways. In truth, as our lives become more reliant on technology, our connection to nature suffers. Many studies have shown that spending time outdoors provides physical and mental health benefits."

Count me among those who are proud that Jackson County has two fully accessible certified forest therapy trails, two of only 21 worldwide with that particular certification.  One is a mile-long paved track along the Tuckasegee River near Webster and Cullowhee. The other is the unpaved lower por...

12/06/2025

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: "For nearly 100 years, the Fontana Regional Library System has reflected the traditional mountain values of literacy, truth and community responsibility. These values guided our grandparents who built the first libraries in these mountains. They guided our parents who supported them. And they guide many of us today. Yet these long-held values are now at risk."

To the Editor: For nearly 100 years, the Fontana Regional Library System has reflected the traditional mountain values of literacy, truth and community responsibility. These values guided our grandparents who built the first libraries in these mountains. They guided our parents who supported them. A...

12/05/2025

A special production of “Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberly” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-6, 11 and 13, 2 p.m. Dec. 7 and 5 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

While the Darcys host a grand holiday gathering upstairs, the servants below find themselves in the midst of a holiday scandal. An unwelcome guest — Mr. Wickham, Lydia’s incorrigible husband and Mr. Darcy’s sworn enemy — arrives uninvited, throwing the household into turmoil. As secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, the staff must navigate the complexities of class, love and forgiveness.

A special production of “Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberly” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-6, 11 and 13, 2 p.m. Dec. 7 and 5 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.  While the Darcys host a grand holiday gathering upstairs, the servants below find themselves ...

12/05/2025

Season of Lights is PCMDC’s beloved winter celebration, returning to the building for the first time since Hurricane Helene. This joyful fundraiser brings our community together to experience 10 winter traditions from around the world — each with its own music, food, crafts, stories and beautiful displays of light.

Season of Lights is PCMDC’s beloved winter celebration, returning to the building for the first time since Hurricane Helene. This joyful fundraiser brings our community together to experience 10 winter traditions from around the world — each with its own music, food, crafts, stories and bea...

12/05/2025

A cherished gathering of locals and visitors alike, “Art After Dark” will continue its 2025 season from 6-9 p.m. tonight in downtown Waynesville.

Each first Friday of the month (May-December), Main Street transforms into an evening of art, live music, finger foods, beverages and shopping as artisan studios and galleries keep their doors open later for local residents and visitors alike.

A cherished gathering of locals and visitors alike, “Art After Dark” will continue its 2025 season from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, in downtown Waynesville.  Each first Friday of the month (May-December), Main Street transforms into an evening of art, live music, finger foods, beverages and sh...

12/04/2025

The town of Franklin now has a new mayor, vice mayor and council member.

The town of Franklin now has a new mayor, vice mayor and council member. After winning their elections in November, the board was officially sworn in during the town’s Dec. 1 meeting. Stacy Guffey, formerly the vice mayor, was sworn in as mayor, newcomers Jeff Berry and Travis Higdon were sworn in...

12/04/2025

The base was completed earlier this year. It is part of efforts by Haywood County leaders to improve emergency services coverage and response times. The base, centrally located near the intersection of Russ Avenue and Mauney Cove Road, should do just that with close proximity to Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley and Jonathan Creek.

A new EMS base in Haywood County is now operational.  The base was completed earlier this year. It is part of efforts by Haywood County leaders to improve emergency services coverage and response times. The base, centrally located near the intersection of Russ Avenue and Mauney Cove Road,....

12/04/2025

Each night, shops will stay open way into the night, providing free refreshments, with musicians and singers performing in individual shops. The sound of hooves will echo through the night with old-fashioned horse and buggy rides.

The 42nd annual “Lights & Luminaries” will return from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 5-6 and 12-13 in the streets of downtown Dillsboro. Experience the magic as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter and song. Over 2,500 luminaries light your way to shops and st...

12/04/2025

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12/04/2025

Haywood Community College continues to expand university transfer agreements with North Carolina universities. HCC offers transferable degree programs and credit options as students choose to start their postsecondary education locally before transferring to a four-year institution.

Haywood Community College continues to expand university transfer agreements with North Carolina universities. HCC offers transferable degree programs and credit options as students choose to start their postsecondary education locally before transferring to a four-year institution.  As Spring....

12/03/2025

Law enforcement leaders and elected officials from across Western North Carolina gathered the day before Thanksgiving to remind people about the dangers of consuming alcohol and getting behind the wheel while also reaffirming their commitment to combatting drunk driving.

Law enforcement leaders and elected officials from across Western North Carolina gathered the day before Thanksgiving to remind people about the dangers of consuming alcohol and getting behind the wheel while also reaffirming their commitment to combatting drunk driving.  The event took place i...

12/03/2025

Students in the Professional Crafts Program at Haywood Community College will host a holiday craft sale from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 on campus in Clyde. The sale will feature student work in four mediums: fiber, metals, ceramics and wood. Held in the Mary L. Cornwell Gallery in the Sycamore Building, the sale is open to the public.

Students in the Professional Crafts Program at Haywood Community College will host a holiday craft sale from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 on campus in Clyde. The sale will feature student work in four mediums: fiber, metals, ceramics and wood. Held in the Mary L. Cornwell Gallery in the Syc...