The Mountaineer

01/18/2026

The coolest (and coldest) event of the year is just around the corner! Use this itinerary to start planning you Ice Fest weekend.

Watch Haywood County transform into a winter wonderland of activities during Ice Fest, spanning four days from Jan. 29-Feb. 1.

01/17/2026

Pints and poetry come together at the Scotsman this month to celebrate Scotland's national poet.

01/16/2026

If you find the baby in your slice of king cake, you’re responsible for getting the cake next year. Or throwing next year’s Mardi Gras party. Or buying a round of drinks for the house. Or maybe it just gives you good luck. One of the beautiful things about traditions that go back such a long time is that they’ve come to mean different things to different people.

‘Tis the season for king cakes, the multi-colored confectionery beloved by anyone who’s ever lived within 200 miles of New Orleans. Gulf Coast ex-pats often order the treats from back

01/16/2026

3,500 branded to-go cups are in hand for the trial balloon of a social district in downtown Waynesville for the Ice Fest sculpture stroll. There was a lot to sort out for how it will work. Here's what you need to know about partaking.

Ice Fest fans have something new to toast this winter — a temporary “social district” in downtown Waynesville that will allow revelers to take an adult beverage on the go

01/16/2026

A proposal for a toll lane on I-40 between Waynesville and Asheville has been unveiled. The extra express lane would mean a speedier commute for those willing to pay the toll. Here's what we know about how it work — and its chances of it becoming a reality.

Driving between Haywood County and Asheville can quickly turn from a peaceful commute winding through mountain passes to an inescapable gridlock if an incident clogs Interstate 40’s narrow two-lane stretch.

01/16/2026

“These buildings are used by so many people, and I want them to feel clean, welcoming, and taken care of." Thank you to the guy behind the scenes quietly keeping county buildings s**c and span!

Haywood County recognized Markus Donovan, a custodian with the Maintenance and Facilities Department, as the December 2025 Employee of the Month.

01/16/2026

If you'll be joining the growing ranks of the joint replacement club in coming years, you'll want to hear about this new technology.

Learn about the latest innovations in muscle-sparing and robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery during a free lunch-and-learn at noon on Monday, Jan. 19, hosted byHaywood Regional Medical Center at the fitness

01/15/2026

Carroll Jones is at again. The history sleuth is known for ferreting out little-known gems of Haywood County history — and he falls into a quite a few rabbit holes along the way.

Preeminent Haywood County historian and author Carroll C. Jones has released his eighth book, titled Glimpses into Haywood County’s Past — a collection of his articles from the past two

01/15/2026

Jill got her start in nursing at HCC before it was called HCC. And became a nurse at HRMC before it was called HRMC. Thank you for caring for generations of Haywood County people!

Haywood Regional Medical Center this week recognized Jill Burnette, RN, for a remarkable 50-year career dedicated to caring for generations of Haywood County residents.

01/15/2026

Fans were on their feet throughout the night on Friday for a thrilling County Clash match-up on the hardwood. The Bears channeled that energy for an 83-59 win.

The Pisgah boys’ basketball team got Friday night’s County Clash off to a hot start and never looked back in the 83-59 win.

01/15/2026

“It’s a second or third-generation since the house was built, their job prospects aren’t as good as their father or grandfather’s were. They can meet the taxes, meet the insurance. Keep the lights on, keep the family fed — but that extra for repairs and maintenance, it’s just not there.” This is a growing problem in Haywood County, with hundreds of homes that could disappear from the housing inventory over the next decade if repairs aren't made in time.

Home is where the heart is, so the old saying goes, but for Tarika Wyche, home is where the history is. Multiple generations of family have occupied her house over

01/15/2026

Here's the latest about the commercial development coming to South Main that "could" include a national coffee company. Plans show the end unit will have a drive through window.

An eyesore along Waynesville’s South Main Street has been given new life, with a commercial development planned for a long-vacant lot marked by crumbling asphalt and overgrown weeds.