Smoky Mountain News

10/11/2025

"Oct. 1. Though scientifically, summer ended a week and a half ago, it’s this exact date that really puts the heat, humidity and glorious mischief of the season in the rearview mirror. Onward to the one season that resides in the deepest depths of my absolute being. Fall. Foliage and crisp, fresh air. Leaves changes, as well as yourself upon slowing down and reflecting on the year."

It’s Wednesday, Oct. 1. Midday. I was awakened, once again, by the incessant construction just outside my window on nearby Walnut Street in downtown Waynesville. But, thankfully, the abrupt disruption of my slumber was calmed by the early fall sunshine cascading into my bedroom window.  ...

10/11/2025

OPINION: "President Donald Trump recently cast the Democrats as 'the party of hate, evil, and Satan.' This incendiary language serves a dual purpose: it presents an easy target for political scapegoating while deflecting attention away from critical issues afflicting the nation. This tactic of blaming an enemy — real or imagined — has become a hallmark of authoritarian regimes throughout history and is a dangerous practice that undermines democratic discourse."

President Donald Trump recently cast the Democrats as “the party of hate, evil, and Satan.” This incendiary language serves a dual purpose: it presents an easy target for political scapegoating while deflecting attention away from critical issues afflicting the nation. This tactic of blaming an ...

10/10/2025

With a fall theme of “Frightacular,” the next Haywood Community Band concert will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville.

In the mood for a musical roller “ghoster” ride? The HCB will take you on a musical journey of terrifying tales and friendly fun with a haunting program spooked with fear and danger.

With a fall theme of “Frightacular,” the next Haywood Community Band concert will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville.

10/10/2025

Rising singer-songwriter Angela Autumn will hit the stage at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, at Yonder Community Market in Franklin. Ahead of the show, A&E Editor Garret K. Woodward caught up with the artist.

Raised in the small town of Zelienople, Pennsylvania (pop: 3,769), singer-songwriter Angela Autumn recalled having an isolated childhood, one that was “very intermingled with nature.” By the early 2000s, as an elementary school kid first hopping onto the internet, Autumn was able to access world...

10/10/2025

The 42nd annual Church Street Art & Craft Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, in downtown Waynesville.

Attracting over 20,000 visitors each year, the festival features over 100 artisans and crafters. Vendors include fiber art, photography, glass, leather, jewelry, gourmet food, handcrafted items, garden accessories and much more.

The 42nd annual Church Street Art & Craft Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, in downtown Waynesville. Attracting over 20,000 visitors each year, the festival features over 100 artisans and crafters. Vendors include fiber art, photography, glass, leather, jewelry, gourmet...

10/10/2025

When Amazon drivers in Franklin showed up for work Oct. 8, they were met not with their usual routine but instead with news that the facility will close on Dec. 10 — right around the time a new one opens 31 miles west in Hayesville.

When Amazon drivers in Franklin showed up for work Oct. 8, they were met not with their usual routine but instead with news that the facility will close on Dec. 10 — right around the time a new one opens 31 miles west in Hayesville. For some, like learning ambassador Nate Crawford, that move might...

10/10/2025

🎶✨ Smoky Mountains Bluegrass Festival Performer Spotlight: Balsam Range – Hometown Heroes! ✨🎶

HCAC is proud to welcome back Balsam Range to the Smoky Mountains Bluegrass Festival! 🎸 Straight from Haywood County, this award-winning band has captured national acclaim with 13 albums, multiple #1 hits, and 13 IBMA awards—including 2018 Entertainer of the Year.

Don’t miss their soaring vocals and masterful musicianship live in Maggie Valley! 💛

📅 Saturday, October 25 | 11 AM – 6 PM
📍 Maggie Valley Festival Grounds

🎟️ Tickets: https://givebutter.com/SMBF25
🌐 More: HaywoodArts.org

10/09/2025

An update on the White Oak Landfill presented to Haywood County commissioners by landfill operator Republic Services Oct. 6 shows substantial volumes of waste coming into the facility — mostly due to Hurricane Helene — but vigilant planning and maintenance is expected to extend the life of the landfill.

An update on the White Oak Landfill presented to Haywood County commissioners by landfill operator Republic Services Oct. 6 shows substantial volumes of waste coming into the facility — mostly due to Hurricane Helene — but vigilant planning and maintenance is expected to extend the life of the l...

10/09/2025

Mountain Projects is supposed to be communicating regularly with HUD’s shortfall prevention team and applying for set-aside funding. These processes are complicated by the shutdown.

Last week, Mountain Projects’ Amanda Singletary was convinced she’d be calling all 250 Section 8 landlords with bad news: they wouldn’t be receiving October’s rental payment.   Because Section 8 received funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, but HUD hadn’t...

10/09/2025

As the federal government shutdown drags into its second week, Western North Carolina has so far escaped major impacts — but that could change quickly. Some federal agencies have curtailed operations, some public lands have opened and closed in cycles and some regional offices are bracing for deeper impacts if the impasse lingers.

As the federal government shutdown drags into its second week, Western North Carolina has so far escaped major impacts — but that could change quickly. Some federal agencies have curtailed operations, some public lands have opened and closed in cycles and some regional offices are bracing for deep...

10/09/2025

A special stage production of “Washington Place” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9-11 and 2 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

“Washington Place” is a stirring slice-of-life drama that honors the indomitable spirit of immigrant women forging new paths in America.

A special stage production of “Washington Place” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9-11 and 2 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. “Washington Place” is a stirring slice-of-life drama that honors the indomitable spirit of immigrant women forging new paths in America...

10/08/2025

Municipal elections will soon take place across North Carolina, so now is a great time to check your voter registration status and register if necessary by Oct. 10.

Municipal elections will soon take place across North Carolina, so now is a great time to check your voter registration status and register if necessary by Oct. 10. Voters have many options for registration — in-person at your county’s board of elections office or the local DMV, alongside o...