Regional

USDA changes impact local National Forests

News Staff
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Shelby Powell reporter@thefranklinpress.com   Many changes at the U.S. Forest Service have been proposed or implemented since January that could change the management or makeup of the Nantahala National Forest.
Photo/Kevin Hensley. A new search and rescue boat – for use in both Graham and Swain counties – was unveiled on the shores of Fontana Lake on Aug. 14. From left are Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit; Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Hendersonville), who helped obtain the funding to purchase the boat; and Swain County Sheriff Brian Kirkland.

Photo/Kevin Hensley. A new search and rescue boat – for use in both Graham and Swain counties – was unveiled on the shores of Fontana Lake on Aug. 14. From left are Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit; Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Hendersonville), who helped obtain the funding to purchase the boat; and Swain County Sheriff Brian Kirkland.

Swain, Graham buy rescue boat

News Staff
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Kevin Hensley Publisher, The Graham Star   Three months of speculation regarding the purchase of a new search and rescue boat was cleared up at a quick convergence of local and regional officials Aug. 14. Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit and Swain County Sheriff Brian Kirkland thanked Rep.
Marianna Black Librarian Jeff Delfield

Marianna Black Librarian Jeff Delfield

Marianna Black Library is not closing

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Marianna Black Library is not closing. “A lot of people have asked if the library is going to close and we are not going to close,” said Jeff Delfield, librarian. “People think Jackson will close, too. That’s not going to happen. I am concerned for my colleagues who work in Jackson.
Photo/Bob Scott. Law enforcement from multiple agencies converged on Highway 64 in Macon County as they stopped Kelvin Simmons, who is charged in the shooting death of a detention officer in Cherokee County. Simmons led officers on a chase through Clay County into Macon County Monday afternoon.

Photo/Bob Scott. Law enforcement from multiple agencies converged on Highway 64 in Macon County as they stopped Kelvin Simmons, who is charged in the shooting death of a detention officer in Cherokee County. Simmons led officers on a chase through Clay County into Macon County Monday afternoon.

Officer killed in shooting

News Staff
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Randy Foster editor@cherokeescout.com   A federal inmate shot and killed a guard during a medical appointment Monday afternoon in Murphy, then led law enforcement officials on an hour-long chase that ended with his recapture in Macon County. Detention Sgt.
The Meridians were rumored to invade Great Smoky Mountains Event Park and take over the kingdom June 21, 2024. This year, the Atlantian Army stands guard as they are ready to defend their homeland.

The Meridians were rumored to invade Great Smoky Mountains Event Park and take over the kingdom June 21, 2024. This year, the Atlantian Army stands guard as they are ready to defend their homeland.

‘Rumors of war’ call to arms

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Last year’s rumors of war proved false, but this year is said to be the year of many battles. The Atlantian Army stands guard with swords and ancient weapons to defend its homelands against Meridian invaders.
Tammy L. Davis, Swain County HOP Director, stands behind the HOP program as it provides food, housing, transportation and safety support to those in need. The program was excluded from the state’s biennial budget.

Tammy L. Davis, Swain County HOP Director, stands behind the HOP program as it provides food, housing, transportation and safety support to those in need. The program was excluded from the state’s biennial budget.

Saving HOP could save money

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
The Healthy Opportunities Pilot program was excluded from North Carolina’s biennial budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. “Both the House and Senate have not included provisions to fund this program for the next two years,” said Parker Chatham-Wolter, executive director of Restoration House WNC.
SMT photo/Sara Eisinger. Rep. Mike Clampitt and Ellen Pitt, Western North Carolina Regional DWI Task Force president, speak about N.C. HB 108, The Sober Operator Act of 2025, at Granny’s Kitchen in Cherokee Saturday, May 24.

SMT photo/Sara Eisinger. Rep. Mike Clampitt and Ellen Pitt, Western North Carolina Regional DWI Task Force president, speak about N.C. HB 108, The Sober Operator Act of 2025, at Granny’s Kitchen in Cherokee Saturday, May 24.

DWI: Community supports tougher bill

Sara Eisinger
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Prior to Memorial Day of last year, Peggy-Jean Dodson-Harris, RN, never expected to be a die-hard WNC Nurses Against Drunk Driving advocate. In fact, the advocacy and awareness group did not even exist yet.

N.C. Senate kicks off budget talks

(not verified)
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Shelby Powell reporter@thefranklinpress.com   The North Carolina Senate kicked off budget season on April 14 when they put forward their proposal for 2025-27. The proposal includes $32.6 billion for the first year and $33.3 billion for the second. Sen.
Clockwise from center, USDOT Secretary Duffy speaks with Secretary Joey Hopkins, US Senator Thom Tillis and NC Governor Josh Stein during an event hosted along I-40 Monday to share the progress on repairing the major road after areas were wiped out during Hurricane Helene.

Clockwise from center, USDOT Secretary Duffy speaks with Secretary Joey Hopkins, US Senator Thom Tillis and NC Governor Josh Stein during an event hosted along I-40 Monday to share the progress on repairing the major road after areas were wiped out during Hurricane Helene.

I-40 set to reopen March 1 in Pigeon River Gorge

News Staff
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
JONATHAN CREEK – North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein and N.C. Department of Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins delivered a message Monday, Feb. 10 showing that progress continues on the road to recovery from Hurricane Helene.