Inside Haywood

Dive into two of Haywood County's biggest icons — high school football and elk — with this week's reporters' roundtable. We'll discuss how to parcel out a mere 100 tickets for football games and reflect on 20 years of the elk calling Haywood home. Plus, catch this week's guest of the week Susan Trahan with Haywood County Friends of the Library.

Catch this week's reporters' roundtable, along with special guest Carolyn Muse Grant, who talks about the role of a home designer and shares tips on decluttering to make your space more appealing.

Get an insider's glimpse behind the lines of the mass vaccine clinics in Haywood County. Plus, catch a conversation with Downtown Waynesville Association's Buffy Phillips to find about the special deals downtown merchants offer just for locals every February.

Catch this week's insider conversation with Tim Surrett, bass player with the renown bluegrass band Balsam Range that hails from Haywood. Here about the group's new single, the bi-weekly radio show Papertown Roots, and a project to chronicle Haywood County's rich musical traditions.

The vaccine race is on in Haywood. Hear about the elation of the vaccine rollout for those 75 and up, along with some initial hiccups — including some who gamed the system to cut ahead in the vaccine queue. Plus, dive into the revealing database of who brought home the bacon in last year's runs of federal PPP pandemic business loans.

This week's reporters roundtable dives into eyewitness accounts of the Capitol insurrection, a harrowing fire at a homeless encampment and COVID strains at Haywood Regional. Plus, learn about the Haywood for Good get-healthy initiative with guest of the week Megan Hauser with Healthy Haywood.

Go behind-the-scenes into Haywood County's emergency operations from the daily flow of ambulance calls to crisis response training, as well as the unique challenges of COVID. Join us for a conversation with special guest Greg Shuping, who in just a couple of weeks is retiring as the Emergency Services Director after more than two decades of service.

New Covenant Church has been a powerhouse of the Christian spiritual community in Haywood County under the leadership of Pastor Nick Honerkamp. Join us for a conversation with Honerkamp as he reflects on his career and prepares for a new chapter, and the transition that's ahead for New Covenant.

It's nearly go time for Santa. Join The Mountaineer for a special report from Smokey Mountain Santa and Mrs. Claus (Dennis and Deborah Reed of Canton) on how preparations for the big day are coming along.

Three college students share a first-person perspective of how COVID has impacted the college experience. Join Avery Schwab, Grace Kronk and Molly Dorgan for a behind-the-scenes discussion of ghost town campuses, establishing social connections while social distancing and the ups-and-downs of online courses.

Join us for a point-counterpoint discussion on some of the hot-button issues surrounding COVID. Haywood County Public Health Director Mark Jaben and holistic health advocate Janet Presson share their position on the science of masks and vaccines, whether COVID is really all that bad, and the philosophical dilemma of weighing personal risk tolerance.

Get your jingle on with Christmas events you can still enjoy safely, including new takes on Christmas parades this year. Plus, hear from Mountain Projects Director Patsy Davis on the needs many Haywood families and seniors are facing this holiday season and how you can help.

With COVID cases accelerating rapidly, The Mountaineer news staff dives into the moral imperative of wearing masks, examining the intersection of faith, personal liberties and pandemic burn-out surrounding masks. Plus, this week's guest Haywood County Election Director Robbie Inman takes us behind the scenes of the complex election process.

Take a dive into the week's news, including another eventful mask meeting in Waynesville and the eviction landscape in Haywood County, during this week's reporters roundtable. Plus, an initiative to provide stable living conditions for homeless children in Haywood County has been selected as this year's reader challenge by The Mountaineer. Hear about the EACH project — Ending Area Child Homelessnes — and its success' thus far from this week's special guest, director Paul Butler.

This week's reporter roundtable dissects Haywood election trends from ballot splitting to mail-in voting, and how those trends mirror — or don't mirror — the national landscape. We'll then visit the our guest of the week, Ricki Mehaffey of Lifeworks, to hear about local success in heping women rebuild their lives and join society.

Waynesville leaders had a hot mess on their hands over proposed local mask mandate. Reporter Becky Johnson dissects the unraveling at last week's town board meeting. Plus, on the eve of his retirement, Haywood County Public Health Director Patrick Johnson reflects on leading the county through a pandemic — the successes and challenges along the way, and a prediction of what's in store ahead.

Early voting is off with a bang, the homeless task force grapples with MIA members, and schools launch a COVID dashboard as cases rise. Hear about the big news of the week during the reporters roundtable, followed by Shelton House museum director Dannehl Strautz. Dannehl unveiles plans for the Tinsel Trail Christmas tree display, which invites community groups and business to decorate trees on the Shelton House lawn.

Take a journey along the Waynesville Public Art Trail and go behind-the-scenes of the 17 public art pieces hidden in plain sight among us. First up is the reporters' roundtable, diving into a moonshine court trial, the latest controversy surrounding homeless activity in Waynesville and things to during fall, from local farmers markets to the reopening of Smoky Mountain Cinema to craft fairs.

From talk of defunding police to keeping COVID out of the county jail, 2020 has been a turbulent time for law enforcement. Hear from Haywood County Sheriff Greg Christopher on how Haywood County's finest have risen to the occasion. This week's reporters roundtable dives into the how mail-in ballots are already being tabulated, the popularity of the wooly worm and a recent celebrity sighting in Maggie Valley.

This Inside Haywood segment features an interview with a Haywood County veteran who was aboard a ship where John Wayne and Ken Curtis (Festus on Gunsmoke) were starring in a film being shot on board, as well as an interview with a man who jumped into a pool of water and pulled a woman from the jaws of death. The guest for today's episode is Josh Morgan, head of school for Shining Rock Classical Academy, who will be discussing all the new developments as the county's first public charter school moves toward building a permanent home.

This week's reporter roundtable introduces Jeannette Carillo, The Mountaineer's new news editor. Our special guest, Kiwanian Marti Peithman discusses the new playground equipment recently installed at the Waynesville Recreation Park, the tots playground that is in the works and how hometown hero Riley Howell will have a special place in the project.

This week's guest is Ralph Hamlett, a Canton alderman who has spearheaded a town proclamation in honor of Constitution Week ever since he was elected to the board in 2013. Take a listen and you may learn things you had never thought about concerning our nation's foundational document. This edition also features reporters Kyle Perrotti and Shelby Harrell with tidbits on a groundbreaking way to reintroduce live music events, upcoming candidate forums that will be on The Mountaineer website and the Haywood County Government Access Channel and the volunteer, nonprofit efforts that make Haywood such a special place.

For this week's Inside Haywood, Becky Johnson and Shelby Harrell talk about the fate of upcoming festivals in Haywood County, and Vicki Hyatt brings on Laurie Sojourner, the executive director of Lake Logan Episcopal Retreat.

For this week's episode, Vicki Hyatt and Becky Johnson talk about the ransomware attack on Haywood County Schools, Kyle Perrotti discusses a possible new park in Haywood County and Shelby Harrell brings in our guest of the week, Haywood County Arts Council Executive Director Leigh Forrester.

On this week's episode of Inside Haywood, Kyle Perrotti, Becky Johnson and Luke Weir discuss changes for local festivals amid COVID-19. Kyle is then joined Haywood County board of elections director Robbie Inman to discuss absentee voting procedures.

For the first time in 37 years, July came and went without the international extravaganza of Haywood County's beloved Folkmoot festival. Hear how Folkmoot is weathering the COVID storm with this week's special guest, Folkmoot director Angie Schwab. Also, get up to speed on the voting prognosis for the fall election and students first week of school in our weekly reporter roundtable.

Law enforcement walked a delicate tight rope when defusing the clash between counter protesters and Black Lives Matters marchers in Maggie Valley. Maggie Valley Police Chief Russ Gilliland and Haywood Sheriff Greg Christopher discuss keeping the peace amid a tinder box of emotions. Also, hear from Mountaineer reporters on the latest COVID developments, a surge in self-sufficiency practices like canning and hunting, and this week's arts and entertainment happenings.

Settle in for another action-packed episode of Inside Haywood. To lead things off, Vicki Hyatt and Becky Johnson discuss a local spike in COVID-19 cases. Kyle Perrotti then discusses the upcoming election, and Shelby Harrell talks about local events in the world of coronavirus. Our guest for this week is Brian Cagle who will talk about the red hot real estate market in Haywood.

From an explosive protest in Maggie Valley to breaking news on how Haywood students will return to school, it's been a busy week in Haywood. This week's guest will be Terri Farmer, an intern with The Mountaineer this summer, who will discuss her experiences delving into the world of community journalism. Crime and breaking news reporter Kyle Perrotti discusses what he witnessed at a Black Lives Matter protest in Maggie Valley, along with what residents may be able to expect when the group returns to the community Saturday. Education reporters Shelby Harrell and Becky Johnson will weigh in on what's shaping up to be an great community conversation about education with 12 candidates vying for five seats, as well as plans for public schools in Haywood as students return for fall classes.

This week's episode of Inside Haywood is all about schools. Vicki speaks with Dr. Mark Jaben about the risks for reopening schools during COVID-19 and Vicki, Shelby and Becky discuss Superintendent Bill Nolte's suspension over a racially insensitive Facebook post, and the options for opening schools next month.

For this week's episode of Inside Haywood, our reporter round table breaks down their news of the week, and Andrew Schnittker brings on Tuscola football coach Chris Brookshire to discuss the status of the fall sports season amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

For this week's Inside Haywood, we are joined by special guest Patsy Davis, the executive director of Mountain Projects, and Vicki, Kyle, Luke and Becky talk all things masks.

For this week's Inside Haywood, Kyle Perrotti discusses the results of the Republican runoff for the 11th congressional district and Shelby Harrell breaks down Tuscola's new principal and Shining Rock's new school. Vicki is joined by special guest Sam Marshall, an N.C. cooperative extension agent based in Haywood, who talks all things gardening.

For this week's Inside Haywood, Katy Ross and Terri Farmer talk religion, Kyle Perrotti discusses a potential new waterfall park in Maggie Valley, sports editor Andrew Schnittker talks about big changes at Pisgah. For our guest interview, Luke Weir brings in Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers and Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Conservation Director Hanni Muerdter to discuss the new Chestnut Mountain park.

For this week's Inside Haywood, Vicki gives an update on the newsroom ghosts, Kyle and sports editor Andrew Schnittker break down the latest sports news and Haywood County Schools Superintendent Bill Nolte breaks down the impact of COVID-19 on education.

Two grassroots protests in the name of Black Lives Matter were held in Haywood County last week. Meet the players who made them a success, including the organizers and local police officers who assisted by offering an escort. Also hear the perspective of reporters who watched the scene unfold.

In this week's round table, we discuss graduations, phase 2 reopenings and the congressional district race. In addition, Kyle Perrotti and Mountaineer Sports Editor Andrew Schnittker discuss Haywood County football and the state of high school sports amid the pandemic.

Join a panel of five moms for an honest conversation about the ups-and-downs of parenting through the pandemic. Juggling their kids' education from home while continuing to work or care for younger ones hasn't been easy, as millions of parents across the globe have experienced. But the journey has come with many silver linings.

On this week's action-packed edition of Inside Haywood, Mountaineer sports editor Andrew Schnittker joins us from Raleigh to discuss possible scenarios for fall sports, Luke gives an update on what's happening at Lake Logan, intern Terri Farmer recounts her first week and we introduce you to the newsroom ghosts.

On the eve of the Blue Ridge Parkway reopening, protecting this special outdoor resource has never been more important. Join us for a conversation with the founder of the newly minted local chapter of Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Tanya Poole. Plus, hear about the reopening of retail and tourism during this week’s reporter round table.

From serial killers to sex trafficking rings, reporters share how debunking myths is just another day in the newsroom. Plus, join our guest of the week Shelley White, president of Haywood Community College to hear how HCC has adapted to serving students and the community during the coronavirus crisis.

What’s guiding the decisions of our local leaders in the coronavirus era? Go behind-the-scenes with County Commissioner Chairman Kevin Ensley for a glimpse at the complex thought process in leading the community through these unchartered waters. Plus, join The Mountaineer journalists for a look at our top stories, from the ongoing protest on wheels to new COVID testing coming this week.

Get tips for combatting the stress of social distancing from Cecil Yount, a Haywood native with 43 years of experience in counseling. Catch up on news highlights of the week, including the latest COVID-19 updates, dilemmas faced by the homeless population in the stay-at-home climate, and a recap of virtual Easter services. Plus, Sports Editor Andrew Schnittker talks about Tuscola's loss of basketball standout Nate Brafford, who is transferring to a private high school.

Our guest of the week Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers shares a personal story of Easter hope, following a roundtable chat with Mountaineer reporters on this week's top stories. We'll dissect Haywood's known coronavirus cases and how testing works, Shining Rock charter school's plans for a new school building, social distancing on the Parkway and Haywood County Schools postponing football field turf replacement.

In our sixth episode, Luke Weir has a request for our listeners, Vicki Hyatt talks elastic for face masks and the challenges nonprofits are facing, Becky Johnson discusses short term rentals, and we air part two of Vicki's interview with Grammy award-winning banjo player Marc Pruett.

For this week's episode of Inside Haywood, our reporters discuss the impact of the stay at home ordinance, and Kyle Perrotti interviews Dave Angel, the owner of Elevated Mountain Distilling Company, which will begin making hand sanitizer.

For this week's Inside Haywood, we're talking about the virus that's dominated the news cycle in our world and its impact locally. Vicki Hyatt discusses our local coverage, Becky Johnson talks about its impact on everyday's life, Shelby Harrell talks about how the schools are coping, Kyle Perrotti talks unemployment and Luke Weir discusses the effect on local businesses.

Welcome back for an action-packed episode of Inside Haywood. We're updating you on the topic on everyone's mind, the coronavirus, its impact locally on our plans for covering it. In addition, Kyle Perrotti gave us an update on election season, and Becky Johnson sat down with Waynesville historian Alex McKay.

Join us for an action-packed episode of Inside Haywood! We're talking about another update on the Open Door Soup Kitchen, election season, coronavirus precautions and more. Our Guide editor, Shelby Harrell, sat down with local artist and Guide columnist Margaret Roberts to talk about the local art scene in Haywood County.

For the first episode of Inside Haywood, our editor, Vicki Hyatt, tells you what you can expect from our newest product. Our news reporters talk about the week's events, including Pancake Day, election season and the Open Door Soup Kitchen moving out of Frog Level. Vicki sits down with Grammy award-winning banjo player Marc Pruett, and our Guide editor, Shelby Harrell, discusses upcoming weekend events.