THIS JUST IN: Waynesville men killed in accident - Two Waynesville men were killed in an early morning accident Wednesday, Sept. 12, east of the Comfort Inn on U.S. 23-74. Thomas Robeson, 25, was driving the 1999 Ford pickup truck, according to Sgt. Paul Campbell of the N.C. Highway Patrol. Robeson and his passenger, 31-year-old Wesley R. Smith, were both killed on impact, Campbell said. The wreck occurred around...

Changing landscapes - A lot of dirt is being moved around town as progress continues on Kole Clapsaddle’s property beside Zaxby’s (lower photo). According to a report during a Sylva town board meeting, Clapsaddle is planning to add retail space in the area that will be similar to his adjacent office space. Other grading is proceeding on Harold Street (top photo), where Wayne Smith has demolished seven structures – two trailers and five old houses. Two of the houses were considered unsafe...

County leaders discuss animal control, sex offender ordinances - County leaders Sept. 4 discussed two ordinances that are up for adoption. Commissioners looked at drafts of the county’s revised animal control ordinance and of a proposed ordinance that would prohibit sex offenders from entering county parks. The revised animal ordinance includes provisions for adopting dogs and cats; keeping strays; and collars and identification for all pets. Pet owners will be allowed to keep...

Commissioners to hear architect’s report, decide site for new library - County leaders will hear a report determining what it would take to make Courthouse Hill the site of a new library during their regular meeting Monday night (Sept. 17). Commissioners voted 4-1 in June to appropriate between $5,000 and $7,000 for architect Donza Mattison of the Spartanburg, S.C., firm McMillan Smith to conduct an in-depth study of the site. Chairman Brian McMahan and Commissioners Tom Massie...

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WCU’s Honors College awards medallion to best-selling author - The Honors College at Western Carolina University presented its inaugural Honors Medallion for special service to award-winning Asheville author Charles Frazier and his wife, Katherine. Frazier, author of the best-selling novels “Cold Mountain” and “Thirteen Moons,” recently spoke to nearly 100 Honors College freshmen and answered their questions about his writing. After the question-and-answer session...