The Community Beat

If your home was damaged by Hurricane Helene, help may be available. The Southwestern Commission Council of Governments is partnering with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments to bring $6 million in Home Repair Readiness Program funding to Western North Carolina, including Haywood County.   This program helps homeowners make critical repairs like roof repairs, plumbing, electrical work, HVAC fixes, septic repairs, moisture remediation, and more—making homes safe and ready for future weatherization and energy-efficiency upgrades.   Eligible households may receive up to $25,000 in repair assistance. Priority will be given to low- to moderate-income households whose homes were impacted by Hurricane Helene.   To qualify, you must own and live in the home as your primary residence, meet income requirements, and show the needed repairs are not already covered by insurance or other recovery programs.   Learn more and apply online at www.WNCready.org

This month on Smoky Mountain Echo, we’re celebrating Earth Day and talking about something simple that makes a big difference—recycling right here in Haywood County. Ever wonder what actually happens to your recycling? Or if you’re doing it correctly? We break it all down and share easy ways you can make an impact in your everyday life. Small actions add up—and it all starts at home. 🎧 Listen now and learn how you can help keep Haywood County clean and beautiful.  

North Carolina’s Primary Election is coming up on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 — and early voting starts soon! 📅 In-Person Early Voting ends February 28 Voting is one of the easiest ways to make your voice heard — make a plan and get ready to cast your ballot!  

When we think about our health, we often focus on checkups, exercise, or nutrition—but oral health plays a much bigger role than many people realize.   On today’s episode of Smoky Mountain Echo, we’re talking all about dental care at Haywood Health and Human Services—what services are available, how to access affordable care, and why taking care of your teeth and gums matters at every stage of life.   Joining me is Dr. Sarah Banks, who breaks down: ✔️ Dental services offered locally ✔️ Affordable options, including Medicaid and sliding fee scale care ✔️ Help for patients without insurance ✔️ How the dental clinic works to reduce barriers and anxiety ✔️ Why oral health is essential to overall health   Need dental care now? The Haywood County Dental Clinic is open Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Call 828-452-6701 to ask questions or schedule an appointment. Interpreter services are available at no cost.   LISTEN NOW: https://smokymountainecho.podbean.com/ 

As we head into the new year, Haywood County wants to make sure you’re aware of important 2026 property tax programs and requirements that may apply to you.   Elderly or Disabled Property Tax Exclusion   If you turn 65 or become totally and permanently disabled in 2025, and your total income is $38,800 or less, you may qualify for property tax relief in 2026.   Excludes $25,000 of your home’s value or 50% of the appraised value (whichever is greater) Applications are due June 1, 2026 Current recipients only need to reapply if income, marital status, or property use changes First-time disability applicants must provide a doctor’s statement from a NC-licensed physician   Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exclusion   Honorably discharged, 100% service-connected disabled veterans, or their unmarried surviving spouses, may qualify.   Excludes the first $45,000 of your home’s appraised value No age or income requirements Must own and occupy the residence and meet eligibility as of January 1, 2026 Applications are due June 1, 2026   2026 Property Tax Listings   January is listing month in North Carolina. Property owners must list personal property, including: • Untagged vehicles & trailers • Boats & motorcycles • Campers & travel trailers • Manufactured homes   You do NOT need to list real estate — Haywood County uses a permanent listing system for land and buildings.   Off-Site Property Tax Listing Locations   Need help listing in person? Haywood County staff will be available at the following locations:   • Tuesday, January 13 Maggie Valley Town Hall | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM • Tuesday, January 20 Clyde Town Hall | 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM • Saturday, January 17 & Saturday, January 24 Canton Library | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Library is closed on Saturdays, but listings will be conducted in the back meeting room used during elections.)   Learn more or apply through the Haywood County Tax Assessment Department: https://www.haywoodcountync.gov/835/Tax-Assessment

This month on Smoky Mountain Echo, we sit down with Deputy Gina Zachary, Public Information Officer for the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office. We’re talking all about The Community Beat, a brand-new podcast designed to keep residents informed, connected, and engaged with what’s happening at the Haywood County Sheriff's Office.   This episode dives into how the podcast will: 🤝 Strengthen community partnerships 🔎 Bring transparency to local law enforcement 📢 Share a behind the scenes look at the HCSO   📧 Have a topic you want them to cover? Email: [email protected]   🎧 Listen now + follow Smoky Mountain Echo wherever you get your podcasts! 

The holidays are a special time of year — a season filled with joy, giving, and family traditions. But for children in foster care, Christmas can sometimes look very different. That’s why the Haywood County Foster Care Christmas Program is so important. Each year, it brings our community together to make sure every child in foster care wakes up on Christmas morning with gifts picked just for them — reminders that they are seen, valued, and loved.  By sponsoring a foster child, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase gifts from their personal wish list, ensuring each child feels loved and remembered this Christmas.  Those who wish to participate can stop by Haywood Health and Human Services Agency – at 157 Paragon Parkway in Clyde, Monday - Friday from 8AM - 5PM or call 828-356-2427 to select the child or children they’d like to sponsor.  And don’t forget — we’re also accepting monetary donations and collecting wrapping paper and supplies.   New episodes of Smoky Mountain Echo drop the last Tuesday of every month – and always available on demand wherever you get your podcasts.  You can check us out on our website – smokymountainecho.podbean.com 

On this month’s episode of Smoky Mountain Echo we’re talking with Cody Grasty, Haywood County’s Recovery & Resiliency Manager to reflect on Hurricane Helene one year later.  From personal memories of the storm, to comparisons with past floods like Francis, Ivan, and Fred, to where recovery stands today—Cody shares a unique perspective on what we’ve been through and what lies ahead.  💬 Hear stories of neighbors helping neighbors, lessons learned, and how new tools like weather sirens will help us prepare for the future. 

The new school year is officially underway here in Haywood County, and with it comes fresh opportunities and plenty of excitement for students, parents, and staff. In this month’s episode of Smoky Mountain Echo, we’re talking with Dr. Trevor Putnam, Haywood County Schools Superintendent, about what families need to know as we kick off the year. We’ll cover everything from new programs and facility upgrades, to how our schools are supporting student mental health and academic success.  We’ll also look back at how Helene impacted our schools and what recovery has looked like over the past year, plus how the community’s support has helped get classrooms back on track. And of course, we’ll talk about one of the biggest events of the year—the annual County Clash football game—and what it means for school spirit and community pride.  So whether you’re a parent, student, or just someone who cares about the future of education in our county, this conversation will give you an inside look at what’s ahead this school year.  To stay connected with Haywood County, NC Government, connect with us here: https://linktr.ee/HaywoodCountyNC

This month on Smoky Mountain Echo, we’re talking about something that literally bugs us all — ticks and mosquitoes.  Tick-related ER visits are near record levels this summer, and we want to make sure you and your family are protected. We talk prevention tips, how to safely remove a tick, where mosquito hotspots are in our area, and how to keep your pets safe.  Whether you're hiking, gardening, or just enjoying the outdoors, this episode is a must-listen.