Smoky Mountain Echo

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, val...

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 neighbor...

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 s...

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 e...

Ever wondered what Child Welfare Services actually do in Haywood County — or how YOU could make a difference? 

In this episode of Smoky Mountain Echo, we’re talking with Anna Messer from Haywood Health & Human Services about:  -The vital role of social workers  -What it takes to apply  -And how YOU can help change lives 

Whether you’re looking for a meaningful career or a way to support local kids, this episode is for you. 

L...

Have you ever needed a copy of your birth certificate, filed a deed, or wanted to trace your family history? Chances are, you’ve interacted with the Haywood County Register of Deeds—but there’s so much more to the work they do! 

On this episode of Smoky Mountain Echo, we sit down with Sherri Rogers, Haywood County’s Register of Deeds, to talk about:  ✅ What records they keep (some dating back centuries!)  ✅ How to get vital docum...

The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority has officially rebranded to Visit Haywood! But what does this mean for our community? 🤔

🎙️ In our latest episode of Smoky Mountain Echo, we’re talking with Amie Newsome, Visit Haywood's Social Media and Content Manager. We discuss: ✅ Why they made the switch to 'Visit Haywood'  ✅ What it means for local tourism ✅ How the public has responded so far ✅ Exciting new marketing strategi...

This month, we’re shining a light on an incredible local organization: KARE House in Waynesville. Joining me is Savannah Anders, the Executive Director of KARE House, a Children’s Advocacy Center serving Haywood County.

In this episode, Savannah shares: ✅ The mission and history of KARE House ✅ How they support child victims of abuse and neglect ✅ Their innovative school safety programs reaching every elementary student in Haywood ...

• The importance of emergency preparedness
• The r...

Hey folks! This month on Smoky Mountain Echo, Dillon Huffman is chatting with Cheryl McCracken from Haywood County Meals on Wheels, a vital service that helps feed and support people in our community. Highlights: -Overview of Meals on Wheels and its mission -Benefits for our community -Eligibility and sign-up process -Volunteer roles and how to get involved -Funding sources and costs per meal -Specific needs in areas like Fines C...