Local News

Haywood County -- U.S Forest Service National Forests in North CarolinaEvening update for Rattlesnake Branch Fire 3/28/25 Evening update for Rattlesnake Branch Fire. A variety of firefighting actions occurred today to protect homes in the community of Cruso from the Rattlesnake Branch Fire.

Raleigh --  Press Release North Carolina Governor Stein's Office March 26, 2025: Today, on the six-month anniversary of Hurricane Helene, Governor Josh Stein visited western North Carolina to honor the 106 lives lost and reaffirm his commitment to supporting the region’s full recovery.  

McDowell County -- The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office charged Jimmy Steven Lawing, 33, of Marion, with multiple offenses, including Felony Possession of a Synthetic Cannabinoid, Felony Possession of Methamphetamine and Misdemeanor Domestic Criminal Trespass. He received no bond.

Transylvania County -- Press Release Transylvania County Government Forest Fire Update 11 AM March 28, 2025: Transylvania County is  under a State of Emergency due to forest fire danger from three fires:

Asheville --  Press Release Bear's Smokehouse BBQ Hosts Grand Opening with "To Hell with Helene" Celebration. After months of dedicated service providing over 1 million meals to Asheville and surrounding areas in partnership with World Central Kitchen (WCK), Bear's Smokehouse BBQ is gearing up for an exciting grand reopening on Saturday, March 29.

McDowell County --  Press Release: McDowell County Sheriff’s Office: Community Impact Team charged 43-year-old Heather Renee Holmes,
of Marion, with felony Possession of Methamphetamine. She was given a secured bond of $2,500. 

Haywood County --  U.S. Forest Service - National Forests in North Carolina Location: Less than one mile southwest of Cruso, North Carolina 
Start date: March 26, 2025 

Transylvania County --  Below is a Press Release from the Transylvania County Government Date: March 27, 2025: Transylvania County Government Forest Fire Update 

Mitchell County --  Mitchell County detectives were investigating Robert Hileman for a prior breaking and entering (B&E) in Mitchell County and had a warrant for him for felony larceny that the Spruce Pine Police Department had issued.