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.

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.

Listen now!

To apply for social work positions, click here: https://www.haywoodcountync.gov/

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 documents like marriage licenses and property deeds ✅ How the office helps protect you from scams ✅ Common misconceptions—and fascinating finds in their archives!

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or visit https://smokymountainecho.podbean.com/