Épisodes

  • Repair Ready: Help for Haywood Homeowners

    Repair Ready: Help for Haywood Homeowners
    Apr 28 2026
    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
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    4 min
  • Recycling Right: Earth Day in Haywood County

    Recycling Right: Earth Day in Haywood County
    Mar 31 2026

    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.
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    8 min
  • Ballots & Deadlines: Your Guide to the 2026 Primary

    Ballots & Deadlines: Your Guide to the 2026 Primary
    Feb 24 2026

    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!
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    3 min
  • SME: A Healthy Smile Is More Than Cosmetic

    SME: A Healthy Smile Is More Than Cosmetic
    Jan 27 2026
    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/
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    14 min
  • 2026 Property Tax Information for Haywood County Residents

    2026 Property Tax Information for Haywood County Residents
    Dec 30 2025
    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
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    8 min
  • The Community Beat

    The Community Beat
    Nov 25 2025
    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: hcsopodcast@haywoodcountync.gov 🎧 Listen now + follow Smoky Mountain Echo wherever you get your podcasts!
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    10 min
  • The Gift of Joy: Supporting Haywood County Foster Children This Christmas

    The Gift of Joy: Supporting Haywood County Foster Children This Christmas
    Oct 28 2025

    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

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    8 min
  • Helene in Haywood: One Year Later

    Helene in Haywood: One Year Later
    Sep 30 2025

    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.

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    27 min