Vicki Hyatt

1 day ago | themountaineer.com | Vicki Hyatt

Two bills introduced by N.C. Rep. Mark Pless, R-Haywood, threaten to throw big wrenches in the provision of emergency medical services across the state. Pless is the lone sponsor for both bills. House Bill 695 would require emergency medical personnel to be certified by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians examination standards instead of the existing state standards — though local experts say the state standards are superior and more demanding.

1 day ago | themountaineer.com | Vicki Hyatt

County and emergency medical service leaders across North Carolina are rallying against a proposal by N.C. House Rep. Mark Pless, R-Haywood, saying the bill to de-regulate ambulance services could create chaos. The bill has the potential to benefit the Haywood County Rescue Squad, which lost its license to operate transport services in Haywood County following a financial implosion in 2019. Pless’ son, Jared Pless, is the chief of the rescue squad.

6 days ago | themountaineer.com | Vicki Hyatt

Even though Hurricane Helene destroyed more than 1,000 structures, ravaged farm land and swept through much more, tax collections for the 2024 tax year are on par with previous years. That’s despite the fact many flood victims are paying taxes on property long gone. A property tax bill is based on whatever is in place on Jan. 1 of the tax year.

1 week ago | themountaineer.com | Vicki Hyatt

Uncertainty over the fate of 147 votes in Haywood County cast in the N.C. Supreme Court contest has been settled — for now, though the battle for a seat on the state’s highest court is far from over. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love Funny Wow Sad Angry You must be logged in to rate. Click any rating to login.

1 week ago | themountaineer.com | Vicki Hyatt

LAKE JUNALUSKA — What makes Haywood County a special place to live — and visit — comes from its rural character, pastoral scenes and fertile agriculture land. It is an attraction that’s disappearing fast, warned speaker after speaker at the Haywood County Farm Bureau Legislative Breakfast on Monday. Don Smart, president of the organization, waved a letter he received from a Florida developer who was offering top dollar and ready cash for a piece of land he owns. “I get ‘em every day,” he said.