The Mountaineer Publishing Co

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.

4 days ago | themountaineer.com | Aarik Long

After nearly three weeks, the Shining Rock Wilderness Area is again open guests. The 18,000-acre section of the Pisgah National Forest had been closed since the Rattlesnake Branch Fire broke out on Wednesday, March 26. The fire burned for a little over two weeks before rain over the weekend of April 12-13 helped tamp down the flames. Before the rain even reached Western North Carolina, sections of the Pisgah National Forest began to re-open as trails were inspected and cleared of any debris.

5 days ago | themountaineer.com | Aarik Long

Despite big infusions of money from the state and federal governments, those using Canton’s water and sewer services are likely facing significant rate hikes starting July 1. There’s a variety of reasons behind that, but the biggest is the fact that the money from the North Carolina General Assembly and U.S. Congress will not cover the costs of building the facility or the cost to maintain it. “It’s reality. We’ve talked about it in here for years. We knew this was coming.

5 days ago | themountaineer.com | Aarik Long

When Helene hit Western North Carolina, the administrators, staff and volunteers at Lake Junaluska knew they had a calling to put Christian love into action. For them, that calling would be to serve those who were serving others during the crisis. “God has blessed us with excellent facilities and we feel a call to make these fully available to the brave public service workers who travel into this area to help,” said Lake Junaluska Executive Director Ken Howle.