Smoky Mountain Echo

Haywood County, NC
  • 5.0 (3)
  • GOVERNMENT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to the official podcast of Haywood County, NC Government, where we bring you insightful conversations, updates, and stories that matter to our community. Smoky Mountain Echo is hosted by Haywood County’s Public Information Officer, Dillon Huffman.

  1. 1D AGO

    Ballots & Deadlines: Your Guide to the 2026 Primary

    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!

    3 min

  2. JAN 27

    SME: A Healthy Smile Is More Than Cosmetic

    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/

    14 min

  3. 12/30/2025

    2026 Property Tax Information for Haywood County Residents

    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

    8 min

  4. 11/25/2025

    The Community Beat

    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!

    10 min

  5. 10/28/2025

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

    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

    8 min

  6. 09/30/2025

    Helene in Haywood: One Year Later

    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.

    27 min

  7. 08/26/2025

    Supporting Students, Building Community: The Year Ahead in Haywood County Schools

    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

    14 min

  8. 07/29/2025

    Don’t Let It Bug You: Tick and Mosquito Safety in Haywood County

    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.

    12 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to the official podcast of Haywood County, NC Government, where we bring you insightful conversations, updates, and stories that matter to our community. Smoky Mountain Echo is hosted by Haywood County’s Public Information Officer, Dillon Huffman.

Information

  • Creator
    Haywood County, NC
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Smoky Mountain Echo