HAYWOOD PULSE
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Updated 7/18/2026
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Newest letter went out 7/17/2026
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Welcome to Haywood Pulse,
Our mission is to empower the community through transparency and shared insights through our website and our newsletter. We are NOT and organization; we ARE an information source. We value your voice and encourage you to contribute your perspective as we grow. We will share your comments and letters here on our website and in our newsletter. Our goal is to help you stay informed and engaged in local and state government—where the real changes are made. We believe that informed citizens build stronger communities. By focusing on grassroots involvement, we can drive meaningful change from the bottom up. Visit us frequently for updates.
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Together we make an impact.
We continue to keep Maj Watson front and center. It is important to recognize and understand the importance of what he did and what he stands for.
We ask area veterans to join each other on Friday evening, July 24 to stand in solidarity for Maj Watson. Veterans will meet at the corner of Main St. and Depot St. in Waynesville from 1830 to 1930 (6:30 to 7:30)--by the courthouse. Veterans are asked to wear something that identifies them as veterans.
Your signs should be short and simple (examples):
IMPEACH. CONVICT. REMOVE
SUPPORT MAJ WATSON
I HONOR THE OATH
For the signs to be read letters should be at least three (3) inches.
As a female veteran, who took the same oath as Maj Watson, I will be there--hope you join me.
Direct questions to John Culp at culphome@yahoo.com
(Mary)
A Circle of Light for John Lewis
As the sun dipped behind the mountains, people from Haywood, Jackson, and neighboring counties gathered in Sylva to honor the life and legacy of John Lewis.
Haywood was well represented, with heartfelt remarks from Mary and Julia. A talented singer from Waynesville—whose name I regret not getting—moved the crowd with a beautiful performance that captured both hope and determination.
As darkness settled, candles illuminated the fountain, creating a circle of light that reminded us how one flame can inspire another. It was a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life urging us to make "good trouble" in the pursuit of justice.
The evening was thoughtfully organized, blending music, chants, and inspiring speakers into a meaningful celebration of courage, democracy, and community.
To our friends in Jackson County, thank you for hosting such a beautiful vigil. You reminded us that John Lewis's light still shines in these mountains—and in all who choose to carry it forward.
Haywood Pulse Suz
PORK-FILLED BUDGET
The NC state budget is filled with pork (funds directed by politicians for local projects) according to Colin Campbell, WUNC Capital Bureau Chief. And, if you are in a Democratic district, you probably aren’t seeing any of it. Colin stated that he “couldn’t find any earmarks for the low-income blue counties like Northampton, Halifax, and Hertford.”
Surprise, surprise—where is this money going? You guessed it, the red districts. And if your Republican representative is in a leadership position they are receiving the most.
Gov. Stein had requested $136 million for the budget for school construction and facility needs. It didn’t make it in the final budget. There are school districts in dire need of facility repair, and they are getting nothing from this budget. But, Caldwell County, home of House Speaker Destin Hall is receiving $1.2 million for facility improvements at three high schools.
Campbell tells us, “Some of the earmarks are designated for specific projects, while others are effectively just a blank check funded by taxpayer dollars.” (Mary)
Michael Whatley has asked the media to quit making him look goofy. Read more here.
A local reporter was denied entry into a PUBLIC meet and greet with Whatley!!! This is from his Facebook page.
I was just denied entry into a Michael Whatley campaign event at the Waynesville Rec Center — a non-ticketed, free event advertised publicly for weeks with no mention of RSVP in online promo materials.
I got the town attorney on the phone. She explained to members of the Haywood County Republican Party hosting the event that this appeared to be a violation of town policy. They refused to listen, and instead called police. I spoke with officers and left peaceably of my own accord.
Smoky Mountain News Editor Kyle Perrotti was there too, and although initially permitted entry, he refused — telling me he "could not abide press restrictions."
The same thing happened to Bryan R. Anderson of The Assembly and reporters from NC Newsline not even two weeks ago. To steal an elegant line from Bryan's July 10 tweet about the situation — "We'll continue to cover this race."
New polls are showing that Whatley is withing striking distance of Cooper. It's time for us to get busy. Read more here.
NEWS FROM FLIPPER
It never slows down. Something new is happening every day. Haywood Pulse will continue to focus on state and local issues. If you have something you want us to do a deep-dive into please contact us. We want to provide the information you need.
Remember to get involved in your local community. Check for openings on government boards; volunteer at a non-profit; help the vulnerable; take part in local protests.
The theme this week is to MAKE GOOD TROUBLE.
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