Bennett Funeral Service – Holding Families Close

photos by:  CARRIE ALLEN While staying true to the authentic family values that inspired Robbie and Rhonda Bennett when they established Bennett Funeral Service in 2013, Kyle and Lindsay Bennett […]

One Year Later: How Tourism Continues to be Essential to High-Country NC Counties Hurricane Helene Recovery

One year ago, as Western North Carolina prepared for Thanksgiving 2024, communities throughout the High Country were still reeling from Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact in late September. My family, friends, and neighbors faced the holiday season amid unprecedented destruction. In my 2024 article “Finding Gratitude Amidst Tragedy,” I wrote about the resilience and community spirit emerging from the rubble. Today, as we approach Thanksgiving 2025, that same spirit has evolved into something equally powerful: a determined effort to rebuild not just homes and infrastructure, but entire economic foundations—with tourism leading the charge toward long-term recovery. The Long Road to Recovery The path forward from Hurricane Helene proved even more extremely challenging than many initially anticipated. While the immediate emergency response showcased remarkable community […]

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