Episodes

7 days ago
7 days ago
This month on Smoky Mountain Echo, Dillon Huffman is chatting with Chief Deputy Matt Trantham and PIO/Deputy Gina Zachary from the Haywood County Sheriff's Office - North Carolina as they look back on 2024. 🎙️ In this episode, we cover:✅ Calls for service, arrests, & drug seizures✅ Community outreach & engagement efforts✅ Public safety updates & crime prevention✅ Job openings at the Sheriff's Office!

Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Rebranding Tourism: The Story Behind 'Visit Haywood'
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority has officially rebranded to Visit Haywood! But what does this mean for our community? 🤔
🎙️ In our latest episode of Smoky Mountain Echo, we’re talking with Amie Newsome, Visit Haywood's Social Media and Content Manager. We discuss:✅ Why they made the switch to 'Visit Haywood' ✅ What it means for local tourism✅ How the public has responded so far✅ Exciting new marketing strategies
Plus, we’re recapping Ice Fest, upcoming events you won’t want to miss, and how Hurricane Helene impacted tourism in Haywood County.
🔊 Tune in now and get the inside scoop!

Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Supporting Children, Strengthening Community: KARE House in Haywood County
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
This month, we’re shining a light on an incredible local organization: KARE House in Waynesville. Joining me is Savannah Anders, the Executive Director of KARE House, a Children’s Advocacy Center serving Haywood County.
In this episode, Savannah shares:✅ The mission and history of KARE House✅ How they support child victims of abuse and neglect✅ Their innovative school safety programs reaching every elementary student in Haywood County✅ How the community can get involved through donations, volunteering, and training
She also gives us insight into the impact of Hurricane Helene on their work and their response to the crisis.
🎧 Tune in now! You can find us on our website – smokymountainecho.podbean.com – or wherever you listen to podcasts.
📌 Let’s come together to support this vital organization and the children of Haywood County.
✨ Don’t forget: Smoky Mountain Echo drops new episodes the last Tuesday of every month. Stay informed and connected!

Smoky Mountain Echo
Join us as we delve into the various aspects of local governance, spotlight community achievements, and explore the initiatives that shape the fabric of Haywood County.
Whether you're a long-time resident, a newcomer, or just curious about the workings of local government, this podcast is your go-to source for staying connected and informed. Get ready to discover the heartbeat of Haywood County right here on our podcast. New episodes the last Tuesday of every month – and always available on demand wherever you get your podcasts.
Smoky Mountain Echo is hosted by Haywood County's Public Information Officer, Dillon Huffman.

About Haywood County, NC
Haywood County is a picturesque destination in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and home to the charming communities of Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Lake Junaluska, Canton, and Clyde.
Renowned for its 46 miles along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the county beckons outdoor enthusiasts with four entrances leading to a myriad of hiking trails, breathtaking overlooks, and inviting picnic spots. Haywood County boasts a slice of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, contributing to its distinction as the most visited National Park in the U.S.
As a designated Blue Ridge Heritage area, the region exudes creativity in arts and crafts. With fourteen peaks exceeding 6,000 feet, including the iconic Cold Mountain, the county showcases its lofty elevation, offering a spectacular backdrop for various activities.

Dillon Huffman
Haywood County's Public Information Officer Dillon Huffman is the host of the Smoky Mountain Echo!
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E. dillon.huffman@haywoodcountync.gov
C. 828-246-2950