by Jason Sandford on 12/20/2008

Related topics: news roundup

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Here’s a look at some of what’s making the news around Western North Carolina.

• Alcohol sales at casino: The Smoky Mountain News reports that organizers of a petition drive in Cherokee believe they have enough signatures to force a referendum by voters on whether alcohol sales should be allowed at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.

• Home Depot pulls Waynesville store: The downturn in the economy has moved Home Depot to pull plans to build a store in Waynesville next to the town’s Super Walmart store, according to the Smoky Mountain News.

• Cliffside public hearing: There’s another public hearing scheduled to talk about Duke Energy’s Cliffside coal-fired power plant project. Duke Energy has asked for this hearing, reports the Rutherfordton Daily Courier.

• Suspicious death in Henderson County: Deputies are investigating after the body of a 28-year-old woman was found in a driveway close to her SUV in the Barker Heights Community, reports the Hendersonville Times-News.

• Santa goes to jail: The Henderson County jail chaplain has been inviting Santa Claus to come visit and help boost the spirits of inmates for the past five years, the Times-News reports.

• Plans for growth at Western Carolina University: The university in Cullowhee has big plans to increase enrollment and build a “town center” development on campus, according to the Sylva Herald.

• New Franklin town hall: An old building on Main Street in Franklin is being transformed into a new town hall, according to the Macon News.

• McDowell payroll database online: The McDowell News has put a database online that includes information about the salaries of public employees who work for McDowell County, the city of Marion, the town of Old Fort, the local school system and McDowell Technical Community College. Click here to check it out.

• Minimum housing code for Henderson County: The Pisgah Mountain News reports: “A new minimum housing code establishing standards for rental property will take effect next month in Henderson County, spelling out requirements for landlords and giving tenants a place to call when there’s a problem.”

• Free speech wall at UNCA?: Students at UNC Asheville want to see a free speech graffiti wall on campus near the Highsmith Student Union, according to the Blue Banner.