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🌱 What parents at Waynesville Middle need to know about this chickenpox case
Good morning Waynesville! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- What parents at Waynesville Middle need to know about this chickenpox case
- Why Waynesville’s Depot Street bridge money came from Raleigh, not FEMA
- What will Waynesville do with $353K returning to town coffers?
Also on today's calendar: The Teacup & Dice Society - December and 5 more events.
📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Waynesville? Post it to Waynesville photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️
Today's riddle: The doctor told me to drink carrot juice after a hot bath. - Did it help? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 53 and low of 36 degrees.
- Thursday: Cloudy; breezy in the p.m., temps: high: 55, low: 34.
- Friday: Breezy in the morning; sunny, with a high of 46 and low of 23 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Officials confirm chickenpox case at middle school in Haywood County (foxcarolina.com) — Health officials have confirmed a case of chickenpox at Waynesville Middle School, and parents are urged to ensure children are current on the varicella vaccine. Families in Waynesville and Haywood County are asked to keep anyone with symptoms home from school, work, church, or daycare until cleared by a medical provider to help prevent further spread. 
• Federal gridlock continues to stall Helene recovery (smokymountainnews.com) — Waynesville has finally been reimbursed by a state program for the out-of-pocket costs of reopening the Depot Street bridge, after multiple denials from federal channels. Local and state officials across Western North Carolina say FEMA red tape and federal gridlock are still delaying many Hurricane Helene recovery projects, leaving communities waiting on crucial reimbursement dollars.
• Waynesville secures $350K+ state reimbursement for Depot Street Bridge repairs (wlos.com) — Waynesville will get back the full $353,000 it spent repairing the Depot Street Bridge after Hurricane Helene, thanks to a new state reimbursement program. Town leaders say the money, equal to about two cents on the tax rate, will refill savings and free up funds for other FEMA-related damage, with payment expected within 90 days.
📸 Around Waynesville
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓
Upcoming Events in
Waynesville
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
-
Waynesville Recreation Advisory Board
Waynesville Recreation Center, 550 Vance St, Waynesville
5:30 pm
Thursday December 18
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
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Basketball @ Smoky Mtn.
Waynesville Middle , 495 Brown Ave , Waynesville
4:30 pm -
The Teacup & Dice Society - December
Crown & Thistle Tea Room , 62 Overbrook St Ste C , Waynesville
6:00 pm -
Artist Morning Meetup – Haywood County Arts Council
Folkmoot , Building B , 112 Virginia Ave , Waynesville
9:00 am -
Tricia Ann Band
Legends Sports Bar And Grill , 3865 Soco Rd , Maggie Valley
7:00 pm -
Down Home NC meeting
Johnny's Ice Cream & Smoothies , 301 N Haywood St , Waynesville
1:00 pm -
Holiday High Tea
Crown & Thistle Tea Room , 62 Overbrook St Ste C , Waynesville
6:00 pm -
Mountains & Memories: Chris Morel Live at the Meadowlark Speakeasy
Meadowlark Motel , 2878 Soco Rd , Maggie Valley
7:00 pm
Thursday December 18
Friday December 19
Saturday December 20
📣 Waynesville Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
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MANNA Food Bank Distribution
Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center , 450 Pigeon St , Waynesville
12:00 pm -
Basketball @ Smoky Mtn.
Waynesville Middle , 495 Brown Ave , Waynesville
4:30 pm
Wednesday December 17
Thursday December 18
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Is there a local shipping company in Waynesville?
Not UPS or Fedex but a local company that sells packaging materials and things like that? (Nextdoor Johnathan Creek) - Pet transporter has this kitty as companion.
While he was working kitty hit electric window opener and jumped out. He is coming back to try and find her. Please people in that area rescue her… (Nextdoor Hemphill Rd)
- Wal-Mart posted a job opening for Stocking Team Associate in Waynesville. Apply here.
- PetSmart, Inc. posted a job opening for Retail Sales Associate in Waynesville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Waynesville here.
🗞 Nearby News
Maggie Valley
- Avery News Notes — Dec. 17, 2025 (averyjournal.com)
Sylva
- Guinness World Record holders from the Asheville area (6amcity.com)
Cullowhee
Ok Waynesville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I can never finish drinking the hot bath!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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