Rex Hodge

A Haywood County man faces multiple charges ranging from the alleged kidnapping, and rape of a young woman, to firearms violations. Search warrants reveal details about the woman's lengthy confinement.  @WLOS_13 #LiveonWLOS

A Helene flood memorial sculpture is planned for Waynesville. The concept comes from two Tuscola High School students who say a physical remembrance is needed to honor the community and first responders who united to endure the storm. @WLOS_13 #LiveonWLOS

Helene taught a lot of lessons about communicating with the public. The multi-layered approach in Haywood Co. that now includes low-tech message boards.  @WLOS_13 #LiveonWLOS

A local woman gets a diagnosis of terminal cancer with a short time to live. She’s speaking out on her approach to the news and has advice to others facing a similar situation. She says she's feeling more alive now than ever and has a bucket list. @WLOS_13 #LiveonWLOS

Canton leaders remain hopeful the town pool will open this summer. Repairs continue following Helene damage. @WLOS_13 #LiveonWLOS

Manufacturing is on the comeback in Graham County. The global food packaging company, Eco-King Solutions, plans to operate out of the old Stanley Furniture factory in Robbinsville, creating hundreds of jobs.  @WLOS_13 #LiveonWLOS

Teens from church groups around the country are helping our mountains recover from Helene. Their team effort in the small Haywood County community of Hazelwood.  @WLOS_13 #LiveonWLOS

Crews are busy filling in potholes in the streets of Waynesville. With input from residents, town officials pinpointed about 50 locations in need of repair including Boyd Avenue.  @WLOS_13 #LiveonWLOS

Flood warning sirens are coming to Haywood County. They'll be placed in rural parts of the southern county with the objective of saving lives.  @WLOS_13 #LiveonWLOS

Graham Co leaders gather to address complaints about conditions inside their jail. Those concerns are both environmental & financial.  Jail staff, past & present, say there are many problems inside the jail including lead paint, asbestos, and low pay.  @WLOS_13 #LiveonWLOS

A deadline is approaching for Western North Carolina property owners impacted by Helene. Officials are encouraging registering for the NC Private Road, Bridge, and Repair Program by August 3rd. @WLOS_13 #LiveonWLOS

Elk encounters are increasing with more tourists to our mountains this summer. That has local leaders and wildlife experts reinforcing their Elk Smart campaign to keep people. @WLOS_13 #LiveonWLOS

It’s fawn time. It may appear they need human help, especially if their mothers have been killed on the road. But they could be fine. A local wildlife sanctuary steps in when needed but also wants the public to know when to intervene & when not to. @WLOS_13 #LiveonWLOS

Law enforcement procession and funeral today for fallen Cherokee Co. detention officer Francisco Flattes killed in the line of duty. @WLOS_13 #LiveonWLOS

States are receiving millions in opioid settlement funds. It’s intended to be used for treatment and prevention efforts. That includes North Carolina where health leaders are putting plans together. @WLOS_13 #LiveonWLOS

School starts in Haywood County in just over a month. Right now, the district is 16 bus drivers short.  School leaders say there's a variety of reasons for that. They’re considering offering some incentives. @WLOS_13 #LiveonWLOS

Across the area different communities are coming together to celebrate America’s birthday. That includes Lake Junaluska in Haywood County with its annual Independence Day parade.  @WLOS_13 #LiveonWLOS

There are sparks happening in Canton…fireworks Saturday.  But there are also economic sparks with the town buying a piece of the shuttered mill property, to build its own sewer plant. @WLOS_13 #LiveonWLOS

Birthday wishes echoed through Lake Junaluska Wednesday to celebrate the Haywood County retreat center’s 112th birthday. The Weatherby bell rang 112 times. Several community members participate in the ringing every June 25th on Lake Junaluska Day @WLOS_13 #LiveonWLOS

Flood-damaged properties in Clyde are worth less now. That means fewer revenues being produced, and that's led to a lean, recently passed town budget.  @WLOS_13 #LiveonWLOS