As the weeks of social distancing and stay-at-home orders drag on, some people are desperate for a break from where they have been for the past couple months. Films can offer an escape and transport the viewer to faraway lands or lush landscapes.

He personally put up the barricades to keep visitors out in order to protect his mountain hometown from the coronavirus. But James Reid remembers when the problem was folks no longer stopping through Andrews.

When this year’s seniors started their final year of high school, they could not have imagined that their spring would involve canceled proms, drive-thru cap and gown pickups and postponed graduation ceremonies.

He leads in ribbon-cuttings and celebrations of life. Mitch Colvin took over his family’s funeral home before running for office. His day-job provides insight into buileint community in difficult times.

Gov. Roy Cooper declared Tuesday, May 5 a “Day of Awareness for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women.” The advocacy group Shatter the Silence reports that 31 native women have gone missing or been murdered in eastern North Carolina since 1998. The state tracked at least 90 cases of murdered or missing indigenous women in North Carolina since 1994. But advocates say the real numbers are likely much higher.

North Carolina transitions into the first phase of easing coronavirus restrictions today at 5 p.m. Gov. Roy Cooper and Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, announced the new guidelines on Tuesday: retail businesses are allowed to open at 50% capacity with cleaning and social distancing standards, while bars, salons, gyms and entertainment venues will remain closed. People can visit non-family members in small gatherings.

Frances Figart, Director of Creative Services for the Great Smoky Mountains Association (GSMA), appeared on WNCW's Friday Feature to talk about her organization. Frances discussed the groups history, the beauty of the Smoky Mountains and her writing and editing of the biannual journal, "Smokies Life." The program first aired on Nov. 22, 2019. Posted by Host and Producer of More to the Story- WNCW's Paul Foster, Senior Producer, News Director, and

It was a special day at Isothermal Community College in late November when UNC-TV used the school's television studios to record upcoming episodes of North Carolina Bookwatch, hosted by DG Martin. One of those discussions featured Author Kristy Woodson Harvey from Beaufort. Kristy is a best selling author thanks to romantic stories like 'Dear Carolina' and 'Feels Like Falling.' The interview was first aired on Nov. 29, 2019. Posted by Host and Producer of More to the Story, Paul Foster- WNCW Senior Producer, News Director, and Moring Edition Regional Host

Haywood Street Church in Asheville continues to break bread that helps break barriers with its Downtown Welcome Table. A place where a person in need can come to the table for a delicious and quality meal prepared by some of the top restaurants the city has to offer. This unique relationship between culinary experts and the church continues to expand - that supports the statement, "There's always a place for you at the table." Interviews during this feature are many, including Haywood Street Rev. Brian Combs and Katie Buttons of Katie Burrons Restaurant. This segment first aired Dec. 6, 2019. Posted by Host and Producer of WNCW's Friday Feature Interview of the Week- Paul Foster, Senior Producer, News Director, and Morning Edition Regional Host

President of Isothermal Community College, Walter Dalton was guest on this segment of 'The Friday Feature' to recap 2019 at the school and look ahead to the future. Dalton discusses ongoing studies and expansion with new buildings here in Rutherford County and new growth coming to the Polk campus. This interview originally aired Dec. 20, 2019. Posted by Host and Producer of WNCW's Friday Feature Interview of the Week- Paul Foster, Senior Producer, News Director, and Morning Edition Regional Host

It was an exciting time just before the holidays when UNC-TV was on the campus of Isothermal Community College to tape episodes of their program 'North Carolina Bookwatch' with host DG Martin. DG sat down with WNCW for this episode of the Friday Feature Interview. On-air originally January 3, 2019. Posted by Host and Producer of The Friday Feature Interview of the Week- Paul Foster, WNCW Senior Producer, News Director, and Morning Edition Regional Host

Grey Eagle, Asheville bartender and photographer Sandlin Gaither had the idea to write a book after years and experiences of serving, listening, and talking with his patrons. His book is called "Crazy Things People Say In A Bar" and is built on the strange, curious and colorful quotes of those who have had a bit of alcohol. What else could a reader ask for?

For many years this downtown Asheville venue has hosted concerts, conferences, trade shows, sporting events and more, attracting attendees from all over western North Carolina. What had been known in recent years as the U.S. Cellular Center has now become 'Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville' - the same Harrah's that oversees Harrah's Cherokee Casino in North Carolina. The Center's General Manager Chris Corl was our guest and he talked about what has happened and previewed news about exciting additions for the future.

Staffers at Isothermal Community College, in Spindale NC - home to WNCW, were honored to welcome guest speaker, Jeffrey Blount, retired veteran director of NBC News programs like the Today Show and Meet The Press. Blount worked with the network for more than 30 years and is also an author, an award winning documentary script writer, and winner of an Emmy. Blount is traveling across the country to talk about his latest book, The Emancipation of Evan Walls, and to share thoughts on issues involving race and social justice. During his visit here, he spoke to local high school students, ICC staff, and community members about his early years, his career, mentoring and the power of education. Blount kicked off the college's celebration of Black History Month with his riveting speech at the college's Foundation for Performing Arts Center. The interview first aired on Feb. 7, 2020. Posted by Host and Producer of WNCW's The Friday Feature, Paul Foster- Senior Producer, News Director, and

Rutherfordton Town Manager Doug Barrick and Dr. Ashley Lowery, a local dentist known for her involvement in many community organizations, were among guests on this edition of The Friday Feature Interview of the Week. They came to talk about the exciting news that Rutherfordton is in the current running for HGTV's Hometown Takeover. Learn how this opportunity came together through a process to show off some of Rutherfordton's very best. The conversation first aired on WNCW, Feb. 14, 2020. Posted by Host and Producer of The Friday Feature Interview of the Week, Paul Foster- WNCW Senior Producer, News Director, and Morning Edition Regional Host

Representatives from The Alzheimer's Association - Western North Carolina Chapter made a return to The Friday Feature to talk about a community forum event in the region, while reminding anyone dealing with a loved one who has the Alzheimer's disease, that they want to provide support. Guest was Denise Young- Program Manager of the association. This conversation was first presented on Feb. 21, 2020. Posted by Host and Producer of WNCW's Friday Feature Interview of the Week- Paul Foster, Senior Producer, News Director, and Morning Edition Regional Host

Described as a funny story of love and redemption, BRIGHT STAR , the Steve Martin, yes that Steve Martin, and Edie Brickell musical is being presented by Tryon Little Theatre. The same musical that's been on Broadway and presented by theatre groups across the nation, now takes the stage in Western N.C. - near the actual location where the story is depicted. TLT lead actors in the show, Hannah Searcy (Alice) and Ryan Holub (Jimmy Rae) were interviewed. Aired originally on Feb. 28, 2020. Showtimes for BRIGHT STAR are as follows: Showtimes Thu Mar 5, 2020 | 7:30PM Fri Mar 6, 2020 | 7:30PM Sat Mar 7, 2020 | 2:30PM Sat Mar 7, 2020 | 7:30PM Sun Mar 8, 2020 | 3:00PM Posted by Host and Producer of The Friday Feature Interview of the Week- Paul Foster, WNCW Senior Producer, News Director, and Morning Edition Regional Host

A program called 'Paradise Lost- How Climate Change Is Devastating Our Communities' will be held in the near future in Hendersonville, thanks to the efforts of C4: Citizens Concerned with the Climate Crisis. While a new date for the program is unknown at this time, this conversation will still be well worth your time. This Friday Feature is a discussion with Tony Dunn, a Fire Ecologist, who now lives in Western NC, but was in Paradise when a massive fire made this Northern California city literally disappear. The conversation first aired March 6, 2020. Posted by Host and Producer of The Friday Feature Interview of the Week, Paul Foster, WNCW Senior Producer, News Director, and Morning Edition Regional Host

From the North Carolina Extension Service, Rutherford County Chapter, Director Jeff Bradley and Horticulture Agent Hannah Bundy took part in the Friday Feature from March 13, 2020. For those unaware, this conversation enables listeners to find out what an extension service does on a weekly basis for agriculture to horticulture, etc. Hear about livestock workshops and future events as well. Posted by Host and Producer of The Friday Feature Interview of the Week- Paul Foster, WNCW Senior Producer, News Director, and Morning Edition Regional Host

One thing WNCW knows about is bluegrass, old time and true country music. It's a part of our electic music format which made this Friday Feature Interview of the Week even more special - when we learned all about the East Tennessee State University Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies Program. Interviewed on March 20, 2020 was Program Director Daniel Boner. ETSU is passing on a legacy of music history that will help keep it going strong for the future. Posted by Host and Producer of The Friday Feature- Paul Foster, WNCW Senior Producer, News Director, and Morning Edition Regional Host

Thanks to Michael Greene of Boone, NC - a virtual dinner concert series, online, was organized as a way to help raise money for local restaurants, servers, and musicians in the Boone area that have been unable to work due to the mandatory closures of businesses because of the Coronavirus. This includes a Go Fund Me page set up to donate a little extra in the case someone can. Maybe this virtual idea spreads all over as a way to say thank you to someone for serving and entertaining all of us in the past. You can find them on Facebook @BooneRelief Posted by Host and Producer of The Friday Feature Interview of the Week, Paul Foster- WNCW Senior Producer, News Director, and Morning Edition Regional Host

Guests of this Friday Feature Interview of the Week were Megan Robinson, Executive Director of the Western NC American Red Cross and United Way of Greenville County, SC Executive Director Megan Barp. Both agencies are important, year-round organizations, with staff/volunteers that want to offer support and services, especially during the coronavirus crisis. However, these groups could use additional volunteers and donors to achieve full capacity. This conversation first aired on April 3, 2020. Posted by Host and Producer of The Friday Feature- Paul Foster, WNCW Senior Producer, News Director, and Morning Edition Regional Host

Facebook will be awarding financial support to over 30 local small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Policy Manager Diana Doukas was interviewed during this edition of WNCW's Friday Feature Interview of the Week to talk about this exciting news. Facebook, with a center located in Rutherford County, NC has partnered with groups across North Carolina to lend support in this crucial time of need. This discussion first aired on 88.7 FM on April 10th. Posted by Host and Producer of The Friday Feature- Paul Foster, WNCW Senior Producer, News Director, and Morning Edition Regional Host

Faculty, staff and some students with the College of Engineering and Technology at Western Carolina University are using 3D printers at the college's Rapid Center to develop visors for face shields for use by healthcare workers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Patrick Gardner, Director of the WCU Rapid Center, was i nterviewed in this Friday Feature piece. The interview first aired on April 17, 2020. Posted by Host and Producer of The Friday Feature- Paul Foster, WNCW Senior Producer, News Director, and Morning Edition Regional Host

It's always a treat when a lady with true southern charm makes an appearance on the Friday Feature Interview of the Week. WNCW welcomed back Our State Magazine Editor-in-chief Elizabeth Hudson to talk about the upcoming May issue titled 'The Hiking Issue.' Page by page, Hudson takes us on a tour, mostly across Western North Carolina, to look at topics featured in this issue, from great trails, to views, to good eats. Hudson also talks about how the popular magazine has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This segment first aired April 24, 2020. Posted by Host and Producer of WNCW's Friday Feature- Paul Foster, Senior Producer, News Director, and Morning Edition Regional Host

In this Friday Feature Interview of the Week we put the spotlight on PAL: Partners for Active Living, a group working with its partners in an attempt to remind citizens about the importance of their health, and to let people know about the many ways they can take advantage of outdoor adventures in Spartanburg, South Carolina. PAL Executive Director Laura Ringo shared the latest on the non-profit group, and also talked about COVID-19 and its effect on PAL. The interview originally aired May 1, 2020. Posted by Host and Producer of The Friday Feature- Paul Foster, WNCW Senior Producer, News Director, and Morning Edition Regional Host

Columbus-based Nationwide Insurance plans to require coporate office employees in Columbus, Des Moines, Scottsdale and San Antonio to work from home permanently.

Logan County Sheriff Randall Dodds says he is laying off 21 staffers, includuing deputies and jail guards starting on May 2.

Delaware County Sheriff's deputies say they have solved the 36-year-old murder of a teen.

The Ohio School Boards Association says voters Tuesday approved a smaller percentage of school tax issues on the primary ballot than in the previous primary election.

Just under 25 percent of Ohio's registered voterscast ballots in Tuesday's primary election, which was postponed from March due to coronavirus concerns.

Ohio's "Stay at Home" order has been extended to May 29, and is being rebranded as "Stay Safe Ohio".

Manufacturing, construction and distribution companies can reopen today , with employees wearing masks and observing cleaning and social distancing rules. State lawmakers are also coming back to work this week, and one has proposed a bill to open the state immediately while shutting down the authority of the governor and his health director.

Ohio is ramping up its ability to test for COVID-19, which means a big increase in testing by the end of May. Statehouse correspondent Andy Chow reports Gov. Mike DeWine is now announcing new protocols to follow since testing won't be as limited as it once was.

All but five of the state's Motor Vehicle Bureaus closed March 19 in response to the coronavirus pandemic, but Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted says they could open later this month.

Following a nearly billion dollar drop in the state's economic picture, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine plans to cut $775 in state spending over the next two months.

Ohio is among the top states for several agricultural crops and for food production and processing. But while farming is considered an essential business under the various shutdown orders, it's a tough time for those who run the state's 76,000 farms. Statehouse correspondent Jo Ingles has more.

Ohio’s secretary of state says an election day with in-person voting is still the plan for this fall, but he’s suggesting some changes in case concerns about coronavirus keep voters away. A key voting rights group agrees, but wants to go further.

Republicans in the Ohio House have approved a bill that would limit the power and length of public health orders on coronavirus that their fellow Republican, Gov. Mike DeWine, has been issuing through Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton. Statehouse correspondent Karen Kasler reports the bill reflects a split in the GOP on how to restart the economy that could carry over into the future.

The state is in the process of reopening businesses, but leaders are calling on people to continue practicing social distancing. That includes Ohio's U.S. Senators who stress the importance of taking the coronavirus seriously as mitigation orders are lifted.

Salons, barbershops and outdoor dining can begin to reopen May 15th, under guidelines being released today by Governor Mike DeWine, and restaurants and bars can fully reopen by May 21. But he says reopening Ohio carries a risk.

Ohio’s retail businesses that were shut down as non-essential are being allowed to open Tuesday. And by the end of next week, many restaurants, bars and hair salons will also reopen.

One of the largest fireworks displays in the Midwest will not take place this year due to coronavirus concerns.

Ohio State University has agreed to pay nearly $41 million into a fund for the sexual abuse victims of a now deceased team doctor.

Non-essential businesses that were closed during the past month due to COVID-19 are now starting to reopen. But as Statehouse correspondent Jo Ingles reports, some worry that’s happening too quickly without proper safeguards.

Starting Monday, Ohio State Wexner Medical Center will begin handing out thousands of community care kits in areas at greater risk for contracting the coronavirus.

In Connecticut supporters of paid family and medical leave made their case to state lawmakers on Thursday.

The Republican minority in the Connecticut General Assembly has detailed its legislative agenda for the year. It includes proposals aimed at privatizing some government functions including at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

A bill in the New York State legislature would set the goal to cut greenhouse emissions by 100 percent by 2050.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont presented his first, two-year budget plan to state lawmakers in Hartford on Wednesday.