Haywood County Sheriff Race Heads to November After Divisive GOP Primary

WAYNESVILLE — A contentious Republican primary for Haywood County Sheriff concluded March 4, producing a nominee who will face Democrat Tyler Howell, a Waynesville Police Department officer, in the November general election.The primary pitted incumbent Sheriff Wilke against challenger Mease in a race that surfaced deep divisions over leadership and culture within the sheriff's office. Central to the contest were allegations of high deputy turnover, with critics citing 40 to 50 departures from th