Smoky Mountain News | April 6, 2022

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April 6-12, 2022 Vol. 23 Iss. 45

Cherokee takes step toward victims’ rights Page 12 Fire torches 300 acres in Maggie Valley Page 17

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CONTENTS On the Cover: Despite a nontraditional road for Ron Lance, the Haywood Community College graduate has emerged as a leader in the field of botany. In fact, he has even made a name for himself by discovering previously unidentified hawthorn trees.

(Page 36) Ron Lance has enjoyed a life surrounded by nature, like in this picture with his dog. Donated photo

News Dedication with dignity: the future of Haywood Christian Ministry........................6 Sylva lays out budget priorities ........................................................................................8 Commissioners advance new Haywood jail project..................................................9 High-stakes Supreme Court primary sees little attention......................................10 New tribal laws aim to empower victims, speed up justice..................................12 Clyde assistant fire chief, wife, charged with embezzlement ..............................16 Maggie brushfire contained thanks to firefighting efforts and rain......................17

Opinion Knee-jerk patriotism, sadly, is gaining ground ..........................................................24 Current economic woes were all avoidable ..............................................................25

A&E Ode to the traditions, past and present......................................................................26 National Poetry Month: Honor our poets by listening ............................................35

Outdoors

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April 6-12, 2022

Clingmans Dome opening delayed ..............................................................................38 Only 6% of forest plan objections eligible for standing ........................................42

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Dedication with dignity: the future of Haywood Christian Ministry

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS E DITOR or more than 50 years, Haywood Christian Ministry has served as a safety net for some of Haywood County’s most vulnerable citizens looking for help with the most basic of needs – rent, heat, medication, clothing, utilities and, perhaps most importantly, nutrition.

Amid the chaos of the Coronavirus Pandemic, the faith-based non-profit experienced the same disruptions as similar organizations across the world but now seeks to emerge under new leadership to plot a course for the next 50 years.

“There’s a part of Christianity that really does want to address underlying causes of things like poverty and systems and of oppression, those sorts of things,” said Blake Hart, executive director of Haywood Christian Ministry.

Hart was raised in a religious family in Black Mountain and was a dual major in religion and Spanish at Mars Hill University.

“I originally started there in order to be in music, but that did not work out,” Hart laughed. “But I’ve always had an interest in religion and its impact on how we live our lives.”

That interest led him to pursue a Master of Divinity degree from the McAfee School of Divinity at Mercer University in Atlanta, and then led him much further away from his Western North Carolina home.

“I lived in the northernmost city of Chile, teaching theological classes, but also helping the churches there realize the ways that they could have an impact on things in their community,” he said. “In that situation, it was mostly with orphaned and foster kids. There was a government home in the area that was just really poorly staffed, because of finances and I realized that churches could have an impact on that.”

Upon his return in 2012, Hart began studies towards his doctorate from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, and soon went to work for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of South Carolina.

“I was their missions coordinator, helping churches connect to transformative work in their communities, and then helping that organization maintain its partnerships with ministries around the state,” Hart said.

Through that work, Hart went on to found the Carolina Immigrant Alliance in Rock Hill, South Carolina, an advocacy-based organization that helps provide legal aid to immigrants.

Since last fall, Hart’s served as the executive director of HCM, which has an annual budget on the order of about $800,000 and 10 full-time equivalent employees. The organization’s social enterprise, a thrift store located on Branner Avenue in Waynesville, 6 typically completely funds the administrative

SMN: What about homelessness? In addition to being a social issue and a spiritual issue, it has also become a political issue.

BH: That’s one area that we hope to grow into more, but right now, it goes back to food.

We have sort of a separate collection of food that we can give to those who are unhoused, non-perishables that don’t need refrigeration that don’t need to be cooked. That’s sort of the limit of our footprint right now with homelessness.

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SMN: But growing into it, what does that mean?

BH: We’re not really sure. It’s too nebulous. It’s something that we would want to do in partnership with other agencies that have been dealing with homelessness. I know that there’s been some tumultuous times in Haywood County with homelessness. We can’t really do hotel stays. That’s a question we get a lot right now. It comes down to too much liability concern for everybody involved. Our model right now is trying to prevent homelessness before it happens.

Rev. Dr. Blake Hart has been Haywood Christian Ministry’s executive director since last fall.

Donated photo

We want to see over the next 50 years that we can trace positive influences in the community back to the work that HCM has done.

— Rev. Dr. Blake Hart

costs of HCM. In 2020, HCM provided assistance in more than 32,000 cases and distributed a whopping 1.7 million pounds of food to the needy, an average of 28 pounds per Haywood County resident.

Those needs, however, aren’t going away any time soon, and it’s now Hart’s job to keep this integral link in Haywood County’s nonprofit ecosystem thriving.

The Smoky Mountain News: What led you to find this place?

Blake Hart: First of all, the mountains are home. But I also realized through seeing Haywood Christian Ministry – the things that it has done in the past, and that it is doing now – that it’s an organization that has a rich history of work, a stable structure to be able to continue doing good work. There is a desire to push forward into new conversations about not just helping people who live in poverty have dignity, but also how do we transition that into a thriving community where we’re all interdependent, not necessarily self-sufficient, but where we are all thriving together.

SMN: How would you describe the differences between the poverty in Chile and the poverty and Haywood County?

BH: There’s a lot of similarity. Chile is actu-

ally one of the most financially stable countries in South America, and I think that there’s some similarity in the way that oftentimes poverty is seen as personal failure. I think there are similarities in the way that societies ignore poverty. We kind of push it to the periphery. Also on a grand scale, Americans are very economically advantaged, even the most disadvantaged.

SMN: What’s the best way to describe the current core work of Haywood Christian Ministry?

BH: Right now, our core work is crisis ministry, trying to help people who find themselves in economic crisis not slide deeper into poverty during that crisis. Think of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs – we’re just trying to make sure people have that base level fulfilled.

The largest thing we do is food distribution. We are partners with MANNA FoodBank and we are actually their largest distributor. I think during their last fiscal year we distributed 865 tons of food in the county.

Thankfully, during the pandemic, Haywood Christian Ministry had that robust infrastructure to be able to ramp that up when we needed to ramp up during the pandemic. We also do help people with utilities.

Utilities and rent are the two main things that we can do. If someone’s facing eviction or if someone’s facing a utility disconnection we

SMN: One of the biggest concerns about Haywood Christian Ministry is the financial position of the organization in that it raises a good amount of money each year while sitting on a large endowment.

BH: Haywood Christian Ministry had a pretty humble start as a network of churches responding to requests from, I think, Health and Human Services back in the 1970s. From those humble beginnings into the late 1990s or 2000s it really grew into a larger organization. We do have legacy support and people who trust us and give to us so I think there’s an assumption that we have everything we need, but we still are dependent upon individuals and churches.

We are thankful that we do have an endowment yet that does help us out. It was $1.2 million at last count. Still, spendable income [interest from the endowment] is less than 10% of our budget.

SMN: There’s obviously a lot of overlap in nonprofits here and people competing for resources. What can you do to empower some of the smaller operations that you need to help you be successful?

BH: That’s one thing that we’re trying to explore more is how we can better partner with other agencies, other nonprofits and churches in the area. I think the pandemic caused everybody to turn inward just to survive, even on a personal level. There was the concern of flow of capital and if money was gonna keep coming in and thankfully, through government supports and through the generosity of donors, we were able to weather that fairly well.

We’re trying to figure out how we can direct our capacity to empower other nonprofits and trying to sit down at the table with them and figure out, “Where do we not need to be working?”

SMN: What are you thinking in terms of operating effectively in a

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SMN: At least some of that prevention work is based on workforce issues, like job training, right? n BH: Again, right now that’s just sort of one - of those nebulous ideas that we’re entertaine ing as part of our process to really understand t the people who come in our door. Maybe we don’t need to offer anything. Maybe we refer people [to employment programs like Work First NC] and follow the case as it goes and just be a partner with that individual as they

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called A Place at the Table, operates under a similar pricing structure. A WinstonSalem church, called Hope City Church, launched a coffee shop last summer where there aren’t even prices on the menu.

Haithcox said she wasn’t too worried that people would take advantage of the situation, and would instead pay to their ability, whatever that may be.

“I think overall, humanity is good and so if you can help out and pay for yourself you will,” she said. “A lot of times, what happens is, people feel ashamed when they need help. They want a hand up, not a handout, and will pay when they can.”

Currently, Haithcox is working on location and scheduling for the Holy Cow Food Truck, which has its own Facebook and Instagram pages. Those who wish to support the operations of the food truck, or of Pathways, can always make a donation online at haywoodpathwayscenter.org.

go through that. Or maybe there is a deep need for job readiness, be it veterans, be it people who are returning from prison who need to have experience to be able to go and get a job. We are flushing out lots of these nebulous kinds of ideas out over the next six months to a year.

SMN: Let’s look another half-century down the road. What do you want people to say about your time at Haywood Christian Ministry?

BH: The one thing that I’m trying to communicate most importantly as I meet with other nonprofit leaders, meet with interagency coalitions and meet with church leaders in the area, is that we want to be here to have a deep impact on the community. We want to see over the next 50 years that we can trace positive influences in the community back to the work that HCM has done. We want to do that through partnerships and through sitting at the table together and working together.

For more information on Haywood Christian Ministry, visit haywoodministry.org.

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Smoky Mountain News

post-pandemic Haywood County?

BH: I think one thing is partnership. I think greater networking, less territorialism r and less protection of our own pocket. We get more done by working together and even on the nonprofit management side, foundations respond to that more than they respond to territorialism. The pandemic has also r revealed how many of us live on the edge of d poverty and on the edge of disaster. We have c a good framework now of preventing – I won’t say “preventing” poverty, but helping e people who enter a crisis to have that ones time fix.

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BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS E DITOR aywood Pathways Center’s Holy Cow Food Truck returned to action earlier this week, but customers may notice something slightly different about the boxy trailer nicknamed “Elise” – they’re no longer charging a set price for meals.

“We have a lot of partnerships in town, first and foremost with MANNA FoodBank and Publix,” said Mandy Haithcox, Pathways executive director.

“We have an abundance of food that comes in that we use on campus, and we’ve been redistributing that to other MANNA partners, but since we have this vehicle, we thought we’d bring the food to the people.”

Late in 2020 – during the worst part of the Coronavirus Pandemic – Pathways launched the truck as a social enterprise that helps support the nonprofit’s mission to serve the neediest and hungriest members of the community. Staffed by volunteers and using donated food and utensils, the truck generates income that contributes towards Pathways’ bottom line.

Not long ago, the truck ended up in the proverbial shop – it needed repairs, and because of COVID-related supply chain issues, it took much longer to get it back on to the road than expected.

“Especially with this relaunch, our mission is to feed the hungry, house the homeless and reduce recidivism,” Haithcox said.

“This model allows us to enhance the ‘feeding’ piece of that mission. It’s interesting to watch, because people are excited throughout the county to see this happening. It really is community-building.”

The pay-what-you-want idea isn’t new, and Pathways isn’t even the first to try it out in the state, but it may be one of the first to try it out in a food truck setting as opposed to a traditional bricks-and-mortar sit-down joint.

Back in February, the Little Light Bread and Soup Company in Greensboro shifted to just such a model. A Raleigh restaurant,

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Holy Cow! Pathways’ food truck is back – with a major twist

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Sylva lays out budget priorities HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER he town of Sylva will likely see several upgrades to its public spaces in the coming year if last week’s budget workshop is any indication. Several of the board’s top budget priorities include improvements to parks and other shared spaces.

At a budget workshop on March 24, the Sylva Town Board discussed its budget priorities for the 2022-23 fiscal year. Topping the list for all commissioners were Allen Street repair and slope stabilization, Bryson Park improvements and playground equipment, and downtown public restrooms.

The balanced budget draws some money from the capital reserve fund, in part for Allen Street repairs, Town Manager Paige Dowling explained.

“This does appropriate from the capital reserves fund,” said Dowling. “That’s getting low, but that’s because the last two years we put what would’ve rolled into capital reserves into the Allen Street project. So, as we fund that, we can build the reserves back up.”

The budget is balanced without the inclusion of additional paid fire department staff because the town intends to see what direction the county takes with the request from the Sylva Fire Department.

Other top priorities for commissioners include the construction of a skatepark in Sylva, an additional public works employee and implementation of the Bridge Park Scotts Creek watershed plan.

Commissioners hope to get funding for the skatepark from sources other than town funds. The board mentioned engaging the county as the Jackson County Commission and Parks and Recreation Department have already discussed building a skatepark.

Additionally, there may be money available in the recently passed infrastructure bill.

There is also the potential for private funding sources through organizations like The Skatepark Project, previously known as the Tony Hawk Foundation. Since its inception in 2002, almost 600 skateparks have opened with partial funding assistance from the foundation. When the skate park in Waynesville was built in 2013, it received funding from this foundation.

“I definitely think the skate park is a high priority,” said Commissioner Mary Gelbaugh. “I don’t think that the finances all have to come from us at the town. I think that once we figure out the locations, there’s a lot of people in our community that want to advocate for this.”

“We need a skate park,” said Commissioner Ben Guiney.

The board agreed with Gelbaugh and Guiney in the need for a skatepark in Sylva, as well as the search for funding sources outside of the town’s budget. Several locations were discussed for a future skatepark including Bridge Park, Poteet Park and Mark Watson Park.

“We need to involve the skateboarders in 8 this conversation and not put something up

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April 6-12, 2022

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that they don’t jibe with,” said Gelbaugh.

A group of citizens in Jackson County has recently organized to drive forward the possibility of a skatepark in the county. The “Sylva Skatepark Project” meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays of the month at Bridge Park.

The current plan for the Bridge Park

shed plan. The plan includes 57 parking spaces, including two that are ADA accessible, with one-way traffic flow. The bioretention pond is one of the more important aspects of the plan because it slows down and cleans storm water before it hits Scotts Creek.

“That’s not really something that can be

not a skate park concept in the Bridge Park area, but that doesn’t mean that Poteet Park might have potential or somewhere else.”

Commissioners decided to fund the additional public works position requested by Scott, to support the department that is consistently overworked, but also because of all the upcoming projects that public works will

The skatepark in Waynesville, constructed in 2013, received some funding from The Skatepark Project. taken out, for the clean water aspect of it,” said Scott. “As you can see, that doesn’t leave any room for a skatepark.”

The project is estimated to cost $430,000 but will largely be funded

by Mountain True.

Construction will have to be coordinated with the town’s festival schedule and will The conceptual designs for likely take place improvements at Bridge Park during late fall include a bioretention pond. and early winter.

“I think it’s a phenomenal opportunity to do this,” said Scott. “This has Scotts Creek watershed plan does not been a budget priority since I’ve been in this include, nor have room for a skatepark at [public works] position, and every year it Bridge Park. The town has already spent $20,000 on plans for the park and watershed has gotten rolled from year to year because improvement plans, which would have to be we don’t have the money. It is good that you all authorized us to get the plans and conredrawn to involve a skate park. struction documents in the previous year “I agree that would be a pretty good because we’re basically ready to start.” place for it, but it would take a complete Commissioner Mcpherson noted that he reimagining of the shovel-ready plans that would like to see a work of public art includwe’ve already paid for,” said Public Works ed in the plans for the Bridge Park improveDirector Jake Scott. ments.

At the workshop, Scott walked the board “I think this helps everybody out,” said through the improvement plans for Bridge Gelbaugh. “I am a little disappointed there’s Park that are part of the Scotts Creek water-

be involved in. Scott requested the position during budget discussions earlier this year.

Other budget priorities include town hall ventilation and air purification upgrades, increasing street repair and paving money, a splash pad, community kitchen, additional town entrance signs and 107 sidewalks.

The town has budgeted $7,695 for upgrades to air ventilation and air purification systems in town hall, police and fire departments.

Thirty thousand dollars has been budgeted for sidewalks on the upcoming 107 road work.

“My recommendation is to keep trying to fund that until we get to the project, and then add money to it, where that money could meet the shortfall we’ve got in street repair and paving,” said Dowling.

According to Scott, Powell Bill contributions are not keeping up with the current paving needs in Sylva.

“We’ve got a lot of really rough pavement all over town,” said Scott.

There are no estimates yet for improvements to the Community Table building.

According to Scott, the building is structurally sound and needs small electrical upgrades. There are also no estimates on a splash pad, and commissioners were somewhat split on its necessity for the town.

At the end of the workshop, Dowling said that staff had received enough information from commissioners to move forward with a draft budget. The next regular meeting of the Sylva town board will take place at 5:30 p.m. April 21, and the next budget work session will take place May 5.

Haywood recreation plan approved H

This word cloud derived from a survey represents citizen sentiment on what Haywood County needs more of, and what it doesn’t need. Haywood County photo

Commissioners advance new Haywood jail project

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Christopher told commissioners that he’d called around to other sheriffs who either went through or currently work in a Moseley build and said he’d gotten lots of positive feedback.

Commissioner Tommy Long added that he thought the Moseley designs offered better officer safety, something Christopher said was particularly important, especially when moving inmates.

The motion passed by commissioners only authorizes the county to enter into negotiations with the firm, so nothing’s yet set in stone, but it appears to be headed that way.

During preliminary budget discussions back in February, Morehead said the county would likely enter the bond market later this year, seeking financing for the build.

The proposed jail expansion project originated almost 18 months ago, when Haywood County Sheriff ’s Office Chief Deputy Jeff Haines presented the results of a jail capacity study to commissioners.

During that presentation, Haynes revealed that the average daily jail popula-

Haywood County Sheriff Greg Christopher addresses commissioners during an April 4 meeting. Haywood County photo

tion had grown steadily since 2015, and that it was headed nowhere but up through projected population growth stretching out to 2045.

As in other counties, the 149-bed Haywood County Detention Center regularly hits capacity, causing sheriffs to scramble to find beds for inmates in other facilities.

Transporting inmates is dangerous, and expensive.

There was some initial resistance to the

idea of jail expansion, with harm reduction groups advocating more money for mental health and substance abuse treatment over jail capacity increases.

When proposed, the project was projected to cost at least $16 million, however, due to inflation and ongoing supply chain issues in the construction industry, the market price at the time of construction isn’t quite certain.

– Cory Vaillancourt, Politics Editor

Smoky Mountain News

aywood County commissioners took an important step forward on April 4 by selecting Moseley Architects of Charlotte as the preferred firm to handle architectural and engineering services for the county’s proposed jail expansion project.

“Through the conversations, most are comfortable with the product Moseley provides based on their experience through expansion,” said Bryant Morehead, Haywood County manager.

Four bidders responded to the county’s RFQ last December. From the four, a panel of 10 people, including members of county law enforcement and the county’s IT, finance and facilities departments, selected Moseley over Hemphill-Randall, also of Charlotte. “[Because of] the number of jails that they’ve worked on in North Carolina, the design features that offer greater efficiency and some of the maintenance issues from the design, we think Moseley would offer a better product in the long term for Haywood County,” Morehead said.

Outgoing Haywood County Sheriff Greg

That’s a problem, at least for a partnership of nonprofits that have joined together to promote something called the “10-minute walk movement,” which aims to provide every American access to a park or green space within a 10-minute walk from home by 2050.

By far, the majority of survey respondents cited a desire for additional trails and greenways. Almost 94% said they’d support additional greenways or trails that would connect to destinations located both in and out of Haywood County.

April 6-12, 2022

What it has, is just two parks – Allens Creek, located south of Waynesville, and Glance Street Park in Clyde. Together, they total less than 10 acres. By comparison, the Town of Waynesville owns and/or maintains nine parks, the Town of Maggie Valley eight, the Town of Canton five and the Town of Clyde one.

The survey reached more than 1,600 people, 92% of whom are Haywood County residents. The largest age group was 35 to 44, and 65% of them do not live within a 10minute walk of a park or leisure facility.

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BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS E DITOR aywood County is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities that drive both tourism and the local economy. Now, with the county’s approval of a 236page recreation master plan last week, commissioners are seeking to stay ahead of the competition in the outdoor recreation game.

“We are really at the forefront of what this movement is now,” said David Francis, Haywood County’s community development director.

Francis told commissioners on April 3 that he recalled a work session several years ago when the county prioritized outdoor recreation, which has since become a booming industry, but the county’s existing master plan was so old that it prevented the county from going after grant funding. The new plan solves that problem.

“That will position the county to apply for PARTF (North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grants) and other grants to help support the cost of the proposed facility additions and staffing that the new plan put forward,” said Kevin FitzGerald, chair of the Haywood County Recreation Advisory Board.

The comprehensive recreation master plan, which remains in effect through 2032, was created after conducting an inventory of the county’s existing park facilities, consulting county staff about needs and weighing public input. Using state and national standards to support recommendations made in the plan, the county now has a clear picture of what it has, and what it needs.

Other major goals of the plan include bolstering ADA compliance, keeping up design and maintenance of existing recreational space, more facilities and trails for bicycles, and the possibility of a development ordinance that would fund greenway land acquisition and construction.

Based on the current population of Haywood County, as well as standards offered by report author McGill Associates, major expansion of recreational amenities is needed to efficiently serve the county’s 61,000 residents – everything from softball fields to fishing spots. As the population grows to 67,000 near the end of the plan’s useful life, those needs will grow, too.

In the short term, the plan recommends a slew of improvements to Allens Creek Park, including fitness stations, boulder climbing and pickleball courts. A master plan is also recommended for Glance Street Park.

The long-term plan recommends building out Glance Street Park, as well as the design and construction of what’s called a “district park,” which would need to be between 75 and 200 acres.

Commissioner Brandon Rogers, who serves on the Haywood County Recreation Advisory Board, said he was pleased the county could now move forward.

“It’s something that probably should have been done before now to be quite frank,” Rogers said. “It’s been since 2006 that we’ve had a master plan. I’m excited that we’ve been able to get this far and find out what the community wants, and as we discussed it’s outdoor recreation.”

Recommendations made in the plan are just that – recommendations. Any of the suggested projects, improvements or acquisitions would require commissioner approval.

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High-stakes Supreme Court primary sees little attention KYLE PERROTTI N EWS E DITOR recent poll commissioned by the N.C. Values Coalition found that most prospective Republican primary voters know who they’ll likely cast a ballot for in the U.S. Senate race, with most in favor of either Ted Budd (32%) or Pat McCrory (29%) and only 25% saying they’re undecided.

Of that same group, 82% didn’t know who they were going to vote for in the Republican Supreme Court primary.

But the lack of awareness surrounding the race doesn’t reflect its importance. The balance of the court is currently 4-3 in favor of Democrats, and both seats up for election in 2022 are held by Democrats, meaning Republicans only need to win one of the two seats to gain the advantage.

While the race for Seat 3 between Democrat Lucy N. Inman and Republican Richard Dietz may be tight, there will be no primary. However, for seat 5, there’s a Republican primary to see who takes on incumbent Sam Ervin IV in November.

Running in that race are Trey Allen and April Wood, who polled 8 and 6 percent, respectively.

There is a third Republican candidate, Victoria Prince. However, she has no website or social media presence and didn’t respond to email requests and phone calls from The Smoky Mountain News seeking an interview.

April 6-12, 2022

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A MAJORITY HANGING IN THE BALANCE

Smoky Mountain News

Wood and Allen spoke with SMN about their campaigns, as well as why the race is so crucial.

“The court majority is at stake with this election, so I think it’s the most important Supreme Court election of the last 20 years,” Allen said.

“I’m running for the North Carolina Supreme Court because I believe we need to have a constitutional conservative majority, and we have an opportunity to do that,” Wood said.

They both also talked about the court itself and its ability to set precedent that applies to all future cases across the state.

“The state Supreme Court is the last resort,” Wood said. “It’s the highest court in our state and has final say as to what the law is and what the North Carolina Constitution says. The decisions it makes are binding in all lower courts.”

“The Supreme Court makes decisions that affect many aspects of our daily lives,” Allen said. “It issues decisions that deal with indi10 vidual rights with the scope of local govern-

ment authority and state government authority over matters such as land use, criminal law and taxes.”

Chris Cooper, who heads up Western Carolina University’s political science program, said people don’t typically pay as much attention to state Supreme Court races simply because they aren’t as high-profile.

“There’s less money and less advertising,” he said. “And it’s a profession that, by design, tries to avoid attention. It’s an uneasy mix of the judiciary and politics.”

Both of those are true. Many in the judiciary dispute whether judicial races should even be partisan in the first place. And while many candidates running for the NC-11 congressional seat have raised well over a million dollars, as of the end of 2021 Allen and Wood raised $167,457 and $96,798, respectively, and Ervin IV raised $196,888.

Cooper added that no primaries typically offer the level of information and attention as general elections.

“Little things like who’s higher on the ballot order matter much more than they would if it was something like a U.S. Senate election,” he said.

ESTABLISHING PRECEDENT Bob Orr spent much of his career practicing law in Western North Carolina before serving as an appellate judge and eventually an associate Supreme Court justice from 1995-2004. Orr spoke generally of the court’s importance and its role as final arbiter of cases that come in front of it.

Specifically, he discussed a few cases that have had lasting impacts on every North Carolinian. First, he talked about one that came to the court after he’d already retired — 2016’s Kirby v. NCDOT — which called into question a law passed by the General Assembly that allowed the NCDOT to use land without technically owning or condemning it, thus restricting abilities of property owners to have say what happens on their own property.

“There was a group of property owners in Forsyth County area who brought suits saying … ‘we’re entitled to just compensation,’” Orr said. “It ended up at Supreme Court, and the court unanimously held that it was, in fact, tantamount to taking [the property], and owners were entitled to just compensation.”

He cited another case heard when he was on the court, Maready v. The City of Winston-Salem from 1996, a case that led to Orr’s dissent from the majority opinion.

Basically, it challenged whether state and local governments should be able to provide economic incentives to lure companies to cer-

Trey Allen (right) with North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby. Newby has not endorsed Allen but has indicated unwavering support (below). Donated photo

tain areas. Most recently, the consequences of that were seen in the state’s successful bid to bring in the startup Vietnamese car manufacturer, Vin Fast, which will build a multibillion-dollar manufacturing facility in the triangle.

This is also seen on a much smaller scale across Western North Carolina as towns and counties offer money for things such as façade improvement for businesses that invest in a property.

“From my perspective, the constitutional question was, what about the existing businesses who have to pay $25,000 for façade improvement out of their own pocket? How

is that fair?” Orr posited.

Raising the stakes even more, the next court will likely hear a case involving election maps. The current court ruled that Republican Chief Justice Paul Newby would appoint special masters (two Republicans and one Democrat) to draw General Assembly and congressional maps, something that now may be heard by the United States Supreme Court. Crucially, it also determined that the maps would need to be redrawn prior to the 2024 election.

Considering how the past few maps have been received by Democrats in the minority in the General Assembly and voting rights

groups, it’s likely that if they’re drawn by the Republican majority, they’ll be appealed all the way to the state Supreme Court.

“When the Democrats inevitably sue, the Republicans feel like they’ll have a much a higher likelihood of victory in the Supreme Court if they flip one of those seats,” Cooper said.

THE CANDIDATES

April 6-12, 2022 Smoky Mountain News

Orr said it’s important to look at a judicial candidate’s background and qualifications above everything else, especially party affiliation. He believes Allen and Wood both have “extensive credentials” but stopped short of endorsing either, despite his admission that such endorsements are most impactful in races that are relatively low-information and low-dollar.

While it’s not allowed for a sitting Supreme Court justice who isn’t running for election to endorse a judge, Newby, for whom Allen clerked early in his career, made it clear who he supports.

“I have known Trey Allen for almost 20 years. Trey is a man of integrity and honor,” Newby said in a March 31 tweet. “He is a brillant [sic] constitutional conservative. His broad legal experience and recognized constitutional scholarship qualify him to serve on the Supreme Court. I would be honored to serve with him.”

Allen and Wood, who are similar in age and seemingly alike in values, have vastly different experiences. Wood has served as a judge since 2002, first in District Court and then on the Court of Appeals for the last year and a half. Allen, who cut his teeth as a Marine Corps Judge Advocate General and deployed to Iraq, is currently the general counsel for the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Court (AOC), which is charged with running the judicial system statewide.

Wood promoted her education, especially the law degree she received from Regent University, a well-known private Christian

university in Virginia.

“Regent is the premier conservative law school in the country,” she said.

While Allen has received the support of Newby, Wood has racked up some high-profile endorsements of her own, including that of former Chief Justice Mark Martin. But more than anything, Wood wanted to highlight her experience on the bench as both a trial court and appellate judge.

“Of the seven justices on the court now, only one was a trial court judge [Democrat Michael Morgan] … My experience as a trial court judge has been invaluable in my role as an appellate judge because I can understand what happened in the trial court. I can impart that knowledge and understanding to my colleagues, and it has been very helpful.”

Wood added that her career, especially since joining the court of appeals, has required her to conduct in-depth reviews of a variety of cases, reading transcript after transcript while thinking critically to apply the law.

“I’m looking at one right now that’s about 6,000 pages,” she said during her phone interview with SMN. “We have to make sure that the parties make the right objection and that they preserve an issue for appellate review and ensure that when they bring up issues, whether or not the jury was improperly influenced,” she added.

Before getting appointed to his role with AOC by its director, which Allen said came on a recommendation from Newby, he was an associate professor of public law and government at University of North Carolina’s School of Government, a role that allowed him to also give legal guidance to elected officials and other policy makers.

However, when talking about his experience, he went back near the beginning of his career to talk about clerking under Newby.

“I got an insider’s view of how the Supreme Court functions,” he said, adding that he also worked at a Raleigh firm for several years which led him to argue cases in state

discussing why Republicans should vote for him was purely political. He pointed out that if Wood wins, she must vacate her seat on the Court of Appeals, meaning Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper would be able to appoint someone of his choosing to the bench.

“Because I work for [Newby] at AOC, he would get to pick my replacement if I get elected,” Allen said.

When it comes to judicial philosophy, the two are similar. Allen described an originalist interpretation of the law similar to the late Antonin Scalia.

“I think people have lost faith in our courts because they believe that too often judges substitute their own preferences for what the law is,” he added. “I would try to restore faith in the court by not doing that by simply applying the law.”

For her part, Wood said something similar.

“I firmly believe that judges are supposed to interpret and apply the Constitution and laws as they’re written, and judges are not supposed to be legislators and impose their will on the people and rewrite the laws,” she said.

The primary election is May 17, and the General Election will be Nov. 8. Early voting begins April 28.

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Judge April Wood, who currently sits on the North Carolina Court of Appeals, pictured with her family. Donated photo

Superior Court, federal court, and appellate court. “I do have familiarity with Supreme Court because I’ve worked there before. And in my work as a legal scholar, I’ve dealt with Supreme Court precedents in great detail. I think given the range of my experience, the Supreme Court is where I can serve most effectively and have the most to contribute.”

Allen also talked about his position within AOC, where he runs an office of 11 lawyers who give guidance to judges, clerks of court and magistrates across the state. He spoke about his role during the pandemic — a pandemic that brought about plenty of uncertainty for the state’s entire judicial system.

“Many courts moved to conducting some proceedings remotely through video and audio devices, so we’ve had to provide guidance to judges as to what kind of court proceedings may or not be conducted remotely,” he said. “We deal with constitutional issues, both state and federal, and a huge array of statutory issues that involve civil law matters and criminal law matters.”

Despite his closeness with Newby, when asked specifically, Allen wanted to assure people he wouldn’t be afraid to diverge from the chief justice on issues if he thinks that is the right course of action.

Another angle Allen highlighted when

@SMOKYMOUNTAINNEWS 11

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New tribal laws aim to empower victims, speed up justice

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ictims of crime on the Qualla Boundary will now have a defined list of rights to rely on as they navigate the legal process, following unanimous passage of an ordinance before Tribal Council Thursday, March 1.

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THE VICTIMS’ BILL OF RIGHTS The law, since ratified by Principal Chief Richard Sneed, lists 19 separate protections for victims of crime, entitling them to information about assistance services, case progress, civil remedies, restitution options and the release or potential release of the perpetrator. It also delineates the victim’s right to confer with a prosecutor, testify in court, prepare a victim impact statement and have any stolen or personal property “expeditiously returned” when no longer needed as evidence.

The ordinance closely mirrors similar provisions in North Carolina state law, said Assistant Attorney General Hannah Smith.

The tribe’s justice system leaders decided to write the legislation as the result of an initiative, funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, to look at ways to improve trauma-informed services for victims of domestic violence.

“Victims of specifically domestic violence

are often not willing participants in the criminal prosecution of the violence against them,” Smith said. “We’re hoping that more victims will become empowered to recognize that the tribe and its services can assist them and help them and break these cycles of violence and improve the accountability portion of the prosecution of those crimes.”

Domestic violence is a pressing problem in many Native American communities, including the Qualla Boundary. In a recent interview, Police Chief Josh Taylor identified it, along with child molestation, as his department’s “number one problem.” The 2013 reauthorization of the federal Violence Against Women Act gave tribes the ability to prosecute domestic violence crimes perpetrated by non-Indians against tribal members in their own courts, and a new version of the law ratified last month expands the list of crimes that tribal courts can now handle on their own, though those changes have not yet been implemented in Cherokee.

Smith hopes that having a portion of the law dedicated to listing what victims can expect from the justice system as their case progresses will help them feel more empowered to pursue justice and participate in the prosecution of crimes against them.

“It’s a little piece of the puzzle in terms of this big idea of justice and all the moving parts in that big idea of justice and how it works,” she said. “Hopefully we’ll see some

The $26 million Cherokee Justice Center opened in 2014.

Holly Kays photo

good outcomes from this.”

The legislation is part of an ongoing cooperative effort between the tribe’s court, law enforcement and legal offices to make the draining prosecution process easier and less costly for victims — who, after all, are

not the ones who committed a crime.

Another solution now under discussion is formation of a Family Justice Center, a single location that would provide all the services necessary for the victim to move forward with the case and with

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A Sylva man who arrived an hour late to court, appeared to nap through his trial, admitted to using methamphetamine and smoking marijuana during the three-days of proceedings, then attempted to bolt from the courtroom after jury members returned guilty verdicts, will spend at least the next 14 years in prison.

District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch said a Jackson County jury on Thursday found Christopher Michael Johnson, 43, guilty on two counts of trafficking in methamphetamine, one count possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

After the guilty verdicts, the jury found Johnson guilty of being a habitual felon.

Superior Court Judge Daniel A. Kuehnert imposed his sentence based on the penalty enhancer.

Prosecutors can seek habitual felon status for defendants who have been convicted or have

pleaded guilty to three felony offenses in federal or state courts.

Johnson’s attempted flight from justice was short-lived. He managed just a few steps before a bailiff grabbed him.

The defendant spent the remainder of his time in court shackled.

A Jackson County deputy spotted Johnson, who was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant, on Feb. 23, Christopher Michael 2021, at a Johnson Sylva service station. A search of Johnson’s vehicle revealed a gun, drug paraphernalia, marijuana and about 72.20 grams of methamphetamine.

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A second ordinance change adopted March 3 — also by unanimous vote — aims to streamline the justice process by replacing an indigent criminal defense policy that was causing delays in trials and therefore delays in justice.

The new law, which Sneed has signed, adds criminal defense to the list of duties assigned the Legal Aid Office.

While the tribe has always provided an attorney to defendants unable to afford one, it currently uses a practice similar to that of the local state district court, Smith said. The 30th Judicial District relies on private attorneys to defend these clients.

Names go in a pool, and when an attorney is assigned a case, they’re given a flat fee determined by the type of case rather than an hourly rate. The pay is far lower than what they make in private practice, so it’s challenging for attorneys to prioritize indi-

gent defense cases.

Under the new law, the tribe will hire a full-time attorney to defend these cases, hopefully giving defendants higher-quality counsel and preventing case delays when something comes up in the private attorney’s schedule, preventing him or her from making the court date.

“We’ve been working together as a justice system to try to figure out how to get these criminal cases moving, how to get justice for these victims and also how to make sure we’re providing top-level legal service so people can’t appeal and sue us,” Associate Judge Barbara “Sunshine” Parker told Tribal Council.

“Thank you for the work you’re doing,” said Painttown Rep. Dike Sneed, who formerly served as Chief of Police. “When I was in law enforcement, I’ve had cases go over a year waiting to get them before a judge.”

The new ordinances are part of an ongoing effort to make a system that right now has “a lot of loops” instead “flow in a straight line,” Parker said.

To that end, the courts are now implementing a Tribal Council ordinance that allows all misdemeanor cases to go to a bench trial before a judge rather than requiring a more time-consuming jury trial, and jury sessions are being held every month. The tribal justice system is also partnering with the Capacity Building Center for Courts to assess the efficacy of Family Safety Court, and a justice committee including the tribe’s police department, prosecutor’s office, court and legal assistance office is forming. The group will meet regularly and deliver monthly reports to a committee of Tribal Council’s choosing, Parker said.

“We beg your patience,” she told Tribal Council. “It is a knot that we are untangling. It is a mess, and it is the first time in 20 years that all of these entities of the justice system have all come together and are sitting down at the table and making these decisions. We’re working hard at this.”

April 6-12, 2022

their lives.

Many of the processes and programs needed to support the mandates in the victims’ rights legislation already exist, said Smith, so implementing it should not be difficult. Police officers are already trained to advise victims of their rights, and the prosecutor’s office already has the capacity to take information about victims and their contact information. Some new hires will be necessary, said Legal Assistance Office Program Manager Bonnie Claxton, but in the short-term the justice system can carry out the ordinance with existing personnel.

“Really, the bottom line with this is notice to victims of when their court dates are happening and all that kind of thing, and when plea deals are happening so they can come to court and say what they want to say,” she told Tribal Council. “I think we could all work together to push that even before we have full-time employees to do that all the time.”

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KYLE PERROTTI N EWS E DITOR The Clyde Fire Department’ assistant chief and his wife have been charged with embezzling money from the department.

Dean Louis Castaldo, 52, and Shani Camp Castaldo, 51, were both hit with multiple felonies after a Haywood County grand jury indicted both individuals in February of this year. An order for their arrests was subsequently issued on Feb. 28.

Both Castaldos were ultimately charged with two counts of embezzlement of less than $100,000 and conspiracy to embezzle.

According to the indictments, the Castaldos did “embezzle and fraudulently and knowingly misapply and convert to his own use … take and make away with and secrete moneys belonging to the Clyde Volunteer Fire Department, Incorporated for the purchase and payment of personal items and debts.”

Dean Castaldo’s indictment notes that at the time of offense, he was an employee of the department and that he used a “financial transaction card and used the same contrary to the trust and confidence reposed in the defendant by his employer.”

The dates of offense listed range from Jan. 1, 2018, through March 3, 2019.

Dean Castaldo is scheduled to appear in court on April 11 and Shani Castaldo has a court date of April 25. Both were issued a $35,000 unsecured bond, and there is no record of either being booked at the Haywood County Detention Center.

Although The Smoky Mountain News was informed that a press release was forthcoming from the Clyde Fire Department, it was not available as of press time.

Work zone safety awareness

Join the March Hare and the Mad Hatter as the Cherokee Historical Association and Havoc Movement Company present “Alice in Wonderland.” See this Appalachian spin on the classic tale starting April 1, then throughout the month on select nights from 7–9 p.m. Only in Cherokee’s Mountainside Theatre. For dates and tickets: VisitCherokeeNC.com

RALEIGH – North Carolina transportation officials, highway safety experts and members of law enforcement gathered at the Northampton County Welcome Center on Interstate 95 on Tuesday, April 5, to kick off North Carolina’s Work Zone Awareness Week and unveil the National Work Zone Memorial.

The traveling exhibit honors those killed in work zones, including 37 N.C. Department of Transportation workers who have died in work zones across the state since 1979.

Last year, more than 6,200 crashes occurred in North Carolina work zones, resulting in 29 deaths and more than 2,500 injuries.

Work zones can feature obstacles that make them tricky to navigate, and often require more driver attention than other areas. Speeding and distracted driving are contributing factors in more than half of all work zone crashes.

North Carolina’s Work Zone Awareness Week takes place from April 4-8. The National Work Zone Memorial will be on display at the Northampton County Welcome Center on I-95 South from April 5-7. National Work Zone Awareness Week will take place April 11-15.

news Kyle Perrotti photos

Fast moving brushfire in Maggie contained thanks to firefighting efforts and rain

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Margeaux Boles Photography

Smoky Mountain News

No firefighter injuries were reported.

“Maggie Valley Fire and Rescue sincerely appreciate all the support from the responding agencies on this fire. Your efforts were invaluable,” said Maggie Valley Fire Chief Scott Sutton.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to the enormous efforts of our county fire departments and our neighboring counties to fight this fire. Without their skill and dedication, it could not have gone as well as it did,” said Travis Donaldson, director of Haywood County Emergency Services.

Crews battling the blaze were given a good break Tuesday afternoon as at about 1 p.m. heavy rains moved into the area, which gave a “significant boost” to containment efforts.

Prior to the rains falling across the region, aircraft dumped water on the flames with a helicopter making trips to local sources and two air tankers going back and forth from Asheville.

Although the press release didn’t state the exact cause of the fire, the release reminded residents and visitors to think before burning anything in such hazardous conditions.

“During dry, windy weather like Haywood County has been experiencing, any outside fire can rapidly turn into an out-ofcontrol brush fire,” it read. “DO NOT burn outside during times like these. Watch NC Forest Services’ and Haywood Emergency Services’ social media pages for burning conditions updates.”

— Kyle Perrotti, News Editor

April 6-12, 2022

fire that began Monday afternoon on Sheepback Mountain in Maggie Valley and initially spread quickly was 100% contained as of 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 5.

According to a press release from Haywood County Emergency Services, it burned about 300 acres over just 24 hours.

“Several homes were threatened near Pless Underwood Road,” the release reads.

“There were 17 homes in the evacuation area, all of which were saved by the diligent efforts of fire crews who worked through the night protecting homes as the fire moved through the densely wooded areas around them.”

However, prior to the fire being contained, within about an hour after it began, those homes were evacuated with many residents finding out via a message from “Haywood Alerts.”

“If you have to evacuate, do it now and do it quickly,” Haywood County Emergency Services Public Information Officer Allison Richmond told The Smoky Mountain News Monday afternoon when firefighting efforts were just beginning.

“It’s moving uphill pretty quickly,” she added at that time.

All evacuated residents, many of whom were directed to a reunification center at Cavalry Road Baptist Church, were able to return to their homes by Tuesday afternoon.

Crews from Maggie Valley Fire Department, the North Carolina Forest Service and more than two dozen fire departments from Haywood and surrounding counties responded, some of whom were on the scene for the full 24 hours.

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The Hatcher Mountain Road/Indigo Lane Fire in Sevier County damaged more than 300 structures. Sevier County Emergency Management photo

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Ingles Nutrition Notes written by Ingles Dietitian Leah McGrath Why Food Borne Illness Can be Dangerous How many times have you eaten a meal at home or out at a restaurant and had a bit of “tummy trouble” afterwards? Or perhaps you or a family member got quite sick after a meal and ended up in the doctor’s office or made a visit to urgent care or the emergency room because of more severe problems.

The culprit could be food borne illness cause by pathogens or microbes that you didn’t know were in your food. For healthy individuals, a bout of food borne illness may be no big deal; but for at risk populations: infants/children, elderly/older adults, pregnant women, individuals with a compromised immune system,someone undergoing treatment for cancer Food borne illness could be quite serious and put them in the hospital or having to deal with long-term complications.

Tips to reduce your risk of food borne illness: · Wash hands before preparing or eating food. · Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. · Don’t cross contaminate by preparing cooked foods on the same surface with raw foods. · Look for the sanitation score for the restaurant when eating out. · When you eat at home or at a restaurant make sure foods are thoroughly cooked.

For more information about food borne illness and food safety: cdc.gov/foodsafety/foodborne-germs.html

Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN

Smoky Mountain News

contained at 180 acres and burning completely on national forest land, with no structures affected.

While the damage in Sevier County is significant — and, for some families, devastating — it is nevertheless on a much smaller scale than the Chimney Tops Fire that blazed through Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in November 2016, burning 17,006 acres, damaging nearly 2,000 structures and claiming 14 lives.

With rain beginning to fall across the region as of press time April 1, fire danger for Western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee was forecast as low to moderate for April 6. The National Weather Service forecast 0.5-1.5 inches of rain with locally higher amounts possible, but also risk of high winds.

The agency has issued a hazardous weather outlook for WNC, along with the piedmont region, northeast Georgia and upstate South Carolina, warning of locally heavy rainfall and isolated flooding, and a possibility of strong to severe storms with damaging winds and an isolated tornado, mostly south of Interstate 85. A subsequent round of thunderstorms is expected Wednesday afternoon and evening, with the greatest threat of damaging winds and isolated tornados west of I-26.

In eastern Tennessee, “strong gusty winds” were expected across the higher elevations and foothills Tuesday with speeds of 20-35 miles per hour and gusts up to 55 miles per hour. The National Weather Service warned severe storms are likely Wednesday afternoon and evening, with damaging winds the “main concern” and tornados and hail also possible.

HaywoodBuilders.com 100 Charles St. WAYNESVILLE

April 6-12, 2022

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER he wildfires that ripped through the mountains last week are now mostly under control, but as of Tuesday afternoon, April 5, fire danger remained high in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee — even as the first drops of rain from a large system headed north began to blanket the region.

On Friday, April 1, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park reopened roads, trails and campsites that had been shut down starting March 26 following ignition of the Thomas Divide Fire Complex and subsequent high wind events. The fire spread to 941 acres, but by March 31, it had reached 80% containment with little additional fire activity expected. Crews demobilized April 1, and the fire is now 100% contained.

Roughly one-third of the acreage was in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with the remainder in Swain County jurisdiction.

No structures were lost.

While the Thomas Divide Complex Fire did not cause any structure losses, a blaze that whipped up Wednesday, March 30, in Sevier County, Tennessee, burned a much larger area and caused extreme destruction.

Now 98% contained, the Hatcher Mountain Road/Indigo Lane Fire covers 2,498 acres and affected more than 300 structures. On the Sevier/Blount County line the Seymour Fire is 75% contained at 678 acres, with at least two structures affected.

A separate fire started March 26, the Chimney Rock Fire in the Cherokee National Forest at Weavers Bend located about 5 miles northwest of Hot Springs. It is 90%

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Smoky Mountain News

April 6-12, 2022

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Sylva grieves young shooting victims

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER he friends and family of two Sylva boys who died following a tragic shooting incident Sunday, March 27, gathered in the dark Saturday, April 2, for a candlelight vigil at Sylva’s Bridge Park to commemorate lives ended too soon and show support for the grieving parents.

Speakers — including the family’s pastor and friends of the boys — remembered them as loving, happy people who put God first in life, according to social media videos of the event.

“The candlelight vigil tonight truly blessed our hearts and souls as we heard beautiful stories and comments about how our boys touched the lives of their friends and community, and how they lived out

their Christian testimonies each and every day,” the boys’ mother Rebecca Ensley said in a public Facebook post. “As we face the tough days ahead without them, we are saddened to no longer have them with us here on earth. The sorrow we feel is beyond measure. Yet, we find our hope and strength in knowing that we will see them again, and that while they were here, they left a lasting legacy of love for everyone they met.”

Law enforcement is still investigating the incident that claimed the lives of Noah Joseph Ensley, 15, and Bridger Owen Ensley, 10, but a recording of the 911 call reporting the tragedy reveals some details about what transpired.

The distraught caller, who identifies himself as the boys’ father Russell Ensley, was outdoors when he heard the gunshots,

according to the redacted version of the 14 minute, 28 second call released to The Smoky Mountain News. When he came inside, he found both sons unconscious with gunshot wounds.

The Jackson County Sheriff ’s Office responded to the call, and Harris EMS transported both boys to Harris Hospital, where they received emergency care before being airlifted to Mission Hospital in Asheville.

However, efforts to save them were unsuccessful. Noah died later that day, and Bridger passed away Monday, March 28.

A joint investigation between the Jackson County Sheriff ’s Office and the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation is ongoing, said Jackson County Major Shannon Queen. No charges have been filed in connection to the tragedy.

Franklin license plate agency to temporarily close

After reopening, the agency will continue to operate from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, except on state holidays, and will be contracted to Kyle and Phoebe Donohue, who also operate the LPA in Murphy.

LPAs offer vehicle registration services and title transactions, as well as vehicle license plate renewals, replacement tags, handicap placards and duplicate registrations. There are currently 131 license plate agencies operating across North Carolina.

Services such as property tax payments and registration renewals can also be completed online at myncdmv.gov.

phones ringing to passengers singing, and they can hamper drivers’ reactions to changing traffic conditions.

NCDOT reminds everyone to stay alert on the road. When you’re behind the wheel, the only thing you should be doing is driving.

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The Franklin License Plate Agency (LPA) will temporarily close on March 29 after the current contractor announced her retirement.

The agency at 353 Westgate Plaza in the Westgate Plaza Shopping Center will reopen under new ownership on April 5.

The current contractor of the LPA, Frieda Teem, has operated the agency since 1987.

In North Carolina, NCDMV oversees LPAs, but the agencies are managed by private businesses or local governments.

Three nearby license plate agencies offer service Monday through Friday: • Sylva, 454 E. Main St., from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., 828.586.3886 • Murphy, 1176 Andrews Rd., from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 828.837.9922 • Brevard, 20 E. Morgan St., from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 828.883.3251

This Week at NCDOT RALEIGH – The following are highlights from this week at the N.C. Department of Transportation. Below are also featured in NCDOT Now, the department’s newscast.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Distractions come in many forms, from cell

Bridge Named for Long-Time Health Care Provider A bridge in Graham County was officially unveiled last week bearing the name of Dr. Patricia J. Johnson.

Johnson served as the local primary care physician, specialist, emergency room doctor and obstetrician for more than 45 years in Graham County. She carried out her important work in a county with no hospitals.

In recognition of her extraordinary work, the North Carolina Board of Transportation unanimously approved a resolution dedicating the bridge in Dr. Johnson’s honor last fall.

For more information about NCDOT Now, contact the NCDOT Communications Office at 919.707.2660. Additional news stories from throughout the week can be found on ncdot.gov.

Tuckasegee man pleads guilty to knife assaults A Tuckasegee man who twice used knives to slash the necks of two men on separate occasions is headed to prison, District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch said.

David Ray “Q-Tip” Sims, 46, pleaded guilty this week in Jackson County Superior Court to two counts assault with deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.

Superior Court Judge Daniel A. Kuehnert sentenced Sims to serve 96-128 months in the Division of Adult Corrections.

Both assaults took place in Tuckasegee community, one on April 15, 2021, and the other on Oct. 20, 2019.

The most recent incident occurred on Crane Road. A man arrived home to find Sims at his house, where, because of prior theft, he’d been ordered not to be.

The victim repeatedly told Sims to leave. Sims would not. Just when the victim and another individual were headed to call law enforcement, Sims attacked the victim, slicing him with a knife on the left side of his neck, leaving a more than 4inch gash.

An emergency-room doctor told law enforcement that the victim “had been very fortunate to have not been fatally injured as the cut had barely missed severing a major artery, by millimeters,” according to the incident report.

On Oct. 20, 2019, Sims went to Los Garcia Tienda Store in Tuckasegee, where Sims accused an individual of stealing his bicycle. Again, Sims reached for his knife.

He slashed at the victim, who moved back.

The man suffered a 1-inch or so laceration.

Assistant District Attorney Andy Buckner prosecuted the case.

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April 6-12, 2022 Smoky Mountain News 21

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Smoky Mountain News April 6-12, 2022

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Education

Smoky Mountain News

HCC graduate selected for academic excellence Haywood Community College Criminal Justice Technology graduate Clarissa Shelton was selected as the college’s Academic Excellence Award winner. The wife, full-time employee and mother to a 9-year-old juggled many roles while completing the program completely online. After finishing high school about two decades ago, Shelton knew coming back to school was going to be a big change.

“I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” she said, “but I knew it was going to be worth it. My experience at HCC has given me the tools I need to enter a career that I’m excited about.”

For the last 12 years, Shelton has worked at Mission Health System in the Security Dispatch Office. Her career goal is to become a probation officer.

“I want to help those that have made some unfortunate decisions get back on the right track,” Shelton said. “I hope to make a positive impact on those I will be supervising, as well as the community.”

Shelton has made a big impact at home. “I realized by doing homework at home it was being noticed by my son. At first, I thought it was taking time from being present with him, but really he was seeing that if you want something badly enough, it takes hard work and determination.”

Shelton finished HCC in December and plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree.

Registration for summer and fall semesters is now open. Visit haywood.edu or call 828.627.2821 for more information.

HCC Criminal Justice Technology graduate Clarissa Shelton was selected as the college’s Academic Excellence Award winner. Suzanna Moses photo

Nuclear Regulatory Commission grant to fund WCU scholarships Thanks to a Nuclear Regulatory Commission grant, Western Carolina University’s College of Engineering and Technology will offer six scholarships for students studying in electrical power, mechanical and electrical disciplines.

Participating students will receive $5,000 per semester for their junior and senior years, provided academic milestones are achieved. The scholarships will be offered for the next two years.

Recipients of the scholarship will agree to work in nuclear-related employment for six months after graduation for every year they received the award.

The NRC is the federal agency that regulates commercial nuclear power plants and other uses of nuclear materials.

“We at the College of Engineering and Technology are very thankful to NRC for providing numerous workforce development opportunities since 2016,” said Bora Karayaka, an associate professor who will coordinate the program on campus. “These grants helped our students go above and beyond their limits in nuclear-related industry and academia including U.S. National Laboratories, Eaton, NRC, Duke Energy and MIT, just to name a few.”

The scholarship program will utilize specific initiatives, such as the NRC learning community, Project Based Learning and Undergraduate Research, to prepare students for employment in

nuclear-related fields including electric power, sustainability and clean energy.

“Students majoring in a bachelor’s degree in engineering with an electrical power concentration will have a clear advantage over the other disciplines to transition into this program,” Karayaka said.

Other NRC grant program leaders in the College of Engineering and Technology include Andy Ritenour, an assistant professor, and Chip Ferguson, a professor and interim dean, as well as Channa DeSilva, an associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences.

For more information about the scholarship opportunity, contact Karayaka at 828.227.2472 or hbkarayaka@wcu.edu.

“HCC is an anchor for Haywood County. We want to reach out to our community and invite them not only to take classes and further their education but also to enjoy the beauty of what the campus can offer,” explained Hylah Birenbaum, HCC Executive Director of College Advancement.

“To play a game of disc golf, wander through the rhododendron or dahlia gardens, and now go on a longer hike.”

Birenbaum notes that with an expanded walking trail, future opportunities could include cross country matches or sponsored trail runs.

Tickets to Laughter & Libations are available at eventbrite.com/e/290453342767. For more information about the event or to donate without attending, call 828.627.4522 or email hebirenbaum@haywood.edu.

HCC Foundation Event to WCU among Benefit Campus Trail top grad schoold The Haywood Community College Foundation will hold an event called Laughter & Libations from 6-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26, at Elevated Mountain Distilling Company in Maggie Valley. The funds raised will improve and expand the hiking trail on campus. With the purchase of a $50 ticket, participants will receive one drink ticket and heavy appetizers.

The HCC hiking trail is open to the community and is a popular destination for exploring the natural campus. Canine friends are always welcome.

Winding throughout campus, the trail is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m.-11 p.m. and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on weekends.

The 2023 ranking of graduate schools by U.S. News & World Report includes Western Carolina University, which offers master’s and doctoral degree programs online, in hybrid format, and through traditional classroom instruction at its Cullowhee campus and the Biltmore Park instructional site in Asheville.

WCU offers more than 45 graduate degrees and certificate programs, with a wide range of concentrations and specialties.

WCU was among the up-to approximately 300 institutions in individual categories reviewed. The following are the national evaluations by U.S.

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News and comments about each by Brian Kloeppel, dean of WCU’s Graduate School and Research.

Graduate Education. “Graduate enrollment has continued to grow at Western Carolina University and is currently at its highest level since 2010. The high-quality curricula delivered by excellent credentialed faculty in nationally ranked programs attracts students who enroll in flexible programs delivered in online, hybrid or residential formats.”

Social Work. “The Masters in Social Work program attracts applicants to its advanced-standing and traditional two-year program in Cullowhee and in Asheville by incorporating advanced clinical training and graduate mentoring with future potential employers in the Western North Carolina region and beyond.”

Part-Time MBA. “Students in the part-time MBA program are typically employees who are incorporating cutting-edge hybrid course-work that benefits them in their current position and is preparing them for future opportunities and promotions.”

Public Affairs. “MPA graduates learn from faculty and regional experts in a hybrid format at our Asheville location where they prepare for careers in county, state and federal public service or nonprofit organization management.”

Prospective students can view complete rankings, indicator values and institutional profiles through a subscription-based U.S. News Graduate School Compass. The tool also provides the full versions of specialty rankings in the broader disciplines, which include business analytics, constitutional law, environmental engineering, executive MBA, finance, marketing and nursing administration, among others.

For more information, visit grad.wcu.edu, call 828.227.7398 or email grad@wcu.edu.

Science at the Jackson Arts Market coming this month A “Science at the Jackson Arts Market” will be held on consecutive Sundays in downtown Sylva on April 3 and April 10 to highlight the science behind crafts and gardening, in a free, family friendly event.

The program is hosted by Jackson Arts Market in partnership with Western Carolina University and the North Carolina Science Festival. Local craftspeople and WCU scientists and students will demonstrate the science of glassblowing, gemstones, pottery making, blacksmithing and herb foraging, and even the life cycle of chickens.

Other presentations will include self-guided tours to identify nutritional herbs, a Solar System Walk through downtown Sylva and, weather permitting, a safe solar viewing. Children also can design their own science mission patches and participate in a scavenger hunt.

“Science at the Jackson Arts Market” is one of hundreds of such events organized by the N.C. Science Festival during the month of April and is made possible through support by the Biogen Foundation. Learn more atncscience festival.org/events/science-jackson-arts-market.

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Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

Knee-jerk patriotism, sadly, is gaining ground G

Please support the free press To the Editor: This might sound like a puff piece, but it is really a critical review of a local newspaper. I decided to write this after reading the latest edition of The Smoky Mountain News. It wasn’t all peaches and cream. Not by a long shot.

The reporting on everything from an interview with a Ukrainian war correspondent to a ‘Western perspective on the war in Ukraine’ interspersed with stories about a prospective local airport, public restrooms in Sylva, and an Easter Sunrise service and brunch at Lake Junaluska (among many others) might have felt fragmented, but that’s the strength of a local paper.

With regard to the two top stories, I haven’t read any better reporting on Ukraine and I read the New York Times, daily. With respect to the local news, there was good reporting about a variety of local events including a local man who pleaded guilty to participating in the January 6 riot, and local forest fires, as well as an editorial on the ongoing building mania and associated zoning challenges. This issue also contained a compassionate but balanced article about a nationally prominent author whose book was removed from the reading list in our local school. There was really something for everyone here. The editorial section is always interesting. Everyone gets their say. There are no red or blue topics too objectionable to print.

Here’s a lengthy excerpt from Killian’s piece: Last month PEN America, the non-partisan non-profit that just celebrated 100 years of protecting free expression, published its latest roundup of educational “gag order” legislation across the U.S. The organization is actively tracking a national wave of bills, many now becoming law, that make patriotism compulsory and restrict what can be said, read or taught about race and American history. “Every state in the country has education-related laws on the books designed to produce patriotic, civic-mindEditor ed students,” the group wrote in its March 30 report. “But what legislators are doing now is different.”

“Instead of simply requiring students to learn about, say, the Mayflower Compact or the importance of democracy, lawmakers are attempting to censor what they consider to be ‘anti-American’ ideas, regulate instruction on slavery and racism, and prohibit conversations about contemporary injustice,” the organization

Scott McLeod

ag orders regarding what can be taught in schools are becoming all the rage in many conservative states. Like the “don’t say gay” measure in Florida, these laws try to eliminate or sometimes guide discussions — mostly about about race and sexuality, but also politics — to the point that they are just bad for our schools and students.

I’ve argued in this space before that frank, open and ageappropriate discussions of important cultural flashpoints are crucial to the kind of education that best prepares young people for the world we live in. As I was researching for this column, I came across a piece by Joe Killian. He writes for NC Policy Watch, a decidedly left-leaning news site that is part of the North Carolina Justice Center.

That said, Killian captured my feelings about how legislators across the country are trying to impose their politics into what public schools and universities can teach. I know that many disagree with the premise and conclusions in some research — like The New York Times’ “1619 Project,” for example — but the way to show its fallacies and potential shortcomings is to talk and debate those conclusions, not forbid it from being taught. Ignorance is not a form of education, it’s a path to mediocrity.

LETTERS That’s a good thing.

Granted, this issue was more varied and intense than some issues. But the fact that a small staff of dedicated journalists can put together a thoughtful and sometimes even riveting weekly newspaper should be a cause for celebration. The in-depth coverage of last summer’s deadly flood in Canton is a case in point. It should also be a call for support.

David Johnson, a best-selling author, blogged in 2019: “Do We Really Need Local Libraries and Small-Town Newspapers?” About local newspapers, he says, “They’re chock-full of good news … and feel-good stories. It is there I can learn what has been going on down the street or what is going to be happening soon.

They make an effort to keep the local government honest by reporting on what is happening in council meetings and board meetings.

Citizens are invited to air their unedited gripes and concerns on the editorial page. A photographic record is displayed of children who have achieved success of every conceivable kind — sports, music, dance, reading, academics, beauty pageants. Local small businesses are promoted.” Sounds like The Smoky Mountain News to me. But SMN often goes beyond this.

Johnson ends by saying, “If we lose our local library or small-town newspaper, then we lose a piece of ourselves and what connects us to each other. Therefore, both are worthy of our generous support.” The expression, “there’s no such thing as a free lunch” can be

wrote. “In other words, the purpose of these bills is not simply to cultivate patriotism. Rather, it is to make patriotism — or more specifically, a knee jerk and uncritical form of patriotism — compulsory.

“Unlike previous historical waves of such legislation, including those that required teachers to take loyalty oaths or students to recite the pledge of allegiance, PEN says current legislation has focused on race and LGBTQ issues.

“Though the new wave of bills began at the K-12 level, an increasing number of bills now target public universities, as well.

And while none of these bills have yet become law in North Carolina, Republican politicians in the state have called for them.”

Anyone who has spent time in our schools and universities know that they are remarkable places where eager minds are thirsting for knowledge. We need teachers who stoke those young minds, but shackling them with these needless laws has the opposite effect. Most of these bills — and I would encourage all to visit PEN America website — are more political ideology than reasonable education legislation. In the world’s freest and most open society, they just don’t belong.

(Scott McLeod can be reached at info@smokymountainnews.com.)

expanded to, “there’s no such thing as a free press unless it’s supported by an involved, generous public.” It has always been thus, and is more important today than ever.

Glenn Duerr (not related to, nor do I know anyone on the staff!)

Waynesville

We need to cap price of insulin To the Editor: Late last week the U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 6833, a bill that caps the price of insulin at $35 per month. Now it goes to the Senate for approval.

An important thing to know is that our 11th District representative, Madison Cawthorn, was one of 193 Republicans who voted against capping the price. Cawthorn’s vote is in the official roll call vote in the Congressional Record. You can look it up for yourself. By his vote, he is saying that he doesn’t want you to be able to afford your life-saving insulin. Don’t believe him if he tries to tell you he is working for your best interest. The Bible says it is “by your works that you shall be known,” not words. His votes are his “words.” We all know how trustworthy his words are anyway.

Just for perspective, insulin has been around for decades and costs less than $10 to manufacture. So why are some paying as much as $300 for it? It is because just three

companies control 90 percent of the market and they collude to get away with it. A cap of $35 is still a more generous profit margin than most of your small businesses make. A price of $300 is just outrageous corporate greed that needs to be stopped.

The Senate still has to pass the bill that caps the price at $35. Everyone who thinks capping the price of insulin is a good idea needs to be calling our two senators, Thom Tillis and Richard Burr, every day to tell them to vote to support the cap.

Jane Harrison Haywood County

Support for Ukraine a big mistake To the Editor: Forgive me if I don’t share the general enthusiasm for the war in Ukraine. The Ukrainian people are truly suffering and deserve our support with humanitarian assistance, but the way to stop their suffering is to bring a negotiated peace quickly rather than trying to prolong the war with continued arms shipments. I look upon the war as a domestic situation in which we have become involved. The trouble is that this domestic situation involves another man, as it were. That other man is Uncle Sam, so we really should butt out.

We say that we are defending democracy, but Ukraine is hardly a model democracy and we overturned their demo-

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LOOKING FOR OPINIONS: The Smoky Mountain News encourages readers to express their opinions through letters to the editor or guest columns. All viewpoints are welcome. Send to Scott McLeod at info@smokymountainnews.com., fax to 828.452.3585, or mail to PO Box 629, Waynesville, NC, 28786.

Current economic woes were all avoidable

cratically elected leader in 2014 because we didn’t like the results. Funny how we hear talk of democracy and “our democracy” when the results please the elites that rule us but when things don’t go their way it’s because of Russian interference, insurrectionists, and white supremacy, yada, yada, yada. Oh, and voter suppression! Who can possibly take these people seriously?

We have a dangerous commander-inchief whose loose lips could get the whole world in a nuclear war. We need to de-escalate and save us a lot of death and needless suffering. We need to acknowledge our meddling in Ukrainian affairs, using the corruption in the country to enrich people such as Hunter and Joe Biden. We have repeatedly turned a deaf ear to Russian concerns starting soon after the collapse of the Soviet Union by expanding NATO upon the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact. I always thought that was a terrible move. It sure

didn’t inspire trust and now we are seeing the outworking of a flawed decision.

Instead of forging a closer relationship with Russia after the Cold War we have pushed her into the arms of China, our chief adversary. Our entire foreign policy establishment needs a complete overhaul in both personnel and philosophy. I’m ready to let Europe take care of Europe. If they want NATO, they can support it and fight for it.

We need to pay more attention to our own house before we try to get everybody else’s house in order. We are being invaded at our southern border and democracy is being threatened here in the U.S. but we are being asked to ignore that and focus on the border and democracy of another country.

As someone once said, “My God, this man cannot remain in power.”

David Parker Sylva

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Smoky Mountain News

baseball. Today, it’s greed.

There was a time when our greatest economic successes occurred when the U.S. government helped to create an environment in which entrepreneurial business activity could thrive. Present-day government policies in the hands of egocentric, self-serving public officials have altered the original premise of “representative government” significantly and average Americans are left to shoulder (which means suffer) the consequences.

According to economist.com: “A child born in a household among the bottom 20% of U.S. income distribution has a 7.5% chance of reaching the top 20% in his or her lifetime. America’s levels of social mobility are now among the lowest in the developed world.”

There is a reverse (an antithesis) to our past beliefs in government. A substantial portion of the U.S. Congress is convinced it’s entitled to trading stocks in this free market economy, taking advantage of information afforded them in closed House and Senate hearings. Timothy Carney in washingtonexaminer.com states, “That’s indefensible. The people subsidizing, regulating, taxing, exempting and protecting corporations should not also be investing in them.”

However, it continues, right? It never stops.

I believe it was over a year ago, figures published by economist Gabriel Zucman suggested that wealthy individuals and corrupt politicians had managed to stash $7.6 trillion in offshore tax havens. That’s about 8 percent of the world’s wealth (according to Vox.com).

Our present economy, the outrageously high (and seemingly out of control) cost of living, the shameless wage disparity, growing homelessness and broadening poverty, were all avoidable.

David L. Snell Franklin

April 6-12, 2022

To the Editor: It is not my purpose to simply compare costs from a time long past but rather to recognize the consequences and repercussions that have occurred over decades due to the societal and economic (often erratic and unpredictable) variations Americans have experienced since WWII. I’ll choose a year as a frame of reference — 1958 (the year my daughter was born).

The average income was $5,000 a year, a new car was $2,200, a new house was $13,000, a first-class postage stamp was 3 cents, and the tuition at Harvard University was approximately $1,000 a year.

As a young man (18) and fresh out of high school, I managed a small plastics factory (small meaning four employees plus the owner). I earned $60 per week ($54.20 after taxes). I made a little extra money mowing lawns, shoveling snow and parking cars on Saturdays at a nearby racetrack, jobs I’d had for years.

But here’s the thing ... living was affordable in 1958. Rent for my two-bedroom apartment was $15 a week, eggs were 28 cents a dozen, a loaf of bread was 20 cents, milk was $1 a gallon, and the $38 I just bought 10 gallons of gas with last week would have purchased 237 gallons in 1958, enough to fill my gas tank about 15 times.

On my income I supported a wife, a baby, a car, an apartment, tithed to our church and had money left over. Can a reasonably resourceful, hard-working young high school graduate work and support a family today as I did relatively easily in 1958? I think not. The costs of living are simply too high.

The reasons for this are many and complex. The owner of the factory where I worked in 1958 earned five times my salary, for one thing. Present-day CEOs would expect 500 times my salary. In 1958 America’s national pastime was

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Smoky Mountain News

Ode to the traditions, past and present

A conversation with John Duncan

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD ARTS & E NTERTAINMENT E DITOR itting at the bar counter of Boojum Brewing in downtown Waynesville one recent evening, John Duncan sips a craft ale, pauses momentarily, and ponders just what it means to be a conduit for the sacred traditions of Southern Appalachian music in the 21st Century — it’s preservation and, ultimately, it’s perpetuation.

“You know, the big thing that pulls me in all comes back to the rhythm — this sort of captivating sense of rhythm,” Duncan said.

“Whether you’re talking about bluegrass or old-time music, or Scottish and Irish tunes, I think it all comes together around the idea of ‘the dance,’ which is so primal. Rhythm is so primal, and that’s a big thing for me — making that ancient connection between human beings in this inclusive nature that is music.”

At 35, Duncan, a Macon County native raised by musical parents who were folklorists, has risen through the ranks, to where nowadays he’s regarded as one of the finest fiddlers and multi-instrumentalist talents in the vast bastion of melodic talent and artistic depth

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John Duncan.

that is Western North Carolina and greater Southern Appalachia.

In the early days of the 2020 shutdown and ongoing pandemic, Duncan, alongside his West Asheville roommates and friends (other renowned regional musicians), sat in front of each other (and several microphones) within the humble abode to jam an array of traditional tunes (and one cover by Gary Harrison during a 4:30 a.m. pickin’-n-grinnin’ session), with Duncan casually hitting the record button to mark each occasion.

What has resulted from those impromptu gatherings is Duncan’s latest album, “Asheville Fiddler,” an acoustic time capsule if you will, this poignant, more so beautifully captured, snapshot of paths crossing at a particular time and place, and juncture of lifelong friendships between fellow musicians in our backyard — this ode to the musical traditions of Appalachia, past and present.

And at the center of this record is Duncan himself, this enthusiastic, vibrant beehive of creative juice and fervor, whose mind is constantly mulling over ideas for songs and instrumentals — the wheels of hard work cranking along like a factory wall clock, the bounty of his pursuits always plentiful and pure of heart in its ever-evolving intent.

Smoky Mountain News: You were exposed to Appalachian music and culture from a very early

Want to go?

Acclaimed fiddler/multi-instrumentalist John Duncan will host a special album release party for his latest work, “Asheville Fiddler,” at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 10, on the main stage at the Isis Music Hall in Asheville.

Tickets are $15 per person. Masks are required. Main floor reserved tickets are available with dinner reservations only. To purchase tickets, call 828.575.2737 or go to isisasheville.com and click on the “Calendar” tab.

For more information or to purchase “Asheville Fiddler,” click on johnduncan.bandcamp.com.

age. But, where does your love of that sound and craft begin for you?

John Duncan: When I was younger, I wasn’t really into it at all. It was my parents’ thing, you know? When I was five, they tried to force me into Suzuki violin lessons. So, I did that on and off for a little while, but it was intense.

And then, I remember seeing [the late guitar icon] Doc Watson at Western Carolina University when I was eight or nine years old.

I remember it feeling like this big event that everyone was excited for, where our whole family was going — this thing that felt very special.

But, everything changed when I was 17 and went to the Swannanoa Gathering [at Warren Wilson College]. It’s this huge gathering of all these great acoustic players, where everyone knows the traditional ballads and dance numbers. And at the time, I was starting to really get into [the “Father of Bluegrass”] Bill Monroe.

At the Gathering, I met these teenagers my age, who all knew and could play these traditional songs. And I so wanted to be able to play along with them, to hang out and make that connection. So, I got the bug — I went home to practice and learn all of these songs on my own, to be able to play with others.

SMN: Tell me about the Dryman Mountain house, the place where you recorded the “Asheville Fiddler.”

JD: Even though I wasn’t born in Asheville, the music community there has had such a huge impact on my musicianship. I recorded the album during the shutdown in 2020. At that time, I was living in West Asheville, in this home known as Dryman Mountain.

Everybody that lived in the house was a musician and everyone that would come through was a musician. So many great players, like Sarah Gwendolyn, Jackson Grimm, Daniel Ullom, Bridger Dunnagan and others.

When the shutdown happened, I was supposed to be heading out on a 30-day European tour with [Australian bluegrass star] Kristy Cox. Everything was cancelled, and I just found myself sitting in at home, wanting to play music.

And we’d all be at the house just jamming out together for hours, all while I’m recording what we’re doing. We’re surrounded by a community of such creative people, and that was a very special time in my life — in all of our lives — where it was just us together playing for the sake of playing.

With this music, you just keep going down this rabbit hole where, this many years later, I’m constantly uncovering songs to learn and things I love about it — it’s a lifetime journey of discovery.

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BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam, where the deer and the antelope play

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Aunt Chrissy. (photo: Garret K. Woodward)

A special stage production of “Newsies” will be held at 7:30 p.m. April 8-9 and at 2 p.m. April 10 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theater in Waynesville.

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Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host Alma Russ (Americana/folk) 6 p.m. Thursday, April 7.

A community jam will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.

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Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host Desert Honey (Americana/roots) 9 p.m.

Saturday, April 9.

of sorts with a random propane fireplace in the middle of room, situated between the gambling machines and the old creaky door for the outdoor pool.

Before we rolled into the Days Inn West, I messaged an old friend, Amy, who lives and works in Rapid City. When I took the gig back in 2007 at the Teton Valley News, Amy was the first friend I made in the Tetons, as she was the photographer for the TVN. Those days were a surreal and unforgettable time and place in our lives, something that’ll never leave the walls of our memory.

Eventually, we scattered in our respective lives, each experiencing the whirlwind ups and downs of life as we move along our separate journey. But, we always have kept in touch and remained friends.

Thus, after some 13 years since we last crossed paths, Amy and I reunited that night in Rapid City (her hometown, current residence), our conversation picking up right from where it left off those many years ago without missing a beat (as all soulmate friendships operate).

Gut-busting laughter and beloved memories rehashed over round after round of drinks held high and in unison. It meant the absolute world to me to see Amy and catch up. She is one of those people in your life that “you’re supposed to know,” yah dig?

Until next time, Amy, all the love, my dear.

Saturday morning and being awakened by the blinding sunshine spilling through the small opening in the window drapes.

Hundreds of miles behind us, with hundreds of more lying straight ahead. Pack up your things. Toiletries. Clothes. Fill up the gas tanks, packed the cooler with ice and snacks.

Bottles of water. Gatorade. Energy drinks.

And one last look at the rolling hills of South Dakota before the vast grasslands and open farm fields of the Midwest, the memories made and the memories that, well, “could have been” — all ricocheting through the mind and heart of not only my Aunt Chrissy, but me, too.

Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.

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Smoky Mountain News

Well, a few years rolled by as I was writing sporadic articles for small, community newspapers in the North Country (Upstate New York/Vermont). And as I was still aiming at coming back to the West, I was offered this gig at The Smoky Mountain News. That decision to pack up and head South was in August 2012, almost a decade ago.

Surreal how time flies, eh? Especially when you’re having fun. And yet, I never stop wondering “What if?” about my Western experiment of work and play.

Where would I be in my life, my career, and in matters of the heart if I had returned?

Ain’t it something to think of those “other paths”? No regrets, though.

It was about an eight-hour drive from Bozeman to Rapid City, South Dakota, the first stop of the five-day trip. The Rocky Mountains faded into the rearview mirror only to slowly transition into the high-desert prairie of Eastern Montana (Billings, Hardin), onward through the rugged northeast corner of Wyoming (Sheridan, Buffalo, Gillette).

Crossing into South Dakota, it was decided to stay at the Days Inn West in Rapid City. Onsite was the Sun Lounge, a dive bar

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April 6-12, 2022

’m currently on a cross-country road trip.

Pictured sitting on the U-Haul is Christine Kavanaugh, aka: “Aunt Chrissy.” I snapped this photo the other day on the side of the road in rural Wyoming off Interstate 90.

She’s my mom’s younger sister and best friend. Someone I’ve known and adored my entire life. We’re kindred spirits, too. Both music and concert freaks, and we each have never met a stranger. Aunt Chrissy would do anything for anyone, and that is the absolute truth.

Growing up in the small Canadian Border town of Rouses Point, New York (also my hometown), her lifelong dream was to one day live out West. She’s obsessed with horses, and also cowboys. Well, after decades of hard work and raising a family, she finally made that dream a reality a few years back.

She was living and working in Charlotte, North Carolina, at the time and couldn’t pass up the chance to pick everything up and relocate through her company to Bozeman, Montana. Chrissy became the cowgirl she’d dreamed of since she was a little girl all those years ago. She ran around Montana and the West, checking off all those boxes on her bucket list.

And yet, after my beloved cousin Nate (her son) unexpectedly passed away last June (after leaving Bozeman and returning to Rouses Point), things changed in Aunt Chrissy’s heart.

Her thirst for the West transitioned into a hunger to be closer to her family.

So, a couple months back, she decided to circle back to Charlotte to be near her daughter and grandchildren. She asked me to fly out to Bozeman and drive the U-Haul for her while we did a caravan across America.

Packing up the U-Haul last Thursday, Aunt Chrissy kept saying in such a heartfelt tone, gazing at the mountains in the distance, “Oh, I’m going to miss this place. It’s just so beautiful. I know in my heart and soul that I was supposed to be here.” But, as we both say, “It is what is it,” and it was time for Aunt Chrissy to move on and start a new, unwritten chapter back in North Carolina.

And, as we were about to leave Bozeman, I said to her, “You know, nobody can take your time out here away from you. You achieved your lifelong dream of living out in Montana. You ‘did the thing,’ and now you f have a whole fresh canvas to paint on when you return to Charlotte. I mean, how exciting is that?”

Friday morning, bright and early with a

cold wind and bluebird sky. I went for a jog on the dirt trails on the outskirts of Bozeman.

I kept gazing over in pure awe and admiration at the ancient, majestic mountains. A piece of my heart will forever reside in the West.

At age 22, I ended up taking my first writing position in December 2007 at the Teton Valley News in Driggs, Idaho. I had so many crazy adventures and made several lifelong friends. And as I was out running in Bozeman, I kept thinking about how different my life would have been if I had, perhaps, stayed out West.

I left Idaho in September 2008 right when Wall Street crashed and the U.S. economy tanked. I returned back to my native Upstate New York to hunker down and, hopefully, return to the West when things got better in this country.

The Main Street Sylva Association will host its annual “Sylva Brew Hop” from April 8-10 in downtown.

arts & entertainment

This must be the place

Now Accepting New Patients!

classicwineseller.com

20 Church St. • Waynesville

828.452.6000

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arts & entertainment

On the beat

Indie, folk at Innovation

uniquely American instrument. It evolved from the German scheitholz sometime in the early 1800s in Appalachia and was largely known only in this region until popularized more broadly in the 1950s.

For more information, call Kathy Jaqua at 828.349.3930 or Don Selzer at 828.293.0074.

Alma Russ.

Interested in learning the dulcimer?

April 6-12, 2022

Regional singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Alma Russ will perform at 6 p.m.

Thursday, April 7, at Innovation Brewing in Sylva.

Based out of Western North Carolina and with her unique brand of “patchwork music” (country, folk and Appalachian styles pieced together), Russ enjoys playing guitar, banjo and fiddle.

Russ was also a contestant on “American Idol” Season 16. Her brand new album, “Fool’s Gold,” was recorded last fall in an abandoned church in the West Texas desert while Russ was on a national tour.

Free and open to the public. almarussofficial.com.

The Pic’ & Play Mountain Dulcimer Players will be resuming in-person jam sessions at the St. John’s Episcopal Church basement fellowship hall in Sylva.

The group welcomes all beginners and experienced dulcimer players, including mountain (lap) dulcimer and hammered dulcimer players. Songs played include traditional mountain tunes, hymns and more modern music. The group meets at 1:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturday of every month in the basement of St. John’s.

Pic’ & Play has been playing together since 1995. The more experienced members welcome new players, help them navigate their instruments, and guide them through some of the basics of tuning, strumming, and playing.

The mountain dulcimer, also known as a fretted dulcimer or a lap dulcimer, is a

Bryson City community jam

A community jam will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.

Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer, anything unplugged, are invited to join. Singers are also welcomed to join in or you can just stop by and listen. The jam is facilitated by Larry Barnett of the Sawmill Creek Porch Band.

The community jams offer a chance for musicians of all ages and levels of ability to share music they have learned over the years or learn old-time mountain songs. The music jams are offered to the public each first and third Thursday of the month — spring, summer, fall.

This program received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment of the Arts.

828.488.3030.

Dillsboro's 32 nd Annual

EASTER HAT

PARADE 2PM beginning at TOWN HALL

April 16th

Smoky Mountain News

Always Easter Saturday

Put on Your Finest, Funniest or Biggest Hat Bring The Kids & The Dog! JOIN US Meet the Easter Bunny

FOR MORE INFO GO TO: VISITDILLSBORO.ORG 28

Dillsboro, NC is located at the crossroads of 441 & Business 23

arts & entertainment

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Smoky Mountain News 29

arts & entertainment

On the beat • Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host an open mic from 8-10 p.m. every Thursday.

Free and open to the public.

828.631.1987 or balsamfallsbrewing.com.

• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host a semi-regular acoustic jam with the Main Street NoTones from 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays. Free and open to the public.

For more information, click on blueridgebeerhub.com.

• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host karaoke at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, trivia at 7 p.m. on Thursdays and In Flight (rock/jam) 8 p.m. April 16. All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

828.246.0350 or boojumbrewing.com.

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Bob Zullo (guitar/vocals) April 9 and Nathan Hefner (piano/vocals) April 16. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Limited seating. Reservations are highly recommended. 828.452.6000 or classicwineseller.com.

ALSO:

April 6-12, 2022

• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.369.4080 or coweeschool.org.

• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Amongst The Trees 6 p.m. April 9. Free and open to the public.. 828.634.0078 or curraheebrew.com.

• Elevated Mountain Distilling Company (Maggie Valley) will host an Open Mic Night 7-9 p.m. on Wednesdays and semiregular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.734.1084 or elevatedmountain.com.

Smoky Mountain News

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 or froglevelbrewing.com.

• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host Blackberry Smoke (southern rock) 7:30 p.m. April 23. For tickets, caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.

On the street otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host Dustin Martin (singer-songwriter) 7 p.m.

April 15. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host Scott James Stambaugh (singersongwriter) April 8, Granny’s Mason Jar (Americana/folk) April 9 and Aly Jordan (singer-songwriter) April 15. All shows begin at 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 or mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.

• Nantahala Brewing (Sylva) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends.

All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.641.9797 or nantahalabrewing.com.

• Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. rathskellerfranklin.com.

• Satulah Mountain Brewing (Highlands) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.482.9794 or satulahmountainbrewing.com.

• The Scotsman (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends.

All shows begin at 9 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.246.6292 or scotsmanpublic.com.

• Southern Porch (Canton) will host semiregular live music on the weekends.

828.492.8009 or southern-porch.com.

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Cashiers) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends.

828.743.3000 or theuglydogpub.com.

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends.

828.526.8364 or theuglydogpub.com.

• Unplugged Pub (Bryson City) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends.

All shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.538.2488.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host Alma Russ (Americana/folk) April 7 and David Potter April 14. All events begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. innovation-brewing.com.

• Valley Tavern (Maggie Valley) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends.

Both events begin at 6 p.m.

828.926.7440 or valley-tavern.com.

• Innovation Station (Dillsboro) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends.

All events are free and open to the public. innovation-brewing.com.

• Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host Desert Honey (Americana/roots) 9 p.m. April 9. 828.456.4750 or facebook.com/waternhole.bar.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Dustin Martin (singer-songwriter) 7 p.m.

30 April 16. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless

• Whiteside Brewing (Cashiers) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends.

828.743.6000 or whitesidebrewing.com.

Dillsboro ‘Easter Hat Parade’ The famous “Easter Hat Parade” will return to the streets at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16, in downtown Dillsboro.

Bring your finest Easter bonnet and dress up the smiles on everyone’s face by joining in and walking in the parade. And if you do not participate in the parade, you can simply do as hundreds of others do: come to Dillsboro and watch the array of folks strolling “down the avenue” in their finery.

Registration for the parade starts at 11 a.m. The prizes for the contest are simple and mostly handmade. The categories are ever-changing, but include the largest, smallest, most outrageous, best use of fresh flowers, hat that traveled the farthest, youngest and, of course, best dog.

For more information, call 828.586.2155 or click on mountainlovers.com.

‘Ancient Philosophies of Life’ lecture The Jackson County Public Library will be presenting a series of lectures/discussions on “Ancient Philosophies of Life,” which will be led by Clemson professor Todd May, from 6-7 p.m. April 12 and 19 in the Community Room at the library in Sylva.

May is the Class of 1941 Memorial Professor of the Humanities at Clemson University. He is the author of 16 books of philosophy and was an advisor to the philosophical sitcom “The Good Place.”

He is a collaborator with “The Good Place” showrunner Mike Schur on a book of ethics, “How To Be Perfect.”

“For ancient Greek and Roman • The “Factory Easter Egg Hunt” will be held from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. April 15-16 at The Factory in Franklin. Over 5,000 eggs and prizes. For more information on admission and activities, click on franklinfun.com.

• The “Eggstravaganza” will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at Darnell Farms in Bryson City. Easter-themed activities, vendors, fresh produce, food, an egg hunt and a search for the Easter Bunny.

Darnellfarms.com.

• The “Bunny Hopper Express Train Event” will be held from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Saturday, April 16, at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot in Bryson City.

Passengers will be on the lookout for those train hopping bunnies who have snuck on

thinkers, the central philosophical question is: What is the best life for a human being? How should one live? Of course, they gave very different answers,” May said. “For Aristotle, the best life is a life of virtue; for the Stoics, it is a life of rational self-control; and for Epicureans, a life of simple pleasure. Over the three weeks of this program, we will discuss each of these answers, seeking to understand and engage with them together.”

The series is free and open to the public. For more information, please call the library at 828.586.2016. This seminar is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library.

The Jackson County Public Library is a member of Fontana Regional Library (fontanalib.org). board to take a free ride. Festivities include an Easter egg hunt with prizes, a giveaway bag with activities to enjoy during the train ride, and an Easter treat for our junior railroaders to enjoy. There will also be plenty of opportunities for pictures with our bunny hoppers, so don’t forget your camera. Boxed lunches available. gsmr.com or 800.872.4681.

ALSO:

• Mountain Makers Craft Market will be held from noon to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at 308 North Haywood Street in downtown Waynesville. Over two dozen artisans selling handmade and vintage goods.

Special events will be held when scheduled. mountainmakersmarket.com.

On the table arts & entertainment

PHOTO CREDIT: Nick Breedlove.

‘Sylva Brew Hop’

April 6-12, 2022

The Main Street Sylva Association will host its annual “Sylva Brew Hop” from April 8-10 in downtown.

Enjoy the Jackson County Ale Trail. In honor of NC Beer, join City Lights Café, Balsam Falls Brewing, Innovation Brewing, Nantahala Brewing Sylva Outpost, Lazy Hiker Sylva Taproom, and The Cut Cocktail Lounge for this event.

Ticket holders can taste local and regional beers. Tickets include a souvenir glass and several tastings. Attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the restaurants and culinary destinations in downtown Sylva during and after the Brew Hop. Tickets are $25. Participants are encouraged to enjoy cuisine made to pair with beer at our local restaurants. Registration will be at the Paper Mill Lounge in downtown.

• “Flights & Bites” will be held starting at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. For more information on upcoming events, wine tastings and special dinners, click on waynesvillewine.com.

ALSO:

Smoky Mountain News

• A free wine tasting will be held from 6-8 p.m. every Thursday and 2-5 p.m. every Saturday at The Wine Bar & Cellar in Sylva.

828.631.3075.

ON OF ST AT IATI E OC

STERS RE FO

• “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on select dates at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first-class car. Wine pairings with a meal, and more. For more information and/or to register, call 800.872.4681 or click on gsmr.com.

NATIONAL A SS

• A “Wine Tasting” will take place on Friday and Saturdays at the Bryson City Wine Market. Enjoy new wines, meats, cheeses and yummy snacks, all while making new friends or hanging out with old ones. For more information, call 828.538.0420.

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Smoky Mountain News

April 6-12, 2022

JOSH TURNER

OLD CROW M MEDICINE SHOW W

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TRAMPLED D BY TURTLES

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COLIN HAY

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On the stage arts & entertainment

HART to present ‘Newsies’

‘Alice in Wonderland’

✁

Ready to try theater?

Improvisation classes and Musical Theater Group Voice for teens and adults. Spring courses have already begun, with 12 weeks of courses through May 13, with a spring break April 11-15. HART also offers payper-class with just a $15 drop-in fee.

HART is also offering free workshops in Stage Management April 9 and 16.

You can learn more about these opportunities and sign up for classes and workshops by visiting harttheatre.org and viewing the Kids at HART classes and camps page. Masks will be required for all courses.

For more information, contact Artistic Director Candice Dickinson at 646.647.4546 or email candice@harttheatre.org.

The Haywood Arts Regional Theater in Waynesville is currently offering a wide variety of classes in the theater arts for all ages, young and old. Whether you are just starting out or want to hone your skills, HART has opportunities for you.

Learn more about acting with Acting Classes available for K-2, Grades 3-5, middle/high School, adults, and seniors.

Musical Theater Dance and Advanced Beginner Tap are available for teens and adults so you can learn about the exciting world of Musical Theater Dance.

And classes are rounded off with

CASUAL FINE DINING WITH LIVE MUSIC COVERED PATIO

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We Would Love To Host Your Next Event!

Check our website for more info

Smoky Mountain News

newsdesk crafts

The brave and impassioned young children take on the industry and even the city and its treatment of the poor. You will fall in love with these young kids who dream of a better world as they fight for what’s right.

Journey with these inspirational teens through their doubts and triumphs against an adult world. Twists and turns abound in the plot as Jack and the gang bravely risk the odds stacked against them.

Under the direction of Shelia Sumpter, the show features inspirational characters like Crutchie, Jack’s best friend, played by Savanna Shaw, and the many homeless boys who find as much joy as they can in life despite their poverty. Many of HART’s “Kids At HART” talent are featured, including over 30 local kids and even HART’s Executive Director Steve Lloyd as the villainous Pulitzer.

Tickets range from $7 to $36 per person, depending on seating options. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, call the box office at 828.456.6322 or click on harttheatre.org.

Alice’s days on the mountain in Cherokee have lacked adventure lately.

Bored with her book, she runs away from her sister to chase a strange white rabbit, who leads her to a world somewhat familiar and yet peculiarly askew.

As she travels further down the rabbit hole, she encounters the customary characters (with an Appalachian twist) and finds herself at odds with the rules of Wonderland. She makes both friends and enemies while her problems grow and shrink within this epic journey to the heart of her imagination.

To purchase tickets, click on cherokeehistorical.org/alice-in-wonderland.

April 6-12, 2022

A special stage production of “Newsies” will be held at 7:30 p.m. April 8-9 and at 2 p.m. April 10 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theater in Waynesville.

“Newsies” was a monstrous hit on Broadway and is based on the classic Disney film of the same name. It won two Tony awards, including “Best Choreography” by Christopher Gattelli, who is a former Western North Carolina resident, and used to work with HART Educational Director Shelia Sumpter.

The story was inspired by the real-life “Newsboy Strike of 1899,” a two-week-long action against powerful publishers including Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst.

Set in New York City, “Newsies” is a rousing tale of a charismatic newsboy named Jack Kelly, played by Drake Frost, who leads a band of young teenagers to strike against the titans of publishing who raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense in order to increase their own profits.

A stage production of the beloved tale “Alice in Wonderland” will be held on select dates throughout this spring at the Mountainside Theatre in Cherokee.

The beloved venue will host the world premiere of “Alice in Wonderland” stage show, written by The Guinn Twins, Darby and Jake Guinn. The production is an original work by Havoc Movement Company that will be joining the Cherokee Historical Association for the spring season.

Directed by Jason Paul Tate, a long-time veteran of outdoor drama, the show features the spectacle driven, heartfelt storytelling audiences have come to expect from Havoc Movement.

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arts & entertainment

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On the wall

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April 6-12, 2022

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Robin Arramae of WNC Paint Events brings you “Paint & Sip” events West of Asheville. It’s not only a “night out,” but an experience that should lift your spirits.

Join others as Arramae shows you step-bystep how to paint a beginner level painting of the evening as you sip on your favorite local craft beer. She has everything you need to paint with: set up, grab a beer, tie on your apron and start painting.

The encouragement to let everything go into your canvas, fill it up, and not to worry about how it turns out is the mission.

Arramae coins this paint style as “Lucid Flow.” This is a two-hour event, and you leave with your painting.

Anyone 21 and up are welcome.

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• The photography of Wendy Kates will be on display through the month of April in the Meeting Room at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. An artist reception will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 9. Free and open to the public. To see Kates’ work, click on wendykatesphotography.zenfolio.com.

• “Thursday Painters” group will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursdays at The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Free and open to the public. All skill levels and mediums are welcome. Participants are responsible for their own project and a bag lunch. For more information, call The Uptown Gallery at 828.349.4607 or contact Pat Mennenger at

ALSO:

Events will be held at the following locations once a month: 828 Market on Main (Waynesville), Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva), BearWaters Brewing (Canton), Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) and the Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin).

Please visit Arramae’s website to sign up.

For more information, click on wncpaint.events. Contact the website about setting up a private event: any age, minimum six/maximum 25 attendees.

For live social feed and pictures, follow her on Instagram & Facebook “WNC Paint Events”: @paintwnc (Facebook), @wnc_paint_events (Instagram).

Space is limited at each event. Drinks sold separately.

pm14034@yahoo.com. See more about Macon County Art Association at franklinuptowngallery.com and like, follow and share the Uptown Gallery on Facebook.

• A “Foreign Film Series” will be held at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Each month, on the second and fourth Friday, two movies from around the globe will be shown.

This program is in the Community Room and is free of charge. Masks are required in all Jackson County buildings. To find out what movie will be shown and/or for more information, please call the library at 828.586.2016. This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library. The Jackson County Public Library is a member of Fontana Regional Library. To learn more, click on fontanalib.org.

On the shelf

What month other than April could possibly be designated National Poetry Month?

For centuries, poets have celebrated this coming of spring and of nature resurrected.

Geoffrey Chaucer kicks off “The Canterbury Tales” with this salute to the fourth month:

Fast forward Chaucer’s Middle English 700 years, try to maintain the rhyme, and we have:

Jeff Minick

Whan that Aprille with his shoures soote, The droghte of March hath perced to the roote, And bathed every veyne in swich licóur Of which vertú engendred is the flour;

journey and to fight the good fight.

Consider Dylan Thomas’s “Do not go gentle into that good night,” which begins this way:

Meanwhile, the old among us might take fond consolation from a long-ago love as pictured in William Butler Yeats’s “When You Are Old:”

Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

When you are old and grey and full of sleep, And nodding by the fire, take down this book, And slowly read, and dream of the soft look Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep; How many loved your moments of glad grace, And loved your beauty with love false or true, But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you, And loved the sorrows of your changing face;

Writer

When that April with his showers sweet The drought of March has pierced root deep, And bathed every vein with such liquor That virtue engendered is the flower ….

O, to be in England Now that April ‘s there, And whoever wakes in England Sees, some morning, unaware, That the lowest boughs and the brushwood sheaf Round the elm-tree bole are in tiny leaf, While the chaffinch sings on the orchard bough In England — now!

In “The Waste Land,” T.S. Eliot took a more jaundiced view of the month of showers and sunshine:

Nevertheless, April is the perfect time to celebrate humankind’s poetry. Of all the months, May with its corsage of flowers and October with its gown of colorful leaves come closest to winning that honor, but April is perfect, the break-point for the frozen earth, ice, and snow of winter. Even in places like Maine and Wisconsin, the land unlocks, and as e.e. cummings once observed, the world becomes “mud-lucious.”

And just as the sun removes winter’s grip from fields and forests, so too can poetry encourage us, bring us laughter and the release of tears, or inspire us to continue a

Those of us teetering on the edge of old age — I am one of you — or those who have walked even deeper into the cavern of years may rage if they so wish, but if we look at these three lines closely, we see that Thomas refers to death as “that good night.” So even as we approach the dying of the light, rage or not, Thomas wants us to understand that death is not to be feared. Most of us, I suspect, hope to “go gentle into that good night.”

In addition to death and natural beauty, poets have long devoted themselves to writing about love. Young people, for example, who have suffered heartbreak in a failed relationship, might find some solace in this poem by A.E. Housman: When I was one-and-twenty I heard a wise man say, “Give crowns and pounds and guineas But not your heart away; Give pearls away and rubies But keep your fancy free.”

But I was one-and-twenty, No use to talk to me.

When I was one-and-twenty I heard him say again, “The heart out of the bosom Was never given in vain; ’Tis paid with sighs a plenty And sold for endless rue.”

And I am two-and-twenty, And oh, ’tis true, ’tis true.

So how do we celebrate and honor National Poetry Month?

Well, we can read poetry, preferably aloud, to our children, our other family members, our friends, and even to ourselves. We can go to our personal bookshelves, to the public library, or to our local bookstores, and pick up some volumes of verse.

We can also look for poetry sites online.

At poets.org national-poetry-month, for example, the Academy of American Poets invites us all to join what has become “the biggest literary celebration in the world.”

The site offers such resources as a free daily poem in your inbox, posters for the classroom, and all sorts of suggestions as to how to celebrate this event both at home and online.

In the movie “Dead Poets Society,” English teacher John Keating (Robin Williams) instructs his students in the importance of poetry with these words: “We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life.

But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”

That pretty much nails it. Let’s treat ourselves to some poetry.

(Jeff Minick reviews books and has written four of his own: two novels, “Amanda Bell” and “Dust On Their Wings,” and two works of nonfiction, “Learning As I Go” and “Movies Make the Man.” minick0301@gmail.com)

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April is the cruellest month, breeding Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing Memory and desire, stirring Dull roots with spring rain ….

Robin William in “Dead Poets Society.” Touchstone Pictures

And bending down beside the glowing bars, Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled And paced upon the mountains overhead And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.

April 6-12, 2022

Take the time machine to the 19th century, and we hear Robert Browning singing April’s praises in “Home Thoughts, from Abroad:”

Hop on in

arts & entertainment

National Poetry Month: Honor our poets by listening

828.452.4251 susanna@mtnsouthmedia.com

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36

Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

An autumn view spreads out from Big Ridge Preserve in Glenville. Ron Lance photo

‘Still plenty to do’ Continual curiosity key for awarded botanist

BY HOLLY KAYS OUTDOORS EDITOR hen Ron Lance found out he’d been chosen for a prestigious Southern Appalachian Botanical Society award, he was astonished.

“It’s not something I ever considered myself worthy of,” he said. “I’ve had botanical publications and all that, but since I don’t have a fouryear degree, I never assumed that I would be receiving any kind of award like that.”

Lance, 67, graduated from Haywood Community College — then called Haywood Technical Institute — in 1975 with a two-year degree in wildlife science, and while he always meant to round out his education at a fouryear institution, he never did. Unlike many natural resources graduates in the late 1970s, he had a job waiting for him as soon as he collected his diploma. The work opportunities kept coming, and he kept learning — just not in a classroom.

“Information is free to everyone,” Lance said. “You don’t have to go to college to learn it. College educates you on how to learn, but knowledge is pretty much free if you find a way to glean it yourself.”

The Elizabeth Anne Bartholomew Award, presented to Lance last week, recognizes people who have distinguished themselves in professional and public service, advancing knowledge and appreciation of the world of plants.

It’s a weighty award given in a field dominated by academics and researchers with

W

“Doctor” before their given name, but Lance’s unassuming dedication to the field strikes a similarity to that of the woman the award is named for. Born in 1912, Elizabeth Anne Bartholomew held a master’s degree in botany, though not a doctorate, and spent her entire career at West Virginia University.

“During these more than four decades she never sought prestige for herself nor increased financial remuneration,” reads Bartholomew’s biography on the SABS website. “Although serving at first as departmental secretary, then as herbarium curator, never teaching a formal course, she was intensely interested in students and their welfare. And students apparently found her ears and heart often more open and more sympathetic to their problems than were their own advisers.”

“Ron was chosen for this prestigious award based on his many contributions to Southeastern botany — via his publications (including books) on woody plants and his collaborations with so many botanists and projects,” said Bartholomew Awards Committee Member Wendy Zomlefer. “As one nomination letter states: ‘[Ron’s] modesty belies a wealth of botanical expertise ... Besides extensive field work on woody species, Ron even grows the darn things to study them...’”

BECOMING A BOTANIST Like Dan Pittillo, the renowned botanist and 1998 Elizabeth Anne Bartholomew Award winner who nominated him, Lance is the product of a Henderson County farm family. His father, a truck driver, operated a farm

in the Mills River area and raised various crops and livestock throughout Lance’s childhood — cows, corn, chickens, sheep.

During those early years, Lance developed a love of animals that would follow him for the rest of his life. It wasn’t until high school that he got hooked on botany.

“In West Henderson High School, forestry was taught in 11th grade by J.W. Francis, agriculture teacher, and I enrolled in that not really knowing what forestry was about back then,” he said. “The tree identification aspect is what got me started realizing there’s a lot of things living out in the environment that I didn’t know anything about.”

Lance was intrigued, but he remained focused on wildlife, which is what he studied at HCC. While there, he held a work study job as a lab technician, organizing and instructing courses from zoology to botany. After graduation, HCC hired him on full-time, and he stayed for a total of eight years.

“My parents and other people said, ‘You can go on to college and get a four-year degree and do more,’ but at the time the job outlook wasn’t very promising, and my parents would have to borrow against the family farm to afford to send me to college,” Lance said.

And the job offers kept coming — most of them in botany. Botany and horticulture tend to have more employment opportunities than wildlife does, said Lance, partially because there are just so many different plant species in the world.

“A botanist that tends to get bored because they’ve looked at everything in their little area, all they got to do is go somewhere else,” he said. “You got a whole roster of things to learn. I think anybody that’s been to the tropics realizes pretty quick the amount of material they don’t know when they get to a tropical area is greater than what they thought they knew back home.”

THE HAWTHORN PROBLEM Lance didn’t have to leave the continent to find himself awed and intrigued by the scale of botanical diversity. Back in the 1980s, Lance decided to create a photographic book of all the woody plants in the southeastern U.S. Back then, there was no internet with readily available photos of every obscure species one might care to see — armed with a Nikon SLR camera, Lance set out to take all the photos that would eventually go into the book. In the midst of that project, he ran into a problem that would become a career-defining specialty.

“The hawthorns were kind of a problem group, because every other book has different versions of what they are,” he said. “So, I got sidetracked trying to figure out what hawthorns deserve to be photographed and put in the book on their own.”

Hawthorn trees are notoriously difficult for dendrologists to identify. They clone themselves through seed production, but can also hybridize through pollination, so there’s often disagreement as to which variations qualify as distinct species. While they don’t hybridize as much as people think they do, Lance said, individual species can disappear based on habitat — they need young forest habitat to grow.

“Once the forest pulls up over the top of them, they’re shaded out,” he said. “They disappear. So, they’re what you could call transient species of plants. They have to be on the move to find new grass to grow, because without sunlight they’ll die off. They rely on birds to spread them into new habitat.”

Lance quickly learned that hawthorn identification is more complicated than he thought. He published “Woody Plants of the Blue Ridge” in 1994, then “Woody Plants of the Southeastern United States: A Winter Guide” in 2004. But his work on hawthorns led to many books and publications throughout the decades, including some expected to come out this year.

It is this expertise that most impressed Pittillo, himself an accomplished botanist.

“I first met him (Lance) as an instructor at Haywood Community College but have been impressed by his ability to recognize and develop books that many of us professional botanists shied away from: hawthorns,” Pittillo said. “He is an international authority on this complicated group of shrubs and trees.”

Lance has identified and helped identify new species of hawthorn trees — including one that now bears his name. Lance found the tree now called Crataegus lancia near Weaverville and, working with botanist James Phipps, couldn’t identify it as belonging to any previously described species. Phipps named it after Lance.

Another species, which Lance named Crataegus oreophila — the name means “mountain-loving” — he found in the Balsam Mountains.

“Whether it’s of hybrid origin

outdoors

or not, there are thousands of them up there, and they need a name,” he said.

MAKING A CAREER

Ron Lance spends his days alone in the woods near Glenville, taking care of a 3,016-acre conservation easement. He’s worked there full-time for the North American Land Trust since 2013. Ron Lance photos

VIEW TO THE FUTURE At 67, Lance knows that the NALT will likely be his last full-time employer, though he still has plenty to keep him busy. Even now, he juggles botany-related contract work on the side, and he expects that to continue.

“There’s still plenty to do,” he said. “I never have let boredom set in.”

Lance isn’t worried about his own future, but when he looks at the challenges facing

land management.

“Now there are so many people wanting to do other nature-related activities that that’s helping to preserve a lot of areas to put into parks and set aside as conservation easements,” he said. “That’s the best way to save parts of these mountains and the environments that not everyone may agree with.

They see it as locking land up, but that’s the only way you’re going to protect it is to lock it up in some way against development interests.”

It’s not surprising that Lance would view outdoor recreation as the key to outdoor preservation. Seeing the world — whether flying to a country halfway across the globe or hiking a new trail halfway across the county — is the best way to stay humble, he said. When people see what’s out there in the woods, they’re more likely to see why it’s important to protect it.

“There’s so much more a person does not know, and they’ve got to be willing to pick up as much as they can while they’re alive,” he said. “The greatest waste of life and energy is to sit and not try to gain knowledge in some way or go somewhere and see what other people deal with, what things are alive in other areas.”

37

Smoky Mountain News

Land Trust, caretaking for the 3,106-acre Big Ridge Preserve in Glenville. It’s conserved land, but it’s not open to the public — every day, Lance drives 30 miles from the small farm above Mountain Rest, South Carolina, where he now lives with his wife, and spends the day alone on the remote property.

“I serve as the maintenance man, the biologist, maintaining roads, opening up trail,” he said. “I essentially treat the property as if it’s my own, and whatever it needs on any particular day, I’ll try to do that.”

plant diversity for the decades to come, he has some serious concerns — especially when it comes to the onslaught of exotic invasive species disrupting the mountains’ natural order.

“They continue to accelerate at a rate of change that’s affecting the ecosystems around,” he said. “Most people don’t see that. They see a wall of green and they make little distinction between the good and the bad and the damaging and everything else.”

But for everything from wildlife to insects to fungi, the difference between a thicket of invasive privet and a thicket of native blackberries can be the difference between life and death. Unfortunately, Lance said, these species are here to stay. The same goes for invasive insect species devastating formerly prominent tree species like hemlocks and ash.

“We’re seeing the loss of these significant species in the forest, and there’s not a lot we can do,” he said.

For Lance, the greatest hope lies in the increasing value society is placing on public lands as outdoor recreation grows in popularity. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, he said, not many people were out hiking — hunting and fishing were the activities driving public

April 6-12, 2022

Even as he worked through the hawthorn problem, Lance was honing his expertise in a variety of botanical disciplines through a career that soon left the HCC campus to touch down for long landings at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park in Rutherford County, the Balsam Mountain Trust in Sylva and, currently, at Big Ridge Preserve in Glenville.

Lance arrived at the Arboretum in 1988 as a labor crew leader, but in 1990 he took on the role of nursery manager, a position he held for seven years before ending his time at the Arboretum with three years as a natural science curator. His time there led to various publication opportunities and professional relationships — and the chance to develop hands-on expertise at successfully propagating a variety of native plant species.

At one point, he was growing more than 500 different species in a field nursery and three greenhouses.

“I met a lot of people out there in the world in the field of botany and horticulture, that I probably wouldn’t have been able to meet quite so easily had I not been an employee of the state at the Arboretum,” he said. “So, that sets the framework for a lot of my botany work and horticulture work that’s happened since 2001.”

Lance’s career next took him to Chimney Rock State Park, the same park where his daughter currently does wildlife-related environmental programming. Lance remained focused on plants, carrying the skills he’d developed at the Arboretum into his position as naturalist and nursery curator at the state park. In that position, he presented natural history programs to park visitors, worked with the press and public, and developed an inventory of native plants. Six years later, he made another change, arriving at Balsam Mountain Trust in Sylva as its senior naturalist and land manager.

Since 2013, Lance has served as biologist and land manager for the North American

outdoors

Smokies mechanic named Employee of the Year Brad Roberts, maintenance mechanic supervisor for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has been named the park’s 2021 Employee of the Year.

Having worked for the park for 30 years, Roberts oversees preventative maintenance, unplanned maintenance and building project planning for the Tennessee side of the park.

His leadership was instrumental in drafting and implementing a COVID safety plan for the park.

“Brad is hard-working, knowledgeable, and embodies the meaning of service,” said Acting Superintendent Alan Sumeriski. “He is a consummate professional and represents

the National Park Service, the Smokies and the community well.”

Originally from Winston-Salem, Roberts began serving the Smokies as a 16-year-old, when he enrolled in the Job Corps program at the Oconaluftee Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center. He then progressed to working as a “student in trainBrad Roberts. NPS photo ing” and landed a permanent position in 1992. He now lives in Sevierville with his wife, Karen, with whom he has four children and three grandchildren.

Pitch in with Panthertown Friends of Panthertown is hosting a series of trail work days this spring, and all are invited to come pitch in.

Scheduled work days are Friday, April 15; Saturday, April 16; Friday, April 22; Friday, April 29; Friday, May 13; Saturday, May 14; Friday, May 20; Saturday, May 21; Friday, May 27; and Saturday, May 28.

No previous trail work experience is necessary. Work days typically run from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., with about 5 miles of hiking on moderate trails while doing trail corridor clearing, pruning and some tread and drain work.

Sign up at panthertown.org/contact. Learn more at www.panthertown.org/volunteer.

Get to know April 6-12, 2022

Maggie. Between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains rests one of the best golf courses in North Carolina

Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. NPS photo

Clingmans Dome opening delayed Clingmans Dome Road will open for the season April 8, a delay from the typical April 1 opening date due to drainage improvement work in the main parking area, including a culvert replacement and roadway patching.

The work must be complete before a planned pavement preservation project begins, an endeavor that will result in single-lane closures on Clingmans Dome Road through Friday, Sept. 2. The closures will be permitted weekly from 7 a.m. Monday through noon Friday, managed with flagging operations. Daytime

closures will not be allowed on federal holidays, Easter week, July 4 week, or June 15-Aug. 15.

Burnsville-based Bryant’s Land and Development Industries, Inc. landed the $2.6 million contract from the Federal Highway Administration. The project aims to extend the life of the existing pavement by five to seven years.

Clingmans Dome Road will be open for the season through Nov. 30. Updated road closure information is available at @SmokiesRoadsNPS on Twitter or at nps.gov/grsm.

Winding Stairs Road closure extended Work requiring closure of Winding Stairs Road in Macon County was expected to wrap up by the end of March, but due to engineering complexities the projected completion date is now May 27.

The Nantahala Ranger District issued a Special Use Permit to Duke Energy to install an overhead powerline along the road and an underground powerline under a paved bike path along the Nantahala River. The gate for Winding Stairs Road and the bike path will remain closed until the project is complete.

828.524.6441.

Smoky Mountain News

Parkway closures planned for road repair work

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Repair will start next week on settlement, cracking and rockfall issues on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Deep Gap and Linville Falls.

These issues were identified during recent geotechnical assessments by the National Park Service and Federal Highway Administration and present potential hazards to park visitors. Contractors will be onsite the week of April 11, with work expected to be complete by September

2022. Crews will install rock and soil anchors and slope netting at cut slopes, as well as reconstruct fill slopes and address paving repairs.

While work occurs, the Parkway will be completely closed from milepost 276.4 at U.S. 421 to milepost 280.9 near Deep Gap. Delays will occur around milepost 323 south of Linville Falls due to a single-lane closure managed with a temporary traffic light.

Panthertown volunteers showed up big in 2021 The numbers are in, and in 2021 a total of 322 volunteers with Friends of Panthertown donated 1,945 hours of labor worth $52,904, spread over 68 trail workdays.

No negative bear encounters were reported last year, and two new bear boxes were installed. Over a four-day period, 18 local trail leaders and partners received sustainable trails training.

Friends of Panthertown stewards Panthertown Valley, a backcountry recreation area in the Nantahala National Forest near Cashiers that includes 30 miles of trail.

outdoors

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434 Champion Drive, Canton, NC 28716 21 Hollon Cove Rd, Waynesville, NC 28786

Bird flu found in domestic poultry flock Three commercial turkey operations in Johnston County have tested positive for high path avian influenza, marking the first time during the current outbreak the disease was found in domestic poultry in North Carolina. Poultry owners statewide should consider their flocks to be at risk.

After the first farm returned a positive test, officials began testing other flocks within 6.2 miles of the affected farm, turning up positives on two more operations. More than 60,000 turkeys live on the three farms, which are now being depopulated to guard against additional spread. Tests are being conducted within a 6.2-mile radius of the two most recent farms to return a positive result.

Since late January, the virus has been found in 48 commercial farms in 12 states and 32 backyard flocks in 13 states. This is the first case of high path avian influenza in domestic poultry in North Carolina, but since Jan. 16, more than 100 hunter-harvest-

ed wild birds have tested positive, and the N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission has reported four mortalities in wild birds from the virus.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the virus to be of low risk to people, but it is highly contagious to other birds. It is not considered a food safety threat, and infected birds do not enter the food supply.

“The threat of high path avian influenza is statewide,” said Martin. “Our poultry population is at high risk. Commercial operations and backyard flock owners should continue to follow strict biosecurity measures, including keeping birds enclosed without access to wild birds or other domestic flocks.”

Report sick or dying birds to your local veterinarian or to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Division at 919.707.3250.

Frost damage assistance available Farmers in Haywood, Transylvania, Henderson, Buncombe, Polk and Rutherford counties who suffered freeze or frost damage April 2-21, 2021, are now eligible for assistance through the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agricultural Crop Loss Program, with an April 15 application deadline.

Eligible farmers must have experienced a verifiable loss of agricultural commodities as a result of the freeze disaster, and the farm must be located in one of the listed counties. Applicants who have also applied for assistance from the program for Tropical Storm Fred must demonstrate a separate and distinct loss for the freeze disaster. April 15 is also the deadline to apply for assistance as a result of that event.

The application and required forms are available at ncagr.gov. Contact the local cooperative extension or Farm Service Agency office for support or call 866.747.9823 with general program questions.

First CWD-positive deer found in N.C. The first case of chronic wasting disease, a fatal affliction affecting cervids like deer and elk, has been detected in North Carolina.

A sample collected from a deer harvested in northern Yadkin County in December 2021 has tested positive for CWD. A taxidermist sent in the sample through a cooperator program the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission set up. The agency ramped up testing this season after a CWD-positive deer was discovered 33 miles away from the North Carolina border last year, collecting more than 7,200 samples.

Because the Wildlife Commission is still receiving results from the past season’s testing, additional positive tests could be forthcoming. So far, results have been received from 60% of samples submitted, and from 76% of the four-county focal area —

Alleghany, Surry, Stokes and Rockingham counties — initiated because of the 2021 Virginia CWD-positive deer.

The agency has a CWD Response Plan in place and will continue to share next steps.

Continued testing is imperative because it’s nearly impossible to tell if an animal has CWD by observing it. A deer can be infected for as long as 16 months before showing signs of illness, and there is no vaccine, treatment or cure for the disease — making CWD a looming threat to the state’s deer population and hunting traditions, as well as to its newly established elk population should the disease spread westward.

CWD is caused by abnormal proteins, called prions, that slowly spread through a cervid’s nervous system, eventually causing spongy holes in the brain that lead to death. The disease is spread between animals through direct contact and environmental contamination from infected saliva, urine and feces of live animals or carcasses and body parts.

@SmokyMtnNews 40

Bill Griffin photo

Tremont adds adult summer camp enced on-staff naturalists. The week is designed for all levels of experience, from casual nature-lovers to seasoned explorers.

Activities will include animal tracking, birding, exploring cultural history, identifying plants, stargazing and storytelling around the campfire.

Register at gsmit.org/naturalist-week.

Cost includes food, lodging, instruction and materials inside the national park.

Hike through wildflower season A spring wildflower hike led by Haywood Waterways Association Thursday, April 14 will explore the Big Creek Watershed of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park while teaching participants to identify blooming plants.

The group will meet at 9:30 a.m. and start the day with a short walk up Baxter Falls Trail.

Those who want to extend the outing may embark on a moderate 4-mile hike to Mouse Creek Falls, with hikes concluding by 2:30 p.m.

The event is free for Haywood Waterways members with a $5 donation requested from nonmembers. It’s part of the nonprofit’s “Get to Know Your Watershed” series of outdoor recreation activities showcasing Haywood County’s beauty. No pets, and space is limited, with carpooling encouraged. RSVP to Christine O’Brien at christine.haywoodwaterways@gmail.com or 828.476.4667, ext. 11.

Take a walk in the woods with Wildcraft Kitchen and learn some essential foraging skills Saturday, April 16, in Rabun County.

The group will walk along the wilderness trail at Terra Incognita, discussing flora and fauna interdependence, tree identifica-

tion and a brief demonstration on keeping a backyard phenology log. Angela-Faye Martin of Alarka Expeditions will join in, offering nature-inspired acoustic tunes when the tour concludes with a local wine tasting and wild bites.

Cost is $65. Register at alarkaexpeditions.com.

Donated photo

events, prescribed fire monitoring flights and post-hurricane events. He then helped train and mentor new pilots by teaching several Basic Remote Operator courses, earning lead instructor credentials.

“Jordan (Black) bridges the gap between supervision and mentorship with his employees,’” said Acting Zone Fire Management Officer Shane Paxton. “That skill is reflected in this mentorship award. I’m proud of Jordan for passing his knowledge to the wildland fire community through aviation.”

For more information on the NPS Wildland Fire Program, visit nps.gov/orgs/1965/index.htm.

Smoky Mountain News

Walk with a forager

Jordan Black.

April 6-12, 2022

A summer program just for adults will launch this summer at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, offering a five-day, four-night residential experience June 20-24.

Called Naturalist Week, the program will be a unique opportunity for adults to disconnect, unwind and discover the wonders of the Smoky Mountains with activities and adventures guided by Tremont’s experi-

Two fire specialists in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park recently received awards recognizing them for superior service, innovative thinking and leadership.

Wildland Fire Module Superintendent Jordan Black was awarded the National Park Service Excellence in Mentorship Aviation Award, while Fire Ecologist Rob Klein received the regional Wildland Fire and Aviation Excellence Award.

The Interior Region 2 award Klein received is given annually for outstanding achievement in leadership and collaboration. Klein’s peers nominated him for his collaborative mindset, inclusive communication and unquestionable integrity. He completed several extensive updates to fire management plans for the Appalachian-Piedmont-Coastal Zone and worked with fire management staff and university researchers in 2021 to coordinate ecological research.

“Over the past 20-plus years, Rob has contributed to and advanced the National Park Service mission of managing our National Parks for the benefit of future generations,” said Regional Wildland Fire and Aviation Management Officer Shawn Nagle.

“Many generations to come will benefit from Rob’s care and commitment to maintaining the aesthetic appeal of our natural resources.”

Black was recognized by the National Aviation Office for training and mentorship of aviation personnel that goes above and beyond normal expectations. Recognizing the benefits of unmanned aircraft systems for safer and more efficient operations, he trained to pilot these systems and was immediately called upon to help with search and rescue

outdoors

Smokies fire leaders receive regional, national awards

Naturalist Week will offer the opportunity to explore all manner of Smokies environments.

Bird the plateau Birders of all skill levels are invited to join the Highlands Nature Center at 8 a.m. Wednesday and Saturday mornings, April 13 through May 7, for a one-hour birdwatching walk around campus.

Walks are weather-dependent, with binoculars provided and masks encouraged. No registration is necessary — just meet at the Highlands Biological Station North Campus, 111 Lower Lake Road. highlandsbiological.org.

41

outdoors

Only 6% of forest plan objections eligible for standing, Forest Service says The U.S. Forest Service received nearly 14,000 objections to the forest management plan it released in January for the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests, but only 891 were deemed eligible for the process.

April 6-12, 2022

According to the Forest Service’s Southern Region Office, more than 1,000 of the objections were submitted anonymously or sent multiple times by the same individual. Additionally, several thousand form letter objections were sent by people who had not previously commented on the plan and were therefore not considered eligible.

Regional Forester Ken Arney said most of

the issues that non-eligible objectors identified are the same, or similar to, those identified by eligible objectors.

Anyone who submitted formal comments but doesn’t qualify for standing as an objector can file a request for recognition as an “interested person,” a designation that allows for participation in the objection resolution meetings.

While the meetings will be open to the public, only objectors and interested persons will be allowed to participate in the dialogue.

The objection resolution process will take at least 90 days, though there’s opportunity to extend it if more time is needed. The Forest Service expects to be operating under the new plan by the middle of the year — and to keep it in place for the next 15-20 years.

The latest updates, along with a link to Objection Reading Room, are posted on the forest plan website at bit.ly/22forestplan.

Bartram Trail Conservancy seeks to grow

Smoky Mountain News

The Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy is hiring a membership development coordinator to grow its membership base and expand its reach in Western North Carolina and Northeast Georgia.

Based in Franklin, with future opportunity for remote work, the position offers 20 hours per week at $20 per hour. It requires a creative, self-motivated candidate with a clear sense of the organization’s mission.

The Bartram Trail Conservancy seeks to recognize and honor Philadelphia-born naturalist William Bartram, whose travels through the southeast in 1773 and 1777 yielded exact and vivid descriptions of Native American tribes, plants and animals. The organization also maintains a 110-mile memorial trail that follows his original route.

For more information, contact brent@blueridgebartram.org. Applications due by April 24.

42

Puzzles can be found on page 46 These are only the answers.

Indigenous conservation crew forming Tribal members are wanted to work on a conservation crew this summer emphasizing Cherokee heritage and tradition.

The program will run June 6 to July 29 and is open to tribal members 18 and older.

Crew members will work on a variety of projects near Murphy, Franklin and Cherokee, collaborating with the U.S. Forest Service and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Members receive training in Wilderness First Aid, S212 chainsaw and crosscut saw; experience in a diverse set of environmental conservation and restoration projects; cultural enrichment by learning tribal manage-

ment practices and history related to natural resources; daily crew model with consolidated schedule for easier commuting; accrued hours toward a Public Land Corps hiring authority; professional development and career resources.

People ages 18-30, or 18-35 if a military veteran, can apply to be an Indigenous Conservation Crew Member at jobs.silkroad.com/ConservationLegacy/Car eers/jobs/3131. Those 21 and older can apply for a crew leader position at jobs.silkroad.com/conservationlegacy/c areers/jobs/3130.

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • The Jackson County Farmers Market meets every Saturday November through March 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and April through October 9 a.m.-noon at Bridge Park in Sylva, 110 Railroad St. Special events listed on Facebook and Instagram.

• The Jackson Arts Market takes place from 1-5 p.m. every Saturday at 533 West Main St. in Sylva with live music and an array of local artists. Balsam Hot Club will play music at the market April 9, David Cheatham will play music at the market April 16.

• The Jackson Arts Market, in partnership with Western Carolina University, will host ‘Science at the Jackson Arts Market’ on April 10. This free, family-friendly event will teach about the science of local crafts people including glassblowing, gemstones, pottery making, blacksmithing, herb foraging and more. The events are free and open to all.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • Voices in the Laurel will be hosting its 5th Annual Bingo Night fundraiser including a Voices in the Laurel performance by all three choirs at 6 p.m. Friday, April 9, at the Haywood County Fairgrounds. Tickets are available at voicesinthelaurel.org and 828.734.9163.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS • Swain County Caring Corner Free Clinic is open Thursday’s 4-9 p.m. at Restoration House (Bryson City United Methodist Church). Office hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m.-noon. Call 828.341.1998 to see if you qualify to receive free medical care from volunteer providers.

AUTHORS AND BOOKS • Local author Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle will be in the Community Room of the Jackson County Public Library at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 14. She will be discussing her award-winning book “Even As We Breathe”. This book discussion is part of the NC Reads statewide book club with which the library is partnering. This event is open to all and is free of charge. www.fontanalib.org

KIDS & FAMILIES • The “Factory Easter Egg Hunt’’ will be held from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. April 15-16 at The Factory in Franklin. Over 5,000 eggs and prizes. For more information on admission and activities, click on franklinfun.com.

• The “Eggstravaganza” will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at Darnell Farms in Bryson City.

Easter-themed activities, vendors, fresh produce, food, an egg hunt, and a search for the Easter Bunny.

Darnellfarms.com.

• The “Bunny Hopper Express Train Event” will be held from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot in Bryson City. Boxed lunches available. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, click on gsmr.com or call 800.872.4681.

A&E

• Mountain Makers Craft Market will be held from noon to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at 308 North Haywood Street in downtown Waynesville. Over two

n All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted. n To have your item listed email to calendar@smokymountainnews.com dozen artisans selling handmade and vintage goods.

Special events will be held when scheduled. mountainmakersmarket.com.

• Community Music Jams will return at 6 p.m.

Thursday, April 7, on the library front patio, weather permitting, or in the library auditorium. Community Music Jams are offered to the public the first and third Thursday of each month during spring, summer and fall. For more information or driving directions call the library at 828.488.3030.

• The Appalachian Heritage Concert will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 9, in the Queen Auditorium at the Folkmoot Center in Waynesville. Tickets are $25 per person, $30 at the door, 12 and under are free. For more information visit folkmoot.org.

• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host In Flight (rock/jam) 8 p.m. April 16. All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.246.0350 or boojumbrewing.com.

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Bob Zullo (guitar/vocals) April 9 and Nathan Hefner (piano/vocals) April 16. All shows begin at 7 p.m.

Limited seating. Reservations are highly recommended.

828.452.6000 or classicwineseller.com.

• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Amongst The Trees 6 p.m. April 9. Free and open to the public.

828.634.0078 or curraheebrew.com.

• Elevated Mountain Distilling Company (Maggie Valley) will host an Open Mic Night 7-9 p.m. on Wednesdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.734.1084 or elevatedmountain.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host Alma Russ (Americana/folk) April 7 and David Potter April 14. All events begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. innovation-brewing.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Dustin Martin (singer-songwriter) 7 p.m. April 16. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host Scott James Stambaugh (singer-songwriter) April 8, Granny’s Mason Jar (Americana/folk) April 9 and Aly Jordan (singer-songwriter) April 15. All shows begin at 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public.

828.538.0115 or mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com

Smoky Mountain News

with four different wines from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. every Friday, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. every Saturday. New wines arrive weekly.

• “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12 (and other select dates), at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first-class car. Wine pairings with a meal, and more. For more information and/or to register, call 800.872.4681 or click on gsmr.com.

• Cooking classes take place at the McKinley Edwards Inn from 6-8:30 p.m. on Thursday nights. To reserve your spot call 828.488.9626.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • The Broadway musical favorite Newsies is coming to the HART Main Stage April 1. Newsies has performances at 7:30 p.m. April 8 and 9, 2 p.m. and April 10. Tickets are available now by visiting harttheatre.org or by calling HART’s Box Office at (828) 456-6322.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS • Internationally acclaimed prosecutor David Crane will speak about “Aggression in Ukraine” during a forum at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, at the USDA Center, 589 Raccoon Road, Waynesville. Hosted by Haywood County Democratic Party, the forum is open to the public and free of charge. Contact Myrna Campbell 828.507.5331 or myrna233@gmail.com.

• Appalachian Trail thru-hiker and storyteller Nancy Reeder will perform and then answer questions as Grandma Emma Gatewood, the first female solo A.T. thru-hiker at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, at the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room. For more information on Grandma Emma Gatewood, the first woman to solo thru-hike the A.T., visit the library’s Reference Desk for a copy of the book: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail by Ben Montgomery.

• “Flights & Bites” will be held starting at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. For more information on upcoming events, wine tastings and special dinners, click on waynesvillewine.com.

• A free wine tasting will be held from 6-8 p.m. every Thursday and 2-5 p.m. every Saturday at The Wine Bar & Cellar in Sylva. 828.631.3075.

• Bryson City Wine Market offers trips around the world

Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for: n n n n

Complete listings of local music scene Regional festivals Art gallery events and openings Complete listings of recreational offerings at health and fitness centers n Civic and social club gatherings Cooperative Extension Office on Raccoon Road in Waynesville or call 828.456.3575.

• Join Highlands Biological Station’s Horticulturist for Spring Wildflower Walks from noon-1 p.m. each Thursday in April, as they share the spring beauty and biological diversity that the Highlands Plateau has to offer. Tours are weather dependent, and space is limited, therefore registration is required. For more information and to register, visit highlandsbiological.org.

• The Tuckaseigee Chapter of Trout Unlimited will host a roadside trash pick-up from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, April 7, on South River Road and Old Settlement Roads in Webster. The group will meet at the Webster Baptist Church lot. Bags and gloves will be provided. Find the event at https://www.facebook.com/tuckaseigeechapter373 or email to tu.lenehan@gmail.com.

• Learn to grow woody ornamentals with a two-hour online seminar at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 7. The class will cover plant selection, buying, planting, mulching, fertilizing and watering, as well as a sampling of trees for Western North Carolina. Sign up by April 2 at bit.ly/3qxeXfU. Cost is $10.

• The Mountains-to-Sea Trail Gathering of Friends is coming to Lake Junaluska April 7-10, with a robust offering of hikes, excursions, cultural experiences, speakers and opportunities to interact with other traillovers available to attendees. Space is limited. Register at mountainstoseatrail.org/gathering-of-friends.

• Dogwood Crafters will host a workshop on nontraditional approach to quilting called the “Stack ‘n Whack” method will be taught in two sessions from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursdays, April 7 and April 14. Joyce Lantz will lead participants in stacking and cutting their fabric at the first meeting and putting it all together at the second. The cost is $20. To attend, call Dogwood Crafters at 828.586.2248.

• The Hiker Hunger Games and Gooder Grove’s Groovy Gathering will happen at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at Gooder Grove Hostel.

• The Marianna Black Library in Bryson City will begin hosting a free six-week workshop on American Sign Language. This workshop will begin at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 7 through Thursday, May 12, in the library’s auditorium. This workshop will give the basic introduction into the world of ASL including basic vocabulary, simple two way communication and finger spelling. All classes are free and open to all ages.

• A spring wildflower hike Saturday, April 9, will explore the Big Creek Watershed of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park while teaching participants to identify blooming plants. The event is free for HWA members with a $5 donation requested from nonmembers. No pets, and space is limited, with carpooling encouraged.

RSVP to Christine O’Brien at christine.haywoodwaterways@gmail.com or 828.476.4667, ext. 11.

FOOD AND DRINK • Join Museum of the Cherokee Indian staff live on YouTube at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, for the premiere of “Corn: A Look at Traditional Foodways and Cherokee Identity.” Learn traditional preparation methods and how corn ties to the Cherokee identity. Museum staff will lead a chat-based Q&A. Events are free, but space is limited.

Find registration links at mci.org/learn/programming.

43

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES • Photography by Wendy Kates “From Rural to Urban: A Photographic Exploration,” will be on display in the Macon County Public Library Meeting room April 2-30. A reception will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 9.

Outdoors

• The Haywood County Master Gardener Plant Clinic is now open again with an in-person format, 9 a.m.-noon every Tuesday and 1-4 p.m. Thursdays through September, excepting holidays. Drop into the

• Jackson County Coon Hunters Association Hundreds Trade Day will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 9, at 44 Oak Hill Drive in Sylva. Field events will begin at 2 p.m. Matthew Bryson for information 828.508.6465.

• The Valley of the Lilies race will return to Cullowhee, renamed as the Catamount Climb Half Marathon and 5K, at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 9. Registration is $60 for the half marathon or $30 for the 5K, with day-of registration available for an additional cost. Runners under 18 will get a $5 discount on 5K pricing. Register or learn more at halfmarathon.wcu.edu.

• A spring wildflower hike will be led by Haywood Waterways Association at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 14, exploring the Big Creek Watershed of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park while teaching participants to identify blooming plants. No pets, and space is limited, with carpooling encouraged. RSVP to Christine O’Brien at christine.haywoodwaterways@gmail.com or 828.476.4667, ext. 11.

• The AT110 Fest at 6 p.m. Friday, April 15, at Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub will benefit Mainspring Conservation Trust.

Market WNC PLACE

MarketPlace information:

The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 copies across 500 locations in Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties, including the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County.

Visit www.wncmarketplace.com to place your ad!

Rates: • • • •

• •

• • • • • •

$15 — Classified ads that are 25 words, 25¢ per word after.

Free — Lost or found pet ads. $6 — Residential yard sale ads.* $1 — Yard Sale Rain Insurance Yard sale rained out? Call us by 10a.m.

Monday for your ad to run again FREE Legal Notices — 25¢ per word $375 — Statewide classifieds run in 170 participating newspapers with 1.1+ million circulation. (Limit 25 words or less) Boost Online — Have your ad featured at top of category online $4 Boost in Print Add Photo $6 Bold ad $2 Yellow, Green, Pink or Blue Highlight $4 Border $4

Note: Highlighted ads automatically generate a border so if you’re placing an ad online and select a highlight color, the “add border” feature will not be available on the screen.

Note: Yard sale ads require an address. This location will be displayed on a map on www.wncmarketplace.com

p: 828.452.4251 · f:828.452.3585 classads@smokymountainnews.com www.wncmarketplace.com 44

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THE JACKSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT Of Social Services is recruiting for an Income Maintenance Caseworker. This position is responsible for intake, application processing and some review functions in determining eligibility for Adult Medicaid. Above average communication skills and work organization is UHTXLUHG :RUN LQYROYHV direct contact with the public. Applicants should have one year of Income Maintenance Casework experience. Applicants will also be considered who have an Associate’s Degree in human services, business or clerical UHODWHG ¿HOG RU JUDGXDtion from high school and DQ HTXLYDOHQW FRPELnation of training and experience. The starting salary is $30,956.2134,129.22, depending on education and experience. The application for employment is available online at: www. jcdss.org and should be submitted to the Jackson County Department of 6RFLDO 6HUYLFHV *ULI¿Q Street, Sylva, NC 28779 or the Sylva branch of the NC Works Career Center.

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NUTRITION SITE AIDE – PT Haywood County - Assist with daily management of nutrition sites, covering the sites in absence of Managers; serving meals in accordance to NC Standards, light meal prep, kitchen clean up, accurate record keeping.

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LICENSED P&C INSURANCE AGENT Local insurance agency is looking for an individual who is motivated, energetic, and has a bright personality. Must be goal oriented with a knack for customer service, as well as a team player! Complete training in insurance will be provided. CompetLWLYH SD\ DQG EHQH¿WV offered. Full or part time. License preferred.

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Legal Notices NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned having TXDOL¿HG DV ([HFXWRU of the Estate of GEORGE ROBERT ORR, deceased, late of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify DOO SHUVRQV ¿UPV DQG corporations having claims against the estate to present such claims to the undersigned at 247 Charlotte Street, Suite 205, Asheville, North Carolina on or before the 16th day of June, 2022, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment.

This the 16th day of March, 2022 ROBIN MADELLE OWENS fka ROBIN ORR METTS, ([HFXWRU F R -RKQ & Frue, Attorney 247 Charlotte Street, Suite 205 Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 255-0309

www.wncmarketplace.com

Haywood Co. Real Estate Agents Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate- Heritage See Virtual Tours of listed homes at

MaggieValleyHomeSales.com Market Square, 3457 Soco Rd. • Maggie Valley, NC • 828-926-0400

• Carolyn Lauter - carolyn@bhgheritage.com

Beverly Hanks & Associates- beverly-hanks.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Billie Green - bgreen@beverly-hanks.com Brian K. Noland - brianknoland.com Anne Page - apage@beverly-hanks.com Jerry Powell - jpowell@beverly-hanks.com Catherine Proben - cproben@beverly-hanks.com Ellen Sither - esither@beverly-hanks.com Mike Stamey - mikestamey@beverly-hanks.com Karen Hollingsed- khollingsed@beverly-hanks.com Billy Case- billycase@beverly-hanks.com Laura Thomas - lthomas@beverly-hanks.com John Keith - jkeith@beverly-hanks.com Randall Rogers - rrogers@beverly-hanks.com Susan Hooper - shooper@beverly-hanks.com Hunter Wyman - hwyman@beverly-hanks.com

• Rob Roland - robroland@beverly-hanks.com

Emerson Group - emersongroupus.com • George Escaravage - george@emersongroupus.com • Chuck Brown - chuck@emersongroupus.com

RE/MAX

EXECUTIVE

Ron Breese Broker/Owner 71 North Main Street Waynesville, NC 28786 Cell: 828.400.9029 ron@ronbreese.com

www.ronbreese.com Each office independently owned & operated.

ERA Sunburst Realty - sunburstrealty.com • • • •

Amy Spivey - amyspivey.com Rick Border - sunburstrealty.com Steve Mauldin - smauldin@sunburstrealty.com Randy Flanigan - 706-207-9436

EXP Realty • Jeanne Forrest - ashevillerealeat8@gmail.com Keller Williams Realty - kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • The Morris Team - www.themorristeamnc.com • Julie Lapkoff - julielapkoff@kw.com • Darrin Graves - dgraves@kw.com

Lakeshore Realty • Phyllis Robinson - lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com

Mountain Dreams Realty- maggievalleyhomesales.com

A Top Listing Agent & A Top Producer

Ready to Serve You

Call for FREE HOME VALUE EVALUATION

Pamela P Williams

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL BROKER ASSOCIATE

CELL: (803) 528-5039 OFFICE: (828) 452-5809 EMAIL: PAMELAWILLIAMS@BEVERLY-HANKS.COM

April 6-12, 2022

• Lyndia Massey- buyfromlyndia@yahoo.com

Mountain Creek Real Estate • Ron Rosendahl - 828-593-8700

McGovern Real Estate & Property Management • Bruce McGovern - shamrock13.com RE/MAX Executive - remax-waynesvillenc.com remax-maggievalleync.com • The Real Team - TheRealTeamNC.com • Ron Breese - ronbreese.com • Landen Stevenson- landen@landenkstevenson.com • Dan Womack - womackdan@aol.com • Mary & Roger Hansen - mwhansen@charter.net • David Willet - davidwillet1@live.com • Sara Sherman - sarashermanncrealtor@gmail.com • David Rogers- davidr@remax-waynesville.com • Judy Meyers - jameyers@charter.net

Smoky Mountain Retreat Realty • Tom Johnson - tomsj7@gmail.com • Sherell Johnson - Sherellwj@aol.com

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE

828.452.4251 ads@smokymountainnews.com WNC MarketPlace

45

SUPER

CROSSWORD

LOBBY GROUP ACROSS 1 Hero-worship 8 Not -- (fair to middling) 13 Gave a prize to 20 Big name in cassette tapes, once 21 Bad booze 22 "Wouldn't It Be --" ("My Fair Lady" song) 23 Start of a riddle 26 Came after that 27 Violin master Mischa 28 Library no-no 29 Aflame 32 "Every day -- new day" 33 ETs' craft 34 Brief tussle 36 Riddle, part 2 44 Not wholly 45 "Cool" moola amount 46 Bottom 47 Pro-school gp.

48 "Hi, Don Ho!" 49 Tease in fun 51 Store window info: Abbr.

52 Smear all over 55 Riddle, part 3 57 -- -bah (big wheel: Var.) 58 Reach as far as 59 "On the Beach" novelist Shute 60 Jimmy Dorsey hit 62 More furtive 63 "Uncle Moses" novelist Sholem 66 Riddle, part 4 69 Gen -- (millennials) 70 Rental for relocation 72 Flip out 73 Feudal toilers 75 Novelty

77 78 82 83 84 85 86 87 89 90 91 97 98 sure?"

99 100 101 104 106 109 115 116 117 118 119 120

Miniver's title Riddle, part 5 Moon of Neptune Be the victor Sci-fi sage Lasso part Suffix with east "Oh, really?"

Country singer Tillis Charge to run a promo End of the riddle Firebug's crime Possible reply to "Are you "That's the guy!"

Calendar spans: Abbr.

Tehran native Candle parts Dominion Riddle's answer Barbuda's partner island -- two (a few) Books filled with maps Most sharp Spacek of "3 Women" Pedicure target

DOWN 1 Pal, to Pierre 2 Dict. lookup 3 Thurman of "Kill Bill" 4 Ear feature 5 Make -- for it (take off) 6 Tautness 7 Alibi, e.g.

8 Like many horse hooves 9 Reaction to a punch 10 Optimistic 11 Leopardlike animal 12 -- McAn (big name in footwear) 13 Format of AP Radio

Network 14 "Alas!"

15 Lemmon/Wilder comedy 16 Take hold again, as a plant 17 Three, in Munich 18 Yale alumni 19 Bit of force 24 Try, as a case 25 Turkish VIPs of old 29 Wash gently against, as the shore 30 Novelist Calvino 31 Dice toss 33 Infantry division 35 1990s fitness fad 37 Tom Cruise's role in "Mission: Impossible" 38 Get -- start (not begin on time) 39 "Sure, put me down for it" 40 Not in the country 41 Neck and neck, scorewise 42 Fix at the vet's 43 Eva, Magda and Zsa Zsa 49 Objects 50 Middle name of Emerson 51 Rhino's pair 53 Canon camera series 54 Under oath legally 56 Roman 106 57 Odists, e.g.

58 Swiss canton or its capital 60 Reject rudely 61 Lay new turf on 63 Her niece is Dorothy Gale 64 Shepherd once of "The View" 65 Sounding like a crow 67 Bad blood 68 Prefix with cuspid 71 Zodiac feline

74 Italian handbag brand 76 Pouty states 78 Shed feathers 79 Composer Carmichael 80 On the move 81 Many minors 83 Hot dog, informally 84 Rural assent to a woman 88 Feline in competitions 89 Ailment with red spots 90 Confess about 92 Submit, as homework 93 Emergency room sorting 94 Waikiki wear 95 "Alas!"

96 Bites lightly 101 "Out of Africa" writer Dinesen 102 Bit of Viking writing 103 Poker post 105 Corp. money handlers 106 "Climb -- Mountain" 107 Make mad 108 Israeli statesman Abba 110 Frat letters 111 Calendar spans: Abbr.

112 Onetime foe of the USSR 113 Waikiki wear 114 Immigrants' class, in brief

ANSWERS ON PAGE 42

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heartbreaking situation.

She’s about 12 years old, weighs about 50 lbs. and is current on preventatives and vaccines.

Despite her age, Bailey LV VWLOO TXLWH VWURQJ DQG ZRXOG QHHG D FRQ¿GHQW handler on walks. She is not suited for a home with cats. Bailey’s adoption fee is $60. If you’d like to consider sharing your home with Bailey for her retirement years, please complete the application

online at www.sarges. org and we’ll set up an appointment. (828) 2469050 info@sarges.org BUFF/ORANGE CAT, LINDEN 7 year old pretty girl who is sweet, talkative, and cuddly. Gets along with dogs and kids.

Asheville Humane Society (828) 761-2001 adoptions@ashevillehumane.org

Pets BAILEY FROM SARGE’S ANIMAL RESCUE Sweet senior girl, named Bailey, came to us from the county shelter.

She has the most loving expression, likely developed from years of living with a family who were forced to give her up in a

Next Sale will be on Wednesday, April 13th

SUDOKU

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, Answers on 42 the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

46

www.smokymountainnews.com

April 6-12, 2022

WNC MarketPlace

LABRADOR MIX DOG, BLONDE/ TAN —BANE 9-yr old male; sweet, cuddly, and active. Prefer home without children or other dogs.

Asheville Humane Society (828) 761-2001 adoptions@ashevillehumane.org CAMELIA FROM SARGE’S ANIMAL RESCUE Lovely Camellia is a calm 3 year old girl who has enjoyed hanging out in our cat lounge here at Sarge’s. She is friendly and gets along well with her roommates. You can meet her at Petsmart in Waynesville. Camellia’s adoption fee is $50. To adopt Camellia please complete our application at www.sarges.org (828) 246-9050 info@sarges. org

Real Estate Announcements WHITE-GLOVE SERVICE From America’s Top Movers. Fully insured and bonded. Let us take the stress out of your out of state move. FREE QUOTES! 855-821-2782

Health/Beauty ATTENTION: Oxygen Users. Gain freedom with a portable oxygen concentrator. No more heavy WDQNV RU UH¿OOV *XDUDQteed lowest prices. Oxygen Concentrator Store 844-866-4793

Home Improvement WATER DAMAGE TO YOUR HOME? Call for D TXRWH IRU SURIHVVLRQDO cleanup & maintain the value of your home! Set an appt. today! Call 833664-1530 (AAN CAN) UPDATE YOUR HOME With Beautiful New Blinds & Shades. FREE in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from home.

Professional installation.

7RS TXDOLW\ 0DGH LQ WKH USA. Call for free consultation: 844-250-7899.

Ask about our specials!

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES In as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs.

Discounts available. Call: 833-987-0207

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise ‘any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination’. Familial status includes children under 18 living with parents or legal guardians and pregnant women.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate in violation of this law. All dwellings advertised on HTXDO RSSRUWXQLW\ EDVLV

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Entertainment

Wanted to Buy

HUGHESNET SATELLITE INTERNET – Finally, no hard data limits! Call Today for speeds up to PESV DV ORZ DV mo! $75 gift card, terms apply. 1-844-416-7147

CASH FOR CARS! We buy all cars! Junk, highend, totaled – it doesn’t matter! Get free towing and same day cash!

NEWER MODELS too!

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Legal, Financial and Tax OVER $10K IN DEBT? Be debt free in 24-48 months. Pay a fraction of ZKDW \RX RZH $ %%% rated. Call National Debt Relief 866-949-0934

www.wncmarketplace.com

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April 6-12, 2022

WNC MarketPlace

47

April 6-12, 2022 Smoky Mountain News

UPCOMING SHOWS:

MAY 13 3

MAY 22

MAY 27

J JUNE 11

1028 Georgia i Rd • Frankklin, lli NC • Local 828.524.

828 524 1598 • To ollll Free 86 66 273 4615 66.273.4615 48

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