Smoky Mountain News | August 3, 2022

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August 3-9, 2022 Vol. 24 Iss. 10

Haywood donates body armor to Ukraine Page 8 Cherokee plans Fire Mountain Trails expansion Page 30

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Smoky Mountain News August 3-9, 2022

August 3-9, 2022

Smoky Mountain News

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CONTENTS On the Cover: As part of Duke Energy’s plan to cut carbon emissions from energy plants to 70% of its 2005 levels by 2050, it plans on notching up clean energy production from solar and wind sources, along with nuclear and potentially hydrogen.

(Page 12) Duke Energy photo

News Sylva addresses short-term rentals ................................................................................6 Haywood distillery foreclosure auction ends................................................................7 Obsolete Haywood body armor headed for Ukraine ................................................8 Clayton holds seat on Jackson School Board ............................................................9 Plans laid for new Franklin High School ....................................................................10 Waynesville appoints new planning board members ............................................14 With costs rising, Waynesville accepts wastewater treatment bid ....................15 Crowds rally for stronger forest protections..............................................................16 Haywood gets almost $400k for more flood mitigation ........................................17

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Do opinions still belong in newspapers?....................................................................20 Living in the moment, cleaning the mind ....................................................................21

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Outdoors

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August 3-9, 2022

Cherokee plans Fire Mountain Trails expansion ......................................................30 Fish and Wildlife Service seeks evidence of ivory-billed woodpeckers ............33

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More repairs needed in Allen Street project HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER n inclinometer on the prefab slope above Bryson Park shows that some movement has occurred since it was installed more than 60 days ago, indicating a need for repair.

“We’ve got about 60 days’ worth of data now, it is showing movement,” said Sylva Public Works Director Jake Scott. “Kessel is recommending a repair.”

The town heard this second update from Scott about the inclinometer at its July 28 meeting. Though the data showed little movement as of July 14, now it is clear that a repair will be needed. In total, the construction could cost the town around $900,000, an amount that was included in the $3 million repair estimate. About $595,000 will be needed for the deep-seated repair of the slope, and $320,000 for soil mantles between Allen Street and the existing retaining wall.

“We’ll very likely come in underneath the $900,000, but I feel like it’s prudent to over budget rather than under budget,” said Scott.

When Scott updated the board about the inclinometer data and the need for repair, the board also discussed the sidewalk project between Bryson Park and Chipper Curve Road.

The sidewalk is estimated to cost

August 3-9, 2022

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Sylva addresses short-term rentals

BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER

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Smoky Mountain News

he Town of Sylva updated its zoning ordinance earlier this year but left the shortterm rental ordinance as it was written with the plan to hammer it out at a later date.

Now, the town is revisiting the issue with the intent to write a short-term rental ordinance that works in this day and age of increasing demand for this type of rental.

“I think the months in between our adoption of that ordinance and now has shown us that the current ordinance really isn’t addressing the issues we’re seeing with short-term rentals,” said Commissioner David Nestler.

The current ordinance doesn’t allow any short-term rentals in the low-density residential district or the general business district, but allows them without much restriction in all other residential districts, as well as the professional business district. According to Jackson County Tourism Development Authority Executive Director Nick Breedlove, there are about 20 short term 6 rentals currently operating in Sylva.

Upgrades to Bryson Park are included in the Allen Street repair project. $397,000. However, according to Town Manager Paige Dowling, with the current list of street repairs and upgrades to Bryson Park, the town will be $309,082 short for the whole project. For this reason, Dowling recommended that the board approve the design work for the sidewalk project, at $27,700, and give town staff time to determine what the retaining wall repair will cost, as well as where the rest of the money for the sidewalk project could come from.

The town needs to complete design work because in order to build a sidewalk between Bryson Park and Chipper Curve Road, a fivefoot retaining wall is needed. The retaining wall needs to be built while contractors are on site doing slope repair. Slope repair is now expected to begin in September.

“It makes great financial sense to do it at

the same time instead of paying another contractor to remobilize and come back out at the conclusion of the slope repair,” Scott said.

Commissioners feel that the sidewalk would create a buffer between the park and road, increasing pedestrian safety and providing the possibility for connection to new sidewalks in the future.

The board unanimously approved to pay for the design work for a sidewalk and retaining wall between Bryson Park and Chipper Curve Road.

“It’s minor still at this point, but a lot of houses are being bought solely for short-term rentals and that’s impacting real estate prices,” said Nestler. “Right now, real estate prices in Sylva are unaffordable to the average Sylva resident and county resident.”

The board discussed a list of proposed changes to the current ordinance that they thought would do a better job of addressing short-term rental issues, while not imposing an outright ban, during its July 28 meeting.

The first proposed change states that except for in the downtown business district, a minimum of two parking spaces must be provided on-site, and one additional space must be provided for each bedroom over four. The second proposal states that in addition to guests adhering to Town of Sylva trash and recycling protocols, short term rentals must provide guests with trash and recycling containers.

One of the most impactful changes to the ordinance allows short-term rentals in the medium-density residential, low-density residential, downtown business, general business, high-density residential and professional business districts, but only as an accessory use provided that the primary use of the main structure is owneroccupied, or a long-term rental.

“[Short term rentals] wouldn’t be taking up stand-alone, single-family houses and removing them from the rental market, while still allowing them as an accessory,” said Nestler.

The proposal states that all new short-term rentals beginning after the adoption of the ordinance must comply with the new regulations.

However, the board discussed whether existing short-term rentals should have one year to comply with the updates to the ordinance, or be grandfathered in and not have to comply.

Board members were concerned that a sunset clause may not be fair to those who do not live here permanently but have already invested in the community by buying real estate. However, board members are trying to curb development of short-term rentals that reduce availability for residents looking for a place to live.

“That’s an issue, right? You’re less likely to invest in a community if you live in say, Florida or Georgia if you can’t rent it out when you’re not here,” said Nestler. “And to that I would say, one of the things driving up our real estate market is people who are buying homes in Sylva as a second or third home, and that is really hurting locals, and so this would help reduce that.”

“Those nightly stays are generating income,

they are benefiting the community,” said Commissioner Ben McPherson. “Because those people are spending money here that stay there and they are not from here. There is a balance here, but to say ‘owner occupied,’ I think you need to be a little bit more specific about what that means because owners do come here and occupy their properties, whether that’s for two months or six months.”

After a closed session for legal advice from the town attorney, commissioners decided to write the proposed draft ordinance to have an exemption clause for existing short-term rentals, instead of requiring them to comply within one year. An existing short-term rental is a rental for which an occupancy tax associated with a shortterm rental was paid at any time between Aug. 18, 2021 and Aug. 18, 2022. According to the draft, all new short-term rentals will have to comply with the rule that they be an accessory use of the main structure, which must be owneroccupied or a long-term rental.

“This will help keep our residential neighborhoods, instead of just people coming and going,” said Mayor Linda Sossamon.

A public hearing on the draft short-term rental ordinance will take place at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 25.

Franklin Police Chief will retire Dec. 1 A

Key West man comes away with Haywood distillery as foreclosure auction ends

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end, I can assure you that this will not be the final chapter of my service to the community I love with new envisioned and prayerful leadership opportunities. I am making this decision to retire to pursue future endeavors and improve the quality of

life for me and my family and I humbly ask that you keep us in your thoughts, prayers, and it is my hope that I can count on your support in the future.

With the Utmost Respect and Gratitude Chief William “Bill” Harrell.

BY KYLE PERROTTI N EWS E DITOR he foreclosure auction to see who will get the property that’s housed Elevated Mountain Distilling Company since 2016 has ended with Kenneth Wells of Key West, Florida coming away with the top bid of $630,000.

The foreclosure auction began on May 24 at 10 a.m. for the 1.45-acre property, which holds a tax value of $583,600 with the bank’s initial bid of $364,450. Bidding closed at the end of the day on July 28 as there were no new bids.

The company’s owner, Dave Angel, signed a Small Business Administration loan for almost $1.1 million to pay for the property and equipment back in July of 2016.

According to court documents, the last payment he made on the loan was in April 2021.

Ultimately, First Citizens Bank, which had merged with original lender Entegra Financial Corp. in late 2019, demanded a payout of $1,156,598 — an amount that included the principal due, along with interest, late fees and “miscellaneous” fees. Angel was served with foreclosure papers on May 2 of this year.

Wells was initially bidding against

Micheaux Resource Management out of Indian Trail, a suburb of Charlotte; the ownership group of BearWaters Brewing Company; and Mark Cahill, a Florida resident who long owned a home in Haywood County. By the end, the last several bids came down to Wells and Micheaux — an investment group tied to Frankie Wood, who for almost three years has spoken about developing the dormant Ghost Town in the Sky property. In a previous interview with The Smoky Mountain News, Angel said Micheaux Resource management and Wood planned on keeping him in charge of the distillery had they won.

Wells, who also spends a good deal of time at a house he owns in Maggie Valley, was excited to come away with the property.

“I called the courthouse 15 minutes before they closed yesterday, and they told me no one had come in to bid,” he said.

Wells said his plan is to rent the property to a tenant who will run another distillery out of it.

“I have several prospects for distillers that will also distribute. They’re already in business,” Wells said. “Since I got the bid, I’ve had two call me that I had talked to beforehand.”

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f a c e b o o k . c o m / s m n e w s

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Franklin Police Chief Bill Harrell has worked in law enforcement for almost three decades.

August 3-9, 2022

hope that you understood why there was a need for sacrifice. I LOVE each of you so very much!

To the former and current Police Officers and staff that I have had the privilege and honor to work with over the years, I want to say THANK YOU to those who gave and continue to give tireless dedication to the Communities we serve. I am so blessed to have worked beside you over those many years. I also hope during times of reflection that you can genuinely say that with the integrity, and courage of a good leader that you would follow anywhere, I left behind a legacy of fighting the good fight to provide you with every wherewithal at my disposal to serve the public to the best of our abilities for their enhanced quality of life, along with the career opportunities for growth and leadership of your own.

I would like to take this time to say a heartfelt THANK YOU to past and present Mayors, Town Councils, Boards, Managers and Staff Members and frontline emergency service colleagues for your dedication and sacrifices to Public Service and for the support that you have shown me. I know I cannot possibly address and thank everyone specifically in this letter that has done so much to influence my career path and successes, but you are NOT forgotten, for your memory in my heart and mind has an eternal place.

Finally, I want to say THANK YOU to all the Citizens that have supported me and my family over the years, especially during the difficult times. It has meant the world to us to be the recipients of so much Love and Encouragement during those times. Although this part of my career may be coming to an

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BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS E DITOR fter decades of service in law enforcement, former Highlands police chief and current Franklin Chief William “Bill” Harrell announced his retirement with a statement issued Tuesday, Aug. 2.

Harrell had served as chief in Franklin since 2020 and is a 1990 graduate of Franklin High School.

The statement concludes by saying that Harrell “will continue to work closely with his command staff to ensure continuity of service and a smooth transition leading up to his retirement date.”

Here’s the full text of the statement: Dear Citizens of Franklin, Mayor, Council, Madam Manager and Staff, After much discussion, thought and prayer with my family and friends, I have made the bitter sweet decision to announce my Retirement from the Franklin Police Department effective December 1st, 2022.

My career in law enforcement and public service began with the Franklin Police Department almost 3 decades ago, and when I tell you it was my honor and privilege, I mean that whole heartedly. I have worked very hard to earn the opportunities given, some of which I never imagined for myself, but God carved a way for me to experience those possibilities.

I want to THANK all of my family, but most especially my Wife Patti and my young adult children Tyler and Taylor for your support and sacrifices that you have endured during my career. I know there have been times that work interfered with family time, but I

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Obsolete Haywood body armor headed for Ukraine

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS E DITOR ight sets of unusable level 3A ballistic armor are now on their way from Haywood County to Ukraine thanks to a serendipitous partnership involving law enforcement, nonprofits and elected officials from the federal to the local level.

“I personally, along with the office and I think I speak on behalf of the sheriff as well, am very honored to be able to participate in this,” said Jeff Haynes, chief deputy with the Haywood County Sheriff ’s Office. “It’s a very small but very important piece that could potentially save someone’s life and further the causes against the transgressions that are being pushed upon the Ukrainian people right now.”

Every one of Haywood County’s 80 or so full-time sworn deputies wears body armor on a regular basis; however, the donated vests — heavier and bulkier than the rest — are only used for the county’s special operations group.

Armor is rated by the National Institute of Justice, based on a scale from 1 to 5. Level 1 armor no longer meets the NIJ’s standards, so it isn’t preferred for law enforcement use, but levels 2 though 5 can be.

The “a” designation means the armor is more effective than the lower level armor but doesn’t meet the protection standards of the higher level, so the 3A armor donated by Haywood County could effectively be called “2.5” — better than 2, but not quite 3.

Nonetheless, it can protect against calibers as large as .357 and .44. Vests offering both front and back armor cost upwards of $2,500, but they don’t last forever.

“The shelf life, they have just increased it to 10 years as of a couple of years ago. Prior to that, it was five years. I’ll be quite honest with you. I would have no problem whatsoever wearing it,” Haynes said. “Many, many years ago I was wearing Vietnam-era flak jackets, and I felt very secure with those as well. I think the actual life versus the manufacturer’s recommendation, probably there’s probably a huge gap there.”

Haywood County uses the expired armor for training purposes, mostly to get deputies accustomed to carrying out their duties while wearing it. If the time comes when it’s needed, Haynes said, then deputies are already familiar with how it feels, and how it affects performance.

Similar to other surplus county property disposal proceed8 ings, Haywood commissioners approved the donation to

Smoky Mountain News

August 3-9, 2022

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Samaritan’s Purse during a meeting on July 18.

“These were rotated out of the normal operational rotation just very recently,” Haynes said. “They have already been replaced because we, via our budget, replace so many a year as they fall through their expiration dates.”

The county’s staggered replacement program ensures a steady flow of new equipment, so the armor donation won’t leave Haywood’s deputies unprotected, like aid workers in Ukraine are.

“Since the end of February, Samaritan’s Purse has been working on the ground in Ukraine. Our brave church partners are delivering food and other life-saving supplies to areas that are currently under siege. They are risking their lives to help people,” said Kaitlyn Lahm, assistant director of marketing and media relations for Samaritan’s Purse. “Body armor can help keep them safe as they deliver basic necessities to innocent civilians in great need.”

On Feb. 24, Russia invaded Ukraine, initially making substantial gains until “refocusing” their efforts to the eastern part of the country after encountering staunch resistance from Ukrainian fighters and substantial opposition from western countries, including the United States.

Since then, tens of thousands of Russians have died or been wounded as western aid has flowed into Ukraine in the form of weapons and supplies.

The United Nations estimates that around 5,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed as of June 27. Estimates of Ukrainian military deaths from several different sources are all unreliable, but range from a conservative 5,000 to a more realistic 35,000.

Ukraine has reclaimed many areas formerly under Russian control, but as fighting continues in the east, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding in other parts of the country.

Samaritan’s Purse has already distributed more than 14,000 metric tons of food, 5.4 million liters of clean drinking water and tens of thousands of blankets, hygiene kits, solar lights and tarps in the Ukrainian theater.

“Together, Sen. Thom Tillis’ office and Samaritan’s Purse saw an opportunity to send body armor that could no longer be used in North Carolina to brave Ukrainians helping their neighbors in need,” Lahm said. “The senator’s office contacted North Carolina police departments and sheriffs’ offices to inform them of this opportunity.”

Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page was an early propo-

nent of the plan. Recently, the North Carolina Sheriff ’s Association put out a call for donations. That call has been answered by a number of North Carolina counties, including Martin and Mecklenburg. Departments from other states have joined in the effort as well.

“There is no easy way to dispose of used body armor that’s out of date, and there is certainly a big need for protective equipment in Ukraine,” said Eddie Caldwell, CEO of the North Carolina Sheriffs Association. “We’re very fortunate that Samaritan’s Purse has the wherewithal and the resources to manage this project.”

Caldwell has been a sworn law enforcement officer since 1977 and has worked for the NCSA since 1996 as a contract lobbyist and lawyer until becoming executive vice president and general counsel in 2004.

“You know, you can’t just fly out and go to Ukraine and just start dropping stuff off. Ultimately, we found out that Samaritan’s Purse was already flying supplies into Ukraine and complying with all the federal regulations and so it was a natural partnership,” Caldwell said. “The Association agreed to support that effort. We sent out the notice to every sheriff in the state, every police chief, and all of the state agency heads, law enforcement agency heads, letting them know that this opportunity was available.”

Representatives from Samaritan’s Purse said that the Haywood donation was picked up on July 28, just 10 days after commission approval. Once Samaritan’s Purse receives the proper export license, the donations will be airlifted to the area on a DC-8 and hit the ground about five weeks after that.

“Samaritan’s Purse will work with local church partners to identify the individuals most in need of the body armor in Ukraine,” Lahm said. “This body armor will be delivered to courageous Ukrainians who are risking their own lives to serve their neighbors by transporting basic necessities to innocent civilians.”

The armor, Lahm said, would end up on the frontlines protecting aid workers — right where it can do the most good.

“Nobody’s looking for accolades at all. It’s just an opportunity to help,” Haynes said. “Obviously, we’re never going to see the results of it and see where it goes to, but that’s not why we’re doing it. It’s just to know that we’re doing the right thing. We would hope others would step up and help us if in need, and we feel very confident that that would probably happen.”

County Democrats coming out strongly in favor of Clayton and Jackson County Republicans backing Buchanan.

Clayton was the only incumbent in a field of 10 candidates across the county this election cycle. She was first elected to a four-year term on the school board in 2018. She is also Vice President and City Executive for the State Employees’ Credit Union in Cullowhee.

Clayton has Abigail Clayton been the local program coordinator for Special Olympics North Carolina Jackson County since 2007.

Joining Clayton on the board are Lynn Dillard and Kim Moore, both newcomers who won seats to represent districts five and four, respectively, during May elections. Elizabeth Cooper and Wes Jamison serve on the board as well and will be up for reelection in 2024.

Haywood, Macon and Swain counties will hold school board elections this November. The filing period for candidates ended July 15. Among these counties, Swain is the only county that holds a partisan race for board of education.

Franklin welcomes frozen custard spot at new food truck park

Franklin Business Community.

This unique business offers food trucks the opportunity to park in one of three drive thru sites year-round, which include electricity and water hook ups.

For more information, please contact owner Edward Jug at 828.200.1996 or email rentetcllc@gmail.com. Visit online at franklinfoodtruckpark.com.

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at Macon County Library

BENEFITTING ART PROGRAMS IN MACON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

AUGUST 11, 12 & 13

UPTOWN GALLERY’S

ARTFEST

Fundraising Concert by Blue Jazz Aug. 13 Details & Concert Tickets at Uptown Gallery, 30 Main St. • Franklin, NC • 828.349.4607 ArtFest is supported by the Arts Council of Macon County’s ARTReach Program and the Macon County Tourist Development Committee.

Smoky Mountain News

The Franklin Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Brain Freeze Fun Frozen Custard.

Family owned and operated, Brain Freeze Fun Soft Serve Frozen Custard is open year-round, six days a week.

According to a chamber of commerce press release, frozen custard is the “RollsRoyce of ice cream.” The new spot will serve vanilla, chocolate and swirl every day with a special flavor offered every few days and lots of toppings.

Watch on their Facebook page for upcoming flavors.

Brain Freeze Fun Frozen Custard is part of the new Family owned and operated, Brain Freeze Fun Soft Serve Franklin Food Truck Park locatFrozen Custard is open year-round, six days a week. ed at 320 Siler Road toward the

ART Events

August 3-9, 2022

BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER bigail Clayton won the runoff for Jackson County School Boards of Education and will remain in her seat representing district two for the next four years.

“Thank you to everyone who voted and has shown their support,” said Clayton following her win. “I look forward to continuing to serve our children, teachers and community.”

Though the results are not yet certified, with all precincts reporting after the election on July 26 Clayton won 59.69% of the vote (2,146 votes) to Lisa Buchanan’s 40.31% (1,449 votes).

During North Carolina’s primary elections in May, when school board elections take place in Jackson County, Abigail Clayton, Courtney Umphlett and Lisa Buchanan all ran to represent district two on the Jackson County school board.

District two includes Sylva’s North Ward and Scotts Creek. Lisa Buchanan came in first with 43% of the vote (2,865 votes) and Abigail Clayton came in second with 37% of the vote (2,463 votes).

For school board elections in Jackson County, unless the winning candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the second-place finisher can file for a runoff.

Clayton filed for a runoff Friday, May 27, after the Jackson County Board of Elections canvass.

Though school board elections are nonpartisan in Jackson County, the runoff quickly became politicized with Jackson

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Clayton holds seat on Jackson School Board

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Plans laid for new Franklin High School

BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER he first class to graduate from the current Franklin High School did so in 1952. Back then, there were fewer buildings and less developed grounds, but 70 years later, much of the high school remains largely the same. Now, Macon County is coming together to build a new high school and create a legacy they can be proud of.

“It’s time to have this discussion,” said County Commission Chairman Jim Tate.

“It’s time for Macon County to give our kids what they deserve, an exceptional education facility.”

More than 150 people attended a joint meeting of the Macon County Board of Commissioners and the Macon County Board of Education on Tuesday, July 26, to listen to plans for the new facility and pro-

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to take in what they said,” said Paul Boney, senior vice president and K-12 practice leader at LS3P. “If we can come together and support each other in building something that future generations can benefit from, and if we can leave that legacy for future generations to come, then we can all take pride in what we’ve done for those students to come,” said Callie Rover, a rising senior at FHS who is on the project committee created by LS3P. he makeup of the Franklin High School campus presented several problems for renovation. The campus has seven main buildings. Even with full renovations, a campus made up of this many separate parts, each with their own entrances and exits, is inherently less safe for students and staff in the case of an intruder.

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pounded by the differing levels on which the buildings are situated. Additionally, several buildings have different plumbing, electrical and even emergency alarm systems that would need to be consolidated.

“We’ve got seven different first floors throughout this campus. We’ve got all these roofs and all these exterior walls; it isn’t good for energy efficiency,” said Jamie Henderson, an architect with LS3P. According to designs presented by LS3P, a full renovation of Franklin High School’s campus would fall short by 89,000 square feet for the target space needed for a 1,200student school.

“In addition to fixing and renovating buildings, we would also need to add square footage in order to do two things; one, to align ourselves with the program that we want for the high school, but also to com-

is now a practice field.

Plans still have to be finalized, but the new school will likely have one wing with common spaces — auditorium, gymnasiums, cafeteria and administration offices — and a second wing that would house all academic classrooms. Between these two wings is space for an outdoor courtyard.

“It’s important to create a secure campus, but also provide the things that these students are used to, of which outdoor space is one of them. We’ve tried to incorporate that into the design itself,” said Henderson.

The plans also calls for raising the elevation of the football stadium by about five feet to combat drainage issues that have been plaguing the school for some time.

This will allow for level access between the first floor of the school and the top floor of the football stadium.

“We’re completely resolving these ADA issues across the entirety of the site and within creating a unified campus,” said Henderson. ne of the reasons LS3P recommended constructing a new school instead of renovating current buildings is the ability to complete the project in three phases that allow for uninterrupted access to academic buildings during the normal school year.

The first phase would involve raising and constructing the new football stadium, during the second phase builders would construct the new school where the practice field currently sits, and during the third phase they will demolish the old school buildings and install the new parking lot and multi-purpose field. This third phase would ideally happen during the summer, allowing a seamless transition between students learning in the old school one year, and in the new school the next. LS3P laid out a timeline in which all three phases could be completed by fall 2026.

The total cost for the new school is estimated at $118,420,233. The total cost estimate for renovating the current campus is $111,059,378. Both projects include the cost of the new sports stadium which is estimated at $14,175,455.

“We have completed our planning study and based on the facts and based on the planning report and the information we have received, it is our recommendation to the school board and the county commission that we build a new high school facility and stadium for Franklin,” said Paul Boney, senior vice president and K-12 practice leader at LS3P. Nine members of the public spoke during the meeting with seven strongly in favor of the project.

“When we talk about, if you build it they will come, I am one of those who truly believes that will happen,” said Molly Phillips. “What I mean is that we are going to attract quality teachers. They are going to see that this community invests in its education and in our children.”

August 3-9, 2022

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Smoky Mountain News

vide feedback.

Ultimately, the boards decided to proceed with building a new school in the same location instead of renovating Franklin High School’s existing buildings. This was the recommendation of architects from LS3P, the firm responsible for creating preliminary plans for both options. The two boards had jointly entered into a $605,000 contract in December 2021 with LS3P for a comprehensive facility plan, said County Manager Derek Roland.

The plan lays out the capital investment needed to bring all existing structures on the Franklin High School campus up to a 50year standard and compares these costs and benefits to the construction of a new school.

In order to receive community input throughout this process, LS3P created a project committee made up of members of the community.

“We were able to listen, and we were able 10

“I attended school here, went through it and was very grateful for the education I got. But as time has progressed, we’re also talking about facilities that are outdated and it’s time to have some due consideration for what is best, not for us, but for the children coming through.”

— Jim Breedlove

“We counted over a hundred exterior doors between buildings that students pass through each day, which require some level of security between classes so that we don’t have unauthorized visitors throughout our campus,” said Emily Kite, senior project manager at LS3P. The number of buildings also creates ADA accessibility issues that are is com-

pare it against a new building that would also contain that kind of square footage with those kinds of programs,” said Kite.

The alternative to renovating the existing campus, and LS3P’s official recommendation, was to build a new high school in the same location. This will involve consolidating the school into one main building to the east of the current school buildings, on what

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Ingles Nutrition Notes written by Ingles Dietitian Leah McGrath WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SUPPLEMENTS? Taking vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements sounds pretty harmless, right? We often see supplements on supermarket, superstore and pharmacy shelves that have labels implying that they can help with various medical conditions and are natural.

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Supplements are not regulated or tested in the same way that prescription medications are controlled and it is possible to purchase supplements that don’t even contain what the labels say is in the product.

www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/fda-101-dietary-supplements

find us at: facebook.com/smnews

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To learn more about specific supplements, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) now has a site that explains different sorts of supplements, how they are regulated, how to report adverse reactions and more.

Giles’ new Hazelwood facility nears completion The Giles division of Premier Magnesia announced that it is now almost done with construction on its new expansion in the Hazelwood area. The expansion in Haywood County was announced back in early 2021. The equipment installation phase is well underway and the target date to bring the facility into operation is Oct. 1.

“We are currently hiring for multiple positions with starting pay ranging from $19.50 to $27.00 per hour as well as various Salaried opportunities,” a press release sent out by the company reads.

August 3-9, 2022

project. With the quarter-cent sales tax, and no other additional revenue, the county could fund roughly $40.5 million.

To make up the difference in cost, the county will need to raise the property tax rate. With each penny on the tax rate generating about $1 million, the quarter-cent sales tax could offset 2 cents on the tax rate.

If commissioners decide to raise the rate early, around 2024 to begin paying off the project, it is estimated they would need to increase taxes by $0.059. If commissioners decide to wait and raise the money later, property taxes would need to increase by $0.084. These estimates are assuming the quarter-cent sales tax passes. If it does not, any tax jump would increase by about two cents. An upcoming countywide property revaluation could also affect these numbers.

Several commissioners and board of education members pleaded with the crowd that night to vote for the quarter-cent sales tax when it appears on the ballot in November.

“We can start getting a quarter of a cent off everybody that passes through our county and buys a coke or a tank of gas or whatever it might be, so I hope everybody here will support that for our kids,” said Tate.

Another funding source available for the new high school project is the Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund, which was created to assist counties with critical school building needs and comes from the NC Education Lottery. Grant funds are available to eligible counties for construction of new school buildings and additions, repairs and renovations of existing school facilities.

Macon County Schools applied for a grant for Franklin High School this year and did not receive funding but will apply again next fiscal year. The maximum award for a high school project is $50 million, which could significantly affect the cost to local taxpayers for the project.

Both boards voted unanimously in favor of accepting the recommendation of the architectural firm to build a new high school at the site of the current Franklin High School and to continue in the existing contract with LS3P. Moving forward the county will have to negotiate a contract with LS3P for the next steps in the design process.

Those attending the meeting showed strong support for the project.

“I attended school here, went through it and was very grateful for the education I got,” School Board Chairman Jim Breedlove. “But as time has progressed, we’re also talking about facilities that are outdated and it’s time to have some due consideration for what is best, not for us, but for the children coming through.”

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onversations about the need for a new high school started more than 10 years ago, but back then the county couldn’t afford it. Now, Macon County is in a financially sound space that may allow them to construct the new school.

“Macon County sits in the best financial position that Macon County ever has,” said Tate. “I’m excited about that. There’s a lot of hard work and I’m ready to see it move forward. That’s why I’m excited about this.”

According to Mitch Brigulio of Davenport and Company, the county’s financial advisor, Macon County has a strong credit profile in part due to its healthy fund balance, which bodes well for its ability to obtain the best interest rates available if borrowing money for capital projects.

From 2016 through 2021 the county has maintained a structurally balanced budget.

“By that we mean the county’s operating revenues coming in have been equal to or exceeded the operating expenses going out,” said Brigulio. “The county has maintained a structurally balanced budget every year, has not necessarily overextended itself from year to year.”

The county has an informal policy to maintain a minimum of at least 25% unassigned fund balance. Over the past several years that percentage has been closer to 40 and 50%; however, in 2021 it reached over 60%.

As of June 30, the county has $25 million in outstanding debt obligations. Most of this is associated with the most recent middle school financing. All existing county debt is scheduled to be paid off in 20 years.

Brigulio estimates that the county would need to take on an additional $160 million in debt to finance the high school and other capital projects in Macon County.

“You’re starting from a position of strength when looking to fund these capital projects and that provides opportunities going forward,” said Brigulio. “We would say the county has debt capacity. It’s reasonable for the county to be looking at debt financing as a potential tool to fund its capital improvement going forward with the level of projects the county is considering.”

This fall, Macon County will have the chance to vote on a quarter-cent sales tax.

This would raise its sales tax from 6.75 to 7 cents per dollar, with all additional revenue from the increase going back to Macon County. It’s estimated this would generate just over $2 million in additional annual revenue that would go towards funding the capital projects plan.

Without the quarter-cent sales tax or any other additional revenue, the county could fund about $15 million of the school

Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN Ingles Market Corporate Dietitian

@InglesDietitian Leah McGrath - Dietitian Ingles Markets… caring about your health

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news Climate activist Jodie Lasseter rallies the crowd in song prior to the N.C. Utilities Commission hearing.

Holly Kays photo

Energetic debate

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER s a harsh late afternoon sun beat down on Asheville’s city sidewalks Wednesday, July 27, a crowd of about 100 people gathered outside the Buncombe County Courthouse bearing signs with slogans like “Gas is so last century,” “Declare a climate emergency,” and “Solar is sexier.”

Two of them held aloft artistic representations of a bee and polar bear, orange paper flames encircling a nearby flagpole.

“The ruling class is terrified you will realize — we will realize — that we can collectively come together and choose a different path, one that doesn’t depend on exploiting the planet and causes suffering within our community,” Adam Hall, co-coordinator of the Sunrise Movement Asheville, said through a microphone to the protestors gathered around him.

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The group had gathered in anticipation of the N.C. Utilities Commission’s public hearing on a proposal from Duke Energy outlining how the company hopes to satisfy a state law mandating carbon-neutral energy production by 2050. Duke released its preferred plan in May, and the law, House Bill 951, requires the Utilities Commission to file a final document by the end of the year.

To say that the group gathered outside the courthouse was displeased by Duke’s proposal would be an understatement.

“We are not surprised that Duke Energy’s proposed carbon plan is abysmal, because it is the logical outcome of a profoundly undemocratic process,” said Jodie Lasseter, cofounder of the N.C. Climate Justice Collective and the Energy Democracy Leadership Institute, who took the mic after Hall. “Like the children’s story about how power holders often demand we choose their false narrative over reality, Duke Energy is the emperor parading around naked, and this carbon plan is its imaginary fine clothing we’re told to admire.”

Gov. Roy Cooper’s signature on bipartisan H.B. 951 in October tasked state regulators with developing a plan to cut carbon emissions from energy plants to 70% of 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. While the Utilities Commission is responsible for crafting the plan, it gave Duke Energy the job of creating a first pass proposal and ordered it to hold at least three stakeholder meetings before doing so. More than 500 people representing 300 organizations participated in these meetings.

The result is a 136-page document — not including appendices — that outlines what Duke terms an “all of the above strategy” to achieving carbon neutrality. Duke’s proposed plan offers four different energy portfolios capable of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, but it’s not asking the Utilities Commission to pick one of the four. Rather, it wants the Commission to let it initially pursue all four. House Bill 951 requires that the carbon plan be reviewed every two years — at these check-ins, Duke would make incremental decisions as to which portfolios rise to the top or fall to the bottom.

“Right now, this is all about keeping flexibility open for that new technology to devel-

Smoky Mountain News

August 3-9, 2022

Duke’s carbon plan proposal elicits criticism

THE PROPOSED PLAN

A graphic from Duke Energy outlines each of the four proposed energy portfolios in the carbon plan.

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Duke Energy graphic

op,” said Bill Norton, communications officer for Duke. “What are the things that we need to do today to keep them viable in the future if it turns out that yes, they are the best path forward?”

All four plans call for retiring all coalfired power plants by 2035 — 6.2 gigawatts — and adding 1.2 GW of onshore wind and 7.6-11.9 GW of new solar. All except the third option would incorporate new offshore wind facilities — amounts vary between 0.8 and 1.6 GW by 2035. The plan also calls for significant increases in battery storage.

Ratepayers are expected to see their bills go up 1.9%-2.7% annually through 2035.

Duke also wants to produce 0.6 GW of additional nuclear power using small modular reactors, a new technology that allows small nuclear reactors to be built offsite and installed on a much smaller footprint than a traditional nuclear facility requires.

Perhaps most controversially, three of the four plans call for 3.5 GW of new natural gas facilities by 2035, with the fourth option planning for a slightly smaller amount, at 3.2 GW. Duke anticipates that these facilities will be burn carbon-free hydrogen in the future and expects to begin hydrogen blending in 2035, but hydrogen power generation is not yet an established industry. Unlike natural gas, hydrogen isn’t gathered in large deposits beneath the earth’s surface, waiting for extraction. Rather, it must be produced commercially from existing compounds that contain the atoms, and that’s still an emerging technology.

CRITICISM FROM THE PUBLIC In a press release published following the proposal’s release in May, Duke Energy’s North Carolina President Stephen De May said the plan would facilitate an “orderly energy transition that supports communities and maintains affordable rates,” while ensuring “continued reliable service and economic competitiveness.”

However, at both the rally and the threehour public hearing that followed, speakers, most of whom hailed from Buncombe County, railed against Duke as an “evil” company, calling the carbon plan a “misguided” “failure” for future generations, an example of “fuzzy math.”

“We can’t go on like this,” said Fairview resident Steven Norris. “The question before us tonight and before the North Carolina Utilities Commission is can the Utilities Commission find sufficient backbone, courage and caring for us, love for us, the people and the planet, so that we reject Duke’s dirty energy plan and write as required by H.B. 951 a genuinely clean energy plan which unambiguously orders a rapid transition to wind, solar and battery storage?”

None of the speakers claiming their three minutes of time at the hearing endorsed Duke’s proposal. Overwhelmingly, they opposed any new energy sources other than wind and solar and pleaded with the Utilities Commission to create their own carbon plan rather than rubberstamping Duke’s.

“Our governing agencies set

Be heard

H.B. 951 deals only with carbon and does not limit outputs of other greenhouse gasses like methane. However, said Norton, “greenhouse gas emissions are something

THE PATH FORWARD Over the coming months, the Utilities Commission will review public input and alternative plans submitted by a list of

Smoky Mountain News

DEBATING NEW TECHNOLOGIES

August 3-9, 2022

the rules and regulations that the power industry must live by,” said Maggie Valley resident Ruffin Shackleford. “Although often these regulations are difficult to operate within, it is critically important that governing agencies look beyond profits and difficulties. It is critically important that these agencies are looking out for the health, safety and welfare of both the people served by the utilities and the environment we all share.”

Many speakers criticized the structure of the plan itself, saying that the four-portfolio approach amounted to a “buffet of options” that doesn’t provide the certainty needed to adequately address greenhouse gas emissions.

“Our climate emergency is much too serious for a hodgepodge of ill-conceived portfolios,” said Asheville resident Rachael Bliss.

Perhaps the most-criticized aspect of the plan was its reliance on new natural gas facilities as coal plants go offline. When burned, natural gas produces about half the carbon dioxide per ton as coal, but much higher amounts of methane. Methane is much more effective at trapping heat than carbon, though carbon stays in the atmosphere for much longer — hundreds of years compared to an average of nine years for methane.

“When I hear Duke Energy is proposing a carbon plan using natural gas, using methane, a gas that will heat the environment 80 times more than carbon — it makes me sick to my stomach,” said Melanie Chopko, an Asheville resident who left California in 2019 after a wildfire season so intense that venturing outdoors made her throat burn with each breath. “This isn’t 1922. This is 2022. We have all the technology, all the creativity, all the courage we need to make a different choice.”

There’s plenty of power in the sun and wind to supply all our energy needs, Jernigan said — the bottleneck is the transmission lines that get power from where it’s produced to where it’s needed, and that’s an issue Duke’s plan should tackle more aggressively.

But Duke Asheville resident Shannon Bodeau speaks maintains against the carbon plan in testimony to that it will the Utilities Commission. Holly Kays photo take more than solar and wind to keep North Carolina’s lights on, especially in light of the battery storage issue built into those technologies — there’s typically a mismatch between peak between Duke’s perspective and the green generation of solar and wind and peak conenergy advocates who told the Commission sumer demand. time and time again that, to them, the only “We believe a diverse, all-of-the-above acceptable new energy facilities are wind mix of generation resources is really the and solar. best way to balance affordability and relia“Experts might not agree on the nuances bility for our customers,” said Norton. of one plan versus another, but there’s a “That energy diversity is what keeps the clean way to carbon neutrality in North lights on when the sun is not shining and Carolina ramping up investments in solar the wind is not blowing.” and wind energy,” Jernigan said. intervening parties that runs the gamut from Walmart to Appalachian Voices. Then it will attempt to craft a plan that marks the best path forward for decarbonization in North Carolina.

If the July 27 hearing was any indication, there is a fundamental disconnect

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Two additional public hearings on Duke Energy’s proposed carbon plan will be held virtually via Webex Tuesday, Aug. 23, one at 1:30 p.m. and one at 6:30 p.m.

Members of the public can register to testify at these hearings through 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 16, by emailing ncucpublichearign@ncuc.net or calling 919.733.0837 with their name, telephone number, topic of testimony and the docket number E-100 Sub 179. Only the first 20 people registered for each session will be allowed to testify, but anyone can observe via livestream.

For more information about the carbon plan approval process and public hearing access, visit ncuc.net/Consumer/carbonplan.html. Duke’s proposed plan is available at duke-energy.com/our-company/aboutus/carolinas-carbon-plan.

we are focused on as a company.”

“Duke Energy is committed to achieving net zero methane emissions from our natural gas business by 2030, and having net zero upstream and downstream methane emissions, which is the pipes leading to our facilities, by 2050,” he said.

Duke plans to achieve this by converting its natural gas plants to run on hydrogen fuel. While green energy advocates see hydrogen power as a potentially major player in future energy generation, it’s still a new technology. The recently completed Long Ridge Energy Project in Pennsylvania will be the first purpose-built hydrogenburning power plant in the U.S. once it begins blending hydrogen into its fuel mix, but for now it runs on natural gas.

Gray Jernigan, who is the central regional director for the environmental nonprofit MountainTrue, said the technology is still too new to count on.

“It’s a commercially unproven technology, and we can’t have a plan that relies on technology that hasn’t been proven on the electric market,” he said.

Jernigan has the same criticism of Duke’s plan to use small modular nuclear reactors as part of its energy portfolio. The U.S. Department of Energy sees these reactors as a “key part” of its goal to develop “safe, clean, and affordable nuclear power options.” Reactors under development in the U.S. vary in size from tens to hundreds of megawatts. Compared to traditional nuclear plants, they offer small physical footprints, reduced capital investment, less stringent siting requirements, and opportunities for incremental power additions.

However, like hydrogen power plants, small modular reactors are not yet mainstream.

“Beyond commercially unproven technology, we don’t need to go down the road of creating more nuclear waste, which has its own issues in terms of disposal, handling, large public safety concerns,” Jernigan said. “The energy that’s already being generated by nuclear plants online can continue, but then again they have a finite lifespan. We would like to see the plan push us toward proven green technologies.”

Norton, meanwhile, pointed to Duke’s “very strong” track record of producing “safe, reliable and carbon-free” power at its existing nuclear fleet, the largest in the nation, and said that he is “very confident” that small modular reactors will play an important role in decarbonization. Duke’s North Carolina customers currently get about half their power from nuclear energy.

“One of the things we are prioritizing is siting facilities at our retiring coal plants,” Norton said. “Because those communities are dependent upon the tax base of those coal facilities and they want the new replacement generation, the odds are already in place in terms of folks who are working within the energy industry, and the transmission is already in place.”

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August 3-9, 2022

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Waynesville to ask county to chip in on recreation costs

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BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS E DITOR iting precedent and historical trends, the town of Waynesville will request that Haywood County government resume its annual financial contribution to the town’s recreation budget.

“They used to do it, and given that, we bolster recreation for the entire county, we feel like the county should consider helping us out again,” said Luke Kinsland, interim director of the Waynesville Recreation and Parks Department. “Everybody in Haywood County uses the center and the park, and we’re contributing to the greenway, connecting the pieces of it.”

Kinsland started at the rec center as a lifeguard in 2008 and worked his way up to his current position, becoming interim director two months ago upon the departure of longtime director Rhett Langston.

Prior to 2010, the county had made an annual financial contribution in the amount of $70,000 toward Waynesville’s recreation department expenses but then stopped as the Great Recession set in, impacting municipal government revenues across the board.

Waynesville taxpayers foot the bill for upkeep of the town’s parks, as well the recreation center on Howell Mill Road.

In 2019, Waynesville’s rec center had an operating budget of just under $819,000.

Revenue in the form of membership fees generated $368,000, leaving more than

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Anthony Sutton says the math doesn’t add $450,000 to be funded by the town. up to a valid or equitable solution.

But not everyone who uses the rec center “Even if you raise it $5 for the individuals is a Waynesville taxpayer; data from fiscal who live in the county, it doesn’t make up year 2019 shows that 40.6% of users were Waynesville residents, while 59.4% were not. the gap at all. I don’t think it’s fair to have Information provided by the recreation department to aldermen on July 26 says the usage rates are part of a consistent pattern established over 10 years or more.

Yearly individual memberships run $409, but nonresidents aren’t charged any more than residents, who not only pay membership fees Waynesville’s rec center but also pay taxes that offers a variety of programs support the recreation and activities. File photo department.

In essence, nonresthe disparity in one set of rates,” Sutton idents are getting a cheaper deal than the said. “It would actually create an accounting taxpayers who built and continue to pay for issue to implement.” the facility.

Most of the recreation center’s large capiKinsland said that some seasonal inhabital needs have been taken care of in previous tants of Haywood County, including those with residences in Florida or South Carolina, budget years, but that doesn’t mean the additional revenue won’t come in handy. also use the facility. Although the idea of “Our main priority is the recreation cencharging different rates for out-of-town custer building,” Kinsland said. “We could put tomers has been discussed, Alderman

the money back into our operating budget, whether it is for supplies for programming or for fitness equipment.”

On July 26, aldermen gave Kinsland the OK to begin drafting a statement meant to open up negotiations with the county, in hopes they’ll begin making contributions again.

“I hope that they ask for a specific amount of at least what they were paying in 2008, possibly more,” Sutton said. “The majority of the people who attend the recreation center are from the county and not from the town, so the town is helping supplement the health benefits of the rest of the county. I would expect them to step up and assist with the cost for the facility.”

Kevin Ensley, Chairman of the Haywood County Board of Commissioners, said he understood where the town was coming from with its request.

“In 2009, we cut everything, just trying to survive, and I guess we hadn’t put [the annual contribution] back,” Ensley said.

Ensley bemoaned the fact that the county just passed its annual budget a few weeks ago.

“If they had made the request in January or February, maybe we could have considered it,” he said.

Instead, Ensley said he’d have a conversation with some of the other commissioners.

The request could end up on a forthcoming county agenda, or not.

Waynesville appoints new planning board members

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS E DITOR After reviewing applications and conducting a thorough interview process, the Town of Waynesville’s Board of Aldermen have settled on four new members of the planning board.

“I am always amazed but never surprised by the level of interest of people in devoting their time and energy to making Waynesville a better place,” said Alderman Jon Feichter, a former planning board member. “The only thing that causes me some angst is that there were some really good people that got caught up in a numbers game.”

Back in June, the terms of three members of the planning board expired — Michael Blackburn, Don McGowan and Marty Prevost. Greg Wheeler resigned, leaving four vacancies.

The planning board has recently become a crucial player in town affairs, attempting to balance increasing development pressures with the desire of some residents who, despite an affordable housing crisis, don’t want anything to change.

The board has also struggled to maintain order at some meetings as emotions over development and other issues have spilled over into the section of meetings reserved for public comments.

Aldermen tag-teamed all nine applicants with formal interviews, an idea brought forth by Alderman Chuck Dickson.

“I feel extremely grateful for Chuck for coming up with the plans for interviewing individuals,” said Alderman Anthony Sutton, a former planning board member himself. “It was very helpful because sometimes looking at people's resumes on paper and actually just talking to them face-to-face you can get a sense of their commitment and their qualifications, and I'm very happy with the results.”

Feichter also credited the interview process with producing a

slate of new members with “a diversity of viewpoints.”

“First of all, I really think that the process that we undertook to interview the candidates, even though we couldn't each interview all of them, gave us a much better perspective of the individuals than we could maybe have gotten by reading their resumes,” he said.

Blackburn and McGowan reapplied for their seats, but only Blackburn was reappointed.

Blackburn said in his application that he has hired many people in town over the years and understands the town’s housing situation. He’s worked at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville since 2005 and is a 1990 graduate of Tuscola High School.

McGowan wasn’t reappointed despite helping to found the Smoky Mountain Housing Partnership as wel, as the Southwest North Carolina HOME Consortium and also serving as the director of the Canopy Foundation. McGowan also has decades of experience in banking and affordable housing financing solutions.

“He has other positions in the community, which I think he works with housing, and I think that will be able to afford more time to do better things for those organizations,” said Sutton. In addition to McGowan, applicants Ronnie Call, Matthew Johnson, Joshua Morgan, Travis Smith and Kara Sither were not selected, resulting in the appointments of John Baus, Jan Grossman and Peggy Hannah.

Baus is a former judge, prosecutor and civil trial attorney who said in his application that he wants “what is best for the residents and businesses of Waynesville.” He also said he had experience in real estate and commercial development, and is a current member of the zoning board.

Grossman’s application said that he wants to ensure that “Waynesville grows responsibly with the interest of residents in

mind.” Grossman lives on South Main Street, has been active in the hiking and bicycling communities, served on the Haywood Greenway Commission and has been a polymer scientist for four decades.

Grossman, however, refused to elaborate on his credentials when contacted by The Smoky Mountain News, saying he wanted to be sworn in first.

Hannah, who retired as a production worker from Haywood Vocational Opportunities, said she wants to “be part of my community and learn how to be part of the solution.” She served as the vice president of Mountaineer Little League and Softball for seven years.

“I think everyone can bring something to the table, and I think more people need to be involved in county and city government,” Hannah told The Smoky Mountain News on Aug. 1. “You can’t be complaining unless you’re willing to come to the table and learn.”

Sutton, along with Alderman Julia Freeman, interviewed Hannah. Sutton said she didn’t present any actual experience in land development, zoning or real estate matters.

“She did not mention anything about experience with that, but she has been very active in the community and has her fingers on the pulse of certain areas and certain demographics of the community,” Sutton said.

Sutton also acknowledged that Hannah, a frequent speaker during the town’s public comment sessions, has presented inaccurate information to aldermen.

“I know that she's very passionate about what she speaks of and sometimes information that she's gotten has not been incorrect, but she's very open to any corrections and is willing to make changes to her thought processes based on new information,” he said.

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Work should begin soon on Waynesville’s aging wastewater treatment plant. Haywood GIS photo JustDoOils.com

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Coronavirus Pandemic clogged up the process; however, in a stroke of good fortune, the town had acquired a 26-year, zerointerest $19.4 million loan for the project from a state fund.

This past January, the town subsequently encountered a stroke of bad fortune — the price tag for the project came in at a shocking $28.4 million.

In May, the state increased the amount of the $19 million interest-free loan by $5 million, but even as cost-saving alterations to the plant’s design were factored into the cost, prices continued to rise.

On July 18 the lowest bidder, Harper Construction of Greenville, South Carolina, proposed a final price of $29.6 million, leaving the town with an unfunded construction cost of $5.1 million.

During a July 26 Board of Aldermen meeting, Town Manager Rob Hites gave aldermen the choice of formally accepting the $29.6 million proposal or waiting around to see if prices might begin to fall.

“Given the increasing cost of concrete and steel, we believe that it is prudent to award the contract to Harper Construction and get the project under contract and construction rather than rebidding the project,” Hites wrote in the agenda summary.

Aldermen concurred.

“Unfortunately, prices have gone up, but it is a necessary thing to move forward with,” Sutton said. “I believe that we’re on the right track now. The $5 million I think that we will get, we will be able to close that gap either with grants or with taking funds from other sources to make up that difference.”

The town did not qualify for an American Rescue Plan infrastructure grant due to “not being sufficiently distressed,” according to Hites, but it could reapply in the fall.

Hites said he could foresee groundbreaking on the project as soon as November, and that the first payment on the project wouldn’t come due until December or January, giving the town time to draft an RFQ for lending institutions.

August 3-9, 2022

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS E DITOR ow entering its seventh year, the process of replacing Waynesville’s outdated wastewater treatment plant has become a frustrating saga that only grows more agonizing — and expensive — the longer it continues.

With that in mind, aldermen last Tuesday awarded the construction contract for the project, amid concerns that the price could continue to rise if they wait any longer.

“As everyone knows, prices tend to go up, and I’m not willing to gamble to see if they will actually come down. Prices for everything have continued to skyrocket including steel,” said Alderman Anthony Sutton. “I’m just excited that the project’s actually going to start moving forward and I’m looking forward to it being completed in about 18 months to 20 months.”

In late 2017, utility consulting firm UTEC told then-Mayor Gavin Brown and the Board of Aldermen that it would cost $5 or $6 million to extend the life of the failing facility by 5 to 10 years, or about $19 million for a completely new facility.

At the time, staff sitting in the plant’s office had to physically check each stage of the treatment process to ensure it was working, because the plant, built in 1965, has an archaic electrical and control system.

Some components of the plant are so old that they can no longer be replaced with new parts, so town staff resorted to ordering used parts off the internet. Safety concerns like failing walls and railings were also an accident waiting to happen.

Later in 2017, the town asked another engineering firm for a second opinion. That report, by McGill and Associates, largely backed up the costs and options outlined in the UTEC report.

Technically, the project was approved by the current board of aldermen, who were sworn in in December 2019, even though the previous board under Mayor Gavin Brown had a heavy hand in its planning.

The subsequent onset of the

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Smoky Mountain News

Crowds rally for forest protections Final meetings in forest planning process happening this week

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ore than 300 people gathered outside the U.S. Forest Service headquarters in Asheville Monday, Aug. 1, to urge stronger protections for the PisgahNantahala National Forest as the Forest Service finalizes the plan to guide forest management for the next two decades.

Through music, sidewalk chalk, and a “love banner” containing 34,000 hearts — one for each comment submitted through the forest planning process — those attending the Protect Pisgah Party + Rally for the Forest made their concern and affection for the forest known. The speaking program included I Heart Pisgah organizer Will Harlan, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer and Forest Supervisor James Melonas, among others.

“We’re here today with a very simple message,” Harlan said as he greeted the crowd. “We love Pisgah, and we want to see

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Rallygoers chant “Our forests, our future,” during an Aug. 1 event supporting stronger logging restrictions in the new PisgahNantahala Forest Management Plan. Holly Kays photo

more of it protected.”

Harlan and his organization, I Heart Pisgah, have been at the forefront of opposition to the plan the Forest Service released in January, following a decade of meetings and public comment. Eight environmental organizations, including the Southern Environmental Law Center, MountainTrue, Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife and The Wilderness Society, supported the rally.

While the groups’ formal objections to the plan were quite lengthy, with SELC’s coming in at 179 pages, the rally focused on two main issues — the large number of acres eligible for logging under the plan and its exclusion of 4,000 acres of the 16,000acre Craggy/Big Ivy area from protection as a Forest Scenic Area. The plan places 542,000 acres — more than half the forest — into management areas that allow logging. The plan would let only 1,200 to 3,200 acres be cut in any given year, but its opponents argue that ecologically valuable old growth stands are included among the acreage that could be cut.

“It is so critical, as we think of the next generation and how we create our story in the legacy of the Nantahala and Pisgah, and the only way to do that is working togeth-

er,” Melonas told the crowd. “And that means that sometimes as we work with all the different interests, we’re not always going to agree on everything. But we all love the forest. We all want to see it for our children and their children and into perpetuity. That is our job and it’s not always an easy one, but our job is to hear from you and everyone that loves this forest.”

The rally came the evening before a three-day series of meetings aimed at resolving the 891 eligible objections the Forest Service received in response to its plan. After a combined 24 hours of meetings this week between objectors and Forest Service staff, the Forest Service will review the results and make any changes to the plan they deem necessary to resolve the objections. Once Melonas signs off on the final document, the Forest Service will start operating under the new plan — marking the end of a process that’s been ongoing since 2012.

An objection meeting is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 3. The Aug. 4 meeting is scheduled to close at 3 p.m. To observe via Microsoft Teams, visit bit.ly/3oPISPo. Dial in at 1.202.650.0123 using conference ID 783 882 946#.

Maggie Valley Club & Resort welcomes new director of golf The Maggie Valley Club & Resort, a semi-private club and resort located in the mountains of Western North Carolina, is pleased to welcome Craig Sparks as director of golf. Sparks will oversee all golf operations and golf sales for the scenic resort property.

Sparks has 12-plus years of golf and hospitality industry experience, serving at private clubs in the Carolinas and in Florida throughout his career. He most recently served as the lead assistant golf professional at Champion Hills Club in Hendersonville. Prior to Champion Hills, Sparks was the lead assistant golf professional at the Country Club of Asheville in Asheville.

Sparks grew up and currently resides in Spruce Pine. He attended Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, where he played on the golf team. He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies with a concentration in earth science. Sparks has been a Class A member of the PGA of America since 2008.

“My goal has always been to find a position at a premier facility that would allow my family to stay in Western North Carolina,” said Sparks. “The relationships we have created as part of this community will be everlasting. I am thrilled to lead the golf operations at Maggie Valley Club & Resort.”

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Devastating floods tore through eastern parts of the county on Aug. 17, 2021. File photo

Haywood gets almost $400k for more flood mitigation

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Cruso, is called Hidden Valley. According to the grant application, a dike washed out at a weak point, and downstream houses could flood if water rises above the lowest point in the breach.

Another site, off Pisgah Drive near Mountain View Church of God, experienced a similar dike failure that washed rocks and sediment into a field. Sediment could affect ecological conditions in the river, and lingering debris could make future flooding far more dangerous than in 2021.

August 3-9, 2022

Due to excessive rainfall, the Pigeon River slipped its banks. File photo Photos of the third site, Sunburst Trout Farm located on Cruso Road near Howell Cove Road, show absolute devastation.

Figures included in the grant application estimate millions in damages, and the application also mentions that at least one of the six flood victims who lost their life was found in the vicinity.

The state grant is actually a reimbursement; NCEM will repay the county after it expends the funds, so long as the funds are used as outlined in the award letter.

“The state has stepped up big,” said Commissioner Tommy Long. “I’m very proud of the State of North Carolina for what they’ve done to help folks after the tropical storm.”

Smoky Mountain News

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS E DITOR s the one-year anniversary of deadly flooding from Tropical Storm Fred approaches, Haywood County officials are still busy chasing down funding that will prevent or reduce the impact of future storms.

Although the county was not selected for a recent USDA emergency watershed protection grant, Haywood’s Soil and Water Conservation District Director Duane Van Hook did have some good news for commissioners on Aug. 1 — nearly $400,000 for dike repair.

“When this opportunity for the state flood mitigation program came about, we applied for funding to address three sites, and luckily we were awarded this grant,” Van Hook said.

In the immediate aftermath of the Aug. 17, 2021, flood, Haywood’s soil and water district gathered damage reports to determine where improvements could be made through debris removal, flood mitigation projects or watershed repair in the Pigeon River watershed.

North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) released a funding opportunity on Feb. 21, 2022, noting the availability of $15 million in funding for between five and 30 no-match emergency management disaster relief and mitigation grants.

On June 8, Haywood County was notified of the $379,400 award.

According to the notice of award, the funding can be used for flood mitigation efforts that stabilize areas and reduce future damage or for pre-development assistance to provide small and underserved communities with technical assistance to identify and design shovel-ready projects related to disaster relief and flood mitigation.

The project has a total timeline of 36 months, with the first year spent on acquiring designs and permits, and the second and third years focusing on construction and landscaping. The scope of work includes erosion control and stream bank repair to prevent flooding in the future.

One site, off Riversedge Way near hard-hit

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Education

Smoky Mountain News

‘Call Me MISTER’ holds orientation at WCU An instrumental program for educating future K-12 teachers while more accurately reflecting real world demographics began its second year at Western Carolina University.

Call Me MISTER, an acronym for Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models, aims to increase the pool of available male teachers of color in the country’s classrooms.

The program originated at Clemson in 2000.

WCU is the only institution in North Carolina to offer the program.

Kyle Baldwin was an early participant at Claflin in 2001 and was keynote speaker for this year’s kickoff, held at the N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching in Cullowhee.

He now teaches fourth grade at Chattahoochee Middle School in Duluth, Georgia.

“The camaraderie that I got to build with the other MISTERS, the servant leader principles and other principles that were taught to us by those in leadership, were crucial,” said Baldwin.

From left to right, Call Some of the requirements to be a MISTER Me MISTER’s include pursuing a degree in elementary, Montgomery Moore, inclusive or middle grades education, or Anthony Freeman and music, art or health and physical education Andrue Smith, with with an elementary or middle grades focus; Kyle Baldwin. WCU photo attending all scheduled seminars and activities; and, upon graduation, teaching one year in an elementary or middle school for each year they received funds from the program.

“Call Me MISTER is the beginning of our efforts in the College of Education and Allied Professions to support and involve minority men of color who will serve and lead in the field of education,” said Charmion Rush, WCU’s program director.

WCU looks to add three to five participants from racially or ethnically diverse backgrounds each year. For more information on the Call Me MISTER program, contact Rush at cbrush@wcu.edu.

SCC’s Project SEARCH program has openings For most of his life, John Beaulieu hardly spoke.

Years ago, a neurologist diagnosed him as having a frontal lobe that didn’t develop all the way, and he struggled with human interaction. His mother, Cynthia Reed, spent countless hours, days, weeks and months searching the Internet for a program that could help.

Then came Project SEARCH. Beaulieu enrolled last fall, spent a year in studies and internships at Southwestern Community College’s Jackson Campus then graduated in May. He recently landed a job washing knives at Creekside Oyster House & Grill in Sylva.

No one noticed the change more clearly than his mom.

“It’s been a total personality transformation,” Reed said. “You couldn’t get him to say a word before, but now I can’t get him to shut up — and it’s wonderful! He’s very outgoing now, and he’s always looking for ways to help others.”

Launched in 2014, SCC’s Project SEARCH program allows men and women from ages 18-30 with disabilities to gain marketable employability skills through hands-on internships matched to their individual interests, strengths and abilities.

The program has a limited number of openings for this fall, and admission is free. Reed said it’s by far the most-effective option she ever found for

helping improve her son’s life.

In addition to becoming more comfortable in social situations, Beaulieu credited the program with helping him improve his time-management and organizational skills.

“What helped me the most at the start was just diving in head-first and getting it all situated in my head,” he said. “Project SEARCH has helped me in a lot of ways that I really don’t have words for.”

Devonne Jimison oversees the program at SCC and said last year’s interns looked up to Beaulieu.

“Leadership is one thing we saw in him that he seemed surprised about,” Jimison said. “If I needed to place someone at the last minute in the café, or if there were other jobs that came up at the last minute across campus, I knew I could count on him — even if I couldn’t be there with him. That kind of flexibility really makes for a good employee.”

For more information about Project SEARCH or to start the enrollment process for this fall, contact Jimison at devonnej@southwesterncc.edu or 828.339.4486.

Rural-urban student teacher exchange awarded grant A $5,000 grant will help boost an educator preparation exchange program between Western

Carolina University and North Carolina A&T State University.

Engagement Scholarship Consortium, a nonprofit education organization, announced the grant this July. The funding will support a review meant to strengthen the Transformative Rural Urban Exchange the two universities launched about 20 years ago.

TRUE allows eight to 10 education students from WCU, a rural and predominantly white university, to spend time at NC A&T, a historically Black university in urban Greensboro, and an equal number of students from NC A&T to spend time at WCU. During the visits, students participate in campus activities and spend time in local schools, interacting professionally with people from different ethnic, racial, language and socioeconomic backgrounds.

The TRUE program has been funded by the deans of the colleges of education at both UNC system universities since the early 2000s.

With the ESC grant, a multidisciplinary TRUE faculty team will interview program alumni who are now in-service teachers in North Carolina, as well as their school administrators, to learn more about their knowledge, implementation and support of culturally responsive teaching methods.

The goal is to identify the professional, personal and community assets that TRUE alumni leverage to support culturally responsive teaching methods and then plan and implement a guided, virtual professional learning community for alum-

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ni. The review will also help inform future iterations of TRUE to enhance educator preparation and produce graduates who are well-prepared to teach diverse children across the state.

TRUE plans to return to a fully in-person format in spring 2023 after two years of pandemic challenges with hybrid and virtual formats.

Allied Health Quick Training Programs Career Day Haywood Community College’s Career Services and Continuing Education Departments and Haywood County NCWorks Career Center will hold an Allied Health Quick Training Programs Career Day Aug. 10, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. The event will be held at Haywood County NCWorks Career Center, located at 1170 N. Main St., in Waynesville.

The purpose of Career Day is for students and the community to learn about and pre-register for HCC Allied Health quick training programs, including pharmacy technician, certified nursing assistant, medication aide and phlebotomy. Local employers will also be available to speak with participants about available career opportunities now and in the future.

The Nurse Aid Program is a short-term training program that prepares students to work as caregivers in a health care setting such as a nursing home or hospital. Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are caregivers who help patients of all ages perform the most basic day-to-day tasks. CNAs work under the supervision of a nurse, and since they have extensive daily contact with each patient, they play a key role in keeping the nurse up-to-date on vital information about the patient’s conditions.

Medication aides provide service to patients by providing them with guidance and support for their medication needs. Adult care facilities need these workers to help administer medications according to individual patient needs. This NC Board of Nursing-approved course meets the training requirements to become qualified as a medication aide.

Through Phlebotomy courses, students can become an integral part of the healthcare industry by learning valuable skills related to collecting and labeling specimens for testing. Establishing relationships with donors and patients and ensuring their safety, coupled with the ability to obtain and process samples, are a vital part of a healthcare facility. A phlebotomist plays an important role in healthcare by collecting blood specimens from patients for laboratory testing, which is used in diagnosing and treating disease.

A career as a pharmacy technician prepares students to assist the pharmacist in dispensing medications and advancing patient safety. The HCC Pharmacy Technician Training Program is fully online and prepares students with entry-level pharmacy knowledge in community, compounding, and hospital settings. The Program is a PTCB Recognized Education/Training Program.

For further questions or information, please call 828.627.4669 or email vldevore@haywood.edu.

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Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

Do opinions still belong in newspapers? got a personal letter on Monday from a reader who complimented my travelogue columns that were published in early July while I was traveling in Scotland, and it contained the paragraph above. The letter was much appreciated.

Sure, it stroked my ego a bit as it praised my writing. More importantly, though, it got me to pondering the place of opinion in newspapers and what it means for publishers in the current journalism ecosystem.

It’s always been a challenge — trying to make sure readers know what’s news and what’s opinion — but more so today than ever. People not familiar with newspapers often can’t tell the difference. We publish a letter to the editor or guest column from someone who holds views that lean to the political left, and online comments pile up saying it’s The Smoky Mountain News and its leftist political commentary. But it’s not, it’s a reader’s opinion, not ours.

Back in the day, most readers of newspaper easily distinguished the difference. If you read a paper every day or every week, you know its format, you know where the news is placed, where opinions reside, where to find the arts news and the outdoors or sports news.

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Another view on abortion To the Editor: I want to respond to a few points that Dr. Norman Hoffman made in his Opinion piece, “A modest proposal to eliminate abortions,” in the July 6 issue. I will brush aside his “modest proposal” of giving reversible vasectomies to post-pubertal boys, because it is anything but modest.

I am pro-life or anti-abortion, in Dr. Hoffman’s terms. That places me in the movement that, according to Dr. Hoffman, “… never was and is not all about the ‘sanctity’ of human life,” and has “never shown interest in life post-birth.”

He is right about me: I haven’t treated life as sacred as I should, nor have I cared enough about life post-birth (save my own life). I am a hypocrite. But there are better examples.

There are famous anti-abortionists, like Pope Francis, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and Eunice Kennedy Shriver (sister of JFK; founder of Special Olympics) who certainly care or cared about human life after birth. And then there are hospitals and orphanages and day care centers run by Catholics and other anti-abortion religionists, all of which exist for people who have been born.

Moreover, there are non-religious who are against abortion, like the late atheist Christopher Hitchens, and there are real organizations out there like Feminists for Life, and Democrats for Life, all of whom care

But online, those reliable guideposts that helped readers know what they are reading have disappeared. You see a story, see that it’s from some particular news outlet, and readers immediately jump to an opinion that the news source is — you guessed it — opinionated. And since it’s well documented that when we read online we tend to skim rather than dig deep, the problem is magnified, individuals start making incorrect comments, groups get angry, the country becomes more divided.

How to solve the problem?

Gannett, which owns 250 dailies and is the nation’s largest newspaper publisher — it owns the Asheville CitizenTimes — has recommended to its newspaper that they do away with opinion pages altogether or reduce how many days per week they publish Editor them. Basically, no more opinions, guest essays, or letters to the editor.

According to Gannett, polling revealed that readers do not want a daily diet of opinions and that, not surprisingly, those same readers have difficulty distinguishing between opinion and straight news — particularly online.

At least one of its North Carolina papers, The New Bern Sun Journal, has taken the company’s request to heart and stopped published opinions.

Those of us in this business watch Gannett closely. It’s the

Scott McLeod

“Not all opinion pieces have to be complaints or deal with issues. Sometimes it is enough to share old memories or new experiences with others. Sometimes, it is actually better as it brings us together rather than driving us apart.”

— SMN reader

LETTERS about the rights of people, whose motivations are not only “… based on politics and power related to women.”

What have we anti-abortionists caused? Dr. Hoffman implies that we are responsible for the U.S. having the highest maternal death rate and the third-highest infant mortality rate among developed countries. Let us recall that these horrible statistics

biggest of the big boys, the corporate behemoth that often sets trends or is a barometer of the industry. But we independents also know that much of what it does is related to costs rather than better journalism. When staffs are cut and don’t have time to do their jobs well, then opinions — like news — will be poorly written and won’t reflect the issues important to the community where the newspaper is located.

On the other hand, Gannett also encouraged its papers to use more local opinion and fewer nationally syndicated columnists. The higher-ups realized that those columns on national issues covered the same topics that the cable news networks and their ear-splitting, divisive talking heads were screaming about all day and night. So they encouraged their regional papers to put out less opinion on those topics.

I just don’t think fewer opinions is the answer. Maybe we need to re-learn how to argue, disagree and then forge compromises. It’s OK to disagree ideologically and politically. The problem is that we can’t treat those we disagree with as the enemy, as un-American, as stupid or unethical. So we’ll continue to publish columns, essays, and letters to the editor, and we’ll encourage those who think differently to contribute rebuttals and offer up solutions.

As the letter writer noted at the beginning of this piece, some opinions can bring us together instead of dividing, making us realize we have more in common than some would like us to believe. Amen to that.

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

accrued while Roe v. Wade was in place. I am not arguing correlation is causation, but correlation is something. Germany officially outlaws abortion, yet it has one of the lowest maternal death rates and infant mortality rates in the world.

It is true that some states, like Georgia, have passed fetal heartbeat laws, making abortion illegal after about six weeks, the time when a fetal heartbeat can be detected. Many women do not even know they are pregnant

at six weeks. But compare Georgia’s law to the law in Germany. Abortion is illegal in Germany — that is modern Germany. There was a certain German government in the 1940s that made it very legal for certain nonAryans.

Lastly, we talk of rights, yet do the unborn have none? I think they do, and so do most other people.

In sum, I wish that Dr. Hoffman had used restraint in his characterization of anti-abortionists. Those who oppose abortion are not all about power or about taking away rights, but they are against what seems to them a practice so horrific that is should not be permitted, or at least greatly restricted. And they are not responsible for high maternal death rates and high infant mortality, nor are they indifferent to life post-birth.

Steven S. Crider Waynesville

Will rich politicians make sacrifices?

To the Editor: We Americans are being told to sacrifice our way of life in the name of renewable energy and that our economy is in a period of “transition,” not a recession. Will the John Kerrys and Nancy Pelosis of the world do the same by “sacrificing” their private jets, their limousines, and their overall lifestyles as we are being told to do? Just wondering.

Pam McAloon Maggie Valley

Living in the moment, cleaning the mind

Susanna Shetley

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Throughout this summer, these have been my goals on a quest to reset my life and create an existence I’m proud of. This

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Smoky Mountain News

1. Start unfollowing 2. Be selectively social 3. Live in the moment 4. Eat healthily 5. Meditate alone 6. Take a trip

trip to Mexico touches on the final four tips. I’ve always found it hard to live in the moment instead perseverating on what’s already happened or what’s yet to be. I’m working hard to be more mindful of present moments and convince myself I have no control over the past or future, so there’s no point in wasting mental energy on such nonsense.

Eating healthy has become a lifeline for me. I see food not only as nourishment for the body but also for my heart and soul. I know that fried foods, sugar, too much dairy, alcohol and lack of water basically kill all the good stuff going on within the bodily system. These foods stimulate fatigue, inflammation, depression and anxiety. Who wants to feed those monsters? Not I. Here in Playa Del Carmen everything is beyond fresh. They have platters upon platters of papaya, pineapple, mango, kiwi and cantaloupe. They offer a plethora of salads and steamed vegetables at every meal. At breakfast, they serve oats, seeds, ancient grains and other delicious alternatives to empty foods such as bagels and American cereal. Even their coffee, milk and cheeses taste less processed. You can also sense the TLC behind all of the meals served. Early this morning as we walked down to the beach we could hear sous chefs and other kitchen staff already chopping and preparing food for the day, as opposed to pulling things out of freezers or coolers.

The final item on the list is “take a trip,” and here on the Yucatán Peninsula, far away from North Carolina, I’m feeling more aware than ever. Every time I leave the comfort zone of home and travel abroad, I not only learn about the world, I also learn about myself and the kind of person I want to be. I continue to see that we’re not all that distinct from one another, no matter our race, culture, religion or place of origin.

Travel expands my scope of thinking and deepens my compassion for other living beings and our ailing planet.

The sun still rises and the sun still sets no matter where on the globe we land.

People say “good morning” and “good night” no matter the language on the tongue. A wave and a smile are universal, no matter the color of the skin. I’m hopeful the human race will one day soon move into an age of enlightenment where we come to understand these things more fully, where we come to realize we are actually more similar than different.

(Susanna Shetley is a writer, editor and digital media specialist with The Smoky Mountain News, Smoky Mountain Living, and Mountain South Media. susanna.b@smokymountainnews.com.)

August 3-9, 2022

’m writing this column from Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo in Mexico. We just watched the sunrise over the Caribbean Sea, and now I’m sitting on our balcony listening to the euphony of tropical birds and relishing in a fleeting morning breeze that will soon turn to heavy humid heat.

When we decided to vacation at an allinclusive resort this summer, I told my boyfriend that I did not want to partake in a booze fest where we stand around in the pool all day, drinking watered down piña coladas from plastic cups. I’m a fan of staying at a resort Columnist when visiting Mexico because of the significant amount of money one can save; however, one can get trapped (metaphorically) in the safe confines of the resort and leave an amazing country not having discovered anything but the myriad of pools and cocktail drink flavors.

We like this company because it has incredible food and beautiful grounds.

They’ve been around longer than other companies so their buildings feel more authentic, in my opinion. Their staff is so kind, patient and helpful to us Americans and Europeans, although I have a feeling that’s the case at any Mexican resort because the people of this country seem to be big-hearted in general.

Before we got on the plane to fly south, I stated to the universe that I wanted to watch every sunrise, sit on a balcony and write, take long walks on the beach, paddle board or kayak, meditate to the background sound of the ocean, explore some ruins of the Riviera Maya, and treat my body to healthy, fresh foods and beverages. I want to leave feeling energized and revived, not drained and exhausted.

When the sunrise concluded and I sat down to begin this column, I was reminded of an article I read recently called “6 Ways to Clean Your Mind.” Below were the six tips.

@SmokyMtnNews 21

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A&E

Smoky Mountain News

Specializing in a “cosmopolitan country” type cuisine, The Sweet Onion in downtown Waynesville recently celebrated 15 years in operation.

Garret Woodward photos

Cosmopolitan country Waynesville restaurant celebrates 15 years

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD ARTS & E NTERTAINMENT E DITOR t’s Thursday morning. In just about a halfhour, The Sweet Onion restaurant in downtown Waynesville will open for lunch — another rush of locals and visitors alike soon to walk through the door on Miller Street.

Sliding into a booth in the dogleg-shaped dining room, Doug Weaver and Dan Elliott, co-owners of The Sweet Onion, are looking through the day’s to-do list — food orders, payroll, and an array of other urgent priorities that keep an extremely busy restaurant running at full steam.

“Restaurants aren’t the type of businesses where there is a ‘top of the mountain,’” Weaver said. “Every single day, you have to make sure you’re doing your best and presenting the finest product you can — even after 15 years of being open, we’re still walking up the mountain.”

Weaver is the executive chef at The Sweet Onion, with Elliott the general manager. The two launched the restaurant in July 2007 and have remained at the helm and on the ground floor ever since then. Specializing in Southern-style cuisine, the menu is part comfort food, part higher-end offerings, a combination dubbed “cosmopolitan country.”

Celebrating 15 years in operation, The

I

Sweet Onion is a well-oiled machine of organized culinary chaos, one with the duo at the center of it all, something that plays into the tough-as-nails ethos of their friendship and business partnership.

“I think we’re just both very logical, patient people,” Weaver said. “One thing that I’ve learned over the years is that being mad about things and fighting about stuff doesn’t help anything or anyone involved. There’s a lot of stress in this industry and we’ve gone through a lot together, which plays into how we’ve been able to survive all this time.”

Originally from Iowa and learning the ropes of the restaurant world in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Elliott found himself in Waynesville in 2005 when he became a partner in the former O’Malley’s Pub on Main Street. A year later, Elliott sold the business and was looking for a new venture.

Hailing from Sarasota, Florida, Weaver ended up in Hayesville running a family restaurant before landing in Waynesville and opening the Wildfire restaurant in 2002 (where Sauced is currently located), just a couple of doors down from O’Malley’s.

Eventually, Weaver and Elliott became friends and starting talking about possibly going into business together. By 2007, plans for The Sweet Onion were in motion. Weaver soon closed Wildfire and headed to Miller Street with Elliott.

Not long after launching The Sweet Onion, the former Wildfire building became vacant again, with Weaver and Elliott filling the

Want to go?

The Sweet Onion is located at 39 Miller Street in downtown Waynesville.

The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch (11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and dinner (4:30 to 9 p.m.).

For more information, call 828.456.5559, click on sweetonionrestaurant.com or email info@sweetonionrestaurant.com.

space by opening the Tipping Point Brewing in 2011. After a handful of years running two highly-successful businesses, Weaver and Elliott sold their share of the brewery and focused solely on The Sweet Onion. Under new management, the Tipping Point shut its doors in August 2017.

With all of their attention on The Sweet Onion, Elliott and Weaver have a built a beloved culinary establishment from the ground up, one that has garnered a wellearned and widespread reputation as one of the finest foodie destinations in Western North Carolina and greater Southern Appalachia.

“Your business has to always be consistent,” Elliott said. “People come in here and have certain expectations as to what the food should taste like and what the atmosphere should feel like. They want a good, quality meatloaf or a delicious chicken salad sandwich, and great service — you have to be consistent.”

Fifteen years of blood, sweat and tears reside within the walls of The Sweet Onion.

Whether it’s the front of house or on the line back in the kitchen, the name of the game is keeping the ship running smoothly.

It’s also a decade and a half of weathering the storms that are economic downturns, rollercoaster food prices, an ongoing pandemic, and now a national labor shortage. And yet, The Sweet Onion remains — steadfast and true.

“Since we’ve opened, we’ve made so many lifelong friends that were initially customers, and we’ve had employees that met here and got married — it’s those things that mean the most to us,” Elliott reflected.

“That’s ultimately what it is, what it’s all about — the people,” Weaver added.

Doug Weaver and Dan Elliott, co-owners of The Sweet Onion.

HOT PICKS

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

When the sun goes down at night, gonna let you know that everything’s alright

about in the front row, head for the backstage area with our all-access passes and scope out what’s left for beverages in the artist coolers.

By the early hours of Saturday morning, June’s comrade disappeared back to her sleeping quarters with a newly-made musician friend. June and I left on the tailgate to chat and absorb each other’s stories, our respective paths to the here and now. It’s quiet in the designated camping area.

Our friends are either fast asleep or raging out at some late-late-night party in some camping spot on the other side of the festival grounds. At some point past 3 a.m. it’s decided to hit the hay. June finishes her joint, bids me goodnight and heads back to her tent.

Plans are made to rendezvous when I’m passing through the West Virginia panhandle in late August en route back to my native

1 2 3 4 5

Art After Dark” will continue from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, in downtown Waynesville.

Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host The Seger Cover Band (Bob Seger Tribute) at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5.

Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host Smooth Goose (rock/jam) at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5.

The Marianna Black Library continues its “Summer Music Series” with bluegrass act Granny’s Mason Jar at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, at the library in Bryson City.

DOWNTOWN DOG WALK

AUGUST 6 AT THE

WAYNESVILLE COURTHOUSE LAWN REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 8 AM OR PRE-REGISTER AT WWW.SARGES.ORG DOG WALK BEGINS AT 9 AM THE $25.00 REGISTATION FEE INCLUDES A T-SHIRT ALL PROCEEDS GO TO SARGE’S MEDICAL FUND

DON'T MISS Search & Rescue Team Member

Nancy East discussing her book

Chasing the Smokies Moon and hiking safety tips! Nancy recorded the fastest known time with her hiking partner for the 801 miles of trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6 1-3 P.M.

Smoky Mountain News

It suddenly dawns on me that August is just a day or so away. Most of the summer has flown by in what feels like an instant. So many assignments and deadlines. Not enough camping and bonfires. Not enough plunging into local swimming holes on hot days. Not enough driving down the backroads of Southern Appalachia, windows rolled down with a Willis Alan Ramsey melody (ideally, “Painted Lady”) blasting from the stereo.

Finish the beer and toss the can into the trash bag hung on the side of the truck. Slide back on the tailgate and lay out on the massive antique sleeping bag (the label calls it a “sleeping robe”). My Uncle Brian gave me the “robe” the last time I was in the North Country. He had no use for it anymore and wanted to make sure it found a good home.

My late grandfather bought it in the 1960s. Thick as hell. Lined with warm flannel and lamb’s wool. Rated to -50 degrees.

Uncle Brian said one time in the 1970s he hauled it up Mount Marcy (highest point in New York State) on a camping trip, only to get caught in a freak snowstorm that left two feet of snow on the Adirondacks. “If I didn’t have that sleeping bag, I’d have frozen to death up there,” Uncle Brian said.

I wonder what outdoor adventures my grandfather took this sleeping bag on way up in the depths of the North Country back in the day. I wonder what he’d think of this old “robe” being used by his grandson at a music festival in rural Virginia in 2022. I also wonder what other adventures are still yet to reveal themselves to me with the remaining summer and impending fall, sleeping “robe” in tow.

Onward to the Adirondacks at the end of this month for a wedding, then up to Canada for some mischief, over to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and northern Minnesota, across to the Rocky Mountains and all those familiar faces in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado. But first, the panhandle of West Virginia it seems.

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

17th Annual

August 3-9, 2022

Tapping my smart phone, it lights up and indicates that it’s now 2:34 a.m.

Saturday. Sitting on my tailgate in the depths of the FloydFest camping woods, I’m sharing the vehicular platform with my new friend, June. It’s dark, with the only light coming from an illuminated dirt road on the other side of the tree line and the red glow at the end of the joint June just sparked up.

FloydFest. Atop a mountain just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in rural Southwest Virginia. Five days, 100 bands across nine stages. Four hours away from my humble abode in Waynesville. A FloydFest. Garret K. Woodward photo lack of sleep over the last couple of days has already set, so has sporadic hunger from endless treks throughout the massive festival grounds instead of tracking down nourishment in a timely fashion.

No matter, the old Coleman cooler is stocked with icy domestic beer and premade sandwiches bought at Publix last minute before I Upstate New York. She’s got some gigs up merged onto the Great Smoky Mountains there with her band at that time, and I’m Expressway and headed northeast for the looking forward to seeing the sincere talent I musical gathering. Underneath the camper watched on the YouTube clips of recent pershell on the back of the Tacoma is my late formances she showed me on the tailgate. grandfather’s huge old sleeping bag, a blanI’m now left alone on the tailgate. ket and two musty pillows. Primitive creaThough tired from all the wandering and ture comforts at its finest. pondering, the interactions and reactions June is from Philadelphia, but has called felt and immersed in at the music festival, the panhandle of West Virginia home for a I’m still somewhat awake, left in deep few years now. She’s a musician trying to thought with a few sips of the now lukewarm navigate her way through the unknown and domestic beer remaining. sometimes rough waters of the music indusTake a pull from the aluminum can and try. She came to the festival with her friend, gaze out onto the camping area. The sounds who lives in the panhandle. of crickets within reach, of joyous laughter The duo camped near my friends and I, by someone somewhere in the late-night tree pleasantries and names exchanged during line, and of a lone anonymous concertgoer campsite setups and the cracking of the first snoring in their tent a few rows over. of many beers during the festival. I ended up The sun will be up in a few hours, which crossing paths with the two of them while on means I’ll be having to pack up my gear, a solo journey from one stage to another. crank over the truck engine and make the The three of us combined forces in search four-hour trek back to Haywood County. of adventure and shenanigans, ultimately Heck, the words in this here newspaper ending up side stage for a few late-night peraren’t going to write themselves and I’ve got formances. Meander through crowds milling deadlines to meet before Monday.

The 13th season of Concerts On The Creek will continue with The Super 60s Band (oldies/variety) from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, at Bridge Park in Sylva.

arts & entertainment

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August 3-9, 2022

arts & entertainment

On the beat Bluegrass at Marianna The Marianna Black Library continues its “Summer Music Series” with bluegrass act Granny’s Mason Jar at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, at the library in Bryson City.

Following in the footsteps of Doc Watson, Norman Blake, Clarence White, and Tony Rice, Granny's Mason Jar brings together the talents of Jared “Blue” Smith (The Blue Revue, Bluegrass Lumber Company) and Aaron Plantenberg (Commonfolk, Big House Radio) to continue the tradition of flatpicking, travis picking, and other traditional acoustic guitar styles.

The concert is free and open to the public.

For more information or driving directions, call the library at 828.488.3030 or visit fontanalib.org/brysoncity.

Granny’s Mason Jar. State of North Carolina and the National Endowment of the Arts.

828.488.3030.

Bryson City community jam

Concerts On The Creek

A community jam will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, 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

The 13th season of Concerts On The Creek will continue with The Super 60s Band (oldies/variety) from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, at Bridge Park in Sylva.

Everyone is encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. These events are free, but donations are encouraged. Dogs must be on a leash. No alcohol, smoking or coolers are allowed in the park.

Food trucks will also be available.

These concerts are organized and produced by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Sylva and the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information, call the chamber at 828.586.2155, visit mountainlovers.com or Concerts On The Creek's Facebook page.

• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host an open mic from 8 to 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 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays. Free and open to the public. For more information, click on blueridgebeerhub.com.

Smoky Mountain News

NOC welcomes Natti Love Joys

• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host karaoke at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, trivia at 7 p.m. on Thursdays, Smooth Goose (rock/jam) Aug. 5 and Brother Fat (rock/jam) Aug. 6. All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.246.0350 or boojumbrewing.com.

• Concerts On The Creek (Sylva) will host The Super 60s Band (oldies/hits) Aug. 5 and Tuxedo Junction Aug. 12 at Bridge Park in Sylva. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to bring a chair or blanket.

These events are free, but donations are encouraged. 828.586.2155 or mountainlovers.com.

24 • Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center

(Franklin) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Tickets are $15 for adults, $7.50 for children. 828.369.4080 or coweeschool.org/music.

• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host The Seger Cover Band (Bob Seger Tribute) 7:30 p.m. Aug. 5. 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 to 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.

• Farm At Old Edwards (Highlands) will host Nicole Witt (singer-songwriter) as part of its “Orchard Sessions” 6 p.m. Aug. 17. Tickets start at $25 per person. To purchase tickets, click on oldedwardshospitality.com/orchardsessions.

• Fontana Village Resort Wildwood Grill will host Mountain Homecoming Singing 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18. Free and open to the public.

800.849.2258 or fontanavillage.com.

• Friday Night Live (Highlands) will host Kettle

Natti Love Joys.

The Natti Love Joys will perform at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Nantahala Gorge.

A roots-rock-reggae band that has been playing live since 2003, the group consists of husband and wife duo Anthony "Jatti" Allen and Sonia "Marla" Allen (formerly Sonia Abel).

Jatti was previously the bassist for the reggae group The Congos, while Marla originates from the cult all female reggae group Love Joys, where she recorded two albums under the legendary Wackies label run by Lloyd Barnes (Bullwackie).

Free and open to the public. For more information, click on noc.com/events.

(Americana/folk) Aug. 5 and Ol’ Dirty Bathtub (Americana/bluegrass) Aug. 12 at Town Square on Main Street. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. highlandschamber.org.

• 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.

ALSO:

• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. For tickets, caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host an open mic night every Wednesday, Tricia Ann Band Aug. 4, Calico Bear Aug. 6 and Shane Meade (soul/indie) Aug. 11. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. innovation-brewing.com.

• Innovation Station (Dillsboro) will host “Music Bingo” with Hibiscus Sunshine every Wednesday, Kathryn O’Shea 2 p.m. Aug. 7 and Tricia Ann Band 2 p.m. Aug. 14. All

events begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. innovation-brewing.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host the “Totally Awesome 80s Party” 7:30 p.m. Aug. 6. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public.

828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host Trivia Night at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday, Old Time Jam 6:30 p.m. every Thursday and Sister Ivey Aug. 12. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host a Community Jam 6 p.m. Aug. 4 and Granny’s Mason Jar (bluegrass) 7 p.m. Aug. 11. Free and open to the public.

828.488.3030 or fontanalib.org/brysoncity.

• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host Open Mic Night with Ivor Sparks every Wednesday and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 or mountainlayers-

On the beat • Nantahala Brewing (Sylva) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.641.9797 or nantahalabrewing.com.

• Nantahala Outdoor Center (Nantahala Gorge) will host Christina Chandler & Brian Hill (Americana) Aug. 5, Natti Love Joys (reggae/roots) Aug. 6, Blue (Americana/bluegrass) Aug. 12 and Beer & Loathing (rock/honky-tonk) Aug. 13. All shows behind at 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. noc.com.

• Orchard Coffee (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends.

Tickets available for purchase at the shop.

828.246.9264 or orchardcoffeeroasters.com.

• Pickin’ In The Park (Canton) will host Rewind & Green Valley Aug. 5 and Country Outlaws & J. Creek Cloggers Aug. 12. Shows are 6 to 9 p.m. at the Canton Rec Park located at 77 Penland St. Free and open to the public. cantonnc.com.

• Pickin’ On The Square (Franklin) will host The Caribbean Cowboys (beach/variety) Aug. 6. All shows begin at 6 p.m. at the Gazebo in downtown. Free and open to the public. franklinnc.com/pickin-on-thesquare.html.

• 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. 828.369.6796.

• Salty’s Dogs Seafood & Grill (Maggie Valley) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public.

828.926.9105.

• SlopeSide Tavern (Sapphire) will host The Get Right Band (rock/soul) Aug. 11. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.743.8655 or slopesidetavern.com.

• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Tickets start at $18 per person. smokymountainarts.com or 828.524.1598.

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

828.492.8009 or southern-porch.com.

• Stecoah Valley Center (Robbinsville) “An Appalachian Evening” live music series will include Aubrey Eisenman & The Clydes July 30, The Wildmans Aug. 6, Nu-Blu Aug. 13, Pretty Little Goat Aug. 20 and The Kruger Brothers Aug. 27. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, call 828.479.3364 or click on stecoahvalleycenter.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 Blake Robinson Aug. 4, Tricia Ann Band Aug. 5, Jason Lee Wilson & James County Aug. 6, BlackJack County Aug. 11, Rock Holler Band Aug. 12 and Mile High Band Aug. 13. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.2488.

• Valley Cigar & Wine Co. (Waynesville) will host Rene Russell (singer-songwriter) 5 p.m. Aug. 13. Free and open to the public.

828.944.0686 or valleycigarandwineco.com.

• Saturdays On Pine (Highlands) will host Jesse Barry & The Jam (blues/soul) Aug. 6 at Kelsey-Hutchinson Park on Pine Street.

All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. highlandschamber.org.

• Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 9:30 p.m.

828.456.4750 or facebook.com/waternhole.bar.

• The Scotsman (Waynesville) will host The Carter Giegerich Trio (Celtic/bluegrass) from 2 to 5 p.m. every Sunday, “First Friday Sessions” w/Blended Hemp (Americana/country) Aug. 5, S.I.N. (Service Industry Night) Aug. 8 and King Margo (Americana/roots) Aug. 13. All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and

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

828.743.6000 or whitesidebrewing.com.

• Yonder (Franklin) will host Dalton Mills (singer-songwriter) 6 p.m. Aug. 13. Free and open to the public. Donations encouraged.

828.200.2169 or eatrealfoodinc.com.

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Smoky Mountain News

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

• Valley Tavern (Maggie Valley) will host Skies Of Avalon 3 p.m. Aug. 7 and Andrew Thelston Band (rock/soul) 3 p.m. Aug. 14.

All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public.

828.926.7440 or valley-tavern.com.

WAYNESVILLE TIRE, INC. August 3-9, 2022

• Quirky Birds Treehouse & Bistro (Dillsboro) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public.

828.586.1717 or facebook.com/quirkybirdstreehouse.

open to the public. 828.246.6292 or scotsmanpublic.com.

arts & entertainment

brewingcompany.com.

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25

arts & entertainment

On the wall

“Art After Dark” will continue from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, in downtown Waynesville.

Each first Friday of the month (MayDecember), Main Street transforms into an evening of art, music, finger foods, beverages and shopping as artisan studios and galleries keep their doors open later for local residents and visitors.

Participants include Metzger’s Burl

Smoky Mountain News

August 3-9, 2022

Franklin launches ‘ArtFest’

26

Waynesville art walk, live music

Blue Jazz.

Uptown Gallery’s “ArtFest” will be held Aug. 11-13 at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

The event will benefit art programs in Macon County Public Schools. More than 30 sessions with various artists will be held during the three days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, plus special films at 6 p.m.

Thursday and Friday. The activities are free and open to the public.

Local trio Blue Jazz will play for a fundraising concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at Tartan Hall in Franklin. There

• Southwestern Community College Swain Arts Center (Bryson City) will host an array of adult workshops, including “Screenwriting Class” 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, “Oil Painting Workshop” 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, and “Printmaking Class” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 6. For more information and/or to sign-up, click on southwesterncc.edu/scclocations/swain-center.

will also be a silent auction and raffle of an original painting by award-winning Macon County Art Association member Carol Conti. Hors d’oeuvres, beverages and birthday cake are included in the ticket price of $25 in advance, $35 at the door.

Macon County Art Association through its Uptown Gallery is sponsoring ArtFest to celebrate MCAA’s 60 anniversary supporting and providing art in Macon County. Concert and Raffle tickets may be purchased at Uptown Gallery located 30 East Main Street in Franklin.

For more information, call 828.349.4607 or visit franklinuptowngallery.com. To reserve tickets, email mtully1001@gmail.com.

• “Art After Dark” will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. each first Friday of the month (MayDecember) in downtown Waynesville. Main Street transforms into an evening of art, music, finger foods, beverages and shopping as artisan studios and galleries keep their doors open later for local residents and visitors. Dates include Aug. 5, Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2. For more information,

Wood Gallery, TPennington Art Gallery, Twigs & Leaves Gallery, Haywood Handmade Gallery, Jo Ridge Kelley Fine Art, Sun Sohovich Art Gallery Studio, Green Hill Gallery, Curatory Gallery, and The Corner Station.

It is free to attend Art After Dark. Other dates include Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2. For more information, click on facebook.com/galleriesofhaywoodcounty.

Jo Ridge Kelley Fine Art.

click on facebook.com/galleriesofhaywoodcounty.

• WNC Paint Events brings you “Paint & Sip.” This is a two-hour event, and you leave with your painting. Anyone 21 and up are welcome. 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).

For more information, click on wncpaint.events.

• Mountain Makers Craft Market will be held from noon to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at 308 North Haywood St. in down-

On the beat

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 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.

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Bookstore

North Carolina poet

JOSEPH

BATHANTI

will present his latest book of poetry

Light at the Seam: Poems at the JACKSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY Saturday, August 6 at 3 p.m.

828/586-9499 • more@citylightsnc.com

arts & entertainment

Interested in learning the dulcimer?

3 EAST JACKSON STREET • SYLVA

On the wall town Waynesville. Over two dozen artisans selling handmade and vintage goods.

Special events will be held when scheduled.

Mountainmakersmarket.com.

August 3-9, 2022

• “Thursday Painters” group will be held from 10 a.m. to 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 pm14034@yahoo.com.

• Farmer’s Market (with artisans) will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through October at 117 Island St. in Bryson City. Stop by the old barn by the river for local, homegrown produce, as well as baked goods, jellies and preserves, authentic crafts, and more. Food truck, picnic tables and live music. Leashed pets are welcome. Outdoor event. 828.488.7857.

Smoky Mountain News

• 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.

Cherokee boasts affordable fun in the form of Great Smokies hikes, incredible fishing, and 12,000 years of history to explore. And that’s just for starters.

Plan your stay at: VisitCherokeeNC.com | 800.438.1601 27

arts & entertainment

On the stage ‘Unto These Hills’ outdoor drama The “Unto These Hills” stage production will be held at 8 p.m. nightly throughout the summer at the Cherokee Mountainside Theatre.

This decades-old acclaimed outdoor drama traces the Cherokee people through the eons, through the zenith of their power, through the heartbreak of the Trail of Tears, finally ending, appropriately, in the present day, where the Cherokee people, much like their newly rescripted drama, continue to rewrite their place in the world — a place based on traditional Cherokee values and modern sensibilities.

For more information on show dates and/or to purchase tickets, go to visitcherokeenc.com and click on the “Events” tab.

• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host legendary comedian Ron White at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5. For tickets, caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.

• “On This Night Of A Thousand Stars” will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 12-13 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Join the Overlook Theatre Company for a dessert theatre cabaret celebrating the golden age of Broadway.

Each ticket includes: sweet and savory dessert trio, beverage of choice (coffee or tea), SMCPA souvenir mug, and an evening of live, musical theatre. All seats are general admission. Space is limited.

Tickets are $21 in advance, $25 day of

August 3-9, 2022

On the street

show. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, click on smokymountainarts.com or call 866.273.4615.

• 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 production is an original work by Havoc Movement Company that will be joining the Cherokee Historical Association for the spring season. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, click on cherokeehistorical.org/alicein-wonderland.

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Cherokee Bonfire & Storytelling The Cherokee Bonfire & Storytelling will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays through Oct. 31 at the Oconaluftee Islands Park in Cherokee.

Sit by a bonfire, alongside a river, and listen to some of Cherokee’s best storytellers.

The bonfire is free and open to the public.

There will be no bonfire events in September.

For more information, call 800.438.1601 or click on www.visitcherokeenc.com.

• “Sunflower Hippie Festival” will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at Darnell Farms in Bryson City. The day will include a large variety of unique craft vendors, a tie dye station, bubble gardens, live music, performance artist, face painting, bounce houses, food trucks, and photo opportunities in the sunflower field. For more information, email hotheadevents@gmail.com.

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• “Making Japanese Food Sample” workshop will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. In this 90-minute workshop, you will learn about Japanese food and food samples, then work with clay to create a sample of Kushi-Dango (skewered dumplings). Nanaka Okamura, the Japan Outreach Initiative Coordinator at WCU, will be leading this free workshop. Children are welcome to participate if they are old enough to sit calmly by themselves. Space is limited.

Please reserve your spot by clicking on forms.gle/khwtvzkuvyudc4r7a or contact the library at 828.488.3030.

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

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

828.631.3075.

• “Take A Flight” with four new wines every Friday and Saturdays at the Bryson City Wine Market. Select from a gourmet selection of charcuterie to enjoy with your wines.

Educational classes and other events are also available. For more information, call 828.538.0420.

• “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 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.

On the shelf

Former NC Poet Laureate in Sylva

residing, in a precarious moment in time, on the glorious, yet besieged, Appalachian earth. Their call to defend it, as well as their faith that the land will exact its own reckoning, constitutes a sacred as well as existential quest.

Rooted in social and restorative justice, “Light at the Seam” contemplates the earth as fundamentally sacramental, a crucible of awe and mystery, able to regenerate itself and its people even as it succumbs to them. More than mere cautionary tale, this is a volume of hope and wonder.

Bathanti, former poet laureate of North

Carolina (2012–14) and recipient of the North Carolina Award in Literature, is the author of 17 books. He is the McFarlane Family Distinguished Professor of Interdisciplinary Education at Appalachian State University in Boone.

This program is in the Community Room and is free of charge. 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 (fontanalib.org).

Thomas Crowe

“Heat, rising seas, forests clear-cut, methane .... Another march wouldn’t stop it all. Certainly not another petition. Legislation was too little too late. There were too many people with too much money tied up in the scrap-picking of Earth. Camp Hope offered the spark to move fast, to set the transition in motion. To do so globally, wholly. Because things can happen fast. An image or a song can spill through the minds of billions in a day, can infect those who hear the message. Camp Hope will move at the speed of a pandemic.”

North Carolina poet Joseph Bathanti will present his latest book of poetry at 3 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

A new collection, “Light at the Seam,” is an exploration of mountaintop removal in Southern Appalachian coal country. The volume illuminates and champions often invisible people

Much of the second half of the book is devoted to Willa’s eventual friendship and working relationship with Sylvia Gill, whose mantra and motto seems to be “collective consciousness” with an emphasis on the beauty of the natural world while not ignoring the practical realities of the moment and societies “secret subtext” that “there was more than enough food to feed everyone and yet people went hungry; there was free furniture and clothing everywhere, yet people endlessly purchased new products; we wasted and wasted to keep spinning the wheels of an economy that benefited only a few.”

Roy Adams responds to this subtext by initiating the idea of getting young highschool and college-aged students involved in the community at Camp Hope — a shout out to Greta Thunberg’s youth-powered climate change movement, “youth could be the kindling that set the global consciousness ablaze.” In her push to inspire, Hyde even mentions the rise of a third political party, the Green Republicans.

At a time when this country and the world needs some practical and consciousness-raising inspiration and leadership, the young Allegra Hyde has appeared on the literary scene with the talent and the vision to inspire not only her own generation into action, but those of us with the charge of the 1960s still coursing through our veins and looking for much-needed leaders and solutions. So, bravo Allegra Hyde for your vision and your willingness to take part and show us a sane and secure path into the future.

Thomas Crowe is a regular contributor to The Smoky Mountain News and author of the multi-award-winning non-fiction nature memoir Zoro’s Field: My Life in the Appalachian Woods.

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from an environmental catastrophe.

But this is only the beginning of the book. What takes place in the following 200plus pages is the blow-by-blow saga of her journey and her experience with the Camp Hope crowd as well as her chance meeting and relationship with the renowned Harvard professor Sylvia Gill — who has the reputation and the academic and political connections to have a huge influence on the movement toward solving the climate change problem. And so back and forth we, the reader, go from Camp Hope to Cambridge, Massachusetts, as Willa tries to make her life meaningful and to put these two places, these two people and these two approaches together to make sense and to create necessary change. Or as Willa thinks to herself and as Hyde writes: “If the planet were ever attacked by extra-terrestrials, humanity would band together.

True solidarity would occur. Camp Hope was a prototype. A nucleus.

A revolution waiting to hatch. It modeled what could be: made progress into paradise, showed how environmental living could be desired rather than feared. I marveled at these modern pilgrims: environmental devotees who were among the best and the brightest people in the world.

They were here on Eleutheria because they believed in Roy Adams’s commitment to reforming society by living it anew.”

By halfway through “Eleutheria” it is clear that Hyde’s book is not just an MFA exercize, but a true call to action by this young Y generation author who has thrown her hat into the ring to add to the efforts of others working on and trying to do their best to create change and to save the planet from climate chaos. But she does this with a flair and incredible maturity, as page after page this reader didn’t want to put the book down. As she writes further:

August 3-9, 2022

“Eleutheria” is the Greek word for “freedom.” It is also the reference name of an island in the Bahamas (Eleuthera). And it is the title and the setting for Allegra Hyde’s first novel (Vintage Books, 2022).

In an amazingly well-written and engaging first effort, the author focuses on the global issue of climate change and takes us to the Bahamas and a place called Camp Hope where one Roy Adams has created a colony of activists to focus on and to attempt to right the wrongs of how global warming is being handled by nations Writer and corporations. A former high-ranking career military man and politically conservative, Adams has done a 360 and ended up becoming a dedicated eco-warrior whereas this planetary problem is concerned. As Hyde describes him: “Adams had written in “Living the Solution” about giving up his military career and his marriage as well. Such sacrifices, he explained, ‘were a small price to pay in the war against climate change, a war for humanity’s very survival.’”

But Adams is not this book’s main character. Her name is Willa Marks. She has been raised by parents with paranoid conspiracy theories and who isolated themselves and Willa deep in the rural woods in the northeastern U.S. Having come of age, Willa frees herself from the imposed isolation of her parents and strikes out on her own. Finding Adams book “Living the Solution,” she is inspired and makes her way to the island of Eleutheria to be part of the team there that is trying to save the world

arts & entertainment

Making a positive change in the world

828.452.4251 susanna@mtnsouthmedia.com

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Outdoors

Smoky

A rendering shows a mountain biker navigating an asphalt pump track similar to the one planned for Cherokee. Donated image

Fanning the flames Cherokee plans Fire Mountain Trails expansion

BY HOLLY KAYS OUTDOORS E DITOR herokee’s Fire Mountain family of outdoor experiences is set to add a new member after the tribe announced its intention to build a pump track and bike skills park, along with 8-10 miles of trail.

“It’s going to be the first project we’ve done that’s going to be forward-facing out into the public,” said Jeremy Hyatt, secretary of operations for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. “We want to make it really spectacular as people drive out of the park and make it a place for them to stop. But more importantly we want to lower the entry point.”

Hyatt envisions the park welcoming kids, families and novice adults to enjoy the park and strengthen their bike skills.

C

‘NEW TO THE ENTIRE REGION’ The bike skills park and pump track will be located on a flat piece of ground that’s currently an underused parking lot between Native Brews and the Qualla Boundary’s border with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on U.S. 441. It will feature a competition-level asphalt pump track as well as a bike skills park, which will also use asphalt or chip seal.

“This is going to be something that Western North Carolina does not have,” Hyatt said.

“This is going to be new to the entire region.”

Unlike the new bike skills park at Chestnut Mountain Nature Park in Canton, the planned park in Cherokee will not feature downhill jumplines or require an uphill hike to access.

In contrast to the existing Fire Mountain Trails, it will sit right off the highway and offer

a succession of graduating features, starting with small, benign obstacles that children can navigate without fear — along with more difficult obstacles for intermediate riders.

“It's not a dirt trail system up in the middle of the woods. This is a municipal park type of atmosphere with lots of stuff going on,” Hyatt said.

Hyatt’s also planning to build 8-10 miles of new trail on a nearby piece of property above the tribe’s water treatment plant, which sits behind New Kituwah Academy. The land is too steep to build housing without paying exorbitant development prices, and because it protects the tribe’s water source such development wouldn’t be wise anyway, Hyatt said.

Of the new miles, Hyatt said he hopes to see 5 or 6 offer a multi-use, easy to intermediate experience.

“Then we would like to do maybe 4 more

miles of bike-optimized gravity trails,” he said.

“Turn the heat up a little bit, so to speak. Make part of it accessible to everyone but yet part of it accessible to those who want something more advanced than the offering we already have.”

Even more advanced, he said, than what’s currently available at Fire Mountain.

The International Mountain Biking Association is planning and building the project, which is still in the initial design phase.

Hyatt has some basic concepts in hand, but everything is subject to change as the design process proceeds and IMBA groundtruths the feasibility of its initial ideas for trail placement.

As of now, construction is slated to start in early 2023 with completion in late 2023 or early 2024, and cost estimated at $2.1 million.

However, factors such as inflation, cost escalation and supply chain issues could move those benchmarks.

Fire Mountain Trails (above and right) attract up to 2,000 people per month during the height of the season. Donated photos

CHASING CONNECTIVITY While the original trail system, disc golf course, pump track/skills park and trail expansion will all bear the Fire Mountain name, none of the segments are connected via trails or greenways. They’re all within about a mile

of each other as the crow flies, but private property issues prevent direct connections.

Though Hyatt would like to see more connectivity in the long term, he’s also focused on improving the tribe’s road, sidewalk and bike lane infrastructure so bikers of all ages can safely use the existing roadways to travel between trails.

“I would like to work toward getting better access to these areas so that kids don’t really have to get in a car and have anybody take them,” he said. “Maybe they can take their bicycle from town.”

While the project will be a “forward-facing” endeavor likely to boost Cherokee’s profile as an ecotourism destination, economic development is a secondary

A

outdoors

Prized for its medicinal qualities, ginseng has become increasingly rare due to over harvesting. Donated photo

Cherokee National Forest ends ginseng permits Declining ginseng populations have prompted the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee to halt harvesting permits for the prized plant, following in the footsteps of the Pisgah-Nantahala National Forest, which halted harvest in 2021.

“Due to major declines in populations of ginseng, we feel it is necessary to put a hold on issuing any permits until further notice. It is our responsibility to ensure any harvesting

of ginseng is sustainable,” said Cherokee National Forest Acting Forest Supervisor Michael Wright.

Restricting permitting has not reversed the documented decline in ginseng populations. Ginseng plants can live for 60-80 years and reproduce through seeds, with plants 10 years or older producing the most seeds.

However, older plants are increasingly rare due to overharvesting.

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HAYWOOD COUNTY SCHOOLS A mountain biker crosses an obstacle similar to the beginner-level features under discussion for the planned bike skills park. Donated photo

Smoky Mountain News

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August 3-9, 2022

— though important — goal for A biker zooms down a feature at Hyatt. Improving health and qualiFire Mountain Trails. File photo ty of life for tribal citizens is his primary aim.

“These are projects that are not just projects that are economically driven,” he said. “They’re driven for quality-of-life purposes for our tribal citizens and the future of our tribal citizens. Every day you’re seeing new people on a bicycle or grabbing a disc and going to the disc golf course.”

In the summer, close to 2,000 people per month visit Fire Mountain Trails, which opened in initial concept completed by the Nantahala 2017, and the trail system hosts a bevy of Area Southern Off Road Bicycling races and competitions each year. Hyatt does Association. not yet have any visitation estimates for the Sylva Commissioner Ben Guiney said Fire Mountain Disc Golf Sanctuary, officially he’s excited about what the new system will open since May, but said he’s working add to the diverse set of new and incoming toward hosting the first tournament there in outdoor recreation options in the region.

October. The course has a 4.5/5 rating on With Tsali Recreation Area, Fire Mountain the disc golfing site Udisc.

Trails, the mountain bike trails at Western “From the river overlook, to the natural Carolina University, the upcoming Fire stone staircases, to the massive tee pads, to Mountain Expansion and the Plott Balsam the picturesque greens, you’re lulled into project, mountain bikers will have enough thinking there is a god and maybe he or she options to keep them busy in Swain and lives here,” reads a five-star review posted in Jackson Counties for a while. Add in the July. “Three hours later you’re 10 over par and area’s multitude of hiking and paddling you don’t care.” options, and it becomes an even more attractive spot for an outdoor adventure vacation.

GROWING NETWORK “The network is getting bigger,” Guiney said.

The Fire Mountain expansion is not the The town and the tribe want to keep the only major trail project underway in planning process to $40,000 worth of work, Cherokee. In 2019, Sylva and the Eastern aiming for a three-to-four-month process Band of Cherokee Indians purchased a colthat will wrap up by the end of the year. That lective 912 ridgetop acres in the Plott will allow the governments to start applying Balsams, and last year the two governments for grant funding in 2023. finalized an agreement to enter a joint masThese projects are important for ter planning process to develop the property tourism, local enjoyment and environmental as a trail system for hikers and mountain preservation, Owle said. bikers. Once the plan is complete, the EBCI “That connects us to our outdoors and will fund and execute development of its helps us preserve the landscape as more 471-acre portion, while Sylva will take care and more folks come in and develop mounof its 441.5-acres. The trails will be the hightainsides,” Owle said. “It’s going to happen, est east of the Mississippi open to mountain and developing in this manner, for mounbikers. tain bikes, general hiking, a disc golf EBCI Secretary of Agriculture and course, any partnership with the tribe, it’s Natural Resources Joey Owle said the parties for the betterment of the community and are now working to finalize the contract with ultimately helps us to protect our nature Asheville-based Equinox Environmental, which will complete the plan based on the while also getting to enjoy it.”

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Snorkel the Pigeon Discover the underwater world of the West Fork Pigeon River during a snorkeling adventure Saturday, Aug. 13, behind Jukebox Junction in Bethel.

Haywood Waterways Association will take reservations on the hour from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with 10 spots available in each time slot. Snorkel gear, underwater viewing boxes and nets will be available to help participants learn about the insects, salamanders, fish and other fascinating creatures that populate the river in one of Earth’s most biologically diverse places. The event is part

of Haywood Waterways’ “Get to Know Your Watershed” series of outdoor recreation activities.

Free for Haywood Waterways members, with a $5 donation requested from nonmembers. Memberships start at $25.

Participants must follow current CDC guidelines for COVID-19 at the time of the event.

No pets. Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

RSVP by 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11th to Christine O’Brien at christine.haywoodwaterways@gmail.com or 828.476.4667, ext. 11.

Smoky Mountain News

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A pair of free deer hunting webinars will offer an introduction to the sport and practical information on processing, 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9, and Thursday, Aug. 11.

The “Introduction to Deer Hunting” webinar Aug. 9 will cover whitetail habits and habitats, scouting techniques, essential equipment, tree stand safety, effective shot placement, tracking techniques and field dressing. The “Practical Deer Processing: From Field to Freezer” webinar Aug. 11 will focus on field dressing, skinning, safe meat handling and basic home processing.

The online sessions may prove especially useful to people who have never hunted, are new to hunting or lack social support for hunting. N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission staff and volunteers will lead a question-and-answer session following each presentation.

Deer season opens Sept. 10. Register for the webinars at ncwildlife.org/sbs.

Cooper appoints new clean energy director Peter Holderness Ledford has been appointed as North Carolina’s new clean energy director, Gov. Roy Cooper announced July 27.

Ledford, who currently serves as general counsel and director of policy at the N.C. Sustainable Energy Association, will be tasked with pursuing state goals outlined in Executive Order 246, including achieving car-

bon neutrality, pursuing environmental justice for communities disproportionately impacted by pollution and creating economic opportunities in the clean energy sector.

Ledford replaces Dionne Delli-Gatti, who was appointed in June 2021 but left earlier this year for a senior role at the Environmental Defense Fund.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reopening the public comment period and extending the decision deadline on its proposal to de-list the ivory-billed woodpecker after disagreement among experts as to whether the species, long thought to be extinct, may still persist.

The ivory-billed woodpecker was one of 23 species the USFWS proposed in a draft rule published Sept. 30, 2021, to remove from the federal list of threatened and endangered species due to extinction. As a result of public input and a hearing held Jan. 26, the UWFWS has reopened the comment period, which now closes Aug. 5.

During this new period, the USFWS is seeking clear video or photographic evidence of the ivory-billed woodpecker’s presence. It must be definitive photographic evidence that can be repeatedly interpreted the same way by independent observers.

For information about how to submit comments, search for docket number FWS R4 ES 2020 0109 at regulations.gov.

An ivory-billed woodpecker stands atop the hat of J.J. Kuhn, who assisted in recording ivory-billed woodpecker audio in 1935.

Dr. James T. Tanner photo

Mayfield stepping down as MountainTrue director Julie Mayfield is stepping down as co-director “I find the work of representing my conof MountainTrue after serving alongside co-direc- stituents and, more broadly, the people of North tor Bob Wagner since 2013. Prior to that, she had Carolina to be deeply rewarding,” she wrote. worked as executive director of the “However, my growing responsibilities in organization then known as the Raleigh and within the Senate DemoWestern North Carolina Alliance cratic Caucus leadership don’t leave since 2008. me with the time I need to mainIn an open letter, Mayfield tain my day-to-day management said the decision was due to responsibilities at MountainTrue.” the demands of serving in the Mayfield is leaving her execuN.C. Senate following her elective role but will continue to work tion in 2020 but that she was with MountainTrue as a senior poliproud of the strides MountainTrue cy advisor. Wagner will assume the had made during her years at the executive director role, and current staff helm. In 2008, the WNC Alliance had Julie Mayfield members Gray Jernigan and Karim five employees and a budget of Olaechea will move into deputy director $232,000. MountainTrue now has a team of 25 positions to support Wagner and lead the rest of and a budget of $1.8 million. the staff. The changes will take effect in January.

Learn about landscape conservation Collaborative ways to achieve large-scale landscape conservation will be the topic of a lecture at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, at the Highlands Nature Center in Highlands.

Mallory Dimmitt, CEO of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, will present “Connecting Conservation to Save Wild Spaces: A Benefit to Flora, Fauna and Economies.” The lecture will introduce a collaborative advocacy approach to large-scale landscape conservation, methods for connecting high-quality habitat through wildlife corridors and the positive impacts they provide for ecosystems and

economies — with emphasis on accomplishments in Florida and throughout the global corridor movement.

Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, which Dimmitt co-founded, is a nonprofit that champions a collaborative campaign to permanently connect, protect and restore a statewide corridor for people and nature.

The lecture is part of the Zahner Conservation Lecture Series and sponsored by Kathleen and Jim Milby. Lectures are held every Thursday at 6 p.m. through Sept. 8. For a full schedule, visit highlandsbiological.org.

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‘Whee Market announces new location The ‘Whee Market is now open for business in a new location, set up 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays at the Jackson County Recreation Center in Cullowhee.

Vendors offering various local food products will gather on the site, with both customers and new vendors encouraged to try it out. For more information, contact Curtis Collins at cullowheemarket@gmail.com.

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Smoky Mountain News

The N.C. Mountain State Fair is coming up Sept. 9-18 in Fletcher, and job applications and exhibit entries are now being accepted for the annual event.

The fair is hiring for a variety of temporary positions, including ticket sellers, information booth attendants and entry department staff, with more information available at governmentjobs.com/careers/northcarolina. Applicants must be 18 or older with a high school diploma, GED or equivalency.

Blue ribbons await those who enter the fair’s myriad contests, with categories covering everything from crafts to honey to guinea pigs. Exhibitors must register online prior to the entry deadline to be eligible. The deadline is Friday, Aug. 5, for the clogging championship’s first cut-off; Tuesday, Aug. 12, for cooking competitions and the gospel singing contest; Friday, Aug. 26, for general exhibits and livestock contests; Sunday, Aug. 28, for the pageant; and 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, for the ice cream eating contest. Unless otherwise specified, entries must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. on the due date.

Learn more or submit an entry at wncagcenter.org/p/mountainstatefair/competitions.

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Fish and Wildlife Service seeks evidence of ivory-billed woodpeckers

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The high-water warning system at the Ocoee Whitewater Center in Tennessee is working once more after incurring damage in the April 26 fire that destroyed the building.

The strobe and siren system is owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority and alerts recreationists ahead of water releases that cause rapidly rising water in the river channel. U.S. Forest

Service rules prohibit entering the river between Ocoee #3 Dam and Ocoee #2 Dam during a water release.

The fire that damaged the warning system also destroyed the Ocoee Whitewater Center, which opened to serve as a venue for the 1996 Olympic Games. It was a key recreation site on the forest, receiving about 300,000 visits each year.

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8 Locations Serving you in Western North Carolina 1700 Russ Avenue, Waynesville, NC · 452-2216 219 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC · 252-8234 1453 Sand Hill Road, Candler, NC · 667-7245 3270 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher, NC · 684-9999 746 East Main Street, Franklin, NC · 524-4464 8005 NC Highway 141, Murphy, NC · 837-0460 30 Highway 107, Sylva, NC · 586-0425 3533 US 441 North, Whittier, NC · 497-6211

Smoky Mountain News

rocks and logs can be hidden under the surface, and waterfall pools often have swirling water or currents that can drag and keep swimmers underwater. Additionally, summer water temperatures in deep sections of Southern Appalachian streams can be in the 50s, and the shock of the cold water can cause changes in breathing, heart rate and blood pressure, slowing swimmers’ response times.

The water above waterfalls is dangerous too, often featuring extremely fast current and slippery rocks that can make it easy to lose balance and fall. Pets can also succumb to these dangers and should be kept out of the river and on leash.

In the event of an injury, call 911 and be prepared to administer first aid while help arrives. With more people visiting national forests, service can be strained, especially because most local emergency responders are volunteers for county emergency management agencies.

Report water quality issues on Jonathan Creek

Local Decisions | Local Offices | Local people | Local Commitment

34

Last weekend, one man died and another was seriously injured following incidents at waterfalls in the Pisgah-Nantahala National Forest, leading the U.S. Forest Service to issue a strong warning for those planning to venture out to one of Western North Carolina’s signature cascades.

On Saturday, July 23, a man died while swimming at Secret Falls on the Nantahala Ranger District south of Highlands. The same day, another man was seriously injured after falling from a rock near Looking Glass Falls on the Pisgah Ranger District. In May, a man died while swimming at Elk River Falls on the Appalachian Ranger District.

“Although there were witnesses to the incidents, the exact circumstances that led to these unfortunate outcomes are unknown,” said a press release. “Increased awareness of the dangers may help save lives.”

People should never jump off waterfalls or dive into plunge pools at their base because

Puzzles can be found on page 38 These are only the answers.

A project to improve surface water quality in the Jonathan Creek watershed in Haywood County is looking for help from the public.

The project, led by Haywood Waterways Association and the Haywood County Soil and Water Conservation District, involves a grant to identify eroding streambanks, stormwater runoff, and other issues for future evaluation in the watershed. Members of the public who are aware of any such issues on Jonathan Creek are

invited to report their concerns through an online form.

Information gleaned will be used to identify sites that have potential for implementing best management practices in the future, though completing the form does not guarantee financial or technical assistance in correcting the identified issues. To complete the form, visit bit.ly/3zI7nEn. Contact Haywood Waterways with questions at 828.476.4667.

Young girl dies after tree falls on tent A 7-year-old Georgia girl is dead after a tree fell on the tent where she was sleeping at Elkmont Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Rangers responded to the emergency call at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 27. The girl was staying with her father and two siblings, who were not injured. The tree was a red maple approximately 2 feet in diameter.

About 490 deaths have been recorded in the

national park since its creation. Of those, 12 were caused by a tree falling on someone, about 2% of all recorded deaths.

“It’s an incredibly rare and tragic occurrence and accounts for the first ever fatality caused by a tree falling on a tent in park history,” said park spokesperson Dana Soehn.

Gatlinburg Fire Depa- rtment, Gatlinburg Police Department and the National Park Service responded to the scene.

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • Cowee School Farmer’s Market will be held from Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m., at 51 Cowee School Drive in Franklin. The market has produce, plant starts, eggs, baked goods, flowers, food trucks and music. For more information or for an application, visit www.coweeschool.org or call 828.369.4080.

• “Art After Dark” will be held from 6-9 p.m. each first Friday of the month (May-December) in downtown Waynesville. For more information, go to facebook.com/galleriesofhaywoodcounty.

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.

KIDS & FAMILIES • Storytime takes place at 10 a.m. every Tuesday at the Macon County Library. For more information visit fontanalib.org or call 828.524.3600.

• Toddler’s Rock takes place at 10 a.m. every Monday at the Macon County Library. Get ready to rock with songs, books, rhymes and playing with instruments. For more information visit fontanalib.org or call 828.524.3600.

A&E

• Karaoke takes place at 7 p.m. every Friday at the Meadowlark Motel in Maggie Valley. Call 828.926.1717 or visit meadowlarkmotel.com.

• Appalachian Button Jamboree Show will take place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 17, at The National Guard Armory in Hendersonville. For more information call Julie McMahon at 616.634.8823 or email jmcmahon8@hotmail.com.

• Paint and Sip at Waynesville Art School will be held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7-9:30 p.m.

To learn more and register call 828.246.9869 or visit PaintAndSipWaynesville.com/upcoming-events.

Registration is required, $45.

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

• Mountain Street Dances will be held July 8, July 22, Aug.12 and Sept. 30 in downtown Waynesville.

• Live Music with Steve “Piano Man” Whiddon will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, at the Meadowlark Smoky Mountain Heritage Center. Admission is free, with a BBQ dinner available for $12. For more information call 828.926.1717 or visit meadowlarkmotel.com.

• Cherokee Heritage Day with Davy Arch will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Meadowlark Smoky Mountain Heritage Center. Admission is free for motel guests and Heritage Club members, $20 per person for all others. Call 828.926.1717 or visit meadowlarkmotel.com.

• Songwriters Camp will take place Aug. 12 and 13, at the Meadowlark Smoky Mountain Heritage Center, with

n All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted. n To have your item listed email to calendar@smokymountainnews.com Darren Nicholson, Clay Mills, Jim Lauderdale, Charles R Humphrey III and Charlie Chamberlain. Admission is free for motel guests and Heritage Club members, $30 per person for guests. For tickets call 828.926.1717 or visit meadowlarkmotel.com.

• Cherokee Heritage Day with Mary Bottchenbaugh will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Meadowlark Smoky Mountain Heritage Center. Class is limited to 15 students at $65 each. Special price of $25 each for motel guests and Heritage Club members. All materials will be included in cost. For more information call 828.926.1717 or visit meadowlarkmotel.com.

• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host karaoke at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, trivia at 7 p.m. on Thursdays, Smooth Goose (rock/jam) Aug. 5 and Brother Fat (rock/jam) Aug. 6. All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.246.0350 or boojumbrewing.com.

• Farm At Old Edwards (Highlands) will host Nicole Witt (singer-songwriter) as part of its “Orchard Sessions” 6 p.m. Aug. 17. Tickets start at $25 per person. To purchase tickets, click on oldedwardshospitality.com/orchardsessions.

• Fontana Village Resort Wildwood Grill will host Mountain Homecoming Singing 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18. Free and open to the public. 800.849.2258 or fontanavillage.com.

• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host a Community Jam 6 p.m. Aug. 4 and Granny’s Mason Jar (bluegrass) 7 p.m. Aug. 11. Free and open to the public.

828.488.3030 or fontanalib.org/brysoncity.

• Nantahala Outdoor Center (Nantahala Gorge) will host Christina Chandler & Brian Hill (Americana) Aug. 5, Natti Love Joys (reggae/roots) Aug. 6, Blue (Americana/bluegrass) Aug. 12 and Beer & Loathing (rock/honky-tonk) Aug. 13. All shows behind at 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. noc.com.

• Pickin’ In The Park (Canton) will host Rewind & Green Valley Aug. 5 and Country Outlaws & J. Creek Cloggers Aug. 12. Shows are 6 to 9 p.m. at the Canton Rec Park located at 77 Penland St. Free and open to the public. cantonnc.com.

• Pickin’ On The Square (Franklin) will host The Caribbean Cowboys (beach/variety) Aug. 6. All shows begin at 6 p.m. at the Gazebo in downtown. Free and open to the public. franklinnc.com/pickin-on-the-square.html.

• Saturdays On Pine (Highlands) will host Jesse Barry & The Jam (blues/soul) Aug. 6 at Kelsey-Hutchinson Park on Pine Street. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. highlandschamber.org.

• SlopeSide Tavern (Sapphire) will host The Get Right Band (rock/soul) Aug. 11. All shows begin at 6 p.m.

Free and open to the public. 828.743.8655 or slopesidetavern.com.

• Stecoah Valley Center (Robbinsville) “An Appalachian Evening” live music series will include Aubrey Eisenman & The Clydes July 30, The Wildmans Aug. 6, Nu-Blu Aug. 13, Pretty Little Goat Aug. 20 and The Kruger Brothers Aug. 27. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.

For more information and/or to purchase tickets, call 828.479.3364 or click on stecoahvalleycenter.com.

• Valley Cigar & Wine Co. (Waynesville) will host Rene Russell (singer-songwriter) 5 p.m. Aug. 13. Free and open to the public. 828.944.0686 or valleycigarandwineco.com.

Smoky Mountain News

• Yonder (Franklin) will host Dalton Mills (singer-songwriter) 6 p.m. Aug. 13. Free and open to the public.

Donations encouraged. 828.200.2169 or eatrealfoodinc.com.

FOOD AND DRINK • BBQ and Live Music takes place at 6 p.m. every Saturday at the Meadowlark Motel. Call 828.926.1717 or visit meadowlarkmotel.com.

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

• Take a trip around the world with four different wines every Friday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday 11a.m.-6 p.m. at the Bryson City Wine Market. Pick from artisan Charcuterie Foods to enjoy with wines. 828.538.0420 • 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 • “On This Night Of A Thousand Stars” will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 12-13 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. All seats are general admission. Space is limited. Tickets are $21 in advance, $25 day of show. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, click on smokymountainarts.com or call 866.273.4615.

• Asheville Comedy Festival will take place Aug. 10-13 in downtown Asheville. For more information visit AshevilleComedyFestival.com.

• 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. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, click on cherokeehistorical.org/alice-in-wonderland.

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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 • Uptown Gallery, 30 East Main St. Franklin, will be offering Children’s Art Classes Wednesdays afternoons.

Adult workshops in watercolor, acrylic paint pouring, encaustic and glass fusing are also offered. Free painting is available 10 a.m.-3 p.m. every Monday in the classroom. A membership meeting takes place on the second Sunday of the month at 3 p.m. All are welcome.

Call 828.349.4607 for more information.

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES • Western Carolina Photo Exhibit will take place Aug. 1 - Sept. 30, at the Waynesville branch of the Haywood County Public Library. The community’s assistance is needed to identify the people and places pictured.

Pictures depict the region during the first half of the 20th century. For more information, contact Kathy at kathleen.olsen@haywoodcountync.gov or 828.356.2507.

• “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. 828.349.4607 or pm14034@yahoo.com.

• The exhibit “Like No Other Place” is open July 16 through Dec. 31, in the Joel Gallery at the The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts. For more information visit thebascom.org.

• The exhibit “Members Challenge: Place” is open July 30 through Sept. 10, in the Thompson Gallery at The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts. For more information visit thebascom.org.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS • NCWORKS Job Search Assistance will take place from 1:15-4:45 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, at the Waynesville Branch of the Haywood County Public Library. For more information call 828.456.6061 or visit ncworks.gov.

• NASA is bringing images from its James Webb Telescope to the Jackson County Public Library at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, in the Community Room. The program is free of charge. For more information call the library in Sylva at 828.586.2016.

• North Carolina Museum of Art Take and Make kits will be available Aug. 15, at all Haywood County Library locations. For more information contact Lisa at lisa.hartzell@haywoodcountync.gov or 828.356.2511.

• Homeowner information sessions will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, at Waynesville First United Methodist Church and at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at Longs Chapel Methodist Church. For more information contact Haywood Habitat for Humanity at 828.452.7960.

• Chess 101 takes place from 3:30-4:30 p.m. every Friday in the Canton Branch of the Haywood County Public Library. No registration required, for more information call 828.648.2924.

• Wired Wednesday, one-on-one technology help is available at 3-5 p.m. every Wednesday at the Canton Branch of the Haywood County Library. For more information or to register, call 828.648.2924.

Outdoors

• The annual Zahner Conservation Lectures will take place at 6 p.m. Thursdays from July 7 to Sept. 1. To view the full lecture lineup, visit highlandsbiological.org.

• The Southeastern Permaculture Gathering will take place Aug. 5-7, in Celo, North Carolina. For more information visit skutheasternpermaculture.org.

• “Sunflower Hippie Festival” will be held from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at Darnell Farms in Bryson City. For more information, email hotheadevents@gmail.com.

• Two deer hunting webinars will be held from 7-8 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 9, and Thursday, Aug. 11. The firsts “Introduction to Deer Hunting,” the second is “Practical Deer Processing: From Field to Freezer.” Deer season opens Sept. 10. Register for the webinars at ncwildlife.org/sbs.

• Collaborative ways to achieve large-scale landscape conservation will be the topic of a lecture at 6 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 11, at the Highlands Nature Center in Highlands. For a full schedule of lectures, visit highlandsbiological.org.

Market WNC PLACE

Automobiles

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 $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

36

www.smokymountainnews.com

2008 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE 31,485 miles, $5500, (828) 734-6739

Business Opportunities BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing- Trusted

by Authors Since 1920 Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-888-425-1126 or visit dorranceinfo.com/nc

Employment B.H. GRANING LANDSCAPES IS HIRING entry level crew members for Maintenance and Construction. FT and PT positions available.

13.00-20.00/hr. Apply in person or online at BHGLandscapes.com/ landscaping-jobs Second chance employer. (828) 586-8303 THE JACKSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT Of Social Services is recruiting for an Adult Services Social Worker. This position investigates reports of adult abuse and neglect, provides case management for at-risk DGXOWV DQG FHUWL¿HV DQG monitors clients receiving Special Assistance In-home services. This

position also provides ongoing case management for guardianships, payeeships, individual and family adjustments, in-home aide services, and case management of substantiated adult protective service cases.

Other duties include general intake and community outreach services.

Requires limited availability after hours and on weekends as-needed. The starting salary is $43,558.50, if fully TXDOL¿HG 0LQLPXP TXDOL¿FDWLRQV LQFOXGH D IRXU year degree in a Human 6HUYLFH ¿HOG 3UHIHUHQFH will be given to applicants with a Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and experience providing Social Work services. Applicants should complete an application which is located at www.jcdss. org and submit it to the Jackson County Department of Social Services, *ULI¿Q 6WUHHW 6\OYD NC 28779 or the Sylva branch of the NC Works Career Center. Applications will be taken until August 15, 2022.

THE JACKSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT Of Social Services is recruiting for a Foster Care Social Worker in Child Welfare. This position will work with foster children and provide services to families where needs KDYH EHHQ LGHQWL¿HG Requires limited availability after hours as needed.

The starting salary is $45,736.42, if fully qualL¿HG 0LQLPXP TXDOL¿cations include a four year degree in a Human

August 3-9, 2022

6HUYLFH ¿HOG 3UHIHUHQFH will be given to applicants with a Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and/or experience providing Social Work services. Applicants should complete an application which is located at www.jcdss.org and submit it to the Jackson County Department of 6RFLDO 6HUYLFHV *ULI¿Q Street, Sylva, NC 28779 or the Sylva branch of the NC Works Career Center.

Applications will be taken until August 15, 2022.

RESALE STORE ASSOCIATE- PT Haywood County - Come join us in generating funds to assist individuals with critical needs. As a store associate you will take in donations and provide a fun shopping experience for customers.

Paid Holidays earned Annual and Sick leave, 5HWLUHPHQW EHQH¿WV 8S to 20 hours per week.

Retail store experience preferred. Strong organizational skills required.

High School diploma or equivalent. Must have a valid NC Driver’s license and proof of insurance.

Please apply at www. mountainprojects.org EOE/AA

PART-TIME SHUTTLE BUS DRIVERS NEEDED Shuttle Bus drivers needed for Cullowhee area. CDL with passenger endorsement and air breaks required. Contact Corey (636) 577-1919 chighlandgws@yahoo. com

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain SURJUDPV IRU TXDOL¿HG applicants. Call CTI for details! 1-855-554-4616 The Mission, Program

STORAGE SHEDS WHY RENT WHEN YOU CAN OWN FOR LESS?

828.633.0043

Since

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From $150/mo.

2011 Smokey Park Hwy. Candler, NC 28715 1 mile east of exit 37 I-40 on left at stop light

All Buildings (Sheds) ARE NOT the Same Compare Before You Buy An Educated Buyer Is Our Best Customer w w w.WarrensShe dsAndCar por ts.com WNC MarketPlace

Information and Tuition is located at CareerTechnical.edu/consumer-information.

DRIVER/COOK- PT JACKSON CO. Great opportunity to work with weekends and holidays off. We have the opening for someone that enjoys driving and would like to deliver fresh hot meals to Child Care and Senior Center facilities. You will also help in the kitchen with meal preparation and packing. This position will be between 2030 hours per week and comes with sick, holiday and vacation paid leave.

If you enjoy being part of a great team, and have a good driving record we want to talk to you.

Please apply at www. mountainprojects.org EOE/AA HOME CARE PARTNERS :DQW D ÀH[LEOH work schedule with EHQH¿WV" 0RQ ± )UL 12 nights or weekends. Full and Part time positions.

Help someone remain independent in their home rather than be institutionalized. A lot of people need a little help and you could be that someone ZKR FDUHV 8S WR per hour. Call Home Care Partners 828-5861570 or 828-507-6065.

Applications available at 525 Mineral Springs Drive, Sylva.

HCC CAREER DAY Haywood Community College’s Career Services and Continuing Education Departments and Haywood County NCWorks Career Center will hold an Allied Health Quick Training Programs Career Day Wednesday, August 10th, 8:30-11:30 am. The event will be held at Haywood County NCWorks Career Center, located at 1170 N. Main Street, Waynesville, NC 28786.

The purpose of Career Day is for students and the community to learn about and preregister for HCC Allied Health quick training programs, including Pharmacy Technician, &HUWL¿HG 1XUVLQJ Assistant, Medication Aide, and Phlebotomy.

Local employers will also be available to speak with participants about available career opportunities now and in the future. For further questions or information, please call 828-6274669 or email vldevore@ haywood.edu

Haywood Co. Real Estate Agents Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate- Heritage

DRIVERS NEEDED Haywood County Schools - Must be 18 with a Clean Driving Record.

CDL Training Provided, Starting Pay $15/Hr., Holidays, Weekends & Summers Off! For more information contact the Bus Garage 828-4562421, 401 Farmview Dr., Waynesville, NC. www. haywood.k12.nc.us

See Virtual Tours of listed homes at

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

Medical DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY? ApSHDO ,I \RX¶UH ¿OHG SSD and denied, our attorneys can help! Win or Pay Nothing! Strong, recent work history needed.

877-553-0252 [SteppachHU /DZ 2I¿FHV //& 3ULQFLSDO 2I¿FH $GDPV Ave Scranton PA 18503] DENTAL INSURANCE From Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844-4968601 www.dental50plus. com/ncpress #6258

Pets KITTENS! Asheville Humane Society is RYHUÀRZLQJ ZLWK kittens ready for adoption! All 2-6 months old; variety of colors and cute as can be! (828) 761-2001 adoptions@ashevilleKXPDQH RUJ PITBULL TERRIER MIX, BROWN&WHITE, ED 2 year old, handVRPH ER\ ZKR LV happy, active, and friendly and loves to play. Asheville Humane Society (828) 761-2001 adoptions@ DVKHYLOOHKXPDQH RUJ

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• 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

Emerson Group - emersongroupus.com • George Escaravage - george@emersongroupus.com • Chuck Brown - chuck@emersongroupus.com ERA Sunburst Realty - sunburstrealty.com • • • •

Amy Spivey - amyspivey.com Rick Border - sunburstrealty.com Randy Flanigan - 706-207-9436 Steve Mauldin - 828-734-4864 Keller Williams Realty - kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • The Morris Team - www.themorristeamnc.com • Julie Lapkoff - julielapkoff@kw.com • Darrin Graves - dgraves@kw.com

Ellen Sither esither@beverly-hanks.com (828) 734-8305

Lakeshore Realty • Phyllis Robinson - lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com

Mountain Dreams Realty- maggievalleyhomesales.com • Lyndia Massey- buyfromlyndia@yahoo.com

Mountain Creek Real Estate

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bknoland@beverly-hanks.com

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• 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

Rob Roland Realty

Phyllis Robinson OWNER/BROKER

(828) 712-5578

lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com

The Only Name in Junaluska Real Estate 91 N. Lakeshore Dr. Lake Junaluska 828.456.4070

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August 3-9, 2022

• Rob Roland - 828-400-1923

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

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SUPER

CROSSWORD

MAKE JOKES ACROSS 1 Yearned (for) 7 Zion National Park locale 11 Fracas 14 Domino's order 19 Colorado River tribe 20 Quarterback Tony 21 Bible book after Exod.

22 PC letter 23 Bought an expensive Camaro?

26 Desert plants 27 "-- all true!"

28 Hit the slopes 29 Crooning while standing atop a Rio? 31 Glimpses 33 Large African antelope 36 Pianist Schiff 37 Request to your Accord when you need to get somewhere in a hurry?

42 Triton's realms 43 Snake noise 47 -- Lingus 48 Traffic jam 50 Funny 52 Color ranges 56 City where the Model 3 is produced?

59 Adjust 60 Land in eau 62 Raggedy -63 Tripled trio 64 Why you don't want to give up your beloved Q7?

70 Has food 71 Sparkly stone 72 From long ago: Abbr.

73 Once-big news agcy.

74 "Silkwood" co-star 78 Declaration when a Regal

stalls in traffic?

82 VIP roster 86 London loc.

87 Clink dweller 88 Shire of "Rocky" 89 Charger being dismantled for scrap metal?

94 Permitted 96 San -- (city WSW of Sacramento) 97 Unceasingly 99 Up to, in brief 100 Pace 101 Don of talk radio 104 Things provided by joyrides in a Grand Cherokee?

109 Crude shed 111 Knightly title 112 Caulk, e.g.

113 Action words used in Continental ads?

119 Forest hooter 122 Rapa -- (Easter Island) 123 Large city in Nebraska 124 Put a wheel boot on a Mustang?

128 Cato's language 129 Ocean east of Fla. 130 Burn balm 131 Main course 132 Nerve cell projections 133 Pekoe, e.g.

134 Oxen connector 135 Vocalizes Alpine-style DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Mischievous Just so Chipping tool Was ill with Gabor and Longoria Pack of cards Suffix with depart

8 "Mazel --!"

9 Schumer and Sedaris of comedy 10 Pueblo tribe 11 Trues up 12 Make a choice 13 Pull-out part of a range 14 -- Bill (Old West folk hero) 15 Somalian supermodel 16 Astros pitcher Greinke 17 Rigatoni relative 18 Et -- (and more) 24 Lofty 25 Stranded cellular stuff 30 NBAer Pau 32 Gap-creating gizmos 34 NSFW part 35 Joins up 38 D.C. subway 39 Goof up 40 65% or so, gradewise 41 Vienna's nation: Abbr.

43 Cracker brand of old 44 Holy likeness 45 Equivalent 46 Louver piece 49 Physics Nobelist Max 51 -- -pedi (spa option) 52 NSFW part 53 "Guilty," e.g.

54 Louisiane, par exemple 55 Mann of pop 57 "Gemini Man" director Lee 58 Acting instinctively, informally 61 Long- -- (rangy) 65 E followers 66 Capital of South Vietnam 67 "Ltd." cousin 68 Winning by a point 69 Salsa, say 74 White wine

75 Fiery realm 76 Pennsylvania city 77 Use a book 78 Texter's "ciao" 79 Sturm -- Drang 80 Backdrops 81 Flight unit 82 Slightly open 83 Moon, in Italy 84 Research ctr.

85 -- -Ball 90 "Entrapment" director Jon 91 Headwear in the title of the first Ellery Queen mystery 92 FBI's govt. division 93 "Gosh!"

95 -- degree 98 Print quality abbr.

102 Gen. Assembly procedure for a resolution 103 McCartney of fashion 105 Medium gait 106 "The Raven" maiden 107 Hardy's pal 108 Declines 109 Bank offers 110 Munic. law 113 Dancer Falana 114 Huge-screen format 115 Defense gp.

116 Facial feature 117 Yrly. gift-giving occasion 118 Aviate alone 120 Milk serum 121 Jokey Jay 125 Asian pan 126 Born, to Fifi 127 Co. bringing bouquets

ANSWERS ON PAGE 34

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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 34 the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

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August 3-9, 2022

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Smoky Mountain News August 3-9, 2022