Paramedics and emergency medical technicians in every North Carolina county save countless lives each year. However, with the introduction of two bills in the state legislature by Rep. Mark Pless, EMS directors are now sounding the alarm, concerned that the high standard applied to first responders may ultimately be compromised, which could potentially cost lives. (Page 4) Stock photo
News
Macon GOP hosts ‘first in freedom’ anniversary dinner..........................................5 Edwards declares 'we’re winning' in defiant speech................................................6 Hurricane Helene heroes honored by NC-11 GOP................................................7 Jackson County School Board digs into per pupil spending..................................8 No tax increase for Canton, but rates will rise..........................................................10 Couple pledges $10 million estate legacy gift to WCU......................................12
Opinion
Lessons learned from garden gnomes ......................................................................14 Unite and fight for the republic......................................................................................15
A&E
Following Helene flooding, MANNA FoodBank releases benefit album..........16 City Lights welcomes Wolfe award winner................................................................18
Outdoors
River protest calls attention to debris removal..........................................................24 Franklin farmers market to begin next month............................................................26
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Pless feuds with first responders
Emergency medical personnel cry out against proposed bills
Rand EMTs after introducing a pair of bills that first responders say will weaken their ability to provide emergency care.
With the bills, Pless, himself a former paramedic, again lives up to his reputation of being controversial and confrontational. However, he also noted that he thinks the people who are voicing the loudest criticism also refuse to come to the table and talk about ideas.
“They may not like my methods, but my job and the effectiveness I have in fighting for North Carolina depends on other folks having conversations,” he said. “They need to understand this isn’t ‘my way or the highway.’ I’m doing what I need to do if they will not come to table.”
HB-219 would strip counties of the ability to franchise ambulance services, meaning private companies could operate without the same level of local oversight and control.
Pless said that counties franchising EMS services amounts to government “gatekeeping” and that it interferes with “free enterprise.” When asked whether he would extend that same logic to bills for other government services, such as law enforcement, Pless had a clear answer.
“Oh, yes, I think everything needs to be and this is just the one that you would extend that to law enforcement. I would extend that to whomever they need to expand into. Because our system is broken,” he said.
Specifically, Pless claimed that people are made to wait in emergency rooms after they’ve already been seen by a doctor, meaning the bed is occupied and can’t be used by a new patient. The reason for that, according to Pless, is that they’re waiting on an ambulance to come take them back home or wherever they need to go after they receive care. If hospitals can contract with private or nonprofit entities that provide non-emergency transports, that could clear up the problem, he said.
Pless has said that some counties contract medical transports already, noting Yancey County specifically. However, Yancey County EMS Director Kristy Bryant told The Smoky Mountain News that although the ambulance service goes by a different name — Heritage EMS — it is still a county service.
“With the franchise agreement, what is concerning to me is that it takes all county government oversight out, so leaders have no say so in how they want EMS to run,” she said.
Haywood County EMS Director Travis Donaldson agreed. He said that while there will always be hiccups here and there, he thinks the greater degree of oversight is a good thing.
said, adding that if Pless’ bill were to make it through, entities with lower standards could start providing services.
HB-675 would eliminate the state standard — a standard multiple EMS leaders interviewed by SMN said is nationally renowned — and instead require paramedics and EMTs to be certified through a national registry, which those same
quality of life.
Donaldson said that both bills will combine to weaken services, which impacts not only folks on ambulances, but also firefighters and other first responders across the state who receive certification.
“They think it’s government overreach,” Donaldson said. “It’s making sure everybody’s on the same page and making sure those other agencies are doing what they’re supposed to.”
Bryant has been among the most vocal critics of Pless’ bills. When she saw what he was proposing, she sent an email to him — along with her state representative, Dudley Greene, her state senator, Ralph Hise, and her congressional representative, Chuck Edwards. She said Pless’ response was “insulting.”
Bryant said her biggest problem is that he didn’t speak with EMS leadership across the state to hear their concerns. Pless confirmed that he didn’t speak with any county EMS directors prior to the drafting process.
“I’ve heard from EMS leadership as far away as Dare County who are against this bill,” Bryant said.
Bryant did make a point to note that while she has taken issue with Pless’ bills, she was happy to hear at last Friday’s meeting that he’d decided to change the provision that would require all personnel to recertify under the national standard. But while Pless may have assuaged some concerns with that announcement, other than that, those present described it as contentious. Many thought Pless was apathetic at best, intentionally dismissive at worst.
In a Facebook post, Vickie Tweed, a Buncombe County paramedic, said she has never been as disrespected by an elected official as she felt by Pless at that meeting.
“I have NEVER seen the total and complete lack of respect that I saw today from NC Representative Mark Pless,” the post reads. “While someone is talking TO him he was kicked back in his seat, on his phone or had his chin resting in his hand. It was as if what we had to say was a nuisance to him. He was called out on this twice with no change in his behavior. This is totally unacceptable and disrespectful to the people of North Carolina that he is supposed to represent.”
“They may not like my methods, but my job and the effectiveness I have in fighting for North Carolina depends on other folks having conversations.”
EMS leaders said is far less stringent. While the bill originally mandated that all paramedics and EMTs would need to recertify, at an April 25 meeting at AB Tech between Pless and dozens of first responders, he said he would amend that so that it only applies to new personnel. On April 29, the bill was officially amended.
Pless’ reasoning for that bill is that there is no book and no standardized curriculum for aspiring first responders to adhere to while preparing for their credentialing process. With the national curriculum, there’s a book readily available online. In an industry where the burnout rate is high and emergency departments all over the state are looking for more qualified responders, Pless argues that this would put more responders in our communities.
However, EMS directors have argued that prioritizing quantity over quality will hurt patient care in emergency situations. Donaldson said that while there is burnout in the profession and that paramedics and EMTs frequently move on within a few years to a different part of the medical field — many becoming nurses — he feels like the answer to that problem isn’t lowering standards; it’s improving pay and
— Mark Pless
In an interview Monday morning with SMN, Pless said he was supposed to speak with some folks from Madison County but that first responders from Buncombe County came in and “hijacked” the meeting, which made him less willing to respond to what he considered attacks.
“Buncombe County came not because they wanted to have a conversation but because they wanted to fight,” he said. “I’ll be as nice to them as they are to me.”
Pless said that while he didn’t consult with EMS personnel when writing these bills, he did speak with multiple rescue squads who supported his effort, since it would give many a chance to increase the scope of their operations. His son, Jared Pless, currently heads up Haywood County’s rescue squad.
A move such as the introduction of these bills by Pless that riles up a broad base of voters across the state — and especially from his district — could hurt him politically, especially considering the outrage isn’t isolated to one party. Amid rumblings that another Republican is likely to challenge him in the 2026 primary, he said he’s not concerned. Pless said if he loses, he’s more than happy to return to his old life. In the meantime, he said he will keep doing what he’s been doing, regardless of who is upset.
“I’m not going to sit there and be quiet, because if you’re sitting there being quiet, you’re not doing anything,” he said. “And if you’re doing stuff up there, you’re going to be controversial.”
Western Republicans continue censure of Tillis
Claiming that Republican Sen. Thom Tillis’ “stances on certain issues are against the party platform and Republican ideals,” Republicans in the 11th Congressional District voted April 26 to continue a censure issued by the state party in 2023.
Tillis, who announced his reelection bid late last year, already has at least two opponents for the November 2026 General Election — one Democrat, and one Republican.
Sen. Thom Tillis (left) visits the recovery hub at the International Paper Sports Complex in Canton, shortly after Hurricane Helene. Cory Vaillancourt photo
Former two-term Congressman Wiley Nickel, the Democrat, officially announced his entry into the race on April 10, but party insiders are eagerly awaiting a decision from former twoterm Gov. Roy Cooper, who’s been quiet since leaving office last December.
Andy Nilsson, a retired furniture company executive and high school football coach from Winston-Salem, filed his statement of organization with the Federal Election Commission on Jan. 14 and supports the resolutions against Tillis.
“That tells us that back in 2022 and 2023 the GOP base was turning off Sen. Tillis. It’s the first time in North Carolina history when a federal politician has been censured at a Republican state convention. It was breathtaking,” Nilsson told The Smoky Mountain News. “The fact that it has happened again at the district level — and sources tell me a similar resolution will again be introduced at the state convention in June — what it does is it confirms Thom Tillis’ eroding support among the GOP base. It was already bad. Recent polling shows Tillis polling less than 40% among active Republicans.”
The censure resolution passed by the NC-11 GOP states that the party is “not obligated to recognize him, house his campaign materials nor endorse his campaign” and encourages “members, volunteers and citizens to support a primary candidate of their choosing during that election cycle.”
Although the resolution doesn’t list the specific reasons for Tillis’ censure, Republicans on the right have long been unhappy with Tillis’ support of LGBTQ+ rights, among other issues.
According to the Cook Political Report, Tillis and Maine Sen. Susan Collins are the only incumbents whose 2026 races are rated “lean R,” as opposed to the more secure “likely R” and “solid R.” — Cory Vaillancourt, Politics Editor
NC-11 Republicans elect new chair
Merry Guy, former chair of the Henderson County Republican Party, will now serve as chair of the 11th Congressional District after defeating incumbent Michele Woodhouse at the district convention in Haywood County on April 26.
Guy previously served several terms on the state executive committee, the state credentialling committee and the state election integrity committee.
Woodhouse, who had previously served as district chair from 2021 until she stepped down to run in the 2022 Republican Congressional Primary Election, was reelected as chair on Dec. 9, 2023. That Primary
Macon GOP hosts ‘first in freedom’ anniversary dinner
The Macon County Republican Party will host a 250th anniversary celebration of the first declaration of independence from Great Britain and King George III in the Thirteen Colonies, preceding the U.S. Declaration of Independence by more than a year. On May 20, 1775, residents of Mecklenburg County declared themselves a “free and independent people” in a document now referred to as the “Mecklenburg
Election saw then-state Sen. Chuck Edwards (R-Henderson) narrowly edge incumbent Rep. Madison Cawthorn. Edwards went on to defeat Buncombe County Democrat Jasmine Beach-Ferrara in the General Election by more than nine points.
“The work that we did delivering Western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene, nothing like that’s ever been seen before,” Woodhouse said. “We rose to the occasion and overdelivered in every race. I wish the new administration the best of luck and all eyes will continue to be on WNC because of the Democrat commitment to spend hundreds of millions of dollars in North Carolina on our U.S. Senate race, General Assembly races and local races.” — Cory Vaillancourt, Politics Editor
Declaration of Independence,” which gave rise to the date’s enshrinement on the North Carolina Flag.
The event will be held on May 22 at 23 East Main St., in Franklin. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Speakers, including NCGOP chair Jason Simmons, Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-Macon) and Rep. Karl Gillespie (R-Macon) begin at 6 p.m. Tickets are $75, tables $600. Purchase tickets by May 8 at macongop.org or buy them in person at the Macon County Republican Party headquarters, located at 867 Highlands Road in Franklin, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays.
Cory Vaillancourt, Politics Editor
Edwards touts Trump’s return, declares ‘we’re winning’ in defiant speech
BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT P OLITICS E DITOR
Rep. Chuck Edwards wasted no time Saturday Morning reminding supporters that Republicans are back in full control of Washington — and that he intends to be at the forefront of the Trump agenda.
“Isn’t it great to be making America great again?” Edwards said to applause from delegates attending the North Carolina Republican Party’s 11th Congressional District convention at Tuscola High School in Haywood County. “Folks like to call it Donald Trump’s agenda. I like to call it your agenda.”
Following former President Donald Trump’s historic political comeback last November, Republicans now command both chambers of Congress and the executive branch, and they hold significant sway over the Supreme Court. Edwards’ speech served as both a celebration of that resurgence and a blueprint for the battles ahead — on immigration, taxes, military reform and cultural issues.
Edwards, now in his second term, spent much of his speech cataloging the Trump administration’s early actions.
“Donald Trump is closing the border,” he said, claiming illegal crossings have dropped by up to 94%. While formal figures from Customs and Border Protection remain preliminary, early reports suggest a sharp decline following a series of executive orders and an increase in military deployments to southern entry points.
Edwards also cheered Trump’s sweeping efforts to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion mandates across federal agencies, a centerpiece of the president’s opening salvo against what some conservatives deride as “woke bureaucracy.”
or unaware of, his own party’s positions on social security. During his 2022 congressional bid, Edwards told The Smoky Mountain News that “there is absolutely no interest from Republicans to cut Medicare or Social Security.” Edwards’ comments came just weeks after Rep. Kevin McCarthy and Sen. Ron Johnson, both Republicans, refused to quash rumors about potential cuts.
A year later, Edwards remained silent about protecting seniors and veterans,
rights — Democratic leaders in Congress have pledged a determined opposition campaign, attempting to cast doubt on Edwards’ depiction of a party in disarray.
Unfortunately for Democrats, Edwards is right, with the rudderless national party looking at historically low approval ratings around 37% — lower even than Trump’s 39%.
Closer to home, Edwards issued a nativist warning about the changing demo-
$110 billion spending bill in late December 2024 — a bill Edwards claims he helped write — Western North Carolina only came away with a fraction of the $60 billion the state says it needs to rebuild. Edwards also sits on the House Appropriations committee. His own estimate of forthcoming aid is around $17 billion for the Tar Heel State, but others put the amount between $9 billion and $15 billion.
Earlier this month, Gov. Josh Stein announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development would allocate a paltry $1.4 billion for housing and infrastructure. Last month, an investigation by The Smoky Mountain News revealed that only about 4% of recovery funding needs by municipal governments had been met, with some governments receiving nothing at all, six months after Helene.
Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Macon) speaks to delegates at the NC-11 GOP convention held at Tuscola High School in Waynesville on April 26. Cory Vaillancourt photo
Pivoting to fiscal matters, Edwards warned of a looming tax bomb unless Congress acts to make permanent the 2017 cuts set to expire at the end of 2025.
“In this one big, beautiful bill, we’re going to prevent the largest tax increase in history,” he said regarding the looming expiration of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, which were overwhelmingly slanted to benefit wealthy Americans like him.
The push for permanent tax cuts has remained a top legislative priority for the Trump White House and the GOP-led Congress.
Edwards also outlined plans for significant reforms at the Pentagon, praising Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s proposal to cut 8% of military bureaucracy jobs and refocus resources on combat readiness.
Addressing what has been an ongoing controversy for Republicans, Edwards said, “We will protect Social Security, regardless of what the Democrats are out there are saying right now.”
Edwards has long been mistaken about,
Earlier this year, a Social Security office in Edwards’ own district appeared on billionaire Elon Musk’s DOGE website, slated for closing. It ended up being removed from the list after outcry suggested Edwards wasn’t aware of the initial listing or was powerless to prevent it.
Throughout his speech, Edwards repeatedly mocked Democrats, portraying them as disoriented in the wake of Trump’s return.
“The Democrats right now are angry, and they’re dazed and they’re confused, and all they really know what to do right now is to protest, and many times they don’t even know what they’re protesting,” he said. “You see them at town halls over in downtown Asheville. You see them out in front of my restaurants in Hendersonville. You see them out in front of the courthouse, my district office, when they know that I’m in town. You see them out in front of the Carolina Cruiser when we’ve got it out and about. And I’m loving how angry they are. I’m loving how confused they are, and I’m loving how they’re pointing fingers at one another now, much, much worse than Republicans have ever done.”
While large protests against Trump policies have erupted nationwide — particularly around immigration and reproductive
with them. So many of us remember the days like 2012 where we won this House seat by 22 points. That majority will never happen again, because conditions are changing.”
Population growth in areas like Henderson and Buncombe counties has complicated the region’s traditional political dynamics, though the district remains a Republican stronghold — for now. According to nonpartisan mapping website davesredistricting.org, NC-11 has performed at 53.8% Republican between 2016 and 2022.
Underscoring his closeness to the president, Edwards shared personal anecdotes about joining Trump aboard Air Force One for a post-inauguration flight to Western North Carolina and about presenting his 62page report on FEMA reform to the White House during a 90-minute meeting.
The trip, he said, allowed him to secure “absolute yeses” and “strong maybes” for local projects related to Hurricane Helene. Though he provided no specifics, the story played well with the crowd, reinforcing Edwards’ reputation as a Trump loyalist with direct influence in Washington.
That influence, however, hasn’t yet become apparent; when Congress passed a
“We’ve got a president that is determined to see Western North Carolina rebuild,” Edwards said, ignoring the Trump administration’s denial of extending the 100% cost share from the Biden administration on repair projects. Edwards recently said he wouldn’t fight the decision, which will cost local governments millions. Stein has appealed the decision.
Edwards’ speech captured the boisterous, combative tone that has defined Trump’s second presidency — a sweeping rejection of the status quo, a bold promise to upend federal institutions and a sharp edge against critics opposed to the Republican message.
“I’m working to use the platform that you’ve given me with the media to give the Republican message a chance,” he said. “I’m working to use the social media platform that I have, the newsletter platform that I have, to speak the truth, because one of the biggest surprises that I’ve seen in Washington D.C. are the amount of lies coming from the Democrats.”
Last April, Edwards was unanimously sanctioned by the bipartisan House Communications Standards Commission for violating federal law and the rules of the House of Representatives by using his newsletter to conduct personal attacks on Biden.
The event also demonstrated Edwards’ positioning within the broader GOP coalition. By tying himself closely to Trump and celebrating the administration’s early actions, Edwards is both solidifying his base and preparing for a potentially higher profile within a party undergoing rapid transformation — if outrage over tariffs, the economy, the rule of law, the arrest of judges, deportations of children without due process and security lapses at the highest levels of the Pentagon don’t bring the whole party crashing down in the 2026 midterm elections.
“I’m proud of what Republicans are stand for right now,” he said. “I’m proud of what we’re accomplishing. I think we need to embrace it.”
As he closed his remarks, Edwards called on supporters to stay engaged, warning that even with Trump back in the Oval Office, the work of remaking America in his image is far from complete.
Hurricane Helene heroes honored
been a partisan affair — on the ground, at least — but North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District Republicans took time out of a busy district convention day to honor those who helped.
“Let me first begin by saying thank you doesn’t even begin to cover the tremendous gratitude that the people of Western North Carolina have for you,” said Michele Woodhouse, then-chair of the NC-11 GOP.
“You are each and every one of you a hero, and we want to recognize you today … Many of you are from Western North Carolina and call these mountains home, but many of you found a temporary home here, and we’re glad. We’d like you to stay. We’re not full. Unless you’re from New York.”
Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Henderson) presented small medallions to the following people or organizations:
Cindy and Jeff Sellers, formerly of Haywood County, helped establish a distribution center for basic and lifesaving supplies.
Travis Donaldson, Haywood County Emergency Services director, accepted on behalf of what he called “a whole county full of heroes.”
Anchor Baptist Church in Transylvania County, named as a key member by Transylvania County Emergency Operations, managed large-scale distribution activities and used their radio station to communicate with neighbors.
Elias McKim, of Highlands, helped supply hurricane victims via helicopter and secured key donations.
James Faircloth, CEO of Emergency RV in Franklin, provided donated RVs to hurricane and wildfire victims.
tims.
Nick Sortor, seen on Fox News, Tucker Carlson and Newsmax, helped install Starlinks across the region, ensuring emergency communications when internet and cellular infrastructure failed.
Sheriff Ricky P. Cannon of McDowell County went weeks with little sleep to serve hard-hit communities.
Rep. Dudley Greene (R-McDowell) lost his home in Avery County during Hurricane Helene but continued to serve neighbors and constituents. Greene serves as co-chair of the House Select Committee on Helene Recovery.
Chris Hall, part of “Operation Shelter,” helped with early efforts to bring Starlinks and RVs to the region.
Sean and Mona Hendricks of Greenville, North Carolina, spent months in the region and helped set up more than 60 Starlinks and met with Vice President JD Vance.
Matt Von Swol, of Weaverville, built a substantial following on X exposing FEMA’s failures.
Chris Rains unloaded airplanes, coordinated flights, sorted clothes and other supplies for seven months.
Stephanie Almeida, owner of Full Circle Recovery Center and founder of Smoky Mountain Harm Reduction in Franklin created a regional mutual aid hub and served free hot food, also distributing survival supplies, water, medical supplies while sorting over 250,000 pieces of clothing.
Griffin Lloyd, of Lloyd Construction in Highlands immediately went to Lake Lure and Flat Rock, building temporary shelters, feeding centers and a warehouse for donations over a two-month period.
Macon County, took seven truckloads of food, water, toiletries and blankets to the Highlands distribution point and donated new mailboxes as a fundraiser for Asheville residents.
Paige Jones of WNC Strong donated six mobile homes to house hurricane survivors.
Bill and Susan Swift, small business owners from Franklin, secured vacant shopping center space as a supply staging point and helped transfer supplies and coordinate equipment and donations across the region.
Derek and Aaron Buchanan, owners of Spear Country Store in Avery County converted their business into a distribution center amid tremendous personal and professional loss.
Patrick Ward, a first responder from Madison County, worked around the clock across multiple counties and continued rescue and recovery operations for months.
828 Vets, an all-volunteer group helping veterans and families, collected and delivered goods to flood victims.
John Anglin worked at the Yancey County Command Center and helped ensure the county’s voting sites were ready to receive voters.
Jeff and Diane Patterson lost their home, but they worked the polls and volunteered at Trump’s Asheville rally last fall.
Tim Wright, sheriff of Polk County, led a rapid response team and later supported wildfire evacuations and recovery.
Precision Grading, of Saluda, has been active in construction and recovery work across the region and is especially recognized in the Chimney Rock area.
Anthony Penland, Swannanoa fire chief, oversaw a department that dealt with incredible devastation.
Influencer Matt Von Swol (left) receives a medallion from Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Henderson) at the NC-11 GOP district convention
Jackson County School Board digs into per pupil spending
BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF W RITER
The Jackson County Board of Education this month took an in-depth look at per pupil spending across the school system, prompted by recent discussions about Jackson Community School and its viability for the future.
“I think the overriding message I hope the community hears is that we’re not picking a school to get more resources than another school, we’re trying to be very equitable for every student in Jackson County Schools,” said Board Member Gayle Woody.
At a special called meeting April 23, JCPS administration took almost two hours to help clarify for the board how funding is allocated amongst different schools in the system.
Jackson County Schools spends about $13,500-$14,000 per student annually, though this number varies by school, as of late 2024.
Jackson Community School is the most expensive school for the system to operate relative to its student population. For students at Jackson Community School, as of December 2024, the school system is spending about $37,271 annually per pupil. The next highest per-pupil spending rate is at Blue Ridge School, at $26,586. Both Jackson County and Blue Ridge early colleges cost the system about $21,000 per pupil. At the rest of the schools in the school system, per-pupil spending is well below $20,000, with the lowest at Fairview Elementary and Smoky Mountain High School where perpupil spending is just over $10,000.
Actual per-pupil spending at each school is determined by annual salary costs for staff within a school, combined with annual operating costs, divided by the student population. For Jackson Community School, which has annual operating costs on par with other schools in the county, but far fewer students, per pupil spending is higher than at any
other school.
A report on this information given late last year prompted the board to consider its options for Jackson Community School. After an outpouring of alumni and community support for Jackson Community School, the board ultimately decided to keep the school in its current location, operating as it has been operating, with hopes to increase student population in the coming years.
But per pupil spending is more complicated than it might seem on the surface, and there are some particular circumstances in Jackson County Schools that make it even more complicated than in other districts.
“We’re looking at the needs of every student and every school,” Superintendent Dana Ayers told the Board of Education.
Schools with fewer students still require operating costs for the school building, as well as administration costs, which means that divided among that smaller student body, per-pupil spending will be higher than at a school with
more students.
What’s more, Jackson County is unique among school districts in The Smoky Mountain News’ four-county coverage area in that it does not have a traditional middle school. Instead, 724 middle grade students are split up among four K-8 schools in the county.
In September, the Department of Public Instruction announced that Jackson County would receive $52 million in grant funds from the state for the construction of its first traditional middle school.
The Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund, awarded through NCDPI, draws on money from the North Carolina Education Lottery. School systems can apply for funds for construction of new school buildings, as well as additions, repairs and renovations.
While the new middle school is still a few years away, combining middle grade students into one location should help the school system consolidate middle grade operations and personnel costs.
In addition to its own particular circumstances, Jackson County Schools, like all other public schools in North Carolina, has to comply with state law for class sizes. For each grade level K-3 there are a certain number of students per grade level that constitute a state-funded teaching position. For example, for every 18 kindergarten students, the state funds one teaching position. And while an individual kindergarten class can have up to 21 students, the district average kindergarten class size must be 18.
“The legislature makes the decisions about these things and about our funding, and we all recognize, yes, we need more funding, but they have the authority to make that decision, so we need to advocate with our legislators,” said Woody.
After third grade, while the state still funds
teaching positions based on the number of students in a district — one teacher for every 24 students in grades 4-6, one teacher for every 23 students in grades 7-8, one teacher for every 26.5 students in grade 9, and one teacher for every 29 students in grades 10-12 — there are no state limits on class size.
“The state has no stipulations on the number of students you can have in those classrooms,” said Director of Human Resources Michael Vetter. “Of course, best practice, we don’t want to put 35 or 40 students in any classroom.”
Overall, Average Daily Membership is expected to be lower for Jackson County Schools in the coming year. While Jackson County Schools was allotted funding based on an ADM of 3,473 in fiscal year 2023-24, it was allotted funding based on an ADM of 3,424 in fiscal year 2024-25 and it is expected to be allotted funding based on an ADM of 3,338 in the coming fiscal year.
Even though ADM determines funding for an entire fiscal year for the school system, actual student population varies throughout the year.
“[ADM] It’s going to be a little bit lower; these are just projections for [FY] 26, but it will be kind of lower across the board and some grade levels could go up, some could go down,” Vetter explained to the board.
“It’s so tricky with the ADM stuff because we’re enrolling kids and kids are moving and going to different schools throughout the course of the year so these numbers, we could’ve uploaded them today and they’re going to change most likely tomorrow or the next day.”
Haywood County Schools is facing a similar trend of declining ADM.
Ayers also explained to the board how charter school passthrough funding impacts the JCPS budget. There are currently 460 students who would be in Jackson County Public Schools who are enrolled in charter schools.
“I don’t think the general public realizes, when I go and ask money from the county commissioners, whatever they give me, some of it is a passthrough that goes directly to charter school funding,” said Ayers.
In the 2023-2024 school year, JCPS paid
$977,793 to charter schools. In the coming year JCPS expects that number to be closer to $1.5 million.
“So, when I ask the county commissioners for $14.5 million, about $1.5 of that we’re never going to see,” said Ayers. “We’re going to turn around and pass it back out.”
That comes out to about $2,528 per student attending a charter school. That money currently goes out to nine different charter schools, most of which are not located in Jackson County.
In 2023, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners voted to loan Summit Charter School $2.5 million after state law changed the ways that charter schools could obtain funds from local municipalities. The loan was intended to bridge cash flow needs during construction of Summit’s facility expansion and to be paid back with interest over the course of 36 months.
Overall, about 72% of JCPS budget goes to pay for personnel, and 28% goes toward operations.
“I don’t think the general public realizes, when I go and ask money from the county commissioners, whatever they give me, some of it is a passthrough that goes directly to charter school funding.”
— Dana Ayers., Superindendent
“After two years of being on the board, this is one of the most well-oiled machines that I have seen,” said Board Member Kim Moore. “In all the companies I’ve worked for, teams I’ve worked with, this is beautiful. I’ve also gotten to go to state training for boards and talk to other board members and there’s so much division, so much strife, but this is really beautiful. You all have your stuff together.”
Haywood County Tourism Development Authority to host open house May 8
In celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week, the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority invites the public to an open house event on Thursday, May 8, from 3 to 6 p.m., at the Haywood County Visitor Center, located at 91 North Lakeshore Drive in Lake Junaluska.
The event is open to residents, tourism partners, business owners and anyone interested in learning more about the role of tourism in Haywood County. Attendees can enjoy snacks and drinks, door prizes, goodie bags and photo opportunities, while connecting with the team that promotes and supports the region’s vital travel economy. Door prizes include over $1,250 in gift certificates to enjoy local businesses, plus the chance to win a free quarter page ad in the 2026 Haywood Visitors Guide, valued at $700.
“This is a great opportunity for the community to see what we do, ask questions and learn how tourism directly benefits the people and places of Haywood County,” said Haywood County Tourism Development Authority Executive Director Corrina Ruffieux. “We’re proud of our mission and excited to share it with the people we serve during National Travel and Tourism Week.” The open house is a drop-in event, and all are welcome to stop by, connect and celebrate the positive impact of tourism in Haywood County.
No tax increase for Canton, but rates will rise
Tnation of natural and human-caused disas- ber of years now, and this is by far the hard- user fees for some town services will.
A TRASHY DILEMMA
WastePro, the Town’s trash contractor, will increase its prices by 5.2%, based on the consumer price index. The increase only comes to $13,635 a year against $275,000 in annual expenditures; however, the company will now charge a “disposal fee” of $100,000 — a massive bump to what it already charges the Town.
During an April 24 budget discussion at town hall, Town Manager Lisa Stinnett said that after a recent management change at WastePro, the company discovered it hadn’t been charging Canton for disposal fees incurred when the trash gets dumped.
“Somehow,” Stinnett said, “WastePro was paying [the fees] for years. For years.”
Despite inadvertently giving the town a huge break on trash pickup services all those years, WastePro is not seeking repayment and is only charging the fee going forward.
Together, the two increases will bring the Town’s annual trash expenditures to more than $375,000.
The Town’s governing board had to decide whether to absorb some of the increase, which it can’t really afford to do, or pass the increase along to the 1,684 customers who are used to seeing a bill for $13.50 each month. Now, they will likely see that bill increase to about $18.60 a month just so the Town can break even on the service.
Stinnett said she was shopping for a new contract.
Canton is no different.
Historically, Canton has set rates among the lowest in the region, but with a new wastewater treatment plant on the horizon, the rates have become unsustainably low. They’re so low, in fact, that the Town does not qualify for some state grants, the theory being that municipalities shouldn’t slash customer rates and rely on handouts to operate.
Along with that, this is this first year in decades — perhaps ever — that Canton will pay a competitive rate for treatment of its wastewater. Previously, the owners of the mill had treated the town’s waste at nearly no cost, but now that the parcel is in private hands, the old agreement that governed the relationship is gone. A new one has not yet been signed, but Walker hopes the hit is $200,000 a month, or less.
For water, customers inside town limits currently pay an $18.04 per month base rate for up to 3,000 gallons, and $4.46 for every 1,000 gallons above the base amount. Customers outside town limits pay a $36.07 base rate, and $8.91 for every 1,000 gallons above the base.
Proposed rates for inside customers would rise to $23.08 and $4.73, respectively, while customers outside town limits would pay $72.14 and $9.45.
For sewer, customers inside town limits pay a $22.16 per month base rate for up to 3,000 gallons, and $2.23 for every 1,000 gallons above the base amount. Customers outside town limits pay a $44.30 base rate, and $4.46 for every 1,000 gallons above the base.
Proposed rates for inside customers would rise to $48.75 and $2.37, but customers outside town limits would pay $88.60 and $4.46.
Buffeted by a flood, the loss of a major employer and a hurricane — all in the past four years — the Town of Canton again faces tough budget discussions. Cory Vaillancourt photo
“I think it’s important for us to talk about that this is something that we have not wanted,” said Alderwoman Kristina Proctor. “We didn’t want to do this, and we explored every opportunity to try to mitigate this as much as possible.”
THE COST OF STAYING ALIVE
Eggs, energy and the cost of other everyday items were all hot topics during the most recent election, but American consumers aren’t seeing much relief 100 days into the new administration. That puts the pinch on employers, like the Town of Canton, to find ways to retain the qualified employees who keep town services up and running.
“There is nothing that keeps me up more at night than affordability — of everything,” said Mayor Zeb Smathers. “I mean, you can’t go out to eat with one kid and you’re not spending upwards of 80 bucks. You can’t go to Mickey D’s and get you a combo meal for less than 10 bucks.”
Relying largely on top-notch benefits, family-like work atmosphere and quality of life, the Town has struggled to provide the one thing that employees really want — cash in their pockets.
“We all know they’re all underpaid, right?” Stinnett asked rhetorically during the meeting. “Everybody here is underpaid.”
“Correct,” Proctor answered.
The exchange came amid a discussion on including a cost-of living adjustment in the budget.
Right now, in addition to salaries and overtime, Town employees receive a Christmas bonus, but local governments usually consider annual cost-of-living increases based on the consumer price index, which in January was 3.1%.
Walker presented a range of options, from 1% to 5% increases, along with their budgetary impact. The Board decided to go with 3%, which would increase payroll costs including taxes and retirement contributions by nearly $168,000, from $4.92 million to $5.08 million.
But the COLA discussion didn’t take place in a vacuum; spending more on COLA means less money to spend on other things, like health care coverage.
“We’ve had this Cadillac plan of insurance for years. We’ve always been told that it was really unheard of, that our deductible being $500 was super-unheard of,” Walker said.
Those days are over for Canton. Last month, the North Carolina League of Municipalities announced it would wind down its Health Benefits Trust and no longer offer dental, medical, vision and life insurance policies to about 8,000 people — government employees and their families across the state.
“This decision was not made lightly, and many factors contributed to it, including the rising prices of medical procedures and specialty drugs,” reads a statement from NCLM.
Canton had offered employees two Aetna plans through NCLM, the most popular including a $500 deductible for a single person, $2,000 out-of-pocket annual max and
copays of $20 for primary or urgent care, $30 for specialty care and $500 for emergency care.
The Town pays 100% of the premium for individuals, 47% for an employee/spouse plan, 35% for an employee/child plan and 34% of a family plan. Deductibles and out-ofpocket limits are doubled for family plans, although since 2011 the town has only paid for coverage for new employees, not spouses or dependents.
Two proposed alternative plans from Blue Cross Blue Shield both offer $3,000 deductibles for individuals, a $6,000 out-ofpocket max and copays of $25 for primary care, $50 for specialty or urgent care, and $500 for urgent care. Deductibles and out-ofpocket limits are also doubled for family plans.
Both BCBS plans are more expensive for employees and for the Town, which would continue to pay 100% of the premium for individuals but 48% for an employee/spouse plan, 64% for an employee/child plan and 36% for a family plan.
One of the plans would cost $722,000 (an 18.9% increase), but the other, which does not allow for new retirees or a budgeted health reimbursement arrangement, whereby the Town would further subsidize deductibles by an estimated $47,000, costs $674,000 (an 11% increase).
By deciding to spend an additional $168,000 on COLA, the Town’s unavoidable health care coverage spending increases of $115,000 for the first BCBS plan or $69,977 for the second become a much tougher pill to swallow. Board consensus solidified on the second plan.
The Town also considered several alternatives to its dental, vision and life insurance benefits, settling on a 6.8% increase, rather than other options ranging from 21.4% to 22.1%. The increase, about $7,800, is minor, but is an increase nonetheless.
FREE LUNCHES AND THE NOSTALGIA TAX
Other components of Canton’s proposed budget appear to be relatively routine, but there’s an old saying in municipal government circles — your budget is a manifestation of your priorities. One of Canton’s priorities has always been maintaining its identity as a gritty, blue collar mountain mill town with unique historic charm in a quaint, compact central business district.
Now, with fewer blue collars, this mill town without a mill needs to come to grips with a new reality and move on from what Carl Cortright, a planning board member who once ran for alderman and with his wife Tiffany have attended most governing board meetings over the past decade, calls “the nostalgia tax.”
“We just can’t afford it,” Cortright said, mentioning the annual five-figure insurance costs for the town-owned historic Colonial Theatre on Park Street. The iconic 300-seat venue was flooded in 2004, again in 2021 and then again during Helene and remains closed. Over the years, town officials have
explored ways to make the building pay for itself, but haven’t yet come close.
Privately, many worry that leasing or selling the building would lead to changes that aren’t reflective of the town’s character.
“Spending $36,000 a year on insurance for a building that you all have done nothing with for 10 years, that’s ridiculous. It’s got to go. You’ve got to get rid of it,” he said. “You can sit here and say, ‘Well, we’re going to gut it out and we’re going to find somebody to come in.’ That’s the pipe dream of all the building owners in town. ‘We’re going to have somebody come in and spend $100,000 to renovate it, but they’re not going to own it. They’re just going to lease it from us.’ That’s unrealistic. No one’s going to do that.”
Cortright also expressed frustration at what he says has been an inadequate effort to monetize the town’s diverse cultural and recreational offerings, including the pool, the Armory and the International Paper Sports Complex.
“We have a lot of things in this town that people love and utilize, but what I see is a lot of people not from town are utilizing this stuff,” he said. “I know these are public spaces, but we as taxpayers cannot continue to pay for recreation for all of the county.”
OTHER FACTORS
During the budgeting process, one of the big-picture factors local governments start with is whether or not the town has seen an increase or decrease in its property tax base. This can come from the periodic revaluations performed by county government; however, Haywood commissioners postponed a revaluation that would have taken effect this year due to the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene.
The other component is natural increase or decrease, based upon the amount of development — or demolition — within municipal boundaries.
Thankfully, Walker told The Smoky Mountain News, there doesn’t appear to be a substantial decrease in the property tax base because of Helene.
“We did not lose that many residential buildings in Helene,” Walker said, adding that she didn’t have solid figures on the losses or on any potential increases in tax base due to new construction and that regardless, they’d likely not be a major factor in budgeting.
There will be, however, a decrease in property tax revenue at the site of the old Pactiv Evergreen paper mill, which shut down in June 2023 and was recently sold to a developer for $3.3 million, far below its assessed value of $19 million. As development proceeds, some of that property tax revenue will eventually return, but for now, it’s a yearslong waiting game with no real answer. Walker estimates an initial hit of $1 million-plus.
The conclusions reached by town staff and elected officials during the meeting are solidifying but are not yet final. The town will hold at least one public hearing before voting on the final budget, which by law must be passed before July 1.
Highlands couple pledges estate legacy gift in excess of $10M to WCU
David Moore and Darren Whatley place a lot of value on public education, having both attended public universities. Moore is an alumnus of the
as a Master of Fine Arts program.
The last 20% will be issued to the Moore Whatley Honors College Program Endowment, which will support programs
Tuscola senior offered appointment to United States Military Academy
Thearts, as the Highlands residents have pledged an estate legacy gift in excess of $10 million to the university. It’s the largest planned gift in WCU’s history. Whatley and Moore’s generous gift will be allocated to several programs and departments that the two have an interest in.
Forty percent of the gift will be designated for the David Moore Office of Global Engagement, which supports WCU’s academic activities abroad, including the hosting of international students, facultyled travel and study abroad programs and other resources.
Another 40% will be devoted to the Darren Whatley School of Art and Design. The school offers undergraduate degree programs in interior design, studio arts, graphic design and art education, as well
While both grew up near the Gulf Coast, the couple has called Western North Carolina home for more than 25 years, and they’ve certainly made it home with their community involvement.
Moore, a retired corporate banker, is chairman of the Community Care Clinic of Highlands-Cashiers and serves on several Highlands-Cashiers boards, as well as the Brinson Honors College advisory board and the WCU Foundation.
Whatley, who leads a local interior design firm, is chairman of the Town of Highlands Planning Board and serves on the Highlands Performing Arts Center Board of Directors.
“This has been home,” Whatley said. “Western Carolina is a special place and WCU is a primary focus for us.”
uscola High School senior Hunter Sollie has received a prestigious appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, one of the nation’s most selective and esteemed military institutions. Each year, approximately 13,000 students apply to West Point, with only about 1,200 earning an appointment. Hunter is among this elite group, recognized for his exceptional leadership, academic excellence, athletic achievements and dedication to service.
His appointment follows nominations from both Sen. Thom Tillis and Rep. Chuck Edwards, part of a highly competitive and rigorous selection process. Candidates are evaluated on academic achievement, physical aptitude, leadership potential, and moral character.
“Being offered an appointment to West Point is not just a recognition of academic and athletic excellence — it’s a testament to Hunter’s leadership, dedication to service, and strong moral character,” said Lt. Col. David Wise (Ret.), West Point Admissions Field Force volunteer for Western North Carolina.
Sollie ranks second in his graduating class of 205 students and holds a weighted GPA of 4.607. He is an AP Scholar with Distinction, a recipient of the AP Capstone Diploma, and has completed numerous Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment college courses. He is also a multi-sport varsity athlete, serving as captain of the swim, soccer and tennis teams. In addition, he is actively involved in the National Honor Society and several student-led service organizations.
any traditional college. Founded in 1802, the Academy prepares future leaders of the U.S. Army through a highly structured and demanding environment. Cadets take rigorous course loads of 18–20 credit hours per semester, engage in daily military training and leadership development, and maintain high standards through regular room and uniform inspections. Their days often begin at 6 a.m. and extend into the late evening, and summers are spent in intensive military field training. Cadets also participate in regular parades and ceremonial duties and are
Outside of school, he works as a lifeguard, serves as a junior firefighter with the Crabtree Iron Duff Volunteer Fire Department and volunteers with several local organizations. His unwavering commitment to service and leadership embodies the very qualities that West Point seeks in its cadets.
West Point offers an educational and leadership development experience unlike
All cadets attend West Point on a fullride scholarship valued at over $225,000. Upon graduation, they receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.
Sollie will report to West Point in June 2025 for Reception Day, officially beginning his journey as a member of the Class of 2029. His appointment is a reflection not only of his personal excellence but also of the dedication and support of the Tuscola and Haywood County communities.
David Moore and Darren Whatley at their home.
Donated photo
Hunter Sollie has received an appointment to attend the United States Military Academy. Donated photo
Lessons learned from garden gnomes
The garden gnomes stared at me from our cluttered carport, dirty and bored, no blooming flowers to observe or tomato vines to tickle their bellies. I was holding on to them well past their desire.
When my 16-year-old son was in preschool, he and my late mother had a hobby of finding garden gnomes in antique and thrift stores. My little boy adored the gnomes and would hop around them when playing outside or arrange them in different formations. As he grew older, his attention toward the gnomes waned and when my mom passed away in 2016, they drifted into the background of our thoughts.
This collection of mismatched gnomes stood the test of time and elements until we moved into a new home. I thought about giving them away, but they made me think of my mom, so I kept them. At this point, my older son was in third grade and even though he had fond memories of the gnomes, they were no longer the focus of his leisure time.
Three years later, we moved again and left the sweet gnomes at the old house which became a vacation rental. One day when picking up sticks in the backyard, I decided to pack the gnomes and carry them to our new house, planning to put them in the garden or at least in the yard, but the style and layout of our new house didn’t vibe with garden gnomes. Not knowing what to do with them, I put them on a ledge in our carport where the poor things were forced to stare at vehicles, sporting gear and landscape equipment.
Then one day recently I had a change of heart. I knew I was hanging on to them because they were intertwined with memories of my mom, even though it was unfair to the gnomes. Maybe there was another little boy or girl who would love them or someone who needed them to look out for their tomatoes or roses.
I put the gnomes in a box, now much older and faded than when we first adopted them, and drove them to a local thrift store. The kind gentleman who always manages the donation drop-off area came out to greet me. We had a conversation
Tell the truth about immigrants
To the Editor:
I am 91 years old. For close to 50 of those years we lived at 116 Cowan Street in Sylva. We were active members at First Baptist Church; our five children attended Fairview Elementary and Sylva-Webster High School. My wife, Barbara, taught piano, dulcimer, guitar and other instruments to dozens of people throughout Western North Carolina. We Osments will always consider Sylva to be our hometown.
In the earliest days of our nation, every white person on American soil was an immigrant. Apart from the American Indians, for at least two generations most Americans were immigrants. There has not been a time in our history when we have not been heavily dependent on immigrants and that is even more true today.
In large measure, we look to immigrants to plant and harvest our crops, build our buildings, maintain our roads, tend our yards, clean for our community, and the list goes on. But how about the message “Immigrants
that went something like this:
“I have some garden gnomes,” I said over my shoulder, trying to slide the large box from the backseat.
“How fun!” he said.
“They are a bit weathered. Maybe a crafty new owner can
touch them up.”
“Oh, no,” he said, his eyes sparkling. “Garden gnomes are meant to be weathered.”
When I pulled away from the thrift store, I felt a heaviness. Maybe I should’ve kept the gnomes. Did I make a mistake? That man seems to think they’re wonderful. Was I too neglectful? My mom would be so disappointed. I should’ve asked my son first. Maybe he wanted to keep them. And on and on the mental spiral went.
we carry that cluttered energy with us. As I’ve experienced from doing this before, it can weigh a soul down significantly. Handing over the gnomes reminded me that it’s OK to release items, habits, thought patterns, that no longer align with where we are in life. Even inanimate objects are made of energy. Maybe the gnomes were salivating to give joy to someone else, but they couldn’t tell me. I don’t need to physically own the gnomes to keep the memories close to my heart. I wasn’t giving them the life they deserved. The man at the thrift store also reminded me it’s a luxury to be weathered. It means we’re living an expansive existence. We don’t have to be touched up to be wanted. Being imperfect is what makes us special and unique. If we’re always patching over the scratches and battered parts, we become less genuine, too fabricated, fake.
But finally, I had to let it go. What was I going to do? Go back in there and buy the gnomes I’d just donated? I also reminded myself that it’s this train of thought that creates hoarders, and I do not want to be a hoarder. When we become emotionally attached to stuff because of the memories they hold, it’s impossible to get rid of anything. And then
are poisoning the bloodstream of our nation?” The truth is, they are not. Every study shows there is less criminal activity involving immigrants than among the general population. The narrative that a sizable number of immigrants are criminals is a lie.
While Donald Trump is a smart man, he is not a good man. He is painting people who are overwhelmingly good as being bad.
Should the the perpetrator of a crime be an immigrant, our President, and his media supporters quickly put things in place to make sure the evil is known and talked about. Our president features the grieving family at a major event such as at his State of the Union Address, or names a park for the victim, or does something to push his false narrative, “See how terrible these people are. They are killing and raping and poisoning our nation!”
Immigrants are a blessing to our nation. From my home here in northeast Florida, I am very aware of the strong work-ethic and commendable family-values that are so characteristic of our immigrant population. To paint these good people as bad is sinful and evil in every way.
Thank you, gnomes, for all you meant to us and for being patient with me. Most importantly, thank you for reminding us that it’s OK to be weathered. In fact, it’s more than OK — it’s one of life’s greatest gifts.
(Susanna Shetley is a writer, editor and digital media specialist. susanna.b@smokynmounrainnews.com.)
It is sinful and evil because it is damaging to those who, individually and as a group, enrich our lives in so many ways. It is sinful and evil for our President to be telling lies to deceive the people who are most loyal to him — the “Jesus is my Savior; Trump is my President” people. Immigrants make us, and the United States stronger.
Thank you, immigrants, for all you do for us. You deserve our respect, our kindness, and our gratitude.
Luther Osment, Fernandina Beach, Fla.
Jackson needs more transparency
To the Editor:
I would like to thank the local author David Joy for speaking out about the removal of the plaque from the Confederate statue outside the Jackson county Library. He spoke for many of us, but being a multi-generational Southern man his words carried more weight.
That the commissioners would decide this in a group “chat” and move forward on the
removal without any public discourse is offensive to say the least, especially considering how much time and effort went into the original compromise. Not to mention, the $14,000 it cost to modify the statue.
Chairman Mark Letson noted that there should have been a discussion and doesn’t want this to be something that happens again. Yet, the commissioners voted in new library board members without any input from the county or the library. And again in February when Commissioner Smith amended a resolution to call for school board elections to be made partisan.
I think our county commissioners need to be more transparent.
Jane Finneran Cullowhee
We’re watching you, Chuck
To the Editor:
Dear Rep. Chuck Edwards. It's been a little while, and your defense of the tariffs still has no legs. But that's not why I'm emailing you again. Your president is vio-
Susanna Shetley
Unite and fight for the republic
To the Editor:
Acknowledging the fact that, yes, all Americans have a right to have and express an opinion, and that the press has a prerogative to print those (as well as its own) opinions, I feel compelled to take exception to The Smoky Mountain News providing an admitted participant of Jan. 6 (a man tried, convicted, sentenced and then wrongly pardoned by the very person who incited the riot) a platform from which to proliferate the blatant untruth that the 2020 election was stolen (“Jan.6 participant speaks,” SMN April 2).
Recognizing also, that Donald Trump is again our President, with ultimate immunity gifted him by a partisan Supreme Court, billionaires now pulling the strings in his administration and a Republican-controlled Congress too terrified to stand up to them.
On his first day in office, Trump granted about 1,500 pardons to rioters, whom he considers “patriots.” Trump, a convicted felon himself, with power to pardon other convicted felons, is engulfed in so many scandals, if he was held accountable for them, he would likely face life in prison.
I served 20 years active duty with the United States Navy plus 10 years (subject to recall) in the Inactive Fleet Reserve, under eight presidents (Republican and Democrat). Seven were former Army or Naval officers and the eighth a former fivestar general of the Army and Supreme Commander of our Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe during WWII (Dwight David Eisenhower).
These were not perfect men and none ever claimed to be perfect. Neither did any
lating the Constitution. And you know it. Mr. Garcia's treatment is unconstitutional, and you know it. You know that due process is the very cornerstone of our democracy. You know that all people in the U.S. are afforded it by law, law established at the signing of the Constitution and reiterated by the Supreme Court all the way back in the 19th century. Mr. Garcia and many others are not being afforded their rights. You know this yet are abetting this criminal activity and abdicating the principle of the three co-equal branches of the government.
If due process can be denied at the whim of a POTUS and not challenged, then due process doesn't stand for any of us. Including you. We're keeping the receipts, Chuck. History has clearly shown us the power of Congress to hold a president accountable when they break the law or seek to overstep their power.
When FDR became frustrated with the SCOTUS and began the initial process to expand the court and pack it with his appointees, it was his party in Congress that
one of them entertain the thought of inciting an angry mob to attack his own Capitol, kill and maim police officers guarding it and the U.S. Congress, or hang his own Vice President, in a futile attempt to overturn a free and fair election, or prevent the peaceful transfer of power.
The glue that held each president (one to the other) was loyalty, honor and duty to our nation (never to one political party or to themselves), but deference to the Constitution, respect for the rule of law, and due regard to their sacred oath.
This “moral conscience of the great” (William D'Avenant) is a concept unknown to this president and beyond the comprehension or concern of the GOP.
It is my conviction that we, as a nation, can no longer remain silent or ignore the truth. We must, united as one people, draw a line in the sand over which we cannot cross. Otherwise we risk losing our Republic.
This president's only interest is surrounding himself with people loyal specifically to him, yes-men who will disregard the rule of law, ignore the Constitution, and violate their oaths to affirm their loyalty to Trump alone.
That is why we (all Americans) need to stand up for the common values granted us by the “Greatest Generation,” at extreme sacrifice, or else they'll be taken from us.
Speaking the truth comes with a risk, but I believe this country and democracy are worth fighting for. The free press should lead the charge.
David L. Snell Franklin
told him no, that he would not have their support, and they would oppose the overreach. When Nixon broke the law in Watergate, it was his party that directly told him that it was over. He'd gone too far. The GOP was part of the hearings alongside the Democrats when they held the hearings to hold Reagan accountable for Iran/Contra.
But you’re standing by and cheering on the dismantling of the rule of law. I'd wager a lot of your fans have “We The People” stickers on their vehicles, and some have tattoos of the same. I'll remind you that in the words following that phrase we see in the grievances, “For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury; For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:” Sound familiar, Chuck? We're keeping the receipts.
Perhaps a little too familiar in tone when addressing a congressman, but I’m of the opinion that when a grown man goes by Chuck, they want to be called Chuck. Thomas Dillon Canton
What remains
Following Helene flooding, MANNA FoodBank releases benefit album
Guy Smith is the producer of ‘The Flood: Music for MANNA’ album.
B A
IWestern North Carolina, there’s been one constant thought rolling through the mind of Guy Smith.
“In memorializing Helene’s savagery, the agony it caused, the grief and loss, but also the resilience and charity,” Smith said. “I’d like people to internalize that when things are the worst, people are the best.”
An Asheville-based singer-songwriter, Smith is the producer behind a new compilation of melodies from a bevy of local musicians. Dubbed “The Flood: Music for MANNA,” all proceeds from the record will go to MANNA FoodBank, a beloved nonprofit organization. To note, MANNA’s Asheville warehouse was destroyed when Helene’s floodwaters overtook the banks of the nearby Swannanoa River.
“Helene devastated our facility, but it never shattered our commitment to feed Western
normally deploy amid a natural disaster were also destroyed.
“The Swannanoa warehouse was gutted, all the food washing downstream. Their headquarters was trashed,” Smith said. “But, within a couple of days of the storm, MANNA was finding and distributing food to people who didn’t have a kitchen to cook in because they didn’t have a home anymore. They needed help themselves, and I wondered what I could make happen.”
the number of songwriters who stepped-up, the stunningly good songs contributed, and the eclectic range of the music was above my expectations — I should have known better.”
Smith’s not surprised about how many people joined in and came together to create “The Flood: Music for MANNA,” seeing as that’s just what the kind, generous souls of WNC do time and time again, whether by a natural disaster
behind — especially when disaster hits,”
At its core, MANNA remains a vital resource for food insecurity in 16 WNC counties, including the Qualla Boundary. The organization connects over 200 partner pantries in our region, which results in thousands of local families being able to get the food and help they need.
And, with Helene’s devastation, more folks will now look to MANNA.
“The recovery is ongoing,” Smith said.
“MANNA FoodBank is key because the old, the infirm, and now a lot of unemployed tourist industry people, need help and will for a long time.”
In the immediate aftermath of Helene, it was a one-two punch for MANNA. Not only was the food bank decimated, but all of those much-needed resources that MANNA would
Want to help?
In an effort to raise much-needed funds for MANNA FoodBank, the nonprofit organization has released a new compilation album of songs written about Hurricane Helene and the flood aftermath.
Dubbed “The Flood: Music for MANNA,” the recording includes a slew of Western North Carolina singer-songwriters who donated their time, talents and music to the project.
To listen to the album and/or to donate to MANNA FoodBank, visit theflood.music. All proceeds go to MANNA.
For more information about MANNA, visit mannafoodbank.org.
Being a longtime WNC songwriter, Smith realized — beyond actually lending a hand and helping others dig out (which he did) — he could also use the power of storytelling to help MANNA in its time of need.
“I realized local songwriters could both memorialize the Helene disaster, in a way that only poet songwriters can, and we could channel the proceeds to MANNA FoodBank,” Smith said.
Smith tapped numerous songwriters around our backyard and had no trouble getting others onboard with the album project — Hayley Everett, Bebe Kern, Jay Brown, Grady Hunter, Otis Goodwin, Rob “Splatt” Appelblatt and more.
“I held a man who shook as he cried on my shoulder,” Everett sings on “What Remains.” “I watched a child play in the mud that took his home.”
“For all the songwriters, I gave them a clear objective: find the biggest emotional reaction you had to Helene’s destruction and write from there,” Smith said. “The results show. There are songs about dismay, urgency, strength, gratitude, even hints of anger. More importantly, each song had a story or message that people can easily attach to. Because of that, the history of the Helene disaster will be remembered.”
According to Smith, a good portion of the songwriters featured on the album came to record at his home studio. He also gives sincere thanks to other local musicians who donated their time and effort to make the project possible, including help from Landslide Studio.
“Producing this album had challenges because everything was a volunteer effort, which meant we had to be flexible — a lot of
Formerly located on the Swannanoa River in Asheville, the MANNA FoodBank warehouse was destroyed by Hurricane Helene last September. Since then, the organization has reopened in Mills River.
or merely by happenstance.
“Good people do that because they have within them something good,” Smith said. “As Hayley Everett’s song ‘What Remains’ says in the chorus, ‘When we are stripped to the bed rock, what remains is love.’”
And for MANNA, the organization has been able to rebuild its warehouse in recent months, which is now located in Mills River. Beyond all of MANNA’s hard work and community outreach, there’s also a deep sense of gratitude to all of those who contributed to this musical project — neighbors helping neighbors, as it should be.
“We are profoundly grateful for this outpouring of support,” Nesbitt said. “And every day we continue the work of ensuring our neighbors have the food they need now and for our long road to recovery.”
Donated photos
This must be the place
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD
‘A little bit of mercy makes the world less
cold and more just’
The quote used to title this column was stated by the late Pope Francis, who passed away last week at age 88. Rest easy, good sir.
Pope Francis was cool in my book, even though I can’t say the same for the Catholic Church, in general. I’m an incredibly spiritual person, not religious. And, as someone who grew up surrounded by Catholicism, I’ve never been a fan of the church’s antics over the centuries and millennia (“antics” is a very, very diluted word to describe the dark history).
Regardless, Pope Francis was a good’un. Truly. His ethos was as close to that of Jesus as any pope before him. He believed in lending a hand to those suffering, to not shut the door behind you to those in need. And I do hope his legacy and message ripples out into our chaotic, uncertain world. Of which, I remain an eternal optimist.
Someone once asked me: “Do you believe in God?” I said that I don’t really think there’s some dude up there sitting on a cloud. But, I did believe that “God” is everything around us. It’s love. It’s friendship. It’s compassion. It’s mountains, forests and rivers. It’s energy. It’s whatever makes you smile and your heart skip a beat. I then added, “You know, I don’t think beauty in this world is coincidental.”
Those damn pews. Hard, cold wooden seating arrangements with no cushion and sharp angles in their construction. For a restless kid like myself, I was genuinely unable to sit there peacefully and quietly for the better part of an hour. That, and I was immediately bored and yawning with the monotone voice
of our priest, this elderly man who made you feel guilty about everything you did in your daily existence.
was not. I vividly remember her telling me — when I was just 11 years old — that “I’d never amount to anything in my life.” That harsh statement was said when I was sent to her office because I couldn’t sit still in those uncomfortable all-in-one wooden desks. In the classroom, my gaze was constantly aimed outside at the unknown woods.
Skip ahead to the here and now. I recently turned 40 and started therapy following a tumultuous breakup with my former partner. So, it’s been interesting to wander down Memory Lane with purpose and a keener focus on what people/events molded the eventual trajectory of your life. Whether it be oldschool Catholic guilt or your father’s demanding work ethic, those thick fibers of your emotional and social skillset are hardwired in your body and mind.
Thus, when I heard about the passing of Pope Francis, I started to peel back the layers of my past relationship with the Catholic Church, what fingerprints from those days remain visible on my heart and soul, and how “it all” affected/affects my current relationships, either personal or professional. There’s a lot to unpack. And I’m ready.
The heaviness of approaching that religious pillar of my existence growing up doesn’t bother me. What does (I guess?) bother me is that I should’ve done so years ago. No time like the present, eh? That’s how I feel, at least. I’m leaning in, this deep dive into the furthest corners of my mind, dusting off the pictures hanging up on the walls of my memory and, ultimately, looking to tidy up the house within.
Thursday • May 8 • 6-7:30
The Pigeon Center
450 Pigeon St., Waynesville
I see “God” every day. And you do, too, if you let your eyes and mind relax and focus in on that intrinsic splendor swirling around you. A conversation with an old friend not seen in years over coffee at a corner diner. Dipping your toes into a cold stream after a hot trail run. The sounds of a bird outside your window in the morning or a live jazz ensemble on an otherwise quiet Monday evening.
To preface, I was raised in an Irish Catholic family, exactly one-mile from the Canadian Border, in the itsy-bitsy town of Rouses Point, New York, along the shoreline of the mighty Lake Champlain. Facing that shoreline on Lake Street was (and remains) St. Patrick’s Church. It was where I was baptized and where I went to mass pretty much every single Sunday when I was growing up in the 1980s and 1990s.
I never liked church. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m down with learning life lessons early on and aiming to be a human being of upstanding moral character. But, I always looked at going to mass as a chore. Mostly, I couldn’t ever sit still in those incredibly uncomfortable pews, the cold draft of the old church swirling around you (or it was too hot).
Truth be told, I wanted to spend my Sunday mornings frolicking in the vast fields and deep woods behind my childhood home. Perhaps even ride my bicycle down to the lake, to our family’s summer camp and jump off the dock to cool off amid those hazy summer months — the soothing waters refreshing one’s soul after another long North Country winter of below-zero temperatures and unrelenting snowfall.
Whatever the case, it was double duty in my youth when it came to church. Sundays were the services at St. Patrick’s, not to mention Sunday School later that day. During the weekdays itself, it was Catholic school the next town over at St. Mary’s Academy, which included Thursday mass and confession. That was my existence from pre-school through sixth grade, only to be abruptly dumped off into the public-school system of heathens once I entered seventh grade.
I don’t have many fond memories of St. Mary’s. I was a scrawny, nerdy kid with thick glasses. No friends, really. I was picked on and bullied, mostly ignored and forgotten by my peers. I spent my time playing outside alone and diving deep into the history books, my biggest passion being music and listening to the radio endlessly in my childhood bedroom, dreaming of someday leaving my one-horse town.
I also don’t have fond memories of the school itself. Some of the old-school Catholic nuns were nice, but the principal (also a nun)
The journey continues, and as it should. That’s the essence of life — curiosity, exploration, discovery, and evolution of self. It’s like this clip I came across today, this monk who was speaking at length about life. He goes, “Life is just one day. Yesterday is already dead, too late. Tomorrow is not born, too early. Today is the only life.”
Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.
HOT PICKS
1
The annual Appalachian True Heritage Festival will be held May 2-3 on Main Street in Waynesville.
2
The Appalachian Women’s Museum “Airing of the Quilts” will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at the museum in Dillsboro.
3
Haywood Arts Regional Theatre (Waynesville) will host a stage production of “Love & Other Calamities: A Night of Comedic Shorts” 7:30 p.m. May 2-3 and 2 p.m. May 4.
4
The 22nd annual “Thunder in the Smokies” spring motorcycle rally will be held May 2-4 at the Maggie Valley Fairgrounds.
5
Smoky Mountain SpringFest will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville.
LaKisha Blount explores the essence of her experiences and generational stories of Black mountain life in Appalachia through her figurative oil paintings. Using bold colors, gritty textures of layered paint, and intricate markings, Blount aims to capture the raw emotion and beauty of everyday life.
TICKETS:
$10 for community members
$7 for seniors • $5 for students Free for children 12 and under Tickets are available at the door or for purchase in advance at pcmdc.org Series passes available at a discount.
Mountain News, Haywood County Arts Council, North Carolina Arts Council, Janet & Bob Clark, Diane & Rich Byers. All events begin at 6 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month, through September.
The
by: Friends of the
County Public
Thursday, May 1 J.R. Williams Americana • 8pm-10pm Friday, May 2
The Scotsman Beer Garden at Appalachian True Heritage Festival Under The Arch w/ Woody Platt and The Bluegrass Gentlemen 5:30pm - 9pm
Daniel Ullom Trio presented by Adamas Entertainment Bluegrass • 8pm-10pm
Saturday, May 3
The Scotsman Beer Garden at Appalachian True Heritage Festival Under The Arch w/ Whitewater Bluegrass Co., Mountain Tradition Cloggers & Darren Nicholson Band 12pm - 5pm Derby Day Races • $8 Mint Juleps • Kentucky Hot Browns 12pm-8pm
Sponsored
Haywood
Library,
Smoky
Snapped in Indianapolis.
Garret K. Woodward photo
On the wall
‘Mother’s Day Gemboree’
The “Mother’s Day Gemboree” will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 9-10 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 11 at the Macon County Community Building in Franklin.
Rough and cut gems, minerals, fine jewelry, supplies, beads, door prizes, dealers, exhibits, demonstrations and more.
Sponsored by the Franklin Chamber of Commerce and the Macon County Gem & Mineral Society. For more information, visit franklin-chamber.com.
Haywood Arts presents ‘Quilted Expressions’
The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) will present “Quilted Expressions: A Celebration of Block-Based Art,” an innovative exhibit that reimagines the traditional quilt, throughout June 2 at HCAC’s Haywood Handmade Gallery in downtown Waynesville.
This unique showcase challenges conventional ideas of quilting and expands the definition of what a quilt can be. Artists working in all mediums have been invited to create pieces inspired by the structure and tradition of quilts, with each artwork limited to a maximum size of 12-by-12 inches.
From textiles and mixed media to painting and sculpture, the exhibit highlights the beauty of block-based design across various artistic disciplines.
Waynesville art walk, live music
A cherished gathering of locals and visitors alike, “Art After Dark” will launch its 2025 season from 69 p.m. Friday, May 2, in downtown Waynesville.
Each first Friday of the month (May-December), Main Street transforms into an evening of art, live music, finger foods, beverages and shopping as artisan studios and galleries keep their doors open later for local residents and visitors alike.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, click on downtownwaynesville.com.
• “Spring Craft & More Fling” will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at the Great Smoky Mountains Event Park in Bryson City. Local crafters, antique sellers and more. 828.488.3848.
• “Historic Places Art Contest” is now underway through May 20 for area students. In honor of “National Historic Preservation Month,” the contest invites students to create a visual representation of a historic structure or place that is meaningful in your community. Submissions must be turned in by 4 p.m. May 20 at the Jackson County Planning Department in Sylva. For more information, call Ashley Clapsaddle at 828.631.2283 or email ashleyclapsaddle@jacksonnc.org.
host an adult arts and crafts program at 1 p.m. every second Thursday of the month. Ages 16 and up. Space is limited to 10 participants. Free and open to the public. 828.488.3030 / fontanalib.org/brysoncity.
• CRE828 (Waynesville) will offer a selection of art classes and workshops at its studio located at 1283 Asheville Road. Workshops will include art journaling, watercoloring, mixed media, acrylic painting and more. 828.283.0523 / cre828.com.
• Gallery Zella (Bryson City) will be hosting an array of artist receptions, exhibits and showcases. 517.881.0959 / galleryzella.com.
“This show is an exploration of pattern, form, and storytelling,” said HCAC Executive Director Tonya Harwood “Quilting has long been a symbol of community, craftsmanship, and creativity. This exhibit honors that tradition while pushing boundaries in exciting new ways.”
• Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will have its wine bar open 4-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 828.452.6000 / classicwineseller.com.
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host semi-regular taptakeovers from local and regional breweries on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9320 / blueridgebeerhub.com.
• “Flights & Bites” will be held starting at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. 828.452.0120 / waynesvillewine.com.
“Quilted Expressions” is part of HCAC’s ongoing mission to celebrate artistic innovation and support both emerging and established artists. The Haywood Handmade Gallery, run entirely by dedicated volunteers, is a cornerstone of Waynesville’s growing arts scene.
The exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, visit haywoodarts.org or email director@haywoodarts.org.
• Smoky Mountain SpringFest will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville. Children’s activities, arts/crafts, food vendors and much more. This event is free and open to the public. 828.479.3364 / stecoahvalleycenter.com.
• “Art After Dark” will be held from 6-9 p.m. each first Friday of the month (MayDecember) in downtown Waynesville. Main Street transforms into an evening of art, live music, finger foods, beverages and shopping as artisan studios and galleries keep their doors open later for local residents and visitors alike. The event is free and open to the public. downtownwaynesville.com.
• Waynesville Photography Club meets at 7 p.m. every third Monday each month on the second floor of the Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center in Clyde. The club is a nonprofit organization that exists for the enjoyment of photography and the improvement of one’s skills. The club welcomes photographers of all skill levels to share ideas and images at the monthly meetings. waynesvillephotoclub@charter.net.
• Haywood County Arts Council (Waynesville) will offer a wide range of classes, events and activities for artisans, locals and visitors. 828.452.0593 / haywoodarts.org.
• “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. 828.538.0420.
• “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 11 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. There will also be a special “Beer Train” on select dates. 800.872.4681 / gsmr.com.
• WNC Paint Events will host painting sessions throughout the region on select dates. For more information and/or to sign up, visit wncpaint.events.
• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host “ArtWorks” at 1 p.m. every second Thursday of the month. Come create your own masterpiece. The materials for art works are supplied and participants are welcome to bring ideas and supplies to share with each other. Free and open to the public. 828.488.3030 / vroberson@fontanalib.org.
• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will
• Jackson County Green Energy Park (Dillsboro) will be offering a slew of classes, events and activities for artisans, locals and visitors. 828.631.0271 / jcgep.org.
• Southwestern Community College Swain Arts Center (Bryson City) will host an array of workshops for adults and kids. 828.339.4000 / southwesterncc.edu/scclocations/swain-center.
• Dogwood Crafters in Dillsboro will offer a selection of upcoming art classes and workshops. 828.586.2248 / dogwoodcrafters.com.
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host semi-regular arts and crafts workshops. 828.369.4080 / coweeschool.org.
A special gem show will be in Franklin May 9-11. File photo
‘Art After Dark’ returns to Waynesville May 2. File photo
Donated photo
On the beat
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host Doug & Lisa May 31. All shows begin at 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9320 / blueridgebeerhub.com.
• Cataloochee Ranch (Maggie Valley) will host Brian Ashley Jones & Melanie Jean (Americana/ country) May 2, Helena Rose & Joey Brown (Americana/bluegrass) May 7 and Darren Nicholson Band (Americana/bluegrass) 11:30 a.m. May 11. All shows begin at 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For tickets and reservations, visit cataloocheeranch.com/ranch-events/livemusic.
• Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Jacob Johnson (singer-songwriter) 7:15 p.m. May 2-3 for a special two-night dinner performance ($50 per person per night, includes tax and gratuity). Beverages are separate. Limited seating. Reservations required. 828.452.6000 or classicwineseller.com.
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host “Open Mic” May 9 (free) and Aubrey Eisenman & The Clydes (Americana/bluegrass) May 10 ($15 adults, $7.50 kids). All shows begin at 6 p.m. 828.369.4080 / coweeschool.org/music.
Appalachian True Heritage Festival
• Otto Community Center (Otto) will host James Thompson (Americana) 4 p.m. May 2. Bring a beverage and snack of your choice. Free and open to the public. 770.335.0967 / go2ottonc.com.
• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host “Peacock Rhythm & Arts Festival” May 24 (starting at noon). All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, 828.389.ARTS / thepeacocknc.org.
• Saturdays On Pine Concert Series (Highlands) will host Nashville Jukebox May 10 and Gotcha Groove May 17. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. highlandschamber.org.
• Scotsman (Waynesville) will host J.R. Williams (Americana/country) May 1, Daniel Ullom Trio (bluegrass) May 2, “Derby Day” (noon to 8 p.m.) May 3, Bobby G (Americana/acoustic) May 8 and Celtic Road Jam (Celtic/world) 4 p.m. May 10. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.6292 / scotsmanpublic.com.
• Slanted Window Tasting Station (Franklin) will host R.A. Nightingale (singer-songwriter) 6 p.m. May 2. 828.276.9463 / slantedwindow.com.
• Farm At Old Edwards (Highlands) will host the “Orchard Sessions” with Matt Rogers (singer-songwriter) May 21. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Admission is $50 per person, with discounts rates available for hotel guests and members. 866.526.8008 / oldedwardshospitality.com/orchardsessions.
• Folkmoot Friendship Center (Waynesville) will host Las Montanitas (Latin/world) May 22. Tickets are “pay what you can” ($25, $15, $5). 828.452.2997 / folkmoot.org.
• Friday Night Live Concert Series (Highlands) will host Doug Ramsey (singer-songwriter) May 16 and Foxfire Boys (Americana/bluegrass) May 23. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. highlandschamber.org.
• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host “Jazz On The Level” 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 / froglevelbrewing.com.
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host The Temptations and The Four Tops (Motown/soul) 9 p.m. May 9. For tickets, click on caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.
• Highlander Mountain House (Highlands) will host “Blues & Brews” 6-9 p.m. Thursdays ($5 cover), Zorki (singer-songwriter) 1-3 p.m. Saturdays, “Bluegrass Brunch” 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sundays (free) and the “Salon Series” with Thomas Johnson (Americana/ indie-folk) 8:30 p.m. May 8 (admission is $28.52 per person, tax included). 828.526.2590 / highlandermountainhouse.com.
• Highlands Performing Arts Center will host Steep Canyon Rangers (Americana/bluegrass)
The annual Appalachian True Heritage Festival will be held May 2-3 on Main Street in Waynesville.
Dubbed “An Evening Under the Arch,” Woody Platt & The Bluegrass Gentlemen will take the stage at 6 p.m. Friday, May 2, underneath the arch on Main Street.
Platt is a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and former member of the Steep Canyon Rangers. Platt will also be joined by legendary singer/musician Buddy Melton, a former member of acclaimed Haywood County bluegrass group Balsam Range.
Live music, artisan demonstrations, food vendors, a “True Crime Trail” and “Quilt Trail Bus Tour” and more will be offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 3, on Main Street. Musical acts will include Whitewater Bluegrass Co. and Mountain Tradition Cloggers (11 a.m.) and the Darren Nicholson Band (3 p.m.). There will also be a performance by the Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) and an open community jam (feel free to bring your instrument).
Presented by the Downtown Waynesville Commission, Shelton House and Haywood County Arts Council, this celebration is made possible by the Haywood County TDA and Visit Haywood.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information and/or a full schedule of activities, visit haywoodarts.org/ath-festival.
4 p.m. May 11. Tickets are $50 per person with seating upgrades available. 828.526.9047 / highlandsperformingarts.com.
• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host “Monday Night Trivia” every week, “Open Mic with Phil” on Wednesdays, Mike Hollon (singer-songwriter) May 3 and Quentin LaChance (singersongwriter) May 10. All shows and events begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.586.9678/ innovation-brewing.com.
• Listening Room (Franklin) will host Michael Reno Harrell (singer-songwriter) 2:30 p.m. May 3. Suggested donation $20. Located at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
• Macon County Public Library (Franklin) will host The Vagabonds (Americana) at 2 p.m. the first and third Monday and a “Song Circle” open jam from 3-6 p.m. the first Tuesday each month. Free and open to the
public. 828.524.3600 or fontanalib.org.
• Macon County Veterans Memorial Park (Franklin) will host the “Sweet Carolina Music Festival” 2-9 p.m. May 3. Acts include John Morgan, Joe Lasher, Jason Passmore, Chip Perry Band, Alton Lane Band and R.A. Nightingale. Tickets are $30 general admission, $50 VIP. Kids ages 3 and under are free. franklin-chamber.com.
• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host “Open Mic Night” with Frank Lee every Thursday and Singin’ & Sippin’ (Americana) 5 p.m. May 18. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 / mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.
• Old Edwards Inn (Highlands) will host live music in the Hummingbird Lounge at 5:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. Free and open to the public. 866.526.8008 / oldedwardshospitality.com.
• Trailborn (Highlands) will host its “Carolina Concert Series” with David Cheatham (Americana/folk) May 1 and Juan (singersongwriter) May 8. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.482.1581 or trailborn.com/highlands.
• Unplugged Pub (Bryson City) will host Troy Underwood (singer-songwriter) May 1 (free), Outlaw Whiskey (classic rock/country gold) May 2, Ellis Haven Band May 3, Mountain Gypsy (Americana) May 8 (free), Caribbean Cowboys (rock/oldies) May 9 and Tricia Ann Band (country/rock) May 10. All shows are $5 at the door unless otherwise noted and begin at 8 p.m. 828.538.2488 / unpluggedpub.com.
• Valley Cigar & Wine Co. (Waynesville) will host Bridget Gossett Band (Americana/soul) 2 p.m. May 4 and Rich Manz Trio (acoustic/ oldies) 3:30 p.m. May 10. Free and open to the public. 828.944.0686 / valleycigarandwineco.com.
• Valley Tavern (Maggie Valley) will host “Karaoke with Jason” Tuesdays, “Tom’s Trivia” Wednesdays and Contagious May 2. All shows and events begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.926.7440 / valley-tavern.com.
• Vineyard At High Holly (Scaly Mountain) will host Monica Spears noon May 4. All shows begin at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.482.5573 / thevineyardathighholly.com.
• Wells Events & Reception Center (Waynesville) will host the “Frank Sinatra Tribute with Brent Thompson” 7 p.m. May 2. Admission is $40 (per person). Doors at 6 p.m. 828.476.5070 / wellseventcenter.com.
• Find more at smokymountainnews.com/arts
Woody Platt & The Bluegrass Gentlemen. File photo
On the beat
Americana, blues at Cataloochee Ranch
Musical duo Brian Ashley Jones and Melanie Jean will perform from 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 2, at the Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley.
Jones is a soulful singer, acclaimed guitarist and versatile touring songwriter, one whose guitardriven blues and country tunes have been featured in film, television and radio. His songs have been recorded by Greg Humphries, Hudson K, Donna Hopkins, Diane Michel, Christian Elvestad, Doug Jones and other performing artists.
Originally from Upstate South Carolina and a longtime resident of Nashville, Tennessee, Jones performs internationally at festivals, concert series, clubs and music education programs.
For more information and/or to make your reservation for the event, visit cataloocheeranch.com/ranch-events/live-music.
Ready for classic rock, country gold?
Haywood County rock/country act Outlaw Whiskey will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, May 2, at Unplugged Pub in Bryson City.
Formed in Haywood County, Outlaw Whiskey has emerged as a popular band in Western North Carolina and greater Southern Appalachia. A blend of original country and rock songwriting amid a bevy of cover tunes from the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and other marquee acts, the essence of the group is musicianship and fellowship.
In recent years, Outlaw Whiskey was recognized twice as “Band of the Year” (New Country: 50 & Over Category) by the North America Country Music Association, Int’l (NACMAI). Mike Holt also took home “Male Vocalist New Country” and Gerald Scott was awarded “New Country Rising Star Song” for the melody “Dirt In Your Hands.” Admission is $5 at the door. For more information, call 828.538.2488 or visit unpluggedpub.com.
Bryson City community jam
A community jam will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1, on the front patio of the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.
Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer or anything unplugged is invited to join. Singers are also welcomed to join in or you can just stop by and listen. The jam is facilitated by Larry Barnett of the Sawmill Creek Porch Band.
The community jams offer a chance for musicians of all ages and levels of ability to share music they have learned over the years or learn old-time mountain songs. The music jams are offered to the public each first and third Thursday of the month — spring, summer, fall. This program received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment of the Arts. For more information, call 828.488.3030.
On the stage
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host semi-regular comedians on the weekends. For tickets, click on caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.
• Haywood Arts Regional Theatre (Waynesville) will host a stage production of “Love & Other Calamities: A Night of Comedic Shorts” 7:30 p.m. May 2-3 and 2 p.m. May 4. Tickets are $23 for adults, $13 for students. harttheatre.org / 828.456.6322.
• Highlands Performing Arts Center (Highlands) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. mountaintheatre.com / 828.526.9047.
• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. smokymountainarts.com / 866.273.4615.
• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. thepeacocknc.org / 828.389.ARTS.
Melanie Jean and Brian Ashley Jones will play Maggie Valley May 2. File photo
‘Airing of the Quilts’
The Appalachian Women’s Museum “Airing of the Quilts” will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at the museum in Dillsboro.
If quilts could talk, they would tell of decades of cold nights and warm bodies, of wrapping up babies and comforting the elderly. A quilt might tell of the loving hands that created it and even the individual pieces — the tan from a loved one’s shirt or stripes from an old tie — can tell stories of years past.
The airing of the quilts is a traditional rite of spring in the mountains. After a long winter with families snuggled under layers of
warm handmade quilts, the warmer weather of springtime gave women a chance to freshen up and air out these essential covers.
To honor this tradition, the AWM held its first event in 2018 with more than 65 quilts hanging on the wraparound porch, from clotheslines in the yard and on quilt racks and other surfaces throughout the first floor of the museum.
There will also be a fabric scrap exchange, a quilt pattern and book exchange, raffle and music. Unlike previous events, organizers are allowing repeats for those who have something so special they want to air it again.
For more information, visit appwomen.org.
‘Thunder in the Smokies’
The 22nd annual “Thunder in the Smokies” spring motorcycle rally will be held May 2-4 at the Maggie Valley Fairgrounds.
The oldest and largest motorcycle rally in the Great Smoky Mountains, the weekend celebration will feature live music, dozens of vendors, motorcycle shows/games, prizes and much more.
Pigeon Community ‘Storytellers Series’
The Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center in Waynesville has recently announced its 2025 “Pigeon Community Conversations with Storytellers Series.”
Over 450 Tires In Stock
For more information, a full schedule
This curated series will showcase awardwinning storytellers from Western North Carolina’s African American, Latino and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian communities. Through live storytelling, readings, music and focused questions, the “Pigeon Community Conversations with Storytellers Series” examines the purpose and power of storytelling in underrepresented communities. Types of storytelling to be explored are written, traditional, musical and spoken word poetry, which will reflect Western North Carolina’s diversity of talent. The series is appropriate for all community members. Everyone is welcome to attend.
PCMDC Program Director Tausha Forney will lead this series starting in April 2025. The conversations are casual and will allow for audience participation. There will be six events held at 6 p.m. at the PCMDC.
Whole Bloomin’ Thing Festival
The 22nd annual Whole Bloomin’ Thing Festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 10, in the Historic Frog Level District of Waynesville.
Children’s activities, local growers and artisans/crafters, flowering baskets, herbs, outdoor decor, live music and more. Businesses in the district will also be open, including a coffee cafe, brewery and more
The event is free and open to the public. Rain or shine. For more information, visit wholebloominthing.com.
Franklin arts and crafts fair
The Friends of the Greenway (FROG) will host an arts and crafts fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at the FROG Quarters, located at 573 East Main St. in Franklin.
A wide array of artisan booths will be onsite. Vendor fees, food purchases and purchased raffle tickets will benefit FROG. Live music will also be ongoing during the event.
For more information, call 828.369.8488 or visit littletennessee.org.
• May 8: LaKisha Blount explores the essence of her experiences and generational stories of Black mountain life in Appalachia through her figurative oil paintings. Using bold colors, gritty textures of layered paint and intricate markings, Blount aims to capture the raw emotion and beauty of everyday life.
• June 12: Joseph Drew Lanham is an American author, poet, wildlife biologist and 2022 MacArthur Fellowship-winner for his work “combining conservation science with personal, historical and cultural narratives of nature.”
• July 10: Kelle Jolly is an “AffrilachianGeorgia-lina-Peach,” embracing a rich blend of cultural influences. Through the art of storytelling and her mastery of the ukulele, she joyfully expresses her folk traditions.
• Aug. 14: Roy Harris belongs to three storytelling organizations: the Asheville Storytelling Circle (of which he is a former president), the North Carolina Association of Black Storytellers and, more recently, the National Association of Black Storytellers.
• Sept. 11: Glenis Redmond is the First Poet Laureate of Greenville, South Carolina, and is a Kennedy Center Teaching Artist.
Tickets are $10 for community members, $7 for seniors (ages 65 and over) and $5 for students. Children 12 and under may attend free of charge.
Tickets may be purchased in advance and can be purchased at the door of each performance. Reduced price $50/$40/$30 series passes are also available. Refreshments are available for purchase. Please contact Tausha Forney for information about individual event sponsorships.
For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit pcmdc.org.
Asheville poet focuses on the ‘Now’
As a practitioner and student of poetry all my life, I’ve noticed that while there is a lot of poetry written well and with talented reach, at the same time, there is little current poetry that I’ve experienced that one would classify as being “wise” or “transcendent.” So, when I received a copy of Asheville resident Steve Abhaya Brooks’ collection “The Poetry of the Moment of Life Itself” (Amazon, 2024, 561 pgs.), I was immediately taken aback (or should I say “taken forward”) by what I held in my hands and was reading.
Author of many volumes of poetry and biographic prose, Brooks spent time in India with enlightened Buddhist teachers in his younger years and has been a practitioner of that spiritual path ever since, and the training and practice shows up strongly in this current work. The book’s title hints at the central theme of the several hundred poems in this book — that of being in the present moment, or in “the Now” as the Buddhists would say. And so reading Brooks’ poems at this moment, I’m struck by the condensed precision and personalized clarity of each one which focuses on the various aspects of our lives and what those aspects could or should be. One could even say that there is something “otherly” in these poems, in the sense that elevated spiritual teachers speak about a universal and mysterious God. In a format that is a very vertical, singleword line format, Brooks creates a poetry that causes the reader to consider each word and its significance. In this sense, the priority is more on the silence in the poems than the chatter. Each word being its own moment. From literally the first poem “The Buddha Had Dreams,” we get a sense of this “otherness,” this “presence.” “My dream/reminded me/of love, which/reminds me/of Love itself.”
As one might expect from a tome such as this, the subject of “love” is ever-present and all-pervading. It’s just that in Brooks’ vision, love takes many forms and encompasses many instances. This is evident in such lines as “Pulled/into the/outskirts/of my love/you may/see the approaching/headlights/of my/heart.” Or in the poem “Wonder at Love” where he writes: “... I wondered/at meaning,/as if/love/had mean-
ing,/until i was/told i was/love itself./Meaninglessness/ attained its/prominence,/and wisdom/its ubiquity.” Or even to the actual act of writing, Brooks writes of love: “Making/love to this/scrubby lot/of words/brings me/such joy,/i forget/that joy/and love/were there/all along.” And the same holds true when addressing such sub-
jects as “joy”: “Joy itself/has the/power/ to store/awareness/of joy.” Or on the subject of “reality”: “One reality/is subdivided,/the other/unites them/they are/the same.”
But love isn’t the only thing that Brooks writes about. As I mentioned, there is also “wisdom.” In the poem “On Wisdom,” when he writes: “Wisdom is/always true/not what/passes/for truth/in the world/of proposed/truths,/a briar/patch of/conjecture/and belief.” There is also a lot of what one might call “Zen paradox” in these poems. For instance, when he writes “One reality/is subdivided/the other/unites them/they are/the same,” one wonders how can this be true? But he addresses this apparent contradiction in the poem “What Is True” when he writes “Our source/is within us/to be seen,/the bare/force/of love,/the origin/of who/we are,/this love/itself.” But then there are subjects such as “original sin,”
City Lights welcomes Wolfe award winner
which he addresses in a poem of the same name: “The so-called/original sin/came when/human/beings/first thought/of themselves/as separate/from their/source./A simple/error of/holding/what/cannot/be held.” And then there are everyday subjects like parked cars and photography and a trip to the dentist and losing his phone. Yet, all written within the context of a higher spiritual vision.
I’m finding that I’m enjoying the subtle humor in these poems. Especially the more personal ones — the ones you could call the “I” poems, where the first person pronoun is used with authority, yet with almost abject humility. For instance, toward the end of the book in the poem “The Mind Never Quits,” he writes “Given/the mind/of a plant/i would/choose/asparagus.” And in the poem “I Speak of Joy, “I speak/of joy,/used like/the name/of a soap,” he says. There are so many poems like these and others that stand out in Brooks’ new book. Just paging through the Table of Contents puts one in a mindset of leafing through the Tao Te Ching or the biblical Apocrapha. I knew of Steve Brooks when we were both living in San Francisco in the 1970s. He was a very public poet. Even theatrical. Brooks has put in the time and the focused effort since then and over the course of his lifetime to end up where he is — one of the wisdomkeepers from the 60s generation here in the U.S.
An appropriately telling and fitting conclusion to my review, here, would be to simply quote from Brooks’ statement on the back cover of the book. And I quote: “I realized that Rumi and Kabir were not my teachers, they were my brothers. How do you pass on a formless truth? With poetry. How do you describe innate reality? With poetry. How do you leap from silence to silence? With poetry. How do you leap from stillness into stillness? With poetry.”
(Thomas Crowe is a regular contributor to Smoky Mountain Living — a sister publication to The Smoky Mountain News — and Rapid River and is the author of the award-winning memoir “Zoro’s Field: My Life in the Appalachian Woods” and is publisher of New Native Press.)
Wayne Caldwell will present his latest novel, “Shadow Family,” at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. “Shadow Family” is the story of a birth mother, an adoptive mother and their struggles with life's pitfalls. Their son, after searching diligently for his birth mother, brings them together in the end. Told in these three voices, it is a story of perseverance and, ultimately, hope. He has won the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award from the Western North Carolina Historical Association and the James Still Award from the Fellowship of Southern Writers. Free and open to the public. 828.586.9499 / citylightsnc.com.
Writer Thomas Crowe
River protest calls attention to debris removal
BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF W RITER
On Saturday, April 26, a group of protesters took to the Little Tennessee River to call attention to what they see as excessive debris removal in Macon County as part of the cleanup process from damage by Hurricane Helene last year.
“They continue assaulting our river’s tributaries in the middle of spring when all the fauna is trying to raise babies in the name of profiting from our neighbor’s disaster,” said Angela-Faye Martin, co-owner and founder of Alraka Expeditions. “There should be a reckoning.”
At noon on Saturday, about six paddlers and 20 walkers made their way from the Tassee Shelter to the boat ramp on Lakeside Drive to show support for local waterways. Paddlers wielded signs and walkers spoke with people on the greenway.
Accusations of excessive debris removal and destruction of fragile ecosystems in the process are not isolated to Macon County.
“Today’s event in honor of the river went well, especially given the short notice,” said Kathy Stillwell, Forward! Franklin’s Environmental Committee leader. “We gathered six amazing paddlers, all of whom picked up trash along their routes, and more than 18 walkers who engaged with others
“This is most likely the most damaging ecological event from the past 100 years to impact this river.”
— Jason Love
along the path. We are so grateful for those who participated. A small but mighty and dedicated crew.”
As debris removal work gets underway in
work are going too far, removing debris that predated Helene and had become part of the ecosystem, as well as excess amounts of vegetation from riparian zones and in some cases,
process are not isolated to Macon County. In Transylvania County, the Transylvania Times reported last week that Lauren Wilkie jumped into the Little River in order to block heavy machinery with her body to keep contractors from removing live trees and waterfall boulders on her property.
Hans Lohmeyer, stewardship coordinator with the nonprofit organization Conserving Carolina told the Transylvania Times that the well-intentioned effort to clear storm debris
Protesters showed up and paddled out into the river to make their feelings known. Bob Scott photos
Master gardeners to answer questions at Haywood farmers market
Master gardener volunteers will be on hand at a booth on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, May through August, at Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market in Waynesville in the HART Theater parking lot.
Master gardeners will be on hand to talk about:
• Planting & Pruning calendars
• Pollinator & Native Plant information
• Gardening Publications
• Info about the Extension Master Gardener Plant Clinic
• Soil test kits
Master gardeners will be available to answer questions. Donated photo
SCC provides support for wildfire response teams
Shortly after a wildfire broke out in the Lower Alarka region of Swain County, Southwestern Community College’s Megan Nicholson made arrangements to help firefighters and emergency management teams set up their temporary command center at SCC’s Swain Center.
Nicholson, who is
• Children’s seed planting and other activities, and
• Information about programs for NC Cooperative Extension — Haywood County Center
have long-term effects on endangered species like hellbenders, mudpuppies and freshwater mussels.
Jason Love, associate director at the Highlands Biological Station, and previous site manager at Coweeta Long-Term Ecological Research Program told The Smoky Mountain News he has similar concerns about the work being done on the Little Tennessee.
“This is most likely the most damaging ecological event from the past 100 years to impact this river,” said Love.
Unlike other places in Western North Carolina that saw an unprecedented level of destruction from Hurricane Helene, Macon County and the Little Tennessee River made it through the extreme weather event largely unscathed.
affairs officer for the USACE Wilmington District, AshBritt was awarded the Advanced Contracting Initiative (ACI) debris removal contract for Region 7.
There were 142 sites identified and requested by Macon County that were determined eligible for debris removal. FEMA determined debris eligibility requirements for the Direct Federal Assistance program.
“If FEMA determines the debris to be storm generated or where debris impedes navigation or produces a hazard to safety, it is removed,” said Connolly.
“A lot of what’s being removed is actually stabilizing the riverbanks. A lot of what we’re seeing removed, we don’t think falls within the scope of what the Army Corps’ intentions are.”
Too much removal of debris can spell disaster for waterways because, while major storms like Hurricane Helene cause a quick buildup of debris that wouldn’t normally make it into a river, there is a natural level of debris buildup that is expected within a waterway and benefits the ecology of a stream or river.
— Jordan Smith, Director, Mainspring Conservation Trust
Woody debris within a waterway or along its banks provides important habitat for many of its inhabitants. Love explained that waterfowl and salamanders both use logs for protection and cover; insects burrow under logs.
According to Dave Connolly, chief public
But protestors and some residents in Macon County think that these agencies are getting the distinction between Helene debris, hazardous debris and natural buildup wrong, and that the consequences could be dire.
“When you go into these systems like is being done right now and remove mass quantities of dead debris and living trees that are part of the system, it has impacts,” Jordan Smith, executive director of Mainspring Conservation Trust told The Smoky Mountain News. “A lot of what’s being removed is actually stabilizing the riverbanks. A lot of what we’re seeing removed, we don’t think falls within the scope of what the Army Corps’ intentions are. Whether or whose shoulders that falls on, we’re not clear about. We just know that what’s happening is excessive and it’s massive.”
community members, including Cynthia Womble — a member of SCC’s board of trustees and Swain County resident — stepped in to provide meals and space for firefighters and emergency personnel. Additional meals and resources have continued through the week.
Through its Jerry Sutton Public Safety Training Center in Franklin, Southwestern has a longstanding partnership with local agencies.
“We remain committed to supporting the region in times of need,” said Dr. Don Tomas, SCC’s President. “We’re grateful for all our employees and neighbors who’ve stepped up to serve those who are protecting Swain County residents during a crisis.”
WELCOME APRIL NEW MEMBERS
Smokies begins multi-year rehabilitation of Bullhead Trail to Mount LeConte
The National Park Service (NPS), in partnership with Friends of the Smokies, is beginning a multi-year rehabilitation of the iconic Bullhead Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Beginning May 5, the park will close Bullhead Trail from Monday through Thursday each week, excluding federal holidays, through Nov. 6, 2025.
641 North Main Street, WAYNESVILLE, NC
641 North Main Street, WAYNESVILLE, NC
(3/10 Mile North of the Courthouse)
(3/10 Mile North of the Courthouse)
828-456-HAUS (4287)
828-456-HAUS (4287)
509 Asheville Hwy., Suite B, SYLVA, NC
509 Asheville Hwy., Suite B, SYLVA, NC
(Located in the NAPA Auto Parts Center)
(Located in the NAPA Auto Parts Center)
828-586-HAUS (4287)
828-586-HAUS (4287)
The Bullhead Trail is one of several routes that lead to Mount LeConte, offering a challenging 13.6-mile roundtrip hike to the summit. Through this rehabilitation, the park will enhance overall trail safety by repairing tread surfaces, improving drainage, constructing trail structures such as staircases, turnpikes and retaining walls, and removing tripping hazards like exposed rocks and roots. These efforts will also help protect the park’s natural resources.
Hikers are welcome to hike Bullhead Trail Friday through Sunday. The park plans to reopen the trail fully on Nov. 6, and resume the rehabilitation in May 2026.
Following the completion of the Ramsey Cascades Trail rehabilitation in 2024, the park and Friends of the Smokies are beginning this rehabilitation of Bullhead Trail as the next project in the Trails Forever program. This program funds a permanent, highly skilled trail crew dedicated to the rehabilitation of high-use trails throughout the park.
Smokies announces selection of park concessioner to operate LeConte Lodge
The National Park Service has selected LeConte Lodge L.P. as the concessioner for the new contract to provide services at LeConte Lodge in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This contract will be effective for 10 years from 2025 to 2035.
LeConte Lodge L.P. is the incumbent operator and has provided lodging services in Great Smoky Mountains National Park since 1989. The public is not expected to experience any interruptions in service.
Solicitation of concession business opportunities within national park sites and the selection of best proposals are routine processes for the National Park Service, dictated by the 1998 Concessions Management Improvement Act. By law, all contracts are issued through a fully open and competitive process, awarding contracts to those with the best proposal.
Plan for maintenance along the Spur
Visitors should prepare for planned routine road maintenance in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Park maintenance crews will implement temporary, single-lane closures along the north and southbound Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge through May 1 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and then from May 58 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
removing fallen trees and branches and picking up litter and debris.
Drivers are advised to reduce their speeds, exercise extra caution and anticipate delays during road maintenance.
Franklin farmers market returns for 2025
Get ready for summer with an activity pass to Lake Junaluska
People can get their Lake Junaluska Summer Activity Passes now. Enjoy admission to the lakeside pool all summer long as well as discounts on recreation, shopping and dining at Lake Junaluska. Passes are valid from May 24 through Sept. 1, 2025, and are now available online at /bit.ly/LJSummerPasses.
2025 Summer Activity Pass benefits include:
• Admission to the Lake Junaluska swimming pool during valid dates for the number of people on the pass.
• 10% discount at Junaluska Gifts and Grounds.
• $5 discount on a round of golf with cart at the Lake Junaluska Golf Course.
• 10% off kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals (up to number of people on pass per day).
• One complimentary rental of tennis rackets and pickleball paddles for use at our tennis/pickleball courts per day.
• 10% dining discount at The Terrace Hotel and Lambuth Inn dining rooms (cannot be applied to any other discounts or special offers).
For more information about Lake Junaluska, visit lakejunaluska.com.
North Shore Cemetery Association hosts cemetery decoration day
On Sunday, May 4 with the cooperation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the North Shore Cemetery Association will host decorations at Woody and Hoyle Cemeteries.
ly taking a little over an hour. Pets are not allowed in the backcountry and service animals must be leashed and vested.
Dress is casual. Please wear sturdy footwear and clothing suitable for hiking and weather conditions. Attendees may bring their own lunch, snacks and drinks, or share with those who potluck. There are picnic tables for use at this decoration which will be covered to protect from any rain.
Family burials include Woody, Sherrill,
Decorations are held rain or shine.
To attend, drive to the Cable Cove Boat Ramp off NC Hwy 28 near Fontana Village and catch the boat shuttle at 7:45 a.m., or catch the boat at Wilderness Marina (Flat Branch) at 9:30 a.m. Another option is hiking in via the Lakeshore Trail from the East Lakeview Drive Trailhead 2.5 miles, general-
HRMC to offer free sports physicals to
students
Haywood Regional Medical Center is offering free sports physicals for local student athletes on Tuesday, May 13, at the Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center in Clyde. This annual event is open to middle and high school students in Haywood County who plan to participate in school sports during the 2025–2026 academic year.
No insurance is required, and there is no
Burns, Collins, Cook, Campbell, Jones, Freeman, Nichols and others. If anyone has mobility needs and requires assistance, they can call 706.896.2183.
For a more detailed description, the latest information or cancelations, visit facebook.com/northshorecemeterydecorations or call 706.896.2183.
cost for students.
Rising sixth-grade students should attend the time slot for the middle school they will attend next year.
Physicals will be offered during the following times based on school:
• Canton Middle and Bethel Middle School: 3-4:30 p.m.
• Waynesville Middle School: 4:30 -5:30 p.m.
• Tuscola High School: 5:30-7 p.m.
Families should contact their child’s school in advance to obtain the required pre-participation packet and bring the completed forms to the event. Students must have the parent/guardian portion of the packet signed to be seen.
Jackson County hosts bike rodeo
Join Jackson County Recreation from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at Cullowhee Valley School for a bike rodeo.
This is a bicycle safety event where when you register you get a free helmet (while supplies last). All children will also be entered in a raffle to win a bike.
This event will have helmet fitting, bike fitting, bike repair station, bike borrow station (please bring your own bikes if you have them), Kona Ice, WCU Cycling Club at the advanced skills course and a beginner course.
Everyone riding must wear a helmet; there will be plenty given away. Kids can practice how to ride, the correct way to wear a helmet, learn road crossings, what size bike is correct
for them, and how to ride in a big group. This event focuses on bicycle safety, riding in the right direction and getting helmets on riders.
Please bring your own bikes as the bike borrow station quickly has all of the bikes in use and there are a limited number for kids who do not have bikes at all.
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
Notice is hereby given that a divorce action has Caiazzo against Luis the Haywood County Superior Court. The to the action within 40
Fiduciary Po Box 1231 Montreat, NC 28757
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.25E000011-430
Jeannine Muriel Furnish
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NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION Case No.25E000124-430
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YOU MAY QUALIFY
to the undersigned on or Jul 30 2025
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Elizabeth S. Cubbage, Ancillary Executor
130 Harbour Place Drive, Suite 270 Davidson, NC 28036
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Pets
PUPPIES!! Asheville Humane Society has puppies available for adoption; all 2-6 months old and cute as can be! Fee includes vaccinations and spay/neuter. (828) 761-2001 adoptions@ ashevillehumane.org
BLACK CAT — CUDDLES Sweet, silly, shy boy; 5 years old. Loves to sunbathe or sit on couch with you. Asheville Humane Society (828) 761-2001 adoptions@ashevillehumane.org
ANSWERS ON PAGE 26
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ROOM FOR RENT
Construction/ Remodeling
OFFICE SUBLET (COWORKING SPACE)
Stonewood Cottage is a coworking space operated by David Alexander Properties located in Waynesville, offering from day passes to unlimited access to our historic property built in 1950 using locally sourced river stones.
SUDOKU
Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
