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On the Cover:
Shining Rock Classical Academy has been at odds with former board member Rebecca Fitzgibbon for years as she’s sought public records following an incident when her 11-year-old son was placed in a police car. The Smoky Mountain News did a deep dive in this week’s edition to recap the trial, talk to all parties involved and look at what this means going forward. (page 6) Kyle Perrotti photo
News
Edwards said ‘no interest’ in Medicare cut, votes to cut anyway..........................4 Lunsford federal gun case continued, again................................................................5 Jackson residents blast library exit, demand explanation......................................10 Forest Hills cancels planning contract with county over FRL withdrawal........11 Following sexual assault charges, Swain County Sheriff retires........................12 Municipal candidates file for elections........................................................................13
Opinion
Hands off our parks, our foreign guests and our narrative....................................14 FRL director is a devoted librarian................................................................................14
A&E
It’s about damn time: A conversation with Magnolia Boulevard........................16 Ellis to present debut novel............................................................................................23
Outdoors
Run to the hills: Some of our favorite trails in WNC..............................................18 Up Moses Creek: Kneel!..................................................................................................21
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Edwards said ‘no interest’ in Medicare cut, votes to cut anyway
BY CORY VAILLANCOURT
P OLITICS E DITOR
In Western North Carolina, where aging populations and rural poverty place extraordinary pressure on the social safety net, few programs matter more than Medicaid and Medicare. Congressman Chuck Edwards, who represents North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, has repeatedly said he and fellow Republicans had “no interest” in cutting Medicare, but his voting record tells the real story.
On May 22, Edwards had the chance to stop President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” but instead joined 214 other Republicans in passing the bill by one vote.
The bill, which Trump signed July 3, delivers sweeping tax cuts favoring corporations and high earners, increasing the national debt by over $3 trillion, weakening environmental standards, cutting nutritional assistance to low-income families and threatening health care access for millions.
Medicaid and Medicare, created in 1965 as part of President Lyndon Johnson’s “War on Poverty,” are jointly funded state and federal programs that provide health care to lowincome families, pregnant women, people with disabilities and a growing number of elderly Americans who rely on longterm care.
Medicare in Buncombe and Henderson counties alone — the two largest counties in Edwards’ congressional district. Nearly 18,000 Haywood County residents are also eligible, along with 8,800 in Jackson County, 11,700 in Macon County and 3,700 in Swain County.
Due to a legal mandate that forces broad, automatic spending cuts when new laws add to the federal deficit, Medicare is set to absorb an estimated $490 billion in reductions over the next decade, beginning with the upcoming federal fiscal year in October.
Washington and there is absolutely no interest from Republicans to cut Medicare or Social Security.”
A graphic in a recent Washington Post story shows 26% of Edwards’ district enrolled in Medicare, the fifth-highest total in Congress.
During a March 13 town hall in Asheville, Edwards responded to a constituent’s question about cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. Edwards dodged the Medicaid part of the question, but mentioned Medicare.
Medicare offers health care coverage for 68 million Americans over the age of 65. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible. In North Carolina, the program covers roughly 1.6 million people, 88% of them 65 or older.
A 2023 study by the University of Iowa’s Rural Policy Research Institute shows more than 100,000 people are eligible for
While Republicans have postponed many of the bill’s other safety-net cuts until after the election cycle, the Medicare reductions will take effect immediately.
On Oct. 14, 2022, before he was elected to Congress, Edwards told The Smoky Mountain News, “I’ve talked many times with members of the Republican caucus in
“There’s no intent from President Trump, nor from the current Congress, to do anything to disrupt payments for Medicare or Social Security,” he said.
In contrast to Medicare, Medicaid eligibility is based on income rather than age and provides health coverage for more than 72 million low-income Americans.
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible, except for emergency services which must be provided by law and would otherwise burden hospitals with providing uncompensated care. Undocumented immigrants may be eligible in states that have chosen to provide services and pay for them using only state dollars.
In North Carolina, Medicaid covers roughly 2.9 million people, including nearly 300,000 people with disabilities and more than a million children.
The most recent data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shows more than 81,000 people across Buncombe and Henderson counties are covered by Medicaid. In Haywood County, more than 18,000 people receive Medicaid benefits, along with 10,900 in Jackson, 9,800 in Macon, and 6,400 in Swain County. Many of those covered are working adults earning low wages in service, tourism or agriculture — major sectors of the economy in Edwards’ rural district.
The bill Edwards voted for includes major structural changes to Medicaid, one of which cuts more than $900 billion from Medicaid over 10 years, drastically reducing eligibility and services. While most cuts are delayed until after the 2026 election cycle, the long-term effect could displace millions from coverage, particularly residents of rural and low-income areas like Edwards’ district, that benefitted from Medicaid expansion starting in 2023.
Currently, the federal government pays 90% of the cost for the expansion population, with hospitals covering the rest through a special tax. However, when the North Carolina General Assembly passed Medicaid expansion, it did so with a “trigger” that would end expansion if the federal government’s reimbursements ever dropped – which is exactly what’s happening.
In April 2023, Edwards ignored the “Back off our Benefits” bus tour, which rolled into Asheville asking him to protect Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and veterans’ benefits.
Edwards likewise ignored a July 3 interview request from The Smoky Mountain News to talk about his vote on the bill. Edwards has not spoken to SMN since a June 1, 2023, event in Canton, where he said he would only speak with media outlets that have given him favorable coverage.
Rep. Chuck Edwards. File photo
Lunsford federal gun case continued, again
BY CORY VAILLANCOURT P OLITICS E DITOR
James Lunsford, controversial proprietor of the “Haven on the Hill” campground, will begin another chapter in his federal gun case after hiring a new lawyer and receiving yet another continuance.
On June 4, 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Lunsford on six felony charges stemming from alleged illegal firearms transactions spanning nearly three years. Lunsford was arrested six days later and appointed public defender Emily Jones that same day.
According to the indictment, Lunsford is accused of making false statements between April 2021 and Feb. 8, 2024, to Smoky Mountain Shooters Supply, a now-defunct gun store in Murphy.
Prosecutors allege that Lunsford misrepresented himself as the actual purchaser of multiple firearms when he was allegedly buying them on behalf of another person.
In addition to the alleged false statements, Lunsford — who is not a licensed firearms dealer — is charged with unlawfully engaging in the business of dealing in firearms and ammunition. He is also accused of selling and delivering a revolver to an unlicensed individual.
Federal prosecutors have moved to seize items allegedly tied to the offenses, including 21 pistols, 15 shotguns, 13 rifles, 10 revolvers and a small quantity of ammunition.
Four of the charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.
The remaining two charges carry a maximum of 10 years in prison, in addition to supervised release and financial penalties.
Lunsford pleaded not guilty to all charges and has requested a jury trial.
When Lunsford was arrested, Jones filed for the continuance of a June 24, 2024, hearing. Lunsford was released on a $25,000 unsecured bond. Although he was granted conditional release, the specific terms remain under seal. U.S. Magistrate Judge Carleton Metcalf moved the hearing to Aug. 26, 2024. On Aug. 9, 2024, another continuance was issued, this time until Nov. 4, 2024.
On Oct. 10, 2024 — less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene, which affected court operations and attorney availability — another continuance was issued, this time to Jan. 6, 2025. On Dec. 1, 2024, that hearing was moved to March 3, 2025.
hearing was continued to June 30. Jones’ motion states that the discovery process, “along with the number of charges spanning the course of nearly three years and involving at least 52 firearms, delayed resolution of this case. The parties have been engaged in plea negotiations, but have not yet reached an agreement. While it is possible that the parties still will reach an agreement, it does not appear that that will happen this term. Defense counsel is requesting this final docket call/trial date continuance, to ensure she is able to effectively convey to Mr. Lunsford his options regarding a plea or trial, including the sentencing guidelines he may face in either scenario, the strength of the evidence and what a trial versus a plea would look like.”
On Feb. 14, the hearing was again postponed to May 5, with Lunsford’s attorney saying in her motion that discovery materials were voluminous and that “defense counsel needs more time to engage in plea negotiations with the Government.” On April 18 the
exploited residents and used intimidation to quell dissent. Meanwhile, neighbors and public safety officials have raised concerns about health risks, permitting violations and increased law-enforcement activity around the site. A GoFundMe for Haven on the Hill recently topped $114,000.
James Lunsford. File photo
Mom wins court fight with charter school, defamation countersuit backfires
BY KYLE PERROTTI
N EWS E DITOR
Rebecca Fitzgibbon hasn’t breathed easy since her 11-year-old son was put in the back of a police car by his school principal in the parking lot of Shining Rock Classical Academy. Since then, as she’s looked for accountability — or at least answers — she’s faced public scrutiny, legal threats and even criminal charges.
After years of contentious back and forth between the mother of two and the school, things came to a head in May as Fitzgibbon and the defendants — Head of School Josh Morgan and members of the school’s governing board — had their case heard in Haywood County Superior Court, where Fitzgibbon ultimately received the vindication she’d so ardently sought as late last month, when Judge Sherri Elliott issued a sweeping order in her favor. While Fitzgibbon, who was once a member of Shining Rock’s board, has celebrated the victory, on the other side, Morgan has expressed concern that Elliott’s order opens the door for any person who wishes to hurt him or the school to do so with impunity.
The suit that led to the trial, filed by Fitzgibbon in 2023, alleged that Morgan and board members violated state law by demanding excessive payments for fulfilment of public records requests tied to her attempts to learn more about the school’s
disciplinary procedures and training requirements in light of the incident with her son. The school has consistently claimed that Fitzgibbon’s 23 records requests were intentionally cumbersome.
Since 2022 when Fitzgibbon began requesting records, she has also made a host of public allegations against Morgan and the board, including some that imply he and others acted immorally or even illegally. In response, the defendants countersued her for defamation, saying her scathing statements on social media and in news articles were knowingly false and meant to cause harm.
Defense attorney Andy Santaniello said during his opening statement to Elliott that Fitzgibbon had become “enraged” and went on a “crusade” to get Morgan fired, adding that she had previously become “so disruptive” that she was removed from the board.
Elliott, who was visiting from the judicial district made up of Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties, published an order on June 30 in favor of Fitzgibbon that dismissed the defamation claims while also requiring Shining Rock to provide the records she’d requested and change its public records policy.
“When my attorney first told me the news, I felt very relieved,” Fitzgibbon said. “I was overwhelmed with emotion when I read the order, and I felt grateful that Judge Elliott saw the situation for what it was and ruled accordingly.”
filed the grievances told The Smoky Mountain News at the time that Morgan was a bully who intimidated the kids. Shining Rock’s board defended Morgan and officially dismissed the grievances after an internal investigation was conducted by Shining Rock’s board-appointed attorney, David Hostetler. Likewise, after the parents filed a report with the Waynesville Police Department seeking criminal charges against Morgan, the district attorney’s office declined to prosecute.
Rebecca Fitzgibbon was a Shining Rock Board Member for a year and a half until just months after her son was placed in the police car, when her relationship with others on the board soured and she was voted off. After the incident with her son, she began bombarding the school administrators, board members and even teachers with emails. In March 2023, Shining Rock pressed cyberstalking charges against Fitzgibbon. According to the criminal summons, Fitzgibbon emailed Shining Rock staff “repeatedly for the purpose of harassing” Morgan and others.
Those charges were dismissed a few months later, but Fitzgibbon was banned from campus except for dropping off or picking up her children.
The conflict between Fitzgibbon and the school began in earnest a couple of months before she was kicked off the board.
On Jan. 14, 2022, Fitzgibbon’s son was disrupting Jody Thornton’s class. Thornton, who appeared in front of Elliott under subpoena, said the child had been causing trouble all week. She threatened to get Morgan, and she said that when the boy kept going, she made good on that threat.
BACKGROUND
Shining Rock opened its doors in Haywood County in the fall of 2015 and moved into its new building off Russ Avenue in the fall of 2021. While it’s a charter school, under state law, it still receives taxpayer dollars for all operations.
Morgan is a Haywood County native and Pisgah High School graduate. He earned his bachelor’s degree in middle school education from Appalachian State University, a master’s degree in elementary and middle school administration from Western Carolina University and a second advanced degree in secondary school administration also from WCU.
He began teaching 2000 and eventually became assistant principal at T.C. Roberson High School in Buncombe County before serving in the same role at Hazelwood and Clyde elementary schools in Haywood. He would go on to serve as a principal at schools in Haywood County and in South Carolina.
Morgan was hired at Shining Rock in August 2018 as assistant principal. In February 2019, former Head of School Nathan Duncan was fired following sexual harassment allegations. Morgan was immediately named interim head of school and secured the permanent job in June 2019.
Before he was even named head of school, grievances were filed against Morgan related to his conduct around children. Parents who
“It didn’t matter at that point what I did; he wasn’t going to listen to me,” she said.
According to the teacher, Morgan said to the child that she could decide whether to give him a chance or if he should “take a ride” with the Student Resource Officer, Bryan Reeves. Thornton thought perhaps Reeves would drive him around the school to conjure up enough fear to teach him a lesson.
At that time, Reeves, who is employed by the Waynesville Police Department, was in his patrol vehicle typing up a report. Morgan put the child in the backseat. According to Reeves’ testimony, the principal said that the child had perhaps “earned a trip to DJJ” — DJJ meaning Department of Juvenile Justice.
Reeves claimed it began raining lightly — lightning was apparently a concern — and the kid needed somewhere to sit, so they put him in the car. Fitzgibbon’s attorney, Clifton Williams, asked Reeves if he thought it was appropriate to put a child in the backseat of a police car.
“It was the best option we had at the time,” he said.
Although Reeves said the decision was made because of the weather, Williams asked if the move was also a sort of “scared straight” tactic to give him a dose of hard reality without having to affect an arrest.
“I don’t think so, no,” Reeves said, adding that he would do the same thing if he was in the exact same position again.
This image shows renderings of Shining Rock’s new school, which was completed in 2021. File photo
While Fitzgibbon’s son being placed in the police car feels egregious and was in some ways an inciting incident, she said she didn’t begin proactively seeking answers until after she was removed from the board a couple of months later. Around that time, as she dug more into Morgan and the school, she heard stories from other parents that together painted Morgan as a bully with a pattern of troublesome behavior. She claimed that he would make high-pitched noises in the presence of autistic students with the knowledge that it made them uncomfortable, withheld lunch from children and even ate in front of kids whose lunches were withheld.
A MATTER OF RECORDS
Williams, who before entering private practice worked for the University of North Carolina system and through that has extensive experience in public records law, introduced into evidence relevant policies from several institutions and entities, including UNC-Asheville, the Town of Waynesville and Haywood County Schools. They all said the same thing: a person requesting records can be charged $18 per hour for excessive requests over four hours, based on the average pay for the clerk who handles records requests. They can also charge for the actual cost of paper copies, which is 5 cents per page.
Morgan told Williams during questioning that Shining Rock’s current public records policy, approved in 2022, was adopted to deter “troublesome public records requests.”
Along with Fitzgibbon, SMN Politics Editor Cory Vaillancourt has made several public requests since the paper hired him in May 2016. Vaillancourt testified that for a while the requests were answered promptly and without fee.
“But after that, something changed,” he said.
When Vaillancourt requested documents related to the construction of the new school along Russ Avenue near Lake Junaluska — including correspondence between board members, meeting minutes, the school’s communications policy and Hostetler’s contract, after a week, the school said the records would be available upon payment under the newly launched fee schedule. For the next month or so, Vaillancourt said he didn’t hear from the school, despite several attempts to receive an update. Then, a letter was sent to him from the school requesting over $1,500 for the records. SMN didn’t pay the fee, and Vaillancourt never received those records.
The key witness for the public records portion of the trial was Katy Ridenour, who joined the court remotely from her home in Virginia. Ridenour is a consultant who works with charter schools. Shining Rock pays Ridenour $195 dollars per hour, and she is contracted to work 10 hours per month with the school. One of her duties is to facilitate public records requests. Santaniello asked Ridenour what happens if all her time is spent on such requests.
“Then I don’t have time to support Mr.
Morgan and his concerns in leading the school or work sessions or retreats or anything else,” she said.
Hostetler for $300 per hour, is passed along to the person or entity requesting the documents.
“Was it your understanding that because protocol was adopted that it was OK from legal standpoint?” Williams asked.
“I assumed the lawyer’s advice was legal,” Ridenour said.
“Is needing to consult with counsel a reason to charge someone to obtain public records?” Williams fired back.
“It seems someone has to bear that cost,” Ridenour replied. “And it’s not like public charter schools have a lot of money.”
Ridenour recalled fielding Fitzgibbon’s public records requests, which she said numbered 23 between May 26, 2022, and Nov. 29, 2023. She worked with Hostetler, whom the school pays $300 per hour, whenever there were questions regarding whether something in a record is confidential or not, and she consulted with an outside IT expert to determine how to obtain the voluminous correspondences to or from any school email address that mentions Fitzgibbon’s name, which was included in one of her requests.
“His words were that would require me to go into every past and current staff and board members’ addresses individually and search for Rebecca Fitzgibbon and her son, and that would take days upon days, probably weeks,” Ridenour said.
Ridenour recalled Vaillancourt’s requests, as well, noting that once a backlog developed, the board revisited the school’s policies.
“Mr. Vaillancourt’s requests were where that model started,” she said.
During his testimony, Morgan said that he believed Vaillancourt was abusing the right to request public records.
“I’ve acted in good faith to fulfill his requests and I’m not really sure what more he’s wanting other than to simply use the public records law as a nuisance,” he said. The new policy stated that any request that would take longer than 30 minutes to answer is “extensive” and would require an additional fee.
During his cross-examination of Ridenour, Williams waded into a discussion about the specific phrasing of public records laws, citing relevant statute that says, “no public agency shall charge a fee for an uncertified copy of a public record that exceeds the actual cost to the public agency of making the copy.” Williams questioned why it is that the cost of determining whether confidential material is comingled with nonconfidential material, when turned over to
filed with the school and DPI proved that she wished to handle things at the lowest level possible throughout the process. In addition, Williams went through statements Fitzgibbon had made that accused Morgan of being abusive and asked her if she believed she’d communicated anything that was false.
“Was your belief that these complaints were true?” he asked.
“Yes,” she replied.
Several former Shining Rock teachers and staff testified to Fitzgibbon’s claim that Morgan is a bully, telling stories of children being traumatized by Morgan and Reeves.
One of the most compelling witnesses was Sharon Breedlove, a teacher with 27 years of experience, who worked at Shining Rock from 2022 through 2024. While much of the testimony surrounded Morgan’s behavior with students, Breedlove also talked about how the principal treated his staff, noting that if a person isn’t a member of Morgan’s “clique,” they’re likely to receive hostile treatment.
Breedlove recalled occasions where she saw Morgan “intimidating” students. After one incident when Reeves led an unruly student to the office, he used a “come along” hold and broke the child’s wrist. Around that time, Breedlove said she’d heard that a girl was touched inappropriately by a male student during an afterschool program and that the incident was never addressed by the school administration.
THE DEFAMATION CLAIM
Williams introduced several pieces of evidence he used to argue against the defamation countersuit, including emails from Fitzgibbon to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction complaining about Shining Rock and Morgan.
“I believe this man abuses children,” one email read.
Testimony and evidence also laid out Shining Rock’s grievance process, which begins with an “informal” meeting with Morgan. If a parent wishes to continue, they can file a formal grievance. Fitzgibbon did this and met with former board member Frank Lay — who was both a defendant and a witness in this case — for an interview, then subsequently rescinded her grievance. On March 25, 2022, she was removed from the board in what she claims was an illegal closed meeting. Over the next couple of years, she continued to bash Morgan on social media and, as mentioned during the trial, even in an SMN story.
Even after her removal from the board, Fitzgibbon kept her kids in school for over a year, something that Santaniello found curious — if she had such an issue with Shining Rock, why keep the kids there?
Williams countered by referring to the exhibits, noting that while Santaniello was painting Ftizgibbon as a vindictive, litigious woman who’d made defamatory statements, her correspondences and formal grievances
After that, Breedlove filed reports with the Department of Social Services and the Waynesville Police Department to make her concerns about Morgan and Reeves known. Breedlove said that the next day, she went to use an app that connects teachers with parents but had been locked out.
“That’s how I knew he was aware I had filed a DSS report,” Breedlove said. Morgan called Breedlove to his office, and when she figured the school was going to let her go, she quit. He told her she could come back over the weekend and retrieve the personal items left in the classroom.
“He refused to even let me get my purse out of the classroom,” she said, adding that when she did come by to pick up her items, some were “intentionally broken,” something Morgan denied when he took the stand.
Shining Rock’s Founding Board Chair Tara Keilberg also took the stand. After her time on the board, Keilberg also had a stint as the director of admissions and finance. She worked only briefly with Morgan after he was hired. She said she found him to be cynical and that he had a negative view of “higher-needs” families. She also thought he took enjoyment in making fun of others and claimed that one day when Fitzgibbon’s son was in Morgan’s office, he called the child a “level-five turd.”
“About two months working with Mr. Morgan was enough,” Keilberg said.
During his cross-examination of Breedlove, Keilberg and the other teachers who spoke negatively on Morgan, Santaniello pushed the witnesses, casting
Josh Morgan (left) takes questions on the stand from defense attorney Andy Santaniello. Kyle Perrotti photo
each one as a person with an ax to grind because their work was unsatisfactory and Morgan had either disciplined or fired them. Morgan also took the stand a second time before the attorneys’ closing statements to provide direct testimony contradicting what they had said.
“She was an incredibly poor teammate,” Morgan said of Breedlove. “She was not always the most stable in terms of how some of her interactions and things would be.”
A couple of times during his testimony, Morgan lamented the “mess” he said he’d inherited when he became head of school after Duncan. One of those “messes,” he said, was Keilberg’s job performance.
In addition, the current teachers who testified said Morgan is a good head of school who never crosses that line.
“Mr. Morgan is hands-down one of the best bosses I’ve ever had,” teacher Ashley Price, whom the defense called as a witness, told Elliott.
Thornton, Fitzgibbon’s son’s former teacher, said that while she was surprised that Morgan put Fitzgibbon’s son in the back of a police car, she didn’t think it was wrong.
“If the child learns a lesson from it, I don’t think what Mr. morgan did was wrong,” she said.
ELLIOTT’S ORDER
with knowledge of their falsity or extreme recklessness. Along with noting that Fitzgibbon made an honest effort to find answers and accountability through the proper channels, Williams highlighted the fact that the court could know based on testimony that “for certain” some people have had a problem with how Morgan does his job. Williams argued that this lends credence to the claim that Fitzgibbon believed her claims to be true.
must be provided upon request for free or at “minimal cost,” meaning the actual cost of reproducing the record, contrary to the practices Shining Rock had implemented.
“Shining Rock may not charge a fee for an uncertified copy of a public record that exceeds the actual cost to Shining Rock of making the copy,” the order reads. “‘Actual cost’ is limited to Shining Rock’s direct, chargeable costs related to the reproduction of a public record as determined by generally accepted accounting principles and does not include costs that would have been incurred by Shining Rock if a request to reproduce a public record had not been made.”
which total about $113,000, and court costs, which total about $3,200. Elliott has yet to rule on that motion.
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD
During his closing statement, Santaniello said that for Fitzgibbon to “survive” the defamation counterclaim, she would have to prove that every statement she made was true. She didn’t even come close, he said, before reiterating that the witnesses who made claims against Morgan that supported Fitzgibbon’s allegations of abuse and bullying were either biased or basing their accusations on hearsay.
Santaniello said that while the statute Williams referenced during his cross-examination of Ridenour does stipulate that an additional fee can’t be imposed for determining what’s confidential and what’s not, there is a part that says a fee can be imposed if the request is “such as to require the extensive use of information technology resources or extensive clerical or supervisory systems by personnel of the agency involved or producing the record that media requests results in greater use of information technology resources.”
“There’s nothing prohibited in statute for what my client was doing,” he said. Williams, who offered his closing statement after Santaniello, rebutted Santaniello’s claims regarding defamation. Because Morgan is a public figure, the bar for defamation is higher. Williams cited the landmark 1964 Supreme Court Case New York Times v. Sullivan that established the “actual malice” standard, which means a defendant’s statements must be made either
“Your Honor, the legal graveyard, that landscape is littered with defamation lawsuits filed by public officials who were unhappy with criticism,” he said.
Elliott requested that both Williams and Santaniello send her drafts of potential orders based on what they were seeking — basically the equivalent of what would be an ideally favorable jury verdict. Taking those into consideration, Elliott published her order, which found in Fitzgibbon’s favor across the board.
“The information that Fitzgibbon developed came from sources in the community that Fitzgibbon found reputable, including herself, her own children, current and former Shining Rock employees and officials (including some of the named Defendants), and the parents or guardians of current and former Shining Rock students,” the order reads, noting also that throughout her inquiry, Fitzgibbon reported her concerns to “numerous local and state officials.”
According to the order, while prior to 2018, Vaillancourt’s requests were answered promptly and without charge, once Morgan became head of school, it began assessing fees, including one for over $1,500 that SMN refused to pay.
“As a result, Vaillancourt’s and his employer’s reporting on Shining Rock was significantly reduced because they could not obtain public records from Shining Rock to support their reporting,” the order reads.
Elliott concluded that public records
“If it was necessary for Shining Rock to separate confidential from nonconfidential information in order to permit the inspection, examination, or copying of the public records in response to public records requests, then Shining Rock had to bear the cost of such separation,” the order later reads.
Elliott determined that the school had no legal justification for failing to disclose at least some of the public records it withheld from Fitzgibbon. Similarly, there was no justification to charge Fitzgibbon for the cost of separating confidential and nonconfidential information.
“Shining Rock’s approach to charging for public records, and, later its formalized public records procedure, either on its face or as applied to Fitzgibbon and Vaillancourt, was an improper use of governmental authority to stop or inhibit the public from accessing public records and government information,” the order reads.
Like Fitzgibbon, Morgan told SMN after Elliott’s order that this experience, from the grievances filed while he was the interim head of school up through the recent trial, have been exhausting for him and his family. Much of the scrutiny from members of the public and witnesses during the trial was a direct result of Shining Rock’s defamation countersuit. Morgan said pursuing that suit was the board’s decision, and it was made largely in part as a response to the voluminous claims Fitzgibbon laid out in her original suit attempting to obtain the records, including allegations that Morgan had forcibly dragged children out of classes and even directing Reeves to put some in handcuffs.
“That should be a three-page filing, right?” Morgan said. “But she made a point to include all of her discontents in the initial filing, and that’s what triggered the board’s action on filing the defamation piece.”
“To marginalize me was always her intent,” he added.
Fitzgibbon and Williams firmly disagree. Williams said this outcome serves as vindication for his client in her quest to access public records while also serving as an affirmation that there was no “actual malice” in her public statements regarding the school and Morgan.
Following Elliott’s ruling, Shining Rock issued a statement saying it respects the judicial process and will follow the order accordingly.
“Shining Rock’s approach to charging for public records, and, later its formalized public records procedure, either on its face or as applied to Fitzgibbon and Vaillancourt, was an improper use of governmental authority to stop or inhibit the public from accessing public records and government information.”
Judge Sherri Elliott
The public records order wasn’t Fitzgibbon’s only win. Elliott ruled that Santaniello failed to prove that the information published or shared by Fitzgibbon that served as the basis for the defamation suit was false and therefore ruled in her favor.
Elliott ordered Shining Rock to produce the public records Fitzgibbon requested on multiple dates. She also filed an injunction enjoining the defendants from using or applying any public records procedures in the future that violate the law as determined in her ruling, including pending requests such as Fitzgibbon’s and Vaillancourt’s.
There is one more item for Elliott to consider before this case can be closed. On July 2, Williams filed a motion for the defendants to cover the plaintiff’s attorney fees,
“The court’s decision clarifies important aspects of public records law that will benefit not only our school but other educational institutions throughout the state,” the statement reads. “We are committed to implementing the court’s directives within the specified timeframe and will work diligently to ensure full compliance with all public records requirements moving forward.”
Williams concurred with the school’s observation that Elliott’s order provides guidance that all public entities should consider, adding that he hopes positive change will come to Shining Rock.
But because charter schools aren’t beholden to county residents in the same way as public schools since they F
Shining Rock’s Student Resource Officer, Bryan Reeves, took the stand at the trial. Kyle Perrotti photo
process he and the board went through while trying to create a public records policy when there hadn’t been much case law around which to shape it. During his closing arguments, Santaniello lamented the fact that he and his clients were likewise trying to craft a defense based on a subject with basically zero precedent.
“We don’t have any guidance from the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court to tell us how to apply these public records, especially as it comes to the special service charges,” he told Elliott. “I think that is a major detriment to plaintiff in their case, because if we can’t even find with certainty what the law is, it’s going to be very difficult for them, if not impossible, to prove violation of that law.”
Santaniello told SMN that an appeal hasn’t been ruled out.
“We are still looking at it and evaluating it,” he said. “We don’t ever want to make a knee-jerk decision on an appeal.”
“Judge Elliott did a very thorough job and was attentive, so I think we got a very fair trial and a very fair hearing,” he said. “But there are issues of first impression, meaning the legislature didn’t write the law down clearly and the appeals court hasn’t decided on this yet.”
However, Mike Tadych, a Raleigh attorney who specializes in First Amendment law told SMN in an email that he believed the statute was already clear and that it’s on
something he said was happening separate of public records case and nothing else.
When asked whether he’s re-evaluated how he personally deals with students’ discipline, he was reticent but ultimately said no.
“You always have to be seeking a path for redemption and also a way to guide people better,” he said. “I spend a fair amount of time trying to, when kids make bad decisions, get to the root cause of that bad choice, and I feel like what has changed most in my time in education is that it is representing a microcosm of our society.”
Morgan explained what he meant by that statement.
“We’ve become skewed toward individual grievances, and the responsibilities on educators have never been greater,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fitzgibbon said she expects to see change in the way Shining Rock handles public records and she hopes it will reconsider how it handles student discipline and address parents’ concerns. While she isn’t sure what her next step is regarding public records or even a future suit against the school, she said she is ready to take some time to breathe, and to consider the totality of what has transpired over the last several years.
“I maintain, as I always have, that Shining Rock has such great potential; the board just has not figured out how to hire good leadership,” she said. “What I hope is the outcome from this trial is that the board take seriously the grievances that are being sent to them.”
Shining Rock Head of School Josh Morgan testified on two separate days during the trial. Kyle Perrotti photo
Jackson residents blast library exit, demand explanation
CORY VAILLANCOURT
POLITICS E DITOR
Public frustration boiled over at the July 1 Jackson County Board of Commissioners meeting, where speaker after speaker condemned the board’s recent decision to withdraw from the Fontana Regional Library system, urged reconsideration and asked for a public statement from commissioners.
The remarks, delivered during the informal public comment period, revealed deep and lingering concerns about transparency, process and cost, alongside fears of ideological interference in local government.
First to speak was Tom Downing, who opened by acknowledging a detailed presentation on the long list of planned capital improvements in Jackson County delivered by County Manager Kevin King earlier in the meeting.
“It’s really amazing, a lot of work in that, and I can see how we don’t just go and do things. We have a process and a plan … with the [Local Government Commission] looking out for us, making sure we’re doing things correctly. Oh wait, we don’t do that for the library removal though, do we? Never mind,” Downing continued, suggesting that level of planning didn’t extend to the board’s decision to remove Jackson County’s libraries from the FRL system.
“There’s a technical term for that,” he said. “It’s a total cluster fiasco.”
Downing accused the board of abandoning norms, ignoring procedures and bypassing accountability in the way the decision was made.
“We don’t know what it’s going to cost to leave the FRL,” he said. “And apparently, you don’t care. That’s not management. That’s not leadership. That’s a fiasco.”
Another speaker, Autumn Woodward, followed with a more pointed financial critique.
“I think the public deserves a detailed public statement and rationale for the FRL vote that includes the fiscal analysis of the impacts on the county,” Woodward said. “It seems that this was an emotional decision, and if fully enacted, will result in millions of dollars of increased taxpayer burden over the next decade.”
Woodward cited a projected $1 million increase in the first year, with approximately $4.5 million in additional costs over the following nine years. The county’s own estimates come in at around $500,000 a year in increased costs, with perhaps $300,000 in start-up or transition costs the first year.
“Fiscally, the current library decision appears to represent a violation of the commission’s legal fiduciary responsibility to make financial decisions that benefit the county,” Woodward added. “When can we expect a public statement explaining the reasoning behind your recent decision to leave the FRL?”
Next, a child identified only as “Rowan” approached the podium, barely able to see over it, and delivered brief but emotional remarks that underscored the personal impact of the Board’s decision.
Rowan was “a hard act to follow,” but she quickly turned serious, delivering a pointed rebuke of the board’s decision and leadership.
“By deciding to leave the Fontana Regional Library system, the majority of the commissioners have shown a staggering lack of leadership and foresight,” Jeffries said. Chairman Mark Letson was the only board member to vote to remain in the FRL. “True leaders would have reviewed the financial data fully to see how removing Jackson County’s libraries from the FRL would affect taxpayers and avoid spending more taxpayer dollars to keep the same services.”
Jeffries said the board failed to study library processes, consult experts like the State Library of North Carolina or follow the existing policy for challenging books.
“True leaders would have stood up to outside influences advocating changes that do not benefit county residents,” she said. “It’s hypocritical to say the issue with the FRL board was that other counties’ board members could override votes from Jackson County, when many of the main advocates for leaving the FRL come from Macon and other counties.”
She also tied the decision to what she described as a pattern of broken promises. “You have now gone against compromises,” Jeffries said, referring both to a prior compromise on the library issue and a prior compromise on placing interpretive plaques on the pedestal of a controversial Confederate monument outside the library. Commissioners had the plaques removed in April in a move that legal
“Your decision was made in a non-transparent manner. It will result in higher costs for the county and taxpayers, and a loss of the quality services and jobs FRL provides. Those who built and support the Jackson County Public Library and the FRL system are the true leaders of this county. You should follow their example and reverse your recent decision.”
— Debbie Jeffries
loss of the quality services and jobs FRL provides,” she said. “Those who built and support the Jackson County Public Library and the FRL system are the true leaders of this county. You should follow their example and reverse your recent decision.”
Becky Abel spoke next, saying she’d been “woefully disappointed” in the board’s actions.
“My dad used to always have a quip for everything,” Abel said. “About this decision, he would say something like, ‘Well, that dog won’t hunt.’”
Abel said the library had been her “hub” since moving to Jackson County.
“It was where I found my first friends when I moved here,” she said. “And yes, I’m one of those people who moved here. But if nobody moved here, what would we have?”
She warned that the clock was now ticking on the oneyear timeline to complete the separation from the FRL and that commissioners still had time to reverse their decision.
“Understand that we’re not going away. We’re still going to be showing up,” said Abel. “We like what we have. We don’t want to change it for the reasons that don’t align with people who can’t see past their own congregations.”
Casey Walawender also expressed frustration, recalling that she watched the previous meeting while on a camping trip with friends.
“Jenny, you’ve made it clear the library is not important to you in any way,” Walawender said, directing her comments at Commissioner Jenny Hooper. “You’ve listened to hours of public comment of people telling you how important it is, and you don’t seem to care. You’ve had your county manager how much it’s going to cost, and you don’t seem to care.”
Walawender continued to bemoan what she sees as a lack of concern over services the library would provide in the future.
“Everybody else is concerned about increased cost, but honestly I’m not,” she said. “Because I think that the lack of caring means that you guys don’t care what services we have in the library. You don’t care what hours they’re open. You don’t care about the quality of staff we have.”
She said she felt “embarrassed” by the board’s performance in a recent joint meeting with the Fontana Regional Library board.
“When you met with our library board … commissioners lost their tempers and raised their voices,” she said. “You were unprepared for the most part. Letson was maybe the only one.”
Walawender reserved specific comments for each commissioner, expressing disappointment in their responses or perceived inaction. She also raised ongoing concerns about Hooper’s eligibility to serve, as well as unresolved questions about the Confederate monument.
The final speaker, Antionette MacWatt, returned to the theme of broken trust but emphasized the possibility of change.
“I really appreciate what your chairman had to say at your last budget meeting about giving this new library board, the new Fontana Regional Library board appointees — of which many you got to appoint — give them a chance to find solutions to the commissioners’ perceived problems,” MacWatt said. “You haven’t given the very people that you asked to serve the opportunity to follow through.”
But MacWatt also touched on more personal feelings.
“You’re hurting my favorite place,” Rowan said. “You’re making me and my mom sad. The library is a good place. You’re hurting the schools. You’re making me, my grandpa and dad sad. Libraries support schools.”
The next speaker, Debbie Jeffries, opened by joking that
experts say likely violated the law.
Jeffries concluded by urging commissioners to reverse course.
“Your decision was made in a non-transparent manner. It will result in higher costs for the county and taxpayers, and a
“I’ve lived here for 22 years,” they said. “But I’m still not considered somebody who has any mountain values. What I want to tell you is, every single one of you — all the people from the other side — we’re all part of the human race.” Commissioners did not respond to any of the speakers, and the meeting moved on without further discussion of the library issue. As of the end of the meeting, no official public explanation of the withdrawal had been released by the board.
File photo
Forest Hills fights back
BY CORY VAILLANCOURT
P OLITICS E DITOR
In a move that evokes imagery from the biblical battle between David and Goliath, the tiny Jackson County municipality of Forest Hills is fighting back against county commissioners for their vote to withdraw from the Fontana Regional Library system late last month.
On June 24, Jackson County commissioners voted to abandon eight decades of participation in a public library partnership with Macon and Swain counties over LGBTQ+ content at the Jackson County Public Library.
The 4-1 vote to withdraw from the FRL system came after months of protracted public comment overwhelmingly in opposition to commissioners’ plan to withdraw, and after financial projections by Jackson County manager Kevin King that suggested the county will have to spend around $500,000 more each year — not including initial startup and transition costs of perhaps $300,000 — to provide the same services the library already provides.
“The village was horrified by the county’s reckless decision to withdraw from the FRL, firmly believing that those funds would be far more beneficial if invested directly in our citizens rather than entrusted to county management,” Shields told The Smoky Mountain News July 3.
Jackson County’s 2024-25 fiscal year budget was just under $94 million, but on June 25, commissioners approved a 2025-26 fiscal year budget of $107 million with a substantial property tax hike. Forest Hills’ $8,000 is little more than a drop in the bucket to the county, but it clearly matters to Forest Hills.
“While the sum of $8,000 may not represent a significant fiscal impact on the county’s overall budget, the Village maintains a steadfast commitment to the judicious allocation of taxpayer funds and the provision of essential services to its residents,” Shields said. “The decision to withdraw from the FRL is thus considered a disservice to our constituents.”
Forest Hills Mayor Marcia Jones Almond backed up Shields’ reasoning on the contract termination.
“We needed the money, and the fact that we were paying it to Jackson County and they weren’t spending the money wisely was part of the reason,” Almond said.
As part of the public discussion surrounding the issue, on June 10 the Forest Hills Village Council passed a resolution in support of the FRL system, as did the Town of Webster. A resolution of support was on the Sylva agenda June 12; however, Commissioner Jon Brown had the resolution yanked from the agenda.
Although residents of Forest Hills, Webster and Sylva didn’t get to vote on the withdrawal, the decision by Jackson County commissioners does impact residents of those municipalities who utilize library services.
After the vote, Forest Hills Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem Daniel Shields was looking through Jackson County’s annual budget and discovered Forest Hills was projected to contribute around $8,000 in annual revenue to the county for expedited review and after-hours planning services.
On July 1, Shields presented an agenda item during the village’s regular meeting proposing the termination of those services, which passed unanimously.
Shields also expressed frustration over what he calls a “lack of dedicated representation” for Jackson County’s third district on the Board of Commissioners over the presence of Commissioner Jenny Hooper.
Hooper was elected to represent Jackson County’s third district; however, an unresolved snafu with her residency has resulted in her reclassification as a resident of Jackson County’s first district. Hooper has maintained her seat and along with commissioners Todd Bryson, Michael Jennings and John Smith voted to withdraw from FRL. Chairman Mark Letson was the only vote against withdrawal.
Shields said that, given Village residents are not currently represented on the Jackson County Commission, the Village would continue to assert its responsibility to independently advocate for the interests of its residents.
The permanent population of Forest Hills, which lies just south of Cullowhee, is right around 300 people. Jackson County has a population of about 45,000.
TOWN
FAIR HOUSING COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
Haywood County has Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects currently in progress. The CDBG program requires that a Fair Housing Plan and complaint procedure be adopted by the County.
Housing discrimination is prohibited by Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and by the North Carolina State Fair Housing Act. In an effort to promote fair housing and to ensure that the rights of housing discrimination victims are protected, Haywood County has adopted the following procedures for receiving and resolving housing discrimination complaints:
1. discrimination in Haywood County may do so by informing David Francis, Haywood County Program Administrator of the facts and circumstances of the alleged discriminatory act or practice.
2. Upon receiving a housing discrimination complaint, Haywood County Program Administrator shall inform the North Carolina Human Relations Commission (Commission) about the complaint. The Haywood County Program Administrator shall then assist the Commission with the Commission, pursuant to the State Fair Housing Act and Title VIII.
3. The Haywood County Program Administrator shall offer assistance to the Commission in the investigation and conciliation of all housing discrimination complaints, which are based upon events occurring in Haywood County.
4. The Haywood County Program Administrator shall publicize that contact with housing discrimination complaints based upon events occurring in Haywood County by posting this complaint procedure in the Haywood County Historic Courthouse Building and publishing it in the local newspaper.
5. All complaints shall be acknowledged within ten (10) days of receipt.
If you have any questions about the complaint procedure or would like to register a complaint, please contact Patricia Cantrell Haywood County Program Administrator by mail at the Haywood County Historic Courthouse, 215 N. Main Street, Waynesville, NC 28786 or by phone at 828.356.2616 or for TDD assistance call 7-1-1.
This information is available in Spanish or any other language upon request. Please contact Program Administrator, Patricia Cantrell at 828.356.2616 or at 215 N. Main Street, Waynesville, NC 28786 for accommodations for this request.
Esta información está disponible en español o en cualquier otro idioma bajo petición. Por favor, póngase en contacto con Program Administrator, Patricia Cantrell al 828.356.2616 o en 215 N. Main Street, Waynesville, NC
File photo
Following sexual assault charges, Swain County Sheriff retires
BY KYLE PERROTTI N EWS E DITOR
In the wake of numerous criminal charges from both the state and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians tied to two alleged sexual assaults, Curtis Cochran has retired from his position as the Swain County Sheriff.
Cochran, who was first elected to office in 2006, was charged on June 27 with one count of sexual battery, soliciting a prostitute and assault on a female, all misdemeanors, as well as felonious restraint. In addition, Cochran has been charged with violations of the Cherokee Code; specifically, two counts of oppression in office and one count of abusive sexual contact.
On the state level, Cochran was issued a $2,500 bond for the misdemeanor charges and $15,000 for the felony. He had his first appearance in Swain County Superior Court to address the state criminal charges last week.
Shortly after Cochran’s arrest, District Attorney Ashley Welch filed a petition for his removal from office.
Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Tessa Sellers suspended Cochran and set a hearing in Graham County for July 7 to review the suspension. She set a final determination in Swain County for July 21 on the petition to remove Cochran; however, he retired on July 1 unceremoniously before those hearings could be held.
According to an email from Swain County, at the time he retired, Cochran’s salary was $102,205 per year.
According to court records, Cochran, in an official Swain County Sheriff’s Office vehicle, solicited two women — both of whom he picked up while walking along the road — for prostitution. He also allegedly touched them on their breasts and legs without consent and in one case, he even allegedly exposed himself.
His pension eligibility is determined through the NCOrbit retirement system. The county completes a form showing the retirement date, and that’s its only role in the process. There are no other county benefits Cochran will continue to receive.
Two arrested with nearly 500 grams of meth
On July 4, the Haywood County Sheriff’s office announced that Kelly Diane Shelton, 42, and Charles Edward Morris, 56, both of Clyde, were arrested June 29 on multiple felony drug charges following an investigation by the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office.
As a result of the arrest, deputies seized approximately 471 grams of methamphetamine and 24 grams of crack cocaine. Shelton and Morris are each charged with two counts of trafficking methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine and one count of maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for controlled substances.
As of July 4, both individuals were being held at the Haywood County Detention Center, each under a secured bond of $250,000. The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that it remains committed to aggressively pursuing those involved in the distribution of illegal narcotics.
Curtis Cochran. File photo
Municipal candidates file for elections
BY CORY VAILLANCOURT
Candidates across Western North Carolina have begun filing for the 2025 municipal elections, which will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Last week, The Smoky Mountain News conducted a survey across its four-county core coverage area to determine who plans to run again, and who doesn’t. Many incumbents responded, some didn’t.
Now that the filing period is open, the picture is becoming clearer as officeholders and first-time candidates alike travel to their local boards of elections to fill out the paperwork that will put their names on ballots across the region.
Information in this report was current as of noon on Tuesday, July 8, and reflects candidate lists provided by the North Carolina Board of Elections. To see updated lists in real time, visit ncsbe.gov/resultsdata/candidate-lists#current.
In-person early voting begins on Oct. 16. As of July 8, Election Day is only 119 days away.
The final day to file to run in the 2025 municipal elections is Friday, July 18, by noon.
HAYWOOD COUNTY
In Clyde, two seats on the Board of Alderman are up for reelection. Aldermen Frank Lay confirmed he’ll run again while Alderman Diane Fore didn’t respond to messages asking if she’ll run again. No candidates have yet filed.
In Maggie Valley, Aldermen Jim Owens and John Hinton have both filed for reelection to their seats. No other candidates have yet emerged.
Waynesville’s Town Council used to be elected all at once, but the town has recently adopted a staggered system that means Julia Freeman and Anthony Sutton are up this year. Freeman and Sutton both said they plan to seek reelection. Sutton is the only candidate to file thus far.
Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers has filed for his third term as mayor, and Alderman Tim Shepard has filed to keep his seat as well. Alderwoman Kristina Proctor also said she would run again, but hasn’t yet filed.
JACKSON COUNTY
In the Town of Sylva, longtime Commissioner Mary Gelbaugh said she was stepping back after 12 years of service. Commissioner Joe Waldrum said he was undecided about running again, while Commissioner Jon Brown said he does have plans to run. No one has filed except Mayor Johnnie Phillips.
In the Village of Forest Hills, three seats are up for election. Mayor Marcia Almond said she will seek another term, as will Council Member Daniel Shields, who serves as mayor pro tem. Robert Kehrberg, who stepped in to fill a vacancy on Council, will
not seek to hold the seat this fall. No one’s filed yet. Webster Mayor Tracy Rodes is done after 10 years of service, but Commissioner Danell Moses said she’s running to retain her own seat. No response has been received from Commissioner Leigh Anne Young. Contact info for Commissioner Dale Collins was not available. Thus far, the only person to file for a seat on the commission is Sarah Stallman
Dillsboro is unique in that it still doesn’t have staggered terms — meaning the mayor and all five aldermen are up for reelection this year. Mayor Tim Parris and aldermen Keith Clark, David Gates and John Miele will all try to hold their seats. Fellow incumbents Jim Cochran and Gladys Pilarski have not responded. Miele and Cochran have filed.
There are only a handful of voters in the Jackson County side of Highlands, with most of them residing in the Macon County side. Together, they’ll decide who will fill three seats in the remote mountain enclave. Mayor Patrick Taylor told SMN he’s undecided, while commissioners Amy Patterson and Eric Pierson have not responded regarding their intentions. No one has filed.
MACON COUNTY
Franklin Mayor Jack Horton will not seek another term, opening up an opportunity for Council Member Stacy Guffey — or someone else — to succeed Horton. Guffey filed on July 7.
Guffey’s move opens up his Town Council seat, and along with the departure of David Culpepper, who will not seek reelection, the board will see some changes come November whether Guffey wins or not. Council Member Rita Salain is in, as are newcomers Jeff Berry and Travis Higdon.
SWAIN COUNTY
Bryson City Alderman Tim Hines has said he’s running again, while Alderman Ben King remains undecided. No one has filed.
For more information on running for office, registering to vote or voting, visit the North Carolina State Board of Elections at ncsbe.gov.
Want to run for office?
The candidate filing period for the 2025 municipal elections begins at the opening of business on Monday, July 7, 2025, and ends at noon on Friday, July 18, 2025. Candidates must file for election at their local county board of elections office. Learn more about running for office, qualifications and other requirements by visiting ncsbe.gov.
Hands off our parks, our foreign guests and our narrative
To the Editor:
In compliance with Executive Order 14253, an official sign has now been posted in the Oconaluftee Visitors Center of our beloved (and already beleaguered) Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and, I presume, at all of the hundreds of other sites overseen by the National Park Service. The sign enjoins Park visitors to report to those in charge “any signs or other information that are negative about either past or living Americans or that fail to emphasize the beauty, grandeur and abundance of landscapes and other natural features.”
Comments can be submitted either via a QR code or on the webpage go.nps.gov/eo14253 (which allows a generous 1,600 words). I have taken the challenge and am in the process of sending the following comment to each of the 433 listed NPS units:
To local NPS employees: In the face of the present unconscionable attack on our national park system — with a documented 24 percent of permanent employees and nearly half of seasonal workers “disappeared” — please know that the American people have your back! We understand that the sign now posted at NPS sites reflects the odious E.O. 14253, via internal orders from above, so we do not hold you responsible for its presence or message. Above all, please continue to carry out your important work, and do the right thing, according to your own lights — if possible without endanger-
Harassing public officials is wrong
To the Editor:
Does Jackson County want to be a place where some citizens publicly harass and intimidate elected officials with whom they disagree? How long before harassment becomes vandalism and even assaults? Too often, far-left individuals who, when they do not win at the ballot box or in the arena of ideas, resort to these types of behavior and worse.
In a recent local social media post, a call went out to members of that community: “We make them ashamed to be seen in public. We make their lives difficult by any means one feels comfortable with, and I do mean any means, which will vary by person — do what ya feel is necessary! It is to the point now where it’s us or them. They have positioned themselves as opposed to community spirit that we hold so dearly. They are literally ruining our community, which ruins our property values and our quality of life here. FIGHT! Be activists! It shouldn’t be so easy for them to be such bigoted ignoramuses. We confront them and record their responses. We make them uncomfortable to be seen in public spaces as the people they have marginalized already feel. We see them out to eat and we question them, call them out and film them. We make their jobs difficult by clogging up their voicemails, emails and fax machines on a daily basis. We talk to their neighbors and find out who supports us, then put signs in their yards. There is so much more!!! All activism approaches are welcome. Let me know if you are interested, and rate your risk tolerance on
ing your jobs and careers! This dark chapter will play out in due course.
All the following is addressed to Mr. Trump and his henchmen, including the Secretary and other top leadership at the Department of the Interior: All thinking people categorically reject your attempt to enlist us into your MAGA Thought Police! We will not help you to cherry-pick, sanitize, re-interpret and re-write the telling of our complex, often messy American Story, just so you can impose on the rest of us your own blinkered perspectives. Let America be what it is, for God’s sake, “warts and all.” Contrary to Colonel Jessep’s snarling rant in “A Few Good Men,” we can handle the truth!
As for the beauty and grandeur of America’s protected public landscapes, these have never been questioned by anyone! Touting their “abundance,” however, must always be coupled with this understanding: these special places are finite, slowly disappearing and very often critically vulnerable. Thus, your efforts to reduce the thoughtful environmental protections put in place over many decades, and to expand the exploitation of our public lands for the enrichment of forprofit enterprises, for development or the extraction of resources, we likewise reject. These legacy lands belong to us all, and they deserve energetic preservation in perpetuity. They cannot be replaced.
And, with the latest outrage (Executive Order of July 3),
LETTERS
a scale of 1-10, 1 being sending polite emails, and 10? It’s up to you.”
This type of behavior is bullying and thuggish and should be beneath any responsible adult. When did we go from hating an idea to hating the person who holds the idea?
If you see this type of bullying behavior going on in public places, I encourage you to stand peacefully and silently between the bullies and the individuals or families being targeted. As a community we must be better than this. No one wins hearts and minds by yelling in the faces of others, or by demanding their will be done regardless of the will of others.
There is a now long-forgotten thing called compromise. The people doing the screaming have forgotten that the principles, values, beliefs of others matter also. The library debate gives us an opportunity to unite the community to achieve results that reflect input from all sides.
Keith Blaine Sylva
FRL director is a devoted librarian
To the Editor:
I am a former employee of Tracy Fitzmaurice and I'm writing in support of her work as director of the Fontana Regional Library and Librarian of Jackson County Public Library. Over the past 15 years, I've worked in three libraries and I've never worked for a director who has given as much of themselves to their community as Tracy
you have seemingly reached a new low: placing a surcharge on foreign visitors to our natural wonders and historic places. Besides being unworkable, the intent and attempt themselves are despicable. Why do you persist in hatefully trying to punish the other in such ways (“The national parks will be about America first!”), especially when you know the logistics are impossible, any attempted implementation will immediately be stopped by the courts, and, more to the point, Americans themselves will not stand for it. We would not expect you to understand, but our America is bigger than that, better than that! You want to profile, interrogate and vet all park visitors according to nationality, residency and/or citizenship status at the very gates of our national park sites — at the “Welcome Center!?” How truly perverse. We reject and will resist the very notion.
Once again, to the dedicated local staff of our NPS sites: Hang in there!
And to Mr. Trump and all his enablers: We reject most everything you stand for, and the ruinous, cruel impacts you insist on imposing upon the country we love. We persist, and resist, knowing that you will all be “out of here” before long — and we actually look forward to cleaning up the chaotic mess you will leave behind!
has. She always welcomes the chance to speak with patrons out in the community or in the building, whether she is "on the clock" or not. The library, its patrons, and how to best serve them are always at the front of her mind. It's what she loves and the community is immea-
surably lucky to have her dedication and expertise.
Every time a patron has a comment, question, or complaint regarding the library, Tracy without fail meets them in good faith. She seeks to hear and understand where the patron is coming from while keeping the FRL in line with First Amendment laws. I'm deeply impressed and in awe with how Tracy is able to show up, day after day, with grace and integrity despite callous and libelous attacks against her character. Despite the personal attacks and bad faith complaints, Tracy always engages with professionalism that is exemplary and inspiring. I've learned so much from Tracy and because of her, I'm a more patient and conscientious librarian.
In addition to her care for all community members, I truly believe that Tracy knows
more than the majority of library directors and librarians about the laws and statutes that govern libraries at state and federal levels. To dismiss her would almost certainly open up the region to costly litigation at the expense of taxpayers, which is no doubt a concern for the FRL board and the commissioners of Jackson, Macon and Swain counties.
Aside from protecting the library from costly lawsuits, Tracy takes her fiduciary responsibility to the community seriously. Under Tracy's leadership, FRL spends about 82% of its revenue on program-related costs, which The Smoky Mountain News notes is “a common metric in the nonprofit world that places FRL among elite company in terms of financial management and efficiency.” And she consistently put her employees ahead of herself in terms of wage increases; in my time at FRL, Tracy always gave herself the lowest percentage increase compared to the rest of staff.
Tracy has worked for FRL for over 30 years. The complexities of efficiently running a regional library system here takes a depth of expertise that will be difficult, if not impossible, to replace. Further, Tracy has lived most of her life in Jackson County and raised her sons here; I've seen how she loves this community with her whole heart. The board will be hard-pressed to find an-yone with as much library expertise and devotion to this community as Tracy.
Allyson Coan JCPL Supervisor of Adult Services, 2021-2024
Tom Powers Haywood County
It’s about damn time
A conversation with Magnolia Boulevard
185 King Street
A bastion of live music, artisan craft ales and culinary delights here in Western North Carolina, 185 King Street is located in Brevard. With an onsite kitchen and delicious beers by its sister business Noblebrau Brewing (situated right next door), 185 King Street plays host to live music and community events every single day of the week. Of note, there are a handful of key acts rolling through the venue, including Randall Bramblett Band (July 12), Fireside Trio (July 15), Pierce Edens (July 17), Jon Weisberger & Friends (July 29), Empire Strikes Brass (Aug. 1), Hustle Souls (Aug. 2) and many more. For a full schedule of concerts and/or to purchase tickets, visit 185kingst.com or call 828.877.1850.
really have to step back and take a breath every now and then. It’s so easy to forget how far you’ve come and why you even started doing this in the first place.”
Formed in Lexington, Kentucky, Magnolia Boulevard is a rapidly rising ensemble in the same vein as Tedeschi Trucks Band, Bonnie Raitt or Grace Potter. It’s southern rock and the Delta blues, all with a hearty helping of Americana and Appalachian soul. The act is fronted by Maggie Noelle, an absolutely mesmerizing singer, whose stage presence and vocal prowess immediately draws comparisons to Susan Tedeschi.
“Playing live is what we all crave,” Noelle said. “[Onstage], we escape to a place where we can all be free, leaving fears and anxieties at the door, forgetting yesterday’s troubles. It’s a form of therapy at this point.”
“The first time I heard Maggie sing, I knew we had a chance to reach a lot of people,” Allen noted. “We’ve come a long way since that first rehearsal. Different band members. Broken down vans. Empty dive bars. We’re both happier now with this band than we’ve ever been.”
Alongside Noelle and Allen, the outfit includes Roddy Puckett (bass), Austin Lewis (guitar) and Brandon Johnson. To note, Magnolia Boulevard recently released its latest album, “Strong Willed Women.”
“We love the songs we’re playing and the people we’re playing them with,” Allen said. “If you’d told me at age 14 that I’d be touring all over the country doing that, I’d take that deal in a heartbeat.”
During the Brevard appearance, the quintet erupted from behind the microphone — this melodic kaleidoscope of soaring vocals and guitar/keyboard licks, all with a thunderous bass-n-drums anchoring the whole wild scene.
“A song can be interpreted as something completely different from someone else,” Noelle said. “However, if that song is hitting you in some kind of gut-feeling way, then it’s serving its purpose — it’s allowing you to free yourself.”
“Songs save lives. I know they’ve saved mine a few times,” Allen added. “[Our new] music is serving the song now, and people really seem to be latching on to these new ones in a way they haven’t before.”
In terms of inspiration, Magnolia Boulevard contains a core respect and continued admiration for the likes of John Prine, Neil Young, Woody Guthrie and John Fogerty — all aiming to connect with the listener and reveal truths about life, either hard or merely pure in nature.
“I once heard John Prine say that songwriters don’t keep office hours, and I think that’s true,” Allen said. “It seems to me like it’s more of a state of being than anything, just having that part of your mind open, always looking for inspiration. I like to keep myself in a learner’s mindset.”
“Inspiration comes and goes,” Noelle pondered. “I’ve realized, in these later years of songwriting, I tend to write about my current life and where my heart is.”
And when looking back at the startling line of Magnolia Boulevard in its native Lexington, a place they still call home, the group can’t help but retain a deep sense of gratitude for the city’s vibrant, whirlwind (and completely supportive) music community.
“People don’t live [in Lexington] because it’s easy,” Allen said. “They live here because they love it, they know it, and there’s nowhere else in the world like it. There’s a reason so many of the top songwriters ever are from here.”
“I’m so grateful for the amount of kindness these local musicians [in Lexington] have given me, and this band for that matter,” Noelle added. “We’ve had a lot of ups and downs and our music community here has really helped build us up in so many ways. It’s a trade, [and] we’re all one big ole Kentucky family.”
To learn more about Magnolia Boulevard and its current nationwide summer tour, visit magnoliaboulevardband.com. The latest album, “Strong Willed Women,” is now available on all streaming services.
Magnolia Boulevard backstage at 185 King Street in Brevard. Garret K. Woodward photo
File photo
This must be the place
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD
‘When they get here, I’ll be swimming in the ancient light’
Iwoke up with sunshine streaming into my bedroom, the mountains surrounding my town illuminated in bright green vegetation. And yet, I felt in no mood to celebrate Independence Day.
What’s there to celebrate at this juncture in America history? I’m not specifically talking about what went down in D.C. yesterday. I’m talking about the ongoing, severe division and utterly toxic rhetoric being spewed from all sides of the political world in America.
Amid the pounding of beers, grilling of hot dogs and hamburgers, and the blowing up of stuff all across this country today, I really, truly hope that for one moment, you take a pause and reflect on you (yes, you).
when my former girlfriend and I were traveling through Montana last year.
And since then, as I sit here and type away in a Waynesville coffee shop on the Fourth of July, the landscape of my existence has drastically shifted, both physically and emotionally. The flood from Helene took out most of my earthly possessions when the ravaging waters tore apart the storage facility I had everything in on the Pigeon River in Canton.
a cold domestic draft beer to wash it all down. This go-round I’ll be traveling solo, the faded memories of her and I wandering into the same establishment now swirling around in the ceiling fans.
That sentiment of time and place will appear during the return to my friend’s humble abode in Rapid City, South Dakota, for a night off the highways and backroads of America; that freezing cold, yet refreshing creek in the depths of Montana; the barbecue joint in Eastern Idaho; and that trail pushing through the last of the snowpack in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest outside of Laramie, Wyoming.
How are you contributing to society? Are you engaged with your immediate community? Are you compassionate to strangers? Are you aiming to actually help others, regardless of their political, religious or cultural differences? Are you able to listen respectfully to differing opinions and look to find compromise? Do you run towards the house fire or do you run away from it?
The vivid image I hold in my mind for inspiration was the coming together of all walks of life during Hurricane Helene when it destroyed Western North Carolina last fall. I saw every background and ideology gather resources and help their neighbors in every capacity possible.
In that immediate aftermath of Helene, nobody cared what you believed in. The only questions asked were, “Are you okay?” and “Do you need help?” No judgment. Just human beings coming to the aid of another. And that’s the America I want to live in, and envision.
The future of the United States is shaky, blurry, and uncertain right now. Shit, it has been for a long time, going back decades. And I remain an eternal optimist. I hold out hope for us (humans). What else can you do? Give up? I won’t. Nor should you.
So, now that, that’s out of the way, pictured in this column is the Missoula Club in Montana. I came across this photo when I was looking through my files this morning for something else. I actually snapped the image
But, the beauty of existence, and being able to continue down the road of life, is that new memories are constantly being created. Even though the background is the same as when you first stood somewhere, anywhere, and with someone, you now stand able to conjure the tangible and intrinsic nature your own journey, and at your own pace.
It’s Independence Day. After I finish this column, I still have laundry to do, and will be working on more newspaper stuff while waiting for the completion of the washer and the dryer at the laundromat in West Waynesville. Thankfully, there’s Wi-Fi, where I can write articles and submit them to my publisher who’s probably enjoying the arrival of his latest grandchild (due yesterday). To that, I wish them all the best.
The girlfriend disappeared at Christmas, leaving me alone in our shared apartment, wondering just what in the hell happened to, well, us? How did we get here? How did we let it get to this point? But, alas, hindsight is 20/20 as they say. And, now several months later following our demise, I find myself curious about the “what now?” for me.
The weekly online therapy sessions have helped tremendously. And I look forward to them. I knew going into the sessions that there would never be any “grand reveal,” But, I did want to have this outside voice and perspective to help me see patterns in my choices. I wanted to get sharper mental tools to approach life smartly, to approach relationships with a better sense of self amid the chaos of the world itself.
Thus, I’ll be once again heading to Big Sky Country in the coming days. Actually, by the time you read this here column, I’ll most likely be somewhere in Midwest, cruising west along Interstate 70, 80 or 90 towards the Rocky Mountains — adventures and destinations unknown.
And, as per usual, there will be a lot of self-reflection along the way, which is why the open road has always felt more like to home to me than any kind of stationary location where I lay my head, where I place my books on the shelves and my vinyl records on the small player the corner of my living room.
It’ll be interesting what will run through my head when I return to the Missoula Club, my order always the same when I belly up to the dive bar — double smash burger from the very old grill directly behind the counter and
Do the laundry. Finish the articles. Head back to my quaint apartment. Fold everything and put it away in the correct dresser drawers. Change into my running clothes and find some serene trail to disappear down for an afternoon run. Then? Who knows? Hopefully there’s some good restaurant open on this national holiday, one where I can track down a delicious steak and Coors Light with the mountains blue on the label.
Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.
HOT PICKS
1
“An Appalachian Evening” series will continue with a performance by The Amanda Cook Band at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 12, in Lynn L. Shields Auditorium at the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville.
2
A special stage production of “Ripcord” will be held at 7:30 p.m. July 10-12 and 2 p.m. July 13 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
3
Nantahala Outdoor Center (Nantahala Gorge) will host an “Artisan Market” noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 12.
4
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host a stage production of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” at 7 p.m. July 11-12.
5
The 34th annual Maggie Valley Arts & Crafts Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 12-13 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds.
The legendary Missoula Club in Montana. Garret K. Woodward photo
On the street Front Street Arts & Crafts
Maggie Valley Arts & Crafts Show
The 34th annual Maggie Valley Arts & Crafts Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 12-13 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds.
Maggie Valley’s largest gathering of artisans and crafters come together to sell their handmade treasures. With over 120 vendors, artisans from all over the Southeast will be in attendance. Chainsaw art demonstrations and lots of festival food. Seasonal items, yard art, paintings, photography, pottery, wooden bowls, furniture, jewelry, goat milk soaps and more will be fea-
On the beat
tured at the event.
“There really is something for everyone, from the most affordable handicrafts, to the more expensive museum quality items,” said Teresa Smith, promoter of the event.
Food trucks and beverage vendors will also be onsite. The event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, with proceeds going to the Haywood County Animal Shelter. Parking is free.
For more information, call 828.926.1686 or visit maggievalley.org.
• American Legion Post 47 (Waynesville) will host an “Open Mic” 3 p.m. Tuesdays and semiregular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.456.8691.
• Angry Elk Brewing (Whittier) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. All shows are free and open to the public. 828.497.1015 / facebook.com/angryelkbrewingco.
• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host “Open Mic” 8-10 p.m. Thursdays. Free and open to the public. 828.631.1987 / balsamfallsbrewing.com.
• Balsam Mountain Inn (Balsam) will host an “Open Jam” 6 p.m. Tuesdays, “Trivia Night” 7 p.m. Wednesdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.283.0145 / thebalsammountaininn.com.
• Bevel Bar (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.246.0996 / bevelbar.com.
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host Doug & Lisa July 19. All shows begin at 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9320 / blueridgebeerhub.com.
• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host “Karaoke Night” 9 p.m. Wednesdays, “Trivia” 7 p.m. Thursdays, “Open Jam” 10 p.m. Thursdays, In Flight July 12 and Smooth Goose (rock/jam) July 19. All shows are located in The Gem downstairs taproom and begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.0350 / boojumbrewing.com.
The annual Front Street Arts & Crafts Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 19, in downtown Dillsboro.
Dozens of booths lining Front Street will display handmade items from regional artists and crafters. There will also be live music throughout the day.
The event is free and open to the public. You can even bring your dog (on a leash).
For more information, visit dillsboronc.org.
• Nantahala Outdoor Center (Nantahala Gorge) will host an “Artisan Market” noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 12. Free and open to the public. 828.785.5082 / noc.com.
ALSO:
• “Farmers & Artisans Market” will be every Friday morning (May-October) at 117 Island St. in Bryson City. Stop by the old barn along the river for local, homegrown produce, as well as baked goods, jellies/preserves, authentic crafts and more. Picnic tables onsite. There will also be live music. Leashed pets are welcome. This is an outdoor event. 828.488.7857.
• Breadheads Tiki Shak (Sylva) will host “Tiki Trivia” at 7 p.m. every first Thursday of the month and semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.307.2160 / breadheadstikishak.com.
• Bryson City Brewing (Bryson City) will host Mile High (classic rock/country gold) July 12 and Bad Romeo (classic rock) 7 p.m. July 19. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0085 / brysoncitybrewing.com.
• Cataloochee Rnch (Maggie Valley) will host Marc & Anita Pruett (Americana/bluegrass) July 9 and Brian Ashley Jones & Melanie Jean (Americana/country) July 16. All shows begin at 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For tickets and reservations, visit cataloocheeranch.com/ ranch-events/live-music.
• Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Cynthia McDermott (Americana) 7:15 p.m. July 11 and Bob Zullo (singer-songwriter) 7:15 p.m. July 18. 828.452.6000 or classicwineseller.com.
• Concerts On The Creek (Sylva) will host Stella Rising July 11 and Ska City July 18. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. These events are free, but donations are encouraged. 828.586.2155 / mountainlovers.com/concerts-on-the-creek.
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host an “Open Mic” 6 p.m. July 11. 828.369.4080 / coweeschool.org/music.
• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host “Team
Trivia” Mondays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.634.0078 / curraheebrew.com.
• Farm At Old Edwards (Highlands) will host the “Orchard Sessions” with Tennessee Bluegrass Band (Americana/bluegrass) July 16. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Admission is $50 per person, with discounts rates available for hotel guests
‘An Appalachian Evening’
The “An Appalachian Evening” series will continue with a performance by The Amanda Cook Band at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 12, in Lynn L. Shields Auditorium at the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville.
Fueling a fire to record and tour professionally, Cook made the move to the mountains of Virginia, to not only sign a longterm five album contract with record label Mountain Fever Records, but also to work there as an engineer.
The band’s fourth studio album, “Changes,” debuted at the number one spot of the Billboard Bluegrass Album chart in October 2022, coinciding with the group’s continued presence at festivals and top
and members. 866.526.8008 / oldedwardshospitality.com/orchard-sessions.
• Folkmoot Friendship Center (Waynesville) will host “World Drum Classes” every Friday at 2:30 p.m. (adults) and 4 p.m. (family friendly, all ages) and “Waynesville Acoustic Guitar Group” 2-4 p.m. every second and fourth Saturday of the month. Free and open to the public. 828.452.2997 / folkmoot.org.
venues nationwide.
The annual summer concert series offers an ever-changing schedule of bluegrass, folk and old-time mountain music by award-winning artists — quality entertainment for the entire family. Rich in cultural heritage, the series continues to be a favorite with locals and visitors alike. The concert will be held in the air-conditioned Lynn L. Shields Auditorium.
Amanda Cook. File photo
Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students grade K-12. Dinner will also be available for purchase in the Schoolhouse Cafe starting at 6 p.m.
For more information and/or to purchase tickets, call 828.479.3364 or visit stecoahvalleycenter.com.
Arts and crafts come together in Maggie Valley July 12-13. File photo
Front Street festival will be July 19 in Dillsboro. File photo
On the beat
• Friday Night Live Concert Series (Highlands) will host Nitrograss (Americana/bluegrass) July 11 and Johnny Webb Band July 18. 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. Tuesdays, The Young Ones July 10, Shane Meade (indie/folk) July 11, Rich Manz Trio (oldies/acoustic) July 12, Adi The Monk (singer-songwriter) 3 p.m. July 13, Asheville Junction July 18, Stomper Kitty (Americana) July 19 and Simple Folk Quartet (Americana) 3 p.m. July 20. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 / froglevelbrewing.com.
• Frog Quarters (Franklin) will host live music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Free and open to the public. 828.369.8488 / littletennessee.org.
• Gathering Room (Waynesville) will host an “Open Acoustic Jam” from 6:30-8:30 p.m. the last Friday of every month. All welcome to play or listen. 828.558.1333 / thegatheringroom828.com.
• Happ’s Place (Glenville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.742.5700 / happsplace.com.
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host The Black Crowes (rock/jam) 9 p.m. July 25. For tickets, click on caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.
• High Country Wine & Provisions (Highlands) will host Zorki (singer-songwriter) 6 p.m. July 18. Free and open to the public. 828.482.4502 / highcountrywineandprovisions.com.
• Highlander Mountain House (Highlands) will host “Blues & Brews” 6-9 p.m. Thursdays ($5 cover), Zorki (singersongwriter) 1-3 p.m. Saturdays, “Bluegrass Brunch” 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sundays (free) and the “Salon Series” with Iris & Ross Copperman (Americana) 8 p.m. July 17 (tickets are $39.19 per person, tax included). 828.526.2590 / highlandermountainhouse.com.
• Highlands Performing Arts Center will host Rodney Marsalis & The Philadelphia Big Brass (jazz) 7:30 p.m. July 18 and Modern Gentlemen (pop/soul) 4 p.m. July 20. 828.526.9047 / highlandsperformingarts.com.
• Highlands Smokehouse (Highlands) will host live music from 1-3 p.m. Sundays. 828.526.3554 / highlandsmokehouse.com.
• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host “Monday Night Trivia” every week, “Open Mic with Phil” on Wednesdays and The Fuzzy Peppers July 19. All shows and events begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.586.9678/ innovation-brewing.com.
Americana, blues at Cataloochee Ranch
Musical duo Brian Ashley Jones and Melanie Jean will perform from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, at the Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley.
Jones is a soulful singer, acclaimed guitarist and versatile touring songwriter, one whose guitar-driven 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.
• Innovation Station (Dillsboro) will host Shane Meade & Rob Masten (Americana/indie) 4 p.m. July 13. All events begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.226.0262 / innovation-brewing.com.
‘Concerts on the Creek’
The Town of Sylva, Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce are proud to present the 16th season of the annual “Concerts on the Creek” music series.
Stella Rising will hit the stage at 7 p.m. Friday, July 11, at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva.
“Concerts on the Creek” are held every Friday night from Memorial Day through
Labor Day. Everyone is encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. These events are free, with donations encouraged. Dogs must be on a leash. No smoking, vaping, coolers or tents are allowed. Bring a chair or blanket. There will be food trucks on select nights.
For more information, call the chamber at 828.586.2155, visit mountainlovers.com/ concerts-on-the-creek or go to the “Concerts on the Creek” Facebook page.
Chamber music in Waynesville
The popular Chamber Music Society of the Carolinas (CMSC) will host its annual summer residency at 4 p.m. July 13, 20, 27 and Aug. 3 at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville.
Featuring the Jasper String Quartet and other talented special guests, performances are creative, joyful, up-close and intimate.
“It’s music that transcends sitting in your seat,” said J. Freivogel, founding and current first violinist of the Jasper String Quartet. “Experience the thrilling nature of live performance during the CMSC con-
certs. Come hear top-notch musicians and see their craft up close. Watch the way they create — and hear the musical ‘conversation’ between instruments.”
Single tickets are $35 per person, with season tickets $120. Students and youth will be admitted free. Donations to the CMSC can be made online and are appreciated to support these performances.
For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit cms-carolinas.com. Tickets are also available at the door by cash/check.
Bryson City community jam
A community jam will be held from 67:30 p.m. Thursday, July 17, 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
• John C. Campbell Folk School (Brasstown) will host a “Community Jam” 7 p.m. Thursdays (at the nearby Crown Restaurant) and “Shapenote Singing Festival” 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 12 (free). folkschool.org.
• Junction Pub (Sylva) will host “Open Jam” 7 p.m. Sundays, “Open Mic” 6 p.m. Thursdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All events begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.370.2090 / facebook.com/jctpub.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 / lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host “Music Bingo” 6:30 p.m. Mondays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. 828.349.2337 / lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• Legends Sports Bar & Grill (Maggie Valley) will host an “Open Mic Night” 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Karaoke Thursdays (6 p.m.) and Saturdays (7 p.m.), with live music each Friday (8 p.m.). Free and open to the public. 828.944.0403 / facebook.com/legendssportsgrillmaggievalley.
• Listening Room (Franklin) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 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/franklin.
• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host a “Community Jam” from 6-7:30 p.m. each first and third Thursday of the month and Sarah “Songbird” Burkey (singer-songwriter) 7 p.m. July 10. Free and open to the public. 828.488.3030 / fontanalib.org/brysoncity.
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.
• Meadowlark Motel (Maggie Valley) will host a “Bluegrass Jam” 5-7 p.m. Sundays, Amos Jackson (soul/funk) July 10 and Ramblin’ Ricky Tate (country/folk) July 12. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.926.1717 / meadowlarkmotel.com.
• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host “Open Mic Night” with Frank Lee every Thursday and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 / mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.
Melanie Jean and Brian Ashley Jones will play Maggie Valley July 16. File photo
On the beat
• Nantahala Outdoor Center (Nantahala Gorge) will host River Pickin’ (Americana) 5 p.m. July 11, Old Sap (Americana/folk) 2 p.m. July 12, The Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs 5 p.m. July 12, Christina Chandler (singer-songwriter) 2 p.m. July 13, Ryan B. Jazz Trio 5 p.m. July 18, Mike Hollon 2 p.m. July 19, The Hillclimbers 5 p.m. July 19 and Blue (Americana) 2 p.m. July 20. Free and open to the public. 828.785.5082 / noc.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.
• Orchard Coffee (Waynesville) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. 828.246.9264 / orchardcoffeeroasters.com.
• Otto Community Center (Otto) will host James Thompson (Americana) 5 p.m. July 18. 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 semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, 828.389.ARTS / thepeacocknc.org.
• Pickin’ On The Square (Franklin) will host Mission Accomplished (classic rock) July 12. All shows begin at 6 p.m. at the Gazebo in downtown. Free and open to the public. franklinnc.com/pickin-on-the-square.html.
• Pinnacle Relief CBD Wellness Lounge (Sylva) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.508.3018 / facebook.com/pinnaclerelief.
• Quirky Birds Treehouse & Bistro (Dillsboro) will host Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.586.1717 / facebook.com/quirkybirdstreehouse.
• Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host “Karaoke” 7 p.m. Wednesdays, “Trivia Night” 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, “Open Mic” 6:30 p.m. Fridays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.369.6796 / facebook.com/rathskellercoffeebarandpub.
• Salty Dog’s Seafood & Grill (Maggie Valley) will host “Karaoke with Russell” every Monday and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.926.9105 / facebook.com/saltydogs2005.
• Santé Wine Bar (Sylva) will host semi-regular live music on Sundays. All shows begin at 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.631.3075 / facebook.com/thewinebarandcellar.
• Sauced (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9585 / saucedwnc.com.
• Scotsman (Waynesville) will host Phil Thomas (rock/folk) July 10, Brian Ashley Jones & Melanie Jean (Americana/country) July 12 and Arnold Hill (rock/jam) July 19. 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 semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.276.9463 / slantedwindow.com.
• Smoky Mountain Dog Bar (Waynesville) will host “Open Mic Night” 5-7 p.m. Fridays. Free and open to the public. 828.246.0726 / smokymountaindogbakery.com
• Stecoah Valley Center (Robbinsville) will host a Community Jam 5:30-7:30 p.m. every third Thursday of the month (free), Amanda Cook Band (Americana/bluegrass) 7:30 p.m. July 12 (adults $20, kids $10) and The Kruger Brothers (Americana/bluegrass) July 19 (adults $30, kids $10). 828.479.3364 / stecoahvalleycenter.com.
• Stubborn Bull (Highlands) will host semi-regular “Live Music Mondays” with local/regional singer-songwriters. All shows begin at 5:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.200.0813 / the-stubborn-bull.com.
• Trailborn (Highlands) will host its “Carolina Concert Series” with David Cheatham (Americana/bluegrass) July 10 and Melissa McKinney (Americana/soul) July 17. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.482.1581 or trailborn.com/highlands.
• Twisted Spoke Food & Tap (Maggie Valley) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.926.1730 / facebook.com/twistedspokerestaurant.
• Ugly Dog Pub (Cashiers) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.743.3000 / theuglydogpub.com.
• Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host “Bluegrass Wednesday” at 6 p.m. each week and semiregular live music on the weekends. 828.526.8364 / theuglydogpub.com.
• Valley Cigar & Wine Co. (Waynesville) will host Jacktown Ramblers (Americana/jazz) 2 p.m. July 15 and Rich Manz Trio (oldies/acoustic) 2 p.m. July 20. Free and open to the public. 828.944.0686 / valleycigarandwineco.com.
• Valley Tavern (Maggie Valley) will host “Karaoke with Jason” Tuesdays, “Tom’s Trivia Night” 6 p.m. Wednesdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows and events begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.926.7440 / valley-tavern.com.
• Saturdays On Pine Concert Series (Highlands) will host Shane Meade & The Sound (Americana/soul) July 12 and The Breakfast Club July 19. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. highlandschamber.org.
• Veterans Of Foreign Wars Post 5202 (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.456.9356 / vfw5202.org.
• Vineyard At High Holly (Scaly Mountain) will host Tim Austin (singer-songwriter) July 13. All shows begin at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.482.5573 / thevineyardathighholly.com.
• Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host “Open Mic Night” 8 p.m. Mondays and semiregular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 9:30 p.m. 828.456.4750 / facebook.com/waternhole.bar.
• Wells Events & Reception Center (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.476.5070 / wellseventcenter.simpletix.com.
• Western Carolina Brew & Wine (Highlands)
will host live music 4-6 p.m. Saturdays, “Music Bingo” 6-8 p.m. Saturdays, Katie & Ezra (Americana/folk) 5 p.m. July 18 and Christian Jones (singer-songwriter) 1 p.m. July 20. 828.342.6707 / wcbrewandwine.com.
• Whiteside Brewing (Cashiers) will host Seth & Sara (Americana) July 11, Magic Birds July 12, Jason Lyles (singer-songwriter) July 18 and Shane Meade (indie/folk) July 19. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.743.6000 / whitesidebrewing.com.
• Yonder Community Market (Franklin) will host “Country Thursdays” (Americana/country) 6 p.m. Thursdays and Tyler Ramsey (Americana/indie) 4 p.m. July 27. Family/dog friendly. 828.200.2169 / eatrealfoodinc.com.
• Find more at smokymountainnews.com/arts
Meade returns to Frog Level
Popular Florida-based indie/soul singer-songwriter Shane Meade will perform at 6 p.m. Friday, July 11, at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville.
Hailing from Elkins, West Virginia, Meade is a self-taught late bloomer who borrowed an old guitar from his father. He began playing and writing songs in the summer of 2000 before relocating to Florida, eventually leaving the corporate world and pursuing music full-time in 2005.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 828.454.5664 or visit froglevelbrewing.com.
On the stage
HART presents ‘Ripcord’
A special stage production of “Ripcord” will be held at 7:30 p.m. July 10-12 and 2 p.m. July 13 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
The show is a sharp-witted comedy about two senior roommates whose escalating prank war reveals deeper truths about friendship, loss and resilience.
On the wall
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host an “Antique & Craft Market” from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 12. 828.369.4080 / coweeschool.org/music.
• “Didanisisgi Gadagwatli: A Showcase of Pottery from the Mud Dauber Community Workshop,” is now on display at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee. On view through May 2026. For more information, visit motcp.org.
are supplied and participants are welcome to bring ideas and supplies to share with each other. Ages 16 and up. Space limited to 10 participants. Free and open to the public. 828.488.3030 / vroberson@fontanalib.org.
• 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.
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. For tickets, click on caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.
• 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 a stage production of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” at 7
On the table
• Balsam Mountain Inn (Balsam) will host “Wind Down Wine Flight” 6 p.m. Thursdays. 828.283.0145 / thebalsammountaininn.com.
• 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
Tickets start at $19 per person, with other seating options available. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit harttheatre.org or call the box office at 828.456.6322.
p.m. July 11-12. Presented by the Overlook Theatre Company. Tickets are $18 for adults, $14 students. smokymountainarts.com / 866.273.4615.
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. 828.369.4080 / coweeschool.org/music.
• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. thepeacocknc.org / 828.389.ARTS.
Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. 828.452.0120 / waynesvillewine.com.
• “Form” is the latest exhibit on display at the Haywood Handmade Gallery, located at the Haywood County Arts Council in downtown Waynesville. This engaging show features work from local artist members and
• Gallery Zella (Bryson City) will be hosting an array of artist receptions, exhibits and showcases. 517.881.0959 / galleryzella.com.
• “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.
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.
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
‘Ripcord’ will run at HART on select dates. Donated photo
Trading resentment for gratitude
In “Untangling You” (Major Street Publishing, 2022, 208 pages), Dr. Kerry Howells explores the role of gratitude in life and the oftentimes diminished importance of it. But it’s more than just a book about how to be more grateful. Dr. Howells is the first person I’ve heard to talk about it in contrast with what she argues is its polar opposite: resentment.
As I was reading this book, there was more resentment than I thought I had. It’s only human nature to tend to push those small things down, but it’s vital that we push them out instead. In order to do that, Dr. Howells says we need to consider resentment to be a ball of knots. It needs to be untangled and that requires giving yourself time, taking steps and being honest.
a setback isn’t overall failure.
A powerful point came from a reference to one of my favorite books. Dr. Howells quotes Viktor Frankl in “Man’s Search for Meaning” when he writes about how we may be powerless to change our circumstances, but we can change how we react to them. Choosing an inner attitude of gratitude is a
The first step she talks about is finding the “why” to your gratitude and identifying the resentment you have hiding in your heart. She emphasizes that the “why” cannot be to change another person because no deep, authentic gratitude will flow from that.
I found part of my “why” in a point she made in the first chapter. In life, the bad has a greater psychological impact on us than the good. However, gratitude — more than any other emotion — helps us see that good. When she said it like that, cultivating gratitude seemed to be the common-sense reaction to life. If it’s already a bit of an uphill battle to process negativity, why would I not level the ground with gratitude?
The next few chapters Dr. Howells explains sources of resentment and how it can get lodged inside of us. Most often it comes from broken expectations or from actions or words that give us a sense of inferiority. I appreciated the honest, humble approach Dr. Howells maintained throughout her whole book, but especially in this section. It was encouraging and helpful to have her acknowledge the frailty and sensitivity of humanity while also trying to inspire moving beyond that.
She gives a lot of practical advice and she is realistic about it. For example, she says not to start with the deepest hurt or resentment but to start with a minor one. She advises that acts of gratitude be done to a person only slightly out of your comfort zone. She sets you up for success but also stresses that
the notions of gratitude and resentment, she also gives feasible advice and guidance on how to incorporate acts of gratitude in your daily life.
This book is realistic. Dr. Howells repeats several times that there may be times in life where the hurt that caused resentment is too recent. It may feel too impossible to respond with any sort of gratitude whatsoever. She acknowledges the frailty of human nature and the tendency to give up after one failure.
huge step in moving out of resentment and healing ourselves from hurt. This gratitude is for the people and good things in our lives, but also gratitude towards ourselves.
There may be some people reading this review who feel they ought to be more grateful, but I think there will be more people who have a knot of resentment in their heart they feel they can’t shake. If that’s the case, please do yourself a favor and read this book. Dr. Howells not only explains clearly
Ellis to present debut novel
However, she also talks of the enduring strength we are all capable of, and how with perseverance and patience, we can get through the pain of resentment.
Dr. Howells strikes a balance of humility and confidence. She is aware of human weakness but encourages us to rise above it.
“Untangling You” is a good blend
of the conceptual and the practical. Her tips for addressing resentment towards ourselves, resentment we may have towards others and resentment people have towards us are incredibly helpful and attainable. One of the most important messages in here is that the small, daily habits of gratitude you practice will bring greater changes than you ever would’ve expected.
(Anna Barren is a teacher and lifelong lover of books. annab4376@gmail.com.)
Ralph Ellis will host a special reading for his new work, “The Accident Report,” at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. The book is a small town comedy set in 1974 (during the height of Watergate) and stars a stoner newspaper reporter trying to investigate corruption in a North Carolina mill town. He succeeds with a little help from his friends, but in a way nobody expects. A native of Waynesville, Ellis graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill before working as a reporter and editor for newspapers across the Southeast, including The Asheville Citizen-Times and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He now lives in Decatur, Georgia. “The Accident Report” is his first novel. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 828.456.6000 or visit blueridgebooksnc.com.
Run to the hills
HAYWOOD COUNTY: OUNT STERLING VIA MOUNT STERLING GAP)
• The lowdown: It’s a 5.3-mile out-and-back with 1,942 feet of elevation gain. Considered a moderate/hard trail for most. Moderate, in general, for more experienced hikers and trail runners. Trail ends at a fire tower that you can access with incredible views.
• What I like about it: This is easily one of the “best bang for your buck” hikes anywhere in the park. The added bonus is the serene, steady drive to the trailhead via the Old Cataloochee Turnpike road that you can access from either Cataloochee Valley or the Big Creek intersection into the park.
• Post-hike: Innovation Brewing. Also located next to a soothing creek in downtown Sylva, the property features the Cosmic CarryOut food truck. My go-to is the “Blast Off Burger.” Arguably the finest burger in our area. Don’t forget the fresh-cut fries.
MACON COUNTY: APPALACHIAN TRAIL (ROCKY BALD VIA TELLICO GAP)
• The lowdown: Sitting at 3.7 miles roundtrip with a 1,260-foot elevation gain, this trail is pretty moderate and very enjoyable.
Western North Carolina is a bastion for outdoor recreation, especially when it comes to trail running and hiking. Garret K. Woodward photo
Some of our favorite trails in WNC
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD
A&E E DITOR
In this day and age, when the world seems to be one chaotic situation after another, all while the incessant white noise and constant distraction in the digital age peels away our sanity, I find a genuine urge to head for the mountains and hit the trails. So, I do so, happily.
For myself — someone who has been a runner since I was 12 years old (40 now) and also currently has a daily running streak going back to Dec. 31, 2015 — much of the magic I find in my jogs and trots is seamlessly conjured on the trails and in the back-
woods of Western North Carolina. It’s my favorite disappearing act from society.
Beyond hearing from other runners/hikers about where to go and also simply stumbling upon spaces and places in my own travels around our backyard of Southern Appalachia, I also rely on my AllTrails app on my smartphone. You can also use their website, alltrails.com. I highly recommend AllTrails. It’s become a tangible and intrinsic compass for my wandering and pondering.
Below are a handful of my favorite local spots to run/hike. These are places I’ve tossed on the trail shoes and found inner peace on countless occasions, moments of solitude where I’m continually reminded of not only the beauty of the natural world, but also of one’s body in motion, too.
• Post-hike: Valley Tavern. Right on Soco Road in the heart of Maggie Valley, the sports bar/restaurant is situated along a babbling creek, ideal for a late lunch and beverage. And there’s usually live music on the weekends underneath the outdoor pavilion.
JACKSON COUNTY: PINNACLE TRAIL
• The lowdown: This is a 7.7-mile moderate/hard hike with 2,457 feet of elevation gain. Pinnacle can be frustrating for many due to the fact the trail is a seemingly constant hike with no real flat spots, but the 360degree views at the top are stunning.
• What I like about it: Beyond the views of Sylva and greater Jackson County, I dig the deceiving nature of the summit. You end up in this brush area, only to discover this little opening in the brush. Pop down into it and then emerge into the spectacular views.
• What I like about it: The drive alone to get out to Tellico Gap is stunning (make sure you have four-wheel drive, just in case). And though nearby Wesser Bald gets all the notoriety (with its fire tower), Rocky Bald offers incredible views with little to no people in passing.
• Post-hike: Yonder Community Market. On the outskirts of downtown Franklin, the organic grocery store is packed with all kinds of delicious cheeses, meats and beverages to enjoy at one of the picnic tables underneath the shade of the tall oak trees on the side lawn.
SWAIN COUNTY: TSALI RECREATION AREA
• The lowdown: The trail running mecca of Western North Carolina. The four-trail loop system offers seemingly miles of exploration. Easy-to-moderate single-track trails, ideal for getting in steady, long mileage. To note, runners have full F
Garret K. Woodward photo
Adult kickball league begins in
Jackson County
Registration has started for an adult kickball league in Jackson County.
access to all trails on all days, whereas mountain bikers and horseback riders have rotating days of trail use.
• What I like about it: It’s Tsali. What more do you want as a runner?
• Post-hike: Nantahala Outdoor Center. Smack dab in the Nantahala Gorge just west of Bryson City, the NOC is home to a worldclass whitewater center, restaurants and an array of onsite activities. To note, the Appalachian Trail goes right through the NOC.
Participants must be at least 14 years old to participate. The team fee is $150, and games are played Wednesday nights in Culowhee starting Aug. 6. Registration closes July 31.
Anyone with questions can contact Joe Lyon at joelyon@jacksonnc.org or at 828.293.3053 ext. 43.
picturesque beer garden and large outdoor stage, the brewery is the social beehive for the small mountain town of Hot Springs. Add into that, the popular Grey Eagle Taqueria also has a satellite spot onsite at Big Pillow.
TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY: PINK BEDS TRAIL
• The lowdown: It’s a 5.2-mile loop with 331 feet of elevation gain. This is considered
MADISON COUNTY: APPALACHIAN TRAIL (RICH MOUNTAIN TOWER)
• The lowdown: Just outside of downtown Hot Springs, this 5.2-mile out and back offers 1,446 feet of elevation gain. It’s a moderate hike and well-worth the view at the top at the fire tower.
• What I like about it: Whether you’re heading up to the trailhead from Waynesville or via Marshall, the drive itself is enjoyable when done at your own pace. Once you’re on the trail itself, you truly start to understand and immerse yourself in the splendor and lore of the AT.
• Post-hike: Big Pillow Brewing. With a
an easy-to-moderate trail for runners and hikers. To note, make sure to pay attention to the trail signs that split the main loop into the smaller loop.
• What I like about it: I find that my enjoyment of Pink Beds comes from the lack of elevation gain versus the number of miles you can complete, which means you can hold a steady pace and find an ideal rhythm throughout the trek.
• Post-hike: 185 King Street. A cultural hub in Brevard, the music venue hosts events every single night, not to mention offering a food menu with a slew of delicious options. The taproom also features a wide selection from Noblebrau Brewing, which is located next door.
Garret K. Woodward photo
Kneel!
TUp Moses Creek
BY B URT KORNEGAY
hunderstorms were crossing the mountains in waves one morning in the spring, and while trying to get in my morning hike up the ridge after one passed, I got caught in the next. I knew the danger. Lightning strikes around 300 people a year in the United States, injuring most, killing one out of 10. And once I saw lightning blow a large yellow poplar tree into bits. I decided to chance it and headed for my usual destination, a rock outcrop behind the house. I thought I’d get back down in time. And I might have, if I hadn’t stood there like the proverbial deer in the headlights transfixed by the next oncoming electrical storm.
What I saw carried me back 15 years to when Becky and I were in a gallery in London looking at a painting by the 19th century English artist J.M.W. Turner. It was his masterpiece of a storm bearing down on a ship at sea. The painting shows the storm, reared up and blotting out the sky, about to break on the tiny ship like a dark titanic wave, and it convinced me of two things. First, that the story must be true about Turner, how he had himself tied to the mast of a ship to experience the fury of a storm at sea without being washed overboard. Here was an artist who knew first-hand the unstoppable, obliterating power that nature can unleash. Second, it convinced me that Turner possessed great creative power to be able to express such an experience in paint. But that morning a real live rumble of thunder reminded me that I was not in a London gallery. I was standing on an outcrop up Moses Creek staring at a blue-black storm writ large across the western sky and about to break on me. I was Turner on the little ship.
At the last instant I turned and hunched my shoulders to the blast — and there in the east was the morning’s brightness, a red sunrise, but one contracting, growing smaller, in retreat. “Red sky in morning, Sailors take warning!” I had the odd sensation that I was
looking out through a camera lens while its aperture was constricting tighter, tighter. Then the red warning light blinked out. Hoping there was truth in another old saying, “Better late than never,” I started down the trail, buffeted by wind and a cold, pelting rain. I knew how many trees on the ridge had lightning scars.
rain-soaked and flash-shy. Stripping down, I went to the bedroom to tell Becky all about it. Sometimes she sleeps in until I get back from my walk. But Becky was not there. The bedside lamp was on, the alarm clock was blaring, the covers had been flung back—all signs of a quick exit. Then I remembered that when a really sharp storm strikes, she goes to the basement. Why she does that has always been a mystery to me. Down there she misses out on the storm! But that morning I sensed the why.
I must not have sensed it sensibly enough. Although thunderstorms were still in the forecast, I went back up the ridge later that
This time I started down the trail as fast as my aging knees would take me, which was pretty fast, since I had wings of fear on my feet. I didn’t make it far before three strikes shook the ridge and the heavens opened. I felt extra nervous because I was carrying a chunk of lightning-loving metal in my hand — the chainsaw. It had been a trusty beast for years, and I didn’t want to leave it up there in the elements where it might get struck.
An inch of rain was in the gauge by the time I reached the back door. When I peeled off my clothes for the second time that day, I found that a piece of paper I’d jotted some thoughts on and had tucked in a shirt pocket
I was rounding the first switchback when a bolt hit somewhere above. I can’t tell you how close it was, but I can say that I didn’t see a flash then hear a bang. It was a flashbang all at once. It was a resounding FLANG. The good thing, of course, is that I did see and hear it. But uppermost in my mind was the next strike — the one I might not hear, the one that might strike here. By the time I reached the house, I was
Puzzles can be found on page 30
day to saw out a tree that had been blown across the trail. I had on earmuffs and safety glasses, and, with the chainsaw ripping through the wood like a snarling beast, I had to concentrate on the teeth. Chainsaws cut with 700 teeth a second. Suddenly the ground around me darkened and a gust of wind whipped up the leaves. Shutting off the saw, I turned, and — here came another storm.
had turned into a soggy wad. I unfolded the paper and flattened it out, only to see that my writing had run together into an inky blot. I could make out just one word. It said, “Kneel.”
(Burt and Becky Kornegay live in Jackson County. “Up Moses Creek” comes out the second week of each month.
To see more of Gary Palmer’s work, go to garypalmerillustration.com)
A thunderstorm shocks the mountains with three lightning bolts. Illustration by Gary Palmer
Volunteers beautify Franklin’s Women’s History Park
On June 26, the Folk Heritage Association/Women’s History Trail completed the final stages to beautify the town’s Women’s History Park.
In March 2024, FHAMC and the Town of Franklin opened the park. Almost a year later, the dream of creating a native plant garden has become a reality, thanks to donations of time, money and materials from the community.
The Native Plant Garden included clethra/summer sweet, wild hydrangea, rhododendron, leucothoe/dog hobble, amsonia/blue start cone flowers, black eyed susans, switch grasses and more that will continue to bring lots of vibrant color
Folks worked to complete the native plant garden on June 26. Donated photo
throughout the year and flourish under the town’s care as owners and overseers of the park.
NC Forest Service tree seedlings on sale
The N.C. Forest Service began accepting orders July 1 for its annual tree seedling sale. With an average annual production of 10 million seedlings, the NCFS Nursery Program produces enough native and genetically improved tree seedlings to plant roughly 18,700 acres of land.
Quality conifer and hardwood seedlings are available for purchase in a range of quantities. Genetically improved stock is available for Fraser fir, loblolly, longleaf, shortleaf, Eastern white pine and Virginia pine. These seedlings offer better volume growth, tree form, disease resistance, straightness, and other characteristics needed to produce beautiful Christmas trees, healthy woodlands and quality forest products.
Customers interested in knowing more about specific tree species and available inventory can speak with NCFS Nursery staff, as well as reference the ordering website or seedling catalogs.
Seedlings can be ordered by visiting buynctrees.com or calling 1.888.NC.TREES.
A user-friendly online catalog will soon be available at ncagr.gov/divisions/nc-forest-service/nursery-tree-improvement-program.
Seedling catalogs are also available at local NCFS offices.
Most containerized seedlings are available and used October through March while most bare root seedlings are available and used January through March. Seedling orders can be shipped to one of 13 distribution centers statewide for a small fee or via UPS for a charge. Seedling orders are also available for pickup from the NCFS Claridge Nursery in Goldsboro or the Linville River Nursery near Crossnore.
For information on planting trees, customers are encouraged to contact their local NCFS county ranger. Contact information for NCFS county office and nursery locations is available at ncforestservice.gov/contacts.
NCDEQ Division of Water Resources urges caution around discolored water
Amid summer’s high temperatures, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources reminds the public to avoid contact with discolored water that could indicate the presence of an algal bloom.
Algae naturally occur in all waterbodies, but certain environmental conditions can cause rapid algal cell growth, leading to algal blooms.
Algal blooms can appear as surface scums, which look like spilled paint, and can be bright green, red, brown or blue; they can appear as algal mats, or as dense, macroscopic growths that float on the water surface; and lastly, they can appear as discoloration throughout the water column.
Certain algae can create toxins that can lead to adverse health effects in humans, pets and aquatic organisms. Blooms that can cause negative impacts to people, animals and the environment are called harmful algal blooms (HABs), but they look the same as nonharmful blooms.
N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health (DPH) routinely encourages the public to avoid contact with large accumulations of algae and to prevent children and pets from swimming or ingesting water in an algal bloom.
Remember: When in doubt, stay out.
To report an algal bloom, contact the nearest DEQ regional office or submit a report online. To view reported algal bloom events, visit DWR’s Fish Kill & Algal Bloom Dashboard.
Waynesville celebrates purchase of electric lawnmower
The electric lawnmower the Town of Waynesville bought in 2024 is paying off, according to Outdoor Maintenance Supervisor Michael Noland.
At the time, the purchase kicked up some dust, with some residents arguing that the additional expense of buying an electric mower instead of a traditional gas-powered lawn mower was wasted taxpayer money.
maintain the tires and lube four grease fittings, and that’s it. It plugs into a standard 110 outlet and charges fully overnight,” Noland said, adding that staff hasn’t used the mower any differently and it’s still held up.
Michael Noland, Outdoor
Maintenance supervisor for Town of Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department beside the town’s electric mower. Donated photo
Indeed, when looking at point of sale price comparisons, the gaspowered version was less expensive. However, when looking at the cost to buy, use and maintain the mower, the town will offset the additional expense within 21 months of initial use and save $5,800 annually thereafter.
The electric Stihl mower does not use the 20-25 gallons of fuel each week that the gas one would have used, nor does it require oil and filter changes.
“We only have to sharpen the blades,
“We don’t baby this mower,” he said, adding that he’d like to replace two older gaspowered one still owned by the town with electric models, although that’s not in the budget at this point.
The Parks and Recreation Department also uses all electric equipment for maintaining the grounds at the Waynesville Armory, including an electric walk behind self-propelled mower, an electric leaf blower and a trimmer.
According to a release sent out by the Waynesville Environmental Action Community, benefits of electric outdoor power equipment include less noise pollution and zero emissions.
In 2020, gas-powered lawn equipment was responsible for releasing 21,800 tons of PM2.5, an amount of pollution comparable to the emission from 234 million typical cars in one year.
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this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them before Sep 25 2025, or in bar of their recovery.
Administrator 95 Depot Street Waynesville, NC 28786
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.25E000359430
Executor of the Estate of Mary Pauline East
notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them before Sep 18 2025, or in bar of their recovery.
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Patricia F. Bryson, having of the Estate of Georgia H. Forney
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III
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notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them before Sep 18 2025, or in bar of their recovery.
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tate of Malcolm Stewart Burgess, Jr.
this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them before Oct 09 2025, or
the Estate of R. JOHN
MCNEILL,
in bar of their recovery.
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705 W Main Street Sylva, NC 28779
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