Smoky Mountain News | June 25, 2025

Page 6

converge on WNC for Week of Rivers Page 24

STAFF

On the Cover:

As the United States gets ready for one of its most patriotic, festive holidays, counties and towns across Western North Carolina are preparing for their own July 4 celebrations. Check inside as the Smoky Mountain News brings a comprehensive round-up of events taking place across the newspaper’s coverage area. (Page 16) Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center photo

News

Haywood confronts addiction crisis with public health response........................4 Jackson commissioners delay budget adoption..........................................................5 Jackson County meets Fontana board amid library controversy............................6 Pitt praises DWI pretrial program in Waynesville, calls for Haywood act........12 Koontz receives ‘Heroic Hands’ award......................................................................13 I-40 closed near state line due to rockslide..............................................................13

Opinion

RFK Jr. promotes dangerous vaccine misinformation............................................14 Libraries shouldn’t choose ideologies........................................................................14

A&E

Blow the tannery whistle..................................................................................................19 Stecoah Drive-About Tour hits the region..................................................................22

Outdoors

Paddlers converge on WNC for Week of Rivers....................................................24 NC drought-free for the first time since October 2024 ........................................27

D

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WEEKEND CONSISTENCY VS WEEKEND BINGE BEHAAVVIOR

W We e probably all know people who claim they have been “ba weekend. Often that means all of their typical food/beverage e thr exercise habits ar roown out the window. Instead they ma eat morre e than normal or eat and drink foods and beverages not normally consume. But what’s the problem with indulge weekend? It all depends on how much you might vary frroom

• Poor sleep caused by eating food later at night or eating h foods causing indigestions.

• Feeling sluggish or bloated from eating unfamiliar foods, m

ad” over the e and activity/ ay skip meals, s they might nce over the your normal higher fat more food or and social on Monday

This isn’t to say you shouldn’t enjoy the weekends or family you live during the week, you may end up paying the price o morning!

Haywood County confronts addiction crisis with ambitious public health response

C ORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS E DITOR

It starts the same way, most times — sirens in the distance, a frantic call, a body on the floor — but what happens next in Haywood County might soon look a lot different, thanks to a bold plan to reshape how local government responds to the addiction epidemic.

“Keep in mind this is not a one-man show,” said Sarah Banks, the county’s Health Services director. “It takes everybody in the county.”

At the June 16 meeting of the Haywood County Board of Commissioners, Banks presented a sweeping proposal to fight substance use disorders through education, early detection, expanded treatment and an unprecedented commitment to community accountability. It’s not just about naloxone or detox beds — it’s about people, systems and what happens after the overdose.

In 2021 alone, Haywood County residents visited emergency rooms 517 times for alcohol abuse or dependence. That same year, there were 70 ER visits for opioid overdose, 10 for stimulant overdose and 10 for benzodiazepine overdose. Add to that 4,512 visits involving anxiety, mood or psychotic disorders and 360 for suicidal ideation, and a portrait of strain on individuals, families, hospitals and first responders begins to emerge.

While many of the behavioral health visits had other presenting complaints, they nonetheless involved people already struggling with mental illness. Layered atop that are the pressures of poverty, housing insecurity and a relatively lethal drug supply. In 2020, fentanyl was present in 13% of all confirmed substance use-related deaths in the county. Just one year later, that figure had climbed to 32%.

before it ends in tragedy.

Banks emphasized that Haywood County is well-positioned to lead such an effort. The county’s health agency has been active in the opioid response since 2015, when a community health assessment identified substance use as the region’s top health priority. Since then, the agency has hosted forums, tracked fatal and nonfatal overdoses, distributed naloxone and medication lock boxes and built coalitions like the Substance Use Prevention Alliance and the Perinatal Substance Exposure Collaborative.

“Accountability is a vital component in the journey to recovery,” Banks said. “There is an expectation when our patients come in that they are as accountable for their recovery as we are.”

The proposal outlines 10 performance indicators, including the number of program participants, treatment completion rates, MAT usage, referrals for hepatitis and HIV and urine drug screens at intervals of two and four months.

It also includes metrics for sobriety maintenance, active engagement in services and the number of people reached through public outreach campaigns.

Evaluation will be conducted through a combination of data collection sheets, electronic medical records and participant feedback.

Although the program is still in the planning phase, some of its components are already bearing fruit. In the two years, 29 patients received care through the depart-

lot of courage.”

Behind the numbers are lives like Lindsey’s — lives interrupted, but not ended, by addiction.

Commissioner Jennifer Best, who also appeared to get choked up at one point, called stories like Lindsey’s “a pebble in a pond” that ripples outward through the community. That’s why Banks is urging the county to act now, with a model that moves beyond short-term crisis management and toward sustainable recovery.

Commissioner Tommy Long noted that the county has seen a marked decrease in substance-related deaths, from 34 in 2023 to 18 in 2024. Through the first half of 2025, there have been only four.

“Part of it is breaking the stigma around mental health, having people willing to talk about it and seek treatment,” Banks said. “I think part of the substance use related deaths is [attributable to] things like the availability of Narcan and the availability of medication-assisted treatment.”

County Manager Bryant Morehead told commissioners that in order to fund the program with opioid settlement money, the Board would have to pass a resolution, likely on July 21. The county is set to receive a total of $9.7 million over

However, a county request to the General Assembly to carry forward existing opioid treatment funds before then could help the county preserve its opioid settlement funds. Haywood County Public Information Officer Dillon Huffman said the county has about $1.3 million in substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services block grant funds, pending final purchases made before the end of the fiscal

If that doesn’t happen, the county would have to fund the program out of the settlement

The proposal calls for a comprehensive program that connects the dots between crisis response and long-term recovery, something Banks calls “linkages to treatment.”

That includes case management, transportation assistance, housing resources, employment support and mental health referrals. But perhaps more importantly, it acknowledges what decades of enforcement and incarceration have failed to — you can’t punish people into sobriety.

At the core of the plan is a post-overdose referral system that builds bridges between the health department, EMS, local law enforcement and the hospital. When someone survives an overdose, they won’t just be discharged — they’ll be contacted, counseled and supported through a peer-led system designed to break the cycle of addiction

The plan leverages the entire scope of the consolidated health and human services agency, including family planning, immunization, communicable disease management, WIC, social services, Medicaid and dental care. That means when someone enters the system for one issue — say, a positive pregnancy test or an HIV screening — they can be connected to a larger web of support, tailored to their full range of needs.

Once implemented, the program will be staffed by a multi-disciplinary team including an advanced practice provider, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, a substance use program director, multiple peer support specialists and a substance use treatment RN. The team will offer everything from screening and education to medication-assisted treatment and behavioral health counseling, regardless of a person’s insurance status.

ment, including six referred by recovery court and 15 from the detention center. Nine remain in active treatment, and four have accessed other public health services.

There have been 246 patient visits and 164 negative drug screens logged. Three patients have successfully graduated from recovery court. Several others came through word of mouth — an indication that trust is building.

A quote included in the presentation from one such patient and recovery court participant — identified only as Lindsey — reads, “My struggle has given me a new perspective and outlook that could not have been cultivated without having lost it all and subsequently, finding the strength, courage and humility to authentically reinvent myself.”

Board Chair Kevin Ensley, appearing a bit choked up, said Lindsey’s journey took “a

Huffman said it’s difficult to project costs for the program as it calls for the expansion of staff from two to six positions over time and that at least some of the cost would be due to people who are uninsured. Part of the program’s expenditures would be to help the uninsured sign up for Medicaid; however, if proposed federal cuts to Medicare are enacted, more of the burden of treatment would be shifted to local governments and local taxpayers.

“We need to embrace and support evidence-based programs,” Ensley said. “I know I’ve gotten attacked a lot because I support them, but we need to stop just assuming someone’s going to be that way all their life and things like that, when they can change. And the truth be known, we’ve all had to ask for forgiveness at some point. It may not be for drugs, it may be for other things, but sometimes it might take 20 times before it ever catches, but we’ve got to be there for when they do — and these programs need to be there for these folks.”

Haywood County Health Services Director Sarah Banks (right) briefs Haywood County commissioners as Health and Human Service Director Ira Dove listens. Haywood County government photo

Jackson commissioners delay budget adoption

Faced with a mounting backlog of infrastructure needs, Jackson County commissioners have failed to agree on a basic annual budget yet continue to insist they can accurately forecast the added costs to taxpayers of withdrawing from the Fontana Regional Library system.

After more than an hour of contentious public comment on possible FRL withdrawal, the Board reviewed a proposed $107 million general fund budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, presented by County Manager Kevin King. The proposed budget includes a substantial tax hike.

Commissioners already held a public hearing for the proposed budget and were expected to adopt the budget ordinance at the June 17 meeting — but that’s not what happened.

The general fund budget for the current fiscal year is $94 million; however, a recent countywide property revaluation produced a substantial increase in property values on the order of 60%.

The revenue-neutral property tax rate based on the new values is $0.2689 per $100 in assessed property value, per King, but the proposed budget includes a rate of 32 cents. Although that’s down from the current 38-cent rate, because values are now so much higher, the 32-cent rate translates to a steep property tax increase for all residents of Jackson County.

A major factor in the increase is the county’s capital plan, which includes several school infrastructure projects.

An increase in teacher supplements, an increase in pay for detention officers at a jail that has seen a number of suspicious deaths over the past few years and a $70,000 contribution to the Junior ROTC program aren’t part of the county’s spending problem — they’re offset by cuts to the county’s greenway program, King said.

“We’ve got to do something for the average taxpayer,” said Commissioner Michael Jennings. “Our rate’s going down, but the total amount [of property tax bills] is going up. Nobody wants to cut services, but we’ve got to do something if this rate’s going to stay at 32 cents. I don’t know if we need more time, if we need to do an interim budget … I don’t know what the options are. I’m the newest one here.”

Chairman Mark Letson told Jennings that the state requires local governments to adopt a budget ordinance before July 1 each year.

“I just want the taxpayers to know where the money’s going because somebody’s going to be asking questions why their taxes are going up so much,” Jennings said. “It’s not because we’re not trying to keep it down.”

“The problem is,” said Chairman Mark Letson, “and we’ve said it multiple times, a band-aid has been put on so many of these projects for many, many, many years, and it’s been just sidestep, sidestep, sidestep. So now, we’ve got a board and we’ve got a great [school] superintendent that is pushing for upgrades and we’ve got an opportunity to do that now.”

much of a savings — a cut in the property tax rate would end up being offset, at least partially, by a new fire tax.

Hooper continued to press for a 30-cent rate, still without offering any ideas on how to get there.

“I don’t think we can this year; I just don’t,” said Commissioner John Smith.

“If you look at the major drivers, unless you just want to stop projects or stop the fire coverage — those are the big drivers at this point,” King said.

Letson asked commissioners if they felt they needed to hold another meeting on the proposed budget but didn’t get

Commissioner Jenny Hooper, whose very presence on the board has been under scrutiny by some who allege she doesn’t live in the district she represents, said she’d like to get the rate down to 30 cents “to help protect the taxpayers” but didn’t offer any ideas on how to do that.

The proposed budget includes new spending commitments upward of $150 million on capital improvements countywide.

King mentioned neighboring Macon County, which has one of the lowest tax rates in the state. Part of the reason for that, King said, is that Macon County, like many other counties, has an additional fire tax above and beyond its property tax. Jackson County pays for fire protection out of its general fund, to the tune of $7 million a year.

“If you take that out, you’d be in the 29cent [range],” King said.

Commissioners then launched into a prolonged and complicated discussion of what a countywide fire tax would look like, but it’s not clear if making such a last-minute change on the proposed budget is feasible or financially prudent. Regardless, taxpayers wouldn’t see

a strong response either way. He then asked for a motion to approve the budget. Commissioner Todd Bryson made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner John Smith.

When the clerk called on commissioners for a voice vote, she started with Jennings, who rubbed his brow in frustration and instead asked for one more week to consider the budget. Hooper interjected with a word for support for Jennings and then made a motion to table the budget adoption.

Hooper’s motion passed unanimously, and Letson scheduled another meeting for June 24 at 6 p.m.

The move comes as commissioners continue to consider withdrawal from the FRL system, which if current service levels are maintained is expected to cost $500,000 annually, not including transition and startup costs of up to $300,000.

Some speakers at recent public comment sessions have brought up the specter of costly lawsuits that could ensue — as in Yancey County — if the county withdraws.

The real costs, however, won’t be known unless and until commissioners actually vote to withdraw and have a go at the library business for the first time in more than 80 years.

Face to face

Jackson County meets Fontana board amid library controversy

BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT

P OLITICS E DITOR

Finally face to face amid a simmering standoff over library governance and subjectively inappropriate material in a regional library system that’s served locals for more than 80 years, Jackson County commissioners spent nearly three hours in a joint meeting with the Fontana Regional Library Board of Trustees on June 19 learning just how much they don’t know about running a library. It was billed as a joint meeting. It ended up more like a joint reckoning.

The unusual confluence came about after months of debate and public comment over Jackson County’s continuing membership in the Fontana Regional Library system, which also includes Macon and Swain counties.

Eight regional library systems dot the landscape of rural North Carolina, founded decades ago to help small counties muster the combined resources to provide library services to impoverished residents. Counties provide the cash and the buildings and by ceding administrative functions to a regional library board receive shared infrastructure and turnkey local operations provided by trained professionals.

Opponents, many standing behind their own Christian ideology, say the FRL system is pushing LGBTQ+ ideology and offering indecent content to minors.

Supporters raise a host of objections which began as allusions to discrimination and homophobia but have increasingly come to center around censorship and potential First Amendment violations.

This isn’t an isolated issue; across the country, lawsuits are mounting in response to book bans and restrictions, many of which are aimed at LGBTQ+ content, racial themes or materials labeled “sexually explicit.”

plaintiffs are challenging the ban of more than 100 books by a local school board, alleging viewpoint discrimination. Then there’s Idaho. And Tennessee. And Minnesota. And Iowa. Even military schools are involved — families have sued the Department of Defense over the removal of hundreds of books on race, gender and sexuality.

In North Carolina, House Bill 636, titled “Promoting wholesome content for students,” passed its second Senate reading on April 16 and is likely headed to Gov. Josh Stein’s desk. The bill would prohibit school library content deemed sexually explicit or “pervasively vulgar” for any age group, but if other states are any indication, the bill also appears to be headed headlong into a lawsuit.

Regionally, residents of Yancey County are prepared to file suit over the county’s withdrawal from its regional library system last year over similar concerns.

The Jackson County debate intensified at a packed public meeting on June 3 at Southwestern Community College, where roughly 200 people entered through metal detectors. More than 50 people spoke for the second meeting in a row, both for and against FRL — but mostly for.

As that meeting drew to a close, Commissioner Todd Bryson was joined by Chairman Mark Letson in calling for a joint meeting with the FRL board — one last-ditch effort to compromise, or to save face in light of some damning financial data presented by County Manager Kevin King. King didn’t say it outright, but withdrawing from the library would likely cost the county about $500,000 annually on top of the $1.4 million it already spends, due to the loss of shared resources. In essence, the county would be entering the library business, alone, for the first time in more than 80 years and by doing so would also incur around $300,000 in start-up costs.

Jackson County commissioners postponed adopting their $107 million fiscal year 2025–26 budget on June 17, citing

and tight funding like almost everywhere else in Southern Appalachia. Commissioners emphasized the need to balance capital projects — including schools —with essential services in an economic climate that’s become increasingly unfriendly to the working poor.

The library debate compounds fiscal planning challenges. Economic impacts arising from the withdrawal of the FRL system would be included in the 2026-27 budget, above and beyond the property tax increase.

In a May 30 email sent by Commissioner John Smith to members of the Jackson County Library Board, he opined that “Jackson County could provide the same level of library services for less tax dollars.”

Smith has not publicly revealed why he believes the county could run the library for less money, even as his own county manager provided evidence to the contrary — but he and other commissioners would eventually get the opportunity to learn what it would take to provide the same level of services. And it’s a lot.

Prior to the joint meeting, Letson had a long conversation with Cynthia Mason Womble, acting chair of the FRL Board.

A North Carolina native, Womble holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from N.C. State University and retired from the Navy as a Captain after 28 years of service. She also earned a master’s degree in operations research from the Navy Postgraduate School and another master’s degree in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College. Womble’s final 15 years in the Navy were spent as deputy director of human resources for Fleet Forces Command and commanding officer of the Navy Manpower Analysis Center, among other high-level roles.

During that time, Womble briefed members of Congress and congressional subcommittees, so F

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners (left) met with the Fontana Regional Library Board of Trustees (right) on June 19. Cory Vaillancourt photo

she’s not new to high-pressure, high-stakes meetings.

Initially, commissioners said that there would be no opportunity for public comment at the joint meeting, which troubled Womble; the FRL’s bylaws state that a public comment session must be provided at each FRL board meeting. Womble told The Smoky Mountain News that, if it were her meeting, she’d have allowed it; however, many agreed that everything that could be said about the situation had already been said during the seven-plus hours of public comment dating back to May.

There also wasn’t much of an agenda for the meeting. Womble said she’d only received one the day before, and she found there were no specific concerns or discussion points listed. Jackson County commissioners have faced growing scrutiny over transparency following an SMN investigation that found they likely broke the law by failing to publicly deliberate the removal of decorative plaques from a Confederate monument at the library. At the time, King said there were no public records — texts, emails, memos or other communications — showing any such deliberations among commissioners.

Letson and Womble both described their conversation as positive and agreed on a few ground rules. No votes would be made. No actions would be taken. No books would be reviewed for content, because there’s an existing process for that.

At the meeting’s outset, Letson explained the situation to the 60-some attendees who’d gathered in a courtroom at the Jackson County Justice and Administration Center.

“We’ve asked Fontana Regional Library Board to come here, and we’re not taking questions tonight. We’re trying to get information. That’s the purpose of the meeting, and we appreciate Fontana coming and helping us navigate this process,” he said. “Really, what we’re here for is opening conversation, dialog between Fontana Regional Library Board to learn some of the processes that are that are in place, to gather some financial information.”

Letson said he wanted to know more about how taxpayer money is managed in the FRL system, and he asked for civility from all parties during the meeting.

“We are here to learn,” he said. “We’re not here to criticize.”

After introducing her board, made up of three people from each member county, Womble noted that the FRL is a nonprofit chartered by the state and, as such, must comply with transparency laws, as well as all state and federal requirements for nonprofits. All FRL policies are available on its website, fontanalib.org, as are audits and budgets.

The most recent tax information available from FRL, published June 1, 2024, shows a tight operation — revenue of $4.03 million against expenses of $3.98 million. Salaries, compensation and benefits for its 81 listed employees account for $2.85 million of that, although FRL administration only has four full-time employees and two part-time employees. The rest work at the six libraries that are part of the system.

FRL spends about 82% of its revenue on

program-related costs — a common metric in the nonprofit world that places FRL among elite company in terms of financial management and efficiency.

Funding for FRL comes from its member counties, which together account for more than $3 million in revenue. County funding for each county library system is not comingled — Jackson County money stays in Jackson County — and is based on the size of the library and the staff, as well as the services provided. The costs of shared services are split between the counties in proportion to the size of the library.

The rest of FRL’s funding comes from donations and grants, including from the North Carolina Community Foundation, the Community Foundation for Western North Carolina and Dogwood Health Trust. The Federal Communications Commission has also given substantial grants to FRL for rural broadband access.

The Jackson County Library provides more hours of service than any other library in the FRL system, driven by customer demand.

policies, finances and operations across all six libraries and headquarters.

“I would say it’s a rebuilding year, if I was a football coach,” Womble said.

Despite the transitions, the board has remained active over the past two years, reviewing and updating several important policies. The board also launched a juvenile library card program on May 1 after extensive coordination with the State Library. The board plans to formalize its finance committee, which has operated informally in the past to explore ways to improve budget efficiency and maintain responsible financial stewardship.

An example of that financial stewardship that goes back nearly two decades pertains to the role of regional director. In 2006, the FRL board decided to “dual hat” one of its three library directors as part-time regional director — a move Womble says she doesn’t agree with from an HR perspective.

“They did it solely to save money, not because it was the right thing to do or the most efficient or effective course of action,” she said.

As of July 1, the FRL Board will have seen significant turnover. Only two board members — Womble and Tony Monnat, of Swain County — will have served longer than a year.

Beyond simply lending books, the library provides a wide range of services. These include free internet access, technology training and one-on-one help with tasks like setting up email accounts, writing resumes and applying for jobs. Staff handle thousands of reference questions annually, all reported to the State Library of North Carolina. The library also conducts outreach to local organizations such as the Department on Aging, Circles of Jackson and area schools.

Educational programs are extensive, including story time, toddler activities, art and even cooking classes. Services generally align with the library’s mission to offer educational, recreational and informational support to the community. The library also rents out community rooms for events at nominal rates — sometimes even for weddings.

In her opening statement, Womble said she wanted it noted that since becoming acting chair of FRL in January, she’d not had any specific feedback from any commissioner from any county about the system.

“I’ve not had a single phone call, email, text, memo or letter addressing any concerns or issues related to Fontana Regional Library,” she said. “So I welcome the chance to be able to find out exactly what your concerns are that are so severe that it’s brought you to consider removing yourselves from the Fontana Regional Library.”

As of July 1, the FRL Board will have seen significant turnover. Only two board members — Womble and Tony Monnat, of Swain County — will have served longer than a year. This rapid change prompted the board to plan a retreat for September aimed at educating new members on the system’s

Hooper said, “Well I didn’t know what I was gonna ask; I just happened to think of this.” Hooper has been a frequent target for criticism during the FRL debate for her offhand remark earlier this month that one option to settle the library dispute was to simply close the library altogether. Some believe that Hooper shouldn’t be a member of the commission at all — ambiguity in her residency has prompted a group of citizens to ask County Attorney John Kubis to clarify how she can serve on the commission despite not being allowed to vote in the district she represents.

Talk then turned to the FRL’s five-year strategic plan, which runs though 2027.

The strategic planning process for Fontana Regional Library includes a comprehensive needs assessment involving input from county commissioners, library patrons, staff, advisory boards and community partners like the health department, sheriff’s office, social services and nonprofits.

Local library boards contribute ideas based on specific community needs. While the structure of strategic planning is similar across systems, specifics vary depending on the intended goals. The next strategic planning process is expected to begin sometime in 2026.

Currently, Tracy Fitzmaurice performs those two roles as director of the Jackson County Library and regional director FRL, for which she’s paid nothing near what she deserves, says Womble. According to FRL’s 2024 tax filing, Fitzmaurice earned $87,000.

Womble explained that the FRL’s six administrative employees include the regional director, a state-mandated finance officer, a finance assistant, an information technology director, a courier and an administrative assistant, which prompted the first of Commissioner Jenny Hooper’s curious statements to the FRL board.

“What is [the administrative assistant’s] job?” Hooper asked.

“The same as an administrative assistant in any organization. They do everything that nobody else does,” Womble said.

“Walk me through their day,” Hooper insisted.

“Why do you need me to walk you through an administrative assistant’s day? I think that’s a detail level that should be done offline, because we can provide you their position description if you’d like that,” Womble replied. “I think that’s a waste of time, quite honestly.”

Bryson replied that the commissioners were there to learn, which prompted Womble to wave a sheet of paper.

“This is the agenda I got,” Womble said, holding the blank agenda.

Letson gaveled for order and said that, before the meeting, he’d reviewed job descriptions online.

“If I had been told that was a topic of discussion tonight,” Womble said, continuing to harp on the lack of detail in the agenda, “we could have brought them and provided them all to you.”

Admitting a distinct lack of preparation,

“How does the needs of the county change, like in the next five years?” Hooper asked. “Like, what would be different that they would need, that you don’t already have?”

“Not real sure,” Womble said. “I mean, that’s part of the planning process … I know that the strategic planning process would inform that as we got feedback from our partners and our customers.”

Letson shifted gears, attempting to get closer to the reason they were all gathered there — books that some believe are obscene or inappropriate for certain age groups.

The Fontana Regional Library system has a clear and legally vetted process for challenging books alleged to be indecent, outlined in its collection development policy. That policy, updated twice in the last two years, stresses intellectual freedom and is available online and at all six library front desks. “Access is provided readily and equitably to users, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status or political views,” it reads.

Patrons can file a formal request for reconsideration using a form that initiates the review process. Often, concerns are resolved informally at the desk, according to Fitzmaurice, but if a formal challenge is filed, it goes to the library director, who reviews it and passes it to the regional board regardless of outcome.

The policy, reviewed by legal counsel, ensures compliance with state and federal laws and guarantees that decisions aren’t made unilaterally.

All challenges are documented and reviewed by the nine members of the FRL board, who read the book in question before

voting.

Hooper attempted to portray the multi-level process as dictatorial, saying “there’s only one opinion there,” despite the participation of at least 10 individuals.

“If a librarian, no matter who you are, decided that it didn’t need to be looked at any further, and they just put it back on the shelf, would it stop there?” she asked.

“No,” several FRL Board members answered in unison.

“Okay, if it goes to the director and they decide, does it stop there?” Hooper asked.

“No,” several FRL Board members again answered in unison.

“It’s very clear in the collection development policy,” Womble said. “It follows the chain of command.”

Fitzmaurice said that no books had been formally challenged for at least a decade prior to 2022 but that five books have been challenged in the last four years, four in Macon County and one in Jackson County. All were brought to the board for consideration. None were removed.

One example involved then-Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s 2022 biography, which came out before the Republican became entangled in a tawdry pornography scandal that contributed to his shellacking in the 2024 governor’s race. The board voted to keep Robinson’s book in the collection.

“I think that says something to the policy — that it’s fair,” said Monnet, who chaired the committee that drafted the policy’s most recent update.

At this point in the meeting, Jackson County Commissioner Michael Jennings, who said in the June 17 meeting that he was likely to vote for withdrawal from the FRL, entered the room more than 45 minutes late, offering no explanation for his tardiness.

Commissioner Todd Bryson, who’d called for the joint meeting, moved on to discuss how new books make it into

the library.

“That’s in the collection development policy,” Womble said, before asking Fitzmaurice to elaborate.

In Jackson County, for instance, both the children’s and adult departments have designated staff responsible for choosing books, using peer-reviewed journals, patron requests and staff recommendations to guide selections. While individual staff members place orders, suggestions are welcome from any library employee or patron. Front desk staff regularly relay community input, and NC Cardinal, a statewide consortium, helps supplement local collections by allowing interlibrary borrowing from 63 other counties.

Items not checked out in three years are typically removed, meaning those who borrow LGBTQ+ books to prevent others from accessing them — as has happened in Yancey County — are actually prolonging their shelf life and possibly generating new sales if the books don’t come back.

Books are periodically reviewed and removed through a process called “weeding,” which eliminates outdated or unused materials. This is especially important for medical, legal or financial works that must remain current so as not to become misleading.

Items not checked out in three years are typically removed, meaning those who borrow LGBTQ+ books to prevent others from accessing them — as has happened in

Yancey County — are actually prolonging their shelf life and possibly generating new sales if the books don’t come back.

Donated books are evaluated according to the same collection development policy. Books that are outdated, damaged or irrelevant are declined, while appropriate items are added, recorded and reported to the state. Donations can also include designated funds or materials, and libraries ensure those are used exactly as intended.

“Friends of the library”-type groups and individuals may donate funds or materials, but they don’t purchase books independently for the system.

This year to date, Jackson County has purchased roughly 4,700 books. Bryson asked if there was any way the Jackson County Library Board could review new additions. Fitzmaurice said no — and not just because of the logistics of a nine-member volunteer advisory board having to review an average of 26 books a day, every single day of every single year.

“They are not trained,” she said. “They do not have an MLIS or other training that the library folks have.”

Training is ongoing for all staff involved in collection development and purchasing, ensuring adherence to professional standards. Though routine, the process is transparent and well-regulated, combining local input with professional expertise to maintain a balanced and responsive collection that minimizes exposure to legal liability for discrimination.

“What does MLIS stand for?” Hooper asked. A master of library and information science degree is generally required to become a librarian in North Carolina.

After a recess, Letson asked about the reclassification process. In library terms, reclassification refers to changing how a book is categorized, shelved or labeled within the library’s system — not removing it, but relocating it to a different section based on subject matter or intended audience.

Since 2020, the Fontana Regional Library system has reviewed a total of six books for possible reclassification. When a reclassification request is made, F

it follows the same formal challenge process as any book appeal; the requester completes a form and submits it to the librarian, triggering a review and eventually a full FRL Board vote. Any decision to move a book applies system-wide, although not all libraries may own the title in question.

The lone reclassified book, “Let’s talk about it,” is an illustrated guide to sex education written in 2021 by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan.

Womble mentioned that the FRL currently has no pending requests for reconsideration.

In Jackson County, only one book — “It’s perfectly normal,” written by late educator Robie Harris in 1994 — has been formally challenged for reclassification. After review, the Fontana Regional Library Board of Trustees voted to keep the book in its original location, citing its age-appropriate content and the fact that it had been on the shelf for more than a decade without prior complaint.

When Bryson asked why the decision was made, Womble stepped in to preserve the integrity of the powers granted her board in the 2024 interlocal agreement signed by Jackson County last June. A terse exchange between Bryson and Womble followed.

“The Fontana Regional Library Board of Trustees voted on that … you’re questioning the decision of the Fontana Regional Library Board of Trustees, most of whom are no longer on the board,” Womble said. “We could go back in our minutes, we could watch the video from that that meeting to see that, but quite honestly, I don’t think it’s appropriate for you to be questioning that.”

“I think it’s 100% appropriate,” Bryson shot back. “It’s Jackson County’s tax dollars.”

“The Fontana Regional Library agreement delegates that authority to the Fontana Regional Library Board of Trustees,” Womble replied.

“And that’s why we’re here tonight, ain’t it?” Bryson said.

“I don’t know. We’re here tonight because y’all demanded a meeting and picked a date,” said Womble, eliciting chuckles from the audience.

“The Fontana Regional Library Board of Trustees chose not to move a book,” Bryson offered as the real reason for the meeting. “It’s classified for what age — it’s written for 10 years old? And it should not be.”

“One book?” Womble replied incredulously. “So you’re serious? The reason we’re here spending this time is because one book two years ago didn’t get moved?”

After the meeting had approached the two-hour mark, Jennings finally chimed in.

“I think part of the reason that there’s been only one book challenged is because even if you’re taking your kid into the children’s section, you’re not going to look at every book there,” he opined. “They don’t know what all’s in there. Nobody knows every book that’s in the library, I’m sure.”

Jennings’ comment speaks to the heart of an argument brought up often by FRL supporters — parents have an obligation to parent their children and, legitimate obscenity

notwithstanding, cannot demand any library censor any work that might possibly be the slightest bit offensive to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Jennings went on to ask that images from some of the books he wants moved be displayed in the meeting. A large projection screen behind him showed a folder containing the filenames of several unopened images.

“That’s not the process and the policy of Fontana Regional Library, to do it this way,” Womble said. “The forms need to be filled out so that we can follow the process and the policy.”

Fitzmaurice said that when a book is moved to an area it wasn’t published for, the library opens itself up to censorship challenges.

“You also move a book that was written for children into a different section, if it’s in an older section, those children are being led to be around books that are written for older age groups,” she said. “The library in Greenville, South Carolina, did just that, and they are under heavy litigation now — and that is, again, something I need to avoid.”

Bryson jumped right back into it.

“And I’m absolutely going to ask about a book that is in question, Ms. Womble,” Bryson said. “I’m elected by Jackson County, by the majority of Jackson County, so I will ask about the books, and you’re not going to stop me.”

Bryson was not elected by the majority of Jackson County’s 45,000 residents, or even the majority of Jackson County’s 29,751 registered voters. He received exactly 7,700 votes in the 2022 General Election, besting his Democratic opponent Gayle Woody by 309 votes.

“I’m not going to stop you from asking, but I will ask you to please fill out one of the forms so that we can properly address the book,” Womble said, prompting loud applause from the gallery and some energetic gaveling by Letson, who again called for order.

Jennings, however, pushed for his slides to be displayed. Womble again demurred, saying it would violate both FRL policy and the deal she’d made with Letson prior to the meeting.

Fitzmaurice, revealing the breadth of her industry-specific expertise, warned that judging a book by its proverbial cover — or just an image, or a few paragraphs — would create legal exposure for the FRL.

“That’s almost like saying it’s illegal to judge a person by one act they did and committed murder,” Hooper offered, prompting more derision from the audience.

Fitzmaurice explained that such decisions are made in accordance with the “Miller test.”

The Miller test, established in 1973 by the U.S. Supreme Court in Miller v. California, determines whether material is legally obscene. It asks if the work appeals to prurient interest, depicts sexual conduct offensively and lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value based on community standards in context.

Rady Large, FRL’s pro-bono attorney, eventually explained in greater detail and offered a remedy.

“The FRL board is not trying to be non-transparent by saying there’s really not any good that can come from [displaying the images] in this meeting,” Large said. “Just showing select images to this board that cannot take action at this time, just really it would just be kind of, ‘Okay. You’ve shown us some pictures in a book that you guys don’t agree with,’ right? Before you … is the form that you can use to challenge the piece of work that you guys want to challenge — you, individually, as a member of the community, can walk into the library with that form, fill it out online, whatever you want, and then there’ll be a full hearing in which the board will discuss that piece of work.”

Drawing from the discussion she’d already heard, Womble said it sounded like maybe the concerns brought by commissioners were related to the collection development policy and that a review of the policy could be initiated in the coming weeks. Any revisions would in turn have to be reviewed by an attorney specializing in the First Amendment.

Commissioner John Smith, who had been critical of FRL in previous meetings and decried FRL’s unwillingness to cooperate in activities that would violate the First Amendment asked if the “Parents bill of rights” passed in 2023 would apply. Absent a court challenge, the bill doesn’t mention public libraries at all — only schools, students and school libraries. The bill might apply if Jackson County offered a student access card for library services, but it does not.

Bryson again challenged Womble on the slides and, this time, earned support from two Jackson County FRL board members, Deborah Smith and Marva Jennings — alleged in multiple Facebook posts to be Commissioner Michael Jennings’ sister — but was again referred to the procedure in

the collection development policy.

“If y’all are not willing to look at this, then maybe the meeting’s a waste of time,” Bryson said in frustration.

The final major topic of the evening was the physical security of library patrons, especially children. The FRL’s safe child policy was last updated in 2023 and sets clear guidelines for parental supervision based on a child’s age.

Children under 8 years old must be physically accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.  From ages 8 to 12, a parent must be present somewhere in the library, though not necessarily at the child’s side. Once children are over 12, they may use the library independently, but only with the permission of a parent, legal guardian or caretaker and in accordance with all library policies.

The policy aims to balance safety with flexibility, responding to parental feedback — particularly from those who wanted their children to participate in supervised activities like story time or crafts while they used other parts of the library. Staff acknowledged that teens also need a degree of autonomy in the library setting.

Additionally, the juvenile limited card restricts children

15 and under to materials in the children’s section unless otherwise allowed by a parent, reinforcing that access to materials is a parental choice.

Despite commissioners running into dead end after dead end for more than two hours while trying to poke holes in FRL’s financial, administrative and operational policy, performance and governing agreements, no clear evidence of FRL’s noncompliance with the interlocal agreement was ever presented by anyone.

As the meeting wound down, discussion from Bryson, Hooper and Jennings proceeded to circle back to topics that had already been discussed and prompted explanations that had already been provided.

Like Macon County conservative activist Jim Gaston had in the past, Hooper took a final opportunity to smear the library by bringing up the issue of sex offenders that had been caught there — but failing to note that it was library workers who caught them.

“I think we found four or five sex offenders in the library before,” Fitzmaurice said. “We’ve reported every one of them immediately. We’ve had them arrested. We keep a very close watch, and if anyone is acting in a way that we deem concerning, we immediately report it.”

Library staff take active measures to prevent registered sex offenders from entering facilities, as they’re legally prohibited from being on library premises. Signs on every library door proclaim the ban and employees remain vigilant, especially near children’s areas.

When someone acts suspiciously, staff reference the sex offender registry and compare names, even photos, if needed. If a match is found, they do not confront the individual, but instead immediately contact the sheriff’s office. Law enforcement has responded swiftly, Fitzmaurice said, and library employees have even been subpoenaed to testify in related court cases.

“I think one of the good things about having local citizens who work in our libraries and being F

File photo

in small towns is that you do tend to know who the local sex offenders are, because it’s in the newspaper; it’s something that’s talked about in the community,” said Womble, who lives in Swain County. “The people who work there are watching because they want to keep our children safe, and we want to identify those people, and if they are violating the law … we want them to be caught and to properly adjudicate that because we don’t want them to re-offend. We don’t want them around.”

With that, Fitzmaurice unknowingly closed the face-to-face meeting with perhaps a plainer truth than anyone else who’s spoken publicly on the issue.

“I would like to say one thing — that the library is a very, very safe space. We watch out for the children. We want the best for the children, and we work closely with the parents,” she said. “We have a lot of happy people come into the library. We have books in the library that represent our entire community. Everyone in the community has to be represented in our library.”

Commissioners scheduled a meeting for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, where they were to attempt to pass a budget with a substantial property tax increase for the second time in a week. Listed on the agenda was a vote to resolve the FRL issue, once and for all.

If they decide to withdraw, they will disregard overwhelming public support, discard a high-performing nonprofit, jeopardize grant funding, imperil technology access, weaken strategic planning created with broad public input, risk expensive First Amendment lawsuits, threaten essential services like job training and ultimately replace professional, transparent operations with an unproven, politically motivated alternative that commissioners themselves admit they do not fully understand — all because of a disagreement on one book, two years ago.

“We have a lot of happy people come into the library. We have books in the library that represent our entire community. Everyone in the community has to be represented in our library.”

— Tracy Fitzmaurice, Jackson County Library director & FRL regional director

It will be about a year until the formal withdrawal is complete.

It will be about a year until library patrons start noticing diminishing access to shared assets and reduced service efficiency.

It will be about a year until the extra $800,000 hits taxpayers’ wallets.

It will also be about a year until Jackson County commissioners find themselves face to face with voters — or attorneys.

Pitt praises DWI pretrial program in Waynesville, calls for Haywood act

BY KYLE P ERROTTI N EWS E DITOR

Ellen Pitt has dedicated the last two and a half decades to combatting drunk driving in Western North Carolina, and the one of the latest fronts in that fight involves her quest to get courts to use continuous alcohol monitoring bracelets for defendants in “high-risk” DWI cases.

Earlier this month, Pitt spoke to Waynesville’s town council to thank members and town staff for participating in a CAM bracelet pilot program through which those “high-risk” residents with pending DWI charges could be monitored for potential alcohol use.

“Your investment has paid off 100%, and you are now the flagship for the efficient use of technology that saves lives and taxpayer dollars,” Pitt told council members.

Cam bracelets work by monitoring gases emitted from the skin near the ankle, through which the presence of alcohol can be detected. The bracelets can also detect when someone removes or obstructs the sensor. In either event, a signal is sent to whomever is monitoring the activity. In this case, that’s Doug Oliver, the Haywood County resident who owns “Always Do Right, LLC.”

Oliver also spoke to town council, touting the bracelets’ effectiveness, noting that he had a 99.7% compliance rate throughout the pilot period.

“I just want to thank you all very much for entrusting me with that,” Oliver said, adding that he hopes to see the program continue well into the future.

Those eligible for the program were town residents — regardless of the jurisdiction where they are charged — who were hit with a DWI and were eligible for a court appointed attorney. To be high-risk, someone could have been charged with a DWI where they had a BAC of 0.15 or higher, already had a DWI pending, had one or more DWI convictions in the last 10 years, had a minor child in the vehicle or were also charged with felony death or serious injury by vehicle. Individuals also had to be approved by Waynesville Police Chief David Adams, and prosecutors have additional discretion when determining who may be a “high-risk” offender.

But it seems not everyone is embracing CAM bracelets. Perhaps the biggest obstacle in Pitt’s efforts to see more devices used is the overwhelming popularity of ignition interlocks among state legislators. This year, Rep. Mike Clampitt (R-Swain) introduced a HB216, which would have provided funding for pretrial CAM bracelets for high-risk defendants who are unable to pay for them on their own. Under the legisla-

tion, the money for the service would come from a 5-cent tax that would be applied to each bottle of liquor purchased from a North Carolina ABC store or distillery.

That bill died in committee. Likewise, Clampitt’s HB108, known as the Sober Operator Act, which among other things would have lowered the maximum allowed blood alcohol content for a driver to from .08 to .05, didn’t make it out of committee.

Meanwhile, HB789 would allow for a defendant to voluntarily place an ignition lock in their vehicle prior to a trial, something that would be considered a mitigating factor and could result in a less severe sentence. Under state law, people convicted of multiple DWIs or a more severe drunk driving offense are already required to use an interlock.

“The main intent behind this bill is to give people an avenue to take accountability when they screw up or make mistakes,” Rep. Mike Schietzelt (R-Wake), the bill’s primary sponsor, said at a press conference, according to a story in the News and Observer. That language mirrors that used by Pitt and Clampitt when arguing in favor of pretrial CAM bracelet use.

Schietzelt’s bill passed last month in the House, 100-7 (Clampitt was one of the no votes), and awaits a vote in the Senate.

During her comments to Waynesville’s town council, Pitt subtly expressed frustration with state legislators who “seem to always proceed to make decisions without information,” something she addressed more directly when she spoke at a Haywood County Commission meeting June 24, when she was discussing the potential value of CAM bracelets.

“The change in conduct is what we’re looking for,” Pitt said. They’ve introduced a bill about pretrial ignition interlocks (in the General Assembly). Ignition interlocks are antiquated technology. They keep a car sober, but they do nothing to change the conduct of the person.”

Pitt and Oliver have a meeting with County Manager Bryant Morehead in the coming weeks to discuss what a program through the county may look like. Pitt told The Smoky Mountain news that on average, a CAM bracelet costs $75 to install and $12 per day. For a 120-day pretrial (Pitt said she’s hoping for 120 days, but Waynesville’s program is only 90 days per person) use period, that equates to $1,515 per person. She expects a pilot program would include 30-50 people, making the total spent by the county likely to fall between $45,000 and $76,000.

“We want to do this for one year and stop and look back and see how it did, see if this is a good use of taxpayer funds,” Pitt said.

Koonce receives ‘Heroic Hands’ award

Haywood County Emergency Management Officer

Zack Koonce has been named a 2025 recipient of the “Heroic Hands” Award, presented by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. The award recognizes outstanding public servants across the state who exemplify dedication, courage and commitment to their communities.

This year’s theme, “Heroic Hands: Celebrating Public Service,” reflects the award’s broader mission to highlight the value of careers in public service, encourage partnerships that support workforce training in local government and help create a stronger pipeline of qualified professionals to fill county roles across North Carolina.

Koonce’s selection reflects his steadfast commitment to public safety, emergency preparedness and community resilience. In his role with Haywood County Emergency Services, he plays a critical part in everything from long-range emergency planning and interagency coordination to community education and crisis response.  While his service spans many areas, Koonce’s leadership has been especially evident during major emergency events, including Tropical Storm Fred, Hurricane Helene, and the Rattlesnake Branch Wildfire. He plays a key role in coordinating emergency response efforts, organizing resources and ensuring that residents and first responders

have the information and support they need throughout a crisis.

“I’m truly honored to receive this recognition, but the work we do is never about one person,” said Zack Koonce. “It’s a team effort every single day, and I’m proud to serve

Emergency Services but also

ment like facilities and main-

nology, development servichuman services, and county

care deeply about the safety, well-being, and quality of life

“Zack Koonce exemplifies about,” said County Manager Bryant Morehead. “His impact can’t be measured by a single event — he is constantly working behind the scenes to make sure Haywood County is safe, prepared and supported. We are grateful to have him on our team, and I’m proud to see his contributions recognized at the state level.”

Through his work, Koonce embodies the spirit of Heroic Hands, showing what is possible when passion and public service intersect. His recognition highlights not just his personal efforts, but the vital role that emergency services professionals play in keeping North Carolina communities safe and resilient.

I-40 closed near state line

Heavy rains on the afternoon of June 18 led to a substantial rockslide on the Tennessee side of the state line that caused a closure of I-40 that officials believe will last until about July 4. The highway is closed at Exit 7 in Haywood County. The slide and associated flooding also necessitated swiftwater rescues, and some vehicles were abandoned on the scene. According to releases sent out from TDOT, while the damage is in an area that was impacted by Hurricane Helene in September of last year, damage from this slide will be easier to repair.

Needs survey available for Haywood business owners

Haywood County is reminding local business owners that the county’s tourism development authority is conducting a survey to assess recovery progress, current needs and ongoing challenges in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

“As we move further into the recovery from Tropical Storm Helene, your insights remain essential,” the TDA said in a release. “This follow-up survey will help Haywood County leaders better understand how businesses are progressing, what ongoing challenges remain, and where additional support is still needed.”

“Your responses will help us evaluate long-term recovery needs, economic impacts, and identify ways to strengthen future preparedness efforts,” the release adds. “While your personal information will remain confidential, aggregated results will be shared with recovery partners and community organizations to inform resource allocation and planning.”

The survey can be accessed at surveymonkey.com/r/QFDG9QF.

Haywood County’s Zack Koonce receives the award from Haywood County Commissioner Tommy Long.

Facebook photo

Jr. promotes dangerous vaccine misinformation

As a retired physician assistant who devoted a long career to public health in Macon County, I am deeply concerned by the misinformation about vaccines being spread by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his appointees.

Parents need and deserve clear, solid guidance about immunizations. They should rely first on their pediatricians and family practice providers. For those who want to take a deeper dive, an excellent place to start is the Vaccine Education Center, an online resource of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. (Not to be confused with the highly problematic “National Vaccine Information Center,” more about which below.)

From 1978 until my retirement in 2015, I served as communicable disease coordinator at the Macon County Health Department, leading the team responsible for preventing, investigating and controlling disease outbreaks. Over those 37 years I witnessed a decline in cases of vaccine-preventable diseases as childhood immunization rates increased and new vaccines were developed. My worry today is that the elevation to influential positions of persons opposed to sound vaccine policy could undo much of that progress.

A challenging but frequently gratifying part of my job was talking to parents who were reluctant to have their children vaccinated. These were conscientious, caring people who were trying to make the best decision for their children based on the information available to them. Unfortunately, there was

Thoughts on Jackson and the FRL issue

To the Editor:

I have just finished reviewing the comments and commissioner discussion from the June 3 Jackson commissioner meeting in regard to leaving the Fontana Regional Library system. I want to thank Mr. Letson for the position he stated. It is one that I agree with.

A couple of points struck me as ones that might be particularly important for these commissioners.

• The $500,000 additional cost Mr. King's preliminary analysis showed would be added to the budget if we leave the FRL.

• The preliminary analysis did not seem to include the one-time expenditure to reconstitute the library outside of the FRL, lawyer fees or the proposed professional budget analysis.

• The possibility of time and money that may be spent in a potential lawsuit. Yancey County residents have already retained a lawyer and will be filing a First Amendment lawsuit. I have no knowledge of anything like this happening here, but I would not be surprised if counties banded together to support this lawsuit.

• Micromanagement: I empathize with being made uncomfortable by certain passages in the couple of books that keep being flagged during meetings. Some of them make me uncomfortable, too. However, books and displays that promote social, religious, philosophical or political ideologies for kids that I disagree with actually make me equally uncomfortable. As citizens we will not all

then, just as there is today, a great deal of unreliable and misleading anti-vaccine misinformation that could look quite convincing to someone without a solid background in evaluating the scientific literature. I found that clear, respectfully given explanations of the known risks and benefits often convinced parents to go ahead with their children’s shots.

The bedrock references I relied on for vaccine information were the guidelines of CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The ACIP guidelines still form the foundation of immunization practice in the U.S. Medical providers can assure parents that the advice they give on children’s shots is trustworthy, based on a solid, up-todate, expert consensus.

In early June, Robert Kennedy struck a blow against that relationship of trust by abruptly dismissing all 17 members of ACIP. As of this writing, he has named eight replacements, several of whom have promoted false or misleading speculations about vaccine risks. Dr. Sean O’Leary, chair of the infectious disease committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics, calls this “an unmitigated public health disaster.”

I’ll give just one example of a potentially “disastrous” new ACIP appointment. Vicky Pebsworth is the Director of

LETTERS

agree, and sometimes we will not agree on issues that each of us might hold dear to our hearts as part of our moral compass.

• There is already a process that citizens can utilize to challenge books. I do not believe that it is within the purview of county officials to micromanage and/or take over that process, regardless of which political party is in control. It is a slippery slope (and perhaps not legal) to have governmental leaders intrude on appointed board or committee processes; it is a centralization of local governance that I am extremely uncomfortable with.

• The commissioners have indicated that the library has been unwilling to compromise. It has been difficult trace this argument. The public doesn’t actually know what "demands" have been made of the library since the 10-year FRL contract was signed in November 2024. Weren't the last two years of negotiations all about compromise? We are only about six months into that contract. What are these demands?

• Most importantly: I do not see in the "Statutory Roles And Responsibilities For NC County Commissioners And County Managers" any reference to the legal duty or ability of county commissioners to insert themselves into any of the specific decision making processes that any of the boards or committees they oversee utilize. I only see that they are responsible for the overall governance of the county and ensuring the efficient delivery of county services.

I expect the commissioners to take the limited scope of their responsibilities as elect-

Research and Patient Safety at a nonprofit that calls itself the National Vaccine Information Center. She believes that her son’s autism was caused by a vaccine. She was influenced to come to this conclusion by Andrew Wakefield, a British researcher who published in 1998 the first study purporting to show a link between measles vaccine and autism. The publicity around that article led to a sharp drop in measles vaccination in Great Britain and other countries, resulting in a series of measles outbreaks, with a number of child fatalities. Wakefield’s research was later proven to be fraudulent. His article was retracted, and he was stripped of his British medical license. He then moved to the U.S., where he became a hero of the anti-vaccine movement despite his history of fraud; the absence of any subsequent studies by him or anyone else confirming his debunked findings; and the strong research evidence disproving any link between autism and measles vaccine. Wakefield has called Vicky Pebsworth a “great friend.”

Vaccines save lives. Misinformation about vaccines, especially when spread by persons in positions of authority, can lead to deaths. There will be difficult times ahead for parents as they are confronted with confusing, conflicting messages. I urge people to trust their pediatricians and family health providers and to seek information from reliable sources, such as the Vaccine Education Center.

(Stan Polanski is a retired physician assistant who lives in Macon County.)

ed officials to heart. This is an expectation I have for all of my elected officials, regardless of where they fall on the political spectrum.

Teri Cole-Smith Whittier

Libraries shouldn’t choose ideologies

To the Editor:

As I read the article about “Jexit,” I found myself wondering about the word “ideology.”

In the article, proponents of taking the Jackson Country libraries out of the Fontana Regional Library system frequently used the term. Austin Frady, for example, is quoted as saying “Our public library in Jackson County should be a place where information is made available, but ideology is not promoted.”

Mathew Nations is quoted as saying, “By pushing an ideology upon our children through certain materials, they have no place in the library.” Both men are pastors. I looked up a good definition of ideology in the Merriam Webster dictionary: “a: a manner or the content of thinking characteristic of an individual, group, or culture; b: the integrated assertions, theories and aims that constitute a sociopolitical program; and c: a systematic body of concepts especially about human life or culture.” I paused to wonder whether anybody of integrated thought is an ideology. It is clear that the term applies equally to political and religious ideologies. All political groups (such as Democrats and Republicans) have a body of beliefs, aka ideologies. So do all religions.

In this sense, many materials in a library contain ideologies. Should a library pick and choose which ideologies to include and exclude? If it did, its information would become slanted toward one ideology over another. It’s unclear why Christian ideology should be preferred over “liberal” ideology. Should a library choose to exclude or restrict material some people call objectionable because it is said to promote a certain ideology, it would no longer be a library in the usual sense of the word. Instead, it would become tethered to an ideology it has chosen. It would no longer promote critical thinking but would adhere to a preset body of information. It would be like a business that sells only one brand. A real library does not seek to indoctrinate people but to present materials that help people make individual decisions. Otherwise, a kind of brainwashing comes about.

No library board should recommend that its library be circumscribed by the rules or values of one particular ideology. Withdrawing Jackson County from the FRL system would result in reducing its capability to inspire people to think for themselves. County libraries would lose their ability to promote critical thinking. It would be like putting handcuffs on the mind. If some patrons don’t wish their children to be exposed to a certain ideology, they should do the restricting themselves and not require a library to do it for them. This is America. America is not a theocracy but a place for the “demos,” the Greek word for all common people, to have a role in the society.

Ricks Carson Franklin

Guest Columnist

Stan Polanski

Four r th of July in the e Smokies

a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, July 4, in downtown.

The 32nd annual Bryson City Rotary Club “Firecracker 5k” will kick off at 8 a.m. The festival itself will open at 10 a.m. on Everett Street. There will also be two “Kids Fun Zones” with inflatables and fun sports. Fireworks at 10 p.m.

Live music will be presented by Granny’s Mason Jar from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (near the courthouse and visitor center), Shane Meade 13 p.m. (Everett Street Bridge), Corey Stevenson Band 4-6 p.m. (Railroad Square) and Pleasantly Wild 7-10 p.m. (Railroad Square).

For more information, visit greatsmokies.com/freedom-fest.

Canton

 The “July 4th +1” Independence Day celebration will be held on Saturday, July 5, in Sorrells Street Park in downtown.

Festivities begin at 6 p.m. Food trucks and vendors will be onsite. The Canton Splash Pad will also be open for the kids. Live DJ music. Free watermelons, provided by Crawford Ray Funeral Home. Fireworks at dusk, provided by Champion Credit Union. Free and open to the public.

For more information, visit cantonnc.com.

and more. The highlight will be a firework display at dusk. Rain or shine. Free and open to the public. Donations will be collected for a community fireworks fund to preserve the legacy of this cherished community celebration. For more information, visit villagegreencashiersnc.com.

Cherokee

 The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians annual “4th of July Powwow” will be held July 4-6 at the Acquoni Expo Center. The event features a three-day explosion of authentic Indian music, dancing, food and festivities.

 “4th of July Fireworks” will be held at 10 p.m. Saturday, July 5, at 1501 Acquoni Road. Join the community for an unforgettable evening of patriotic festivities as vibrant bursts of color dance overhead, illuminating the surrounding mountains. Free and open to the public.

For more information, visitcherokeenc.com/events.

Fontana Village

 “Freedom Fest at Fontana” will be held July 1-6.

Live music, food, games, parades, contests and more. Fireworks will be held at 10 p.m. Friday, July 4. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit fontanavillage.com/north-carolina-events.

Cashiers

 “Fireworks Extravaganza on The Green” will be held from 6:30-10 p.m. Thursday, July 3, at The Village Green at the crossroads.

Franklin

“Independence Day Parade & Celebration” will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 4, in downtown.

The parade will travel down Main Street and disband at First Citizens Bank. Following the parade, the Town of Franklin will be serving free cold watermelon as long as it lasts. As well, there will be free inflatables for kids, a water feature from Franklin Fire & Rescue and lots of great food and snacks. There will also be a “Little Mr. & Miss Firecracker” contest and “Patriotic Pet” contest.

 “Fireworks in the Park” will be held at

OODWARD NTERTAINMENT E DITOR

Nothing says summer more than the ourth of July with friends and family. And in Western North Carolina, we celebrate Independence Day with gusto. Between majestic fireworks, sizzling hot dogs and hamburgers, cotton candy, games, live music and craft demonstrations, there’s a little bit of everything for any and all.

So, grab your lawn chair, cooler, sunglasses, sunscreen, adventurous spirit and enjoy this special day and weekend — it’s all here

For more information, visit townoffranklinnc.com/july-4-parade-franklin-nc.

Hayesville

 “July 4th Parade & Freedom Festival” will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown. Parade at 10 a.m.

For more information, visit business.claychambernc.com/calendar.

Highlands

 “Independence Day Celebration” will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, July 4, in downtown.

There will be an array of community events throughout the day at the Town Ball Field starting at 9 a.m. A “Duck Derby” will also take place at 2 p.m. at the Bridge at Mill Creek. Live music by Diverse Groove from 6-8:30 p.m. at KelseyHutchinson Founders Park. Fireworks at 9 p.m. in downtown. Free and open to the public.

For more information, visit highlandschamber.org.

Lake Glenville

 “Fireworks Over the Lake” will be held at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 5, as seen from any vantage point on the water. As well, there will be the annual “4th of July Gala Boat Parade” starting at 8 p.m.

For more information, go to friendsoflakeglenville.com/events.

Lake Junaluska

 “Independence Day Celebration” will be held June 29 through July 6.

The annual celebration features a weekend of family-friendly fun — from concerts to fireworks to floating wish lanterns.

The holiday weekend will be full of activities, as well as time to soak up summer enjoying the lakeside swimming pool, a round of golf or mini golf, a cruise on the Cherokee IV pontoon boat or a canoe, kayak or paddleboard rental.

For more information,

visit lakejunaluska.com/july4th.

Maggie Valley

 “Backyard Fourth” will be held on Friday, July 4, at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Gates open at 6 p.m. Bring your blanket, chairs, picnic basket, bubbles, hula hoops, balls and yard games. Fireworks at dusk. Free and open to the public.

For more information, visit maggievalleync.gov/events/backyard-fourth-independence-day-2025.

Murphy

 “Hometown Celebration & Fireworks” will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, July 4, at Konehete Veterans Park.

Fishing derby, horseshoe tournament, peanut drop, field events, arts/crafts vendors, food trucks and more. Fireworks at dusk. Free and open to the public.

For more information, visit townofmurphync.com

Sylva

 “July 4 Fireworks & Festivities” will be held from 4-10 p.m. Friday, July 4, in downtown. Live music and other family-friendly activities. A performance by Gotcha Groove (classic rock/oldies) will be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Bridge Park Pavilion. Fireworks show will begin at 9:45 p.m. The fireworks will be visible from all over downtown Sylva. Free and open to the public.

For more information, visit discoverjacksonnc.com.

Waynesville

 The “Stars & Stripes Celebration” will be held on Friday, July 4, in downtown. Restaurants, breweries, shopping, galleries and cafes. Children’s patriotic parade at 11 a.m. Live music with the Haywood Community Band at the Historic Haywood County Courthouse at 2 p.m. Free and open to the public.

For more information, visit downtownwaynesville.com.

Cashiers. Nick Breedlove photo

This must be the place

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

‘Sounds you might hear when you’re opening up your window’

Hello from 34,000 feet. I’m currently on a United Express flight from Asheville to Denver, Colorado. Probably somewhere over Kansas at the moment. Who knows? What awaits me is another adventure, this time to the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. My first time there. Lifelong dream.

Since there’s no Wi-Fi on this particular flight, I have to resort to whatever is still left on my Apple iTunes, which was downloaded years (and years) ago. I’ve been streaming music for so long, I don’t even remember what’s on my iTunes. But, I was happily surprised to open my laptop and find a recording of That Toga Band from around 2006.

A long-gone trio, the jazz-fusion instrumental acoustic band was based out of Burlington, Vermont (right across Lake Champlain from where I grew up in Plattsburgh, New York). It featured one of my oldest friends, guitarist Tom Pearo, who I’ve known and loved like a brother since we first met in middle school up on the Canadian Border in the late 1990s.

cle, literally and figuratively, for yours truly to keep wandering and pondering. And The Smoky Mountain News remains my foundation by doing so, with this newspaper (and your support, dear readers and advertisers) keeping the lights on in my apartment, gas in the tank of my ole pickup truck, and a plentiful supply of Coors Light in the small fridge in the small kitchen in the small apartment I call my own in Waynesville.

That Toga Band echoes into the head-

This go-round is an active trek back out to the West, an assignment with a deadline looming in the coming days. One where I’ll have to file my story probably before the hotel kicks me out at 11 a.m. on Monday, in the fleeting minutes before the shuttle brings me to the Montrose, Colorado, airport, onward back to my humble abode Carolina home. This is also the first trip back to the Rocky Mountains since she and I broke up. The West was always something we loved and shared together. Before we met, I had extensively traversed the Rockies. She’d really only been to Colorado. So, for the better part of the two years we were together, we’d bolt for the West whenever we could, mostly aligned with whatever Rolling Stone assignment I had out here.

Visions of our times in the West. Boulder, Colorado, with old friends of mine. Eating barbecue in Eastern Idaho at the same spot I used to inhabit when I was a rookie reporter for the Teton Valley News in 2008. Swimming in that river in middle of nowhere Montana. Long drives along the highways and backroads of South Dakota, North Dakota, etc. Oh, and that night we spent gazing up at the stars on a Utah ski slope.

Ah, the absolute power and surreal nature of music, eh? I remember seeing That Toga Band when I would be home for Christmas break of summer vacation while in college in Connecticut. Tom and his bandmates went to the University of Vermont in Burlington. Thus, we’d reconnect at whatever random pizza joint or dive bar they were playing.

It’s wild and weird to hear these live melodies that were captured almost 20 years ago, most likely at Manhattan Pizza in the heart of Burlington. It’s where the UVM students usually hangout, and where Tom worked back in the day. We’d get free cold cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon or a slice of pizza snuck over to us whenever we’d wander in.

I was 21 years old in those days of cheap domestic beer and greasy pizza. Now, at age 40, those days don’t seem that far away. Sometimes it feels like it was just yesterday. And yet, when I reflect, as I sip a Stella Artois in my economy seat on this United flight, it dawns on me that, that was almost half-a-lifetime ago based on my current age.

Here I sit, in this chair in the bluebird sky, hurtling through the clouds from the mountains of Southern Appalachian to the mountains of the Western prairie. For the last 13 years, I’ve called Western North Carolina my home. And, within that time period thus far, I’ve wandered and pondered the vast majority of this country, even more so when I was a writer looking for gainful employment in my early 20s.

The written word has provided the vehi-

ered up by the sands of times, now crystalized in the form of an mp3 on iTunes. Where does the time go? Where did they all go? And what happened to all of us along the way, that continued journey of enlightenment, the quest for love and truth and finding solace within that has now reached the ledge of middle age?

And as I mentally prepare myself for rolling into Telluride this weekend, the inevitable serene chaos of people, places, and things, all under the banner of live music and fellowship, I can’t help but think of the last eight months. So much change, physically and emotionally, and here I am, still here and still willing to push forward, head held high.

This weekend will be, in essence, my first venture out into this big ole world since work burnout last summer, since the flood last fall, since the breakup (with her) last winter, since I started therapy. I already made note of this in last week’s column. But, no matter, for stream of consciousness resides at the core of this section of the newspaper.

And sure, I did venture up to my native North Country of Upstate New York for my 40th birthday in February to spend it with my parents, even though it was below zero and snowing most of the time (splendid nonetheless, especially in front of the farmhouse woodstove).

And yes, I did head for St. Augustine, Florida, in March to get some sun and put my toes in the sand all in the name of reclaiming my sanity for a hot minute. But, there was an utter fog within my mind, my heart hurting amid every mile driven, every jog taken through heavy snow in the woods or trot down some sandy beach.

I now fly solo this afternoon. Back out in the high desert prairie of adventure, of legend and of lore. Alone, but more so in the name of solitude than in name of loneliness. I’m curious as to what I may encounter on this trip, curious as to where I might find myself, and who I may befriend along the way. Thoughts race once again to the endless, unknown possibilities of the Universe when you wander.

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

HOT PICKS

1

“Concerts on the Creek” music series will host Darren Nicholson Band (Americana/bluegrass) at 7 p.m. Friday, June 27, at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva.

2

A stage production of “Ripcord” will be held at 7:30 p.m. June 27-28, July 4-5, 10-12 and 2 p.m June 29, July 6 and 13 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

3

“Mountain Street Dance” will be held from 6:30-9 p.m Friday, June 27, in front of the historic courthouse in downtown Waynesville.

4

“Stecoah Arts & Crafts DriveAbout Tour” will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 27-28 at featured studios in Bryson City, Stecoah and Robbinsville.

5

Mountain Artisans “Summertime” Arts & Crafts Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 2728 in the Ramsey Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.

if interested please call

Somewhere in Montana. Garret K. Woodward photo

On the beat

The Brothers Gillespie will play Waynesville July 5. File photo

Ready for the ‘Great American Bash’?

The second annual “Great American Bash” will feature Americana/rock sensation The Brothers Gillespie and The Borrowed Band (country/western) on Saturday, July 5, in the parking lot of The Scotsman, located at 37 Church Street in downtown Waynesville.

Doors open at 4 p.m. Music kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with The Borrowed Band, with The Brothers Gillespie hitting the stage at 7:30 p.m. A special after-party will follow inside The Scotsman at 9:30 p.m. (the after-party is free).

Tickets for the GAB are $15. VIP tickets are also available for $35, which includes one (1) drink and one (1) meal. The VIP meal will be a specific offering from The Scotsman for the event itself. The VIP entry includes an exclusive bar and bathroom.

This is an all ages outside event. Rain or shine. Ticket sales are final. Parking is free and located on the streets surrounding The Scotsman.

Full bar service available (nonalcoholic and alcoholic

Haywood Community Band ‘American Salute’

With a theme of “American Salute,” the next Haywood Community Band concert will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 29, outside of the Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska.

In an effort to increase its audience, the HCB is doing a “Save a Seat” initiative, where patrons are asked to bring a friend and enjoy the music.

All shows are free and open to the public. The HCB is a beloved nonprofit organization, one where donations collected at the concerts go to support band camp and college scholarships for young Haywood County musicians.

For more information and/or a full schedule of upcoming HCB performances, please visit haywoodcommunityband.com.

• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host Rick Yates June 28. 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, Trusty Hucksters Band June 28 and In Flight July 12. 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.

• Bryson City Brewing (Bryson City) will host Second Chance July 5. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0085 / brysoncitybrewing.com.

• Cataloochee Ranch (Maggie Valley) will host A. Lee Edwards (Americana/indie-folk) June 25 and July 2 and Darren Nicholson Band (Americana/bluegrass) 11 a.m. July 4. All shows begin at 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For tickets and reservations, visit cataloocheeranch.com/ranch-events/live-music.

drinks for purchase). Food by The Scotsman available (food for purchase). Must be over 21 and have a valid ID to purchase alcohol. If you are caught with outside alcohol or drugs of any kind, you will be asked to leave with no refund.

To note, children ages 12 and under are admitted free. Strollers and camping chairs are allowed. However, camping chairs must be placed in the rear section of the viewing area. No outside food or drink. Bags and purses are subject to search. No weapons. No animals (except for service animals).

Tickets will be available for purchase at the door throughout the event. Reentry is also permitted, but patrons must be wearing their admission bracelet at all times during the event to do so.

For more information and/or to purchase tickets online, visit gab2withthebrothersgillespie.eventbrite.com.

Bryson City community jam

A community jam will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 3, 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 musi-

cians of all ages and levels of ability to share music they have learned over the years or learn old-time mountain songs. The music jams are offered to the public each first and third Thursday of the month — spring, summer, fall. This program received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment of the Arts.

For more information, call 828.488.3030.

• 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 and members. 866.526.8008 / oldedwardshospitality.com/orchard-sessions.

• First United Methodist Church (Franklin) will host the Mountain Voices Community Chorus “Celebrating the Decades” concert at 7 p.m. June 26. Free and open to the public. Donations accepted. 828.524.3644.

• 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.

• Friday Night Live Concert Series (Highlands) will host Spare Parts (Americana/bluegrass) June 27 and Nitrograss (Americana/bluegrass) July 11. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. highlandschamber.org.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host

• Concerts On The Creek (Sylva) will host Darren Nicholson Band (Americana/bluegrass) June 27 and Gotcha Groove Band July 4. 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.

“Jazz On The Level” 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, The Fustics June 27, Tricia Ann Band (rock/country) June 28 and Paul Edelman (singer-songwriter) 3 p.m. June 29. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 / froglevelbrewing.com.

• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host “Night 4: The Memories II” 7 p.m. June 29. For tickets, visit caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.

• High Country Wine & Provisions (Highlands) will host David Crisp (singer-songwriter) June 27. Both shows begin at 5 p.m. 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 (singer-songwriter) 1-3 p.m. Saturdays, “Bluegrass Brunch” 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sundays (free) and the “Salon Series” with Fancy Hagood (singer-songwriter) 8:30 p.m. June 27 (tickets are $39.19 per person, tax included). 828.526.2590 / highlandermountainhouse.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host “Monday Night Trivia” every week, “Open Mic with Phil” on Wednesdays and Bird In Hand (Americana/folk) 6 p.m. July 4. All shows and events begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise

noted. Free and open to the public. 828.586.9678/ innovation-brewing.com.

• 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.

• John C. Campbell Folk School (Brasstown) will host a “Community Jam” 7 p.m. Thursdays (at the nearby Crown Restaurant) and semi-regular live music throughout the week on its campus. 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 Grizzly Mammoth (rock/jam) June 28. 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 Scott Stambaugh (Americana) June 27. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. 828.349.2337 / lazyhikerbrewing.com.

Blow the tannery whistle

BY GARY CARDEN · S PECIAL TO SMN

Please butt out

At this point, I would like to tell you about my great-great grandfather, Bryant Carden, who joined the Confederacy. Bryant was known for writing wonderful letters in calligraphy, and the illustration below, of a bird in flight, is an example.

When he later wrote about the day he enlisted, he was living in Macon County, married with a two-year old son and had a small farm.

On that day, he said that he had gone to Franklin to buy supplies and encountered a crowd of people and a recruiter who was giving a speech asking for volunteers to join the Confederacy.

Bryant later noted that the recruiter did not mention slavery as an issue in the impending war but talked about “state rights that were in conflict with federal law.”

Infantry Regiment where he participated in a series skirmishes and battles, including Second Manassas.

Thousands of men died in these encounters, and Bryant participated in some of the most brutal fighting of the war. The excessive violence of these battles had a significant effect on Bryant — certainly by the time

Guard became more demanding of the farms in the region and had even resorted to violence, taking farm animals and frequently raiding smokehouses.

The Home Guard found Bryant in the field plowing and when he resisted their seizure of his mule, the leader promptly shot Bryant in the face.

He died immediately, and his body was dragged to his front yard and hanged.

Prior to riding away, they cut Bryant’s body down and threw it on the front porch of his home.

When Bryant’s wife realized what was happening, she ran into the woods, looking for help, and left an infant son on the porch.

“Don’t you find that letter wondrous strange?” she said.

I agreed that it was so. Then, she reached and pulled me to her and folded Bryant’s letter and placed it inside my shirt.

“I have been thinking about giving that letter to somebody, and I have decided to give it to you,” she said. “Don’t you forget what they did to Bryant.”

Now, finally, let me say something about that little gray soldier on the courthouse steps.

I would like to think that he honors Bryant Carden. I am a storyteller, and I am proud of Bryant. I have known ever since I read the Iliad and the Odyssey, that there are people who fought with courage on both sides of every major conflict. Perhaps he went to the induction center as he thought he thought it would be an adventure but, he served with honor and distinction. So did 160 other veterans. When he fell in that cornfield, he was an honored victim of that war.

Later, he was told that the recruiter had been told to emphasize the impending conflict in this manner if we were talking to potential inductees in a region that had few slaves. In fact, Bryant said that several weeks later when he was marching through Virginia, he saw his first slaves.

Further, his recruiter indicated that it would probably be a brief conflict and that the Confederate soldiers would be home “by Christmas” with a Confederate uniform and a rifle.

At any rate, Bryant and a number of his friends enlisted. I have always felt that Bryant perceived the impending conflict as an adventure; Brant was trained in Raleigh and was immediately assigned to the 16th

he lost his arm at Seven Pines and ended up in a hospital which was captured by Union troops where Bryant became a prisoner with dysentery until March 8, 1863, when he was exchanged for a Union prisoner and was officially discharged.

When Bryant returned home, he spent a harsh winter attempting to fix his plow so he could plow his fields in the spring. It was at this point in 1864 that he was visited by the Home Guard.

The purpose of the Home Guard was to collect food and supplies for the Confederate forces. In fact, a law had been passed that required the people living in Macon County to provide 10% of their food and animals to the Home Guard. Over the years, the Home

Help was about ten miles away and she didn’t return until the next day. The terrified child was found in the “chimney corner” in the house.

My great-grandmother told me that the child would become her husband, but she said that he was a man who rarely laughed. He became a photographer and she said that the trunk under her bed contained hundreds of photographs of the people living in Cowee. Then, she picked up the last letter that Bryant wrote and asked me to read the sentence near the end of the letter.

“It is beginning to rain and I must stop writing now.”

I noticed that the letter was covered with blurred spots where the raindrops had fallen.

www.ThePrintHaus.com

Some of my best friends are “missionaries.” They are all often filled with an energy that prompts them to devote their time and hard work to activities that enrich our community. But when we have issues that deal with our past — and it is “our” past, it is not the past that you brought with you when you came here — please butt out. (Born in 1935, Gary Carden is one of Southern Appalachia’s most revered literary figures, earning significant recognition for his books and plays over decades — including the Book of the Year Award from the Appalachian Writers Association in 2001, the Brown Hudson Award for Folklore in 2006 and the North Carolina Arts Council Award for Literature in 2012. Carden also holds an honorary doctorate from Western Carolina University for his work in storytelling and folklore. His 2024 book, “Stories I lived to tell,” is available at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva, or online through uncpress.org.)

More a sketch than a signature, Bryant Carden’s intricate calligraphy remains one of his great-great grandson Gary Carden’s prized possessions. Gary Carden photo

‘An Appalachian Evening’

The “An Appalachian Evening” series will continue with a performance by The Jeff Little Trio at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28, in Lynn L. Shields Auditorium at the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville.

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.

The piano rarely plays a prominent part in Appalachian or Americana music and is seldom the lead instrument. Jeff Little is an exception — and a remarkable one.

His distinctive two-handed style, much influenced by the mountain flat-picked guitar tradition, is breathtaking in its speed, precision and clarity. In 2014, Little was inducted into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame.

Tickets are $25 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.

‘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.

An acclaimed Americana/bluegrass outfit, the Darren Nicholson Band will hit the stage at 7 p.m. Friday, June 27, at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva.

A Grammy-nominee and winner of 13 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards, Nicholson has taken his own brand of mountain music around the world.

A regular for years on the Grand Ole Opry and a founding member of acclaimed bluegrass group Balsam Range, Nicholson now spends his time recording, writing new songs and performing as a solo act.

“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.

• 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.

• Meadowlark Motel (Maggie Valley) will host a “Bluegrass Jam” 5-7 p.m. Sundays, Ramblin’ Ricky Tatte (Americana/folk) June 19, Len Graham (Americana) June 21, Amos Jackson (soul/funk) June 26, Stomper Kitty (Americana/rock) June 28 and Woolybooger (blues/folk) July 3. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.926.1717 / meadowlarkmotel.com.

• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host “Open Mic Night” with Frank Lee every Thursday, Bird In Hand (Americana/folk) 6 p.m. June 28 and Mountain Gypsy (Americana) 5 p.m. June 29. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 / mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.

• Nantahala Outdoor Center (Nantahala Gorge) will host River Pickin’ 5 p.m. June 27, Somebody’s Child (Americana) 3 p.m. June 28, Asheville Junction 5 p.m. June 28, Blue (Americana/blues) 2 p.m. June 29, Ryan B. Jazz Trio 2 p.m. July 4, The Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs 5 p.m. July 4, Holler & Crow 2 p.m. July 5, Dirty French Broads 5 p.m. July 5 and Blue (Americana/blues) 2 p.m. July 6. Free and open to the public. 828.785.5082 / noc.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 “Songwriters Showcase 54” 7:30 p.m. June 28. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, 828.389.ARTS / thepeacocknc.org.

• Pickin’ On The Square (Franklin) will host Tugalo Holler (bluegrass) June 28 and 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.

• 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 Ernest Collins (singer-songwriter) June 28. 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 Rene Russell (singer-songwriter) June 27. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.926.9105 / facebook.com/saltydogs2005.

• Scotsman (Waynesville) will host Kid Billy (indie/folk) June 27, Celtic Road Jam (Celtic/world) 4 p.m. June 27, Gavin Byrd (Americana/rock) June 27, Hannah & Madge (pop/duo) July 3 and “Great American Bash” with The Brothers Gillespie (Americana/indie) and The Borrowed Band (country/western) 4:30-9:30 p.m. July 5 (tickets are $15 general admission, $35 VIP). 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 Harvest String Duo 6 p.m. June 27, Jamie Hite 5 p.m. June 28 and Jamie Rasso 4 p.m. June 29. 828.276.9463 / slantedwindow.com.

• Trailborn (Highlands) will host its “Carolina Concert Series” with Juan (indie/soul) June 26 and David Cheatham (Americana/bluegrass) July 10. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.482.1581 or trailborn.com/highlands.

• Valley Cigar & Wine Co. (Waynesville) will host Amos Jackson (soul/funk) 6 p.m. June 27 and Watkins (Americana/folk) 2 p.m. June 29. 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, Flash Bang Mafia 6 p.m. June 27, Tricia Ann Band (rock/country) 4 p.m. June 29 and Contagious 4 p.m. July 6. All shows and events begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.926.7440 / valley-tavern.com.

• Vineyard At High Holly (Scaly Mountain) will host Rail Town (Americana) June 29 and Monica Spears July 6. All shows begin at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.482.5573 / thevineyardathighholly.com.

• Western Carolina Brew & Wine (Highlands) will host live music 4-6 p.m. Saturdays, “Music Bingo” 6-8 p.m. Saturdays and Breeze Cable (singer-songwriter) 2 p.m. June 28. 828.342.6707 / wcbrewandwine.com.

• Whiteside Brewing (Cashiers) will host Seth & Sara (Americana) June 27, Spare Parts (Americana/bluegrass) June 28, Modern Mammals (Americana/indie) July 4 and The Shortoff Mountain Boys (Americana/bluegrass) July 5. 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 Alexa Rose & Josh Oliver (Americana/folk) 4 p.m. June 29. Family/dog friendly. 828.200.2169 / eatrealfoodinc.com.

• Find more at smokymountainnews.com/arts

• Saturdays On Pine Concert Series (Highlands) will host Shane Meade & The Sound (Americana/soul) July 12. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. highlandschamber.org.

Darren Nicholson will play Sylva June 27. File photo

Jeff Little Trio will play Stecoah June 28. File photo

HART presents ‘Ripcord’

‘Ripcord’ will run at HART on select dates. Donated photo

A special stage production of “Ripcord” will be held at 7:30 p.m. June 27-28, July 4-5, 1012 and 2 p.m. June 29, July 6 and 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. 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.

• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host comedy legend Jeff Foxworthy at 9 p.m. Friday, June 27. For tickets, visit caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.

• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” 7 p.m. June 27-28. smokymountainarts.com / 866.273.4615.

• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host a production of “Treasure Island” at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 28. 828.369.4080 / coweeschool.org/music.

On the wall

• “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.

ALSO:

• “Form” is the latest exhibit on display at the Haywood County Arts Council in downtown Waynesville. For more information about the showcase and/or other events at the HCAC, visit haywoodarts.org.

• WNC Paint Events will host painting sessions throughout the region on select dates. For more information and/or to sign up, visit wncpaint.events.

• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host “ArtWorks” at 1 p.m. every second Thursday of the month. Come create your own masterpiece. The materials for art works are supplied and participants are welcome to bring ideas and supplies to share. 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. Workshops will include art journaling, watercoloring, mixed media, acrylic painting and more.

828.283.0523 / cre828.com.

• Gallery Zella (Bryson City) will be hosting an array of artist receptions, exhibits and showcases. 517.881.0959 / galleryzella.com.

• 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 welcomes photographers of all skill levels to share ideas and images at the monthly meetings. waynesvillephotoclub@charter.net.

• 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/scc-locations/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.

On the

Mountain Artisans showcase

The 36th annual Mountain Artisans “Summertime“ Arts & Crafts Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 27-28 in the Ramsey Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.

Dozens of local artisans will be onsite. The featured artist is Jan Kleinrath. Admission is $5 for adults with children under 12 free. Concessions available and free convenient parking.

For more information, visit mountainartisans.net.

Waynesville art walk, live music

A cherished gathering of locals and visitors alike, “Art After Dark” will continue its 2025 season from 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 4, in downtown Waynesville.

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

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit downtownwaynesville.com.

Jo Ridge Kelley is a featured artisan at ‘Art After Dark.’ File photo

‘Thunder in the Smokies’

The annual “Thunder in the Smokies” summer motorcycle rally will be held June 27-29 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds.

The oldest and largest motorcycle rally in the Great Smoky Mountains, the weekend celebration will feature live music, dozens of vendors, motorcycle shows/games, prizes and much more.

For more information, a full schedule of events and/or to purchase tickets, visit thunderinthesmokies.com.

• Sweet Corn Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 5-6 at Darnell Farms in Bryson City. Food trucks, live music, vendors, bounce houses, kids’ activities, corn eating contests and more. For more information, visit darnellfarms.com.

• “Farmers & Artisans Market” will be every

Dancing in the streets

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.

The “Mountain Street Dance” will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, June 27, in front of the historic courthouse in downtown Waynesville.

Swing, stomp, and spin along with our mountain community at Waynesville’s summer street dances, a cherished tradition brimming with Haywood hospitality. Dance your way into the over 100-year history of families gathering to watch traditional dance teams and listen to live bluegrass. Participation encouraged. Free to attend. For more information, visit downtownwaynesville.com.

Stecoah Drive-About Tour

The annual “Stecoah Arts & Crafts Drive-About Tour” will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 27-28 at featured studios in Bryson City, Stecoah and Robbinsville.

With their studios open to the public, the self-guided driving tour highlights artisans who have built a livelihood with their creative talents. Media include pottery, beeswax lanterns and pillar candles, original paintings/drawings, fiber, quilts, photography, honey, mead and more.

The tour includes: Wehrloom Honey & Meadery, Marie’s Lavender Farm, The Shed Gallery, Junk N’ Style, Stecoah Artisans Gallery, The Village Merchant, Doodad Mosaics & Glass, Sharla Kauffman Pottery and Gallery Zella.

For more information, 828.479.3364 or stecoahvalleycenter.com.

Street dances return to Waynesville June 27. File photo

Marie’s Lavender Farm. File photo

‘Thunder in the Smokies.’ File photo

Love, Dante, and a wild goose chase

Ihave always been a sucker for a good love story, so when I was told that J. M. Coetzee — who has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature — had a new novel and that it was a love story (“The Pole,” W. Norton & Co., 2023), I was all in.

From the very beginning, the book is written in sparse, straightforward prose with six chapters and numbered short sections that is an intentional mirror of the format of Dante’s “Divine Comedy” and works wonders for this particular storyline as a post-modern literary technique. Inside a great cover featuring the keys of a piano, Coetzee tells the story of an aging, internationally renowned concert pianist, who at a post-performance party in Barcelona spies a younger woman, is immediately smitten, and off we go on what seems for the majority of the book like a wild goose chase with Witold (the 72-yearold Polish pianist and hence the book’s title “the Pole”) pursuing Beatriz (who is beautiful, in her 40s and married) from all corners of the planet in letters and emails, gifts and poems.

From the beginning, Beatriz is having none of it and keeps him at armslength, seemingly disinterested in his designs and tactics.

None of us is ‘meant,’ whatever the word means. Yours, Beatriz.” But Witold is relentless in his pursuit, and soon we begin to see her starting to appreciate his attention — which she isn’t getting from her philandering husband.

For the better part of the book, the back and forth between Beatriz and Witold becomes a kind of emotional battle, with Beatriz limiting any passion by paralyzing her emotions, while Witold bombards her with messages pronouncing his affection for her as a form of “higher love.” To do this, he draws on Dante’s semi-autobiographical book “La Vita Nuova” and Dante’s love for

“Dear Witold, I trust that your concert in Berlin went well. I have been reflecting on our last conversation, wondering how on earth you came to the conclusion that I am the embodiment of peace. I embody neither peace nor anything else. The fact is, you know nothing of who or what I am. Your path crossed mine by the purest of chance. There was no design behind it. I was not meant for you, as you seem to think. I was not ‘meant’ for anyone.

ing desperation. She continues to resist, including an invitation to come with him to Brazil for a concert and short vacation. Finally, something in her gives way and she invites him to join her for a week in her husband’s former family home in Mallorca, Spain, and with the husband’s permission. “When he comes to Soller he can share her domestic routines. He can accompany her to the supermarket and help carry the groceries. He can dredge leaves out of the swimming pool. There is a piano in one of the spare rooms, an old upright: he can fix it up and play for her. By the end of the week his romantic fantasies will have gone up in smoke. He will have seen her as she truly is. He can then return to his native land a sadder and a wiser man.”

his own real life Beatrice, portrayed as a main character and used here in Coetzee’s book as a metaphor for Witold’s love for Beatriz, which is in some ways reminiscent of a teenage crush and, at the same time, an exalted spiritual love. He sends her his celebrated recordings of the music of Chopin, thinking that maybe his music will speak louder than his words of longing and seem-

It is from the Mallorcan triste that the story takes its upward turn with the two of them relating face to face rather than via virtual conversation. Witold and Beatriz spend a week together in formal and sometimes intimate company and then Witold returns to Poland and Beatriz to Barcelona. After what was to be their forever and final goodbyes, time passes and eventually Beatriz gets a phone call from Witold’s daughter telling her that Witold has died and that he has left a box in his apartment for her in conjunction with his will. Here, our story takes another turn as Beatriz tries to reconsider Witold’s love as Coetzee takes us delicately through her process of re-evaluation and acceptance. In the end, Beatriz travels to Poland. There is an 82-page poem that Witold has written to Beatriz in the aforementioned box. “As for me, I had no luck,/came too late, lived too far away/had only her image to close my eyes on/poor fluttering little thing in the chambers of memory.” Coetzee finishes his captivating love story with what can only be called a wonderful literary conclusion, and what I have always referred to as a “French ending” — generously allowing the reader to provide their own personally-preferred denouement. (Thomas Crowe is the author of the award-winning memoir “Zoro’s Field: My Life in the Appalachian Woods” and publisher of New Native Press. He lives in Jackson County.)

Writer

Thomas Crowe

Paddlers converge on WNC

planner.

The “Week of Rivers,” hosted by the Carolina Canoe Club, founded in 1969, welcomes kayakers, rafters, canoers and anyone else who loves paddling to Western North Carolina. The event, which Womble said has something to offer for paddlers of all levels, from beginner to expert and even those who just want to find some stuff to do while their loved ones hit the rapids and rivers.

Womble, who moved to Swain County with his wife in

what makes it stand out against some other areas like the Pacific Northwest is the consistency of water levels due to the number of dams on the rivers.

“On any given day, you pretty much know what you’re gonna get down here in the southeast,” he said.

This year, the event will run from June 28 to July 6, and out-of-town guests have been invited to stay at Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground in Swain County. Return visitors are likely to notice that many of the rivers have noticeably changed, Womble said. Some are partially closed, including the Nolichucky River, which according to the Carolina Canoe Club website is a “major construction area” and it is not recommended to try to paddle.

A board is set up at camp to keep track of events and river levels. From carolinacanoeclub.org

Still, Womble is quick to point out that there are plenty of other areas to paddle. For novice and intermediate paddlers, he recommends gentler rivers like French Broad or Ocoee while more advanced paddlers may enjoy the Nantahala. At camp, there is a large board that features different rivers and runs, how far they are from camp, difficulty level and river status. Of course, even with all the dams in the area, much of this is still dependent on how much precipitation falls from day to day.

Along with paddling, folks who turn out for the Week of Rivers will have opportunities to enjoy additional activities

such as live music, clinics to hone skills, meetings, social events and guest speakers, including a person who paddled all the way from the Little Tennessee River to the Gulf of Mexico. This is a good thing for weary paddlers. Womble said that usually as the nine-day event goes on, many find that all the energy they arrived with is expended early, leaving a lot of folks sore, tired and ready to relax.

“It’s just a lot of fun to do these activities with the people, and we want to make it worth their while. We have folks that come in from Texas, so we make sure everyone’s entertained,” Womble said. “We have our activities scheduled, plenty of activities, and you’ve got 10 or 15 trips going to different places and people can start organizing their own trips based on water levels.”

There is also the option for people to visit near-

Paddlers take on the Nolichucky River. John McDonald photo

Folks celebrate as they put into the Tuckasegee River Tom Womble photo

NC is drought-free for the first time

since October 2024

North Carolina is drought-free in the latest advisory issued Thursday by the North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC), marking the first time since Oct. 15 that the state has been free of drought or abnormally dry conditions.

“Due the drought’s timing in winter and spring, impacts were limited, since it occurred at a time when water demands are typically lower,” said Klaus Albertin, chair of the DMAC. “Reservoir operators were able to control releases to keep water levels near target. There were some limited report impacts to agriculture. We did see an active wildfire season amid the drought and dry conditions.”

The dry conditions were felt across the state in that time period, with the largest rainfall deficits occurring in the period in the coastal plain. Between October and mid-April, Wilmington had a nearly 15-inch rainfall deficit compared to the 30-year average for the same time period, according to the North Carolina State Climate Office.

However, a band of storms brought signifi-

cant rain and localized flooding to eastern North Carolina. According to the North Carolina State Climate Office, multiple heavy rain events so far this month have Elizabeth City on pace for its wettest June on record, with 6.52 inches through June 17. Between June 15-16, Greenville had a two-day total of 6.71 inches, which was its wettest two-day period since Hurricane Florence in 2018.

“The dryness that began in October of 2024 began tapering off in March and regular, sometimes heavy, rain since then has brought streamflow, reservoir levels, and soil conditions back to normal,” Albertin said. “We shifted out of the La Niña pattern, which allowed regular cold fronts to come through, along with heavy rains.”

Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation expands efforts to enhance tourism economy

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has secured a three-year, $750,000 grant from the Dogwood Health Trust to support regional strategies to advance tourism and related economic development. The grant activities will benefit workers and businesses in numerous gateway communities along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.

An American Conservation Experience crew clears overgrown vegetation from a trail at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. File photo

The Dogwood Health Trust grant will help implement economic development strategies outlined in the Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan, created with the input of hundreds of community leaders in the counties that neighbor the national park.

Blue Ridge Rising marks the first time in the national park’s history that these counties are working together to implement travel, tourism, and related economic development strategies that will have wide-ranging benefits throughout the Parkway corridor. The initiative earned the Public Lands Alliance’s 2025 Outstanding Public Engagement Award.

The Dogwood Health Trust grant will also help provide a portion of the nearly $4.3 million in matching funds required for a related $5.13 million grant to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation from the Appalachian Regional Commission.

by towns that each have something different to offer, including unique shopping and dining options. The return of the Week of Rivers is a boon for the local outdoors recreation economy, which took a hit with Helene and created a ripple effect that hurt many businesses frequented by folks who come from out of town looking to hit the trails and rivers.

Of course, there’s always something extra special planned for the Week of Rivers — the “flagship event” known as “Pirates of the

Tuckasegee.”

“It’s basically a huge water gun fight all the way down the Tuckasegee Gorge with kids, and they can dress up as pirates,” Womble said. “It’s a great event for families.”

There is no registration required for the Week of Rivers; however, to participate, individuals must be paid members of the Carolina Canoe Club. For more information, visit carolinacanoeclub.org/content/weekrivers.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) has awarded more than $1.1 million in grants to support stream restoration, water-based recreation and water management projects across North Carolina.

The total included $768,950 in grants awarded to seven local governments through the Water Resources Development Grant program state and local projects fund. In addition, DWR awarded another $350,880 to support two stream restoration projects on agricultural lands through a costsharing program with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

“These grants will enable communities across the state to enhance access to water recreation and to help reduce flooding and the negative impacts of stormwater runoff,” said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. “Several of these projects will help improve and restore waterways in western North Carolina communities heavily damaged by Hurricane Helene.”

The grant awards can be used for stormwater control measures, including for drainage and flood control; stream restoration projects, including shoreline stabilization and dam or aquatic barrier removals; and to boost access to water-based recreation resources through construction of greenways near waterways, park development or water access sites. Additionally, this program provides grants for feasibility studies that support these three eligible categories of projects.

In The Smoky Mountain News coverage area, Macon County’s soil and water conservation district was awarded $197,000 for stream restoration.

The grants were provided through the Water Resources Development Grant Program, which awards cost-sharing grants of up to 50% in two categories: state and local projects, which are cost-shared with local governments, and projects on agricultural lands that are cost-shared with EQIP. The awards are for applications submitted in the fall 2024 cycle.

There are two grant application cycles per year. The current spring 2025 application cycle ends June 30, while the fall cycle will begin July 1 and end Dec. 31.

For more information, contact Amin Davis, grant manager, by email at amin.davis@deq.nc.gov.

“People stop me to tell me that are

“Who’s my dentist? Dr. John Highsmith.” 828.634.7813

From porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges to facelift dentures and dental implants, Dr. Highsmith can transform the appearance and restore the health of your smile.

It’s a smile that people will notice. But more importantly, it’s a smile that will help you look and feel your very best.

All restorations and lab work by North Carolina’s only AACD accredited lab technician. 828.634.7813

File photo

-Highland Games set to return to Grandfather Mountain’s

MacRae Meadows

The long and storied tradition that is the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games returns to MacRae Meadows on Thursday, July 10, continuing through Sunday, July 13.

This marks the 69th year for the beloved and historic celebration of Scottish ancestry and heritage, with the popular festival once again bringing a “wee bit o’ Scotland” to the High Country of North Carolina.

Throughout the weekend of events, guests can take in the awe-inspiring spectacle of traditional Scottish athletic competitions, which includes Scottish heavy athletics, track and field competitions, Highland wrestling and more.

Additionally, guests can enjoy signature Scottish cuisine, cultural enrichments, traditional and contemporary Scottish music, dancing competitions, the Parade of Tartans and the ever-popular sheep dog herding demonstration. The Highland Games offer a unique experience for the whole family that guests will enjoy regardless of their lineage.

Operated and organized by Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, Inc., the festivities begin Thursday, July 10, with border collie sheepherding demonstrations and Celtic entertainment.

This year, 109 clans will be represented on the field, as well

State launches ‘Beat the Heat’ campaign

The summer heat is here. Labor Commissioner Luke Farley and the N.C. Department of Labor are reminding employers and workers alike to take simple, effec-

The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games return to MacRae Meadows.

This marks the 69th year for the beloved and historic celebration of Scottish ancestry and heritage, with the popular festival once again bringing a “wee bit o’ Scotland” to the High Country of North Carolina. Donated photo

as 18 educational and cultural societies. This includes Clan MacLaren as “Honored Clan.” Florian MacLaren, their designated Tanist (Heir to the Chiefship), will be serving as the

tive steps to prevent heat-related illnesses on the job.

“Heat illness is preventable,” said Commissioner Farley. “Whether you’re in the field, on a construction site or working outdoors in any capacity, the keys to staying safe are simple: rest, water and shade. Safety is a shared responsibility, and by working

Chieftain of the Games. Friday offers a full day of activities with Highland dance competitions, Celtic Grove music performances, a children’s caber toss clinic, amateur heavy athletics and the Celtic Rock Concert that night.

Athletic events are repeated on Sunday for amateurs and athletes 40 and older, in addition to the Parade of Tartans, kilted running events, children’s events and the Clan Tug of War. The weekend’s programming concludes Sunday afternoon with the closing ceremonies.

To learn more about admission to the 2025 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, including parking and shuttle bus information, call 828.733.1333 or visit gmhg.org. For lodging and travel information, contact the N.C. High Country Host Regional Visitor Center at 800.438.7500 or visit highcountryhost.com.

together, we can make sure everyone goes home safe and healthy at the end of the day.”

The Department’s “Beat the Heat” campaign is a renewed push to prevent heat illness – offering practical tools and best practices designed to help both employers and employees end heat stress and heat-related injuries. These include:

• A heat safety calculator

• A real-time heat index app

• Hazard alerts and training videos

• Agriculture-specific safety resources, including podcasts and sample safety programs

For more information or to request materials, visit labor.nc.gov.

Market PLACE WNC

MarketPlace information:

The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 copies across 500 locations in Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties, including the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. Visit www.wncmarketplace.com to place your ad!

Rates:

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

• Free — Lost or found pet ads.

• $6 — Residential yard sale ads.*

• $1 — Yard Sale Rain Insurance Yard sale rained out? Call us by 10a.m. Monday for your ad to run again FREE

• $375 — Statewide classifieds run in 170 participating newspapers with 1.1+ million circulation. (Limit 25 words or less)

• Boost Online — Have your ad featured at top of category online $4

• Boost in Print

• Add Photo $6

• Bold ad $2

• Yellow, Green, Pink or Blue Highlight $4

• Border $4

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

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

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

Legals

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S AMENDED NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

THIS ACTION BROUGHT PURSUANT TO THE POWER AND AUTHORITY contained within that certain Deed of Trust executed and delivered by Melvin E. Bridges dated September 4, 2015 and recorded on September 10, 2015 in Book 892 at of Register of Deeds of Haywood County, North Carolina. As a result of a default in the obligations contained within the Promissory Note and Deed of Trust and the failure to carry out and perform the stipulations and agreements contained therein, the holder of the indebtedness secured by said Deed of Trust made demand to have the default cured, which was not met. Therefore, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will place for sale that parcel of land, including improvements thereon, situated, lying and being in the City of Waynesville, County of Haywood, State of North Carolina, and being more particularly described in the heretofore referenced Deed of Trust. Said sale will be a public auction, to the highest bidder for cash, at the usual place of sale at the Haywood County Courthouse, Waynesville, North Carolina, on July 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM

Property Address: 30 Ray Street, Waynesville, NC 28786

Tax Parcel ID: 8616-10-4443

Present Record Owners: Melvin E. Bridges

The terms of the sale are that the real property hereinbefore described will be sold for cash to the highest bidder. A deposit amount of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of at the time of the sale. The successful bidder will be required to pay revenue stamps on the Trustee’s Deed, any Land Transfer Tax, and costs for recording the Trustee’s Deed.

The real property hereinabove described is being offered for sale “ AS IS, WHERE IS ” and will be sold subject to all superior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, and other encumbrances. Other conditions will be announced at the sale. The sale will be held open bids, as by law required. until there have been ten

with no upset bids having

If for any reason the Trustee is unable to convey title to this property, or if the sale is set aside, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the bid deposit. Furthermore, if the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may declare the sale to be void and

return the bid deposit. In either event, the purchaser will have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s attorney, or the Trustee.

An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of

termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.

Posted:

Witness:

Assistant/Deputy Clerk of Superior Court

Albertelli Law Partners North Carolina, P.A., Substitute Trustee

By: /s/Franklin L. Greene

Albertelli Law Partners North Carolina, P.A. Franklin L. Greene, Esq.

#37896

205 Regency Executive Park Drive, Suite 100 Charlotte, NC 28217

Tel: 704-970-0391 24-SP-152 // 24-008855

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

Janet Benson Forville,

Executor of the Estate of of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before , or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.

ing claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before , or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

Kari Danielle Cogburn, Administrator of the Estate of of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before , or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

Patricia F. Bryson, having of the Estate of of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before , or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

David Luke Williams, Administrator of the Estate of of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before , or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of MCNEILL, III of Jackson County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before , or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.

EXECUTOR C/O WILLIAM TAYLOR MCNEILL

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

Christopher Dillard, hav-

utor of the Estate of of Jackson County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before , or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.

c/o Christopher Dillard

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

VALERIE KESTER COX,

ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of

immediate payment.

ADMINISTRATOR

C/O VALERIE COX

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

Barbara A. Mills, havingistrator of the Estate of of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before , or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

Mary Elizabeth Foun-

as the Administrator of the Estate of Patricia of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before , or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.

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NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

Andrew Vernon East,

Executor of the Estate of of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons hav-

All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

WILLIAM TAYLOR MC-

IV of Jackson County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before , or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make

Announcements

HOOPER REUNIONHiawassee Senior Center. All relatives of brothers Absalom & Clemmons Hooper and Susan Hooper Stephens invited. Covered dish luncheon at noon. 954

EXTRAVAGANZA BUTTERMILK FARM AUCTION PRESENTS June 28th auction Extravaganza!! Held in person on June 28th at 1pm at our location - 220 Hwy. 19s in the Valley Village Shopping Center in Bryson City. We are packed to the absolute ceiling with some of the best and unique collectibles you’ve ever seen in one place. Civil War era banks, Franciscan dinnerware, early popsicle mold, cookie jars, early tin

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1 Magic's org.

4 -- about (close to)

8 Wounded by a bee

13 Tennis player Stefan

19 Loc. of Las Vegas

20 -- Reader (eclectic digest)

21 Tinfoil maker

22 Cat helping with extermination

23 Start of a riddle

27 Difficult duty

28 Syrup source

29 "Is it --?" ("Are we on?")

30 Karmann -- (classic Volkswagen)

31 Riddle, part 2

35 Antipollution org.

36 Looks keenly

37 Preceding night

38 Ended a fast

39 Flower part

41 Hepburn of "Sabrina"

42 Town crier's cry

44 Exits quickly, informally

46 Seniors' gp.

48 Riddle, part 3

55 Process unit

58 Android rival

59 On the briny

60 Tiny amount

61 Riddle, part 4

67 Certain male physique, informally

69 Month, in Madrid

70 Cheers for a torero

71 Lofty poem

72 Former Swedish car

74 Shiba -- (dog breed)

75 Clever

80 Actress and singer Falana

Formerly, old-style

"Ah, OK" 86 Riddle, part 6

Liability

"-- a Preacher Man"

icky!" 68 Targets of sit-ups

Catch the scent of

"-- be great if ..."

-- torch (luau light) 82 Abbr. for three primary colors 83 Light on fire 87 Thick Japanese noodle

Winter hrs. in Kansas

89 Movie magnate Marcus

90 Foot fraction

91 Prefix with potent 92 People who pamper 96 El Capitan's range 97 Makes precious 98 -- Balls (snack brand)

99 Rang, as a church bell

100 Come into view

101 Sub-Saharan bloodsucker

102 Was the emcee for 104 Like some sealable bags

105 "Same here" 108 -- elbows with 110 Blood-typing letters 111 Little quarrels 112 Ad -- committee 114 -- Le Pew 115 Time past

Embrace

120 Suffix with script

121 How- -- (DIY books)

122 Central point

123 Gibson liquor

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77 Riddle, part 5

ANSWERS ON PAGE 26

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