Lawsuit alleges Yancey timber sale is illegal Page 24
CONTENTS
On the Cover:
The White Oak String Band featuring Carroll Best (second from left) on banjo and French Kirkpatrick (far right) on guitar. Known as one of the most influential banjoists within the vast history of bluegrass music, Best, a Haywood County native who passed away in 1995, is the subject of a brand new album of never-before released material of his that came out this month. (Page 16) Courtesy of Ted Olson
New ambulance a major advancement for SCC’s EMS Training........................5
Western North Carolina voters look to move forward..............................................6
Kirkland sworn in, transparency questions remain ....................................................9
Plot twist emerges in Jackson library fight..................................................................10 Haynes selected as next Haywood clerk of court..................................................11
EBCI Chief Hicks urges Senate against Lumbee recognition............................12
Western Republicans buck national trend in Nov. 4 election..............................13
Opinion
Food is the ultimate tie that binds................................................................................14
WCU hosts Handmade Holiday Sale..........................................................................19 Poetry reading at City Lights..........................................................................................23
Outdoors
‘Girls on the Run’ 5K coming to Asheville..................................................................24 Up Moses Creek: Surf’s up!..........................................................................................27
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Root & Rise opens inclusive workspace
BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT
P OLITICS E DITOR
Waynesville’s newest co-working space is not a corner suite or a cubicle farm — Root & Rise, located on South Main Street, is designed to be welcoming, affordable and collaborative, with a purpose that extends beyond laptops and lattes.
“Having a space where people could build community and come together but also share learning has always been important to me,” said Printer McIntosh, who along with Randy Knight and Leandra Wagner co-founded the workspace not only to provide sorely needed office amenities downtown but also to help sustain Haywood County’s premier LGBTQ advocacy organization, Pride on Main.
The idea didn’t come overnight; founders say it grew from a simple observation about Haywood County’s public spaces and the people who use them. As McIntosh, who with their wife co-owns fosterbased animal rescue organization Misfit Mountain, told The Smoky Mountain News, there’s not a lot of inclusive spaces where members of the LGBTQ community can feel safe and comfortable.
Pricing is intended to undercut big-city competitors, especially in Asheville. The space offers two monthly membership options plus a low-cost day pass pitched at a symbolic number.
The $100 “Rooted” membership includes up to 20 days a month, three guest passes, two drinks and the same amenities. A tap-in entry system will let members come and go during set hours. Full 24-hour access is not yet set and will depend on demand.
Amenities focus on comfort and productivity rather than walls and partitions; community members put substantial work into renovating what was once a yoga studio to create a comfy space.
The open, airy plan mixes hard chairs and soft seating, with power outlets and USB connections throughout, a standing desk, high-speed internet, sound-dampened meeting pod for private phone calls or audio recording and a coffee and tea station.
“They’re lucky numbers,” Knight said of the $7.77 walkin rate, adding that comparable day passes in Asheville can run around $30.
Memberships come with practical perks. The $75 “Rise” membership includes up to 15 days of access each month, a guest pass and one [non-alcoholic] drink from Roll Up Herbal Bar — conveniently located right next door.
The space is also dog-friendly and geared toward hosting gatherings in off-peak hours with a digital projector for presentations or community events — like an upcoming “queer prom” scheduled for Dec. 13. The event is free, with donations accepted.
“We are doing that in a way where we’re going to make sure everyone’s covered, like we’re having people donate prom dresses, and there’s a hairdresser here that has agreed
to do prom hair for people,” Wagner said. “We try to do that kind of thing with every event that we’ll have.”
That emphasis on interaction distinguishes Root & Rise from more traditional co-working concepts that lean on cubicles or closed-door suites. Knight, whose full-time job is completely remote, said the draw is not based on showing up to sit at some solitary desk.
If the co-working space is the business side, Pride on Main is the mission side — the nonprofit’s next-door entrance is separate for privacy. Inside, the resource center offers bathrooms with showers, computers, printers and a food pantry with grab-and-go basic supplies. There are hats, gloves and donated jackets for cold weather, plus shirts in different sizes for people who are unhoused.
Pride on Main is the host of Waynesville’s annual Pride parade, but the year-round work that goes into the free event costs more than one might think. Earlier this fall, Root & Rise got a boost from about 50 sustaining donors who signed up at $20 a month. Those small contributions helped the founders secure and outfit the workspace, and now the plan is for Root & Rise to cover a larger share of fixed costs as memberships grow.
Grand opening
Root & Rise, a new community co-working space in the heart of downtown Waynesville, will host a grand opening on Friday, Nov. 14 from noon until 8 p.m., with a ribbon-cutting at 1 p.m. Tour the space, meet the co-founders and learn more about membership options. Drinks from Roll Up Herbal Bar, food by 828 Market. Free. Root & Rise is located at 60 S. Main Street, Waynesville — on the lower rear level, behind the Scotsman. For more information, visit rootandriseccw.com.
“There are many ways that contributions from our 50 donors, and also now from Root & Rise, will help cover those [Pride on Main] costs and help in maintaining that space,” McIntosh said.
An open house on Nov. 14 will give the public a first look, with a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. Visitors can tour the space, located in the rear lower level at 60 South Main St., and learn about membership options.
If the concept works, hybrid workers will find an alternative to the kitchen table. Freelancers will find a place to meet clients. Pride on Main will gain predictable revenue to cover basic necessities and contribute to a mutual aid fund. And a community will grow stronger.
“It’s a place to work and to network,” Knight said. “But it’s also a place to meet your neighbors.”
Learn more by visiting rootandriseccw.com.
Open and airy, professional yet whimsical, Root & Rise is a comfortable, inclusive space for remote workers featuring convenient access to Waynesville’s downtown restaurants, bars and shops. Cory Vaillancourt photo
New ambulance a major advancement for SCC’s EMS training
Before this fall, Southwestern Community College’s Emergency Medical Students got most of their hands-on training in a cutting-edge ambulance simulator that resides inside their classroom.
The only ambulance on wheels at SCC’s Jackson Campus was more than 25 years old – so EMS Program Coordinator Eric Hester and Clinical Coordinator Robert Grover have long sought an upgrade.
It finally arrived just in time for the fall semester, and it’s a beauty.
The fully certified 2025 model cost $215,000, was paid for by state equipment funds and is equipped with the same medical and trauma care equipment in use by all of SCC’s surrounding EMS agencies.
“In another role, our new ambulance could very well be used for actual EMS calls,” Grover said. “It’s a real game-changer for us.”
emergent release blood that is part of cutting-edge prehospital medicine.
• A Lucas mechanical CPR device that increases CPR consistency and helps maintain manpower during emergency resuscitations.
• Body-mounted, point-view capture equipment used during simulation and teaching to allow for in-depth critique and better learning outcomes.
• Physio Lifepack 15 monitors, Baxter IV pumps and more.
Through Southwestern’s EMS program, students can earn their EMT Basic to Advanced Certification, an EMS Certificate and an Associate in Applied Science Degree.
Most paramedics working in SCC’s service area (Jackson, Macon, Swain Counties and the Qualla Boundary) received their training and regularly get continuing education from Southwestern.
Grayson Yount, a student in SCC’s Emergency Medical Science program and an ambassador through the college’s Project SHIFT initiative, shows off the college’s new ambulance during an event earlier this fall in Cullowhee. Donated photo
“We’ve always found ways to make sure our students are fully prepared to provide lifesaving care from the moment they graduate,” Hester added. “This ambulance just makes our jobs so much easier and allows our students to train on the exact equipment and in the same type of vehicle they’ll be using in the field.”
Among the specific features that make the new ambulance ideal:
• An “Auto-Load” stretcher system that loads and unloads the stretcher automatically, so that paramedics don’t have to manually lift the stretcher and patient.
• Simulated blood products similar to
“We’re extremely proud of the training and preparation Robert and Eric provide to our students, and we’re proud of the work our graduates do in the same communities we serve,” said Don Tomas, SCC’s President. “I’m thrilled we were able to secure this ambulance to help train the next generation of paramedics who will be serving all of us and our loved ones.” For more information about the EMS program at Southwestern, contact Eric Hester (ehester@southwesterncc.edu or 828.339.4277) or Robert Grover (r_grover@southwesterncc.edu or 828.339.4309).
Western North Carolina voters look to move forward
SMN STAFF
Western North Carolina voters turned out in strong numbers across municipal races this year, deciding contests that will shape local recovery, infrastructure and growth for years to come.
In Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties, ballots featured a mix of incumbents and newcomers in competitive races that reflected both the challenges and the momentum of a region still rebuilding from repeated disasters — a region where voters think they’ve now chosen the right people to move it forward.
HAYWOOD COUNTY
Canton
Canton’s election carried the weight of four turbulent years — a pandemic, a devastating flood, the closure of its largest employer and Hurricane Helene’s destruction.
Four candidates sought two board seats, each offering a vision for how the hard-hit town can recover, rebuild and regain financial stability without losing its resilience or its identity. Incumbents Kristina Proctor and Tim Shepard leaned on experience earned through years of crisis management. Both pointed to progress on wastewater planning, infrastructure repairs and disaster recovery as proof that steady leadership matters.
Challengers Adam Hatton, a business owner and volunteer firefighter advocating faster response to emergencies and stronger local action, and Neal Swanger, an Army veteran and former police officer prioritizing infrastructure oversight and fiscal prudence, argued that new voices could speed up decision-making and push for better communications, broader grant pursuit and renewed urgency in dealing with federal bureaucracy.
Voters rewarded Proctor and Shepard for their service with convincing margins. Shepard led with 282 votes, trailed closely by Proctor with 276. Hatton finished third at 185, with Swanger’s total at 131.
with 19 write-ins, but in 2017 — his first race for mayor — he counted 294 votes against 78 write-ins, most going to thenMayor Mike Ray, who decided not to run for reelection against Smathers. This time, there were 52 write-in votes.
In total, 879 votes were cast this year — up from 638 in 2023, 334 in 2021 and 225 in 2019.
Proctor led the ticket in 2017 with 270 votes. She was joined on the board at that time by James Markey, who later resigned after moving outside town limits. Shepard subsequently won the open seat, earning 137 votes in 2021 and trailed closely by Proctor with 126 in her first reelection bid.
In 2023, Mayor Pro Tem Gail Mull and incumbent Alderman Ralph Hamlett cruised to victory over Hatton, earning 249 votes
Clyde
Clyde voters confronted familiar questions this election — how to rebuild after disaster, how to manage growth without losing the town’s identity and how to plan for a future defined by both opportunity and risk. Four candidates competed for two seats on the Board of Aldermen, offering different ideas but sharing a commitment to longterm resilience.
The small Haywood County town remains scarred by Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Fred, which exposed infrastructure weaknesses and forced leaders to rethink floodplain development.
Incumbents Frank Lay and Diane Fore emphasized continuity, pointing to years of work on water and sewer repairs, facility relocation and law enforcement reforms.
The future of the wastewater treatment plant dominated the campaign. With the old facility still located on the former mill site, candidates agreed that a modern replacement is critical to economic redevelopment. Proctor and Shepard linked that work to long-term sustainability, while Hatton and Swanger emphasized cost control and accountability.
Flood recovery, road maintenance and fiscal discipline were other recurring themes. Canton’s board has relied heavily on grants and delayed reimbursements from FEMA, forcing leaders to balance the budget carefully while keeping taxes level. Candidates disagreed on whether to keep the vehicle registration fee used to fund paving but shared a common desire to make every dollar count in the town’s recovery.
Mayor Zeb Smathers has never faced an opponent and won a third term with 364 votes. In 2021, Smathers earned 157 votes,
Waynesville
For the second election cycle in a row, a candidate who refused to speak to any media outlets in the Waynesville prior to Election Day has come up short in a bid to join the Town Council.
Landen Stevenson, a Waynesville real estate agent, demanded interview questions from The Smoky Mountain News in advance of what would have been a pre-scheduled campaign interview. When Stevenson’s request was refused — SMN does not provide questions in advance to any candidate seeking office — he failed to respond to an interview request. He also didn’t speak to reporters at The Mountaineer.
The next board will oversee some of the most consequential projects in Canton’s history — rebuilding critical infrastructure, restoring tax revenue from the mill site and ensuring that lessons learned from years of disaster become the foundation for a more resilient future.
Proctor said that over the next four years, she’ll focus on stabilizing Canton’s water and sewer systems using a $41 million grant and beginning work on right-sizing the old wastewater treatment plant and planning for the new sewage treatment plant. She added that she also wants to help local businesses not only arrive, but thrive, in Canton.
“We have entrepreneurs and business owners that have not only believed in Canton and invested in our community, but they live here with their families, they’ve lived here for generations,” Proctor said. “I want to focus on what makes Canton great, and that is our people and growing our small- to mid-sized businesses for the betterment of our larger community.”
Challengers Cory Nuckolls, a hospitality executive advocating for strategic growth, interlocal cooperation and financial preparedness, and Kathy Johnson, a retired bank manager promoting fiscal responsibility, small-business renewal and flood resilience, both called for broader economic planning and tighter financial manage-
In the end, Nuckolls earned a seat with 57 votes, but Johnson fell short with 48, just behind longtime incumbent Diane Fore’s 51. Another longtime incumbent, attorney Frank Lay, led all candidates with 78.
Stevenson’s blunder echoes a stance made in 2023 by a group of candidates calling themselves “Team Waynesville,” none of whom spoke to local media and none of whom won the seats they’d sought.
Turnout was actually lower this year than in 2023; that year, 249 votes were cast. This year, polls logged 236.
Nuckolls and Johnson both ran in 2023, losing to challenger Amy Russell and incumbent Dann Jesse. Russell and Jesse earned 82 and 81 votes respectively, while Johnson counted 47 and Nuckolls 21 that year.
“When I first ran two years ago, I had the same excitement for the opportunity, but life being as complex as it is, I don’t feel like I put my best foot forward,” Nuckolls said. “This go-round, I did a lot of door-knocking, a lot of calls and texts, and it definitely paid off.”
Each candidate approached recovery as a chance to improve rather than simply restore what had been. Lay described rebuilding as an opportunity to relocate public assets out of harm’s way, while Nuckolls focused on sustainability and emergency preparedness, arguing for a financial “nest egg” to help bridge the gap between disasters and federal aid.
The race unfolded as Clyde weighs how to protect its water system, strengthen its budget and turn the Pigeon River from a liability into an economic asset.
Voters, facing a choice between continuity and change this year as the town’s long recovery from Helene and years of infrastructure strain entered a new phase, again chose two incumbents, Julia Freeman and Anthony Sutton, who sought reelection by arguing that steady hands and long-term planning remain essential for one of the region’s largest municipalities west of Asheville.
With a $40 million annual budget and a population hovering around 10,000, Waynesville continues to shoulder regional responsibilities as Haywood County’s economic powerhouse while also managing its own recovery from storm damage.
Both incumbents pointed to progress on the long-delayed wastewater treatment plant, now nearing completion, as proof that persistence and planning can pay off.
The town’s finances were another major focus. Despite costly repairs and FEMA delays, fiscal restraint and debt avoidance remain popular themes among residents wary of higher bills. Both candidates stressed collaboration with state and federal partners to keep projects moving without overburdening taxpayers.
Affordable housing and public safety also shaped the campaign. With a fire station expansion and ladder truck replacement still pending, candidates urged early budgeting to avoid rising costs.
Both described housing as Waynesville’s next major challenge, calling for development that supports local workers without undermining neighborhood character.
File photo
Julia Freeman
Anthony Sutton
Freeman and Sutton will now rejoin an experienced Town Council under Mayor Gary Caldwell and alongside fellow incumbents Chuck Dickson and Jon Feichter.
“With the election behind us, it’s time to double down on the work ahead,” Sutton said. “That means holding FEMA accountable to ensure Waynesville gets the recovery support we were promised, investing in our fire department so they have the tools and staffing they need and expanding our efforts to make this town a truly welcoming place for our LGBTQ community. I’m committed to building a more resilient, inclusive Waynesville — one where every resident feels safe, heard and valued.”
In 2023, nearly 9,000 votes were cast, largely due to the number of candidates running. This year, that number dropped to just under 2,600.
Stevenson finished with 622 votes to Sutton’s 947 and Freeman’s 1,004. Stevenson did not respond to a Nov. 6 request for comment from SMN.
JACKSON COUNTY
Forest Hills
Forest Hills residents faced a defining choice this election, selecting leaders who will decide how the small Jackson County village balances development pressure, rising costs and the preservation of its valley character. Voters responded with the highest turnout in the last four cycles.
With the mayor’s office and two council seats on the ballot, voters weighed continuity against fresh perspectives in a race that drew broad attention for such a small town.
Incumbent Mayor Marcia Almond campaigned on infrastructure investment and regional cooperation, pointing to her push for a $25 million sewer project to protect the town’s waterway. Challenger Ron Mau questioned the scale of that plan and called for stronger financial planning before pursuing
member advocating land protection and housing balance, led the ticket with 69 votes. Shields earned 56, enough to retain his seat, over Hartley’s respectable 45.
“I think I got those votes from relationship building. I didn’t do any signs or any real campaigning in the campaign sense, but I’ve been on the planning board for a year now, and I’m constantly walking the neighborhood,” Bollinger said, adding that in such a small community, personal trust and visibility are important.
The future of the Fontana Regional Library system remained a major point of unity. Every candidate backed Forest Hills’ resolution opposing the county’s withdrawal, underscoring growing frustration over county representation. Concerns about law enforcement coverage and infrastructure financing also surfaced, revealing the difficulty small municipalities face when relying on county agencies for essential services.
Another separate council race pitted incumbent Jon Brown against Perry Matthews.
Matthews, in perhaps the upset of the night, defeated Brown 267-158. A restaurant manager and culinary instructor highlighting small-business growth and community unity, Matthews differed from Brown in fundamental ways, perhaps most notably on his
Brad Reisinger, a Western Carolina University English professor prioritizing community engagement and resident input, led all candidates with 63 votes.
“Representation was something I campaigned on, recognizing that in our county some of our county commissioners don’t seem to be interested in the concerns of their constituents,” Reisinger said, noting continued anger from residents over Jackson County commissioners’ decision to withdraw from the Fontana Regional Library system earlier this year.
Sylva Sylva voters faced a crowded ballot and a divided community, weighing seven candidates for three council seats amid ongoing cultural battles and
While the small Jackson County seat continues to wrestle with growth, redevelopment and budget limits, debates over the Fontana Regional Library withdrawal and the town’s annual Pride parade revealed deeper tensions shaping local politics.
In one race, incumbent Joe Waldrum faced challengers Taylor Armstrong, Calvin Autrey and Sam McGuire. McGuire led that ticket with 307 votes. Waldrum finished second with 241 votes, enough to retain his seat. Autrey and Horne finished a distant third and fourth with 111 and 109 votes, respectively. Brooklyn Joan Brownie finished fifth at 34.
“I think name recognition obviously helped,” said McGuire, who called the win humbling. “Being from here and generations of McGuires, our reputation helped. I think the social media campaign was also very helpful, reaching out to voters on Instagram and on Facebook.”
community, but I’ve also been a part of the downtown community, working downtown on Main Street — I’ve built my career downtown with these people. I’ve made food in and around this town for years. We’ve grown together as a community, and they’ve seen me grow,” Matthews said.
Across the races, candidates split sharply on how Sylva should handle social issues and public spending. Some framed the library dispute as government overreach and called for caution in cultural matters, while others viewed the town’s resolution supporting the Fontana Regional Library as a stand for inclusion and intellectual freedom. The Pride parade drew similar fault lines, with some calling it divisive and others describing it as an economic and community asset.
Fiscal pressure from Jackson County’s property tax increase also loomed large. Candidates acknowledged the strain on residents while offering differing remedies, from strict spending control to better communication about where tax dollars go.
Redevelopment along U.S. 107 and the future of the town’s Community Care policing program added further complexity to an already polarized environment.
Mayor Johnnie Phillips ran unopposed and will return for a second term. In 2023, Phillips defeated Natalie Newman by a total of 259-178. That same year, six candidates sought three seats. Brad Waldrop led that council ticket with 246 votes, with two other candidates each earning 210 votes to win seats on council. Fewer votes were cast this year than in that election.
Webster
Webster voters ended what was perhaps the most competitive election in the town’s history by choosing a mix of new and familiar names to lead them through coming years of growth, traffic and tax debates. Five candidates sought three seats, reflecting renewed interest in local government after years of uncontested races.
“That makes people sour.”
Health communication specialist Sara Stahlman, highlighting walkability, parks and family-friendly planning, finished with 55.
Incumbent Dale Collins, coowner of Tuckasegee Fly Shop, focused on pedestrian safety and river stewardship and ended up with 51, enough to claim the third and final seat.
The unusually high turnout capped months of steady engagement over issues that have defined the small Jackson County community — land use, river stewardship and transparency in town operations. Growth across Western North Carolina continues to press against Webster’s quiet residential boundaries, prompting questions about how to preserve the town’s walkability while absorbing regional change.
Challengers Daniel Riggs and Susan Raaf finished with 44 and 12 votes, respectively.
Former Vice Mayor Leigh Anne Young ran uncontested for mayor, but her race still saw more double the votes cast when former Mayor Tracy Rodes ran uncontested in 2021. All told, council votes numbered 226 this year, compared to 36 in 2023.
Throughout the campaign, candidates emphasized different aspects of the same challenge. Some called for more sidewalks, slower traffic and stronger environmental oversight. Others focused on fiscal discipline and public accountability after property revaluations left homeowners paying more.
As in other Jackson County municipalities, debate over Jackson County’s decision to withdraw from the Fontana Regional Library system shaped the race. Several candidates supported Webster’s resolution urging commissioners to remain in the system, while others questioned whether the town should have weighed in at all. Those candidates lost.
The May closure of the town’s post office remained a symbol of small-town vulnerability and lack of congressional engagement, raising concerns about how much influence local leaders actually have over services provided by outside agencies. Despite divergent priorities, most agreed that Webster’s strength lies in its scale — a place small enough for residents to know one another and expect accountability from those who serve.
Sylva’s Town Council now has two new faces. File photo
ground in accounting and is a trustee for a local cemetery.
MACON COUNTY
Franklin
Franklin will have a new mayor and two new council members.
In the General Election, held Nov. 4, Councilman Stacy Guffey, who opted to run for mayor instead of trying to keep his seat on town council, won his race against political newcomer and business owner Matthew Holland, coming away with a total of 333 votes, good for 59%. During a Sept. 25 forum hosted by Forward Franklin, Guffey touted his experience in public service, even going as far as to acknowledge the designation “politician.”
“I’m going to lean into it and own that word,” he said.
“I ran a very unconventional campaign,” Berry said. He decided not to work the early voting polls, thinking most voters there had already made up their minds. He decided not to run a phone bank, thinking most people wouldn’t answer calls from an unknown number. He decided not to knock on doors, either.
“In this day and age, you just don’t know whose door you’re knocking on,” Berry told SMN.
SWAIN COUNTY
Bryson City
Bryson City voters participated in only one election this cycle, tasked with choosing two out of three candidates for alderman.
The two incumbents — Harrah’s
According to Hines, the town plans major infrastructure improvements in the coming year, including wastewater plant expansion, sidewalk repairs and a work on a river crossing damaged during Helene. Additional grants are being sought to bolster water and sewer resiliency and reliability, while ordinance updates continue
There were three seats open for council. Voters could make three selections out of the seven names on the ballot.
The top vote-getter was Jeff Berry with 313 votes. Berry owns rental houses, which he noted were rent controlled, meaning his tenants will never see an increase in rent once the initial lease is signed — something that’s rare in the region. He also has a back-
Instead, Berry said he attended public events, put signs on his truck and stopped to talk to people about his campaign. He also credited a Sept. 25 candidate forum for helping undecided voters push him over the top.
“I 100% think it helped propel me to victory, and also probably had something to do with the others not winning,” he said.
Finishing second was incumbent Rita Salain, who received 297 votes. Also earning a seat on council was Travis Higdon with 283 votes.
Like in many municipalities, turnout in Franklin far exceeded the 2023 elections. Where 522 ballots were cast that year, there were 907 this year.
Professional videographer Walter Kent Maxey collected 45 votes (19.23%).
In individual interviews last month with SMN, candidates had varying positions on homelessness, town water and sewer systems and libraries, potentially affecting decisions made at the ballot box.
In addition, both Hines and King celebrated their progress while acknowledging past missteps. Each was eager to continue bettering Bryson City and serving its residents.
years,” he said.
The polls reported comparatively high turnout. 130 ballots were cast from a total of 986 — 13.18%. This percentage has not been surpassed since 2017 in Swain County municipal elections. The 2023 election, for example, was decided by 79 people representing 7.93% of eligible voters.
All results were accurate as of Nov. 4, and are considered unofficial until county boards of elections certify them on Nov. 14, 2025.
Jeff Berry. Macon County Elections photo
Bryson City voters opted to stick with experience. A Shot Above photo
Kirkland sworn in, transparency questions remain
BY LILY LEVIN STAFF W RITER
Jason Kirkland was sworn in as chairman of the Swain County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 4, marking the end of an appointment process marred by transparency concerns and procedural misnomination process he felt resulted in limited transparency: county officials’ unfamiliarity with public record statutes.
chairman, Western Carolina University political scientist professor Chris Cooper said officials commonly offer the public limited explanation.
“Whenever there’s these vacancies, the commission essentially has full prerogative to do what they want to do … You would
Commissioner Bobby Jenkins.
FEEA ATURED LISTINGS
“During the discussion of the vacant chairmanship, the names of citizens who submitted letters of interest were initially withheld [on Oct. 21]. The county attorney raised questions about whether those names were public record. That uncertainty highlighted a need for a clearer and shared understanding of what constitutes a public record,” he told the board in the public comment section at a Nov. 4 meeting.
Kirkland believes he’s qualified for the chairman position because he knows how to listen to others.
“I have an opinion, just like everybody else, and you’re entitled to your opinion,” he told The Smoky Mountain News on Nov. 4. “But at the end of the day, I’m willing to hear why you think your opinion is right, because it might be right.”
Kirkland also found it imperative that county problems are actively addressed.
“My opinion is, these commissioners here, they’re that gap between the people and the county of getting something done … These five here, none of us five may have the right solution. The job is to come up with the best solution,” he said.
While it’s unclear exactly how Swain commissioners came to select Kirkland as
Former acting chairman Tanner Lawson spoke with SMN about his Oct. 21 conversations with Commissioner Phillip Carson. On that day, Jenkins had nominated Carson as chairman to Commissioner David Loftis’ chagrin, though the board delayed voting to the following week due to a procedural misunderstanding.
“After our meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 21, later in the week I contacted commissioner Carson to ask him to think and pray about Mr. Kirkland being a good fit to be our next chair. He told me that he would pray and get back with me,” Lawson wrote.
On Monday, Carson texted Lawson, “I’m perfectly at Peace with Mr. Kirkland to move forward … Thanks.”
Lawson said the two later spoke on the phone to confirm the decision.
On the other hand, Loftis’ decision to select Kirkland was influenced not by talk but negotiation. “The reasoning why I voted for [Kirkland],” he said. “I made a deal with another commissioner that I’d vote for anybody if it wasn’t Philip Carson.”
According to Kristina Wilson, a professor at the UNC School of Government, because all communications were informal and exchanged between a non-majority of the commission, none violated state Open Meetings Law.
Jason Kirkland was sworn in as Swain County Chairman. Lily Levin photo
Plot twist emerges in Jackson library fight
BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT
P OLITICS E DITOR
After months of tension between Jackson County and the Fontana Regional Library system, commissioners appear to be charting a new course — one that could ultimately reverse their June decision to withdraw from the regional library partnership.
At the very end of their Nov. 4 meeting, Jackson commissioners discussed three proposed amendments to the Fontana Regional Library interlocal agreement.
“You had asked [County Attorney John Kubis] and I to craft — or mostly John — to craft some amendments to the Fontana Regional agreement for the other two counties [to consider], and so the other two counties have put this on their agenda,” said County Manager Kevin King in presenting commissioners with the proposed amendments.
The agreement governs library operations in Jackson, Macon and Swain counties. Jackson Commissioners voted 4-1 in June to leave the Fontana system after disagreements over governance, book challenges and local control. Jackson’s withdrawal would end an eight-decade regional partnership that provides shared funding, materials and professional staffing across the three rural counties.
The withdrawal, which will formally take effect on July 1, 2026, can be rescinded any time before then by a vote of commissioners.
According to county estimates, withdrawal would require around a $500,000increase in funding from the county just to maintain existing services and programming — on top of a substantial property tax increase already passed by commissioners this past June.
In August, commissioners also committed up to $50,000 for library consultants who would advise the county on withdrawal protocols.
The amendment discussion was not on the meeting’s published agenda. No one appeared to be seated in the gallery near the conclusion of the two-hour meeting when King presented the amendments.
Library supporters, often wearing yellow in support of the FRL, continue to harangue commissioners during public comment sessions and have not ceased to call for commissioners to reverse their decision, nearly five months after the vote.
Now, the proposed changes — to the governing documents of a partnership the county ostensibly wants to abandon — suggest a willingness to reform the relationship with FRL rather than sever it entirely.
Cynthia Womble, who resigned as FRL board chair in September citing difficulties “[reining] board members in,” is still an FRL board member representing Swain County and told The Smoky Mountain News Nov. 10 she was surprised when she heard about the amendments.
path to staying in Fontana Regional Library, because to date, they had been going down the road of how to set up their own library and I think they are finding that it would be very expensive and would not necessarily be the best choice for the people of Jackson County,” she said.
The first proposed amendment would modify the membership structure of the Fontana Regional Library Board of Trustees, preserving equal representation among counties on the Fontana Regional Library Board of Trustees but stipulating that one member from each county must be a sitting county commissioner at the time of appointment and throughout the member’s service.
adding that “the regional director shall devote full professional effort to the Fontana Regional Library and shall not simultaneously hold a director position or comparable executive role in any other participating county library system or library entity within the region.”
This amendment would solve an issue mentioned during deliberations this past spring and summer — Tracy Fitzmaurice’s service as both Jackson County library director and FRL regional director. During a joint meeting of Jackson commissioners and FRL trustees just prior to the withdrawal vote, everyone seemed to agree that “double-hat-
August public comment session, Jackson GOP Chair Keith Blaine falsely claimed that the fund balance is an “overpayment” while demanding repayment of FRL’s fund balance to the county, when in reality it’s a “savings account” mandated by state law. Blaine was chastised by subsequent speakers just before then-FRL finance officer Lynn Cody told SMN that he was comfortable with the FRL’s $1.9 million fund balance and that Jackson County had no claim to any of it upon withdrawal from the system.
“I am cautiously optimistic that this means that Jackson County is looking at a
idea, because it further tightens the control and governance that the county commissioners would have over Fontana Regional Library, which is one of the stated goals of the previous rewrite of the FRL regional agreement [in 2024],” said Womble, a retired Navy officer with expertise in human resources. “But the flip side is that I know the county commissioners are all busy people. Having yet another meeting to go to is not necessarily something they want, and some of them have a pretty dismal track record of attending meetings for the boards that they’ve already been appointed to.”
Womble was referring to a recent SMN investigation that found Commissioner Jenny Lynn Hooper had missed at least 13 of 16 meetings of advisory boards this year, and also to reporting that Commissioner John Smith had missed three of four meetings of the Jackson County Library Board since January.
The second proposed amendment would clarify expectations for the regional director,
Fitzmaurice wasn’t paid anywhere near what
time position at FRL headquarters, but the FRL would have to receive an additional $25,000-$30,000 or more from each of the three counties to make the hire.
The third proposed amendment would adjust the FRL’s financial framework to require that “upon completion of the audit and calculation of payables, any remaining funds in excess of operational costs will be reimbursed to the county or counties that allocated the funding in proportion to their respective contributions.”
Clarifying the proposed amendment, Jackson County Commission Chair Mark Letson asked King whether the library would still maintain a fund balance under the revised terms.
King responded that the proposal would not affect the current fund balance; in an
“Currently, they do have a fund balance and so that would remain,” King told Letson, further clarifying the issue. “It’s not something that we’re going to claw back. This is kind of like from here on, if you decide to stay [in the FRL system] or whatever.”
Commissioner Keith Jennings, however, still asked about the current fund balance. King told him the proposed agreement doesn’t address current fund balance.
Commissioner Jenny Lynn Hooper then asked why the county didn’t already have the legal right to claw back the funds, something that had been explained previously.
Womble calls the third proposed amendment “a red herring.”
“The only money that comes from the three counties is for salary and benefits of the employees who work in the county libraries,” Womble said. “The only way there would be excess in that at the end of a fiscal year would be if you did not have all your positions filled.”
Commissioner Todd Bryson, who tangled with Womble during the joint meeting, seemed to support the overall direction of the revisions with his closing comments to fellow commissioners.
“I think the amendments are close, all the way around,” Bryson said. “Like you mentioned, the [FRL] Board of Trustees, they have more authority than what they realize to make some of these changes that need to be made.”
If approved by all three member counties later this month, the amendments would reshape the Fontana Regional Library agreement and could lay the groundwork for Jackson County to remain within the system rather than to bring county government into the business of operating a library for the first time ever.
The interlocal agreement, however, has four signatories — meaning all three counties and the FRL board must vote to adopt the amendments.
The proposals will next go before Macon County commissioners on Nov. 13 and Swain County commissioners on Nov. 18 and must be approved by all three commissions before taking effect. The proposal will also likely see a formal vote from Jackson commissioners on Nov. 18.
Not one Jackson County Commissioner — Bryson, Hooper, Letson, Michael Jennings or John Smith — responded to requests from SMN seeking comment on the amendments.
Intrigues continue to surround the Jackson County library. File photo
Haynes selected as next Haywood clerk of court
BY KYLE P ERROTTI
N EWS E DITOR
Former Haywood County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jeff Haynes has been named the county’s new clerk of superior court.
The announcement was made the morning of Nov. 7, two weeks after Hunter Plemmons informed Chief Resident Superior Court Judge Roy Wijewickrama that he was going to resign after eight years of service.
previously
County Sheriff’s
In a press release sent out by Wijewickrama, he notes that he had two primary goals in appointing Plemmons’s successor.
“Ensuring the continued efficient and professional operation of the Clerk’s Office and supporting the outstanding staff of 21 assistant and deputy clerks who serve our community with dedication and skill,” he said in the release.
Wijewickrama also discussed the decision to bring Haynes into the role based on an extensive resume of service. Since 2023, after leaving the sheriff’s office, Haynes has served as director of public safety at Haywood Community College in Clyde.
“Jeff’s commitment to service extends beyond law enforcement,” Wijewickrama wrote. “He has served as Chair of the Board of Directors for both United Way of Haywood County and Haywood Pathways Center, and has held board positions with Mountain Projects Inc., the Community Foundation of WNC, Folkmoot USA, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Haywood County.”
The release does not state when Haynes will be sworn in, but it does note that Plemmons’ last day in the role is Nov. 17.
Jeff Haynes has
served with the Haywood
Office. File photo
Western Republicans buck national trend in Nov. 4 election
BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT P OLITICS E DITOR
Overwhelmingly, municipal officials take pride in their nonpartisan service, but once they’re elected, they don’t just leave their party hats at the chamber doors.
Despite claims that “there’s no Republican/Democratic way to fill a pothole,” the partisan composition of municipal governing boards can be an indicator of how those boards approach issues philosophically — especially divisive social issues. Further, these municipal boards can serve as springboards for candidates who will gain experience and one day run for higher partisan offices. But perhaps most critically, the results of even the smallest municipal election can be viewed through the lens of national trends in an effort to divine some larger sense of meaning.
nonpartisan elections on Nov. 4. The winners will join nonpartisan boards consisting of incumbents who didn’t have to run this year.
Before the Nov. 4 election, the elected officials in those towns and villages numbered 24 Democrats, 14 unaffiliated and seven Republicans.
After the election, the total was 23 Democrats, 13 unaffiliated and nine Republicans.
Some quick math shows that voters in Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties bucked the national trend of Democrat victories; Dems lost a seat, as did unaffiliated voters, while Republicans gained two seats.
For the first time in quite some time, Democrats nationally have something to celebrate — important wins in California, Georgia, New Jersey, New York and Virginia, among other places. Those wins could possibly be interpreted as a broader statement against Republicans up and down the ballot due to the deep unpopularity of President Donald Trump and a weak economy, or they could be interpreted as isolated, case-specific races that don’t necessarily indicate how 2026 will turn out for Democrats or Republicans.
Then there’s the growing category of unaffiliated voters, who can be far-left, farright or anywhere in between. They hold significant power in the rural west and are the largest category of voters in North Carolina.
In The Smoky Mountain News core coverage area of Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties, candidates, as always, ran in
Six Democrat incumbents successfully defended their seats (Kristina Proctor and Tim Shepard in Canton, Frank Lay in Clyde, Anthony Sutton in Waynesville, Daniel Shields in Forest Hills and Rita Salain in Franklin), as did three unaffiliated incumbents (Tim Hines and Ben King in Bryson City, Joe Waldrum in Sylva) and two Republican incumbents (Julia Freeman in Waynesville and Dale Collins in Webster).
Republicans flipped two seats by defeating Democrat incumbents — Ron Mau over Forest Hills Mayor Marcia Almond and Cory Nuckolls over Diane Fore in Clyde. Democrats didn’t flip any seats held by Republican or unaffiliated candidates; however, an unaffiliated candidate did flip a Republican seat — Perry Matthews, in Sylva, ousted Jon Brown.
Ten people won seats for the first time, almost evenly split among all three affiliations. Four Republicans (Amy Bollinger in Forest Hills, Travis Higdon in Franklin, Nuckolls and Mau), three Democrats (Sam McGuire in Sylva, Brad Reisinger in Webster, Jeff Berry in Franklin) and three
unaffiliated candidates — Matthews, Sara Stahlman in Webster and Stacy Guffey in Franklin — all assumed new roles.
Guffey was previously a Franklin council member, and Mau was previously a county commissioner and Forest Hills board member, and thus neither are new to elected office or public service.
Prior to the election, the eight municipal governing boards in SMN’s four-county core that held competitive elections this year consisted of five Dem-majority boards and three unaffiliated-majority boards.
After the election, Democrats still controlled four, unaffiliated candidates controlled three and Republicans finally got on the scoreboard by flipping Forest Hills to red.
Here’s a look at the partisan compositions of those municipal governing boards, before and after the Nov. 4 election.
HAYWOOD COUNTY CANTON
Mayor before: D
Mayor after: D Board before: 4 D
Board after: 4 D
Takeaway: Democrats maintain dominance in Canton.
CLYDE
Mayor before: D
Mayor after: D
Board before: 3 D, 1 R
Board after: 2 D, 2 R
Takeaway: Slight Republican gain, but still Dem majority including mayor.
WAYNESVILLE
Mayor before: D
Mayor after: D
Board before: 3 D, 1 R
Board after: 3 D, 1 R
Takeaway: No change to Democrat-majority board.
JACKSON COUNTY FOREST HILLS
Mayor before: D
Mayor after: R
Board before: 2 D, 1 R, 1 U
Board after: 2 D, 2 R
Takeaway: Republicans flipped a solidly Democratic board.
SYLVA
Mayor before: D
Mayor after: D
Board before: 3 U, 2 R
Board after: 3 U, 1 D, 1 R
Takeaway: Small progress for Democrats on what remains a majority-unaffiliated board led by a Democrat.
WEBSTER
Mayor before: D
Mayor after: U
Board before: 2 D, 2 U, 1 R
Board after: 2 D, 2 U, 1 R
Takeaway: Unaffiliated candidates take control from Dems.
MACON COUNTY FRANKLIN
Mayor before: U
Mayor after: U
Board before: 3 D, 3 U, 1 R
Board after: 4 D, 2 U, 1 R
Takeaway: Dems flip unaffiliated board, gain working majority under unaffiliated mayor.
SWAIN COUNTY BRYSON CITY
Mayor before: U
Mayor after: U
Board before: 3 U, 1 D
Board after: 3 U, 1 D
Takeaway: No changes to a solid unaffiliated board.
EBCI Chief Hicks urges Senate against Lumbee recognition
BY LILY LEVIN STAFF W RITER
Sen. Thom Tillis’ 2025 Lumbee Fairness Act is inching toward the finish line, allowing for full federal recognition of about 60,000 North Carolinians closer to their goal, albeit nearly 140 years after their first government petition.
The legislation was first introduced in January. Since then, the House has not made any progress in advancing it. But the Lumbee Fairness Act has seen forward movement in the Senate — a cause for concern among leaders of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
The body’s Nov. 5 Committee on Indian Affairs hearing to consider the legislation was met with testimony from Principal Chief of EBCI Michell Hicks, who was joined in opposition by Ben Barnes, chief of the Shawnee Tribe. Hicks maintained at the hearing that the Lumbee should
seek recognition through the Department of the Interior’s Office of Federal Acknowledgement, the traditionally accepted process. While the 1956 Lumbee Act granted the community tribal status yet prohibited any federal benefits or relationships, including future government petitions, the DOI’s 2016 reinterpretation concluded the act did not explicitly prevent departmental recognition.
“There is a lawful process created for this purpose administered by the Office of Federal Acknowledgment. That is where claims must be reviewed, and where evidence must be tested,” Hicks stated in a Nov. 5 press release.
In a KOSU article, a proponent of Lumbee recognition said the OFA route would take decades and expose the tribe to EBCI lawsuits.
Yet the chief had an additional reason to prefer the OFA process, alleging that Congress was dishonestly representing Lumbee ties to Indigeneity — ties he found questionable.
“If there is evidence, submit it to the OFA. If there is a tribe, the process will show it. But Congress must not legislate identity or manufacture tribes out of thin air by replacing proof with politics. Federal recognition must remain grounded in evidence and truth,” Hicks wrote in the release. Hicks’ testimony invoked the Lumbee’s shifting claims to ancestral nations and linguistic groups, its lack of tribal language and an absence of verifiable Indigenous history and documentation.
To be eligible for OFA recognition, a tribe must establish “that it existed as a community from 1900 until the present.” While the Lumbee has long established roots in eastern North Carolina — “Lumbee” is a namesake of the Lumber River — tribal traditions feature influences from various nations, and most citizens don’t have a lineage identifiable to one specific tribe.
The Lumbee website states that “The ances- F
tors of the Lumbee came together in the shelter of these lands hundreds of years ago; survivors of tribal nations from the Algonquian, Iroquoian and Siouan language families, including the Cheraw and other affected tribes.”
Thus, the tribe may not meet OFA criteria, barring it from future federal recognition attempts.
Ariana Locklear, a Lumbee attorney who has argued on her people’s behalf, refuted doubts of Lumbee ancestry in a reference to the Supreme Court case Montoya v. United States dictating what constitutes a tribe.
“There are three necessary components of tribal existence: first, people of Indian ancestry; second, who reside in sufficient proximity to constitute a community; and third, who are united under some form of leadership or government. The congressional record on the Lumbee Tribe shows that the Tribe exhibits all three components of an Indian tribe,” her testimony stated.
“[Federal recognition of the Lumbee would] significantly decrease the existing funds tribes receive,” he said.
The impact of those funds would be monumental for The Lumbee.
The tribe is mainly based in Scotland, Hoke and Robeson counties, all of which have high rates of poverty and poor health outcomes. Robeson ranks last of all counties statewide for the latter; in 2023, the county’s poverty rate was 27.7%.
As a Daily Yonder op-ed stated, “Access to programs and opportunities meant to mitigate the effects of colonization would be transformative for the Lumbee people.”
But while the same piece asserted that recognition could “right a historical wrong,” Hicks alleged it risked legally pernicious consequences.
The chief testified on Nov. 5 that “passage of the bill would set a dangerous precedent, encouraging countless groups with entirely baseless claims to seek federal recog-
said seeking recognition through Congress, responsible for the 1956 Lumbee Act, is purposeful: the same body passed the ruling it is now called on to rectify. But Congress has introduced to the tune of 50 bills since 1973 that award the tribe federal status. None have made it into law.
Hicks is not the first Eastern Band chief to testify against Lumbee recognition. In 2020, Principal Chief Richard Sneed stood before the House with similar statements. In fact, the opposition dates back decades further. While a 2002 Wilmington Star-News article reported that EBCI Chief Leon Jones supported Lumbee recognition “if they meet the exact criteria,” it also noted that the Cherokee have historically stood against this outcome.
Why has EBCI leadership consistently stood against Lumbee recognition? It might come down to two high-stakes issues: federal funding and legal precedent.
The state of North Carolina recognizes eight tribes, the Lumbee among them, but only the EBCI have federal designation. It’s a status accompanied by independent sovereignty, government-to-government relationships, benefits such as the ability to operate a casino as well as services and funding from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
In 2020, Sneed expressed concerns that the BIA could appropriately fund all tribes given the induction of nearly 60,000 people.
of fast-tracking recognition through “political rhetoric” and “backroom lobbying” after the tribe sent a letter to President Trump claiming his daughter Tiffany has ancestral ties.
From the perspective of Lumbee Chairman John Lowery, the Eastern Band of Cherokee “suffer from a superiority complex.”
In a statement issued on Nov. 10, Hicks offered his reflections on the Senate hearings.
“In the days following the hearing, I’ve seen the anger, the frustration, and the pride of our people,” Hicks said in the statement. “Those emotions are real, and they come from a place of deep love for who we are. We are protective of what our ancestors built and what we continue to defend today. That passion shows just how much being Cherokee means to us all.”
Over the last several years, the outcry against Tillis by EBCI leadership has become intense. Hicks’ statement was no different.
“Senator Tillis’ unwillingness to hear our perspective is disappointing, but not surprising,” Hicks said. “My hope is that our sovereign nation in WNC will help change the course of leadership in our state towards one that represents all people, not just a select few deemed politically convenient.”
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Michell Hicks testifies before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. From YouTube
Food is the ultimate tie that binds
About a month ago, my neighbor sent a text asking if I wanted some of her fresh basil which was growing in abundance. Together, we clipped a bagful of the herb, then she loaned me her “Moosewood Cookbook” so I could use the basil to follow the book’s pesto recipe. That afternoon, I made the most delicious homemade pesto pasta that even the pickiest eater in the house loved.
Since then, I’ve spent many minutes over a cup of tea perusing this cookbook, which was compiled, edited, illustrated and hand-lettered by Mollie Katzen in 1977 and is a collection of recipes from Moosewood Restaurant in Ithaca, New York. I’ve made a number of other dishes from the cookbook, but it’s probably due time I return it to my friend and perhaps obtain my own copy.
Creating and cooking a homemade meal for people I care about is one of my favorite things to do. As all moms know, it’s challenging to come up with a weekly meal plan, but I’m always honored and grateful to do it, and when we all sit down at the table to eat, it’s well-worth the effort.
I went through a number of years where I used my phone for recipes. I have a little wooden stand where I would place my phone and then scroll as I followed the steps of the recipe, but similar to most tech alternatives, I preferred the old school strategy of using a tangible recipe. I have two bookends on one of my kitchen counters with all of my favorite cookbooks. Little compares to flipping open to a recipe page that’s been used over and over, bespeckled with past splatters
Honor our
heritage, protect our libraries
To the Editor:
The decision facing Jackson County’s leaders is more than an administrative matter. It is a test of values. Will our commissioners uphold the long tradition of education, cooperation and integrity that has defined our community, or will they yield to a small, insistent minority determined to restrict access to educational information under the false banner of protecting children?
Since 1944, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties have worked together through the Fontana Regional Library system to deliver quality library services that no single county could afford alone. That collaboration has ensured efficient use of taxpayer dollars while providing access to modern technology, professional librarians and shared resources. In today’s digital world, such partnership is not just practical. It is essential.
Independent analyses show that leaving the Fontana Regional Library would not save money. In fact, it would increase local costs by at least half a million dollars every year. The numbers are clear. Withdrawal is neither a financially sound nor a fiscally conservative decision.
of tomato sauce and clumps of dried cumin.
As the holidays approach, I’m beginning to think of the dishes we’ll cook for Thanksgiving and Christmas. In 1999, my late mother gave my sister and I scrapbooks with all of our family recipes. She took stacks of handwritten, frayed pieces of paper and notecards, typed them out and put them in scrapbooks so all three of us would have a copy of my great grandmother’s dressing recipe and other dishes that have passed through the time.
On the front page, my mom included a message that reads:
Dear Susanna,
Enclosed are family and favorite recipes. Some are handed through the family and some are your favorites I have found through the years. I wanted you to have copies so that wherever you go, you will have them with you, and you will think of our family dinners when we enjoyed them together. Maybe your family will enjoy them also.
I love you, Mom
In 1999, we had no idea our years together were numbered and that cancer would take her life in 2016. This scrapbook is beyond special to me, something I will forever cherish. Since she gifted it to me, I’ve added other recipes until now it’s bursting with hundreds of torn magazine pages, handwritten notes, photocopies and printed recipes.
When I catch up with a friend I haven’t seen in a while, the first thing we say is, “We should do lunch,” then we meet at a restaurant and over food, reminisce, laugh and sometimes cry. I’m part of a group of girlfriends who meet once a month
LETTERS
Despite these facts, a small and persistently vocal group continues to press for withdrawal. Their presence at county meetings is regular, but their numbers are tiny compared to the hundreds of residents who have spoken out to remain in the system. This minority’s agenda is not about budgets. It is about ideology. At the June 3 meeting, several of these individuals equated LGBTQ+ books with “grooming.” There is no evidence to support that claim. On the contrary, decades of peerreviewed studies show that inclusive literature helps young readers develop confidence and self-worth. Removing those books would not shield children. It would silence them.
Public libraries have always been one of the most democratic and community-centered institutions in America. Jackson County’s library system exists because of generations of volunteers and donors who believed in the power of knowledge. From the women’s clubs of the early twentieth century to the volunteers who renovated our historic courthouse into a public library, each generation has strengthened that legacy of learning. To turn away from that shared heritage now would betray their vision and sacrifice. Leadership is not about standing firm in error. It is about recognizing when a choice,
for lunch and if we didn’t have that standing date, we’d never find the time to stay in touch and keep up with the happenings of our families. Every time I leave those lunches, I feel full — not just in my belly but in my heart.
I can think of many more meal or food related situations or experiences in my life that offer meaning and purpose. Food is the ultimate tie that binds. It brings together neighbors, family, friends and community. Sitting around a table with those we love or even those we’ve just met is the most precious of life’s gifts. The breaking of bread together is the most ancient of traditions.
For these reasons, everyone who has been battling food insecurity, especially as of late with the government shutdown, has been heavy on my heart. Food isn’t just about quelling hunger pains — it offers comfort and safety, it’s fuel for our soul. As Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs” so aptly demonstrates, the bottom of the pyramid includes food and shelter. When people are hungry, thirsty, cold or sleepdepriced, they’ll never make it to the next step which is employment, health, property and security.
When life is going smoothly, it’s easy to judge others or blame them for whatever situation they’re in, but if you know anything about socio-economic dynamics, one missed paycheck can completely derail a family. Let’s do our part to help those who are hungry and remember that it’s not simply sustaining an appetite, it’s much deeper than that. It’s a hunger to feel seen, to feel human.
And everyone, no matter the circumstance, deserves to feel human.
(Susanna Shetley is a writer and mom who lives in Haywood County. susanna.b@smokymountainnews.com.)
made under pressure or misinformation, must be reconsidered. Jackson County still has that chance. The withdrawal will not take effect until June 30, 2026, giving the commissioners ample time to reverse course with dignity and unity.
Staying in the Fontana Regional Library system is the path of wisdom and integrity. It
protects our taxpayers, honors our history, supports our children and strengthens our community. Commissioners, this is your opportunity to affirm what Jackson County has always stood for, a commitment to learning, cooperation and respect for all people. Allen Lomax Sylva
Susanna Shetley
Lonesome road blues
New album celebrates late Haywood banjo legend
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD ARTS & E NTERTAINMENT E DITOR
In what will amount to an early Christmas present for bluegrass pickers and music lovers across Western North Carolina and beyond, there’s a brand-new album from the late Carroll Best.
“What he did with the banjo was above and beyond,” said French Kirkpatrick, a Haywood County musician, who was part of The White Oak String Band with Best. “He was, probably without a doubt, the most creative banjo player I was ever in a room with.”
Aptly titled, “The Best of Best,” these never before released recordings were compiled by Dr. Ted Olson, professor of Appalachian studies at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City. The Grammynominated educator and musicologist is well-known for scouring archives at ETSU and the Library of Congress, ultimately bringing to light numerous recordings of legendary Southern Appalachian musicians and groups. Best is the latest project.
Regarded as one of the finest banjo players to ever pick up the instrument, Best, a Haywood County native, was known for his signature “fiddle style,” which was a melodic, syncopated three-finger stroke he evolved and perfected. That specific style of playing allowed Best the capability to perform a wide array of songs by following fiddle tunes note for note.
“Carroll was a gifted, regional banjo player who influenced national musicians. He was among the first, if not the very first banjo player to move threefinger hillbilly ‘pickin’ toward jazz and melodic melodies requiring a sophisticated ear and independent dexterity given only to few,” said Marc Pruett, Grammy Award-winning banjoist of Balsam Range. “He farmed, he worked in the local mill for years, and to those of us lucky enough to have known him, he freely shared his music.”
influence will seemingly live on forever in the hearts of those who continually discover and rediscover his deep catalog of material.
“Carroll Best was the ‘best,’” the late Steve Sutton, the Grammy-nominated banjoist of Whitewater Bluegrass Company, told The Smoky Mountain News in 2014. “We played together under a tree at Merlefest the evening before his death. It was tragic and such a loss in so many ways. [He made] the most beautiful sounds to ever come from a banjo. He showed me just how versatile the instrument could be — he was a one-of-a-kind.”
SMN recently caught up with Olson about the recordings, who Carroll Best was and what his legacy remains.
of tunes. Much bluegrass music was driven by the lightning-fast rolls of Earl Scruggs-style banjo, essentially arpeggios of chord formations, but Carroll’s approach to playing the banjo, structured around a tune’s melody line, was simultaneously colorful and gentle.
At about this same time, I became aware of other, younger musicians who played an alternative, more melodic style of bluegrass banjo than that modelled by Scruggs. I began to wonder if there might have been a connection between Carroll’s “fiddle-style” and the approaches of the younger banjo players, whose style was often referred to as melodic three-finger banjo.
Later, as a professor at ETSU, I became interested in exploring the oral histories and music recordings made by linguist Joseph Hall in the Great Smoky Mountains. Beginning in the 1930s, Hall made recordings of people in the process of leaving their homes and farms in the Smokies to create the park, and he continued to return to the Smokies to document the cultural life of those same people as they adjusted to life outside the park.
project come about?
Throughout his life, Best played all around the Southern Appalachia region, winning banjos competitions, ultimately pushing his reputation as one of the finest pickers further into the industry-at-large. Sadly, on May 8, 1995, Best was murdered by his brother, Sam. Though his life extended 64 years, Carroll’s
The new album from Patuxent Music, ”The Best of Best,” is an effort to introduce Carroll’s music, highlights from the recordings he had made, to a new generation of old-time and bluegrass fans. My sense is that many people will be grateful to know about Carroll’s music and his life story. His life may have ended tragically, but he lived his life humbly and heroically. And he was always a proud citizen of Haywood County.
SMN: When you look at and analyze B est’s technique and style on the banjo, what are you noticing, hearing, and taking away from what made him so unique with his instrument and approach?
TO: As I studied his life and music, and as I interviewed people close to him, such as his wife Louise, as well as his former bandmate French Kirkpatrick, I concluded that Carroll had inspired the people who were generally credited with popularizing the melodic three-finger banjo style, Bobby Thompson and Bill Keith.
Ted Olson: I first learned about Carroll Best maybe 35 years ago when his band performed at the Smoky Mountain Folk Festival at Lake Junaluska’s Stuart Auditorium. I was also a performer at the festival that year and I was moved by Carroll’s music. What struck me most was that his band looked like a bluegrass group but sounded like an old-time band.
A major reason was Carroll’s virtuosic “fiddle-style” banjo, which emphasized the melodies
On one of those collecting trips in 1956, Hall recorded a group of friends who were making music together in Haywood County’s White Oak community, and the banjoplayer in that group was Carroll Best. Hall made more recordings in that same community in 1959.
Hearing those recordings from the 1950s and comparing them to what Carroll had played at the Smoky Mountain Folk Festival, it was obvious that Carroll’s banjo technique was fully formed in the 1950s. This was before anyone else was playing melodic three-finger banjo style. It was obvious that Carroll played a role in pioneering the style.
SMN: What about B est and his music really speaks to you, so much so you felt the need to put this project together?
TO: When I first heard Carroll at that festival, I was impressed with his virtuosity on the banjo, and I wanted to hear more. Somewhere I heard that he had made an album with his band in the early 1980s, but I couldn’t find a copy of the album. It had been released on the tiny Western North Carolina label [called] Skyline Records.
One other album by Carroll, on the Ivy Creek label, was released during his lifetime, but that one was likewise difficult to locate. A posthumous album arrived in 1999 from Copper Creek Records, but this influential musician has remained overlooked 30 years after his untimely death in 1995.
My liner notes for ”The Best of Best” attempt to tell the story of how this farmer/laborer/amateur musician in Haywood County mastered a style of banjoplaying that later became associated with better-known musicians. I hope this new album will establish Best not only as a pioneer of the melodic three-finger banjo style, but also as a significant figure in old-time and bluegrass music.
‘The Best of Best’
With a slew of previously unreleased recordings from the late Carroll Best, the brand-new album “The Best of Best” is a celebration of some of the finest bluegrass and mountain music ever created in Western North Carolina and greater Southern Appalachia.
Released by Patuxent Music, the project was supported by research into the Joseph Sargent Hall Collection by Dr. Ted Olson of East Tennessee State University in Johnson City. For more information and/or to purchase and download the album, visit carrollbest.bandcamp.com.
SMN: With all of your research and interest in B est, what have you ultimately come to realize is his legacy? Where does he stand in the banjo world?
TO: Contemporary banjo great Tony Trischka referred to Carroll as “one of the greatest banjoists who ever lived.” Certainly, Carroll’s “fiddle-style” banjo playing was one-of-a-kind, and surely those who were fortunate enough to hear him play live were impressed by his technique. But, because he did not tour and because his recordings were difficult to find, Carroll’s music was not widely heard during his lifetime.
Now, with the release of this new album, younger banjo players — really, anyone who appreciates a virtuosic musician — can appreciate Carroll’s achievement.
Carroll Best (mid-1980s). Courtesy of Louise Best
This must be the place
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD
‘Your future is whatever you make it, so make it a good one’
By the time this newspaper hits the streets on Nov. 12, it will have been 70 years to the day since Marty McFly was accidentally sent back to the future (1955) in a time machine created by Doctor Emmitt Brown in Hill Valley, California. The film was “Back to the Future,” which just celebrated its 40th anniversary.
Mom was always looking for some drama, with lil sis wanting the latest Disney animation sensation.
Me? I was a young history nerd. Naturally, I begged my mom to rent BTTF. I was so excited. A film about the past, present and future? My young existential self could hardly contain myself. To note, I was born an old soul, truly. I was one of those little kids who had no problem talking to adults. At the local library, I’d take out books on World War II or the history of the American Revolution. Don’t even get me started about my adolescent love for anything Ken Burns, especially the films “Baseball” and “The Civil War.”
The reason I’m waxing poetically about this timeless cinematic adventure is that, recently, there was a special anniversary screening of the film at the Cinemark in Asheville. So, of course, I had to scrap my plans one afternoon last week and bolt down Interstate 40 to Hendersonville Road to catch it.
Stepping into the dimly-lit theater, I was already a few minutes late, but the film itself hadn’t started yet. The place was pretty empty for a Thursday afternoon. Grab one of those cozy recliner seats and strap it for a ride through the space time continuum, this journey I’ve remained on since I was little kid.
You see, I was born in 1985, the same year “Back to the Future” was released and became a blockbuster smash, which led to two more films that completed the sacred trilogy. Myself, I didn’t come across BTTF until I was probably about seven or so, around 1992, a time when everything was on VHS tapes.
The store was Video Magic, located on Lake Street in my Canadian Border hometown of Rouses Point, New York. I remember wandering in there with my mother and little sister, each in search of something to capture our attention over the ensuing weekend.
After that first viewing of BTTF — in the living room of the old farmhouse I called home until I graduated high school — I wanted to watch it again (and again). By that juncture, one could rent all three films in the trilogy. So, what do you think I did with my free time on the weekends? Heck, I was a nerdy kid with no friends, who was mercilessly bullied. I had nothing else to do (aside from playing in the backwoods behind the farmhouse) expect watch BTTF.
Eventually, one Christmas I received an “all-in-one,” which was a little TV that had a simple VHS player within it. The absolute coolest gift any kid in the mid-1990s could receive. Not long after that, I was able to purchase the BTTF trilogy on VHS from the local department store. Run upstairs to my childhood bedroom, slam the tapes into the “all-in-one” and escape into the sci-fi fantasy world of Marty, Doc and that wild-n-out cast of characters.
Skip ahead to this past week. Even though I’d seen BTTF literally hundreds of times, watching it on the big screen was such a surreal, powerful and intrinsic experience. Hence why I had to “be there” and see it for myself in that format, in that setting. And even though I know the storyline and ending like the back of my hand, I was still on the edge of my seat until the credit finally rolled and the house lights came back, immediately bringing the audience back to reality. Skip ahead to last night. As the cool evening air rolled into the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding my quaint apartment in downtown Waynesville, the full “Beaver Moon” hovering overhead, I came
HOT PICKS
1
Highlands Food & Wine Festival will be held Nov. 13-16 at various venues within the community.
2
A special production of “Beetlejuice Jr.’ will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14-15, 21-22 and 2 p.m. Nov. 16 and 23 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
3
Americana/roots act Chatham Rabbits will perform at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at the Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center in Franklin.
4
Rudy’s Bluegrass Revue will hit the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville.
5
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host a special production of “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” at 7 p.m. Nov. 14-15 and 21-22.
across the BTTF trilogy on Netflix, which also included the notice: “Leaving Soon.” Shit. Well, now I know what I’m doing for the rest of the night. Crack a beer. Click play. Onward.
And yet, this viewing was different, or felt different in some ways. While once again immersed in the films, I found myself really connecting some deep dots within my heart and soul, my intents and actions, my longheld dreams and continued path in this universe. I started to realize just how much BTTF has impacted my life and ultimate trajectory. How crazy, eh?
All throughout the epic visual tale, I started to understand why it is I adore history so much, and why I’m always such a sentimental person when it comes to the lens by which I view history and those who were (and are) part of it. This sense that “nothing’s the same, everything’s the same” has always resided in the core of my absolute being and the lens by which I see the world and its inhabitants — a core theme of the storyline within BTTF.
I also understood where a huge part of my lifelong love and unrelenting yearning for “The West” comes from, this combination of watching BTTF III as an elementary school kid, one who was lucky enough to also travel to Wyoming and Montana on family vacations at that same exact time in the 1990s. The past is eternally alive in my heart of hearts, and I use that sentiment as a way to navigate our current social landscape.
And lastly, it’s that final scene in BTTF III, when Doc says goodbye to Marty and says, “Your future is whatever you make it, so make it a good one.” Whether I realized it right then and there as a little kid with big dreams on the desolate Canadian Border or it became tucked away in my subconscious, but those words and honest feelings hit hard, especially for someone who couldn’t wait to leave the starting line and pursue my destiny in the name of free will.
Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.
‘The West,’ somewhere in South Dakota. Garret K. Woodward photo
On the wall
Cherokee pottery exhibition
A special showcase, “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, the exhibition features works by students of Tara McCoy (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) handcrafted during an intensive three-month workshop. Renowned for her pottery, McCoy began making crafts at 12 years old. She honed her skills while taking arts and crafts classes with Alyne Stamper (EBCI) and has won numerous awards at the Cherokee Fall Festival and at Southwestern Association of Indian Arts (SWAIA) Santa Fe Indian Market.
Today, she shares her knowledge with others. Designed to increase and uplift pottery making among members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, McCoy’s workshop uses a hands-on approach, empowering first-time potters to bring their own personal style to ancestral techniques and methods.
“The Didanisisgi Gadagwatli pottery workshop is an example of how museums can support and uplift great work already happening in the community,” says MotCP Director of Education Dakota Brown (EBCI). “Tara’s dedication to gadugi (community working together for the common good) and intensive approach to teaching has been hugely successful and is a powerful example of reconnections and resurgence. Connection and practice to our material culture is a continuation of our shared Cherokee identity and perpetuates Cherokee pride.”
MotCP is located in Cherokee. Donated photo
Handmade Holiday Sale
The artists exhibited include Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle (EBCI), Barbara Jones (EBCI), Paula Wojtkowski (EBCI), Marisa “Sis” Cabe (EBCI), Lisa Howell (EBCI, Pawnee Nation) Malia Crowe Skulski (EBCI), Samantha Cole-Daniels (EBCI), Elvia Walkingstick (EBCI), Maggie Jackson (EBCI), Michelle Lynn Long (EBCI, Mvskoke Creek Nation) and Tara McCoy (EBCI).
For more information, visit motcp.org.
HCAC ‘Small Works’ exhibit
The Haywood County Arts Council’s (HCAC) “Small Works” exhibit will run through Dec. 31 at the HCAC Gallery & Gifts showroom in downtown Waynesville. The annual exhibit that expands the types of work for sale in the downtown Waynesville gallery, as well as who can display their work. Other than specially curated exhibits, which occur a couple times annually, this exhibit is the only one that allows any artist within the
On the street
The ‘Small Works’ showcase will be held at HCAC. File photo
• “Holiday Market” will run through Dec. 27 at The Bascom in Highlands. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts by local and regional artists, including members of The Bascom Clay Studio. Celebrate the season with holiday-themed workshops for children and adults. For more information, call 828.526.4949 or visit thebascom.org.
• “Holiday Art Market” will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at Southwestern Community College in Bryson City. Dozens of artisan vendors, craft demonstrations, food and more. Free and open to the public. greatsmokies.com/events.
‘The Polar Express’ is a popular WNC ride. File photo
Holiday Sale” will be held from 10 a.m.
Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina
This event is presented by the WCU Fine Art Museum and is located throughout the Bardo Arts Center lobby and Star Atrium. It features high-quality, handmade gifts created by students, staff and alumni. Items for sale include artwork, candles, ceramics, wearable accessories, woodwork and other handmade crafts.
To learn more about the exhibition and reception, visit arts.wcu.edu/handmadeholiday.
western mountain region to participate for a small fee. With dozens of artists participating, the exhibit promises to be eclectic. Although the only requirement is that the pieces be 12 inches in any dimension or smaller, HCAC challenged participants who are making holiday themed works to consider artistic expressions that are multicultural in nature and celebrate the many different holidays — ways of celebrating and ways of experiencing holidays. For more information, visit haywoodarts.org.
• “Art After Dark” will be held from 6-9 p.m. each first Friday of the month (May-December) in downtown Waynesville. Main Street transforms into an evening of art, live music, finger foods, beverages and shopping as artisan studios and galleries keep their doors open later for local residents and visitors alike. The event is free and open to the public. downtownwaynesville.com.
• WNC Paint Events will host painting sessions throughout the region on select dates. For more information and/or to sign up, visit wncpaint.events.
• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host “ArtWorks” at 1 p.m. every second Thursday of the month. Come create your own masterpiece. The materials for art works are supplied, and participants are welcome to bring ideas and supplies to share with each other. Ages 16 and up. Space limited to 10 participants. Free and open to the public. 828.488.3030 / vroberson@fontanalib.org.
• CRE828 (Waynesville) will offer a selection of art classes and workshops at its studio located at 1283 Asheville Road. Workshops will include art journaling, watercoloring, mixed media, acrylic painting and more. 828.283.0523 / cre828.com.
• Gallery Zella (Bryson City) will be hosting an array of artist receptions, exhibits and showcases. The gallery is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. 517.881.0959 / galleryzella.com.
“The Polar Express” train ride will roll down the tracks on select dates from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot in downtown Bryson City. Climb aboard one of the powerful locomotives and historic train cars as it departs the Bryson City Depot for the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus himself. Upon arriving at our depot, you’ll be immersed in the story as GSMR chefs serve you hot chocolate and sweet treats while singing and dancing all the way to the North Pole. On the return trip to Bryson City, Santa will visit each coach and hand out the first gift of Christmas to each child. To note, there are a handful of seating and pricing options available.
For a complete listing of departure dates and times, call 800.872.4681 or visit gsmr.com.
• “Christmas Light Show Drive-Thru” (Bryson City) is running everyday through the holidays at the Great Smoky Mountains Event Park, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission is $20 for cars and family vans, $40 for activity vans and limousines. Tour buses and school buses are not allowed due to the tight turns at the entrance. For more information, visit explorebrysoncity.com/events /christmas-holiday/christmas-lights.
ALSO:
• “Letters to Santa, Hot Cocoa & Cookies” from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through the holidays at the Bryson City Visitors Center in downtown. Free and open to the public. greatsmokies.com/events.
• Waynesville Photography Club meets at 7 p.m. every third Monday each month on the second floor of the Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center in Clyde. The club is a nonprofit organization that exists for the enjoyment of photography and the improvement of one’s skills. The club welcomes photographers of all skill levels to share ideas and images at the monthly meetings. waynesvillephotoclub@charter.net.
• Haywood County Arts Council (Waynesville) will offer a wide range of classes, events and activities for artisans, locals and visitors. The HCAC gallery is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. 828.452.0593 / haywoodarts.org.
• Jackson County Green Energy Park (Dillsboro) will be offering a slew of classes, events and activities for artisans, locals and visitors. 828.631.0271 / jcgep.org.
• Southwestern Community College Swain Arts Center (Bryson City) will host an array of workshops for adults and kids. 828.339.4000 / southwesterncc.edu/scc-locations/swaincenter.
• 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.
File photo
On the beat
Folkmoot welcomes Rudy’s Bluegrass Revue
A sensational Asheville-based act, Rudy’s Bluegrass Revue will hit the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville.
The trio’s lively performances seamlessly blend bluegrass, Americana, traditional and mountain roots music, all of which will keep your toes tapping and spirits dancing.
Led by Rudy Cortese, an award-winning banjo player and multi-instrumentalist, the group features original songs and genre-spanning covers with heart and precision. Elizabeth Kronlage adds rich harmony vocals, tenor guitar and cello. To note, the duo won the 2019 Wickenburg Bluegrass Festival duet competition. Chris Carter, a Madison County native, keeps the groove strong on upright bass.
information and/or to purchase tickets, visit folkmoot.org or call 828.452.2997.
Chatham Rabbits at Cowee School
Chatham Rabbits will play Franklin Nov. 14. File photo
• Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library (Cashiers) will host “Community Jam Sessions” from 2-4 p.m. the second and fourth Sunday of each month. Informal jamming. All skill levels are welcome. Free and open to the public. 828.743.0215 / fontanalib.org/cashiers.
• Balsam Mountain Inn (Balsam) will host “Picking on the Porch” (open community jam) 6 p.m. Tuesdays, “Trivia Night” 7 p.m. Wednesdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.283.0145 / thebalsammountaininn.com.
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host Blue Mountaineers (Americana/bluegrass) 5-7 p.m. Thursdays and semi-regular live music on
‘Community Contra Dance’ in Franklin
The last “Community Contra Dance” of the autumn series will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.
Popular regional Americana/roots act Chatham Rabbits will perform at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at the Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center in Franklin.
The duo has released four albums: “All I Want from You” (2019), “The Yoke is Easy, The Burden is Full” (2020), “If You See Me Riding By” (2022) that nod to the old-time roots of their college string band pastime, with their new release “Be Real with Me” (2025) showing how much they’ve grown sonically. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students (ages 6-16). For more information, visit coweeschool.org.
the weekends. All shows begin at 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9320 / facebook.com/brbeerhub.
• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host “Karaoke Night” 9 p.m. Wednesdays, “Trivia” 7 p.m. Thursdays, “Open Jam” 10 p.m. Thursdays, Rossdafareye (indie/jam) Nov. 15 and Random Animals (indie/rock) Nov. 22. 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 Flat Lincoln 8 p.m. Nov. 14, No Way Out 8 p.m. Nov. 15, High Sierra Nov. 16, The Loudes Nov. 21
and From The Edge Nov. 22. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0085 / brysoncitybrewing.com.
• Folkmoot Friendship Center (Waynesville) will host “World Drum Classes” every Friday at 2:30 p.m. (adults, free) and 4 p.m. (family friendly, all ages, free), “Waynesville Acoustic Guitar Group” 2-4 p.m. every second and fourth Saturday of the month (free) and Rudy’s Bluegrass Revue (Americana/bluegrass) 7 p.m. Nov. 13 (tickets start at $5 per person). 828.452.2997 / folkmoot.org.
• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host “Jazz On The Level” 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Karmachain Nov. 14, Prime Country Band (Americana) Nov. 15, The Young Ones 3 p.m. Nov. 16, “MAP Trivia Night” Nov. 20, The Bayou Boys Nov. 21 and Crystal Fountains Nov. 22. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 / froglevelbrewing.com.
• Happ’s Place (Glenville) will host Corey Stevenson (singer-songwriter) Nov. 13, Doug Ramsay (singer-songwriter) Nov. 14, Dillon & Company Nov. 15 and Doug Ramsay Nov. 22. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.742.5700 / happsplace.com.
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host Tracy Lawrence (country gold) 9 p.m. Nov. 14 and Night 5 Forever 7 p.m. Nov. 16. For tickets, click on caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.
• Highlander Mountain House (Highlands) will host “Blues & Brews” with Scott Low 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” on select dates. 828.526.2590 / highlandermountainhouse.com.
• Highlands Performing Arts Center will host Yacht Rock Gold Experience (oldies/rock) 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14. Tickets start at $50 per person. 828.526.9047 / highlandsperformingarts.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host “Music Bingo” 7 p.m. Tuesdays, “Trivia Night” 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, “Open Mic Night” 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, “Karaoke Night” Nov. 14, Whiskey Mountain Band (Americana) Nov. 15 and Natti Love Joys (reggae/roots) Nov. 22. 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” 7 p.m. Mondays, “Trivia Night” 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, “Old Time Jam” 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, J.B. & Friends (Americana) Nov. 14 and Tim Akins (singer-songwriter) Nov. 21. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. 828.349.2337 / lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• Legends Sports Bar & Grill (Maggie Valley) will host Blue Mountaineers (Americana/bluegrass) 5-7 p.m. Mondays, “Open Mic Night” 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Karaoke Thursdays (6 p.m.) and Saturdays (7 p.m.), with live music each Friday (8 p.m.). Free and open to the public. 828.944.0403 / facebook.com/legendssportsgrillmaggievalley.
• 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, Amos Jackson (soul/funk) Nov. 13, Blended Hemp Nov. 15 and Bridget Gossett (singer-songwriter) Nov. 22. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.926.1717 / meadowlarkmotel.com.
• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host “Open Mic Night” with Frank Lee every Thursday, Shane Meade (singer-songwriter) Nov. 14, Mountain Gypsy (Americana) Nov. 15 and Bridget Gossett (singer-songwriter) 5 p.m. Nov. 16. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 / mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.
• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, 828.389.ARTS / thepeacocknc.org.
• Quirky Birds Treehouse & Bistro (Dillsboro) will host Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.586.1717 / facebook.com/quirkybirdstreehouse.
Contra dance is a form of social folk dancing from which square dancing evolved, so it shares many of the same movements. As always, no partner is necessary, generations mix. All are welcome, including beginners. No dance experience or fancy clothing are necessary. Those who would like to come out just to listen to the music are welcome, too. The dance band, Paddy’s Return, is strong on
lively Celtic tunes of Ireland and Scotland and hails from Brasstown, with strong ties to John C. Campbell Folk School. Three of the members are instructors at the Folk School, with all five members being multiinstrumentalists. Harrison Keely will be the caller for the evening.
For the uninitiated, the caller walks the dancers through the steps of the upcoming dance for a few minutes and then continues to call the moves in time to the music, so the dancers know what to do next. Dances will include contras, squares, mixers and perhaps a few other types of folk dances appropriate to the level of the dancers in attendance. Beginners are strongly encouraged to arrive by 6:30 p.m. for the instruction. The dance itself will run from 7-9 p.m. Experienced dancers are quite
willing to help those new to contra dance get started with the movements.
A suggested donation of $10 per person goes to pay the band and caller. Kids age 14 and under are free. Children over age 8, who are game to participate or sit and watch with an adult, may also attend. Dances will be on hiatus this winter and will resume in March.
Bring a closed water container and a snack if you wish. Smooth-soled shoes work best for dancing on wood floors. Please do not wear perfume or other scents to the dances.
For more information, visit facebook.com/franklincontra for photos and details about upcoming dances or email contradancefranklinnc@gmail.com.
• 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, Michael Kitchens (singer-songwriter) Nov. 14, Frances Eliza (singer-songwriter) Nov. 18, George James (singer-songwriter) Nov. 21 and Jacob Donham (singersongwriter) Nov. 22. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.369.6796 / facebook.com/rathskellercoffeebarandpub.
• Scotsman (Waynesville) will host “Open Mic” first Wednesday of every month, Rich Manz Trio (oldies/acoustic) Nov. 13, Brian Ashley Jones & Melanie Jean (Americana) Nov. 15, Jenny & The Weazels (Celtic) 2 p.m. Nov. 16, “Laugh Til’ You Cry”
F
Rudy’s Bluegrass Revue. File photo
Meade returns to Mountain Layers
Florida-based indie/soul singersongwriter Shane Meade will perform at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at Mountain Layers Brewing Company in Bryson City.
Shane Meade will play Bryson City Nov. 14. File photo
Hailing from Elkins, West Virginia, Meade is a selftaught late bloomer who borrowed an old guitar from his father. He began playing and writing songs in the summer of 2000 before relocating to Florida, eventually leaving the corporate world and pursuing music full-time in 2005.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 828.538.0115 or visit mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.
comedy night Nov. 19, Shane Meade (indie/soul) Nov. 20, Second Chance (country) Nov. 22 and Holler & Crow (Celtic/folk) Noc. 23. 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 Adrianne Blanks & The Oracles 6 p.m. Nov. 14 and Adam & Joe 4 p.m. Nov. 16. 828.276.9463 / slantedwindow.com.
• Trailborn (Highlands) will host its “Carolina Concert Series” with Juan (singer-songwriter) Nov. 13 and Melissa McKinney (Americana/soul) Nov. 20. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.482.1581 or trailborn.com/highlands.
• Valley Tavern (Maggie Valley) will host “Karaoke with Jason” Tuesdays, “Tom’s Trivia Night” Wednesdays, Sweetlife Nov. 14 and Second Chance (country) Nov. 21. All shows and events begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.926.7440 / valley-tavern.com.
• Veterans Of Foreign Wars Post 5202 (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.456.9356 / vfw5202.org.
• Vineyard At High Holly (Scaly Mountain) will host Rail Town 2 p.m. Nov. 16 and Zorki (singer-songwriter) 2 p.m. Nov. 23. 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. Nov. 21, Mick Mayer (singer-songwriter) 5 p.m. Nov. 14, The Highlands Horns (jazz/swing) 5 p.m. Nov. 15 and Woolybooger (blues/folk) 1 p.m. Nov. 22. Free and open to the public. 828.342.6707 / wcbrewandwine.com.
‘Beetlejuice Jr.’ will be at HART on select dates.
Donated photo
HART presents ‘Beetlejuice Jr.’
A special production of “Beetlejuice Jr.’ will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14-15, 21-22 and 2 p.m. Nov. 16 and 23 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
In this production, a strange and unusual teen befriends a mischievous ghost in this hilarious and haunting 90-minute version of the hit Broadway musical based on the Tim Burton film.
Tickets start at $23 for adults, $13 for students. Seating upgrades and discounts available. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, call 828.456.6322 or visit harttheatre.org.
• Cataloochee Ranch (Maggie Valley) will host “Tales from the Ranch” with local historian/storyteller Bob Plott 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16. Tickets are $25 per person. For tickets and reservations, visit cataloocheeranch.com/ranch-event.
ductions on the weekends. For tickets, click on caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.
ALSO:
• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host a special production of “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” at 7 p.m. Nov. 14-15 and 21-22. smokymountainarts.com / 866.273.4615.
• Highlands Performing Arts Center (Highlands) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. mountaintheatre.com / 828.526.9047.
• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. thepeacocknc.org / 828.389.ARTS.
• Swain Arts Center (Bryson City) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. 828.488.7843 / swainartscenter.com.
Highlands Food & Wine Festival
Featuring world-class culinary treats and marquee musical acts, the annual Highlands Food & Wine Festival will be held Nov. 13-16 at various venues within the community.
• Thursday, Nov. 13: “Grand Tasting” with The Psycodelics at The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts (7-10 p.m.)
LADIE T FOR
• Friday, Nov. 14: “Smoke Signals” with Paul McDonald & The Mourning Doves and Railroad Earth at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park (noon to 3 p.m.). “Vine in the Pines” at the Highlands Biological Station (4-5:30 p.m.). “Her Voice, Her Vintage” with Nikki Lane at the Skyline Lodge (4:30-6 p.m.).
• Saturday, Nov. 15: “Main Event” with Nikki Lane and The Wallflowers on Main Street (noon to 3:30 p.m.). “Rock & Roe” at the Hutchinson House (5:30-6:30 p.m.). “The Barn Ramble” at the Flat Mountain Farm (7-9:30 p.m.).
• Cataloochee Ranch (Maggie Valley) will host semi-regular culinary events and workshops throughout the week. For a full schedule of upcoming activities, tickets and reservations, visit cataloocheeranch.com/ranchevent.
• Balsam Mountain Inn (Balsam) will host “Wind Down Wine Flight” 6 p.m. Thursdays. 828.283.0145 / thebalsammountaininn.com.
• Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will have its wine bar open 4-8 p.m. Fridays/Saturdays and semi-regular wine tastings on the weekends. 828.452.6000 / classicwineseller.com.
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host semi-regular tap-takeovers from local and regional breweries on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9320 / blueridgebeerhub.com.
with Blind Boys of Alabama at The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.). For more information, a full schedule of events and/or to purchase tickets, visit highlandsfoodandwine.com.
ALSO:
• “Flights & Bites” will be held starting at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. 828.452.0120 / waynesvillewine.com.
• “Take A Flight” with four new wines every Friday and Saturdays at the Bryson City Wine Market. Select from a gourmet selection of charcuterie to enjoy with your wines. Educational classes and other events are also available. 828.538.0420.
• “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on select dates at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first class car. Wine pairings with a meal and more. There will also be a special “Beer Train” on select dates. 800.872.4681 / gsmr.com.
HFWF returns to the Plateau this week.
Toltec wisdom resonates in today’s world
Recently, I was gifted the use of a book to read on Native American wisdom by my Sylva dentist Dr. David McGuire. Thousands of years ago, the Toltec were known throughout southern Mexico as “women and men of knowledge” and who formed a society to explore and conserve the spiritual knowledge and practices of the ancient ones. In the book Don Miguel Ruiz, a nagual (a spirit guide or wisdom keeper) from the Eagle Knight lineage of the Toltec, has been guided to share with us the powerful teachings of the Toltec.
Almost ironically, his book “The Four Agreements: Wisdom Book” (Amber-Allen Publishing, 1997, 140 pages.) begins in the first chapter with an epigram from Beatles songwriter John Lennon. “Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all your see.” The early chapters of the book introduce the premise of the book’s title and provide the reader with Ruiz’s definitions for what he calls “The Four Agreements,” which are in succession: “be impeccable with your word; don’t take anything personally; don’t make assumptions; always do your best” — which he describes in great detail throughout the book. “You need a very strong will in order to adopt The Four Agreements — but if you can begin to live your life with these agreements, the transformation in your life will be amazing,” he says.
fused and “in a fog.” So, in order to convey to you what he’s writing about and how he qualifies his message(s), and instead of trying to interpret Ruiz’s wisdom here, I’m going to share some of the key quotes from the book so you’ll get what he’s “getting at” firsthand.
1. Be Impeccable With Your Word: “Through your word you express your creative power. What you dream, what you feel, and what you really are, will all be manifested through the word. The Word is not just a sound or a written symbol, it is a force and is the most powerful tool you have as a human; it is the tool of magic.”
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally: “Nothing other people do is because of you. It is because of themselves. If someone gives you a negative opinion, don’t take it personally, because the truth is that this person is dealing with his or her own feelings, beliefs and opinions. All people live in their own dream, in their own mind; they are in a completely different world from the one we live in.”
3. Don’t Make Assumptions: “The problem with making assumptions is that we believe they are the truth. We make an assumption, we misunderstand, we take it personally, and we end up creating a whole big drama for nothing. All the sadness and drama you have lived in your life was rooted in making assumptions and taking things personally.”
ing the action because you love it, not because you’re expecting a reward. If we like what we do, if we always do our best, then we are really enjoying life. You do your best because you want to do it, not because you have to do it, not because you are trying to please other people. Taking action is being alive. It’s taking the risk to go out and express your dream and letting go of the past and living in the present moment. You were born with the right to be happy. You were born with the right to love, to enjoy and to share your love. You express your own divinity by being alive and by loving yourself and others.”
The Toltec Path To Freedom: “The Toltecs teach us that the reward is to transcend the human experience of suffering, to become the embodiment of God. That is the reward. We have memories of long ago, when we used to be free and we loved being free, but we have forgotten what freedom really means. As children we are not afraid of the future or ashamed of the past. Our normal human tendency is to enjoy life, to play, to explore, to be happy, and to love. Sometimes that little child comes out when you are having fun or playing, when you feel happy, when you are painting, or writing poetry, or playing the piano, or expressing yourself in some way. Your life is a manifestation of your dream; it is an art. The first step toward personal freedom is awareness. We need to be aware of what the problem is in order to solve the problem.”
The New Dream: “I want you to forget everything you have learned in your whole life. This is the beginning of a new understanding, a new dream. You have the power to create hell, and you have the power to create heaven. Why not use your mind, your imagination, and your emotions to dream heaven?” Ruiz goes on to explain his own definitions of heaven and hell.
He begins the early chapters by talking about the importance of dreaming. “Dreaming is the main function of the mind and you are dreaming twenty four hours a day,” he writes. How to control the dreaming and process the thoughts of the mind is the key, he goes on to say, rather than being con-
4. Always Do Your Best: Ruiz leaves the best to last in this chapter, chapters on The Toltec Path to Freedom and “The New Dream.” Throughout the three ending chapters we read these provocative and sometimes powerful quotes: “When you always do your best, you take action. Doing your best is tak-
Poetry reading at City Lights
And since this is at the end of his book, it’s a good place for us to stop as well. Reading this book was, for me, like learning the catechisms in Sunday School as a youngster, only these Toltec teachings are not for toddlers, but for all of us as we age and as important Native American wisdom is being offered to us, now, during these critical times for humans here on this planet.
(Thomas Rain Crowe is an internationally-published and recognized author of more than 30 books, including the multi-award winning nonfiction nature memoir “Zoro’s Field: My Life in the Appalachian Woods.”)
Kathryn Kirkpatrick and Annie Woodford will share poems from their latest collections, "Creature" and "Peasant," at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.
Kirkpatrick, a poet and literary scholar at Appalachian State University, is the author of eight poetry collections. Her forthcoming book, "Enraptured Space: Gender, Class, and Ecology in the Work of Paula Meehan" explores her decades-long engagement with the Dublin poet’s work Woodford, who teaches at Wilkes Community College, is the author of "Bootleg and Where You Come from Is Gone," winner of the 2022 Weatherford Award for Appalachian Poetry. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 828.586.9499 or visit citylightsnc.com.
Writer
Thomas Crowe
Lawsuit alleges Forest Service timber sale is illegal
BY KYLE P ERROTTI N EWS E DITOR
The Center for Biological Diversity and MountainTrue are suing the federal government, seeking to ensure laws are followed where they claim the U.S. Forest Service is skirting regulations in allowing the logging of a 135-acre parcel in the Nolichucky Gorge near the small Poplar community on the border between Yancey and Mitchell counties.
MountainTrue Deputy Director and General Counsel Gary Jernigan claimed in a letter issued to the public that the Forest Service has operated under a “long-expired” emergency order tied to Hurricane Helene and is doing so without informing the public or completing the required environmental review.
“The project was so secretive that we wouldn’t even have known this part of Pisgah National Forest was being logged without being informed by local residents,” the letter reads.
That letter also quotes MountainTrue’s Resilient Forests Program Director Josh Kelley.
“We asked the Forest Service for specifics about the project, and they refused, while also providing false information. We feel we have no other recourse but to sue to protect the outstanding qualities of the Nolichucky Gorge,” Kelly said in the letter.
The suit, filed in federal district court Nov. 6, claims that the Forest Service failed to prepare proper paperwork and comply with the requirements of the Pisgah Forest Plan under the National Forest Management Act. In September, the area, which includes a beloved boat launch, was closed to the public, and then the Forest Service entered into a contract with a company to harvest the timber.
“Logging has already begun,” the suit posits.
The Poplar timber sale is located at the head of the Nolichucky River Gorge, which the suit notes is “one of the deepest, wildest and most spectacular river gorges in the Southeast.” The Pisgah Forest Plan manages most of the gorge and according to the suit significant portions of the timber sale area. The forest plan limits logging and logging roads.
Following the damage and deforestation wrought by Hurricane Helene in September of last year, in February, the Pisgah National Forest received authorization from the Forest Service to conduct emergency salvage logging in project areas. The stated concern is that the downed trees would serve as fuel for a wildfire; however, the suit claims that the agency didn’t seek approval to conduct salvage log-
ging in this instance and further notes that only a small portion of the 135 acres in question suffered significant storm damage.
According to the suit, the Forest Service noticed a “previously overlooked” opportunity to conduct salvage logging in the project area because of a temporary bridge already installed by CSX transportation for the purpose of rebuilding a railroad track through the gorge.
“However, the window of opportunity was short; permit conditions set by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers required the bridge to be removed by November 4, 2025,” the suit reads. “As a result, the Forest Service moved ahead with the new Project without first complying with public notice and environmental review requirements.”
The suit claims that the Forest Service is in violation of the National Environmental Policy Act, which requires federal agencies to “promote efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and biosphere and stimulate the health and welfare of man.”
The suit cites other cases. One claims that NEPA “ensures that the agency and the public are aware of the environmental consequences of proposed projects.” Another case notes that NEPA has two aims.
“First, [NEPA] places upon an agency the obligation to consider every significant aspect of the environmental impact of a proposed action,” the suit reads. “Second, it ensures that the agency will inform the public that it has indeed considered environmental concerns in its decision-making process.”
the plan.
One mandates that when a state-designated Natural Heritage Natural Area is present within a project area, “coordination should occur with the [North Carolina] Natural Heritage Program early during project development to discuss the unique ecological values present, their locations, the representativeness and quality of these values, and potential management treatments.” Another provides that project-level field surveys for
area. These members informed Plaintiffs about rumors of imminent logging on or about October 21, 2025,” the suit reads.
On Oct. 23, the Forest Service confirmed for the plaintiffs that the area was closed for salvage logging operations. By the time plaintiffs’ counsel visited the project area on the morning of Oct. 29, logging and road construction had already begun, the suit says.
The plaintiffs asked the Forest Service to limit logging, road construction and the spread of invasive plants, lest there be litigation. However, the suit claims that the defendants failed to even respond to that request. Now, the plaintiffs are concerned there will be long-term harm to the area.
“These harms are significant and irreparable because they will permanently change the ecological trajectory of the Project area,” it claims. “Rather than recovering naturally, the
According to NEPA, if a proposal for major federal action “has a reasonably foreseeable significant effect on the quality of the human environment,” the agency “shall issue” a “detailed” environmental impact statement. Furthermore, the suit claims that under the National Forest Management Act, forest plans are used to provide a framework for how areas will be managed with considerations of specific social, economic and ecological conditions that are “concise, measurable and time-specific statement[s] of a desired rate of progress toward a desired condition or conditions.”
The Poplar timber sale is governed by the 2023 Pisgah National Forest Plan, which includes standards and guidelines that apply to the sale at the center of the suit. The suit highlights two relevant guidelines provided by
rare species must be conducted ahead of projects such as the Poplar timber sale.
The suit repeatedly raises the issue that the public wasn’t properly informed of the sale. On Sept. 11, the area of the Poplar timber sale was ordered to be closed with only the vague explanation that it weas “for the protection of public health and safety following Tropical Storm Helene.” On Sept. 18, the Forest Service posted the closure order on its website but did not otherwise circulate the closure order to interested members of the public. According to the suit, “Although the Forest Service’s website includes a page for active ‘Timber Sales,’ the Forest Service did not update this page or otherwise publicly post any timber sale documents, contracts, or environmental review documents for the Poplar timber sale.”
“In mid-October, local community members encountered the closure order at the Poplar Boat Launch adjacent to the Project
area will be marred by roads and infestations of invasive plants, rare species will be permanently displaced.”
On Nov. 7, the plaintiffs filed a motion for a temporary restraining order that describes what transpired shortly after the suit was made official.
“About an hour after the complaint was filed, counsel for Conservation Groups sent the complaint by email to agency representatives, attorneys in the Department of Agriculture’s Office of the General Counsel and the Civil Chief Assistant United States Attorney for the Asheville Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Western North Carolina, Gil Beck.”
The emails to the USDA OFC bounced back, apparently due to employees being furloughed amid the ongoing federal government shutdown. However, Beck did engage and informed the plaintiffs’ F
Logging in Project Area, Oct. 29, 2025. From lawsuit
Chronic Wasting Disease suspected in eastern NC
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is reporting the first presumptive detection of Chronic Wasting Disease in Edgecombe County. NCWRC has received a preliminary positive test result on a white-tailed deer harvested by a hunter in the eastern corner of the county. The closest confirmed location from this new suspected site is 92 miles away in Cumberland County.
CWD is transmissible to other deer and spreads through infected body fluids, namely saliva, urine and feces and the movement of infected deer carcasses and
carcass parts. Deer may appear healthy during early stages of infection; therefore, NCWRC stresses to hunters the importance of taking precautions when transporting or disposing of deer carcasses; improper disposal may lead to moving CWD to new locations.
NCWRC advises those hunting in Edgecombe and surrounding counties to keep whole deer carcasses and high-risk carcass parts in the county of origin or take them to a processor or taxidermist participating in the NCWRC’s Cervid Health Cooperator Program for proper carcass dis-
Submit soil samples to avoid peak-season fees
Now is the time to submit soil samples for faster turnaround time on results and avoid peak-season testing fees. This year, the peak laboratory season starts Wednesday, Nov. 26, and runs through March 31, 2026.
Samples must physically arrive at the Agronomic Services’ loading dock by Tuesday, Nov. 25, by 5 p.m. or earlier to avoid being charged a peak-season fee of $4 per sample.
Date of shipping, delivery to a local Cooperative Extension Service office or postmarking is not considered when determining the assessment of peak-season fees.
For best service, it is critical that the lab has the essential information submitted with a good quality sample. The small details really
counsel that a USDOJ attorney would handle the case.
At about 1 p.m. on Nov. 7, the attorneys representing the plaintiffs were informed by opposing counsel that the “government continues to believe that the Project is covered by the prior emergency authorization, and could not agree to Conservation Groups’ requested changes.”
Attached to an addendum in support of the motion for the TRO are affidavits from individuals supporting the plaintiffs. One was provided by a whitewater rafting guide who was disappointed by the logging operation, which caused the closure of the Poplar Boat Launch and delayed reconstruction of a boat ramp. The guide stated his concern that because the government has been shut down, there aren’t “on-the-ground oversight of timber harvest operations.”
The affidavit claims the boat launch has been monopolized by “private, extractive” industries for over a year now — basically since Helene — between the railroad company and now the logging operation.
“The closure has taken the boating community back to the 1970s without a designated or alternative access point,” the affidavit reads. “I am concerned this project will drag on and delay the planned repairs to the boat launch, further delaying public access to the river. Without any documentation on scope of work, best practices, remediation or a general timeline, the public continues to be held in the dark about when public access will be restored.”
matter when you consider that the Soil Testing Lab processes about 300,000 samples annually. Only use NCDA&CS soil sample boxes. Soil sample boxes and submission forms are provided at local county Cooperative Extension Centers and at the Agronomic Services Division, 4300 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh, NC 27607. Fill the soil box to the red line found on the outside of the box. Required information on the box includes the client’s name, address and sample ID. A soil submission form that is fully completed is required with your samples. Required information includes a client name with their full address, a crop code which is critical for plant-specific recommendations, a valid email address and a phone number. For convenience,
In another affidavit, a local resident decried the traffic of logging trucks in contrast to the typical light, local traffic.
“Previously, the road was only frequented by locals and those accessing the Poplar Boat Launch, which is supposed to be a public
Overlay of Project Area with U.S. Forest Service Southern Research Station Mapping of Hurricane Helene Damage. From lawsuit
posal and test submission.
All hunters are encouraged to follow one of the following disposal methods for nonedible portions of carcasses not taken to a Cervid Health Cooperator:
• Bury deer remains where you harvest the animal when possible.
• Double-bag deer remains for disposal in a landfill.
• Leave the deer remains on the ground where the animal was harvested.
Visit ncwildlife.gov/cwd for updates and to learn more about the agency’s management of CWD in North Carolina.
a fillable soil submission form is found at ncagr.gov/divisions/agronomic-services/soiltesting.
If possible, use the online data entry feature on our public portal called PALS (ncagr.gov/agronomi/pals) to ensure the most accurate delivery of sample information to the lab. If used, make sure that the submission is fully completed and a printed copy of the submission form is enclosed with soil sample boxes.
The sample turnaround time is based on the date the samples are received at our location. Contact the Agronomic Services Division at 919.664.1600 or go to ncagr.gov/anornomi/pals with any questions or information.
ting switchbacks into the hillside for roads, something this affiant also claims has been kept from the public. Those roads may cause a risk of landslides, he opined.
amenity for recreation,” it reads. “Now, it has been closed to the public and given over to industry … To access the river, people now cross over the railroad tracks and risk their safety. It appears that the only people respecting the order are the whitewater boaters.”
That affidavit expresses concern about long-term impacts of the timber sale on the landscape, considering the loggers are cut-
“The Poplar timber sale is already damaging the scenic value around my property, and if the timber sale causes long-term damage to the area, my personal and professional interests will be irreparably harmed,” the affidavit reads.
MountainTrue and The Center for Biological Diversity are requesting that the court directs the Forest Service to halt the timber sale until they “have complied with the law.” The suit claims that logging began as of Oct. 29 and may be finished as soon as Nov. 17. The plaintiffs are seeking to delay the logging to “ensure that the Forest Service follows the basic requirements of the law — including notice and analysis requirements and the provisions of its own forest plan — during a response that will continue for years, if not decades.”
The motion for the temporary restraining order will be heard in federal court the morning of Nov. 12.
Surf’s up!
EUp Moses Creek
BY B URT KORNEGAY
very fall, Becky and I leave Moses Creek for a week to go to Isle of Palms in South Carolina, and we stay on the beach there in a complex called the Sea Cabins. I make sure that two canoes go with us, a tandem we use to explore the quiet inland waterways together, and, for ocean surfing, a small solo canoe that I paddle here on our mountain rivers. We also rent bikes, and we walk the beach.
Becky is a beachcomber without parallel. She’ll sit for an hour in the swash and, with patient look, comb the shelly beach hash with her fingers to see what the ocean turns up — be it shark teeth, old glass shards or pieces of fossil bones from prehistoric sea beasts. If she had a basin in her hands, you’d think she was panning for gold.
One nugget Becky combed up this fall was an honest-to-goodness message in a bottle. She saw it floating in a tide pool. Always patient, she didn’t pull the cork until that evening when we were eating dinner with friends at a restaurant. But the bottle’s mouth turned out to be too small for any of us to get out the folded-up message. Our waitress joined in and offered to take the bottle to the chef, “He’ll have tweezers!” And in a minute, she brought the extracted paper back. We were up to three waitresses and the hostess at our table when Becky opened the paper and began to read. It turned out to be a hand-written letter from a father to his daughter, Lyla, on her 16th birthday. His words were loving and full of good wishes for his daughter’s coming year.
Unfortunately, the girl's first name and her age were the only specifics. No date or place of origin. The father ends by telling her, "Now, throw this bottle into the ocean and wonder on its travels."
Becky happened to find the bottle on her own birthday — though I’m not giving her age in this article. “The whole world doesn’t have to know everything!” she exclaimed. At the bottom of the father’s letter, she wrote
the date and place she’d found the bottle, then, tamping the cork back in, she threw it from the end of the Sea Cabins pier into an outgoing tide.
Becky likes to walk the beach, but before I go out, I usually “comb” it first with my eyes from the balcony of our Sea Cabin, because you never know what is going to appear on the sand below. For instance, one morning here came a bright-yellow trackhoe chugging down the beach. The machine somehow managed to fit itself under the Sea Cabins pier, and then it rolled on out of sight toward the row of 10bedroom-15-bath McMansions perched precariously on the southern, eroding tip of the island. I watched how easily the waves erased the two rows of caterpillar tracks that the heavy machine left behind and took it as a sign.
The next morning, I was watching both the sun come up over the ocean and the tourists on the beach, who were, as usual, facing the bright east in what I call "The iPhone Prayer Position," when a burly man decked out in a red plaid kilt and full Scottish regalia strode out of our complex, accompanied by a lass. He crossed the dunes, parted the iPhones, and positioned himself at the ocean’s edge, feet firmly planted and hands on his hips. He was so large he eclipsed the sun. I swear I saw the foaming breakers shrink back from him in fear! After a couple of minutes in that challenging pose, he turned and, with his lass, walked back. His biceps and shoulders were so big he had to hold his arms out at his sides. We see other people at the beach who walk like that too, but not because of their muscles. I wondered, “What was he about?” Then Becky showed me a headline in the morning news-
paper: "54th Annual Charleston Scottish Games." The games were being held the next day, with thousands of kilts expected to attend and grapple.
After the Scotsman left, the sun climbed into a clear sky, revealing uniform waves that were perfect for ocean surfing in my little solo boat. It’s my favorite thing to do at the beach. Becky, who watches from shore when I paddle out, says, “It’s a bunch of boys on surfboards and one old fart in a canoe.”
Tuckaseegee? Nantahala? Pigeon? Chattooga? I’ve canoed our mountain whitewater for years and love it, but nothing can match the thrill that comes when I catch a
bow down into the bottom of a barreling wave and let the onrushing wall of water push the stern straight up towards the sky. I wish I could say that Fred’s photo shows me executing a premeditated ender — elegant, graceful, controlled. But I was just trying to ride the wave to shore. And the instant Fred’s camera went snap, capturing my canoe on its way to unanticipated verticality, my one meditation was, “What the Tuck?” Or something along those lines.
The next morning, the sun illuminated the wrong conditions for paddling but the right ones for pedaling. The tide was out, exposing smooth, hard-packed sand, and a
catch the wave just wrong, however, it rides me. A few inches too far forward or back on the curling crest make all the difference between exultation and a violent trip down to Davy Jones’ locker.
The most heroic-looking picture ever taken while I was canoe surfing — made by friend Fred, who, along with his wife, joined us last year — shows me doing a bow ender on a breaking wave. An “ender” is boater talk for what happens when you tuck your
tip, then crossing the dunes, I saw the lone and level sand stretching far away, and I was gone with the wind.
Since I like to bike no hands and had the wind in my sails, I fished a pen and note card from my pocket as I cruised along and began to write this article for The Smoky Mountain News.
(Burt and Becky Kornegay live in Jackson County. “Up Moses Creek” comes out the second week of each month.)
“What the Tuck?” Fred Coyle photo
Franklin’s Women’s History Park receives state award
The Women’s History Park in east Franklin has received statewide recognition as a “Great Place for Public Art” for its Sowing the Seeds of the Future sculpture.
The North Carolina chapter of the American Planning Association presents the “Great Places Across NC” awards. The annual awards range from public recreation parks, downtown redevelopment areas, com-prehensive plans and public art.
The Folk Heritage Association of Macon County and the Women’s History Trail donated the sculpture to the town and worked with the town on creating the Women’s History Park between the town bridges in east Franklin.
This historic monument created by Academy Award-winning sculptor Wesley Wofford, was gifted as public art to the town by the Folk Heritage Association of Macon County. It serves as the trailhead for the Women’s History Trail, a designated walking path celebrating women, a dream of the late community leader Barbara McRae.
The Women’s History Trail opened in 2018 in downtown Franklin and connects 20 diverse, industrious women from all walks of life. Additional trail plaques continue to be identified and added. FHAMC commissioned Wofford to create the sculpture in late 2018. The “Sowing the Seeds of the Future” represents the interconnected lives of Na-ka Rebecca Morris (a Cherokee woman), Harriet Timoxena Siler Sloan (a pioneer woman), and Salley (an enslaved woman). These three women were linked by a specific piece of property that was on the Little Tennessee River across from the Noquisiyi (Nikwasi) Mound.
FHAMC donated the sculpture to the town as public art. The town provided the site for the park — a full circle back to a specific piece of property on the Little Tennessee River that connected the women in the statue. FHAMC oversaw the design and creation, working alongside the Town of Franklin to establish the park. The sculpture and the new Women’s History Park were dedicated on March 23, 2024.
‘Girls on the Run’ 5K coming to Asheville
Girls on the Run of Western North Carolina (GOTR WNC) will host its annual Fall 5K Presented by AdventHealth. Hundreds of girls, families, coaches and community members will lace up their sneakers for this celebration of confidence, connection and joy.
The Girls on the Run Village at the Tanger Outlets in Asheville opens at 8 a.m. on Nov. 23, featuring hands-on fun for the whole family — including a LEGO station, chalk art, bib decorating and the always-popular Happy Hair station. Local vendors and sponsors will bring extra community spirit and support leading up to the 5K start at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Mountain Mover Mile at 9:40 a.m.
This year's addition of the Mountain Mover Mile invites participants of all abilities to complete the first mile lap and return to the Village to cheer on the GOTR 5K runners as they cross the finish line. The new one-mile event underscores Girls on the Run's commitment to making movement accessible for everyone — because confidence, courage and community shouldn't have barriers. Course specifics can be found at gotrwnc.org/5k.
The event is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to run, walk, volunteer or cheer. Registration is open at gotrwnc.org/5k.
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Market PLACE WNC
MarketPlace information:
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• $6 — Residential yard sale ads.*
• $1 — Yard Sale Rain Insurance Yard sale rained out? Call us by 10a.m. Monday for your ad to run again FREE
• $375 — Statewide classifieds run in 170 participating newspapers with 1.1+ million circulation. (Limit 25 words or less)
• Boost Online — Have your ad featured at top of category online $4
• Boost in Print
• Add Photo $6
• Bold ad $2
• Yellow, Green, Pink or Blue Highlight $4
• Border $4
Note: Highlighted ads automatically generate a border so if you’re placing an ad online and select a highlight color, the “add border” feature will not be available on the screen.
Note: Yard sale ads require an address. This location will be displayed on a map on www.wncmarketplace.com
NOTICE OF INTENT TO FILE AN APPLICATION FOR 2026-2027
COMMUNITY SERVICES
BLOCK GRANT FUNDING
Mountain Projects, Community Action Agency is completing an application for the Community Services Block Grant Program for funding in 20262027, Mountain Projects is requesting $214,681.00 for the Central Intake and Referral programs in Haywood and Jackson County. The review and approval of this application is scheduled for November13, 2026
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.25E000363-490
Steven Robert Crisp,
Administrator of the Estate of Mary Lynn
Johnson 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 Jan 29 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Administrator c/o Coward, Hicks & Siler 705 W Main Street Sylva, NC 28779
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.25E000640-430
Keitha Lyn Barrett,
Executor of the Estate of Gary Steve Barrett 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 Feb 05 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to
said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Executor 130 Maple St. Waynesville, NC 28786
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.25E000611430
Tony Lewis Putnam,
Executor of the Estate of Judith Blazer Putnam 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 Jan 22 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Executor 730 Palmetto St Spartanburg, SC 29302
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.25E000357-490
Brandy Elizabeth Allison,
Executor of the Estate of Raymond Lee Farmer 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 Feb 05 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Executor
Attn: Brandy Allison 705 W Main Street Sylva, NC 28779
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.25E000358-490
Teneile Kathryn Pickett,
Executor of the Estate of Sharon Ann Myers 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 Feb 05 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Executor
c/o Coward, Hicks & Siler 705 W Main Street Sylva, NC 28779
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.25E000507-430
Joyce Ann Cochran,
Executor of the Estate of James Morris Cochran 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 Jan 22 2026, or this notice will be pleaded
in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Executor
Joyce Cochran PO Box 362 Hazelwood NC 28738
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.25E000368-490
Mary N. Bigwitch, havingistrator of the Estate of Charles William Bigwitch 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 Feb 12 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Administrator
c/o Mary Bigwitch
705 W Main Street Sylva, NC 28779
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.25E000638-430
Alicia Camacho, havingistrator of the Estate of Paula P. Mathews 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 Feb 05 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Administrator
c/o Rick Queen, P.A. 48 S. Main St Waynesville, NC 28786
Announcements
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KITTENS!! Asheville Humane Society has kittens available for adoption; all 2-6 months old and cute as can be! Fee includes vaccinations and spay/neuter. (828) 761-2001 adoptions@ ashevillehumane.org
Classes/ Instruction
PIANO AND GUITAR LESSONS ONLINE Pop, rock, folk, blues, jazz, classical. Experienced, friendly, understanding teacher accepting beginning through advanced students. Shawn Miranda, 206-334-8082 (Bryson City / text or call)
Construction/ Remodeling
and
REPLACE YOUR ROOF with the
E-CONTENT
ACROSS
1 Soft & -- (deodorant)
4 GPS display
7 GPS display: Abbr.
10 Farming sci.
18 "The Entertainer"
20 Title maiden of a Civil
22 Twice twenty 23 Assessment to see if two things are the same?
25 Opera solos
26 Guitarist -- Eddy
27 College in Cedar Rapids
28 Materialize properly?
30 Mil. bigwig
31 Sister of Eva and Zsa
39 Aerie babies
45 "Je t'--" (Gigi's "I love you")
46 Some Siouan speakers
49 Earth, in
56
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Legal, Financial and Tax
DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY?
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attorneys can help! Win or Pay Nothing! Strong, recent work history needed. 877-553-0252 [Step-
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GET A BREAK ON TAXES! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-855-869-7055 today!
SUDOKU
Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
