Countless stories that all seem to defy reason or explanation. “I came back after the storm to find my home and three other homes gone. A barn gone. A shed gone. Two RVs gone. I have walked up and down the stream for a mile or more and I can’t find a trace of my home or what was in it. My family photos. My family bibles. All gone. It’s like it all just disappeared.”
“One minute I was watching the creek rise and the next time I looked out the window, a rush of water was encircling my house and pushing up against my front door and windows. I couldn’t get out. I watched trees pulled out of the ground from the rushing water and catapulted through the air. I put my big dog and my two cats on my
HELP NEEDED
bed with me. I didn’t expect that I would survive.”
Three weeks after Hurricane Helene dumped 10-30 inches of rain in Western North Carolina and caused creeks and streams to turn into roaring rivers – due to build up at bridges up stream that suddenly burst or because of other waterways joining them – destruction is palpable in so many towns and pocket communities. The stench of thick mud mixed with chemicals, dead fish, fertilizers, waste, spoiled food, etc. fills the air. The noise from skid steers, Army trucks, dump trucks, and sledge hammers reverberates as houses are emptied of mud, contents are loaded into dumpsters, bridges are reconstructed, and drywall, paneling, and flooring is ripped from homes.
The need is great
The immediate need after the Sept. 27 natural disaster was primarily food, water, and paper goods. Then it became sleeping bags, warm clothing, gas, and propane camp stoves. Those items and so much more are ongoing needs. Yet, assistance on salvageable homes is momentously required now and for many weeks and months to come: de-mudding, emptying of wet contents and building materials, and clearing away trees and brush.
At Locust Grove Church near Weaverville, just one of 12 current Western North Carolina “command centers” for the Baptists on Mission disaster recovery and relief organization, nearly 100 homes have been assessed for volunteer assistance, with just 45 worked on in the last three weeks. According to the site’s North Carolina coordinator, requests for help on homes is coming in daily by word of mouth, calls to churches and community authorities, and inquiries at the innumerable pop-up emergency stations in overwhelmed communities.
“And there are areas that we haven’t even gotten to assess,” said Terry Hall. “We are trying to get into Hot Springs, which has really been closed off [due to the storm], so we don’t even know what the needs are there yet. This is not a few weeks need for volunteers or even a few months need. We desperately need volunteers for many months to come.”
During a three-day stint to help with two homes in the Weaverville/Barnardsville area, Macon Sense’s manager, Dan Finnerty (along with myself) viewed and heard the desperation of displaced people. Three tents were set up where a home once stood. The people whose house Finnerty and other volunteers with Baptists on Mission were cleaning out so it could dry and eventually be renovated, said they were crammed into a two-bedroom home with another family.
volunteer opportunity in addition to Samaritan’s Purse and Baptists on Mission, is Emerge Ministries.
In fact, many relief organizations have logistical posts set up in churches or empty buildings throughout Western North Carolina; these spots are where cleaning supplies and equipment are stored, volunteers are housed and fed, work team meetings take place, volunteers are assembled, etc. Hall encouraged anyone living within a two-hour or under driving distance to one of these sites volunteer for the day, so that the logistical posts can be used as temporary housing for volunteers coming from farther away. However, if someone from Macon County wants to sign up to serve for several days in a row, the disaster relief organization will accommodate. Individuals may visit the organization’s website and provide information regarding skills, dates available to serve, contact information, and more.
HIGH WINDS and rushing waters of Hurricane Helene left some WNC residents with damages that will take many months and many hands to clean up.
Go or give Ben Windle’s message on Sunday, Oct. 20, was concerning The Cheerful Giver, from 2 Corinthians 9: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart …”
One woman was sleeping with her teenage son in her car. Another was bunking with a neighbor she just met, her large dog and two cats in tow.
Malika Windle, wife of Discover Church pastor Ben Windle, spent a day last week serving with Samaritan’s Purse. Alongside her were a few other women who work for or with Discover Church in Franklin. She said signing up to serve was “easy.”
“[Samaritan’s Purse] is amazing, organized, professional, safe …,” she said. “We worked hard but also spent time with the homeowners getting to know their stories and be there for them during this difficult time.”
Windle echoed what so many site coordinators for disaster relief organizations are affirming, “Samaritans Purse will need volunteers for the next three months, minimum.”
County commissioner Danny Antoine, after serving in Spear, N.C., Oct. 12, appealed on social media: “Please let’s continue to pray and continue reaching out to them to help. They need us.”
On the www.ilovemytown.org website, also listed as a
For residents of Macon County who cannot serve as boots on the ground in hard-hit areas, needs are great for financial contributions to purchase cleaning supplies, Tyvek suits (full-body disposable suits essential when accomplishing mud-outs in homes), gloves, masks, fuel, food to feed volunteers, bottled water, and items to donate to homeowners, such as sleeping bags, mattresses, warm clothing, grills, camp stoves, and more.
Additionally, intake/distribution centers are located all around Macon County, including one operated by GR828, which is part of Mountain Alliance and Mission. This one is located at 45 Macon Center Drive, and volunteers are typically there every day except Sunday to accept needed items that will be taken to sites farther to the east of Macon County – places like Barnardsville, Marshall, Weaverville, Old Fort, Swannanoa, Asheville, Chimney Rock, and Bat Cave. For information about what is currently needed, email gr828wnc@gmail.com or visit the GR828 Facebook page.
Franklin High School (FHS) students have raised more than $4,000 with their “Coins for Conference” campaign to help schools in the region that have been affected by Helene. Macon County Schools Superintendent Josh Lynch recognized the efforts at the Oct. 18 new school groundbreaking, “Our friends to the east … schools gone, footballs fields gone. We’re not forgetting those folks.”
Fox Mercantile in Franklin is accepting donations to
purchase boots and socks for first responders since toxic mud and water is detrimental to footwear. As of late last week, more than 200 pairs of boots and socks had been distributed to hard-working first responders.
Additionally, Jennifer Hollifield with the Macon County Department of Social Services, shared that the Macon County Hurricane Helene Donation and Distribution Center will remain open until further notice. The location is the old vacant Ingles in the Holly Springs Shopping Center, 183 Holly Springs Plaza, Franklin. Hours for donation and unmet needs pickup are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hollifield noted that some of the items needed for donation include toothbrushes, toothpaste, grab-and-go nonperishable food items, infant food, cleaning wipes, work gloves, flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, garbage bags, personal hygiene products, and cleaning products.
“Currently, we do not need any additional clothing or bottled water,” she said.
Food assistance is also available. Residents may apply for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) benefits at the Distribution and Disaster Recovery Center located at 183 Holly Springs Plaza in Franklin until Oct. 24, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday thru Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. or call the D-SNAP Virtual Call Center at (844)453-1117.
An email has also been established for residents to submit unmet needs and other requests. Send information to Heleneneeds@maconnc.org and the request or information will be routed to the most appropriate agency, department or individual.
(This article does not begin to provide all the information about what is needed in terms of volunteer assistance and donations. Email contact@maconsense.org with helpful Hurricane Helene relief information that we can share with readers. Together we can make a difference. Thank you!)
AS A sign of hope and perseverance, a family whose house was destroyed by rushing water found their damaged American flag and duct-taped it to their mailbox.
MACON SENSE’S manager, Dan Finnerty, and many other individuals volunteering with Baptists on Mission suited up Oct. 16 and 17 to muck out thick mud from crawl spaces and basements in homes in Weaverville and Barnardsville.
Franklin community breaks ground for new high school
Dan Finnerty dan@maconsense.org
County Commission Chair Gary Shields was among many area dignitaries to attend and speak at the Oct. 18 groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new Franklin High School (FHS). Nearly all of the 11 speakers either attended the school or had family who have attended or are attending. With hundreds of people listening in the football field bleachers, Shields reminisced about his days of less than stellar stature as a FHS student.
“At the end of my first year here in the ninth grade, I didn’t make it through the year; I got sidetracked. The second year – of the ninth grade … it seemed like [those in charge] should have given up on me, but they didn’t.” Shields went on to describe how he went to Vietnam after graduation in 1969 and eventually, in 1989, returned to FHS as the principal of the school. He would go on to lead FHS for 21 years. Shields brought to the podium two individuals, each of
whom are physically handicapped. His purpose in doing so, in part, was to emphasize the attention being placed on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provisions included within the design and construction of the new school.
Sam McClure went to Vietnam in 1965, returned with one leg less due to an injury incurred during his tour of duty. McClure told about how he returned to FHS in the Fall of 1967 to attend a football game.
“I entered the west gate and the EMS didn’t have any ambulances available for injuries. But an attendant helped me to the hearse [that was being used as an ambulance] and I watched the football game from the front seat of the hearse. I would like to see everything accessible for the handicapped as possible.”
Next, 2023 FHS graduate Patrick Faetz spoke. Faetz was featured in a video that was filmed in order to demonstrate difficulties encountered by students with disabilities when maneuvering around the current high school buildings.
“I look forward to the day when all students can access
MANY LOCAL dignitaries and school administrators were on hand Oct. 18 for the formal groundbreaking presentation and ceremony for the new Franklin High School.
Photo by Ronnie Vanhook
all parts of our high school, including students with disabilities. Many of the students at our current campus feel, ‘I deserve better – we all deserve better.’”
When Town of Franklin Mayor Jack Horton approached the podium, he quoted the late, great UCLA basketball coach John Wooden stating, “It’s amazing how much you can get done when nobody cares who gets the credit.”
The mayor lauded all the people who played a part in bringing the project to that point. He also elicited laughter with his reference to a ground-bound amphibian.
FRANKLIN HIGH School 2023
graduate Patrick Faetz joins Macon County Board of Commissioners Chair Gary Shields at the podium to emphasize the importance of a handicap accessible high school campus.
MACON COUNTY School Superintendant Josh Lynch, N.C. Representative Karl Gillespie, Shields, and Faetz participated in the Oct. 18 ground breaking ceremony.
SHOVELS STAND at the ready prior to the groundbreaking.
THOSE IN attendance received a commemmorative shovel provided by the contractors.
DESIGN CONCEPTS of the new Franklin High School were posted for spectators to peruse.
“You know, when you see a box turtle on a fence post, you can pretty much bet he didn’t get there by himself.” That reference again pointed to the many hands that played a role in getting the FHS project up and running.
N.C. Senator Kevin Corbin and Representative Karl Gillespie spoke.
“Nobody will remember what we said 20 years from now, but we’re all going to remember this day because of the historic day it is for Franklin High School,” said Corbin.
Representative Gillespie followed Corbin and expressed thankfulness for the Franklin area being spared what other areas of the state have suffered in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
“Our friends to the east have had mass devastation. There are schools that are gone, there are football fields that are gone,” sits Gillespie. He went on to thank Macon County Commissioners, school board administrators and members, FHS teachers, and others involved in enabling the project to continue forward.
Before current FHS Principal Blair King closed out ceremonial remarks, two students also spoke to the impact of the project. Junior Addix Sutton and senior Shelby Adams each expressed their sentiments concerning how students will benefit from a new high school building and environment.
“For over 75 years, Franklin High School has stood as a beacon in the heart of our town. It’s more than just a place for education, it’s been a cornerstone of our identity, shaping both our community and our culture,” said Sutton. “Its influence runs deep, not only in athletics and academics but also in the way it brings our town together.”
Adams continued, “On
munity for the better. And I can say with confidence that we are all really grateful.”
Closing out the event, standing with shovels in hand and hardhats donned, 24 of those who contributed in some way to the project participated in a “breaking ground” process, whereby they each scooped a shovel of dirt and tossed it back to the ground. The act signified the next stage of the new high school project that is scheduled to be completed by July 2027, with the Class of ’28 being the first to graduate from the facility.
behalf of the student body, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who made this possible; from the educators and the administrators, Macon County [School] Board members and parents. Your dedication and sacrifices are going to change the future generations of our com-
Macon County School Board endorses quarter cent tax increase referendum
The day before the Franklin High School groundbreaking, Macon County Board of Education released its “Resolution Supporting Approval of the OneQuarter Cent Local Option Sales and Use Tax Referendum.” signed by Chairman Jim Breedlove, board members Melissa Evans, Stephanie Laseter, Diedre Breeden, and Vice Chair Hilary Wilkes.
Residents have an opportunity to vote on the referendum this election cycle during early voting or on Nov. 5.
The resolution reads:
“WHEREAS, it is the mission of the Macon County Board of Education to inspire and empower students to meet high academic standards, demonstrate responsible citizenship, and prepare for and lead successful, fulfilling, and ethical lives;
WHEREAS, in order to succeed in this mission, Macon County Schools depends heavily on the support of the Macon County Board of Commissioners, our families, school staff, and the broader community for assistance of all kinds, including conveyance of our shared values, support for academic endeavors and athletic excellence, and the financial resources necessary to move the academic program forward;
WHEREAS, at its regular meeting on
March 12, 2024, the Macon County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a “Resolution Calling a Special Advisory Referendum for the Levy of a One-Quarter Cent County Sales and Use Tax,” pursuant to Chapter 105, Article 46 of the North Carolina General Statutes;
WHEREAS, pursuant to State law, Article 46 tax revenues must be used, among other things for supporting public education; and
WHEREAS, like all public school systems, Macon County Schools faces unprecedented challenges to its funding, with the sunsetting of ESSER funds provided to school systems in response to the COVID19 pandemic, and the fact that state funds provided by the General Assembly have not kept pace with increasing operational costs of Macon County Schools, including rising expenses for goods, services, and employees that cannot be further cut without serious detriment to the educational program; NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Macon County Board of Education that the Board endorses and supports, in the strongest terms possible, passage of the Article 46 local option one-quarter cent sales and use tax, and encourages all qualified voters of Macon County to vote “FOR” the referendum in the upcoming general election.”
COUNTY Manager
Derek Roland presided over his last Macon County Board of Commissioners meeting Oct. 8 as he is stepping down at the end of this month. Commissioners spent part of the monthly meeting honoring Roland for his more than a decade of service. Warren Cabe, the county's current emergency management services director, has been named interim manager while the board interviews candidates for a new and permanent manager.
Avoiding financial scams is topic of upcoming, free seminar
Amy Kirkpatrick Contributing Writer
Did you know clever criminals constantly evolve their techniques to swindle and scam older adults? Disasters, such as the one affecting Western North Carolina due to hurricane Helene, make people especially vulnerable to deception.
Diane Mahoney, civilian administrator and evidence technician with the Franklin Police Department, has developed a program to address these crimes and help local citizens identify scams before their hard-earned money is stolen from them.
“I handle the walk-ins that report scams,” said Mahoney. She grew increasingly alarmed by the growing numbers of local citizens being taken in by gift card scams.
Urged on by Franklin’s Police Chief Devin Holland, Mahoney researched the
latest trends on gift cards and other scams using data and educational materials developed by the Federal Trade Commission. Mahoney found that scammers target older adults because “older adults generally have accumulated assets, are polite and don’t push back, and are reluctant to report exploitation.”
The North Carolina Department of Justice reported that in 2023, telemarketing and robocalls were the top reported scams in the state, with 3,281 specific complaints filed with the Consumer Protection division.
Mahoney wanted to reverse that trend in Macon County and now serves as the department’s lead on outreach. Her presentations help local citizens avoid becoming victims of the latest telemarketing and internet scams that criminals use to pry money from unsuspecting victims. Mahoney will provide up-to-date infor-
mation on how to ward off scammers on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 5:30 p.m. at the Macon County Public Library, 149 Siler Farm Rd, Franklin. The program is free and no advance registration is required. In addition to a question-and-answer session, Mahoney will hand out materials for use at home.
While the program is focused on older adults, Mahoney invited all ages to attend, as anyone beginning to accumulate assets can also be a target.
“If you cannot make the program on Nov. 7, I invite you to stop by the Franklin Police Department during normal business hours,” said Mahoney. “I can provide you with the printed materials and review the latest information about trends in our community.”
DIANE MAHONEY, civilian administrator and evidence technician with the Franklin Police Department.
Mahoney also said she is available to speak to local organizations on this topic. If interested, call her at (828)524-2864.
MACON
Post 108 hosts Taco Tuesday
A SUCCESSFUL Taco Tuesday serving more than 68 plates of tacos, rice, beans, and nachos at the American Legion Post 108, at 614 West Main St, Franklin, on Sept. 24, from 5 to 7 p.m., with DJ Sam providing the entertainment. The Post plans to make this a regular event on the third Tuesday of every month.
FHS Panthers are still undefeated with three to go
Dan Finnerty dan@maconsense.org
About this time last year, Franklin High School (FHS) Head Football Coach Josh Brooks was contemplating his coaching future. He would announce his retirement later in the year only to decide in early 2024 to return. His reasoning at the time was to help transition the program through “rough waters of a new school and athletic facilities construction that the football program would benefit from” if he and some others continued navigating through those changes.
Nearly 12 months later, the Panthers are undefeated and have fairly trounced every opponent they faced enroute to a 6-0 record. Their closest game was their last, a 35-14 win at Tuscola. After a tough season in 2023, many people could not imagine this level of success in 2024. But Brooks has seen a lot in his 19 years leading FHS and even more years as an assistant.
“We are taking care of the ball on offense – very few turnovers; we are making a lot of plays on special teams, blocking punts, returning kicks, covering kicks well, playing very well on defense,” he said. “[We are] playing harder; much more effort, and we are a tougher football team physically [than last year].”
Brooks admitted that his team got “blown out a lot last year” and he expected to at least be more competitive this year. However, even he did not anticipate a 6-0 start. His team decided in June to show more dedication, effort, and focus in the weight room that would hopefully transcend to success on the field.
According to Brooks, this team reminds him of his 2011 squad, which was his first undefeated team.
“These kids have handled everything in regard to weather, delays, helping their neighbors, having compassion, volunteer-
ing time and effort – things champions do.”
The coach has experienced five other seasons in which his team achieved 6-0 starts, with four of those ending up as undefeated regular seasons. As is always the case in sports, the players have the talent but the coaches have the responsibility to bring that talent out.
“I do think we have done a better job coaching – being more detailed and prepared,” said Brooks. He pointed out in February of this year that he was bringing back some key assistants with him, including his twin brother Jay, as well as current FHS Athletic Director Matt Bradley.
The Panthers have some standout stars, such as senior Braydon Hervey, who is having a remarkable year playing offense
and defense, plus junior Addix Sutton, who is a multi-sport athlete for FHS. But the head coach adamantly clarified, “We have a very good football team; our kickers, our defensive front, our offensive line, and the quarterback (sophomore Anderson Terrell) play has been very solid, as has our [defensive] secondary as well.”
Hervey, who broke both collarbones last year, expressed his thankfulness to be healthy and how it drove him to achieve more this year. Reflecting on what he perceived as key moments thus far, he pointed to two games.
“Murphy thought they had the game in the bag after last year [when the Panthers were blown out]; there was a lot of smack talking going on. We put in all the hard work, over the summer and to see it pay off
against Murphy was awesome.”
The last game played on Oct. 15 was the other instance that stood out in Hervey’s mind as a critical step toward potential perfection. With Tuscola focusing on stopping him, “everybody else did what they’re good at. For us to score that many points (35), it showed we can do stuff even if teams try to stop me,” he observed.
Brooks is not overlooking any opponent. The three remaining games are against West Henderson and Pisgah, followed by a final game at Smoky Mountain.
LANCE PARKER makes a reception during a game against the North Henderson Knights, Oct. 11.
Photo by Ronnie Vanhook
Brooks projected, “Three very tough games left against very physical teams. West has won back-to-back conference championships; they are the champ until someone can knock them off. Pisgah had the most returners of any team in our conference, and Smoky has a great offensive line with a good running quarter back and a big powerful running back. We have our work cut out for us.”
Brooks ended on an upbeat note: “Hopefully this year is one to remember with a conference championship, a home playoff run, and the final games to be played in The Pit, ‘Let's roll.’”
JV volleyball ends perfect season Junior varsity (JV) volleyball Head Coach Cindy Harrell predicted big things for her team back in September. They played 20 matches in the season’s entirety – and they won all 20 of them.
To put the achievement in an even finer light, Harrell’s girls played 20 matches, all the best-of-three format – and they lost a total of three games the entire season. That equals 40 games won. In fact,
the girls did not lose a single game after Aug. 21, nor any games to conference teams during the regular season.
“They were dealt some crazy cards this season – injuries, having to learn new positions on short notice, a hurricane … these girls did everything that was asked of them; they always left it on the court,” relayed Harrell. “They’re going to be an exciting group to watch over the next four years and I’m so very proud of them!”
On the varsity side, Head Coach Bekah Brooks was hoping for vindication against West Henderson Oct. 16, but it was not to be.
“We played much better [than the first match]. We gave them the first game with our mistakes and just couldn’t rally back,” reflected Brooks.
Two star players were injured and out for the year early on in the season. Even in the last game, Brooks’ staff was forced to play three freshmen and even pulled up two JV players following that team’s win vs. West Henderson. Due to trying to finalize regular season conference games, the Mountain Seven Conference Volleyball Tournament was cancelled.
Considering all the challenges, Brooks professed, “If someone before the season asked me to sign a piece of paper that
stated ‘you will be 18-3 and going to the playoffs, I’d take that in a heartbeat.’”
The Lady Panthers played Fred T . Foard Oct. 22, falling 3-2 in the first round of the NCHSAA State Playoffs.
just one of 20 matches the JV
Head Coach Josh Brooks is inviting all former players, cheerleaders, and band members to participate in a special halftime ceremony commemorating 75 years at The Pit Friday, Nov. 1, as the FHS Panthers host Pisgah.
FRESHMAN TATEM Vanhook returns a ball in
team has played and won this season.
FHS VARSITY team members show one another support by raising their helmets.
Photo by Ronnie Vanhook
Possible new project in play for Whitmire Property
Deena C. Bouknight deena@maconsense.org
A grand recreation plan for the Town of Franklin-owned, 12.71-acre Whitmire Property has been discussed for several years. Already a disk golf course was on the property, and in August 2023, the first aspect of development, a skate park, was completed. At the Oct. 7 town council meeting, Chris Yang, Carolina Parks and Play, LLC, offered a detailed schematic of a proposed playground.
Yang provided a thorough slide presentation of a 12,200-square-foot, all-inclusive (physical abilities and handicaps) playground centering on a nature theme to complement the “aesthetics of the beautiful site,” noted Yang. “We plan to integrate rock on the site and have a log climber with chipmunks and squirrels [designs].”
Further, the expansive playground will include towers, different types of swings, a roller slide, both shaded and exposed areas for parents and guardians, and possibly a water feature – which Mayor Jack Horton suggested.
another $500,000 from the excess fund balance to meet the match requirement to pay for the more than $1 million playground.
sented at the meeting.
“This playground will be for all children,” said Yang. “It will allow for wheelchairs and mobility devices so that children can go anywhere on the playground, safe and fun. We feel strongly about our designs and what they mean to communities.”
“This will be an all-abilities playground where all kids can play together,” said Owens. “It will be a unique feature for our region. The closest playground like this is over in Waynesville, and unfortunately it has sustained damage due to Helene. Our playground will be a destination – an economic driver. People come to the area to participate in recreation activities, so they can take their children to a playground like this, stay for lunch, shop, and more.”
According to Town Manager Amie Owens, the playground development will go forward after the design/build contract’s final pricing details are ironed out. Currently, Town Attorney John Henning Jr., is working on that contract, which is expected to be available to present to the council before year’s end.
“In 2023, the public weighed in during four public meetings about the master plan for the playground,” said Owens, adding that Franklin received a N.C. PARTF (Park and Recreation Trust Fund) grant for $500,000, which requires a 50/50 match. Therefore, the Town of Franklin will put forth
“We will also do in-kind work to get the site ready,” said Owens, meaning Town of Franklin staff can achieve aspects of the initial development, such as site grading.
Yang informed the council at the Oct. 7 meeting that after given the green light to move forward on the playground’s development, Carolina Parks and Play will order materials, which takes about eight weeks to be delivered. Carolina Parks and Play handles all aspects of construction and assembly, which may take around three months. The playground could be open to the public by mid-2025.
“I can already see myself telling the kids it’s time to go,” said Henning when viewing the schematics that Yang pre-
As Yang wrapped up his presentation about the playground, council member Stacy Guffey said, “I would like to see us build some partnerships, as it will certainly benefit county residents – not just the town. It would make sense to partner with the county, and this is a good place to start.”
Owens verified that since Highlands came to the Macon County Board of Commissioners in July and asked for $350,000 for its inclusive playground, she hoped that the county would also provide funds for the town’s playground. “Because the better we do as a town, the better it impacts the county as a whole,” Owens pointed out. “There is a plan for an all-abilities playground at the recreation park at some point, but there is no reason we can’t have a few different playgrounds in our county.”
Early voting underway through Nov. 2
Voting was brisk on the first day of early voting in Macon County. Some voters said their wait on the inside of the Robert C. Carpenter community building was nearly an hour as citizens lined up to cast their vote. Board of Elections Director Melanie Thibault released the results of the first day of early voting with 1,608 total for Franklin and Highlands; Franklin-1,277, Highlands-331.
State election officials held a press conference at Oct. 17 outside of an early voting site in Black Mountain to discuss the start of early voting and to ensure voters in Western North Carolina they have the information they need to vote in the 2024 general election.
In-person early voting began Oct. 17 at 419 sites statewide, including 76 sites in the 25 counties most affected by Hurricane Helene. Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the N.C. State Board of Elections was on hand to answer questions and provide tips for voters:
1) Early voting locations. Eligible voters may cast a ballot at any early voting site in their county. In Macon County, early voting is held at the Robert C. Carpenter Building at 1288 Georgia Road. Hours are 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturdays through Nov. 1, 8 a.m to 3 p.m.
2) Candidate info. Sample ballots are available at maconnc.org under the Board of Elections tab.
3) Bring your photo ID. Voters will be asked to show photo ID when they check in to vote. Most voters will show their driver’s license, but other forms of photo ID will be accepted. Voters who do not have photo ID can meet the photo ID requirement by either (1) filling out a form explaining why they are unable to show ID, or (2) showing their ID at the county board of elections office by 5 p.m. Nov. 14. More information about the photo ID requirement is available at BringItNC.gov.
4) Register to vote. The online voter registration deadline was Oct. 11. But any North Carolinian who is eligible to vote
may still register and vote in person during the early voting period. Registrants must provide proof of their residence address, which can be a driver’s license or other government document, paycheck, utility bill, or bank statement.
6) Updating registration. During early voting, registered voters may update their name or address within the same county, if necessary.
7) Absentee ballot drop-off. Voters who vote by absentee ballot can return it by mail or at an early voting site in their county, or drop it off in person to their county board of elections office. Voters registered in the 25 counties in the Helene disaster area in Western North Carolina may return their absentee ballot to any early voting site in the state.
8) Voting in person instead of absentee. Voters who requested an absentee ballot but have not yet returned it may choose instead to vote in person during the early voting period or on Election Day, Nov. 5. Voters may discard the absentee ballot and do not need to bring it to a voting site.
9) Peace at the polls. All voters should respect the rights of others to participate in the election. Election officials are trained to quickly address incidents that might interfere with a voter’s ability to cast their ballot.
10) Voters in need of assistance. Voters in need of assistance may bring an eligible person to help them enter and exit the polling place or to help them complete their ballot according to the voter’s instructions. Curbside voting is also available for voters unable to enter the voting site.
Important Election Dates
• Thursday, Oct. 17 - One-Stop Voting began
• Tuesday, Oct. 29 - Last day to request an absentee by mail ballot
• Saturday, Nov. 2, 3 p.m. - One-Stop Voting ends
• Tuesday, Nov. 5, 5 p.m. - Last day to return an absentee by mail ballot
• Tuesday, Nov. 5, 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. - Election Day
Monument at Appomattox honors N.C. troops
Deena C. Bouknight deena@maconsense.org
North Carolina’s impact, presence, and sway is more far reaching than the 53,819 square miles it encompasses. Anyone who has lived in N.C. for very long likely holds some affinity and dedication to the state, which was not only one of the original 13 colonies, but also the first state to instruct its delegates to vote for independence from the British crown during the 2nd Continental Congress. This series spotlights some little-known people, places, and general facts, to broaden our readers’ knowledge of The Tarheel State.
Anyone with an interest in Civil War and general American history is familiar with the significance of an off-the-beaten-path, rural area in Virginia known as Appomattox Court House. On April 9, 1865, the Army of Northern Virginia, led by Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, surrendered to Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. In a home known as the McLean House, in the deserted village, a civil discussion ensued between the two military greats and terms were established that set in motion the end of a four-year war that resulted in 600,000-plus casualties.
Although this area is now a National Park Service Historic Park, with many original buildings preserved or reconstructed and multiple museums available for the visiting public, only one monument exists that calls attention to a fighting force. That monument spotlights North Carolina soldiers.
lina planned the last battle fought by the Army of Northern Virginia and commanded the infantry engaged therein, the greater part of whom were North Carolinians.
This stone is erected by the authority of The General Assembly of North Carolina in grateful and perpetual memory of the valor, endurance, and patriotism of her sons who followed with unshaken fidelity the fortunes of the Confederacy to this closing scene, faithful to the end.
Erected 9 April 1905.
Erected on April 10, 1905, by North Carolina Civil War veterans on the 40th anniversary of Confederate soldiers paroled after the surrender, the monument marks the location of the last volley fired by the Army of Northern Virginia – most specifically by North Carolina troops. Down a quiet pathway through the woods, near a pasture, sits the monument, just west of the Appomattox Court House village on the south side of Virginia Route 24.
The monument reads:
“Last at Appomattox
At this place the North Carolina Brigade of BrigadierGeneral W.R. Cox of Grimes Division fired The Last Volley 9 April 1865. Major-General Bryan Grimes of North Caro-
North Carolina Appomattox Commission H.A. London, Chairman, E. J. Holt, W.T. Jenkins, Cyrus S. Watson, A.D. McGill.”
Two other small North Carolina markers are north of Virginia Route 24 along the old Richmond-Lynchburg stage road, reachable from a Confederate Cemetery parking area. The parking area is also the western trailhead for the Appomattox History Trail, which winds 4.5 miles through woods and along the Appomattox River to General Lee’s Headquarters site on the west side of the park.
CIVIL WAR Re-enactors
THE MONUMENT near Appomattox Courthouse honors North Carolina soldiers who served in the Army of Northern Virginia who fired the last volley in the last battle of the Civil War.
Free movie offered by American Legion Post 108 on Fridays every other week through December as part of their Americanism series, at 7 p.m., 614 West Main Street, Franklin. For questions, contact Richard Litchford at (828)421-1328.
Franklin Garden Club is holding a community workday for fall maintenance of the downtown gardens Thursday, Oct. 24, from 9 to 11 a.m.
Rummage & Bake Sale to raise funds for the Iotla Methodist Church Food Pantry is Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 1173 Iotla Church Rd., Franklin.
Free Lunch/Food Pantry, Saturday, Oct. 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Belleview Park Rd., Franklin.
Friends of the Greenway offers live Saturday music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 573 E. Main Street, Franklin. On the schedule for Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the Fall Frog Fair. More than 40 artisans will exhibit in the areas around Frog Quarters and Mainspring Conservation Trust. For information, email frog28734@gmail.com; call (828)369-8488; or, visit www.littletennessee.org.
A Ladies Conference is happening on Saturday, Nov. 2, at First Baptist Church from 9 a.m. to noon. Speaker will be Ann Harris on “Transformed by God's Truth.” Lunch will be provided. Call (828)3699559 and leave a message to register. Cost is $10.
Macon Middle School Volleyball Tournament Fundraiser is Nov. 2, at 9 a.m. Funds raised will go to Future of Hope Ministry to assist with the building of a mentoring and recreation center in Honduras. FHS graduate Molly Hornsby started the ministry. Cost is $20 per per-
Halloween events in Franklin Trunk or Treat Friday, Oct. 25, 5 to 7 p.m. at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 38 Wayah Street, Franklin. All are welcome.
Halloween Monster Mash on Main Street is happening Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown Franklin. Music, scary monsters, dog costume contest, classic cars, the Witches Walk, Trick or Treats and more. Sponsored by Streets of Franklin.
Annual “Downtown” Otto Trunk or Treat, Oct. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Otto Community Center, 60 Firehouse Road. Games and treats. Parking at Otto Community Center, Old School Knife Works, and Asbury Church.
son or $120 per team. Deadline to sign up is Oct. 30. For more information, call (828)421-5724.
“Basics of Composting and Vermicomposting” free seminar will be held Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Extension Center, 193 Thomas Heights Road. For more information or to register contact Debbie Hunter at (828)349-2046 or email debbie_hunter@ncsu.edu.
A Democratic Women of Macon County grant is available for youth-led projects, and the deadline to apply is Nov. 30. The Youth Community Service and Leadership Grant is for school-aged youth through 12th grade who are residents of Macon County. Up to $500 each will be awarded to an individual or a group for a project that ad-
dresses a need in our community. The application can be completed online at For more information, contact maconcountyyouthgrant @gmail.com.
TIme for Toys for Tots. To apply as a family for toy donations, or to volunteer at the CareNet on Bidwell Street site, visit www.smokymountain.toysfortots.org. To donate to Toys for Tots, mail a check to Toys for Tots, C/O Linda Harbuck, Executive Director, Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, 98 Hyatt Road, Franklin, NC 28734. For donations online, visit www.toysfortots.org and note that the funds are for Macon County. Interested sponsors can call Jack Brennan at (404)275-9575.
American Legion Auxiliary has Taco Tuesday on the third Tuesday every month, from 5-7 p.m. with music by DJ Sam. There is a charge. Bingo is every Wednesday, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. 614 West Main Street, Franklin.
Aglow International, Franklin Lighthouse meets the third Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at Restoration Church of Franklin, 164 Iotla Church Road, Franklin.
Operation Christmas Child is underway. Organizers are hoping to collect more than 21,000 shoeboxes packed with fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items toward the global goal of reaching 12 million children. For more on how to participate, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. National Collection Week is Nov. 18-25.
Family Fun Nights at Promise Lane Church, 31 Promise Lane, Franklin, is first and third Wednesdays, from 6 to 8 p.m. Snacks, games, and fellowship. To sign up, call the church at (828)369-7977. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
RESTAURANT GUIDE
Lessons learned from Helene
Patrick Taylor Mayor of Highlands
The town and residents are now entering an assessment period to Hurricane Helene response. What did we do well and what can we do better? I will focus this article on how each one of us should prepare for the next storm.
Preparation for the approaching Helene was made by the town and by many residents, but honestly no one in Western North Carolina anticipated the severe impact and loss of all utilities and communications services. Such disturbances could happen again, or another Blizzard of 1993, or a Carrington solar event as in 1859.
PATRICK TAYLOR
Preparation in this case translated into having the resources to respond to difficult situations after the storm had passed. A surprise to the entire region was how internet and cell phone communication were completely lost.
The communication failure initially crippled the town and region and hampered emergency response efforts. I believe the town should have an emergency Starlink system ready for immediate deployment for the next severe storm.
What I learned was that our private vehicles can serve as a personal emergency center. That may have not been the case for many folks in flooded areas north of us where homes and property including vehicles were lost, but for Highlanders the vehicles remained operational.
Like as with Helene, before the next impending storm approaches, I will make sure my car is fully fueled. In Highlands we discovered our service stations had no internet, which is needed now to pump gas. To solve this problem, I hope the owners of the gas stations, as well as other critical providers such as hardware and food services, will have generators
and internet – Starlink or Hotwire, which never went down, to at least provide marginal services.
A fully fueled vehicle can charge cellphones and other devices. Also, one can listen to local radio stations from a vehicle. I recommend also having an emergency radio that runs on batteries and or has a hand-cranked generator.
As mayor, my only way of communicating for a while was sending out updates by way of WHLC. On Saturday a week after the storm a resident saw me in the downtown areas and began asking me about road closures and other questions about the storm. I was puzzled in that the person did not seem to know anything about the updates I had sent out by way of radio. One update had just been on WHLC just before I talked with the person. I asked him if he had been listening to WHLC? His response was what was that? I told him it was our local radio station. He told me did not know about it since he only listened to Sirius. So, being able to access our local station is critical. WHLC with their old FM technology was a reliable source for information.
My other recommendation is to have a stash of cash prior to a storm. We all found that the credit card systems were down just after Helene and remained down at many facilities some time. Cash, too, is old school stuff, but still viable and the only option in an emergency.
Another suggestion would be to draw water into several containers prior to a storm. Thank goodness Highlands was able to keep water services during and after the storm but having a supply of potable water is always advisable.
The Highlands Town Board of Commissioners began meeting last week about emergency response efforts. Meetings can be remotely accessed by using a link on the town website.
Insurance camps available to help
Mike Causey N.C. Department of Insurance Commissioner
I continue to be shocked and heartbroken by the destruction I’ve seen from Hurricane Helene in the western part of our state. I hope we will all do what we can to help our fellow North Carolinians who have lost their homes, their possessions and, in some cases, their loved ones to this tragedy.
We at the Department of Insurance are doing what we can to assist those in need. Two of the more visible things we’re doing are setting up victim assistance centers and insurance camps. Both are aimed at helping residents who’ve been impacted by Hurricane Helene. But the two have distinct missions.
Victim assistance centers provide in-person and on-the-ground recovery assistance and insurance-related support to those directly impacted by Hurricane Helene. If a victim does not have insurance, we will provide information about other organizations that may be able to assist residents.
We are setting up victim assistance centers in various communities in Western North Carolina. So far, we’ve established them in North Wilkesboro, Gastonia, and Boone. We have others scheduled in Spindale and Arden. We’re working on setting up other victim assistance centers.
At insurance camps, the Department of
Insurance staff coordinates with insurance companies to set up camps where victims of Hurricane Helene can come in and speak with their insurance company representatives. The insurance company representatives can even help their clients file their claims.
We’ll continue to work with insurance companies to set up more insurance camps and find ways of helping victims file their claims.
You can go to our special Hurricane Helene web page, www.ncdoi.gov/helene, to check the schedule for future victim assistance centers and insurance camps. You can find other useful resources on the web page, such as bulletins, press releases and ways you can donate and help those in need. This special web page includes a link to insurance company phone numbers, information on how to be on the lookout for scammers and fraudsters who may want to rip you off, and information on a Special Enrollment Period for Medicare beneficiaries who’ve been affected by Helene.
We also have consumer specialists ready to assist you. You may reach them by calling (855)408-1212 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
My heart and prayers continue to go out to everyone in western North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene. We will continue to work with hurricane victims during this recovery.
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Letters Policy
Straight Talk is a public forum opportunity for readers to share views about various subjects from a personal perspective, within a limit of 500 words. Macon Sense will not publish in Straight Talk any submissions that include negative, personal comments about a particular person within the community, as well as any submissions that serve to criticize or slander an individual, group, or business. Our goal as a publication is to offer beneficial and edifying content throughout – to provide constructive opinions, not destructive ones. Macon Sense will also not publish any submission that include demeaning and profane language. Publication of a letter is based on space availability and submissions are limited to once every two months.
MIKE CAUSEY
Warren Cabe Macon County Emergency Response Director
I encourage people to make the normal preparations for any severe weather event such as having an available supply of nonperishable water and food and a reliable heat source. Maintaining an adequate supply of prescription medications and associated medical supplies that you would normally require is also a necessity. A good source of information is the www.ready.gov web page and there is a link to that on the www.maconnc.org web page.
I think this event also challenged us in ways we have not been challenged recently as cash was often the only option for making purchases due to communication outages. Businesses could not process electronic payments and many people just don’t carry cash. We don’t want to encourage people to have a large amount of cash at home but it became apparent that maintaining even a small emergency supply of cash can be very helpful when needed. The communication crisis also emphasized how dependent we are on cellular
phones and other electronic means of communications. We received numerous requests for welfare checks on individuals here in Macon County from out-of-town concerned friends or relatives simply because they could not communicate with each other. Many people that live here do not have a circle of friends or family locally that can check on each other occasionally or help each other as needed, and we have become accustomed to instantaneous communications at almost any time and when that is not available it becomes a significant challenge.
Supply chain issues, whether with the actual production of goods, the ability to order goods, or the transportation of goods, has been an issue for probably four years now. I think we as a society have adjusted somewhat to that new reality, but we sometimes still get complacent when it comes to forward thinking and planning ahead as much as possible. We do need to realize that, just as with our communications, sometimes even the necessities we need are just not available as quickly as they oncewere.
Yonder evolving with true purpose
Amy Kirkpatrick Contributing Writer
Grocery store. Concert venue. Open air yoga studio. Teaching space. Community gathering point.
Occupying the hillside off the traffic circle between Georgia Road and Wayah Street, Yonder is all of these things and more. Most importantly, it is a continually evolving labor of love for Hannah and Alan Edwards as they give back to their adopted home of Macon County.
“We love the mountains and wanted to get out of the city,” said Alan, who originally hails from Carversville, Ga. Hannah is a native of Charlotte, N.C., where the couple met and built a life together.
“This one little property in Otto kept calling to them. We just felt a kinship,” said Alan.
“Every Sunday we would travel up here,” remembered Hannah. They worked on the Otto property, which included a cabin, while continuing their respective careers in the restaurant industry and home entertainment networks.
“The peace we were feeling out here,” said Alan, moved up their transition to a new life in Franklin.
“We could see the opportunity… to [re]start” Alan’s business, noted Hannah. Alan quickly finished her thought, “Instead, we saw the need for real food.”
With that, a small eatery in a strip mall storefront was born focusing on the real food philosophy.
“We interviewed every giant food distributor, and they didn’t have a single food item that didn’t contain ‘poison,’” said Hannah, referring to the preservatives, curative processes, or chemicals added to much stored food. “It was eye opening,” remarked Alan, explaining how they turned to
local producers to fill in the gap.
“Did we do the restaurant the hard way?” asked Hannah rhetorically. “Absolutely!” she exclaimed, thinking back to her work as chief cook. “It was a lot of work to stay true. We operated that place [the first restaurant] without a single 18-wheeler [delivering food]. I made sure I could cook everything from scratch. The things we needed to source for purposeful ingredients, we sourced from local purveyors. If they couldn’t bring it to us, Alan and I drove to get it on our only day off each week.”
Failing was not an option
Just before the pandemic started in 2020, the couple purchased the dilapidated property where Yonder the store, the concert venue, the event space, now stands. Plans for renovating the existing building as a new, larger restaurant fell through, but the need for quality, regionally and locally grown food and sourced products continued.
“That is an old historic piece of land up there. It is over a hundred years old,” noted Hannah. Despite efforts to renovate the existing structures, the couple began rebuilding from the ground up while the owners of the Smart Pharmacy cleared the way for their new business at 151 Hillcrest.
“We always see the beauty in things. We never make impulsive decisions. We sit and think about things,” said Hannah emphatically. “We had a vision.”
The Edwards switched away from building a bigger restaurant and moved completely over to a specialty food store
HANNAH AND Alan Edwards are owners of Yonder in Franklin.
“supplying healthy, nutritious, local, organic ingredients,” said Hannah.
“People really responded,” Alan interjected, noting they adapted their new business model to meet the emerging needs of social spacing, online ordering, and safe delivery of goods. Building on the network of local producers they had found to operate the restaurant, the Edwards kept the lights on in a “pop up” fashion while contractors worked around their grocery distribution to get the new structure in place on the hilltop.
The decision to move to a specialty grocery benefitted not just the Edwards.
“Instead of cooking the produce, we sold a lot more produce, so we were writing [the farmers] bigger checks,” noted Alan.
“Everybody has survived, and we still have some of those long running relationships,” said Hannah. “Most of our farmers have 10 acres or less, still going strong. Some people have even expanded. We’ve had the same bakers for seven years.”
Staying true
While Yonder is a profitable business, after the challenging years of 2020 to 2022, the Edwards have been able to ensure competitive wages for their small staff.
“We sell food and products we would want to eat,” said Alan. “We are authentic, we are real, and we stick with what we know is true … it just works,” added Hannah.
“Part of the core of our philosophy has been trying to keep our money in our county and in our town. I think that is so important to a small town, even our country, to support our neighbors. We’ve shown it can be done,” said Alan. “Eighty percent of the products in our store are locally and regionally sourced,” added Hannah.
The Edwards strongly promote the concept of shopping local, not just for groceries. ‘It might cost a few dollars more, but the reward is knowing the people you’re buying from, supporting your neighbors and friends,” urged Alan.
THE YONDER campus, which includes a store and music venue, was transformed from a dense hillside of trees, brush, and neglected buildings into a manicured area for shopping and participating in activities, such as music and yoga.
To that end, Hannah is also promoting the local economy by serving on the Tourist Development Authority.
At their completely transformed site on Hillcrest, Yonder serves up a host of music and performance events from May to October each year and is becoming a destination for artists specializing in country, western, and Americana. Alan, a songwriter and artist himself, works with Hannah to promote other artists and introduce new music to the local community.
“We go home every day and we literally talk amongst ourselves to say ‘thank you.’ This is the most amazing life ever,” remarked Hannah.
Meeting basic needs focus of nonprofit
Bob Bourke Macon New Beginnings director
You’re out and about town and you encounter a homeless person. How can you help? What about some money? That’s temporary and you don’t know what will be done with it. What about some food? Again, that’s temporary and does not help with shelter.
Why not hand the person a Macon New Beginnings backpack? It has food, clothing, water, a Bible, and Macon New Beginnings’ phone number. You have done something to help.
A person you know has had some unexpected things happen, causing them to be in danger of becoming homeless. Or, maybe they had an emergency expense and can’t pay rent. In another case, they found a place and can’t come up with the deposits for rent, electric, and water. Many Americans live paycheck to paycheck. What do you do?
Acknowledging the need for help is the first step, and calling the Macon New Beginnings phone number starts the process of getting that help. For some, this is a very difficult step. Client calls are returned to arrange for an intake appointment. Macon New Beginnings is an all-volunteer organization. Most of our volunteers work full-time and assist those in need when they are freed up from their work responsibilities. Thus, intakes are by appointment only.
Client-intake interviews are the second step in providing assistance. Once the interview is arranged, our client’s circumstances are discussed. Based on these circumstances, a plan is developed to help our client move toward permanent housing.
Macon New Beginnings is receiving many calls related from clients who can’t afford their power bill. If other needs are present, like the need to find work, our client is provided with community resource contacts. While all local apartment complexes have waiting lists, our clients are encouraged to submit applications for all complexes and contact landlords.
Excluding REACH’s domestic violence shelter, there are no shelters in Macon County. All across the United States, housing is not only hard to find, but also expensive – if you can find it. In one case in Franklin, a 500-square foot unit is $1,050/month. The causes of high prices are many, including Macon County being a tourist destination, which increases home values and rents; also, these facts result in interest rate increases, insurance increases, tax increases; and more.
A person in need can call Macon New Beginnings at (828)202-3103. Macon New Beginnings receives referrals from the Franklin Police Department; Macon County Sheriffs Office; emergency services departments; city and county agencies; state agencies; churches; businesses; nonprofits; hospitals; schools; and, individuals. Assistance is available year-round.
While helping to meet the immediate physical needs of our clients is our task, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is our mission. We believe that a relationship with Jesus will change our clients’ lives and therefore their circumstances.
Macon New Beginnings, Inc., is a 501(c)3 Christian nonprofit that helps Macon County residents with emergency shelter or permanent housing needs. Since its inception in 2015, we have helped more than 2,000 people. Our emphasis is help with permanent housing. Macon New Beginnings relies on local funding to operate and provide assistance. For more information about donating or volunteering, visit the website at www.maconnewbeginnings.org, or call (828)202-3103.
A sure and steady anchor: understanding God’s role in life’s disasters
Justin Bohner Guest Contributor
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling … Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” – Psalm 46. How do you respond when disaster strikes? Is it anything like the writer of this Psalm? It is incumbent for us as Christians to learn how. To do this, we must establish three truths that, I pray, will create a solid foundation for when trials come.
The sovereignty of God
To even begin to grasp the way God works in and through disasters, we must begin with an understanding of God's status, or rank, in creation. Genesis 1:1 tells us, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." There isn't sufficient space to highlight all of the reasons why the Bible is true, but suffice it to say that it is the most tested, reliable, and trustworthy document in the history of humankind. This verse informs us of two important things: God is the creator of all things and God exists outside of the created order. What these two truths communicate is that God sits over and above all things in existence, for he is their creator and he exists apart from them. This is called his sovereignty. This term is used to describe a static fact about God, namely, that he is presiding over all things as their God. This is an important place to start.
Now, how does sovereignty work itself out in the everyday affairs of the world?
The providence of God
If we have the sovereignty of God in place in our minds, the next thing we need to sort out is the way in which this sovereign God actually works and uses that sovereignty in the world. This is what we would call providence. Providence is the act of God exercising his sovereignty in creation. The Bible contains many instances, but one vivid, illustration one stands out. In the story of Joseph at the end of the book of Genesis. Joseph has an up-and-down life of drama, intrigue, betrayal, failure, and victory. He is sold into slavery by jealous brothers, framed for sexual assault, abandoned in prison, and so on.
But the key is found at the end of the last chapter, where Joseph is choosing to show
grace to his treacherous brothers, and he says, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today (Gen. 50:20)." Did you catch that? It isn't that the brothers meant the whole thing for evil and God took it and turned it into a good situation; God actually meant for the difficult situation to happen to set up for a grander and more beautiful outcome to occur. This is the providence of God.
The goodness of God
Finally, we have to establish that God is good. If he is simply sovereign, and if he works out that sovereignty through providence, but he is not good, that is someone to be very frightened of.
But praise be to God that we have the entire Bible to testify to his infinite goodness and love for us. Here is a brief selection.
“The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness ...” – Exodus 34:6
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” –Psalm 34:8
“The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.” – Psalm 145:9
“And Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.’” –Mark 10:18
Starting to catch the drift? God is good; he is loving; he is merciful; he is kind. The goodness and loving-kindness of the Lord showed itself most beautifully in the sending of his only Son,
Jesus Christ, to live a sinless life and die in our place to bring us into right relationship with God through faith. This is the most powerful and clear picture of the goodness of God: his providing a way of being made right with him through the sacrifice of his only Son. So now we have established that God is sovereign, that he works out of his sovereignty through providence, and in all of that is good. What in the world does that have to do with the question posed at the beginning of this article?
Be still and know
To build a life of faith that withstands the storms of life, you must build upon the foundation of a big, powerful, active, and good God. To be able to praise in the midst of turmoil and disaster, when the floods have risen up to the windowsills and destruction surrounds us, you must know, and I mean really know, that God is in control, and that he is good. The most beautiful line of the whole Psalm is found in verse 10, where the Lord speaks through the psalmist and says, "Be still and know that I am God."
The literal translation of “be still” is cease striving. Stop working. Stop wondering. Stop clamoring for an explanation. Stop asking God “why?” Just stop. Cease your striving. But that doesn't mean just stop everything and stare at a wall. He says to be still and know that God is who he says he is: sovereign, active, and good. It is only with these pieces in place that you will be able to withstand the disasters that strike, both physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
It is my prayer that this will make a spark of faith that grows into a raging fire that burns hot in the worst of times, leading you to serve your God and your neighbor with all you are.
JUSTIN BOHNER
period 74. Raja's wife
1. Oftentimes, poetic abbreviation 2. *"Welcome to the ____" 3. Cough syrup balsam
Not slouching
CROSSWORD
5. Assigned a chore 6. Worry
7. *"I'm walkin' on ____"
8. Old-time calculators
9. Ringo Starr's instrument
10. Ambience
11. Bridge, e.g.
12. Kept together
15. *F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Beautiful and the ____"
20. Possible allergic reaction
22. *"What's ____ is new again"
24. One thousand tons
25. *"____ like no one is
26. La Scala solos
27. Fundamental
29. *"____ is like a box of chocolates"
31. Madrid's Club de Fútbol 32. Kenyan warrior 33. Dined at home
34. *"Jump the ____," what Fonzie did 36. 100 cents in Ethiopia 38. *"No ____ for you!"
42. Previously an Oiler 45. In no manner, archaic 49. Skin cyst
51. Bear pain
54. Quick and light on one's feet
56. Deserved consequence
57. *"You're gonna need a bigger ____"
58. Jason's vessel
59. Use a book
60. Japanese zither
61. Involved (2 words)
62. Demeanor
63. Ready and eager
66. New, prefix
68. *J.D. Salinger's "Catcher in the ____"
SUDOKU
Answers on page 23
Renee Vargas Guest Contributor
Pumpkin spice cupcakes, pumpkin s'mores cookies, pumpkin pie macarons, and pumpkin rolls are just a few fallish treats gracing the display cases at Renee’s Cake Shoppe on Main Street right now. I thought I would share my recipe for Pumpkin Roll with readers. I have been making this recipe at home for more than 30 years. Pumpkin roll has definitely been our family's favorite dessert at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is truly not fall until you have had a slice of pumpkin roll!
PUMPKIN ROLL
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsps. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp. salt
3 large eggs, at room temperature
2/3 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
For rolling: 3/4 cup confectioners sugar
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
6 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350°F.
pumpkin goodies!
pumpkin pie spice, and salt together in a large bowl. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla together until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until combined. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 17–18 minutes, or until the cake springs back when you poke it with a finger.
Lay a thin kitchen towel flat on the counter. Sprinkle with 3/4 cup confectioners sugar. Once the cake comes out of the oven, immediately invert it onto the towel. Peel off the parchment paper, then, starting with the narrow end, begin rolling the cake up with the towel. Do this slowly and gently. The cake will be warm, as it just came out of the oven.
Spray a 10x15" pan with nonstick spray or grease with butter, then line it with parchment paper. Spray or grease the parchment paper, too. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon,
Macon Traditions by
I have had a deep, personal relationship with telephones almost all of my life. My mama was an operator saying, “Number, please,” from the time I was born until I was eight or nine years old. She worked what was called a “switchboard,” which was situated upstairs in an office on Main Street right past the courthouse. I think four or five operators worked each day shift, but I’m not sure.
Terri Hunter
Manager Zoe Girard sifts the confectioners sugar on the cooled pumpkin cake before adding the frosting and rolling it
up.
Allow the cake to cool completely while rolled up in the towel. Make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese for 1 minute on high speed until completely smooth and creamy. Beat in the butter until combined. Add the confectioners sugar and vanilla and beat on medium-high speed until combined and creamy. Gently and slowly unroll the cake. Flatten it out and spread frosting evenly on top, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the cake. Gently and slowly roll the cake back up, without the towel this time. Make sure you’re rolling it tightly.
Loosely cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes before slicing and serving. Dust lightly with confectioners sugar before serving.
We lived in town and always had what was called a private line. I knew if I played on the phone, calling and hanging up, or generally being an aggravation, I might hear my own mother say, “Terri, get off the phone.” Honestly, those operators stuck together and listened in and tattled on offspring. I felt quite stifled, and it limited my ability to prank call anyone.
In those simpler times, it was great fun to call a grocery store and ask, “Do you have Prince Albert in a can?” If the answer was in the affirmative, the caller was supposed to say, “Let him out or he will suffocate” before hanging up. (Prince Albert was a brand of tobacco folks used to roll their own cigarettes a way long time ago.)
Because there was no caller ID, unless your mama was an operator, kids got away with such foolishness. Do you see what a predicament I was in?
Then telephones became dial-ups, and the office moved to Sylva. Since my mama didn’t have a car or a license to drive, she went to work at the A&P, which leads me to wonder if she was ever questioned about Prince Albert’s condition.
When I was 10, my family and I moved to a house on Lake Emory Road, and I found I had a new telephone territory – the party line. A party line was when several accounts were on the same line, so if you picked up the phone and heard someone speaking you were supposed to apologize, hang up, and wait until that conversation was over before making your own call. But, just like a spy, listening in on the conversation was a possibility.
Now, why would a body get a hoot out of listening to old ladies discuss recipes and gossip about unknown people? I have no answer, but I really did seem to enjoy it. It required being very quiet and stealthily picking up the receiver so no sound was made. I found that turning the dial just a little while picking it up worked.
But now, most folks have phones close by at all times. I, however, often think of what’s been lost: phone books, the ability to slam down a receiver, talking in code so eavesdropping parents have no idea what’s being said, and the grandest of all — being unreachable by phone.
My mama, the telephone, and I have one last connection. She was in the hospital in Asheville, and I was in the room with her. As I leaned over her bed, my cell phone rang. She said, “Terri, answer that phone,” and those were the last words she ever said to me. I cannot for the life of me think of a more profound statement.
TERRI HUNTER
PASSINGS
Drake Allen Bell
Drake Allen Bell, 23, of Ladson, S.C., passed away on Oct. 8, 2024. He was born in Charleston, S.C., on April 1, 2001. He played football and basketball in high school. He loved being with friends, but most of all he loved his family. He had a smile that would light up a room. Everyone he met loved him. His brother Drew shared a special bond with Drake, that extended beyond brotherhood.
He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Ann Bell; grandfather, Thomas Langston; great-grandparents, Donald and Annette Gardner.
He is survived by his parents, Wendy Langston, Daniel Bell (Katie); siblings, Drew Bell, Dylan Bell, Brandon Horvath, Layton Langston, Elizabeth Langston; grandmother, Terri Drbul (Paul), and grandfather, David Bell; special aunts, uncles, and cousins that loved him very much.
Services were held Saturday, Oct. 19, in the Macon Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Steve Reeves officiating. Burial was at Windy Gap Baptist Church Cemetery.
Online condolences at www.maconfuneralhome.com.
Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Roger Dale Brown
Roger Dale Brown, 64, of Franklin, N.C., passed away unexpectedly Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.
He was born in San Bernardino, Calif., to Ernest Brown and Geraldine Shuler Smith. He was preceded in death by his dad, Ernest Brown and stepfather, Jack Smith. He loved watching Nascar racing, fishing, gardening and cooking.
ROGER BROWN
He is survived by his mother, Geraldine (Jerri) Smith; uncle, Joe Shuler of Knoxville, Tenn.; aunts, Doris Turner (Jim) of Whittier, N.C., and Sue Ford of Augusta, Ga., and several cousins.
A private family service will be held at a later date. Online condolences at www.maconfuneralhome.com.
Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Julia Ann Burgess Freeman
Julia Ann Burgess Freeman, 81, passed away Oct. 9, 2024. She was born Sept. 1, 1943, in Macon County, North Carolina, to the late Carrie Penland and Charlie Burgess.
She attended Burgess Chapel as a devout Baptist who loved the Lord. A homemaker, she was a loving mother and grandmother. She loved to cook and to watch her grandchildren play sports. She was a hard worker and always ready to speak her mind.
She is survived by her daughter, Vickie Freeman; her grandchildren, Andre McDonald, Zakary McDonald, Jordan Howell; great grandchildren, Dominique McDonald, Xavier and Peyton Turaville; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Alice Ramona Freeman; her three sisters; and her five brothers.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, Oct. 15, in the Chapel of Bryant-Grant Funeral Home with the Rev. Keyth Eddings officiating. Burial followed at Woodlawn Cemetery,. Pallbearers were Greg Hall, Tracy Wright, Kevin Burgess, Ryan Burgess, Eddie Burgess and Charles Freeman. Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.
Andrea ‘Annie’ Michelle Cochran
Andrea "Annie" Michelle Cochran, 41, of Franklin, N.C., entered into the gates of Heaven on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 at an Asheville hospital, after a prolonged Illness. She now sits at the foot of the throne of Jesus Christ,her Savior. We are sure she was greeted by all those that went before her.
Andrea, who was lovingly called “Annie” by her family, was born on July 3,1983, and was a lifelong resident of the Burningtown Community. She enjoyed listening to music, fishing, cooking, and spending time with family. She had a tenacious spirit that sustained her to the very end. To know her was to love her. She never met a stranger and her kindness and willingness to help anyone in need showed in everything she did. She loved to talk and had a real knack for telling a story at family gatherings. She was most definitely a daddy's girl, and her mama's entire world.
Betty Dalton
Betty Dalton, 86, left us peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 6, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Franklin, N.C., she lived a life filled with love and purpose. She was a devoted wife, sister and most fulfilling to her, a grandmother. She found immense joy in her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Her generosity knew no bounds; she had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel valued and cared for.
She was known for her honesty and unwavering work ethic, traits that inspired those around her. She dedicated herself fully to family and her local Baptist church, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.
She was a homemaker but had worked previously as a waitress at various local restaurants. She grew up attending Mt. Sinai Assembly of God, and later became a member of Mt. Harmony Baptist Church. She struggled with her faith and often admitted that she wasn't perfect, but made her peace with God on a daily basis.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother "Mamaw" Ollie Pendergrass Cochran, and her maternal grandmother "Granny" Mary Lee Moses.
She is survived by her loving and devoted parents, Tommy and Pat Cochran of Franklin; one brother, Rev. Darian Cochran (Jessica); and one sister, Stephanie Cochran (Dale), all of Franklin; one son, Asher Cochran of the home; he was the true love of her life. There was nothing she cherished more than being her little man's mommy. She also leaves behind six nephews, two nieces, one greatniece, and many uncles, aunts and cousins all of whom loved her dearly.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Oct. 8, in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Revs. Johnny Raby, Brandon Breedlove, and Darian Cochran officiated. Honorary pallbearers were David Mashburn, Preston Mashburn, Colton Cochran, Camden Cochran, Kyler Cochran, Matthew Storer, Donnie Moses, Ricky Moses, and David Moses.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Asher's educational fund, and that you perform one random act of kindness in her name ensuring that her legacy of kindness lives on in others. Rest easy sweet girl. We will see you again. Online condolences at www.maconfuneralhome.com. Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Linda Sue Miller Topping
Linda Sue Miller Topping, 82, of Otto, N.C., passed away Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024.
She was born in Strawberry, Ala., to the late Cecil and Beatrice Blackwood Miller. She was a very creative problem-solver and could make anything out of anything. She was an avid University of Alabama fan, lifelong Republican, and won every argument she started. She is survived by her children, Susan Martin (Scott), Andrew Harper (Lori), Laura Harper; grandchildren, Lauren Roth (Jason), Trey Malonson, Ava Martin, Michael Harper (Susanna), Alex Harper; great-grandchildren, Maxie Roth, Wolfgang Roth, Hendrix Malonson, Olivia Harper; her sister, Jan Miller Crews (Tommy); niece, Rhonda Clark (Freddie); brother-in-law, Carl Robert Carter; and nephews, Robert Carter and Cory Carter.
A private service will be held at a later date.
Online condolences at www.maconfuneralhome.com.
Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
She is survived by her beloved family, including her siblings, Don Shope (Cleta), Bobby Shope (Kate), Thelma Cochran (Jimmy), and Wayne Shope (Judy). Betty is also survived by Terry Dalton (Wendy) and grandchildren, Jessica Jenkins (Michael and children, Oliver & Ben), Trevor Dalton (Katie), Tyler Dalton (son Dallas). Dennis Dalton (Marcy) and grandchildren, Lauren Dalton (Joe and children, Cope & Patch), Haley Allen (Nick and children Lennon & Andi). She is predeceased by her husband, Kenneth Dalton, her brother Billy Shope, and her parents, Prioleau “Prelo” and Queen Shope. In addition, many nieces, nephews, friends and family will remember her warmth and kindness.
A graveside service was held on Friday, Oct. 11, at Prentiss Baptist Church to honor her legacy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Prentiss Baptist Cemetery Fund (1220 Belle Dowdle Rd, Franklin, NC 28734). She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.
Online condolences at www.maconfuneralhome.com.
Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Tracey Keener
Tracey Keener, 74, of Sparta, formerly of Franklin, passed away Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, following an extended illness.
He was born in Rabun County. Georgia, and lived most of his life in the South Macon community. He was a faithful member of Coweeta Baptist Church where he served in many capacities including church trustee. Having spent most of his life as a building contractor, he was instrumental in the new church building at Coweeta.
A true outdoorsman, he enjoyed fly fishing and hunting in addition to tinkering on tractors and classic cars.
He was preceded in death by his father, Willard Earl Keener; and his brother, Phillip Keener.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Karen Keener; mother, Margaret “Bea” Keener; three sons, Jeff Keener, Darren Keener (Jennifer), and Brandon Keener (Monica); eight grandchildren, Danielle Keener, Zane Keener, Layla Keener, Mazie Keener, Nolie Keener, Zeb Keener, Jax Keener, and Madison Keener; and one great grandson, Oliver Wilson.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Oct.12, at Coweeta Baptist Church with Revs. Keith Ashe and Davis Hooper officiating. Interment was in Rush Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Drew Sheppard and Cason Sheppard in addition to the deacons of Coweeta Baptist Church who served as active pallbearers and honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Coweeta Baptist Church Building Fund.
Online condolences at www.maconfuneralhome.com.
Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
DRAKE BELL
ANDREA COCHRAN
BETTY DALTON
JULIA FREEMAN
TRACEY KEENER
LINDA TOPPING
Lucille Hall Phillips
Lucille Hall Phillips, 102, went to meet her Savior on Oct. 9, 2024. She was born in Macon County on July 18, 1922, to Oliver V. and Bertha Byrd Hall. She graduated from Franklin High School in 1940 and married her high school sweetheart, William J. (Bill) Phillips. She and Bill lived in several locations during his tour in the army. After his discharge, they returned to Franklin to start their family. During her career, she worked for Bryant Furniture, Bank of Franklin, Macon Construction Co., and Macon County Supply. She was active in her community, being one of the founders of the Belle View Community organization. She was a 50-year plus member of Nequassa Chapter #43 of the Order of Eastern Star and served in several officer positions including Worthy Matron. She was honored by The Franklin Press as Mother of the Year in recognition of her contributions to the community and her family. She was a model of kindness, readily sharing her energy, time, and resources with others. Her family was the highlight of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a daughter Martha Jane Woodlee and a sister, Jean Bulgin.
She is survived by a daughter, Suzi (Larry) Cabe; four grandchildren Carmen Cabe (Russell) Soles, Stephanie Cabe (Mark) Berry, Christi Woodlee (Sean) Butman, and Andrea Woodlee (Mike) Avery; nine great grandchildren Abrianna (Tristan), Trace, Chesnie, Ari, Ben, Sydney, Meredith, Aaron, and Aliza Jane; one great, great grandson Coburn.
A graveside service was held Oct.19, at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital or your favorite charity.
Online condolences at www. bryantgrantfuneralhome.com Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.
Terry Paul Swofford
Terry Paul Swofford, 80, of Franklin, N.C., passed away Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. He was born in Effingham, Ill., to the late Paul and Shirley Harvey Swofford. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Paul Michael Swofford. He was a member of Trinity Church and was a manager with American Invsco Realty. He was a loving father and husband.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Darlene Haas Swofford; son, Ronald Edward Swofford; six grandchildren; and sister, Michal Ann Swofford.
A service was held at Trinity Church on Tuesday, Oct. 15. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity missions or Trinity Kids Camp Scholarship Program.
Online condolences at www.maconfuneralhome.com.
Sylvia Serowski
Sylvia Serowski, 83, of Franklin, N.C., passed away Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. She was born June 16, 1941, in Buffalo, N.Y., to the late Felix Serowski and Ceila Szupa Serowski.
Survivors include her children, Karina (Gustav Wilde) Gurney, Daniel Nowak Jr., Jacqueline Wozniak, and Geraldine (Robin) Pegg; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and nieces and a nephews; sister-in-law, Barbara Serowski and Johanna Andruchowsky.
Lucille Jennings Sanders
Lucille Jennings Sanders, 92, of Franklin and Asheville, N.C., died peacefully Oct. 16, 2024, at Franklin House.
She was a wife, mother, and homemaker. Born in Franklin, she was the daughter of Tom and Hattie Jennings. She grew up in Clarks Chapel and was a member of Wells Grove Baptist Church. She spent much of her youth picking vegetables in local fields and working at the cannery. As an adult, she worked at the Van Raalte mill, where she met her husband, Jesse. After the mill closed, Lucy and Jesse moved to Asheville, where they were members at West Asheville Baptist Church. She enjoyed being active at church and serving at her voting precinct during election season. Of course, much of her time was spent raising their son, Stan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Jesse; daughter-in-law, Ann Sanders; sisters, Sarah (Jo) Bowers and Betty Shelton; and brothers, Paul, Harold, and Jay Jennings. She is survived by her son, Stan; and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff of the Franklin House, for taking such good care of her and treating her like part of their family.
The family will receive friends Saturday, Oct. 26, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Macon Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Prentiss Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Steve Reeves officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wells Grove Baptist Church or Prentiss Baptist Church.
Online condolences at www.maconfuneralhome.com.
Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Victoria Elizabeth Gelfond
Victoria Elizabeth Gelfond died Sept. 24, 2024. She was a long time resident of the Eckerd Living Center in Highlands. She was dearly loved by the employees there and she loved each one of them. She always brought out a smile and many laughs. She was affectionately call Veg for her initials were V.E.G.
She was a big part of her nieces’ and nephew’s lives, Jessica Edwards, Beverly Altman, and Joshua Yurges. She loved them so much. She also had a big sister, Susan Moore who meant so much to her.
I will greatly miss her. She was more than a sister to me, Caroline Yurges; she was my best friend. She was my heart.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Marion Malecki and her husband, Gene Malecki; and brothers, William Serowski and Robert Serowski.
A private service will be held at a later date. Online condolences at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.
Robert Lee Smith
Robert Lee Smith, 75 of Franklin, N.C., entered into the presence of the Lord on Oct. 5, 2024. He was born April 25, 1949, in Clayton, Ga., and grew up in Whiteside Cove in Cashiers. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Louetta; daughter Jenny; two sons, Jason (Sherry) and Justin; sister, Malina Fowler (Phil); grandchildren, Hope and Grant; and beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Cecil William Smith; mother, Edna Ethel Bumgarner Smith; two sisters, Mary Norris (Johnny) and Lydia Bryson (Don); and brother, Bill. He was of the Christian faith and worshiped at Cowee Baptist, where his son finally got to preach at him.
He loved, provided for, and was proud of his family. He and Louetta celebrated 51 years of marriage this past year, and she stood by his side with care throughout their lives together. He enjoyed telling about his family’s accomplishments and endeavors.
He was an amazing gardener and kept vases full of gorgeous flowers. He could grow plants of all kinds from a cutting. He liked to hunt, raised a vegetable garden, and made the best fried green maters, deer meat, and sausage gravy to go with Louetta’s delicious homemade biscuits. He was a friend to his animals and adored by his dogs and grandpups. He played guitar and sang beautifully. He had a fantastic ear for music and could play any song he heard. He inspired and ministered to others through his music, playing at sunrise services, church, benefits, reunions, and picking at home on the couch. He whistled and sang all day long. He was caring, witty, and outgoing, with a great sense of humor and a smile to share. He enjoyed telling stories and never met a stranger.
He was a master housepainter with his own business, Smith Painting Service, and did the work of a whole crew by himself, even at 75. He built the family home, helped his kids with homes and cars, and could fix about anything.
He enlisted and served our country honorably in the U.S. Army as a young man, in Vietnam. A demolitions expert, he looked out for his fellow soldiers by clearing the roads of landmines. He was tough, strong, and well respected by his company.
He left us with a lifetime of wonderful memories and lessons to cherish. Love your family, friends, and community. Work hard, be strong, and do your best. Share your creativity and talents. Enjoy laughter, appreciate the simple moments, and find beauty in life.
A funeral service was held Wednesday, Oct. 9, at Cowee Baptist Church. Burial was at Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Online condolences at www.maconfuneralhome.com.
