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January 9-15, 2013 Vol. 14 Iss. 32

Sweepstakes shuttered once and for all

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Jackson County’s planning board has rewritten four different sets of development regulations in two years, but saved the biggest and baddest for last: the steep slope ordinance. (Page 6)

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Sweepstakes parlors and patrons lose out with ban ........................................4 Tribe hopes fine will be domestic violence deterrent ........................................4 Canton board plans search for town manager’s successor ............................5 WCU settles suit regarding football player’s death ............................................5 Democratic Party seeking applications for sheriff ..............................................5 VA to offer services at Haywood health department ..........................................9 Jackson pulls a seat up to the table on train deal ............................................10 Swain steams ahead with railroad partnership ................................................10 Swain commissioners switch to staggered terms ............................................11 MedWest-Haywood line of credit not budging ..................................................11

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Sweepstakes parlor closings leave some winners, some losers

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER arol Anthony sat at in the back corner of a sweepstakes parlor in Maggie Valley one afternoon last week, getting her last fix of video gaming in before the next day’s ban took away what she claimed was her sole source of fun.

“This is all I do for entertainment,” said Anthony, perched in front of the blinking lights of a video game terminal, pushing the colorful buttons and hoping for big prizes on this last day at her favorite stomping ground, Vegas in the Valley. “My husband passed away six years ago, and I just don’t have anything else to do.”

Anthony said she plays the sweepstakes machines a couple of times per week, sometimes down the road at Peak Energy gas station, but that day the gas station had already unplugged its terminals, so Anthony found herself here.

She had been at it for a couple of hours already and was still working off the same $20 she started with. For her, video gambling is a relatively cheap form of entertainment, Anthony said, adding that she is “not stupid with it” and doesn’t throw away her bill money on playtime.

But, with the sweepstakes parlors now closed, Anthony said she will be at a loss.

“Sit at home, I reckon,” she said.

Darkness fell on sweepstakes operations last Thursday, Jan. 3, as law enforcement agencies statewide began enforcing a ban on the video gambling machines, leaving no device plugged in.

Law enforcement officers in Haywood County prepared to make the rounds Thursday morning, divvying up a list of known spots sporting sweepstakes machines — from full-fledged parlors to a gas station with a lone machine in the back. As far as Waynesville Police Chief Bill Hollingsed was

January 9-15, 2013

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concerned, the curtain closed on sweepstakes when the clock struck midnight on Jan. 3, the day set out by the N.C. Supreme Court in its recent ruling declaring sweepstakes an illegal form of video-gambling.

There had been 15 businesses with at least one sweepstakes machine in Waynesville.

Only one, the Winner’s Circle in Waynesville, had not closed by the time Waynesville police officers made the rounds Thursday morning.

However, the operator quickly shut down after the visit from police.

Unlike Haywood County law enforcement, the Macon County Sheriff ’s Office gave business owners a little more leeway with the Jan. 3 deadline.

“The one thing I can tell you is that while Sheriff Holland expects compliance, we are not going to immediately try to seize machines at midnight,” said Brian Welch, attorney for the Macon County Sheriff ’s Office. If operations were still open come Friday, the department would place them on notice and later fine them if necessary.

None of the law enforcement agencies planned to expend too much time or money on enforcement of the ban.

“We are not going to channel a lot of resources since we are dealing with a misdemeanor, a non-violent issue,” Welch said.

WIN-LOSE PERSPECTIVE Proponents of the video gaming machines alleged that the downfall of the 700 to 800 sweepstakes parlors in North Carolina would result in drastic loss of revenue and jobs in the state. But, Ken Flynt, associate dean of Western Carolina University’s College of Business, deemed the claims hyperbole.

“It’s kind of a cottage industry,” Flynt said. “I think we will see some loss of jobs, but I don’t think the economic (impact) … will be substantial.”

The storied road of video gambling in N.C. The North Carolina Supreme Court ruled last month that state lawmakers ban on video gambling in its various forms, including the latest reincarnation known as video sweepstakes, is indeed constitutional. For years, legislators have been locked in a game of cat-and-mouse with video gaming operators, banning various forms of video gambling only to have it challenged in court, openly flouted or skirted. State lawmakers returned to the drawing board more than once to close up loopholes.

Meanwhile, law enforcement was stuck in the middle of the prolonged fight between the General Assembly and sweepstakes companies, not knowing whether to shut down the small gambling shops that have cropped up in even the most remote areas of North Carolina or to leave them be while the challenges played out.

Nor will the closing of the parlors cause a drain on the economy, Flynt said. Those who dished out money playing the sweepstakes machines will now spend it in other ways — and those dollars might now recirculate in the local economy instead of dead-ending at a machine.

“It’s just a trade-off,” Flynt said.

On a micro-level, Tami Nicholson, manager of Winner’s Circle in Waynesville and Lucky Horseshoe in Maggie Valley, had to lay off four employees, all of whom she described as single mothers who just want to work.

Tori Pinter, owner of Vegas in the Valley in Maggie, also had to lay off four employees.

“My main concern is my employees,” Pinter said, adding that none of them have had time to find other jobs. However, he also admitted that he saw the end coming.

“I knew it would be short-lived. It’s just a chance you have to take,” Pinter said.

So just before midnight Jan. 2, Pinter and his wife unplugged their 25 sweepstakes machines, shut off the lights and locked the door to Vegas in the Valley — possibly for good.

“It’s a huge loss for sweepstakes owners,” said Nicholson, who had 60 machines between her two locations.

Nicholson cited the positive things the sweepstakes parlors have done for Haywood County. Not only did her two businesses pay more than $58,000 to Waynesville and Maggie Valley for the right to operate its machines, but they also collected cans for Haywood Christian Mission during the holidays, she said.

“Everybody has made sweepstakes so negative,” Nicholson said.

Nicholson, like other advocates of the sweepstakes machines, argued that the ban is hypocritical given the state runs a lottery and allows gambling at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Resort, even live dealer games.

Some believed that legislators did not want anything rivaling the lottery or casino for revenue, and therefore nipped sweepstakes machines in the bud.

“We are not competition for Harrah’s,” Nicholson said. “We don’t have million-dollar jackpots.”

Sweepstakes parlor owners described their businesses as community gathering places, where people could meet, talk and enjoy some games.

“In a short period of time, we got to know a lot of people,” Pinter said.

Video gambling companies have vowed to find another loophole in the law that would allow sweepstakes parlors to operate again.

“This isn’t the end of us,” Nicholson said.

Cherokee breaks new ground with fines for domestic violence Smoky Mountain News

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is hitting domestic violence abusers in their pocketbooks.

People convicted of domestic violence-related charges must now pay a $1,000 fine, in addition to other penalties handed down by tribal court. Tribal council approved of the measure at its meeting last week.

“We are hoping this will make them stop and think,” said Iva Key, the Eastern Band’s Domestic Violence program manager. “A lot of these are repeat offenders,” Key said later.

Money collected from the fine will be split 50-50 between services for victims of domestic violence and other tribal initiatives such as education.

A possible downside to the fine, however, is the financial hardship it might cause, especially if a family is trying to reunite and rebuild after an incident of abuse. Not everyone 4 has $1,000 of disposable income, which means that money

Each year, tribal court in Cherokee issues about 120 domestic violence restraining orders, which are legal decrees meant to shield someone from another’s abuse or harassment. cannot be spent on necessities for the family.

“That is a huge amount of money,” said Julia Freeman, executive director of REACH of Haywood County, who serves victims of domestic violence.

However, Freeman also said the revenue for the fine could result in enhancement of services for victims — a positive outcome. “That’s wonderful,” Freeman said. “That could make a significant difference.”

At its core, the fine is aimed at preventing instances of abuse. Each year, tribal court in Cherokee issues about 120 domestic violence restraining orders, which are legal decrees meant to shield someone from another’s abuse or harassment.

That number only includes people who take action against their abuser, however. There is no telling how many domestic violence cases go unreported.

“That doesn’t encompass the realm of domestic violence,” Key said.

For example, the nearby counties of Jackson and Macon see an average of 58 and 95 domestic violence victims a month, respectively. However, only a small fraction of those receive protective orders.

Both counties have their own programs, REACH of Jackson County and REACH of Macon County.

The hope is that imposing a mandatory fine on those found

S EE FINES, PAGE 5

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER anton Town Manager Al Matthews has announced his impending retirement, and while his last day won’t be for months yet, he’s already plotting ways to spend his newfound free time after a long career in town government.

Matthews, who has served as Canton’s town manager for four years and assistant town manager for nearly a decade prior to that, told the board of aldermen about a month ago that he would stay on until December 2013 at Al Matthews the latest.

Matthews said it’s “time to enjoy things” like going to the lake or simply spending time with his family.

“A lot of my peers have either retired or are in the process of doing so,” he added, citing the retirement of Lee Galloway, Waynesville’s former town manager, last year.

Although he has enjoyed his time as town manager, Matthews said retiring has its own rewards.

“Well, sure. I will miss a tremendous

Western Carolina University has agreed to a $600,000 out-of-court settlment in a civil suit brought by the family of Ja’Quayvin Smalls, a junior defensive back from Mount Pleasant, S.C. who died during an off-season football practice in July 2009.

Smalls had painful cramping during the workout and was taken to the sideline to rest, but then stopped breathing shortly thereafter and could not be resuscitated.

Autopsy reports indicate Smalls died from complications due to the sickle cell trait, which can be triggered by over-exertion.

The trait is one of the leading causes of death among college football players and is more prevalent in the African American community. After the incident, WCU began the mandatory testing of athletes

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— Ed Underwood, alderman

that corridor,” Matthews said.

Town leaders lauded Matthews, saying Canton continued to grow during his tenure.

“He’s been a great town manager, and he followed in Bill Stamey’s footsteps, and those shoes were hard to fill,” Alderman Ed Underwood said. “I know (replacing Matthews is) going to be a challenging thing to do.”

Matthews’ retirement announcement did not come as a big shock to town leaders, who had heard him make mention of the idea before.

“He is approaching retirement, and he is looking forward to it, and I don’t blame him,” said Alderman Ken Holland, who is retired himself. “He’s done the right thing on that. He has given us a good degree of advanced notice.”

When it does come time for his final day, Matthews said his exit will be quiet.

“I’ll just fade on out. I’ll just fade out into the sunset,” he said laughing.

Help-wanted: new top lawman for Haywood County Those vying to be the next sheriff of Haywood County have until 2 p.m. Jan. 17 to get their applications turned in.

Haywood Sheriff Bobby Suttles is stepping down with two years left to go on his term. Because Suttles is a Democrat, the Democratic Party gets to appoint a successor to serve out the remaining two years.

Suttles’ last day is Feb. 8.

So far, Chief Deputy Larry Bryson, second in command at the sheriff ’s office currently, has publicly said he will seek the appointment. N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper Lt. Greg Christopher is expected to announce soon whether he will submit his name also.

FINES, CONTINUED FROM 4 guilty of domestic violence will act as a deterrent, especially in instances of habitual abuse. It may not be the same victim each time, but in some cases, the same abuser will show up in court again and again.

“We don’t have anyway to stem the tide,” said Councilwoman Terri Henry before the vote was taken. “Nobody is making you hit somebody else,” she added.

Henry has made domestic violence her cause, fighting for the victims, for stricter penalties and for better federal legislation.

She is currently working with leaders in Washington, D.C., to pass a Violence Against Women Act. The original act, which was passed in 1994 and awards money to organizations that combat domestic violence, expired this year.

The U.S. Senate passed a version of the bill that added new amendments to

An interesting twist is the announcement last week by a Republican contender for the seat. Bill Wilke, a sergeant with the Asheville Police Department who ran for sheriff against Suttles in 2010, will formally seek the appointment.

It could be a long shot, especially given the language in a press release issued by the Haywood Democrats calling for applications stated “Democratic candidates for the office of Haywood County Sheriff ” may now pick up an ‘Intent to Run’ form … , a testament to the low probability a Republican would win the Democratic Party’s nod.

The Haywood County Democratic Executive Committee will hold a meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 14, at the Democratic headquarters to discuss the process for naming a replacement. Those seeking the office can call 828.456.4942 or 828.734.9056 for details on how to apply.

protect those in same-sex relationships, immigrants who may not be here legally and Native American women. The latter was a sticking point for Republicans in the U.S. House, which, if passed, would allow tribal courts to prosecute non-tribal members in cases of domestic violence — a power it does not currently have.

Non-tribal members accused of domestic violence against a tribal member cannot be prosecuted in tribal court but instead enter the federal court system, where delays and caseload mean the abuser may never be held accountable.

For Henry, that precedent is problematic when it comes to combating domestic violence on the reservation, especially since a large number — about half — of Cherokee women marry white men.

“It’s a big gaping hole,” Henry said.

Henry will continue to speak with U.S. legislators in support of the bill and the added amendment that increases protection for Native women.

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Smoky Mountain News

amount, but you are also gaining other things like peace and quiet,” Matthews said. “There is not the constant ‘I need. I want.’”

Matthews has worked as a town employee for more than 30 years, as the Canton town clerk, assistant town manager and finally town manager. In between his time in Canton, he spent 22 years as the town manager in Maggie Valley. In 2000, he became Canton’s assistant town manager.

One of Matthews’ notable accomplishments as Canton’s town manager was successfully navigating the switch from curbside trash pick-up by town workers to a private contractor. The move was a reaction to changes at the county level in how trash must be hauled to the landfill.

“It went very smoothly,” said Mayor Mike Ray of the transition to a private trash hauler.

Ray also noted Matthews’ recent work on the Champion Drive sewer line project. Canton upgraded the capacity of its sewer line around the I-40 interchange at exit 31 and along Champion Drive. The sewer line was maxed out and could not serve any new development in that area, despite being a prime location for new businesses to locate.

“It opens the door for a tremendous amount of growth and development especially along

Canton is on the prowl for a new town manager. The town will accept applications until April 1.

Once all the applications are collected, the mayor and board of aldermen will review them and select top picks for consideration.

The board planned to talk about exact details of the search at its meeting on Tuesday (Jan. 8).

“We are going to be looking at somebody who hopefully, you know, has experience,” said Alderman Ed Underwood. “We are going to be doing a lot of searching, a lot of interviewing.”

Underwood said he expects to receive a good amount applicants vying for the position.

“I think we’ve got a good town to begin with. It’s a growing town. We’ve got outstanding town employees. We’ve got a really good fund balance,” Underwood said. “This is Western North Carolina. What more could you ask for?”

Fellow Alderman Ken Holland said he would welcome any input from Canton residents on what qualities they want in the town’s next manager and encouraged people to tell any good candidates they know to apply.

There is currently no deadline for when the board expects to name its new town manager.

“We are not going to be in a hurry. We are going to take our time,” Underwood said.

Once someone is hired, however, Matthews has agreed to work with his replacement for a couple of months, teaching them the ins and outs of Canton government.

“It just shows that Al (Matthews) is still very much dedicated to the town of Canton,” Holland said. His continued presence will make for a “smooth and easy-to-handle transition.”

— By Caitlin Bowling

January 9-15, 2013

“He’s been a great town manager … he followed in Bill Stamey’s footsteps, and those shoes were hard to fill.”

Canton launches town manager search

for the sickle cell trait.

But the issue was not settled. In January 2011, Smalls’ family sued the university, claiming athletic staff was liable in his death. This past summer, a judge gave a summary judgment in favor of the defendants; however, the prospect of a prolonged appeal and potential jury trial put the two parties back at the negotiating table, which proved successful.

WCU agreed to pay the family $600,000, but the agreement does not include any admission of guilt or liability by the WCU staff.

“Wrongful death suits are the most difficult suits for anybody to deal with — you’re dealing with the death of a great young man,” said Mary Ann Lochner, WCU’s legal counsel. “At the same time, we are happy the matter is settled, and hopefully, Smalls’ family can move forward, and hopefully, our employees as well.”

The lawyers representing the Smalls family could not be reached for comment.

— By Andrew Kasper

news

Canton to bid farewell to long-time town anchor

WCU settles wrongful death suit with football player’s family

Jackson re-writing development standards amid new economic realities

BY BECKY JOHNSON & ANDREW KASPER • STAFF WRITERS

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Smoky Mountain News

January 9-15, 2013

or two years now, Jackson County’s planning board has systematically combed over and rewritten some of its development rules once hailed as the most protective — yet restrictive — in the state.

Aimed at reining in the previously unbridled and laissez-fare construction industry, the regulations put on the books six years ago ushered in a new era of oversight and standards.

They targeted shoddy and unsafe mountainside building practices that at times put dollar signs above the safety of out-of-state buyers flooding what was at that time

WHAT: Construction on steep slopes must follow a slew of regulations, including density limits, viewshed protections, tree screening, caps on excavation and land disturbance, and cut-and-fill controls.

They also prohibit building on ridge tops and mandate thorough engineering, soil and hydrological analysis.

WHY: Ensure safe construction standards, mitigate the possibility of landslides, and protect mountain scenery, viewsheds and the environment.

STATUS: A page-by-page review of the ordinance by the planning board began in the fall, with proposed changes that lift some of the burdens on steep slope construction. A draft of those changes is expected to be passed along to commissioners to consider for final approval as early as July.

Jackson County’s booming real estate market.

But the regulations went further than that, aiming to protect the long-term sanctity of the environment and aesthic views — and even made a philosophical statement about how many was too many when it came to gated second-home developments pocking the mountainsides.

But that was then, and this is now. The bottom fell out of that real estate market. Lot sales evaporated; the demand for second-homes dried up, and the construction industry sputtered to a standstill.

From the start, critics had condemned Jackson County’s regulations as too

Mountain hillside development THE REST OF THE STORY: Ridge top development can mar views by interrupting the natural silhouette of the ridgeline. Earthtoned house colors are currently recommended, but not required.

HOUSING DENSITY

RIDGE TOP CONSTRUCTION

WHAT IT SAYS NOW: The roof of a house or building can’t come within 20 feet of the ridgeline on a “protected ridge.” A protected ridgeline is defined as any ridge over 2,500 feet and 400 feet above the adjacent valley floor.

POSSIBLE CHANGE: Could be eliminated, allowing houses to be built directly on top of ridges.

JUSTIFICATION: It can actually be inherently safer to build on the relatively flat terrain of the ridge itself rather than a steep side slopes below the ridge. It can also be less environmentally damaging, requiring less cut6 and-fill excavation than on a side slope. Also,

the primary purpose of the ridge law — essentially protecting views of the mountains from below — could still be achieved by other means, such as house color and tree screening, according to Jackson Planning Director Gerald Green.

WHAT IT SAYS NOW: The steeper the slope, the larger lots have to be. There is a sliding scale for how big lots have to be: • At least 2 acres on slopes of 30 percent.

• At least 2.5 acres on slopes of 35 percent.

• At least 5 acres on slopes of 40 percent.

• At least 10 acres on slopes of 45 percent.

POSSIBLE CHANGE: Could be eliminated or reduced, allowing denser development on steep slopes.

JUSTIFICATION: The density limits are too stringent and arduous for developers.

Requiring such large lots on steep slopes makes it hard for developers to get a return on their investment and increases the cost of lots. Jackson County has among the most stringent slope density limits in the state.

The impetus for density limits on slopes — such as safety concerns or groundwater recharge — are adequately addressed with other regulations, such as engineering requirements or a separate groundwater recharge ordinance.

REST OF THE STORY: Far from being settled, this is bound to be the subject of much discussion on the planning board in coming months. Planning Director Gerald Green said he personally recommends keeping some sort of density standards on steep slopes in

place. But what should those look like?

“What is the reason for those density standards? Are they fair or reasonable? What are the goals we are seeking to achieve?” Green asked.

Minimum lot sizes increase the likelihood that a lot will have a suitable house pad on it, create landslide buffers in case construction on a neighboring lot compromises the slope around it, and potentially safeguard groundwater supplies.

The enormous lot sizes required on the steepest of slopes discourage building on them altogether, and make it more likely they will remain in a natural state as part of the open space that’s required in subdivisions anyway.

Slope Percentage Rise ----------- x 100 = Slope % Run

RISE

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Changing the rules

restrictive, too burdensome and too anti-development. When the real estate crash came, they claimed the regulations had fueled the fire, making Jackson’s recession worse than it would have been otherwise.

Along came the election of 2010. Three newly elected Jackson County commissioners took over the majority on the county board, bringing with them a more tempered vision of what development regulations should look like.

The county planning board has since been revisiting all the regulations on the books, making them less arduous and more flexible.

Some changes have already been made.

Some have been suggested but not yet passed by county commissioners, and others are still in process of being rewritten.

This week, The Smoky Mountain News dissects what changes have been proposed so far, and what is being considered.

RUN

SLOPE THRESHOLD

WHAT IS SAYS NOW: The ordinance applies on slopes greater than 30 percent.

POSSIBLE CHANGE: Increase the threshold at which the ordinance kicks in to 35 percent, or possibly as high as 40 percent.

JUSTIFICATION: The current threshold is so low that it applies to most of the land in the

30% Slope

40% Slope

Soil is less stable on steep slopes, making it more prone to slipping and sliding when disturbed. Donated

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county (see map). It’s too much, according to some on the planning board, who say steep slope building issues or safety concerns don’t really come in to play until the slope hits 35 percent or more.

REST OF THE STORY: The threshold for when a steep slope ordinance should kick in has been a point of contention in every county that’s passed steep slope regulations.

Increasing the threshold would make it easier to build on some mountainside properties that would no longer Courtesy of Koenig come under the Homebuilders purview of the law.

Haywood County’s steep slope ordinance doesn’t kick in until 35 percent.

Buncombe County lowered its threshold, with portions of its steep slope ordinance now kicking in on slopes as low as 25 percent. Macon County’s proposed slope ordinance would kick in at 30 percent, although it has been indefinitely tabled.

This sustainable subdivision site plan designed by Equinox Environmental shows how home lots can be clustered in one area, allowing for large tract of natural open space to be preserved.

Donated

Open space WHAT: Developers building subdivisions with 8 or more homes are required to set aside a portion of the tract as open space. Open space can be left natural or used for recreation, including even golf courses and tennis courts. It can’t be part of individual lots, but must be communally owned by a homeowners association or put into a formal conservation easement.

WHY: Open space provides recreational opportunities, environmental and scenic benefits, groundwater recharge and habitat for wildlife.

STATUS: A new open space ordinance reduces how much land developers must set aside in a subdivision. The proposed changes have not yet been addressed by county commissioners, but they are expected to review them in February.

HOW MUCH OPEN SPACE

NEXT PAGE: Groundwater Recharge

MAKING A TRADE WHAT THE OLD REGULATIONS SAID: Open space was non-negotiable.

PROPOSED CHANGE: Instead of setting aside open space, developers could make a $30,000 donation to the Jackson County parks and recreation department. The county could use that money for whatever recreational purpose it wanted, be it summer youth sports programs or building a section of greenway.

Likewise, developers could offer up a tract of land somewhere else in the county as open space rather than within the

subdivision they are developing.

JUSTIFICATION: Allowing developers to pay a “fee in lieu” of open space is a common practice in other places with open space criteria. A few acres of open space within a private subdivision may offer little actual value to county residents as a whole than the alternatives. The county would have to sign off on any substitute parcels for an open A few acres of open space swap. In large subdivisions with space within a more than 50 lots, at least half the required private subdivision open space must be may offer little within the subdivision itself. actual value to REST OF THE county residents as STORY: If the point of open space is pria whole compared marily recreation, trading open space to alternatives. within a subdivision for recreation funding or a substitute tract might make sense. But the original school of thought — to include a smattering of open space within every subdivision — had more varied reasons. Open space improves aesthetics with natural areas, creates a patchwork of wildlife corridors and helps protect environmentally sensitive areas, which got first consideration when deciding what part of the subdivision to set aside.

But Planning Director Gerald Green said the planning board took a more limited view of open space for the purpose of recreation. If you want to create wildlife corridors, protect stream buffers, discourage steep slope building — that’s well and good but should be done with their own ordinances, not through open space criteria.

“We aren’t using a scatter gun approach to these anymore.

We are crafting a specific ordinance to meet a need,” Green said. 7

Smoky Mountain News

WHAT IS SAYS NOW: Homes on steep slopes can’t be “readily visible” from public roads below, accomplished by how a home is sited on a lot or with tree screening. Only 50 percent of the trees in front of a house can be cut to provide for long-range views, and 50 percent of the front of the house must be screened by vegetation.

There are several aesthetic “recommendations” that apply to slope construction, such as earth-toned house colors, muted outdoor lighting, natural landscaping design, and matching architecture to the contour of a hillside.

POSSIBLE CHANGE: Omit the many recommended guidelines and instead put them in a manual of suggested best-practices for mountainside construction. Meanwhile, the planning board stills need to determine the fate of the aesthetic screening requirements, which are mandatory currently.

JUSTIFICATION: The primary focus of steep slope rules should be safety, not aesthetics, and should include only laws that can be enforced.

REST OF THE STORY: The original ordinance was aimed at preserving mountainside aesthetics, not just regulating hillside-building safety. Removing the recommended changes from ordinance and printing them in a widely circulated manual may actually increase adherence to the practices. But the potential still exists that parts of the ordinance now mandatory might be watered down.

Jackson County’s planning board is now headlong into a page-by-page review of the county’s steep slope building regulations initially passed six year ago.

Officials have thus far characterized the revision process as minor tweaks, aimed at making the mountain hillside development ordinance more user friendly. It is welcome news to the development and construction industry, who felt unfairly stymied by some of the most rigorous and arduous regulations in the state. They were passed at the height of the mountain real estate boom when the pace of development was fast, furious and unprecedented.

But the boom is over, and calls to loosen the standards are finally being heeded. How far to go is a philosophical discussion Jackson County residents should start preparing for.

January 9-15, 2013

AESTHETIC COMPONENTS

WHAT THE OLD REGULATIONS SAID: Developers must set aside 25 percent of new subdivisions as open space.

PROPOSED CHANGE: Less open space would be required, with a sliding scale based on the number of lots in a subdivision. Between eight and 20 lots would require 10 percent as open space; between 21 and 50 lots would require 15 percent and more than 50 lots require 20 percent.

JUSTIFICATION: Requiring developers to set aside too much open space meant they couldn’t sell as many lots and effectively rendered a portion of their land worthless by designating it as open space. Giving up lots for open space either cut into their profit margin or forced them to raise prices on remaining lots to make up the difference. This drove up lot prices and made housing less affordable.

Large sbudivisions must have a greater percentage of open space, a recognition of “the impact that a 200-lot subdivision may have on the community,” Jackson Planning Director Gerald Green said.

REST OF THE STORY: Supporters of open space claimed that developers weren’t being hurt, since the “open space” areas within a subdivision add perceived value in the eyes of buyers.

Coming next week

news

Rewrites to Jackson development regulations continued from previous page

Groundwater recharge depends on rain soaking into the ground. If rain is kept from soaking in, drinkin wells won't be properly replinished.

Graphic by N.C. DENR

Smoky Mountain News

January 9-15, 2013

Groundwater recharge

8

WHAT: Regulations aimed at protecting groundwater aquifers that feed residential wells that are relied on as the sole source of drinking water by thousands of mountain homeowners in Jackson County.

WHY: Rainwater needs to soak into the ground to replenish precious aquifers, but it can’t soak in if too much of a lot is paved over and built on. The standards were also born out of concern that too many homes in too close proximity would stress groundwater supplies and lead to wells drying up or not producing adequate flows.

STATUS: Groundwater recharge was mentioned in passing in the development regulations passed six years ago. The new planning board decided to create a stand-alone groundwater recharge ordinance.

County commissioners have not yet adopted the changes but are expected to consider them in February.

It was largely crafted from whole cloth by the planning department and planning board.

“Not many places have an ordinance that says the purpose of this ordinance is to get the water hitting and running off your house back into the ground,” Planning Director Gerald Green said.

MAKE IT MORE INCLUSIVE WHAT THE REGULATIONS SAY NOW: Rules aimed at groundwater recharge only apply to residential development on steep slopes as part of the broader mountain hillside ordinance.

PROPOSED CHANGE: A new groundwater recharge ordinance would apply to all new development in the county, including building on flat land and commercial development.

JUSTIFICATION: Creating a countywide groundwater recharge ordinance would result in better protections. Groundwater recharge should be a goal for all development, not just in residential steep slope construction.

REST OF THE STORY: By addressing groundwater in a separate ordinance, it takes the wind out of the sails of the mountainside building rules currently being rewritten.

Protecting groundwater was a pretext for some of the tougher slope development rules, such as limiting housing density and tree clearing.

Critics claimed groundwater was a ruse for some of the tougher measures, whose real purpose was simply to limit building.

By tackling groundwater in its own ordinance, it may no longer be able to play a starring role in justifying slope regulations.

IMPERVIOUS SURFACE QUOTA WHAT THE REGULATIONS SAY NOW: Impervious surfaces — the portion of a lot that is paved over or built on — is limited to 6,000 square feet on lots with a 30 percent slope or greater. The driveway isn’t counted in the 6,000-square-foot cap.

PROPOSED CHANGE: The new ordinance has a sliding scale, starting at 7,000 square feet of impervious surface for lots less than one acre. Lots between one and two acres get 10,000 square feet of impervious surface, maxing out at 15,000 square feet for a lot greater than 10 acres. In the new ordinance, the impervious surface quota includes the driveway.

JUSTIFICATION: Driveways should be included in the impervious surface quota, rather than getting a free pass. Large lots are allowed more impervious surface, recognizing that there may be more driveway involved.

REST OF THE STORY: It’s hard to say which is tougher — the new impervious surface quotas or the ones originally contained in the mountain hillside ordinance. It all depends on driveway length. Even though the new ordinance allows more impervious surface, driveways are now counted as part of that total.

The mountain hillside ordinance is still undergoing revisions, and whether the additional impervious surface criteria in that ordinance will remain intact — or be removed entirely since it is now been addressed separately in its own ordinance — remains to be seen.

EXEMPTION CLAUSE WHAT THE ORDINANCE SAYS NOW: The 6,000-square-foot limit on impervious surfaces for steep slope construction is non-negotiable.

PROPOSED CHANGE: Developers could get an exemption on impervious surface limits if they take steps to channel run-off back into

the ground. Rain that hits a driveway or roof could be directed into a rain garden, for example, where it is absorbed back into the ground, rather than running off, thus allowing developers to up their impervious surface quota. A professional, such as a landscape engineer, would have to certify its functionality.

JUSTIFICATION: If the downside of impervious surfaces — namely that water runs off instead of soaking in — can be effectively offset with proper techniques, the goal is still accomplished.

“The purpose is to get water in the ground.

There are many ways to do that. It is not just having a large lot size or limiting impervious surface,” according to Jackson County Planner Gerald Green.

REST OF THE STORY: When it comes to commercial development with lots of asphalt, this aspect could encourage best-practices for channeling runoff from parking lots into rain gardens, bioswails, and other rainwater retention devices.

CARRYING CAPACITY WHAT THE REGULATIONS SAY NOW: The density of homes on steep slopes is limited, justified in part by groundwater “carrying capacity.” How many homes with wells can be supported in a given subdivision?

PROPOSED CHANGE: The groundwater ordinance doesn’t limit density or otherwise address carrying capacity.

JUSTIFICATION: Exactly what the carrying capacity is for the unique “fractured rock aquifers” in the mountains is unclear. In the absence of hard science, the groundwater ordinance avoids density limits on the pretext of carrying capacity guesswork.

REST OF THE STORY: Unlike flat lands, where there is a single, interconnected groundwater aquifer, the mountains have “fractured rock aquifers” — irregular veins or pockets of water in the bedrock, each acting as its own little aquifer that may or may not be connected to a neighboring one.

“Two wells could be 50 feet apart and drawing from different aquifers, or two wells could be 5,000 feet apart and drawing from the same aquifer,” Jackson Planning Director Gerald Green said. “We don’t have the science to do that.”

Whether density limits will remain intact in the mountain hillside ordinance remains to be seen.

VEGETATION REMOVAL

WHAT THE REGULATIONS SAY NOW: How many trees can be cleared from steep slopes depends on lot size. Only 30 percent of existing vegetation can be cleared from oneacre lots on steep slopes, and only 5 percent can be cleared from 10-acre lots.

In addition, no more than 10,000 square feet of soil can be disturbed in the building and grading process for homes on steep slopes, aimed at limiting excavation to the house foot print and immediately surrounding area only.

PROPOSED CHANGE: The new groundwater ordinance has no limits on lot clearing or soil disturbance.

JUSTIFICATION: The science is inconclusive on whether tree cover helps or hurts groundwater recharge. Lawns might be just as effective at allowing rain to soak into the ground as forested areas, according to one school of thought.

REST OF THE STORY: The new groundwater ordinance discourages the “wholesale removal of existing trees and shrubs,” since rain is far more apt to run off loose soil. But it is only a recommendation, not a requirement.

Limits on how much of a lot can be graded and limits on tree clearing could remain intact in the mountain hillside ordinance — or not — depending on how the rewrite goes.

While one school of thought claims the deep roots of big trees suck up and deplete groundwater, another says the thick, compacted root mat of grass prevents rain from soaking in past the first few inches of soil.

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BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will establish a local field office in Haywood County where veterans who are new to the system can register and qualify for medical benefits in a more expedited fashion.

The nearest places in Western North Carolina for veterans to get their initial exams and register for VA medical benefits is on the eastern side of Asheville or in Franklin. But for many, the journey to the Charles George VA Medical Center or the VA medical clinic in Franklin takes 45 minutes to more than an hour oneway — not to mention the two to three months it can take to even get an appointment. During that time, a veteran could be without the necessary medical treatments they need.

“How is that helping them?” asked Brandon Wilson, the veterans’ services officer for Haywood County. The sooner veterans are admitted into the VA system, the quicker they can get help for what ails them.

Wilson spoke to the Haywood County Board of Commissioners Monday about approving a memorandum of understanding — a document that is more than a handshake, but less than a legal contract — to allow the VA to use space in the county health department as a field site for conducting initial medical assessments for veterans hoping to register for VA benefits.

“The reason we are doing this is to expedite enrollment,” Wilson said, adding that its Haywood operation will improve access to aid for veterans.

The measure passed unanimously, making Haywood County the first place in the country to have such an agreement with the VA. “This really is a service to our veterans. It is a lengthy trip to go to Asheville,” said Haywood County Commissioner Mike Sorrells.

The initiative could help thousands of veterans, not just in Haywood County but in other counties west of Asheville as well. Wilson stated it can only benefit the county. The VA will fund and run the program itself, and the county may even be eligible for additional grant funding because of the agreement.

“It’s costing the taxpayers of Haywood County nothing,” Wilson said.

The VA will not have permanent operations in the county health department, but a physician will travel from Asheville to Haywood County once a month to conduct head-to-toe physicals, health interviews and blood work necessary to sign-up for health care and benefits through the federally run veterans’ program.

What currently takes two to three months could take only two or three weeks, Wilson said.

Veterans will be seen at the Haywood County health department by appointment only. Although the scope of the agreement only allows the VA to use space in the health department for the initial exams, the VA could expand its services pending the popularity and success of the initiative.

The VA could hold appointments up to three days a month in the health department. Representatives from the VA also stated that it could offer information sessions or consultations with specialists via videoconference for veterans who can’t make it to Asheville.

“I anticipate we will add additional services, like flu clinics or smoking cessation classes, over the next few years. This will save our veterans a lot of time and travel,” Wilson said. www.va.gov or 828.452.6634.

news

Haywood welcomes off-site veterans’ health services

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news

Jackson leaders mull whether to ante up for promise of train tourists

BY ANDREW KASPER AND B ECKY JOHNSON • STAFF WRITER fter two years of on-again, off-again negotiations, Jackson County leaders signaled last week that they are still willing to pony up money for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, if the right deal can be struck.

The private tourist railroad has asked for financial help from both Jackson and Swain counties to bring a historic steam engine back on line. Now that Swain County has committed $600,000, Jackson County commissioners are under pressure to decide if they are willing to match their neighbors and land some of the tourists the steam engine is bound to bring.

In exchange for money, the county wants the railroad to run trips out of Dillsboro once again. While Dillsboro was one the railway’s main hub, headquarters were moved several years ago to Bryson City, and that’s where all its trips are based now. The tourist-dependent town of Dillsboro has suffered badly from the loss of train-bound visitors.

Brokering a deal with the railroad has come in fits and starts for two years. The railroad has made various pitches to Jackson County for financial support, each of them

Smoky Mountain News

January 9-15, 2013

A

slightly different and none quite fully flushed out.

“Nobody has ever put actual dollars and cents to the request, so we can decide if we want to do this. What would our commitment have to be,” County Manager Chuck Wooten said.

Wooten said assistance also would need to come with guarantees. Although Jackson leaders want to help the struggling train town of Dillsboro, they are tentative to fork

over county money.

“If we make an investment, what’s going to be our return?” Wooten said. “We’re trying to get to a point where we have a firm understanding with the railroad to bring a portion of the departures back to Dillsboro.”

The county has already appointed a train committee, which includes the county attorney and commissioners, to work through negotiations with the railroad and the town

Nothing ventured, nothing gained Swain steams toward historic deal to help Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER wain County leaders will drill down on the details of a $600,000 partnership with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in coming weeks.

The county is paying to fix up an historic steam engine in hopes of bringing even more train-bound tourists to the scenic rail 10 line departing from Bryson City. If there’s

S

money left over, it would go toward an engine turntable downtown.

Swain County will borrow the money and pay it back during a 15 period out of tourism tax dollars collected from overnight visitors.

The deal could be a win-win on all fronts if pulled off successfully. The train would get a sizeable grant to increase its business. Swain County would see an increase in visitors and commerce. And all the while, the ones footing

said.

If Jackson picks up part of the tab on steam engine repair costs, Swain should then have enough left over in its $600,000 kitty to put toward a turntable in Bryson.

Otherwise, its entire contribution could go to the steam engine, leaving none for a Bryson turntable.

of Dillsboro. Commissioner Charles Elders said he is approaching the talk cautiously and not letting his desire to help Dillsboro lead the county into an unsafe and hasty deal.

“I’m in favor of anything we can do to help build the town of Dillsboro back,” Elders said. “But I’m going to be very cautious on the money end of it.”

Railway owner Al Harper has been working with town of Dillsboro merchants and leaders to convince leaders at the county level to provide economic incentives for the train.

His short list of ideas for how Jackson County can help include a turntable in Dillsboro, perhaps a walkway and a park along the train track for tourists and improvements to the railroad’s maintenance shop, which is located in Dillsboro.

In total, the private commercial railroad could use between $1.2 and $1.4 million dollars to help with the initiatives, Harper said, meaning he would be looking for Jackson County to contribute a comparable amount as Swain County.

Swain’s $600,000 contribution will go toward repairing the historic steam engine, and if there is any money left over, for an engine turn-around table in Bryson City.

Swain has built in a series of safeguard to ensure the railroad lives up to the deal (see related story.)

If Jackson County pitches in, it would alleviate some of the financial pressure on Swain County, and could spell a cooperative venture that helps both counties’ economies.

“If they would come in and partner with us, that is really what we wanted in the first place. We weren’t trying to beat them to the punch,” Swain County Manager Kevin King

The railroad’s quest for a steam engine initially centered on a train sitting in Maine.

But that meant moving the train, which would be expensive. And once here, it would have also had to must be refurbished.

“It would cost a lot of money to do that,” King said. So, the idea of putting the Maine train into service in Western North Carolina was abandoned. Plus, it was a Swedish train that hadn’t run in Western North Carolina before.

Instead, the railroad will fix up an out-ofservice steam train that’s been parked in Dillsboro and the train’s maintenance yard for the past eight years. It used to operate on the Great Smoky Mountains rail line but was taken off line for repairs. The money to do them hasn’t been there, however.

Train buffs — a crowd the county and railroad hope to draw in with the steam train — go bananas over the history of specific engines, which lines they ran, what they pulled, the train company that owned them and so on.

“There is a lot of people looking at the historical perspective. They wanted something that had run on this line before,” King said.

The steam engine overhaul is expected to be a two-year process. Harper said if the mechanics’ shop in Dillsboro is improved, the work on the steam engine could be a tourist attraction of its own.

And when completed, he said, the addition of an old-time steam engine to the railroad’s diesel fleet could increase ridership by 20 percent.

“Its going to bring revenues,

the bill will be overnight tourists.

The goal now, however, is to make sure the deal is sealed with the safeguards Swain leaders want — primarily to ensure the railroad lives up to its end of the bargain in exchange for the financial help.

“We have to have a way to ensure they perform,” County Manager Kevin King said.

“We have to have a way to hold their feet to the fire so to speak.”

No one knows, however, exactly what it will cost to fix the steam train. It might take the full $600,000. It might take less than that, with some left over to tackle the turntable.

That’s the hope at least.

“Everything with an old train like that you have to make from scratch,” King said.

“It is not like going down to Napa Auto Parts and picking it up.”

Swain County leaders haven’t gotten a clear picture from the railroad on exactly what the work will consist of, or exactly why the steam engine isn’t working now. The steam engine used to run on the Great Smoky

Mountains Railroad line but was taken down in 2004. The railroad started making repairs to it but never saw the job through. It has been parked in Dillsboro ever since.

In exchange for financial help, the train must get steam engine up and running in Bryson City within three years, and keep running them out of the town for the next 15 years.

King said there’s no way the county will be left holding the bag. For starters, Swain County won’t simply write the train a blank check but will pay for the engine repairs directly.

“A lot of the seemingly controversy that has been going around is that we are writing them a check. That’s not what is going to happen,” King said. “They will give us invoices, and we will pay them.”

But the biggest safeguard is that Swain will actually own the steam engine. Before putting up money, Swain will insist on the property title for the steam engine be signed over to the county.

REKINDLING STEAM SERVICE

F

Jackson leaders will above all, however, be looking for legal, contractual assurances in any deal it signs with the railroad. The railroad could put up property as collateral or put the turntable in the county’s name.

There are other creative ideas out there, too, like getting the train to provide a hiking trail easement along the length of the track, helping to boost recreation in the county, Wooten said.

But there has been no shortage of creative ideas, only commitments. It’s been two years since the county has first sat down at the negotiating table to discuss potential deals with the train company, to no avail.

Wooten hopes this time a definitive answer

will be reached.

“There are a lot of options out there, but we need to get to the point where we can take action or put it aside,” Wooten said.

Another question is what source of funding the county would use. It would clearly benefit tourism, but tourism leaders in Cashiers, who control half the votes on the county tourism board, have scoffed at the merits of using county tourism dollars for an initiative that only helps Dillsboro.

Wooten said the county does have an economic development incentive fund it could tap, with a current balance of $420,000. The county could also try to get grants for the project.

“It is the county’s responsibility to make sure whatever we put in place is going to happen one way or another,” King said.

If the train doesn’t live up to its end of the bargain, Swain County will at least have its very own steam engine to show for it.

Theoretically, it could sell the engine and get back the money it put into the deal.

The county had the steam engine appraised to be sure it was even worth what the county was putting in to it.

“As it sits now, because it is all in pieces really it is valued at about $250,000. If it were all back together it would be in the neighborhood of $800,000,” King said.

A rumor has circulated in recent weeks that, if true, would derail the deal. King had heard the rumor as well — that the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad had used the steam engine up as collateral for an old loan and that loan wasn’t yet paid off. That would mean there’s a lien against the engine, and Swain County wouldn’t own the title free and clear.

King looked into it and was told by the railroad that wasn’t the case. If for some reason, it is true, the county won’t go through with the deal at closing.

“That would kill the deal,” King said.

“We have to own it. We will not accept it with a lien on it.”

The county will also own the two-acre lot where the turntable will be built — namely the large gravel parking lot now used for train parking downtown.

While the cost of fixing the steam engine remains to be seen, so does the cost of building a engine turntable. The turntable is a rotating piece of track that pivots — with the engine parked on top of it — to get the engine pointed in the opposite direction.

The piece of track straddles a large concrete drum and is manually turned. There would be walkways around it for spectators.

“If we are fortunate enough to get the turntable completed and it does transpire, You are talking another type of attraction,” King said.

King pointed out that the county didn’t come up with this plan. It was approached by the Swain County Chamber of Commerce and Swain County Tourism Development Authority.

The county didn’t have money in its own coffers to offer up, but since it’s a tourism initiative, it could use room tax money collected from overnight tourists.

Rather than dipping into the existing pot of tourism tax revenue, the county increased the tax on overnight lodging from 3 percent to 4 percent. The increase will mean an extra $150,000 a year, based on current overnight stays.

Only about $50,000 a year is needed to pay off the train loan of $600,000 during the 15 years.

That means the room tax hike can help other tourism initiatives as well. The county is committing another $600,000 to build a heritage museum and visitor center inside the iconic but otherwise abandon historic courthouse in downtown Bryson City.

Swain approves switch to staggered terms

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Smoky Mountain News

jobs and people to community right away,” Harper said. “It’s a win for everybody.”

Harper hopes to approach the Jackson County commissioners, along with the representatives from Dillsboro, within a month carrying a proposal that will mirror that of Swain County’s. In return, Harper said, he would make sure some of the steam engine’s trips depart from Dillsboro, just like the old days.

Currently, the train still stops in Dillsboro but only briefly to let passengers de-train and shop during the short lay-over.

The depressed amount of foot traffic — compared to when the train departed from Dillsboro — has forced some businesses to close and hurt sales across the board.

MedWest-Haywood hasn’t managed to pay down an emergency loan made by the hospital management company Carolinas HealthCare a year ago, but should start making a dent in it soon, according to John Young, vice president with Carolinas HealthCare.

The giant hospital network based in Charlotte, which MedWest-Haywood is a part of, granted the Haywood hospital a $10 million line of credit after finding itself in dire cashflow crunch — partly due to unforeseen costs, but partly due to over extending itself.

MedWest-Haywood never quite used the full $10 million, with the borrowed amount topping about where the debt still stands now — at $8.6 million.

It’s the only debt load the hospital is carrying, so in reality, it’s not a lot of debt. Ideally, it would have a credit line with a bank, not a hospital management company, but no bank loans could be found when the hospital needed credit.

“This is not something CHS typically does, or in fact ever does, but we are so bullish on what this hospital offers to this community and its potential we decided to do that,” Young said.

January 9-15, 2013

Swain voters approve switch to staggered terms for county commissioners.

Swain County’s Board of Commissioners will make the transition next year to staggered terms for the county’s elected leaders, a system in line with most other counties in the state.

Rather than all five seats on the county board coming up for election at the same time every four years, the commissioners will serve

staggered terms, meaning three seats will be up for grabs in one election cycle and the remaining two seats will come up for election two years later.

In 2014, the next year a Swain commissioners’ election is scheduled, the top three vote getters will serve a typical four-year term on the board. The next two highest vote getters will only serve two years before their seats are up for election again in 2016 — thus setting up the staggered term system.

Whether to make the switch to staggered terms was on the ballot in November. The measure passed by more than 60 percent.

Swain was previously one of only 12 counties in the state where all the seats on the board of commissioners would come up for election in the same year.

Todd McGee, a spokesman with the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, said that neither way is better than the other per se.

“I can’t say that there is a benefit one way or the other,” McGee said. “(Staggered terms) would at least ensure some continuity.”

With staggered terms, no matter what the outcome of an election is, there could never been a clean sweep of the entire board. It ensures some measure of institutional knowledge and experience would carry over through an election.

— By Caitlin Bowling

MedWest-Haywood is digging out from under some of the expenses that hit it in 2010, including millions for a new digital medical records system mandated by the federal government and buyouts of private doctors’ practices to ensure stability in the physician community.

“Most hospitals are finding it’s almost impossible anymore to make a profit in rural communities,” Young said.

Meanwhile, the new CEO of MedWestHaywood is just two weeks into the job.

“Most important to me is getting our hospital to where we want it to be. I have a nursing background and I get it, quality of patient care is number one,” said MedWest-Haywood CEO Janie Sinacore-Jaberg.

— By Becky Johnson

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Steady keel for MedWest-Haywood, but could be better

Legal Services for a Strong Mountain Community Nathan Earwood • David D. Moore 559 West Main Street, Sylva, NC 28779 828.339.1010 • earwoodandmoore.com

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Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

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Our state’s priorities have gone askew

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“I read the story in your paper about the tuition tax hike at Western Carolina. Boy, that’s bad timing, and one of the trustees said it was the eighth straight year of hikes.”

And that’s just what happened. WCU trustees last month hiked undergraduate tuition by $340 for the 2013-2014 academic year. Not a huge hike, but the increase is part of a fiveyear plan to ease in a tuition hike of $1,360, which does not account for price increases in fees, housing and meals.

If you don’t think this is meaningful, guess again.

At the same time tuitions continues to rise, a national report tells us that two-thirds of American college graduates left school last year with massive student loan debt hanging over their heads, and the average amount they owed was $26,600. That’s up 5 percent from the previous year. The report was by the Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS).

I wondered how students in our region were faring, how much debt they were taking on, so I contacted the folks at

Let’s do the hard work on mental illness

To the Editor: Almost everyone has an opinion about how to combat violent, mass killing. My hope is that we will not be distracted by all the static and go for quick solutions that may make us feel safer but will, most likely, be ineffective.

We need to keep our eye on the cause here: mental illness. Would that we could pass a law against mental illness!

In the last 10 to 20 years, we have made great progress in our understanding and approach to brain disorders and now recognize that these are treatable illnesses. We are now on the verge of some significant breakthroughs. I hope we will put our money and our minds where it will have the most benefit: early identification and adequate treatment of mental illness, and hopefully, at some point, prevention. Look what we have done with cancer, heart disease, and polio. Let’s not do the typical “knee-jerk” reaction and think we can

Western Carolina University. The debt load is slightly less, but it still seems a heavy burden to bear. The average debt for Western Carolina University graduates in 2011-12 (the most recent year for which data is available) was $17,714. By way of comparison, the average amount of debt for all North Carolina college graduates in 2011 was $20,800 in loans, according to the Project on Student Debt.

I’m a firm believer that a university education is the best way to steer Editor young people toward a life where they can become assets to society rather than falling back on governmentfunded social programs for support. Let’s hope the new General Assembly works to keep tuition costs down.

Scott McLeod

he swearing in of new Gov. Pat McCrory this past weekend brought to mind a conversation at a recent holiday party. I was sequestered with a few political types and several issues came up that had been covered in The Smoky Mountain News and other media outlets. Several of these discussion points are going to fall into the lap of the new governor and the General Assembly.

The new state legislative will start later this month in Raleigh, and there is no better time to point out that politics, at its most basic level, is about making moral decisions.

You can choose the medicine you prefer — Democratic or Republican ideology, perhaps Libertarian — but the decisions make a real difference in the lives of citizens. For now, the GOP is in complete control in North Carolina, but I hope that Gov. McCrory’s past work in Charlotte will translate into a governor who represents all of North Carolina, not just one party’s ideology.

With that, back to the party:

“That was a great story about Richard Reeves and the church helping people heat their homes. That’s a sad situation.”

This issue, perhaps, speaks most clearly to the challenges facing North Carolina and the entire country. Funding from the federal government and disbursed at the local level provides heating assistance to the poor, and the amount available in North Carolina has dropped over the last few years from $116 million to $47 million. In Haywood County — where Reeves and other volunteers have delivered more than 1,400 loads of wood during the last seven years — funding fell from $1 million to $350,000.

Ever been cold in a house, trying to stave off frigid air?

It’s an all-consuming task, and to do it night after night is something people living in this country should not have to face.

It is a subject that is often forgotten as we immerse ourselves in the politics of budgets, but this state’s poverty rate is continuing to climb at an alarming rate. According to the

pass a few laws and see this problem in the rear view mirror. Let’s do the hard work. Let’s fund research and treatment of mental illness.

Ann Nandrea Franklin

Marijuana in national forests is out of control To the Editor: Since the mid 1990s, Mexican criminals have been growing marijuana in our national forests. In recent years these operations have spread to at least 20 states and 67 national forests as well as on private land. We are still a sovereign nation, are we not? If that’s correct it begs the question: why have our national parks been surrendered by our government to Mexican drug traffickers?

An area of 3,500 acres in southern Arizona has been closed to U.S. citizens because of the dangers posed by drug smugglers. We can conclude from this that it is no longer safe for Americans to visit any national park less they

Raleigh News and Observer, we had the 26th-highest poverty rate in the country, 12.2 percent, in 1990. The rate now stands at 17.4 percent, which ranks us 12th in the nation.

“I would think that no matter what your political party is, this would be a matter of potent concern for the next governor,” Gene Nichol, director of the UNC Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity, told the Raleigh newspaper. “I would think that Republicans would have different ways of dealing with it, hoping to push back against it. But I can’t imagine being governor of the state of North Carolina and thinking that this is not a crucial concern. We have hundreds of thousands of children living in poverty, and it’s getting worse.’’

I can hear the naysayers now: we are in an economic crisis. Indeed, but we can’t completely forget the poor.

“So there’s that, and on top of it the Haywood Schools associate superintendent saying they have cut 129 full-time positions during the last seven years because of funding cuts.”

That’s according to Bill Nolte, the associate superintendent of Haywood County Schools, who says the budget reduction during that time was about $5 million. No doubt as these cuts sink in, early childhood education and other necessary remediation programs will suffer. That means more of those at-risk kids won’t make it to college or may not even graduate from high school, which means they are more likely to fall into that rising pool of citizens who are living in poverty.

I left that party depressed. Shrinking investments in our public schools, shrinking investment in our much-lauded university system, and an ever-increasing number of our citizens living in poverty, going without heat. These are real problems that affect our neighbors, and taken together, they paint a picture of a dire future for North Carolina. Our leaders in Raleigh have their work cut out for them.

(Scott McLeod can be reached at info@smokymountainnews.com.)

LOOKING FOR OPINIONS The Smoky Mountain News encourages readers to express their opinions through letters to the editor or guest columns. All viewpoints are welcome. Send to Scott McLeod at info@smokymountainnews.com., fax to 828.452.3585, or mail to PO Box 629, Waynesville, NC, 28786. inadvertently wander into a pot-growing operation guarded by well-armed drug traffickers who won’t hesitate to kill to protect their merchandise.

Wisconsin has just one national forest (the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest) where the first site in that state was discovered in 2008. Most people arrested there have been illegal immigrants from Mexico with connections in California (a shocker there) where traffickers were discovered in 1995.

Numerous arrests have been made of course,

and tens of thousands of plants worth more than a billion dollars have been eradicated over the years. Many cases of arrests are “pending.”

The relaxation of marijuana laws and now its legalization in some states significantly adds to the problem and sends critically mixed messages to law enforcement agencies.

Considering the experience of the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agency and our sheriff in Jackson County recently, perhaps our inability to end (permanently) the desecration of our national forests is tied to our governments failure to obtain ACLU approval before making arrests.

In the end our government’s inability or unwillingness to reclaim our national forests and protect private property from drug traffickers (who are in this country illegally) demands this issue be an essential part of the debate about gun control. This is precisely why the 2nd Amendment was added to The Constitution of the United States. If our government refuses to act decisively, than we must.

David L. Snell Dillsboro

tasteTHEmountains Taste the Mountains is an ever-evolving paid section of places to dine in Western North Carolina. If you would like to be included in the listing please contact our advertising department at 828.452.4251 AMMONS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT & DAIRY BAR 1451 Dellwwod Rd., Waynesville.

828.926.0734. Open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Friday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Celebrating our 25th year. Enjoy world famous hot dogs as well as burgers, seafood, hushpuppies, hot wings and chicken. Be sure to save room for dessert. The cobbler, pie and cake selections are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Smoky Mountain News

January 9-15, 2013

ANTHONY WAYNE’S 37 Church St, Waynesville. 828.456.6789.

Open for lunch Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; open for dinner Thursday-Saturday 5 to 9 p.m.; and Sunday brunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Exceptional, new-American cuisine, offering several gluten free items.

BLUE RIDGE BBQ COMPANY 180 N. Main St., Waynesville.

828.452.7524. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. TuesdayThursday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. FridaySaturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Blue Ridge BBQ is a family owned and operated restaurant. The BBQ is slow hardwood smoked, marinated in its own juices, and seasoned with mountain recipes. All menu items made from scratch daily. Featuring homemade cornbread salad, fresh collard greens, or cornbread and milk at your request. Old-fashioned homemade banana pudding and fruit cobbler of the season.

Catering, take-out, eat-in. blueridgebbq@gmail.com.

BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE 454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Dinner nightly from 4 p.m. Closed on Sunday. We specialize in hand-cut, all natural steaks, fresh fish, and other classic American comfort foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available. We also feature a great selection of craft beers from local artisan brewers, and of course an extensive selection of small batch bourbons and whiskey. The Barrel is a friendly and casual neighborhood dining experience where our guests enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank.

HERREN HOUSE 94 East St., Waynesville 828.452.7837.

Lunch: Wednesday - Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday Brunch 11 a. m. to 2 p.m.

Enjoy fresh local products, created daily.

Join us in our beautiful patio garden. We are your local neighborhood host for special events: business party’s, luncheons, weddings, showers and more. Private parties & catering are available 7 days a week by reservation only.

CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1401. Mile-high mountaintop dining with a spectacular view. Join us for

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cookouts on the terrace on weekends and Wednesdays (weather permitting) and family-style dinners on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Social hour starts at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. Our bountiful family-style meals include prime rib, baked ham, and herb-baked chicken; cookouts feature steaks, ribs, chicken and pork chops, to name a few. Every dinner is complemented with an assortment of seasonal vegetables, homemade breads, jellies and desserts, and we offer a fine selection of wine and beer.

Breakfast is also served daily from 8 to 9:30 a.m., and lunch from 12 to 2 p.m.

Please call for reservations.

CHEF’S TABLE 30 Church St., Waynesville.

828.452.6210. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday dinner starting at 5 p.m. “Best of” Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine. Set in a distinguished atmosphere with an exceptional menu. Extensive selection of wine and beer.

Reservations honored.

CITY BAKERY 18 N. Main St. Waynesville 828.452.3881.

Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join us in our historic location for scratch made soups and daily specials. Breakfast is made to order daily: Gourmet cheddar & scallion biscuits served with bacon, sausage and eggs; smoked salmon bagel plate; quiche and fresh fruit parfit. We bake a wide variety of breads daily, specializing in traditional French breads. All of our breads are hand shaped. Lunch: Fresh Salads, panni sandwiches. Enjoy outdoor dinning on the deck. Private room available for meetings.

CITY LIGHTS CAFE Spring Street in downtown Sylva.

828.587.2233. Open Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tasty, healthy and quick. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, espresso, beer and wine.

Come taste the savory and sweet crepes, grilled paninis, fresh, organic salads, soups and more. Outside patio seating. Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly. Live music and lots of events.

Check the web calendar at citylightscafe.com.

CORK AND BEAN 16 Everett St., Bryson City. 828.488.1934.

Open Monday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy organic, fair-trade, gourmet espresso and coffees, a select, eclectic list of wines, and locally prepared treats to go with every thing. Come by early and enjoy a breakfast crepe with a latte, grab a grilled chicken pesto crepe for lunch, or wind down with a nice glass of red wine. Visit us on Facebook!

CORK & CLEAVER 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville.

828.456.7179. Reservations recommended. 4:30-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Tucked away inside Waynesville Inn, Cork & Cleaver has an approachable menu designed around locally sourced, sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. Executive Chef Corey Green prepares innovative and unique Southern fare from local, organic vegetables grown in Western North Carolina. Full bar and wine cellar. www.waynesvilleinn.com.

CORNERSTONE CAFÉ 1092 N. Main Street, Waynesville.

tasteTHEmountains 828.452.4252. Open Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fresh meats purchased daily, great homemade breakfast, burgers made to order.

Comfortable and friendly atmosphere, with curb service available. Make lunch easy and call ahead for to go orders.

FRANKIE’S ITALIAN TRATTORIA 1037 Soco Rd. Maggie Valley.

828.926.6216 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday. Father and son team Frank and Louis Perrone cook up dinners steeped in Italian tradition. With recipies passed down from generations gone by, the Perrones have brought a bit of Italy to Maggie Valley. frankiestrattoria.com FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE 44 Church St. Downtown Waynesville 828.456.1930 Serving lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Sunday lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Mondays. Frogs Leap is a farm to table restaurant focused on local, sustainable, natural and organic products prepared in modern regional dishes. Seasonal menu focuses on Southern comfort foods with upscale flavors. Come for the restaurant’s 4 @ 4 when you can choose a center and three sides at special prices. Offered Wed- Fri. from 4 to 6. frogsleappublichouse.org.

J. ARTHUR’S RESTAURANT AT MAGGIE VALLEY U.S. 19 in Maggie Valley. 828.926.1817.

Lunch Sunday noon to 2:30 p.m., dinner nightly starting at 4:30 p.m. World-famous

prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, gorgonzola cheese and salads. All ABC permits and open year-round. Children always welcome. Takeout menu. Excellent service and hospitality.

Reservations appreciated.

JUKEBOX JUNCTION U.S. 276 and N.C. 110 intersection, Bethel.

828.648.4193. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Serving breakfast, lunch, nd dinner. The restaurant has a 50s & 60s theme decorated with memorabilia from that era.

MAD BATTER BAKERY & CAFÉ Located on the WCU Campus in Cullowhee.

828.293.3096. Open Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Earthfriendly foods at people-friendly prices. Daily specials, wraps, salads, pastries, breads, soups and more. Unique fare, friendly service, casual atmosphere and wireless Internet.

Organic ingredients, local produce, gourmet fair trade and organic coffees.

MAGGIE VALLEY CLUB 1819 Country Club Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine.

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Fine and casual fireside dining in welcoming atmosphere. Full bar. Reservations accepted.

MOONSHINE GRILL 2550 Soco Road, Maggie Valley loacted in the Smoky Falls Lodge. 828.926.7440. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 4:30 to 9 p.m.

Cooking up mouth-watering, wood-fired Angus steaks, prime rib and scrumptious fresh seafood dishes. The wood-fired grill gives amazing flavor to every meal that comes off of it. Enjoy creative dishes made using moonshine. Stop by and simmer for a while and soak up the atmosphere. The best kept secret in Maggie Valley. themoonshinegrill.com

ing steaks, prime rib, seafood and dinner specials. Live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

SOUL INFUSION TEA HOUSE & BISTRO 628 E. Main St. (between Sylva Tire & UPS).

828.586.1717. Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday noon -until. Scrumptious, natural, fresh soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps and desserts. 60+ teas served hot or cold, black, chai, herbal. Seasonal and rotating draft beers, good selection of wine. HomeGrown Music Network Venue with live music most weekends. Pet friendly and kid ready.

OLD STONE INN 109 Dolan Road, off Love Lane.

828.456.3333. Classic fireside dining in an historic mountain lodge with cozy, intimate bar. Dinner served nightly except Sunday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Signature dinner choices include our 8oz. filet of beef in a brandied peppercorn sauce and a garlic and herb crusted lamb rack. Carefully selected fine wines and beers plus full bar available. Open year round. Call for reservations.

TAP ROOM SPORTS BAR & GRILL 176 Country Club Dr. Waynesville 828.456.5988. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Enjoy soups, sandwiches, salads and hearty appetizers along with a full bar menu in our casual, smoke-free neighborhood grill.

PASQUALE’S 1863 South Main Street, Waynesville. Off exit 98, 828.454.5002. Opend for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Classic Italian dishes, exceptional steaks and seafood (available in full and lighter sizes), thin crust pizza, homemade soups, salads hand tossed at your table. Fine wine and beer selection. Casual atmosphere, dine indoor, outside on the patio or at the bar. Reservations appreciated.

THE TIKI HOUSE SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR 2723 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

828.944.0445. Fresh seafood made to order.

Oysters raw, steamed, or fried. Hand-cut steaks. Live music, cocktails, pet-friendly patio dining with a nice fountain. Friday patio music starts at 7 p.m. and Saturday night after dinner. Live bands and a dance floor.

THE WINE BAR 20 Church Street, downtown Waynesville.

828.452.6000. Underground cellar for wine and beer, served by the glass all day. Cheese and tapas served Wednesday through Saturday 4 p.m.-9 p.m. or later. info@classicwineseller.com. Also on facebook and twitter.

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center 828.926.0201 Bar open Monday thru Saturday; dining room open Tuesday thru Saturday at 5 p.m. Full service restaurant serv-

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Smoky Mountain News

Remembering the dream Martin Luther King, Jr., after meeting with President Lyndon Johnson at the White House to discuss civil rights in 1963. U.S. News & World Report Magazine Photograph Collection, U.S. Library of Congress

Haywood celebrates Martin Luther King’s message with weekend of speeches, prayers and march

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER aywood County Rev. Lamont Foster still remembers the day he learned what it meant to be black.

It was the early 1960s; Foster was five years old at the time, living on a military base in North Carolina. His best friend, Timmy, was white.

One day, the two friends were sun tanning when Foster’s brother ran out of the house and told him to get back inside, that black people don’t sunbathe. His mother later told him not to play with Timmy anymore.

“We didn’t know he was white, and I was black — we were just friends,” Foster said.

“We didn’t know we weren’t supposed to be playing together.”

That moment was a defining one for Foster.

He realized the divide between races isn’t something innate, but rather a lesson taught to children by their parents and society.

It was around that same time that another man, Martin Luther King Jr., was developing his own beliefs about race and sharing them with the nation. Although Foster was only 12

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years old when Rev. King was assassinated, there is no downplaying the influence King had on Foster, a reverend himself at Harris Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Canton.

Forty-five years after King’s death, and with MLK Day around the corner, Foster says King’s lessons are just as important as ever.

And although the country has changed a lot since Foster was told he couldn’t have a white friend, it’s nowhere close to perfect.

“We have come a mighty long way,” Foster said. “But, my brother, the work is not done.”

That is why Foster and a group of local organizers are making sure that King’s dream and holiday are not forgotten. Beginning Jan. 19 with a pride march in Canton and culminating Jan. 21 with a prayer breakfast at Lake Junaluska, Haywood County church members, activists and residents will gather to mark the anniversary of King’s birthday.

Foster will be giving the commemorative speech at a church in Canton on Jan. 20. For him, it is an honor, and a duty, to constantly remind people of the dreams of King and try to extinguish hate and racism with the same

the time of its creation there was not much in the way of recognizing King. The small size of Haywood County’s African American population also made it difficult for the holiday to gain traction. But now the celebration has become a local mainstay.

And the local tradition will have an international visitor this year. Bishop Ivan Abrahams, general secretary of the World Methodist Council, will speak at the breakfast. Abrahams grew up during the era of apartheid in South Africa.

Furthermore, King’s message on racial justice reached far beyond the borders of the United States.

“He had a dream and that dream was to break down barriers of discrimination,” McDowell said. “Our goal is to remember

weapon King used: words.

Except, these days, Foster said racism is bit more elusive and not as overt as it once was, making it trickier to combat. His MLK Day sermon will focus on unity, while his message on racism will echo that of King’s as well.

“We need to put all that where it belongs: in the junkyard,” Foster said. “We are all human.”

Much like King’s struggles against racism, his own birthday faced an uphill battle to become a holiday nationally — and to become celebrated locally. First proposed as a federal holiday in “This one man brought this whole Congress the year of King’s assassination, the holiday was country together. That’s what I try to not ratified until 15 years later continue to do, keep his dream alive.” and first celebrated in 1986.

But it still didn’t catch on — Tammy McDowell everywhere.

Even though King was born in the neighboring state of Georgia — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his work.” only hours away from Haywood County — And keeping his memory alive is becoming celebration of King’s birthday was not readily more important than ever. McDowell is a livaccepted by some North Carolinians. In fact, ing example of the last of a generation who two North Carolina senators had led the crossed paths with King, even if only briefly. opposition to making King’s birthday a federShe was only a year old when he was killed. al holiday.

Those with a living memory of King are But that didn’t deter members of black fading and being replaced by those who must churches in Haywood County from organizing learn about him secondhand. Another reason the local MLK Day tradition just a few years McDowell can’t stress enough how important after the holiday became official. This year it is to keep the local tradition going. marks its 23rd anniversary.

“This one man brought this whole country However, Tammy McDowell, chairwoman together,” McDowell said. “That’s what I try of the event’s organizing committee, said at to continue to do, keep his dream alive.”

MLK Day events in Haywood County • Jan. 19 at 11 a.m. — Pride march beginning at Harris Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church and ending at the Canton Town Annex. Afterward a free movie “Skin” will be aired at the Colonial Theater at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

• Jan. 20 at 3 p.m. — Commemorative service at Church of God of Prophecy in Canton with speaker Rev. Lamont Foster of Harris Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church • Jan. 21 at 8 a.m. — Prayer breakfast at the Lambuth Inn Dining Room in Lake Junaluska, with speaker Bishop Ivan Abrahams, general secretary of the World Methodist Council. Breakfast tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students and children. Children under 8 are free. Tickets are available at the Lake Junaluska Welcome Center. 828.215.0296.

More events around the region Western Carolina University will be hosting a week of events from Jan. 21 to 26 celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. World-renowned writer/activist Nikki Giovanni, “Princess of Black Poetry,” will be the keynote speaker at 7 p.m. Jan. 23. Macon County will also be holding a Martin Luther King commemorative event. For details, visit www.smokymountainnews.com or see next week’s edition.

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Attorney at Law

ARTIST SHOWCASE An opening reception for “Ball Mason Jar Art” by Brent Martin will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, at City Lights Café in Sylva.

Created at his home in the Cowee Community, the paintings of Bell Jars are on reclaimed faux brick tin. www.citylightscafe.com.

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WNC group releases electropop album

Presents an evening with

Musica Nostra Includes four-course Italian dinner, dancing, & live music.

January 9-15, 2013

Electropop trio Stereospread, based in Waynesville, is releasing their highly-anticipated first album, The Heart & the Thief, this month.

The groups’ dancepopinspired six-song EP showcases their signature sound of thumping beats, ear-grabbing melodies and soaring vocals.

Stereospread members James Hopkins and Sara Snyder live in Waynesville.

Sara teaches music for New Kituwah Academy in Cherokee.

Leading up to the release, the band is working closely with Fanattac, the Internet’s

newest social music hub, to release several exclusive songs and remixes on the platform and continue to build a community for their fans. “Share-to-unlock” promotions get fans to share a link via their social media channels to unlock a free download of a song. www.stereospread.com.

Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 7:00pm TICKETS: $29.99 per person • $39.99 per person at the door

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Smoky Mountain News

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Christian comedian/songwriter hits Franklin

Ben Wilson

arts & entertainment

Styx

‘80s rock takes the stage in Cherokee with STYX

January 9-15, 2013

Legendary rock group STYX will be performing at 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center.

Tommy Shaw, James “JY� Young, Lawrence Gowan, Todd Sucherman and Ricky Phillips have had more live performances since 1999 than all of the combined previous years of STYX. With two Super Bowl appearances, Pollstar Box Office chart-topping tours with Def Leppard, Journey, Boston, REO Speedwagon and Bad Company (to name only a few) and two more studio albums, STYX continues to conquer the planet. Hits include “Lady,� “Come Sail Away,� and “Mr. Roboto,� among others. www.ticketmaster.com or 800.745.3000.

Acclaimed songwriter brings guitar, harmonic folk to Waynesville’s Wineseller Singer/songwriter Ben Wilson will be featured at the Friday Night Live music series from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, at the Classic Wineseller in Waynesville.

Wilson has been touring for the last 15 years singing, playing guitar and harmonica.

His style has been compared to John Prine, Elvis Costello, Bob Dylan and Todd Snider.

Voted one of Florida’s Top Five Songwriters — with 10 albums, two charted

songs and nearly 2,000 live shows under his strings — Wilson recently made Asheville his home and is quickly getting acclimated to the local music scene. When he’s not performing, he spends time as an artist in residence for Asheville City Schools where he teaches students in grades K-8 about songwriting. ww.classicwineseller.com or www.facebook.com/theclassicwineseller or 828.452.6000.

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Smoky Mountain News

Renowned performer Tim Hawkins will be taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

Hawkins is best known for parodying popular songs and stand-up material on topics such as marriage, home schooling and parenting. His performances are vigorous, well timed and Tim Hawkins honed to perfection.

The dad of four children has more than 100 million views on YouTube and more than 120 sold out shows each year.

Tickets $25 and VIP passes (which include a talk back session with the artist) are $40. www.GreatMountainMusic.com or 866.273.4615.

year, we invite you to come As we enter into another exciting year, HUK L_WSVYL [OL THU` ILULĂ&#x201E;[Z VM ILPUN H WHY[ VM V\Y [LHT HUK L_WSVYL [OL THU` ILULĂ&#x201E;[Z VM ILPUN H WHY[ VM V\Y [LHT :[HY[ [OL `LHY VÉ&#x2C6; YPNO[ ^P[O [OL ILZ[ IHURPUN KLJPZPVU VM :[HY[ [OL `LHY VÉ&#x2C6; YPNO[ ^P[O [OL ILZ[ IHURPUN KLJPZPVU VM *OHTWPVU *YLKP[ <UPVU )HURPUN :PTWSPĂ&#x201E;LK *OHTWPVU *YLKP[ <UPVU )HURPUN :PTWSPĂ&#x201E;LK

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RONALD COOPER presents, Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s My Trail Too about his walk on the Trail of Tears.

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Books

Smoky Mountain News

19

Uncompromising, dark and a worthwhile read couple of years ago, I blundered into something called “The Bottom Dog Appalachian Writers Series.” Published in Ohio, this series is dedicated to showcasing “new Appalachian writers.” When I looked at the list of writers and poets, I didn’t see a single name that I recognized, but since this is supposed to be works of “new blood,” I decided to start reading them. Well, a fellow named Charles Dodd White is at the top of the list with a prize-winning collection of short stories and a new novel, Lambs of Men. I read his impressive reviews and discovered that White had a short story in the prestigious North Carolina Literary Review, so I ordered his short story collection.

The first surprise came in White’s setWriter ting. “Hawkins’s Boy” and “Controlled Burn” not only take place in WNC, but both stories mention my hometown, Sylva. White’s characters appear in familiar locations like C.J. Harris Hospital, Western Carolina University and some recognizable local restaurants. White’s characters are familiar, and they move and talk like my friends and relatives. They wear Cathcart coats, smoke unfiltered Luckies and Camels, drive pick-ups and consume awesome amounts of cheap whiskey.

It is evident that Charles Dodd White has spent some time in this region. However, I found his writing to be grim and even brutal in its depiction of hapless Appalachian characters who unwittingly find themselves at odds with forces that are rendering the cultural and tradition of this region unrecognizable or meaningless. I do not consider White’s depictions to be unfair, but they are harsh and uncompromising. Reading Sinners of Sanction County is sort of like drinking moonshine straight. Undiluted and without a chaser, White’s narrative may leave the reader

Gary Carden

A

a little stunned and breathless.

It is all here — the tension between the natives and the “gated community” people; the guilt that troubles local carpenters and

time again, White’s guilt-ridden characters are forced to acknowledge that they have participated in destroying the natural world around them .... cutting the trees, building the condos, driving the wildlife into extinction.

Sinners of Sanction County resonates with poignant and brutal images that linger long after the reader has closed this book. Consider the following: Charlie, a drunken Vietnam vet in “Confederates,” sitting in a Cherokee casino trying to parlay his disability check into his “dream of freedom;” Dayton in “A Controlled Burn,” a construction worker who bosses a team of Mexican workers, sits on a high ridge watching a fire move relentlessly toward a decaying cabin that represent all that is left of the past and his family ties; Packer and Drema in “A World of Daylight,” two survivors — he of a foreign war and she of the ruthless world of drug dealers and addiction — two lovers/killers, filled with selfloathing and regret ... sitting on a Blue Ridge Parkway overlook with a loaded gun on the seat; Hawkins in “Hawkins’s Boy,” an aging man with a dead, brain-damaged son and a deaf wife, walking the dark Sinners of Sanction County by Charles Dodd White. Bottom Dog streets of Sylva toward a Little Press, 2012. 157 pages.

League ball park with a 38 snub-nose pistol in his pocket. craftsmen who have been well-paid for their In “Carrion,” a father and son troll the skills, but see the natural world slipping away night-time roads around Cashiers and in the onslaught of luxuriant homes that are Highlands, looking for road kill — dead aniembedded in the mountain tops around mals — deer and bear struck down by speedCashiers, Highlands and Waynesville like “flying cars ... but the flesh can be sold to stores ing saucers that crashed there.” Time and in remote coves. Fueled by alcohol, the father

Half-price sale at Friends of the Library bookstore in Sylva A half-price book sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 19 and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, at the Friends of the Jackson County Library used bookstore in

Sylva.

Before the sale opens to the public, members of Friends of the Library will get first dibs on good deals during the “Members Only Half-Price Sale” from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 18.

The bookstore will be closed to non-members, but anyone may join or renew at the door to get in to the pre-sale.

senses that he and his son may be a kind of carrion.

Hiram Tobit in “Killers,” a young man eagerly experiences his “rites of passage” by making his first kill on a organized deer hunt.

However, instead, he finds shame and guilt as he and a fellow hunter search for a gut-shot deer.

In “Winter by Heart,” Luke, a troubled young man with a hatchet, begging a seasoned hunter to cut off both of Luke’s hands.

“They aren’t mine. They don’t belong to me anymore.”

I’ve been an ardent fan of those Appalachian writers who view their culture “warts and all.” Certainly, the masters of the “bleak and grim,” the Jeremiahs who proclaim “Things are bad, and they are going to get worse” are everywhere. Cormac McCarthy, with his apocalyptic visions, has inspired a host of disciples. Writers like William Gay and Daniel Woodrell share McCarthy’s pessimism and frequently sound like Old Testament prophets who proclaim the approach of the final days. Frankly, I think they are right. However, that doesn’t mean that I totally endorse their sometimes hysterical visions. Instead, I find myself searching for some faint ray of light, even if it is weak and uncertain thing. Even McCarthy’s darkest novel, The Road ends with just such a faint, tenuous hope.

So, finally, I reluctantly conclude that Sinners of Sanction County is too dark for me.

The writing represents some of the best I have encountered in southern literature, and White’s narrative voice is often lyrical.

However, for me, this collection of dark tales resembles a prison cell without a window.

Nothing can live in this all-consuming darkness.

I heartily recommend this collection of dark, glowing gems. Charles Dodd White is destined to do something astonishing in the future. I fervently hope that he finds a way to either light a candle or admit a moonbeam into his daunting vision.

Members get a great deal and first choice on the books in stock.

The Friends of the Library make a $10,000 quarterly donation to the library from proceeds at their used bookstore.

“Each donation, each sale and each volunteer help make this possible,” said Friends of the Library President Patricia Cowen.

828.586.1221.

20

Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

Carrying the torch through history

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER It’s all started with a phone call.

A lifelong thirst for adventure led Ronald R. Cooper to a love of backpacking, where he soon began hiking around the Grand Canyon and beyond. But, he was in search of a new challenge, one that ultimately tied together his Native American ancestry with his own modern existence.

The famous triple crown of American longdistance trails were calling in the background — the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail or Pacific Crest Trail — but Cooper was on a different kind of quest.

“I wanted to see if I could do a long hike,” the 45-year-old said. “I wanted to do one that had meaning, and then I came across this trail.”

That trek was the Trail of Tears, which Cooper, who currently resides in Whittier (near Cherokee), chronicled into his debut novel, It’s My Trail, Too: A Comanche Indian’s Journey on the Cherokee Trail of Tears.

Stretching from the mountains of Tennessee to the open plains of Oklahoma, the 835-mile trail is regarded as one of the darkest chapters of American history. More than 15,000 Cherokee people were forced by the U.S. government to make the journey in 1838. They were rounded up

Author and Native American Ronald R. Cooper spent three months walking the Trail of Tears, as chronicled in his recent release, It’s My Trail, Too: A Comanche Indian’s Journey on the Cherokee Trail of Tears. Stretching from Tennessee to Oklahoma. Thousands of Cherokee people died along the 835-mile route during a brutal forced march at the hands of the U.S. government in 1838.

“But, on the trail, I mean from the first step to the last, I met nothing but great people along the way, people that just went out of their way to help me. That’s what opened my eyes the most.”

— Ronald R. Cooper

and pushed from their homeland to newly designated territory in the West, with thousands dying of starvation, hypothermia and exhaustion along the way.

Alongside the Cherokee, other tribes, including the Chickasaw, Choctaw, Muscogee-Creek and Seminole (collectively called the “Five Civilized Tribes”), were also relocated in the 1830s.

Though hailing from the Comanche tribe in Oklahoma, Cooper had always known about the infamous trail. He wanted to do something to not only preserve its history but also expose others to the overall picture of Native Americans in this country and how it all translates into today.

“Even though it wasn’t my tribe that followed the trail, it still has meaning for me as a Native American,” he said. “A lot of my culture, the Comanche culture, is lost and dying, so I took it up to get pieces together from all tribes and what being a Native American was like back then.”

He began to look for information on where it started, ended and what was in between. Recognized as a historic trail by the National Park Service, it seemed, at first, it wouldn’t be too difficult to get the ball rolling.

Wrong.

“I thought it would just a simple matter of calling the park service and asking for maps,” he chuckled. “They couldn’t provide me with that. All they did was give me a general idea of where the trail is. They had no idea on how to walk it. I couldn’t believe they didn’t have anything.”

Far from discouraging him, however, that phone call sealed the deal, his interest piqued not only by the allure of the journey itself but also by retracing footsteps buried by time.

Cooper dove further down the rabbit hole of research. He combed the Internet, numerous books and contacted historical societies. Though he thought there might be wilderness sections of the trail, it turned out most of the trail followed popular travel routes during the 19th century, which nowadays have been transformed into highways and interstates.

It took nearly a year, but eventually, a clearer picture emerged, and by January 2011, he was ready to begin his journey.

At the time, he and his wife, Kristal, were working for Amazon.com in eastern Tennessee, living out of their RV, which gave them the freedom to pull up the stakes and move whenever they wanted to.

The original plan was for Cooper to pack enough food for a three-day walk, sleep in a tent along the route and every

few days meet back up with Kristal (who was steering the RV ahead of his trek) for a quick rest and replenishment of supplies.

“It didn’t work out that way,” Ronald said. “I realized early on there was no public property to camp on. Everything was privately owned, and I was a little reluctant to camp on people’s land without asking permission.”

Deciding to change his strategy to a series of day hikes, averaging 15 or so miles day, Cooper would move along the route and meet up with his wife at the end of the day, then do it all over again in the morning. While on the route, he carried a handheld digital recorder, capturing his thoughts, things he saw and conversations he had with people he encountered, many of whom heard a Native American backpacker would be passing through thanks to advance media coverage of his wanderings.

Some would impart bits and pieces of history and lore that had been passed down by locals who lived along the Trail of Tears route, at times pointing him to the actual historic wagon road they would have passed over nearly two centuries ago.

But, besides all the unique people, places and things he crossed paths with, what surprised Cooper most was the graciousness and caring spirit of humankind.

Before he began the trail, friends were telling him to keep a gun because of the dangers he may come across or to watch out for people that may throw things at him while he walked.

“But, on the trail, I mean from the first step to the last, I met nothing but great people along the way, people that just went out of their way to help me. That’s what opened my eyes the most,” he said.

Cooper was amazed at the variety in geography the trail meandered through.

One section would run through downtown Nashville, another through an isolated pasture.

“You’d go through a city and then be walking on gravels roads,” he said. “I had to stop sometimes and make sure I wasn’t going up someone’s driveway because the road was so small.”

A longstanding tradition in Native American culture, Cooper was unable to get a blessing before his trip from his grandfather, a Comanche holy man. But when he was in Missouri, he met a Cheyenne medicine man that had heard about him doing the trail. The man offered to give Cooper a ceremonial blessing.

S EE TORCH, PAGE 21

Want a copy?

Ronald R. Cooper will be discussing his book, It’s My Trail, Too: A Comanche Indian’s Journey on the Cherokee Trail of Tears, at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville and later that day at 6:30 p.m. at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. Both events are free and open to the public, with copies already available for purchase. Copies can also be found at Books Unlimited in Franklin. Cooper’s journals and further endeavors can be found at Facebook.com (search: “RonHikesTrailofTears”).

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

A closer look

Haywood County Beekeepers Association will host a guest speaker renown in bee circles at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14, at Haywood Community College in Clyde.

Don Kuchenmeister, who goes by the “fat bee man,” has more than 50 years of experience in the field and is the owner of a commercial, organic beekeeping operation. His Georgia-base business, Dixie Bee Supply, specializes in selling queens, bees, honey and other bee-related products.

Beekeeping clubs from the neighboring counties have been invited. Co-sponsored by the Haywood County Cooperative Extension. Suggested donation of $5.

HCBees.org or 828.279.5614.

A Positive Mental Attitude!

Professional Development Breakfast

Power of Positive Thinking Creating Your Strategy for Success Featuring Speaker, Andrew Sanderbeck

January 24th, 8 am Bethea Welcome Center, Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center

Smoky Mountain News

Upcoming beekeeper talk is the buzz around town

What is the single most important factor in creating your future successes?

January 9-15, 2013

better attuned to managing forests from an ecological perspective… Surprising to me, this is more of an old-school timber sale, Only you can apply the brakes to slow like they did in the ‘80s. It’s weighted heavidown the Courthouse Timber Sale and get ly toward commercial logging, with little everyone to take a closer look. This sale – regard for the wildlife, recreational and culscheduled for nearly 500 acres in the Pisgah tural values of the area.”

National Forest near the foot of Devils I believe “the last five or 10 years” Gale Courthouse – has been through the various was talking about was the Forest Service’s assessment channels including NEPA move to stewardship contracting – a way of (National Environmental Policy Act) and is doing business with the long-term goal now open to public comment. being the creation of healthiest possible forThe sale is touted by the U.S. Forest est ecosystem. See http://smokymountainService as a means to increase habitat for news.com/archives/item/3072-logging-forgolden-winged warblers, repair roads and cash-versus-long-range-forest-health for and culverts, help transition the forest to favor outline of stewardship contracting. oak and hickory (more commercially valuFor me, personally, there is a lot disconable timber,) and, by the way, make certing about this proposal. The idea of a $24,000 in profit. But the sale has come large-scale timber cut that would open the under fire from at least two of the area’s understory while at the most respected same time provide money to environmental/conservation help stop the march of exotorganizations — Western North ic invasives seems at crossCarolina Alliance (WNCA) and purposes to me. I don’t Wild South. The area believe even Forest Service (Courthouse Creek drainage) is botanists would deny that rich in Cherokee history and culclearings are the biggest tural artifacts. Ben Prater, associspreaders of exotic species in ate executive director of Wild a forested community.

South, noted that Wild South What about me?

I also wonder at the menalong with the Eastern Band of Northern saw-whet owl. tion of golden-winged warCherokee Indians and North wikimedia commons photo bler. It seems that anytime Carolina state heritage offices there is forest treatment were involved in assessing mentioned in the Southern Appalachian impacts to Cherokee cultural resources and Mountains it will be of great benefit to goldthat while the Forest Service did agree to en-winged warblers. Strange how the crework on mitigating direct impacts, “… we ation of early-succession habitat for game are still concerned that the Forest Service is species like roughed grouse and white-tailed not doing enough and that the road builddeer are conveniently omitted. What haping and logging will only serve to provide pens to northern saw-whet owls, cerulean easier access to looters and thieves seeking warblers, worm-eating warblers and to locate and steal artifacts.”

Acadian flycatchers (also high priority Josh Kelly is a biologist with WNCA and species) when you demolish their habitat? noted that more than 150 acres of the projThis looks suspiciously like a for-profit ect were located within the Pisgah enterprise with eyes (better roads, better Ridge/Pilot Mountain Significant Natural culverts, more oak and hickory) towards Heritage area. According to Kelly in a piece even more profit in the future. on BlueRideNow.com, “They could get that If you believe this is a project that needs timber elsewhere in the district, without more light and explanation, let the Forest going into what the state has identified as Service know at comments-southern-northone of the most important areas of mature carolina-pisgah-pisgah@fs.fed.us (please forest in North Carolina.” put Courthouse Project in the subject line) Bob Gale is an ecologist for WNCA and or by mailing comments to Dereck he was quoted in the BlueRidgeNow.com Ibarguen, District Ranger 1600 Pisgah piece as stating, “Over the last five or 10 Highway, Pisgah Forest, N.C., 28786. years, the Forest Service has become much

“And he gave me the blessing,” he said. “Here he was, a Cheyenne medicine man giving a Comanche a blessing on the Cherokee Trail of Tears.”

On April 20, 2011, some three months and three days since his trek began, Cooper crossed the Oklahoma border, at the end of the trail. It was a somber feeling, something that struck Cooper awkwardly.

“I woke up, and everything was quiet, because it was the end,” he said. “After three months, it became a routine, and suddenly, it was over.

It took a little time to mentally realize I wasn’t going to be walking it again.”

But, Cooper had one more stop left before his quest came to a close, for him at least. In nearby Tahlequah, Okla., was the current headquarters for the Cherokee Nation, a place he wanted to walk his last miles toward. “[The Cherokee] were gracious enough to have a little celebration for me at their heritage museum,” he said.

“That’s where I ended my walk.”

With the trail behind him, Cooper now works as a blackjack dealer at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Resort.

Landing a job in Cherokee is total coincidence — he needed a job when he finished the trail, and the casino happened to have one of the biggest pools of job openings in the Southeast.

He’s putting together a touring circuit for his book, which he hopes to include book signings, lectures and discussion about the trail.

“I think the Trail of Tears story needs to be retold every generation.

People tend to forget. I figure there has got to be 25-year-olds walking around that don’t know what it is,” he said.

It’s all in an effort to keep the story alive, to not forget the transgression of the past and celebrate the strides made by Native Americans to comeback from oppression as resilient and prosperous.

“We’re in the 21st century now and I want Native Americans to see how far we’ve come,” he said. “I’m alive because a Comanche [ancestor] sacrificed to make the transition to modern ways. We should celebrate that story as much as the story of the sadness of the journey.”

outdoors

The Naturalist’s Corner

TORCH, CONTINUED FROM 20

Registration Required

(828)456-3021 YPHaywood.com • kgould@haywood-nc.com

21

outdoors

Community garden plots up for grabs The Sylva community garden is looking for volunteers to adopt garden plots for the 2013 growing season.

Located in downtown Sylva, the garden is run by volunteers and consists of about 20 individual plots, sized up to 15by-35 feet. Gardeners choose what they grow and are expected to keep their plot maintained from February through December.

There is a suggested donation of half of what is grown to help people in need.

Gardeners have donated thousands of pounds of fresh produce to The Community Table in the past few years.

Sign-up deadline is Jan. 25. jacooper@wcu.edu or 828.506.0668 or karriejoseph@hotmail.com or 828.337.6961. Applications can also be picked up at the Community Table in Sylva.

Food cables help backpackers ward off bears The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has provided $800 from its specialty license plate funds to help secure backpackersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; food from bears along the Appalachian Trail within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Using the grant funds from the ATC, park staff and volunteers have installed cables that backpackers and trail workers use to store food out of the reach of black bears. Cabling systems were renovated at the Derrick Knob shelter along the AT and installed at the new base camp of the Rocky Top Trail crew.  According to Park Wildlife Biologist, Bill Stiver, the cables give visitors an effective method to store food so that bears and other wildlife do not eat it. By using the cables, backpackers are ensuring that wildlife do not enter the overnight trail shelters.

Cable systems at backcountry campsites in the Smokies allow hikers to string their food safely out of reach of black bears. Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have funded dozens of the cable systems in recent years to minimize human-bear conflicts.

University. He has since worked in the region in Jackson and Swain counties as well as Cherokee.

One of his favorite quotes by Franklin D. Roosevelt is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Men and nature must work hand in hand; the throwing out of balance of the resources of nature throws out of balance also the lives of men.â&#x20AC;?

January 9-15, 2013

Start planning seed orders for spring Gardeners in Jackson County are pooling their seed orders to get a discount.

A group seed order will be held from 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 12, at the Community Table in Sylva. The event is sponsored by the Jackson County Farmers Market.

Seeds will be ordered from Fedco Seeds and Johnnyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Selected Seeds, which offer discounts for large orders. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By ordering from these companies, we can get varieties that are not available locally,â&#x20AC;? said Ron Arps, organizer for the event.

People who want to start a new garden this year are encouraged to place an order. Many experienced gardeners will be there to give help and advice.

Each order must be paid for with cash or check at the event. 828.586.5478.

Smoky Mountain News

find us at: facebook.com/smnews

Learn to be part of the recycling solution John Ottinger

New soil and water expert named Waynesville native John Ottinger has been named District Conservationist for the Haywood and Madison counties Soil and Water Conservation District.

Soil and water conservation districts provide financial and technical assistance for landowners to conserve soil and avoid water pollution.

Ottinger grew up on a small farm, graduated from Tuscola High School in 1989 and later earned a degree from Western Carolina

Environmental poster contest planned Haywood County students are invited to pen their thoughts, design a computer graphic or draw a poster on the topic of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Waterâ&#x20AC;Śthe Cycle of Lifeâ&#x20AC;? in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Haywood Soil and Water Conservation District contest.

Teachers can enter their classes, or students are welcome to enter the contests on their own. The annual contest, which centers around a different environmental theme each year, ranges from posters and essays for the younger students to computer graphics and public speaking for middle school and high school students.

The contest deadline is Friday, Jan. 25.

Winners will have a chance to compete in a state contest this May. 828.452.2741 ext. 3 or gheathman@haywoodnc.net or www.haywoodnc.net.

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A program on recycling ins-and-outs, as well as crash course on recycling made simple, will be held at noon Thursday, Jan. 10, in Franklin.

Joel Ostoff, Macon County recycling coordinator, will give an overview of the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recycling efforts. Two other speakers will talk about how to make a simple recycling station for the home and office, focusing on how to separate recyclables without setting aside a big space for it and go over what can and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be recycled.

Members of Macon Pride will lead an open dialog and exchange of ideas on ways to reduce consumption and reuse trash. Recycling saves space in the landfill and makes it last longer, thus saving the county money. Recycling also

makes money for the county, which sells all the recyclables it collects.

The event, held in Tartan Hall, is sponsored by the Macon County League of Women Voters.

Attendees who bring their own reusable coffee mug will receive a startup recycling box. Coffee will be served.

828.545.1375

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WNC Calendar BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Free seminar, “Business Planning for Business Success” 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, Student Center, first floor, Haywood Community College. Russ Seagle of Seagle Management Consulting is the presenter.

Preregister at the Small Business Center at 627.4512.

• Free intermediate Excel class, 5:45 to 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 16, computer lab of the Jackson County Public Library, Sylva. Pre-registration is required; space limited to 16 participants. 586.2016.

• Southwestern Community College is offering a Basic Cake Decorating class from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 28 through March 4, at Southwestern Community College, Macon Annex room 102. $35, Pre-register by calling Latresa at 339.4426

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • Joel Ostoff, Macon County Recycling coordinator, noon Thursday, Jan. 10, Tartan Hall, First Presbyterian Church, Franklin. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Macon County. Bring your own lunch; coffee served. Public invited.

• North Carolina Bowhunters’ Association’s District 9 measuring day, Saturday, Jan. 12, Headwaters Outfitters, Rosman. David Stepp of Henderson County, an official measurer for the N.C. Bowhunters’ Association, will examine and score game animals for possible inclusion in Pope & Young’s record books.

Other animals such as bobcat, groundhog, beaver and foxes can be measured to see if they qualify for N.C. Bowhunters Association records. www.ncbowhunter.com or 553.0083.

• Western North Carolina Civil War Round Table, 5 p.m. dinner at Bogart’s, Sylva, 6:30 p.m. social hour, room 20 at the Justice Center, Sylva, Monday, Jan. 14. Chris Behre will talk about and demonstrate from William J. Hardee’s manual of arms popularly known as “Hardee’s Tactics.” Behre is a former re-enactor with the 26th NC Infantry Regiment. Chuck Beemer, 456.4212 or Chris Behre at 293.9314.

• Relay for Life of Franklin’s First Team Captain’s meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15 in the Meeting Room at The Fun Factory, 441 South.

Committee meeting will follow at 7 p.m.

• Panel discussion, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 17, A.K. Hinds University Center multipurpose room, Western Carolina University, to discuss how to respond to tragic and traumatic events in school communities and how schools strive to meet the needs of all students. Experienced professional educators will provide perspective and answer attendees’ questions. Dale Carpenter, interim dean of and professor in the College of Education and Allied Professions, will moderate the discussion. Dale Carpenter, carpenter@wcu.edu or 227.7311.

• Fourth annual Cold for a Cause noon, Friday, Jan. 18 through noon, Sunday, Jan. 20. To raise awareness of the needs in Macon County. Patrick Jenkins will spend 48 hours suspended in a crane above his Farm Bureau office, 1866 Highlands Road, Franklin. Patrick will collect coats, jackets, blankets, canned goods, non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products, paper goods, etc. to be donated to CareNet and distributed in Macon County. Franklin Young Professionals will be on hand to accept donations.

• The Haywood County Meals on Wheels program is in need of volunteer drivers to deliver meals to Haywood County residents who cannot fix meals for themselves.

Drivers are needed in the following areas: Mondays— Route #5, Ratcliffe Cove; Mondays—Route #9,

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted. other Friday—Route #9, Beaverdam; every other Monday—Route #10 Bethel; Tuesdays—Route #10, Bethel; Wednesdays—Route #10, Bethel; Thursdays— Route #10, Bethel; and Wednesdays—Route #23, Shelton Street. Call MOW Program Coordinator Jeanne Naber at 356.2442 or jnaber@haywoodnc.net.

BLOOD DRIVES Jackson • 540AM WRGC/MedWest Harris Blood Drive. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, 68 Hospital Drive, Sylva.

Melissa Southers, 586.6131 to schedule an appointment.

HEALTH MATTERS

Smoky Mountain News

• HomeSchool/Afterschool Creativity Classes (for children ages six to 12): 1 to 2 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m., Wednesdays, Claymates, 460 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 256.9595; Thursdays, Claymates, 31 Front St., Dillsboro, 631.3133. $10 per child if pre-paid. www.claymatespottery.com/

Science & Nature • Haywood County Beekeepers Association will host special guest Don Kuchenmeister, the Fat Bee Man, at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14, Haywood Community College, 185 Freedlander Drive, Clyde. $5, visitors; free for paid HCBC members. Kathy Taylor, 279.5614

Literary (children) • Family Night: Flight Night. 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva, 586.2016.

23

Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for: ■ Complete listings of local music scene ■ Regional festivals ■ Art gallery events and openings ■ Complete listings of recreational offerings at regional health and fitness centers ■ Civic and social club gatherings Wednesday, Jan. 16, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

• Children’s Story time: Blast Off!, 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 11, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva, 586.2016.

• Children’s Story time with Miss Sally: Animals of Australia. Jackson County Public Library, Sylva, 586.2016.

A&E

• Qigong with Laura Elliott, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva, 586.2016. Laura Elliott has been practicing energy medicine and the oriental exercises of Tai Chi and Qigong for over 15 years and is a certified Healing Touch practitioner.

• City Lights American Girls Club, noon, Saturday, Jan. 12, City Lights Bookstore, Sylva.

• Children’s Story time: Rotary Readers, 11 a.m.

Monday, Jan. 14, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva, 586.2016.

• E-reader drop-in workshops, 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Jan. 9 and Wednesday, Feb. 6, Macon County Public Library, Franklin. 524.3600.

• Flu shots, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Home Care service building on the Haywood MedWest campus. No appointment necessary. The Home Care building is located directly behind MedWest-Haywood. $20. Home Care will accept traditional Medicare and will file the insurance for the beneficiary. Vaccines available for everyone over 18 years of age. 452.8292.

• Children’s Story time: Snow Day, 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva, 586.2016.

• Book reading and photo presentation by new local author Ronald R. Cooper, 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, Blue Ridge Books, 152 S. Main St., Waynesville. Book is titled, It’s My Trail, Too: A Comanche Indian’s Journey on the Cherokee Trail of Tears. www.blueridgebooksnc.com or 456.6000.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES • Heart/Cardiac Club, 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, Senior Resource Center of Haywood County, 81 Elmwood Way, Waynesville. Guest speakers, wellness tips and sharing with each other about heart illness. Every second Wednesday of the month. 452.2370.

• Heart/Cardiac Club, 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, Senior Resource Center of Haywood County, 81 Elmwood Way, Waynesville. Refreshments, guest speakers. Every second Wednesday of each month. 452.2370.

• Persons with disabilities discussion, 2 to 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 16, Senior Resource Center of Haywood County, 81 Elmwood Way, Waynesville. 452.2370.

Refreshments, guest speakers. Anyone 18+ with a disability is invited. 452.2370.

• Parkinson/MS Movers and Shakers Club, 2 to 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 23, Senior Resource Center of Haywood County, 81 Elmwood Way, Waynesville. For those with Parkinson or MS and their spouse or caregiver. Guest speakers; receive free books from the Parkinson Organization. Every fourth Wednesday. 452.2370.

• For information on resources for older adults in Haywood County, call 2-1-1, or by cell phone 1.888.892.1162; www.nc211.org or www.haywoodconnections.org. 452.2370.

KIDS & FAMILIES • Haywood Soil and Water Conservation District’s contest, “Water . . . the Cycle of Life.” The contests and eligible grades are: Poster – 3rd, 4th and 5th graders; essay – 6th graders; PowerPoint – 6th graders; public speaking – 7th and 8th graders; and computer-generated poster – 9th graders. Contest deadline is Friday, Jan. 25. Submit entries to the District office at 589 Raccoon Road, Waynesville. Contact Gail Heathman at 452.2741, extension 3 or email gheathman@haywoodnc.net. http://www.haywoodnc.net/.

• TAG- Teen Advisory Group, 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva, 586.2016.

• Children’s Story time: Snowmen at Night, 1 p.m.

LITERARY (ADULTS)

wnc calendar

• Adult creative writing workshop, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva, 586.2016.

• Qigong with Laura Elliott, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva, 586.2016. Laura Elliott has been practicing energy medicine and the oriental exercises of Tai Chi and Qigong for over 15 years and is a certified Healing Touch practitioner.

• Album release party, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, City Lights Bookstore, Sylva, to celebrate Eric Hendrix’s album, Would You Dance with Me. • Members Only Half-Price Sale, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 18, The Friends of the Jackson County Library Used Book Store, 536 W. Main St., Sylva.

Bookstore will be closed to non-members but anyone may join or renew at the door. Members will get a great deal and first choice on the books in stock.

Community members may shop from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 19, and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20. Book Store closed Monday, Jan. 21. 586.1221.

• Local author Linda Star Wolf, will speak at 3 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 19, at City Lights Bookstore, Sylva. Her two newest books are Spirit of the Wolf and Sacred Medicine of Bee, Butterfly, Earthworm & Spider.

• New book release, Appalachia Mountain Folklore, by Michael Rivers. Published by Schiffer Publishing. Book covers 16 counties and includes 40 spine-tingling stories. Visit the Hanging Tree in Cabarrus County, Battle Mansion in Buncombe County, Green River Plantation in Rutherford County, and the House on the Hill in Jackson County, among others. Purchase at www.schifferbooks.com, your local bookseller, and numerous online retailers.

FOOD & DRINK

Smoky Mountain News

January 9-15, 2013

• New hours at Anthony Wayne’s at The Gateway Club are Lunch: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; Dinner: 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; and Sunday Brunch: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.thegatewayclub.com.

• Breakfast Buffet, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Saturday, American Legion Auxiliary of Waynesville, Legion Drive. $6 donation. Proceeds to veterans and community.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • Essence Lounge, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino: My Highway, DJ Dizzy, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, Jan. 11; Contagious, DJ Paul, Saturday, Jan. 12; Unit 50, DJ Moto, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18; Buchanan Boys, DJ Suavo,8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19.

• Go, Granny, Go, featuring Barbara Bates Smith and her musical accompanist Jeff Sebens, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturday, Jan. 11-12 and 18-19, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 13 and 20, NC Stage, 15 Stage Lane, downtown Asheville. Ticket information, www.ncstage.org or call 239.0263. www.barbarabatessmith.com.

• Christian comedian and songwriter Tim Hawkins, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin. Tickets start at $25 and VIP passes, which include a talk back session with the artist, are $40. GreatMountainMusic.com or 866.273.4615.

• Styx, 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive Cherokee. www.ticketmaster.com.

• HART Theater presents 21A, a comedy with some adult language, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18-19, and at 3 p.m.

Jan. 20. By Kevin King, directed by Tim Stoeckel and Peter Savage. Stoeckel plays eight characters on the Minneapolis 21A bus. Structured as a series of monologues in which events occur simultaneously. Holdover dates: Jan. 25, 26, 27; $10 adults, $6 students.

• “SoLe Sanctuary,” featuring tap dancer, choreographer and actor Savion Glover, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, Bardo Arts Center, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee. $10 for students and $15 for all others.

Tickets available at the box office. 227.2479 or visit 24 bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

• Season tickets on sale for “An Appalachian Evening” Concert Series at historic Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center. Performances for the 2013 season will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, June 29 through Aug. 31. General seating $120 adults, $40 students (K-12); season reserved seats are $50 rows A through E and $25 all others. www.StecoahValleyCenter.com or call 479.3364.

• The hour-long radio show Stories of Mountain Folk airs at 9 a.m. every Saturday on its home station, WRGC Jackson County Radio, 540 AM on the dial, broadcasting out of Sylva. Stories of Mountain Folk is an ongoing all-sound oral history program produced

by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia (CSA), a western North Carolina not-for-profit, for local radio and online distribution.

• Tickets are now on sale for a 60-minute radio show of Tarzan of the Apes, performed before a live audience at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center. $10. Proceeds to fund scholarships in participating academic departments. Advance tickets suggested and can be purchased at the box office, 227.2479 or online at bardoartscenter.wcu.edu. Don Connelly, 227.3851 or dconnelly@wcu.edu.

ART/GALLERY EVENTS & OPENINGS • Ball Mason Jar Art Opening by Brent Martin, 6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 11, City Lights Café, Sylva. Ball Mason Jar paintings on reclaimed faux brick tin from his home in the Cowee Community.

• “Fire & Ice: Pottery, Glass, and Metalwork” exhibit, Wednesday, Jan. 16 through Saturday, Feb. 9, Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery 86, 86 N. Main St., Waynesville. “Fire & Ice: Pottery, Glass, and Metalwork” celebrates the heating and cooling process involved in the making of pottery, glass, and metal work. Artist’s reception, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25. www.haywoodarts.org.

• HomeSchool/Afterschool Creativity Classes, (for children ages six to 12): 1 to 2 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m., Wednesdays, Claymates, 460 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 256.9595; Thursdays, Claymates, 31 Front St., Dillsboro, 631.3133. $10 per child if prepaid. www.claymatespottery.com/ • Ladies Night, 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, Claymates, 460 Hazelwood Ave, Waynesville. Ladies 14 and over get 20 percent off all pottery. Free hors d’oeuvre, bring your own beverage. Reservation only. $10 minimum purchase. 246.9595. www.claymatespottery.com/ • Wine & Dine, 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, Claymates, 31 Front St., Dillsboro. Chef Brian prepares pasta dishes to order while you paint your choice of a plate, mug, or bowl. $20 per person.

Includes complimentary wine and dessert. Reservation only. 631.3133. www.claymatespottery.com/ • The Jackson County Arts Council is accepting applications for art program grants for the fiscal year 2012-2013. Applications are due by Jan. 20, 2013 for review at the February Arts Council Board meeting.

Application is available online at www.JacksonCountyArts.org. Applications may be mailed to Jackson County Arts Council at 310 Keener St., Sylva, N.C. The grants will be distributed with availability of funding. Jackson County Arts Council, 507.9820 or Sylvia Smythe at 507.9531.

CLASSES, PROGRAMS & DEMONSTRATIONS • The Inspired Art Ministry, Inc., art classes for children and adults, starts Monday, Jan. 14, First Baptist Church, Waynesville. Photography classes with Ed Kelley, children’s art with Jo Kelley and adult drawing and painting with Char Avrunin. Char at 456.9197 or charspaintings@msn.com.

• North Carolina Glass 2012: In Celebration of 50 Years of Studio Glass in America, exhibit through Friday, Feb. 1, Fine Art Museum at Western Carolina University.

FILM & SCREEN • Free movie, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, 2 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9 (second Tuesday of every month), Haywood County Public Library, Waynesville. Movie, popcorn and interesting conversation. Kathy, 356.2507.

• Free documentary, narrated by Tim Allan, about Oscar, a young chimpanzee who lives deep in the African rainforest, 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 9, meeting room, Macon County Public Library, Franklin. Rated G. 524.3600.

• Sons of the American Legion Turkey Shoot, 9 a.m. every Saturday, Legion Drive, Waynesville. Benefits local charities.

• The local Audubon Society is offering weekly Saturday birding field trips. Meet at 7:30 a.m. in the Highlands Town Hall parking lot near the public restrooms, or at 8 a.m. behind Wendy’s if the walk is in Cashiers. Binoculars available. www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org or 743.9670.

• The Gorges State Park is looking for volunteers to assist in maintaining existing trails and campgrounds in the park on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., weather permitting. Bring gloves, water and tools supplied.

Participants need to be at least 16 years old and in good health. Registration not required. Meet at 17762 Rosman Highway (US-64) in Sapphire. 966.9099.

• Free classic 1957 movie starring Marilyn Monroe and Laurence Olivier, 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, Meeting room, Macon County Public Library, Franklin. 524.3600.

PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS

• Free classic movie 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, Marianna Black Library, downtown Bryson City. Alfred Hitchcock thriller about a secret agent planning a terrorist attack. 488.3030.

• Bike Maintenance Basics, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 9, REI Asheville, 31 Schenck Parkway, Asheville. Free.

Register/Info at http://www.rei.com/event/38770/session/63366, 687.0918.

• Free family movie 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, Marianna Black Library, Bryson City. Computer animated comedy featuring Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo, and Melman the Giraffe. Due to production studio guidelines, the library may not include movie titles in its print advertising. 488.3030.

• Ski and Snowboard Lessons, register at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. Lessons are 1:30 to 3 p.m. Jan. 13, 27 and Feb. 3, 10, and 24 at Cataloochee Ski Resort, Waynesville. Ages 8 and up.

Lift ticket valid from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. $170, includes lift, ski or snowboard rental and lesson; $135, includes lift and lesson; $85, season pass holder with your own equipment. 293.3053.

• Movie night, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Jan. 16, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva. Call library for details.

586.2016.

DANCE • Second Sunday Contra Dance, 2:30 to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 13, Community Room on the second floor of the old courthouse in the Jackson County Library Complex in Sylva. Ron Arps will call the dance to the music of Out of the Woodwork. Potluck dinner will follow. Bring a covered dish, plate, cup and cutlery and a water bottle. Contra dancing is a form of English country dancing and uses many of the same figures as square dancing such as circles, stars and swings.

No experience or partner needed. Ron Arps, ronandcathy71@frontier.com.

Outdoors OUTINGS, HIKES & FIELDTRIPS • Nantahala Hiking Club, Saturday, Jan. 12. Mike and Susan Kettles will lead a 6-mile moderate-to-strenuous hike on the Chattooga River Trail from Whiteside Cove to Iron Bridge. Meet at Cashiers Recreation Park at 10 a.m., drive 17-miles round trip. 743.1079, reservations. Visitors welcome, no pets.

• Nantahala Hiking Club, Saturday, Jan. 12. Don O’Neal will lead a strenuous 8.8-mile hike with elevation change of 2,100 feet from Fontana Dam Visitors Center on the Appalachian Trail to 4,000 feet, Mount Shuckstack. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Franklin Bi-Lo, drive 80 miles round trip. 586.5723, reservations.

Visitors welcome, no pets.

• Nantahala Hiking Club, Saturday, Jan. 19, six-mile moderate hike from the Road to Nowhere on the Forney Creek Trail to Fontana Lake. Meet at 10 a.m. at Bi-Lo in Franklin. Gail Lehman, 524.5298, for reservations.

Visitors welcome, no pets.

• Nantahala Hiking Club, Sunday, Jan. 20, moderate three-mile loop hike on the Appalachian Trail, starting at Winding Stair Gap and returning to the Gap with elevation change of 300 feet. Meet at 2 p.m. at Westgate Plaza in Franklin. Kay Coriell, 369.6820, for reservations. Visitors welcome, no pets.

• WMI Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT) Jan. 7-Feb.1, 2013 in Asheville. This 30-day course provides certification in NC EMT-basic, National EMT- Basic and Wilderness EMT. Landmark Learning, 293.5384 or main@landmarklearning.org • Franklin Green Drinks hosted by Macon County Chapter of WNC Alliance, third Tuesday of the month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Rathskeller in downtown Franklin. Green Drinks is a time for local folks to get together and socialize and talk about environmental or social justice issues.

COMPETITIVE EDGE • Relay for Life of Franklin’s First Team Captain’s meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15 in the Meeting Room at The Fun Factory, 441 South.

Committee meeting will follow at 7 p.m.

• 3rd annual Valley of the Lilies Half Marathon and 5K, Saturday, April 6, Western Carolina University. Free training program developed by WCU’s athletic training faculty is being emailed to all registered runners and walkers. Group training runs are held on the campus at 6 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and at 8 a.m. on Saturdays. Plans for both beginner and experienced runners and walkers. Register at imathlete.com. http://halfmarathon.wcu.edu.

FARM & GARDEN • Spaces are available for the 2013 Extension Master Gardener Volunteer class, 9 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays, starting Jan. 9 through April, Haywood County Cooperative Extension Service, 589 Raccoon Road, Waynesville. Learn about botany, propagation, pest control in the landscape and garden, as well as many other topics. Cost is $100 and includes the EMG manual, 40 hours of instruction, and other class materials. Register at 456.3575.

• The Fifth annual Group Seed order will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at the Community Table on Central Avenue in Sylva. The seed-ordering event is sponsored by the Jackson County Farmers Market. Seeds will be ordered from Fedco Seeds and Johnny’s Selected Seeds. Catalogs are also available on-line at www.fedcoseeds.com and www.johnnyseeds.com. Each order needs to be submitted on an order form and be paid for with cash or check on Jan.12. 586.5478.

PRIME REAL ESTATE

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ARTS & CRAFTS

MarketPlace information:

ALLISON CREEK Iron Works & Woodworking. Crafting custom metal & woodwork in rustic, country & lodge designs with reclaimed woods! Design & consultation, Barry Downs 828.524.5763, Franklin NC

The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 every week to over 500 locations across in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties along with the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. For a link to our MarketPlace Web site, which also contains a link to all of our MarketPlace display advertisers’ Web sites, visit www.smokymountainnews.com.

AUCTION FROG LEVEL AUCTIONS

Rates:

Starting January 4th, 2013, Friday Nights at 6 pm, Preview at 5 pm.

Starting January 26th we will have 2 auctions per week: Friday Nights at 6 pm & Saturday Afternoons at 3 pm.

Booked Dealer Sale Antiques, Collectables, Tools, Furniture, House Wares, New & Old, This & That, Something for Everyone! See our Full Schedule with Photos, Info & Directions at: www.froglevelauctions.net For more information or To Book A Spot Call 828.775.9317 or email: david@froglevelauctions.net Terms: Cash or Credit/Debit Card Only, 13% Buyers Fee 3% Discount For Cash Auction Firm NCAFL 9537, David Roland NCAL 9133 & Kai Calabro NCAL 9127 255 Depot St., Waynvesville, NC 28786.

■ Free — Residential yard sale ads, lost or found pet ads.

■ Free — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $12 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2.

■ $12 — If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad.

■ $35 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.

■ $300 — Statewide classifieds run in 117 participating newspapers with 1.6 million circulation. Up to 25 words.

■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

Classified Advertising: Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 | classads@smokymountainnews.com

WAYNESVILLE TIRE, COO

INC.

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SC OV ER E

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Serving Haywood, Jackson & Surrounding Counties

Offering:

MAJOR-BRAND TIRES FOR CARS, LIGHT & MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS, AND FARM TIRES.

Service truck available for on-site repairs LEE & PATTY ENSLEY, OWNERS STEVE WOODS, MANAGER

MON-FRI 7:30-5:30 • WAYNESVILLE PLAZA

456-5387

72127

ANNUAL HOKE ROBESON GIN Consignment Auction- Saturday, January 26, 2013, 9am. 7480 Old Maxton Rd, Red Springs, NC 28377. Call Aaron 843.858.0677 or 843.426.4255. Visit Us Online At worldnetauctionslive.com. Worldnet Auctions, 9988 Hwy 521, Greeleyville, SC 29056. NCAL#9176F. NCAL#9156.

AUCTION 17th Annual Winter Consignment Auction. Saturday, January 19, 9am. WorldNet Auctions, 9988 Hwy 521, Greeleyville, SC 29056. Call 843.426.4255 or Visit Us Online at worldnetauctionslive.com.

SCAL#3965F. SCDMV35157. $$$ WE WILL AUCTION $$$ Your Guns, Gold, Silver, Coins, Antiques, Estate or any Quality items for you. Reminisce Auction 828.369.6999.

AUCTION AUCTION SATURDAY 5PM Brass fireplace set of Dr. Ed Angel (Franklin), ship’s Sexton, Oak dining table, log bed, quilts, South Western furniture, rug, artwork, bone carved chess set, antique books, jewelry lots, Craftsman tools, air tools, work horses, hydraulic floor jack, pipe clamps, fishing reels, pressure cleaner, .38 ammo. Preview at: www.ReminisceAntiques.com Reminisce Auction, Franklin, NC 828.369.6999 Ron Raccioppi NCAL# 7866 LEE COUNTY OPEN Consignment Auction- Saturday, February 16, 2013, 9am. Bishopville, SC. Auction Conducted By WorldNet Auctions. SCAL#3965F SCAL#1966. Call 843.426.4255 or Visit Us Online worldnetauctionslive.com

BUILDING MATERIALS HAYWOOD BUILDERS Garage Doors, New Installations Service & Repairs, 828.456.6051 100 Charles St. Waynesville Employee Owned.

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING **** POOLS $588**** Complete 19X31 w/Deck, Fence, Filter & Liner. 100% Financing.

1.888.236.4132 ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS Needing siding, windows, roofs. We need 10 homes for JANUARY 2013 showcase before/after remodeling program. Save hundreds. All credit accepted. $89/month 1.866.668.8681.

DAVE’S CUSTOM HOMES OF WNC, INC Free Estimates & Competitive rates. References avail. upon request. Specializing in: Log Homes, remodeling, decks, new construction, repairs & additions.

Owner/Builder: Dave Donaldson.

Licensed/Insured. 828.631.0747 or 828.508.0316 SULLIVAN HARDWOOD FLOORS Installation- Finish - Refinish 828.399.1847.

ELECTRICAL BOOTH ELECTRIC Residential & Commercial service.

Up-front pricing, emergency service. 828.734.1179. NC License #24685-U.

CARS - DOMESTIC 2000 FORD MUSTANG GT Convertible. New custom paint, style bar, Mach I rims and lots of upgrades completed. Serious inquiries only. $10,000. Please call 828.226.7461.

DONATE YOUR CAR, Truck or Boat to Heritage for the Blind. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 877.752.0496.

TOP CASH FOR CARS, Call Now For An Instant Offer. Top Dollar Paid, Any Car/Truck, Any Condition. Running or Not. Free Pick-up/Tow. 1.800.761.9396 SAPA

AUTO PARTS DDI BUMPERS ETC. Quality on the Spot Repair & Painting. Don Hendershot 858.646.0871 cell 828.452.4569 office.

EMPLOYMENT $300 TO $800 A WEEK Part-time! Work at home, No experience necessary. Large income potential. Guaranteed! FREE info: www.AdMarketing.BIZ SAPA START THE NEW YEAR With a Great CDL Driving Career!

Experienced Drivers & Recent Grads - Excellent Benefits, Weekly Hometime, Paid Training.

Call 888.362.8608 or go to: AVERITTcareers.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

MEDICAL CAREERS BEGIN HERE Train ONLINE for Allied Health and Medical Management. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified.

SCHEV authorized. Call Now 1.877.206.7665 or go to: www.CenturaOnline.com SAPA

R

WNC MarketPlace

EMPLOYMENT CAROLINA DEVELOPMENT And Construction is a fast growing and expanding company in Western North Carolina and is seeking an office manager/sales representative. The job will consist of basic accounting, data entry, drafting letters and other documents, research, sales and customer service. Our company is very diverse in the products and services that we provide to WNC and attribute a lot of our success to that diversity so our employees have to be adaptive to new projects and tasks.

Our company consists of four main branches. Grading and Excavating, Trucking/hauling, ready mixed concrete/ aggregate materials, concrete paving/ concrete finishing.

This person needs to have a good work ethic and independent initiative. The entry level Pay Rate is $8.00 per hour, but the profit sharing in the company will be the real opportunity. This position is expected to evolve into a management position as the company continues to grow. To inquire about this opportunity call 828.736.1812.

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for hands on Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial Aid if Qualified Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance.

1.866.724.5403.

SAPA AVIATION CAREERS Train in advance structures and become certified to work on aircraft. Financial aid for those who qualify. Call aviation institute of maintenance 1.888.212.5856 SAPA COMPANY DRIVERS: $2500 Sign-On Bonus! Super Service is hiring solo and team drivers.

Great hometime options. CDL-A required. Students with CDL-A welcome. Call 888.441.9358 or apply online at www.superservicellc.com DRIVER Flatbed & Heavy Haul Owner Operators/Fleet Owners. Consistent year round freight. Avg $1.70 2.00 all miles. No forced dispatch.

Apply online www.tangomotorotransit.com or call 877.533.8684.

DRIVERS CDL-A $5,000 SIGN-ON BONUS For exp'd solo OTR drivers & O/O's.

Tuition reimbursement also available! New Student Pay & Lease Program. USA TRUCK. 877.521.5775. www.usatruck.jobs DRIVERS Class-A Flatbed. Home Every Weekend! Up to 37c/mi. Both ways.

Full Benefits. Requires 1 year OTR Flatbed Experience. 800.572.5489 x227. SunBelt Transport, Jacksonville, FL. DRIVERS REGIONAL FLATBED Home Every Weekend, 40-45 CPM. Class A CDL Required. Flatbed Load Training Available. 1st Seat Sign On Bonus. Call Now 1.800.992.7863 ext158, or go to: www.mcelroytrucklines.com MONEY FOR SCHOOL Navy 4 year NROTC scholarships for rising seniors. Or HS grads get money for college & great career.

Paid training with benefits.

Restrictions may apply. FT active duty or PT reserves. Go to www.navy.com for more info.

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

TANKER & FLATBED COMPANY. Drivers/Independent Contractors!

Immediate Placement Available.

Best opportunities in the Trucking Business. Call Today.

800.277.0212 or www.primeinc.com

FOSTER PARENTS NEEDED The Bair Foundation, a Christian Foster Care Ministry, is looking for committed families willing to open their homes to local foster children & teens. Training, certification, reimbursement & support provided. Call Now 828.350.5197

$1000 BONUS. (1st 30 Hired) Up to 47 cpm.

New Equipment. Need CDL Class A Driving Exp. 877.258.8782. www.ad-drivers.com

MEDICAL CAREERS BEGIN HERE Train ONLINE for Allied Health and Medical Management. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified.

SCHEV authorized. Call Now 1.877.206.7665 or go to: www.CenturaOnline.com SAPA

TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED Best Pay and Home Time! Apply Online Today over 750 Companies!

One Application, Hundreds of Offers! www.HammerLaneJobs.com.

SAPA DRIVERS! Top Pay for Limited Experience!

34 cpm for 1 Mos OTR Exp Plus Benefits, New Equip & 401k.

877.258.8782 www.ad-drivers.com

NOW HIRING! National Companies need workers immediately to assemble products at home. Electronics, CD stands, hair barrettes & many more. Easy work, no selling, any hours. $500/week potential. Info 1.985.646.1700 DEPT NC - 4152 (Not valid in Louisiana) SAPA

GYPSUM EXPRESS Opening terminal in Georgetown, SC. Class A CDL Flatbed Drivers.

Road & Regional Positions. Melissa, 866.317.6556 x6 or apply at www.gypsumexpress.com

SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION Coordinator - This position requires a BS degree from an accredited school of social work, counseling or clinical psychology. This position will also require administrative experience, certified as a Certified Substance Abuse Prevention consultant (CSPAC) by the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Certification Board, or someone who is in the provisional status for the CSPAC. Experience in mental health or substance abuse services are essential.

Local and out of area travel is required; must have a valid NC driver’s license. This is a full time position with benefits and the continuance is based on grant funding. Applications will be taken at Mountain Projects, Inc., 2251 Old Balsam Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786 or 25 Schulman St., Sylva, NC 28779.

Pre-employment drug testing is required.

EOE/AA.

72137

Puzzles can be found on page 29.

www.smokymountainnews.com

January 9-15, 2013

These are only the answers.

26

Great Smokies Storage 10’x20’

92

$

20’x20’

160

$

ONE MONTH

FREE WITH 12-MONTH CONTRACT

828.506.4112 or 828.507.8828 Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction

FINANCIAL

PETS

BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

SAPA

REMAINING FURNITURE LUMBER Sale! Walnut, Butternut, Cherry, Ash & Curly Maple Slabs $4,000 Call for more info 828.627.2342

BUY GOLD & SILVER COINS 1 percent over dealer cost. For a limited time, Park Avenue Numismatics is selling Silver and Gold American Eagle Coins at 1 percent over dealer cost. Call Now 1.888.470.6389 GOLD AND SILVER Can Protect Your Hard Earned Dollars. Learn how by calling Freedom Gold Group for your free educational guide. Call Now 888.478.6991

PETS HAYWOOD SPAY/NEUTER 828.452.1329

Low-Cost spay and neuter services Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12 Noon - 5pm 182 Richland Street

COMPARE QUALITY & PRICE Shop Tupelo’s, 828.926.8778.

HAYWOOD BEDDING, INC. The best bedding at the best price!

533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

LUMBER CHESTNUT LUMBER Some 6 feet sections, Some 17 ft. boards $800. Call for more info 828.627.2342

LAWN & GARDEN HEMLOCK HEALERS, INC. Dedicated to Saving Our Hemlocks. Owner/Operator Frank Varvoutis, NC Pesticide Applicator’s License #22864. 48 Spruce St. Maggie Valley, NC 828.734.7819 828.926.7883, Email: hemlockhealers@yahoo.com MANTIS DELUXE TILLER. NEW! FastStart engine. Ships FREE.OneYear Money-Back Guarantee when you buy DIRECT. Call for the DVD and FREE Good Soil book!

888.485.3923 SAPA SAWMILLS FROM ONLY $3997.00 Make & Save Money with your own bandmill. Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship.

FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com. 1.800.578.1363, Ext. 300N.

20 ACRES FREE! Own 60 acres for 40 acre price/ payment. $0 Down, $198/month.

Money Back Guarantee, NO CREDIT CHECKS. Beautiful Views, West Texas. 1.800.343.9444.

SAPA EVER CONSIDER A Reverse Mortgage? At least 62 years old? Stay in your home & increase cash flow! Safe & Effective! Call Now for your FREE DVD! Call Now 888.418.0117.

SAPA

HOMES FOR SALE BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor shamrock13@charter.net McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

APT. FOR RENT UNFURNISHED 2/BR 1/BA NEW APARTMENT Close to downtown Waynesville.

Porch overlooks small stream.

Central heat/air, W/D hook-ups. $625 + deposit & lease.

No Pets. 828.506.9559 or 828.506.3365

MEDICAL

2.819 ACRE TRACT Building Lot in great location.

Build your second home log cabin here. Large 2-story building.

Was a Hobby Shop. $81,000. Call 828.627.2342

VACATION RENTALS CAVENDER CREEK CABINS Dahlonega, North Georgia Mountains. **WINTER SPECIAL:BUY 2 NIGHTS, 3RD FREE!** 1,2,&3 Bedroom Cabins with HOT TUBS! Virtual Tour: www.CavenderCreek.com Call NOW Toll Free 1.866.373.6307 SAPA

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT GREAT SMOKIES STORAGE Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction.

Available for lease now: 10’x10’ units for $55, 20’x20’ units for $160. Get one month FREE with 12 month contract.

Call 828.507.8828 or 828.506.4112 for more info.

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS OFFICE HOURS: Tues. & Wed. 9 am - 4 pm & Thurs. 9 am - 3 pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

Phone # 1-828-586-3346 TDD # 1-800-725-2962

*OVERWEIGHT Doctor Endorsed, Increase Energy, Melt Pounds, Increase Metabolism, Feel Good, Start Today, Watch Free Video. www.UnoFatLoss.com SAPA ATTENTION DIABETICS With Medicare. Get a FREE Talking Meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking!

Call 877.517.4633.

SAPA ATTENTION DIABETICS With Medicare. Get a FREE talking meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking!

Call 888.284.9573.

CRS, GRI, E-PRO

ann@mainstreetrealty.net

506-0542 CELL 72115

101 South Main St. Waynesville

INDOOR & OUTDOOR

(828) 452-2227 mainstreetrealty.net

Pro/file

smokymountainnews.com

TUPELO’S

BEST PRICE EVERYDAY

FEELING OLDER? Men lose the abilityto produce testosterone as they age. Call 888.414.0692 for a FREE trial of Progene- All Natural Testosterone Supplement. SAPA

Ann Eavenson

SMN WE SAVE YOU MONEY

MEDICAL ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA Sufferers with Medicare. Get FREE CPAP Replacement Supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery!

Best of all, prevent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 888.470.8261. SAPA CANADA DRUG CENTER Is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call Today 877.644.3199 for $25.00 off your first prescription and free shipping. SAPA

Ann knows real estate!

MainStreet Realty

Equal Housing Opportunity

May Day - A little guy with a big heart, crate trained and housetrained, and is a sweet, friendly dog to everyone he meets. May Day has sensitive skin subject to allergic reactions, but it is easy to manage with a good flea prevention, good diet and medicated shampoo.

Noelle - A pretty little tuxedo girl with 2 sisters who look just like her! They're adorable babies who will brighten lives of the lucky folks who adopt them.

LOTS FOR SALE

January 9-15, 2013

Prevent Unwanted Litters And Improve The Health Of Your Pet

FURNITURE

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

WNC MarketPlace

$$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!

Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need $500-$500,000++ within 48/hours? Low rates. Apply Now By Phone! 1.800.568.8321. wwwlawcapital.com Not Valid in CO or NC. SAPA

YOUNG FEMALE DOG FOUND In Waynesville During Holiday Season. No collar, but clearly owned by somebody. Found near Wal-Mart area call to describe 828.246.0618

10-5 M-SAT. 12-4 SUN.

FURNITURE

72319

ON DELLWOOD RD. (HWY. 19) AT 20 SWANGER LANE WAYNESVILLE/MAGGIE VALLEY 828.926.8778

27

WNC MarketPlace

MEDICAL

Haywood County Real Estate Agents Beverly Hanks & Associates — beverly-hanks.com • • • • • • •

MEDICAL ALERT FOR SENIORS 24/7 monitoring. FREE Equipment.

FREE Shipping. Nationwide Service. $29.95/Month CALL Medical Guardian Today 866.413.0771

Michelle McElroy — beverly-hanks.com Marilynn Obrig — beverly-hanks.com Mike Stamey — beverly-hanks.com Ellen Sither — esither@beverly-hanks.com Jerry Smith — beverly-hanks.com Billie Green — bgreen@beverly-hanks.com Pam Braun — pambraun@beverly-hanks.com

WANTED TO BUY CASH FOR DIABETIC TEST STRIPS Check us out online! All Major Brands Bought. Dtsbuyers.com 1.866.446.3009 SAPA

ERA Sunburst Realty — sunburstrealty.com

WANTED: Unexpired diabetic test strips. Up to $20/box. Prepaid shipping labels. Hablamos Español! Call Now 1.281.764.9615. Or go to: www.SellDiabeticStrips.com SAPA

Haywood Properties — haywood-properties.com • Steve Cox — haywoodproperties.com

Keller Williams Realty kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • Rob Roland — robrolandrealty.com • Chris Forga — forgarentalproperties.com

PERSONAL A UNIQUE ADOPTIONS, Let Us Help! Personalized adoption plans. Financial assistance, housing, relocation and more. Giving the gift of life? You deserve the best. Call us first! 888.637.8200.

24 hour HOTLINE. SAPA ADOPTION? PREGNANT? We can help you! Housing, Relocation, Financial & Medical Assistance available. You Choose Adoptive family. Forever Blessed Adoptions. Call 24/7. 1.800.568.4594 (Void in IL, IN) SAPA

Mountain Home Properties — mountaindream.com • Sammie Powell — smokiesproperty.com

January 9-15, 2013

PERSONAL

VIAGRA 100MG AND CIALIS 20MG! 40 pills + 4 FREE for only $99. #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet Shipping. Save $500! Buy The Blue Pill! Now 1.800.491.8751 SAPA GOT RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS? Local doctors researching study drug for rheumatoid arthritis. Free study drug and care and up to $1,200 compensation. Please call: 1.866.655.1380.

Main Street Realty — mainstreetrealty.net McGovern Real Estate & Property Management • Bruce McGovern — shamrock13.com

Prudential Lifestyle Realty — vistasofwestfield.com

ARE YOU PREGNANT? A childless married couple (in our 30’s) seeks to adopt. Will be hands-on mom/devoted dad.

Financial security. Expenses paid. Nicole & Frank.

1.888.969.6134 MEET SINGLES RIGHT NOW! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now 1.888.909.9978. SAPA PREGNANT? Considering Adoption? Call Us First! Living Expenses, Housing, Medical and continued support afterwards. Choose Adoptive Family of Your Choice. Call 24/7. ADOPT CONNECT 1.866.743.9212.

SAPA STAY AT HOME Wife and loving, dedicated, hard working father want to Adopt and become Mommy and Daddy! Fully Confidential and Allowable Expenses paid. Rachel & James.

1.888.616.6497 SAPA YOUR AD COULD REACH 1.6 MILLION HOMES ACROSS NC! Your classified ad could be reaching over 1.6 Million Homes across North Carolina! Place your ad with The Smoky Mountain News on the NC Statewide Classified Ad Network- 118 NC newspapers for a low cost of $330 for 25-word ad to appear in each paper! Additional words are $10 each. The whole state at your fingertips! It's a smart advertising buy! Call Scott Collier at 828.452.4251 or for more information visit the N.C. Press Association's website at www.ncpress.com

Realty World Heritage Realty — realtyworldheritage.com

72112

SCHOOLS/ INSTRUCTION AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for hands on Aviation Career.

FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance. 877.300.9494.

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE From home. Medical, Business, Criminal Justice, Hospitality. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 888.899.6918 or go to: www.CenturaOnline.com EARN YOUR H.S. DIPLOMA At home in a few short weeks. Work at your own pace. First Coast Academy. Nationally accredited.

Call for free brochure.

1.800.658.1180, extension 82. www.fcahighschool.org SAPA NEED MEDICAL OFFICE TRAINEES! Become a Medical Office Assistant at CTI! No Experienced Needed!

Online Training gets you job ready!

HS Diploma/GED & Computer needed. Careertechnical.edu/nc 1.888.512.7122

ENTERTAINMENT

www.smokymountainnews.com

SAVE ON Cable TV-Internet-Digital Phone.

Packages start at $89.99/mo (for 12 months.) Options from ALL major service providers. Call Acceller today to learn more! CALL 1.877.715.4515. * REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL! * Get a 4-Room All Digital Satellite system installed for FREE and programming starting at $19.99/mo.

FREE HD/DVR upgrade for new callers, SO CALL NOW. 1.800.935.9195. SAPA COMPUTER PROBLEMS? Viruses, spyware, email, printer issues, bad internet connections FIX IT NOW! Professional, U.S.based technicians. $25 off service.

Call for immediate help.

1.888.431.2934.

DISH NETWORK. Starting at $19.99/month PLUS 30 Premium Movie Channels FREE for 3 Months! SAVE! & Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL 888.709.1546 SAPA

BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to a loan company. SAPA

NOTICES

Talk to your neighbors, then talk to me. ®

See why State Farm insures more drivers than GEICO and Progressive combined. Great ser vice, plus discounts of up to 40 percent.* Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

C CALL ALL FFOR OR QUOTE QUOTE 24/7.

24/7. ®

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty remax-waynesvillenc.com | remax-maggievalleync.com Brian K. Noland — brianknoland.com Connie Dennis — remax-maggievalleync.com Mark Stevens — remax-waynesvillenc.com Mieko Thomson — ncsmokies.com The Morris Team — maggievalleyproperty.com The Real Team — the-real-team.com Ron Breese — ronbreese.com Dan Womack — womackdan@aol.com Bonnie Probst — bonniep@remax-waynesvillenc.com

147 WALNUT ST. • WAYNESVILLE, NC

828.456.7376 • 800.627.1210 TOLL FREE 111 CENTRAL AVE. • ASHEVILLE, NC

828.258.1284 • 800.490.0877 TOLL FREE

www.sunburstrealty.com

Chad McMahon, A gent 3 4 5 Wa l n u t S t r e e t Waynesville, NC 28786 Bus: 828 - 452- 0567 chad.mcmahon.r v37@s t atef arm.com

1001174.1

*Discounts var y by states.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnit y Company, Blooming ton, IL

72113 72128

Mike Stamey mstamey@beverly-hanks.com

828-508-9607

MOUNTAIN REALTY

Mieko Thomson

Thomson

The Seller’s Agency — listwithphil.com • Phil Ferguson — philferguson@bellsouth.net

ROKER/R /REALTOR EALTOR®® BBROKER

Cell (828) 226-2298 Cell

71298

CALL NOW TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 28

MY COMPUTER WORKS: Computer problems? Viruses, spyware, email, printer issues, bad internet connections - FIX IT NOW! Professional, U.S.-based technicians. $25 off service. Call for immediate help. 888.582.8147 SAPA

READERS & MUSIC LOVERS. 100 Greatest Novels (audio books) ONLY $99.00 (plus sh.) Includes MP3 Player & Accessories. BONUS: 50 Classical Music Works & Money Back . Guarantee. Call Today!

1.888.659.4896

• Carolyn Lauter — realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/1701

• • • • • • • • •

SERVICES HIGHSPEED INTERNET Everywhere By Satellite! Speeds up to 12mbps! (200x faster than dialup.) Starting at $49.95/mo. CALL NOW & GO FAST! 1.888.714.6155 LOCAL PHONE SERVICE With long distance starting @ $19.99/mo. Taxes not included. No contract or credit check. Service states may vary. Call today: 1.888.216.1037 SAPA

828.452.4251 OR ads@smokymountainnews.com

74 NORTH MAIN ST. • WAYNESVILLE, NC

www.beverly-hanks.com

mthomson@remax-waynesvillenc.com mthomson@remax-waynesvillenc.com www.ncsmokies.com www.ncsmokies.com

2177 Russ Avenue Waynesville NC 28786

Super

WEEKLY SUDOKU

10 Plastered 11 Unfresh 12 Famed fable writer 13 Containing element #5 14 Taken - (caught unawares) 15 More informative 16 Guitarist Barrett 17 Te- - (titter) 18 Wisk rival 19 Immigrants’ class: Abbr.

25 - Friday’s (eatery) 28 Very serious 31 Track great Moses 32 Registered names: Abbr.

33 Riled (up) 34 Prefix with -lepsy 35 “Peer Gynt” composer Edvard 39 Some PC screens 40 Barely squeeze (by) 41 Cut again, as a board 42 Blackjack call 43 Scandalous company of 2002 45 “... - quit!” (threat ender) 47 Run after Q 48 Exam room sounds 49 Under, to poets 50 Artistic style 51 “The - near!”

53 The barber of Seville’s name 54 Play - (perform out with the band) 58 Tiny colony crawler 59 Half- - (java order) 60 Like - to the flame 61 Pouring on the love 66 Lazes about

67 Baby hooter 68 Not as old 69 Disloyal sort 70 “Ac-cent- - -ate the Positive” 71 Giant bird of lore 72 “He’s Got the Whole World - Hands” 73 Slims down 74 Alleviator 78 Arty area in NYC 79 Brook catch 80 Old German state 81 Nobel-winning U.N. workers’ gp.

82 Café check 83 Value highly 84 Quiche, e.g.

85 Not reached, as a goal 86 Ovid’s 1,400 91 More thin 92 Polar pixie 93 Pub crawler 95 Unvarying 98 Magical illness curer 100 Rally rouser 102 Like tied shoes 103 Actors Epps and Sharif 104 - Tin Tin 105 Dorm room fixtures 106 From the keg 107 Edna Ferber novel 108 Motorola alternative 109 Envy’s color 110 Feel 114 - Tolkien 115 Positive vote 116 Kitty’s cry 117 Atty.’s gp.

118 Cellular stuff 119 “Ick!” 121 Adam’s mate

answers on page 26

Answers on Page 26

smokymountainnews.com

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

January 9-15, 2013

find us at: facebook.com/smnews

77 Ancient Asia Minor region 78 Throw hooks and jabs ACROSS while ambling?

1 Northern Italian 86 “Encore!” city 87 One-eyed female on 8 Dip for tortilla “Futurama” chips 88 Availing oneself of 13 Wailing spirit of folk- 89 Ending for Tokyo lore 90 Flashing lights for a 20 Tag again singing group?

21 Join forces 94 Pro - (acting) 22 Order followers 95 Gorbachev’s fed.

23 Impute 96 “Irma la -” 24 Buy sipping aids on 97 Fail to win the cheap?

99 Long stretch of histo26 Pulsations ry 27 Sick-dog link 101 Best violin player 29 Ways of reasoning ever?

30 Choice of any non111 “Omen II” title role solid pool ball you’d like? 112 Ovid’s “I love” 36 Drift (off) 113 Previously, poetically 37 - disease (tick-borne 114 Guitar technique in ailment) Kingston?

38 Steve of country rock 120 Serve as a sign of 41 Zeus’ mother 122 Brewpub offering 44 Anguish 123 Pooh’s marsupial 46 Very weird Moranis, pal compared to slightly odd 124 Piano keys Springfield?

125 Gives a prize 52 Berlin “a” 126 Baseballer Warren 53 On terra 127 Relevant (to) 55 Glossiness 56 Yield DOWN 57 House pets exerting 1 Seafood crustaceans great effort?

2 Adjust, as a clock 62 In a crowd of 3 Actor Dana 63 “- shocked!”

4 Navratilova of tennis 64 The Brady boys or 5 San Luis girls 6 Cornhusker State: 65 Participated in a race Abbr. walk?

7 Shaking like 75 T. - Price 8 Sweet 76 Tic - (mint brand) 9 Hex- ending

WNC MarketPlace

DEDICATED TO STRAY CHARLES

CROSSWORD

29

an

e

r de il

t

Smoky Mountain News

January 9-15, 2013

Building Custom Homes omes for Over 40 Years! e

30

Mountain Area Model Center 3 35 NP & L Loop, Franklin, NC Across from Franklin Ford on 4 41

Are the ‘possums adapting to headlight glare

W

George Ellison

here have all the opossums gone?

People worry about cerulean warblers and frogs and honeybees and ash trees and hemlocks and snail darters and so on … as they should. But is anybody out there besides me worried about ‘possums? I doubt it.

Maybe I shouldn’t be worried either. My “evidence” for their “decline” isn’t scientific.

I’m not sure it’s even empirical … whatever that means. It’s just that I don’t see ‘possums lying dead in the highways anymore. In days gone by, there were times when the backcountry roads were littered with the critters. I exaggerate; Columnist nevertheless, I feel sure you know what I’m talking about. I even wrote a haiku-like bit of verse published in Permanent Camp last year that read:

‘possums have a fine sense of humor even when lying in the road they find reason to grin And in various’ possum essays written through the years, I’ve always managed to finish up with something like:

BACK THEN The only menace ‘possums have been unable to adapt to is the automobile. They are slain by the hundreds of thousands every year by onrushing vehicles during the nocturnal hours. Caught in the headlights’ glare they freeze and are thereby doomed. It’s too late to “play ‘possum,” which wouldn’t work anyway. But the automobile is a relatively new challenge. Let’s give these adaptive critters a little more time to form a response.

They are, after all, the ultimate survivalists.

My acquaintance with ‘possums took place when I was a boy running a trap line in the early 1950s. This consisted of a series of wooden box traps and steel jump traps as well as various snares and deadfalls that I checked every morning before school. Even though they weren’t my prime quarry, it was ‘possums I wound up trapping about 90 percent of the time. I learned to show respect for their sharp teeth by getting them out of the box traps the right way: turn the trap up on its closed end; shake it; reach your arm through the open door; grab he or she by the long bare tail; drag he or she out with care; and hold it at arm’s length until you decide what’s next.

An article appeared in Smithsonian magazine in the 1970s titled “A Few Miles of Land Arose From the Sea – and the World Changed” by John F. Ross that I read with interest because it explained how the ‘possum got to North America in the first place. Ross’s primary interest was establishing the significance of the appearance of a land bridge (the Panamanian isthmus) between North and South America approximately three million years ago. Of the numerous critters that trekked northward over the isthmus, the lowly ‘possum has been the most successful because it became the most adaptable.

They may have small brains and be a

touch dim-witted, but ‘possums can find food. And they can remember exactly where

they found it in the first place, which – to my way of thinking – is the ultimate sign of intelligence. One researcher tested various animals for ability to remember which of four runways was connected to a food box.

The ‘possum scored better on average than cats, chickens, dogs, goats, pigs, rabbits, rats, goldfish, and turtles, although somewhat less than the average crow. The parameters of its interests have been scientifically determined: (1) finding more food; and (2) reproducing more baby ‘possums.

Maybe there’s hope. Maybe they can figure out what the onrushing lights mean before it’s too late. Or maybe I’m wrong because I’m not getting out and driving the back roads enough. Or maybe the ‘possums got together and decided to move west into the Snowbirds or on into east Tennessee.

Whatever the reason I hope they make it.

George Ellison wrote the biographical introductions for the reissues of two Appalachian classics: Horace Kephart’s Our Southern Highlanders and James Mooney’s History, Myths, and Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees.

In June 2005, a selection of his Back Then columns was published by The History Press in Charleston as Mountain Passages: Natural and Cultural History of Western North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Readers can contact him at P.O. Box 1262, Bryson City, N.C., 28713, or at info@georgeellison.com.

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