It’s the dawn of a new age — America’s “Golden Age,” as President Donald Trump calls it. Not every American agrees with that sentiment, but those that do celebrated Trump’s historic inauguration on Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C., and The Smoky Mountain News was there. Roxan Wetzel, North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District elector, joins other Trump supporters at a party in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 20. (Page 4) Jeffrey Delannoy photo
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Inauguration weekend through the eyes of a WNC Republican..........................4 Marchers hope for change................................................................................................8 Asheville People’s March small, but mighty..............................................................10 NC had an outsized impact in Republican trifecta..................................................11
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America’s golden age, or Gilded
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Ingles Nutrition Notes
written by Ingles Dietitian Leah McGrath
INCLUDING LOCAL PRODUCTS ALL YEAR LONG
Sometimes when we talk about “local foods” we tend to think only of seasonal fruits and vegetables, but it’s great to know that you can support local farmers and food makers throughout the year. Here are just a few of
Produce section
• Hydroponic lettuce from Shelton Family Farm in Whittier NC.
• Local Honey
• Kombucha from Buchi Kombucha in Marshall, NC Bakery
• City Bakery and Annie’s Breads from Asheville NC Meat/Seafood
• Hickory Nut Gap Meats from Fairview, NC
• Sunburst Trout Farm, Waynesville NC Dairy
• Laura Lynn milk is from dairy farmers local to Asheville, NC! Frozen Foods
• Sunshine Sammies, Asheville NC
Grocery — look for the “Local” display with a variety of sauces,
Roasters in Pisgah Forest and Dynamite Roasting in Black Mountain.
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An unexpected journey
A look at inauguration weekend through the eyes of a WNC Republican
BY KYLE PERROTTI
N EWS E DITOR
Friday, as Roxan Wetzel and her husband, Rook, eagerly anticipated their trip to Washington, D.C. to see Donald Trump become the United States’ 47th president, they were hit with a sudden gut punch — the inauguration was moved indoors.
Their ticket was now little more than a souvenir. However, with an open mind and a commitment to finding meaning in their trip, the couple journeyed to our nation’s capital determined to celebrate what they considered the greatest political victory of their lifetime. In the end, the trip delivered, but not necessarily in the ways they assumed.
In a series of interviews with The Smoky Mountain News, which accompanied the Wetzels throughout much of their journey, they also revealed much of what many conservatives were feeling ahead of a second Trump presidency, offering a chance to take in this strange inaugural weekend through the
eyes of those who worked on the local level to get him elected again.
Prior to this journey, the only times Wetzel had been to Washington, D.C., were Dec. 12, 2020, for the second “Million MAGA March” and Jan. 6, 2021, for the notorious Stop the Steal Rally, during which she walked up to the Capitol but stopped short of gaining entry once she saw others committing acts of vandalism and violence.
Wetzel, 65, is an unflinching conservative, but it wasn’t always that way. Born in Los Angeles at the hospital where Robert F. Kennedy died about eight years later, she attended UCLA and majored in political science with hopes of one day becoming the first female governor of California, despite the admission that even just dipping her toe into politics made her realize it’s a “dirty, nasty business,” an opinion she feels even stronger about now. At that point, she was a Democrat.
When asked why she’d get involved in such an unsavory realm, she offered a simple response.
“For me, it’s a calling,” she said.
GETTING INVOLVED
In 1996, Wetzel, who spent much of her working life as a career coach, moved to Lake Tahoe, where she met Rook, who for years was an adaptive ski instructor who taught blind children and those with other physical disabilities to hit the slopes. In 2012, the couple moved to North Carolina and now lives in McDowell County. Wetzel said God brought her to Western North Carolina.
Over the years, before arriving in The Tarheel State, Wetzel changed her voter registration from Democrat to Independent and eventually Republican.
While Wetzel had tossed aside any desires to get directly involved in politics, she was roped back in when her husband began helping Republican Mark Robinson in his 2019 campaign for Lieutenant Governor. Around that time, Wetzel met Madison Cawthorn, the controversial young firebrand who would go on to win NC-11 in 2020, and decided to jump back into the arena.
Seeing Wetzel’s commitment, NC-11 GOP Chair Michele Woodhouse encouraged her to get more involved and run to become the McDowell County GOP chair. She eventually became the NC-11 GOP’s Second Vice Chair.
“Roxan Wetzel brings a fire and passion, along with a true servant’s heart, to political leadership, something that is unique in this space,” Woodhouse said. “She was an incredible MCGOP chair and NC-11 Second Vice Chair. She pours herself into the work and has earned the respect of elected officials, peers and volunteers.”
Wetzel said she initially balked at the opportunity to become more involved.
“I was like, ‘not just no, but heck no,’” Wetzel said. “Then I met with my pastor, met with my elder. I prayed about it, and God said, ‘if not you, then who?’ So I was like, ‘OK, here
As Wetzel learned more about party structure on the state level, she felt more pride in her role within the party and became even more active at the local level.
“The Bible tells us — God tells us — to build our foundation on a strong rock … and it starts right in your county party organization from the precincts built on the local party level,” Wetzel said.
Throughout her life, Wetzel has viewed everything through the lens of her staunch religious beliefs, and politics has been no different. She considers the whole realm as a “ministry,” a chance to use the gospel to shape the moral direction of her community, the state and even the nation.
As she learned more about the party structure and elections, her commitment grew, and so too did her knowledge base. Neither was an accident. Wetzel likes to recall the old adage, “He who knows the rules win the game,” and she went from waving signs for Cawthorn and Robinson in 2019 to being elected county chair in 2021 and then eventually the 11th district’s second vice chair before her most recent milestone when she became the district’s presidential elector last year.
Roxan Wetzel stands outside the Washington, D.C. jail where Jan. 6 defendants were being held. Jeffrey Delannoy photo
MRS. WETZEL GOES TO WASHINGTON
Electors individually cast votes for the president and vice president, votes that are recorded on a Certificate of Vote and confirmed by electors’ signatures.
“It’s part of the permanent congressional record, my signature,” Wetzel said.
In addition, Wetzel was chosen as the state’s Vice Presidential teller, meaning she got on the microphone in the North Carolina to verbally confirm NC-11’s election of J.D. Vance. This technically gives her the title of “The Honorable Roxan Wetzel” for the rest of her life. She joked that her husband now frequently simply refers to her as “The Honorable.”
“Just to think that you’re part of that history of our government is a very cool thing,” she said.
couple had planned on attending three events announced as a series called “Kingdom to the Capitol.” The events, all led by Christian singer-songwriter Sean Feucht aimed to offer praise to God and prayers for Trump. However, along with being hamstrung by a late start that day, as the temperature dipped and skies darkened, the couple grew uneasy. Once the snow began sticking to the road, they hightailed it back to the hotel.
“I do regret not pushing through and going to one of those,” Wetzel said.
JANUARY 6
Although things changed, Wetzel did get to do one thing near to her heart when on Jan. 19 after arriving in the area, she went to the Washington, D.C. jail for a vigil dedicated to those incarcerated for their acts on Jan. 6, 2021. The men in those jail cells were
offered VIP tickets for Trump’s inauguration as the country’s 47th president. She and her husband left McDowell County in the frigid early morning hours of Saturday, Jan. 18, and arrived at their hotel just north of Washington, D.C. late that afternoon. However, the trip had an uncurrent of uncertain anxiety following the announcement that they would no longer be able to attend the inauguration in person.
Wetzel admitted it was disappointing to hear that she wouldn’t be able to see her president — whom she’d already seen speak somewhere around a dozen times — inaugurated in front of the Capitol.
“That would have been beyond cool,” she said, adding that she believes that the decision to move it indoors had nothing to do with the subfreezing temperatures and everything to do with a potential security threat. The deep state will stop at nothing to stop Trump, her husband, Rook, posited.
Not being able to see the inauguration up close wasn’t the only change in the Wetzels’ schedule. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the
new charges or were awaiting sentencing. These vigils had been taking place for about the last three years and continued all the way up until inauguration night.
Wetzel recalled her own experience on Jan. 6.
She’d organized a trip including two buses that went from North Carolina over to the capital for the Stop the Steal rally as part of the larger organization Liberty First Grassroots. She had previously organized the Dec. 12 trip, her first time ever to Washington, D.C. As Wetzel began fielding inquiries from conservatives interested in making the trip, a Western North Carolina woman with a large following on X — then Twitter — mentioned that Wetzel was organizing the trip and posted Wetzel’s phone number publicly.
“My phone was blowing up for three and a half weeks,” Wetzel said.
Fielding the flood of inquiries left Wetzel tired and weary by the time buses departed
S EE ROXAN, PAGE 6
Roxan Wetzel was not only an elector, but she was also the Vice Presidential Teller for North Carolina following the 2024 election. Donated photo
late in the evening on Jan. 5. After riding through the night, by the time she arrived for the rally in the predawn hours of Jan. 6, she said she was exhausted. However, once she saw how large the crowd was — she thinks the numbers were vastly underreported by the media and puts the number well over 1 million — she caught a second wind.
When the time came for the group to march to the Capitol, Wetzel said the crowd was singing “patriotic songs and hymns,” but she sensed a vibe shift and became concerned that “Antifa” was present and she claimed that law enforcement was taking a lax approach to the situation.
Once the group reached the Capitol, Roxan said she scratched her head as she watched angry rioters climbing the walls and entering the building. She heard loud booms and saw spires of smoke rising from the riotous crowd.
“I said, ‘they’re going to get arrested,’ Like, you can’t scale that. And then the tear gas started flying and stuff and we left and got back to the bus,” she said.
When she finally sat down in safety, Wetzel looked at her phone and saw about 130 text message and missed calls. At that point, she didn’t know what all had transpired. From then up to this inauguration weekend, Wetzel said she tried not to advertise that she was at the Capitol on Jan. 6 since she feared repercussions and even social ostracization. The hoodie that she’d worn that day featured the words of the group she traveled with, as well as the date. It’d hung in her closet unworn for the last four years.
However, last Saturday, she wore it to the jail for the vigil. While Wetzel considered the trip to be largely “anticlimactic,” that visit may have been the high point. That night, there were about 50 people on hand, including various members of the media. The mood was somber yet hopeful. A man played an electric guitar with a small amplifier. Another man offered a brief but intense prayer, and several people spoke, including some who’d already served out sentences after being convicted for offenses related to Jan. 6. Even the mother of Ashli Babbit, the woman who was killed by a Capitol Police officer after trying to breach a security perimeter through broken glass mere feet from fleeing elected officials, was there. Many called for not only the defendants to be released but also for the prosecutors in those cases to face some kind of retribution.
Demonstrators knew the names of the people in the jail. At one point, a man in an orange jumpsuit appeared in a window of what appeared to be the infirmary and waved.
“That’s Ryan Wilson,” one woman exclaimed, referring to an Oregon man who was convicted in October of last year for assaulting law enforcement with a weapon. As the crowd waved to Wilson, he waved back enthusiastically.
Wetzel produced multiple Facebook live videos as she quietly took in the scene and held her husband’s hand, but she also interacted with some in the crowd. One woman was the mother oof Barry Bennet Ramey, a Florida man currently on house arrest for his role in the attack on the Capitol. When Wetzel, who herself has a significant following on X, went to sign the sweatshirt, she was overjoyed to hear that Ramey’s mother had actually heard of her before.
In an interview the following night, Wetzel said that even if she didn’t experience anything else that weekend, she’d be happy.
“My heart was warmed by the hopeful atmosphere,” she said. “It was amazing that what came through was hope and that the United States of America is still a great country, and we’re going to fly the American flag, and we’re going to talk about Jesus, and we’re going to pray.”
In the hours following his inauguration, Trump pardoned or commuted the sentences of over 1,500 people
charged with crimes related to Jan. 6. Trump also ordered the attorney general to dismiss the 450 or so pending cases related to the storming of the Capitol. Following the pardons, just two nights after Wetzel stood a few hundred feet from the jail, a much larger crowd showed up to celebrate the men who were about to be released.
Prior to the wave of clemency, Wetzel said she believed that everyone other than those who damaged property or perpetrated violent acts should receive clemency. Trump ultimately pardoned those people, as well as some of those with convictions related to violent crimes. Following the pardons, Wetzel said she wants to see even more actions to provide reparations for the convictions.
“I absolutely think that they should not only be pardoned, but they should be compensated for their constitutional rights being violated,” she said.
THE WATCH PARTY
Once Wetzel realized she wouldn’t be able to go to the inauguration, the question quickly emerged: what to do for the big day? By Saturday, word worked its way through the grapevine that someone was hosting an inauguration watch party at a swanky club in Washington, D.C. At the time Wetzel RSVP’d for her and her husband, the ticketing app showed only about 25 people going. By the time the doors opened at 10 a.m. on Jan. 20, 300 had RSVP’d. Ultimately, many more showed up, all from North Carolina and fellow swing state Michigan.
“God just had his hand on us, blessing us with the right connections,” Wetzel said.
The man who planned the last-minute event, a Charlotte attorney and lobbyist named John C. Snyder III, talked to The Smoky Mountain News about how it all came together. It started at about 6 p.m. the Friday before inauguration, only hours after it was announced that most who had tickets wouldn’t be allowed into the Capitol to see the swearing in. He quickly got up with some friends to coordinate the planning. While they had initially booked a smaller venue, they began to feel that more people may want to come and booked Sax Dinner Theater and Lounge. It turns out that was a good call.
“Here we are Monday morning, and this place is full, elbow to elbow, with 500 people,” Snyder said.
The venue is a somewhat small but opulent space with gold-colored chandeliers, plenty of red velvet and varying shades of white marble. Art featuring nude women, ranging from campy pagan to neoclassical, adorns the walls and even the ceiling. The inauguration was shown on a large TV behind thick glass above the long oak bar. Aside from hosting a room full of conservative Trump supporters, it more often hosts burlesque shows.
“That was wild,” Wetzel said. “We felt like we were somebody.”
The crowd was eclectic. There were plenty of people who seemed accustomed to such venues and wore club outfits, ball gowns and suits with ties. There were some in cowboy hats and matching boots. Plenty wore jeans and comfortable winter coats. But they all had one thing in common — they were there to celebrate what they considered the beginning of a new golden age for the United States.
By about 11 a.m. as the inaugural ceremony began, many had beer and cocktails in-hand, eagerly awaiting the big moment. They cheered any time most Republicans appeared on screen and booed any time a Democrat appeared. Perhaps the loudest boos — aside from when Biden walked in — was when they saw Trump’s former Vice President, Mike Pence. While the group enjoyed seeing members of Trump’s family and inner circle, the one that drew the loudest cheer was his youngest son, Baron, who some articles said helped the Trump campaign reach the youngest contingent of voters. The only person for whom the crowd seemed to have a mixed reaction was House Speaker Mike Johnson. When Trump himself walked into the rotunda, an ear-rattling “USA” chant erupted that even- F
A man plays his guitar outside the Washington, D.C. jail while surrounded by other demonstrators. Jeffrey Delannoy photo
Roxan Wetzel signs a sweatshirt in support of a Jan. 6 convict who is on house arrest. Kyle Perrotti photo
tually morphed into a “fight” chant, echoing Trump’s words following a July 13, 2024, attempted assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Wetzel and her husband stood right up in the front of the room so she could capture the TV screen on Facebook live. She became emotional throughout the ceremony, something she said she didn’t expect. She wiped away several tears when Vice President J.D. Vance was sworn in.
“I don’t know if it was because I was a Vice Presidential Teller, but … it just kind of gripped me,” Wetzel said.
Following the watch party, as Wetzel and her husband drove from Washington, D.C. to Pennsylvania to see family, she did one more interview with SMN, during which she said it was exciting to be in the capital following Trump’s victory. The massive electoral win was thanks not only to the Trump campaign itself, but also to the massive GOP apparatus, of which Wetzel was a part.
“It’s pretty exciting,” she said.
Going forward, Wetzel said she doesn’t plan on trying to climb the ladder in the NCGOP, but she does plan on staying involved to some degree. She said it was tough for her and her husband, even going back to when she was a chair, a time during which she said she was “completely unsupported” by her own county party.
“I was trying to do work and tell people it’s not just a social club,” she said. “So I have no political aspirations.”
Wetzel said she hopes that the NCGOP considers its own commitment, as well, saying that she was disappointed to see party leadership back away from Mark Robinson in his run for governor last year once he became embroiled in controversy.
“We saw what happened, and we saw how that impacted the council of state races when they all backed away, thinking it would save them, and it didn’t work,” she said. “Coming from a position of cowardice is never going to win the battle.”
“I guess I’m just an activist,” she added.
Ultimately, Wetzel wanted to encourage conservatives to continue to fight and not become lazy just because Trump won a second term. After all, midterms are less than two years away, and the party not in the White House historically makes major gains in the House and Senate during those elections.
Voters often rely on those who are engaged at the local party level to help guide their votes, so even just getting engaged with county organizations can go a long way toward determining an outcome in both primary and general elections. For example, Wetzel said that in the last five or so years that she’s been involved, she’s handed out thousands of voter guides and spoken with thousands of voters.
“Being there, standing there, just handing them voter guides is huge,” she said.
When asked what she hopes to see from the next four years and the second Trump administration, Wetzel said she hopes to see Trump act on promises made during the inaugural address, including the clemency he delivered to the Jan. 6 convicts mere hours after the interview.
“I hope he can get people to engage and not slip back into complacency,” she said. “And we can hold these elected officials’ feet to the fire to do what we have voted them in to do.”
The crowd at the watch party was festive and raucous.
Jeffrey Delannoy photo
Roxan Wetzel and her husband, Rook, at the watch party. Kyle Perrotti photo
Marchers hope for change
BY KYLE PERROTTI & CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITERS
While it may be the Republican Party’s moment in the global spotlight, more than 50,000 people from the left turned out for the “People’s March” days before the 60th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C., hoping to show the world that the incoming presidential administration doesn’t represent the views of every American and won’t get a free pass over the next few years.
“I think it’s important to remember that this isn’t the end, that this one election doesn’t represent the path that we’re on in this country and that there’s still room for change,” said Nora Dickson, who braved intermittent sleet and cold temperatures to join other activists chanting, holding signs and lofting banners while marching to the Lincoln Memorial on Jan. 18. “We can’t disassociate from politics over these next two years just because it didn’t go our way. We have to continue to fight and to build up so we can retake the House and find good candidates that truly care about the people.”
Dickson, 24, is a Smoky Mountain High School alumna who earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, moved to Washington two years ago to complete her master’s degree in health policy at George Washington University and spent that time working for one of North Carolina’s few Democratic congresswomen, Deborah Ross. Dickson now lobbies for a nonpartisan organization that represents nonprofit community provideraligned health plans across the country. Her father, Chuck, is an elected member of the Waynesville Town Council, and her mother, Sybil, is chair of the Haywood County Democratic Party.
the seat of immense global power but lacking the ability to control much of its own destiny or even vote in Congress.
Franklin Park, just north of the White House, saw protestors concerned with bodily autonomy, gender equality and LGBTQ+ issues. Dickson wasn’t there by accident.
“I think a woman’s right to choose and having access to reproductive care is one of the biggest things I’m passionate about, especially with members in the House of Representatives who are willing to go to bat for these issues and willing to take a much more farright stance on abortion and gender affirming care. I think it’s really scary,” Dickson said. “I think in two years, they can do a lot of damage.”
The People’s March has its roots in a similar event that took place in January 2017 less than 24 hours after Donald Trump was sworn in for his first term as president. An estimated 470,000 people — many wearing the iconic “pink hats” that had emerged as a sign of resistance — took to the streets in a miles-long demonstration designed to call attention to what they perceived as threats to health care, the middle class, LGBTQ+ people and bodily autonomy. Affiliated marches also took place across the country (see ASHEVILLE, p. 7).
This year’s event featured three staging locations incorporating a broad coalition of advocacy groups.
McPherson Square hosted marchers mostly concerned with issues facing Washington itself — less than a state but more than a town, the District has been something of a legal enigma since its inception in 1790, simultaneously serving as
In Farragut Square, demonstrators were focused on democracy, immigration, anti-militarism, and climate change. Amid the crowd were some folks from North Carolina, including one woman, Paula, who like most didn’t offer her last name. Paula traveled to the capital from Durham to meet up with her sister, Elizabeth, who came over from Scottsdale, Arizona. The pair had come to the prior women’s marches. Paula said that while the march was important and she was afraid of what is happening nationally, what is happening in the Tar Heel State is of equal concern.
to retain her State Supreme Court seat.
“North Carolina also has to worry about voter suppression and gerrymandering,” she added.
Some people in Farragut Square interviewed by The Smoky Mountain News admitted that they’re feeling the fatigue of constantly opposing President Donald Trump and the Republican Party, especially over the last 10 years, but Paula said exhaustion is not an option.
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Hosler offered a preview of the speech she gave in front of tens of thousands of people to The Smoky Mountain News ahead of the march. Kyle Perrotti photo
“If you follow North Carolina politics, it’s a nightmare,” she said, specifically citing Republican Jefferson Griffin’s continued quest to overturn Democrat Allison Riggs’ victory
“That’s what autocrats do,” she
Along with climate change, the most consistent theme among protestors who gathered in Farragut Square was ending American involvement in foreign conflicts and dismantling the military-industrial complex. One veteran, a man named Tom who said he served 20 years and deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, noted that when he was enlisted, the mission was the focus, and personal politics didn’t enter the equation. But now, politics for “politics’ sake” is intruding on what was once productive discourse.
“More people are drawing a line between those who are standing for morals and ethics and those who aren’t,” he said.
“United we stand and divided we fall.”
Another person who delivered a message of unity was the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Hosler, who heads up the Historic Peace Church — a denomination that is closest to the religious practices of Mennonites and Quakers. F
Western North Carolina native Nora Dickson stands in Franklin Park just prior to the People’s March on Jan. 18, 2025. Jeffrey Delannoy photo
People’s March organizers estimated more than 50,000 people showed up to the action on Jan. 18 in Washington, D.C. Jeffrey Delannoy photo
Her church is just a few blocks from the Capitol. Hosler spoke in front of the bustling crowd standing along the reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Prior to that speech, she offered her thoughts to SMN.
Hosler said she cares deeply about social justice, including causes like climate change and humane immigration policies.
“I also care deeply about protecting life in Palestine, and I think we should very much be divesting from funding weapons of death because we need funding in healthcare and affordable housing and education and childcare,” she said. “I think one of the beautiful things about this march is how people are coming together from these different perspectives with one common cause in that we’re working for the people.”
symbolic but admitted it was evocative of the French Revolution during which the threat of having such an implement used against members of the ruling class was very real.
“However, I do think that if we can’t have change in this country through peaceful measures, I think the only option will be violent measures,” she said. “It could be predictive, in a sense. If enough people feel disenfranchised and the wealth inequity continues to grow and more people can’t afford food, housing, medical care, health insurance, who knows? I mean, the French Revolution was over bread.”
Those interviewed all knew a fair amount about politics and many — especially Dickson — cited North Carolina as an exam-
Hosler said her morals are guided by a fairly simple principle — people must care about all of God’s creation, including their fellow humans and the planet we all live on.
“In Luke 4, Jesus says the spirit of the Lord is on me to proclaim good news for the poor, freedom for the oppressed,” she said.
Some attendees had a more militant view of things, such as a woman who only offered the name Valerie and wielded a sign featuring a depiction of a guillotine that read “off with his head,” alluding to President Donald Trump. When asked whether that was to be taken literally, she said it was meant to be
ple of how progressive candidates can come away with crucial victories in a state that went for Trump. The Tar Heel State not only elected a Democrat Governor in Josh Stein, it also eliminated the GOP’s veto-proof supermajority in the General Assembly and won a number of Council of State races.
“Look at North Carolina. Look at what Josh Stein and [former Gov.] Roy Cooper and other amazing Democrats in North Carolina have been building for years,” Dickson said. “We are literally the model for how to be Democrats elected in a red country, in a red state.”
A woman who offered only the name Valerie stands with the provocative sign she made for the march. Kyle Perrotti photo
‘I’m here for my grandchildren’
Asheville People’s March small, but mighty
BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER
Despite the hell Asheville and greater Western North Carolina have gone through since flooding caused by Hurricane Helene last fall, as well as the recent terror attacks on large crowds during New Year festivities around the country, passionate protestors showed out for the People’s March in Pack Square on Saturday, Jan. 18.
The People’s March grew out of the inaugural Women’s March in 2017, which took place just days after Donald Trump’s first swearing in. And while the crowd size was smaller this year than in previous years — fewer than 100 people, compared to thousands — participants sought to draw attention to a whole host of issues they think the incoming administration has gotten wrong or altogether neglected. Actions taken by President Donald Trump within the first 24 hours of his presidency took aim at many of those same issues protestors had rallied for.
“I’m here today because I think that climate change is one of the biggest threats we face, and my concern is that we’ve got a new administration coming in that doesn’t seem to understand that,” said Mary Ann Roser of Kenilworth in Asheville. “Having lived through the hurricane, having seen the wildfires in California, honestly I can’t imagine not being really, really concerned about climate change.”
Among a flurry of executive orders Donald Trump signed within hours of taking office on Jan. 20 were several orders dealing with environmental protections and climate change, including orders to withdraw the
Accordt, a pact agreed upon by nations around the world to fight climate change; declare a national energy emergency, intended to enhance executive power, suspend environmental rules and expedite permitting of certain mining projects; an attempt to reverse a ban on offshore drilling for 625 million acres of federal waters; open the Alaska wilderness to more oil and gas drilling; and eliminate environmental justice programs across the government that were aimed at protecting poor communities from pollution.
“I’m here today representing the Western Carolina University master’s in social work student cohort,” said Juliana Gross. “I’m a social work student, and part of what we do is analyze policy, influence policy, and one of my greatest concerns is what’s happening right now in our political system with climate change. I wanted to come out to support.”
dren. Everybody else’s grandchildren,” said Donna Nelson, retiree and UNCA student. “I remember as a kid gathering fireflies, hundreds and hundreds of fireflies, and now I see on average, three or four in my backyard, little things like that. I want a world they can live in that’s not continually assaulted by weather events and all the political things that will happen as a result of climate change.”
over our country that is not doing so to help the people,” said Trinity. “It’s a regime, not a government. It’s about money and how much they can make, and about taking rights away from everyone that isn’t them. So, any others, whether you be gay, lesbian, black, Hispanic, immigrant, they’re coming after all of us.”
Also in the slew of executive orders was one that aims to end birthright citizenship, a right that is outlined in the constitution of the United States of America. It is not clear whether this will have any legal standing beyond the stroke of Trump’s pen and whether it will have unintended consequences for 3.5 million babies born in the United States every year. Trump also moved to bar asylum for people newly arriving at the southern border and declared migrant crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border a national emergency, which will allow more federal funding for border wall construction, without the need for approval from congress.
Haley Bower attended the march with her family, who have a history of partaking in peaceful protest together.
“I go to school at Western Carolina University, I’m a social work major, and this was really important to me today, because my dad took me to my first Women’s March in 2017 and it changed my life and showed me that there are people out there from every walk of life who love,” said Bower. “And love is probably my top value. So, to be here today and to see love all around is special, and that’s why I’m here.”
Another executive order among those President Trump signed on his first day in office was an order to officially recognize two genders and remove protections for transgender people in federal prisons. It is not yet clear how people who are born intersex will be affected by the order and its requirement to be categorized as either male or female.
Despite their fears regarding the incoming administration’s priority of working against so many of the causes they care about, many protestors have hope as they look toward the future.
“I’m hopeful because there are people who will stand up and fight, and I’ll stand next to them, and I’ll stand with them, and I’ll stand in front of them, if it comes to that, to stop aggression,” said Trinity.
Like most participants, Haley Bower and her family made signs for the event. Hannah McLeod photo
Several participants at Saturday’s march were there with Third Act, a statewide group of senior citizens seeking to address what it sees as the dual crises of climate change and attacks on democracy.
“Third Act is a group for those of us in the third act of our lives, retirees, we’re over 60 anyway, and I’m here for my grandchil-
amounts of wealth she sees collecting around the center of power as President Trump’s inner circle fills with male billionaires.
“It’s very important to show up and show resistance to a regime that’s about to take
“I’m here for my grandsons,” said Barb, a local retired educator. “I’m hopeful that when my grandson’s generation comes into places where they can affect change in political positions or policy, that it’s going to be a total shift in the other direction. That’s my hope.”
For Bower, what inspires hope is even simpler.
“Love and community.”
Hannah McLeod photo
Tar Heel state had an outsized impact in Republican trifecta
BY CORY VAILLANCOURT
P OLITICS E DITOR
Before he was sworn in on Jan. 20, Donald Trump had a lot to say about the agenda he plans to pursue during his final term as president. A president, however, can only do so much by himself. Fortunately for Trump, his electoral victory also included Republicans taking control of the Senate and maintaining control of the House, giving him a much easier path to making what he’s calling “America’s golden age” a reality. While the credit ultimately goes to the voters, North Carolina’s Republican Party operatives had a lot to do with how the federal government will operate in the coming years.
There weren’t many competitive races on the ballot in Western North Carolina last year, and state legislative races were likewise foregone conclusions long before Election Day, freeing up mountain Republicans to focus on bigger things — governor, council of state, and of course, president.
Trump won North Carolina by 3.7 points in 2016, but only by 1.3 points in 2020, leading many to believe the state was in play. Both Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris made multiple visits to the state along with their respective running mates, Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
Although North Carolina Republicans didn’t get every-
thing they wanted — Democrats broke the Republican supermajority in the General Assembly, retained both the governor’s office and the attorney general’s office while taking the lieutenant governor and superintendent of public instruction positions away from Republicans — they did deliver on one crucial goal, maintaining Trump’s winning streak in the Old North State.
And, as it turns out, Trump didn’t even need to win North Carolina, as he swept every other swing state the campaign needed to win.
But you don’t run a national campaign thinking you can afford to lose any state.
In the end, Trump bested Harris by 3.2 points. The work to produce such a result starts at smallest subdivision of the party apparatus.
Rick Stello has served as the chair of the Haywood County Republican party since last spring, after previous chair Jeff Sellers resigned due to business obligations. A leadership change during the heart of election season is never ideal, but Stello approached the work with enthusiasm, party insiders told The Smoky Mountain News.
“It was a pretty big commitment, but I took it very seriously,” Stello said.
Son of a career Navy officer, Stello spent most of his life in Charleston, South Carolina. He attended the University of Florida on a Marine ROTC scholarship, but a nagging high school football injury derailed any possibility of a military
career. Eventually graduating with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and then a master’s degree in industrial management, Stello worked briefly in finance, then in manufacturing for DuPont and finally in the construction industry.
In Haywood County, Stello said his first goal was to recruit volunteers to make telephone calls, a tried-and-true method of voter outreach. Targeting registered Republicans as well as unaffiliated voters, around 30 or 40 people worked relentlessly not on persuasion but rather on gentle reminders about voting on or before Election Day.
“I think most people have seen enough and read enough, through TV and through the printed media, to know what the issues were at the time and still are and, we just appealed to them to take a few minutes out of their day and get out and vote, really,” Stello said.
Volunteer efforts are crucial on the local level, as most small county parties raise very little money. Stello said the HCGOP raised about $14,000, mostly through merchandising, but individual donors made contributions ranging from $5 to $2,500.
Other volunteers, around 300 of them, attended events and rallies but most importantly filled critical positions at the polls.
“That was a major push for us, to make sure we had all precincts covered on Election Day, to make sure we had the
NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons, seen here at the 2024 State Convention in Greensboro last May, is responsible for nearly every aspect of party operations in North Carolina. Allison Kuhn photo
three early voting sites fully staffed and manned with greeters to hand out our voter guides, which is kind of a thing everybody looks for in Haywood County,” said Stello.
There weren’t any major problems at Haywood County voting sites, but there were a few minor confrontations during which people’s emotions got the best of them, Stello said. The party had a toll-free number to report election irregularities, but Stello said they only used it twice.
“I think all in all, considering the numbers, we had a pretty clean election, a pretty fair election,” he said. The results speak for themselves.
“I think most people have seen enough and read enough, through TV and through the printed media, to know what the issues were at the time and still are and, we just appealed to them to take a few minutes out of their day and get out and vote, really.”
Rick Stello, Haywood County Republican Party Chairman
On the federal level, Trump performed better in Haywood County than he did in the rest of the state. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Henderson) also performed better in Haywood County than he did in the rest of his 11th Congressional District overall.
On the state level, not one Democrat won Haywood County, not even the Democrats who won their statewide races; every single Republican performed better in Haywood County than they did in their final statewide tallies. Republicans also won the early vote for the first time ever, a shocking repudiation of Democrat dominance in that phase of the election.
The North Carolina Republican Party’s next organizational level above the county is the congressional district. There are currently 14 of them, each with a chair responsible for providing guidance, organization and resources to the counties contained therein.
in the 11th District. With only a few weeks until in-person early voting was to begin, some polling locations were damaged or completely destroyed, prompting state and local officials to scramble to ensure access to the polls.
“This was an area that delivered big for Trump in 2016 and 2020 and had to deliver for him in 2024. We didn’t know that the electoral college would go for Trump as strongly as it did. We really believed that without North Carolina, there was no path to victory, and we took on the race that way,” said Woodhouse. “Without Western North Carolina, there was no path to victory, not only for him but also for local races and statewide races.”
Absentee ballots were also an issue, as were voters who had to seek temporary lodging outside the county or state where they resided before the storm.
Haywood County, which saw plenty of damage to bridges, businesses, homes and roads but no disruptions to polling places, actually had slightly higher turnout and slightly more votes cast in 2024 than in 2020.
Buncombe County, the 11th Congressional District’s Democratic stronghold, was hit much harder by Helene than Haywood was, but voter participation there was mixed. In 2020, 153,352 votes were cast in the congressional race, but in 2024, about 2,500 more people voted. Turnout among registered voters, however, dropped from 78.26% in 2020 to 74.68% in 2024.
Like the HCGOP, the NCGOP’s 11th Congressional District operation raises little money; Woodhouse said this cycle, it raised about $8,000 but gave it all away to storm survivors.
After the storm, campaigns from both parties found themselves policing their tone — it was seen as insensitive to ask for money for political causes and some candidates even worried that putting out yard signs would be seen as somewhat callous, after so many people had lost so much.
“Everybody took a pause on that, because they knew that what we needed to do right then was serve the people of our community, and that’s what we did,” said Woodhouse.
“That’s what candidates did, and we’re continuing to do that even after winning.”
Woodhouse said that in the immediate aftermath of Helene, she was on the phone with North Carolina Republican Party Chair Jason Simmons “multiple times each day.”
As chair of the NCGOP, Simmons is responsible for just about everything in the state, party-wise, and interfaces with everyone from the Republican National Committee on down to congressional district chairs like Woodhouse on down to county party chairs like Stello.
“Everything is very interconnected,” Simmons said. “We make sure that we work with our county parties, our district parties, as well as all of our national committees, whether it’s the RNC or its sister committees, with the congressional committee, and this upcoming cycle when you have senate races, the senatorial committee.”
Simmons toured Western North Carolina less than three weeks after Helene hit, mostly just to visit with storm-stricken survivors across the 11th District, but he also had an eye on election infrastructure.
Appointed NCGOP chair right about the same time Stello became HCGOP chair last spring, Simmons replaced previous chair Michael Whatley, who was elevated to the position of RNC chair at the behest of Trump.
Western North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District contains 16 counties. Its chair, Henderson County resident Michele Woodhouse, has one main responsibility — to ensure the district elects a Republican to Congress every two years.
But there’s more to it than that; the fate of congressional candidates often depends on voters showing up for statewide, legislative, judicial and local races, so making sure all counties are working toward common goals is key. Additionally, the heavily Republican 11th District needs to produce as many votes as possible, not just for its member of Congress but also to balance out heavily Democratic votes in major urban centers down east.
“Before we went into the 2024 election, I gave each one of the 16 county chairs their ‘magic number.’ It was basically an exercise in eighth-grade algebra. I took the number that they had in registered Republicans and then it was looking at census data, population changes, registration changes, what we had done county by county for Trump in 2016, what we’d done in 2020, and then gave them their magic number for 2024,” Woodhouse said. “Then Hurricane Helene hit.”
On Sept. 27, 2024, a major gulf storm pummeled the Southeast, making its way to the Great Smoky Mountains by daybreak and causing an estimated $60 billion in damage across the state.
The brunt of the destruction in North Carolina was with-
“I was on the phone multiple times every day with the legal team helping with election law reform that we needed in place, letting them know what was happening in each and every one of the counties. I also spent some time talking with my colleagues that had Watauga County and some counties that are not included in the 11th but were impacted by the hurricane, to let them know what we were doing and why we were doing what we were doing,” Woodhouse said. “The 11th Congressional District was the model for the NCGOP on how nothing can stand in the way of getting people to the polls.”
The General Assembly took action in early October for 13 designated disaster counties — most in the 11th District — expanding absentee ballot access and allowing voters to return their absentee ballots to any county’s board of elections rather than only to their county of residence. In late October, there was more action from the General Assembly, mandating additional early voting locations in Henderson and McDowell counties.
In the end, Helene may have had an impact on the 11th Congressional District, albeit minor. In 2020’s General Election, 450,145 votes were cast in the race between Democrat Moe Davis and Republican Madison Cawthorn. In 2024, the Chuck Edwards/Caleb Rudow race saw 432,523 votes cast. Edwards increased his 2022 margin of victory from 9.3 points to 13.4 points in 2024.
Simmons had formerly served as the executive director of the NCGOP and has a long history of involvement with Trump. He was Trump’s state director during the 2016 campaign and went on to serve as chief of staff at the Office of Personnel Management and also as an associate administrator at the U.S. Small Business Administration during Trumps’ first term.
Unsurprisingly, Simmons’ work closely resembles that of Stello and Woodhouse.
“It’s continuing to make sure that we galvanize and mobilize our volunteers to get out the vote and engage the voters, both at their doors as well as at the polling locations, making sure that we had our volunteers — the poll workers and poll observers — to protect the ballot, making sure that the integrity of the elections was in confidence and making sure that we had a high level of confidence to that end,” said Simmons.
The biggest difference between Simmons’ work and that of Stello and Woodhouse is fundraising.
For the 2023-2024 election cycle, the NCGOP raised $10.6 million. More than $2 million of that came from individual contributors, $517,000 came from political party committees and $8 million came from political action committees. Of that, the NCGOP raised $1.7 million during the fourth quarter of 2024.
The party spent nearly all of it, including F
Rick Stello. Jeffrey Delannoy photo
$5.6 million in operating expenditures, $2.4 million in contributions to candidates and $2.4 million in coordinated party expenditures, with $2.2 million going out the door in the fourth quarter alone.
That money helped secure important victories that had an outsized impact on the national scene.
Over the past decade or so, North Carolina has had so many revisions to its congressional maps, whether courtordered or constitutionally mandated, that it would have been smart to draw them in pencil.
For the 2022 election, court-ordered maps ended up producing a congressional delegation of seven Democrats and seven Republicans after the Republican-dominated General Assembly drew what the court called unconstitutional maps that would have given Republicans 11 of 14 seats.
When Republicans gained a majority
on the state Supreme Court, they drew 2024 maps that favored Republicans and produced a delegation of 10 Republicans and four Democrats in a state Trump won by just over 3 points — or, giving Republicans 71% of congressional seats in what is essentially a 51%-48% state.
Those maps net North Carolina Republicans six congressional seats.
Currently, there are 218 Republicans in the House and 215 Democrats, with two Republican vacancies. Essentially, without the 2024 redraw favoring North Carolina’s Republicans, the Democrats would control the House and prove a major stumbling block for Trump.
Gerrymandering, however, is in the eye of the beholder.
“As we continue to see when you have legislatively and constitutionally drawn maps, Republicans can have a great advantage in North Carolina,” Simmons said.
Federally, the 2024 General Election victories bought North Carolina Republicans exactly two years — two years in which their control of the presidency, the House and the Senate will go unchallenged until Democrats again make a run at the Senate and the House in 2026.
belt, I know a little more on what to expect and what I should expect to do as a leader,” he said. “I’m keenly aware that, unfortunately, everything in this world revolves around funding, so we want to start our funding projects earlier and make them bigger. The other side of that coin is we need
“There’s a lot of enthusiasm on making sure that we lock in the Trump tax cuts, reduce energy costs, reduce inflation and tap into America’s greatest opportunities. Over these next two years, if you’re giving people real, tangible evidence that America’s future is better than it was, they’re going to respond.”
Jason Simmons, North Carolina Republican Party Chair
Woodhouse thinks they have far less than that.
“I think we don’t have two years. I would argue we have six months,” she said.
Typically, the president’s party loses House and Senate seats in mid-term elections. Now, after huge wins in 2024, it’s the NCGOP’s job to ensure that doesn’t happen.
“How do we prevent that from happening? We prevent that from happening by implementing good, immediate policies that let people know we’ve made their community safer,” said Woodhouse.
Stello’s goal is to “raise the bar a notch” in terms of organization and volunteerism while raising more money.
“Now that I’ve got an election under my
to get the people of Haywood County behind us a little bit more on a month-tomonth basis, and maybe try to help them understand that we can’t fall back into complacency just because we won the big election.”
Simmons, with the responsibility for an important state squarely on his shoulders, is focused on policy as well as pragmatism.
“There’s a lot of enthusiasm on making sure that we lock in the Trump tax cuts, reduce energy costs, reduce inflation and tap into America’s greatest opportunities,” he said. “Over these next two years, if you’re giving people real, tangible evidence that America’s future is better than it was, they’re going to respond.”
Michele Woodhouse, NCGOP 11th District chair, plays an integral role in coordinating county party activities. Jeffrey Delannoy photo
America’s golden age, or Gilded Age?
Did anyone else watch the inauguration? I mean, I’m sure it was the biggest, best and most-watched inauguration in the history of America, right? My eyes and ears were glued to my computer screen. It was unbelievable, more like a campaign rally speech where promises one knows they can never keep are bandied about like leaves falling from a tree. So many promises I just can’t decide which I’m most excited about.
Most people promise the moon, but Trump wants to give us Mars instead, or at least he wants to “plant the Stars and Stripes” on the red planet. And did you see his billionaire bro Elon Musk’s reaction? The man who is supposed to save us billions as a government cost-cutter fist pumped at the Mars declaration, knowing that his Space X company will make many billions to get us there. The irony is too rich to make up.
And once we plant that flag, Musk gets to add another superlative to his name: not just the richest man on planet earth, but now the richest man on two planets. He’s already proclaimed he wants to die on Mars, so perhaps this is all des-
tiny. God love him. Apparently, God does indeed love Trump, if he says so himself. “I was saved by God to make America great again,” he crowed, referencing the failed assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. Divine intervention, no less, is what gave us this presidency. I mean, this is a holy Christian man now painting himself as a Messiah, right? No wonder he forgot to put his hand on the bibles his wife Melania was holding during the swearing in. That’s just a formality if you’re The Chosen One.
I’m a bit of a geography nerd. I love maps and place names and such, but remembering that the new name of the Gulf of Mexico is now the Gulf of America is gonna take some getting used to. Trump signed the order Monday. Mexico’s president, with tongue securely in cheek, has promised to rename the U.S. “America Mexicana,” saying it sounds
“pretty” and that it was called just that in one of her country’s founding documents. Seeing as she’s a woman, it likely won’t take long for Trump to come up with some sexist and derogatory comment or name for her. I mean, that’s what he does to women who are smart, strong and don’t bow down to him.
Trump’s also changing Denali, the native name Alaskans traditionally used, back to Mt. McKinley (named for the 25th president who was assassinated in 1901). That might piss off a lot of Alaskans, but hey, they’ll get over it. There aren’t really that many Alaskans anyway.
And finally, we get the declaration that “The golden age of America begins right now.” This is vintage Trump, anointed by God, trashing all the presidents sitting on one side behind him while the tech billionaires on the other side are laughing and jostling about, all of them getting better seats for the event than the incoming Cabinet leaders.
Is that a golden age, or a repeat of the Gilded Age? Only time will tell, but I’m betting on the latter.
(Scott McLeod can be reached at info@smokymountainnews.com.)
Online boundaries might save our souls
During the early 2000s when I was first teaching middle school, I heard my mentor say to one of our students, “Garbage in, garbage out.” At the time, it was simply a passing comment because the teen was listening to music with foul language, but it stuck with me and often floats through my mind as I consume content or guide my children in their consumption of content. Back then, the comment referred to music, movies, and video games. Very few, if any, middle school students during those years had a phone, and smartphones did not yet exist.
When we take in “garbage” (hateful comments, explicit language, degrading words, disrespectful attitudes, etc.) we put “garbage” out into the world. The brain can’t help but be molded by what we consume and therefore act accordingly.
This brings me to a much-needed, timely boundary that I’ve been inadvertently creating over the past several years and plan to maintain with intention going forward. In this context, a boundary is defined as a limit we create for ourselves and apply through specific actions or clear communications. The boundaries in our lives help us feel safe and confident. They also help other people in our lives (friends, family, colleagues) understand us better which ultimately creates deeper, more meaningful relationships.
This column doesn’t provide space for indepth explanations or explorations on the comprehensive topic of boundaries, so today I want to focus on boundaries related to social media and content consumption. This is a very unique and challenging type of boundary because the creators and managers of Meta, TikTok, YouTube, Amazon and other platforms know exactly how to tap, tap, tap our
brain’s dopamine button. These companies spend millions of dollars learning how to create smartphone addicts with the all-mighty dollar as the end goal.
Holding firm boundaries or applying total abstinence from social media, online consumption or “buy-now” platforms, are radical acts of self-love and healthy rebellion. Instead, consider activities that prompt slow-release dopamine such as reading a book, journaling, going for a walk, exercising, drawing, listening to music, baking, gardening, completing a puzzle, getting lost in a conversation, playing a board game, doing a DIY project or cooking a meal.
In 2009 when my first son was born, Facebook had been around for several years and until then, I’d been avoiding it, viewing the concept as nonsensical, but when friends and family across the country wanted to see pictures of my newborn son, I created an account and very quickly got sucked in to the hoopla of social media.
A couple years later, I wanted to initiate my writing career. Without a formal degree in journalism or bylines from print publications, I decided to create a blog and use that as a resume when pitching to write for newspapers and magazines. Blogging during those early years was very organic and enjoyable. Readers subscribed to blogs and became a committed reader as opposed to today’s world where people wait for links to be shared on social media or stumble upon a blog post via
Google searches. But over time, blogging and social media became intimately intertwined so I was on social media more than ever, until I stopped blogging all together a number of years ago.
Meta and similar companies are especially savvy at brainwashing and manipulating young, malleable minds. Modern parents have to be extraordinarily vigilant and perceptive to help combat this. Family phone plans allow parents to put restrictions and time limits on apps, messaging and other types of usage as well as age limit restrictions and rat-
I realize every generation has their own zeitgeist to navigate. While I feel today’s youth are much better than previous generations in terms of creating boundaries related to their beliefs, sexuality, physical space, and emotional needs, they aren’t excellent at creating boundaries around social media usage and online consumption. And in fact, most adults aren’t either.
Remember, “garbage in, garbage out.” What we take in, we put out. Let’s get off the devices. Let’s resist political brainwashing. Let’s rebel against those who think they’re smarter and more powerful than everyday folk. Read books and newspapers. Sit in the quiet. Let your inner voice speak to you. Get outside. Listen to the birds. Plant some seeds. Be bored. Play a game with your family. Learn a card trick. Paint a dresser. Clean out a drawer. Write a thank you card. Plan a trip. Bake homemade cookies.
ings on Google searches, streaming channels and other media, but still, it takes concerted effort to help kids understand the dangers of the online world and help them see the joys of life unrelated to their phones. My mom used to get annoyed if my sister and I spent too much time watching movies but now, I’m thrilled when my kids watch movies instead of stare at their phones.
Recently I viewed a recording of Prince giving a speech in 1999. He must’ve known what was coming and I think we would all do well to heed his advice. He said, “Don’t be fooled by the internet. It’s cool to get on the computer, but don’t let the computer get on you. It’s cool to use the computer, but don’t let the computer use you. You all saw ‘The Matrix.’ There is a war going on. The battlefield is in the mind and the prize is the soul, so be careful.”
(Susann Shetley is a writer, editor and digital media specialist who lives in Waynesville. susanna.b@smokymountainnews.com.)
Susanna Shetley
Editor Scott McLeod
Coming home
Following his departure from Balsam Range, Buddy Melton looks ahead
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD ARTS & E NTERTAINMENT E DITOR
At age 55, Buddy Melton decided to make a major change in his life, which resulted in his recent departure from Haywood County bluegrass juggernaut Balsam Range.
“It feels weird. It’s been something I’ve put a lot of effort into. And I didn’t think I’d necessarily be the one [to leave],” Melton said. “I thought I might be the last one standing. But, life changes, things happen as you go along and you refocus.”
Since its inception in 2007, Balsam Range has become one of the most popular and decorated acts in modern bluegrass music, including the following International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) honors: “Entertainer of the Year” (2014, 2018), “Album of the Year” (2013, 2017), “Song of the Year” (2011, 2015) and “Vocal Group of the Year” (2014, 2015), with Melton also named “Male Vocalist of the Year” (2014, 2018).
And though Melton and his former bandmates are parting on friendly terms, he felt deep within himself that it was time to step aside. Beyond an unrelenting touring schedule for the better part of two decades, Melton also runs a 250-acre farm and is a full-time engineer for a private regional firm.
“I don’t make changes quickly and I’m trying to decide what’s best for me moving forward. Eighteen years is a long time for anything, particularly in the music business. I’m so very proud of that. It’s emotional,” Melton said. “Like anything you leave behind, you spend some time questioning the decision. Then, you look forward and you start diving into other opportunities, start thinking, opening your mind to other possibilities and what you want to do with your time. And that’s exciting.”
In an exclusive interview with The Smoky Mountain News, Melton reflects on his tenure with a powerhouse band that was formed by happenstance during a casual pickin’-n-grinnin’ session in a small Canton kitchen and what role music will now play in his life, onstage and off.
Smoky Mountain News: Obviously people change, bands change and life continues on. But, why did you feel this was the time to bow out?
Buddy Melton: I’ve been talking with the guys about this for a while. For years and years, I’ve had a full-time job and Balsam Range turned into basically a full-time music career. We were out every weekend, constantly touring, playing all the major festivals. We were doing it hard, working it hard and did
“I don’t make changes quickly and I’m trying to decide what’s best for me moving forward. Eighteen years is a long time for anything, particularly in the music business.”
that for a long, long time. And you just keep going with it.
Then, when COVID hit, we were off the road for over a year and a half with no live shows. We stayed active, recording and doing some virtual things, but it changed the lifestyle for the first time ever. I was home and able to do other things and slowed down the pace of life. When we started back, it just never did feel the same, honestly. You [again] start missing the opportunities to do other things with family and friends. So, you start questioning yourself, “Why are you burning the candle at both ends?”
[During COVID], I was doing a lot more recording, and I loved being home recording, just being more artistic and the time to be more creative. When you’re on the road, it’s not always creative — it turns into just a hassle. I still love playing live and always will.
SMN: And questioning also, “Is the sacrifice worth it?”
BM: Yeah. And I wouldn’t change anything at that level [of performing]. To be great at it and to really get the maximum, you have to sacrifice something. No matter what the career path is, you’re sacrificing something else. And everybody sacrifices. Not just the guys in the van traveling to the show, the family sacrifice, the kids sacrifice time. There’s always sacrifices to be made on both sides of the family equation.
But, I wouldn’t change it. I mean, without those sacrifices, without that hard work, we would’ve never achieved what we achieved. And I’m so proud of that. We’ve had such a major impact on people’s life through the music and positive songs, getting to play shows I never thought I’d ever play. And so, what else is there to do? There’s always something else to do, but I just feel like we’ve achieved a lot. And there was a lot of sacrifice to make that happen. I don’t regret it. But, there comes a time when you have to start realizing that to do other things, you’re
going to have to sacrifice being a part of the band — you just can’t do everything.
SMN: What role will music play in your life now? I would surmise you’re probably getting some phone calls now from other musicians to play here and there.
BM: I’ve gotten quite a bit [of phone calls] for both live and recording music over the last few weeks. Music has always been a part of who I am and always will be. [Singer-songwriter] Milan Miller and I have [Melton & Miller]. We’ve been doing our own music going back over 30 years. I have been collaborating. Creating music will never change. We’ve got a bunch of projects in the works for other people and ourselves.
The whole commitment level to this decision is staying true to yourself. It’s about balance. This lifestyle change is to be able to do other things and I need to protect that. I’ll probably [play a handful of] really great events through the year, then the rest of the time stay home, create music, go fishing, hiking and camping — things that I have not always been able to do.
SMN: When you think about that journey of 18 years with Balsam Range, what’s been your biggest takeaway of that chapter of your life?
BM: It’s crazy to think back on. And [the
band] wasn’t intended. Like a lot of things, the best things happen when you least expect it, when you’re not looking for it. And the next thing you know, you realize that you got to be part of something incredible and special that I guess supposed to happen.
And I can’t put it into words how special it feels to look back on that and know that we represented Haywood County. We were all from Haywood County and we took our heritage around the world. We were so proud and our music had that regional vibe about it. And every year, it’s kept growing.
But, most importantly, [it’s] the impact that we’ve had on people’s lives. Music is such a powerful thing, that it reaches people in ways that spoken word can’t always get to them. A song can touch the heart a lot quicker. So many people have reached out about how our music got them through some difficult times and it meant so much to them — that’s probably the most meaningful thing for me.
To know that I had some positive impact with the gifts that I was given and using your talents. We all have talents and they’re all different. When you’re using them properly, it feels like you’re doing things for the right reason when you’re using your talents for the positive of other people — that’s what I’m most proud of.
Buddy Melton is a renowned singer and musician. Jeff Smith Photography photo
This must be the place
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD
‘The voices calling me, they get lost and out of time’
It’s Friday. Late morning. And I’ve just completed my fourth online therapy session in four weeks. Another hour of purging my heart and soul of what bothers the former and latter. Another moment and interaction to think about what I was just asked about.
“Well, what do you want your 40s to look like?” That was the question posed to me by my therapist. It was an interesting query, especially as I was sitting at a small desk in Room 380 of the Hotel Roanoke in downtown Roanoke, Virginia. Overlooking Interstate 581, all while the early Friday hustle and bustle moves about.
I started therapy as a sort of Christmas present to myself. Finding myself alone on Dec. 25, I decided it was time to talk to someone about where my head is at these days. As stated in my previous column, I’m not doing well. I’m doing better than I was last week, but it’s still an ongoing process to find balance in my life, emotions, thoughts and actions, personally and professionally.
Try and aim to slow the train that is my daily existence down a tad, at least enough to see what’s around me. Find more time to disappear into the woods. Find more time to simply get more sleep and wake up more casually and naturally, rather than jumping out of bed when the loud alarm sounds, hastily brushing my teeth and combing my hair, only to bolt out the door to an assignment somewhere, anywhere.
An endless stream of vehicles gliding across my field-of-vision on the highway outside this third-floor window. Everybody from the west heading east and vice versa. Where to? And why? Foot pushing down on the accelerator. Stereo cranked loud enough to drown out your thoughts. Eyes focused on keeping this moving hunk of metal between the lines and somewhat under the speed limit.
I keep thinking about how well therapy has been going. Oh, and if you’re looking for a sign to maybe try your hand at it yourself? Well, this is it. Do it. Do it now. It’s not an end-all-be-all to your queries and qualms, but it is another tool to add to your skillset in properly navigating the often-choppy waters that is life itself.
Thus, amid the whirlwind rollercoaster of people, places, and things as of late that has my heart and soul stuck in the thick mud, I once again logged into my therapy session and soon a face appeared on the screen. She greeted me warmly, asked how my past week has been going, and what’s on my mind at this current juncture.
I told her, honestly and openly, that my mindset has been in a slightly better mood since the last session. But, my anxiety has been higher than normal, where I’ve usually been able to keep my deep existential thoughts at bay. But, with everything that’s happened this fall and winter, and with my 40th birthday
looming in the near distance, those thoughts are rattling around in my brain.
“Well, instead of thinking about the dread of turning 40, why don’t you think about what you want the next decade of your life to look like? This is a new chapter for you, an opportunity for personal growth, and to find out what it is you want in your life,” she said, my mind immediately drifting into that ideal
fantasy of my adult life.
I see a small cabin somewhere in the woods. Not too far from Waynesville as to be close to amenities and live music, but also far enough away from town where I’ll never hear Russ Avenue construction again, let alone the chaos of a community in motion in real time.
The cabin will hold shelves of my books. Ideally, there’d be a fireplace with a stack of wood next to it. Another corner would house all my vinyl records and that pristine new record player that someday I’ll get around to being able to afford and finally purchase. A simple, comfortable bed equipped with those pillows you find at fancy hotels (like this one), but never seem to find at the store.
I see a mid-century modern desk in front of a big window, which faces out onto a backyard with old trees in view, all of which lending itself to the serene space where I’m able to sit, type and immerse myself in the act of the written word.
Oh, and a great coffeemaker to boot, one where by the second cup-o-joe, I’m already headlong into whatever column on whatever week it happens to be, rambling about whatever it is I’m wanting to share with you fine readers.
I see a black lab (my favorite kind of dog) laying out somewhere on the floor next to the fireplace, always raising his/her head each time I get up to refill my coffee or throw another log onto the fire, eager for the moment that I’m finally done writing and ready to throw on my running gear and head out the door into Mother Nature.
HOT
PICKS
1
A special stage production of “An Iliad” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24-25, 31, Feb. 1 and 2 p.m. Jan. 26 and Feb. 2 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
2
Americana/folk act Jon Shain & Piedmont Blues will hit the stage at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center in Franklin.
3
A special stage production of “Light Chasers with Cloud Cult” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, in the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.
4
Rising singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Alma Russ will hit the stage at 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at The Scotsman Public House in Waynesville.
5
Sydney Kale will share her new book, “The Love Language of Plants: Stories of Becoming Written by a Human and Her Plants,” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.
But, most of all, I see a better version of myself. Beyond the physical aesthetics of this imagined life somewhere down the road, it’s more so about where my mind is at and what it is I have carefully and meticulously created within my being to always retain compassion and kindness for others. And also, at the same time, remember that what matters most isn’t what happened in your life, but how you reacted. That’s the key to anything: reaction. It’s funny, you know? Everything I’ve imagined and described in these words, sentences and paragraphs is what I’d always hoped my life would be, even when I was daydreaming as a teenager way up on the Canadian Border of the Upstate New York of my youth. It’s the same image that’s been a constant for decades in the back of my thoughts.
That, and all of the other things I dreamt of that would encompass my adult life that have been acquired over the years, that are intact and steadfast: wandering this earth in search of the story, typing wildly about whatever surreal experience I’d just returned from, a lifelong career that’s as fulfilling as it is ongoing, a group of dear friends who are faces I’m “supposed to know in this universe,” a physical body (mine) that’s still able to hike mountains with joyous curiosity, and so forth.
Most of what I imagined my life would be at age 40 is currently way beyond any of my dreams. But, these remaining pieces yet to be cultivated will come in due time. I continue to manifest that future. And, as I do so, I also hope that I’m able to find that balance in another human, someone whose natural magic and intrinsic beauty is seamless in their approach and execution of a life well-lived. Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.
The Texas Tavern is a Roanoke staple.
Garret K. Woodward photo
On the
• American Legion Post 47 (Waynesville) will host an “Open Mic” 3 p.m. every Tuesday. Free and open to the public. 828.456.8691.
• Angry Elk Brewing (Whittier) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. All shows are free and open to the public. 828.497.1015 / facebook.com/angryelkbrewingco.
• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host an open mic from 8-10 p.m. every Thursday. Free and open to the public. 828.631.1987 / balsamfallsbrewing.com.
• Balsam Mountain Inn (Balsam) will host an “Open Jam” 6 p.m. every Tuesday and semiregular live music on the weekends. 828.283.0145 / thebalsammountaininn.com.
• Bevel Bar (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.246.0996 / bevelbar.com.
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host Paul Koptak (singer-songwriter) Feb. 8. All shows begin at 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9320 / blueridgebeerhub.com.
• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host Dan Clare Duo Jan. 25 and We Have Ignition Feb. 1. All shows are located in The Gem downstairs taproom and begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.0350 / boojumbrewing.com.
• Breadheads Tiki Shak (Sylva) will host “Tiki Trivia” at 7 p.m. every first Thursday of the month and semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.307.2160 / breadheadstikishak.com.
• Bryson City Brewing (Bryson City) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0085 / brysoncitybrewing.com.
• Cataloochee Ranch (Maggie Valley) will host Marc & Anita Pruett (Americana/bluegrass) 5 p.m. Feb. 2. For tickets and reservations, go to cataloocheeranch.com/ranch-events/livemusic.
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host Jon Shain & Piedmont Blues 2 p.m. Jan. 26 ($15 for adults, $7.50 for ages 6-16). 828.369.4080 / coweeschool.org/music.
• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host “Team Trivia” Mondays and Scott Stambaugh (singersongwriter) Jan. 25. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.634.0078 / curraheebrew.com.
• Farm At Old Edwards (Highlands) will host the “Fireside at The Farm” sessions on select weekends. All shows begin at 6 p.m. 866.526.8008 / oldedwardshospitality.com/orchardsessions.
• Folkmoot Friendship Center (Waynesville)
Cowee School gets the blues
Americana/folk act Jon Shain & Piedmont Blues will hit the stage at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center in Franklin.
Hailing from Durham, Shain is a veteran singer-songwriter who’s been turning heads for years with his words, his fiery acoustic guitar work and his evolved musical style — combining improvised piedmont blues with bluegrass, swing and ragtime.
Admission is $15 for adults, $7.50 for ages 6-16. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, call 828.369.4080 or go to coweeschool.org/music.
Americana, folk at Scotsman
Rising singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Alma Russ will hit the stage at 8 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 23, at The Scotsman Public House in Waynesville.
Based out of Western North Carolina and with her unique brand of “patchwork music” (country, folk and Appalachian styles pieced together), Russ enjoys playing guitar, banjo and fiddle.
Russ was also a contestant on “American Idol” Season 16. Her most recent album, “Fool’s Gold,” was recorded in an abandoned church in the West Texas desert while Russ was on a national tour.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information on Russ, visit almarussofficial.com.
828.246.6292 or scotsmanpublic.com.
will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.452.2997 / folkmoot.org.
• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host “Jazz On The Level” 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Adrienne Blanks & The Oracles Jan. 24, Frances Eliza (singer-songwriter) Jan. 25, David Cheatham (singer-songwriter) 3 p.m. Jan. 26 and The Jugs Jan. 31. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 / froglevelbrewing.com.
• Frog Quarters (Franklin) will host live music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays
• High Dive (Highlands) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.526.2200 / highlandsdive.com.
• Highlander Mountain House (Highlands) will host “Blues & Brews” 6-9 p.m. every Thursday ($5 cover), “Bluegrass Brunch” 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every Sunday (free) and the “Salon Series” on select dates. 828.526.2590 / highlandermountainhouse.com.
• Highlands Performing Arts Center will host “Warm Up With Cabin Fever” featuring Zack Couron & Matt Walden w/Josh Grove (acoustic/ folk) 6:30 p.m. Feb. 8 (admission is $15). 828.526.9047 / highlandsperformingarts.com.
• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host “Monday Night Trivia” every week, “Open Mic w/Phil” on Wednesdays, Karaoke 8 p.m. Jan. 10 and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows and events begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.586.9678/ innovation-brewing.com.
• Innovation Station (Dillsboro) will host “Music Bingo” on Wednesdays and Shane Meade (indie/folk) Jan. 25. All events begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.226.0262 / innovation-brewing.com.
• Junction Pub (Sylva) will host “Open Jam” on Sundays, “Marg Monday Karaoke” on Mondays, “Trivia” on Tuesdays, “Open Mic” on Thursdays, Plant Jan. 24, Nate Coffey Jan. 25, Bughouse w/Socially Constricted Jan. 31 and ONYX Feb. 1. All events are free and begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.370.2090 / facebook.com/jctpub.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host The Log Noggins (rock/jam) Jan. 25 and Sam Underwood (singer-songwriter) Feb. 1. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 / lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host “Music Bingo” 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Jay Dee (country/ rock) Jan. 24 and Sam Underwood (singersongwriter) Jan. 31. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. 828.349.2337 / lazyhikerbrewing.com.
w/Bloodroot Jan. 25. Free and open to the public. Located at 573 East Main Street. 828.369.8488 / littletennessee.org.
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host Alice Cooper (classic rock) 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1. For tickets, go to caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.
• Haywood Arts Regional Theatre (Waynesville) will host “Cool Jazz: Featuring Alfredo Rodriguez” 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, go to harttheatre.org/cool-jazz.
• Legends Sports Bar & Grill (Maggie Valley) will host an “Open Mic Night” 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday, Karaoke Thursdays (6 p.m.) and Saturdays (7 p.m.), with live music each Friday (8 p.m.). Free and open to the public. 828.944.0403 / facebook.com/legendssportsgrillmaggievalley.
• Listening Room (Franklin) will host Chuck Brodsky (singer-songwriter) 2:30 p.m. Feb. 2. Suggested donation $20. Located at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
• Macon County Public Library (Franklin) will host The Vagabonds (Americana) at 2 p.m. the first and third Monday and a “Song Circle” open jam from 3-6 p.m. the first
Jon Shain and FJ Ventre will play Franklin Jan. 26. File photo
Alma Russ will play Waynesville Jan. 23. File photo
‘Light Chasers with Cloud Cult’
A special stage production of “Light Chasers with Cloud Cult” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, in the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.
We’re born. We grow together. We triumph. We lose. We fall apart. We mourn. We resolve. And then we depart. This is our collective journey, but is there more?
This singularly unique production tells the story of one couple’s life together, from childhood to marriage, sorrow
Interested in theatre?
Haywood Arts Regional Theatre (HART) in Waynesville has announced the launch of its “Spring Semester Theatre Classes,” which will run Jan. 27 through April 4.
HART recently celebrated its 40th anniversary.
and reconciliation — and ultimately to departure — through the beloved art rock band Cloud Cult’s 2010 concept album, “Light Chasers,” performed live by the band during the performance.
Told through dance, movement, lights, music and imagery, this beautiful and affirming piece finds joy in loss. Produced with permission and in partnership with Cloud Cult.
For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit arts.wcu.edu/light-chasers or arts.wcu.edu/tickets.
The workshops offered provide a diverse lineup of classes for students of all ages and skill levels. Hosted by the Academy at HART, these engaging courses are designed to inspire creativity, build confidence, and equip participants with essential performance skills.
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host legendary comedian Ron White at 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31. For tickets, visit caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.
• Haywood Arts Regional Theatre (Waynesville) will host semiregular stage productions on the weekends. harttheatre.org / 828.456.6322.
• Highlands Performing Arts Center (Highlands) will host
HART presents ‘An Iliad’
From young children discovering the magic of theatre to adults honing their craft, there’s something for everyone. To note, scholarships and pay-bymonth options are also available through HART.
HART is a cornerstone of the local arts community, offering exceptional educational opportunities, community engagement and high-caliber productions. Through its education program, HART remains committed to fostering artistic growth, making the arts accessible and inspiring individuals of all ages.
For more information and/or to register, visit harttheatre.org or call 828.456.6322.
semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. mountaintheatre.com / 828.526.9047.
• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. smokymountainarts.com / 866.273.4615.
• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host semiregular stage productions on the weekends. thepeacocknc.org / 828.389.ARTS.
A special stage production of “An Iliad” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24-25, 31, Feb. 1 and 2 p.m. Jan. 26 and Feb. 2 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
A modern retelling of Homer’s epic of the Trojan War, “An Iliad” features Quinn Terry in the demanding and compelling role of The Poet, a timeless storyteller who weaves together ancient battles and contemporary insights.
The production also showcases original music composed and performed live by Aaron Ybarra, accompanied by five Muses to help bring this epic tale to life. These Muses — played by Naimah Coleman, James McColl, Gina Purri, Jered Shults, and Michelle Troszak — transform into key figures from the Trojan War, heightening the immersive and dynamic nature of the performance.
“This production celebrates the incredible artform of storytelling by breathing new life into one of the greatest epics ever written,” said HART Artistic Director Candice Dickinson. “It’s a visceral, thought-provoking experience that invites audiences to engage with the raw emotions and timeless themes of The Iliad in a uniquely modern way.”
For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit harttheatre.org or call the box office at 828.456.6322.
‘Iliad’ will be at HART on select dates. Donated photo
‘Light Chasers with Cloud Cult’ will be in Cullowhee Jan. 24. Donated photo
File photo
On the beat
Tuesday each month. Free and open to the public. 828.524.3600 or fontanalib.org.
• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host “Open Mic Night” w/Frank Lee every Thursday, Mountain Gypsy (Americana) Jan. 24, Ron Neill (singer-songwriter) Jan. 25 and Frank Lee (Americana/old-time) Jan. 31. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 / mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.
• Old Edwards Inn (Highlands) will host live music in the Hummingbird Lounge at 5:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. Free and open to the public. 866.526.8008 / oldedwardshospitality.com.
• Otto Community Center (Otto) will host James Thompson (Americana) 4 p.m. Feb. 3. Bring a beverage and snack of your choice. Free and open to the public. 770.335.0967 / go2ottonc.com.
• Pinnacle Relief CBD Wellness Lounge (Sylva) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.508.3018 / facebook.com/pinnaclerelief.
• Quirky Birds Treehouse & Bistro (Dillsboro) will host Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.586.1717 / facebook.com/quirkybirdstreehouse.
• Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host Karaoke 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Trivia Night 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Open Mic w/Dirty Dave 6:30 p.m. Jan. 24, Jamie Rasso (singer-song-
On the table
writer) Jan. 25 and Michael Kitchens (singersongwriter) Jan. 31. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.369.6796 / facebook.com/rathskellercoffeebarandpub.
• Salty Dog’s Seafood & Grill (Maggie Valley) will host “Karaoke w/Russell” every Monday and semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.926.9105 / facebook.com/saltydogs2005.
• Scotsman (Waynesville) will host Alma Russ (Americana/indie) Jan. 23, Second Chance Jan. 24, Celtic Road Jam 4 p.m. Jan. 25 and J.R. Williams (singer-songwriter) Jan. 30. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.6292 / scotsmanpublic.com.
• Stecoah Valley Center (Robbinsville) will host a Community Jam 5:30-7:30 p.m. every third Thursday of the month and semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.479.3364 / stecoahvalleycenter.com.
• Stubborn Bull (Highlands) will host semi-regular “Live Music Mondays” with local/regional singer-songwriters. All shows begin at 5:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.200.0813 / the-stubborn-bull.com.
• Trailborn (Highlands) will host its “Carolina Concert Series” w/Remedy 58 (Americana) Jan. 23 and Juan (R&B/soul) Jan. 30. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.482.1581 or trailborn.com/highlands.
• Twisted Spoke Food & Tap (Maggie Valley)
Ready to celebrate Robert Burns?
The annual “Burns Night Supper” will be held from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at The Scotsman Public House in Waynesville.
Scots all over the world celebrate the birth of Robert Burns, national poet of Scotland, largely noted for saving the old melodies by adding new words to well-known tunes. Burns was beloved by common folk for writing his poetry in Old Scots language that everyday people used. The evening will consist of a five-course dinner, whiskey, craft ales, poetry and bagpipes. Tickets are $70 per person.
For more information, call 828.246.6292 or go to scotsmanpublic.com.
will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.926.1730 / facebook.com/twistedspokerestaurant.
• Ugly Dog Pub (Cashiers) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.743.3000 / theuglydogpub.com.
• Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host “Bluegrass Wednesday” at 6 p.m. each week and semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.526.8364 / theuglydogpub.com.
• Unplugged Pub (Bryson City) will host Karaoke w/Lori (free) Jan. 23, Rich Manz Trio (acoustic/oldies) Jan. 24, Macon County Line Jan. 25, TNT Jan. 30 and Blackwater Station Feb. 1. All shows are $5 at the door unless otherwise noted and begin at 8 p.m. 828.538.2488 / unpluggedpub.com.
• Valley Cigar & Wine Co. (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.944.0686 / valleycigarandwineco.com.
• Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 9:30 p.m. 828.456.4750 / facebook.com/waternhole.bar.
• Yonder Community Market (Franklin) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. Donations encouraged. Family friendly, dog friendly. 828.200.2169 / eatrealfoodinc.com.
• Find more at smokymountainnews.com/arts
Robert Burns was a Scottish literary hero.
• Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will have its wine bar open 4-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 828.452.6000 / classicwineseller.com.
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host semi-regular tap-takeovers from local and regional breweries on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9320 / blueridgebeerhub.com.
• “Flights & Bites” will be held starting at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. waynesvillewine.com.
• “Take A Flight” with four new wines every Friday and Saturdays at the Bryson City Wine Market. Select from a gourmet selection of charcuterie to enjoy with your wines. Educational classes and other events are also available. 828.538.0420.
• “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on select dates at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first class car. Wine pairings with a meal, and more. There will also be a special “Beer Train” on select dates. 800.872.4681 / gsmr.com.
On the wall WCU faculty art showcase
Outside of the classroom, faculty members in the School of Art & Design are active artists and scholars that make significant contributions to the arts. The exhibition provides students and the community with an opportunity to view recent works created by distinguished faculty members whose primary research output is studio-based.
A special reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, at the BAC. This event will include a gallery talk, along with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Free parking is available. The reception is free and open to the public.
The museum’s hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and until 7 p.m. on Thursday.
For more information, visit wcu.edu/bardo-arts-center.
HCAC distributes over $13,000 to artists affected by Helene
The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) has announced that over $13,000 in relief funds have been subgranted to 20 local artists impacted by the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene.
These grants provide critical support to help artists rebuild, recover and move forward from their losses.
“As an artist myself who lost pieces in the floodwaters, I understand the heartbreak and uncertainty that come with such a loss,” said HCAC Executive Director Tonya Harwood. “This initiative was born out of a desire to help our creative community, and the response was truly heartwarming.”
Donations poured in from across the country, amplifying the impact of the fund. Additionally, ticket holders for the canceled Smoky Mountains Bluegrass Festival, originally scheduled for Oct. 12, were given the option to donate their ticket funds to the relief effort. Many chose to contribute, underscoring the incredible generosity of this community.
“Haywood County may be small, but our hearts are big. We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this possible,” Harwood said.
The HCAC remains committed to supporting local artists in their endeavors to create and thrive, even in the face of adversity.
For more information on the HCAC and its programs, visit haywoodarts.org.
ALSO:
• WNC Paint Events will host painting sessions at Panacea Coffee in Waynesville (Jan. 29) and Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville (Jan. 30). For more information and/or to sign up, go to wncpaint.events.
• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host “ArtWorks” at 1 p.m. every second Thursday of the month. Come create your own masterpiece. The materials for art works are supplied and participants are welcome to bring ideas and supplies to share with each other. Free and open to the public. 828.488.3030 / vroberson@fontanalib.org.
• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host an adult arts and crafts program at 1 p.m. every second Thursday of the month. Ages 16 and up. Space is limited to 10 participants. Free and open to the public. 828.488.3030 / vroberson@fontanalib.org.
• CRE828 (Waynesville) will offer a selection of art classes and workshops at its studio located at 1283 Asheville Road. Workshops will include art journaling, watercoloring, mixed media, acrylic painting and more. For a full list of classes, go to cre828.com. dawn@cre828.com / 828.283.0523.
• Gallery Zella (Bryson City) will be hosting an array of artist receptions, exhibits and showcases. galleryzella.com / 517.881.0959.
• Waynesville Photography Club meets at 7 p.m. every third Monday each month on the second floor of the Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center in Clyde. The club is a nonprofit organization that exists for the enjoyment of photography and the improvement of one’s skills. They welcome photographers of all skill levels to share ideas and images at the monthly meetings. waynesvillephotoclub@charter.net.
• Haywood County Arts Council (Waynesville) will offer a wide range of classes, events and activities for artisans, locals and visitors. haywoodarts.org.
• Jackson County Green Energy Park (Dillsboro) will be offering a slew of classes, events and activities for artisans, locals and visitors. jcgep.org.
• Southwestern Community College Swain Arts Center (Bryson City) will host an array of workshops for adults and kids. southwesterncc.edu/scc-locations/swain-center.
• Dogwood Crafters in Dillsboro will offer a selection of upcoming art classes and workshops. dogwoodcrafters.com/classes / 828.586.2248.
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host semi-regular arts and crafts workshops. coweeschool.org/events.
Featuring works from faculty artisans at Western Carolina University, the 2025 School of Art & Design Faculty Biennial Exhibition will be displayed Jan. 21 through May 2 in the Bardo Arts Center in Cullowhee.
“Desert Gems” is a work by Nathan Ellis Perry. File photo
Hurricane Helene decimated WNC. Cory Vaillancourt photo
‘Stories of the Saraha’ paints a vivid picture
Early in the 1970s, while living and working in Spain, Chen Maoping read a story in “National Geographic” about the Sahara Desert, and it captured her imagination. She became determined to live there. Not just visit, but live. Her boyfriend at the time, José, thought a sailing trip to the Aegean was a better idea, but Chen was not to be deterred.
Knowing her stubbornness, and not wanting to be separated, José found a job in the Spanishcontrolled section of the Sahara, and there they went. “Stories of the Sahara,” originally published in Chinese in 1976, then translated into English in 2019, is the collection Chen, using the pen name Sanmao, wrote about their years in the desert.
the Sahrawi grew from there. Some relationships were positive, some draining. Some aspects of their lives were joyful, some sad, some infuriating, but she credited her neighbors with curing her loneliness.
Before they left Spain, José had proposed marriage. “I’ve thought it through. To keep you by my side, I’ll have to marry you. Otherwise I’ll never be able to rid myself of this suffering. Can we get married this sum-
Sanmao was a plucky one. “You’re always running around!” José says of her. Her initial ambition was to be the first non-native woman to cross the Sahara to the Red Sea, and she set about making that happen. “Rent two Jeeps so you have an extra in case one breaks down,” she was told. “And you will need a guide.” And supplies. And gas. In all, much too expensive. But she could go with the nomads, someone suggested. “They are a very friendly people.” How long would it take? “Hard to say. They are very slow. Probably ten years or so!”
Her plan to cross the desert was abandoned, but there was plenty of adventure ahead, with the initial adventure being loneliness. “Life was unbearably lonely for me at the start,” she wrote. The neighbors, Sahrawi natives, spoke only Arabic, and José worked long hours. The beauty of the desert helped, to a point. “I loved how the desert was stained red at sunset. Every day as the sun went down, I’d sit on the roof until the sky was totally dark and feel an immense loneliness, out of nowhere, deep in my heart.”
Eventually a breakthrough came with the neighborhood children, who were curious and spoke a little Spanish. Sanmao began her second mission, to see ”how people could derive the same joys from life, the same loves and hates as people anywhere else, even while living in this desert where not a single blade of grass can grow.” After helping a neighbor, she gained a reputation as a healer, using mostly aspirin and simple wound treatment skills, and her contact with
mer?” She accepted. Perhaps it’s not much different now, but back before the internet and faxing, it took months to acquire the necessary documents for the two to be married under Spanish law. Sanmao was born in China and raised in Taiwan, and certification from both places was required. The story of their wedding day, planned spur of the moment when the last document arrived, is funny and warm, with lots of cheer from their new community. That’s the way it is with all of the stories of Sanmao and José. They had their adventuresome and poetic sides, and their arguments, but enough maturity to help a cross-cultural marriage succeed. José loved her “individuality and flair,” and Sanmao felt “incredibly lucky and at ease.”
Their house was a cinder-block hovel, and both worked hard to make it as comfortable and attractive as possible. They repaired the roof, plastered, painted and decorated. Friends back home shipped books and posters. Very little in the way of furniture
Upcoming readings at City Lights
The following literary events will take place at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.
was even for sale, and they had little money, but they were good scavengers. The most popular chair for the Spanish bachelors, who loved an invitation to eat Sanmao’s food, was the tire on the living room floor with a cushion inside. Sanmao considered cooking an art, and with the ingredients for Chinese recipes mailed by her mother, there are many stories around food. Also, we hear her non-sentimental, sometimes self-deprecating, barbs. After the decorating: “Poor civilized peoples of the world! No getting rid of all our useless belongings.”
The desert itself becomes more of a character when they acquire a car, their “Boat of the Desert,” and could explore the wilderness. Though Sanmao wanted to photograph the land and the people, photography proved too expensive to produce much that satisfied her. But the words she uses for the landscape exceed what a picture could offer. “Mirages that looked like dreams or illusions, like ghosts. Continuous dunes, smooth and tender... Wild sandstorms pouring down like rain. The burned and dry land. Cactuses with arms outstretched, calling to the heavens. Riverbeds that had dried up millions of years ago. Black mountain ranges. The vast sky, a blue so deep as to appear frozen. A wilderness covered in rocks… These images set my mind awhirl and ablaze with their riches.”
The look of the desert was not always rich. On the morning that she thought of a friend who had died, she wrote, “The desert outside looked like a landscape of snow and ice, cold and lonely and devoid of life. This unexpectedly bleak view came as a shock.”
These stories were first published individually in a Taiwanese newspaper, then collectively to great acclaim in the Chinesespeaking world. Sanmao became a literary figure and an inspiration to Asian readers, especially women. With this first English translation and the beautiful book production, the wider world can benefit, as I have, from her animated and unique way of being. Sanmao and José left the Sahara when Spain transferred the government of the colony to the native people. José died in a diving accident in 1979, and Sanmao died in 1991, but their stories have as much life to them as any stories I have ever read.
(Anne Bevilacqua is a book lover who lives in Haywood County. abev1@yahoo.com.)
• Jan. 23, 6 p.m.: Sydney Kale discusses her book "The Love Language of Plants," co-authored with her plants.
• Jan. 25, 3 p.m.: Asheville authors Andrew K. Clark and Nathan Ballingrud present their new novels.
• Jan. 26, 1 p.m.: Clint Bowman reads from his poetry collection "If Lost" and Emma Ensley reads from her story collection "The Computer Room." All readings are free. Call 828.586.9499 or visit citylightsnc.com for details.
Offers Slow, Gentle Interpretive Wildflower Walks for Groups & Individuals, Ecological and Horticultural Consultations, Plant Surveys, Invasive Plant Removal, and a Variety of Lectures & Workshops!
Damaged from Helene Hellbenders may get endangered species listing
Word from the Smokies
BY HOLLY KAYS | S PECIAL TO SMN
y now, the story of Hurricane Helene is a tragically familiar one: the endless rain, the swollen rivers, the angry water indiscriminately destroying lives and homes. The storm killed more than 230 people across five states, including 104 confirmed dead in North Carolina and 18 in Tennessee.
But humans aren’t the only species whose communities were ravaged by the floodwaters. Helene devastated some of the few remaining healthy populations of an iconic Appalachian species — the eastern hellbender. The species was in trouble even before the hurricane hit. Based on data gathered prior to Helene, the US Fish and Wildlife Service issued a Dec. 10, 2024, proposal to list the giant salamander as an endangered species.
“The best populations across the species’ entire 15-state range were in Western North Carolina,” said Will Harlan, southeast director and senior scientist for the Center for Biological Diversity, a nonprofit based in Tucson, Arizona, that works to decrease threats to biodiversity worldwide. “This was the one place where there were a few populations that were relatively stable and reproducing. Helene changed all that. The very strongholds that were left for hellbenders were
exactly the same places that were hit hardest by Helene. That’s just been tragic, and why this listing is even more timely and important.”
Far eastern Tennessee had also held prime hellbender habitat, with populations thriving in the Nolichucky, Holston, and Doe rivers, all of which suffered Helene’s wrath. This “critical stronghold” was severely damaged by the storm, Harlan said.
While Great Smoky Mountains National Park hosts several robust populations of hellbenders, many of its streams are too high in the watershed to offer prime hellbender habitat. But unlike many other parts of Western North Carolina, the park was largely spared severe damage from Helene. Now the park’s protected water-
side the park in North Carolina, I would agree that our populations within the park boundary are that much more important.”
A researcher displays a hellbender
Successful reproduction and survival of young hellbenders is essential to the species’
The eastern hellbender, an aquatic salamander whose adults reach an average length of 20 inches — slightly less than two footballs laid end to end — has been in decline for decades. Feeding primarily on crayfish and breathing through its skin, the species is extremely sensitive to environmental degradation. And its long life cycle — hellbenders can live more than 30 years in the wild and need about six years to reach sexual maturity — means that populations can take a long time to recover once degraded.
One of two hellbender subspecies in the United States, the eastern hellbender was once abundant across its 15-state range, with
original 626 populations remain, and that, of those, nearly two-thirds are in decline. Only 12% of existing populations are known to be stable and reproducing.
Following Helene, those numbers are likely even lower. In Western North Carolina, where hellbenders had been detected in more than 170 streams over the past 20 years, the region’s best hellbender habitat overlapped the area most affected by the flood, such as the Toe, Cane, and French Broad watersheds in Mitchell, Avery, Yancey, and Buncombe counties. While the full extent of the storm’s impact on hellbender populations is not yet known, Lori Williams, a wildlife biologist for the NC Wildlife Resources Commission who has spent much of the past two decades working on hellbender conservation, said that it’s likely severe.
“Knowing what we had with this crown jewel for this species, and then to get hammered as we did in such a short period of time, and to see so much of that destroyed, is mind boggling,” she said. “We have not even wrapped our brains around what we’re dealing with yet.”
The flood tore through in the middle of hellbender breeding season, blowing away nests full of eggs. F
A male hellbender pokes his head out from under a rock while guarding a nest of eggs. Tierra Curry photo, courtesy of Center for Biological Diversity
larva.
survival.
Doug Hall photo
Many adults were either swept along with the debris or forced to seek refuge in developed areas above the waterline, where they later desiccated and died. Williams has received “reliable reports” of as many as 100 hellbenders at a time found dead in debris piles across the region.
Due to the species’ slow rate of maturity, replacing damaged populations would be a long process under even the best of conditions. However, the flood’s aftermath is expected to exacerbate the issues that had already been spurring the hellbender’s decline. In its December listing proposal, the USFWS identified sedimentation as the biggest threat facing the species, followed by water quality degradation, habitat destruction, and direct mortality and removal due to “collection, persecution, recreation, or gravel mining.”
“I think the thing that has been driving their decline the most is sedimentation, which is really water pollution — it’s just dirt going in the streams,” said J. J. Apodaca, executive director of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy, a nonprofit in Louisville, Kentucky, that supports conservation in the U.S. “Many aquatic creatures need these tiny interstitial spaces between rocks for their young to survive and thrive, and once they get filled up with dirt and silt, the next generation doesn’t survive. When you lose reproductive ability, the population starts crashing pretty quickly.”
Helene caused extreme sedimentation as the floodwaters ripped up trees and shrubs, tore up the riverbed, and carried along loose particles for deposit downstream. These particles included pollution from fuel oil, sewage and chemical runoff from industrial sites, much of which likely settled in the waterways that hellbenders and other aquatic wildlife depend on for survival. Meanwhile, wind and water damaged an estimated 822,000 acres of forest in the
region, according to a North Carolina Forest Service estimate, amplifying the acreage susceptible to ongoing sedimentation. Some of these vanished forests once grew alongside streams and rivers, shading the water and keeping it within the cooler temperature range required by species like the hellbender.
vacating the 2019 finding. The USFWS proposed the endangered listing on Dec. 10, 2024.
The agency has until Dec. 10, 2025, to either publish a final rule, withdraw the proposal, or issue an extension of up to six months. A public comment period is open through Feb. 11.
“There’s a possibility that hellbender habitat funding could help restore clean drinking water and help restore riparian areas that have been especially hit hard by Helene,” he said. “I think both hellbenders and Helene-impacted communities can bounce back with the help of this listing.”
Though the challenges facing the hellbender are severe, wildlife professionals working toward the species’ recovery are optimistic about the future. The hellbender has a large, collaborative community of supporters and researchers behind it, with new research and conservation techniques being developed all the time. It is possible to save it, they say.
“As long as we use some common sense and our best scientific knowledge, I think we will have success in a lot of places,” Williams said. “I don’t think we’re ever going to get back completely what we’ve lost with Helene or even, bigger picture range-wide, what other states have lost over time. But we’re not going to lose this animal off the face of the earth.”
“I think the thing that has been driving their decline the most is sedimentation, which is really water pollution — it’s just dirt going in the streams.”
J. J. Apodaca, executive director of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy
listing proposal an “exciting and welldeserved” development after years of effort from his organization. The Center for Biological Diversity first petitioned the USFWS to list the hellbender in 2010, but in 2019, the agency determined that the eastern hellbender did not meet the criteria for listing, publishing a final rule to that effect in March 2021. Five conservation organizations, including the Center for Biological Diversity, filed a lawsuit challenging the rationale used to make this decision, and a federal court ruled in their favor in 2023,
ravaged by the storm. A designation would unlock funding to restore hellbender habitat, which would be accomplished by resurrecting the high-quality watersheds the region was known for prior to Helene.
(Holly Kays is the lead writer for the 29,000member Smokies Life, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the scientific, historical, and interpretive activities of Great Smoky Mountains National Park by providing educational products and services such as this column. Learn more at smokieslife.org or reach the author hollyk@smokieslife.org. To learn more about the hellbender listing proposal or comment by Feb. 11, search docket number FWS–R3–ES–2024–0152 on regulations.gov.)
Eastern hellbenders thrive in cool, fast-flowing, highly oxygenated streams.
Ben Dalton photo, courtesy of NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Grants available for agricultural projects
The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission is requesting applications from qualifying organizations that support the agricultural industry, impact rural communities, and stimulate economic development. Online applications are due March 7, 2025. The guidelines for applying and the application can be found at tobaccotrustfund.org. Funds will be awarded in the fall of 2025 for selected projects.
“This past year was tough for our agriculture community. We anticipate that the 2025 grant awards will increase farm incomes and keep NC agribusinesses and farmers thriving,” said Bill Teague, NCTTFC Chairman. “Applications will be accepted online for projects within North Carolina until March 7, 2025. Selected projects should expect to start in November of 2025.”
The NCTTFC was established in 2000 by the N.C. General Assembly to help members of the tobacco community including farmers, tobacco workers and related businesses. Its original funding was established through tobacco industry annual payments as a result of the Master Settlement Agreement. Funding is now appropriated through the state budget to the NCTTFC which then reviews, selects, and disperses the funds to grant projects.
Past NCTTFC projects include farmers market improvements, cost-share grant programs for farmers, commodity marketing, researching alternative crops and support of various agricultural education programs.
Smokies seeks help in identifying historic homesites
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking help to identify and document former homesite locations within the park. Volunteer-In-Park Frank March, in conjunction with Park Archeologist Allison Harvey, is leading these research efforts which includes documenting field locations with associated historic records.
Records associated with the purchase of approximately 1,200 farms between 1920 and 1940 for the creation of the park are preserved in the park’s Collections Preservation Center. Others have been documented since, but many more remain, including homesites from before the 20th century.
The public is invited to join park staff and volunteers at Wilderness Wildlife Week from Tuesday, Jan. 28, to Saturday, Feb. 1 to learn more about the project and to add copies of their historic records to the collection. Held at Ramsey Hotel and Conference Center at 3230 Parkway in Pigeon Forge, Wilderness Wildlife Week celebrates the abundance of wildlife, variety of plants, trees and wildflowers and rich history of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park through a series of classes, seminars, demonstrations, guided hikes, panel discussions and workshops.
Some estimates posit that there are more than 2,800 former homesites in the park.
The park encourages the public to bring historic photos of old homesites, hand drawn maps or other documents that will help the park identify these locations. Several additional volunteers who are familiar with homesites in specific areas of the park, such as Elkmont, Greenbrier, Sugarlands and the North Shore of Fontana Lake, will also be on hand. For additional information please contact Allison Harvey, allison_harvey@nps.gov.
File photo
Haywood Waterways announces Polar Plunge
The Plunge is back for its 13th consecutive year. On Saturday, Feb. 8, Haywood Waterways Association (HWA) and Lake Junaluska Assembly are hosting the annual “Plunge Benefit-t-t-ting Kids in the Creek & Environmental Education.”
It remains a popular community event, bringing together public officials, schools, businesses, churches, families and others to support kids and clean water. This fundraiser allows HWA to continue 27 years of environmental stewardship and education not only for our youth, but all who reside and rely upon the Pigeon River Watershed.
The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lake Junaluska swimming pool. Onsite check-in and registration begins at 10:30 a.m.
Full instructions to sponsor the event, register as a Plunger, or donate are available at goplunge.org.
The cost is $25 to Plunge or free to HWA members, those raising donations or 17 and under; 100% of the proceeds benefit the organization’s Kids in the Creek and environmental education programs.
The depth of plunge is a personal choice, from a dip of the toe to a full-body immersion.
Costumes welcomed, and prizes are awarded for best costumes, top individual fundraiser and team fundraisers.
Youth activities will be on hand throughout the event.
Donated photo
Donated photo
Market PLACE WNC
MarketPlace information:
The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 copies across 500 locations in Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties, including the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. Visit www.wncmarketplace.com to place your ad!
Rates:
• $15 — Classified ads that are 25 words, 25¢ per word after.
• Free — Lost or found pet ads.
• $6 — Residential yard sale ads.*
• $1 — Yard Sale Rain Insurance Yard sale rained out? Call us by 10a.m. Monday for your ad to run again FREE
• $375 — Statewide classifieds run in 170 participating newspapers with 1.1+ million circulation. (Limit 25 words or less)
• Boost Online — Have your ad featured at top of category online $4
• Boost in Print
• Add Photo $6
• Bold ad $2
• Yellow, Green, Pink or Blue Highlight $4
• Border $4
Note: Highlighted ads automatically generate a border so if you’re placing an ad online and select a highlight color, the “add border” feature will not be available on the screen.
Note: Yard sale ads require an address. This location will be displayed on a map on www.wncmarketplace.com
TAKE NOTICE THAT: William Richard Boyd, Jr., Substitute Trustee, has begun proceedings to FORECLOSE under the Deed of Trust described below, and under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in such Deed of Trust, and an Order entered by the Clerk of Superior Court of the above County, will sell the below described property at public auction as follows:
1. The instrument pursuant to which such sale will be held is that certain Deed of Trust executed by Jody L. Rhinehart, Single, original mortgagor(s),
County Bank (“Noteholder”) and recorded in the
County Register of Deeds in Deed of Trust Book 1802, at Page 792 (the “Deed of Trust”). The record owner of such prop-
records of the Register of Deeds not more than ten (10) days prior to posting this Notice of Sale, if not the original mortgagors, is: N/A
2. The property will be sold by the Substitute Trustee at 10:00 a.m. on January 30, 2025 at the Jackson County Courthouse door in the City of Sylva, North Carolina.
3. The real property to be sold is generally described as 3.56 ac
Crawford Cove Road, 0.36 ac Crawford Cove Road, Lots 4, 6, 7 Artist View, and TR A off Brooks Branch, Sylva, NC * and is more particularly described as follows (the “Property”):
Being all of that property described in that certain Deed of Trust recorded in Book 1802 , at Page 792 of the Jackson County, North Carolina Registry. Any Property described in the Deed of Trust which is not being offered for sale is described as follows: Subject to any and all Release Deeds of Record in the Jackson County, North Carolina Registry. *The general description of the Property is provided for convenience but is not guaranteed; the legal description in the Deed of Trust controls .
4. Any buildings located on the above-described Property are also included in the sale.
5. The Property will be sold by the Substitute Trustee to the highest bidder for CASH . The highest bidder will be required to deposit IN CASH with the Substitute Trustee at the date and time of the sale the (5.0%) of the amount of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty and no/100 Dollars ($750.00).
6. The Property is being sold “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Substitute Trustee, Noteholder, nor attorneys, employees, or authorized agents or representatives of either Substitute Trustee or Noteholder make any warranty relating to title,
possession, quiet enjoyment, or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the Property and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way related to such conditions are expressly disclaimed. The Noteholder has reserved the right to withdraw the sale up to and until the deed is delivered by the Substitute Trustee.
7. The Property will be sold subject to all unpaid taxes and special assessments.
8. The Property being sold is all of that Property described in the Deed of -
cally set forth above. It is the intention to extinguish any and all rights or interests in the Property subordinate to the Deed of Trust.
9. An order for possession of the Property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the County in which the Property is sold.
10. Additional Notice Where the Property is Residential with Less Than 15 Rental Units, including single-family residential real property: Any person who occupies the Property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the Notice of Sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord to be effective on a date stated in the notice
that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
11. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statues Section 45-21.8, the sale of the Property may be made by whole or by tract in the discretion of the Substitute Trustee. Further, the Substitute Trustee may offer for sale any and all personal property as permitted by the Deed of Trust in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes Sections 25-9-604, 259-610, and 25-9-611, in whole, as individual items, or together with the Property as the Substitute Trustee determines is appropriate in the Substitute Trustee’s sole discretion. This notice is intended to comply with the requirements of North Carolina General Statutes Sections 25-9-607 and 25-9-613 providing for the disposition of personal property in connection with a foreclosure of real property. Mortgagor is entitled to and may request an accounting of the unpaid indebtedness secured by the Deed of Trust.
12. Any successful bidder shall be required to tender the remaining balance of the successful bid amount in cash or
the Substitute Trustee tenders to such bidder, or attempts to deliver to such bidder, a deed for the Property. Should such successful bidder fail to pay the full balance of the successful bid at that time, that bidder shall remain liable on the bid as provided by North Carolina General Statutes Section 45-21.30.
13. The purchaser of the Property shall pay the Clerk’s Commissions in the amount of $0.45 per $100.00 of the purchase price (up to a maximum of $500.00), required by Section 7A-308(a) (1) of the North Carolina General Statutes. If the purchaser of the Property is someone other than the Deed of Trust, the purchaser shall also pay, to the extent applicable, the land transfer tax in the amount of one percent (1.0%) of the purchase price.
14. If the Substitute Trustee is unable to convey title to the Property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are of a bankruptcy petition of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the
Substitute Trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Substitute Trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.
15. The Property is being sold subject to all prior and superior: (i) deeds of trust, (ii) liens, (iii) unpaid taxes, (iv) restrictions, (v) easements, (vi) assessments, (vii) leases, and (viii) other matters, if any, which, as a matter of law, survive the foreclosure of the Deed of Trust, provided that the inclusion of this clause in this Notice of Substitute Trustee’s Sale of Real Estate shall not be deemed to validate or otherwise effect to any such matter or other right which, as a matter of law, does not survive the foreclosure of the Deed of Trust.
16. Any person who occupies the Property pursuant to a bona have additional rights pursuant to the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act.
17. This is a communication from a debt collector. The purpose of this communication is to collect a debt and any
information obtained will be used for that purpose, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection. If you are under the protection of the Bankruptcy Court or have been discharged as a result of bankruptcy proceedings, this notice if given to you pursuant to statutory requirement and for informational purposes and is not intended as an attempt to collect a debt or as an act to collect, assess, or recover all or any portion of the debt from you personally. THIS the 5 th day of November, 2024.
William Richard Boyd, Jr. Substitute Trustee 474 Mountain Cove Road Waynesville, NC 28786
Dates: January 22, 2025 and January 29, 2025 15508-10
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.25E000013-490
Terence Robert Hooper,
Executor of the Estate of Martha Coward Ward of Jackson County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons hav-
ing claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before Apr 22 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Executor
Estate of Martha Coward 705 W Main Street Sylva, NC 28779
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Home Improvement
PROTECT YOUR HOME
From pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833237-1199
AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-292-8225
WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION: A small amount of water can lead to major damage and mold growth in your home. We do complete repairs to protect your family and your
home’s value! For a FREE ESTIMATE, call 24/7: 1-888-290-2264
NEED NEW WINDOWS? Drafty rooms? Chipped or damaged frames? Need outside noise reduction?dows may be the answer! Call for a consultation & FREE quote today. 1-877248-9944.
ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-877649-1190
Wanted to Buy
TOP CA$H PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 19201980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D’Angelico, Strom-
berg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. 1-855-4027208
WATCHES! PAYING
TOP CA$H FOR MEN’S SPORT WATCHES!
Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Patek Philippe, Heuer, Daytona, GMT, Submariner and Speedmaster Call 1-855-402-7109
WE BUY HOUSES FOR CASH AS IS! No repairs No fuss. Any condition Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888247-1189
