37 minute read
Outdoors
The 250 acres Mainspring Conservation Trust hopes to protect includes much of the immediate view
from Pinnacle Rock. Mainspring photos
Below the Pinnacle easement for eventual conveyance to the Blue Ridge Parkway. From there, the network of conserved lands runs into the existing Parkway boundary, from which protected lands spider throughout its 469-mile journey Project seeks to protect 250 acres below Pinnacle Rock two properties that combined cover more than 250 acres starting on Pinnacle Rock and spreading out below it. Mainspring started talking with the owners of the first parcel — a 157-acre tract that contains a portion of Pinnacle Rock — back in 2019, and it expects from Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Unlike in 2019, when Mainspring and The Conservation Fund worked together to purchase the 912 acres that are now owned by the Town of Sylva and the Eastern Band of BY HOLLY KAYS to close on the sale this May. Action on the Cherokee Indians, the nonprofit is purchasing STAFF WRITER T he 3.5-mile hike to the top of Pinnacle Rock is a heart-pumping one, the old logging roads that now serve as hiking trails second parcel, estimated at 96 acres and adjacent to the 157-acre tract, moved forward much more quickly. It went on the open market last year, and after competing with a the 250 acres for which it’s now under contract without a solid plan for who will ultimately own it. “That just underscores how important it climbing 2,200 feet before leaving the hiker developer for the sale, Mainspring is under was to get this under contract,” said Smith. breathless before a sweeping aerial view of the contract with hopes of closing in February or “These really sit on the open market, so we Town of Sylva, cradled on all sides by forested March. had to move.” mountain slopes. “Because of the pandemic, we just felt like The land is important for multiple rea-
The view is the flagship offering of as close as this is into town, as developable as sons. First, the obvious — it’s adjacent to and Pinnacle Park, whose core area of 1,088 acres the properties are, we needed to move fairly even includes part of Pinnacle Park’s crown once served as Sylva’s watershed and now quickly,” said Smith. jewel, so any development there would signifi-offers a worthy hiking challenge within min- Once completed, the conservation effort cantly impact the overall recreational experi-utes of town. But few people are aware that south of Pinnacle Park will nestle an additional ence. Land Conservation Director Sarah only half of the rocky outcropping known as 250-plus acres of conserved land between the Posey-Davis said that when the Mainspring Pinnacle Rock is actually part of town proper- 1,088-acre original section of Pinnacle Park team went to go inspect the property, staff ty, or that the pristine acreage below that rock and a 438-acre piece of the Nantahala National members standing on Pinnacle Rock could is private land that could be developed at any Forest. Those parcels, in turn, are connected easily hear those exploring the adjacent propmoment. on the north side to the 441-acre Blackrock erty below. Creek and 471-acre Shut-In Creek tracts con- It’s also incredibly valuable from an envi-SCRAMBLE FOR PROTECTION served in 2017, as well as an area totaling more than 5,000 acres that is under conservation ronmental point of view. It contains an N.C. Natural Heritage area, as well as the entire
Now, thanks to Mainspring Conservation Trust, it won’t be. “When you go out onto Pinnacle Rock, “Because of the pandemic, we just felt like as close as you’re not on town property anymore,” said Mainspring Executive Director Jordan Smith. this is into town, as developable as the properties are, we “So not only is that important to conserva- needed to move fairly quickly.” tion, but we’re potentially conserving the whole viewshed.” — Jordan Smith, Mainspring Executive Director
Mainspring is currently under contract for upper watershed of Dills Creek, which has an active population of native brook trout — features in the creek prevent stocked trout from traveling upstream and overpowering the native trout population. Unique plant communities thrive on the upper portion of the property around Pinnacle Rock.
Smith also pointed out the land’s recreation value.
“These two properties actually have a pretty nice network of road that would favor a pretty significant trail system as they are, with just a little bit of intervention,” he said.
Such a trail system would offer much easier hiking than the existing heart-pumping climb to Pinnacle Rock, Posey said.
FUNDING AND OWNERSHIP
While Mainspring is still figuring out how to pay for the purchases and who to deed the land, it’s got a good start on answering those questions.
Mainspring is under contract to purchase the two properties for $887,600. They were initially appraised at $905,000, but two pending appraisals now underway will determine the property’s final appraised value, and that amount will determine how much funding the effort receives from the N.C. Land and Water Fund, formerly known as the Clean Water Management Trust Fund. Last fall, Mainspring received a $310,000 grant from the fund, of which $250,000 is designated for the cost of acquiring the 157-acre property and the remaining $60,000 is for survey and appraisal costs. However, awards are given as a proportion of the total project cost, so the amount received will depend on the appraisals’ outcome.
“Right now our appraisals are a little bit lower than we had anticipated for the overall value of the property,” said Smith. “We don’t expect that we’re going to get that full award from the Land and Water Fund.”
The nonprofit has also secured about $664,000 in commitments for private donations, but it’s still looking for at least $50,000 more to close the deal.
Mainspring has had some preliminary discussions about end ownership. The Town of Sylva is the obvious choice, because it already owns 1,530 acres of conserved land adjacent to the property. Mainspring has reached out to the town about that possibility, and during its Jan. 14 meeting the town board went into closed session to discuss the potential acquisition.
“It’s all very early, but it does touch our property, so I would imagine we’ll start talking about what the options or opportunities are for it,” said Town Manager Paige Dowling. “It’s all very, very preliminary.”
However, Dowling said, providing additional recreational opportunities would be a positive, and it’s encouraging to know that existing roadbeds on the land could be repurposed as trails. “We are excited about continuing discussions on it,” she said. F
Waynesville resident Kaleb Rathbone is now serving as an assistant commissioner to N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, overseeing Western N.C. agricultural programs and small farms.
Rathbone most recently served as director of the Research Stations Division, leading the state’s 18 research stations scattered from the mountains to the coasts. Prior to that he was superintendent of the Mountain Research Station in Waynesville for nearly eight years and served as that station’s research specialist for more than five years. He replaces Bill Yarborough, who recently retired as special assistant to the commissioner and will assume additional duties and oversight as an assistant commissioner.
Rathbone is active in the community, serving in advisory and leadership roles with Carolina Farm Credit, Haywood Community College, and state and local Farm Bureaus and Cattleman’s Associations. He holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee.
Teresa Lambert of Laurel Springs, formerly superintendent for the Piedmont Research Station in Salisbury, will take over Rathbone’s old job. “Both Kaleb and Teresa started working with the department in temporary positions at research stations during college, Kaleb Rathbone. Donated photo eventually returning to full-time positions and rising through the ranks,” said Troxler. “Their long-term commitment to agricultural advancement and innovation speaks to their drive to move North Carolina agriculture forward, help improve the bottom line for farmers and ensure we meet growing global food demands.”
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PLANNING RECREATION
The proposed addition at Dills Creek isn’t the only recreation-related discussion the town is having.
When Sylva and the EBCI took ownership of the properties to the south of the original 1,088-acre Pinnacle Park property in 2019, it was with the ultimate goal of developing them for recreational opportunities like hiking, camping and mountain biking. But building the required amenities for these uses — trails, roads, parking lots, etc. — takes time, money and partnerships. As of yet, no trails have been built, but that could soon change.
“We could realistically be in some construction phase for a few miles of trail this winter,” said EBCI Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources Joey Owle.
The Nantahala Area Southern Off Road Bicycle Association has been talking to both the EBCI and the Town of Sylva about a possible partnership to build a trail network traversing both properties.
Ideas include a looped trail system that would ultimately offer various amenities such as primitive campsites and a pavilion/picnic area at the trailhead.
“What this trail development is aiming to accomplish is not solely focused on access for mountain bikers,” said Owle. “It’s going to be accommodating to all skill levels and abilities.”
SORBA has shown initial concepts to tribal and town leaders, and the next step will be formal presentations to the boards of both entities — the EBCI Planning Board and the Sylva Board of Commissioners. That’s expected to happen within the next month or so.
“I’m so pumped about it,” said Owle. “I’m excited about the partnership. I’m excited about the concepts so far.”
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Rock faces closed for peregrine falcon protection
Twelve rock faces in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests are closed to climbing, rappelling, hang-gliding and
A peregrine falcon takes flight.
National Park Service/Andrew Kuhn photo
other activities through Aug. 15 in order to protect the rare peregrine falcons that nest there.
Closed rock faces are: n Nantahala District — Whiteside Mountain and Pickens Nose (east face) n Pisgah District — Looking Glass Rock (north face) and North Cedar Rock n Appalachian District — Whiterock Cliff and Buzzard’s Roost n Grandfather District — N.C. Wall, Apricot Buttress and the Camel in Lineville Gorge; Shortoff Mountain in Linville Gorge; Bynum Bluff in Linville Gorge and Big Lost Cove Cliffs Wildlife biologists in North Carolina have been working since the 1980s to help peregrine populations recover after they dwindled to just one mating pair in North Carolina in the 1950s. In 2020, 16 sites were occupied by peregrine falcon pairs and four successfully reproduced for a total of seven offspring. Two additional sites were occupied by single, unpaired bird.
Nesting success is perhaps the greatest challenge to species recovery. If a nesting pair is disturbed, they will leave the site and may not nest again until the following year. Disturbance can also prompt young chicks that have not yet learned to fly to run off the edge of the cliff to escape.
National forests announce seasonal road closures
Seasonal closures in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests have begun, with affected roads closed to motorized vehicles through April. Planned opening dates may change depending on weather.
These closures help reduce road maintenance costs and decrease wildlife disturbance, allowing the animals to conserve energy while food is scarce. During long bouts of adverse weather, roads may also be closed to protect public safety. Emergency closures can occur at any time. Contact the district ranger office for information about current road conditions.
Pisgah National Forest Pisgah Ranger District
The following roads will be closed until weather and road conditions improve: Avery Creek (FSR 477) from the horse stable to U.S. 276, Yellow Gap (FSR 1206), Headwaters (FSR 475B), Wash Creek (FSR 5000), Bent Creek (FSR 479) from Ledford Branch to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pilot Mountain Road (FSR 229) and Courthouse Creek (FSR 140). Connelly Creek (FSR 86 through Alarka-Laurel), Winding Stairs (FSR 422), Big Creek (FSR 4567), Moses Creek (FSR 4651), Sugar Creek (FSR 4665), Wolf Mountain (FSR 4663C), Beech Flats (FSR 4668), Upper Nantahala (FSR 67), Shingletree (FSR 713), Ball Creek (FSR 83), Wayah Bald (FSR 69), Little Yellow Mountain (FSR 367), Cold Spring Gap (FSR 4663), Old Bald Road (FSR 4652), Gage Creek (FSR 4648), Charley Knob (FSR 4654). The Wayehutta OffHighway Vehicle Recreation Area is closed through April 1 as well.
Tusquitee Ranger District
The following roads are closed through April 1: Bear Paw (FSR 435), Cherokee Lake (FSR 313), Deep Gap (FSR 71), Nelson Ridge (FSR 351), Perry Gap (FSR 350), Powerline Cove (FSR 6020), Tellico River (FSR 420-5), Beech Creek (FSR 307), Chambers Creek (FSR 2071), Derreberry Gap (FSR 614B), Panther Gap (FSR 85A), Persimmon Creek (FSR 651), Stateline Loop (FSR 420-6), Tuni Gap (FSR 440), Tatham Gap/Long Creek (FSR 423).
Cars line the roads near the Alum Cave trailhead. NPS photo
Help the Smokies monitor visitation
Volunteers are wanted to help the Great Smoky Mountains National Park monitor visitor use patterns in some of the park’s most popular locations.
Opportunities include recording observations on popular hiking trails, monitoring parking availability and monitoring traffic flow patterns at busy locations. Volunteers may choose the opportunities that best align with their interests and preferred locations.
Park managers will use the data to better understand visitor use patterns and resource conditions at sites such as Clingmans Dome, Deep Creek, Big Creek, Cades Cove, Laurel Falls Trail, Alum Cave Trail, Rainbow Falls Trail and Trillium Gap Trail. Park visitation has increased by more than 30 percent over the last decade, resulting in crowding, safety issues and resource damage. The data will help managers develop recommendations for addressing these challenges.
Volunteers will work at least one, fourhour shift per week during the April-toNovember peak visitation season, and a virtual training session will be offered in March. To sign up, contact Kendra Straub at kendra_straub@nps.gov.
Take ag education to the next level
A four-part series of in-depth, hands-on agribusiness work sessions will begin at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, and repeat weekly through Wednesday, Feb. 10, at Southwestern Community College in Sylva.
The series, Appalachian Farm School 2.0, is designed for people who have attended SCC’s Appalachian Farm School in the past or who already have a business plan put together. During these “work sessions,” students will work on creating a budget, understanding their financial picture, getting a clearer marketing strategy and developing a brand.
These in-person classes will be held at SCC’s Burrell Conference Center. Free. Registration is required at bit.ly/3oMz1Io. Contact Tiffany Henry at 828.339.4426 or t_henry@southwesterncc.edu.
Weigh in on wildlife rule changes
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is proposing a slate of rule changes related to wildlife management, inland fisheries and game lands, with an online public hearing planned for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21.
Members of the public can sign up to attend the hearing and offer public comment. Written comments are also being accepted through Monday, Feb. 1.
Submit comments online or mail them to Rule-Making Coordinator, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, 1701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1700. For more information, including a full list of proposed rules, a comment submission portal and a link to register for the online hearing, visit www.ncwildlife.org/proposed-regulations.
As 2020 shifts to the rearview, Friends of Panthertown is celebrating a slew of accomplishments earned despite an ongoing pandemic.
Creation of a Trail Stewardship position in 2019 to address maintenance and conservation needs in the area created a springboard for Friends, and once the U.S. Forest Service lifted volunteer restrictions on May 15, work began in earnest.
In 2020, Friends of Panthertown held 26 publictrail workdays involving 153 volunteers who contributed 884 hours of labor to maintain 20 trails on 6,311 acres. Two bear boxes were installed, 65 tons of gravel were placed at the Salt Rock Entrance and one Eagle Scout project was completed with five more in the works.
This help was especially welcome due to the explosion in visitation Panthertown received, as it was one of the few outdoor recreation areas in the region to remain open throughout pandemic restrictions. This use, combined with storm damage during the early
part of the year and with heavy rain over the summer, caused significant erosion on the trails.
Time to talk pollinators
Learn about native pollinator biology and conservation with a webinar scheduled for noon Thursday, Jan. 21.
Hosted by the N.C. Wildlife Federation, the session will feature Gabriela Garrison of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. In 2017, Garrison helped form the N.C. Pollinator Conservation Alliance, a partnership of more than 25 conservation agencies and organizations that works to promote pollinator and habitat conservation across the state.
Free. Register at bit.ly/3nnknra.
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Race the slopes
A recreational racing program will offer skiers and snowboarders of all abilities the chance to push their speed with weekly competitions on non-holiday Saturdays through the end of the season at Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley.
The program aims to be fun for all ages and abilities through a handicap system that allows racers nationwide to compare themselves to each other, regardless of when and where they race. Races run 9 to 11 a.m. and are subject to weather and slope conditions.
Cost is $10 for two runs or $20 for an unlimited pass, with a lift ticket or season pass required to participate. Register at the tickets center, and pre-register with NASTAR — the racing program that Cataloochee goes through — at www.nastar.com.
Cataloochee honors fire, rescue workers
It’s Fire and Rescue Appreciation Days at Cataloochee Ski Area next week, with personnel and their families receiving a reduced rate Thursday, Jan. 28, and Friday, Jan. 29.
Fire and rescue workers and volunteers must present a valid ID to receive the reduced rate. www.cataloochee.com.
Hike the Tallulah Falls Railroad
Take an easy 4-mile hike with the Nantahala Hiking Club on Sunday, Jan. 24, at Terrora Park in Georgia.
The trail follows the old Tallulah Falls Railroad and makes a loop to cross the Tallulah River twice. It includes 300 feet of elevation change.
The group will meet in Franklin at 1 p.m. and then drive 60 miles roundtrip to complete the hike. Due to COVID-19, hikes are limited to 10 people, and masks are required during gathering and while driving to the trailhead. During carpooling, windows must be open for air circulation and groups are limited to four people per car. To reserve a spot, contact Gail Lehman at 828.524.5298.
Pick up the Tuck
Help clean up the Tuckasegee River with Trout Unlimited at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30.
The group will meet at the church parking lot near the Webster Access and target the area from South Shore Road to N.C. 107. Participants must follow social distancing rules. Trash bags will be provided. www.tuckaseigee.tu.org.
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
• There will be a New Year’s Market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at the Canton Armory, 71 Penland St. There will be more than 30 local vendors, as well as food on site. n All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted. n To have your item listed email to calendar@smokymountainnews.com
• Papertown Spring Market will take place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in January, ending Jan. 26. The series is March 13, at Bethel Christian Academy, 100 Park St. There will be local free. Offered through Haywood County Extension, Register for the Zoom vendors and food. Admission is free. For vendor information contact link at www.eventbrite.com/e/western-north-carolina-agritourism-workJessica Jones 828.734.9733. shop-series-tickets-129725649911. • It’s Fire and Rescue Appreciation Days at Cataloochee Ski Area next week, with personnel and their families receiving a reduced rate Thursday, Jan. 28, and Friday, Jan. 29. Fire and rescue workers and volunteers must A&E present a valid ID to receive the reduced rate. www.cataloochee.com. • Help clean up the Tuckasegee River with Trout Unlimited at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30. The group will meet at the church parking lot near the • The Haywood County Arts Council’s “Winter Member’s Show” will be held Webster Access and target the area from South Shore Road to N.C. 107. Feb. 5-27 in the Gallery & Gifts showroom at the HCAC in downtown Participants must follow social distancing rules. Trash bags will be proWaynesville. Original work for 24 local artisans. Free and open to the pub- vided. www.tuckaseigee.tu.org lic. www.haywoodarts.org. • A four-part series of in-depth, hands-on agribusiness work sessions will • Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Anna Victoria at 3 p.m. Jan. 24, begin at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, and repeat weekly through and Mt. Gypsy Music at 7 p.m. Jan. 30. For more information and a com- Wednesday, Feb. 10, at Southwestern Community College. These in-person plete schedule of events, click on www.lazyhikerbrewing.com. classes will be held at SCC’s Burrell Conference Center. Free. Registration • Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host “Live Karaoke” with Joel Plays is required at bit.ly/3oMz1Io. Contact Tiffany Henry at 828.339.4426 or Drums Jan. 23 and Mt. Gypsy Music Jan. 29. All shows begin at 7 p.m. t_henry@southwesterncc.edu Free and open to the public. For more information and a complete sched- • Registration is now open for the 18th annual Business of Farming ule of events, click on www.lazyhikerbrewing.com. Conference, which will be held Feb. 25 to 27 using a virtual format. • Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host an open mic from 8 to 10 p.m. Register at www.asapconnections.org. Cost is $95 per person before Feb. 1 every Thursday. Free and open to the public. and $115 thereafter. Farm partners registering together will receive a diswww.balsamfallsbrewing.com. count, and Appalachian Grown certified farmers will receive a 30 percent discount. • Nantahala Brewing (Sylva) will host live music semi-regularly on the weekends. Free and open to the public. www.nantahalabrewing.com. • A recreational racing program will offer skiers and snowboarders of all abilities the chance to push their speed with weekly competitions on nonholiday Saturdays through the end of the season at Cataloochee Ski Area. FOOD AND DRINK • There will be a free wine tasting from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday and 2 to 5 p.m every Saturday at The Wine Bar & Cellar in Sylva. 828.631.3075. Races run 9 to 11 a.m. and are subject to weather and slope conditions. Cost is $10 for two runs or $20 for unlimited pass, with a lift ticket or season pass required to participate. Register at the tickets center, and pre-register with NASTAR — the racing program that Cataloochee goes through — at www.nastar.com. ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES • The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education near Brevard is now offering • The Haywood County Arts Council invites all Haywood County studio virtual education programs for students in public, private and homeartists to participate in the annual Haywood County Studio Tour scheduled school. The free programs are tied to the N.C. Essential Standards for for June 26-27. The artist/studio application and policies for participation Science curriculum and led by an education specialist from the N.C. may be found on the HCAC website or picked up from HCAC Gallery & Gifts Wildlife Resources Commission. Class dates and times are flexible to meet at 86 North Main Street in Waynesville. Email completed forms to classroom needs. To schedule a program, educators can contact artist@haywoodarts.org or mail to P.O. Box 306, Waynesville, N.C., 28786. 828.877.4423. The deadline for the completed studio tour application is Friday, Feb. 5. • The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy has issued a chalThe Haywood County Studio Tour Exhibit Opening Reception is on Friday, lenge to complete its 60 miles in 60 days Virtual Hiking Challenge, kicking June 4, if feasible. The HCAC will follow the NC Governor’s mandates off New Year’s Day. To complete the challenge, participants must walk, run regarding COVID. For more information visit the Haywood County Arts or hike 60 miles by March 1. Registration ends Feb. 1, but earlier registraCouncil website at www.haywoodarts.org. tion means more time to log the miles. The basic cost to join is $25, with Level 2 registration priced at $50 and Level 3 registration at $100. All proceeds help support SAHC’s ongoing land and water conservation efforts. Sign up at appalachian.org/event/sahcs-winter-hiking-challenge-60Outdoors miles-in-60-days/ HIKING CLUBS • The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is proposing a slate of rule • The Nantahala Hiking Club will take an easy 4-mile hike, elevation changes related to wildlife management, inland fisheries and game lands, change 300 feet, in Terrora Park in Georgia on the old Tallulah Falls with an online public hearing planned for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21. Railroad, on Sunday, Jan. 24. The club will meet at Westgate Plaza in Members of the public can sign up to attend the hearing and offer public Franklin at 1 p.m. Call leader Gail Lehman, 524-5298, for reservations. comment. Written comments are also being accepted through Monday, Visitors welcome. Feb. 1. Submit comments online or mail them to Rule-Making Coordinator, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, 1701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1700. For more information, including a full list of proposed rules, a comment submission portal and a link to register for the online hearing, visit www.ncwildlife.org/Proposed-Regulations. • The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate 4-mile hike, elevation change 800 feet, from Winding Stair north to a view from Panther Gap on the Appalachian Trail on Saturday, Feb. 6. The club will meet at Westgate Plaza in Franklin at 10 a.m.. Call Leader Katharine Brown, 421-4178, for reservations. Visitors welcome. • Learn about native pollinator biology and conservation with a webinar scheduled for noon Thursday, Jan. 21. Hosted by the N.C. Wildlife Federation, the session will feature Gabriela Garrison of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Free. Register at bit.ly/3nNKNRA. • The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate 4-mile hike, elevation change 400 feet, in the Jack Rabbit Recreation Area in Clay County on Saturday, Feb. 13. The club will meet at Westgate Plaza in Franklin at 10 a.m. Call leader Gail Lehman, 524-5298, for reservations. Visitors wel• An online agritourism series currently underway is offering sessions come. KAREN HOLLINGSED BROKER ASSOCIATE
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COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain plicants. Call CTI for details! Call 833-990-0354. (M-F 8am-6pm ET) HEAD START/EARLY HEAD START DIRECTOR: Open Date: 1/14/21 Close Date: 2/15/21- Position Summary: Operate and manage the Head Start/Early Head Start Program in Haywood and Jackson Counties for eligible children and their families as authorized by the Administration for Children and Families and the Department of Health and Human Services. Seek funding for other projects that will enhance services to children and families and manage those programs as required by the funding source. Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Educa three years’ experience in supervision of staff, ment, and administration. Have ability to travel and experience working with diverse populations. Master’s degree in relat Early Childhood Administrative experience and experience. Must have an automobile and the ability to travel on the local and national level. A completed application is required with resumes. be contacted if selected for an interview. Final candidates selected will be subject to a criminal and sex offender background checks, drug test and motor vehicle checks. Please apply at www.mountainprojects. org EOE/AA
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ACROSS
1 Little rascal 6 Mosque officiants 11 Go for a dip 15 Spill the secret 19 Shinbone 20 Local theaters, in slang 21 Had on 22 Go very fast 23 City in which quadrennial games take place 25 Gumbo vegetable 26 R&B singer James 27 Japanese soup paste 28 Fit -- queen 29 Sea cargo weight unit 31 Statistic associated with plane riders 35 Threatens to topple 36 Brouhaha 37 Ken is one 38 Viking 1 landing site 39 Fleecy boot brand 42 Guesses at LGA 45 Instructive example 47 "Siddhartha" author Hermann 52 Gotten larger 54 UNLV part 56 1977 Triple Crown horse 58 "-- & Stitch" 59 Stinging hits 61 TV's Arnaz 62 Not iffy 63 Whitewater transport 67 Vassals 69 Tongue-lash 70 See 117-Across 71 Goldie of "Laugh-In" 72 Unit of pressure 75 It surrounds the South Orkney Islands 80 Twin of Jacob 81 Secy., e.g. 83 Oozes 84 Jazzy Fitzgerald 85 Pile of trash 89 Enervate 90 Sacred song 91 Muscle twitch 92 Arthurian wizard 94 "Encore!" 96 "Science Guy" of TV 97 Pupil setting 99 Arthurian wife 101 Add- -- (annexes) 103 Reviewer of tax returns 107 Disney World roller coaster 113 Moniker for a 1970s sitcom family 115 Go up 116 With 118-Across, bitesize Nabisco cookie 117 With 70-Across, Taj Mahal locale 118 See 116-Across 119 Statement about the end of each of nine answers in this puzzle 122 Meyers of "Late Night" 123 Ball field coverer 124 Candid 125 Cara of "Fame" fame 126 Canadian fuel brand 127 Gin flavorer 128 Burrito topper 129 Winona of "Beetlejuice"
DOWN
1 Walk heavily 2 Paramecium hairs 3 Huge gulf 4 Cocktail at brunch 5 Dad, in dialect 6 Disguised, in brief 7 Gold-medal skier Phil 8 On a plane or train 9 Month, in Spain 10 Retired jet since '03 11 Cutlass, e.g. 12 Rousted 13 Thorns in one's side 14 Scant 15 Favre of football 16 Starbucks offering 17 Many a Tony winner 18 Hits on the noggin 24 Alternatively 29 Artificial 30 Two-gender pronoun 32 Utopian site 33 Email giggle 34 Bullring calls 38 Sacred song 39 Wrinkled citrus fruit 40 Smile widely 41 Club game 43 Assuage 44 Bygone Swedish car 46 Smileys' opposites 48 Inherent natures 49 Slimy garden pest 50 Dried up, old-style 51 Rams' partners 53 Some babes in the woods 55 Sharp, broken-off piece 57 Purple blooms 59 Colonel Klink's camp 60 Mail status 64 -- carte 65 Nutrition stat 66 Ventilates 68 "Sands of -- Jima" 71 Big African beast, briefly 72 Tinkertoy bits 73 PDQ cousin 74 Gilbert of "The Talk" 75 Fire remains 76 Join (with) 77 Zest 78 Join (with) 79 Identify 82 Between urban and country 86 Friendly relationship 87 Letter before beth 88 -- colada 90 "21 Grams" actor Sean 93 Cage, to his pals 95 City WNW of Paris 98 R2-D2 and others 100 Skin-related 102 "Our Lady" of churches 103 Humiliate 104 Beseeches 105 Pub missiles 106 Boise setting 107 Brand of mouthwash 108 Outward expressions 109 Port of Japan 110 Felt sickly 111 Words after two or hole 112 Stuff in gunpowder 114 Successor of Claudius I 119 Provisos 120 Refrain bit 121 Title for Ringo Starr as of 2018
ANSWERS ON PAGE 26
BLACK & WHITE TUXEDO CAT,JETT 12 year old sweet guy, peaceful and low-energy. On thyroid medicine but very cooperative with taking it! (828) 7612001 publicrelations@ ashevillehumane.org
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SUDOKU
Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
Answers on 26
