52 minute read

Objections level strong criticism against forest plan

‘A lot of mistakes’

A stunning view stretches out in the Craggy Forest Scenic

Area. Steven McBride photo

BY HOLLY KAYS OUTDOORS EDITOR

The 60-day objection period for the Pisgah-Nantahala Forest Management Plan is now over, and while there’s not yet an official tally of how many people are contesting the final plan, it’s safe to say it’s a high number.

I Heart Pisgah, a coalition of more than 150 organizations supporting increased protections for the forest, has record of more than 14,000 objections filed against the plan. That figure reflects only the objections that I Heart Pisgah and coordinating organizations helped submit, so the true total is even higher. The U.S. Forest Service has until April 1 to post the objections to its website — until then, the total number is not available.

This extraordinary number of objections comes toward the end of an extraordinarily long process to plan the future of the 1.04 million acres contained in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forest. The Forest Service first started reaching out to stakeholders in 2012, and after a decade of public meetings, arguments, negotiations and exhaustive rounds of public comment, the final plan was released in January.

While the draft released in February 2020 earned praise from a wide range of interest groups, many of which sparred vigorously throughout the planning process, the final plan met a chilly reception from many of those same groups — particularly from those focused on preserving wilderness and old growth.

The objections reflect that. While a complete record of objections was not available as of press time, The Smoky Mountain News reached out to a diverse set of companies, nonprofits and coalitions that have participated in the planning process for years. Overwhelmingly, the longest, most strongly worded objections came from the pro-preservation side of the aisle — in fact, 100 organizations and businesses endorsed a report card from the Center for Biological Diversity that gives the plan an F.

“The plan is, in a word, a disappointment,” reads a 179-page objection from the Southern Environmental Law Center, submitted on behalf of The Wilderness Society, MountainTrue, Defenders of Wildlife and the Sierra Club. “At this stage of the process, we never imagined there would be so much left to do. It takes a lot of mistakes to get something so wrong. The lengthy objection below is a function of the plan’s failure to take its legal obligations seriously, along with its lack of credible analysis.”

However, core to the SELC’s criticism — and to that of various other objections SMN obtained — is the ways in which the Forest Service declined to incorporate solutions from the Nantahala Pisgah Forest Partnership, a group of more than 20 organizations spanning interests ranging from logging to wilderness that spent years hammering out a proposal that the diverse interests represented within the partnership could get behind.

“The Partnership has collaborated with the Forest Service for nearly a decade on this management plan,” said a statement from Ashleigh Sherman of Darby Communications on behalf of the Partnership. “However, the Partnership was disappointed to see a number of their proposals excluded from the latest draft.”

MISSING TRIGGERS

approach might require the forest to meet certain requirements for controlling invasive species or protecting water quality before moving from base-level Tier 1 logging objectives up to higher-order Tier 2 harvest goals.

The final plan keeps the tiers but doesn’t link them between interests. That is, under the proposed plan the Forest Service can move to Tier 2 logging goals, for example, without worrying about whether Tier 1 objectives have been met for water quality or invasive species control.

“The agency’s approach fails to meet the purpose and need of the plan, as well as stated desired conditions and objectives … Our Partnership members and affiliates stretched well beyond their comfort zone, and farther than they may have otherwise been able to in order to balance all stakeholder needs to the fullest extent possible,” reads the Partnerships objection. By failing to tie the tiers, it says, the Forest Service destroyed that balance.

In a February interview, Lead Planner Michelle Aldridge said that the Forest Service defines Tier 1 goals as what the Forest Service can do with its current staff and resources, while Tier 2 goals will require outside resources such as grants to accomplish.

“Think about it,” she said. “If road maintenance money arrived tomorrow, but we hadn’t yet completed all of our plan activities for non-native invasives, we’re not going to pause on our road maintenance until we get our non-native invasive work done. If we have the opportunity to do more, we’re going to do those things, whether that’s more fish passages or sustainable trails or whatever the case may be.”

The SELC included this quote in its objection, along with a sharp reply.

“This response misses the point entirely,” the SELC objection said. “Road maintenance needs are not exacerbated by treating nonnative invasive species, improving fish passage, or building sustainable trails. But some plan objectives are in direct tension with other resource protection obligations … Triggers are an adaptive management strategy to show that the forests are capable of mitigating harm before moving to ‘stretch goals.’”

Roadbuilding and timber harvest are very much connected. According to SELC’s objection, the plan puts 610,434 acres of the forest in management areas considered suitable for timber harvest. Half of these are currently inaccessible, meaning that extracting timber would require building new roads.

OLD GROWTH PROTECTIONS

The Forest Service’s solution for old growth forest was also a target of criticism for many objectors. The plan establishes a 265,000-acre old growth network, but many of those acres do not contain old growth trees, and some acreage known to contain such trees is not included in the network. In its objection, the Partnership also pointed out that the plan did not incorporate its suggestion of a cap-and-trade approach to the network, which would have allowed the Forest Service to trade lower-quality patches for higher-quality ones as they were spotted during projects.

“The plan authorizes cutting over 44,000 acres of existing designated old-growth,” I Heart Pisgah claims in its objection. “Over a quarter-million acres of old growth is placed in logging-priority designations. Twenty percent of the highest-priority logging lands contain known, inventoried old-growth forests.”

The objection claims these shortcomings are due to inaccurate models for old growth and natural disturbances that are built on “misleading assumptions” and “fundamentally flawed.” “The Forest Service has tweaked model inputs so that the models F

intentionally underestimate the amount of natural disturbance historically and overestimate natural disturbance in the future,” says the objection. “The Forest Service is attempting to create artificial need for timber harvests and inflate numbers for its own benefit rather than aiming for accurate NRV (natural range of variation) conditions.”

In particular, I Heart Pisgah objects to the fact that the plan excludes 4,000 acres of the 16,000-acre Craggy/Big Ivy Section from protection as a Forest Scenic Area — though the coalition had hoped to see it granted recommendation for the more protective National Scenic Area designation — placing them instead in a logging-eligible management area.

“These highest-priority logging areas in Craggy/Big Ivy include 1,500 acres of oldgrowth forest, the headwaters of the Ivy River (the drinking water source for the town of Weaverville), and the Snowball Trail, one of the most popular trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway,” the objection reads. “The Craggy National Scenic Area designation was also dismissed and never studied by the Forest Service without any explanation. The best and highest use of Craggy/Big Ivy is as a Forest Scenic Area/National Scenic Area that protects this world-class viewshed, ancient forest, rare species refuge, recreational hub and critical drinking water supply for Buncombe County.”

I Heart Pisgah was far from being the only organization to object to the 4,000 acres excluded from protection at Craggy/Big Ivy. The Partnership, SELC, Save the Ivy River, and even Buncombe County — among others — echoed those concerns.

Learn more

The latest updates, including filed objections, will be posted on the forest plan website at bit.ly/22forestplan.

SHORTCOMINGS FOR RECREATION

The Partnership also took issue with provisions of the plan that it said would be bad news for various recreation interests.

First, the Partnership said the plan doesn’t incorporate recommendations that aimed to head off existing or impending conflicts between user groups and sustainability goals. In rejecting these ideas, the Partnership wrote, “the Forest Service has chosen a future with more conflicts and less collaboration, and with less satisfied visitors, and is failing to adequately provide for sustainable recreation as is required by the 2012 Forest Planning Rule.”

The plan also includes regulations that will negatively impact specific recreation groups, the Partnership said.

In its objection, partnership member Access Fund-Carolina Climbers said that the plan constrains new and existing climbing routes in ways not supported by appropriate analysis, monitoring or evaluation, and that some objectives constitute a cartbefore-the-horse situation — the Forest Service should first create a climbing management plan to determine if the constraints are necessary. The Access Fund also claims that the plan unfairly penalizes climbers when, in its quest to protect peregrine falcons, it focuses management on four specific recreation uses while leaving out other activities known to disturb the falcons.

The paddling community also raised serious concerns with what’s in the plan — and with what’s not in it. The Forest Service excluded paddling management on the Chattooga River from the plan’s scope, “the result being the continuation of outdated limits on paddling in the Final Plan despite a decade of data showing low use and no issues stemming from paddling,” Partnership member American Whitewater wrote in its objection. The organization claimed that the plan did not meet the legal standard to remove paddling management from consideration and is violating the National Environmental Policy Act and the Administrative Procedures Act by keeping the limits in place despite “countervailing data.”

American Whitewater — among other objectors — also took issue with the Forest Service’s finding that the Tuckasegee River, Panthertown Creek, Greenland Creek and the North Fork of the French Broad River are not eligible for Wild and Scenic River designation. The decision was the result of “misapplied agency policy” and “inaccurate, irrelevant or inferior information.” For example, American Whitewater’s objection says, the Forest Service deemed the Upper Tuckasegee ineligible because a dam controls the flow below it. However, American Whitewater argues, “agency policy is clear” that Wild and Scenic Rivers can have dams and diversions immediately upstream and downstream of the protected reach.

COMPLICATIONS FOR YOUNG FOREST

Since the beginning of the planning process, it’s been apparent that the main tension lies between groups that want to see more protection for wilderness and old growth and those who prioritize active management — especially timber harvest and prescribed fire — to open up more young forest habitat on the aging landscape.

That said, it comes as no surprise that the joint objection submitted by supporters of the latter cause focused on different issues than those written by groups like the SELC and I Heart Pisgah. The objection, written by the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society, was also signed by Luke Weingarten and Tyler Ross of the N.C. Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, David Whitmire of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Council, Orrin Goure of Columbia Forest Products, Rob Elliott of Evergreen Packaging and John Hatcher of the N.C. Forestry Association. “Urgent

Part-time Sylva resident Richie Kahn is running the Catamount Climb at Western Carolina University April 9 to raise money for One Rare, a nonprofit that works to improve the lives of young adults living with rare conditions.

Kahn, who is embedded to the local running scene in Durham, suffers from a rare disease called Wolfram-like syndrome and is rapidly losing his vision.

“Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that running is a big part of my life,” Kahn wrote on his GoFundMe page. “Since 2009, running has been how I decompress, stay active and make friends. From co-organizing Bull City Beer Runners to logging neighborhood miles, running is sort of my thing. And, despite all of the vision I’ve lost over the last few years due to a rare and progressive form of optic atrophy called Wolframlike syndrome, I’m not going to let it stop me.”

Since he first ran it in 2012, the Catamount Climb Half Marathon has been his favorite race, and this year he’ll run it with his wife Nina serving as his running guide.

One Rare was founded in 2019 by a mother and her adult son, living with Duchene muscular dystrophy, to provide resources and opportunities to improve the lives and futures of young adults, aged 18-35 living with rare disease, through education, mentoring, recreation and peer support. While there are many supportive programs for families and children, teens and young adults, who are now living longer lives through innovations in therapeutics and healthcare, often age out of programs when they need them the most. One Rare aims to fill that gap.

Learn more about Kahn’s run or contribute to the GoFundMe at gofundme.com/f/gz8ruprunning-blind.

Winter Lights sets visitation record

Winter Lights 2021 was the biggest year yet for the N.C. Arboretum Society’s largest annual fundraiser, with more than 28,000 tickets sold and an estimated 107,000 guests experiencing the extravagant light show.

The 2021 event marked a return to the traditional walk-through format following a pandemicinduced drive-through structure last year, and a new ticketing system that featured a per-car model and tiered fee structure brought in more guests than any previous year.

Funds raised go toward keeping the arboretum beautiful all year long and hiring staff to make that happen.

Recieve $250 At Closing*

* $250 awarded at closing of Mortgage Eliminator. No cash value

8 Locations Serving you in Western North Carolina

1700 Russ Avenue, Waynesville, NC · 452-2216 219 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC · 252-8234 1453 Sand Hill Road, Candler, NC · 667-7245 3270 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher, NC · 684-9999 746 East Main Street, Franklin, NC · 524-4464 8005 NC Highway 141, Murphy, NC · 837-0460 30 Highway 107, Sylva, NC · 586-0425 3533 US 441 North, Whittier, NC · 497-6211

Hatchery Supported Trout Waters open at 7 a.m. Saturday, April 2, and remain available through Feb. 28, 2023.

These waters are marked by green-andwhite signs. Through July, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission staff will stock them with nearly 964,000 trout, 96% of which will average 10 inches in length while the other 4% exceed 14 inches. While the waters are open to public fishing, many miles run through privately owned land. Anglers should respect the property they fish on and remember that landowners can take access away if they feel their property is being misused.

A full stocking schedule is posted at bit.ly/3JFbpA2. For a list of all Hatchery

Sylva’s TU chapter plans gatherings

Hang out with the Tuckaseigee Chapter of Trout Unlimited next week as the group holds a meeting Tuesday, April 5, and a trash pickup Thursday, April 7. ■ The meeting, held 6:30-8 p.m., April 5, at the United Methodist Church in Sylva, will feature noted writer and fisherman Sam Johnson, who has written several books including “Fly Fishing the Blue Ridge Parkway, NC Section.” The meeting is open to everyone interested in fishing and conservation. A pulled pork dinner will kick things off, sides welcome. ■ The trash pickup will commence 3-5 p.m. Thursday, April 7, on South River Road and Old Settlement Road in Webster. The group will gather at the Webster Baptist Church parking lot, with bags and gloves provided.

For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page at facebook.com/tuckaseigeechapter373 or contact Tom Lenehan at tu.lenehan@gmail.com.

Meet OMC

Learn how to get involved with Outdoor Mission Community during a gathering at 5 p.m. Friday, April 1, at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville.

This “Eat and Meet” event offers a chance to learn more about OMC and its partners, and to find out where you fit in to volunteer.

March 30-April 5, 2022 Small fire burns near Smokies headquarters

A downed powerline along Park Headquarters Road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park ignited a 1.5acre wildfire last week.

The fire burned near park headquarters, between the ranger station and park maintenance yard, starting at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 24. Pigeon Forge Fire Department and Gatlinburg Fire Department responded initially, transitioning oversight to park fire crews.

Fire crews respond on Park Headquarters

Road. NPS photo

Puzzles can be found on page 38

These are only the answers.

Oak Island man aims for MST speed record

Oak Island resident Luke Bennett recently set off on a 1,175-mile journey across North Carolina to raise money and awareness for issues threatening wildlife and their habitats — and have a go at the Mountains-to-Sea Trail speed record.

Bennett, 22, started the MST in the Outer Banks March 23 and plans to run

and hike the trail over 27-28 days with a small support crew of friends and family, arriving at the trail’s terminus at Clingmans Dome in late April. His journey coincides with the 45th anniversary of the MST, first proposed in 1977 at Lake Junaluska.

Dubbed “Hiking for Habitat,” the journey will raise money for the N.C. Wildlife Federation, which will track his efforts through an ongoing blog and social media posts. “North Carolina’s wildlife, outdoors and adventures are the foundation of my life. Hiking for Habitat will be a culmination of all my outdoor experiences and serve as a tribute to our state,” Bennett said. “After taking a deep dive into the diversity of habitats and wildlife throughout the state, it’s time for me to give back, and I’m thrilled to partner with NCWF.” Bennett lives in Oak Island but grew up in Durham, where he developed a sense of wonder and appreciation for the outdoors during a childhood spent fishing, swimming and exploring the Eno River. He began running cross-country in seventh grade to get in shape for his middle school’s basketball season and developed a passion for running. Since then, he estimates, he’s traversed more than 20,000 miles. Last May, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from Appalachian State University and shortly thereafter thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail.

“I want to raise awareness about the diversity of habitats and wildlife and push myself on their behalf,” he said. “Hiking the entire MST will reinforce my connection with North Carolina, so I never forget where I came from no matter where I’m heading.”

Follow Bennett’s journey or find out how to donate at ncwf.org/blog/hiking-forhabitat.

Bennett begins his cross-state trek in the

Outer Banks. NCWF photo

Clean up Courthouse Falls

Help clean up Courthouse Falls Saturday, April 2, starting at 9 a.m. from the Cullowhee Recreation Center.

The waterfall sits on the 2.17-mile Summey Cove Trail, which features an 827-foot elevation gain, and volunteers will spend an estimated five to six hours walking the trail while picking up any unsightly litter.

Free, with gloves and trash bags provided. Participants ages 12-17 should come with a parent. For more information, contact trevorbrown@jacksonnc.org or 828.293.3053, ext. 9.

Hike through wildflower season

A spring wildflower hike Saturday, April 9, will explore the Big Creek Watershed of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park while teaching participants to identify blooming plants.

Scott Dean, an instructor for the Blue Ridge Naturalist program at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville, will lead this hike hosted by Haywood Waterways Association. The group will meet at 9:30 a.m. and start the day with a one-hour introduction to wildflowers and a short walk up Baxter Falls Trail. Those who want to extend the outing may embark on a moderate 3-mile hike to Midnight Hole Falls, with hikes concluding by 3 p.m.

The event is free for HWA members with a $5 donation requested from nonmembers. It’s part of the nonprofit’s “Get to Know Your Watershed” series of outdoor recreation activities showcasing Haywood County’s beauty. No pets, and space is limited, with carpooling encouraged. RSVP to Christine O’Brien at christine.haywoodwaterways@gmail.com or 828.476.4667, ext. 11.

A pinkshell blooms in the Highlands Botanical

Garden. Dylan Lytle photo

Experience spring in Highlands

It’s spring at Highlands Biological Station, with spring hours and weekly wildflower walks starting in April.

Join the station’s horticulturist noon-1 p.m. each Thursday for a tour of the spring beauty and biological diversity that the Highlands Plateau has to offer. The 11-acre Highlands Botanical Garden features more than 450 native plant species. Tours are weather-dependent and space is limited, so registration is required at highlandsbiological.org.

Starting April 1, the Highlands Nature Center will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, offering a chance to meet live animals, explore natural history exhibits and peruse the nature-themed gift shop.

Highlands Biological Station is a multicampus center of Western Carolina University. highlandsbiological.org.

Grow ornamental trees at home

Learn to grow woody ornamentals with a two-hour online seminar at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 7.

Taught by Haywood Extension Horticulture Agent Sam Marshall, the class will cover plant selection, buying, planting, mulching, fertilizing and watering, as well as a sampling of trees for Western North Carolina.

Sign up by April 2 at bit.ly/3qxeXfU. Cost is $10.

Endangered status proposed for northern long-eared bat

A virtual public meeting and hearing 68:30 p.m. Thursday, April 7, will take input on a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposal to move the northern long-eared bat from threatened to endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

The bat is now facing extinction due to white-nose syndrome, a deadly disease affecting bat-dwelling caves across the continent. The disease has spread to nearly 80% of the species’ range and nearly all of its U.S. range since it was listed as threatened in 2015 and is expected to spread to the entire range by 2025. White-nose syndrome has caused estimated declines of 97-100% among affected northern long-eared bat populations.

The reclassification proposal comes following an in-depth review of the species found that the bat continues to decline and now meets the definition of endangered

under the ESA. Bats are critical to healthy, functioning ecosystems and contribute at least $3 billion annually to the U.S. agriculture economy through pest control and pollination. “White-nose syndrome is devastating northern long-eared bats at unprecedented rates, as indicated by this science-based finding,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service r Regional Director Charlie Wooley. “The Service is deeply committed to continuing our vital research with partners on reducing the impacts of white-nose syndrome, while working with diverse stakeholders to conserve the northern long-eared bat and reduce impacts to landowners.” Comments on the proposal will be accepted through May 23 via regulations.gov or by mail to Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS–R3–ES–2021–0140, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: PRB/3W, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–3803. The April 7 meeting will include an information session 6-7:30 p.m. and a public hearing 7:30-8:30 p.m. Register at bit.ly/3jkwgdm.

HaywoodBuilders.com 100 Charles St. WAYNESVILLE outdoors

PLAN, CONTINUED FROM 30 action is needed at the landscape scale, above and beyond localized habitat improvement efforts, to halt the decline in ruffed grouse and other forest wildlife in Western North Carolina before it is too late,” the document reads. “The best available science suggests that maintaining 814% early successional habitat across the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests would optimize for bird diversity.”

Both the RGS&AWS and N.C. Backcountry Hunters and Anglers are Partnership members, but because they joined after the group sent in its comments on the draft plan last summer, they abstained from signing the Partnership objection to avoid jeopardizing the Partnership’s standing. However, the groups’ objections are not at odds with each other — Evergreen Packaging, a Partnership member, signed on to both.

The RGS&AWS’ 12-page objection focuses on issues that the groups believe could jeopardize goals for young forest creation. The Partnership objection also voices concern that the plan will not provide enough open forest habitat.

First on the list is the Forest Service’s definition of a young forest patch as anything half an acre or larger in size. However, RGS&AWS writes, the Forest Service’s Resources Planning Act Assessment puts the minimum size at 1 acre, creating an inconsistency that will lead to overpredicting the amount of functional young forest any given action will create. That could have disastrous consequences for game species.

“The plan will likely perpetuate current declines with given assumptions,” the objection reads.

The group also takes issue with how the Forest Service factored historic human-caused disturbance into its assumptions. The model used to determine the natural range of variation of the forest — and, by extension, the condition that the Forest Service aims its management to return it to — does not consider Native American land management impacts, such as burning and agriculture, RGS&AWS writes.

“Also, the NRV model did not consider non-human natural disturbances caused by keystone wildlife species that are now extinct or extirpated, including eastern bison, elk and passenger pigeons,” the objection reads. “Therefore, the NRV model likely underestimates the amount of historic young and open forest and inflates the role of current natural disturbances in providing desired conditions. It discounts the role of people in maintaining desired forest structural conditions.” While the model fails to consider human impacts in that context, it includes humancaused wildfire as a contributing factor in new young forest creation. As the RGS&AWS sees it, it is “inappropriate” to include human-caused disturbance in one model but not in another.

“Also, assuming that recent humaninduced wildfire will continue into the future is not accurate because it assumes a continuity of social behavior without considering other social variables,” the objection reads.

The sky explodes with color from a viewpoint on the Pisgah

Ranger District. USFS photo

FINAL STEPS

The Forest Service has a deadline of April 1 to determine which objectors have standing to file. Those granted standing will be invited to participate in talks this spring and summer to iron out the issues raised and guide the Forest Service to the final version of its final plan.

To have standing, an objector must have submitted comments during an earlier comment period concerning the same issue as the current objection. However, anybody objecting to information in the final plan that was not included in draft versions is exempt from that requirement.

Anyone who submitted formal comments but doesn’t qualify for standing as an objector can file a request for recognition as an “interested person,” a designation that allows for participation in the objection resolution meetings. While the meetings will be open to the public, only objectors and interested persons will be allowed to participate in the dialogue.

The objection resolution process will take at least 90 days, though there’s opportunity to extend it if more time is needed. The Forest Service expects to be operating under the new plan by the middle of the year — and to keep it in place for the next 15-20 years.

Disc golf course open in Cherokee

The Fire Mountain Disc Golf Sanctuary in Cherokee is now open for play.

Built by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the 18-hole championshipcaliber course winds through a 20-acre parcel that abuts the Great Smoky Mountains National Park just past Cherokee Central Schools on Big Cove Road. A small parking lot sits just across from the entrance, with additional capacity being added soon. In the meantime, disc golfers are asked to refrain from parking across the bridge in the stickball area should the existing parking lot fill up

An official grand opening celebration is planned for later this spring. Disc Golf Design Group designed and built the course.

Staffing shortage forces water park closure

Lifeguard shortages are once more plaguing the Waynesville Recreation Center, forcing it to close the water park as of April 8 due to lack of staffing.

The lap pool will remain open 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday. However, many school groups use the lap pool between 11 a.m.-3 p.m. this time of year, so swimmers should call ahead to check availability.

Lifeguards must be at least 16 years old and certified able to become lifeguard-certified. The American Red Cross lifeguard tests requires 300 yards of continuous swimming, treading water for two minutes using legs only, and a timed deep brick dive in one minute and four seconds.

For more information, contact Luke Kinsland at lkinsland@waynesvillenc.gov or call the rec center at 828.456.2030.

Prepare for backcountry emergencies

Landmark Learning is now enrolling for a variety of wilderness medicine certification courses planned for the spring months. ■ The Wilderness First Responder certification is designed to provide the tools to make critical medical and evacuation decisions in remote location. The course will be held in Cullowhee April 9-17, May 7-15, May 21-29 and June 2-12. ■ The Wilderness First Responder recertification course is a review and practice of evacuation and decision-making guidelines. It will be held in Cullowhee June 1-3. ■ The Wilderness First Aid course is a fastpaced, hands-on training designed to meet the needs of people working in remote locations. It will be held in Cullowhee April 2324, May 7-8 and June 16-17, in Arden May 17-18 and in Asheville May 28-29. ■ The Wilderness Lifeguard course is geared toward wilderness trip leaders with a focus on prevention in backcountry swimming environments. It will be held in Cullowhee May 26-27. ■ The Level 4 Swiftwater Rescue course teaches recreational paddlers and whitewater trip leaders the skills they need to prevent and respond to river injuries and accidents. It will be held in Cullowhee May 2122. ■ The Leave No Trace Master Educator course combines classroom, field and community outreach to prepare students to deliver two-day Leave No Trace Trainer courses. It will be held in Cullowhee June 20-24. ■ The Wilderness Upgrade for Medical Professionals course uses case studies and practical scenarios to teach medical professionals how to improvise equipment, deal with challenging environments and confidently make difficult medical decisions in remote environments. It will be held in Cullowhee June 27-July 1.

Costs vary. Scholarships are available through The Landmark Foundation.

Learn more or sign up at landmarklearning.org.

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

• The Jackson County Farmers Market meets every Saturday November through March 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and April through October 9 a.m.-noon at Bridge Park in Sylva, 110 Railroad St. Fresh, locally grown seasonal vegetables, locally produced meat, eggs, fresh bread and pastries, coffee, foraged mushrooms, flowers, starter plants for the garden, honey, jams and jellies, local artisans and more. Special events listed on Facebook and Instagram. • The Jackson Arts Market takes place from 1-5 p.m. every Saturday at 533 West Main St. in Sylva with live music and an array of local artists. Alma Russ will play music at the market April 2, Balsam Hot Club will play music at the market April 9, David Cheatham will play music at the market April 16. • The Jackson Arts Market, in partnership with Western Carolina University, will host ‘Science at the Jackson Arts Market’ on April 3 and 10. This free, family-friendly event will teach about the science of local crafts people including glassblowing, gemstones, pottery making, blacksmithing, herb foraging and more. The events are free and open to all.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS

• Wheels Through Time Museum will be holding a tribute event from noon-4 p.m. April 2, at the Wheels Through Time Museum, celebrating the life of museum founder Dale Walksler. Pastor and museum staff member Kris Estep will speak at 2 p.m., followed by comments and stories from some of Dale’s closest family and friends. For more information, visit www.wheelsthroughtime.com/dales-celebration-of-life/

VOLUNTEERS & VENDORS

• Volunteers are wanted for Kids in the Creek, an annual environmental education program that’s been teaching eighth-grade students in Haywood County about watershed ecology since 1999. Kids in the Creek will take place 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. April 19-21 and 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. April 22, rain or shine, at the Canton Recreation Park. RSVP to Christine O’Brien by April 15 at 828.475.4667, ext. 11, or Christine.haywoodwaterways@gmail.com.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

• Swain County Caring Corner Free Clinic is open Thursday’s 4-9 p.m. at Restoration House (Bryson City United Methodist Church). Office hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m.-noon. Call 828.341.1998 to see if you qualify to receive free medical care from volunteer providers.

A&E

• Mountain Makers Craft Market will be held from noon-4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at 308 North Haywood St. in downtown Waynesville. Over two dozen artisans selling handmade and vintage goods. Special events will be held when scheduled. mountainmakersmarket.com. • Community Music Jams will return at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 7, on the library front patio, weather permitting, or in the library auditorium. Community Music Jams are offered to the public the first and third Thursday of each month during spring, summer and fall. For more information or driving directions call the library at 828.488.3030. • Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host “Jam at the Gem” featuring regional/national bluegrass stars April 2. All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.246.0350 or boojumbrewing.com. • Elevated Mountain Distilling Company (Maggie Valley) will host an Open Mic Night 7-9 p.m. on Wednesdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.734.1084 or elevatedmountain.com. • Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host Alma Russ (Americana/folk) April 7. All events begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. innovation-brewing.com. • Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Dustin Martin (singer-songwriter) 7 p.m. April 16. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com. • Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host The Waymores (Americana/folk) April 1. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com. • Macon County Public Library (Franklin) will host The Vagabonds (Americana/old-time) 2 p.m. April 4. Free and open to the public. fontanalib.org. • The Scotsman (Waynesville) will host The Razbillys (Americana/indie) at 9 p.m. April 1. Free and open to the public. 828.246.6292 or scotsmanpublic.com. • Unplugged Pub (Bryson City) will host Larry Joe Lampert (singer-songwriter) March 31, Jon Cox Band (Americana) April 1 and Mountain Gypsy (Americana) April 2. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.538.2488. • Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host Desert Honey (Americana/roots) 9 p.m. April 9. 828.456.4750 or facebook.com/waternhole.bar.

n All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted. n To have your item listed email to calendar@smokymountainnews.com

FOOD AND DRINK

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host a “Thru-Hiker Chow Down” from noon-3 p.m. Saturday, April 2. The Nantahala Hiking Club and Lazy Hiker welcome all thruhikers for free food, games and craft beer. Come mingle with your fellow hikers and enjoy “Trail Days.” 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com. • “Flights & Bites” will be held starting at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. For more information on upcoming events, wine tastings and special dinners, click on waynesvillewine.com. • A free wine tasting will be held from 6-8 p.m. every Thursday and 2-5 p.m. every Saturday at The Wine Bar & Cellar in Sylva. 828.631.3075. • Bryson City Wine Market offers trips around the world with four different wines from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. every Friday, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. every Saturday. New wines arrive weekly. • “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12 (and other 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. For more information and/or to register, call 800.872.4681 or click on gsmr.com. • Cooking classes take place at the McKinley Edwards Inn from 6-8:30 p.m. on Thursday nights. To reserve your spot call 828.488.9626.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT

• The Broadway musical favorite Newsies is coming to the HART Main Stage April 1. Newsies has performances at 7:30 p.m. April 1, 2, 8 and 9, 2 p.m. and April 3 and 10. Tickets are available now by visiting harttheatre.org or by calling HART’s Box Office at (828) 456-6322. • “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka” will hit the stage at 7 p.m April 1-2 and 2:30 p.m. April 3 at the Swain Arts Center in Bryson City. The production will feature the Swain County High School Vocal Ensemble, SMS 8th Grade Performing Arts Class and several elementary students. Tickets are $10 adult, $5 students. The box office opens one hour before showtime. For more information, go to swainartscenter.com and click on the “Upcoming” tab.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS

• The monthly Creating Community Workshop is at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, in the Atrium of the Jackson County Public Library. Participants will learn the basics of felting by creating shapes out of a narrow bundle of wool called “roving”. The class is limited to 10 participants. To register call the library at 828.586.2016. • Dogwood Crafters will host a workshop on nontraditional approach to quilting called the “Stack ‘n Whack” method will be taught in two sessions from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursdays, April 7 and April 14. Joyce Lantz will lead participants in stacking and cutting their fabric at the first meeting and putting it all together at the second. The cost is $20. To attend, call Dogwood Crafters at 828.586.2248. • The Marianna Black Library in Bryson City will begin hosting a free six-week workshop on American Sign Language. This workshop will begin at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 7 through Thursday, May 12, in the library’s auditorium. All classes are free and open to all ages.

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES

• “Thursday Painters” group will be held from 10 a.m.3 p.m. on Thursdays at The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Free and open to the public. All skill levels and mediums are welcome. Participants are responsible for their own project and a bag lunch. 828.349.4607 or pm14034@yahoo.com. • Photography by Wendy Kates “From Rural to Urban: A Photographic Exploration,” will be on display in the Macon County Public Library Meeting room April 2-30. A reception will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 9.

Outdoors

• The Haywood County Master Gardener Plant Clinic is now open again with an in-person format, 9 a.m.-noon every Tuesday and 1-4 p.m. Thursdays through September, excepting holidays. Drop into the Cooperative Extension Office on Raccoon Road in Waynesville or call 828.456.3575 • Learn how to get involved with Outdoor Mission Community during a gathering at 5 p.m. Friday, April 1, at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. This “Eat and Meet” event offers a chance to learn more about OMC and its partners, and to find out where you fit in to volunteer. • The Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon and Mighty Four Miler will return to Waynesville this year, stepping off Saturday, April 2. Register at gloryhoundevents.com. • Three Eagles Outfitters will host the 28th anniversary Hiker Fest Friday and Saturday, April 1-2. • The Highlands Nature Center will open for spring hours beginning Friday, April 1. The station is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is free thanks to the Highlands Biological Foundation, Western Carolina University, and the state of North Carolina. Visit highlandsbiological.org to plan a visit and to see the Nature Center’s upcoming programs and events. • Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon and Mighty Four Miler to benefit the Riley Howell Foundation Fund will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 2. • Nantahala Hiking Club will hold its annual Thru Hiker Chow Down noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at Lazy Hiker Brewing Company. NHC volunteers will serve hikers a chili dog lunch, with the public welcome to come and hang out with the hikers. • Get trained to monitor water quality in your local stream during a workshop offered 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 2, along the Buncombe-Madison county line. RSVP at bit.ly/SMIEWorkshop. Contact Kaila with questions at eqilabstaff@gmail.com. • Help clean up Courthouse Falls Saturday, April 2, starting at 9 a.m. from the Cullowhee Recreation Center. Free, with gloves and trash bags provided. Participants ages 12-17 should come with a parent. For more information, contact trevorbrown@jacksonnc.org or 828.293.3053, ext. 9. • An organizational meeting for a senior softball league forming in Waynesville will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 4, at Vance Street Park softball field. The league is open to men 60 and older and to women 50 and older. Practices will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Vance Street Park. For more information, contact Donald Hummel at 828.456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov. • The fourth annual Outdoor Economy Conference will be held April 4-7 at Harrah’s Cherokee Conference Center in Cherokee, four days packed full of panels, keynote addresses, excursions and networking opportunities spanning the gamut of interests related to the outdoors. Tickets are limited but still available. Register at outdooreconomy.org. • The Tuckasegee Chapter of Trout Unlimited will host a roadside trash pick-up from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, April 7, on South River Road and Old Settlement Roads in Webster. The group will meet at the Webster Baptist Church lot. Bags and gloves will be provided. Find the event at www.facebook.com/tuckaseigeechapter373 • Learn to grow woody ornamentals with a two-hour online seminar at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 7. Taught by Haywood Extension Horticulture Agent Sam Marshall, the class will cover plant selection, buying, planting, mulching, fertilizing and watering, as well as a sampling of trees for Western North Carolina. Sign up by April 2 at bit.ly/3qxeXfU. Cost is $10.

Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for:

n Complete listings of local music scene n Regional festivals n Art gallery events and openings n Complete listings of recreational offerings at health and fitness centers n Civic and social club gatherings

Market PLACEWNC

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!

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Auction

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Business Opportunities

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Employment

THE JONATHAN CREEK INN is hiring for seasonal and year round positions. Grounds/light maintenance, full or part time, able to do basic handyman and landscaping work. Must take pride in your work. Housekeepers also. 25-30 hrs per week. Weekends required. Apply in person at Jonathan Creek Inn at 4324 Soco Road, Maggie Valley NC 28751. BOOTS STEAKHOUSE IN DILLSBORO Boots Steakhouse in Dillsboro is now hiring Servers, Bussers, Cooks and Dishwashers. Our employees earn top wages and we are ranked the #1 Steakhouse by Trip Advisor in the Carolina Mountains. Please apply to: bootssteakhouse@gmail.com to schedule an in person interview. You can also call 828-631-9713 and view our website: www. bootssteakhouse.com

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! 1-855-554-4616 The Mission, Program Information and Tuition is located at CareerTechnical.edu/ consumer-information.

POOL & SPA TECHNICIAN TRAINEE Mountain Spring Spas & Pools in Franklin, NC is looking for pool and spa maintenance technicians. Experience is a plus, but

not required; we offer hands-on training in the 2871, send your resume via email to mtnspringspas@yahoo.com, or stop by our retail store located at 611 Highlands Road, Franklin, NC 28734 next to Vito’s Pizza. We look forward to meeting you! mtnspringspas@yahoo. com

IN HOME AIDE We can work around your schedule starting at $12.00 per hour to provide in home aide services based on the consumer needs through the Home and Community Block Grant. You can make a difference in someone’s life age 60 and older in Jack-

for full time PTO, dental, life and health insurance. Part time positions available. Please apply at 525 Mineral Springs Drive, Sylva NC or call Home Care Partners at 828-586-1570 for more information.

POSITION AVAILABLE Are you someone with a disability who has overcome obstacles relating to a personal disability and will use that strength to help others with disabilities set and reach goals to live more independently. If so, DisAbility Partners has a full-time position available for you. Work experience and education will

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Servers · Bussers · Cooks · Dishwashers Our employees earn top wages and we are ranked the #1 Steakhouse by Trip Advisor in the Carolina Mountains.

Nantahala Outdoor Center is seeking a Housekeeping Manager that will effectively and efficiently manage a small team to ensure the cleanliness of the cabins, rooms, and bathrooms while upholding the departments policies and procedures and deliver exceptional customer service. This is a Full-Time position reporting to the Lodging Manager. NOC is looking for candidates that can work a flexible schedule including mornings, weekends, and holidays. Applicants can expect to work between 3545 hours per week.

vacation, sick, holidays and dental, life and health insurance. Mon-Fri 40 hours per week. You can make a difference. Applications available at DisAbility Partners, 525 Mineral Springs Drive, Sylva or on our website; disabilitypartners.org. Call Barbara Davis for more information 828226-8263.

REGISTERED NURSE If you are a Registered Nurse licensed in the State of North Carolina and want less stress than the typical medical, hospital structure requires we need your nursing skills to supervise the daily operations of home care services provided through Home Care Partners. This position supervises the aides, scheduling, training and day to day activities to assure our clients can remain independent in their home environment. No medical services administered. Mon-Fri 40 include vacation, sick, holidays and dental, life, health insurance. Please call Julie Van Hook at 828-507-6065 for more information. You can apply at Disability Partners, 525 Mineral Springs Drive, Sylva, NC 28779.

WANTED CARPENTRY HELP PART TIME Needed: Carpenter with experience in helping with building house in the Bethel area. Must have your own insurance. Text Roland @828-5056879. (828) 505-6879 tgauts56@gmail.com

HOUSEKEEPING DEPARTMENT MANAGER #003661 The Department of Residential Living at Western Carolina University is accepting applications for the position of Housekeeping Dept. Manager on the Cullowhee campus. This position involves the planning, scheduling and management of the residential housekeeping program at WCU. This position requires excellent decision-making skills, the ability to manage staff, and a knowledge of what it takes to maintain a high standard of cleanliness. This position will plan work assignments, establish rules and guidelines, and will resolve disciplinary concerns. The ideal candidate will be very organized, will have excellent communication skills, and will excel at team building and staff administration. Join our team! Apply online at https://jobs.wcu.edu/ postings/18830 Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Ac Pro Disabled & Veteran Employer.

PATHWAYS FOR THE FUTURE, INC. dba Disability Partners is seeking a dynamic, forward thinking person for the position of Executive Director. Disability Partners is a local Center for Independent Living serving 14 Counties in Western North Carolina, Asheville, North Carolina. People with disabilities are served through the Center for Independent Living, Homecare Partners and Person First Services, a provider of the Innovations Waiver through Vaya. The Executive Director Job Description and application can be found at https:// www.disabilitypartners. org/employment-opportunities. All applicants must submit by email: Cover Letter, current Resume and a complete application to: ssacco@disabilitypartners.org. The deadline to apply for the position is April 29, 2022 at 5:00pm. Documents submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the position.

CONSTRUCTION ASSISTANT PT – Haywood and Jackson Co. - Smoky Mountain Housing the affordable housing division of Mountain Projects, Inc. SMHP is seeking a Part-Time Construction Assistant to work in the SelfHelp Housing Program. This position will work under the direction

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Haywood Co. Real Estate Agents

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TO ADVERTISE INTHE NEXT ISSUE 828.452.4251

BLOOMIN' HUMANS

ACROSS

1 "Rabbit food" 6 Back-and-forth talk 12 Cold case solvers, often 20 Oven maker 21 Source of weather upheaval 22 This instant 23 MTV's first Latina video jockey 25 "Don't go anywhere" 26 Dresses up 27 Cubs' and Eagles' gp. 29 Mazda two-seater 30 Common conjunction 31 Social-climbing snob on "Keeping Up Appearances" 37 Gp. in the Arab League 40 Funny Conan 42 Blends to mush 43 35th president's mother 46 Banjoist Fleck 47 Inkling 51 Carve -- career 52 Post-Q string 53 "The Sea, the Sea" novelist of 1978 56 Highway jam 58 Adhesive rolls 60 German king called "the Great" 61 Verb suffix in London 62 When Hamlet's soliloquy is recited 66 -- New Guinea (island nation) 69 Li'l Abner's mother 71 Friend of Lucy van Pelt and Patty 76 Beef up 77 Clout 79 Gold, in Peru 80 "You can't -- train" 83 Actress Dianne 84 Famed killer whale 86 "Lost Souls" novelist of 1992 90 Penpoint 93 Siberia locale 94 Chichi 95 Tehran locale 96 Vampiric TV housewife 100 Shorthand whiz, in brief 102 Poe's "radiant maiden" 103 Cleveland-to-Raleigh dir. 104 Aunt of Harry Potter 109 DJ's platters 111 Level, grassy plain 112 Pub fixture 113 Ball-shaped blooms 117 Aim for 121 Hippies (and an alternate title for this puzzle) 125 Tidied up 126 Novelist Gay 127 Trashed stuff 128 Declared 129 Declared 130 Busybody

DOWN

1 "Smooth Operator" singer 2 "Walk Like --" 3 Woodsy den 4 Actor Williams 5 Diary 6 God, in Latin 7 -- -de-France 8 Actress Sheridan 9 Ignited 10 Last year before the first century 11 Busybody 12 HMO VIPs 13 Petty peeve 14 -- Khan 15 Lymphoid organ in the neck 16 Moral code 17 Sort not to be trusted 18 Eggy cake 19 Elbow grease 24 "Giant" novelist Edna 28 Wolf-headed Egyptian god 31 Inklinga 32 "-- -haw!" 33 Common conjunction 34 Uno plus dos 35 Ship's wheel 36 Romeo 37 Bit of expert advice 38 Writer -- May Alcott 39 "Your Best Life Now" author Joel 41 ICU figures 44 Water, to Watteau 45 "Gadzooks!" 47 Dog collar attachment 48 Part of many an emoticon 49 Friendly introduction? 50 Sushi tuna 54 Keanu of the screen 55 Driving paths 57 Check-giving time at work 58 Fri. follows it 59 Arrid target 63 Film dancer Charisse 64 Wee kid 65 Ring victory, for short 66 Cooking vessels 67 Muhammad -- 68 Guitar piece 70 Overly sweet 72 Suffix with journal 73 Celebrity tributes 74 Fighting forces 75 1983 Lionel Richie hit 78 Film holder 80 Health club 81 Blue Jays, on sports tickers 82 Decide 83 Triumph in the end 85 Keeps 87 Tube-shaped pasta 88 La -- Tar Pits 89 Senator Paul 90 Big Apple's city and state: Abbr. 91 "I'd say," in a text message 92 Coarse sack material 97 Unwell 98 Spike of films 99 They may cry "Uncle!" 100 One napping noisily 101 Inserted plant shoots 104 Main course of action 105 Nobody -- (mine alone) 106 Spanish bar appetizers 107 Link up 108 Messy impact sound 110 MIT business school name 113 Historical slave Scott 114 -- facto 115 Countertenor 116 Filter slowly 118 Strep doc 119 Golf prop 120 Singular 122 Ending for Motor 123 Soggy 124 Suffix with journal

ANSWERS ON PAGE 32

of the Construction Supervisor to assist in overseeing families in the construction of their own homes. Previous experience or knowledge of construction, weatherization, carpentry, or building codes is a plus. This position will work on construction sites in both Haywood and Jackson Counties. Some nontraditional hours will be necessary. If you’re interested in this position, please visit www. mountainprojects.org to apply now. This position offers competitive pay, great work environment. Mountain Projects is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EOE/AA

SELF HELP GROUP COORDINATOR/ RECRUITER – Haywood and Jackson Co. - Smoky Mountain Housing the affordable housing division of Mountain Projects, Inc. SMHP is seeking a full-time Self Help Group Coordinator/ Recruiter to work in the Self Help Housing Program. This position

will work under the direction of the Affordable Housing Manager to recruit income eligible families who are interested in the self help method of constructing each other’s homes and assisting them in obtaining housing loans from Rural Development. The ideal candidate will be organized, energetic, engaged, and motivated to work with families from diverse backgrounds as they secure the American Dream of homeownership. Some nontraditional hours will be necessary. If you’re interested in this position, please visit www. mountainprojects.org to apply now. This position offers competitive pay, great work environment. Mountain Projects is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EOE/AA

GROUP HOME STAFF NEEDED: Full time Ben in Waynesville. Paraprofessional will participate in the care of residents by providing guidance, supervision, medication and prompting as

WCU NOW HIRING HOUSEKEEPERS $15.00/Hour plus manent. Also, Part time and Temp Available. Please visit https:// jobs.wcu.edu or Call 828-227-7218 An Equal Opportunity/Access/ Disabled & Veteran Employer.

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SUDOKU

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Answers on 32

LICENSED P&C INSURANCE AGENT Local insurance agency is looking for an individual who is motivated, energetic, and has a bright personality. Must be goal oriented with a knack for customer service, as well as a team player! Complete training in insurance will be provided. Compet offered. Full or part time. License preferred. Georgi2@allstate.com

Legal Notices

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned having of the Estate of GEORGE ROBERT ORR, deceased, late of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify corporations having claims against the estate to present such claims to the undersigned at 247 Charlotte Street, Suite 205, Asheville, North Carolina on or before the 16th day of June, 2022, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This the 16th day of March, 2022 ROBIN MADELLE OWENS fka ROBIN ORR

Medical

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Pets

LOGAN FROM SARGE’S ANIMAL RESCUE Logan is around 9 months old & just over 30 lbs and looks to be a Belgian Malinois mix. Even with 3 legs, he’s with smarts and energy. Logan wants a home with a fenced yard where he can play fetch with his person. He still has some of the naughty puppy traits such as being generous with his mouth.

Logan does well with other dogs, but would be best suited for a home without cats or small kiddos. Logan’s adoption fee is $125. If you’d like to be considered, please submit a dog adoption application at www.sarg info@sarges.org

MILLIE FROM SARGE’S ANIMAL RESCUE Millie is a sweet and curious little black kitten who is about 4 months old. You can meet Millie at Petsmart in Waynesville. Her adoption fee is $50. Please complete the cat adoption application found at www.sarges.org sarges.org

APOLLO FROM SARGE’S ANIMAL RESCUE Apollo is a handsome and friendly Australian Shepherd mix who weighs 37 pounds and is just under 2 years old. Apollo has by all accounts appeared to be an incredibly smart, attentive, and well rounded boy. He’s excellent on leash walks, doesn’t make a whole lot of noise in his kennel, and loves to be with people. Apollo has a good amount of energy and would be a wonderful hiking and adventure companion for an active family/individual. He has lived with other dogs, cats, and young children with no reported tion fee is $125. Please complete a dog adoption application at www.sarges.org to be considered. sarges.org

Real Estate Announcements

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Health/Beauty

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WHEN THEY’RE TUNING YOU OUT. NEVER GIVE UP UNTIL THEY BUCKLE UP.

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