Smoky Mountain News | April 14, 2021

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Western North Carolina’s Source for Weekly News, Entertainment, Arts, and Outdoor Information

April 14-20, 2021 Vol. 22 Iss. 46

Cherokee considers decriminalizing marijuana Page 4 Haywood businesses request tax incentives Page 17

CONTENTS

STAFF

On the Cover: Not only does the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have its own search and rescue team to respond to emergency calls, it’s now implementing a new program to reduce search and rescues by 20 percent within five years. These efforts will be critical as the park’s visitation continues to increase. (Page 30)

News Cherokee considers decriminalizing marijuana ..........................................................4 Canton town manager suspended ................................................................................5 Cawthorn’s first Republican challenger appears ......................................................6 Concerns go unanswered during HCA monitor meeting ......................................8 Dr. Jernigan addresses COVID-19 vaccine concerns ..........................................10 Sylva ponders tax increase ............................................................................................12 Legislation could improve benefits for new moms ................................................16 Haywood businesses request tax incentives ..........................................................17 Community Almanac ........................................................................................................21

Opinion Sometimes, the urge to just go is irresistible ..........................................................22 Corridor K a model for future highway projects ......................................................23

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A&E Drew Holcomb to perform at Highlands festival ....................................................24

Books Pick up a book and travel during the pandemic ......................................................29

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Cherokee considers decriminalizing marijuana Council tables ordinances, plans further discussion

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ribal Council voted unanimously April 1 to table an ordinance aiming to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana.

However, discussion preceding the vote indicates that some version of that ordinance will likely pass in the future.

“I think everybody’s in agreeance to it for the most part,” said Chairman Adam Wachacha. “It’s just that I feel it that needs to be a little more regulated than just basically saying anybody and everybody can purchase.”

As currently written, the ordinance would remove criminal penalties for possession of 1.5 ounces or less of marijuana and 0.15 ounces of hashish. That ordinance change would apply only on Cherokee lands; possession of any amount would remain illegal on lands under state jurisdiction.

In presenting the proposal, Governmental Affairs Liaison Jeremy Wilson said decriminalization would be an important victory in the fight to rein in the opioid epidemic.

“What we’re doing here is trying to find a pathway to finally doing something about the opioid crisis that we’ve dealt with for so long,” said Wilson. “A lot of people would want to use marijuana for their ailments versus resorting to a higher dose of prescription medication. There’s multiple stories out there that those things do lead to addiction.”

The ordinance currently under discussion is only the first step, he added — over the course of the coming year Wilson expects to bring in a series of proposals aimed at setting up a full-blown medicinal marijuana program on the Qualla Boundary.

The “ultimate goal,” he said, is legalization, adding that “we’re not there yet” and that decriminalization of small amounts is merely the “most proper step” in getting into the medical marijuana industry.

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Wolfetown Representative Chelsea Saunooke voiced her support for the measure, telling council about a family member who she’d all but lost to drugs when marijuana provided an alternative.

“It was the only way that I got a family member back close to who they really were,” she said.

Principal Chief Richard Sneed told a similar story. While serving as vice chief between 2015 and 2017, he said, he was dealing with a “violently bad” situation at home as behavioral issues his youngest son had dealt with his entire life came to a head during his teenage years. Doctors suggested antipsychotics, but Sneed was leery about subjecting his son to the side effects of those drugs. His son began to use cannabis instead.

“He uses it medicinally, and he is a different person,” said Sneed. “He’s somebody that the rest of our family now like to be around, and we want to be around him, whereas before, he was unbearable. So that’s our story and that’s why I am in support of this, because I have seen the benefits.”

Nationwide, public attitudes toward marijuana legalization are becoming increasingly positive. A 2020 Gallup pool found that 68 percent of U.S. adults support legalization, the highest reading in the five decades Gallup has tracked the metric. The first Gallup poll on the subject, held in 1969, showed that just 12 percent of Americans backed marijuana

legalization. A Feb. 11 Facebook post from The Cherokee One Feather asking tribal members their thoughts on the issue yielded 189 comments, overwhelmingly in favor of legalization.

The tribe has been discussing cannabis laws for some time and in 2019 created a

“If we move into the medicinal market so we can produce it from seed to sale I’m in support of that, because I know exactly what we’re going to be getting.”

— Tribal Council Chairman Adam Wachacha

Cannabis Commission tasked with creating a regulation plan for the production of the low-THC cannabis product hemp and developing proposed changes to tribal law and administrative rules — as well as a longterm economic plan — to support the hemp industry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the tribe’s proposed hemp regulatory plan in December 2020, and the application process is now open.

“It’s a moral imperative that we make available the least harmful substance that people can use to deal with their situation,” said Sneed. “Then we’re going to take the next step and we’re going to actually implement a medical program.”

While no Council member expressed opposition to creating a medicinal marijuana program, several raised objections to the ordinance currently before them.

For one thing, said Vice Chairman David Wolfe, the proposed language had no age limit attached to it. If passed as written, any person of any age — even a child — could legally possess small amounts of marijuana.

“It says ‘any person.’ If you’re breathing, you can certainly be carrying it,” said Wolfe.

“We have a lot of kids here in school. We’re trying to keep them away from drugs and any kind of drugs, whether it be marijuana or whatever.”

Representative Dike Sneed, of Painttown, pointed out that decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana without providing a legal way to sell it will ensure the supply comes from black market dealers who are assuredly carrying around far more than 1.5 ounces at any given time.

“The black market guys are going to be the ones making the profit off of it right now,” he said.

Wachacha echoed those concerns, saying that the ordinance needed some work before he’d favor passing it.

“If we move into the medicinal market so we can produce it from seed to sale I’m in support of that,” he said, “because I know exactly what we’re going to be getting.”

Secretary of Agriculture Joey Owle, meanwhile, maintained that decriminalization now would be a net good and that fears about its ripple effects are overblown.

“We’ve heard the fear-mongering over the years — ‘the sky’s going to fall, everything’s going to burn,’” he said. “To anticipate that there’s going to be this huge influx of everybody using cannabis and people gone wild I think is a bit disingenuous.”

The vote to table the legislation was unanimous. However, more discussion on the topic — and voting — is likely over the year to come.

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Jason Burrell. news

Canton town manager suspended

C

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formance, character, fitness, appointment, or removal of a member of the public body or another body and may not consider or fill a vacancy among its own membership except in an open meeting. Final action making an appointment or discharge or removal by a public body having final authority for the appointment or discharge or removal shall be taken in an open meeting.”

Statute also forbids Smathers and aldermen present at the meeting from confirming that the session was about Burrell, although Smathers did say the session, which began around 7 p.m., lasted until after 11 p.m. No board action was taken at the conclusion of the lengthy closed session.

The town’s Assistant Manager, Nick Scheuer, will assume Burrell’s responsibilities for the time being.

“As it already exists in his established job description, our assistant town manager will fulfill the day-to-day duties of the town manager, assisted by Town Clerk Lisa Stinnett, and Natalie Walker, our CFO, as they continue in their roles,” Smathers said. “They will be joined by town employees and staff who will continue to serve in their amazing and accomplished roles. Citizens will not see any change in daily operations. As for myself and the board, our confidence remains steadfast in our town employees to perform their duties.

We support them, and we stand by them.”

Scheuer was hired by the town on April 30, 2018, to fill Burrell’s former role as assistant town manager and brought with him previous experience working with the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Division. Scheuer has been an integral part of Canton’s recreational aspirations, including the mountain biking facility currently under construction at Chestnut Mountain Park. Scheuer also has experience in grant management, planning and zoning.

The Town of Canton Board of Aldermen/women’s next meeting is on Thursday, April 22. The town also has a budget retreat scheduled for April 26.

April 14-20, 2021

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS E DITOR anton Town Manager Jason Burrell has been suspended indefinitely without pay pending further board action, Mayor Zeb Smathers told a meeting of town employees the afternoon of April 10 while accompanied by Mayor Pro Tem Gail Mull.

Burrell, 40, is a Candler area native and a Western Carolina University alum with a political science degree and a master’s degree in public administration. He’s served as Canton’s town manager for nearly four years, but had served as Canton’s assistant town manager for eight years prior to that, working under former managers Al Matthews and Seth Hendler-Voss.

During his tenure as assistant manager, Burrell was lauded for taking the lead on economic development initiatives that have revitalized parts of Canton’s formerly disused downtown district.

Although many aspects of municipal government are public record, personnel matters generally are not, so Smathers is prohibited from issuing any other details about Burrell’s suspension.

There was no indication of anything amiss during the brief April 9 meeting of the Town of Canton Board of Aldermen/women, however the meeting ended with a closed session.

Per statute, closed sessions can only happen for a few specific reasons. The reason given for the closed session was North Carolina General Statute 143-318-11(a) 6, which is commonly cited as “personnel” and reads: “To consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee; or to hear or investigate a complaint, charge, or grievance by or against an individual public officer or employee. General personnel policy issues may not be considered in a closed session. A public body may not consider the qualifications, competence, per-

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Cawthorn’s first Republican challenger appears

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS EDITOR here’s been lots of speculation since very early in Rep. Madison Cawthorn’s tenure in Congress that he’d face a Republican challenger in the Primary Election, but now it appears there’s at least one person who’s willing to do it — Asheville Republican Wendy Nevarez.

“Experience is key. Leaders have to be strong and courageous and willing even when the establishment or the agency or organization they’re a part of is wrong,” Nevarez gave as the reason for her decision to primary Western North Carolina’s firebrand freshman congressman. “They have to have the ability to say, wait, come on guys … he just doesn’t have that yet.”

Nevarez grew up in King’s Mountain and after a semester at the pricey, private Gardner-Webb University joined the U.S. Navy, shortly before the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Working in disbursement and personnel, Nevarez tired of missing her children and received an honorable discharge in 2012, taking a civil service job in Norfolk.

After a visit to Asheville, Nevarez and her family moved to the area. She took a job in manufacturing, but quit when she realized she was about to give birth to twins. While staying home to raise them, Nevarez earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from UNC-Asheville, and went on to get a master’s in public administration. Currently, she’s a legal assistant at the Van Winkle Law Firm.

Her campaign Facebook page just launched, but a campaign website, www.wendyforwnc.com, is not yet active.

Voter records show Nevarez voted in Pasquotank County from 2008 through 2012, and in Buncombe County thereafter. A Federal Elections Commission search revealed that Nevarez established a campaign committee on April 7.

Nevarez’s entry into the field all but guarantees a crowded race on both sides — Democrats Jasmine Beach-Ferrara and Josh Remillard have already launched their campaigns, and rumors continue to swirl about other Dems seeking entry into the race.

On the Republican side, powerful Hendersonville Sen. Chuck Edwards is under intense scrutiny as a purported Cawthorn challenger for a number of reasons, but Edwards has yet to say anything publicly about the matter.

Smoky Mountain News

April 14-20, 2021

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The Smoky Mountain News: Voter records show that you’re a registered Republican, but you pulled a Democratic ballot in the 2020 Primary Election. Why? Wendy Nevarez: I will call it “political homelessness.” I hold those traditional Republican views that honestly we just human and family values but the problem 6 was, the party didn’t look like what it was

Wendy Nevarez.

Donated photo

when I signed up originally. It was time to renew my driver’s license and the lady happened to ask me if I’d like to register and I said, “I’m registered, but can I change?” So I went ahead and marked down “unaffiliated.”

Honestly, I thought that was probably the best choice because then I would actually have a choice in the primary. I thought it was the best thing to do at the time. That’s pretty much the story. I know I’m going to get called a certain term.

SMN: RINO [Republican In Name Only]?

WN: Yes, but I truly believe that no one person or party is right all the time. Anybody that claims to be is just not the kind of leader I want to be associated with or the kind of leadership I want to be associated with.

SMN: Cawthorn has been pretty closely associated with former President Trump since he won his runoff election last year. By running against Cawthorn, you’re going to end up running against Trump. Are you ready for that?

WN: I’m always ready. The Navy taught me that.

SMN: At CPAC in February, Trump basically recited a hit list of Republicans that he said he was going to oppose in the coming election — people who voted to impeach him, or upset him

in other ways. I’d bet he’s going to put a big target directly on this district. Do you think Trump’s support still carries the weight that it did back when he was president or do you think the party is trying to shift away from him?

WN: I think the party is probably still about where it was. I mean, we’re not that far removed. I think Jan. 6 and the current track record of the Republicans that he did support is convincing some people to reconsider. But he still has a huge base, and honestly, I’m not focused on that. I really could care less. I’m not in this to worry about Trump. I’m in this to worry about the people that are my neighbors that live in Western North Carolina.

You’re always going to have somebody against you no matter how likable you are, so I’m not too terribly worried about it.

SMN: Some of the counties out here in the district polled more than 75 percent for Trump, both times. How are you going to convince these people that you’re a better choice than Cawthorn?

WN: Time, and a lot of conversations.

SMN: If you were in the House during Trump’s second impeachment, would you have voted to impeach him?

WN: Well, I wasn’t, however, yeah, I would have. I swore to protect and defend the

Constitution of this country and everything that happened that day was against everything that I left my children for when I enlisted. So yeah. You’ve got to vote your conscience on some of these issues.

SMN: In March, the House heard two gun control bills. One would clamp down on transfers of weapons between unlicensed individuals, and the other was about background check waiting periods. Cawthorn voted against both of those. Do you support what a lot of people call common sense gun reform, like red flag laws, waiting periods, even an assault weapons ban?

WN: That’s a tricky one because I believe everybody has the right, and we have to understand what the difference in a right and a privilege is, and we are given rights and privileges from the Constitution. However, if you don’t know how to operate a large bulldozer, you don’t just let anybody get up into it. I’ve been going through this recently, I have one [child] that’s 18 and one that’s about to be 15.

You don’t just put a teenager into a vehicle and say, “All right, have fun, pick up all your friends and stay out all night.” We reformed to where now they have a graduated license, right? So, there’s a common ground somewhere between the Republican view and the Democratic view on gun control right now.

The fear factor is that somebody is going to come and take your guns. I don’t believe anything that the Democrats are doing is intentionally going to try to take anyone’s firearms away from them however I do believe we need to say, “Are you mentally healthy enough to have a firearm?” I mean, we already do this. To get a concealed carry you have to have a doctor’s signature in North Carolina that says, “Yep, she’s good to go.”

I’ve shot semiautomatic and automatic weapons. Honestly in my opinion, the ability to take that much life at one time is only necessary for war.

SMN: Going back to Trump’s tax cuts in 2017, we have increased the national debt from about $20 trillion in 2016 to about $30 trillion today and that includes the five or six COVID-19 relief packages, including President Joe Biden’s most recent, called the American Rescue Plan. Rep. Cawthorn voted against it.

How do you feel like you would have come down on that bill?

WN: On all of these packages, I would have voted for them because we’re looking at putting money back into these establishments and these agencies that help take care of people — education and health care, all of these things that make a difference in everyday citizens’ lives. Putting on my accounting hat and balancing a budget, I think at the end of the day we need to stop doing these continuing resolutions and really go through a true budget cycle and look at where we’re spending money. In my household when I don’t have enough income to cover expenses, I either cut my expenses or I get a second job, or I do odds and ends. I don’t go to my neighbor and ask to take money out of their wallet to pay my bills.

(Cawthorn spokesman Micah Bock declined to comment on Nevarez’s candidacy.)

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Apply for Pre-K program at Long’s Chapel The Long’s Chapel Child Enrichment Center is accepting applicants for the 2021-22 NC Pre-K program.

Enrollment packets will be available or pick up through Friday, April 23. For your child to qualify, he/she must have turned 4 on or before Aug. 31 of the program year.

N.C. Pre-K students will attend the CEC from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, with additional care options available from 3 to 5:30 p.m. if needed. Screenings will be held June 28-30.

For any questions about the CEC or the NC Pre-K Program, contact Belinda Marr at Belinda.Marr@LongsChapel.com or call 828.476.4153.

Celebrating Barbara McRae

A celebration of life for Barbara McRae will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April t 17, at the gazebo in downtown Franklin.

McRae passed away in March after a long battle with cancer. She was the editor of I The Franklin Press for 10 years, served on the Franklin Town Council as the vice mayor - and was involved in many community history and preservation projects.

Social distancing and masks are required. t

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Democrat Stacey Abrams in neighboring Georgia.

“Georgia’s right there,” Woodhouse said.

“We saw firsthand on our own local news — because many of us get the Georgia stations — what was happening there. We’re seeing the impact right now in Georgia with Major League Baseball and how influential she is.

We saw it when, after the shootings in Atlanta, [President Joe] Biden, [Vice President Kamala] Harris, Abrams and [U.S. senators Jon] Ossoff and [Raphael] Warnock all met, and they weren’t talking about those shootings and they weren’t comparing NCAA brackets. They were talking about how to use what [Abrams] did in Georgia and cascade it out.”

Woodhouse’s victory drew praise from several of North Carolina’s most prominent Republicans.

“I want to congratulate Michele Woodhouse on her election Saturday. Her leadership as the District 11 Chair will play a critical role in keeping western North Carolina red in the 2022 election cycle,” said Michael Whatley, chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party. “The 11th District is an extremely strong and influential voice for our state party, and we look forward to building even more success with Michele at the helm.”

During last year’s Primary Election runoff, Woodhouse was an ardent supporter of Cawthorn.

“I want to send my warmest congratulations to Michele Woodhouse on her newly elected position as NC-11 Chairwoman,” Cawthorn said April 12. “Her tireless work ethic, and dedication to conservative principles make her an admirable choice for NC-11 Chair. I am excited to work closely with her as we direct our focus towards building a better future for the people of this district.”

April 14-20, 2021

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS E DITOR s North Carolina Republicans seek to maintain dominance across the state t and in the 11th Congressional District, f they’ll do so under new leadership after electing Hendersonville Republican Michele t Woodhouse as their new district chair on April 10. e “I had upwards of about 90 text messages in the first 15 minutes after the vote,” said d Woodhouse. “What was great about it was - that it was people that said they’d never u been involved before and now want to serve on this committee.” e Woodhouse has been involved in e Republican politics for more than 20 years, and has been active in campaigns in e Michigan, in Henderson and Wake counr ties, and in the 11th District. She prevailed d in the 11th District convention by a weighted vote of 578 to 179 over Buncombe Republican and Trump delegate Mark Delk e and will serve a two-year term, following previous Chair Aubrey Woodard, who g served for four years. e “We had the largest turnout in credens tialed delegates that we have ever had in the s 11th. We had 500 credentialed delegates at the convention,” said Woodhouse. “We y were the only convention that was done 100 percent virtual. We have the worst Wi-Fi of y any place in the state of North Carolina, and h we have the oldest delegates. So that was quite a recipe, right? It could’ve gone really c poorly, but we had over 400 that sat y through three-and-a-half hours of a virtual - convention on Zoom.”

That level of enthusiasm bodes well for WNC Republicans, who will have to defend the seats of Rep. Madison Cawthorn and sevt eral state legislators in 2022 elections.

They’re also wary of the successes of x t

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Concerns go unanswered during HCA monitor meeting

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR he public had a lot of questions during an April 7 virtual meeting regarding Mission Health’s services and operations since being bought by for-profit HCA Healthcare in 2019. Unfortunately, Gibbins Advisors — the independent monitor hired to ensure HCA fulfills its contractual obligations — couldn’t provide them with many answers.

While the team of healthcare experts and accountants with Gibbins Advisors say they are continuously monitoring HCA operations at Mission-affiliated hospitals in Western North Carolina, their contractual scope is limited to the 15 commitments outlined in the purchase agreement between Mission and HCA, which was ultimately signed off on

by Attorney General Josh Stein.

Those commitments can be broken down into four main categories — retention of services and hospitals, investments in community health and wellbeing, investment in facilities and other commitments. HCA now owns five hospitals in WNC besides the main Mission Hospital campus in Asheville — Angel Medical Center in Franklin, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, Mission Hospital in McDowell County and Transylvania Regional Hospital.

The only service commitments HCA made for Angel Medical and Highlands-Cashiers were to maintain emergency services, surgical

Smoky Mountain News

April 14-20, 2021

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services and acute medicine services. HCA also agreed to maintain Eckerd Living Center in Highlands-Cashiers. As far as facilities, HCA committed to building a new replacement hospital for Angel, build a new 120-bed behavioral health hospital in Asheville within five years of obtaining the necessary permits, complete the Mission Hospital North Tower in Asheville and spend $232 million in general capital expenditures within five years.

HCA has to provide an annual report and capital expenditure report to Gibbins every year that summarizes compliance under their purchase agreement. Gibbins reviews the reports, analyzes the supporting documentation and evidence, collects input from stakeholders and the public and completes a compliance checklist before releasing its own compliance evaluation report. The last annual report was released in July 2020, and Gibbins is now in the process of reviewing HCA’s reports for 2020. The next annual report will be released sometime in August.

To see HCA documents and more information about the 15 commitments, visit www.independentmonitormhs.com.

Ronald Winters with Gibbins said during the April 7 meeting that HCA had no compliance issues in last year’s report.

Despite that fact, members of the public had many questions and concerns about Mission’s practices under HCA ownership.

People had questions about the charity care

policy under HCA. In the purchase agreement, HCA committed to maintain the agreed upon uninsured and charity care policy for 10 years.

When purchasing Mission, HCA committed to offering a more expansive charity care policy compared to what Mission had in place, which seemed like a good thing at the time. However, now people are expressing confusion over the policy.

One person at the virtual meeting claimed that HCA was requiring people to pay costs upfront even though they had applied for — and would likely get approved for — charity care services. If the person can’t pay upfront, their surgery or other services would be canceled.

“The HCA policy is better than Mission’s was, but the new policy is not well understood by the community,” said Tom Urban with Gibbins.

“As I read the policy last year, if patients couldn’t qualify for charity care immediately, HCA had the ability to ask you to pay immediately until you get qualified, which can take some time,” Winters added. “It’s difficult to qualify immediately for charity care and they have the right to ask you for a deposit and you don’t have the right to get it back.”

People also asked questions about physician retention at Mission hospitals, claiming that doctors are leaving the hospitals at alarming rates. Fewer primary physicians, specialists and surgeons makes it more diffi-

cult to schedule a procedure or get an appointment at one of the satellite facilities throughout the region.

Winters said HCA made a commitment to maintain certain services, but nothing in the agreement says anything about the number of physicians HCA must maintain.

“If departures impact services, that is something we will keep an eye on and inquire of HCA,” he said. “Surgeons leaving would impact the ability to provide surgery services.

We will follow up with HCA about it. I hadn’t heard of that issue at Angel Medical until now.”

People also shared stories of changes to important vital community services, My Care clinics shutting down forcing them to find a new primary care physician, eight-hour ER wait times, unclean facilities, and processes in working with patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Gibbins Advisors assured people that every complaint would be documented and shared with HCA whether the complaint specifically fell into one of the commitment areas or not.

To share your feedback and concerns regarding Mission Health hospitals, email independentmonitor@gibbinsadvisors.com.

To send feedback to HCA, email contactmission@hcahealthcare.com.

The Smoky Mountain News will dive deeper into some of these issues in the coming weeks.

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Signups slow for vaccine appointments Partial/full vaccination Percent population

Haywood.......12,389/8,993................19.9/14.4 ...............16,856/13,294 ...........27/21.3 Jackson ........8,983/3,620..................20.4/8.2 .................11,879/10,172 ...........27/23.2 Swain ............2,752/1,467..................19.3/10.3 ...............3,365/2,611 ...............23.6/18.3 Macon...........8,679/5,378..................24.2/15 ..................11,690/10,682 ...........32.6/29.8 EBCI..............4,560/3,305..................30.4/22.3 ...............5,867/4,354 ...............34.2/30.0 Statewide .....2,047,269/1,288,094 ...19.5/12.3 ...............3,399,410/2,472,865 .32.4/23.6

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Tribal dose numbers from EBCI represent all doses given, while percent population figure reflects only doses given to tribal members. All other dose numbers from NCDHHS. Data may be subject to a 72-hour reporting lag and come from the COVID-19 Vaccine Management System. Population figures based on 2019 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, excepting tribal figures, which are from the EBCI.

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were reported. All six cases occurred in women between the ages of 18 and 48, with symptoms occurring six to 13 days after receiving the vaccine. People who develop a severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks of receiving the J&J vaccine should contact their health care provider.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet April 14 to review the cases and assess their significance, and the FDA will review that analysis. The recommendation to pause J&J administration will remain in effect at least until that process is finished.

Locally, no vaccine distributors have reported severe adverse reactions, and with 6.8 million doses of the J&J vaccine already administered in the United States, reactions like the one currently under investigation are extremely rare.

The pause will have a big impact on Jackson County’s vaccination efforts this week, as the health department’s allotment for April 11-17 consisted solely of J&J vaccines. Jackson County has cancelled a J&J vaccination clinic planned for April 15.

Many other vaccine providers will remain unaffected, as they had been receiving mainly Moderna doses. Haywood County and Haywood Regional Medical Center expect to receive a combined 1,200 Moderna doses this week. Swain County will receive 100 Moderna doses and Blue Ridge Health will receive 100 doses apiece for its Haywood and Jackson clinics, all Moderna. Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospital will receive a combined 100 Moderna doses.

Other major vaccine providers in the area include the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Western Carolina University, Walgreen’s and the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System. So far, the VA — which includes community clinics in Franklin, Hickory and Rutherford County in addition to its main facility in Asheville — has administered 12,496 first doses and 9,712 second doses. WCU administered its 10,000th vaccine on April 7. The EBCI has given 5,867 people at least one shot and has fully vaccinated 4,354 people. Walgreen’s is not providing local or state vaccine data.

April 14-20, 2021

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER fter months of working breakneck speed to clear an ever-expanding backlog of people waiting to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, local health departments are reporting a marked slowdown in signups, even though only about 30 percent of the population has received at least one shot.

“Demand for COVID-19 vaccine has declined drastically over the past few weeks,” said Swain County Health Department Director Alison Cochran.

Slowing vaccine demand comes as cases increase somewhat. On April 9, 2,509 new cases were reported in North Carolina, marking the first time daily new cases surpassed 2,500 since Feb. 27. Between April 6 and April 12, the number of hospitalizations statewide surpassed 1,000, the first time the metric had hit four figures since March 16 — though still far below the peak of 3,992 Jan. 13.

Jackson County Deputy Health Director Melissa McKnight agreed that vaccine supply is currently outpacing appointment demand, while Haywood County Emergency Management Team Public Information Officer Allison Richmond said Haywood County expects to clear its backlog of registrations this week and will transition to a selfbooking appointment system.

This slowdown in demand comes on the heels of an exceptionally bad couple weeks for the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. A March 31 story from The New York Times revealed that up to 15 million doses of the vaccine had been contaminated after workers at a Baltimore plant, causing significant delay in future shipments of the vaccine.

On April 12, Richmond said North Carolina was not expecting to receive any more J&J shipments until at least May. Then, on April 13, even worse news came.

In a joint statement, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it was recommending a pause in J&J vaccine distribution after six cases of a rare and severe blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in combination with low blood platelet levels

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Dr. Jernigan addresses SMN readers’ concerns

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER he COVID-19 vaccination rollout is in full swing, and while many people rushed to get their shot at the first opportunity, others say they still have questions and will wait for a vaccine — or won’t get one at all.

Dr. Nicholas Jernigan, a board-certified pediatrician who serves as chief medical officer for Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital, addressed some of those concerns in a conversation with The Smoky Mountain News, responding to questions generated through a recent survey of vaccine attitudes among SMN readers.

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Dr. Jernigan: Yes, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19. That is because we do not know how long you are immune after recovering from COVID-19. Even if you have already recovered from COVID-19, it is possible you can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 again.

SMN: What percentage of the population needs to be vaccinated in order to achieve herd immunity?

Dr. Jernigan: Herd immunity is difficult.

Different viruses require different vaccination rates. For example, measles is so conta-

sea, muscle aches and injection site pain. On April 13, the FDA paused J&J administration based on six cases of blood clots within two weeks of administration after 6.8 million administered doses. This is very small effect but the FDA takes all side effects seriously.

According to the CDC, there is a rate of death after the COVID vaccine of 0.00167%.

However, the CDC is investigating each report. To date, there are no reported deaths as a result of the vaccine — that information should be available soon.

SMN: These vaccines have an Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, but they have not gone through the full approval process. What data and studies are required for full FDA approval but not for a EUA? Dr. Jernigan: EUA requires application to the FDA to prove the vaccines are effective and that the benefits outweigh the risks. To achieve full approval, the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are currently applying for full approval, as the last round of data supplied enough to support the application. In short, full approval required an increased number of vaccines administered and six months of safety data, which is now available. It will likely be several more months prior to the J&J vaccine receiving approval since it’s newer to the market.

SMN: How do the three vaccines currently available in the United States work to protect against COVID-19?

Dr. Jernigan: The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are mRNA vaccines.

They provide information to the cells close to where you receive the vaccine. The cells convert the genetic message from mRNA to a protein that your body then makes antibodies against. The mRNA rapidly degrades once in the body.

Several reports I’ve read suggest SMN: Because it is such a new that the mRNA may be completely vaccine, there is no data on the gone from the body in as little as a potential for long-term effects. few hours.

Based on what we know about previThe second vaccine is a more ously created vaccines, what kinds traditional vaccine. J&J injects of long-term effects will scientists pieces of viral protein already made. be watching for?

The body then manufactures antiDr. Jernigan: Scientists are lookbodies to the pieces. ing at all unexplained illnesses and In neither circumstance does the body receive an intact virus Dr. Nicholas Jernigan, chief medical officer at Harris Regional conditions for possible links to vacthat can replicate inside of the Hospital and Swain Community Hospital, is a board-certified cines. The U.S. maintains a data bank for identifying trends that all body. With both vaccines, it is pediatrician. Donated photo providers contribute to. The common to experience flu-like Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting symptoms. This is the process of System has been maintained for years and building immune response. Younger adults gious it requires 95% vaccination rates to continues to help the CDC identify unintend to have more robust symptoms, while achieve herd immunity, while less contatended outcomes from vaccines and address older adults have milder symptoms. There gious viruses such as polio require lower them in the timeliest manner. This is evirates like 80%. This will likely be a moving is not an apparent difference in the efficacy denced in the pause of the J&J vaccine. target as the recent variants appear to be of the vaccine, however. more contagious than the original virus, but SMN: How were these vaccines developed SMN: How effective are they, and what do it is likely that we will need at least 75% or so quickly, if not by cutting corners or overup to 90% of the population vaccinated to those percentages mean? looking safety concerns? achieve herd immunity.

Dr. Jernigan: Moderna and Pfizer were Dr. Jernigan: Despite what the name may found to be 90% effective after two doses suggest, “Operation Warp Speed” does not (80% after one dose) in real-world applicaSMN: In the U.S., how common are severe mean that manufacturers were able to skip reactions to the vaccine? Has anybody died tions. This means preventing asymptomatic steps or cut corners in the vaccine developand symptomatic infections. The J&J vaccine due to the vaccine? ment process. Instead, after development of showed 66.3% effectiveness in preventing illDr. Jernigan: Severe reactions to the vacthe vaccine, manufacturers took a secured ness in its initial studies. Real-world studies cines are rare, with the CDC reporting risk and overlapped the study, manufacturare in progress. approximately two to five cases per million ing and distribution phases. The FDA comdoses administered of anaphylaxis (this mitted to giving these vaccinations priority SMN: If I have already had and recovered number was determined prior to J&J). Mild (not rushed) review at all phases from COVID-19, do I still need to get the vacside effects are much more common such as cine? headache, fatigue, fever, dizziness, pain, nau- of the studies, which helped

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SMN: What is pathogenic priming, and is it a concern with the vaccines currently available in the U.S.?

Dr. Jernigan: Pathogenic priming refers to animal studies in the SARS-1 vaccine and human RSV vaccines in the 1950s where after vaccination the animals developed severe overwhelming immune responses when exposed to the actual virus. The data with Moderna vaccines and Pfizer vaccines suggests that this is clearly not the case.

While this is something that vaccine developers take/took seriously, it does not appear

“Recent variants appear to be more contagious than the original virus, but it is likely that we will need at least 75% or up to 90% of the population vaccinated to achieve herd immunity.”

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SMN: What do we know about the vaccines’ potential to impact fertility, pregnancy and breastfeeding? Should women in this phase of life think twice about getting the vaccine right away?

Dr. Jernigan: We do not have adequate studies in humans on this topic to say anything with certainty. However, animal studies suggest that COVID vaccination during pregnancy is safe and effective. Because the vaccine does not replicate inside the body and previous non-replicating virus vaccines are safe for lactating women, the CDC states that lactating women can choose to be vaccinated. The American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology states that women are free to choose if they want to be vaccinated during pregnancy. There is an early study by a group of medical professionals and researchers that suggests getting COVID vaccines earlier in pregnancy may be better for the baby, specifically noting that vaccinated mothers pass more antibodies than mothers who have contracted COVID during pregnancy. The infants in the study showed antibody levels like those of vaccinated mothers.

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Sylva ponders tax increase

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ales tax receipts are booming in Sylva and a newly completed property revaluation will bump real estate values by about 14.5 percent this year — if tax rates stay the same, the town would expect to receive $345,000 more in the coming fiscal year than in the current year’s budget.

That increase equals 7.86 percent of the estimated general fund revenues for 2021-22, but three of the town’s five commissioners say they support an increase to the tax rate as well.

Despite the marked increase in projected revenue under the current tax rate of 42.5 cents per $100 of value, Town Manager Paige Dowling told the board that the town will have to pull $52,000 from fund balance to cover some essential items in its budget, and that even that wouldn’t include the $81,000 needed to fill new positions requested by the police and sanitation departments.

“Pretty much what I’m saying is this budget accomplishes what we’re currently doing,” she said during a March 25 work session.

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Smoky Mountain News

April 14-20, 2021

The biggest drivers for anticipated increases in the estimated 2021-22 budget are salaries, insurance and retirement benefits for town employees.

Of the $218,000 estimated increase for the police department, $126,000 is for salaries and benefits. The remaining $92,000 is for standard vehicle replacements that had previously been funded through the town’s capital reserve fund and so had not appeared in the budget as a police department expense. The $40,684 increase for the street department is primarily for salaries, as is the $28,685 for administration. Of the $62,396 increase in miscellaneous expenses, $25,000 is for separation allowances, a type of retirement benefit that police officers receive.

The heightened salary expenses stem from the standard 1.4 percent cost-of-living increase the town gives its employees combined with a 2.5 percent merit increase that the town board voted on earlier this year.

Retirement benefits and health insurance cost increases figure in as well.

The $52,000 Dowling suggested that commissioners take from fund balance would include setting aside $20,000 to go toward sidewalks during the N.C. 107 project, $18,000 to cover increased fire department costs following the revaluation, $7,000 for a pay study of the town’s workforce and another $7,000 for a feasibility study on building a public restroom downtown — though a follow-up discussion April 8 indicated town staff would take on the bathroom feasibility research to avoid the $7,000 cost.

None of that would fund the two police officers and one part-time sanitation employee that department heads begged commissioners for during an earlier budget work ses12 sion Jan. 29.

Police Chief Chris Hatton says his department needs more officers to respond to skyrocketing calls for service, but some say the graph is misleading and that police officers are not the best choice to respond to the types of situations making up most of that increase. Donated graph

Protestors hold signs opposing a plan to increase taxes to fund additional police officers during a public hearing on a different topic the board held at Bridge Park April 1. Holly Kays photo Police Chief Chris Hatton told commissioners that he needs two additional officer positions, which would cost $69,500 apiece for salary plus additional costs like equipment and training. Public Works Director Jake Scott asked for a part-time sanitation employee, which would cost $12,000.

Because these positions would be ongoing costs, the money can’t come from fund balance, which is treated more like a savings account used to defray one-time expenses.

A QUESTION OF TIMING The conversation between board members March 25 for the most part was not about whether or not there is a justified need for more police and sanitation employees.

Rather, it was about whether 2021 — midpandemic, post-revaluation — was the time to pay for them.

“What I’m hearing from people is, ‘I just had the worst financial year of my life this year, and yet my property value went up,” said Commissioner David Nestler. “I don’t think it’s a good year to say we’re going to also raise your tax rate on top of that.”

After the last revaluation took place in 2016, property values went down drastically, as it was the first revaluation following the recession of 2008. The average home in Sylva was worth $162,000, while following the 2021 revaluation that average value rose to $171,500. That means a person with the average home value in 2016 would owe the town $688.50 in annual property taxes under the

current tax rate, but that bill would rise to $728.86 following the revaluation.

In 2016, lower overall property values combined with perennial budget shortfalls prompted commissioners to increase the tax rate from 30 cents per $100 to 42.5 cents per $100. Some town residents may have expected that the reverse would be true following a revaluation yielding a substantial increase in value. Nestler made multiple comments to that effect, saying that he “didn’t want to stomach” a rate increase at this time.

“So when do you want to stomach it?” asked Commissioner Ben Guiney. “Do you want to do it next year?”

Providing quality services is one of the town board’s biggest roles, Guiney said, and without sufficient funding the town can’t provide quality services.

“Chris (Hatton) and Jake (Scott) have made a compelling case, at least to me, that the staffing needs to increase now, not a year from now, and I think we should pay for it,” he said.

During the Jan. 29 meeting, Hatton told commissioners that demand for police services was skyrocketing — officer actions and calls for service increased 64.7 percent from 2019 to 2020 — even as staffing had remained the same for 13 years. Officers are routinely called in to work extra shifts on their days off to cover for colleagues who are on vacation, off sick or away at training — it drains morale, impairs retention and strains services, Hatton said.

Meanwhile Scott said his crews have been dealing with an explosion of solid waste, removing 22.5 percent more tons of trash in 2020 than in 2019.

“My opinion is I think we need both of the additional personnel costs,” said Mayor Lynda Sossamon. “We may have to give something else up if nobody wants to raise taxes, but I definitely think those are needed for services.”

“Where are you going to find $81,000 in savings without a tax increase?” asked Nestler.

Commissioner Mary Gelbaugh agreed with Nestler’s view, pointing out that many businesses weren’t able to make their usual income this year and that their budgets may be worse off than the town’s is right now, without the tax increase. Meanwhile, Commissioner Barbara Hamilton said she would support a tax increase if it meant taking some of the burden off of the town’s existing police force.

“We have lost so many officers within the last couple years because they can go to Waynesville, they can go to Asheville, they can go to other places and have some benefits and know they can have time off with their families,” she said. “I’m not for a tax increase but my goodness, if you were in their spot, how would you feel if you had to do that every single day?”

It might not be popular, she said, but the town needs to fund at least one new officer position.

During an initial straw poll of board members’ thoughts on the subject, Commissioner Greg McPherson swung the majority to the side of foregoing a tax increase this year, but his position changed when Hatton presented some new information about the state of his department.

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Last year, officers stayed past their scheduled time to go home for a total of 620 hours, sand over the last three years the department shas logged an average of more than 1,000 xhours of overtime per year. r “That information is new to me,” said McPherson. “That much overtime justifies a anew position to me.” n Gelbaugh raised the possibility of securing the funds through some other means besides property tax. Perhaps, she said, the town should consider an occupancy tax.

“Our traffic count has changed with utourism,” she said. “Some of the responsibilities of the police have increased, and I just ewant to be more creative in where we look for dthat income besides just property tax alone.”

- Nestler pointed to the $400,000 the town expects to receive from the federal American eRescue Plan over the next two years as another epossible funding source. That money can be mused only for specific purposes, and police officer salaries would not qualify. However, he sugdgested, perhaps the town could fund some of its other budget needs with those federal doldlars and thereby free up money for personnel. m d e UBLIC OPPOSITION n Some town residents are speaking out eagainst increased police department spendting. A group of about 10 people attending the sboard’s outdoor quasi-judicial hearing regarding apartment permits April 1 held nsigns with slogans like, “No Tax Increase for New Cops” and “a Housing, a Food, naMedical Care, X More Cops” to display their opposition. e During the board’s April 8 meeting, rGeorgia Mitchell spoke against an expanded epolice force during the public comment poretion of the agenda. d She pointed out that even though calls for service have increased dramatically, actual ncrime is down. During his January presentation dHatton said that officers took fewer incident reports and did fewer investigations in 2020 dthan in 2019 but that they saw more calls relatyed to illegal drug use, mental illness, poverty land homelessness. Police response is not the ybest way to address those concerns, she said.

“If you want to raise taxes, especially during a pandemic but just in general, you need a ereally good reason,” she said. “Logically I just can’t find any reason to increase the number of cops in this town. At some point filling our community with armed law enforcement ewhen you don’t have any data showing that you really need it isn’t preventative anymore. nAt some point, it does just kind of become a dwaste of money, and if you keep increasing it, at some point I can only interpret it as aggresysion toward the community.” d It’s an ongoing discussion, but one that will have to come to a conclusion before long. eThe new fiscal year begins July 1, and comrmissioners must pass a new budget — and set a tax rate — before that time.

-Commissioners expect to receive a balanced rbudget by April 20 and to discuss it in a work esession at 9 a.m. April 29, to be held via tZoom. A public hearing on the proposed dbudget is tentatively scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

May 27, and commissioners will vote on a final document June 10.

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April 14-20, 2021 Smoky Mountain News 13

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Smoky Mountain News

April 14-20, 2021

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Evergreen provides details on mill fires

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An April 5 fire at the Evergreen paper mill in Canton was the second in six months. File photo

this [April 5] event, precautions were taken to protect nearby chemical storage tanks,” said Reynolds. “This is our standard practice to manage and minimize the event. At no time was there danger of a release of these chemicals as a result of the fire.”

The April 5 fire was unrelated to the fire

that took place on Sept. 21, 2020, during which two contractors performing work on an empty process vessel were killed.

Reynolds said that the North Carolina Department of Labor investigated that fire and its causes, and found no fault on the part of Evergreen.

Loftis pleads guilty to sexual assault A Franklin man admitted in Macon County Superior Court to forcing his way into a woman’s house and sexually assaulting her, District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch said this week.

Wednesday, Cody Road resident Jacob Loftis, 34, pleaded guilty to first-degree burglary and second-degree forcible sex offense.

Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Bill Coward sentenced Loftis to 62-87 months and 58-130 months, respectively, with the sentences to run consecutively.

This means Loftis will spend at least the next 10 years in prison.

Additionally, for 30 years, he will be listed on North Carolina’s sex-offender registry, a publicly available, searchable database.

Assistant District Attorney John Hindsman Jr. prosecuted the case.

Hindsman said at about 2 a.m. on Sept.

17, 2019, the victim, who was asleep in her bedroom, woke to find her former boyfriend looming over her bed and pulling off the blanket.

Loftis attempted to sexually assault the woman.

Prior to this – that same month – he had sexually assaulted her; plus, Loftis attempted an earlier break-in and sent the victim a series of threatening and lewd texts.

news

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS E DITOR fter two fires and two workers killed in six months and with its EPA permit currently up for renewal, corporate officials from Pactiv Evergreen have released details meant to reassure the public about safety at Evergreen Packaging’s Canton facility.

“Evergreen Packaging considers the safety of its team members, visitors and the community as a top priority and seeks to maintain a safe working environment at all times,’ said Erin Reynolds, marketing director for Evergreen.

On April 5, reports of a fire inside the mill were confirmed by Canton Fire Chief Tim Carver just after noon. By 3:30 p.m., Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers was able to say that the fire had been brought under control, with no loss of life. Smathers attributed that to the quick reaction of Carver’s department as well as other volunteer departments that responded.

Per Reynolds, the fire occurred in the digester area where raw and untreated soft wood chips are processed into pulp. The chips are about 1 inch square, and an eighth of an inch thick. At this stage, the chips haven’t yet been treated with any chemicals.

“The chemical processing occurs at later steps in the manufacturing process. During

April 14-20, 2021 Smoky Mountain News 15

news

Increased benefits for pregnant women focus of Sen. Corbin bill

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS E DITOR hen Republican Sen. Kevin Corbin, R-Franklin, announced during a March 25 listening session at Southwestern Community College that he intended to file a bill addressing the health care coverage gap, he also said he hadn’t quite formulated the particulars of it because he wanted to introduce something that would pass the Republican-controlled legislature.

With the insertion of specific language into placeholder bill S530 on April 5, Corbin — along with co-sponsors Sen. Jim Burgin, R-Harnett, and Sen. Joyce Krawiec, RDavie, — will now get his chance to see what the Republican appetite is for incrementally closing the gap for a very important demographic.

“One of the most vulnerable groups that we have is new mothers,” Corbin said.

“Many of those moms are dealing with a single income, some aren’t, but some are and they need to take care of themselves, so that’s part of the reason for starting with that group. It’s very much a bill to help people who are willing to help themselves.”

Currently, pregnant women with incomes “One of the less than or equal to 196 percent of the federal poverty rate are eligible for Medicaid, but only for pregnancy-related services and only for two months post-partum. Corbin’s bill would expand Medicaid coverage for pregnant women to a full 12 months postpartum, so long as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) continues to provide matching funds.

Corbin estimates the bill could benefit hundreds of women in his district, and thousands across the state.

While Corbin’s bill is not the full Medicaid expansion championed by some on the left, and some on the right, it would be a small step in closing the health insurance coverage gap and would also bring federal dollars back to Western North Carolina — in the form of income tax payments already made toward Medicaid expansion services North Carolina’s General Assembly continues to reject.

The bill includes a request that the

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April 14-20, 2021

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General Fund appropriate $12,344,000 for fiscal year 2021-2022, and an additional $50,816,000 in recurring funds for fiscal year 2022-2023 to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Health Benefits. Those funds would serve as a required match for more than $131 million in federal funds, over the same timeframe.

As an added bonus, something to get moms and their newborns started on the right path, the bill also stipulates that anyone eligible for Medicaid under the new 12month postpartum provision would also be

perspective, I think it would be great to be able to do that for that first year so that the moms, especially if they’re having issues, they can get care instead of staying home.”

Swain, Jackson and Haywood Rep. Mike Clampitt said that he was interested in Corbin’s proposal as well.

“We have talked somewhat about that,” Clampitt said. “We’ll see where it goes. His background is insurance, which is a good thing. And that’s the thing about the House of Representatives, all of us bring something to the table from our life experience. Mine was public safety. If he sees a way that we

most vulnerable groups that we have is new mothers.”

— Kevin Corbin

eligible for a waiver of tuition and registration fees at North Carolina community colleges.

“If someone goes to one of our community college system schools through a special program like this, the state would reimburse the school for the cost of that tuition,” Corbin said. “With the community colleges, there’s no room-and-board, so it’s not a huge cost to the state. It’s only tuition. We felt like that was a reasonable thing to do.”

Mark Pless, who represents Haywood, Madison and Yancy counties in the N.C. House, said he’d support the bill if it makes it from the Senate to the House.

“I think it’s a good idea. I know a lot of times what happens especially with young girls, they end up having a baby, the baby gets Medicaid and the mom ceases to have any kind of care,” Pless said. “Just from an ongoing medical care and a mental health

could have cost savings without being burdensome to the state and we can provide coverage for more people, I’m all about it.”

Rep. Karl Gillespie, who represents Cherokee, Clay, Graham and Macon counties, likes the idea of the postpartum expansion, but as a former trustee at Southwestern Community College seems to like the educational component of the bill even more.

“Everybody knows how I support community colleges,” said Gillespie, who filed a bill that would allow residents in Georgia’s border counties to qualify for in-state tuition at Murphy’s Tri-County Community College. “I believe in the community college system. I think this is an excellent component. It gives that mom an opportunity to go to school where maybe she wouldn’t have been able to, so she can create a better life for herself.”

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April 14-20, 2021

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Prosperity brings expansion, incentives for Haywood businesses

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BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS E DITOR hings are going so well at two of Haywood County’s best-known industrial employers that they’re both hiring and expanding, making them eligible for the county’s economic development incentive plan.

“We did not pursue this investment under the assumption that we would get these incentives, but I can assure you that from the beginning of our discussion at our executive level, we felt like Haywood County would support us,” said Rolfe Olsen, Sonoco’s segment VP for prepared and specialty food/rigid plastics division. “We believe Waynesville is going to be a sustainable, successful Sonoco plant for the foreseeable future and our plans are to grow that business and to continue to build our talent.

Our goal is to be the best employer in Haywood County.”

Per a pair of press releases issued by the county last week, Sonoco Products will expand its operations by spending $2.6 million on a new thermoforming line and adding 15 new employees.

The same goes for Premier Magnesia LLC, better known as Giles Chemical. Giles has spent $5 million and hired an additional 35 employees.

In North Carolina, economic development incentives take the form of property tax rebates. Once a qualifying entity, like

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Sunoco or Giles, pays its yearly tax bill, a portion of those taxes are returned to the entity based upon the county’s economic development incentive policy, which was first adopted in 2004, revised in 2017, and in 2019, and then revised again back in May, 2020.

The policy operates on a sliding scale, taking into consideration two primary factors, the amount spent by the applicant on the establishment or expansion of facilities, and the number of jobs created.

Spending of $200,000 to $299,000 coupled with between five to nine new jobs, for example, would earn a 30 percent rebate, but that same amount plus 75 or more new jobs would increase the incentive to 55 percent. Other tiers begin at $300,000, $500,000, $3 million and $10 million, with a maximum five-year rebate of 80 percent. An additional clause provides for “special consideration” if an expansion project exceeds $20 million in investment and 100 or more new jobs.

Companies may qualify for further incentives if average wages are equal or greater than the average annual wage, if health insurance benefits are provided, and/or if the company adheres to safety and hiring laws.

Annual documentation must be provided by recipients of economic development incentives to ensure companies have met spending and employment goals. If performance criteria are not met, the county can

Signs outside Waynesville’s Sonoco Plastics promote a hiring fair in April, 2020. Cory Vaillancourt photo require that the company repay the incentives, in part or in full.

According to Haywood County Manager Bryant Morehead, Giles will qualify for a 73 percent reimbursement for five years, if commissioners approve the deal. Sonoco’s reimbursement will be 58 percent, also for

five years.

Sonoco’s five-year tax bill would have come out to $53,734 but will see a reduction over that time period by $31,166. Giles’ $124,500 five-year tax bill will be reduced by $90,894.

Giles Chemical was founded

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Be heard

Former SCC Trustee receives state’s honor and volunteer firefighter in Macon County. He also worked as Project Manager to help the county construct new schools and renovate existing buildings.

Read North Carolina’s public notices in this newspaper or online to find out.

Foreclosures Property Auctions Ordinances Notices to Contractors

Warnings to t Appear Bid Noticess Hearing Nootices And More!

Nor No rt th h Car ro olina

Terry Bell (right) receives The Order of the Long Leaf Pine from SCC President Dr. Don Tomas.

“He has impacted thousands of Western North Carolina students and families, and he continues to do that,” said SCC chairman of the board Lambert Wilson. “He’s definitely one of a kind.”

From 1995 to 2019, Bell served on SCC’s Board of Trustees — the last seven as chair.

Through his service, Bell has made a lasting impression for generations to come.

www. n c n o t i c e s .co m

I T’S YOUR RI GHT T O KKNOW

Smoky Mountain News

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is the highest award the state of North Carolina can bestow upon an individual. It is awarded to individuals who have shown extraordinary service to the state.

Nominated by Southwestern Community College President Dr. Don Tomas, Macon County native Terry Bell received the award on Wednesday, March 31, at the SCC Macon Campus.

“It’s a privilege and an honor to present this award,” said Dr. Tomas. “Not everybody can achieve this level of recognition from the state.

Mr. Bell has humbly left a lasting legacy of service to the residents of western North Carolina.”

Bell worked for almost 50 years as an instructor at Haywood and Macon County schools, a principal at three different schools and an assistant principal at Franklin High School. After retiring in 2009 as Chief Operations Officer for the Macon County School System, he has continued to work in a special consultant capacity as Director of Human Resources at Macon County Schools until his recent retirement from that position.

Dedicating his career to education and public service, Bell graduated from Southwestern Community College’s Emergency Medical Technology program, giving him the opportunity to serve as an emergency medical technician

What’s g n i n e p p a h in your ? y t i n u m m co

April 14-20, 2021

in the 1950s and currently operates out of two locations, Greendale, Indiana and Waynesville. The Waynesville facility opened in 2003 and repackages Epsom salts supplied by Premier Magnesia, which mines them in Nevada. Giles produces these products for agriculture use, as well as for use in the home, in the form of bath salts.

Sonoco traces its roots to the late 1800s in Hartsville, South Carolina, when it was known as the Southern Novelty Company.

In 1923, the name was shortened to Sonoco. Since then, the company has grown into a multi-billion dollar global concern that produces plastic packaging for a variety of fresh, frozen and powdered foods, among other consumer and industrial products.

“We have industrial businesses, we have consumer businesses, we sell to diverse markets and make diverse packaging prod-

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Haywood County commissioners will hold a pair of public hearings during their next regularly scheduled meeting, during which they’ll consider granting economic incentives to two Haywood County businesses, Sonoco Products Company and Premier Magnesia (Giles Chemical) per the county’s incentive policy. Persons wishing to speak on these matters should be present 10 minutes before the meeting begins, and sign up for the public comment session.

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Date: Monday, April 19 Place: Historic Haywood Courthouse, 285 North Main Street, Waynesville

ucts,” said Olsen. “Some of our businesses experienced a COVID-related boom, and some of our businesses, for example automotive markets, didn’t fare so well. On the whole, our organization did an extraordinarily good job managing both sides of the growth and the decline. We, very tightly managed all of our businesses through the pandemic.”

Although the addition of 50 new jobs may not seem like much compared to the county’s population of 60,000 or so, every one of them helps contribute to the reduction in Haywood County’s unemployment rate.

Since 1990, the lowest recorded unemployment rate was 2.7 percent in September 1999, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Prior to the Coronavirus Pandemic, the unemployment rate approached historic lows once again, at 2.9 percent in November 2019.

At the outset of the pandemic, in February 2020, the unemployment rate was 3.5 percent, but shot up the next month to an historic high of 14.8 percent. Since then, it’s rapidly dropped — for February 2021, the last month of data currently available, the unemployment rate sat at 5.1 percent.

“We survey the market regularly to make sure that our total compensation package is at least at parity with opportunities for further growth for employees who want to come and work for our plant,” Olsen said. “We’re looking for people who are looking for a career, and we’re looking for people who are willing and ready to work safely, to be dependable and who want to progress with Sonoco. We’d like to see people come in our door that are going to be there until they retire.”

www.NCNotices.ccom 19

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Smoky Mountain News April 14-20, 2021

news

Health

Smoky Mountain News

Swain hospital earns blue ribbon Staff caring for patients at Swain Community Hospital have won the Blue-Ribbon Award presented to departments receiving the highest scores on patient satisfaction surveys.

The patient surveys are part of the National Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems measurement administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

The care team at Swain Community Hospital accomplished an overall score of 85% in patient satisfaction.

“Every day, with every patient, we focus on providing a safe and high-quality experience,” said Steve Heatherly, CEO of Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital. “The entire staff at Swain Community Hospital, from behind the scenes to the patientengaging care teams, excel at engaging patients and families and caring for the patient as if they are the person, they love the most.”

Family Day at the Greenway Harris Regional Hospital invites everyone out for a Family Day on the Greenway from 3 to 5 p.m.

April 17, at the Jackson County Greenway in Cullowhee.

Through the Ascent Partnership, Harris Regional Hospital, Swain Community Hospital, and Western Carolina University collaborate in training the next generation of health care workers, support athletics and the arts in communities in the region. They create opportunities for community engagement on wellness and expand local availability of needed health care services. This event is one of the ways students within the Partnership engage the community in wellness activities.

Walk the Greenway and enjoy various activities located around the trail. Some of the events include rock painting, yard games, and an ecology scavenger hunt. Harris EMS, PT Solutions, and Harris Pediatrics will all have tents set up for park-goers to interact with and learn more about their services.

For more information, visit the “Events” tab of Harris Regional Hospital’s Facebook page or go to https://fb.me/e/5bsISXP9D.

Register for diabetes program The Diabetes Prevention Program is a lifestyle change program dedicated to preventing type 2 diabetes through a series of 24 one-hour group classes. Taught by a trained health educator/lifestyle coach, DPP is a fun program that gives participants the information and tools needed to maintain a healthy weight, prepare and eat healthy meals and be more physically active.

Thanks to a grant administered by N.C. State

University, the classes are now free and will include incentives, such as food scales, resistance bands, and cookbooks. Haywood County Health and Human Services recently reported that its program is now fully recognized by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

Anyone interested in learning more about or participating in DPP can contact Megan Hauser at 828.356.2272. Clinicians can refer patients who are either at increased risk or have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes to join DPP. Classes are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 15. Both telephone and video options are available to participants. Internet access is not required.

Nebraska, will conduct phone surveys with approximately 200 individuals in the area between March and June of this year. The confidential survey will ask questions about residents’ health status, behaviors and experiences. The households asked to participate will be selected at random, and the survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.

Interested community members can give their input, even if they aren’t part of the random selection. The survey is available now at www.prcsurvey.com/begin/WNC2021 and on the HHSA Facebook page.

For more information on Haywood County, visit www.wnchn.org/wnc-healthy-impact/reports/haywood or call Hauser at 828.452.6675.

Mountain Pediatric in Canton reopens Mountain Pediatric Group’s Canton location, temporarily closed during the pandemic, has now reopened and is accepting new patients.

Dr. Anna Mooney, Dr. Traci Lombard and PA-C Brandi Moziak will continue to offer care at both the Canton and Clyde locations.

Mountain Pediatric Group offers care for infants, children, and adolescents up to age 18.

Available pediatric care services include well child checks, vaccinations, management of acute and chronic conditions, sports physicals, and same day sick appointments.

The Canton office is located at 125 Park Street, Canton. Appointments may be made for either office by calling 828.452.8878. Visit www.mountainpediatric.com.

WIC assistance available

Harris Women’s Care has opened the office back up to the public at all locations, including their Sylva, Franklin, and Swain County locations.

The clinic’s waiting areas are up and running.

Patients are invited to bring a support person to any appointment. COVID-19 Guidelines are still in effect. Mask wearing is required at all times. The clinic practices social distancing and will offer temperature checks and COVID-19 screening questions at the door. This is to ensure the safety of all patients and staff.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Haywood County WIC services are conducted over the phone and at curbside pick-up.

Call the WIC Office at 828.356.2222 or 828.356.2221 for more information. New applicants may self-refer by visiting www.nutritionnc.com/wic/wic-referral.asp.

If a store is out of the product type/size issued in food benefits, the following items are allowed: bread (100% whole wheat or whole grain, any size 16-24 oz.), milk (when issued skim/non-fat or 1%, you can get 2%) and yogurt (when issued skim/non-fat or 1%, you can get whole-fat).

WIC, also known as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, provides supplemental nutritious food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to heath care and community resources to participants.

Haywood Health collecting data

HRMC receives ADA recognition

Over the next several weeks, residents in Haywood County will have the opportunity to help Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency identify the most critical health needs throughout the county and the region.

The national research firm PRC of Omaha,

The prestigious American Diabetes Association Education Recognition Certificate for a quality diabetes self-management education and support service was recently awarded to Haywood Regional Medical Center’s Diabetes and Nutrition Education Center.

Visitors at Harris Women’s Care

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ADA believes that this service offers highquality education that is an essential component of effective diabetes treatment.

Education Recognition status is verified by an official certificate from ADA and awarded for four years.

Cardiology services expand in Macon Harris Regional Hospital, a Duke LifePoint hospital, is opening of a new office within Harris Medical Park of Franklin for Harris Cardiology.

The practice opened its doors in Franklin on March 12 as a full-service cardiology practice to serve Macon County residents. The hospital also established cardiac catheterization and monitoring clinic as part of the hospital’s expansion. To accommodate this growth and expansion of services, Dr. Scott Westermeyer will head the Franklin clinic.

Call 828.586.7654.

Mission children’s dental program Mission Health, an operating division of HCA Healthcare based in Asheville, recently announced the transition of Mission Children’s Dental to Blue Ridge Health effective April 1.

This transition includes a donation from Mission Health of two dental buses for the continuation of the Toothbus program which offers education, prevention and complete dental care to patients who may experience issues accessing quality and affordable dental care.

Like other BRH dental clinics, patients at this location and those who utilize the Toothbus program will receive full-spectrum dental care services including preventative services and restorative treatments.

Call 828.692.4289 for scheduling and additional information.

Dr. Motts joins Harris Family Care Harris Regional Hospital recently hired Dr. Jonathan Motts to join Harris Family Care – Cullowhee, a primary care practice located in Western Carolina University’s Health and Human Sciences Building.

Motts received his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston before completing his family medicine residency at the Swedish Cherry Hill Rural Training Track based in Seattle and Port Angeles, Washington.

With Dr. Motts leading the clinic, Harris Family Care — Cullowhee will offer multiple service options to serve the Catamounts and surrounding community by providing quality care at the flexibility and convenience patients want. The clinic offers walk-in appointment availability, online scheduling, and telehealth options.

Call 828.631.8800 or visit www.myharrisregional.com to schedule an appointment.

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Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

Sometimes, the urge to just go is irresistible

Biden’s gun control proposal a good one To the Editor: President Joe Biden has recently made very appropriate reference to the need for strengthened gun control legislation.

To be specific about this topic, it is suggested that a requirement be established for owners of hazardous weapons to secure a license for such ownership and to carry such license at any time the subject weapon is carried away from its owner’s residence. Such requirement would be totally equivalent to the well-established requirement that a driver’s license be available at any time a motor vehicle is operated.

In no way is the above suggestion intended to violate or lessen the rights of law-abiding citizens who are gun owners. Much to the contrary, it is intended to clarify their right to own and use a weapon for appropriate purposes, such as wildlife hunting, or other often competitive events.

President Biden inspired these thoughts. It would be a remarkable achievement if he could convince the U.S. Congress and the public to adopt the above thoughts or their equivalent, to implement his stated intent to strengthen gun control.

Rolf Kaufman Waynesville

Corbin should vote for Medicaid expansion To the Editor: I read the March 30 article “Senator Corbin again leads health care push.” The

weekend trips, whether by car or backpacking. In college I sketched out on-the-cheap summer adventures around the country, talking friends into coming along and stretching my meager funds as far they could take me.

Fortunately — or perhaps fortuitously — I fell in love with a woman whose thirst for travel likely exceeds mine. Lori had already been all over Europe and the U.S. by the time we met, and we sealed our plans to get married while staying in a small inn on the south Irish coast while on a half-year backpacking trip together.

I think yearning for adventure is a very basic human trait, and travel is a Editor sure way to find it. Even a seemingly mundane trip will lead to unexpected encounters and travails. Because travel can be uncomfortable, because problems or challenges inevitably arise, because the best laid plans can go all to hell in an instant, what’s left are your wits and your ability to make the best of the situation.

Out of those times come great memories and stories.

Paul Theroux, whom some call the godfather of travel

Scott McLeod

They didn’t know where they were going, their only waypoint the “S” on the compass rose.

They were both from Minnesota. For a laugh they could turn on the accent that became the humorous aside of the Coen brothers’ film “Fargo,” with the “yaah” and “geez” and “you betcha.” In their 50s, both had been able to retire early, she a landscape architect and he an Air National Guard pilot.

Their sailboat, a modest older model, was named “Our Lucy,” a reference to Lucy in the Peanuts cartoon who acted as a counselor to the other characters. For them, the boat was their therapy.

We met them briefly on a recent boating trip to the coast, both of us tied up at the same marina in Oriental, N.C., for a few days. Their plan was to meander as far south as they could over the next few months. When the urge struck to get off the boat, they’d find a place to dry dock her and go home until the need to wander struck again. A few days later we bumped into them in a restaurant in New Bern.

I’ve always been infatuated with the concept of a nomadic life. I moved a lot as a child, so perhaps it was not having a homeplace or a hometown. Tales of early fur trappers, gold prospectors and sea captains were the books I gravitated toward as a kid. As soon as I was old enough it was off on

LETTERS article makes clear that North Carolina needs elected officials to support actual Medicaid expansion that would provide health care insurance to people who earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid but too little to qualify for a marketplace subsidy. That is about 600,000 North Carolinians. The N.C. General Assembly has voted multiple times against Medicaid expansion.

Please do not be confused. The partial expansion that Sen. Corbin spoke of is not Medicaid expansion. Why cover some when we can cover all? The latest COVID relief package will bring $1.7 billion into our state over the next two years if we expand Medicaid. With Senator Corbin’s plan?

Nothing.

A statewide poll found that 64 percent of Republicans, 76 percent of unaffiliated voters, and 83 percent of Democrats support closing the Medicaid gap. Saying “I don’t think there’s the votes in the House or Senate to get that” indicates that Sen. Corbin does not know his constituents. Rural North Carolinians are dying. We need Sen. Corbin to vote for what we need, not what he thinks.

Ann Hibbard Waynesville

Cleveland County casino coverage great To the Editor: Although I am not a resident of your area, I am very grateful for your articles on the proposed Catawba Casino in Cleveland County.

Contrary to the perception given by our local media, there are a number of people in our

writing, is one of my favorites. He’s a novelist and a travel writer, and his books deal more with a love of adventure and people rather than geography and culture. His classics include The Great Railroad Bazaar (a trip by train from Great Britain to Japan and back) and The Old Patagonian Express (Boston to Patagonia via train). A couple of years ago he had this to say to the BBC about travel: “Travel in an uncertain world ... has never seemed to me more essential, of greater importance or more enlightening.”

For most of us, the real world — marriage, kids, careers, house — eventually brings an end to the days of being able to pack all of one’s belongings in a single vehicle and just move on down the road at a whim. And that’s OK, for that more sedentary life is full of its own meaning and lasting friendships.

But that doesn’t mean the urge to just get up and go ever disappears. For some of us it lingers, goes dormant for periods but then rears up, begging for release. And so my thoughts today are with those Minnesotans, by now likely in Wilmington, perhaps nearing Little River, S.C., wandering south at their own pace.

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

county opposed to this casino.

Silence is sometimes said to be golden. In the case of a casino in Cleveland County, it is not.

The City of Kings Mountain is being assailed by private LLCs who are in large part unknown quantities. A pre-launch facility for slot machines has been reduced to a pre-manufactured modular building to hold less than half of the originally planned 1,300 machines.

A pending lawsuit in the D.C. courts threatens the development of the casino because it points out a flawed approval process and broken laws and regulations. An unproven developer has been entrusted with what has been said to be the biggest economic development in our county.

What do we hear from our county and local officials these days? Silence. A silence that fails to highlight the influx of campaign money to politicians who have voiced their support. A silence that refuses to acknowledge a developer who has a questionable past and poor track record in the casino industry. A silence that history will not judge well.

Thank you for your willingness to cover concerns about the casino that are not voiced by our local officials or media. I hope that residents in Cleveland County will begin to read your coverage to be educated about some of the concerning issues with the casino.

Alton Beal Mayor of Lattimore, N.C.

The people your God created?

To the Editor: Calling Ken Burns! Calling Ken Burns! We need you to get busy on a new documentary.

It should cover two current movements in America.

One: What is the prevalence of interracial families in America today? We dwell on events as though they are clearly black or white. But, the faces and skin we see on TV are seldom predominantly black. Most are light brown, tan or almost white. Show us what happens inside the families where one parent is black and one is white. Or other races. What do relatives feel? What do they say? Is there some chance that racial tolerance is progressing in spite of daily stories of prejudice and hatred? What effect are contemporary interracial commercials having on people’s attitudes toward race?

Two: What is happening to wealth in America as a function of interracial children?

Please show us that love trumps racial prejudice when people die and leave money to their mixed-race descendants!

Your documentary, Ken, will help people see that America is rapidly becoming a country unlike any other in history.

Most Americans will understand. Most will embrace our new destiny.

In John Steinbeck’s 1952 classic novel East of Eden, we are reminded of the Biblical story of Cain and Abel. As told, Cain may have felt rejected by God and in anger killed his brother Abel. In the novel Adam Trask’s Cantonese servant Lee said this to him: “The greatest terror a child can have is that he is not loved, and rejection is the hell he fears.”

Is Lee’s statement not just as true for those who are born in America and yet must bear the weight of knowing that some people believe they are superior to them simply because they have a different set of genes (over which they had no control)?

Is prejudice not actually a form of

F

Corridor K a model for future highway projects

rejection like that which Cain felt?

For those who profess to be Christians are you sure you want to take part in the rejection of some of the people your God created?

Get on it, Ken! Dave Waldrop Webster

now means that 60 out of 100 senators have to vote for almost all legislation.

There are senators who actually came to Washington to get things done for their constituents, but the filibuster rules prevent any possibility of change. Currently it’s simply a stealth tool of obstruction, directed by a senator signaling an objection.

The filibuster is used to hold all important, helpful issues hostage.

If the Senate rules are reformed, there’s a real chance at voting rights and campaign finance reform, immigration reform, gun safety, raising the minimum wage, action on climate change and police accountability and racial justice.

Our senators must end the filibuster, and do the job that we, their constituents, sent them to Washington to do: legislate.

Sue Resnik Sylva

Put an end to the filibuster To the Editor: I’m a citizen and voter from Sylva, and we all know it’s time to put an end to the filibuster, a Jim Crow relic that was created to undermine our voice as voters and slow progress on critical issues. Historically, it’s a loophole to block civil rights legislation and

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April 17 1PM UNTIL 3PM

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Smoky Mountain News

matic improvements to an existing corridor.

The new Corridor K project will totally encapsulate acid-producing rock where necessary to protect local streams, rivers, lakes and aquatic ecosystems. The project also includes a new land bridge, initially proposed by WaysSouth, over the four-laned segment at Stecoah Gap. By creating a land bridge overpass above the highway, the critical wildlife corridor through the mountain pass will actually function better for wildlife than before the improvements. This overpass design also better preserves scenic views as well as the character and hiking experience of the Appalachian Trail.

It took a long process to get here, but the North Carolina DOT should be recognized for listening to the concerns of local residents and businesses, implementing a collaborative and transparent process with all stakeholders, and coming back with a proposal that incorporates many of the best design ideas put forth by WaysSouth and the community.

From our experience, this was not business as usual for the state’s transportation planners. Department staff and their planning and design consultants deserve high praise for their creative and collaborative approach. Our hope is that this serves as a model for future highway and road improvement projects.

Melanie Mayes, Chair, Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Axel Ringe, Vice-Chair & Treasurer, New Market, Tenn.

Clyde Holler, Secretary, Morganton, Ga. David Bacon, Clarkesville, Ga. Sam Evans, Asheville, N.C. Bob Gale, Asheville, N.C. Hugh Irwin, Black Mountain, NC Don McGowan, Canton, N.C. Callie Moore, Hayesville, N.C.

1942 – 2021

April 14-20, 2021

WaysSouth, a regional nonprofit organization working to protect the unique heritage and environment of the Southern Appalachians by promoting sustainable transportation practices, commends the North Carolina Department of Transportation for the final proposal put forward for the Corridor K highway expansion project. For decades, local needs to improve safety and reliability were held hostage to the idea of an unneeded, destructive, and prohibitively expensive highway.

By working with all stakeholders, including WaysSouth for which this project has been a high priority, the DOT has now arrived at an excellent design that is both economically and environmentally sound.

The proposal outlined in the Final Decision Notice and Environmental Assessment is good for our communities and businesses. The project will improve the flow of traffic by widening the existing highway and adding strategically placed passing lanes so that only a minimal segment will have to accommodate four lanes.

The new design should cut response times for ambulances, fire trucks and police by improving Highway 143 route from Stecoah Valley to Robbinsville. It avoids unneeded impacts to residential communities, including Stecoah Heights. And it brings sidewalks to Robbinsville and a new greenway to Stecoah.

The DOT listened to stakeholders when environmental concerns were raised and balanced these community improvements with environmental stewardship by reducing the overall footprint of the road project and adding in some much-needed wildlife and recreation infrastructure. Most importantly, it dropped plans for carving a new four-lane highway through intact forests and steep mountains, instead making dra-

Barbara Sears McRae

828.246.9135 haywoodhabitat.org 23

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A&E

Smoky Mountain News

Rowdy heart, broken wing A conversation with Drew Holcomb

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD ARTS & E NTERTAINMENT E DITOR f there ever was a 21st century musical ambassador for the state of Tennessee, it would be Drew Holcomb.

Born in Memphis. Attended college in Knoxville. Lives in Nashville. And puts on an annual festival in Chattanooga with his band.

Recently celebrating 15 years together, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors have emerged as one of the cornerstone Americana/roots acts currently pushing its way into the mainstream — the result of endless cross-country tours, never-ending miles along the hard pavement of life on the road as an artist in pursuit of long-held dreams.

Holcomb has immersed himself in the waters of the Delta blues and stood in the depths of the country/folk sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains. He’s a melodic sponge, always observing and absorbing his surroundings — phrases and tones meandering within his magnetic being, ultimately radiating from his uplifting voice and fingertips rolling along the fretboard.

I

Smoky Mountain News: Are you mulling over song ideas, then you sit down and crank them out, or are you constantly just inspired and keeping a piece of paper nearby?

Drew Holcomb: With kids, I do have to often block time for writing, but I’m always collecting thoughts and phrases on my phone, whether it’s voice memos or notes and writing down things, singing something into the phone.

And then I keep a journal of phrases I’ll sometimes pull out or buy a newspaper and read through it [for inspiration], all these writing exercises with words and phrases that I like.

So, it’s this mixture of hard work and inspiration — you kind of have to always be paying attention. But, then for me, I actually make it happen. I’ve got to go block the time to pick those bones and put some meat on them.

SMN: Whether you’re a writer like myself or a musician like yourself, when you’re younger you think you have to wait for the lightning or chase the lightning, but you can actually conjure it when you get older.

DH: That’s right. Exactly. You learn to [discover] and find great delight in yourself [and your past experiences to dig through for songs].

SMN: When you think about those early days of the band, when y’all just graduated from college in Knoxville, starting to hit the road and play shows, what really sticks out vividly?

DH: Oh man, the thing that I think about

“I got into music because it meant a lot to me as a fan, and I wanted to do the same — make music that helped other people sort of tell their own stories and understand their own lives.”

Drew Holcomb.

— Drew Holcomb

Want to go?

Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors will perform at the inaugural Bear Shadow Music Festival, which will take place April 23-25 in Highlands.

Other headliners will include Mandolin Orange, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Chuck Leavell, The War & Treaty, Jamestown Revival, Robert Ellis, and more. There will also be a wide-array of music-related activities, fine dining and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the weekend.

All Covid-19 safety protocols will be followed and enforced. For more information, a full schedule of performances and events and/or to purchase tickets, click on www.bearshadownc.com. those early years is just how much we worked. I mean, I was playing 200 shows a year. About half of them were solo acoustic shows all over the country, coffee shops and college towns. The other half were shows with the band.

We were hustling. We were playing every [place] that would have us in. And only [about] one out of every five shows felt like we were actually making any fans. A lot of times it was just people at the bar, nobody really paying any attention.

So, when I look back on those days, I’m proud of them. But, I’m glad they’re over, you know what I mean? [Laughs]. It’s much more fun to make music when you have fans that already know your music, than is when you’re trying to make fans that don’t know your music.

Probably around 2010, I put out this song “Live Forever.” Five years earlier, this producer told me, “Once you write the right song, it’ll do a lot of work for you.” I didn’t really understand what he meant until that happened for me when I put that song out.

Next thing you know, our crowd sizes we’re going from 50 to 80 people to more [than] 200 people. And they all knew the words to that song. It was a bellwether moment for us. We

knew that we were onto something.

At the time, we were borrowing friends’ cars to travel around the country because we didn’t have money to afford our own, our minivan had broken down. Then, [“Live Forever”] got picked in the TV show “Parenthood.” They paid us pretty well for it and it was enough to go buy a used touring van. That’s the moment where we really accelerated our touring, accelerated our writing and recording because we kind of had a little bit of wind at our back.

SMN: Talking with you now, it seems like that humble nature has never left you.

DH: No, I definitely remember where I came from. I don’t take much for granted. It took us so long to get our footing. Honestly, I got into music because it meant a lot to me as a fan, and

I wanted to do the same — make music that helped other people sort of tell their own stories and understand their own lives, the way that music had done for me. I’ve tried to never let that get away from me.

SMN: When you look at how distracted, chaotic and fast-paced the world is today, what is the role of the songwriter amid that noise?

DH: I’d like to think that’s part of our job — to slow people down. That’s why I love the [live] show so much because people sort of block off this time to go sit and listen to music, to live it.

The songwriter’s job is to tell the truth as they see it, to tell good stories, try to make something good, make something valuable — a good song always stands the test of time.

arts & entertainment

This must be the place

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

Driving down a corduroy road, Ferris wheel is rusting off in the distance

• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host an open mic from 8 to 10 p.m. every Thursday.

Free and open to the public. www.balsamfallsbrewing.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Dirty Dave April 17 and Carey Deal April 24. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

Y

• Elevated Mountain Distilling Company will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. www.elevatedmountain.com.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Joey Fortner (folk/indie) April 16, Kind Clean Gentlemen April 17, and Shane Meade w/Rob Masten & Shelly Garvin April 23, and A. Lee Edwards April 24. All shows begin at 6 p.m. www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host Karaoke in the Smokies April 16 and Kid Billy (Billy Litz from Hustle Souls) April 23. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

ALSO:

• Macon County Public Library (Franklin) will host The Vagabonds (classic country/oldies) 2 p.m. April 19. Safety protocols will be enforced. Free and open to the public.

828.524.3600.

• Nantahala Brewing (Sylva) will host Steve Heffker April 16, Guided by Pigs April 17, Marshall Ballew April 23 and Pony Express

April 24. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. www.nantahalabrewing.com.

• Unplugged Pub (Bryson City) will host Crossfire Band April 17 and Mile High Band April 24. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public.

• Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.456.4750 or www.facebook.com/waternhole.bar.

• “Paint-N-Pour” will be held from 7 to 9 p.m.

Wednesday, April 21, at Balsam Falls Brewing in Sylva. Cost is $20 per person. All materials provided. RSVP at Balsam Falls Brewing’s Facebook page. For more information, click on www.balsamfallsbrewing.com.

• Open call for artists to sell their work in the

make his way towards me from the NCCS side of the track. He’d ask how my legs felt after the previous week’s brutal workouts, what my game plan was for the mile and relay races, all while catching up on family matters between lap strategies.

Even back then, I was always in awe of the absurdity of those interactions. My coach and the rival coach. Both pillars of my youth, adolescence and impending adulthood. The same faces pitted against each other, same faces at Christmas dinner and my eventual high school graduation party.

One left this earth several years ago, the other facing the end of his path as we speak.

The corner of Brown Avenue and Hazelview Drive. Monday afternoon. The weird feeling washing over me. Thoughts of getting older. People that knew you (your stories, personality and ethos) slowly fading into the background of time and place.

Not a morbid thought. Just the sincere privilege of growing older. The heavy burden to those left behind. Attend the funerals.

Wipe away the tears. Share the laughter.

Keep some semblance of a particular person’s memory alive. Person to person, generation to generation.

Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.

Carriage House Gift Shop at the historic Shelton House in Waynesville. 757.894.2293.

• A special wine pairing dinner featuring Opolo Vineyards will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 22, at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. Cost is $65 all-inclusive. To RSVP, call 828.452.6000. www.classicwineseller.com.

• 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.

Smoky Mountain News

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Jacob Johnson (singer-songwriter) April 17. All shows begin at 6:30 p.m.

Reservations required. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

Mr. P and Uncle Scott were fierce rivals for years in the storied realms of running in the Champlain Valley Athletic Conference.

Both were coaches and educators at high schools in Clinton County, New York. Uncle Scott at Peru Central School (where my dad went to high school), Mr. P at Northeastern Clinton Central School (my high school, where my mother also worked as an English teacher).

Between the two of them, they pretty much won every single sectional and conference championship for cross-country and track-and-field from the early 1980s through the early 2000s. Numerous runners sent to the state championships, a handful of which winning first place, forever local legends.

It was always wild to see the two of them in action, in the same arena of sport and competition. All of those cross-country races and track meets where NCCS would face Peru. Before the race, Uncle Scott would wander over from his team’s side of the field, asking how my training was going, what my game plan was for the mile and relay races, all while catching up on family matters between lap strategies.

Uncle Scott would leave and head back to Peru’s side. Like clockwork, Mr. P would

April 14-20, 2021

esterday, at the corner of Brown Avenue and Hazelview Drive in Waynesville, this weird feeling washed over me. The thought of getting older, and to a point to where most of the people that knew you (your stories, personality and ethos) would slowly fade into the background of time and place.

It wasn’t a morbid thought. More so, it was about the sincere privilege of growing older, and how that does become a heavy burden to those left behind. Having to attend the funerals, to wipe away the tears, share the laughter, and keep some semblance of a particular person’s memory alive — this blazing torch of a life (hopefully) well-lived, wisdom and adventures passed across the hands of time. Person to person, generation to generation.

Brown Avenue and Hazelview Drive. I was a couple of miles or so into a Monday afternoon jog around downtown. Sunshine with a cool breeze rippling through the mountains. Going for a run has always been my way to process my thoughts and actions.

Sweat out the pain, whether physical or emotional. Soak in the beauty of what it truly means to be alive and a participant in life.

Thoughts swirling over a phone call earlier that day from my mother back up in the North Country. She informed me that “they’re taking Brian out of the hospital this week, taking his tubes out and placing him in respite care.” Her words echoed through the speaker phone, my eyes gazing off the front

porch and onto the bustling traffic of Russ Avenue. The sounds of a bird in a nearby tree and a lawnmower the next street over.

Brian Power. Aka: “Mr. P.” He and wife have been best friends of my parents for decades. My entire life and then some. And for the last few years, his health has declined drastically, from being housebound to bound to a hospital bed. The other day, the doctors have given him “between one and three weeks” left. Hard words to digest, for any and all.

Mr. P has always been there, whether at Christmas parties or summer barbecues. He was also my ninth-grade English teacher, as well as my track and cross-country coach from seventh to twelfth grade. He assigned me book reports and essay topics, weekend running routines and ways to break two minutes in the (god-awful and character building) 800-meter race. But, most importantly, he’s been a lifelong mentor and dear friend.

Sadly, I’m sure I’ll be writing more about Mr. P in the coming weeks, with his fate ultimately decided as time continues on, with or without those that we love and cherish in our existence and ever-evolving journey of life. But, for now, I find myself in this odd, dreamlike state of being. Memories flooding back. Thoughts of a future that doesn’t include certain beloved faces and places.

At the corner of Brown and Hazelview it also dawned on me that it’d been just about exactly five years to the day since my Uncle Scott passed away unexpectedly. He was 60 years old. Heart attack in his sleep. Never woke up. I got the phone call early in the morning. Once again, it was my mother calling from the North Country. I always dread when my smart phone rings before 8 a.m.

Your mind racing as to who is calling and what sort of sad news do they come bearing.

• The “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 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. 800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.

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arts & entertainment

2021 FORD EXPLORER

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See dealer for qualifications and complete details.

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0% APR for 60 months + $1,000 Bonus Cash

$1,000 Bonus Cash (PGM #13960). Not all buyers will qualify for Ford Credit financing.

0% APR financing for 60 months at $16.67 per month per $1,000 financed regardless of down payment (PGM #21234). Not available on Plug-in Hybrid. Residency restrictions apply. For all offers, take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford Dealer’s stock by 5/3/21. See dealer for qualifications and complete details.

Smoky Mountain News

2021 FORD F-150 XLT

$5,000 Total Value + $1,000 Ford Credit Bonus Cash Off MSRP $500 F-Series Customer Cash (PGM #13938) + $1,500 Bonus Cash (PGM #13960) + $2,000 XLT Chrome or Sport Pkg. (PGM #97774) + $250 XLT/Lariat Co-Pilot (PGM #97776) + $750 Average Dealer Discount + $1,000 Ford Credit Bonus Cash (PGM #13958) which requires Ford Credit financing. Not all buyers will qualify for Ford Credit financing. Average dealer discount based on a sales survey of average discounts offered by Ford dealers regionally. Discount may vary; dealer determines price. Not available on Raptor. Residency restrictions apply. For all offers, take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford Dealer’s stock by 7/6/21. See dealer for qualifications and complete details.

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26

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On the beat

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arts & entertainment

AVAILABLE

Waynesville location

Great Smokies

Hustle Souls.

Hustle Souls album release party While the grooves and riffs the band creates blend these elements together with precision, the songs all have a casual vibe that flows almost effortlessly.

Admission is $15 per person. Purchase tickets by going to www.thegreyeagle.com and clicking on the “Calendar” tab.

For more information on Hustle Souls, visit www.hustlesouls.com.

Fortner to play Frog Level

Formerly of Soldier’s Heart and Through the Hills, the Haywood County native is striking it out on his own with this rollicking new stage show, one of rock melodies and poignant ballads.

The show is free and open to the public. www.froglevelbrewing.com.

Americana/indie singer-songwriter Joey Fortner will perform at 6 p.m. Friday, April 16, at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville.

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On the stage HART Theatre reopens

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Smoky Mountain News

Waynesville’s beloved Haywood Arts Regional Theatre will open its doors again to the public, beginning with the one-man show “Say Goodnight, Gracie” starring Pasquale LaCorte as George Burns.

The show has performances at 7:30 p.m. April 15-17 and 2 p.m. April 18.

The production will be staged in the Fangmeyer Theater, with CDC protocols in place. The flat floor of the theater makes it possible for patrons to be in pods spaced six feet apart.

Patrons will be asked to wear masks unless they are eating or drinking items from the concession area, and distancing will be practiced throughout the facility.

HART has created a special Covid Safety Video to give patrons a sample of what attending the show will be like. To view it, simply go to www.harttheatre.com.

“Say Goodnight, Gracie” is an evening with one of the entertainment industry’s most celebrated figures. George Burns lived to be one hundred years old and was a major star until he died. He performed in Vaudeville in the 1920s and in the 1930s he teamed up with Gracie Allen, whom he would eventually marry. The two became stars of film and radio, and eventually had a successful television show in the 1950s.

The show offers an unforgettable tour through a century of entertainment.

Audiences will be transported with treasured video clips, audio and pictures from the life of these comic icons.

All seats are $20 general admission. To make reservations call the HART Box office at 828.456.6322 at any time and simply leave your name, phone number, the number of tickets you would like held and the performance date on the recording. Door opens 30 minutes prior to the performance.

April 14-20, 2021

Western North Carolina funk/rock act Hustle Souls will celebrate the release of its new album “Daydream Motel” with a socially-distanced, seated concert at 8 p.m. Friday, April 30, at The Grey Eagle in Asheville.

“Daydream Motel” is a genre-jumping mashup of new school second line funk and old school vintage soul, with nods to the jam band and roots worlds.

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MAGAZINE 27

Smoky Mountain News

April 14-20, 2021

arts & entertainment

On the wall

28

MFA thesis showcase at WCU The Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition is currently on display at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.

Showcasing work in a variety of media and surveys a range of conceptual themes and creative approaches within contemporary art practice, the exhibition features four MFA candidates from the WCU School of Art and Design: Perry Houlditch, Mo Kessler, lydia see, and Lex Turnbull.

The MFA program from the WCU School of Art & Design is an inter-disciplinary studio art program and creative research environment where ideas are given form.

Through close association with faculty, visiting artists, scholars, and their peers, students develop a contextual and historical awareness of their practice focusing on exploration, creative research, and art making.

In this year’s MFA thesis exhibition, the four exhibiting artists offer a range of conceptual approaches and mediums.

• Perry Houlditch takes inspiration from plants and natural cycles in his watercolor works. His pieces use non-toxic pigments and plant-based materials that can be safely composted and returned to local ecological systems.

• lydia see’s practice focuses on reinterpreting found, discarded, and archival materials. Her thesis project takes a critical look at housing and displacement and includes the work New Real Estate Available, located outdoors, which uses a playhouse and other imagery of “home” to raise questions about housing access and policies.

• Mo Kessler’s works are deeply tied to a working-class identity. Through their sculpture and installation, they consider the problematic relationship between worth and wealth under capitalism.

• Lex Turnbull also creates forms that question societal assumptions. Their thesis brings together sculpture, printmaking, and video to explore notions of safety, boundaries, and power structures.

Learn more about each of the exhibiting

HCC Virtual Craft Business Summit Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center will partner with the WNC Regional Small Business Center Network to offer a free Virtual Craft Business Summit from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, April 26.

This one-day virtual conference is designed to address the needs and challenges faced by current and prospective craft artist business owners and creative entrepreneurs.

Arts-based businesses are unique ventures and require special business planning methods. This not-to-miss one-day regional event will provide you with the tools needed to move your business forward.

Sessions will include: “How to Start Selling Your Work on Shopify,” “Boost Your Social Media by Engaging Followers & Friends,” “How to Get Money for Your Artist Business,” “Marketing with Pinterest for Creatives,” “Five Things Every Creative Entrepreneur Should Know and Do Before Starting A Business,” “How to Price Your Work,” “Top Instagram Strategies for Your Business,” and a Spanish session “Building and Keeping Good Credit to Help Find Funding for Your Business.”

SBC.Haywood.edu or 828.627.4512

Haywood ‘Juried Artist Exhibit’

Lex Turnbull, ‘Rainbow Hinge.’ artists, explore the interactive 360° tour once available, and make a reservation to visit the WCU Fine Art Museum in person, all at arts.wcu.edu/mfathesis2021.

In addition, stay tuned on the WCU Fine Art Museum Facebook page for a

series of interviews with each of the artists beginning April 15. This exhibition will be on display from April 13-May 7.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday (and Thursday until 7 p.m.)

The Haywood County Arts Council is excited to announce an upcoming exhibition featuring original art from 12 local artists.

The 2021 “Juried Artist Exhibit” will run through May 1. Each of the exhibiting artists went through an extensive jury process and are delighted to have their work in the gallery.

Artists included in this exhibit: Joan Bazzel, Mel Bennett, Linda Blount, Barbara Brook, Melba Cooper, Wendelyn Cordwell, Mary Decker, Peggy Duncan, Gayle Haynie, Alice Herring, Ilene Kay, Jo Ridge Kelley, Betsy Meyer, Deb Parmele, Amy Shahparast, Jennifer Sharkey, Debbie Skelly, Cheryl Summey, and Lisa Townsend. www.haywoodarts.org.

On the shelf

Thomas Crowe

In this thick tome of 350 pages — the first of three books written by Pfeiffer — that documents only the first of several long and arduous trips, she takes us in chrono-

toward us, the wind increased and all the hatchways were carefully fastened down as flash after flash of lightning darted across the horizon from every side and the white foaming billows of the waves broke with terrific force over the deck that it appeared as if they would carry everything with them into the depths of the ocean. You are alone upon the boundless ocean, far from all human help, and feel more than ever that your life depends upon the Almighty alone.”

In Tahiti, we get Pfeiffer’s description of her first encounter with the local people: “Both sexes wear flowers in their ears. The women, both old and young, adorn themselves with garlands of leaves and flowers, which they make in the most artistic and elegant manner and they are all tattooed from the hips, down the legs and extended to the hands, feet and other parts of the body — all executed with much taste.”

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IT'S BEAUTIFUL OUTSIDE

Front page of A Woman’s Journey Around the World.

logical order to: Brazil, around Cape Horn, Tahiti, China, Singapore, Ceylon, India, Mesopotamia, Persia, Russia and Greece.

As a sample, in Brazil and in Rio de Janeiro, she states in seeming contradiction: “The flower shops were the only objects of particular attraction for me. In these shops are exposed for sale the most lovely artificial flowers, made of birds’ feathers, fishes’ scales and beetles’ wings. Though it is true that the vegetation is perhaps richer, and the fruitfulness of the soil more luxuriant and vigorous than in any other part of the world, and that everyone who desires to see the working of nature in its greatest force and incessant activity, must come to Brazil, still it must not be thought that all is good and beautiful, and that there is nothing which will not weaken the magical effect of the first impression.”

In traveling by boat around Cape Horn, she describes her voyage: “In the evening everything seemed to promise a violent storm. Black clouds now began to drive

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Smoky Mountain News

And around the world we go with telltale descriptions and stories of her encounters with native environments and native peoples. While her experiences wouldn’t be of a same nature as we would encounter today, this book gives the reader a look into the not-too-distant past and how things were then — in an age of wooden ships, stark travel conditions and cultures still wed to the land and what she calls “loose social morals.” All in all, traveling Round the World with Ida Pfeiffer is better than a Carnival Cruise and loaded with the kinds of experiences that are life-changing, life-affirming and the subjects of potentially great novels. While Pfeiffer is not a novelist, her memoirs read easily as if she were. Engaging. Engrossing. Intelligent. And perfect for this time of temporary isolation today. (All three of Pfeiffer’s travel books are still in print and available through your local Indy bookstore, library, rare book dealer and online book vendors.)

(Thomas Crowe is a regular contributer to The Smoky Mountain News and author of the multi-award-winning nonfiction nature memoir Zoro’s Field: My Life in the Appalachian Woods. newnativepress@hotmail.com) Smith Libraries Exhibits

April 14-20, 2021

f you are like me and have been more than somewhat stranded by the pandemic for the past year or more and are succumbing to cabin fever and the isolation blues and are looking forward to getting out and about or even doing some traveling, then I have a suggestion. During 2020, I subscribed to a DVD lecture series called “The Great Courses” and watched one titled “History’s Greatest Voyages of Exploration,” which I highly recommend.

Writer It included a lecture on Ida Pfeiffer, an Austrian woman who in the mid-19th century made journeys circumnavigating the globe to discover for herself what the planet she lived on looked like and what was happening on the continents and at the same time in the countries as they existed then.

Ida Pfeiffer was born in Vienna in 1797.

As a child, she preferred boys’ clothing, liked sports and exercise, and received the same education as her brothers under the encouragement of her father. “I was not shy,” she writes, “but wild as a boy, and bolder and more forward than my elder brothers.” At an early age she was a voracious reader and was particularly interested in Daniel Defoe (who wrote Robinson Crusoe) and the writings of Alexander von Humboldt — both of whom were travel writers. Her first long journey was a trip to Palestine and Egypt when she was five years old. The influence of this experience remained with her into adulthood. As she states in A Woman’s Journey Round the World (Strand, London, 1850): “When I was but a little child, I had already a strong desire to see the world. Whenever I met a travelling-carriage, I would stop involuntarily, and gaze after it until it had disappeared; thinking they also must have accomplished a whole long journey.”

Pfeiffer, as an adult, became an explorer, travel writer, and ethnographer.

She was one of the first female travelers whose bestselling nonfiction journals were translated into seven languages. She journeyed an estimated 32,000 kilometers by land and 240,000 kilometers by sea to Southeast Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa, including two trips around the world from 1846 to 1855. Her memoir, A Woman’s Journey Round the World, tells of her first long voyage. Written as a journalistic narrative but in a storytelling style, Ida Pfeiffer takes us with her on her two-year journey to both the exotic and the non-exotic locations and cultures around the globe.

When you’re with her on the page it feels more like you’re at her side, seeing and experiencing what she is discovering on her many excursions and adventures.

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to Hall’s research. Trail renovations drastically decrease the number of roots, rocks and eroded gullies in the trail, and so they’re very effective at preventing trip-related injuries.

However, they’re also very expensive — the Trillium Gap project alone cost $1.3 million.

Luckily, Trails Forever’s next project, slated to start in May, will focus on Abrams Falls Trail. And while that will likely prevent injuries in the future, there’s a lot more to Hall’s job than applauding already-planned trail renovations.

FOCUS ON EDUCATION

A complex response, such as that deployed during the fourday search for Kevin Lynch in 2019, requires a large number of people. NPS photo

An ounce of prevention Stopping emergencies before they start

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER or every 116,732 people visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one experiences an emergency and calls the park’s Search and Rescue Team for help.

As the park’s popularity increases, so does the urgency of figuring out how to weaken that ratio.

“That’s what we’re trying to dial in,” said Smokies Emergency Manager Liz Hall. “Who is that one person, and what’s contributing to them being injured rather than someone else?”

Hall was hired in July 2020 to fill the Smokies’ first-ever emergency management position. She’s a law enforcement officer and oversees the park’s EMS and Search and Rescue programs, but upon her hire she was told that her main project would be to get a program up and running that could successfully reduce searches by 20 percent within five years of her arrival.

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POWER OF A SMOOTH TRAIL That’s a tall order, and understanding the current situation is the first step to filling it.

Hall has spent much of her first six months on the job drilling into data on incidents that occurred in the five-year period from 2016 to 2020. She and park volunteer Jeff Wadley analyzed data from three different platforms, also tracking down paper records and even calling rangers on the phone to gather data that didn’t appear in the digital record.

During those five years, the park executed a total of 504 search and rescue operations, or about 101 per year. Together, the Abrams Falls and Laurel Falls trails accounted for nearly half of those rescues, 45 percent. The next

most common locations were the A.T. south of Newfound Gap and Alum Cave Bluffs, each with 11 percent; Rainbow Falls Trail, with 10 percent; and Trillium Gap/Grotto Falls Trail, with 8 percent.

However, those proportions were not consistent over time. Emergency calls used to come from Rainbow and Trillium Gap Trails more frequently than they do now.

“Those have actually been recently redone through the Trails Forever project,” said Hall.

“And you can see that our search and rescue stats dropped significantly off of those, because we were able to replace the tread surface.”

Falls, slips and trips are the most common reasons somebody might call for a rescue, contributing to 49 percent of incidents, according

“The number one most effective method of messaging was in-person, one-on-one conversations at the trailhead.

I think that one-on-one interaction is incredibly valuable, because you can have that coaching moment.”

— Liz Hall

While falls, trips and slips contribute to about half of rescue calls, another 11 percent are due to exhaustion and fatigue, while 10 percent are due to navigation error, 8 percent are due to poor planning and preparation and 6 percent are due to walking in the dark without a proper light. Taken together, that means 35 percent of rescues are necessary because somebody got in over their head and didn’t have the equipment or ability to get out of the situation on their own.

The Grand Canyon National Park, a widely acknowledged leader in preventative search and rescue, once brought in a team of social scientists to help them figure out what messaging strategies are most effective at keeping visitors from turning into patients.

“The number one most effective method of messaging was in-person, one-on-one conversations at the trailhead,” said Hall. “Again, their demographic is a little different, and the decision-making is a little different than what we see, but I think that one-on-one interaction is incredibly valuable, because you can have that coaching moment.”

If the person isn’t carrying enough water or is trying to hike a mountain while wearing flip-flops, a ranger or volunteer standing at the trailhead can point that out. That same ranger or volunteer could ask if the hiker has a headlamp with them, or a good map. That conversation would then give the visitor a chance to adjust his plans or gear before taking off down the trail.

The Smokies already has a smattering of programs that facilitate those kinds of interactions. Teams of volunteers at Abrams Falls, Laurel Falls and Clingmans Dome, called rovers, focus on initiating these kinds of conversations with visitors, and personnel at the park’s backcountry office and visitor centers do their best to make sure the visitors who approach them know what they’re getting into.

The Resource Education Division is heavily involved too, teaching emergency prevention as part of school and interpretive programs.

“Right now we’re currently gathering up any existing programs that are in the park doing preventative search and rescue, and we’re all sitting down once a week to say, ‘Hey you know we have this tool. You guys have this tool. How can we make that unified across the board?’” said Hall.

The Grand Canyon study found that the second most effective tech-

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such as equipment maintenance, drive time and training.

Many of those hours are supplied by people who were hired for a completely different job, or as overtime from people who have already worked a full schedule.

In 2020, a total of 1,551 scheduled hours went to search and rescue efforts, but those efforts required an almost equivalent number of nonscheduled hours — 1,426. Those non-scheduled hours were supplied by people working overtime or coming in on their days off, and Hall wants to see park employees have their off time for themselves.

She also wants to see employees spend their working hours on the jobs they were initially hired to do. The Search and Rescue Team includes staff from all different park divisions, not just rangers. In 2020, the resource management division — the division includes everything from

A pair of temporary road closures is now in effect in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. n Temporary, single-lane closures along the north and southbound Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge will be in effect through Thursday, April 29, for roadside work such as litter removal, mowing and culvert cleaning.

Through April 22, closures will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and single-lane closures on the northbound lanes near the tunnel will be in effect the week of April 26 for engineering and surveying work. n The Greenbrier area is closed to motorists and pedestrians from the ranger station onward through April 23 for bridge work. Previously, the closure began at the picnic area, but pedestrian use beyond the picnic area into the construction zone prompted the park to expand the closure area.

For updates about road and trail closures, visit www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm.

Walk among the wildflowers

Local wildflower expert Donna Machen will lead a pair of hikes in the Big Creek Watershed of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tuesday, April 13, and Saturday, April 17.

The group will meet at 9:30 p.m. and begin with a one-hour introduction to wildflowers, with an easy 4-mile hike to follow, concluding by 3 p.m.

Machen began learning to identify wildflowers more than 25 years ago, and the Big Creek Watershed is one of her favorite places to find blooms while they’re most abundant, between April and May. Organized by Haywood Waterways Association, the events are free for members with a $5 donation requested from nonmembers.

The hikes are part of HWA’s “Get to Know Your Watershed” series of outdoor recreation activities.

Space is limited. Bring a camera and wildflower books, but no pets. RSVP to Christine O’Brien at christine.haywoodwaterways@gmail.com or 828.476.4667, ext. 11.

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Smoky Mountain News

PRIORITIZING PEOPLE For visitors, fewer rescues mean fewer ruined vacations, fewer hospital bills and fewer tragedies. But for the park, it means better use of its increasingly overloaded workforce. Over the last decade, park visitation has increased by 32 percent even as staffing has fallen by more than 10 percent.

On average, it’s six hours from the time an emergency call is received to the time the subject reaches safety. That figure does not account for associated responsibilities

Smokies road closures underway

April 14-20, 2021

nique is temporary signage that tells visitors about current weather, trail or wildlife conditions, giving them the chance to rethink the endeavor before they leave the trailhead.

But ideally, said Hall, visitors will have the tools to make those decisions before they get in their car, drive for hours, sit in traffic, find a parking spot and set foot on the trail. Abrams Falls is the perfect example of why that’s important.

“If you’ve sat there in your car for two or three hours with little kids, you’re about to pull out your hair anyway, and you want to go on a hike,” said Hall. “The hike to go on that’s very familiar with everybody is Abrams Falls. That’s not the greatest hike to go on. So how can we educate you before you’ve sat in traffic and got frustrated, and make sure that you can have a better option available to you so the whole family has a good visit?”

Over the coming years, Hall plans to build a social media presence that better addresses these concerns, and to also develop other technical tools aimed at educating people before they enter the park.

outdoors

This analysis is based on data from search and rescue incidents in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park between 2016 and 2020. NPS graphic

bear biologists to arborists — staffed the most search and rescue incidents of any division aside from the Visitor and Resource Protection Division that law enforement rangers are part of, at 87 incidents. The Facilities and Maintenance Division participated in 39 incidents, administration in 25, and the Resource Education Division in 10.

“If we could get these folks back to work managing bears or doing inventory management or whatever that situation may be, then obviously those programs are going to be more robust and more functional than they are right now,” said Hall.

Over the last decade, the Smokies has set visitation records almost yearly, and the park’s popularity shows no signs of waning. Between June and December, when most Smokies roads were open after the pandemic closure, the park logged 1 million more visits than during the same period in 2019 and 2.3 million more visits than the 10-year average for that time period. In terms of rescues, 2020 was the second-busiest year in the five-year period Hall examined, with 108 incidents. The record-holder is 2018, with 109 incidents.

“It’s still a very busy year despite our visitation, so you might even say that it was busier based on the number of people,” said Hall.

If that trend continues, then Hall’s prevention efforts will become even more vital.

Right now, she has two seasonal employees and one intern working with her, and a new partnership with the National Weather Service aims to find out how rescue calls correlate to adverse weather events. Another partnership with Gatlinburg-Pittman High School in Tennessee will generate artwork for a preventative search and rescue campaign.

Over the next several years, Hall will be working to create more effective and targeted prevention messaging, to foster interdivisional focus on the issue among park staff and to build a cadre of volunteers to support the effort.

“I would hope that everyone would come to the Smokies and be able to have an enjoyable trip and enjoy this resource,” she said. “It’s their public land, and we want them to be able to come out and visit the park. But if you get injured, it’s the end of your trip.”

The Smokies’ mobile incident command trailer was an important part of the rescue effort when Fred Braden Jr. was reported missing on the Middle Prong Trail in October 2020. NPS photo

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The Nantahala Outdoor Center will throw its annual Spring Fling event this year, running from 8 a.m. Saturday, April 24, to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 25.

An Upper Cascades release will provide fun for boaters, and kayak demos from a variety of vendors will be available 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday. From 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, live music from the Log Noggins Band will be provided. All the while, the Outfitters Store will offer sales on paddling gear and apparel, and the Rivers End Restaurant will provide a place to grab a bite while watching the paddlers navigate the river.

Due to COVID restrictions, private boaters shuttles to the Cascades release will not be available. www.noc.com.

Clean up Forest Hills

Smoky Mountain News

April 14-20, 2021

A litter pickup beginning at 9 a.m.

Saturday, April 17, will aim to free the roads of Forest Hills of trash.

Participants should meet outside of the Forest Hills Assembly Hall at 97 Market St, Unit 101, and the group will divvy up roads and areas. The cleanup should last until about 10:30 a.m. Bags, vests, gloves, pickup sticks, disposable masks and hand sanitizer will be provided.

The event is part of the North Carolina Litter Sweep, taking place April 10-24 across the state. For more information or to find an event near you, visit bit.ly/3c7vtez.

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Sign up for seed trays Signups to grow seed trays in Waynesville’s Old Armory greenhouse will be available 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting Monday, April 12, at the Old Armory.

The Old Armory provides trays, dirt, water and the greenhouse, with growers supplying the seeds. The greenhouse is open anytime the center is open for growers to water and check on plants. $5 per tray with five-tray limit per person.

828.456.9207 or oldarmory@waynesvillenc.gov.

Join the FROG Fair Franklin’s Friends of the Greenway will hold FROG Fair, a spring arts and crafts fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at the town bridge.

Area artists and crafters are encouraged to participate, and live music will be offered throughout the day, as well as a continental breakfast, lunch special and 50/50 drawing.

Because the event is a fundraiser for FROG, the nonprofit will collect a vendor registration fee.

Stop by FROG Quarters at 573 E. Main Street between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday to sign up as a vendor or buy 50/50 tickets. frog28734@gmail.com.

other species, as well as headwater tributaries that flow into local trout streams.

“This is a beautiful tract of land within the Highlands of the Roan that can now be enjoyed by all and seen from scenic viewpoints along the Appalachian Trail,” said Jen Barnhart, Appalachian District Ranger with Pisgah National Forest. “We are proud to be the stewards of this land.”

The property reaches above 5,200 feet in elevation and will be opened to public access in the future. The hope is that additional access will help alleviate impacts from overcrowding at Carvers Cap. The Roan Mountain Gateway is located within the Audubon Society’s Roan Mountain Important Bird Area. As part of the Roan Massif — a compact collection of connected mountains — the land contributes to protection of ecologically sensitive, globally important ecosystems. Headwater tributaries of Carvers Gap Creek, The Roan Mountain Gateway which flows into the provides beautiful views of the North Toe River, originate iconic area. USFS/Dan Belanger photo on the property.

SAHC purchased the 91 acres between 2014 and 2016, owning and managing the land to tions along the Appalachian National protect plant and animal habitat and clean Scenic Trail in the Highlands of Roan. The water sources. Funds from the Land and land contains high-elevation habitat, Water Conservation Fund enabled the including restored habitat for neo-tropical transfer to the USDA Forest Service. migratory Golden-winged Warblers and

Get certified in boat safety

A 91-acre area known as the Roan Mountain Gateway is now in U.S. Forest Service ownership after the Southern Appalachians Highlands Conservancy recently transferred it to public ownership.

The acreage was the last privately owned land on N.C. 261 before reaching the popular Carvers Gap area, where the Appalachian Trail crosses. The Roan Mountain Gateway is prominent in views from Round Bald and Jane Bald, iconic loca-

Fish Haywood’s best water Fly fishing expeditions with Haywood County Recreation and Parks offer a threehour journey through one of Haywood County’s finest trout streams.

Expeditions begin at 8 a.m. and are offered on the West Fork of the Pigeon River April 17 and 24, as well as May 8. A May 22 session will held on Richland Creek starting at Vance Street.

Experienced local anglers Ray Sugg and

outdoors

Important Roan Mountain tract now in public ownership

Reid Warren lead these expeditions. A fishing license is required and participation is limited to seven per session. Cost is $10 paid at registration. Register at 828.452.6789 or ian.smith@haywoodcountync.gov.

Learn to be safe on the water with a free certification course in boat safety, 6-9 p.m.

April 21 and 22, at Haywood Community College in Clyde.

Participants must attend both sessions to receive certification. Certifications are required to get permitted for a variety of water-based activities in North Carolina. The course is offered through a partnership between HCC and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

No age limit, but students must be able to take a written exam. Class size is limited to allow social distancing and face coverings are required. Pre-registration required at www.ncwildlife.org.

Run the Tot Trot The inaugural Tot Trot 5K will step off Saturday, April 24, from the Waynesville Recreation Park to raise money for two local nonprofits — KARE and Hope for Horses.

Registration will begin at 8 a.m. with waved start times from 9 a.m. The course will follow the greenway and make a scenic loop, with two laps completing the 5K. Awards will be distributed at Mad Anthony’s starting at 12:30 p.m., and the first 25 runners will receive a free beer glass upon presenting their race bib. All runners will be eligible for additional prize drawings.

Register for $40 through April 19 at www.raceroster.com.

April 14-20, 2021

Get ready for football A punt, pass and kick clinic will be held at noon Saturday, April 24, at the Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center in Jackson County.

The event is free to everyone, with groups for ages 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14.

Offered by Jackson County Parks and Recreation. www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

Go birdwatching

Radio in the woods Franklin Mayor Bob Scott will talk about amateur radio on the Appalachian Trail during the Nantahala Hiking Club’s next meeting, slated for 7 p.m. Friday, April 16, via Zoom.

Folks hiking the high peaks may have seen people with transmitters on the trail, and those transmitter carriers tend to be enthusiastic environmentalists. NHC hopes to better engage them with the club.

To join the meeting log on via Zoom at us02web.zoom.us/j/84131570642.

Real Experience. Real Service. Real Results.

828.452.3727

www.TheRealTeamNC.com

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A new program offering a two birdwatching trips per month in Haywood County will kick off Saturday, April 17, with a tour of Lake Junaluska.

Led by local guides Kevin Burke and Howard Browers, participants in this Haywood County Recreation and Parks Department program will learn about the county’s native and migratory bird populations, including how to identify calls and

view them in their habitat. The outings will include varying distances of walking, sometimes up to 4 or 5 miles.

Additional tours are planned for April 28 on the Waynesville greenway; May 12 at Purchase Knob and May 15 at Sam’s Knob.

Cost is $10, paid at registration. Consult with county staff to ensure the selected tour is appropriate for your fitness level. Register with Haywood County Recreation and Parks at 828.452.6789 or ian.smith@haywoodcountync.gov.

71 North Main Street Waynesville 33

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‘Leo’ by Pokey Park is one of 17 sculptures now on display.

N.C. Arboretum photo

Sculpture showcase comes to arboretum gardens

April 14-20, 2021

An outdoor sculpture showcase now up in the N.C. Arboretum’s gardens will showcase the work of 17 local and national artists through Sept. 26.

Each piece in the juried exhibition, called Wild Art, displays the artist’s reflections on the natural world and wildlife and offers gateways into the surrounding landscape.

“In some ways, these sculptures just feel like they interweave with the gardens here and invite people to explore,” said Exhibits Curator Ashlee Lanier.

Some sculptures, such as Grace Cathey’s “Big Al,” portray animals in implied motion, while others, like John W. Parker’s

“Raptor,” explore free-form expressions and still others, like David Boyajian’s “Carp and the Acorn,” display the inherent elegance of nature.

The arboretum is also showing the photography exhibition The Enveloping Landscape: A Contemplative Photographic Journey in the Baker Exhibit Center through May 2 and will open an exhibit of photographs by Thomas D. Mangelsen titled A Life in the Wild later that month.

There is no admission fee for the arboretum, but a $16 parking fee is required for nonmembers. 828.665.2492 or www.ncarboretum.org.

Smoky Mountain News

Weigh in on Canton’s paper mill permit

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Puzzles can be found on page 38 These are only the answers.

An online public hearing at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 14, will take input on terms of a proposed wastewater permit for Blue Ridge Paper in Canton.

The permit, expected to be issued in May, would be in effect through at least May 2026. Due to delays with the regulatory agencies, the mill has been operating on an extension of its current permit, issued in 2010, since 2015.

Citizens can give oral comments during the April 14 meeting and also have the option of submitting written comments before the April 30 deadline. Registration is required by noon April 14 to speak at the meeting. For more information, including registration for the April 14 hearing and links to the proposed permit, visit bit.ly/cantonpermit. Read SMN’s coverage of the proposed permit at bit.ly/3d51l5y.

Outdoor-rooted veteran therapy program accepting applications Equinox Ranch will welcome combat veterans to its inaugural program this June.

The ranch, located in the Caney Fork area of Jackson County, has been working since 2017 to get the facilities and program ready to help combat veterans with PTSD. The program is longer and more comprehensive

than any currently in existence, and treatment includes both verbal therapies and activities such as music, gardening and art blended with the beauty of the natural landscape and camaraderie of fellow veterans.

The yearlong program starts with a 10day stay at the ranch followed by a weeklong session later in the year. Between the two sessions veterans get support from Equinox, Veterans Affairs and civilian care.

The program is free for veterans. To apply or to make a donation, visit www.equinoxranch.org.

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • Family Day at the Greenway will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 17 from at the Jackson County Greenway in Cullowhee. Everyone is invited to walk the Greenway and enjoy various activities located around the trail. Some of the events include rock painting, yard games, and an ecology scavenger hunt.

• The Shelton House Museum, Barn and Gift Shop will hold Opening Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 1. The Shelton house will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday, withe tours offered on the hour.

• The April Membership Meeting of the Jackson County NAACP (membership includes Macon and Swain counties) will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 17, online.

The topic for discussion is "Self-Care for Activists.”

Email jcnaacp54ab@gmail.com to receive instructions to join online.

• Safe Kids Macon County is gearing up for the annual Safety Town Event scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, April 24, at the Robert C. Carpenter Community Building. Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol will be at the event for picture opportunities.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • The Small Business Center at Haywood Community College, in coordination with Small Business Centers in the WNC Region, will offer a free three-part Small Business Tax virtual learning series featuring representatives from the North Carolina Department of Revenue.

The Small Business Tax series will be held 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, April 20 and May 4. Visit SBC.Haywood.edu or call 828.627.4512 for additional information or to register.

• The Small Business Center at Haywood Community College is offering a free "Empowering Mountain Food Systems - Agribusiness" webinar series. The four-part series is designed to address the unique needs of current and prospective agribusinesses. Upcoming classes include Agritourism to be held 9-10 a.m. Wednesday, April 28. Visit SBC.Haywood.edu or call 828.627.4512 for additional information or to register.

• Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center will partner with the WNC Regional Small Business Center Network to offer a free Virtual Craft Business Summit from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, April 26. Visit SBC.Haywood.edu or call 828.627.4512 for additional information or to register.

• Western Carolina University will host Western Wednesday at 6 p.m. April 28, for a presentation about the impact of COVID-19 on North Carolina’s economy and its projected road to recovery. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the program. Visit https://wcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tzuudecvrjoueta4oed33se8x9fxqotxgzih to RSVP. • The Small Business Center at Haywood Community College will offer a free two-part Boots to Business: Starting or Growing a Veteran-Owned Business virtual learning series. Held 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, April 21 and Thursday, April 22, veterans of all eras, service members (including members of the National Guard and Reserve) and their spouses are eligible to participate in this virtual training opportunity. Visit SBC.Haywood.edu or call 828.627.4512 for additional information or to register.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • The Knights of Columbus will host a take-out Fish Fry Dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 16. Fried and grilled fish filets and whole Tilapia along with extras

Smoky Mountain News

n All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted. n To have your item listed email to calendar@smokymountainnews.com like French fries, hushpuppies, coleslaw and more. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 299 Maple St. Franklin. All proceeds support the Knights' charitable works.

VOLUNTEERS & VENDORS • The annual Adopt-A-Highway Spring Litter Sweep is coming up April 10 to 24, and volunteers are needed to help the N.C. Department of Transportation remove litter from roadsides. Volunteers will receive cleanup supplies such as trash bags, gloves and safety vests and are encouraged to follow COVID-19 safety guidance while out and about. Sign up at bit.ly/3c7vtez or call 919.707.297.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS • The Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter, in partnership with AARP Mountain Region, will be hosting the Buncombe County Alzheimer's Community Forum, a community-focused virtual listening session from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 11 to hear from local area residents. Attendees can participate via video/webinar or through a toll-free number. There is no charge, but registration is required. To sign up, visit tinyurl.com/BuncombeForum or call 800.272.3900.

POLITICAL CORNER • The Jackson County Republican Party’s monthly meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on April 19. This will be held at the new headquarters, 24 D Steeple Drive, Sylva.

• Democratic Women of Macon County will hold its monthly meeting online at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20.

Contact jean.work.wright@gmail.com to obtain a Zoom link.

• The Swain County Democratic Party monthly meeting will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, via zoom. The agenda will include the introduction to new officers and plans going forward. Call for an email link to join the call. All are welcome. For details, call Luke Hyde at 828.488.1234.

A&E

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Jacob Johnson (singer-songwriter) April 17. All shows begin at 6:30 p.m. Reservations required. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Joey Fortner (folk/indie) April 16 and Shane Meade w/Rob Masten & Shelly Garvin April 23. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Dirty Dave April 17 and Carey Deal April 24. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For more information and a complete schedule of events, click on www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host Karaoke in the Smokies April 16 and Kid Billy (Billy Litz from Hustle Souls) April 23. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For more information and a complete schedule of events, click on www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host an open mic

from 8 to 10 p.m. every Thursday. Free and open to the public. www.balsamfallsbrewing.com.

• Nantahala Brewing (Sylva) will host Steve Heffker April 16, Guided by Pigs April 17, Marshall Ballew April 23 and Pony Express April 24. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. www.nantahalabrewing.com.

• Unplugged Pub (Bryson City) will host Crossfire Band April 17 and Mile High Band April 24. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public.

• Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. 828.456.4750 or www.facebook.com/waternhole.bar.

• Macon County Public Library (Franklin) will host The Vagabonds (classic country/oldies) 2 p.m. April 19.

Safety protocols will be enforced. Free and open to the public. 828.524.3600.

• The Jackson County branch of NCWN-West and City Lights Bookstore will host an Open Mic night at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 16, via Zoom. For the Zoom link, email either more@citylightsnc.com; Catherine Carter at ccarter@email.wcu.edu; or Matt Nelson at mattnelson.poet01@gmail.com.

FOOD AND DRINK • A special wine pairing dinner featuring Opolo Vineyards will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 22, at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. Cost is $65 all-inclusive. To RSVP, call 828.452.6000.

• 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.

• The “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 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. For more information and/or to register, call 800.872.4681 or click on www.gsmr.com.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • Waynesville’s beloved Haywood Arts Regional Theatre will open its doors again to the public, beginning April 8 with the one-man show “Say Goodnight, Gracie” starring Pasquale LaCorte as George Burns. The show has performances at 7:30 p.m. April 8-10 and 15-17 and 2 p.m. April 11 and 18. All seats are $20 general admission. To make reservations call the HART Box office at 828.456.6322.

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES • The Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition is currently on display at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.

Learn more about each of the exhibiting artists, explore the interactive 360° tour once available, and make a reservation to visit the WCU Fine Art Museum in person, all at arts.wcu.edu/mfathesis2021.

•The “2021 Juried Artist Exhibit,” hosted by Haywood County Arts Council, opens on April 2 and will run through May 1. The exhibition is free and open to the public. For more information, click on www.haywoodarts.org.

Outdoors

• Check out the night sky with the Western Carolina University Department of Chemistry and Physics during a telescope viewing party 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 16, at

35

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

Complete listings of local music scene Regional festivals Art gallery events and openings Complete listings of recreational offerings at health and fitness centers n Civic and social club gatherings the Jackson County Airport. For more information, including COVID-19 protocols, visit https://bit.ly/31HXsNm or contact Enrique Gomez at 828.227.2719 • Franklin Mayor Bob Scott will talk about amateur radio on the Appalachian Trail during the Nantahala Hiking Club’s next meeting, slated for 7 p.m. Friday, April 16, via Zoom. To join the meeting log on via Zoom at us02web.zoom.us/j/84131570642.

• Jackson County Litter Sweep will take place at 9 a.m.

Saturday, April 17. Meet outside the Forest Hills Assembly Hall at 97 Market St. Trash/ recycle bags, reflective vests, quality trash pick-up gloves, pick-up sticks, disposable masks and hand sanitizer will be provided.

• A new program offering a two birdwatching trips per month in Haywood County will kick off Saturday, April 17, with a tour of Lake Junaluska. Led by local guides Kevin Burke and Howard Browers, participants in this Haywood County Recreation and Parks Department program will learn about the county’s native and migratory bird populations, including how to identify calls and view them in their habitat. Cost is $10, paid at registration. Consult with county staff to ensure the selected tour is appropriate for your fitness level. Register with Haywood County Recreation and Parks at 828.452.6789 or ian.smith@haywoodcountync.gov.

• The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is accepting proposed migratory bird hunting seasons for 2021-2022 through its online comment portal at www.ncpaws.org/paws/wrc/publiccomments/publiccomments.aspx. These regulations will apply to waterfowl, webless and extended falconry. Commissioners will review the comments and set season dates April 22.

Learn more at www.ncwildlife.org/portals/0/proposedregulations/migratory-birds.

• Learn the basics of birding with an outdoor adventure 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 17, near Franklin.

Offered by Alarka Expeditions. Tour includes moderate walking. Cost is $55; learn more at bit.ly/3dvZQwc. • From 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 17, families are invited to walk the Jackson County Greenway while enjoying a variety of activities along the trail. Events will include rock painting, yard games and an ecology scavenger hunt. Harris EMS, PT Solutions and Harris Pediatrics will all have tents set up for attendees to learn more about their services. https://fb.me/e/5bsISXP9D • Register for the Fun 4 Kids Day Camp offered by Jackson County Parks and Recreation beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 17. The Cullowhee camp is open to children who have completed kindergarten through sixth grade. Cost is $625, or $600 for the second child enrolled, and dates are June 14 through Aug. 6. The Cashiers camp is open to ages 5 through 12, though campers must have completed kindergarten. Cost is $700 and dates are June 1 through July 30. Contact Dora Caldwell with questions at 828.293.3053, ext. 5, or doracaldwell@jacksonnc.org. www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

• A punt, pass and kick clinic will be held at noon Saturday, April 24, at the Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center in Jackson County. The event is free, with groups for ages 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14. Offered by Jackson County Parks and Recreation. www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

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Announcements

Employment

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(M-F 8am-6pm ET) FRONT DESK Jonathan Creek Inn is now hiring a front desk clerk. Candidates must have a valid drivers license, and pass a pre-employment drug and background screening. Weekend availability is required! Computer knowledge is a must.

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FTCC - Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Science Division Chair/Instructor. Assessment/Retention Support Coordinator. Coordinator for Military Business Center. Career Coach (Grant

April 14-20, 2021

Funded). For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal at: https:// faytechcc.peopleadmin. com/Human Resources 2I¿FH 3KRQH

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EDUCATION DISABILITIES COORDINATOR: Full-time, Haywood County. Position Summary: Coordinate educations/disabilities components of the Head

Start/EHS program.

0LQLPXP 4XDOL¿FDWLRQV Child Development or related degree from an accredited four year university. Five year supervisory experience, ability to work in diverse populations. Experience mentoring teacher on best practices, experience working with families whose children may have special needs, must be able to multi task. A completed application is required. Please visit www.mountainprojects. org to complete an application for employment.

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Old Edwards Hospitality Group Highlands NC NOW RECRUITING FOR: Reservation Specialist, Overnight Security, Houseman, Turndown Attendants, Overnight Housekeeper, 2nd Shift Laundry, Bartender, Host, Server, Busser, Club Server, PT Banquet Server, Line Cook, Baker, Pastry and Bread Cook, Spa Concierge, Spa Attendant, Cosmetologist, Massage Therapist, Fitness Manager, Front Desk, PT Warehouse Asst., PT Retail Sales, Seasonal Culinary Gardens Crew.

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HAYWOOD COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL DIRECTOR Part-time, salaried position, $24,000 for 3 days a week (minimum 20 hours). Requires occasional evening and weekend hours. Duties of this position: leading D QRQ SUR¿W RUJDQL]DWLRQ supervising staff/volunWHHUV FUHDWLQJ PDUNHWLQJ PDWHULDOV EXGJHW PDQDJHPHQW DUWV HGXFDWLRQ HYHQW SODQQLQJ DUW JDOOHU\ PDQDJHPHQW IXQGUDLVLQJ GHYHORSPHQW SXEOLF VSHDNLQJ FRPSHWHQF\ ZLWK PRGHUQ RI¿FH VRIWware and social media systems. Preferred: colOHJH GHJUHH DQG RU ¿YH years experience in arts, museum management, public relations, business/ QRQSUR¿W PDQDJHPHQW RU UHODWHG ¿HOGV $SSOLFDtions accepted until May 7, 2021. For more information or to submit cover letter, resume, and three current recommendations in pdf format, contact: Laura Linger, board president, lauralinger@ FKDUWHU QHW 3 2 %R[ Waynesville, NC 28786 lauralinger@charter.net ATTENTION ACTIVE DUTY/MILITARY Veterans Begin a new career and earn your degree at CTI. Online computer & medical training available for veterans & families! To learn more call 833-9703466

DISHWASHER NEEDED $12/HOUR The Swag is currently hiring both AM and PM dishwashers/prep cooks. If you have experience in any of these positions please e-mail us. We have full and part time positions available. The Swag will be providing the right people a great work environment, above average pay UDWHV DPD]LQJ OHDUQLQJ opportunities with the best mountain views around. Thank you in advance for your interest in employment at the Swag. Clean dishes, food preparation equipment and utensils.

Wash dishes, glassZDUH ÀDWZDUH SRWV and pans, using dishwashers or by hand.

Maintain kitchen work areas, equipment and utensils in clean and orderly condition. Place clean dishes, utensils and cooking equipment in storage areas. The Prep dishwasher/prep cook will assist in the preparation of meals by chopping vegetables, making salads, and putting together lunches, breakfast and other food stuffs. Although this role generally does not include line cook duties, it provides the ideal opportunity to develop and use many of the skills essential to becoming a cook. Such VNLOOV LQFOXGH SUR¿ciently being able to XWLOL]H D ZLGH UDQJH RI kitchen tools including proper knife handling.

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EXECUTIVE

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Jerry Lee Mountain Realty • Jerry Lee Hatley- jerryhatley@bellsouth.net • Pam James - pam@pamjames.com

71 North Main Street Waynesville, NC 28786 Cell: 828.400.9029 ron@ronbreese.com

Keller Williams Realty - kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • The Morris Team - www.themorristeamnc.com • Julie Lapkoff - julielapkoff@kw.com • Darrin Graves - dgraves@kw.com

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Each office independently owned & operated.

SOL

Lakeshore Realty

D

• Phyllis Robinson - lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com

Log & Frame Homes - 828-734-9323

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64 SECURITY CAMERAS AND MANAGEMENT ON SITE

Haywood Co. Real Estate Agents

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April 14-20, 2021

Mountain Dreams Realty- maggievalleyhomesales.com Mountain Creek Real Estate • Ron Rosendahl - 828-593-8700

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RE/MAX Executive - remax-waynesvillenc.com • • • • • • • •

remax-maggievalleync.com The Real Team - TheRealTeamNC.com Ron Breese - ronbreese.com Landen Stevenson- landen@landenkstevenson.com Dan Womack - womackdan@aol.com Mary & Roger Hansen - mwhansen@charter.net Juli Rogers - julimeaserogers@gmail.com Amy Boyd Sugg - amyboydsugg@gmail.com David Willet - davidwillet1@live.com

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TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE

828.452.4251 | ads@smokymountainnews.com WNC MarketPlace

37

SUPER

CROSSWORD

E-QUIVALENT FIGURES ACROSS 1 Napoleon exile locale 5 Lobby gp.

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31 Some of a "Waltons" actor's furniture?

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51 Toward the rudder 54 Lures 58 Paris-to-Berlin dir.

59 Aviating guys 60 "You Send Me" crooner's preferred cruise destinations?

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 34

AIRLINES ARE HIRING Get FAA approved hands on Aviation training. FiQDQFLDO DLG IRU TXDOL¿HG students - Career placement assistance. 866441-6890.

HEAD START FACILITY Maintenance/Sanitation Supervisor: Full-time.

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5HTXLUHG 4XDOL¿FDWLRQV Five years carpentry experience, working knowledge of HVAC units, plumbing & electoral experience required.

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Please apply by visiting www.mountainprojects. org AA/EOE PART-TIME MAINTENANCE CARETAKER needed for apartment community in Sylva, NC. Please email letter of interest or resume to: info@southernrm.com.

EEO

HEAD START TEACHER ASSISTANT Haywood County - An Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education is mandatory for this position, must also have the ability to assume the responsibilities of the teacher when absent, work well with parents and co-workers, good judgment/problem solving skills. Candidate must be able to work well with diverse families. Basic computer skills and 2 yrs. experience preferred. )XOO WLPH ZLWK EHQH¿WV (10 months) Applications must be submitted to be considered. www.mountainprojects.org AA/EOE

BLUE RIDGE HEALTH NOW HIRING Blue Ridge Health has openings for full-time Patient Access Representative (PAR) and Medical Assistant (MA) at its Bryson City clinic location. Both positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, and at least one-year experience working in a PHGLFDO RI¿FH HQYLURQment preferred. For MA position, LPN or MA FHUWL¿FDWLRQ SUHIHUUHG Tree Service, Etc, Inc. Please visit www.brchs. com and click on ca• Dangerous reers to apply today!

CASTILLO

Tree Removal • Pruning & IT TRAIN• Creating Views COMPUTER ING PROGRAM! Train

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828-342-3024

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, Answers on 34 the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

38

www.smokymountainnews.com

April 14-20, 2021

WNC MarketPlace

Burglar. Even if you can’t reach a phone! FREE Brochure. CALL 844-9022362

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PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise ‘any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination’. Familial status includes children under 18 living with parents or legal guardians and pregnant women.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate in violation of this law. All dwellings advertised on equal opportunity basis.

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Home Improvement

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BROKER ASSOCIATE —————————————

Amanda Cook Williams RESIDENTIAL BROKER ASSOCIATE —————————————

(828) 400-4825

For Sale

Entertainment

Real Estate Announcements

Randall Rogers

Follow Amanda Williams Real Estate on Facebook

Once a client always a friend

amandawilliams@beverly-hanks.com

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Painters

Pets BLACK MALE CAT, MARS PRQWKV ROG a bit timid but quickly learning to trust and ORYH KXPDQV 'RHV ¿QH with other cats. (828) 761-2001 publicrelations@ashevillehumane.org

Ellen Sither

MILITARY SURPLUS W/C Pants/Shirts, Jackets. Military Boots ON SALE. Cold Weather Clothing, Field Gear, Sleep Bags, Packs, Bags. 828-349-3140.

Catherine Proben

Wanted to Buy

Cell: 828-734-9157 Office: 828-452-5809

1960’S AND 1970’S LAND ROVERS Whole or Parts - Especially interested in series Rovers sold from Harrell’s Motor Sales in Waynesville Wanted to restore to keep local. 828-506-5733 (828) 506-5733

cproben@beverly-hanks.com

74 N. Main St., Waynesville, NC

828.452.5809

Michelle McElroy BROKER ASSOCIATE (828) 400-9463 michelle@beverly-hanks.com Haywood County Real Estate Expert & Top Producing REALTOR®

Jerry Powell Cell: 828.508.2002 jpowell@beverly-hanks.com

(828) 734-8862

Rob Roland BROKER

———————————————

(828) 400-1923

robroland@beverly-hanks.com BEVERLY-HANKS.COM

RROGERS@BEVERLY-HANKS.COM

74 N. Main St., Waynesville

828.452.5809 www.wncmarketplace.com

April 14-20, 2021

WNC MarketPlace

39

40

Smoky Mountain News April 14-20, 2021