Business news

City Lights Café celebrates 10 years

On Tuesday, April 6, the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce staff and ambassador team held a very special celebration to honor the 10year anniversary of City Lights Cafe being in business.

City Lights Cafe is located at 3 East Jackson Street in downtown Sylva and offers dine-in, take-out, and online orders and indoor seating and patio seating. City Lights specializes in tasty, healthy food, including crepes, paninis, taquerias, soups, salads and baked goods. They serve locally roasted, organic coffee, plus local beer and Isabel Couture/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce photo wine. They provide free Wi-Fi and an outdoor, covered pet-friendly patio and a place to gather with your friends.

Call 828.587.2233 or visit www.citylightscafe.com.

Wicked Weed comes to Harrah’s

Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort has partnered with Wicked Weed Brewing of Asheville to open a new brewpub this spring.

The spacious, 12,000 square-foot-brewpub will be located on the second floor of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort near the Event Center. Included in the area will be a 36-seat main bar, a walk-up tasting bar for seasonal and special offerings, as well as a small stage for entertainment.

Brooks Robinson, Regional Senior Vice President & General Manager of Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos, is focused on enhancing the property experience by having more options on tap for guests to enjoy.

“We continually look for opportunities to diversify our guests’ experience, which is why we are excited to be working with a local, innovative business like Wicked Weed,” said Robinson. “Wicked Weed has really set themselves apart with their unique food and beverage offerings. The brewpub is an exceptional addition to our current roster of offerings and is primed to be a destination that guests will love.”

WNC real estate still hyperactive

Neal Hanks, President of Beverly-Hanks, Realtors, recently delivered the company’s first quarter 2021 Real Estate Market Report.

According to the Beverly-Hanks Q1 2021 Real Estate Market Report, the Western North Carolina housing market remains in hyperactive mode. Homes are selling quickly thanks to very competitive conditions, and home values are rising rapidly as a result.

“The incredibly tight supply of homes for sale is the lowest in recent memory,” said Hanks. “And until demand eases, we expect price gains to continue.”

Intense competition among buyers is forcing offers up, sending home prices soaring and appraisers scurrying to justify market values based on recent sales. The median sales price of a home in WNC has risen 17% from last year to $327,450. In some counties, like Transylvania and Yancey/Mitchell, values are up 26%.

At the same time, the inventory of homes for sale has declined by 60% when compared to 2020—a year with already strikingly low supply.

“Supply will remain tight in 2021, compounded by the fact that first-time home buyers, many of whom are Millennials, are entering the market in droves,” said Hanks.

Sullivan makes ‘Future Leaders’ list

Caleb Sullivan, the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority’s social media marketing and group sales specialist, has received the great honor of being named one of Destinations International’s 2021 30 Under 30 recipients.

Sullivan has been with the JCTDA for two years and during his time there has authored the Crisis Communication Plan for the TDA, created an accessible guide to Jackson County, and has grown and manages the destination’s social media accounts, among numerous other projects.

“Caleb is truly indispensable when it comes to the work he does on behalf of our residents and visitors. Through his role, he generates significant economic impact to Jackson County and its businesses and employees. We are very fortunate to have his expertise at the JCTDA and this designation recognizes his talent and dedication to the tourism industry,” Jackson County TDA’s Executive Director Nick Breedlove said.

Waynesville Wellness at new location

Waynesville Wellness, a co-operative of health and wellness professionals started by Logan and Nate Novgrod, has moved to 540 Dellwood Rd., Waynesville.

The following practitioners are currently offering services at the office:

Nate Novgrod is a licensed acupuncturist with 12 years of experience offering Acupuncture/Dry Needling, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Cupping Therapy, and Tui Na Massage. He also teaches continuing education courses for both massage therapists and acupuncturists.

Logan Novgrod is a licensed massage and bodywork therapist with over 22 years of experience. Offering multiple massage modalities. She is also a certified Doula (Birth Assistant) and specializes in pregnancy massage.

Staysee Teague is a licensed massage and bodywork therapist. He is a Reiki Master/Teacher practicing since 1999

Lynda Schoenbeck is a licensed clinical social worker has nearly 30 years of experience providing counseling and support services to children, teens and adults of all ages. She accepts most insurance and has a sliding fee scale for those without insurance. www.waynesvillewellness.com.

Primitive Outback opens in Franklin

The Franklin Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Primitive Outback Kayaking and Gem Mining with a ribbon cutting celebration.

Primitive Outback is located off U.S. 441 North in Otto at 155 Robin Lynn Lane. The new owners Ivan and Jen Glick are excited to offer fun for the entire family.

“Gem Mine rain or shine at our Covered Outdoor Gem Flume along the Little Tennessee River. We have many different sizes of Gem Buckets and a Gem and Fossil Bucket just waiting for you to find your hidden treasure. You will fine topaz, rubies, amethyst, emeralds and many other types of gemstones. We welcome all rock hounds and treasure seekers. We will help you to identify your gems and fossils during your adventure,” said Jen Glick.

Primitive Outback also offers leisurely selfguided kayak trips down the Little Tennessee River.

Call 828.349.1717 or visit www.primitiveoutback.com

Appalachian Overland Rentals opens

The Franklin Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony with Appalachian Overland Rentals.

Appalachian Overland Rentals is a new locally owned and operated business renting recreational vehicles. Owners Lucas and Cynthia Freimuth, both locals, are currently taking reservations for the 2021 season in Franklin.

“We have created a unique fleet of rental vehicles fully equipped to give our guests a jump start on their next adventure. The rentals available include an expedition pull-behind trailer, a pullbehind teardrop camper with sleeping quarters, a Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota Tacoma with overland builds and a fully self-contained camper van. Rentals range from $85 to $250 per night and all rentals come equipped with camping essentials,” said Lucas Freimuth.

For more information, visit appalachianoverlandrentals.com or call 828.332.0116.

New culinary team at Maggie Valley Club

Maggie Valley Club & Resort in Maggie Valley recently welcomed a new culinary team, naming Ashley Westbrook Director of Food & Beverage and Jon Cropf as Executive Chef.

Westbrook and Cropf will lead the culinary operations at the property’s Pin High Bar & Grille and share a passion for food and beverage as well as a creativeness for new menu items and specials.

At Maggie Valley, Westbrook will oversee daily restaurant operations, club events and handle all private event inquiries. Her mission is to provide members and their guests with a friendly and memorable dining experience.

Cropf has more than 22 years of experience in culinary arts and holds a culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte. Prior to his arrival at Maggie Valley, Cropf served as executive chef at Trummer’s on Main in Clifton, Virginia. In his four years there, the restaurant achieved top five placements on Northern Virginia Magazine’s Top 50 restaurants list for four consecutive years.

Visit www.maggievalleyclub.com or call 800.438.3861.

Rootless Kitchen open in Waynesville

Rootless Kitchen has opened inside the 828 Market on Main in Waynesville. The menu is inspired by travels that the owner, Marc, has taken over the years. The menu offers sandwiches and wraps with many options for vegetarians.

Marc has worked in the hospitality industry for over 20 years, from restaurants to hotels to hospitals. In 2014, Marc and his wife Mary decided to break away from the corporate world and partner with like-minded entrepreneurs in Southwest Colorado where they managed two restaurants, cabins and ATV rentals. Marc quickly became known as the “Pizza Guy” in Creede.

Marc has partnered with 828 Market on Main to share his travel-inspired dishes.

The market is locally owned and managed by Carrie & Richie Griffin. For more up to date information on 828 Market, visit facebook.com/828marketonmain or Instagram @828marketonmain.

Opinion

I’ll take growth over stagnation any day

While not a surprise to anyone in Western North Carolina walking around with their eyes open, new Census data released this week confirms that North Carolina and this region are gaining population. Net migration — how many people are moving in versus how many are moving out — was the primary engine of growth for the state, allowing it to pick up a 14th congressional seat. The U.S. population now stands at 331.5 million, and in North Carolina we have grown by 9.5 percent since 2010 to 10.45 million residents today.

Here in WNC we can see it all around us. While the natural growth in many of our counties — births versus deaths — is negative, the migration of new residents from other states is fueling population growth, an economic surge and an overall housing shortage while exacerbating an affordable housing crisis.

Despite what’s happening in this region, many are pointing to America’s slowing growth rate as a national problem of unrealized proportions. According to Census figures, from 2010 to 2020 the U.S. population grew by just 7.4 percent, the second slowest rate since counting began. It’s just barely faster than the 7.3 percent rate in the 1930s that was attributed to the Great Depression.

The Census Bureau credited lower birthrates — especially following the Great Recession of 2008 — and the slowing of legal immigration to the U.S. as the primary factors.

“This is a big deal,” Ronald Lee, a demographer who founded the Center on the Economics and Demography of Aging at the University of California, told The New York Times. “If it stays lower like this, it means the end of American exceptionalism in this regard.”

By that, he’s referring to the fact that for decades the U.S. had one of the highest birthrates among industrialized countries. Now, the U.S. rate of growth is akin to those in Europe and far eastern industrialized countries like Japan and South Korea. That means fewer young workers and an increasing aging population. Here’s part of the problem: according to research, it’s not just modern contraception and increased education among women that’s driving lower birthrates. It’s also happening because young couples say they can’t afford children. Data shows that worries about the cost of childcare, uncertainty about future economic conditions, college debt and not having the money to raise them are forcing young couples to put off having a family or simply choose not to. In the richest country in the world, economic insecurity is rampant among the young.

If population begins declining, which it has in several countries, then there are fewer people to make things and less consumption. That sounds great, especially from an environmental perspective, but there are consequences — rising unemployment, lower GDP, more burdensome taxes to take care of an aging population. Science Daily says immigration policies to attract workers from Southeast Asia and Africa — where birthrates are much higher — could be among the major policy debates for the remainder of the 21st century. It predicts the earth’s population will peak in 2064 at 9.7 billion and then decline to 8.8 billion by 2100. While we sit in our bubble in this mountain region dealing with growth and housing and living wage issues, other counties in North Carolina and many states are losing population. With growth, we have the resources to cope with many of the problems it causes. Once populations start declining and you have negative growth, new problems occur but the resources to deal with them dry up.

I’ll take the growth and a vibrant economy any day. Let’s just hope our citizenry stays engaged and our leaders make the right decisions on the challenging issues facing this region. (Scott McLeod can be reached at info@smokymountainnews.com)

Scott McLeod Editor

Growth in WNC County % growth 2010-20

Buncombe 9.6 Haywood 5.6 Henderson 10 Jackson 9.1 Macon 5.7 Madison 4.7 Swain 2.1 Transylvania 3.9

Be intentional in protecting earth

To the Editor:

Many of us in Jackson County volunteered to pick up litter recently as part of Jackson County’s Litter Sweep. I know I did in my neighborhood of Forest Hills in Cullowhee. These actions tied in well with the theme of Earth Day 2021 on April 22, which was “Restore Our Earth.”

As climate reality leaders, we understand that the science is settled and that carbon pollution from fossil fuels is warming our planet and causing natural systems to be out of kilter. This imbalance contributes to hotter summers, stronger storms, rising seas, summer drought, wildfires, extreme rainfall events, intense hurricane seasons and so on.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in the United States, March 2021 was the third warmest of the 127 years on record. In fact, this was the eighth warmest March for the globe since records began in 1880.

Climate denial is not an option anymore. We are running out of time to act. Doing nothing threatens the health of the planet, our families and the world we pass on to generations to come.

We finally have an administration that believes in climate science and on April 22, Earth Day, the President hosted a global climate summit with 40 world leaders that was live-streamed from the White House for public viewing.

As individuals, there are many “green” actions we can take, such as eating more plant-based meals. According to earthday.org, producing a single pound of beef requires 1,800 gallons of water and generates “staggering levels of green house gas emissions.” So we can start to fight climate change with diet change.

Other “green” changes individuals can make, include using reusable eating utensils. Plastic utensils are an unnecessary and major source of plastic pollution. Carrying a spare set of washable utensils is a small act that will keep hundreds of plastic forks, spoons and knives out of landfills.

Lastly, if you’re still using single use plastic grocery bags, take a recyclable grocery bag the next time you go grocery shopping. The average plastic bag is used for only 10 to 20 minutes but can live for as long as a 1,000 years in a landfill. What’s more only 1 percent of grocery bags are returned to the store for recycling.

Earth Day has passed, but everyone should still be encouraged to take one simple green act, because as Al Gore, founder and chair of The Climate Reality Project says, “The reality we now face, implores us to act”. Nilofer Couture Cullowhee

LETTERS

Lemon’s book is well worth a read

To the Editor:

Whether or not you are a fan of TV anchor and journalist Don Lemon, his latest book This is the Fire: What I Say to My Friends about Racism is recommended to everyone trying to better understand the racism in our country and what we can do about it. Lemon grew up as a Black and gay man in Louisiana in the 1960s and 1970s. As an adult, Lemon has lived in the South and North and has experienced racism and homophobia much of his 55 years.

Inspired by James Baldwin’s book The Fire Next Time (1963) and George Floyd’s murder in 2020, Lemon shares his personal stories. He challenges us as to what we all need to do to combat racism. Quoting Baldwin, “If we do not now dare everything, the fulfillment of that prophecy, recreated from the Bible in song by a slave, is upon us. ‘God gave Noah the rainbow sign, no more water, the fire next time.’” Lemon writes: “This is the fire. We’re in it. JFK and Obama led us to the rainbow; Trump forced us into the fire. And then he poured gasoline on it.” Because of the outrage in our country and all over the world after F

To the Editor:

A quote that will live in infamy! On April 8, 2021, Comrade Joe Biden laid bare the Socialist/Communist agenda that his party is working to implement in order to destroy the foundational freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights to all Americans.

Standing in front of the cameras, he stated “No amendment to the Constitution is absolute.”

It is readily apparent he was intentionally lying and committing the criminal act of perjury when on January 20th he put his hand on a Bible and took a solemn oath to protect and defend the Constitution.

Now let’s see if there are any members of the House of Representatives who took the same oath willing to step up and file articles of impeachment against this man who is, by his own admission, an existential threat to all of the American way of life. It is probably a waste of time to hope a federal prosecutor will file criminal perjury charges against Comrade Joe.

Among all of the other abhorrent and anti-American acts Comrade Beijing Biden and his cabal are perpetrating is endeavoring to take all firearms away from law-abiding Americans. Let us carefully explore the words “shall not be infringed” the framers placed in the Second Amendment as defined by Webster’s Dictionary. • “Shall” — “used to express what is inevitable or seems likely to happen in the future, express determination, an imperative command, used in laws, regulations, or directives to express what is mandatory.” • “Not” — “used as a function word to make negative a group of words or a word, used as a function word to stand for the negative of a preceding group of words.” • “Be” — “equal in meaning; have the same connotation as; to have identity with ; to constitute the same idea or object as; to have, maintain, or occupy a place, situation, or position.” • “Infringed” — “to encroach upon in a way that violates law or the rights of another.”

It is abundantly clear that the context and importance in which the framers placed this mandate are absolute. The prior

the murder of George Floyd and the growing Black Lives Matter movement, Lemon believes we could be witnessing the death throes of white supremacy in the United States. In the last chapter, “How Change Happens,” Lemon lists four things to bring about change — anger, solidarity, compassion and vision. Lemon writes: “In order to move forward, we must form unshakable coalitions of marginalized people.”

Lemon writes: “We can get there — we can — if we’re willing to do the work. History is always now for somebody. Why not us? If every one of us is willing to be ‘one of the ones,’ we have it in us to meet this moment together, feel its mighty sway, and emerge from the chaos to craft a more just and loving world.”

Lemon encourages us to start talking so-called decisions by various courts run by the black robed imposters have been used to incrementally denigrate this right notwithstanding, the unequivocal language of the framers still carries the day.

Does anyone with half a brain think that a determined criminal gives a moment’s thought to so called gun control laws or fears what some police officer, judge or jury thinks when he is coming after you?

When I went into post basic training schooling to be a member of the elite 2nd Combat Defense Squadron of the Strategic Air Command, our firearms instructor — who had fought in WWII and the Korean Conflict — started every day telling us “Repeat after me — gun control is first round on target.”

The next time some armed criminal kicks in the front door of your house, tries to hijack your car, walks into your business to rob you of your hard-earned money, kidnap your child, rape your daughter, or burn down your city, call Comrade Beijing Joe Biden and implore him to come protect you or send his armed guards to do it. How do you think will that work for you?

So, all of you who voted to put this Socialist/Communist regime into office you might want to reflect on how do you feel about being a partner and fellow traveler in the pernicious Socialist/Communist Party’s long-term effort to try to create a process to force all Americans to bend their knee to the CCP and march in lockstep to the Marxist agenda Comrade Beijing Joe Biden and his minions are working to implement? Are you going to volunteer to be the ones to volunteer to be first to give up your guns to the whacko who Comrade Beijing Joe Biden just appointed to head the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)?

If you think this unprecedented move against our rights is OK, just take the front door off of your house and toss it away. That will save you the trouble of finding the right key and unlocking the door. Obviously you don’t need it. Hey, if you have a problem knowing how to do that, call me and I will gladly help you do it!

Peter K. Stern USAF Retired Franklin

with people who think, act and are different than we are. Develop relationships with people of different races, religions, sexual orientations, political views, etc. It isn’t easy to talk about our differences but it must be done over a period of time. In the book’s appendix, Lemon lists a number of books to read including John Lewis’ Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America.

I found Lemon’s book easy to read, thought-provoking and challenging as to what I can do to help combat racism and work toward a more perfect union. In my opinion this is a “must-read” that was No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list in March.

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