13Iss.24Vol.202224-30,AugustInformationOutdoorandArts,Entertainment,News,WeeklyforSourceCarolina’sNorthWesternwww.smokymountainnews.com
jeopardy Page 6 Bid awarded in contentious timber project Page 30
Lawsuit puts Ghost Town development in
202224-30,August NewsMountainSmoky 2 CONTENTS On the Cover: With a simple click of his heels, Haywood County resident Zeb Ross became a viral internet sensation, putting the J Creek Cloggers on the map while earning himself recognition from celebrities and musicians far and wide. (Page 22) Donated photo. Cover art by Micah McClure News Mainspring considers Ela Dam purchase......................................................................4 Lawsuit puts Ghost Town development in limbo........................................................6 Haywood commissioners reject misinformation at meeting....................................7 SRCA board operates with reduced membership..................................................10 Jackson set to receive $3 million in opioid settlement..........................................14 Tribe seeks state recognition for enrollment cards..................................................15 Haywood Healthcare Foundation awards Education..............................................................................................................................19grants....................................................17 Opinion Let’s have a civil dialogue about abortion..................................................................20 Successful tyrants sell big lies......................................................................................21 A&E This must be the place....................................................................................................23 A trio of books all worth a read......................................................................................29 Outdoors Bid awarded in contentious timber project.............................................................. 30 Notes from a Plant Nerd..................................................................................................34 STAFF E DITOR /PUBLISHER: Scott McLeod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@smokymountainnews.com ADVERTISING D IRECTOR: Greg Boothroyd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . greg@smokymountainnews.com ART D IRECTOR: Micah McClure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . micah@smokymountainnews.com D ESIGN & WEBSITE: Travis Bumgardner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . travis@smokymountainnews.com D ESIGN & PRODUCTION: Jessica Murray. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jessica.m@smokymountainnews.com ADVERTISING SALES: Susanna Shetley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . susanna.b@smokymountainnews.com Amanda Bradley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jc-ads@smokymountainnews.com Sophia Burleigh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sophia.b@smokymountainnews.com C LASSIFIEDS: Scott Collier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . classads@smokymountainnews.com N EWS E DITOR: Kyle Perrotti. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kyle.p@smokymountainnews.com WRITING: Holly Kays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . holly@smokymountainnews.com Hannah McLeod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hannah@smokymountainnews.com Cory Vaillancourt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cory@smokymountainnews.com Garret K. Woodward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . garret@smokymountainnews.com ACCOUNTING & O FFICE MANAGER: Amanda Singletary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . smnbooks@smokymountainnews.com D ISTRIBUTION: Scott Collier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . classads@smokymountainnews.com C ONTRIBUTING: Jeff Minick (writing), Chris Cox (writing), George Ellison (writing), Don Hendershot (writing), Susanna Shetley (writing) CONTACT WAYNESVILLE | 144 Montgomery, Waynesville, NC 28786 P: 828.452.4251 | F: 828.452.3585 SYLVA | 629 West Main Street, Sylva, NC 28779 P: 828.631.4829 | F: 828.631.0789 I NFO & B ILLING | P.O. Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786 Copyright 2022 by The Smoky Mountain News.™ Advertising copyright 2022 by The Smoky Mountain News.™ All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Smoky Mountain News is available for free in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain and parts of Buncombe counties. Limit one copy per person. Additional copies may be purchased for $1, payable at the Smoky Mountain News office in advance. No person may, without prior written permission of The Smoky Mountain News, take more than one copy of each issue. S UBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIPTION: 1 YEAR $65 | 6 MONTHS $40 | 3 MONTHS $25
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A fter nearly 50 years of contention and debate over what was once considered “settled law,” abortion has now become a huge issue for voters in both major political parties in the upcoming midterm elections. Since the June 24 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, some state legislatures — now unencumbered by federal law — have begun enacting their own restrictions on abortion.OnAug. 17, U.S. District Court Judge William Osteen lifted his own 2019 injunction that had prevented a North Carolina law from taking effect that would ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, because the constitutional right to a pre-viability abortion no longerAccordingexists. to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, between 2011 and 2020 more than 224,000 abortions were performed on North Carolina women both in-state and out of state.
The coalition, which includes Northbrook along with nonprofits, governments and government agencies, began discussing dam removal after a massive sediment release in October 2021 blanketed the downstream river. In evaluations afterwards, state and federal wildlife agencies said the deposits, in places more than a foot deep, were likely devastating to the aquatic communities living there. The release was accidental and the result of a “faulty, legacy computer code,” said Northbrook Power Management Vice President Chris Sinclair, adding that prior to October 2021 the company had continuously operated dams in the Carolinas without incident for more than a quarter-century. In a Dec. 27, 2021, document sent to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Ahlrichs said the company was drawing down the dam to evaluate a breach in one of the stoplogs used to control water flow when the programming malfunction occurred. Since then, the company has engaged an IT consultant to find the faulty code, hired a contractor to remove the sediment, engaged a nationally recognized river restoration consultant, and participated in bi-weekly meetings with the dam removal coalition for the past seven months.
Haywood March for life scheduled for Oct. 1
The march will begin at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Waynesville and proceed to the Haywood County Courthouse to “call for life-affirming laws and for an end to the continued expansion of extreme abortion policies in North Carolina.” Speakers for the event will be announced in the near future. For more information visit
Pless’ Democratic opponent in the 118th House District race, Josh Remillard, wouldn’t commit to shortening or lengthening the ban.
202224-30,August NewsMountainSmokynews 4
Generally, abortions after 20 weeks only occur in extreme cases of emergency.
“Honestly, the way I generally feel about this issue is that I don’t think the government should be involved in this decision,” Remillard said. “It should be between a woman and her doctor to decide the future of her Remillardfamily.” did, however, point out what he sees as hypocrisy in the Republican position.
BY CORY VAILLANCOURT P OLITICS E DITOR
File
“Although stunned by the Tribal Council’s action, the coalition immediately reaffirmed its commitment to aggressively pursuing removal of the Bryson Project,” reads a June 10 email from Chuck Ahlrichs — president of dam operator Northbrook Power Management — to Andrew Moore, an environmental specialist with the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality. “In a June 7th call with NCHII (Northbrook Carolina Hydro II), Mainspring Conservation Trust agreed to consider stepping into EBCI’s role as the acquirer of the Bryson Project, and to continue working with American Rivers and SELC (Southern Environmental Law Center) to raise demolition funding.”
“We want to be good partners and we want the project to be a success, and we realize that at this juncture the ball is squarely in our court, because there really are no other partners in that coalition that are at the table other than the tribe that can move the project forward on the timeline that’s it’s on,” said Smith.
“The right is concerned there is too much overreach with the Second Amendment, so why isn’t that concern extended to this?” he asked. “If we’re so adamant about life, why isn’t medical care during pregnancy more affordable? Why don’t our teachers get paid more to ensure that our children have a good education? Why is there food insecurity? If we care about being pro-life it can’t end in the womb. It’s got to continue once a child is born.”Rep. Mike Clampitt (R-Swain) said he’d had a conversation about abortion over the weekend, at a
BY HOLLY KAYS OUTDOORS EDITOR F ranklin-based nonprofit Mainspring Conservation Trust will take the lead in efforts to remove 97-year-old Ela Dam if its board decides in favor of acquiring the 62acre property now owned by Northbrook Hydro II. “It really checks a lot of boxes in terms of our mission,” said Jordan Smith, Mainspring’s executive director. “At the end of the day, we’ve never led a huge dam removal project, so that’s a little bit intimidating for an organization of our size. Some really serious discussions are happening at the board level as to whether or not we want to continue down the path.”
The majority of those, more than 64%, occurred before a gestational age of eight weeks. Only 96 abortions were performed in the state after 20 weeks, or about 0.4%.
Mainspring considers Ela Dam purchase
•••facebook.com/kofcwaynesville.Date:Saturday,Oct.1Time:10a.m.Location:St.JohntheEvangelist Catholic Church, 234 Church St., Waynesville F F Ela Dam has been in operation since 1925. photo
“I understand that things happen and God chooses when a child will be born,” he said. “We shouldn’t be making that decision. To me it’s still murder.”
Legislators, candidates stake out positions on abortion ban
The local Knights of Columbus, in conjunction with area pregnancy centers, will host what they say is the first-ever March for Life in Haywood County on Saturday, Oct. 1.
The opinions of Western North Carolina’s Republican elected officials on the state’s 20week ban vary considerably, as do those of their 2022 opponents.
the property. But when the legislation came before Tribal Council June 2, five of the 12 members voted against it and one walked out prior to the vote. The vote failed.
The coalition behind the dam removal effort had originally envisioned the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians as the end property owner, and in February the Tribal Council unanimously approved a resolution to lead removal efforts. In May, the Timber Committee voted — also unanimously — to recommend that Council approve a resolution committing the tribe to pursue acquiring
WEIGHING THE OPTIONS
“It’s not restrictive enough, I think,” said Rep. Mark Pless (R-Haywood). “This to me is no different than the decision to kill your child at 2 years old. We treat people criminally forPlessthat.”explained that some years ago, he and his wife had lost a child at 20 weeks.
While it’s an important project, it’s also a big project, and it wasn’t part of Mainspring’s budget or work plan at the beginning of the year. Smith and his board are thinking about how best to use their donors’ money and about how to weigh the risk involved with assuming ownership of a 97-year-oldMainspringdam.has retained California-based Water and Power Law Group, whose partners have a combined 50 years of experience in dam removal projects, to help it review the purchase agreement, Smith said. He expects his board will make a decision sometime next month.According to an Aug. 5 email Sinclair sent to Moore and David Brown, a regulatory specialist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the draft purchase agreement was in an “advanced stage of negotiation,” with Mainspring’s counsel reviewing the title, permits and environmental reports. Northbrook contributed $10,000
Put into operation in 1925, the dam is small, old, and produces very little energy, netting Northbrook only about $55,300 annually. Coalition members say that removing it would have a negligible impact on the area’s energy supply but a large impact on ecosystem health and recreation opportunities.
“I would say that question is relevant in my mind only to the women who find themselves in that situation and their circle of caregivers or spiritual advisors,” said Platt, who turned up at a pro-Roe rally in Sylva on June 26. “I trust women in these situations to know what the right thing to do is.”
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6 Books worth reading if you like to learn more about medicine, food history, and agriculture. Let me know what books you’ve been reading lately that have made an impression on you!
“Based on legislation that’s been passed around the country, I think it’s about right,” McCracken said. “Whatever restrictions we place on abortion we need to pair that with options that make having the baby a more viable option. A woman usually finds out she’s pregnant around six weeks, so that gives time to evaluate those options.” toward the cost of legal review and consultations. If Mainspring decides to move forward, the email said, it will hold an option to acquire the dam while American Rivers will oversee “the bulk of the work” in pursuing funding for feasibility studies and demolition.
Transylvania County event that featured Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. Clampitt explained that he was born to a single mother and didn’t meet his father until he was 50 years old.
In 2017, Clampitt was a co-sponsor of H163, titled the “Right to Life at Conception Act,” which if passed would have declared that the right to life was vested in each human being from the moment of fertilization.
an agreement is the elimination of further remediation and future mitigation associated with the inadvertent sediment release, to ensure all available funds can be committed to a dam removal effort,” Ahlrichs wrote.
3. “Resetting the Table: Straight Talk About the Food We Grow and Eat” by Robert Paarlberg. “Quests for purity in food and farming are not as dangerous as they have been in race or religion, but they are just as lacking in scientific justification, and the advocates can be just as exasperating.”
“My position on right-to-life is pretty significant,” he said. “I grew up in povertystricken Southern Appalachia with a single parent. Mom could have made different decision, but she didn’t and I’m appreciative to my mom. Everybody only has one mother. Always be good to your mother.”
A July 13 report from Inter-Fluve Inc, the sediment removal company, showed sediment accumulation levels at 3.5% of the volume observed in the initial survey conducted Dec. 16, 2021.
“Further justification for the continued suspension of sediment removal activities is the current good condition of the river resulting from NCHII’s removal activities and the river’s own cleansing actions.” Spring brought an “active” fish spawning, Sinclair said, and a third-party review showed that the river had been restored.
“Any negative impacts to the habitat appear to have been temporary, as active spawning aggregations of Tennessee shiner on chub species nests were observed during the site visit, as well as accounts of observations of sicklefin redhorse, brown trout and other fish species from local residents,” the report concluded. “The reduced quantity of sediment that remains in the reach is typical for streams of this nature in the area and will continue to mobilize and re-deposit during periodic high flow events.”
2. “Pandora’s Lab: Seven Stories of Science Gone Wrong” by Paul A. Offit, M.D. “…beware of scientific biases that fit the culture of the time…”
“At the most recent Bryson Coalition meeting on Aug. 2, American Rivers indicated that it was confident it would be able to procure funding for the feasibility engineering study to remove the Bryson Project from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission,” the email said. “It also expressed confidence in obtaining funding for ultimate impoundment removal assuming the feasibility study did not present unexpected roadblocks … At the same Bryson Coalition meeting of Aug. 2, Joey Owle of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians indicated that the tribe counsel (sic) had agreed to accept grant funds that could be used towards feasibility studies and Mainspring expenses. Mr. Owle also presented a letter of support from the EBCI Principal Chief’s Office.”
In an Aug. 9 letter to Ahlrichs, Moore wrote that DEQ now considered the violation closed. Northbrook would not have to spend additional funds removing sediment — giving the coalition more time to explore options for removal.
4. “Food Americana: The Remarkable People and the Incredible Stories behind America’s Favorite Dishes” by David Page. “There are nearly 78,000 pizza restaurants in the country…3 billion pizzas sold a year.”
There’s very much a heartbeat and signs of life,” Corbin said. “I think it’s maybe too long, but I’m going to be respectful of the women in the General Assembly, and if they come with suggestions to shorten that I’d probably go along with it. I certainly wouldn’t go any longer.”Corbin’s opponent in the 50th Senate District, Graham County Democrat Karen McCracken, took a relatively neutral position on the 20-week ban.
“Over our 25-year history as an organization, we would have done zero conservation work if we didn’t have great landowners to work with,” said Smith. “In this case, Northbrook is the landowner and they’re a great partner and a willing partner, and you have to have that to make a good project. So it’s just a matter of making some decisions at this point.”
1. “Overkill: When Modern Medicine Goes Too Far” by Paul A. Offit, MD. “People shouldn’t be expected to be their own doctors, but they should be informed about their health so taht at the very least, they can ask good questions.”
SEDIMENT CLEANUP COMPLETE Tribal Council’s June 2 vote against purchasing the dam had the potential to end removal efforts. After the sediment dump, Northbrook received violation notices from DEQ and the Army Corps of Engineers that required it to clean up the mess. The work started in December but halted in March to avoid disturbing sicklefin redhorse spawning season. It was slated to resume June 15 if no solid dam removal plan were in place. In his June 10 email to DEQ’s Moore, Ahlrichs wrote that the change in dam removal partners would delay executing the needed documents and asked that the agency extend its suspension of sediment removal requirements.“Akeyelement in the negotiated terms of
Franklin Republican Sen. Kevin Corbin is taking a wait-and-see approach, but doesn’t support lengthening the period during which abortions may be performed in North Carolina.“Forme, that’s a long time, 20 weeks. My son’s wife is 18 weeks pregnant with our third grandchild and she’s very much showing.
5. “A History of the World in 6 Glasses” by Tom Standage. “The phrase “bread and beer” was also used as an everyday greeting, much like wishing someone good luck or good health.”
6. “Food in History” by Reay Tannahill. “In the long run it was to be the canning of fruits and vegetables rather than of meat that did most for the diet of the world’s industrial workers…”
Brevard Democrat Al Platt, Clampitt’s 119th House District General Election opponent, didn’t want to speculate on hypothetical extensions or reductions of the 20-week limit, saying that we have what we have and that he’s glad we have it.
Lawsuit puts Ghost Town development in limbo
“Jill has offered Coastal the opportunity to buy-out her membership interest in GTITS, LLC for fair market value, and coastal has declined to buy out Jill’s membership interest for fair market value,” it reads. Ultimately, the suit calls to dissolve the LLC. It also calls for an accounting of capital contributed by Coastal to the LLC and any rents collected, as well as any other information regarding Coastal’s involvement with the GTITS, LLC and MVRV, LLC, including the existence of bank accounts, post office boxes, permits and contracts.
PETITIONING TO CHANGE THE VENUE Waynesville attorney Rusty McLean is representing GTITS, LLC. Last Friday, he petitioned North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby to have the case moved to North Carolina’s business court. The business court was formed in 1996 and has locations in Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh and Winston-Salem. If Chief Justice Newby decides to assign the case to business court, it could be heard in any of those locations, depending on which one has the most time to adequately handle it. According to the North Carolina Business Court Rules the court is supposed to handle any case that is designated as “a mandatory complex businessIfcase.”assigned to business court, the case can have one of several outcomes, including a settlement through mediation or even a jury trial.McLean said he’s had cases in business court before, adding that he wanted this case to be heard in that venue because the judges are experts in dealing specifically with such complex matters.
THE SUIT McClure filed the suit on Aug. 8 in Haywood County. It includes specific allegations that Coastal Development hasn’t held up its end of the operating agreement that both Presley and Wood signed on June 19, 2020. The agreement stipulated that Presley and Coastal Development would share profits and losses equally. The suit notes that Wood first approached Presley in 2019 and told her “he owned properties valued at $3,000,000” that were “ready to sell” and that he had $34,000,000 in grant money approved that could be used to “develop Ghost Town.” Throughout the suit, it’s stated that Presley was the only party to put any money toward the project.
Thecourt.lawsuit to dissolve GTITS, LLC — as well as Maggie Valley RV, LLC, which includes the same members and was to be used to develop a Moody Farm property in the valley — was filed on Aug. 4 by Jill Holland McClure, niece of longtime Ghost Town owner Alaska Pressley, who passed away in April of this year. Presley had been working with the developer known around Maggie Valley as Frankie Wood, who’s listed in the suit as Jimmy F. Wood, Jr., the managing partner for Coastal Development, LLC, a South Carolina company that made up the other half of GTITS. The plan put out to the public was to revive the amusement park, which sits on five parcels totaling about 250 acres that have an assessed value of over $5 million.
“There is no timeline in place for completion of the structures and infrastructure necessary for MVRV, LLC to begin producing the income necessary to maintain the basic costs of real property ownership,” it later reads.
“A lot of businesses are dealing with breached contract issues, and they’re talking about millions of dollars, and you have superior court judges all over the state who are not as skilled in the analysis of contract law,” he said. “They just got tired of all these big cases always getting appealed all the way to the SupremeAlthoughCourt.”McLean didn’t talk extensively about the case, he did say he feels confident that the outcome will be favorable for his client, noting that his client should have full control of the LLCs.
202224-30,August NewsMountainSmokynews 6
“LLC’s only source of potential income is a residential rental unit with an at-will tenancy,” the suit reads.
“Upon the death of Alaska Presley occurring while Alaska Presley is a member under this Agreement, then and in that event, Jill Holland McClure shall succeed to all of Alaska Presley’s Membership interest under this Agreement, with all the interests, rights and duties previously held by decedent,” it reads.But McLean said the language doesn’t entitle McClure to what some may think.
“Before her death, Alaska made additional capital contributions to GTITS, LLC in various amounts totaling in excess of $100,000 including direct payments to Frankie to secure the installation of a large cross on the mountain top among other improvements,” the suit However,reads.according to the suit, the purchase agreement was not “consummated” within a year, and further stated that GTITS, LLC is insolvent, has minimal income and has earned no profits.
In addition, McClure alleges in the suit that she’s not been granted access to anything involving either LLC — not even the park property“Despiteitself.her reasonable request to Coastal, Jill has been refused a key to unlock the gate to the premises of Ghost Town such that she can thoroughly inspect and inventory damage to the property [caused by vandals],” the suit reads. The details for the other LLC involved in the suit, MVRV, are similar, but that section notes that the money Presley provided for that venture was even more than put forward for Ghost Town at $250,000. That suit also alleges that although Coastal initially stated plans to develop an RV park, that isn’t what’s happening.“Coastal, designated as the managing member of MVRV, LLC has made plans to develop the property for permanent residential structures rather than for RVs, which was not within the reasonable expectation of the members at the time the Operating Agreement was executed,” the suit reads.
“It says membership interests, not managing interests,” he said. “If a guy sits on a horse, he owns the horse. It’s clear that [Wood] is managing it.” McClure declined to comment, and her attorney, Mary E. Euler of McGuire Wood & Bissette Law Firm could not be reached for comment.
“GTITS, LLC has no liquidity and requires expenditures for taxes, utilities, insurance, and other basic costs related to ownership of the real property,” it continues, adding that no accounting of money expended for financing and labor toward developing the property had been provided.
A Shot Above of WNC photo
BY KYLE PERROTTI N EWS E DITOR J ust two weeks after a lawsuit was filed to dissolve Ghost Town in the Sky, LLC — the company that claims to be developing the former amusement park — attorneys representing the party wishing to keep it intact has filed to move the case to the state’s business
However, the suit calls that into question.
“No accounting or rents collected, if any, by Coastal has been provided to Jill or to Alaska before her death,” it reads.
While the suit calls for the dissolution of the LLCs, that allegedly wasn’t the only option McClure put on the table.
“I’m wondering why is Haywood County the number one county in the whole state of North Carolina for opioid overdose deaths?” she It’sasked.not. In fact, it’s not even close. Commissioner Tommy Long had just returned from a North Carolina Association of County Commissioners conference, where he received a report citing N.C. Department of Health and Human Services data from 2020.That report says there were 1.91 opioid poisoning deaths per 10,000 residents in Haywood County. Of North Carolina’s 100 counties, 80 of them had more opioid poisoning deaths per 10,000 residents than Haywood did. Jackson County had 4.8, Macon County had 4 and Swain County had 4.9. The worst, Pamlico County, had 7.9. “One’s too many,” Long said after Brooks’ assertion, adding that he wasn’t trying to downplay the situation and that Haywood definitely has a problem with opiates. “I need to follow up with you to see where you got your information after the meeting, because the state gives this data out. And so as far as deaths per capita, we’re really down there.”
Haywood commissioners reject misinformation at meeting
“Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency staff do not distribute syringes for any reason and do not operate a syringe services program,” Dove said. “Haywood County contracted previously with a group that did operate a syringe services program as part of a larger linkages to care grant and that contract ended in December 2020.”
Dove told SMN that while credible data is used in a funding application process, it’s not tied to the number of individuals in a community with substance use disorder.
202224-30,August NewsMountainSmokynews 7
BY CORY VAILLANCOURT P OLITICS E DITOR W hen a small group of concerned citizens turned up to the most recent Haywood County Board of Commissioners meeting, it sounded as though they were intent on ambushing commissioners with misinformation about everything from COVID-19 to county HHS board operations to needle exchange programs.
Brooks continued by saying that “Haywood County is handing out free needles under the name of the needle exchange program.”Haywood County Manager Bryant Morehead said that’s not true. “The syringe exchange program first started with the linkages to care state grant. After nine months, it was clear that the program wasn’t working here in Haywood like we had designed. We decided to go a different direction, got out of the contract with the Harm Reduction Coalition, and we worked with Meridian,” Morehead said. “We’ve been more successful in actually linking people to care. That contract with Meridian doesn’t include a needle exchange program.” Commissioner Brandon Rogers said basically the same thing. “As far as the health department is concerned, we are not handing out any free needles,” Rogers said. “We ended that some time ago.”Commissioner Kirk Kirkpatrick reacted to the comments by saying he doesn’t like to “contradict people when they get up there speaking when I’m not certain about the fact, but I was almost certain that we don’t provide any needles anymore because we had that discussion, I believe, over a year ago. And we decided not to continue to fund that and stopped any kind of needle exchange. None of your tax dollars for Haywood County are being utilized for syringes in Haywood County.”
B rooks was followed at the podium by Jeff Sellers, who said he has a background in both law enforcement and social work. In 2020, Sellers was a candidate to fill a
“A lawyer uses the word ‘actionable’ to mean that the behavior provides the factual support for a lawsuit or other legal proceeding,” said Haywood County Attorney Frank Queen. “Standing up at a public hearing and reciting, falsely that Haywood County has the highest opioid overdose rate in the state is ignorant for sure and likely malicious, but it isn’t actionable.”
Brooks also said that “our town leaders are inviting more homeless addicts here.”
Speakers can sign up prior to the meeting and are allotted three minutes to address the board.On Aug. 15, Deanie Brooks took to the podium to avail herself of that right, but almost everything she said was false.
Haywood County Health and Human Services director Ira Dove provided answers to a series of questions by The Smoky Mountain News, with credit to Health Director Sarah Henderson and Health Education Supervisor Megan Hauser.
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Brooks continued by asserting that “82% of the folks that die from drug overdose are in the needle exchange program.” No verification of this statement could be found by SMN, or by Dove. Indeed, Dove said the claim may not be true, because to collect that specific set of data, someone would have to contact needle exchange programs about people who have died and ask for health information that would in all likelihood be Instead,private.a 2021 report by the Pew Charitable Trust says that despite community concerns about needle exchange programs, “more than three decades of peer-reviewed research has instead shown them to reduce rates of HIV and HCV [hepatitis] among PWID [persons who inject drugs]” and that the programs actually increase proper disposal of used needles, increase participants’ engagement with treatment options and do not cause an increase in crime.
A s with most other local governments, regular meetings of the Haywood County Board of Commissioners always begin with a public comment session. Statute requires governing boards to offer the opportunity to comment once a month, at minimum. Haywood offers the opportunity at every meeting, adding up to twice per month.
Janet Presson speaks during the public comment session of a Haywood County Board of Commissioners meeting on Aug. 15. Haywood County Government photo
Brooks then asked another question based on a false premise. “Why is Haywood County number one county in the whole state of North Carolina for property crime?” she asked. Again, it’s not close. According to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, there were 822 property crime offenses reported by the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office in 2020, the last year for which data are available. During that same year, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department reported 35,674 property crimes, meaning Haywood was nowhere near number one in the state. Even assuming Brooks meant “property crimes per capita,” she’s still way off the mark. Mecklenburg residents see 32.57 property crimes per 1,000 residents, while Haywood sees 13.7. In 2019, the FBI reported a national average of 21.1 property crimes per 1,000 residents, a 24% decrease from 2010.
Commissioners fought back with facts, but lawyers say there’s not much more that local governments can do to combat the growing number of outright falsehoods offered by members of the public during local government meetings.
Nowhere in municipal or county government minutes does it say “town leaders” are inviting more homeless addicts. She also said that she’d “discovered” that when an increasing number of people with substance use disorder are reported, grants and government funding can be increased.
The claim that 87,000 armed IRS agents will be hired all at once to come after average Americans was spread by Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. F ollowing Peppers was Walnut Street resident and business owner Sharon Walls, who complained that “people” were harassing her customers and begging for money.Waynesville Police Chief David Adams told SMN on Aug. 19 that since January, only five calls for service were dispatched to her business at 147 Walnut St., none of which were logged for her nearby home.
Walls said that she’d “recently found out that our health department is encouraging the drugDoveproblem.”saidthat claim is counter to the mission of the Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency. “HCHHSA is dedicated to enhancing the health, safety and full potential of our community. Encouraging more illegal drug activity goes against our mission,” he said. “Our efforts past and present have not been to encourage the problem—but rather to help those who have substance use disorder. The Health and Human Services Agency works diligently to bring awareness to the topic of substance use disorder and to find solutions.”
“There are no full-time SROs at elementary schools,” Putnam said.
Dove replied that the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has a variety of resources on its website, including but not limited to syringe services, as does the CDCP and that goal of the HCHHSA is “to meet the needs of the community and provide our citizens with reputable resources such as those.”
Dove reiterated that HCHHSA neither runs nor financially supports syringe services programs, mobile or otherwise.
Presson’s public comments came under further scrutiny when it was revealed that she was an appointed member of the nonprofit Haywood Healthcare Foundation’s board of trustees.Shortly after Presson was appointed to that board, she helped host an anti-vax movie screening featuring a documentary film filled with misinformation. During that event, Presson attempted to prevent members of local media from recording or photographing the presentation, which was held at the Haywood County Public Library in Waynesville and featured a “who’s who” of disgraced medical professionals peddling discredited medical theories. In October 2020, Presson promoted another private movie screening in Haywood County featuring the widely discredited views of a former physician who ushered in the modern anti-vax misinformation campaign with a fraudulent study claiming that vaccines cause Presson’sautism. public appearances prompted calls for her removal from the HHF board. Trustees had a “lengthy discussion” about removal, but in the end took no action. Presson wasn’t renominated once her term expired in February of this year. During the Aug. 15 Haywood Commissioners meeting, Presson railed against the fact that syringes are given away in Haywood County by nonprofits and that the HCHHSA will indeed provide information to callers on where to get them. She referred to the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition and Down Home North Carolina — both of which engage or engaged in the practice — as “idiot groups” that enjoy “enabling drug addicts to basically kill themselves.”Down Home no longer has a chapter in Haywood County, but Morehead reiterated
N ext to address commissioners was Barry Peppers, who claimed to be a retired Air Force officer and pilot for American Airlines.
“One thing [Turner] said, and this is a quote that I wrote down,” Sellers told commissioners, “he said, ‘I prefer you not to share this with just anyone. We don’t advertise this, but we are all pro-vaccine and we’ve got to keep those anti-vaxxers off the board.’”
The Annenburg Public Policy Center’s factcheck.org project says that the $79 billion included for the IRS in the Inflation Reduction Act will indeed go toward hiring about 87,000 new employees over a period of 10 years, the overwhelming majority of which will be neither armed nor agents.
Janet Yellen, Secretary of the Treasury, said in an August letter to IRS commissioner Charles P. Rettig that “… audit rates will not rise relative to recent years for households making under $400,000 annually” and that “contrary to the misinformation from opponents of this legislation, small business or households earning $400,000 per year or less will not see an increase in the chances that they are audited.”
Walls then told commissioners that the county offers “a mobile program to deliver them to users who need them.”
Walls also said that the HCHHSA tells callers “how to get free syringes.”
Another claim by Peppers, that “87,000 armed IRS agents are going to be hired” doesn’t have much relevance to county-level government and is also deeply misleading. The Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS has employed armed agents since 1919, and is currently looking for around 300 more, according to MarketWatch.
Walls concluded her remarks by asking, “If you have a child with a drug addiction, what kind of help would you want from our health department and our supposed experts who work there? Maybe some guidance on how to find a rehab program, or maybe how to talk with your child about his or her problems?”
“Well then, that’s an honor,” Turner said. “Because if that means I care about kids and keeping them and adults healthy, then I will be glad to be thrown under the bus.”
While that is true, what Peppers didn’t mention is that nearly all migrants apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol in 2021 that were subsequently classified as single adults were expelled or deported — about 57% of all migrants, numbering more than 1 million individuals.Peppers went on to say that “our jails, because of COVID, have been largely emptied.”Kirkpatrick said during the meeting he didn’t think that was the case. Stats provided later by Haywood County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Christina Esmay show that at no time in the past year has the detention center been below 73% occupancy.
“I think we looked at that about six or seven years ago,” said Republican Kevin Ensley, chairman of the Board of Commissioners. “It was going to be about a penny on the tax rate … about $20 to $30 per taxpayer is what we figured at that time. And I remember that because Bill Hollingsed, who was the chief of police at Waynesville, said that he would be willing to pay an extra $20 or $30 to make sure a resource officer was in every school. I agree with him, but I didn’t have the support to pass that, but it would be about a penny on the tax rate.”
On Aug. 4, 2020, near the height of the Coronavirus Pandemic, Turner’s HHS board issued a statement with unanimous consent of the board, stating, “The Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency Board unequivocally supports the immunization program of the Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency and encourages all eligible persons to get vaccinated.”
Turner told SMN on Aug. 19 that after meeting Sellers at a Republican Party event, they’d talked about Sellers’ experience in social work and that he had indeed encouraged Turner to apply for a seat on the HHS board, but that he doesn’t remember ever saying, “we’ve got to keep those anti-vaxxers off the board.”
In 2020, Haywood County reported 77 violent offenses, good for 1.24 per 1,000 residents. Waynesville reported 54, which works out to 5.3 per 1,000 residents. Mecklenburg reported 8,238 violent offenses that year, or about 7.5 per 1,000 residents. Fayetteville reported 9.9 violent crimes per 1,000 residents.
That’s exactly what HCHHSA does, by providing info on locating substance use disorder treatment, including to Meridian.
Turner worked for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for 33 years and was the director of Mississippi’s immunization programs and has other extensive experience in the public health field. He’s seen the results that immunization programs can have on small pox, polio, measles and rubella and said he’s unabashedly 100% pro-vax. “Since one of the major pillars of public health is immunizations (vaccinations), I personally don’t see any value in having an antivax person on any board of health or consolidated board,” Turner added on Aug. 20. “Vaccines are one of major keys to prevention and a major tool to bringing outbreaks under control. What would the world look like today if immunization programs for smallpox, polio, measles, rubella, DPT, etc. had not been conducted? How much suffering and death has been prevented?” Turner said he believes the board selection process is fair, and that they’d never even asked applicants about their views on vaccination. He also said he’d fielded several calls about Sellers’ statement from people who felt that Sellers had thrown him under the bus.
In addition, an abstract from a 2001 FBI report cautioned against using such “ranking” websites like Neighborhood Scout because they simply compile data and rank jurisdictions without any context.
Sellers then brought up the immigration crisis at the nation’s southern border, saying that “over 2 million people came across our border in 2021 alone.”
“Speakers at Town meetings are not under oath, as they would be in court, so there is no legal obligation to tell the truth.” — Martha Bradley, Waynesville town attorney
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“We have 14 schools in Haywood County, seven elementary schools. And my understanding is those schools do not have — at least the elementary schools — full-time school resource officers,” Peppers said. “They may rotate, but I don’t know about that. In my opinion, the day and the time has come to stop this insanity of not having armed police in ourPeppersschools.”ismostly correct, according to Haywood County Schools Associate Superintendent Dr. Trevor Putnam. Putnam told SMN on Aug. 19 that among the 15 schools in Haywood County, including eight elementary schools, seven school resource officers rotate and provide coverage. Haywood Early College shares an SRO with Haywood Community College.
vacancy on the Board of Commissioners left by Rep. Mark Pless when Pless was elected midway through his commission term to the North Carolina General Assembly. That appointment, made per statute by the Haywood County Republican Party after a prolonged and transparent screening process, ultimately went to current Commissioner Jennifer Best. Sellers explained that several months prior to the Aug. 15 meeting, he received a call from Paul Turner, who was at the time the chairman of the Haywood County Health and Human Services Advisory Board, encouraging him to apply for a seat on that board.
“ … these rankings lead to simplistic and/or incomplete analyses which often create misleading perceptions adversely affecting cities and counties, along with their residents,” the report reads.
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Peppers then told commissioners that Neighborhood Scout, a real estate data firm, says that Haywood County and Waynesville is the number one town in North Carolina for violent crime per capita, behind Fayetteville andGoingCharlotte.back to the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, neither Haywood County nor the Town of Waynesville is anywhere near the top of the list for violent crimes per capita.
F inally, Janet Presson appeared at the podium. Presson’s no newcomer to public comment sessions and has been active in spreading debunked theories about vaccines and masks, which she said are “poison” and “useless,” respectively.
Dove again said that the HCHHSA does not run or financially support a syringe services program, mobile or otherwise, for anyone.In closing, Presson implored commissioners to “stop our health department from enabling this program.”
Dove reiterated that the HCHHSA does not purchase or distribute syringes and does not operate a syringe services program.
Presson also told commissioners that the county doesn’t have “a free mobile syringe delivery service for diabetics, just for addicts.”
Ensley said the needle exchange legislation was passed by a Republican legislature and signed by a Republican governor to curb transmissible disease.
David W. Owens, professor of public law and government at UNC’s School of Government, concurred with Bradley.
“If the local government is holding an evidentiary hearing (such as one on a special use permit application), the speakers are under oath and limited to testifying truthfully as to relevant topics for which they have personal knowledge. They are subject to criminal penalty for perjury if they knowingly make false statements,” Owens said. “But speakers at a general comment period are not under oath and not subject to a legal obligation to speakKristitruthfully.”A.Nickodem, assistant professor of public law and government at the UNC School of Government, also concurred with Bradley and Owens, and said that even false speech is largely protected by the First Amendment.
There is a misdemeanor offense in North Carolina for knowingly or recklessly making “derogatory reports” on candidates in any election, although the constitutionality of the statute is under litigation. There’s also another statute that prohibits a person from falsely representing themself to be a law enforcement officer or a county, municipal or state employee.Thereis, however, at least one thing elected officials can do when confronted with misinformation from the public.
“All that being said, a county or municipality could take steps to combat misinformation in public meetings through providing a truthful and fact-based response, such as through press releases, statements on social media or statements made in the meeting itself,” Nickodem said.
Mountain BizWorks launches series for outdoor entrepreneursbusiness Mountain BizWorks is announcing a call for outdoor entrepreneurs to enroll in its Foundations for Outdoor Businesses and Waypoint Accelerator programs. These courses are designed to support entrepreneurs and businesses in the ideation and growth phases respectively. While the competitive Waypoint Accelerator’s application is open for its fourth cohort, Foundations for Outdoor businesses will welcome its first cohort on a first come, first-served basis with no prerequisites.TheWaypoint Accelerator is the first program of its kind east of the Rockies, and is facilitated through a partnership between Mountain BizWorks, the N.C. Small Business and Technology Development Center, and the Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC. It is designed for businesses that have already launched and are planning for their next phase of growth. This 12-session intensive program provides cohort members the unique ability to be embedded in a strong network of mentors and peers that can help refine their business model, provide critical feedback, and offer guidance toward their next waypoint for growth.
Conversely, Foundations for Outdoor Businesses provides entrepreneurs with the critical framework and support needed to successfully launch their new ventures. Cohort members will work alongside one another to build business plans, gain an understanding of finances and accounting, and set goals to get their businesses off of the ground. The course material has been adapted from Mountain BizWorks’ renowned Foundations for Business Planning course, which has supported over 10,000 entrepreneurs over the past two decades.
Interested outdoor companies can apply to Waypoint until Oct. 6, with a live Info Session and Q&A set to take place on Aug. 26 from noon to 1 p.m. Registrations for Foundations for Outdoor Business will be open until the class starts on Sept. 7. Full details and applications are available at mountainbizworks.org/outdoors.
202224-30,August NewsMountainSmokynews 9 Live Entertainment FALL FLING Welcoming Fall with Locally Handmade Crafts in the Shops of Dillsboro! Local artists will demonstrate their crafting process in front of shops. Saturday ❋ September 3rd ❋ 10AM-5PM 1PM Twelfth Fret 2PM We Three Swing Restaurants & Brewery Open! Art & Craft Walk FOR MORE INFO GO TO: VISITDILLSBORO.ORG Dillsboro, NC is located at the crossroads of 441 & Business 23 what Dove has already said about the syringe service“Northprograms.Carolina Harm Reduction is still operating in the county, but it’s with no county funds,” Morehead said. “They’re not using any county resources. If we are giving information out to addicts or users, I’m guessing that it’s from a communicable disease standpoint because sharing needles does spread hepatitis and other types of illness.”
“The reason was because they were trying to cut down on HIV incidences and hepatitis. When those cases come about through usually Medicaid cases it usually overwhelms our hospital and there’s no really no money for the hospitals to be paying for that,” he said.
D espite the dubious or deceitful nature of comments directed at Haywood commissioners during that meeting, several lawyers told The Smoky Mountain News that there’s almost nothing that can be done about“Speakersit. at town meetings are not under oath, as they would be in court, so there is no legal obligation to tell the truth,” said Martha Bradley, Waynesville’s town attorney. “If they were to slander another person by making false and defamatory statements about another individual, the person who was slandered has a civil cause of action against them to recover damages, but the Town itself would have no recourse.”
BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER O ver the last eight months, three board members have either resigned or been removed from the Shining Rock Classical Academy Board of Directors, two of whom had issues with school leadership. During that time, no replacement board members have been added. The board of directors acts as the school’s governing body and is legally responsible for the academic, financial and operational quality of the school. The National Charter School Resource Center says that “given the centrality of autonomy to charter schools, the board is integral to the proper oversight of schools.”
“I wanted to work for the betterment of our whole school community,” said Fitzgibbon. “I saw that this issue went way beyond my own. I decided to formally drop my grievance after being told that we would be able to work more efficiently as board members if I wasn’t in the middle of a formal grievance process. I decided to do so with the hope of making important improvements for our school on the board level.” After formally dropping her grievance, she began working with the board to develop policies and procedures that would enable it to function in a consistent manner when addressing any future grievances as well as discipline and reporting of bullying and harassment.“Ibelieve the board decided to remove me because I had a conflict with the head of school, and because I was diligently working for board and head of school accountability,” said Fitzgibbon. “By this point, I had become aware of the fact that many others had experienced similar issue to what my family had faced, and I believed that those issues needed to be addressed at board level.”
According to Norman, it is rare for the board to seek removal of a member and only done to ensure the board can continue to effectively serve as the governing body for the school. Norman said “unresolved issues” with Fitzgibbon prompted the board to seek her
S EE S HINING ROCK, PAGE 12 Construction for the second phase of Shining Rock Classical Academy is currently paused due to rising inflation.
“Theremoval.responsibility of the chairperson is to keep the board functioning efficiently,” said Norman. “When it becomes apparent that a board member cannot uphold the responsibilities of the role, the chairperson is required to take action on behalf of the board, the school and the community.”
North Carolina had 210 charter schools at the start of the 2022-23 school year, serving over 130,000 students. Charter schools are public schools operated by non-profit boards. The schools have open enrollment and no tuition is charged to attend. Tax dollars are the primary funding source for charter schools.Shining Rock Classical Academy was founded in 2015. Classes first met in the Wilson Center at the Lake Junaluska Assembly before moving to a modular campus on Dellwood Road on property leased from the assembly. In August 2021, the school began classes in its new, permanent building on Russ Avenue. This campus now sees almost 600 K-10 students, while the old modular campus is home to the preschool Shining Rock Junior Academy.
The board continued operating one member down until it voted to remove yet another individual, Rebecca Fitzgibbon, in May. Fitzgibbon did contest her removal.
SRCA board operates with reduced membership
Hannah McLeod photo
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A ccording to its own bylaws, the Shining Rock Classical Academy Board of Directors is set up to operate with a minimum of seven members and a maximum of 13.Until this year, the board had been operating with seven members. Michelle Haynes was removed from the board of directors in January following a personal leave of absence that the board had approved four months prior. Once the agreed-upon date of return passed and she did not return, the board decided to end her membership. While the board never voted on her removal, the minutes of the January meeting state “the board secretary position has been vacated and we are in need of a new secretary.”Haynes did not contest the removal. Minutes for the January meeting show the board discussed the need for finding a new member.“Need to recruit someone who is experienced in fundraising, has a passion for organizing events as well as being able to connect with individuals and companies in the community. We need to get the information about joining the board on the website,” the January SRCA board minutes read.
“I will continue to serve the Shining Rock community in whatever capacity I am able,” Fitzgibbon told The Smoky Mountain News. “I love serving my community. I would really like to see our school carry out its mission and vision. Our family joined SRCA because we heard that the school community was open minded and welcoming. We felt that welcoming initially. We were also drawn to Shining Rock because of the promise of experiential education and the explanation that students are brought outside more often than at otherFitzgibbonschools.”joined the SRCA board during the 2020 fall semester. She is the mother of two children that attend the school. During the 2021-22 school year, an incident occurred that resulted in Fitzgibbon and her husband lodging a grievance with the school. Due to the unresolved nature of the grievance, the family is not willing to share details.“There’s currently an unresolved grievance,” said Greg Elder, Fitzgibbon’s husband. “The lack of a clear process for resolving our grievance and the mismanagement of the already unclear process left us feeling unresolved. In my opinion, this, combined with the directive to board members to always support the head of school, illustrates the inherent inability to resolve such a conflict if the board’s first purpose is to support the head of school and the grievance involves the head of Protocolschool.”atSRCA calls for grievances to be addressed to the head of school. However, Fitzgibbon’s grievance concerned the head of school and after speaking with him, the couple did not feel that the issue could be resolved through this course. Following the next steps in grievance policy, they took their complaints to the chair of the school board, Melanie Norman, and filed the grievance officially. Board members Frank Lay and Natalie Malis were appointed to hear Fitzgibbon’s complaint. However, after a meeting with only Lay, the Fitzgibbons still did not feel that their grievance was being handled properly.
As a parent, Fitzgibbon was angered that her grievance was not being addressed in a satisfactory manner. As a board member, she became frustrated that the process for lodging a grievance wasn’t functioning efficiently, and that more work was not being done in the governance committee to resolve the inefficiencies.Ultimately, Fitzgibbon decided to formally drop her grievance in order to address the school’s grievance and discipline policies as a member of the SRCA board.
With the school still paying off debt from its first phase of construction and plans for more construction in the near future, this board of limited members has been making key decisions for the school’s future.
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202224-30,August NewsMountainSmokynews 12 EMAIL: PAMELAWILLIAMS@BEVERLY-HANKS.COM CELL: (803) 528-5039 OFFICE: (828) 452-5809 RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL BROKER ASSOCIATE Pamela Williams 96 Evergreen Galax Lane, Maggie Valley BEVERLY-HANKS.COM 138 Kylie Lane, Waynesville43 Stone Hill Trail, Maggie Valley LISTED AT $649,000 - SOLD FOR $675,000UNDER CONTRACT IN 3 DAYS LISTED AT $489,000 - SOLD FOR $510,000 “ I Specialize in Log Home Sales and Placed Every Cabin I Have Listed This Year. On Average, UNDER CONTRACT in 14 days or less!” 529 Crystal Creek Road, Otto, NC UNDER CONTRACT IN 9 DAYSLISTED AT $700,000 SOLD FOR $730,000 358 Davy Crockett Drive, Maggie Valley UNDER CONTRACT IN 4 DAYS Call me for yourFREE COMPARATIVE MARKET ANALYSIS Have You Considered Cashing In On This Sellers Market? At the start of the regular May 25 meeting, Norman added an item to the agenda to consider the removal of a director from the board. Board members Fitzgibbon and Lori Castner voted against the amendment to the agenda, while Norman, Lay, Malis and Kelley Lewis voted in favor. When the agenda item came up later in the meeting, board member Frank Lay made a motion to go into closed session pursuant to General Statute 143-318.11(a)(6).
Other board members thanked Fitzgibbon for her service.
“I would second that. I love your passion, you know that, but you’re never going to feel like it is resolved in the way you want, and we won’t be able to move forward with you having those feelings,” said Lewis. “At the moment, it’s not working. We don’t want you to go anywhere, we need your voice.” F at the new Russ Avenue property at the beginning of the 20212022 school year. Hannah McLeod photo
In comments after the vote, Lay made it clear that Fitzgibbon had been removed from the board due to issues concerning the head of school. He also divulged private information about one of Fitzgibbon’s children before he was cut off by fellow board members who were concerned that he was sharing too much information in an open meeting.
“I want to hear if you guys have reasons for removing me from the board,” Fitzgibbon said.Castner and Fitzgibbon both voted against going into closed session, but with four votes in favor, the motion passed. “Going into closed session to remove a board member was a clear violation of G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6),” says Beth Soja, an attorney who is an open meetings expert for the North Carolina Press Association. “Even if the board needed to discuss the head of school’s ‘qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment,’ and frankly it does not sound like that was the case, that piece could have been done in a separate closed session; the discussion regarding the board member definitely should have been in open session.”
Following the closed session, the board voted on the motion to remove Fitzgibbon.
Norman, Lay, Malis and Lewis voted in favor of removal; Castner abstained from the vote.
S HINING ROCK, CONTINUED FROM 10
Shining Rock students began taking classes
“I invoke the need for a closed session out of the nature that generally we don’t do closed sessions for board membership, but employees may come up,” he said. This section of General Statutes also states, “a public body may not consider the qualifications, competence, performance, 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 openInmeeting.”themeeting, Fitzgibbon stated that she did not need a closed session and that she did not need to bring up other employees.
“It has been my experience that charter school boards often struggle with Open Meetings Law compliance for a variety of reasons,” said Soja. Shining Rock’s attorney does not regularly attend the school board meetings. Having the board attorney present during meetings is common among most public school boards.
“I would just like to say that for the time that I have served on committee with Rebecca, she’s been valuable,” said Malis. “She loves this school, she cares deeply about our community and it’s been a wonderful resource in facilities. For the purposes of how we need to move forward, that’s why I voted the way that I did.”
“[When you and I sat down and first talked] it was an absolutely open desire to get as much detail from you as we could through this. In the end I think there have been too many things that have occurred to make it a continuing focus, just because for me when you work with a person as a head of school, in our role as a body politic to work with that head of school, sure we all want to improve and get better but if we can’t…” Lay said before he was cut off.
“Thelakeshore.festival is about continuing our region rich tradition and keeping our music and dance alive. We present the very best of music, story, song, and dance,” said Joe Sam Queen, Festival Director.Nowin its sixth decade, the festival coincides with a time when communities would gather at harvest time. The festival has become a family and community gathering of sorts with performers returning yearly to see old friends and make new acquaintances and families returning with new generations to enjoy what is truly one of the finest cultural events of the year. Main show tickets are $15 at the door, $12 in advance; children 12 and under are free. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Haywood County Arts council at 86 North Main St. in Waynesville or at the Welcome Center at Lake Junaluska.
D uring a governance committee meeting Aug. 19, board members Norman and Malis discussed tactics for recruiting new“Themembers.Board is actively recruiting new members and will onboard them as quickly as is prudently possible,” Norman told The Smoky Mountain News. “We aim to ensure that SRCA meets and exceeds the number of members outlined in Article 4.2. After that, the board plans to onboard a minimum of one board member each year.”
However, due to the current shortage of members, Norman and Malis discussed tactics that would allow the board to fill vacant seats more quickly. The board is considering reaching out to previous members to ask them to fill vacant seats on the board until prospective members have had the chance to spend time as part of a committee.
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The last member to leave the board, Lori Castner, submitted a letter of resignation from the SRCA Board of Directors July 1. She still serves on the Shining Rock Junior Academy board. “Over the time I have served on the SRCA Board of Directors, it has become clear to me that my involvement with the Board is not a healthy fit with my values regarding education and leadership,” Castner stated in her letter of resignation from the board. “Shining Rock could be a gift to education in Western North Carolina. I continue to wish for the success of SRCA.”
To ensure the school remains financially sound, the board decided to wait on further construction.
“Historically, growing board membership has been challenging given the time commitment required of board members,” said Norman. “With three applicants at present, SRCA has found the board member search process to be much faster, which we attribute to the school's success, popularity, growth and the trust that our Head of School, Josh Morgan, has built within the community.”
Each night features free watermelon along with an open tent show on the lawn beginning at 5 p.m. going to 6:30 p.m., then the main stage begins at 6:30 p.m. and continues until 10:30 p.m.
Celebrate 51st Smoky Mountain Folk Festival this weekend
“Per our bylaws, the Board requires a quorum to hold a meeting, and a majority vote is required to approve decisions. All SRCA's board decisions have been approved by a majority of the Board.”
The traditional Southern Appalachian sounds of string bands and clog dancing will echo off the scenic hills bordering the cool waters of Lake Junaluska this Friday and Saturday as the performers of the 51st Annual Smoky Mountain Folk Festival celebrate the culture and heritage of the AppalachianExperienceregion.atrue Southern Appalachian tradition with the Smoky Mountain Folk Festival in the historic 2,000-seat Stuart Auditorium on the grounds of Lake Junaluska.
The festival welcomes an outstanding array of the region’s finest traditional performers including fiddlers, banjo players, string bands, ballad singers, buck dancers, and fabulous square teams, as well as the unique sounds of dulcimer, even spoons. The performers of the Smoky Mountain Folk Festival are continuing a legacy of traditional music by sharing it with visitor to the festival and inspiring a new generation of artists as the swap tunes under the open tents on the
harmonica, Jew’s harp, bagpipes, and
“Let us learn some things from this,” said Castner. “Let us learn how important communication is, because I personally feel that that is at the center of all the frustration that she’s had. We need to learn something from this, every one of us.”
the
The protocol for adding new members to the SRCA board involves putting them on a committee for a certain amount of time before bringing their application before the board for a vote. This allows the applicant time to learn about the workings of the board and become involved prior to officially joining the board. Once the prospective member has served on a committee for some months, the board reviews the application during a public meeting and takes a vote on whether to admit the applicant to the board.
According to Norman, the board has three prospective members “in the works.” A special governance committee meeting to interview these potential board candidates was held Tuesday, Aug. 23, at 6:30 p.m., and one will be held Wednesday, Aug. 24, at 7:15 p.m.
For the time being, plans for phase two construction of the school are on pause. As the school was going to market for the bond, interest rates spiked several time and prices for materials were higher than anticipated.
“The Board is seeking new members to return to at least seven board members,” Norman told The Smoky Mountain News.
“I think we have to take into consideration, no matter what we choose to do, those dollars do run out at some point, and then the burden falls upon tax funding to supplement and take the place of,” said Commission Chairman Brian McMahan.
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“In going to initial meetings with the association and at the Southwestern Commission, there is such a difference in approaching this in an urban area and in a rural area,” said Commissioner Gayle Woody. “The experts are often from these large-population areas, and what they’re dealing with is so different … It touches every life; it touches our community. Families I know are affected. It is our concern and it’s our community, but it’s very different in an urban area. We need to be cognizant of that when inviting experts in.”
The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners recently hired a Director of Strategic Health and Opioid Initiatives. For the next three months, she will be pulling together state-wide best practices to provide to counties as resources.
Jackson to receive $3 million in opioid settlement
“Your county attorney worked on
Of the $26 billion sum, 85% will go directly to counties and municipalities and 15% will go to the state. This spring, the county received its first installment of $125,634 and is due to receive $276,293 more by the end of this summer.
“Too many people sweep this under the rug,” said Stribling. “It needs to be brought to light. We need to know how many people are dying. I think we need a billboard, a couple of them throughout Jackson County, that showsStriblingthat.”
also suggested forming an opioid council committee consisting of a rehab specialist, doctor, first responder, DEA agent, police officer, health department administrator, drug rehab counselor, recovering addict and a parent of an addict.
“When we start having conversations about facilities or staffing or programs, we have to keep in our mind that once you start something you have to be prepared to either end it or fund it in perpetuity with other sources once this money runs out. That could be even more complicated when you get into regionalMoreconcepts.”information about the North Carolina Opioid Settlement can be found at ncopioidsettlement.org.
Commissioner Tom Stribling suggested purchasing a billboard in the county to display the number of overdoses each month.
“The opioid epidemic has torn families apart and killed thousands of North Carolinians,” said Stein. “While no amount of money will ever be enough, these settlements will bring much-needed programs and services to North Carolina.”
HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER
“It’s over an 18-year period, and it’s not enough money to solve the opioid problem,” said County Manager Don Adams. “This is something that’s going to require not only this funding, but partnerships between multiple organizations to work on for years to come.”The money comes from a $26 billion agreement announced by North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein in July of 2021, after litigation resolved the role of four companies in perpetuating the opioid epidemic.
“What they’re telling counties is, if you choose to expend the funds in those strategies, you don’t have to go through a fullblown planning process in order to determine how to spend those monies,” said Adams.The second option involves an extensive, collaborative planning process. The agreement details what stakeholders have to be involved in that process as well as how the process needs to take place.
J ackson County will receive more than $3 million as part of an opioid settlement. The timeline for collecting that money, 18 installments over 18 years, makes meaningful use and allocation complicated.
“No matter which option we use, I would think we would want to bring in experts and have some type of internal planning process in order for us to make decisions on how to spend these funds,” said Adams. “Whether or not we choose to go to option B and do the full-blown planning process, that will be determined over the next several months.”
this for months with the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, our association’s lobby for counties statewide, in order for the opioid settlement dollars to be distributed to the county versus the state,” said Adams. There are two primary avenues for spending the settlement money. The first is for the county to fund one or more, “evidence-based, high-impact” strategies to address the epidemic. These strategies include things like evidence-based addiction treatment, recovery support services, recovery housing support, employment services, early intervention programs, Naloxone distribution, post-overdose response teams and syringe services programs.
Over the next several months, the board will meet with experts that represent different types of programs that may or may not be funded. Adams has already reached out to Shelly Foreman of Vaya Health to help inform the board about the medical details of opioid addiction. He also recommended creating an internal staff committee to begin discussing options for the funds.
The tribe’s own code also omits tribal enrollment cards from its list of valid ID for alcohol purchases, listing the same four forms currently outlined in state law. Phillips also submitted an ordinance that would add the cards to that list. It was placed on the Aug. 4 agenda as a new ordinance and then tabled for the mandatory 25day waiting period. The proposed ordinance is on the agenda for the Sept. 1 session. By Holly Kays, staff writer
SPACE AVAILABLE Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News 828 | 452 | 4251
Like a North Carolina driver’s license, an Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians enrollment card includes a color photo, physical address, date of birth, issuance and expiration dates and holographic security feature. The cards also feature a tribal seal, signature, blood degree and enrollment number.
Currently, the state accepts only four forms of identification as valid for alcohol and tobacco purchases: a driver’s license, special state identification card, military identification card or passport. The state does accept enrollment cards for other types of transactions, including banking, voter registration, state notary authorization and state sales-tax exemption transactions.
On Aug. 4, the Cherokee Tribal Council unanimously passed a resolution seeking to change that, and Principal Chief Richard Sneed has signed it.
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202224-30,August NewsMountainSmokynews 15 146 N Main St TAMMYS-JEWELRY.COMWAYNESVILLE828.456.4772HUGEVAHANTRUNKSHOW Aug 31 until Sept 3 It’s a date! Book online MassageWaynesville.comat:828.456.3585 Haywood Square | 288 N. Haywood St. | Waynesville JustDoOils.com nclmbe 103 828/586-9499 • more@citylightsnc.com 3 EAST JACKSON STREET • SYLVA Bookstore SATURDAY, AUGUST 27at 3PM Join us for a Conversation with authors HEATHERNEWTONMEAGANLUCAS&
Tribe seeks state recognition for enrollment cards
“They’re completely on board with this,” Callie Phillips, a law student who is an intern with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ Office of the Attorney General, said of the state legislators she’s contacted about the issue. “It kind of seems like an overlooked part of the law, and they’re willing to work with us there.”
While the federal government considers tribal enrollment cards official forms of identification sufficient to board a domestic flight or cross a U.S. border, state law doesn’t recognize them as valid documentation to make tobacco or alcohol purchases.
202224-30,August NewsMountainSmokynews 16
Street Food Institute event to help local food businesses N.C. State Cooperative Extension, Eastern Band of Cherokee Commerce Department and EmPOWERING Mountain Food Systems are hosting the Street Food Institute from New Mexico Nov. 7-10 to bring fresh ideas and tested solutions to help regional food businesses thrive.
There will be numerous local resource experts to also assist in the day-to-day operations and plans for growth. This workshop will include business planning and bookkeeping, menu consultation, logo design, marketing, and any other topics you might find helpful. The Street Food Institute from New Mexico will be joining, offering great classes and one-on-one coaching for business dreams and potential tickets-404684641657eventbrite.com/e/food-truck-boot-camp-modifications.
he Haywood Healthcare Foundation Board of Trustees voted at its June meeting to award $497,500 in grants for fiscal year 2022-23 to fulfill its mission to the following agencies to help them meet the healthcare needs in Haywood County: REACH of Haywood County to provide support for a Community Educator to continue the delivery of its domestic violence and sexual assault youth education outreach program “Safe Date” provide supplies and healthy snacks to 7th and 8th graders in the “Safe Date” program.
Southwestern Child Development Commission to provide support for the “Birth to Two” program for low-income mothers in Haywood County to teach them about growth and development of their babies and to provide continuing staff education.
Kiwanis Club of Waynesville to provide playground equipment specifically designed for children with special needs to replace, expand and improve the small playground that was severely damaged in the August 2021Autismflood.Society of North Carolina (Haywood) to expand the Haywood County Parent Resource Library from which families can request autism resources at no cost.
Haywood County Health and Human Services to provide dental care to Haywood County indigent patients at a minimal cost.
Smoky Mountain Medical Society to provide continuing education to Haywood County medical providers with topics on chronic disease management.
Haywood Historic Farmers’ Market to continue and expand Haywood Mobile Market project (vendors donate unsold produce for delivery to Haywood County residents in need). No Boundaries to provide support to assist with the medical equipment and supply loan closet, which will service more Haywood County individuals in need of medical equipment and supplies.
202224-30,August NewsMountainSmokynews 17
Child Medical Collaborative, Inc. to provide support for a full-time physician assistant to provide complete care for victims of child abuse or neglect in Haywood County.
Haywood Pathways Center, Inc. to provide support for the following: Two full-time peer support specialists to provide support, guidance and advocacy to help residents cope with various issues inhibiting physical and mental health. One full-time case manager to offer person-centered goal planning, resource referral, drug/alcohol screening and additional support to help residents overcome health issues and barriers to success, including effects of adverse childhood experiences.
HRMC Nutrition Counseling to provide nutrition services to Haywood County cancer patients who do not have insurance coverage for nutrition services while undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment.
Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church to provide support for their new Health and Wellness Ministry program aimed at offering wellness programs, health resources coordination and promoting health advocacy in Haywood County. Helping Hands of Haywood to help the “hidden” Haywood residents that are currently underserved, living without safe shelter or proper nutrition and without proper healthcareClothesservices.toKidsof Haywood County to provide support for their “Bath Buddies” Program — a kit that includes bath soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrush, and for girls, feminine products.
T
Mountain Projects, Inc. to provide media outreach for the Certified Application Counselor program, which provides free inperson assistance to Haywood County residents looking to enroll in the Affordable CareVisitAct.haywoodhealthcarefoundation.org or call 828.452.8343 for more information.
Haywood FoundationHealthcareawardsgrants
First United Methodist Church Friendship House of Waynesville to provide various services to support Haywood County’s disproportionately impacted communities.
Haywood County and Haywood County Recreation and Parks to provide support for a bike park for Haywood County residents including those with special needs. Parks and access to outdoors are essential for physical and mental health.
HRMC Nurse Navigator Program to assist Haywood County cancer patients with financial needs and transportation assistance so treatment can be provided in an efficient and timely manner.
202224-30,August NewsMountainSmokynews 18
“Calbert was a police officer in Jamaica,” Snover said. “He’s very quiet, but he’s been very determined. We’re extremely proud of him.”
“This Employment Law session is sure to leave attendees more confident and prepared to meet the business challenges that impact 2022 and beyond”, said Laura Baker-Seseika, Marketing Director at McGuire Wood & Bissette. Business Executives, High Level Managers, and Human Resources Leaders are expected to benefit from the event, which will feature multiple-award-winning speaker Attorney Sabrina Presnell Rockoff. She will provide attendees with useful insights on topics of Social Media impacts in the workplace, Harassment Prevention and the latest updates in Employment Law. This event will be held at Haywood Community College-Hemlock Building in Clyde on Sept. 15, 2022.
“I’m from Jamaica, and I didn’t have an opportunity to go to a nice school growing up,” said Christian, who recently turned 68 and currently resides in Sylva. “I came here to live in 2015. I was looking for a job, but everyone wanted a high school diploma. So my wife (Arlene) encouraged me to take [High School Equivalency classes].”He initially started taking preparatory classes elsewhere but didn’t feel confident enough to continue until meeting with Crystal Snover, SCC’s College and Career Readiness Director. With her support, he gave Southwestern a try. When the time came, he sat for the exam and came tantalizingly close to a passing score. “I failed math by one point, and I decided to not go back,” he recalled. “But my wife kept encouraging me. She said, ‘It was only one point.’ So I went back. The teachers at SCC were so helpful. They would sit beside me and go over and over and over each lesson until I got it.” With his wife’s encouragement and his instructors’ assistance, Christian was successful on his second exam attempt, and he flashed a wide smile after receiving his diploma Aug. 2 on SCC’s stage.
Opinion Smoky Mountain News 19
McGuire Wood & Bissette announces Employment Law Educational Conference McGuire Wood & Bissette Law Firm has announced that it has partnered with Haywood Community College and The Haywood County Human Resources Association to provide “The Legal Scoop-Employment law topics that impact 2022 and beyond” in September 2022.
“We focused our program on students who don’t necessarily have a clear or linear career path — students majoring in the humanities or social sciences who can do lots of different things with their degrees, but don’t know yet what they want to focus on after graduation,” said Theresa Cruz Paul, director of the Center for Career and Professional Development at WCU. “Another goal is to try to help students see these nonprofits and think about them as career paths, to build communities, but also to stay in North Carolina after theyStudentsgraduate.”who are accepted into the internship program work 30 hours a week for 10 weeks and are paid $5,000. They also participate in bi-weekly meetings as a group with Center for Career and Professional Development staff.
Starting Sept. 6, Southwestern Community College will begin offering a new Dental Assistant program through its Workforce Continuing Education Division. The two-part online program will last 24 weeks. New classes will begin on the first Tuesday of every month. Students will develop skills to prepare a patient for treatment, prepare dental instrument setups, and assist a licensed dentist in the treatment of patients. Employment opportunities include working for dental offices and physicians.“We’re excited to be able to offer training for this fulfilling career for the first time,” said Scott Sutton, SCC’s Dean of Workforce Continuing Education. “Anyone who’s ever wanted to work in the dental field can get started this fall, and they can complete the program in less than half a year.”The registration fee for the program is $180, and there is no application deadline for students. Scholarships are available to students who meet eligibility requirements. For more information about this program please contact Latresa Shuler at 828.339.4425 or lshuler@southwesterncc.edu.
“It was a great experience,” Chastain said. “My supervisor put me in a lot of positions where I was actively learning but still able to serve the organization well at the same time. It’s the first time I was able to take all the things I’ve been learning in the classroom and legitimately apply them outside of that.”
A paid summer internship program at Western Carolina University pairs students with local nonprofits and community organizations in a partnership that helps each of them succeed and benefits the community at large. Interning with Circles of Jackson County this summer, Grace Chastain, of Sylva, a senior majoring in English, said she gained work experience in a variety of communications roles. Chastain helped run a blog, rewrite web pages, post to social media and create newsletters, brochures and other materials for the local nonprofit, which works with volunteers to help Jackson County families escape poverty.
HCC Small Business Center kicks off With the start of a new school year, the HCC Small Business Center is kicking off a new Small Business Seminar Series focused on supporting Entrepreneurs and Business Owners at all stages of development. From a startup business idea to a business expansion, this series starts in August with a lineup offering something for everyone. With a high interest in online seminar options, the SBC is offering many of these sessions in a hybrid format allowing participants to attend sessions in the classroom or online. Guest speakers from a variety of backgrounds have put together engaging seminars featuring topics such as: Marketing Your Business; Financing Your Business, Bookkeeping, Finding Your Customers, Selling Online, Market Research, Branding, Donor-Driven Funding, and Strategic Planning. The fall seminars also include a threepart series on starting a business, as well as the SBC’s annual Agribusiness Summit. All seminars are free to attend, and the SBC encourages anyone to participate, whether they are a seasoned business owner or just looking to move their idea to the next phase. To view the full listing of courses with their corresponding dates and times, visit sbc.haywood.edu.
WCU has participated in the internship program since 2017. It’s now offered in all UNC System universities, and more than 1,000 students have completed internships in 60 North Carolina counties. The SECU Foundation supports the internship program, as well as other scholarship and grant programs, thanks to the collective impact of $1 monthly foundation contributions that SECU account holders elect to make.
Like every other graduate at Southwestern Community College’s High School Equivalency commencement ceremony, Calbert Christian navigated a unique road on his way to receiving his diploma earlier this month. His journey just involved a few more years — and miles — than most anyone else’s.
For more info or to get started on High School Equivalency classes at SCC, contact Donna Wilson at 828.339.4272 or d_wilson@southwesterncc.edu.
WCU receives $100,000 annually from SECU Foundation to offer the 20 summer internships. The funding facilitates paid internships many nonprofits would struggle or be unable to provide on their own.
Calbert Christian, who is originally from Jamaica and now resides in Sylva, received his diploma during SCC’s High School Equivalency commencement ceremony on Aug. 2 in Myers Auditorium on the college’s Jackson Campus in Sylva.
Ceremony celebrates High School Equivalency grads
SCC offering Dental Assistant program
The SECU Foundation started the program in 2015 to connect talented undergraduate students with local nonprofits and community groups. The goal is to give students on-the-job experience that contributes to local communities and strengthens their nonprofit capacity and reduces talent drain from rural regions in North Carolina.
Internship offers on-the-job experience with community impact
To the Editor: I’ve been a casual visitor to Highlands for years, becoming more of a seasonal visitor and now contemplating becoming a full-time resident. I love that North Carolina is a purple state — I remember when most states were. My other state is very much one color, which means that voters of both parties have very little incentive to vote, because it seems your vote doesn’t matter. Honestly, it barely resembles a I’mdemocracy.writingto express my appreciation of the recent letter to the editor discussing the importance of electing judges who are impartial, knowledgeable, and experienced, regardless of party affiliation. The list of characteristics and meaningful experience to look for is very insightful. I would also like to remind voters to “follow the money.” Who are the large donors and PACs backing each candidate? Are they hoping to gain something?
To theThankEditor:you, Jane Harrison, for setting me straight about my being in the minority of Americans because I think the unborn have rights. It feels good to be a minority for a change. I mainly wrote my letter in response to one thing Dr. Hoffman said in his column about how no anti-abortionist ever cared about life post-birth. I think the examples of Mother Teresa, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and Mahatma Ghandi, prove that statement wrong. I should have stopped there. But it is good to engage with those who disagree on this gnarly issue of abortion, because we must learn to trust our opponents in order to keep our country together. I respect your view, Ms. Harrison, and those of Dr. Hoffman, and of Dr. Wall who expressed a similar opinion in his column in the Aug. 10 Beforeissue.Iget to the main point of this letter, however, I can’t resist taking a swipe at one of Dr. Wall’s points, because I know him to be a good fellow, and I know he can take it, and I know he can easily prove me a fool if he wishes. It has to do with his argument for abortion and the significance of size, specifically that the small size of a fertilized egg should not upend the rights of the woman carrying it in her womb. As he put it, “A fertilized egg is slightly smaller than the period at the end of this sentence.”
Let’s have a civil dialogue about abortion
severely imperils our longevity as a free nation. I would remind the Republican Party how we arrived at this point in our history. Three major concepts define American government and in order to survive we must ensure they continue to function as intended. First, we enjoy a representative democratic type of government, which is framed in and enforced by the Constitution of the United States so that it serves the will of the people and gives them direct access to their government through the political process. I’m doubtful that a majority of Americans trust even this first component of American government is working as it should. I certainly don’t.
Steven S. WaynesvilleCrider
Trump should be prosecuted
Second, our government is federal, with powers divided between a central government in Washington, D.C., and several local governments; states, cities, towns and other authorities and governing bodies.
To theOneEditor:ofthe most revealing, declarative statements ever uttered by a politician in the last 50 years was that voiced by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) shortly after Barack Obama’s election to the presidency in 2008 when he expressed, in no uncertain terms; “My aim in life is to make Barack Obama a one-term president.” Please allow those words to sinkThosein.
I found a very useful website that collects and posts a wide variety of election facts and figures, including campaign finance information, and belonging to the North Carolina State Board of Elections online at NCSBE.gov.
NanHighlandsCummins LETTERS
As for myself, I will try to think of some compromises, and leave off arguing, and if my opponents can come up with some good ideas, perhaps we can mix them together and produce a proposal for our legislators in Raleigh.
OpinionSmoky Mountain News20
Which brings me to the only point I really wanted to make. We are a divided country, especially when it comes to abortion, and each side is convinced it is right and the other wrong. This same thing happens in good marriages, yet the partners in these marriages work things out, which is why they are good marriages.
The United States Constitution wasn’t composed haphazardly, willy-nilly, or with thoughtless unconcern. It was crafted by men who labored long and hard to design a document that would stand the test of time and persevere into a future world the framers could not possibly have envisioned. We’re witnessing how the best laid plans can unravel and go terribly awry. We have a political party that banishes members who stand up for what is right, who endeavor to tell the truth. We’re a divided country, those who accept as inviolate the peaceful transfer of power and those who justify violence when they lose. We live in a country where men and women who do not believe in representative democracy would eagerly overturn the outcome of an election based on fake and fraudulentThoseclaims.of us who believe in democracy, who took an oath to defend it, are obligated to push back against those who would destroy it. Former president Trump incited an armed attack on our nation’s Capitol which cost several defenders their lives. He must be indicted for sedition for attempting to overthrow the government of the United States. To do otherwise will have unimaginable and incomprehensible consequences creating an incalculable danger to our Republic.
A purple state is a better state
And speaking of small things, scientists say that when you’re infected with COVID-19, there are about 10 sars-CoV-2 virus particles in every cell in your body. If a fertilized egg is roughly two cells, then, the period at the end of this sentence could hold about 20 sars-CoV-2 virus particles, or about the same number of angels that can dance on the head of a pin. My point is that small things sometimes are very significant indeed. Anyhow, that’s my last shot. Ms. Jane Harrison, Dr. Hoffman, and Dr Walls: We must agree to disagree about abortion. You all may have the last word if you wish, but I am finished trying to win anyone over to my side — to force my beliefs on you, as I think you guys put it.
Can we strive for something similar? Let’s continue a civil discussion of compromise on abortion, now that it looks like the states will decide the law. Can we propose laws that each side can live with? Is this not a case for the greatest enemy of the good is the perfect? Or maybe “good” is too much to hope for. Maybe it’s enough to get to, “I-can-live-with-it-even-if-Imight-grumble-about-it.” I want to think we can.
Third (and this may be the most difficult feature to accomplish), our government is limited in nature, in that the government does not have ultimate authority over the people, each of us has certain rights which (in theory at least) can’t be taken away. Associated with that limited make up (what many refer to as “power distribution”), we commonly know as the three branches of government: executive, judicial and legislative and kept in place (ostensibly) by a system of checks and balances. Together, these concepts are designed to ensure that the American government lies in the hands of the people (us).
As I am learning and familiarizing myself with local and state government and candidates, this site has been very helpful. It’s worth visiting and digging into the trove of information there. I encourage voters to take a look for themselves.
David L. FranklinSnell
12 words speak volumes about Mitch McConnell’s (and the Republican Party’s) view on governing. Someone might remind the seven-term senator; you can pull strings, you can lay down the law, you can exercise authority and you can control — but in a democracy — that’s not governing. Yes, McConnellMitchfailed in his attempt to make Obama a inadopted21stcourseable.doingthebutthatGOPlishedaddition,tionismover)stratemanagepresident,one-termbuthedidtodemon-(manytimesthatobstruc-works. Inheestab-amongtherankandfilenotgoverning,simplyhinderingothersidefromso,isaccept-IbelievetheheadingthecenturyGOPhasiswrongand,fact,dangerousand
This heirarchy of size argument reminds me of what Lincoln said about slavery and skin color. He said that if you claim to have a right to enslave another man because his skin is darker than yours, then beware, because the first person you meet with fairer skin than yours has every right to make you his slave. Beware, then, Dr. Wall, of the first person you meet who is bigger than you, for he, by your argument, has the right to dispose of you as he pleases.
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Successful tyrants sell big lies
In party primaries — Georgia’s being a significant exception — Trump has succeeded in purging patriots like reps. Liz Cheney in Washington and Peter Meijer in Michigan for being loyal to the Constitution instead of to him. Election deniers have won more than 50 nominations for offices they could use to overturn Democratic victories in 2024. Republican candidates dare not speak the truth for fear of provoking him and his voters. The mob that stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, to keep Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s electoral victory was inspired, motivated and inflamed by the Big Lie. Like nothing else in our history, it resembled the armed mob that had brought the pioneer fascist Benito Mussolini to power in Italy in 1922. It might have succeeded but for the Secret Service agent who refused to take Trump to Capitol Hill. Now the Trump faithful are seething with outrage and violent threats over the warrant-authorized search that confirmed he illegally took highly classified documents to Mar-a-Lago after losing the election. “Back the Blue” has become “Defund the FBI,” egged on by the same demagogue who once provoked his audiences to chant “Lock her up!” There is a clear and present danger of violence if he is indicted, as he should be. But he can’t be allowed to remain above the law. As a candidate in 2016, Trump boasted “I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot someone and not lose any voters.” No wonder. His life’s entire experience had been to get away with whatever he chose to do. He still expects to. It may be that pathological liars believe their own deceptions. Consumed by megalomania and narcissism, Trump said he could lose the election only if it was stolen from him. Does he now believe that delusion or does he secretly know better? The difference doesn’t matter; by either explanation, he is dangerously unfit for any office, let alone the leadership of the free world. But what is even more troubling is that that so many citizens continue to believe him despite the abundant testimony of his former attorney general and others that Biden won fairly; despite the failure of his lawyers to persuade any of more than 60 courts that there was any substance to his claims of fraud; and despite the mounting evidence of his ruthless contempt for the laws.How can people who consider themselves good citizens support someone who inhabits such a total vacuum of virtue?
I do not think that all or even the majority of Trump’s voters are bad people, or that they would want anyone with such profound emptiness of character as a neighbor, an employer, an employee or a son-in-law. But if you would not want someone like him in any of those roles, you should not want him to be running your political party and bidding once again to run — and ruin — our nation.
mericans may wonder what it felt like to be living in Italy or Germany when they were submitting to tyrants. Now we know. The evil genius in Adolf Hitler recognized that most people will more likely believe a big lie than a small one. Unwilling to tell big lies themselves, they can’t imagine that anyone else would, especially not a nationalDespiteleader.being willfully ignorant of history (and so much else), Donald Trump absorbed that one lesson terribly well. Having told 30,573 untruths during his presidency, according to Washingtonthe dangerousthecontinuesfact-checkers,Post’shetospewbiggestandmostone. Althoughsome65% of all Americans believe the 2020 election was fair, the polls show, nearly three out of four Republican voters echo Trump’s Big Lie that it was stolen. He has leveraged their credulity into dominating his party with a ruthlessness reeking of European fascism.
Guest
DyckmanMartin
(Martin A. Dyckman is a journalist living in Asheville. dyckmanm@bellsouth.net.) Columnist
There is a parallel and an explanation in what happened in Italy and Germany. Granted, there are also major differences. They didn’t have long traditions of nationhood, separation of powers and judicial independence. But there and then, as here and now, many people adhered to endemic bigotries that Hitler and Mussolini would inflame and exploit. Many felt alienated economically and politically. Many were beguiled by exaggerated visions of national greatness. Therewere Germans who recognized Hitler as a deplorable individual but welcomed his policies, confident that they could control him. But of course, they couldn’t. Thereare many genuinely conservative American politicians who, like Liz Cheney or Mike Pence, could govern with genuine conservative principles and respect democracy. But there is a new aspect of danger: his example seems to be contagious. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who scarcely bothers to conceal his presidential ambitions, is running the state with the same heavy hand and contempt for dissent as Louisiana’s Huey Long. His Republican legislature is as servile as Trump’s go-alongs in the Congress.TheAmerican Conservative Political Action Conference, which flatters itself as “the largest and most influential gathering of conservatives in the world,” recently gave a hero’s welcome in Texas to Europe’s second most dangerous authoritarian, the antisemitic and pro-Putin Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
“We’re receiving 3,000 messages every day — everyone wants to either meet Zeb, book the group to perform or simply to show their appreciation for the joy he’s brought to so many people,” Kim smiled. The “Zeb Ross phenomenon” began this past spring at Darnell Farms in Bryson City. While the J Creek Cloggers were performing onstage, a random person in the crowd asked Zeb if he could film the group dancing. Zeb didn’t think anything of it and granted permission to do so. That person in the audience filming was Jason Jordan (@heavydutymusic). Once Jordan posted the short clip of Zeb’s rubber ankle footwork overdubbed with the 1994 hit reggae song “Here Comes the Hotstepper” (Ini Kamoze) on TikTok, it immediately went viral, taking in 5.9 million views. Soon, other TikTok accounts and digital creators were sharing the video with a variety of popular songs overdubbed. From there, nationally-known rappers, country musicians and social media influencers have been pounding on the door. Country star Brian Kelley (of Florida Georgia Line fame) and juggernaut soul singer Leon Bridges have also reached out to personally meet the Ross clan.
“Brian flew us down to Daytona, [Florida], to see one of his solo shows,” Kim said. “When we went down there, he wanted Zeb and I onstage to perform with him. So, we did — no rehearsal, just get up there and dance [in front of thousands].”Formed13 years ago by Kim, the J Creek Cloggers are well-known and regarded around the event circuit of Western North Carolina. At its core, Kim’s goal was to not only preserve the fading dance style, but also aim to perpetuate it, in hopes future generations will grab onto the tradition before it disappears altogether.
“The team is 30 members, with the age range 6 to 76,” Kim chuckled. “My dream has always been to spread the love of clogging. But, what’s happened now with Zeb has gone far beyond my wildest expectations.”
As a little kid, a big chunk of Zeb’s life
Blinded by the light
Smoky Mountain Folk Festival
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD ARTS & E NTERTAINMENT E DITOR
Sitting at the kitchen table of the Ross’ home way up on a mountain ridge overlooking the Jonathan Creek area alongside U.S. 276, Zeb, his wife Ashley, and Kim will be the first to tell you how shocked they are by all the attention and intense spotlight now placed on their family. Kim’s smart phone on the table beeps incessantly, this constant barrage of social media notifications, emails and phone calls.
Since an unexpected video clip of J Creek Clogger Zeb Ross went viral this spring, the Haywood County native has become an international sensation with his unique and talented dance moves. (Wayne Ebinger photo)
A&ESmoky Mountain News22
Folks from across the country and around the world wanting a moment of Zeb’s time. Requests for music video cameos and festival appearances, including offers for the J Creek Cloggers to perform coming in from as far away as British Columbia and New Zealand.
The J Creek Cloggers at Darnell Farms in Bryson City.
S EE ROSS, PAGE 25
efore March 2022, 28-year-old Zeb Ross didn’t have a social media presence. No Instagram, TikTok or Twitter. He did have a personal Facebook account for a little while, but got rid of it when he was a teenager because, according to Ross, “there’s good and bad with social media, but it can also be a distraction.”But,after March 2022, that all changed for Ross and his extended family. You see, as a featured member of the J Creek Cloggers — a Western North Carolina traditional Appalachian dance troupe — a short video clip of Ross dancing hit social media platforms, the Haywood County resident quickly going viral with hundreds of millions of views of his fancy footwork. “Folks started contacting my wife and mom saying, ‘[Zeb] has gone viral on TikTok,’” Ross recalled. “And, at first, I thought, ‘Had I got sick or a virus?’” So, just how viral has the slick moves of Zeb Ross gotten? As of press time, Ross’ newly created TikTok account (@zebbysgothappyfeet) has 22,500 followers and a combined total of over 438 million views throughout his presence on the global platform. To that, Ross’ mom, Kim, who is now his business manager, also recently launched an Instagram account for the J Creek Cloggers. The group now has some 207,000 followers, all alongside several video clips garnering millions of views (the highest clocking in at 17.5 million).
The J Creek Cloggers will be one of the marquee performers at the 51st annual Smoky Mountain Folk Festival will take place Aug. 26-27 at the Lake Junaluska Conference & RetreatExperienceCenter.atrue Southern Appalachian tradition in the historic, 2,000-seat Stuart Auditorium on the grounds of Lake Junaluska. Each night features free watermelon along with an open tent show on the lawn beginning at 5 p.m. The main stage performance will run from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. In addition, Appalachian Smoke BBQ Food Truck will be in attendance each day from 4 to 7:30 p.m. The festival welcomes an outstanding array of the region’s finest tradition performers including fiddlers, banjo players, string bands, ballad singers, buck dancers, and fabulous square teams as well as the unique sounds of dulcimer, harmonica, Jew’s harp, bagpipes and smoky-mountain-folk-festival.lakejunaluska.com/events-calendar/spoons.
WNC clogger becomes social media sensation
B
GARRET
This must be the place BY K. WOODWARD HOT PICKS
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First and foremost, Western North Carolina is where I choose to live and work. This fine newspaper you’re either holding or reading online is a publication I’ve written for since 2012. A decade consisting of hundreds of articles, thousands of interviews. And with that, I truly feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of vibrant souls ‘round these parts to interact with — to tell their tale and share them with the world. When the air starts to get cool this time of year, so emerges the other things I see and want in my future aside from my existence here in Southern Appalachia. Ultimately, the goal would be to someday be able to split time between Western North Carolina and the North Country. It’s slowly becoming a reality, more so since the notion of remote work in a post-pandemic society is now becoming more the norm than the exception.WhenI think ahead and manifest, I see a small cabin the woods of Upstate New York, ideally near the mountain town of Saranac Lake. Shelves of books, a large vinyl collection and record player in one corner. It’s snowing outside. I see a potbellied woodstove like the one my grandfather had. I see myself in a chair, watching a football game on an old TV, a cold domestic beer in hand. But, mostly, I see “her.” I don’t know who she is or how we came to be, at least not yet. The face is kind of blurry because the universe won’t bring her into focus at this moment. I see her outline and feel her energy. It’s warm and welcoming, as I always hoped it’d be. There’s a sense of calm and of genuine happiness in the cabin — a far cry from the restlessness of my heart and soul those many years ago. It’s like this poem I wrote back on Nov. 15, 2010: Rolling over in the morning bed/You rub my aching back/Chatter over who will make the coffee/Who will let the Labradors out to pee?/I relent with a smile and get up/Stretching, I look out onto the field of dew/The hardwood floors are cool under warmed toes/Of simple dreams and minds finally at ease/They roam the backyard looking for the spot/I roam the kitchen looking for the pot/French roast in favorite chipped mugs/One labeled “Garrett”/Ah, Seattle, someday I will return/And look for the proper edition/One labeled “Garret”/Handing you the warm darkness/I relent with a smile and lie down/Where were you when I was in the cold/Motel room in Gallup/Cramped loveseat in Deadwood/Damp tent in Newport/Musty backseat in Salt Lake City/Dusty sleeping bag in Reno/Hurried rest area in Worcester/Silent guestroom in Chattanooga?/I relent with a smile, a turn to you/Your eyes I now call home. Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.
4 “Comedy Night” will be held at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, at Mad Anthony’s Taproom & Restaurant in Waynesville.
3 Country music legends The Gatlin Brothers will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.
2
Appalachian/indie-folk artist Jackson Grimm will perform as part of “Songwriter Sundays” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, at Yonder Community Market in Franklin.
5
The 13th season of Concerts On The Creek will continue with Southern Vantage (rock/country) from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, at Bridge Park in Sylva.
“Mater Fest” will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at Darnell Farms in Bryson City.
Time waits for no one, lord, why did I hesitate? S tepping out onto the porch late Sunday morning, the air was cool. The first sign of an impending fall, even though there’s exactly one month left of summer, at least according to the calendar. Leaving my downtown Waynesville apartment, I motored over to Orchard Coffee. The usual weekend ritual of strong espresso, breakfast sandwich and a bevy of writing to do with headphones on, some Willis Alan Ramsey melody echoing through current coffee shop thoughts and visions as of late.Aside from the slight change in air temperature, I realize fall is right around the corner by the weekly writing assignments on my laptop, the dates on the documents indicating it is now late August. Summer flying by like a fast train in the unknown night. By the time I finally soak into summer, it’s gone in the blink of an eye. Ain’t that a kick in the pants, eh? I never did do enough camping. But, there was plenty of hiking and trail running to be had, plenty of late night live music under the stars, memories made with friends and strangers soon-to-be friends during the seasonal warmth of the midnight hour. Fall conjures the deepest of emotions within my being. It’s the season I look forward to the most, being a native of the North Country, where foliage, woodstoves, apple cider and sugar doughnuts reign supreme. I think of the Adirondack Mountains and Champlain Valley often, an old painting of fall foliage at the center of my modest living room a constant reminder of home. One image that sticks out vividly would be of walking into the back den of my late grandparents’ home way up on the Canadian Border (Rouses Point, New York), the potbellied woodstove roaring, my grandpa sitting in his chair watching a football game on an old TV, a cold domestic beer in hand. It was always so damn hot in that den. That’s the way he liked it. But, I didn’t care. I was spending time with my grandpa. He’s been gone since June 2007, passing away the same week I returned from college graduation in Connecticut. I never did get to say goodbye to him. None of us did. He left us in his sleep at age 86, in his second-floor bed, in that picturesque house he built in the late 1940s not long after he returned from his duty in the Pacific Theatre of World War II. With this summer winding down, I’m kind of looking forward to putting it behind me, in all honesty. It was a heavier season than expected, with much sadness and depression. June started with the unexpected tragedy of a longtime friend passing away in a car accident, the month ending with the one-year anniversary of my cousin’s death (the older brother that I never had). Heavy and sad, indeed. So, summer started off full of existential questions. Foggy wandering and pondering. Why? That question runs through the mind endlessly, especially in matters of the heart, with this summer offering up a few promising opportunities to finally find a partner-incrime, only to end up once again emptyhanded as Labor Day Weekend rolls around. But, then again, the only constant you can count on in this universe is that there is no rhyme or reason to the method and outcome of what the universe throws your way. Go with the flow, brothers and sisters. Although I don’t harbor expectations for the future, I do try and picture how I want to live my life, continually manifesting the vision I’ve sketched out of long-held dreams.
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Reggae, soul rolls into Frog Level
Franklin welcomes The Gatlin Brothers Country music legends The Gatlin Brothers will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.
A community jam will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer, anything unplugged, are invited to join. Singers are also welcomed to join in or you can just stop by and listen. The jam is facilitated by Larry Barnett of the Sawmill Creek Porch Band. The music jams are offered to the public each first and third Thursday of the month — spring, summer, fall. This program received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment of the Arts. 828.488.3030.
The Natti Love Joys will perform at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville.Aroots-rock-reggae band that has been playing live since 2003, the group consists of husband and wife duo Anthony “Jatti” Allen and Sonia “Marla” Allen (formerly Sonia Abel).Jatti was previously the bassist for the reggae group The Congos, while Marla originates from the cult all female reggae group Love Joys, where she recorded two albums under the legendary Wackies label run by Lloyd Barnes (Bullwackie). Free and open to the public. froglevelbrewing.com/events.
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The Groovin’ on the Green summer concert series will host Arnold Hill (rock/jam) at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, at The Village Green in Cashiers.
getsCashiersgroovin’
The “An Appalachian Evening” series will conclude its season with a performance by The Kruger Brothers at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville.Theannual summer concert series offers an ever-changing schedule of bluegrass, folk and old-time mountain music by award-winning artists — quality entertainment for the entire family. Rich in cultural heritage, the series continues to be a favorite with locals and visitors alike. The concert will be held in the air-conditioned Lynn L. Shields Auditorium.Formore information and/or to purchase tickets, call 828.479.3364 or click on stecoahvalleycenter.com.
On the beat
Evening’Appalachian
The brothers have also accumulated eight No. 1 singles, 30 top-forty records, 24 studio albums and five BMI “Million-Air” Awards. Tickets start at $25 per person, with priority seating available. To purchase tickets or to find out more information, click on smokymountainarts.com or call 866.273.4615.
Bryson communityCity jam
Southern Vantage. Concerts On The Creek
‘An
With its recent debut album, “Back to Life,” Arnold Hill sets to change the tone and tempo of what folks might expect on a given night onstage at their nearby bars and breweries in our mountain communities. Formed in 2011, the Jackson County band is named after a road in Sylva where the musicians lived and practiced. In method, Arnold Hill adheres to the playful nature and creative possibilities that reside in a rock trio. Free and open to the public. Donations encouraged. For more information, click on villagegreencashiersnc.com/concerts. To learn about the band, go to arnoldhillband.com.
The 13th season of Concerts On The Creek will continue with Southern Vantage (rock/country) from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, at Bridge Park in Sylva. Everyone is encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. These events are free, but donations are encouraged. Dogs must be on a leash. No alcohol, smoking or coolers are allowed in the park. Food trucks will also be available.These concerts are organized and produced by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Sylva and the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department.Formore information, call the chamber at 828.586.2155, visit mountainlovers.com or Concerts On The Creek’s Facebook page.
Americana, folk at Yonder
Jackson Grimm. Appalachian/indie-folk artist Jackson Grimm will perform as part of “Songwriter Sundays” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, at Yonder Community Market in Franklin. Grimm marries folk pop melodies with the lonesome sound of traditional Appalachian music. In a region with a strong music culture, it is no surprise that Grimm’s songwriting is representative of his musical birthplace: Asheville. His songs run the gambit from an homage to a traditional country waltz in “If Not For You,” an unrequited love song driven by a Beatles-esque melody in “I’d Hold You (But I Don’t Wanna Hold You),” to a drunken party-grass song à la Old Crow Medicine Show in “Last TrainTheHome.”performance is free and open to the public. Donations encouraged. 828.200.2169 or eatrealfoodinc.com.
Celebrating 65 years in show business, Larry, Steve and Rudy, known to the world as The Gatlin Brothers, have accrued a lifetime of noteworthy achievements, including a Grammy Award, three ACM Awards (“Album of the Year” and “Male Vocalist of the Year”), along with multiple nominations and honors.
Arnold Hill. The Gatlin Brothers.
The Kruger Brothers.
ROSS, CONTINUED FROM 22
• Pickin’ In The Park (Canton) will host Steve Jordan & Mountain Tradition Aug. 26 and Rick Morris & Southern Appalachian Sept. 2. Shows are 6 to 9 p.m. at the Canton Rec Park located at 77 Penland Street. Free and open to the public. cantonnc.com.
• Fontana Village Resort Wildwood Grill will host Granny’s Mason Jar (Americana) 6 p.m. Aug. 27, Woolybooger (blues/folk) 5 p.m. Sept. 2 and David Cody (singer-songwriter) 6 p.m. Sept. 3. Free and open to the public. 800.849.2258 or fontanavillage.com.
• Pickin’ On The Square (Franklin) will host Intermission (praise/worship) Sept. 3. All shows begin at 6 p.m. at the Gazebo in downtown. Free and open to the franklinnc.com/pickin-on-the-square.html.public.
“At first, I wasn’t going to tell [my coworkers] because I know they’d give me a hard time. But, they eventually found out for themselves and still gave me a hard time,” Zeb grinned. “My boss thinks it’s wild and they’re all happy for me.”
• SlopeSide Tavern (Sapphire) will host Big Eyes Parker (singer-songwriter) Sept. 1. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.743.8655 or slopesidetavern.com.
• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host Open Mic Night w/Ivor Sparks every Wednesday, Sahne Meade (indie/folk) Aug. 26, Steve Heffker (singer-songwriter) Aug. 27 and Mountain Gypsy 5 p.m. Aug. 28. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.or
• Groovin’ on the Green (Cashiers) will host Arnold Hill (rock/jam) Aug. 26 and Hi-Five Sept. 2. Shows begin at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Donations villagegreencashiersnc.com/concerts.encouraged.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host Trivia Night at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday, Old Time Jam 6:30 p.m. every Thursday and McKinney Aug. 26. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com.
“I just loved the way he danced. I had never heard of clogging until I saw Zeb that night. I thought he was very talented,” Ashley reminisced. “We danced together, went out to eat together, and the rest is history. Everybody is falling in love with the exact same person I saw back in 2017. Zeb has a very happy disposition. He’s this kindhearted person — the world needs more people like him.” This many months later, Kim’s phone keeps ringing. Viewership and follower numbers continue to rise with each clip posted to social media. Sponsorships are also coming in (Liberty overalls, Lite boots, etc.). And, there’s already a full calendar for the J Creek Cloggers headlong far into 2023. But, what remains is this modern-day digital fascination with the beloved Southern Appalachian art form that is clogging, where one figure stands at the center of this whirlwind, this human being radiating sincere gratitude and appreciation for whatever may come his way — Zeb Ross.
• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host an open mic from 8 to 10 p.m. every Thursday. Free and open to the public. 828.631.1987 or balsamfallsbrewing.com.
• Valley Tavern (Maggie Valley) will host Funk-N-Around 3 p.m. Aug. 28 and Twisted Trail 3 p.m. Sept. 4. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.926.7440 or valley-tavern.com.
• Stecoah Valley Center (Robbinsville) “An Appalachian Evening” live music series will conclude with The Kruger Brothers Aug. 27. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, call 828.479.3364 or click on stecoahvalleycenter.com.
• Yonder Community Market (Franklin) will host “Songwriter Sundays” with Jackson Grimm (Americana/folk) 2 p.m. Aug. 28. Free and open to the public. Donations encouraged. 828.200.2169 or eatrealfoodinc.com.
If you ask Ashley her thoughts on “all this,” she’ll tell you she isn’t surprised. That genuine charm and talent within her husband — now seen the planet over — was the same magnetism that first attracted her to Zeb those many years ago at a dance hall in Knoxville, Tennessee.
ALSO: revolved around clogging, whether watching it or participating as a J Creek member. As he got older, his own unique style emerged, this seamless blend of traditional Appalachian techniques mixed with contemporary dance and hip-hop ingredients. And, each weekend, the J Creek Cloggers would hit the road and perform several showcases throughout the region, only to circle back home and head to work on Monday. Zeb is a powder press operator in Weaverville, a position he still holds, even with the unintended social media stardom.
• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host The Gatlin Brothers (classic country) at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26. Tickets start at smokymountainarts.com$25. or 828.524.1598.
• Saturdays On Pine (Highlands) will host Blaze The City (pop/dance) Sept. 3 and The Rockabillys (rock/country) Sept. 10 at Kelsey-Hutchinson Park on Pine Street. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. highlandschamber.org.
(From left) Kim Ross, Zeb Ross and Ashley Ross. (Garret K. Woodward photo)
On the beat
• Quirky Birds Treehouse & Bistro (Dillsboro) will host Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. every Tuesday and Osprey Orchestra 8 p.m. Aug. 27. Free and open to the public. 828.586.1717 facebook.com/quirkybirdstreehouse.or
• Folkmoot Friendship Center (Waynesville) will host The Blue Ridge Big Band (jazz/funk) 7 p.m. Aug. 27. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person. For tickets, click on folkmoot.org.
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• The Scotsman (Waynesville) will host The Carter Giegerich Trio (Celtic/bluegrass) from 2 to 5 p.m. every Sunday and Ashley Heath (singer-songwriter) 9 p.m. Sept. 2. All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.6292 or scotsmanpublic.com.
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host a semi-regular acoustic jam with the Main Street NoTones from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays. Free and open to the public. blueridgebeerhub.com.
• Concerts On The Creek (Sylva) will host Southern Vantage (rock/country) Aug. 26 and Alma Russ (Americana/indie) Sept. 2 at Bridge Park in Sylva. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. These events are free, but donations are encouraged. 828.586.2155 or mountainlovers.com.
• Farm At Old Edwards (Highlands) will host the “Orchard Sessions” with Sarah Darling (singer-songwriter) 6 p.m. Sept. 7. Tickets start at $25 per person. For tickets, click oldedwardshospitality.com/orchardsessions.on
• Friday Night Live (Highlands) will host Silly Ridge (Americana/acoustic) Aug. 26 and Zorki (singer-songwriter) Sept. 2 at Town Square on Main Street. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. highlandschamber.org.
• Innovation Station (Dillsboro) will host “Music Bingo” with Hibiscus Sunshine every Wednesday and Balsam Hot Club Aug. 28. All events begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. innovation-brewing.com.
• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Roscoe’s Roadshow 7 p.m. Aug. 27. Free and open to the public. 828.634.0078 or curraheebrew.com.
• Nantahala Outdoor Center (Nantahala Gorge) will host Somebody’s Child (Americana/folk) Aug. 26, Eddie Clayton (singer-songwriter) Aug. 27, Wyatt Espalin (singer-songwriter) Sept. 2 and Natti Love Joys (reggae/soul) Sept. 3. All shows behind at 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. noc.com.
• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host karaoke at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, trivia at 7 p.m. on Thursdays, Woofstock 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26 and In Flight (jam/rock) Sept. 3. All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.246.0350 or boojumbrewing.com.
• Nantahala Brewing (Sylva) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.641.9797 or nantahalabrewing.com.
• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host a Liz Nance (singer-songwriter) 7 p.m. Aug. 25 and Community Jam 6 p.m. Sept. 1. Free and open to the public. 828.488.3030 or fontanalib.org/brysoncity.
• Tartan Hall at the First Presbyterian Church (Franklin) will host the “Barbershop Sundae Concert” 3 p.m. Aug. 28. The Land of the Sky Men’s Chorus will sing a cappella barbershop, doo wop and more. There will also be sing-a-longs and the annual ice cream sign off. franklin-chamber.com.
“Whenever I’m dancing, I’m not really thinking about anything — it’s pure bliss for me,” Zeb said. “You’re performing and looking around. You’re seeing the smiles. You’re seeing the clapping. You don’t have to worry about what chores you have to do back home or whatever might be bothering you in life. Everything gets pushed to the side — you’re just enjoying the moment.”
• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host “Trivia Night w/Kirk” from 7 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday, Open Mic Night every Wednesday, Derrick Pace Aug. 25 and Calico Bear Aug. 27. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. innovation-brewing.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Joe Lasher & Kaitlin Baker (rock/country) Sept. 3. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• Whiteside Brewing (Cashiers) will host Doug Ramsay & Friends (singer-songwriter) 6 p.m. Aug. 26. 828.743.6000 or whitesidebrewing.com.
• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Jim Swayzee 5:30 p.m. Aug. 25, Natti Love Joys (reggae/soul) Aug. 26, Sugah & The Cubes (jazz/soul) Aug. 27 and Paul Edelman (singer-songwriter) 3 p.m. Aug. 28. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 or froglevelbrewing.com.
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• A stage production of the beloved tale “Alice in Wonderland” will be held on select dates throughout this spring at the TheatreMountainsideinCherokee. The production is an original work by Havoc Movement Company that will be joining the Cherokee Historical Association for the spring cherokeehistorical.org/alice-in-wonderland.season.
• “Take A Flight” with four new wines every Friday and Saturdays at the Bryson City Wine Market. Select from a gourmet selection of charcuterie to enjoy with your wines. Educational classes and other events are also available. For more information, call 828.538.0420.
ALSO:
The cast of ‘The Book of Will.’
• Zonta Club’s annual “Taste of Tuscany” fundraiser will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Lodge at Cat Creek in Franklin. An evening of wine tasting by SenAmore Vineyards, home of Slanted Window Wines, music, heavy hors d’oeuvres, silent and live auction. The table sponsor private event will be held at Slanted Window Tasting Room earlier in the week. To purchase tickets, call 828.524.0991.
On the stage HART presents ‘The Book of Will’
• “Comedy Night” will be held at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, at Mad Anthony’s Taproom & Restaurant in Waynesville. Comedians include Art Sturtevent, Ryan Cox, Jess Williams and Tom Emmons. Hosted by Josh Merrell. Admission is $5 at the door. For more information, call 828.246.9249.
ALSO: On the table
A stage production of “The Book of Will” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25-27 and at 2 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. Set in 1616, “The Book of Will” tells the story of how the lone survivors of William Shakespeare’s acting company worked together to save the plays. In the beginning, we discover that there are no copies to be found. All of Shakespeare’s originals were in the Globe Theatre when it burned to the ground. This is the story of a treasure hunt. Somewhere in London the plays or parts of them must exist, but where? The play by Lauren Gunderson uses a handful of actors playing multiple roles to tell the tale. Gunderson has become one of the shining lights in American Theatre and in 2017 and 2019 she was the most produced playwright in America. In “The Book of Will,” she weaves humor, mystery, tragedy and a high spirit of theatricality to tell the compelling story of how the plays we now take for granted were saved.
HART’s production is being directed by Steven Lloyd and the cast features: Dillon Giles, William Ezzell, David Spivey, Kathy O’Connor, Brandi Andrade, Cheyenne Morris, Emily Dake, Dakota Mann, James Cloninger and Aaron Ybarra. To make reservations, call 828.456.6322 from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday or click on harttheatre.org.
• “P.A.W.S. Wine Tasting & Silent Auction” will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, at Lands Creek Log Cabins in Bryson City. Come out and support Swain County and Bryson City’s only animal shelter. This annual event features a great selection of local items for auction, wine and live entertainment from The Freestylers. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 day of event. You can purchase tickets at the P.A.W.S. Thrift Store. 828.736.0579.
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• “Mater Fest” will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at Darnell Farms in Bryson City. The event celebrates the tomato harvest with live music, vendors, dreamwhips, food trucks, watermelon eating contest, bounce houses, and other activities. For more information, hotheadevents@gmail.com.email
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Rounding out the bill are Americana/indie sensation Mipso, countryrocker Joe Lasher, party-grass pickers Ol’ Dirty Bathtub, jam-rock act Arnold Hill Band, and much more. The Canton Labor Day Festival is a celebration of all things made in Western North Carolina. As the oldest festival of its kind in the south, Canton Labor Day honors the blue collar workers who power our economy with their bare hands and deliver the products and services upon which we all depend. Tickets are $10 per day, per person or $15 for a two-day pass. Passes will not be available at the gate. For a full schedule of events or to purchase tickets, click on cantonlaborday.com.
Diamond Rio. Diamond Rio to headline Canton Labor Day The CMA, Grammy winning, and sixtime Vocal Group of the Year Diamond Rio will be headlining the 114th Canton Labor Day Festival presented by Champion Credit Union and sponsored by Ingles Markets. The live music will start at noon on both Sunday, Sept. 4, and Monday, Sept. 5, in Sorrells Street Park in downtown Canton.
On
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• WNC Paint Events brings you “Paint & Sip.” This is a two-hour event, and you leave with your painting. Anyone 21 and up are welcome. Events will be held at the following locations once a month: 828 Market on Main (Waynesville), Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva), BearWaters Brewing (Canton), Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) and the Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin). For more information, click on wncpaint.events.
at 828-926-4831 for information.
• “Thursday Painters” group will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays at The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Free and open to the public. All skill levels and mediums are welcome. Participants are responsible for their own project and a bag lunch. For more information, call The Uptown Gallery at 828.349.4607 or contact Pat Mennenger at pm14034@yahoo.com. See more about Macon County Art Association at franklinuptowngallery.com and like, follow and share the Uptown Gallery on Facebook.
On the ALSO:wall
• “Paint & Sip” will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, in The Gem downstairs taproom at Boojum Brewing in Waynesville. For more information on the event and/or to purchase tickets, click on brewery-taproom.tandchardonnay.events/product/boojum-mone-
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• Farmer’s Market (with artisans) will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through October at 117 Island St. in Bryson City. Stop by the old barn by the river for local, homegrown produce, as well as baked goods, jellies and preserves, authentic crafts, and more. Food truck, picnic tables and live music. Leashed pets are welcome. Outdoor event. 828.488.7857.
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• “Fall Fling Art & Craft Walk” will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, in downtown Dillsboro. Locally handmade crafts in the numerous shops of Dillsboro. Local artists will demonstrate their crafting process in front of the shops. There will also be live entertainment. Free and open to the public. visitdillsboro.org.
• “Build A Scarecrow” from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, at the Gazebo in downtown Franklin. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Streets of Franklin Merchants. franklin-chamber.com.
• Mountain Makers Craft Market will be held from noon to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at 308 North Haywood St. in downtown Waynesville. Over two dozen artisans selling handmade and vintage goods. Special events will be held when scheduled. Mountainmakersmarket.com.
“Art After Dark” will continue from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, in downtown Waynesville. Each first Friday of the month (May-December), Main Street transforms into an evening of art, music, finger foods, beverages and shopping as artisan studios and galleries keep their doors open later for local residents and visitors.Participants include Metzger’s Burl Wood Gallery, TPennington Art Gallery, Twigs & Leaves Gallery, Haywood Handmade Gallery, Jo Ridge Kelley Fine Art, Sun Sohovich Art Gallery Studio, Green Hill Gallery, Curatory Gallery, and The Corner Station. It is free to attend Art After Dark. Other dates include Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2. For more information, click on county.book.com/galleriesofhaywood-faceWaynesville art walk, live music the Smokies’ by Teresa Pennington. Bledsoe
• A “Foreign Film Series” will be held at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Each month, on the second and fourth Friday, two movies from around the globe will be shown. This program is in the Community Room and is free of charge. Masks are required in all Jackson County buildings. To find out what movie will be shown and/or for more information, please call the library at 828.586.2016. This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library. The Jackson County Public Library is a member of Fontana Regional Library. To learn more, click on fontanalib.org.
On the shelf • “Books & Bites” will welcome Carolyn Curry as she presents her debut mystery novel, “Sudden Death,” at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Joining her will be her well-known husband, Bill Curry, of football fame. Friends of the Library will provide finger-friendly snacks. Free and open to the public. For more on Curry’s writing, on carolyncurry.com. WriterMinickJeff - Newspapers HAZELWOOD Ave. 456-6000 9-5 SAT 9-3
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Begin by reading “Under A Cruel Star.” You might next try “The Black Book of Communism” or visiting the recently opened Victims of Communism Museum, which memorializes the more than 100 million victims of communist regimes in the lastLastcentury.upon my recent reading list if Naomi Wolf’s “The Bodies of Others: The New Authoritarians, COVID-19 and the War Against the Human” (All Seasons Press, 2022, 350 pages) to which I will return in a future review. Wolf was once an esteemed member of the Liberal social set, but those days are gone. In “The Bodies of Others,” she blends data and events with her personal experiences during the pandemic to tell us that our liberties and our rights, both of which were suspended during the orgy of masks and lockdowns, remain very much in jeopardy. All who read her words have lived through that “crisis,” but many of us seem unaware that the government, corporations — tech companies in particular — and mainstream media all too often followed the strategies of misinformation, suppression, and outright deceit used by totalitarians worldwide.In“Under The Cruel Star,” Heda Kovaly writes: “It is not hard for a totalitarian regime to keep people ignorant. Once you relinquish your freedom for the sake of “understood necessity”…. you cede your claim to truth. Slowly, drop by drop, your life begins to ooze away just as surely as if you had slashed your wrists; you have voluntarily condemned yourself to helplessness.”
My dining room table battleground requires little effort to set in order. The battleground for liberty … that’s another matter altogether. (Jeff Minick reviews books and has written four of his own: two novels, “Amanda Bell” and “Dust On Their Wings,” and two works of nonfiction, “Learning As I Go” and “Movies Make the Man.” minick0301@gmail.com.)
ALSO:
A trio of books all worth a read
In “Under a Cruel Star: A Life in Prague 1941-1968” (Holmes & Meier, 1986, 192 pages), Heda Margolis Kovaly gives us an unforgettable memoir of what living as a Czech through Nazism and Soviet communism truly meant. A Jew, Kovaly was arrested by the Nazis, like tens of thousands of others, Jew and non-Jew alike, and shipped off to a camp, where she managed to survive, escaping near the end of the war. A brief respite of freedom followed, and then the communists took over and fulfilled Galbraith’s savage, witty adage. At first, Kovaly and her husband Rudolph, a capable member of the government, lead good
andisaroundothersRudolf,hatredhorrorphizesmetamor-Thatdislikes.intenselyKovalyParty,waysinbenefittedlives,somebythewhichdislikeintoandwhenlikehim,arrestedthen executed by hanging for being a traitor, leaving his wife and young son as outcasts from the system. Only years later will Kovaly receive the satisfaction, not nearly enough, of seeing her husband’s reputation restored and the government of the killers who murdered him toppled. Near the end of her account, Kovaly passes the statue of Jan Hus, a Protestant executed during the Reformation, and sees the “beautiful, deceitful words carved into stone: Truth Prevails.” She then writes: “Does it? Truth alone does not prevail. When it clashes with power, truth often loses. It prevails only when people are strong enough to defend it.” Here is a book of courage and cowardice apt for our own time. As for those today who still positively spout words like communism, worker’s paradise, and so on, please, comrades, educate yourselves. And as for those who want a government with greater and greater powers, or who look to D.C. as their mommy, ditto to you. “Under capitalism,” economist John Kenneth Galbraith once wrote, “man exploits man. Under communism, it’s just the opposite.”
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Joseph Epstein’s “The Ideal of Culture” (Axios Press, 2018, 572 pages) is another excellent collection of essays by this writer, now in his mid-80s, whom many, including myself, esteem as one of America’s greatest contemporary essayists. As usual, Epstein covers a wide range of subjects: literature, old age, humor, death, and the meaning of wit, genius, and cowardice. Several of his other books share a space on my shelves, and I’m proud to add to that rank “The Ideal of Culture,” certain that from time to time I’ll be revisiting these pages. One quibble, however: at least one of these essays has already appeared in another volume, which I don’t understand. This hefty tome needs weight added to its girth as much as I need a diet of Reese’s Cups and malted milkshakes.
Fifteen feet away from me in the den — I’ve just paced off this distance — sits a waist-high blue shelf holding a similar collection of literature, topped by a pile of blank paper, a rarely used blood pressure cuff, and a clip of .22 rounds. Right now, the table is tidy and clean, but if the usual circumstances assert themselves, by evening books, papers, pens, and objects ranging from a bruised tennis ball to a green repository for dental floss will litter this surface. This is the detritus of writing accrued by slapping words on a screen for a collection of publications. Sisyphus daily rolled his boulder up a steep Tartarian hill; I have the much easier task of nightly restoring order to my battlefield of composition before hitting the sheets. But enough of the description and the self-dramatics. Let’s get to some books that have recently snagged my attention and will, I hope, snag yours.
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Before proceeding to reading and books, a note on circumstances and environment. As I type these words on my laptop, it is 4:45 on a Wednesday morning, and I’m sitting at what sometimes serves as a dining room table. Directly across from me is a row of 15 books for immediate use, a couple awaiting reading and review, the rest used at this moment in time for reference.
Young forest habitat makes up only 1% of the project area, while stands 100 years and older comprise about 33%, said Dowd. The Southside Project is necessary, she said, to improve wildlife habitat and forest health by creating young forest habitat.
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In a final environmental assessment completed in February 2019, the Forest Service laid out its plans for a project it said would improve forest health, diversity and wildlife habitat in the Nantahala National Forest in southeastern Macon County and southern Jackson County. The project aims to use timber harvest to create 317 acres of young forest spread across 23 separate stands in a 19,000acre project area. More than one-third of the openings created will be 1 acre or less, with an average opening of 22 acres on the remaining stands. Project plans also include establishing native nectar- and pollen-producing species in wildlife openings, log landings and roadsides to benefit native pollinators; rehabilitating existing wildlife openings; and improving fisheries habitat in Scotsman Creek. During a scoping period conducted in 2017, the Forest Service received 229 comments on its initial proposal, of which 18 expressed support for the project. According to Public Information Officer Cathy Dowd, most of the comments were the result of a direct mail campaign conducted by the Chattooga Conservancy, which has adamantly opposed the project.
“They’re really conflating some existing old growth that they want to cut with some forest that may be old growth someday elsewhere in the project area,” Kelly said.
patches of older trees gives young trees access to sunlight and water, allowing them to sprout and grow. Small and medium-sized forest openings provide fruit and nutritious foliage and flowers that attract pollinators and other insects and support populations of small mammals that, in turn, are prey for larger animals. Openings can be created by natural processes such as storms or intense wildfires, but in their absence need to be created through active management.
“The Southside Timber Sale was a bad idea when it was announced five years ago, and it is still a bad idea today,” said Susannah Knox, senior attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center. “By ignoring overwhelming public opposition and moving forward with this reckless project at rock-bottom prices, USFS leaders show they are more interested in logging old-growth forests — regardless of the cost — than listening to experts and scientific research.”
Josh Kelly, public lands biologist for MountainTrue, says that’s a misleading argument. Much of the acreage contained in the forest’s designated old growth and in the Old Growth Network being finalized in the new Pisgah-Nantahala Forest Management Plan does not currently contain old growth forest — and the designation aimed at allowing it to reach that point one day is not guaranteed to remain past the next 20-year planning cycle.
BY HOLLY KAYS OUTDOORS EDITOR
DEBATING OLD GROWTH Opponents say the project won’t just cut 100-year-old trees, which are increasingly common on a landscape that hasn’t seen much large-scale harvest over the last century.
CONCERN FOR THE GREEN SALAMANDER
“It is worth noting that from my field visit that the most recent documented (green salamander) occurrences are within a stand that was clear-cut in 1989 and that this most recent inventory finds that green salamanders persist in stands that have recently been harvested,” reads a 2019 objection response letter from then-Forest Supervisor Hurston A. Nicholas to the Southern
Southside story Bid awarded in contentious timber project
In response to objections that the project would harm green salamander populations, the Forest Service agreed to place a 100-meter buffer around locations with documented green salamander populations and dropped a stand from the project that included historically productive green salamander habitat.
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Chattooga Conservancy photo
F ive years after it first proposed the controversial Southside Timber Project, the U.S. Forest Service has awarded a timber bid to cut the first 98 acres of 317 acres to be harvested — earning sharp criticism from environmental groups who say the project will destroy rare old-growth forest.
“The area is mostly an even-aged stand that grew up after being logged about a hundred years ago with some remnant older trees that weren’t cut then,” said Dowd. “The prescription for this harvest leaves trees that have dens or cavities for wildlife and a lot of the older larger trees.”
Outdoors
“In the management of national forests there are trade-offs,” then-District Ranger Mike Wilkins said in the 2019 press release announcing the final EA. “We make decisions based on the best available science that lead us to cut some trees to make room for others. Forests need diversity and all ages of trees. What’s missing from the Southside area is youngRemovingforest.”
“Because this area is an optimum location to protect, restore and connect the biologically rich and genetically superior forests exhibited by a large area of already protected old growth makes it a primary target for establishing a true network of connected, older native forests to address climate change and a myriad of unique, dependent ecological services.”In its environmental assessment, the Forest Service found that the 17 acres atop Brushy Mountain did meet the agency’s internal definition of old growth forest and considered adding the stand to its network of designated old growth forest. However, it decided not to, noting in the EA that the guide containing the definition “is not a policy document with substantive and procedural requirements that must be met, but is rather a reference document” aimed at assisting national forests “with implementing the legal requirements in their forest plans.”
The EA concluded that the dry-mesic oak ecozone the Brushy Mountain stand represents is “already well represented and protected in existing old-growth designations,” which include 4,922 acres in the non-timber suitable land base with stands older than 100 years. Overall, the analysis area contains nearly 7,000 acres set aside as designated old growth.
The most contentious stands in the project include 17 acres on the top of Brushy Mountain and 20 acres on its side. In a written objection to the plan, the Chattooga Conservancy said that students in the Highlands Biological Station’s Institute for the Environment Program documented trees there older than 200 years. “All old growth and near old growth should be protected,” reads the objection.
The rare green salamander requires moist, rocky habitats like those found on Brushy Mountains. Lori Williams/N CWRC photo
A core sample reveals this tree to be more than 200 years old.
The project’s critics are also concerned about the potential impact on the green salamander, which the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission classifies as rare and the Smithsonian National Zoo lists as near threatened. Native to the Appalachians, the salamander prefers moist, rocky habitats. According to the Wildlife Commission’s species profile, clearcutting and other “intense” timber harvesting activities directly around the rocks they live on can be “detrimental” to their habitat.
Critics of the project disagree, worrying that the outcome of the Southside Project bodes poorly for the forest’s future under the new forest management plan the agency expects to implement this year.
The Southside project is located just east of Highlands and borders the South Carolina state line.
Meanwhile, MountainTrue offered to pay $30,000 for the 37 controversial acres atop and on the side of Brushy Mountain, and to match any offers for the value of the timber. The Forest Service would make more money this way, said Kelly, because not only would it get an up-front payment, but it would avoid expenses associated with administering the sale and overseeing roadbuilding and logging activities. However, the Forest Service did not respond to MountainTrue’s offer and instead awarded the sale to the bidder, who the Forest Service declined to name until the financial response is complete. Dowd said that a reply to MountainTrue is “forthcoming” but that the nonprofit’s offer did not line up with the process the Forest Service uses to receive and accept bids.
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The Anthony Toineeta 7 Clans Rodeo will return to Cherokee 6 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, and Sunday, Sept. 4. Gates open at 6 p.m. with the rodeo beginning at 7 p.m. Top cowboys and cowgirls will compete at the three-time Southern Rodeo Association Best Rodeo of the Year. Adult tickets are $13 in advance or $15 at the gate; children 4-12 can attend for $8 in advance or $10 at the gate. Purchase advance tickets at the Cherokee Welcome Center at 498 Tsali Blvd. in Cherokee. Cash only. Environmental Law Center. Kelly does not share Nicholas’ confidence in the salamander’s ability to withstand such “Unfortunately,disturbances.there’s no hard science on the effect of buffers on green salamanders,” said Kelly. “We also know that they do forage up to a half a mile or maybe more from the breeding rocks, and they need to travel between rocks in order to breed and exchange genes. And so we believe that the conservative thing would be to just preserve all the green salamander habitat, including the foraging and dispersing habitat.”
“It portends badly for the new forest plan and the kind of things the Forest Service wants to do in the new forest plan, where they explicitly leave these kinds of decisions up to district rangers at the project level to make very subjective decisions,” said Kelly. “We see different rangers handling these issues very differently. I really hope the Forest Service both locally and nationally takes a really hard look at this case and realizes that there needs to be more consistency in the policy across the agency.”
USFS map Visit Cherokee photo
“We’ve made an offer to purchase the 37 acres — or at least not purchase exactly, but we made an offer to pay the Forest Service not to cut the trees,” Kelly said. “We proposed as a mechanism to that that we buy the carbon rights for the forest, but we would have been happy just to pay under some guarantee that the area would remain uncut for at least 100 years.” When the Forest Service first put the project out for bid in August 2021, it didn’t receive any responses — likely due to long haul distances and a down timber market, Dowd said. In July the Forest Service bid the project again, this time at much-reduced rates to “reflect the economic situation and increased fuel costs.” One company responded, and the Forest Service awarded the 98-acre timber sale for $55,604.
Rodeo returns to Cherokee
AN UNUSUAL BID MountainTrue is so adamantly against the project that it proposed a unique approach to stop it — paying the Forest Service not to log the land.
“There is no mechanism for us to set aside that bid in order to consider an offer that doesn’t meet all the criteria of the solicitation, nor do we have the authority to sell carbon credits,” she said. “Our key priorities are fostering forest health and ecosystem integrity, and within this context we work to balance multiple goals, including carbon stewardship, but will not maximize carbon or any other goal at the expense of forestTimberhealth.”sales like this one are needed to create healthy and diverse forests, Dowd said.“We are continuing to implement this project, which is the outcome of a public process in which many people took part and many supported, because it moves us towards our goal of improving wildlife habitat and forest health, which includes creating the early successional habitat that is the goal of this timber sale,” she said.
Land navigation course offered Learn how to stay found with a land navigation course offered 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, in Haywood County.
A portion of Connelly’s Creek Road in the Nantahala National Forest will close starting Sept. 6 to upgrade an existing culvert to a bottomless arch culvert that improves fish habitat.
The TEHCC maintains the A.T. in the Watauga District. Last summer, the group reached out to the Forest Service with a proposed solution to improve the trail section, which they identified as being constantly wet.TEHCC subsequently built bog bridges and installed locust posts to rehab steps. Forest Service officials provided UTV support in transporting all the materials from the bottom to the top of the mountain.
Volunteers are wanted for Kids in the Creek, an annual environmental education program that’s been teaching eighth-grade students in Haywood County about watershed ecology since 1999. During this field trip, students learn about watershed hydrology and water chemistry, and collect fish and aquatic bugs. Volunteers are welcome to pitch in for full or half days, and no experience is necessary. Kids in the Creek will take place 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 12-14 and 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sept. 15, rain or shine, at the Canton Recreation Park. Volunteers should bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a camp chair, a change of clothing and an old pair of lace-up sneakers. Stay-dry volunteer positions are available as well. Lunch, snacks and waders provided. RSVP to Christine O’Brien by Sept. 6 at 828.475.4667, ext. 11, or christine.haywoodwaterways@gmail.com.
Course instructor Steve Kuni, who is a trainer for the Haywood County Search and Rescue Volunteers and a former U.S. Army Officer, will cover the fundamentals of traditional map and compass land navigation, and apply those fundamentals to navigation with modern cell phones. The course, offered through the Haywood County Recreation Department, will repeat on the first Friday of October. Sign up at secure.rec1.com/catalog. For more information, contact recreationandparks@haywoodcountync.gov or 828.452.6789.
Opioid Addicti Opioid Use Disorder Opioid use disorder can happen to anyone. End the Stigma Haywood County Health and Human Services www.ncdhhs.gov RETAIL HOURS MON-SAT 10-6 20 Church Street WAYNESVILLE 828.452.6000 classicwineseller.com A REA’S BEST S ELECTION Students look through the creatures
The project will improve about 1 mile of stream habitat for native brook trout spawning and rearing, and the new stream crossing will reduce long-term road maintenance, increase the stream crossing’s flood capacity and reduce sediment.
Culvert project to improve fish habitat
The road, also known as Forest Service Road 86, is expected to reopen Nov. 18. It will be closed from the intersection of FSR 70 for about 0.6 miles to the existing wildlife field Alarka Laurel. No access to the area will be allowed during the closure due to construction activity.
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Bottomless arch culverts like this one on Buck Creek improve passage for fish and other aquatic organisms while reducing road maintenance.
Cades Cove, Clingmans Dome closures planned
The new bridges and steps aim to prevent water damage to the trail.
Donated
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and Trout Unlimited are partnering on the project.
New bog bridges and repaired steps are now in place on the Bradley Gap Section of the Appalachian Trail through the Cherokee National Forest following a joint project of the U.S. Forest Service and Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club.
Volunteer for Kids in the Creek
Education programs in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will prompt temporary closures of Clingmans Dome Road and Cades Cove Loop Road over the coming weeks. Clingmans Dome Road will be closed until 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, and Wednesday, Sept. 7. Cades Cove Loop Road will be closed until 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8. The closures will go into effect the night before each program day.
Trail repairs done on Tennessee A.T.
USFS photo
USFS photo
they caught during a previous Kids in the Creek event. photo
Find out how land protection impacts climate resilience during a lecture at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, at the Highlands Nature Center in Highlands.
New air monitors measuring particulate matter, temperature and relative humidity are now up on the Western Carolina University campus. WCU’s Sustainable Energy Initiative funded the project, which was led by Assistant Professor of Environmental Health Sara Duncan and Graham Seigel, who graduated in May. The data is reported to the PurpleAir map every minute and is completely open source. The data is available to students, faculty, staff and the larger community for research, student learning and community engagement. Already, students use PurpleAir data for a course-based undergraduate research project in Duncan’s Air Quality course. Outdoor sensors are located at the Health and Human Sciences Building, the outdoor track and the Jordan-Phillips Field House, and two indoor sensors are inside Courtyard Dining Hall and the Hinds University Center. There is also a sensor outside the Apodaca Science Building operated by Damon Smith of the Department of Chemistry and Physics. For more information, visit air.wcu.edu.
The Cherokee National Forest covers 660,000 acres, with separate northern and southern sections divided by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Potted plants stand ready for the Southern Highlands Reserve’s native plant sale. Donated photo smokymountainfootclinic.com
New supervisor on the Cherokee National Forest
The Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee has a new forest supervisor after Mike Wright began his official duties in the role Aug. 15. Wright had filled the position in an acting capacity sinceWrightApril.has served as the Ocoee district ranger since 2012. Previously, he was a district ranger on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests in Colorado and Wyoming, and Thunder Basin National Grassland in Wyoming.
Dr. Maria Whitehead, vice president and director of land at the Open Space Institute, will explore challenges conservationists face, tools for addressing them, and how natural solutions to climate change may increase resilience for both natural and human communities. Through her professional career, Whitehead has held positions as an ornithologist, professor and conservation professional, including 15 years in the direct conservation of land and water and the interdisciplinary realm of climate adaptation and community resilience. The lecture is part of the weekly Zahner Conservation Lecture Series, which will conclude for the season Sept. 8. The Sept. 1 lecture is sponsored by Martha and Michael Dupuis, Monte and Palmer Gaillard, and Melanie and Tom Mauldin.
Second deer tests positive for chronic wasting disease
A second deer has tested positive for chronic wasting disease after North Carolina’s first CWD-positive deer was found in December 2021. The second deer came from a farm in Yadkin County less than a mile from the location where the first CWD-positive deer was harvested. It was one of 28 deer tested as part of ongoing CWD surveillance efforts cooperative with farmers that have active depredation permits. The deer hunting season starts Sept. 10.
Bring home native plants
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CWD is caused by abnormal proteins, called prions, that slowly spread through the nervous system of cervids like deer and elk, eventually causing spongy holes in the brain that lead to death. The disease is spread between animals through direct contact and environmental contamination from infected saliva, urine and feces of live animals or carcasses and body parts. Because infected deer may appear healthy, it is important to take precautions when transporting or disposing of deer carcasses. Hunters should bury deer remains where the animal was harvested whenever possible, double-bag deer remains for disposal at the closest landfill, or leave deer remains on the ground where the animal was harvested. Since the two infected deer came from the same area, no changes to surveillance areas set up following the first positive are planned at this time. For a comprehensive overview of special CWD regulations, visit ncwildlife.org/cwd.
Dr. Maria Whitehead. Donated photo
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A native plant sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, will offer a variety of trees, shrubs and grasses at the Southern Highlands Reserve. Plants will be available in 1-gallon and 4inch containers. Only checks made payable to Southern Highlands Reserve will be accepted as payment. For more information, visit native-plant-sale.southernhighlandsreserve.org/2022Lecture to climateconservationexploreandresilience
“It’s imperative that hunters understand how important it is to submit samples to help determine how prevalent CWD is here in North Carolina,” said Brad Howard, chief of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Wildlife Management Division. “It’s also crucial that we enlist their help to not give the disease a ride to new areas.”
WCU gets new air quality monitors
WAYNESVILLETIRE,INC.MONDAY-FRIDAY7:30-5:00•WAYNESVILLEPLAZA828-456-5387•WAYNESVILLETIRE.COM Authorized Motor Fleet Management Maintenance ••TiresBrakesAlignment•RoadService•TractorTires• affairsoftheheartnc.com 26 Years Celebrating Cardsforeveryoccasion • Cards • Note Pads • Note Cards • Box Cards
Notes from a Plant Nerd
It has been known for a long time that goldenrod doesn’t contribute to fall seasonal allergies, and rather that it’s ragweed (Ambrosia spp.) that gets you sneezing. Yet, if you look at TV commercials for allergy medications, you’ll notice subtle yellow flowers in the background. There are even pictures of goldenrod on the store-brand allergy medicine packaging. And here’s where things get interesting, for not only is goldenrod not causing your fall allergies, but a tea made from the blooms of goldenrod relieve the very symptoms they are blamedAmongfor.the many reasons to encourage goldenrods to bloom in your landscape is their incredible contribution to supporting wildlife, especially moths and butterflies, and the birds and other animals that depend on their caterpillars for food. See, plants eat sunlight (aka photosynthesis) and insects like caterpillars eat plant leaves, helping to move solar energy up and into the ecosystem. This is a primary foundation of the food web that all of life is dependent on.
bigelownc@gmail.com.)Excursions.
Over 70 species of
There are so many kinds of goldenrod that bloom from summer into fall, that it can be very difficult to tell them apart.
Goldenrods can support up to 116 species of moth and butterfly, who lay their eggs on the goldenrod leaves, knowing them to be a great food source for the caterpillars who soon hatch out. These caterpillars are the primary food source for nesting songbirds, some of whom require 5,000 caterpillars to raise a clutch of baby birds, making some 1,500 trips a day to gather food for their young. Could you imagine going to the cupboard 1,500 times a day to feed your kids? So, please don’t mow down all the goldenrods growing around you. The baby birds really need them. And so do I.
Goldenrod flowers bloom beneath autumn skies. Adam Bigelow photo
oneyellowtoriverplains.valleystotainhighestshade,andgrowspeciesgoldenrodtains.thesegrowingmostCarolina,Northaregoldenrodfoundinwithofthoseinmoun-Therearethatinfullsuninfullfromthemoun-ridgetopsthelowestandInadditiontheirgoldenflowers,thingallgoldenrods seem to share in common is being wrongly demonized by many who suffer fall seasonal allergies. I have sympathy for those of you who do, even though I am not among the afflicted.
202224-30,August NewsMountainSmokyoutdoors 34 Puzzles can be found on page 38
(Adam Bigelow lives in Cullowhee and leads weekly wildflower walks and ecotours through Bigelow’s Botanical
BY ADAM B IGELOW
These are only the answers.
There’s goldenrod on them there hills G oldenrods (Solidago spp.) are among the most widespread, beautiful and important wildflowers in all of Southern Appalachia. There is almost nothing more beautiful than a field of goldenrod in bloom, with a crisp, blue, autumn sky as backdrop. And often they are growing with ironweed (Vernonia spp.) and Asters (Symphiotrichum spp.), creating that beautiful purple and gold color combination that dominates late summer wildflowers.
People’s eyes start watering, their nose is running, they’re coughing and sneezing, and then they look around for something to blame. And there is goldenrod blooming everywhere you look. So out come the weedeaters, and out come the herbicides. We kill goldenrod indiscriminately. But goldenrod gets a bad rap, for its pollen is too large and heavy to fly in the air. So, the only way it could get into your nose to cause your histamine reaction would be if you cut a flower stalk and shoved it up in there. I don’t recommend that you do that, for goldenrod is so popular with pollinating insects that you might just get a wasp in there with it. And that would definitely cause a reaction.
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• Toddler’s Rock takes place at 10 a.m. every Monday at the Macon County Library. Get ready to rock with songs, books, rhymes and playing with instruments. For more information visit fontanalib.org or call 828.524.3600.
F OOD AND D RINK • Meadowlark Motel and Smoky Mountain Heritage Center will host an Appalachian Homecoming Cooking Event Aug. 27, at the Meadowlark Motel. Event is free to motel guests and Heritage Club members, $25 for guests not staying at the motel. For more information visit meadowlarkmotel.com or call 828.926.1717.
• Take a trip around the world with four different wines every Friday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Bryson City Wine Market. Pick from artisan Charcuterie Foods to enjoy with wines. 828.538.0420.
• Maggie Valley United Methodist Church will hold a large yard sale from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at the church barn, 4192 Soco Road in Maggie Valley. Proceeds benefit church ministries. For more information contact Barbara Planchock at 828.400.3144.
FUNDRAISERS AND B ENEFITS
• Swain County Caring Corner Free Clinic is open Thursday’s 4-9 p.m. at Restoration House (Bryson City United Methodist Church). Office hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m.-noon. Call 828.341.1998 to see if you qualify to receive free medical care from volunteer providers.
G ROUPS AND M EETINGS
• Trout Unlimited Sylva will hold a meeting from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, at East LaPorte Park. There will be a covered dish meal. Bring something to share. RSVP on the Facebook post or to tu.sylva.373@gmail.com.
• Indivisible Swain County will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22, via Zoom. Email maryherr2017@gmail.com for a link or call 828.497.9498.
K IDS & FAMILIES
• Tartan Hall at the First Presbyterian Church (Franklin) will host the “Barbershop Sundae Concert” 3 p.m. Aug. 28. The Land of the Sky Men’s Chorus will sing a cappella barbershop, doo wop and more. There will also be sing-a-longs and the annual ice cream sign off.
• “Flights & Bites” will be held starting at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. For more information on upcoming events, wine tastings and special dinners, click on way-
CLASSES AND PROGRAMS
• Learn about the impact of light pollution during a free lecture at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, at the Highlands Nature Center in Highlands. For a full lecture lineup, visit highlandsbiological.org.
• Chess 101 takes place from 3:30-4:30 p.m. every Friday in the Canton Branch of the Haywood County Public Library. No registration required, for more information call 828.648.2924.
•nesvillewine.com.Afreewinetasting will be held from 6-8 p.m. every Thursday and 2-5 p.m. every Saturday at The Wine Bar & Cellar in Sylva. 828.631.3075.
• A native plant sale 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, will offer a variety of trees, shrubs and grasses at the Southern Highlands Reserve. For more information, 828.293.3053,required.Center.Thursdays828.359.6110,ageswhereparticipate,Sunday,Cherokee’s•information,contest,vendors,eventSaturday,•southernhighlandsreserve.org/2022-native-plant-sale.visit“MaterFest”willbeheldfrom10a.m.-6p.m.Aug.27,atDarnellFarmsinBrysonCity.Thecelebratesthetomatoharvestwithlivemusic,dreamwhips,foodtrucks,watermeloneatingbouncehouses,andotheractivities.Formoreemailhotheadevents@gmail.com.Atrouttournamentoffering$20,000inprizeswillhitpristinestreamsSaturday,Aug.27,toAug.28.Cherokeefishinglicenserequiredtowithtournamentregistrationavailableany-licensesaresold.Entryfeeis$15.Opentoallandlegalfishingmethods.PaulaPrice,paprice@nc-cherokee.com.•Adultpickupfutsalgameswillbeheld6:30-8:30p.m.Aug.25-Sept.29attheCullowheeRecreationCostis$1perplayer,withnoregistrationContactAndrewSherlingwithquestionsatext.6,orandrewsherling@jacksonnc.org.
•franklin-chamber.com.YonderCommunityMarket (Franklin) will host “Songwriter Sundays” with Jackson Grimm (Americana/folk) 2 p.m. Aug. 28. Free and open to the public. Donations encouraged. 828.200.2169 or eatrealfoodinc.com.
• Friday Night Live (Highlands) will host Silly Ridge (Americana/acoustic) Aug. 26 and Zorki (singer-songwriter) Sept. 2 at Town Square on Main Street. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. highland•schamber.org.Groovin’onthe Green (Cashiers) will host Arnold Hill (rock/jam) Aug. 26 and Hi-Five Sept. 2. Shows begin at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Donations encouraged. villagegreencashiersnc.com/concerts.
• “Thursday Painters” group will be held from 10 a.m.3 p.m. on Thursdays at The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Free and open to the public. All skill levels and mediums are welcome. Participants are responsible for their own project and a bag lunch. 828.349.4607 or
• Wired Wednesday, one-on-one technology help is available at 3-5 p.m. every Wednesday at the Canton Branch of the Haywood County Library. For more information or to register, call 828.648.2924.
• Cooking classes take place at the McKinley Edwards Inn from 6-8:30 p.m. on Thursday nights. To reserve your spot call 828.488.9626.
• The annual Zahner Conservation Lectures will take place at 6 p.m. Thursdays from July 7-Sept. 1. To view the full lecture lineup, visit highlandsbiological.org.
• Learn about Entomology with ecoExplore at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, at the Macon County Public Library. The lesson will begin with a livestream lesson from ecoExplore followed by a craft. For more information visit fontanalib.org.
• Storytime takes place at 10 a.m. every Tuesday at the Macon County Library. For more information visit fontanalib.org or call 828.524.3600.
A&E
The Mountain Makers Mushrooms and Music Festival will be held from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, in Sylva. There will be more than 70 crafters, live music, lectures, demos, workshops, wild food, footways and more. Information and vendor space available at jack•sonartsmarket.com.AppalachianButton Jamboree Show will take place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 17, at The National Guard Armory in Hendersonville. For more information call Julie McMahon at 616.634.8823 or email jmcmahon8@hot•mail.com.Mountain Makers Craft Market will be held from noon to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at 308 North Haywood St. in downtown Waynesville. Over two dozen artisans selling handmade and vintage goods. Special events will be held when scheduled. mountainmakers•market.com.BlueRidge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host a semiregular acoustic jam with the Main Street NoTones from 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays. Free and open to the public. For more information, click on blueridgebeerhub.com.
• Food Truck Boot Camp will take place Nov. 7-10, at multiple locations in Cherokee, North Carolina. For more information contact Laura Lauffer at 828.359.6926 or
• “Books & Bites” will welcome Carolyn Curry as she presents her debut mystery novel, “Sudden Death,” at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Joining her will be her wellknown husband, Bill Curry, of football fame. Friends of the Library will provide finger-friendly snacks. Free and open to the public. For more on Curry’s writing, click on carolyncurry.com.
Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for: n Complete listings of local music scene n Regional festivals n Art gallery events and openings n Complete listings of recreational offerings at health and fitness centers n Civic and social club gatherings n All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted. n To have your item listed email calendar@smokymountainnews.comto
•pm14034@yahoo.com.Theexhibit“LikeNoOther Place” is open July 16-Dec. 31, in the Joel Gallery at the The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts. For more information visit thebascom.org.
• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host a Liz Nance (singer-songwriter) 7 p.m. Aug. 25 and Community Jam 6 p.m. Sept. 1. Free and open to the public. 828.488.3030 or fontanalib.org/brysoncity.
WNC
• Cowee School Farmer’s Market will be held from Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m., at 51 Cowee School Drive in Franklin. The market has produce, plant starts, eggs, baked goods, flowers, food trucks and music. For more information or for an application, visit www.coweeschool.org or call 828.369.4080.
• “Art After Dark” will be held from 6-9 p.m. each first Friday of the month (May-December) in downtown Waynesville. For more information, go facebook.com/galleriesofhaywoodcounty.to
H EALTH AND WELLNESS
• Uptown Gallery, 30 East Main St. Franklin, will be offering Children’s Art Classes Wednesdays afternoons. Adult workshops in watercolor, acrylic paint pouring, encaustic and glass fusing are also offered. Free painting is available 10 a.m.-3 p.m. every Monday in the classroom. A membership meeting takes place on the second Sunday of the month at 3 p.m. All are welcome. Call 828.349.4607 for more information.
• A stage production of the beloved tale “Alice in Wonderland” will be held on select dates throughout this spring at the Mountainside Theatre in Cherokee. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, got to •cherokeehistorical.org/alice-in-wonderland.“ComedyNight”willbeheldat8p.m.Friday, Aug. 26, at Mad Anthony’s Taproom & Restaurant in Waynesville. Comedians include Art Sturtevent, Ryan Cox, Jess Williams and Tom Emmons. Hosted by Josh Merrell. Admission is $5 at the door. For more information, call 828.246.9249.
ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES
• Western Carolina Photo Exhibit will take place Aug. 1Sept. 30, at the Waynesville branch of the Haywood County Public Library. The community’s assistance is needed to identify the people and places pictured. Pictures depict the region during the first half of the 20th century. For more information, contact Kathy at kathleen.olsen@haywoodcountync.gov or 828.356.2507.
• “P.A.W.S. Wine Tasting & Silent Auction” will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, at Lands Creek Log Cabins in Bryson City. This annual event features a great selection of local items for auction, wine and live entertainment from The Freestylers. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 day of event. Purchase tickets at the P.A.W.S. Thrift Store. 828.736.0579.
• Folkmoot Friendship Center (Waynesville) will host The Blue Ridge Big Band (jazz/funk) 7 p.m. Aug. 27. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person. For tickets, click on folkmoot.org.
• Zonta Club’s annual “Taste of Tuscany” fundraiser will be held from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Lodge at Cat Creek in Franklin. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, call 828.524.0991.
• Pickin’ On The Square (Franklin) will host Intermission (praise/worship) Sept. 3. All shows begin at 6 p.m. at the Gazebo in downtown. Free and open to the public. franklinnc.com/pickin-on-the-square.html.
• Apply4Medical2Day will besotting three free information sessions on all the ins and outs of Medicare, at 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, and 1:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19. Preregistration is strongly suggested. To reserve your spot call 828.356.5540.
B USINESS & E DUCATION
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Calendar Smoky Mountain News 35
AUTHORS AND B OOKS
ON STAGE & I N CONCERT
•lwauffe@ncsu.edu.BBQandLiveMusic takes place at 6 p.m. every Saturday at the Meadowlark Motel. Call 828.926.1717 or visit meadowlarkmotel.com.
• The exhibit “Members Challenge: Place” is open July 30-Sept. 10, in the Thompson Gallery at The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts. For more information visit thebascom.org.
• Jackson County Chamber of Commerce will host STIR, socialize, talk, interact, remember, from 5-6:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Clarion Pointe hotel, 2807 US Hwy 74 East, Sylva, N.C. RSVP by Sept. 1 by calling the chamber at 828.586.2155.
•
“Fall Fling Art and Craft Walk,” will take place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, in Dillsboro. Musical entertainment Twelfth Fret will perform at 1 p.m. and We Three Swing will perform at 2 p.m. on Cannon’s Deck.
Outdoors
Market PLACEWNC information:MarketPlace The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 copies across 500 locations in Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties, including the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. Visit www.wncmarketplace.com to place your ad! •Rates:$15 — Classified ads that are 25 words, 25¢ per word after. • Free — Lost or found pet ads. • $6 — Residential yard sale ads.* • $1 — Yard Sale Rain Insurance Yard sale rained out? Call us by 10a.m. Monday for your ad to run again FREE • $375 — Statewide classifieds run in 170 participating newspapers with 1.1+ mil lion circulation. (Limit 25 words or less) • Boost Online — Have your ad featured at top of category online $4 • Boost in Print • Add Photo $6 • Bold ad $2 • Yellow, Green, Pink or Blue Highlight $4 • Border $4 Note: Highlighted ads automatically generate a border so if you’re placing an ad online and select a highlight color, the “add border” feature will not be available on the screen. Note: Yard sale ads require an address. This location will be displayed on a map on www.wncmarketplace.com p: 828.452.4251 · www.wncmarketplace.comclassads@smokymountainnews.comf:828.452.3585
August 24-30, 2022www.smokymountainnews.com WNC MarketPlace36 Employment MEDICAL BILLING Train Online! Become fessional online at CTI! ready to work in months! Call 866-243-5931. (M-F 8am-6pm ET) CHILDREN & YOUTH DIRECTOR byterian Church of Sylva seeks experienced employee to lead fun Sunday ministry program for children ages 0-12 and their families, and to help expand the youth at 15 hrs/wk and $20/hr. Applications are available at www.sylvapres.org/ NC 28779) or email to kakieg9@gmail.com. (828) 586-4256 NURSE TO ATTEND SCHOOL LPN or RN needed to attend Pre-K with special needs 4 year old at local INGCOMPUTERanewhopehomecare.school.ElementaryReachouttodayformoreinformation.(828)255-4446info@com&ITTRAIN-PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain applicants. Call CTI for details! mation.cal.edu/consumer-infor-locatedInformation1-855-554-4616andTuitionisatCareerTechniBOOTS STEAKHOUSE IN DILLSBORO Boots Steakhouse in Dillsboro is now hiring Bartenders, Servers, Bussers, Cooks and Dishwashers. Our employees earn top wages and we are ranked the #1 Steakhouse by Trip Advisor in the Carapply to: viewinterview.schedulehouse@gmail.combootssteak-toaninpersonYoucanalsocall828-631-9713andourwebsite:www.bootssteakhouse.com P&C INSURANCELICENSEDSALESAGENT Are you already licensed and ready to work with a locally owned agency that has integrity? Are you self-motivated, positive, and want to be a part of a committed and concompetitive wages, Letterallstate.comolgageorgi2@ B. H. GRANING IS HIRING B.H. Graning Landscapes is hiring entry level crew members for Maintenance and Construction. FT and 13.00-20.00/hr. Apply in person or online at GLandscapes.com/land-BHscaping-jobs Second chance employer. (828) 586-8303 Home Goods PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES TODAY With a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Money ment Options. Request a FREE Quote – Call now before the next power outage: 1-844-938-0700 Legal Notices NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH BEFOREDIVISIONCOURTINFileJACKSONCAROLINACOUNTYNo.21-E337THEGENERALOFJUSTICETHECLERK
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT TYRONE TODECEASEDCHASTAIN,NOTICECREDITORSHaving of the Estate of Robert Tyrone Chastain (Estate File Number 21-E 337), deceased, late of Jackson County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, having claims against the decedent and/or the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned in care of Gilreath 6th Avenue East, Hendersonville, NC 28792 on or before November 17, 2022, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, debted to said decedent and/or decedent’s estate will please make immediate payment. Dated the 17th day of August 2022. Brandy Chastain, Administrator of the Estate of Robert Tyrone Chastain, Deceased Adam L. Shealy, Esq. Gilreath 6th Avenue East Hendersonville, NC 28792
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