Smoky Mountain News | December 22, 2021 by Smoky Mountain News

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December 22-28, 2021 Vol. 23 Iss. 30

Congress ends EBCI challenge to Catawba casino Page 6 Cruso families recount loss after flood Page 19

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December 22-28, 2021

Smoky Mountain News

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CONTENTS On the Cover: People being held pre-trial at Swain County Detention Center were given the rare opportunity to see their loved ones in person this year after the community helped Sheriff Curtis Cochran raise funds to purchase gifts for 80 children impacted by incarceration. (Page 18) A mother is reunited with her children for the first time in over a year. Donated photo

News Congress ends EBCI challenge to Catawba casino ..............................................6 WCU trustees approve athletics fee hike ....................................................................7 Swain faces teacher recruitment, retention obstacles ..........................................11 Public hearing slated for RV moratorium in Maggie ..............................................12 Franklin Town Council fills vacant seat ......................................................................13 New report sounds alarm on affordable housing ....................................................14 Cruso families recount loss after flood ......................................................................19 Cherokee gaming LLC to expand its reach ..............................................................21 Business News ..................................................................................................................25

Opinion We all have something to give ......................................................................................26

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Scott McLeod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@smokymountainnews.com Greg Boothroyd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . greg@smokymountainnews.com Micah McClure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . micah@smokymountainnews.com Travis Bumgardner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . travis@smokymountainnews.com Jessica Murray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jessica.m@smokymountainnews.com Susanna Shetley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . susanna.b@smokymountainnews.com Amanda Bradley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jc-ads@smokymountainnews.com Sophia Burleigh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sophia.b@smokymountainnews.com Scott Collier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . classads@smokymountainnews.com Jessi Stone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jessi@smokymountainnews.com Holly Kays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . holly@smokymountainnews.com Hannah McLeod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hannah@smokymountainnews.com Cory Vaillancourt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cory@smokymountainnews.com Garret K. Woodward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . garret@smokymountainnews.com Amanda Singletary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . smnbooks@smokymountainnews.com Scott Collier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . classads@smokymountainnews.com Jeff Minick (writing), Chris Cox (writing), George Ellison (writing), Don Hendershot (writing), Susanna Shetley (writing)

A&E JAM program gives students sense of place ..........................................................28 More than just a ride on the rails ..................................................................................37

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Congress ends EBCI challenge to Catawba casino Federal legislation affirms Interior approval of Kings Mountain trust application BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER he Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ last hope for stopping the Catawba Indian Nation from building a casino in North Carolina is dead following passage of a bill affirming the U.S. Department of Interior’s decision to take 17 acres in Cleveland County into trust for the tribe. “Passage of this legislation marks the first time Congress has ever directly approved an off-reservation casino, an act which we continue to believe will have profound consequences for communities and tribes across the country,” said EBCI Principal Chief Richard Sneed. “The courts have been reviewing the legality of the Catawba casino, but this legislation will end that process. We are disappointed to not be granted the ability to defend our position in the courtroom.”

Smoky Mountain News

December 22-28, 2021

A LENGTHY SAGA For the past decade, the Catawba — whose reservation is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina — have been trying to get the Kings Mountain property taken into trust in order to build a casino there, but their initial efforts were unsuccessful. The tribe first applied for trust status in August 2013 under the mandatory acquisition process, and a March 2018 decision denied that request. But the Catawba immediately filed another application, this time under the discretionary process, and in September 2018 the DOI approved it. The EBCI tried to have that decision overturned in federal court, arguing that allowing a tribe to take land into trust for gaming across state lines and disconnected from existing trust lands had never been done before and set a dangerous precedent for Indian Country. The land in question is first and foremost Cherokee aboriginal land, the tribe argued, and moreover the DOI had broken multiple federal laws in the process of approving the application.

But the Cherokee failed to convince U.S. District Judge James A. Boasberg to see it their way. “Plaintiffs (EBCI) raise several close and complex questions of statutory and regulatory construction, and the Court certainly cannot fault them for rolling the dice here,” Boasberg wrote in an April 16 opinion. “In the end, though, they come up with snake eyes, as on each claim they either lack standing or lose on the merits.” The EBCI appealed that decision, and an appellate case is underway in the U.S. Court of Appeals for District of Columbia Circuit. However, the recently passed legislation will put an end to that process if President Joe Biden signs it, as he is expected to do after Congress finishes resolving differences between the House and Senate versions. “The Catawba Indian Nation Lands Act reaffirms the U.S. Department of Interior’s action recognizing our historical and ancestral ties to North Carolina,” said Catawba Chief Bill Harris. “Congress, Interior, the State of North Carolina and a federal court have now all confirmed what the Catawba people have said from the beginning — these lands are the ancestral homelands of the Catawba people, and we intend to use them to improve the life of all the people in the community.” Sneed sees it differently. “Congress adopting the Catawba Indian Nation Lands Act is the culmination of a long effort by wealthy casino moguls to create a casino across state lines,” he said.

PATH THROUGH CONGRESS First introduced in March as the Catawba Nation Indian Lands Act, the recently passed law states that the decision to take the Cleveland County property into trust is “hereby ratified and confirmed as if that action had been taken under a Federal law specifically authorizing or directing that action.” It passed the House 361-55 on Nov. 1 and was then incorporated into the larger National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House on Dec. 7 by a vote of 36370 and the Senate 89-10 Dec. 15. In a press release, the Catawba thanked North Carolina Sens. Richard Burr and Thom

A temporary, modular casino facility opened in Kings Mountain in July, with a recent expansion doubling the number of games. Donated image

Tillis for their support. Rep. Madison Cawthorn, however, voted against the standalone bill Nov. 1, though he did support the larger National Defense Authorization Act Dec. 7. Cawthorn, who currently represents the N.C. 11 District that includes EBCI lands, has announced a 2022 run for the newly created N.C. 13, which includes Cleveland County. “Congressman Cawthorn did not support the initial Catawba Indian Nation Lands Act,” said Cawthorn spokesman Luke Ball. “While there were some portions of the NDAA he did not support (since it is traditionally a large yet historically bipartisan piece of legislation), he voted for final passage because it funds our military, gives troops a raise, bans dishonorable discharges over vaccine mandates, and has no red flag law language, no draft our daughters language, and no funding for purging patriots in the military.” The Dec. 7 vote gives the Catawba the goahead to pursue development of a permanent casino facility on the property. While the tribe broke ground for the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort in July 2020, it delayed starting construction as the legal dispute with the EBCI dragged on. On July 1 of this year, the Catawba opened a temporary facility with 500 gaming machines, an endeavor that proved an “imme-

diate success,” spurring the tribe to start site work in September to add another 500 machines, according to a Dec. 15 press release. That expansion opened Dec. 15 — the modular buildings housing the temporary facility now hold 954 slot machines and 46 positions at four automated electronic table game pods in a stadium setup. The expansion also includes a dedicated high-limit room, with onsite beer and wine service to start soon. Now, the Catawba and their consultants are actively planning construction of the permanent facility, with more information to be announced later. The Kings Mountain casino is expected to have a significant economic impact on both Cleveland County and the Catawba Nation, but the EBCI — along with local governments across the mountain region — worries about how it could affect the bottom line of its casinos in Cherokee and Murphy. The EBCI’s casino enterprise has seen unprecedented success during its more than two decades of operation, in part because there are no competing casinos within an easy day’s drive, and it’s a major economic driver for the entire mountain region. The EBCI estimates that the Kings Mountain casino could siphon away $100 million in annual business from its existing operations.

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Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN

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December 22-28, 2021

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER he Western Carolina University Board of Trustees voted unanimously during its Dec. 3 meeting to recommend a schedule of fees for the upcoming academic year that includes an $86 increase to the school’s athletic training program fee — but only after granting a request from Student Government Association President Rebecca Hart, a member of the board, to commit to passing a resolution to retire the fee once it’s served its purpose. The fee increase aims to support a $60 million investment in the school’s athletics facilities, of which student fees and philanthropy will each pay $30 million. To achieve that goal, university leaders estimate that each student will need to contribute $249 per year to the mortgage payment — the $86 increase sought his year is the first in a twostep process to create that capacity. Nobody seems to dispute the fact that WCU’s athletics facilities need an upgrade. In fact, the current situation is bad enough that UNC Board of Governors Member Terry Hutchins, who was present at the meeting, pledged his time and energy to find the funding to address it — a declaration that met applause from the board. “I came here about a month ago and got a tour of campus,” he said. “It’s just lovely except for the athletic facilities, which are abysmal, shocking, horrible. I just don’t understand how you can continue with those kinds of inadequate, dangerous, unhealthy, illegal facilities. And I know this is public so I probably shouldn’t have said that, but we all know that there are several instances throughout the stadium and training facilities that are not ADA-compliant, and probably other serious problems as well.” Even Hart, who said she opposed the athletics fee increase the last time it was proposed, said that upgrades were needed. Other student leaders seem to agree, despite the student body’s general “distrust and dislike” of the athletic fee, Hart said; this is the first time in memory that a proposed athletic fee increase has earned support from all six student representatives on the WCU Tuition and Fees Committee. Leadership’s promise that the fee increase would disappear once the $30 million had been paid was crucial to earning that support, she said. “To me it’s very important that also goes into writing because, that is what had convinced students to get on board with this right now,” she said. As originally presented, the resolution setting fees for the 2022-23 academic year did

not include a sunset provision, but Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Mike Byers said the sunset was baked into existing policy. Once the debt is issued, he said, the $89 would move from the athletics fee line item to the debt service fee line item, and the university would be required to reduce the debt service fee by that same amount at the end of the debt term. “The debt is currently expected to go 25 years,” said Byers. “At the end of that 25 years, the UNC System would expect us and require us in that 26th year to reduce the debt service fee.” However, Hart said she needed to be able to show the students she represents a written promise from the board that the fee would indeed be time-limited. The existing athletic fee of $400 per academic year already feels like a lot, especially considering that in-state undergraduate tuition at WCU is only $500 per semester, thanks to the N.C. Promise Tuition Program. In response, Board Member Casey Cooper, who is also CEO of the Cherokee Indian Hospital, proposed an amendment to the schedule of fees requiring the board to pass a resolution during its March meeting committing to end the fee increase once $30 million has been raised. The board passed that amendment unanimously. “Rebecca (Hart) is really only doing what I have said folks, and you’ve heard me say this,” said Chancellor Kelli Brown. “We’re not going to put more than $30 million on the students’ backs. The students will pay for part of it, and philanthropy will pay for the other part. We’re looking at $60 million when we know we need a lot more.” The university is working to finalize a master plan update that includes a lengthy list of proposed new and renovated athletics facilities, stating an assessed athletics space shortage of 137,000 square feet. While the list includes many other projects, the highest priorities are a field sports building to replace the to-be-demolished Camp Lab Gym, a field house building replacement and repairs, renovations and upgrades to Whitmire Stadium. Hutchins told the board that he wants to help WCU find ways to pay for its wish list, whether that’s by designing facilities that include classrooms and offices, so as to get around a state ban on using public money to build athletic arenas, or by seeking out public-private partnerships to accelerate the timeline. “What I want to do, whether it’s my job or not, and if you will permit me, is to get creative about how you are going to find the public funding to get these problems resolved, to get these facilities built, and soon,” he said. The updated schedule of fees requires approval from the UNC Board of Governors to become effective.

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WCU trustees approve athletics fee hike

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Incarcerated at Christmas

December 22-28, 2021

A father reunites with his family and his youngest daughter whom he’d never met. Donated photo

Swain inmates thankful for family visitations

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS EDITOR wain County Detention Center became a place of reunions and redemption during the last few weeks as inmates had their first chance in over two years to see their family members face to face. A grandmother was reunited with her daughter and her three grandchildren, two of whom she’s never met. Several fathers — some who have been sitting in jail for more than 1,000 days waiting for their day in court — got to hold their children who barely recognized them anymore. A mother got to hold her baby for the first time. None of them will be with their families on Christmas Day, but thanks to Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran, they were able to remind their families how much they loved them and offer gifts to their children. “Some of these inmates have been in jail for a long time and been away from their children, which is difficult for the parents and kids,” Cochran said. “We are not asking you to feel sorry for anyone, but a little kindness 8 goes a long way. These people are in jail on

Smoky Mountain News

charges but have not been to court for trial so therefore they have not been found guilty on their charges.” The sheriff ’s office identified more than 80 children being impacted by their parents or caregiver being incarcerated and wanted to do something special for them. Cochran put out a call in the community for donations and the call was answered by generous donations. More than $10,000 was raised, which allowed Cochran to play Santa and go shopping for all these children. The hallway of the detention center was lined with tables full of toys for girls and boys of all ages, and the inmates were able to pick out items they knew their children would enjoy. The visits may have been for only an hour, but it gave the inmates something to look forward to and something to keep them going a little longer. Cochran not only wanted to spread a little Christmas joy to these families but to motivate them for a better future. “Sometimes people are put in jail and just forgotten about,” he said. “There’s a stigma that they don’t deserve anything special because they made a bad decision, but my hope is that the inmates see that they need to be with their families and not in here with me.” Before the COVID-19 Pandemic, in-person visitations were done with a piece of glass between the inmate and the visitor. Staying

connected with family has been even more difficult during the pandemic — the only contact inmates have had with loved ones has been over video chat. As any parent would tell you, there’s no substitute for being able to wrap your arms around your loved ones, especially during the holidays. “I’ve been praying. This is a big privilege, I’m very blessed that they even have it [the opportunity to visit],” said Jamie, who’s been incarcerated for more than two years. He walked into the visitation room with an air of nervous excitement. He peered around at the overwhelming amount of snacks and treats on the table, the Christmas tree in the corner and the wrapped gifts underneath, but they were of little interest to him as the weight of what was about to happen consumed him. His niece and his brother were scheduled to visit. He hasn’t been able to see them in person since he became incarcerated a little over two years ago. In the midst of a pandemic, his brother had a child. Jamie has yet to hold her in his arms. Thanks to funds donated from the community, Jamie picked out a Barbie doll for his niece and a few other items for his brother’s sons. “She likes Barbies,” he said. “I’m going to have to trade it for a hug or a kiss or something, she’s not used to me.”

He sat on the couch that directly faces the door to the room, eagerly awaiting his family’s arrival. Wringing his hands, he doesn’t take his eyes off the doorway for more than a few seconds at a time. “I’m OK, a little bit (nervous), not really. I just want to enjoy the moment, you know what I’m saying? I’m trying to get everything out of this that I can,” he said. When his family finally does walk through the door Jamie has been staring a hole through, there is silence. Silence, other than the quiet Christmas music playing over the speakers. Silence throughout prolonged hugs and as tears streamed down their faces. Only after the needed embrace do words come — words meant to express the joy at seeing one another after a void of over two years; words to convince a nervous child that this man is family, that he loves her, and most importantly, that he is loved. The presents, for now, are left wrapped under the tree. Their time will come, but for the moment their meaning is diminished in the presence of family and the joy of connecting again. Not all of the planned visitations ended with tears of joy. Some inmates waited in vain for their loved ones. A mother called to cancel when her son decided he didn’t want to visit his father in jail.

news A father gets to hold his newborn baby for the first time.

“Some of these inmates have been in jail for a long time and been away from their children. We are not asking you to feel sorry for anyone, but a little kindness goes a long way.” — Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran

Smoky Mountain News

The McCoy family of Cherokee is happy to see each other before the holidays. Donated photo

“It’s the most special thing to me. I couldn’t ask for anything more. It’s going to be the best feeling in the world to see their faces,” said D.J., keeping his eyes on the door. “I told them I’m going to give them the biggest, longest hug. I know they’ll be happy to see me too.” Though D.J. isn’t exactly sure what his future holds, he knows he could be reunited with all of his children in two years if all goes as planned. The 29-year-old plans to move back home to Buncombe County, get his GED and find a job. He wants to go to college for a business and marketing degree. “I want to own my own business — something legit,” he said. “Spending time with my kids and helping to stabilize them — that’s my first priority.” The mother of his two daughters died in September, leaving the girls’ maternal grandmother to take care of them since D.J. has been in jail. Though the young girls attended their mother’s funeral, they’re still too young to comprehend what has happened. “They cry and ask where mommy is, but their grandmother just can’t bring herself to tell them she’s never coming back,” he said. He thinks about what kind of father he’ll be when his girls are teenagers. He thinks about how much his two boys remind him of himself and his older brother when they were kids growing up together. He thinks about the things he’ll do differently than his parents as he tries to give his kids a better life. He hopes his children will understand and forgive him for his mistakes just as he forgave his parents when he was old enough to understand what they went through. “My girls tell me, ‘you better not be bad anymore when you come home,’ so they know I’ve done wrong,” D.J. admits. “But I try not to let them know why I’m here.” D.J.’s been watching his fellow inmates return from their family visits for the last few weeks waiting for his turn. He’s watched some of the toughest men return to their pod with tears in their eyes as they look at the pic-

December 22-28, 2021

Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran shows off all the toys purchased through community donations. Jessi Stone photo

It’s something Cochran expected to happen. He’s seen it before. “Sometimes families just can’t handle seeing their loved ones behind bars. It’s just too hard,” he said. Even for families that wanted to be there, work and school schedules, a lack of transportation and distance created barriers. “What time is it?” D.J. asked. It was 9:08 a.m. as he sat in a conference room decorated for Christmas. He’d been eagerly waiting for his two little girls to walk through the door since 9 a.m. Their grandmother was supposed to bring them for a visit. He knew it was a lot to ask of her, having lost her own daughter in September and now having to care for her granddaughters. “But she said she’d bring them,” he said. “They were so excited over the phone to see me.” It would be the first time he’d get to see them since he was incarcerated nearly a year ago, and it could be his last chance to see them in person before he gets sentenced for his charges in federal court. “I have two daughters — one is 3 and the other is 5,” he said, a smile spreading across his face. “They are beautiful and smart and love to talk.” D.J. has been at the Swain County Detention Center for two weeks, but was held at several county facilities in the region before his arrival there. “This is the nicest jail I’ve been in so far,” he said. “But it is far from my kids.” D.J. had carefully picked out Christmas gifts from the long table of options purchased by Sheriff Cochran using funds the community donated. “One of my girls loves Barbies so I got her one of those and the other already thinks she’s a mom so I got her a baby to take home with her,” he said. The other gifts were for his two sons — 7 and 9 — who weren’t able to visit that day because their mother didn’t want them to miss school, but D.J. hoped he could get the gifts back to them anyway.

S EE SWAIN, PAGE 10 9

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SWAIN, CONTINUED FROM 9 tures of their loved ones. It’s a reminder of what they have and motivation to return to them as soon as they can. “What time is it now?” he asked again. It was 9:48 a.m. A detention officer let him use her phone to call the grandmother. Maybe she was just running late on the way from Arden. No answer. His hour was up and the look of disappointment on his face was heartbreaking. He thanked the detention officers for their efforts, shook the sheriff ’s hand and returned to his jail cell.

THE BIG PICTURE

“I’ve been praying. This is a big privilege, I’m very blessed that they even have it [the opportunity to visit].” — Jamie, incarcerated for more than two years.

forms of contact, an incarcerated parent can play an important positive role in a child’s sphere of support,” the report found. Since the War on Drugs began in the 1980s, the rate of children with incarcerated mothers has increased 100 percent and the rate of incarcerated fathers increased 75 percent. Many jails in Western North Carolina were not designed to accommodate the growing number of women being incarcerated, which is why counties like Haywood are looking at a $16 million expansion project to its detention center. Staff writer Hannah McLeod contributed to this report

Smoky Mountain News

December 22-28, 2021

In 2015, more than 2.17 million people in the U.S. were in state and federal prisons and local jails, representing one of the world’s highest incarceration rates. In late 2015, the U.S. incarceration rate was 698 per 100,000 population. In comparison, rates for all European countries were under 200 per 100,000 and Canada stood at 106 per 100,000. More than half of all incarcerated people in the U.S. are parents, and children are often referred to as the “hidden victims” of the criminal justice system. Research shows that children with incarcerated parents are more likely to experience mental health issues and have difficulty performing well in school. According to a study done by the National Institute of Justice, the children of incarcerated parents are on average six times more likely to become incarcerated them-

selves for a variety of reasons, which is why it’s important for children to maintain a healthy connection with their parents during incarceration. “But the research shows that some children develop resilience despite the risks if they have a strong social support system. Through visits, letter writing, and other

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Swain County Schools faces recruitment, retention obstacles

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BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER n the midst of the third school year affected by COVID-19, school systems are keenly aware of the stress the pandemic causes for staff. Teachers and support staff alike have left their positions in record numbers as the occupation changes at breakneck pace, and Swain County Schools is doing what it can to identify obstacles to recruiting and retaining teachers. “One of the key pieces for the Swain County School system is getting and retaining high quality teachers,” said Superintendent Mark Sale. At the Dec. 13 school board meeting, Human Resources Director Thomas Dills presented information to the board about recruiting and retaining staff. “Teachers are the part that everybody focuses on, but right now it’s getting harder to recruit and retain all staff at all levels,” said Dills. Some of the current tactics used to recruit school staff include job fairs and hosting interns from Western Carolina University. This brings more people through the doors of Swain County Schools and allows the school system to build relationships with future teachers and other school staff. When there are openings available, interns who had a positive experience in Swain County will be more likely to come back and apply for a job. “We’ve had some success in that, and that’s been of high value to us. The kids that we get from Western have done a good job,” said Dills. According to Dills, one thing Swain has not done so well in recent years is producing its own teachers. Most people in leadership positions at Swain County Schools are graduates of the system. However, most of the new and current staff are not. “Less experience, and less people that we produced, by a third from now to 2001 at Swain High, and that is probably still the highest of any campus,” said Dills. “I want to make sure the people that aren’t from here don’t feel like I’m in any way negating their value, because that’s not at all what I’m saying. But it is easier to retain people that aren’t having to look for somewhere to live.” Dills said to recruit people from within Swain County to work in the school system, it should bolster the Future Teachers of America program, and combat the negative narrative around education that has been perpetuated by the pandemic by “flooding the positive.” According to Dills, the school system should work to be its own best marketing tool. He stressed the importance of offering, and helping students find, scholarships to go into the education field. For these types of scholarships, Dills says, being in the top 510% of the class isn’t a necessity. “It’s OK to not be in the top 10% or top 5% of the graduating class to be a teacher.

You can still be a teacher, maybe even a better teacher. It’s the hardest for somebody to teach somebody to do something that never had any difficulty in learning how to do it themselves,” said Dills. “Sometimes the people that struggled in school are the best teachers. And there’s nothing wrong with that. We want our folks to get involved in education and be a part of Swain County Schools in perpetuity.” Retaining teachers will have to include efforts like competitive pay, in addition to retention bonuses Swain County has issued during the pandemic. According to Dills, Swain County Schools is not paying as much as Jackson County Schools but has staff who drive to work from places like Cullowee.

“Teachers are the part that everybody focuses on, but right now it’s getting harder to recruit and retain all staff at all levels.” — Human Resources Director Thomas Dills

December 22-28, 2021 Smoky Mountain News

The portion of Dills’ presentation that was of the most concern to him was the lack of available housing for teachers in Swain County. According to Dills, as of Nov. 3, the average home in Swain County sold for $314,644 during 2021. “A beginning teacher making $35,000 a year is not buying a $314,000 home,” said Dills. At the time of the presentation, there were four listings for $200,000 or under. Two of them were manufactured and two of them were built prior to 1960. The average listing price for unsold homes in Swain County was $648,097. “How do you get a first-year teacher that just graduated from Western and did their internship at West Elementary and would love to be a part of what we’re doing in Swain County but they’ve got to keep their apartment that they lived in in college and have no hope of buying a home?” asked Dills. Monthly rent is just as hard to find. Vacation rentals abound, but monthly rentals are inflated due to their shortage. Of all employees, 82% live in Swain County. However, only 32% of certified employees live in Swain County while 90% of non-certified employees live in the county. “We’ve got our work cut out for us, and that’s one obstacle we’re going to have to get community support to overcome because we can’t go out and build houses. We can’t build an apartment complex for our teachers to give them a chance to get their feet on the ground,” said Dills.

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Public hearing slated for RV moratorium BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER aggie Valley Town Hall was packed Tuesday evening for the regular December Board of Aldermen meeting. This was the first regular meeting for incoming board members John Hinton and Jim Owens, and a meeting of great concern for anyone with an opinion about the future of development in Maggie Valley. North Carolina Representatives Mark Pless, R-Haywood, and Mike Clampitt, RBryson City, were in attendance. On Monday, Ghost Town developer Frankie Wood held a meeting for business owners in Maggie Valley where he made his case, not only for the future of the mountain top theme park, but the future of all development in the valley. He argued that if residents weren’t vigilant, the governing board would take away certain rights of landowners in the valley. “They’re trying now to restrict everybody’s property. Because it’s the only way they can do it. They can’t just target me like they’ve been doing, so they gotta get all local folks, business owners in this town and go and more or less put a restriction on their properties and devalue your property,” said Wood. Of particular interest to Wood, and other Maggie Valley landowners, was the vote for a public hearing to discuss prohibiting camp-

December 22-28, 2021

grounds, RV parks and RV PUDs in C-1 and C-2 zoning. Wood has already been approved for at least one RV PUD and has applied for more. Alderman Jim Owens raised the issue at the December agenda setting meeting and was able to get the vote for public hearing on the agenda for the Dec. 14 meeting. “I don’t like the idea of a moratorium at all. You have people out here who have hundreds of thousands, a million dollars in property and some of those people spent that money for this purpose, with it being an allowed use in our UDO (Unified Development Ordinance) now. So now that these people have purchased this property, we’re going to put them on hold, and I just don’t think that’s right,” said Alderman Tammy Wight. Though the board room was packed, only a few people spoke during the time for public comment. Among them was Betty Jo Campbell Beasley. Beasley still lives in the same house her family built when they moved to Campbell Creek in 1850. “Our town needs growth. I have lived here all my life. There is a great opportunity that has been given to us, and it has been a door slammed in their face. I’m embarrassed by the way this has been handled,” said Beasley. “This town needs to be rebuilt. It needs growth. Right now, there’s a lot of snakes in our town, but sometimes there’s a

From left: Maggie Valley aldermen John Hinton, Tammy Wight, Jim Owens and Mayor Mike Eveland. big bird that comes along and gets the snake.” On advice from Attorney Brian Gulden, the board decided against a text amendment to prohibit RV parks and campgrounds, and instead chose to hold a public hearing for a moratorium on RV parks and campgrounds. A moratorium enacts a temporary pause on RV parks and campgrounds, rather than a text amendment which would have to go before the planning board and be more permanent. The moratorium, if passed, will last for 61 days or more, up to six months, until the unified development ordinance is

passed. “The reason a moratorium might be more appropriate is you all have a UDO that is coming forward in the next couple of weeks or months,” said Gulden. “If for instance, you had and considered a text amendment, and the text amendment passed that said ‘we’re removing campgrounds, RV parks, RV PUDs and storages from the C-1 and C-2 district,’ that wouldn’t allow anybody in the community to develop their property in the C-1 or C-2 district for any of those reasons that you removed from the ordinance. In

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essence, it infringes upon someone’s investment backed expectations.” On the other hand, a moratorium allows the board to put a pause on RV parks, campgrounds, RV storage and RV PUDs until it can figure out the appropriate district in which to allow them, any conditions it would like to impose on them and where it wants to have them. It allows the board to pause, until it can establish better regulations for this type of development. “From my perspective as a lawyer, the moratorium is a far better tool to use than

outright ban on campgrounds, RV parks, RV storage,” said Gulden. “If we do the ban, it would be forevermore,” said Mayor Mike Eveland. Following lengthy discussion from the board, the motion to hold a public hearing for a moratorium on RV parks, RV PUDs, campgrounds, and RV storage passed. Eveland, Owens and Hinton voted in the affirmative and Phillip Wight and Tammy Wight voted against. The public hearing on the issue will be held during the Jan. 11 meeting of the board of aldermen.

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may be right but may not be accepted so you have to be able to do a little give and take.” Though the board isn’t required to appoint someone who ran in the 2021 election, they are allowed to do so. Candidates who ran and didn’t get elected were Frances Seay and JimBo Ledford. During a candidate forum held at the Macon County Library in October, all candidates were asked how they would go about making the appointment if elected to the board. Guffey said he would be willing to fill the vacancy with the fourth top votegetter in the election to allow the residents to select the board member. Culpepper agreed that all the candidates running for office were well-qualified and would make a great addition to the board but said it would ultimately be up to the new board as a whole to make that decision. Salain agreed, stating that she’d like to keep it open to the public because there could be other qualified residents willing to serve that didn’t want to run a campaign. But ultimately, the board decided to appoint someone who’s served on the board in the past after a nomination from Collins. With two new board members, a new mayor and a new town manager who started in August, Collins said it would be helpful to have someone who’s familiar with the town and how the board operates. Adam Kimsey, who owns Rathskeller Coffee Haus in Franklin, served on the town council for one term after being elected in 2015. He was the third top vote-getter with 168 votes. However, he chose not to run for re-election in 2019. If the board would have appointed the next top vote-getter from the 2021 election, Seay, a 30-year Macon County educator, would have received the nomination. She received 193 votes during the Nov. 2 election. Salain attempted to abstain from the vote to appoint Kimsey, but Town Attorney John Henning Jr. informed her that she couldn’t and her abstention would count as an affirmative vote anyway. Following the death of former vice mayor Barbara McRae, Salain is the only female on the board now. “I hope we get some more female representative on the board in the future,” Horton said.

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BY J ESSI STONE N EWS EDITOR dam Kimsey will join the Franklin Town Council after the board unanimously appointed him to fill a twoyear unexpired term. The open seat on the board was left vacant by Jack Horton, who was elected as mayor in November. By law, the board is allowed to appoint someone to fill the seat until the next municipal election and it doesn’t necessarily have to be someone who campaigned during the election. During a special-called meeting Dec. 13, Horton asked the council members to begin a discussion regarding what kind of qualifications they’d like to see in potential candidates. Newly elected council member Stacey Guffey said he’d like to see more of the qualities the sitting board currently has. “People who have a heart for the town of Franklin. People with a vision for what they’d like to see in the town of Franklin,” he said. “Even if we don’t agree on some of the details, we all have a vision. I want someone who will do their homework and make fact-based decisions that will lead to a better town.” Council member Mike Lewis said it was important to appoint someone who is honest and has integrity. “Someone who will work inside and outside of the boardroom when the need arises,” he said. Newly elected Council member Rita Salain agreed that the person needs to be willing to do the work. “We need someone who wants the best for Franklin and someone who’s expressed that interest,” she said. For council member David Culpepper, finding someone who could be objective was important. “I need to be able to argue heatedly if needed with another council member and them not have personal feelings about it so we can get along,” he said. “We don’t want a homogenous board. We want different opinions and perspectives. Someone that’s not holding grudges when we move to the next agenda item.” Vice Mayor Joe Collins agreed it was important to have someone with an open mind and who understands “that your idea

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Franklin Town Council fills vacant seat

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Dog housing for partners New report sounds alarm on affordable housing — again BY BARBARA DURR, ASHEVILLE WATCHDOG This story was originally published by Asheville Watchdog, an independent nonprofit news team serving Asheville and surrounding communities.

he need for affordable housing in western North Carolina is getting more severe, a new study commissioned by the Dogwood Health Trust found. By 2025 the region will need 20,000 more units for lower-income households, the study found, with 70 percent, or 14,000, of those new units needed in just three counties: Buncombe, Henderson and Haywood. The study, by Bowen National Research, conducted in the first six months of 2021 and presented to the Dogwood Trust last month, also found that: • Nearly half of all households in Buncombe County (48.5 percent) were already “cost-burdened,” meaning that they pay more than 30 percent of income toward housing; nearly two in five households in Buncombe are “severely” cost-burdened, paying half of more of all income to meet housing costs. • Ninety-two percent of regional employers 14 say the shortage of affordable housing is

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causing problems in attracting new workers, and 70 percent say the cost of housing is making it hard to keep the employees they already have. • Nearly 60 percent of regional rental households don’t have the minimum of $40,000 annual income needed to afford the average $1,069 monthly rent of a one-bedroom apartment in Western North Carolina, plus utilities and related expenses, without being financially overburdened. • The median selling price of a home in the 18-county region rose 17.8% between 2019 and 2020, and prices have continued to soar in 2021. The average listing price for a home in Buncombe in 2021 is now a jaw-dropping

$887,504. • Buncombe County alone represented 80 percent of the region’s housing that was over-crowded or lacked a kitchen or indoor plumbing. “We had no idea that the problem was as big as it was,” said Sarah Grymes, Dogwood’s vice president of impact for housing.

SAME OLD STORY But while the latest study by Bowen National Research reveals the breadth and depth of the problem in the 18-county region, the messages could not have come as

a surprise. Bowen also conducted a housing needs assessment for Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania and Madison counties in 2019, with similarly dire conclusions. The 2019 Bowen report was used to create the city’s “Consolidated Strategic Housing & Community Development Plan 2020-2024,” which stated: “The City of Asheville and the Asheville Regional Housing Consortium have, for the past fifteen years, prioritized meeting affordable housing needs in the region, ending chronic homelessness, improving employment opportunities for low-wealth households and businesses, and providing public facilities in support of access to affordable housing and employment.” In fact, Bowen has been doing housing assessments for years in the area, with much the same message. After a 2015 study commissioned by the Asheville Community and Economic Development Department, Patrick Bowen, the consultancy’s principal officer, was asked: In his decades of experience as a housing consultant, spanning hundreds of reviews for other cities, could he recall any comparable examples to Asheville’s predicament of extremely low apartment availability and high population growth? “I have not seen this before,” Bowen said. In 2015, Jeff Staudinger, then the assistant director of the Community and Economic Development Department, told Mountain Xpress that the bleak Bowen study delivered to the city that year would help “predict the affordable housing needs of the next five years so our leaders are informed, and to establish measurable goals so our performance over the next five years can be evaluated.” More than six years later, the newest Bowen report once again defines the four major challenges facing Asheville and Western North Carolina: insufficient affordable rental housing causing pent-up demand; “greatly diminished’ supply of forsale affordable housing; the rapidly expanding need for senior housing options; and the need to address substandard housing.

1BR, 1BA: $1,436 The new Bowen-Dogwood study found that the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Western North Carolina is $1,069 a month, meaning a household would need an income of at least $40,000 a year to afford rent, utilities, and related expenses without being overburdened — a threshold almost 60 percent of the regional renter households cannot afford. (The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Asheville is significantly more expenSource: Bowen National Research

SAME OLDER STORY

In an interview with Asheville Watchdog, Patrick Bowen underlined the unwillingness of landlords to accept Housing Choice Vouchers as a significant area of concern. Vouchers, issued by local housing authorities as part of government assistance to very low-income residents, enable households to rent private-sector housing and pay only 30 percent of their adjusted gross income toward rent. Yet,

In response to Asheville Watchdog questions, Beth Bechel, an Asheville City spokeswoman, sent the following statement this week saying that while the Asheville city budget does not have a line item for affordable housing, it is a priority for the city, which invests in it several ways. Bechel said, “The most direct contributions are an annual $500,000 allocation to the City’s Housing Trust Fund and $225,000 budgeted to support Land Use Incentive Grant (LUIG) and development fee rebate programs for affordable housing projects. Work on the 2016 General Obligation (GO) Bond program that included $25 million for affordable housing is ongoing. “The city also has federally funded programs including $1.2 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and $1.3 million HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) that support some affordable housing projects and goals, among other priorities. “The city has eight staff members that work in the Community Development Division that is primarily responsible for managing these programs (and others). Staff from other departments (e.g., Finance and City Attorney’s Office) also provide support for the City’s affordable housing efforts. “In some instances, the programs mentioned above overlap with homelessness support services. Other city and federal funding has been used to provide sheltering and other housing support for people experiencing homelessness in Asheville. “Substantial additional funding has also been provided through recent federal legislation to support affordable housing, including an additional $4.7 million in HOME funds for Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties.” Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. Barbara Durr is a former correspondent for The Financial Times of London. Contact her at bdurr@avlwatchdog.org.

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December 22-28, 2021

Meanwhile, households in Western North Carolina are getting older, which “will impact the type of housing needed in the future,” Patrick Bowen told the Dogwood Trust, citing a greater need for smaller units and supportive housing. More than half (54.4 percent) of the households in the 18-county region in 2020 were headed by persons aged 55 and older, the Bowen-Dogwood study found. By 2025, the fastest-growing segment of the housing market in Western North Carolina will be in households headed by people 75 years of age or older, and the second fastest-growing segment will be in households headed by people 65 to 74 years old, according to the study. But the age group 25 to 34 is expected to decline 6.8 percent by 2025, possibly because of the difficulty of finding affordable housing, the study found. Statewide, the 25-to-34 age group is expected to grow 2 percent in the next three years. More than 9 of 10 (92.3 percent) regional employers told the Bowen researchers that high housing prices and low availability have hurt their ability to attract new employees. Nearly 70 percent of the employers said housing problems in the region are making it more difficult to keep existing employees.

more than a third of the vouchers issued in the region go unused either because of a lack of available housing or because of landlords’ unwillingness to accept vouchers. In Madison County, 65 percent of vouchers go unused, followed by 59 percent in Transylvania County, and 50 percent in McDowell, Polk and Rutherford counties. In Buncombe, 33 percent go unused, the study found. Bowen suggested that Dogwood explore how state and local officials might enact legislation to require landlords to accept vouchers. The Dogwood Health Trust, created with assets from the sale of the nonprofit Mission Health System to for-profit HCA Healthcare in 2019, projects that it will spend $30 million to support affordable housing in Western North Carolina in 2021. Dogwood’s assets have now grown to about $2 billion, the trust reported.

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sive, $1,436 a month, according to apartments.com, pushing income requirements higher still.) And that assumes a would-be renter could find an available apartment. The Bowen study found that the vacancy rate for rentals in Western North Carolina is “extremely low,” at just 0.2 percent. Would-be home buyers are also squeezed for availability — just 0.9 percent for the region, compared to 2 percent to 3 percent in what is considered a healthy market — and costs are skyrocketing as demand grows and supply shrinks. Buncombe’s median listing price for a home earlier this year was $544,508 — meaning half of all homes were listed for more, half for less — and the average list price was $887,504. Even as housing costs continue their upward trajectory, the expected growth in median household income in Buncombe County will be “well below” the average for the region by 2025, the study found. “Housing [cost] is outpacing income growth,” said Patrick Bowen of Bowen Research. “The working poor would have to work excessive hours to afford housing.”

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‘I’ve just never seen water that angry’ As we head into the winter season, Mountain Projects is requesting community donations in support of the Emergency Needs Fund. Contributions will be used to support friends and neighbors in Haywood and Jackson Counties who have unmet basic needs: food, heat and shelter. Between now and March 2022 we anticipate over 200 requests for emergency utility assistance alone. Visit MountainProjects.org or send a contribution by mail to 2177 Asheville Road, Waynesville, NC 28786. To coordinate an end of the year contribution, contact Patsy Davis, Executive Director of Mountain Projects by email, pdavis@mountainprojects.org.

Twin Oaks (above), the Gresham farmhouse in Cruso. Below: Jessie (left) and Travis Gresham at Travis’s home in Clyde. Angie Schwab photos

there. “You know, like Siddhartha,” said Travis. “Listening to the voices in the water.” The McArthur family was close to the Greshams from day one. The farmhouse, made of sturdy stone, was once part of the campground property. Travis calls Sherrie “my second mama.” Many years ago, the Tennessee Valley Authority considered a dam in this narrow spot, but instead of a lake at the upper end of Cruso, the valley contains one of the few uncontrolled watersheds in the region. That

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“They were two hippies, with friends coming in and out,” said Travis. “They produced most of their own food. We had a nice garden. We baked our own bread.” “It was great,” said her brother Jessie. He learned to hunt with his dad, who passed away in 2008. “We didn’t have cable so we were outside all the time.” The river was central to their lives. Its constant breeze flowed through their house at night, and they tubed all summer. Their play spots were all on the riverbank, and when they were older they found peace

December 22-28, 2021

BY B ILL G RAHAM S PECIAL TO SMN oet T.S. Eliot wrote that there’s something about growing up beside a river that’s hard to communicate to people who didn’t. Travis and Jessie Gresham and Sherrie McArthur know all about this. They were raised in and near the mouth of Horse Cove in Cruso, where the east fork of the Pigeon River squeezes through a narrow spot between a shoulder of Cold Mountain and Piney Field Top mountain, and where the sense of place and community is strong. Eliot grew up by a big river, the Mississippi, set in its ways and quiet, but the sound the young Pigeon makes as it gathers itself for a trip to the sea is the song of the Gresham and McArthur’s childhoods. McArthur and her brother would pitch their tent by the river on summer nights, and their father, keeping a watchful eye, became inspired to open Laurel Bank Campground. That was in 1970. The campground grew and grew and came under Sherrie’s management two decades ago. She raised her sons there, Ashley and Andrew, and they were best friends with the Greshams. Travis and Jessie grew up in a 130-yearold farmhouse on an idyllic spot in the mouth of the cove. Their parents settled there 50 years ago, after their dad, Jack, returned from Vietnam. He used the GI Bill to enroll at Haywood Community College, and he and Patricia Lou started a family.

distinction came into sharp relief on Aug. 17, when remnants of Tropical Storm Fred dropped an incredible deluge on the high mountainsides, and the river became a raging torrent very quickly. The flood was unprecedented, easily sinking the high water marks set in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan in 2004, and before it subsided over 500 homes and numerous businesses from Cruso to Clyde were damaged or destroyed and six lives were lost. The Gresham’s house, affectionately known as Twin Oaks, was high enough up the hillside to be clear of the Pigeon, but was struck from behind by a cascade roaring down a tiny stream bed that usually carried no more than a trickle. “The stream went right through the house,” said Jessie, who lived there with his mom, but who was at work the evening the flood came. Patricia Lou — known in the community as Lou — is 71, not far removed from a broken hip, and is fighting cancer. She spent the night on her soaked bed as it slowly drifted around on water standing in the dark house. Lou doesn’t use a cell phone, only a landline, and couldn’t be reached during the flood. Travis and Jessie spent a sleepless night at Travis’s house in Clyde, and when Jessie talked his way past a roadblock the next morning and made his way to the house he found her on the porch, looking down on the void where the bridge to their house once was. The span, normally 20 feet above the river surface and sturdy, had completely disappeared. Rescuers were eventually able to take Lou across the stream on a gurney. Just downstream, Laurel Bank Campground was utterly destroyed, and three guests lost their lives. “I’ve never seen water that angry,” said McArthur, who spent a traumatic night helping elderly campers to higher ground and watching as her life’s work and family land were swept away.

S EE FLOOD, PAGE 20 19

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Sherrie McArthur (above, left) pictured next to all the debris at the former Laurel Bank Campground. Patricia Lou Gresham (above, right). Donated photos The east fork of the Pigeon River (below) at the mouth of Horse Cove during the flood. The Gresham house is hidden in the trees at far top left. Photo courtesy of Mitchell Burris FLOOD, CONTINUED FROM 19

Smoky Mountain News

December 22-28, 2021

Nearby, Jessie’s close friend Jacob McKenzie’s house was high enough to be spared, but his father, Frank, was cleaning a culvert in the driving rain when an enormous landslide from the ridge behind the house caught him unaware. He was 67. As is usually the case with upland floods, the water receded quickly. The next day was sunny, and help began to arrive. Friends and good Samaritans helped muck out the Gresham house. “It was overwhelming the amount of help we got,” said Jessie, “but once that happened, we saw what we were up against.” More neighbors helped McArthur make slight order of the startling wreckage of a 100-site campground, mostly filled with the RVs of seasonal guests. Heavy equipment pushed wildly tortured and twisted metal and debris into dozens of heaps 10 feet high as campers, most of whom lost everything, made their way out of the valley. Sherrie said there is no way to reopen the campground. She had expensive insurance when Ivan hit, but it didn’t really help much, so she didn’t bother after that. Furthermore, she said, putting more RVs by the riverside is probably a non-starter. Her house is an A-frame, perched slightly higher than the surrounding campground, and was damaged but survived. It’s being repaired with the help of a Rapid Rehousing program funded through Mountain Projects and the United Way and executed by the Baptists on Mission Disaster Relief. Over 50 houses have been repaired or are being repaired so far. McArthur intends to stay, but despairs at the likelihood she’ll have to continue life in the midst of mountains of debris. She can’t afford to have it removed, and there’s no 20 clear path to help, so she waits.

“I guess I’ll just keep living right here in the middle of it,” she said. The Gresham’s Twin Oaks is probably beyond rescue. It was built directly on the ground, so its interior timbers couldn’t stand much more moisture than they’d absorbed over the decades. “It was pretty bad off before the flood,” said Jessie. Still, it’s the only place Lou wants to be in her later years, and it’s a place Travis and Jessie love and have no intention of letting go. But what to do? They were uninsured — and probably uninsurable for what happened. They’ve raised a fair amount of money through GoFundMe, and FEMA pro-

vided a modest amount, but like many in Cruso, they find themselves in a limbo of sorts. Without a bridge their only access is by foot, and the bridge alone will cost as much as a house. “Nothing against FEMA,” said Travis, “but we thought there would be more help.” Help might find its way through a recently approved state relief package, $20 million of which is earmarked for private bridges and roads, but the way those funds will be administered or when they’ll be distributed remains to be seen. Meanwhile, both Jessie and Lou live in close quarters with Travis’s family in Clyde. Bill Martin, construction manager for Baptists on Mission, has made lots of friends

in the valley, and is exasperated for those whose lives are on hold. “It’s sort of strange how things are,” he said. “There’s money for clothes, money for food, some money for houses, but infrastructure gets lost in there somewhere. I don’t know what anybody can do if they can’t get to their house. We’ve got to find some way to get some bridges built.” The big picture — and its irony — aren’t lost on Travis. She shares sentiments that are repeated in different ways up and down the valley. “It’s just sad all the way across the board,” she said. “That this river that’s given so many people so much happiness has also caused so much pain.”

because of that one idea. They believed in that idea. And I believe in the idea that this group has in trying to diversify our revenue so that we can sustain.” Impact to the status quo of casino profits isn’t merely a threat, said Vice Chairman Albert Rose. “It’s going to happen,” he said. “Especially what’s going on with Catawba.” That means that the EBCI has to be aggressive with its business ventures, he said. The resolution passed with a weighted vote of 62-38, with Chairman Richard French,

“Without getting into too much business strategy, we are going to create an experiential and interactive form of gaming that doesn’t exist.” — Scott Barber, CEO of EBCI Holdings, Inc.

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McCoy, and Wolfetown Representatives Bill Taylor and Bo Crowe voting to table it and the remaining members opting to pass it. Council then considered a second ask from EBCI Holdings, this one a request for permission to venture into a new business category — opening an “experiential and interactive sports bar” on the Exit 407 property under development by the tribally owned Kituwah LLC. The bar will offer sports betting, said Barber, which is legal in Tennessee. “Without getting into too much business strategy, we are going to create an experiential and interactive form of gaming that doesn’t exist,” he said. As originally submitted, the resolution included a request for $40,000 from the tribe to cover a marketing and feasibility study, but floor amendments removed the funding request, as Barber said EBCI Holdings had the money to cover those costs itself. Instead, the company was just asking for Tribal Council’s blessing to pursue the opportunity, because its bylaws require the body to approve any new business ventures. If successful, EBCI Holdings could duplicate the sports bar concept for other markets, said Secretary of Finance Cory Blankenship, who is also on the EBCI Holdings board. “The idea would be to develop a product that we can deploy in other markets,” he said. “Hopefully the feasibility comes back that we have the first on tribal land, but it’s not restricted to tribal land. We could take this product to other markets.” The proposal met with widespread approval from Council, with only two members — Taylor and Crowe — opposed. The resolutions require a signature from Principal Chief Richard Sneed to become effective.

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December 22-28, 2021

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER he company the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians formed earlier this year to purchase Caesar’s Southern Indiana Casino hopes to branch out its business interests, receiving approval from Tribal Council Dec. 9 to invest up to $12 million in gaming-related technologies and pursue construction of a sports betting bar on the tribe’s Exit 407 property in Sevier County. “We’ve looked at over 20 companies, six of which we really like,” said Scott Barber, CEO of EBCI Holdings, Inc., of the $12 million investment. “They’re in various stages of Series A and B. Those are investment windows that are open for short periods of time.” The $12 million investment would bolster the company’s mandate to develop commercial gaming ventures for the tribe and is also expected to yield a high rate of return, Barber said. The funds will come from the tribe’s existing investment accounts, which yield an annual return of about 10%. Barber expects that most of the anticipated investments will yield a return of three to five times the original amount once the company exits the investment. “We’re striving for a much higher return on investment,” he said. Most Tribal Council members supported the request, though some said they needed time to learn more before committing. “It’s easy to prey upon people who don’t have the information and take advantage of them and that’s what I feel like,” said Big Cove Representative Teresa McCoy. “I’m not going to do it.” The requested $10 to $12 million is a lot of money, she said, and she doesn’t feel comfortable allocating that amount to offBoundary business efforts when there’s great need at home. “This is $10 to $12 million, and I am not comfortable with it because I know that tonight in my community there’s going to be homeless people,” she said. “There’s going to be hungry people.” Yellowhill Representative T.W. Saunooke disagreed, saying he sees the resolution as an opportunity to reallocate current investments to bring back a higher rate of return. “I have an educated decision that I’m able to make based off the information that’s been given to me,” he said. “The other comments about me not knowing, I kind of take a little offense to that.” Snowbird/Cherokee County Representative Adam Wachacha said that pursuing investments like the one proposed is crucial in light of the Catawba Indian Nation’s planned casino in Kings Mountain (See Catawba, page 6). “Just imagine the people that bought into Amazon,” he said. “There wasn’t any e-commerce at the time that was really going on, and those people that bought into Amazon as its early investors, they’re billionaires now

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HAYWOOD ROTARY CLUBS DELIVER CHRISTMAS BOXES Members from three Rotary Clubs in Haywood County delivered 651 Christmas dinner boxes Dec. 21 to local families. The Christmas box deliveries were made possible thanks to organizations, churches and individuals that donated funds toward the annual project. Donated photo

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and resources provided by the Chamber “Thehaveprograms been critical to our local economy as we resume a

normal business cycle. The opportunity to connect with others in the community has never been more important. The Chamber has gone above and beyond to provide these opportunities and support the businesses and citizens of Haywood County. As a Chamber Ambassador and member of the Chamber Board, I am honored to work with other leaders in support of our local economy.”

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Tennessee man gets maximum sentence A man who forced his way into a Macon County woman’s residence, assaulting and raping her, has been sentenced to the maximum possible prison sentence under state law, District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch said. Last week, a Macon County jury found Joseph Ball, 42, of Etowah, Tennessee, guilty of second-degree forcible rape, first-degree burglary, interfere with emergency communications, kidnapping and assault on a female. Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Bill Coward sentenced Ball to serve consecutive prison sentences on five criminal counts: rape (a minimum of 96 to a maximum of 176 months); burglary (a minimum of 84 to a maximum of 113 months); interfering with emergency communications (75 days); second-degree kidnapping (a minimum of 33 to a maximum of 52 months) and misdemeanor assault on a female (75 days). On May 12, 2019, Ball knocked on the then 65-year-old woman’s door, claiming he had wrecked his truck nearby. The two were former co-workers. The woman told Ball, because he was intoxicated, that he could stay the night in another structure on the property. Later, he again knocked on her door. This time, he forced his way into her home. Ball attempted to use his intoxication as a defense, but the jury didn’t buy the argument. “This area in Macon County is not somewhere you wind up by accident. It takes quite an amount of effort to get there,” Assistant District Attorney John Hindsman told Judge Coward, during the sentencing portion of the trial. “We truly do believe that this was a very intentional act by Mr. Ball. Being in a remote area, late at night, the victim’s age, as well as the nature in which the act that occurred, speaks volumes about the severity of his actions.” Detectives with Macon County Sheriff ’s Office handled the investigation.

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Haywood County Public Health has received notice of 120 new cases of COVID-19 in the last week compared to 156 the previous week. As of Dec. 20, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has recorded a total of 8,280 cases in Haywood County since the pandemic began. Wearing masks is encouraged whenever you plan to be indoors in public areas. Masks are required for employees and the public in all Haywood County government facilities including the courthouse, libraries, and public health buildings. According to the CDC, all of North Carolina is listed as an area of high or substantial community transmission. All surrounding states are also high-transmission areas. This week 90.4 percent of new COVID cases were unvaccinated. Nearly all of those who require hospitalization are unvaccinated. Three weeks after first being detected in the United States, the newest COVID-19 variant, Omicron, has quickly become the dominant variant in the United States, making up over 70% of new cases, according to the CDC. Given its rapid spread across the country, it is

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December 22-28, 2021

Webster Baptist Church is sponsoring its annual community Christmas outreach dinner to those who are home bound, in financial distress, in nursing homes without family and those in critical jobs having to work on Christmas Day. More than 300 meals and gift bags will be taken to nursing home residents. Church members bake and deliver Christmas cookies for inmates in the Jackson County Detention Center. The church will also offer dine in and curbside pickup between noon and 2 p.m. at Webster Baptist Church’s fellowship hall. Dinner will include smoked turkey, ham, green beans, stuffing, sweet potatoes, corn and dessert. For more information, contact Caitlin Snodgrass at 828.506.2297 or Kenneth DeRico at 828.226.2448.

now safe to assume that the Omicron variant is here in Western North Carolina. Vaccination appointments are available on a walk-in basis at the health department. To schedule an appointment, call 828.356.2019.

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December 22-28, 2021

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Haywood Eye Care celebrates 70 years Haywood Family Eye Care has been a fixture of eye care in Western North Carolina for nearly 70 years. The practice was founded by Optometrist Eugene Harpe and was later joined by Dr. LeRoy Roberson, whose father had practiced as a primary care physician in Haywood County for many years. The two were involved in the community and still attend the Waynesville Rotary Club meetings. Numerous current patients who grew up in Haywood County recall getting their very first pair of glasses as a child from Dr. Harpe. After graduating valedictorian of her class at UAB School of Optometry, Dr. Aimée McBride joined Haywood Family Eye Care. She took over ownership when Dr. Roberson retired after 40 years in practice. In 2016, she was joined by her classmate, Dr. Tommy Pinkston. Both doctors McBride and Pinkston are married, and each have three young children. As the practice grew, they had the need to add an associate doctor. In 2020, Dr. Lora Cretella joined the practice. Although not from Haywood County, she grew up in Charlotte and spent many weekends competing in clogging competitions in Maggie Valley. She is thrilled to now be able to call this area home. Haywood Family Eye Care continues to serve the residents of Western N.C. with the same compassion and excellence that have been a part of the practice since its inception. The office recently moved from its Main Street location in downtown Waynesville to a new state-of-the-art facility at 1604 Sulphur Springs Road in Hazelwood.

Gwen’s Speech Therapy opens The Franklin Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Gwen’s Speech Therapy located at 310 Terrell Road. “At Gwen’s Speech Therapy we do not believe in one general broad-spectrum approach because every person that comes through our door is a unique individual with their own set of needs,” said Owner Gwen Fowler-Berken. “We believe our clients deserve the best care possible. That is why we pride ourselves on getting to know each and every one of our clients to build a unique approach tailored to the individual’s goals and needs.” Call 828.371.3940 or visit gwenspeech.com.

TekTone donates nurse-call system to SCC In order for aspiring nurses to fully experience what daily life will be like in their new careers, they need exposure to the same equipment they’ll use in area hospitals and other healthcare facilities. That’s why TekTone of Franklin recently designed, donated and installed a Tek-CARE Nurse Call System in Southwestern Community College’s new Health Sciences Center. Valued at $39,615, the system allows patients to communicate immediately with nurses anytime they have a need or concern. At SCC, it allows students to simulate a real hospital room experience as they can make a

connection to the “nurses’ station,” where classmates can fill out a chart on a computer and use a phone to respond to the call system. This was not the first time TekTone provided equipment and support to SCC’s Health Sciences students. When the college installed its first simulation lab in 2017, TekTone donated a Tek-CARE 400P5 nurse call system. For the latest project, TekTone engineers attended SCC construction meetings and designed the Tek-CARE® system specifically to meet the new facility’s needs. For more information about TekTone, visit tektone.com.

HCC receives $1 million DOL grant Haywood Community College was selected by the Department of Labor, in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission, to receive a grant in the amount of $1.196 million for Project UP, a program to support the development of short-term training programs in construction. The grant is part of the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities Initiative and is designed to build the workforce in our area and upskill the talent of those participating in the program. Twenty-three grants were awarded, two of which went to North Carolina. “Providing opportunities to gain critical job skills is the heart of our mission as a community college,” explains HCC President Shelley White. “We are excited to have been selected for this grant and look forward to strengthening partner-

ships and building new relationships through Project UP.” HCC will partner with the Haywood County Detention Center, Southwestern Workforce Development Board, and construction, plumbing and HVAC businesses in the county to implement a training program to target local workforce needs. This initiative will provide a pathway of rehabilitation for individuals who’ve been incarcerated and re-entry into the workforce with GED certification and job skills training. The program will also serve as a pipeline of entry-level talent in the construction industry for businesses. The first construction course will start next summer while GED classes are available now. Upon completion of the course, students will have the opportunity to obtain a 10-hour OSHA Card and NCCER credentials after passing the exams with a 70% or higher. For more information, call 828.564.5128 or email ddburchfield@haywood.edu.

Hellcat Tattoo opens in Franklin The Franklin Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Hellcat Tattoo to the Franklin community. Located at 129 Commons Drive in the Walmart Shopping Center, Hellcat Tattoo was founded in 2003 in West Palm Beach, Florida, by Dave Porter and was named after Dave’s grandfather’s tank destroyer battalion in WW2. Porter has 28 years of experience and is a United States Marine Corps veteran. He brings the core values and principles

taught in the Marines to the tattoo industry. He moved his permanent residence to Franklin in October 2020 and recently opened his second shop. “Our West Palm Beach location has been in operation for over 18 years and is staffed by six world-class artists,” he said. “These artists will rotate through the shop here in Franklin periodically and we will also offer a variety of guest artists multiple times per year.” Visit www.hellcattattoo.com or call 828.558.3122.

Lisa Kim Fisher joins SCC Southwestern Community College has named Lisa Kim Fisher as the new Vice President for Financial & Administrative Services. A seasoned professional with more than 30 years of experience in finance and accounting, Fisher most recently owned an accounting and consulting business in Bryson City. She previously served as the Finance Reporting/Forensic Audit Manager/Senior Internal Auditor for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and she’s also worked for Mission Hospital, General Electric, PhyCor and South Eastern Pathology. Fisher is replacing William Brothers, who has accepted the role of Dean for the School of Education and Professional Studies at Greenville Technical College. “Lisa Kim brings extremely impressive qualifications and experience to Southwestern,” said Dr. Don Tomas, SCC President. “We are fortunate to have someone so capable to take over this vital role, and I look forward to working with her.” Fisher holds a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Business Administration in accounting, both from the University of South Florida. In 2011, she moved to Swain County full-time. “Living in the community since I moved here, I’ve always heard great things about SCC,” Fisher said. “I worked with people who graduated from Southwestern, and I’m a huge fan of the early college. I wish they’d had an opportunity like that when I was raising my son. I’m so impressed with everything I’ve seen so far at Southwestern, and I’m excited about this opportunity.”

Smart recognized by Farm Bureau The Annual Meeting of the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation was recently held at the Convention Center in Raleigh. Congratulations to Haywood County Farm Bureau President Donald Smart, who was recognized among his peers at the Presidents’ and Agents’ Luncheon. Farm Bureau President Shawn Harding presented each winning county president with a limited edition Case knife. Each county’s agency force worked hard to qualify their county president for this recognition. Special plaques were also presented to the agents and agencies whose production was superior during the contest period.

Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

We all have something to give I

Is this how democracy dies? To the Editor: Mark Meadows (former congressman from North Carolina and President Trump’s White House chief of staff ) may very well have been the worst chief of staff ever and “an embarrassment to his former state and district” (SMN, Dec. 15, 2021), but that is not close to being enough to shame today’s Republican Party into doing the right things by the American people. It is my opinion, as a nearly life-long Republican, that the GOP of today has no shame and is beyond humiliation to the point of tolerating dishonor. My mother dedicated her entire life to the Republican Party, the party of John Calvin Coolidge, Dwight David Eisenhower, Henry Cabot Lodge and Margaret Chase Smith (the latter two she counted among her friends). That party, composed of honest, decent and traditionally conservative Americans, no longer exists. Today’s GOP is made up of Mitch McConnell, Kevin McCarthy, Jim Jordan, and yes, Mark Meadows, men intent on retaining power no matter the cost. If that means ignoring long established law and precedent, if it

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they tended to congregate in certain places and cause problems for many merchants. No one at that meeting had judged or criticized our homeless residents, just noted that they can cause issues that have to be dealt with. As I turned my back to the guy who’d helped me and headed down the sidewalk toward the cozy confines of the bar, a sudden urge overtook me. Perhaps that conversation from earlier that day was on my mind, perhaps it was the influence of the full moon expected that night. “That was really helpful,” I turned around and told him. And then, not Editor really knowing what else to say, I simply asked him, “How are you doing, brother?” He looked me straight in the eye, shrugged his shoulders, nodded again, said, “I’m fine, I’m good.” I reached into my wallet and pulled out the only cash I had, a $10 bill, held it out. He reached his arm out slowly, gingerly accepted the offering, then eyed it closely as he wrapped his fist around the money. “Thanks man, God bless you,” he said, his eyes still fixed to mine. “Have a good one,” I said and turned to walk away. Look, I’m almost ashamed to say I pass people at busy intersections holding signs and almost never give them any

Scott McLeod

t was a tight space, but that’s often the deal with parallel parking. There were three bicycles in the bed of my truck, and the blanket I had the front wheels slung over blacked out the backup camera that had always seemed a huge extravagance. It was dusk, and I was turned around peering over the seat to look at the car behind me as I maneuvered. Suddenly a man, probably in his early 50s, was in my line of sight. He held his arms wide with both hands crooked at a slight angle from his wrist, that unmistakable sign one uses to let a driver who’s parking know how far they are from bumping into the car behind them. As I inched back, he moved his hands closer, his eyes downcast at the two cars, and his help allowed me to make a perfect one-point move into the spot. He was already speaking as I got out of the truck. “Man, I like your truck, and this is a pretty nice car behind you, I didn’t want you to hit it and have any problems,” he said, smiling and nodding his head. “I really appreciate the help, thanks so much,” I replied, and as I came around from the driver’s side of my truck to the sidewalk, I saw his weathered backpack against the building. He had been sitting on the low stone planter that protruded from the front wall, and as he returned to his seat, I saw that he also had some kind of canvas bag pushed up against the other side of his legs, likely everything he owned stuffed into what amounted to two laundry bags. I had just returned from a meeting in Asheville and was joining my wife for beer. At that Asheville meeting, as it turns out, there had been a discussion about the homeless and how

LETTERS means disregarding the Constitution, even if it means violating their oaths of office, most of today’s Republicans consider all those

money or food. I seldom give to sidewalk panhandlers. I’m typically a “lift yourself up by your bootstraps” kind of guy, for better or worse. But this time I had stopped and turned around to face him, and his expression exuded warmth and friendliness. This isn’t about me giving some homeless guy a few dollars, but that exchange remains in my mind. Maybe because it’s the holiday season, perhaps because a lot of us are a little worried as politics and viruses and the economy have us all unsure of what the next few months hold. A simple act of kindness. There was a time when I was spiraling both emotionally and psychologically, and the kindness of family and friends was the balm I needed. Words, visits, calls, letters, cards — they all helped me get back to a good place. I have to remind myself to never forget that time. We all have something to give, be it time, a friendly helping hand, emotional support, food, a visit, a few coins, clothes, a check written to a charity. In my time on this earth, I’ve found that most people are good, whether they’re living on the streets of Waynesville or a huge house in Highlands. He was still there when I left the pub and returned to my truck, a lit cigarette protruding from his fingers. If that’s what the money bought, so be it. He smiled, waved, and gave me a sincere, “Thanks again man, God bless you” as I stepped into my truck. That blessing carried meaning, and I won’t soon forget it. Happy holidays. (Scott McLeod can be reached at info@smokymountainnews.com.)

things a small price to pay for access to unlimited wealth, power and influence. During the two impeachments of the former president I wrote to every Republican United States senator twice, several

Republican representatives (twice) and other Republicans, asking them, begging them, imploring them, pleading with their better selves to put partisan politics aside and do the right thing. I didn’t change a single mind — and of that (regrettably) I have no doubt. I did receive three responses, one each from North Carolina senators (Richard Burr and Thom Tillis), who offered substantively nothing, and one from Mark Meadows, who wrote the following: “I am committed to working on your behalf to hold the President accountable and maintain the Constitutional balance of power between Congress and the President.” I don’t know if I’m more angry that he told me a bald-faced lie or that he thinks I’m ignorant enough to believe it. I truly believe that the present-day Republican Party is purposefully rigging the political system in its favor through gerrymandering and controlling the vote count. This will render majority rule and our democratic form of government effectively obsolete. It deeply concerns me that neither Democrats or the average citizen seem willing, able, or even remotely intent on stopping them. Is it possible this is what it looks like when a democracy dies and nobody cares? David L. Snell Franklin

The Smoky Mountain News encourages readers to express their opinions through letters to the editor or guest columns. All viewpoints are welcome. Send to Scott McLeod at info@smokymountainnews.com., fax to 828.452.3585, or mail to PO Box 629, Waynesville, NC, 28786.

The problem with Sylva Sam To the Editor: Recently I decided to take a closer look at the new plaques added to “Sylva Sam,” Jackson County’s 1915 Confederate monument. The wording on the larger plaque is noticeably careful, almost tiptoeing around the elephant in the room. You see, still standing tall and proud above those newly worded plaques is Confederate soldier “Sam.” The problem with that (though rarely mentioned) is the cause for which he fought and what he represents. It’s time to face the historical facts. Like all Confederate soldiers Sam fought for disunion of our country. He swore allegiance to the self-proclaimed Confederate States of America and pledged to uphold and defend its constitution. That constitution enshrined into irrevocable law the “right of property in negro slaves.” (See article 1, section 9 and article 4, section 3 of the Confederate States Constitution) Even though Sam himself may not have owned any “negroes,” he was willing to fight for the right to do exactly that. Ultimately, all Confederate soldiers fought for the right to own human beings as property. (To see some of the property Southerners fought for the right to own, go across the street to Bridge Park and take a look at the stunning Harriet Tubman statue, which will soon be leaving. That says it

He continued to teach all of us lessons along the way. Those of us who worked with him learned the importance of being on time, showing up to work, making sure our students were clothed and fed, and especially that they were encouraged. His command of the English language was stellar and he corrected all of us if ours was not. Jim Stevens also taught us the importance of giving back to our community as he served on various boards including the Haywood Community College Board of Trustees, the Haywood Regional Medical Center board, Mountain Projects and Folkmoot. He was also a county commissioner, always giving his time to make our lives better. I will miss this man that I called my friend. I will miss his phone calls, his special delivery of candy as I split wood, his enthusiasm as he talked about UNC basketball, his sense of humor and sometimes sarcasm, his gruffness, his “truth telling,” his advice and, most importantly, his friendship. However, I cannot forget him as all I have to do is look around our county to see his “touch” as he left this world on October 13 a better place than he entered it — an example for all of us. Richard Reeves Waynesville

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To the Editor: Recently, we lost a true mountain man. You may have known him as Jim Stevens or maybe just “Poss,” but for me it was “Mr.” Stevens. At first he was my boss, but soon he became my close friend for more than 40 years. He was one of those few people that, regardless of the circumstances, you always gave the title “Mr.” or “Dr.” out of respect. Mr. Stevens was born in Possum Holler, located in Jackson County, in 1932. When he was seven, his father died, leaving behind a wife and nine children. Times were tough, but Mr. Stevens was tougher. After finishing high school, “Poss” received a basketball scholarship to Western Carolina, but his time at college was interrupted by a three-year stint in the United States Army. Afterwards, upon receiving his diploma and teaching certificate, he took a job at Spalding Junior High where he coached and taught P.E. He later returned to Western Carolina to obtain his master’s and education specialist’s degree. Mr. Stevens began his career as a teacher and principal, retiring as associate superintendent of Haywood County Schools.

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all: Sam on a pedestal, Harriet on the ground, running.) Now, Sam could be your ancestor (or mine), but does that make the cause for which he fought honorable, or even defensible? It’s an important question. Some would argue that because Sam was a product of his time, he should not be judged by today’s moral standards. However, that’s exactly what we should do. In fact, today we are called upon to acknowledge the truth about why Confederates fought and to honestly accept the facts of history. The bottom line is this: in 2021 we know better than to memorialize the Confederacy in public spaces, even in a veiled sort of way as with this statue. The new plaques do not, and cannot, transform the soldier on the pedestal into something he’s not. Sam was never meant to represent “veterans of all wars,” but specifically and solely Confederate veterans of the Civil War. As originally stated in 1915, the statue was erected to honor “our heroes of the Confederacy,” and sadly it still does. Let’s face it, his fight was not honorable. Therefore, it’s time to do the right thing and take Sam down. Adding new plaques to an old monument and to an old narrative cannot cover up the truth. Faye Kennedy Whittier

A&E

Smoky Mountain News

JAM program gives students sense of place

BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER here is a special moment that happens whilst playing music, a moment when concentration takes over as a musician uses both hands in a complicated way on their instrument or tunes into harmony with another voice. It is a moment when nothing else exists. All of a sudden it is only the musician and the sounds that are being created. Despite anything and everything else that may be challenging or distracting, in that moment it all disappears. Every student of music has felt this feeling before. The spare moments of total concentration, an almost meditative state one emerges from feeling lighter, refreshed, maybe even accomplished. For students of the Junior Appalachian Musicians program, this feeling isn’t isolated, it’s wrapped up in the friends they make throughout the program and the history and heritage they learn along the way. The Junior Appalachian Musicians program, also known as JAM, is a nonprofit after school program for children in grades four through eight. JAM is the parent organization, providing communities the tools and support they need to teach children to play and dance to traditional old-time and bluegrass music, though each JAM program is individually operated and funded. The program introduces music through small group instruction on instruments common to the Appalachian region, such as fiddle, banjo and guitar. JAM was founded over 20 years ago in Alleghany, West Virginia, in spring 2000 by guidance counselor and traditional musician Helen White. Her vision was to enrich the lives of children through active involvement in the music of their community. Travis Stuart has been an instructor with the JAM program in Haywood County since it began. He had been playing music since he was young, and in his travels playing and teaching, he saw firsthand what White had put together up in West Virginia. He and his brother Trevor went to the North Carolina Arts Council to try to bring JAM to the state. Not long after, Haywood County became the second location for JAM and the first affiliate in North Carolina. Instrumental in getting the ball rolling was Joe Sam Queen, director for the Haywood County Arts Council at the time. Queen had been directing the Smoky Mountain Folk Festival and seen all sorts of great musicians from Haywood County play on that stage. But the festival only happened once a year and it was a time for performance. Queen recognized a need for education in the tradition of Appalachian music, so when the Stuart brothers got involved with JAM, Queen jumped on board and helped make the JAM program available under the umbrella of the HCAC. “My interest in square dance is very connected to my interest in music. You don’t have

one without the other,” said Queen. “My interest came from understanding that I’ve always been trying to promote young musicians. We were so excited when they came to us in the arts council, and we could support them. They had helped develop the program in West Virginia. They’d gone up there and helped their friend develop the program.” JAM has been making space to pass down and learn the art of Appalachian music for over 20 years now, with Haywood County Arts Council Executive Director Morgan Beryl excited to help keep the tradition alive. “It’s a very low-cost way to provide an afterschool activity to kids that builds skills that they can use for a lifetime,” said Beryl. “I think that is definitely part of the mission of the Haywood County Arts Council is to provide community services in the art world to youth. I also think part of the Haywood County Arts Council’s mission is preserving our traditional

Learn more

Students in a fiddle lesson outside the Folkmoot Friendship Center. Final performance for guitar students at the Queen Auditorium in the Folkmoot Friendship Center.

For more information, or to sign up, visit haywoodarts.org/junior-appalachianmusicians-jam/ Appalachian craft culture. Appalachian music obviously fits into that realm, and we want to make sure that it continues locally.” Students of the JAM program can choose to learn guitar, fiddle or banjo. Another teacher is dedicated for advanced students, and band instruction where students can take what they’ve learned on their own instrument and apply it to playing with others. The JAM program is modeled after the traditional way of learning music in Appalachia — by ear, in a group setting with the greater goal of playing together. “The way we teach, it’s like we learned,” said Travis Stuart. “We try to do ear training, get kids to listen, so it’s a little bit of a different approach than a traditional music class.” Learning by ear is not only the traditional form of learning Appalachian music, which typically happened on front porches, in kitchens or next to the fire, it’s also vital to be able to play traditional Appalachian music. A musician playing in a traditional group setting has to be aware of the other musicians around them, be able to hear chord changes, listen for where a melody fits in and find harmonies by ear. “I’ll play a song and say, ‘the chord changes here,’ and they might not hear it at first, but after listening to it, I can tell by the look in their eyes when they hear that change, they recognize that change. Picking up melodies too, some kids can pick up melody faster than others, and some kids can hear a chord change faster than others,” said Stuart. “My brother, he’s a fiddle player. He could hear the melody

of a fiddle tune, which is based in the Scottish Irish folk music. He could just pick those up really fast. Being mostly banjo and guitar, I could pick up and hear the chord changes pretty early on.” Thanks to a partnership between the Haywood County Arts Council and Folkmoot USA, the Folkmoot Center is currently providing a home for JAM program lessons. “Folkmoot is definitely our biggest sponsor. They’ve been incredibly generous. They donate that space to us every week,” said Beryl. In addition to learning music, students who partake in the JAM program are making lifelong connections. As part of the registration for current JAM students, the arts council put out a survey to gain insight on the program. According to Beryl, preliminary results show that students’ favorite parts of the program are things like making new friends, getting to hang out with instructors and the overall sense of community. “That really gets to the heart of what we’re trying to do, which is give students the opportunity to meet other kids that like to do the same types of things and build those long-lasting relationships around a hobby that can get them through the everyday swirls of life,” said Beryl.

This semester, Fritzie Wise joined the Haywood JAM program as coordinator. Music is central to Wise’s life, and she is excited to be able to facilitate the learning of music and the connecting of peers. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to get together once a week to be together, to play music and to learn the history of our mountain music,” said Wise. “I think it’s something that gives them purpose and it’s something they can share with their families and share with their friends. It’s a constant thing in their life, every week. Especially after COVID, they need places where they can be together with other kids their age, finding the music, learning the history and playing it together.” “It’s just a great way to socialize. It’s a great social skill. Music is just another kind of intelligence that we all should partake in in our lives to make us better people,” said Queen. There is no doubt that music is a valuable skill, one that can serve as a meaningful connection between people. But the JAM program also serves as a connection to heritage and place. “It just gives kids a kind of sense of place. They play music that came from here,” said Stuart.

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

Catch a wave and take in the sweetness, think about it, the darkness, the deepness

December 22-28, 2021

HOT PICKS “Comedy Night” will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, at Mad Anthony’s Taproom & Restaurant in Waynesville.

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The Haywood County Arts Council’s (HCAC) “Small Works” exhibit will run through Dec. 30 at the HCAC Gallery & Gifts showroom in downtown Waynesville.

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We are here for all your last minute gift needs

Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host Anna Barnes (Americana) at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30.

Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host singersongwriter Steve Heffker at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 24.

Smoky Mountain News

t’s 8:53 a.m. Room 159. Super 8 Motel. Christiansburg, Virginia. Upon exiting the room in time for the 9 a.m. breakfast cutoff in the lobby, the frozen December air hit my face like a frying pan. Some 27 degrees with sunny skies in the depths of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Head across the vast parking lot. Past the empty spaces once filled with travelers and transients, all gone by the time my phone alarm went off at 8:45 a.m. Past a tractor-trailer taking up several spaces. Past the motel maid who’s just starting her day. Enter the lobby and head for the coffee stand. Ain’t much for breakfast options. A few bags of maple and brown sugar oatmeal. Container of hot water. Container of watered down coffee. Two bowls of oatmeal and a cup o’joe consumed. Nobody behind the front desk counter to say goodbye to. Back to the motel room. This specific Super 8 has been a refuge of sorts for my wanderings and ponderings over the last few years. It’s always inexpensive and clean at $55-a-night. Good Wi-Fi and clean sheets. All you need, really. Usually I’ll swing in here as the first part of my journey north or last part of the trek south along Interstate 81. There have been times I’ve stayed here en route to a funeral or to be home for the holidays or to and from a music festival. The reasons vary as to why I find myself on this property every-so-often. But, the person (me) is still the same — filled with restless thoughts, urgent actions and a unquenched thirst for that lost highway. Another 12 hours or so left of driving before I’ll be pulling into the snowy driveway at my folks’ farmhouse in the North Country. Over six inches of snow fell upon

my hometown a day or so ago. Evidence of the white blanket was seen in social media photos posted of my little sister and her young family. And of them with my parents cutting down the family Christmas tree from the same farm we’ve been chopping one for the living room since we were kids those many years ago. Whether coming or going, the hotel room remains the same in these parts. Crank

And I wonder about myself in the grand scheme of things. Where do I fit in amid all of this? Going on a decade since I lived in the back bedroom of the farmhouse, eagerly in search of a full-time writing gig somewhere, anywhere. Each time I walk up the back stairwell to that bedroom, I think of all of those lonely nights questioning if the path I was on in becoming a journalist would ever find stability. The mind drifts to seeing old friends and acquaintances soon enough, whether at the neighborhood bar or greasy-spoon diner, pumping gas in the cold air or maybe in passing at the grocery or liquor store. We’ve all grown up, but the vivid memories of days long gone are always close to the surface of our minds, for good or ill. And the mind drifts to St. Patrick’s Cemetery, where I’ll pay my respects to the final resting place of my late cousin. Now covered in snow, it was only the past June when we all gathered to say goodbye, myself giving his eulogy in front of a semi-circle of faces that represent many years and chapters of my life. Whether coming or going, the hotel room remains the same in these parts. Crank the air-conditioning in the summer. Crank the rattling heat in the winter. The endless pavement and silent gas stations, scratchy radio stations and big rigs flying by in the unknown night. It’s all, well, nothing and everything when you’ve been rambling for countless years at this point. Coming or going, the hotel room remains the same. Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.

arts & entertainment

This must be the place

the air-conditioning in the summer. Crank the rattling heat in the winter. The endless pavement and silent gas stations, scratchy radio stations and big rigs flying by in the unknown night. It’s all, well, nothing and everything when you’ve been rambling for countless years at this point. Coming or going, the hotel room remains the same. My mind keeps drifting to what I might see, feel or experience in the next week or so leading up New Year’s Eve. As per usual, no plans for where to be when the ball drops in Times Square (or if anyone will be doing anything anyhow, considering). The debate to stay up north and enjoy what fleeting days I have back at the farmhouse or motor below the Mason-Dixon Line to where my existence has lingered in the almost 10 years I’ve called Haywood County home. The mind drifts as to emotions felt when I will sit-down with my family for Christmas dinner in the farmhouse. My folks, little sister, brother-in-law, and my two nieces. Pour the wine. Cut the prime rib. Pass the mashed potatoes. Throw another log in the fireplace in the back den and in the living room. I often wonder how many more holiday gatherings like this are left, especially with my dad’s 80th birthday around the corner. Not to be morbid, more so simply truths of the universe we all must face sooner or later. I also wonder about my mom’s health, which has stumbled a little bit in recent months. My little sister may not notice how quickly time passes in seeing them each day, but it’s evident in my handful of encounters throughout the year.

Unplugged Pub (Bryson City) will host Blackjack Country at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30.

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arts & entertainment December 22-28, 2021 Smoky Mountain News

Triple-Win Climate Solutions: Toxic mask pollution? How you can help Nature never did betray the heart that loved her. —William Wordsworth, 1798

ditor’s note: Since this article was written by meteorologist and biologist Neva Duncan Tabb in April, disposable mask pollution has worsened horriﬁcally, damaging the health of people and the wildlife on whom we depend for a viable life. See the video “More than 25,000 Tons of COVID-19 PPE Is Polluting Oceans,” November 19, at https://weather.com/h ealth/coronavirus/video/more-than-25000tons-of-covid-19-ppe-is-polluting-oceans?pl=p l-coronavirusExcerpt: “A new study ﬁnds the pandemic has led to more than 25,000 tons of plastic waste entering our oceans.”

Irresponsible people, including a few here in WNC, are damaging our waterways and land. Walking at Lake Junaluska recently, we found masks dropped on the trail and down the bank, headed toward the swans, geese, ducks, and fish that make Lake Junaluska such a treasure to the community. Trash cans are available all around the lake. There is no excuse for such un-civic disrespect. --------------------------------------------As the COVID-19 pandemic swelled and expanded across the globe, the common mantra echoed by governments became: Wash your hands! Practice social distancing! Wear a mask! Responsible citizens have adopted this mantra but, in our efforts to be good citizens and protect each other, we apparently have triggered the law of unintended consequences. Millions of tons of plastic masks and gloves float in our oceans, and waterlogged latex gloves and small bottles of hand sanitizer litter the ocean floor. The glut of plastic waste has been well-documented, along with heart-breaking photos illustrating its threat to marine life. Species such as sea turtles

and seabirds are starving or choking to death, entangled in plastic fishing line, stomachs distended with plastic waste. Add disposable mask and gloves to the estimated 14 million tons of plastic pollution entering our oceans annually and the situation becomes even more dire. A study in the Environment, Science & Technology journal estimates 129 billion face masks and 65 billion gloves are being used each month. The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) expects 75% of used masks to end up in landfills or floating in the oceans. Masks and gloves continue to wash up on beaches around the world, some attributed to carelessness, others apparently carried by wind from land, landfills and ships. This “COVID waste” has an estimated life of about 450 years – a long time to travel the globe, entangling marine life and soiling shores throughout its journeys. Even more disturbing is the potential toxicity of these used masks. Think of the public health risks from infected used masks drifting in the atmosphere. In addition, disposing of COVID waste through open burning or incineration in waste treatment plants can also release toxins into the environment. What you can do now: Either buy or make a reusable mask that expresses your personality, your beliefs, or your fashion style. Even

better—buy or make two or more. Keep a clean mask in your vehicle where you always remember to put it on in public or with someone who doesn’t live with you. For optimal protection, make sure it’s lined with a nonwoven material. Wash it after every use. Instead of latex/rubber gloves, wash your hands frequently. Carry hand sanitizer in reusable containers. Masks can be made from common materials such as tightly woven cotton. Instructions are easy to ﬁnd online. Understand what can happen when we are careless. Exercise the maturity not to create another tragedy out of the current one. Don't use face masks as a substitute for social distancing. Do both, and keep washing your hands. Win-win-win: You’re reducing the dangers posed by the coronavirus to people you love. You’re protecting our oceans and shores simultaneously. Today’s babies and children can inherit a climate they can survive in. What you need to act now: Buy, reuse, and wash permanent masks. Buy N-95 masks at hardware and home supply stores, decorative masks at shops. https://www.wncclimateaction.com

On the beat

‘Dulcimer U’ winter weekend Interested in learning the dulcimer?

‘Keyboards After Christmas’ returns

• 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. • 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. For more information, click on blueridgebeerhub.com.

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Limited seating. Reservations required. 828.452.6000 or classicwineseller.com. • Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.369.4080 or coweeschool.org. • Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host semi-

• Elevated Mountain Distilling Company will host an Open Mic Night 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.734.1084 or elevatedmountain.com. • Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 or froglevelbrewing.com.

ALSO:

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host a WNC Artist Spotlight Open Mic Dec. 29 and Anna Barnes (Americana) Dec. 30. All events begin at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. innovation-brewing.com. • Innovation Station (Dillsboro) will host a New Year’s Eve Celebration w/Arnold Hill (rock/jam) starting at 8 p.m. Dec. 31. All events are free and begin at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Innovation-brewing.com. • Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Alma Russ (indie/folk) Jan. 15. All shows begin at

8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com. • Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host Syrrup Jan. 7 and Alma Russ (indie/folk) Jan. 14. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com. • Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host Steve Heffker Dec. 24, Twelfth Fret 5 p.m. Dec. 26 and Scott James Stambaugh Dec. 31. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.538.0115 or mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.

• Southern Porch (Canton) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.492.8009 or southern-porch.com. • The Ugly Dog Pub (Cashiers) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. 828.743.3000 or theuglydogpub.com. • The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.526.8364 or theuglydogpub.com. • Unplugged Pub (Bryson City) will host Blackjack Country Dec. 30 and a New Year’s Party w/Carolina Freightshakers Dec. 31. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.538.2488.

• Nantahala Brewing (Sylva) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. 828.641.9797 or nantahalabrewing.com.

• Valley Tavern (Maggie Valley) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. 828.926.7440 or valley-tavern.com.

• Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. rathskellerfranklin.com.

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

• Satulah Mountain Brewing (Highlands) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.482.9794 or satulahmountainbrewing.com.

• Whiteside Brewing (Cashiers) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.743.6000 or whitesidebrewing.com.

Smoky Mountain News

• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host karaoke at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, trivia at 7 p.m. on Thursdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.0350 or boojumbrewing.com.

regular live music on the weekends. 828.634.0078 or curraheebrew.com.

December 22-28, 2021

The popular “Keyboards After Christmas” piano ensemble concert will return as an inperson event at 6 p.m. Jan. 8 and 4 p.m. Jan. 9 at the First Baptist Church in Waynesville. The program will also be recorded and released on Facebook and YouTube. Although admission is free, tickets will be required for those who attend the concert. Because of COVID, attendance is being limited to 250 per concert. Tickets will be made available to the public beginning on Tuesday, Dec. 28, and can be picked up at the First Baptist Church office, which is open Tuesdays through Thursdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tickets must be picked up and will not be held at the door. This year’s players are Anna Watson, Carol Brown, Craig Summers, Diane Combs, Hilda Ryan, Jerri Meigs, Kathy Sheppard, Kaye Sebastyn, Marna Dodson, Sarah Smith and Mary Ann Cooper. For more information, call the church office at 828.456.9465.

The Pic’ & Play Mountain Dulcimer Players have resumed in-person jam sessions at the St. John’s Episcopal Church basement fellowship hall in Sylva. The group welcomes all beginners and experienced dulcimer players, including mountain (lap) dulcimer and hammered dulcimer players. Songs played include traditional mountain tunes, hymns, and more modern music. The group meets at 1:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturday of every month in the basement of St. John’s. Pic’ & Play has been playing together since 1995. The more experienced members welcome new players, help them navigate their instruments, and guide them through some of the basics of tuning, strumming, and playing. The mountain dulcimer, also known as a fretted dulcimer or a lap dulcimer, is a uniquely American instrument. It evolved from the German scheitholz sometime in

Western Carolina University’s Dulcimer U will hold its annual Winter Weekend event on Jan. 6-9 in the Lambuth Inn at Lake Junaluska. “This event is for the beginner dulcimer player all the way to advanced players,” said Bobby Hensley, associate director of continuing education. “This is a wonderful weekend of music and fellowship and a great way to learn more about the mountain dulcimer.” Participants will be able to choose classes based on their skill level during registration. The registration fee will be $199 per person. The fee for non-participating guests is $20. Directors are Elaine and Larry Conger, with instructors Keith Watson, Ruth Barber, Jeff Furman, Anne Lough and Jim Miller. Accommodations, classes and meals will all be located at the Lambuth Inn. Participants will need to book their room separate from their registration by calling the Lambuth Inn at 800.222.4930. University COVID-19 guidelines will be followed during class time. For more information and to register, visit dulcimeru.wcu.edu or call 828.227.7397.

arts & entertainment

the early 1800s in Appalachia and was largely known only in this region until popularized more broadly in the 1950s. For more information, call Kathy Jaqua at 828.349.3930 or Don Selzer at 828.293.0074.

arts & entertainment

On the season BRYSON CITY • The popular “Polar Express” train ride is now running from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot in downtown Bryson City. For a complete listing of departure dates and times, call 800.872.4681 or click on gsmr.com.

WAYNESVILLE • “All Through The Town” holiday celebration will run through Dec. 31 in downtown Waynesville. Participating local businesses, restaurants, galleries and breweries will take extra care in decorating for the holidays, staying open later for shopping, and much more. downtownwaynesville.com.

December 22-28, 2021

• The inaugural drive-thru “Christmas Light Show” will be held through Jan. 2 at the Smoky Mountain Event Center (formerly the Haywood County Fairgrounds). Tickets for the nightly show are available online at 38main.com, with only 100 cars per one-hour time slot. This helps reduce wait time and traffic congestion for a more enjoyable experience. “The Strand of Lights Drive-Thru Christmas and Beyond Light Show has been created in partnership with a professional light-installation company that specializes in large-scale, outdoor light shows.” said Lorraine Conard, co-owner of The Strand at 38 Main. Admission is $20 per vehicle. The drivethru winds around the Smoky Mountain Event Center campus for nearly one mile. Play your favorite carols (and singalong) as the route takes you past numerous 2D displays, mixed with lighted buildings and holiday experiences throughout. • The 41st season of The Shelton House will continue with the “Tinsel Trail & Appalachian Christmas” celebration, which will be held through Jan. 1 at the historic home in Waynesville. The Shelton House is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday for tours and/or visits to the Gift Shop. House Tours are held on the hour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the Gift Shop open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Special events and tours are offered throughout the season. Group tours can be arranged year-round by calling 828.452.1551 or contacting them at info@sheltonhouse.org. The Shelton House is always looking for volunteers to help with events, tours, the gift shop, archiving, computer work, and much more. If you’re interested in helping out, call 828.452.1551, email info@sheltonhouse.org or stop by during open hours.

Smoky Mountain News

On the street

Want to paint, sip craft beer? Robin Arramae of WNC Paint Events will be continuing her fun paint nights to bring you not only a “night out,” but an experience that lifts your spirits. Join others as Arramae shows you step-bystep how to paint a beginner level painting of the evening as you sip on your favorite local craft beer. This two-hour event should have you feeling better than you felt before you came. And you leave with a painting you created. Events will be held at the following locations: 828 Market on Main (Waynesville), Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva), BearWaters Brewing (Canton) and Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City).

Please visit WNC Paint Events (@paintwnc) Facebook page, under “Events” for date and time of upcoming events. For pictures of previous events visit Arramae’s Instagram: @wnc_paint_events. For pricing and to sign up, text Arramae at 828.400.9560. Space is limited. Drinks sold separately. • Mountain Makers Craft Market will be held from noon to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at 308 North Haywood Street in downtown Waynesville. Over two dozen artisans selling handmade and vintage goods. Special events will be held when scheduled. mountainmakersmarket.com.

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Becca Steinhoff.

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‘Comedy Night’ at Mad Anthony’s

On the table • “Flights & Bites” will be held starting at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. waynesvillewine.com.

• A free wine tasting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday and 2 to 5 p.m. every Saturday at The Wine Bar & Cellar in Sylva. 828.631.3075.

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• “Dillsboro After Five” will take place from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in downtown Dillsboro. Start with a visit to the Jackson County Farmers Market located in the Innovation Station parking lot. Stay for dinner and take advantage of late-hour shopping. mountainlovers.com.

December 22-28, 2021

There will be another installment of “Comedy Night” at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, at Mad Anthony’s Taproom & Restaurant in Waynesville. Comedians include Becca Steinhoff, Art Sturtevent, Jess Cooley, Hilliary Begley and Alex Joyce. Hosted by Josh Merrell. Admission is $5 at the door. For more information, call 828.246.9249.

On the wall arts & entertainment

New directors at Cherokee museum The Museum of the Cherokee Indian.

Smoky Mountain News

December 22-28, 2021

HCAC ‘Small Works’ exhibit The Haywood County Arts Council’s “Small Works” exhibit will run through Dec. 30 at the HCAC Gallery & Gifts showroom in downtown Waynesville. “This exhibit is our longest and last exhibit of the year, stretching through the new year, and encourages buying art for holiday gifts,” said HCAC Executive Director Morgan Beryl. Sponsored by Linda & Allen Blount, Janet & Darrell Steinke, and Alison & John Parks, the reception will include libations, snacks, and jazzy holiday music from Clyde’s own Jaime Gardner. This year, the exhibit is sponsored at the producer level by the Reece Family in honor of their father Jeff Reece, who owned the 86 North Main Street building for many years and is in the process of selling it. “Jeff loved Main Street and spent a significant portion of his formative years in the family business, Massie’s Department Store. He talked longingly about his days as the projectionist at the Strand Theater as a teenager and eating hot dogs at Felix Stovall’s American Fruit Stand,” said Judy Reece. “As an adult, Jeff was one of the founders of the Downtown Waynesville Association and

• Jesse Adair Dallas will be showing his artwork at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin through the month of December. Open to the public. For more information, email jesse@enjoyarttoday.com.

• “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 34 Mennenger at pm14034@yahoo.com. See

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a Main Street Champion. As we approach the anniversary of his passing, his family wishes to honor his legacy.” The Small Works Exhibit is an annual exhibit that expands the types of work for sale in the downtown Waynesville gallery, as well as who can display their work. Other than specially curated exhibits, which occur a couple times annually, this exhibit is the only one that allows any artist within the western mountain region to participate for a small fee. With 48 artists participating, the exhibit promises to be eclectic. Although the only requirement is that the pieces be 12 inches in any dimension or smaller, HCAC challenged participants who are making holiday themed works to consider artistic expressions that are multicultural in nature and celebrate the many different holidays, ways of celebrating, and ways of experiencing holidays. HCAC also encouraged participants to create works that celebrate Appalachian heritage and craft. “Our vision is that this exhibit embodies not only the giving spirit, but also a multi-cultural spirit that speaks to the diversity of people, cultures, and religions that make up western Appalachia,” Beryl said. For more information, click on haywoodarts.org.

more about Macon County Art Association at franklinuptowngallery.com and follow the Uptown Gallery on Facebook. • “Art Works @ The Library,” a collaborative program between the Haywood County Public Library system and the Haywood County Arts Council, is currently showcasing works by artist Cayce Moyer at the Canton Library. Working in traditional and mixed media, Moyer blends the worlds of high-brow and low-brow work. Classically trained at Savannah College of Art and Design, her portfolio includes drawing, painting, sculpture, illustration, graphic design, murals, and set prop painting for theatre and TV.

The Museum of the Cherokee Indian is expanding its leadership with the appointment of two new directors. Evan Mathis has joined the museum as its director of collections and exhibitions to manage the care, safety, and security of the MCI’s paper and object collections and assist in the scheduling, design, and implementation of exhibitions. Michael Slee has been appointed director of operations to oversee the museum’s day-today operations, including facilities, financials, front line, and external affairs. Mathis comes to the MCI from the supply department of Cherokee Indian Hospital, which he led as manager. While not an enrolled member, Mathis is an artist of Cherokee descent with close ties to the community. He began creating traditional Cherokee beadwork at age 15 and has traveled throughout the United States to study historic Cherokee beaded objects and material culture. Mathis graduated from University of North Carolina Charlotte with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and is currently enrolled in the Museum Studies Certificate Program at the Institute of American Indian Arts. He resides in Whittier, where he continues to bead and handcraft moccasins. Slee arrived at the museum following a decade at EBCI Transit, where he most recently served as assistant manager. He is a graduate of Western Carolina University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and law. A citizen of the EBCI, Slee is a member of the Longhair Clan and a member of both Raven Rock Stomp Grounds and the Walelu Indian Ball Team. He resides in the Birdtown

community of Cherokee with his wife and three children. “We cast a wide net for these positions as they are vital to us reaching for our vision,” said MCI Executive Director Shana Bushyhead Condill. “Evan brings a combination of leadership and collections experience to his position and is also a maker which gives him expertise in the care of Cherokee collections specifically. Michael is a proven leader in operations and an active community member, which gives him a perspective the museum needs as we continue to build. We are excited to welcome them to the team and have them jump right into our exciting plans for the future.” Both directors share an interest in fostering a welcoming, community-centered environment at the MCI, holding trust and accessibility as core values. “The museum board and I are so excited to welcome the new Director of Collections and Exhibitions and Director of Operations,” MCI Board President Samantha Ferguson said. “Michael and Evan come to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience sharing our goal of serving the Cherokee people. As our staff continues to grow, I continue to be amazed and grateful for a team with a commitment not only to our mission but to us as a Cherokee community.” Established in 1948, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian is one of the longest operating tribal museums. Recognized for its innovative storytelling, the Museum features exhibits, artwork, and hands-on technology that brings 12,000 years of Cherokee history to life. Located in Cherokee, the Museum is open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. For more information, visit mci.org.

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her more intimately through these pages, we realize that our guide is a wise person with discernment and a sense of humor, more critical of herself than others, quietly observant of her traveling companions, and far more generous with praise and attempted understanding than with criticism. In part because of this personality of hope, we also come to see the trains she

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rides as microcosms of America. Again and again we along with Anna encounter kind and generous travelers. Allison, one of the first passengers Anna meets, teaches her the tricks of enjoying the train. She treasures her conversation with the pleasant young man who got off at La Crosse because “We made each other laugh.” She becomes acquainted with a former railroad man whose Prussian great-grandfather had become a homesteader, recruited by the railways, and learns lessons from him regarding the climate of North Dakota and the history of railroads. A Native American storyteller hired to entertain and inform passengers about the culture of the Plains had “a calming presence, like calm water. Being with him was, at the same time, energizing, as if he had learned to appreciate the beauty of who he was, the world he was born into, and the present moment. And it was as if that appreciation were catching.” Anna has a gift for capturing personali-

ties on paper. Mitch, for instance, is “a man with shaved head and big wild eyes, a tank top, tattoos down both arms, shorts, hairy legs and sandals.” As the two become acquainted, we learn that Mitch enjoys watching drag races, loves the music of Bruce Springsteen, and eventually, “at that point of friendship and trust where important things can make an appearance,” he tells Anna about the time he killed a man during an altercation in his home. Anna concludes her encounter with Mitch this way: “In writing this, I wish him the best. I’d bet money he’s doing OK. When he comes to mind, the thought is always a happy one. Sometimes I catch sight of a small cloud and think of Mitch. I always smile.” The “Train From Greenville” shines a light on the divide in America. That divide is not between red and blue states so much as it is between the often dire news and commentary we receive daily from television and the Internet, and the reality of our lives, our interactions with family, friends, and neighbors, the clerks and cashiers we see in our stores, and the strangers we pass on the street. The “Train From Greenville” is a timely reminder about the goodness of most Americans. Anna repeatedly meets folks willing to help her or others, pleasant people who enjoy the company of those around them. Near the end of her travel memoir, Anna writes of another, shorter trip she later took by train: “Something had changed for me personally. I felt joy, before, during, and after this ride. I felt like I belonged on the train, that I was one of them, one of the regulars.” Reading “The Train From Greenville” can help make us feel that we are “one of them, one of the regulars.” Highly recommended. Anna Raglan is a pseudonym. Her book is available online and from Hazelwood’s Blue Ridge Books. (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.)

December 22-28, 2021

n the years after the Civil War, train travel in America exploded. Rail lines soon crisscrossed the country, bringing travelers from San Francisco to New York, from Savannah to Boston. Just a century ago, for example, trains brought tourists from states like Georgia and Florida to towns in Western North Carolina. In Waynesville, carriages and wagons would meet the train — that stable house still stands — and carry travelers up the hill to the town where there were hotels and boarding houses waiting for them, their trunks, and Writer their luggage. During the Second World War, hundreds of thousands of soldiers and sailors traveled from one side of the country to the other, off to fight the nation’s enemies in places forgotten by many Americans today: Tarawa, Iwo Jima, Kasserine Pass, Bastogne. With a prosperous economy firing up the purchase of cars after the war along with the building of interstate highways, travel by train waned. In “The Train From Greenville” (Old Tree Press, 2021, 237 pages), Anna Raglan recreates the magic often delivered by rail travel, the comparative leisure of a train compared to travel by air or by car, meetings with strangers, and watching the American countryside sliding past the windows. In 2011, when the 50-something Anna decided to make travel an adventure and go alone by rail cross-country from Greenville, South Carolina, to Seattle to visit a close friend, she was nervous and jumpy about the trip. She had another friend help her make the reservations through Amtrak, packed and repacked her belongings, and was wary at first about straying too far from the train during its stops or leaving her belongings while going in search of the dining car. Her trip also brought a series of misadventures. She and her driver, for instance, had trouble finding the Greenville station, and they had to hastily repack her bags to fit Amtrak’s luggage specifications. By the end of her tale, however, when she returns to Greenville by train, Anna has become a confidant, able traveler of the railroads. But there are better reasons for reading “The Train From Greenville” than the exterior details of Anna’s trip. First up is Anna Raglan herself. In her we meet a woman who loves reading, literature, and film, and who recounts scenes from books and movies as devices to deepen the thoughts she entertains while traveling and as commentaries on the varied people she meets along the way. As we come to know

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near Hupp’s home in Rockingham County, piqued his interest. “Shenandoah Mountain has kind of spurred fascination for me,” he said. “It’s got trail along the top of it, or at least horse roads, that go on for 65 miles, and it’s just across the county from me. But one thing leads to another. I got to know other trail sections and start wanting to hike them.”

THE A.T.’S QUIETER COUSIN

The Great Eastern Trail offers sweeping autumn views of Trout Run Valley in West Virginia. GETA photo

An A.T. alternative Long-distance trail under construction for the western Appalachians BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER s the Appalachian wilderness trail Benton MacKaye dreamed up in 1921 becomes busier and busier, a geographically scattered group of trail enthusiasts is building an alternative — the Great Eastern Trail, a 1,800-mile route stretching from Alabama to New York. “The idea was to have the several existing trails thorough the western Appalachians connected together, and it was in hope it would take some of the pressure off the Appalachian Trail,” explained Great Eastern Trail Association President Tim Hupp.

PLANNING THE ROUTE Incorporated since August 2007, the Great Eastern Trail Association is working to turn the GET from a fragmented collection of local trails into one continuous route through the western Appalachian Mountains. It’s further along with that mission on the northern end than in the South, Hupp said. “The northern half of it is built, and where they have to go in the southern half is pretty much determined, but that still has to be built,” he said. The trail begins in Alabama, where it uses the existing Pinhoti Trail to travel from Flagg

Mountain into Georgia, but trail developers face a 220-mile gap to connect the GET south to the Florida Trail. Crossing into Georgia, the GET continues to follow the Pinhoti Trail before diverging through ridgetop logging roads in the Chattahoochee National Forest and turning north toward Tennessee. Here hikers face another gap, as trail developers are still evaluating options to connect the Georgia Pinhoti Trail to the Cumberland Trail. When complete, the Cumberland Trail will traverse more than 300 miles to Cumberland Gap, where it will join the 120-mile Pine Mountain Trail, which is also still under construction. Currently, 165 miles of the Cumberland Trail and 44 miles of the Pine Mountain Trail are open, with roadwalks filling in the gaps. In western West Virginia, the GET uses a network of existing trails to cross through coal country to Virginia, where it follows the state line for 350 miles, crossing back and forth between West Virginia and Virginia 14 times along the New River north to Hancock, Maryland. Traveling south along the New River, the route follows the in-progress Mary Draper Ingles Trail to Virginia and then uses roadways to reach the Appalachian Trail at Pearis Mountain, sharing its route with the famed long-distance trail for 20 miles to Peters Mountain. From there, it takes the Allegheny Trail for 24 more miles before asking hikers to complete a 40-mile roadwalk, then rejoining the Allegheny Trail for another 20 miles. The trail then switches between various roads and trails for 150 miles more. The group has accomplished a lot over the past decade, with the GET boasting continu-

ous trail from Alleghany County, Virginia, to Addison, New York — but there’s still much to do. Building new trail, of course, but also building awareness, along with amenities and wayfinding for hikers. The GET currently offers only infrequently spaced hiking shelters, and it doesn’t have a uniform blazing system, though the GET Association is in the process of installing signs. Before getting involved with the GET in 2009, Hupp was a member of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, focused on taking care of and maintaining the venerable longdistance trail. But the GET Association’s efforts on Shenandoah Mountain in Virginia,

Adena Spring Shelter on the Pine Mountain Trail in Kentucky offers Great Eastern Trail hikers a respite from the elements. GETA photo

The completed GET won’t be the A.T.’s identical twin. It follows a completely different route, after all, and while Hupp said it’s incredibly scenic — especially in the southern portions along the Cumberland and Pine Mountain Trails, which take in gorges, plateaus, cliffs and waterfalls — most of its length is lower in elevation than the parallel portion of the A.T., following river valleys to a greater extent than its more famous cousin. It’s also shorter than the A.T. — 1,800 miles compared to 2,194.3 — and doesn’t stretch as far north, meaning that it skips the abovetreeline experience the A.T. offers in the White Mountains of New England. But the biggest difference, said Hupp, isn’t about natural surroundings. “It would be a lot lonelier,” he said. “There are few other hikers on it.” So far, only four people have thru-hiked the GET, with the first two people to do so finishing in 2013. By contrast, 3,598 people registered to start an Appalachian Trail thru-hike between Jan. 1 and Nov. 30 this year. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, one in four thru-hikers actually completes their goal, meaning that about 900 of those likely finished — in addition to the approximately 3 million people who visit the A.T. each year. Pressure on the A.T. has ramped

Learn more For more information on the Great Eastern Trail, including trail maps and descriptions, photos and contact information, visit greateasterntrail.net.

Drought persists in N.C.

Despite widespread rains last week, the drought situation in North Carolina hasn’t changed much, according to a map published Dec. 16. The map, based on data The N.C. Drought Monitor map is updated every collected as of 8 a.m. Thursday at ncdrought.org. N.C. Drought Monitor map Tuesday, Dec. 14, lists 50 counties in severe drought, 30 in moderate drought and 20 as abnormally dry — meaning that all 100 counties are still classified as receiving less water than they typically would. The update includes a larger list of counties in the “moderate drought” category than the previous one released Dec. 9, which listed Storm Fred dropped double-digit inches of rain 22 counties in moderate drought. Six counties in many areas, groundwater levels are now saw their status downgraded from severe to below normal in the Pisgah National Forest. moderate drought, while two moved from abnor-

up significantly over the last decade. In 2019, the last pre-COVID thru-hiking season, the ATC recognized 1,034 people for completing at least 2,000 miles of trail, compared to 628 in 2009. While hikers say there’s still plenty of solitude to be had on

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the trail, shelter areas are often crowded. The thru-hiking experience is fundamentally different than it was in its earlier decades. For the GET, Hupp envisions a hiking experience more along the lines of what adventurers may have found along the A.T. in the 1950s, when the number of successful thru-hikers for the year could be counted on one hand. “I hope it becomes the choice of people hiking. You want to hike the Great Eastern Trail because it’s another trail, and because of what it has to offer,” Hupp said. While he believes the A.T.’s historical legacy means that thru-hiker traffic on the GET will never rival that of the older trail,

with

December 22-28, 2021

Lines drawn atop Benton MacKaye’s original sketch of the proposed Appalachian Trail route show how the proposed route, actual route and planned Great Eastern Trail interweave.

he believes the GET will one day see enough use to enhance the economies of the towns through which it passes, in the same way that A.T. thru-hikers bolster the economies of trail towns like Franklin and Hot Springs. “I hope it would give some economic growth for those parts in southwestern West Virginia and northwestern Kentucky,” he said, referencing the most economically struggling regions in the trail’s path. When Benton MacKaye originally proposed his Appalachian Trail concept in 1921, he sketched out a path that overlays much of the route the GET aims to cover, especially in the South. “A number of places, the GET follows MacKaye’s route, and sometimes it follows some of the branch trail routes,” said Hupp. MacKaye’s proposal included not only a main A.T. route but also various spur trails. The GET would follow one of those spur trails closely through Tennessee and into Kentucky, then share the originally proposed main A.T. route along the VirginiaWest Virginia border and into Maryland before striking out on its own through Pennsylvania and to its proposed terminus in south-central New York. If the GET Association is successful in its efforts, the Appalachian Mountains could soon hold a trail system that more closely resembles the one MacKaye envisioned 100 years ago.

Holiday Gifts...

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mally dry to moderate drought. The mountain region remains the wettest in the state — the entire region is listed as abnormally dry — but it’s a testament to the lack of recent rain that, just four months after Tropical

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Party with Waynesville Rec A Winter Break Party for kids 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, will help liven up the holidays at the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. The free event will feature a variety of games and activities, including a gym-wide inflatable obstacle course, gaga ball pit, giant connect four, mini basketball and four square in the air. Children must have a parent or guardian with them while in the gym. Adults are allowed on the inflatables with their children

or to help them get through the course. Shoes are not allowed on the inflatables. Masks recommended for unvaccinated people. Contact ahood@waynesvillenc.gov or 828.456.2030 for more information.

Run into the New Year Kick off 2022 right with the Run in 2022 5K at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 1, at the Jackson County Recreation Center in Cullowhee. Registration is $20, with T-shirts guaranteed to the first 100 people who register. The event aims to start New Year’s resolutions off on a positive note. Sign up at www.runsignup.org.

The Great Smoky National Park is planning construction and expansion of its aging headquarters facilities. GSMNP map

Youth racing starts soon at Cataloochee

Smoky Mountain News

December 22-28, 2021

Alley Cat Youth Racing will return to Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley this winter, with the first races scheduled for Jan. 4-5. Middle school racing will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday nights starting Jan. 4, with categories for riders ages 811 and 12-14. High school racing will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. All races will be a modified giant slalom and use Nastar software for timing, so participants must register and sign a waiver at nastar.com. Races will be held weekly, with finals scheduled for 911 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 27. This year, Cataloochee will transition back to schoolbased racing, with coaches at each school serving as the primary point of contact. Students are welcome to race independently if their school doesn’t have a team, and general questions can be directed to Anna Goodfellow at racing@cataloochee.com. For more information, including pricing, visit cataloochee.com/programs/school-race-programs.

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Smokies project will require filling in small wetland The Great Smoky Mountains National Park plans to build an annex to its existing headquarters building, and a comment period open through Jan. 9 will take input on the results of a study investigating the project’s likely impact to wetlands and floodplains. The project area would occur within the 100-year floodplain and require filling in a small wetland measuring 0.004 acres, according to the Statement of Findings for Wetlands and Floodplains in the Sugarlands area near Park Headquarters. The buildings would be elevated so that the base rises above the 500-year floodplain level, and the wetland is “likely not large enough to provide substantial wildlife habitat,” though it might provide “marginal seasonal habitat” for insects or amphibians and “likely provides a small amount” of value for groundwater recharge, water filtration and flood storage. “Given its small size, disturbed state and location, this wetland likely provides minimal recreation or aesthetic value,” the document reads. “Filling of this wetland would result in loss of wetland functions and values, but the impacts would be negligible to

minor.” Constructing stormwater retention basins on-site is expected to mitigate the loss of wetland functions, the statement concludes. The park plans to build a new Park Headquarters Annex to supplement inadequate workspace in the historic Park Headquarters Building and the Little River Ranger Station. A new Sugarlands Operations and Maintenance Complex is also proposed to replace outdated and inadequate facilities within the existing Sugarlands Maintenance Area. All construction would take place within the 10-acre Sugarlands Maintenance Area, which consists of developed and previously disturbed land. Existing, outdated buildings would be removed to accommodate new construction. For full documentation and a commenting portal, visit parkplanning.nps.gov/sugarlandsconstruction. Comments can also be delivered via postal mail to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sugarlands Wetlands and Floodplains Statement of Findings, 107 Park Headquarters Rd., Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

Music video advocates for wildlife crossings

and musician Joe Lamirand and produced by Great Smoky Mountains Association Creative Services Director Frances Figart, who also wrote the song’s music and lyrics, the video is part of a widespread, collaborative effort to draw attention to animal mortality rates along Interstate 40, as well as to promote the funding and construction of safe passages for wildlife in this area. “The visual concept of the video was partially inspired by the band’s mythological namesakes, The Fates, from their stylized presentation to modern-day hikers symbolizing the animals that have been traveling on the same trails for millennia,” said Lamirand. Learn more about the larger effort the video supports, Safe Passage: The I-40 Pigeon River Gorge Wildlife Crossing Project, at smokiessafepassage.org.

A new music video featuring Ashevillebased band The Fates aims to raise awareness for an ongoing effort to make wildlife road crossings in the Smokies safer for both people and animals. Using captivating lyrics and vivid imagery to highlight the need for safe wildlife crossing structures in the Smokies, the video follows The Fates as they sing, play their instruments, and walk through the forest. Interspersed between shots of the band is engaging footage of the region’s iconic wildlife species and examples of successful crossing structures. Directed by Indianapolis-based filmmaker

Don’t miss Winter Lights the iconic 50-foot lighted tree, a Quilt Garden outfitted with new light designs and a garden experience showcasing popular arrangements alongside never-before-seen displays. It also includes a new, simpler ticketing process, with tickets sold per vehicle rather than per person. Prices are tiered based on the type of vehicle, day of visit and whether the tickets are purchased in advance, but for a personal vehicle up to 20 feet long, advance tickets range from $30 to $60. Arboretum Society members receive a $5 discount on advance tickets. Winter Lights is the arboretum’s largest annual fundraiser supporting many parts of its mission-driven programming. Learn more or buy tickets at ncarboretum.org/winter-lights.

The 2022 Winter Lights spectacle combines new displays with time-honored favorites. Emily Wyatt photo

SNOW REPORT

outdoors

Time is running out to experience this year’s Winter Lights display, dubbed ‘Asheville’s brightest holiday tradition.’ The display is open every night through Saturday, Jan. 1, at the N.C. Arboretum in its traditional walk-through, open-air format after the pandemic forced it to shift to a drive-through format last year. While Winter Lights is offered each evening, daytime hours will be limited during the holidays. On Christmas Eve, the gardens will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the Baker Visitor Center opening at 9 a.m. and the Education Center and gift shops closed. The property will be closed to daytime visitors Christmas Day. Normal hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. will resume Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. This year’s Winter Light’s event features

4 Trails Open 2 Aerial Lifts 1 Surface Lift 24 - 28 Inch Base 8:30am - 10pm FACE COVERINGS REQUIRED

Snow conditions can change quickly visit: cataloochee.com for the most up to date conditions

Spend January hiking the Mountains-toSea Trail through Haywood County during a special series offered by Haywood County Recreation. The first hike in the series — on Wednesday, Jan. 5 — will take Soco Gap to Howards Bridge, led by Kathy Odvody and Steve Szczepanski. A moderate hike of about 3.2 miles, it includes an elevation gain of less than 500 feet. The series will also include a difficult 6mile hike to Looking Glass Rock on Saturday, Jan. 22, led by Phyllis Woollen and Lisa Cook. Throughout the series, hikers will learn about the beginnings of the trail, how it’s

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Hike the MST through Haywood

December 22-28, 2021

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maintained, good day hikes and excursions that require backpacking. Hikes cost $10. Call 828.452.6789 to register.

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Moses and Bertha Cone built Flat Top Manor around 1901 as the centerpiece of their idyllic mountain retreat. Donated photo

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Smoky Mountain News

December 22-28, 2021

A $2.4 million rehabilitation is complete at the iconic Flat Top Manor, located at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock. The project, which included 14 months of exterior renovations, was funded by Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation donors and the National Park Service, restoring the 1901 colonial revival-style home to its former glory. For years, peeling paint, crumbling woodwork, decaying columns and even a boarded-up window at Flat Top Manor signaled that the former country home of Moses and Bertha Cone required repairs. In 2016, the Foundation began fundraising efforts for the exterior renovations and addi-

tional projects on the 3,500-acre estate. “Not in its 120-year history has the exterior of Flat Top Manor undergone such an extensive restoration,” said Kevin Brandt, project manager for the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. “With proper annual maintenance this work should last a generation or longer.” The project is one of many that Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation donors and volunteers have made possible at the estate, including the construction of restrooms at Bass Lake, clearing of vegetation on carriage trails, care of the hydrangea garden, and the installation of a fire suppression system in the manor. brpfoundation.org/flattop.

Streambank project will cause GSMNP lane closure

Puzzles can be found on page 46 These are only the answers.

the project, though visitors should expect A streambank stabilization project in delays. A traffic closure will guide motorists the Great Smoky Mountains National Park through the closure. After March 18, the will cause a three-month lane closure along contractor will complete any remaining the Townsend Entrance Road. work with temporary, single-lane closure Work along a section of Little River that managed by flaggers. All work is expected was heavily eroded during a February 2020 to be done by May, weather permitting. flood event will include building a rock wall along its base and installing rip rap above the wall to the top of the bank. These repairs will prevent the streambank from eroding further and undercutting the road. The project will start Monday, Jan. 3, between the park boundary and Townsend Wye, with a temporary, single-lane closure along a quarterErosion is undercutting the mile of the Townsend Townsend Entrance Road. NPS photo Entrance Road extending through Friday, Burnsville-based Bryant’s Land and March 18, to accommodate heavy equipDevelopment Industries will perform the ment. work through a $625,000 Federal Highway Townsend Wye and surrounding parkAdministration grant. ing areas will remain accessible throughout

WNC Calendar CHRISTMAS • Haywood Waterways Association will hold its annual fundraising silent auction from Dec. 14 through 23, online at tinyurl.com/mtbj36ek • Christmas Caroling will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, in front of the Old Courthouse Museum in Bryson City. Hosted by Life Choice Pregnancy Center of WNC. Caroling songbooks and hot chocolate provided! • Winter Lights will be open through Saturday, Jan. 1, at the N.C. Arboretum. For a personal vehicle up to 20 feet long, advance tickets range from $30 to $60. Arboretum Society members receive a $5 discount on advance tickets. Learn more or buy tickets at ncarboretum.org/winter-lights.

SUPPORT GROUPS • Dementia Caregivers Support Group, for those providing care for folks who are dealing with dementia, meets from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of every month at the Haywood Senior Resource Center (81 Elmwood Way, Waynesville). For additional information call 828-476-7985. • Al-Anon, for families and friends of alcoholics, meets every Monday night from 7-8 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 77 Jackson St., Sylva. Enter at front of church through the door to the left of the sanctuary; meeting is first door on the right. The Church requests that you wear a mask if you are not vaccinated. • Narcotics Anonymous meetings are back "live" in-person after a year of being on Zoom only. Local meetings are 12 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at Sylva First United Methodist Church in downtown Sylva. Entrance at back of building. Also Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at Cullowhee Methodist Church and Saturdays 6 p.m. at Cullowhee Methodist Church. For more details visit ncmountainna.org.

A&E

• Mountain Makers Craft Market will be held from noon to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at 308 North Haywood Street in downtown Waynesville. Over two dozen artisans selling handmade and vintage goods. Special events will be held when scheduled. mountainmakersmarket.com. • 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.

n All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted. n To have your item listed email to calendar@smokymountainnews.com • Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host a semiregular acoustic jam with the Main Street NoTones from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays. Free and open to the public. For more information, click on blueridgebeerhub.com. • Elevated Mountain Distilling Company will host an Open Mic Night 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and semiregular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.734.1084 or elevatedmountain.com. • Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host a WNC Artist Spotlight Open Mic Dec. 29 and Anna Barnes (Americana) Dec. 30. All events begin at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. innovation-brewing.com. • Innovation Station (Dillsboro) will host a New Year’s Eve Celebration w/Arnold Hill (rock/jam) starting at 8 p.m. Dec. 31. All events are free and begin at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Innovation-brewing.com. • Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Alma Russ (indie/folk) Jan. 15. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com. • Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host Syrrup Jan. 7 and Alma Russ (indie/folk) Jan. 14. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com. • Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host Steve Heffker Dec. 24, Twelfth Fret 5 p.m. Dec. 26 and Scott James Stambaugh Dec. 31. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 or mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com. • Unplugged Pub (Bryson City) will host Blackjack Country Dec. 30 and a New Year’s Party w/Carolina Freightshakers Dec. 31. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.538.2488.

FOOD AND DRINK • “Flights & Bites” will be held starting at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. For more information on upcoming events, wine tastings and special dinners, click on waynesvillewine.com. • “Dillsboro After Five” will take place from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in downtown Dillsboro. Start with a visit to the Jackson County Farmers Market located in the Innovation Station parking lot. Stay for dinner and take advantage of late-hour shopping. .mountainlovers.com.

Smoky Mountain News

• A free wine tasting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday and 2 to 5 p.m. every Saturday at The Wine Bar & Cellar in Sylva. 828.631.3075.

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES • Jesse Adair Dallas will be showing his artwork at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin through the month of December. Open to the public. For more information, email jesse@enjoyarttoday.com. • “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. • “Art Works @ The Library,” a collaborative program between the Haywood County Public Library system and the Haywood County Arts Council, is currently showcasing works by artist Cayce Moyer at the Canton Library. Working in traditional and mixed media, Moyer blends the worlds of high-brow and low-brow work. Classically trained at Savannah College of Art and Design, her portfolio includes drawing, painting, sculpture, illustration, graphic design, murals, and set prop painting for theatre and TV.

Outdoors

• A Winter Break Party for kids 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, will help liven up the holidays at the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. The free event will feature a variety of games and activities, including a gym-wide inflatable obstacle course, gaga ball pit, giant connect four, mini basketball and four square in the air. Masks recommended for unvaccinated people. Contact ahood@waynesvillenc.gov or 828.456.2030 for more information. • Kick off the 2022 right with the Run in 2022 5K at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 1, at the Jackson County Recreation Center in Cullowhee. Registration is $20, with T-shirts guaranteed to the first 100 people who register. The event aims to start New Year’s resolutions off on a positive note. Sign up at www.runsignup.org. • The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Virtual Hiking Challenge is back with a call to complete

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

Complete listings of local music scene Regional festivals Art gallery events and openings Complete listings of recreational offerings at health and fitness centers n Civic and social club gatherings 60 miles of trail in 60 day, kicking off New Year’s Day. To complete the challenge, participants must walk, run or hike 60 miles by March 1. Registration ends Feb. 1, but earlier registration means more time to log the miles. Cost is $25. Sign up at appalachian.org/event/sahcswinter-hiking-challenge-60-miles-in-60-days. • Trout Unlimited Tuckaseigee Chapter #373 (Sylva) will hold an in-person meeting from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, at United Methodist Church in Sylva in the Fellowship Hall. Jeffery Marcum has committed to providing a nice meal, including desert. The agenda for this meeting is to elect Officers for 2022. • Alley Cat Youth Racing will return to Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley this winter, with the first races scheduled for Jan. 4 and 5. Middle school racing will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday nights starting Jan. 4, with age categories for riders ages 8-11 and 12-14. High school racing will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. All races will be a modified giant slalom and use Nastar software for timing, so participants must register and sign a waiver at nastar.com. For more information, including pricing, visit cataloochee.com/programs/school-race-programs. • Spend January hiking the Mountains-to-Sea Trail through Haywood County during a special series offered by Haywood County Recreation. The first hike in the series — on Wednesday, Jan. 5 — will take Soco Gap to Howards Bridge, led by Kathy Odvody and Steve Szczepanski. The series will also include a difficult 6mile hike to Looking Glass Rock on Saturday, Jan. 22, led by Phyllis Woollen and Lisa Cook. Hikes cost $10. Call 828.452.6789 to register. • The Wildlife Resources Commission is proposing a slate of changes to agency regulations for seasons in 2022-2023. Public comment is open through Monday, Jan. 31. This year, the agency’s furthest-west public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, at McDowell Technical College in Marion, and an online hearing is slated for 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20.

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December 22-28, 2021

focused on decreasing childhood poverty and increasing health insurance enrollments and access to health care. The project will target low income and hard to reach rural communities and will include education about IUHH WD[ ¿OLQJ VHUYLFHV at VITA sites in order to assist them with receiving tax credits and qualifying for health insurance through the exchange. You will be responsible for coordinating and conducting outreach in the rural and remote areas of Western North Carolina, coordinating efforts with public service agencies, meeting individuals, tabling at events, distributing education materials, and discussing the program with key contacts in local communities. Volunteer recruitment and development of community champions will be expected. This position will require 2+ years of H[SHULHQFH LQ QRQ SUR¿W community service roles with a strong emphasis on health equity and social determinants of health. Previous training and experience in community outreach, volunteer management, public speaking, social media, and proven community partner engagement is required. Candidates must have a minimum of an Associate’s Degree, EH SUR¿FLHQW RQ FRPputer, pass an online FHUWL¿FDWLRQ H[DP WR EHFRPH D &HUWL¿HG $Splication Counselor, have reliable transportation, and be willing to travel in their personal vehicle to conduct outreach across the seven western coun-

ties of NC. Experience as a CPA or accountant helpful but not required. Pay begins at $19 dollars an hour. This project is possible through a 3 year grant from the Dogwood Health Trust in collaboration with Pisgah Legal Services.

DUMP TRUCK DRIVER B. H. Graning Landscapes is hiring a Dump Truck Driver. CDL required. Part time and/or full time availability. $17$22/hour. Pay is negotiable based on knowledge and experience. For more information please call 828.586.8303. Apply online or in person. www. bhglandscapes.com/employment-application.

THE JACKSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT Of Social Services is recruiting for a Foster Care Social Worker in Child Welfare. This position will work with foster children and provide services to families where needs have been idenWL¿HG 5HTXLUHV OLPLWHG availability after hours as needed. The starting salary is $42,102.07, if fully TXDOL¿HG 0LQLPXP TXDOL¿FDWLRQV LQFOXGH D IRXU year degree in a Human 6HUYLFH ¿HOG 3UHIHUHQFH will be given to applicants with a Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and/or experience providing Social Work services. Applicants should complete an application for Jackson County which is located at http://www.jcdss.org and submit it to the Jackson County Department of 6RFLDO 6HUYLFHV *ULI¿Q

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ENGLISH QUINTET ACROSS 1 Tribal carving 6 Beatle Ringo 11 Depict with bias 15 Ellipsoidal 19 Earthy tone, to a Brit 20 Magazine release 21 Irene of "Fame" 22 Central point 23 He played Jim Dial on "Murphy Brown" 26 Kazan with three Tonys 27 Carp in a garden pond 28 Football's Manning 29 "-- my way!" ("Scram!") 30 Cathedrals' main areas 31 Necklace of 12-Down 32 Strong product-selling influence 36 Toon skunk Le Pew 39 Nonstick cookware brand 41 Ending for priest 42 In-favor vote 43 Partly joking 46 Shabby hotels 51 Striped stone 52 "Are you -- out?" 53 Currency of Belgium 55 Dormant 56 Able to feel 58 Taking a rolling pin to 62 Period 63 Add- -- (extras) 65 Brings a civil action 66 Snare loops 67 What the Australian Open is played on 72 Druids, e.g. 75 Burn soother 76 Bruins' Bobby 77 Purpose

80 Black Protestant denom. since 1821 84 Have coming 87 Green shade 88 Blood-related 89 Daddy 91 Pond buildup 92 Expected saviors 95 Gave a worthy effort 97 -- -ray Disc 98 Long-headed antelope 100 Florence's river 101 Pod items 102 Franz Liszt piano piece in 3/4 time 108 Purpose 110 In regard to 111 Conga relative 112 Standoffish 113 Animal kept in the house 116 Feudal VIP 117 Crossing during a journey 122 Balladeer Burl 123 Green shade 124 Ho-hum feeling 125 Volunteer's offer to be sent 126 Disaffirm 127 Male tabbies 128 Regards as 129 Sequence found in this puzzle's nine longest answers DOWN 1 Tick follower 2 Eight, in Madrid 3 Bangkok resident 4 Fumble 5 Rumble 6 "Yes, yes!," in Mexico 7 "For shame!" 8 "Just -- suspected!"

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 24 25 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 40 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 53 54 team 57 59 60 61 64 67 68 69 70 71

Bit of hearsay Reprimands Actors Baio and Wolf A Hawaiian Island Work unit, in physics Sound of a crying baby Ryan of "Love Story" Swedish vehicle make Ta-ta, to Tati Most minor Aristocratic Numbered hwys. Scholastic sports org. Some turns and jabs Principal Standoffish Tarp material "I didn't know that!" Period Avid First strategy Buddy Viking locale E-address Plaster painting Archie Bunker, e.g. Hubbubs Model binder U.S. Open units Sewing case Beehive State college Bodily trunk Ed of "Roots" Habituate (to) Negative conjunction Neat piles Visibility reducers DiFranco of song Pre-coll., in education Pluralizable word Appoint to holy office

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 42

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December 22-28, 2021

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under 18 living with parents or legal guardians and pregnant women. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate in violation of this law. All dwellings advertised on equal opportunity basis.

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December 22-28, 2021

WNC MarketPlace

Smoky Mountain News December 22-28, 2021

Smoky Mountain News | December 22, 2021

Articles inside

More than just a ride on the rails

JAM program gives students sense of place

We all have something to give

Franklin Town Council fills vacant seat

Cruso families recount loss after flood

Public hearing slated for RV moratorium in Maggie

Cherokee gaming LLC to expand its reach

WCU trustees approve athletics fee hike

Business News

Congress ends EBCI challenge to Catawba casino

Swain faces teacher recruitment, retention obstacles