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CONTENTS

STAFF

On the Cover: Join The Smoky Mountain News on a tour of community gardens across Western North Carolina. Adam Bigelow uses his favorite gardening tool, a 25-cent pair of scissors, on his community garden plot in Sylva. Andrew Kasper photo

News U.S. 441 opens ahead of schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Western Carolina University seeks input for campus future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Waynesville drafts design requirements for historic districts . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Eastern Band to move forward with second casino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Lake Junaluska bill passes the Senate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 New baseball fields coming to Macon County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Rash of robberies hit Cashiers-Glenville area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Natural disasters listed as most hazardous by counties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 California inventor brings wheelchair mission to WNC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

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Opinion Legislators need to support Haywood room tax hike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

A&E Record attendance at Harrah’s for large poker tournament. . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Back Then The blue-grey gnatcatcher is a mighty mite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

CORRECTION An article titled “Critics try to derail train stimulus in Jackson” in the April 3 edition of the Smoky Mountain News incorrectly stated that the collateral offered by the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad to Jackson County was 12 acres of vacant land in Dillsboro, when in fact it is 15 acres and a maintenance garage.

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Let the tourists return: Smokies’ landslide fixed BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER andslide repairs to U.S. 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park were completed early this week — reopening the primary tourist corridor through the park nearly a month ahead of schedule. Merchants near the entrance to the park in nearby Cherokee were elated by the news Monday. “It’s wonderful,” said Charlie Saunooke, owner of Saunooke Mill, joking that he had a ribbon and giant pair of scissors ready specifically for the occasion. The landslide was a major blow to the tourist economy in Cherokee for the past three months as the flow of visitors coming over the mountain from Tennessee dried up. Saunooke estimated that the closure of U.S. 441 brought business down 80 percent compared to average years. When Saunooke reopened for the spring a couple of weeks ago, he hired only two employees compared to the normal four or five for this time of year. He also opened his store later in the year than he typically does, and he isn’t the only one. Sam Ball, owner of the Little Princess Restaurant in Cherokee, opened his doors for the season just last week instead of the usual mid-March kickoff. “Our life’s blood comes from that mountain,” Ball said. Since its creation in the 1930s, the national park has been a tourist magnet. It sees more than nine million visitors annually, making it the most visited national park in the nation. And the region’s economy — especially Cherokee, so keenly positioned at the Smokies’ main North Carolina entrance — depends on the visitors flowing through it. “We couldn’t survive without it,” Ball said. “It’s just like turning off a spigot.” The landslide was particularly disheartening to Brenda Welch, who bought The Tepee gift shop in January just before the slide. “My luck,” Welch said. “We were all just freakin’ when that happened.” But she is hoping that her bottom line will improve this weekend now that road is open once again.

Smoky Mountain News

April 17-23, 2013

Phillips and Jordan, a national “We are really hoping we will construction firm from get busy, busy,” Welch said. Robbinsville that specializes in Business owners weren’t the large-scale public works jobs, was only ones watching and waiting hired in February to rebuild the for the road to reopen. Hikers destroyed section of U.S. 441. The who frequent the Smokies have contract for the job was $4 milbeen blocked from easily reaching lion. But it came with both a cartheir favorite trails without a rot and a stick. lengthy detour. And would-be Phillips and Jordan could earn tourists have been wondering an extra $18,000 a day for every whether their vacation plans for day repairs are completed before the Smokies would be a go this the deadline. But for every day year. they went past May 15, $18,000 “People do make decisions on Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent Dale would be deducted from their where they travel when they hear Ditmanson (left), U.S. Rep Mark Meadows, R-Cashiers, and Principal contract. a road is closed,” Smokies Chief Michell Hicks announced April 15 the reopening of U.S. 441, a The bonus for finishing early Superintendent Dale Ditmanson said. main tourism artery from Gatlinburg to Cherokee. Caitlin Bowling photo was capped at $500,000 — or four weeks early. Phillips and Jordan Indeed, Dennis Ledet of will get the full $500,000. Louisiana was relieved this week “My hats off ” to Phillips and to hear the road would be open in Jordan, said Meadows. time for his biannual trip to the Western North Carolina was hit by several days of heavy rainfall in The Eastern Band of Cherokee Smoky Mountains, a pilgrimage January, causing flash flooding and landslides throughout the region. Indians agreed to put up half the he makes twice a year in May and One landslide collapsed a section of U.S. 441 through Great Smoky money for the bonus and the fedOctober. Mountains National Park, about six miles past the main North Carolina “I just enjoy it up there,” Ledet entrance to the park outside Cherokee. The mountainside washed away, eral government put up the other half. said. leaving a gaping chasm about the length of a football field where the Hicks also lauded Phillips and However, Ledet was conroad used to be. Jordan for getting the job done cerned the road closure would U.S. 441 is the primary artery through the national park between quickly. inconvenience him since he plans Gatlinburg to Cherokee. Sightseers on the North Carolina side of the “I am sure the incentive had to stay in Gatlinburg but wanted Smokies were cutoff from much of the park, and tourists from the nothing to do with it,” Hicks joked. to travel over to Cherokee to golf Tennessee side couldn’t easily reach Cherokee without a major detour. It was money well spent, and sightsee. according to Hicks and Smokies “It was going to take a little during its closure and was on hand for a press Superintendent Dale Ditmanson. longer if you got to go all the way around,” conference Monday when the road opening Now, Cherokee business owners and the Ledet said. was announced. tribe will not miss out on tourism revenues. Visitation numbers for the Great Smoky The goal was to have the road reopened by “The repayment to our local community Mountains National Park show that considerand local economy is wonderful,” Ditmanson ably fewer people ventured into the park from mid-May when the tourist season starts to hit its summer stride. But some tourist-depensaid. January thru March than normal. Visitation dent businesses may not have been able to The tribe tossed in its share of the incenwas clocked at 983,664 people for the first hold out that long with such a hit to their rev- tive to mitigate the economic impact on busithree months of 2013 — a more than 47 perenue, Meadows said. nesses in Cherokee, particularly Harrah’s cent decline compared to the average visita“We would have had businesses closing. Cherokee Casino and Resort. tion during the last five years, according to We would have had people hurting,” Business owner Saunooke said he was park statistics. Meadows said. happy that the tribe and park service took the Cherokee Principal Chief Michell Hicks initiative and offered an incentive for finishestimates that more than $1 million in revearly. And in spite of his feelings toward enue was lost by businesses in Cherokee durIGHTING A FIRE ing the park service, he gave them a little praise. ing the three-month road closure. The biggest, most pleasant surprise was “I don’t like the park service. I fought U.S. Congressman Mark Meadows, Rnot just that the road is now open, but that it hard with them all my life. I was impressed,” Cashiers, has been a champion of fast action is opening a month before schedule. he said. to get the road reopened. He’s visited the site

Why U.S. 441 closed

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pus infrastructure — community and heritage, security, transportation and parking, technology and sustainability — fielded all sorts of questions and suggestions about how the campus could be better. One student suggested to those manning the transportation and parking booth that they bring back the bike rental service and the dedicated shuttle that once transported students from the upper reaches of campus. He also added that it’s hard to get a decent bite to eat near the Reynolds Residence Hall where he lives. “You have to either have it in your room or you have to leave,” said Colin Cunningham, a junior. Cunningham also thought the Catamount statute in the center of the roundabout at the main entrance was a bit out of place and would be better served in the center of the campus rather. “Bigger campuses, like Appalachian State, have their mascots where the students hang out, not in front of the campus,” Cunningham said. But it wasn’t necessarily what was at the heart of campus that concerned faculty member Dave Hudson. He paid a visit to the dropin input session to remind planners not to forget the surrounding community while developing the landscape at WCU. He said the university would be better served if it took into consideration what lies outside its borders during the planning process. “My thoughts were for them to keep that in the back of their minds,” Hudson said, who lives in Cullowhee just outside the campus

April 17-23, 2013

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER estern Carolina University is open to suggestions — from students, faculty and the general public — as it undergoes a campus-wide planning process that will steer infrastructure at the institution for the coming decade. After beginning its Campus Master Plan last fall, WCU leaders have held forums in the community and on campus, but Monday it tried a new approach: a drop-in style session in the A.K. Hinds University Center in the heart of the university. Faculty stopped by to share their thoughts and concerns with WCU administrators and consultants working on the master plan. Students wandered by after grabbing a sandwich in the nearby cafeteria and scribbled their favorite studying and socializing spots on a gigantic tag board in the hallway. “We need another big hangout spot apart from the fountain,” said WCU sophomore Tiffany Cantrell, in reference to the campus’ main plaza. On a sunny day like Monday, students flocked to the fountain, which is bordered by fields of green grass, trees and the looming campus clock tower. But Dan Grube, director of the School of Teaching and Learning, offered perhaps a more economical and simpler suggestion: more benches in the places that already exist. “Seems like it might be nice to have some seating areas where people could congregate and have lunch,” Grube said. The panel of experts, sitting behind booths dedicated to different facets of cam-

master planning,” Dreiling said. “We’re doing data collection and trying to find out as much as we can about the university and its environment.” In addition to soliciting general input, the team will be meeting with deans, department heads and members of a master planning steering committee and several task forces focused on specific areas of the campus master plan. Dreiling said all the information they gather will be analyzed and incorporated into the plan. However, he said some areas of the campus that need work are already starting to rise above others. Transportation and parking are themes that have often been repeated throughout the process, as are technology issues and access to wifi from certain points on campus. Sustainability and preservation of the university’s green spaces is another topic mentioned frequently. The planning process is not limited to what can be added to the campus — it’s also assessing how current facilities are being utilized and which buildings and areas could be re-purposed or altered. Once completed, the master plan will serve as a guidebook for future additions, expansion and physical changes made on campus. Yet, before those ideas are taken from their paper form and put into action in coming years, other factors need to come into play. “Of course with all these institutions there’s the question of funding and budgets,” Dreiling said.

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WCU invites student and faculty input on campus master plan

boundaries. “It’s all part of the big thing of developing a more university town feel.” Despite the mishmash of campus betterment ideas thrown out to those involved in the planning process, Melissa Wargo, a faculty member at WCU and co-chairwoman of the master planning committee, said that was just what they were looking for. Wargo said the strategy was to grab feedback from students and staff before they took off for the summer, and it was better than expecting them to show up at some of the meetings. “This is a good way to solicit that information rather than somebody in a room with a panel talking at them,” Wargo said. Instead, the panel of consultants lined the hallway at the University Center and chatted comfortably with visitors. John Dreiling, a project manager with an architectural and planning firm in Virginia, organized the team of consultants. They include experts in the fields of civil engineering, information technology, curriculums, transportation and sustainability. They will guide the master plan and work with WCU administrators until the long process is complete this fall. A preliminary plan is expected to be completed by early September, followed by a series of campus and community presentations for reaction in October and November. After revisions based on that feedback, the final master plan should be ready for consideration by the WCU Board of Trustees at its meeting in December. “At this point we’re early in our process of

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April 17-23, 2013

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SUM OF THE PARTS

deners also pay a “tax” in the form of half their harvest handed over to the Community Table, a local organization that works to feed the needy. Last year, more than 1,000 pounds of produce was donated. But one community garden in Waynesville, organized by the nonprofit Daydreamz, is pushing the meaning of community. Originally started as one more option for seniors who came for activities scheduled at the old Armory, the garden, which utilizes modified dumpsters as raised beds, has developed a style of its own during the last four years. “It’s definitely a community garden,” said Pamela Norris, one of the garden’s managers. “It’s not a garden where I have my plot and you have your plot.” Instead, the volunteers of the garden behind the old Armory make a comprehensive plan, what to plant when and where. Those who show up for work days get a share of the harvest, the rest is donated. And all types show up, and all types are accepted. And a large number of the people working in the garden during the years have been the elderly or folks with special needs, Norris said. Therefore, on any given day, it’s not unusual to see an eclectic mix tending to the beds. “Blending a nine-year old with someone in their fifties with Down’s syndrome is a really beautiful mix,” Norris said. “We don’t limit ourselves to who were working with.” Norris said the garden’s unique style has only attracted a few participants during the years who have not entirely embraced the communal concept — in which every plant is everyone’s, and everybody works together. The skeptics included a vegetable planter who was protective of his hanging tomatoes and another rogue squash gardener who didn’t seem to interested in working with the ragtag crew. “He went ahead and planted squash plants in the corner and made it clear to everybody that they were his squash plants,” Norris said. “We just kind of let him be. We felt awkward that year.” It may seem simple enough, but one of the foundations of a stable community garden is land tenure — simple to understand, when compared to the intricacies of mastering a garden, but sometimes harder to achieve.

“To thrive, you’ve got to be organized” is the general mantra used by Phillip Coyle, a gardener in Sylva and professor of anthropology at Western Carolina University. Coyle spends his professional life studying people, their cultures and habits, so it’s hard for him not to have noticed a few things during his five years working alongside fellow gardeners in the Sylva community garden. “It ends up being a group of people, not just a piece of land,” Coyle said. Even though each gardener has his or her own individual plot — the standard division of space within a community garden — what happens in one plot affects one’s neighbor as well. A pest problem, neglecting one’s weeding duties, and failure to maintain a given area of the garden can all breed contempt amongst plot companions and create conflict in the garden community as a whole. That is why Coyle believes every successful community garden needs a garden government. One that more resembles a dirt democracy than a soil sultan is preferable, but nonetheless order must be maintained and a strong veg-ecutive branch is usually called for. “To have a paid garden manager is really important,” Coyle said. “They act as a conductor to keep the gardeners working together.” If someone claims a plot at the beginning of the season and then fails to follow through or falls behind on upkeep, that is when a manager can step in and Marcus Metcalf shovels dirt in the community garden in Sylva. Andrew Kasper photo force that person to either relinquish the plot to another willing farmer or start giving it more TLC. You can tell a lot about a community by its garden. And the Sylva garden, Coyle said, BY ANDREW KASPER • STAFF WRITER tends to err on the side of leniency, and second chances are rampant in the close-knit group of gardeners. hile sunlight, water and good soil may seem a “You don’t want to be too simple enough equation for getting a plant from “Blending a nine-year old with overbearing because people get seed to fruit, like anything it becomes a lot more busy, and then they come back someone in their fifties with Down’s to it,” Coyle said. “You don’t complicated when people are involved. syndrome is a really beautiful mix. want to exclude and isolate garDuring the past decade, community gardens have been deners in the small community.” We don’t limit ourselves to who sprouting up across Western North Carolina — from Canton And even the iron will of the were working with.” toughest of cultivators will be to Cherokee to Sylva. Churches and charity organizations use tested in the summer, when the them as a supply of produce to feed the needy; schools use — Pamela Norris, Daydreamz garden flesh becomes weak and reruns them as places to teach kids about agriculture and plants; of Lost in the air-conditioned living room beckon. July could be the single, Sylva’s community garden sits on a parand gardeners use them as social gathering spots and as a most difficult hurdle a gardener has to clear cel of private property donated for the time source of healthy food. all season. being by the land’s owner. The land has a But each community garden has to cultivate its own “It’s hot, buggy and uncomfortable to be high property value, and many fear that the out there,” Coyle said. “Everyone loves to day will come when the scenic spot along unique identity and learn along the way what it takes to pergarden in the spring when it’s pleasant.” Scott Creek is yanked out from under them. severe season after season, or falter in the field. Cracking the whip on the individual plot In the Almond community of Swain holders is one way to maintain order in a County, the gardeners had to learn the hard community garden. In Sylva, the share-garway how tenuous the link between the gar-

Trial by dirt

Communal gardening takes root in WNC

A GROWING PHENOMENON

Andrew Kasper photo

“We’re getting kind of late, but there’s still hope,” she said. “If a site can be found, tilled up, and lime and manure compost brought in and added, people could still get going.” But as gardens have come and gone during the years in WNC, the gardens in Cherokee have been a mainstay of the people’s diet and a cornerstone of their culture. As gardeners for

— Sarah McClellan-Welch, agricultural agent in Cherokee

Smoky Mountain News

thousands of years, the Cherokee are the original agriculturalists of the Appalachians. Currently, community gardening in Cherokee enjoys the land stability offered by a tribally administered program. About 250 acres of tribally owned land is leased annually to families who apply for acreage. The plots vary in size from small hay farms to little subsistence gardens and about 50 families or so harvest on the public land, said Sarah McClellan-Welch, an agricultural agent in Cherokee. And the public land, dedicated to agriculture, carries the assurance that it will be there year after year. “Having a stable place is critical,” McClellan-Welch said. “Farming and gardening is habit; it takes time to learn the climate, get the soil into shape and learn when and how to get to the garden.” But most of the gardens in Cherokee are on private land and worked by groups of families, neighbors or civic organizations. McClellan-Welch said the local cooperative extension office also provides mobile support to those gardens, bringing out a trailer

April 17-23, 2013

“Farming and gardening is habit; it takes time to learn the climate, get the soil into shape and learn when and how to get to the garden.”

During the past decade, community gardens have greened the landscape in WNC, appearing in all shapes, sizes and for all purposes. This year, at least two more gardens are being added to mix: one in the Cowee community in Macon County and another in Cullowhee. The Cullowhee community garden will be located on county-owned land along Cullowhee Creek, right before it empties into the Tuckasegee River. The one-acre garden will be divided into 65 plots and irrigated by a solarpowered pump. The site is also the planned trailhead of the county’s future greenway. The garden’s manager, Adam Bigelow, could barely hold back his excitement in anticipation of its inaugural year. Bigelow also has a plot in the Sylva community garden. But he had a vision for another garden in Cullowhee, a bigger one, on public land. “I built my dream garden,” Bigelow said. After making a pitch to county commissioners for the land and being awarded a nearly $40,000 grant for the project through the

Jackson County Health Department, Bigelow is now acquiring tools and preparing the property for the planting season. Already, residents are approaching him with interest in having a plot. Yet, even Bigelow understands that the momentum and outside money and support carrying the Cullowhee Community garden in its infancy is much like the enthusiasm felt by gardeners in the spring — it will subside a bit with time. He has decided to invest in tools and improvements to the property that will last and do it right the first time. Once up and running, community gardens can operate on little to nothing. The Sylva community garden keeps afloat on about $600 per year, Bigelow said. “There’s a lot of funding and support to start a new garden,” Bigelow said. “But there’s not a lot to keep it going.” But Bigelow dreams big. His 65 garden plots of 15 feet by 30 feet are on a much larger scale than 10 beds of four feet by 12 feet that Susan Ervin has planned for her little community garden in the yard of the Cowee community center, formerly a shuttered school house. As her garden project ramps up, Ervin is hoping it will draw locals who don’t want to make the 10-mile trip into Franklin to maintain a plot in the community garden along the greenway. Instead, Ervin is offering short commutes, good soil and most importantly good times for residents without good garden locales on their own property. “Maybe they’ve tried gardening and either have too much shade or red clay,” Ervin said. “This is going to be good soil; you’re not fighting against the odds.”

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den and borrowed land can be. While looking around for a suitable site to start a community garden in 2008, Christine Bredenkamp, a horticulturist with the N.C. Cooperative Extension, located an abandoned baseball field at the Southwestern Community College campus. Unlike other places Bredenkamp had examined, the Almond site seemed to fit the bill, and an agreement was worked out to open the field up as a community garden. The first season, some of the gardeners were able to take multiple sections. By the second year, a waiting list had developed, the soil on the ballfield had been painstakingly improved for cultivation and familiarity with the site had set in. “Almond evolved as a good community garden,” Bredenkamp said. While it had it’s share of run-of-the-mill garden disputes — such as organic versus Miracle Grow — the membership had regulars meetings, potlucks and a system for confronting issues that arose. But no amount of weeding, extra compost or conflict resolution was enough to prevent its loss of land. Last spring, SCC notified the group of residents that they could no longer garden there that coming fall. The college has plans to use the space for an outdoor leadership program equipped with a ropes course, rescue skills instruction and storage places for kayaks and canoes. “We moved the arts program to that center,” said facility development director Chuck Reece about the Almond campus. “And now space is at a premium.” As well intentioned SCC’s plans were, it still meant the Almond gardeners have to pick up and start over. And with spring here, time is running out to find another site with adequate sunlight, space and water and in close proximity so that the former gardeners won’t have to travel too far. Several group gardens already exist in area, but some are associated with a certain church or are too far away. Bredenkamp still holds faith that summer vegetable planting could occur at a newfound site this season.

with essential supplies for community work days as well as activities for the kids. McClellan-Welch said many of the Cherokee gardens contain plants that have been part of their traditional diet and bringing them to fruit is not just a pastime for tribal members. “Our economy is in bad shape,” McClellan-Welch said. “So people do everything they can to be self-sufficient.”

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ward, their silence and inaction are unforgiveable and a true measure of their character.” Wijewickrama questioned whether there was widespread corruption within Swain DSS. Swain DSS Director Tammy Cagle was fired by the DSS board in the midst of the investigation, but for unrelated reasons, including conduct. The second-in-command under Cagle, Talmidge Jones, retired. Both Cagle and Talmidge have been sued in a civil case by the family of Aubrey Littlejohn.

UNCOVERING THE COVER-UP In court Monday, Assistant District Attorney Sybil Mann described the chain of events following Aubrey’s death. The case against Swain DSS was kickstarted in part thanks to growing suspicions of Swain County Detective Carolyn Posey that something was amiss. When Aubrey was brought to the emer-

Family of Aubrey Kina-Marie Littlejohn wore shades of purple in a show of solidarity at a Swain County court hearing Monday. An annual walk in Aubrey’s honor will be held at 11 a.m., April 25 in downtown Cherokee. Becky Johnson photo gency room at Cherokee Indian Hospital in the middle of the night in January 2011, already dead and with a drastically low core body temperature, her unexplained death was deemed suspicious. Posey set out to investigate, and one of her first stops was to request case files from DSS. But she quickly hit a brick wall. The agency refused to turn over basic records on Aubrey’s case for two weeks despite Posey’s hounding. When a few records materialized, Posey noticed a red flag. Craig Smith, the social worker assigned to Aubrey’s case, had visited the trailer where she lived after a concerned family member called in a complaint of suspected abuse. Smith found Aubrey had been injured and told her caregiver, Ladybird Powell, to take her to the doctor.

been deemed safe. ■ Powell’s signature was forged on a release of information form. ■ A summary case report was retroactively fabricated claiming that Aubrey’s case was properly reviewed and had been closed out, when in fact it had not. Wijewickrama thanked the investigators, the tribe and the prosecutors for their diligence in bringing justice, but said the criminal investigation has not yet reached a conclusion. “The family, the EBCI and the team of attorneys on this case will never quit, they will never stop searching and will never rest until all of the truth is known and all those responsible held accountable,” Wijewickrama said. 11

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Family members regret they didn’t take the child away from Powell themselves. “I will have to live with that the rest of my life,” said Caron Swayney, one of Aubrey’s family members who had contacted DSS. “I should have taken her.” But Swayney didn’t have the legal authority to intervene. Swain DSS did, and Swayney blames the agency for not taking its job more seriously in Aubrey’s case. “Aubrey is gone and we are never going to get her back,” Swayney said. Only one other social worker was charged in connection with the cover up, Craig Smith. Smith’s case has not yet come to court. But Aubrey’s family members believe more were involved in the conspiracy to cover the agency’s tracks. “It’s not just the small ones. We need the ones higher than them,” said Ruth McCoy, one of Aubrey’s other great-aunts. Lassiter was a low-level supervisor, and Smith was a rank-and-file caseworker directly under Lassiter. There were two more layers of middle management between Lassiter and the agency director. Lassiter said in court she would share everything she knows about what transpired within the halls of Swain DSS following Aubrey’s death. When asked whether she would be willing to testify against others should the investigation lead to more charges, she told the judge “yes.” Lassiter was initially charged with three counts of forgery for falsifying records and three counts of obstruction of justice. She pleaded guilty only to the three counts of forgery. The judge did not hand down a sentence for Lassiter in court this week. Her sentence — how much if any jail time she’ll have to serve — will be handed down later. A judge will often delay a sentence if a defendant has agreed to cooperate with investigators. How severe or lenient the sentence can depend on whether they actually have any useful information, and if they cooperate as promised. Littlejohn, Aubrey’s mother, would like to see Lassiter serve jail time but said it is worth a plea deal to find out what she knows. “She didn’t do it by herself,” Littlejohn surmised. Whether those at the top, and if so how high up, were part and parcel to the cover-up conspiracy is obviously something investigators hope to learn from Lassiter. “It is the hope of the family that the truth as it relates to corruption, the roles others may have played in the destruction of evidence, if any, and those responsible from the top down, are brought to justice,” said David Wijewickrama, a Waynesville attorney representing the family. “This case has been going on for over two years and others have had ample opportunity and time to come for-

April 17-23, 2013

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER Swain County social worker pleaded guilty in court this week to doctoring and fabricating records two years ago following the death of a 15-month-old baby. Candace Lassiter was charged with covering up the missteps and failures of the Swain Department of Social Services in the child abuse and neglect case of Aubrey Kina-Marie Littlejohn. Despite warnings by family members that Aubrey was in danger, Swain DSS let the case slip through the cracks. The safety net intended to rescue children from harmful neglect and abuse tragically let Aubrey down. Social workers apparently realized this in hindsight and a coverup conspiracy was hatched, according to investigators. “It is pretty obvious they knew they were in the wrong or they wouldn’t have been rushing around destroying files and making things up,” said Jasmine Littlejohn, Aubrey’s mother. Littlejohn had temporarily entrusted Aubrey to a great-aunt Ladybird Powell while serving jail time and in drug rehab. When Aubrey died in Powell’s care on the floor of an unheated singlewide trailer one cold night in January 2011, she was malnourished, underdeveloped, being raised in a drug-ridden household, had never gone to a doctor for even a routine check-up, and showed various signs of abuse and neglect. The likely cause of death was hypothermia, according to later autopsy analysis. Social workers visited the home twice but made no meaningful attempt to improve Aubrey’s subpar care or intervene in any way, according to the investigation. “The files had to be fixed, which led to why we are here today,” Assistant District Attorney Sybil Mann said in court Monday ahead of Lassiter’s plea. Aubrey’s extended Cherokee family was in the courtroom to hear Lassiter’s guilty plea Monday. “Family means a lot to me,” said Rae Taylor, who has frequently come to the court hearings over the past two years in a show of solidarity. “We went through this pain and hurt together and we should stick through it together until the end.” Several of Lassiter’s co-workers at Swain DSS came to the hearing as well. Lassiter had continued to work at Swain DSS over the past two years. Now that she has been found guilty of felony forgery, she will lose her job. Aubrey’s caretaker Powell was charged with second-degree murder in Aubrey’s death. But the largely circumstantial evidence against Powell would have made the charges hard to prove at trial, so a plea bargain was reached for involuntary manslaughter earlier this year. She was also convicted of extortion and felony child abuse. She is serving nine years in prison.

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Social worker charged in cover-up agrees to talk as part of plea bargain

In his case report, Smith claimed that he made a follow-up phone call to Dr. Marie Toedt to confirm that she had seen Aubrey and was told Aubrey was OK. “Detective Posey is also a nurse and, being familiar with privacy laws, thought that was suspicious and contacted Dr. Toedt herself,” Mann recounted. “Dr. Toedt told Detective Posey that Aubrey had never been seen by her, never been seen by Cherokee hospital, and that she had never talked to Craig Smith.” The State Bureau of Investigation was called in to handle the investigation, which led to a lockdown of Swain DSS and seizure of records. Meanwhile, tribal leaders with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians were so shocked and outraged over the case that the tribe hired a private investigator to aid in the investigation as well. The SBI investigation revealed three documents that had been forged or doctored by Lassiter and Smith. ■ A Safety Assessment form and case notes were retroactively fabricated claiming that DSS workers found Aubrey to be “conditionally safe” and that the caregiver Ladybird Powell had sought medical care for Aubrey, when in fact no medical care had been sought and the home environment had not

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Keeping it real Waynesville ponders historic district guidelines BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER he town of Waynesville has hired a consultant to help create mandatory design standards for buildings in historic districts. If the plan is adopted, additions or renovations to buildings in historic districts would have to be in keeping with the character of the district. Before a property owner could undertake alterations to a building in a historic district, they would have to submit plans and get a “certificate of appropriateness” from the town’s Historic Preservation Commission. Currently, the town has no mandatory guidelines on the books — only recommended best practices for performing renovations in historic districts. “Voluntary guidelines only go so far,” said Philip Thomason, the consultant and head of Thomason and Associates based in Nashville. The town received a $10,000 Historic Preservation Fund grant from the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior to fund the project and chipped in $5,000 as well. With that money, Waynesville’s Historic Preservation Commission hired Thomason and Associates to help shape the mandatory guidelines, as well as draft an illustrated manual for how to

April 17-23, 2013

preserve the look and feel of Waynesville’s local landmarks and structures. “We are all very thrilled,” said Nikki Owens, a member of the historic preservation commission. More than 2,000 communities in the country have historic district guidelines, which can be as strict as stipulating paint color pallets in Charleston or clapboard siding in coastal villages in Maine. In Waynesville, the new mandatory design guidelines will address signage, lighting, historically appropriate materials and preserving original architectural details. It would also stipulate “unobtrusive placement” of heating and cooling systems or energy efficiency technology. The guidelines should be ready for review by Waynesville’s historic commission and the state preservation office next month. Thomason listed several benefits to maintaining historic buildings and districts. He said that property values increase when the historic integrity of buildings is maintained. An old-time feel can actually draw more tourists to Waynesville, particularly if downtown Waynesville or Frog Level become a local historic district. “The heritage tourist is the best tourist you can get because they stay longer, spend more

and make repeat trips,” Thomason said. “It creates jobs, promotes downtown revitalization.” Emphasizing what is unique about Waynesville architecture could also set it apart from other mountain towns that it competes with for tourists. “Everybody is trying to get the same sort of tourism dollars,” Thomason said. Technically, the guidelines would only apply to local historic districts. In Waynesville, Frog Level, Main Street and a couple of side blocks downtown are on the National Register of Historic Places, but they are not considered local historic districts. The guidelines being developed would only apply to those designated as local historic districts. The town currently has a set of mandatory design guidelines for its 12 local landmarks, but they are not Waynesville-specific or userfriendly. The new standards will also fix that, detailing mandatory guidelines for maintaining the landmarks, using photos and emphasizing Waynesville-specific features, such as cast iron and gooseneck lighting. The town tried to accomplish something

“The heritage tourist is the best tourist you can get because they stay longer, spend more and make repeat trips.” — Philip Thomason

similar about 10 years ago but the timing wasn’t right, said Planning Director Paul Benson. “It didn’t meet with a lot of success,” Benson said. “[We put the] cart before the horse.” The revitalization of Waynesville, particularly the downtown, was just starting and the town was not part of the national historic register yet. Now, Waynesville businesses are doing well, and people are more open to the idea. However, just because the standards will be mandatory does not mean they can’t change once set. “I think we need to keep in mind that this is a living document,” said Shawn Leatherwood, a member of the historic preservation commission. “The document doesn’t have to start out reaching for the golden ring.” Historic district guidelines can sometimes meet opposition. Property owners can see the additional mandatory guidelines as an extra burden that penalizes them. But Thomason said that if done correctly, business owners could keep restoration costs low, and even get some of their investment back through tax credits. In the end, the increase in property value associated with the renovations will benefit the owners as well, Thomason said. The goal is not to freeze structures or areas in time, Thomason said. It is simply to make sure new construction or additions fall in with the look of their surroundings. “We are not trying to encase them forever. We are not trying to maintain a museum piece,” Thomason said. “You are just trying to make the new construction as compatible as possible.”

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Enterprise projections. Even after backing out $48 million in profits the flagship casino is expected to lose as a result of the second casino opening, the tribe would still come out more than $50 million ahead. Big Cove Representative Bo Taylor was undecided about the casino last month, but once his questions were addressed, the numbers swayed him to vote in favor of the project, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was definitely on the edge of the fence,â&#x20AC;? Taylor said. But â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our needs grow every year.â&#x20AC;? The new money will allow the Eastern Band to invest in its people, infrastructure and more services for enrolled members, Hicks said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are looking to put some money in the coffers to expand services,â&#x20AC;? Hicks said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is hard to argue that we are not investing properly. Look at our successes.â&#x20AC;? Now that Tribal Council has sanctioned the casino project, the Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise has the green light to buy the property, finalize plans and apply for state and federal permits â&#x20AC;&#x201D; from engineering permits to permission from the National Indian Gaming Commission. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hopefully, we would be able to get a shovel in the ground in early fall,â&#x20AC;? Houser said. They will construct a temporary casino operation on the Murphy property, while the permanent casino is still being built. The temporary facility will take six months to get up and running but could open about this time next year. The permanent casino building will follow a year after. The enterprise will also begin talks with leaders at Harrahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about a management agreement. Harrahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment, already manages the Eastern Bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s casino in downtown Cherokee. Although a majority of the Tribal Council supported the casino project, it has critics and skeptics. A series of informational meetings were held in communities through Cherokee in February. Some enrolled members questioned whether the tribe should take on more debt. They asked whether the tribe should continue to concentrate its economic development model around gambling. Some also worried that the Murphy casino would siphon people away from the main casino and, as a result, have adverse affects on locally owned shops and restaurants dependent on tourist traffic.

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BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER he Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians could open a new $110 million casino in Murphy as early as spring 2015, with a temporary gambling operation up and running on the site in just a year from now. After several weeks of discussion, Cherokee Tribal Council voted 11-to-1 last Thursday to build a small second casino and hotel on an 85acre tract in Murphy. Principal Chief Michell Hicks said he was pleased a decision was finally made. Hicks has spoken in favor of expanding the Eastern Bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s casino operations beyond its flagship Harrahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cherokee Casino and Resort. The new gambling venture would be located about 45 minutes from Cherokee proper. It is not part of the main reservation but is one of many satellite tracts that make up the patchwork of tribal lands known as the Qualla Boundary. The approved plans include a 50,000- to 60,000-square-foot casino with both Vegasstyle table games and video gambling machines, plus a 300-room hotel. Members of the Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise, a five-member board that oversees the tribeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s casino operations, have worked for more than two years on the Cherokee County casino project, collecting data on projected revenues and expenditures, finding the right property and hammering out possible financing. John Houser, chairman of the tribal gaming enterprise, was happy to have cleared the hurdle of getting formal Tribal Council approval. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The support by council was overwhelming,â&#x20AC;? Houser said. Job creation was one motivator for the new casino project for Adam Wachacha, a Tribal Council representative from the rural Snowbird area in Graham County. The casino will create as many as 800 jobs close by. Harrahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Casino in Cherokee employs more than 2,500 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; hundreds of those are tribal members â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up to an hour away for those living in the satellite areas of the Qualla Boundary in the far western counties. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They have been traveling, a lot of them, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a hardship,â&#x20AC;? Wachacha said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They are ecstatic.â&#x20AC;? The projected revenue from the casino was also appealing to tribal council members â&#x20AC;&#x201D; $100 million in profits its first year of operations, according to Tribal Casino Gaming

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Cherokee leaders green light second casino near Murphy

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County commissioners cry foul over state budget proposals BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER ounty commissioners across the state are protesting proposed state budget cuts and bills that they say pass the buck and put more burdens on counties. County leaders from Haywood, Jackson, Macon and other western counties gathered for a regional meeting of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners at Western Carolina University last week to review their individual and mutual concerns about the latest batch of bills to come out of Raleigh. The most troublesome is the governor’s budget, and specifically its changes to lottery funds. “This is the number one big issue in the budget,” said Kevin Leonard, deputy director of the NCACC. When the lottery was created, proceeds were promised for education — with 40 percent earmarked to help counties with school construction and maintenance. That amounts to about $180 million; however, the governor’s budget would only allocate $100 million. “We need that money to take care of the backlog of maintenance needs. We need that $180 million,” Leonard said. A reduction in school construction funds for counties wouldn’t be new, Leonard said. Since the recession, counites haven’t been getting the full 40 percent. During the last four years, NCACC calculated that counties lost out

on $289.3 million in lottery funds and $346.9 million in school construction money. “This is a significant advocacy point when you are talking to your legislators,” Leonard said. “Now is our time. Now is our time to step up.” The governor also wants to redirect the lottery surplus, mostly unclaimed prize money amounting to about $40 million a year. It now Jack Debnam goes to counties to be spent at their discretion on school construction and maintenance. But the governor wants to put it toward digital learning devices and computers. “We are in favor of digital learning. However, we need the Ronnie Beale monies to take care of basic needs of school construction first and maintenance,” Leonard said. “Let’s get that money restored and then do digital learning.” The song and dance isn’t a new one for counties. Unfunded mandates, budget cuts and government reorganizations — every legislative session, county leaders across North

April 17-23, 2013 Smoky Mountain News

of N.C. Department of Transportation Divisions from 14 to seven. Each division covers a specific geographic area. Debnam feared that the rural western counties would become neglected if grouped in with larger, more urban counties. “We will never see another yellow stateN truck this side of Balsam,” Debnam said. “They are going to concentrate on higher population areas.” Other points of interest listed by the gathered boards of commissioners included: protecting funds for parks and recreation, receiving election machine maintenance money from the federal government, keeping inmate medical costs low and banning synthetic drugs. Haywood County commissioners also specifically mentioned a bill that would raise the county’s tourism tax rate. Leaders with NCACC encouraged commissioners to get to know their representatives, especially new legislators who might not know what its like to serve in county government. “We take it for granted that they understand county government. But that’s not true,” said David Thompson, executive director of NCACC. As of April 10, legislators had filed 1,660 bills — about 20 percent of which could affect counties in some way, shape or form. “What we do is so related to what the state does,” Thompson said. “We need our county commissioners to be involved and active.”

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Carolina must fight other lobbyists and persuade legislators to vote against bills introduced into the General Assembly that are possibly detrimental to county operations. Another point of consternation in the governor’s budget for commissioners in the western counties is funding for the Rural Economic Development Center and Golden Leaf Foundation, both nonprofits that award grants to poor, rural counties for economi development projects. The governor’s budget would reduce allocations to the Rural Center from $16 million to $6 million and eliminate all $65 million in funding for Golden Leaf — a worry for counties that benefit from the grants the agency gives out. “The Rural Center has been a very big advocate for us in the western counties,” said Macon County Commissioner Ronnie Beale, adding that funding for crucial projects would be harder to get. “Who is going to get into the cookie jar first?” NCACC leaders suggest that county commissioners use specific examples of beneficial projects the Rural Center and Golden Leaf money has funded — from a livestock market for cattle farmers to high-speed internet for schools — so legislators can attach the money to something concrete. Jackson County Commission Chairman Jack Debnam voiced concerns about a state Senate bill that would consolidate the number

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to one murder and three to another. “We can’t put them out there,” Cochran said of those being held on murder charges. There are also six people in jail on sex crime charges. “We can’t put them out there,” Cochran said. Once you subtract all those inmates, there are only about a handful or so left who could, in theory, be allowed out for clean-up duty. Plus, Cochran said, whenever prisoners are let out of jail, there is a risk, and if anything happened, county leaders would be responsible. “What if they find a gun or a knife or drugs?” Cochran said. “It’s just a huge liability.” While Cochran’s example may seem a bit far-fetched, someone stopped by police who has drugs in their car could decide to toss them to the side of the road before the officer reaches the car. Really, anything is possible, he said. Cochran cited an instance when the Haywood County inmates found a cell phone while cleaning up the roadways. They then proceeded to use the phone — a privilege not allowed when incarcerated. — By Caitlin Bowling

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Swain County commissioners said they have fielded queries lately about why jail inmates aren’t put to work picking up trash along the roadsides or Tuckasegee River, and so in turn they posed that question to Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran during last week’s county meeting. Cochran told commissioners that the jail houses anywhere from 70 to 90 prisoners any given day, but many of them are not Swain County inmates. Swain is one of many counties in the state that receive a daily stipend for holding other people’s prisoners — there are inmates from the Eastern Band Cherokee Indians, state prisons and those awaiting federal court hearings. Since they technically aren’t Swain’s own inmates, they can’t be put out on work detail. Then, there are those being held on serious crimes. The county jail is currently home to 13 suspected murderers, although there have not been that many actual murders. Eight suspects are related

A couple of opponents to the bill from Lake Junaluska also went to Raleigh to speak at the committee hearing and portrayed the annexation as being hoisted on the community against its will. They expressed concern that a formal election was never held. State lawmakers require a vote to be held among residents of the area slated for annexation. Lake Junaluska conducted a mail survey, and while two-thirds supported annexation, it wasn’t the same as an official ballot. Ewing doesn’t technically consider the merger a “forced annexation,” however. Waynesville did not try to force a town limit expansion on the community. “We sought them, this is good for everybody. It is beneficial for the residents, for the conference and retreat center and the town of Waynesville,” Ewing said. Seeking safe harbor with the town means losing some semblance of autonomy but would spare the community from the prospect of financial insolvency. The town would pick up the cost of services, like police, trash and public works, plus water and sewer line repairs, in exchange for property taxes. Ultimately, the bill had the support of Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, however, and so most legislators took their cuefrom him as the hometown representative. In the House, Rep. Joe Sam Queen, D-Waynesville, will play a similar role. The town would not assume ownership of any property, rather the Conference and Retreat Center would remain a private entity — just as a college campus located within a city might be.

April 17-23, 2013

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER A state bill that would bring Lake Junaluska into Waynesville’s town limits has cleared the N.C. Senate and is now headed for passage in the N.C. House of Representatives. The Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center and the 760-home residential community surrounding it would then be absorbed into Waynesville’s town limits by late summer. With the cost of services and infrastructure rising precipitously, Lake Junaluska community leaders and the Methodist conference center asked to merge with the town following a nearly year-long comprehensive analysis of the community’s options. Waynesville agreed, but it had to be OK’d by the General Assembly. It passed the N.C. Senate 44 to 0 on Monday. But the bill first had to pass the Senate’s local government committee, where it faced minor opposition due to anti-annexation sentiments. Since not 100 percent of Lake Junaluska residents wanted their community to be absorbed by the town of Waynesville, it had the air of a forced annexation, which some legislators opposed on principle when the bill was initially discussed and voted on in committee. “There were some ‘nays,’ but it was clear that the ‘ayes’ had it,” said Jack Ewing, CEO of Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, recounting the committee hearing last week that he traveled to Raleigh to attend and speak at. “The limited resistance to the bill weren’t people opposed to Lake Junaluska and Waynesville coming together, it had more to do with political ideology.”

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Lake Junaluska merger with Waynesville sails through Senate

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Macon forges ahead with $1.1 million ballpark BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER acon County commissioners narrowly voted last week to buy a 50-acre tract for $550,000 to create a sprawling baseball and recreation complex. It would take another $550,000 to put in the first two baseball diamonds and a parking lot. The vote last week was 3 to 2 Commissioners Ron Haven and Paul Higdon voted no, and Commissioners Jimmy Tate, Ronnie Beale and Kevin Corbin voted yes. The county has been eyeing the purchase for months now but was awaiting the results of engineering, environmental and archeological reports before making the decision to move ahead. Although relatively flat and seemingly fit for baseball fields and recreation amenities, the 50-acre property along the river had caused doubts about whether Cherokee artifacts and flood plain regulations could hinder its potential for development once purchased. However, the majority of commissioners were content with recent findings showing that those two factors would not interfere with the site plans. “Everything looked very positive,” said Commissioner Ronnie Beale, who voted in favor of making the land purchase. “Our due diligence was done, and we can do the project as planned without interfering with the flood plain and the archeological finds.”

Smoky Mountain News

April 17-23, 2013

The results of the awaited archeological study were presented to commissioners last week. Paul Webb, an archeological consultant who surveyed the plot, reported that there are four separate Cherokee historic sites on the property, littered with shards of pottery and post holes marking the outlines of pre-historic dwellings. He said the location would probably be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. However, he said, the findings were not atypical for Western North Carolina — or for Macon County in particular, where large Cherokee settlements once dotted the area. The remnants of Cherokee settlements affects what kind of work can be done there, limiting the amount of site excavation that can take place. Nonetheless, Webb said those sites would most likely not be disturbed in the construction of baseball fields. “From the cultural resources point of view, this is a good location, and it’s very feasible to use as a park,” Webb told commissioners. Yet, following Web’s report, some commissioners expressed concerns that the sites restrictions on excavation and grading, coupled with the county’s ordinances prohibiting fill dirt from being trucked in to a flood plain, would stop development in its tracks. “If we can’t develop it, then we don’t need to buy it,” said Commission Chairman Kevin Corbin.

WORTH THE COST? A master plan pegged at $5.1 million would outfit the site with everything from paved parking lots, walking trails, a playground, a disc golf course and more. But for now, the county is focused on the first phase, which would cost just more than $550,000 to build two fields, a parking lot and picnic pavilion, in addition to the purchase of the property. Critics pointed to the $5.1 million price tag attached to a master plan as too much for the county to spend on a recreation complex. But Corbin became frustrated at Tuesday’s meeting with the repeated mention of the $5.1 million figure in the master plan “There’s no discussion to spend $5.1 million,” Corbin said “It will not cost anywhere close to that to build ballfields. Where’s the motion to spend $5.1 million? I’m lost.” The county has planned to have part of the complex ready for the 2014 baseball season. The county is also banking on about $500,000 from the state Parks and Recreation Trust Fund to help curb costs. Nevertheless, Commissioners Haven and

Paul Higdon were still not on board with the plan. Higdon, who ran on a platform of fiscal conservatism in the last election, said he also took issue with the purchase price — not to mention the cost of developing it into a recreation complex. “No one else is lined up to buy the property; it’s over-valued,” Higdon said. “If it comes to a I vote will oppose entering into this contract for purchase.” A recent property value assessment had placed the worth of the property at more than $700,000. However, Higdon claimed it was probably worth more in the ballpark of $200,000. He thought it may be a better idea to look at upgrading existing baseball fields in the county. A group of Little League players and coaches came to the commissioners meeting in a show of support for the new ballfield complex and decried the deplorable state of softball and baseball fields in Macon County “It’s worse than I ever dreamed. I can’t believe how bad it is,” said Billy VanHook, a Little League organizer. “We are way behind.” Higdon countered with whether spending so much money was indeed the right thing for youth, if it means saddling them with future debt. “I know some people have promised them fancy new ballfields,” Higdon said. “But in the same breath, teach those children in full the political process. There’s no magic wand.”

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Instead commissioners decided to postpone the decision several more days to consult with county planning staff and reassess the site. They reconvened later in the week and voted to buy the land.

A new cell phone tower in the Pigeon River Gorge could mean fewer dropped calls as motorists cruise down Interstate 40. The steep walls and remote nature of I40 near the Tennessee state line is notoriously bad for cell service. Only in the past several years have cell companies invested in towers to reach this isolated area, despite being on a leg of a heavily traveled, coast-tocoast interstate. The St. Petersburg, Fla.-based company PT Access Networks wants to build a new 155-foot telecommunications tower near the North Carolina welcome center along I-40. Cell service provider AT&T plans to use the tower to expand its service along the interstate. There is another cell tower several miles up the road near Exit 15 for White Oak, but it is already hosts equipment of three cell service providers. The county has a cell tower ordinance that requires cell phone companies to locate their equipment on

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Pigeon Gorge dead spot could be solved soon for AT&T cell customers existing towers when possible, with up to three companies on a tower. Plus, the signal would not reach all the way up to the welcome center area. While the old analog signals covered a few miles, digital signals have a shorter reach. “Digital does not travel nearly as far as our old analog phones,” said Kris Boyd, director of Haywood County’s Planning Department. “(Digital cell towers) have to be closer together.” Digital signals also have a harder time penetrating tree coverage and other barriers to cell service. The cell tower must be approved by Haywood County commissioners. The county will hold a public hearing to gather input on the possible new cell tower at 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 20, on the second floor of the historic courthouse in Waynesville. — By Caitlin Bowling

Healing service planned for those who experienced child loss

MedWest-Haywood to hold blood drive

Test-drive a Ford for a good cause

Andy Shaw Ford of Sylva will hold a Ford Motor Company’s “Drive 4UR School” program from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at the Southwestern Community College Balsam Center parking lot. For each of the first 300 test drives of a new Ford vehicle, a $20 donation will be made by

Student projects like this marble track were one of the main draws at a recent open house at Haywood Community College’s High Technology Center for manufacturing week. The marble run was made almost entirely from recycled parts, including two aluminum tables pulled from the trash. It took five separate classes working for four weeks to complete the marble track. The open house, also allowed attendees to learn more about careers in the advanced manufacturing field. The marble run is on display in the Regional High Technology Center lobby. Andy Shaw Ford and Ford Motor Company. Proceeds from this year’s event will be shared evenly by Jackson County Early College and the JCEC Parent Teacher Organization. The event is open to all members of the community. 828.586.0900 or www.andyshawford.com.

Smoky Mountain News

MedWest-Haywood will hold an American Red Cross blood drive from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 26, at the MedWest Health and Fitness Center in Clyde. Participants of the blood drive will be automatically entered to win one of three $1,000 gift cards. 828.452.8080 or www.redcrossblood.org.

STUDENT INGENUITY

April 17-23, 2013

First Methodist Church in Waynesville is hosting a healing service for families who have lost children at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 21. The service is meant to help with the painful memories some hold surrounding the loss of a child — by disease, accident, abortion and miscarriage. It is also for families whose children are lost to them in other ways, such as emotionally and spiritually. Rev. John Rice, an Episcopal priest, will officiate at the service. 828.456.9475 or 828.456.5183 or addressislwstrick@hotmail.com.

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Haywood County prepares for 30th annual Senior Games Seniors around the region are gearing up for Senior Games during the month of May. In Haywood County, registration will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 17-19 at the Haywood County Parks and Recreation office at 1233 N. Main St. in Waynesville. Haywood County Senior Games will be held May 6-21. Participants must be 55 or older this year and must have lived in the state for three consecutive months. Events include shuffleboard, tennis, pickleball, horseshoes, bowling and track and field, to name a few. Entry fee is $10 and includes a T-shirt, light breakfast at the opening ceremony on May 6, AARP Ice Cream Social on May 15 and dinner at the closing ceremony on May 21. For the athletically disinclined, there are also the SilverArts, with categories such as visual arts (photography, painting, etc), heritage arts (pottery, woodcarving and basket weaving), and literary arts (poems and short stories). 828.452.6789 or www.haywoodnc.net.

Robbery ring targeting vacation homes busted BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER en suspects have been charged in connection with a rash of property crimes in the Cashiers and Glenville area. Several have been arrested but a few were still at large as of early this week, according to the Jackson County Sheriff ’s Office. The charges ranged from felony breaking and entering to possession of stolen goods. The crimes targeted homes and vehicles in the area. The Cashiers and Glenville area have a high percentage of second-homes and vacation homes. Given the seasonal nature of residents, theft can go unreported for long lengths of time. The sheriff ’s office recovered various items during the investigation, but not all of the items have been claimed by the property owners. And as summer residents filter back to the mountains, many still might not even be aware their possessions have been taken, the sheriff ’s office stated in a press release. The Jackson County Sheriff ’s Office would not comment or respond to additional questions beyond what was in the press release nor provide further information about the nature of the crimes or stolen items.

Have info? Any information regarding the break-ins or missing items should be reported to Detective John Buchanan at 828.631.1131 or Detective Charles Crisp at 828.586.1382. Although overall crime rates are quite low in the Cashiers and Glenville area, crimes targeting seasonal residents are some of the most common, according to David Finn, chief of Blue Ridge Public Safety, a private security company in the area. He estimated that between 65 and 70 percent of the homes belong to seasonal residents. “The primary issue is that a lot of these are vacation homes,” Finn said. “So November through this part of the year, those homes are vacant and as a consequence can be targeted for break-ins.” Finn said none of the incidents investigated by the Jackson County Sheriff ’s Office occurred in developments that his private security firm is contracted to patrol. Since 1972, the private security force has been watching homes in the area. Currently it monitors about 3,500 residences in 40 or so

communities in the Sapphire Valley and provide of the round-the-clock response and assistance. Because Cashiers and Glenville communities are not towns with their own police force, the sheriff ’s office is their public law enforcement arm. Whether the sheriff ’s office dedicates enough resources and deputies to the Cashiers area was an issue in the last election, in which Finn actually ran against Sheriff Jimmy Ashe. Finn said the presence of a company police force fills the void and works to deter most property crime. “Statistically, in the county and in the state, this is one of the lowest crime areas because we deter a lot of criminal activity, and we follow up on what does occur,” Finn said. The agency recently completed a sixmonth investigation into a spat of stolen flat screen televisions in the area. About 20 breakins had occurred, and Finn said his agency worked with the Asheville Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies to recover some of the televisions. The perpetrators were identified as well, and several warrants remain outstanding. The following suspects have been charged in relation to property crimes in the Cashiers and Glenville areas: Christian Sammons of Cullowhee; Andrew McKinney of Franklin; David Johnson of Sapphire; Carl Ferrin of Cashiers; Jack Kern of Glenville; Leeann Kern of Glenville; Holly Moore of Franklin; Eddie Potts of Cullowhee; Charles Blackwell of Lake Toxaway; and Samuel Walk of Sapphire.

April 17-23, 2013

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828/586-9499 • citylightsnc.com

He said county revenues have been on the incline and a recent refinancing of loans has freed up extra county funds thanks to lower interest rates. Horton also argued with Higdon that a $10 per hour worker receiving a 10 percent increase was only $1 more per hour. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t spend percentages; they spend dollars,â&#x20AC;? Horton said. Yet, Commissioner Ron Haven, who also voted against the measure, questioned why some of the money, saved through refinancing loans and extra revenue gains, had to be spent right away and couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be returned to taxpayers. Currently, Macon County has one of the lowest property tax rates in the state. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to see (the residents) get some of the money back,â&#x20AC;? Haven said.

The Golden LEAF Foundation and Swain County will host a public forum from 5:30-8 p.m. on Monday, April 29, at the Business Training Center in Bryson City to discuss ideas for community development projects worthy of state grant funding. The forum is the fourth in a series. Swain has been selected by the Golden LEAF Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community Assistance Initiative targeting economically distressed counties. A community development plan will be formulated and benchmarks monitored during implementation. pcabe@goldenleaf.org or 888.684.8404.

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Weigh in on uses for grant money in Swain

S L A I R T

April 17-23, 2013

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER acon County government employees will have a fatter paycheck now, thanks to a new pay plan approved last week by commissioners. Three of the five commissioners voted in support of the pay raises. The higher salaries of some 400 public servants will cost the county an extra $750,000 a year. The pay raises will take effect immediately, however. So an additional $140,000 is needed to cover the pay raises through June 30, when the current fiscal year ends. Raises will apply across the spectrum, from the sheriff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deputies, transit drivers and landfill workers on the bottom rung of the pay ladder, to managers making six figures. Raises were not Macon County Commissioner Paul Higdon voted in opposition to applied uniformly raising county employeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s salaries. Andrew Kasper photo across the board, however. Some employees were deemed underpaid for their position Holes were also poked in the methodolocompared to similarly sized counties, accord- gy surrounding the study, which compared ing to the results of a pay study. Macon County employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wages to other Those employees got bumps to bring counties and municipalities. Many of the them in line with the going rate for their job localities used to make the comparison were title, as deemed by the pay study conducted either far away geographically or had a differby an outside consulting firm. Any county ent economic reality than Macon County, worker who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get a bump under the pay argued Higdon. study got a 2 percent cost of living raise. However, the complaints from the two â&#x20AC;&#x153;They want to get at least a fair wage,â&#x20AC;? more conservative members of the board said County Manager Jack Horton, who rec- were not enough to overcome support for the ommended that commissioners adopt the payment plan and the roomful of public new pay plan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our salaries are too low.â&#x20AC;? workers who attended the vote. A few county employees will see annual Commission Chairman Kevin Corbin said raises as high 20 to 40 percent as a result of the he thought of himself as a fiscal conservative pay plan, while more than half of employees as well but had no problem with approving will receive about a 10 percent boost in pay, what he saw as just compensation for the according to Commissioner Paul Higdon. countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workers. Although incremental raisHigdon thought raises of that magnitude es have been given during the years, a comfor public employees were exorbitant during prehensive pay plan, assessing minimum pay a recession and voted against the plan. grades, had not been enacted in the county â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not practical,â&#x20AC;? Higdon said. for more than a decade. Horton has assured commissioners that â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have no problem with it â&#x20AC;&#x201D; bringing it implementing the plan would not raise taxes. up to the minimum,â&#x20AC;? Corbin said.

Nantahala River Gorge, Bryson City news

Macon County pledges suite of raises all around

April 17-23, 2013

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Emergency action plans layout game plan well before disaster strikes BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER hat if a tornado ripped through Western North Carolina? What if a tanker hauling dangerous chemicals overturned on Interstate 40? What if a blizzard caused power outages and trapped people in their homes? Counties’ emergency responders must know the answers to all those “What ifs?” well ahead of an actual disaster. Every five years, counties update their disaster response and mitigation plans — an exercise Haywood and Jackson counties have recently completed. The emergency response roadmaps not only outline how to react should disaster strike, but also aim to mitigate or ultimately avoid the worst of any given scenario. In rural WNC, the top natural hazards are flash flooding and landslides from heavy rains and winter snow and ice storms. Still you never know what you are going to get. “The mountains are just such a unique beast when it comes to weather,” said Haywood County Emergency Management Director Greg Shuping. Just because something is listed as a hazard doesn’t make it automatically the top priority, however. For example, Jackson County has seven dams, some of them quite large. A dam break would devastate homes and result in high death tolls, but given all the state and federal oversight of the dams, it is also one of the things Todd Dillard, Jackson’s director of emergency management, is not overly frightful of. “The loss of life would be staggering,” Dillard said. But “This is probably my least worry.” Counties have plans in place for any type of disaster — natural or otherwise — but each hazard takes a certain level of priority based on likeliness. And while the emergency response plans address an action plan for terrorist attacks,

that is considered highly unlikely in such a rural area, Dillard said. Shuping agreed. Natural hazards, such as flash flooding or winter storms, are typically the most worrisome since they are more likely to occur. “Historically, natural disasters is something we take very seriously,” Shuping said. Many of the possible disaster are unique to the mountains, such as landslides. Shuping two years ago orchestrated a mock disaster drill that simulated a collapsed tunnel on Interstate 40 with trapped motorists buried in rubble. With each new snowstorm or rainstorm, the Haywood County emergency responders participated in a mock drill. Officials from different county agencies emergency management worked together while responding to a fake tunnel collapse along Interstate 40. File photo departments figure out how they can do better and tweak their procedures. For Haywood County as Haywood, with diverse topography and across the county that they know is not hyperEmergency Management, major wide-scale geography, emergency responders needed bole or false alarms, allowing them to work flooding along the Pigeon River in Canton and more eyes and ears to help them react appro- more efficiently. “The challenge is we want creditable inforClyde in 2004 helped the county pinpoint a priately. Shuping wants to launch a training pro- mation only,” Shuping said. “We don’t want to crucial flaw. “We did not have a good communications gram for civilians to become weather spotters. get, ‘It’s past the old oak tree where the house The spotters would act as extra eyes on the fire was three years ago.’” network,” Shuping said. Citizen reports will also allow the National Emergency workers in Haywood, including ground, relaying information to emergency EMS, fire and police, spoke either in person or officials and to the National Weather Service Weather Service and county to issue better and more early warnings about potential weathervia phone conference, before any impeding in the Greenville-Spartanburg area. The residents would “text, call, email, post related problems. severe weather. “The biggest thing we try to hang our hat “We are notorious for having a conference somehow to a centralized point what is happening in their community,” Shuping said. on is the early warning,” Shuping said. “When call with 50 people,” Shuping said. you have an early warning, you can make your However, there was no good way to obtain “There is nothing like real-time reports.” By training a select group of residents how own provisions.” reliable information from county residents If people know a big snowstorm on what was happening on the ground in to look for potential trouble areas, emergency their neck of the woods. In a county as large management can collect information from all is headed their way, they can stock

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Barium Springs, a nonprofit that serves troubled youth, is hosting its first Giving Them Hope Breakfast at 8:30 April 25 at the new conference center in the Burrell Building at Southwestern Community College in Sylva. The free, hour-long breakfast will include testimonials by teens who have used Hawthorn Heights, the nonprofit’s emergency runaway and homeless teen shelter, the only homeless teen shelter west of Asheville. The nonprofit is also kicking off its Homelessness to Hope campaign, which aims to raise $300,000 to renovate a new, larger building that will meet growing demands. The current facility is no longer safe or adequate for the level of at-risk youth it serves. Register for the breakkfast or donate by calling www.bariumsprings.org or 828.231.5413.

Macon barrels into BizWeek

Members of the Haywood County Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Task Force are urging all community members to “wear jeans with a purpose” April 24 in support of sexual violence prevention and education. On this day, millions across the country will participate in the “There Is No Excuse” campaign and wear denim to address one of the major misconceptions about sexual assault — that what someone wears is an excuse for rape. www.denimdayusa.org.

“The biggest thing we try to hang our hat on is the early warning. When you have an early warning, you can make your own provisions.” — Greg Shuping, Haywood County Emergency Management Director

with the state about possible assistance. “We are constantly talking on the phone,” Dillard said. Preparedness is crucial. Are the ambulances gassed up? Are there extra batteries for flashlights? Do residents know what’s going on and are they braced for it? Both Haywood and Jackson counties have phone notification systems in place for residents who want emergency alerts during a disaster. Residents of either can visit the homepage of their county’s website to sign-up for the alerts, which can go to a home phone or cell phone.

BALSAM RANGE

A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR CLYDE ELEMENTARY STUDENTS HOWELL BROWN III AND CARTER GREEN

APRIL 28, 2013 • 3-5 P.M. At Haywood Community College Auditorium Adults: $15 • Students 5-12: $10 • Under 5: FREE

Tickets available at Champion Credit Union, Clyde Elementary School and HomeTrust Bank

Cardinals Take Flight

5K RUN $20

REGISTRATION:

The third annual Clyde Cardinal 5k event will take place at Clyde Elementary on Saturday, April 20 beginning at 9 a.m. Adults and students of all ages are encouraged to attend this flat, fast course that begins at Clyde Elementary and runs through historic landmarks in the town of Clyde. Age-level handmade medals will be awarded for the top three finishers in each group. Proceeds benefit Clyde Elementary instructional materials.

Tshirts available for the first 100 registrations. Race Day Registration: $25 Register at local recreational facilities, online at imathlete.com, or by picking one up at Clyde Elementary, 4182 Old Clyde Rd., Clyde. Race day registration available.

Smoky Mountain News

up on canned goods and water and make sure they have an alterative plan in case the power goes out. They can also move their elderly relatives or friends someplace safer if they live alone. For emergency management leaders, what helps the most is people caring for themselves, making their only preparations against potential hazards. “Are you prepared to stay there three days to a week without power?” Shuping said. “People need to be self-sufficient. We cannot possibly take care of 60,000 people.” For both Haywood and Jackson counties, volunteers and community efforts are key to keeping people safe during a disaster. “They are the bedrock,” Dillard said. Counties hazard and disaster plans must be retooled and updated every five years, or the county is not eligible for federal assistance following a disaster. The plans give officials an outline for how to act in the event of an emergency. For instance, plans state that emergency officials must meet to make sure everyone knows their jobs and what to expect when inclement weather is on the horizon. They keep up contact throughout the storm to provide officials with the latest and communicate

Put on your jeans April 24

C LY D E E L E M E N TA RY P R E S E N T S

April 17-23, 2013

The Macon County Economic Development Commission will host a bevy of events April 2326 for BizWeek. The event is geared toward local entrepreneurs, business owners and forward-thinkers from the area. On the calendar of events are seminars on marketing, technology and forums for networking and more geared towards inspiring and assisting the local business community. “Small business is the backbone of our local economy and these events help provide a platform for success,” said Tommy Jenkins, Macon County EDC director. Tony Almeida, senior advisor for jobs and the economy to N.C. Gov. Pat McCrory, will pro-

vide the keynote address during the Macon County Economic Development Commission banquet at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, in the fellowship hall of Holly Springs Baptist Church. Almeida previously served as the vice president of Duke Energy. Other events are as follows: • 9 a.m., April 23: Social Media in Business for entrepreneurs hoping to sharpen their technology skills in today’s global marketplace. • 2 p.m., April 23: “Create Your Own Website & Blog Using WordPress” will provide live, hands-on instruction to create a working website and blog that you can maintain yourself. • 5:30 p.m., April 23: Entrepreneur Networking Night III at Outdoor 76 in downtown Franklin. Enjoy refreshments and live music. • 11 a.m., April 24: The Small Business Technology and Development Center of Western Carolina University and the Small Business Center of SCC will present a program on loans. Register. 828.227.3459. • 5:30 p.m., April 24: Join Drake Software at their downtown Franklin campus for a tour of their new training facility. Refreshments will be served. Register. All events are free and will be held at SCC’s Macon Campus unless otherwise specified. Register. www.maconedc.com or 828.369.2306.

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Building freedom through mobility

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April 17-23, 2013

Founder of the Free Wheelchair Mission Don Schoendorfer taught Rotary Club members in Cashiers and Highlands how to assemble donated wheelchairs being taken to Bolivia. Garret K. Woodward photo

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BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER It was a moment that forever stuck with Don Schoendorfer. While on vacation in Morocco several years ago, the southern California engineer/inventor witnessed a disabled woman dragging herself across a busy street. She had no wheelchair. Nobody seemed to even notice her, let alone provide her assistance. “I realized then I had to use my gifts in a more appropriate way,” he said. “I knew I had to do something instead of making money for myself.” With that image of the Moroccan woman burned in his mind, Schoendorfer put together his creative talents of design and came up with an idea. He found a way of making an inexpensive wheelchair by combining a plastic lawn chair with the wheels from a bicycle — the bike tires were a critical feature given the rough dirt roads of many third-world countries. The design worked and so began the origin of the Free Wheelchair Mission. Since that first prototype some 13 years ago, Schoendorfer has raised funds to assemble and distribute more than 700,000 wheelchairs worldwide. Recently, Rotary Club members from Jackson and Macon counties joined the effort, raising $36,000 for 550 wheelchairs destined for Bolivia. But raising the money was only half the job. A team of Rotary members will soon head to the South American country to greet the shipping container of wheelchair parts, put them together and give them out to those less fortunate. Schoendorfer dropped in to the HighlandsCashiers Hospital last week to give local Rotary

members a pat on the back for their effort, as well as lead a couple of run-throughs on how to properly assemble the chairs. “This is giving people mobility, it’s getting them off the ground after they’ve been like that their whole lives,” said Rotary member Duncan Wheale of Cashiers. “I and my family have been blessed. I’m retired now, and this is the least I can do to give back.” Over the last six months, the Rotary clubs of Cashiers Valley, Franklin-Daybreak, Sylva, Highlands, Franklin and Highlands Mountaintop raised the money for the faithbased mission.

“This is giving people mobility, it’s getting them off the ground after they’ve been like that their whole lives.” — Duncan Wheale, Cashiers

According to Schoendorfer, there are more than 100 million people around the globe in need of a wheelchair. Many of these foreign countries in need have long histories of hiding disabled people behind closed doors. In many cases, the disabled are looked on with shame and embarrassment for their families. But, with these wheelchairs, independence and acceptance can now emerge within these societies. “We want these people in need to know that they’re loved, that we don’t know why they became disabled, but we want to help them and give them a chair,” he said. “Human beings weren’t designed to be crawling and living on the ground.”

Opinion Legislators should support Haywood room tax hike Smoky Mountain News

Rep. Presnell violates oath of office To the Editor: There are conflicting lights in which to view the co-sponsorship by Rep. Michele Presnell, R-Burnsville, of the ill-founded, illfated state religion resolution. Neither is flattering to her or comforting to the public. In one, she’s a witless wonder who couldn’t pass a high school history test or an immigrant’s citizenship exam. In the other, she’s a willful demagogue, the kind who says things she knows aren’t true in order to satisfy or exploit the emotions of gullible constituents. By either interpretation, she was faithless to her oath to support the Constitution of the United States. The resolution to which Presnell lent her name and the dignity of her office declared that the First Amendment’s establishment clause does not apply to states, cities, or schools; that the federal courts have no power to determine “what is or is not constitutional,” that the state could establish an official religion if it chose; and that federal court rulings to the contrary would not be respected by the North Carolina General Assembly. Such claptrap brings to mind the “interposition” resolutions by which some Southern rabble-rousers thundered their defiance of the Supreme Court’s school desegregation decisions a half century ago. When Florida’s legislature did so, Gov. LeRoy Collins wrote upon the document that if it were to be taken seriously, it was “anarchy and rebellion against the nation.” Collins knew, of course that interposition would be futile. Nonetheless, he saw harm in it. “I decry it as an evil thing, whipped up by the demagogues and carried on the hot and erratic winds of passion, prejudice, and hys-

seal of approval. The holdout is the divided Maggie Valley Town Board and a handful of lodging owners. Those of us who have followed the tourism industry in Haywood County know that there is never all-out consensus. That’s to be expected when you get a roomful of energetic, opinionated entrepreneurs trying to figure out both long-term and short-term strategies for their businesses to succeed. And that’s OK that there is seldom all-out support Editor for anything. And there is the Maggie Valley factor. Maggie is a town that has been redefining itself over the past several years, and the recession brought its own particular challenges at the same time. Truth be told, most who live and work in Maggie Valley know very well that elected leaders and the business community may

Scott McLeod

he room tax hike being sought by Haywood leaders needs to pass and deserves the support of the legislative delegation in Raleigh, and we hope that Sen. Jim Davis in particular will get on board and shepherd this bill through the Senate. The hike, an additional 2 cents on each dollar spent on overnight lodging, would bring the room tax up to 6 cents. It would net about $450,000 each year in additional revenue that could be spent on attracting tourists. Davis, a Republican from Franklin, is concerned that some lodging owners and tourism leaders don’t support the proposal, which must be approved by the General Assembly. “It doesn’t go anywhere until there is a consensus,” Davis has said. The problem is that an overwhelming majority of the tourism and elected leaders in Haywood County do support this bill. County commissioners, all the town boards except Maggie Valley, the Haywood Tourism Development Author-ity and the two chambers of commerce have given it a collective

teria,” he wrote. That’s what is so wrong with what Presnell has done. She encourages disrespect for the Constitution, for the courts, and for the minority religious faiths which would be the sure losers under any state religion imposed by people like her (She compounded that damage by referring to Islam, in an e-mail to a constituent, as “terrorism.”). Her sorry message lingers even though the House speaker has effectively killed the resolution, which was spawned by a court challenge to the Rowan County Commission’s insistence on opening its meetings with exclusively Christian prayers. With the First Amendment, Congress intended to put an end forever to such abuses as had been practiced by established churches in Virginia and Massachusetts. Federal courts have had the explicit power to interpret and apply the Constitution for more than two centuries. In the context of the Little Rock desegregation crisis, the Supreme Court declared unanimously in 1958 that “No state legislative, executive, or judicial officer can war against the Constitution without violating his undertaking to support it.” That applies even to backbenchers like Presnell. Martin A. Dyckman Waynesville

Drive a hard bargain with railroad To the Editor: I’d like to ask the Jackson County Commissioners why, in the midst of high unemployment and a miserable economy, is there the rush to seal this dubious venture with the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. It won’t pay off for Dillsboro for three years, much less to the rest of the county? Why do the terms under discussion seem more like a

never come together behind a plan for the town’s future. If that is the consensus Davis is referring to, then he may as well go ahead and pull the bill. But all of Haywood County should not be held back by a few, and elected leaders in Raleigh might do well to look at this issue from that perspective. Once the room tax is on the books and the revenue flowing, the whole county will benefit from the additional marketing. And those who argue that the additional money tacked onto a visitor’s room charges will send people to other counties are simply wrong. A $100 room will now have an additional $6 tacked on as opposed to $4. That’s not going to send anyone fleeing to Cherokee or Asheville for a better room rate. This one is simple. Our delegation in Raleigh needs to give Haywood tourism and elected leaders what they have asked for before the May 16 deadline. (Scott McLeod can be reached at info@smokymountainnews.com.)

LETTERS bribe to attract the railroad instead of cautious bargaining to secure a return on our dollars? Each time additional terms are divulged, I am astonished by the weak stance you have assumed. Shouldn’t these conditions (or tighter ones) be the county’s demands for consideration of the loan — instead of terms that allow the loan to be forgiven? Jackson County leaders could be in the driver’s seat; currently GSMR seems to have everything to gain. My appeal is to all five commissioners. Restructure your negotiations from a position of strength. GSMR obviously wants this deal. Accept nothing less than secure compensation for Jackson folks’ hard-paid taxes. Lucy Christopher Cashiers

Presnell not interested in freedom of religion To the Editor: I was horrified to learn that my representative in the N.C. House, Rep. Michele Presnell, R-Burnsville, co-sponsored House Resolution 494, the Rowan County Defense of Religion Act of 2013. H494 is designed to allow North Carolina to establish a state religion, declaring itself exempt from the U.S. Constitution, federal law and judicial precedent. This bill garnered widespread support among the radial Raleigh Republicans, including two senior members of the House leadership team, but it was reportedly killed by Speaker of the House Thom Tillis, to his credit. The sponsor of the resolution, Rep. Harry Warren, has since apologized for the resolution’s poor wording and how it embarrassed the state, but Rep. Presnell

continues to defend it. Perhaps she is unaware that the N.C. Constitution states that it is subservient to the U.S. Constitution. Since she pledged allegiance to the state and federal constitutions, perhaps she should read them. I was raised a Southern Baptist, granddaughter of a circuit-riding Baptist preacher and daughter of a Baptist deacon. I learned at my daddy’s knee the critical importance of the separation of church and state. My ancestors came to North Carolina from Scotland in the 1700s. The oral family history passed along that, being Protestants, they came to the New World because they objected to the establishment in Britain of the Church of England as the official state religion. Why is there not an outcry from the churches about H494? For the last several years, some in the Republican Party have been rather “in your face” about the U.S. Constitution, carrying copies around with them and quoting from it. Why is there not an outcry from them about H494? According to his website, Republican Rep. Mark Meadows is a member of the Constitutional Caucus in the U.S. Congress. I emailed a query to him asking what he thinks about the disrespect from Rep. Presnell and the other co-sponsors of H494, but he has not replied. Why is he not outraged about H494? The Taliban is an intolerant sect of Muslims who originated in Afghanistan. They enforce their religion, fundamentalist Islam, in areas where they rule. Religious freedom and tolerance are unheard in those areas. Sound familiar? I wonder if those who voted Republican in the last election and caused the takeover of our state government by this radical gang realized they were voting for the Taliban. This grievous error can be remedied in 2014. Carole Carson Larivee Waynesville

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MON-FRI: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. SAT: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. SUN: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

AMMONS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT & DAIRY BAR 1451 Dellwwod Rd., Waynesville. 828.926.0734. Open 7 days a week 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Celebrating over 25 years. Enjoy world famous hot dogs as well as burgers, seafood, hushpuppies, hot wings and chicken. Be sure to save room for dessert. The cobbler, pie and cake selections are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. ANTHONY WAYNE’S 37 Church St, Waynesville. 828.456.6789. Open for lunch Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; open for dinner Thursday-Saturday 5 to 9 p.m.; and Sunday brunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Exceptional, new-American cuisine, offering several gluten free items.

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Breads • Biscuits Bagels • Cakes • Pies Pastries • Soups • Salads Sandwiches

Taste the Mountains is an ever-evolving paid section of places to dine in Western North Carolina. If you would like to be included in the listing please contact our advertising department at 828.452.4251

ITALIAN

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BLUE RIDGE BBQ COMPANY 180 N. Main St., Waynesville. 828.452.7524. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. TuesdayThursday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Blue Ridge BBQ is a family owned and operated restaurant. The BBQ is slow hardwood smoked, marinated in its own juices, and seasoned with mountain recipes. All menu items made from scratch daily. Featuring homemade cornbread salad, fresh collard greens, or cornbread and milk at your request. Old-fashioned homemade banana pudding and fruit cobbler of the season. Catering, take-out, eat-in. blueridgebbq@gmail.com. BLUE ROOSTER SOUTHERN GRILL 207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, Lakeside Plaza at the old Wal-Mart. 828.456.1997. Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friendly and fun family atmosphere. Local, handmade Southern cuisine. Fresh-cut salads; slowsimmered soups; flame grilled burgers and steaks, and homemade signature desserts. Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily. Brown bagging is permitted. Private parties, catering, and take-out available. Call-ahead seating available. BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE 454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Dinner nightly from 4 p.m. Closed on Sunday. We specialize in handcut, all natural steaks, fresh fish, and other classic American comfort foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available. We also feature a great selection of craft beers from local artisan brewers, and of course an extensive selection of small batch bourbons and whiskey. The Barrel is a friendly and casual neighborhood dining experience where our guests enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank. HERREN HOUSE 94 East St., Waynesville 828.452.7837. Lunch: Wednesday - Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday Brunch 11 a. m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy fresh local products, created daily.

4. #3 - free flier

Join us in our beautiful patio garden. We are your local neighborhood host for special events: business party’s, luncheons, weddings, showers and more. Private parties & catering are available 7 days a week by reservation only. CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley. 828.926.1401. Mile-high mountaintop dining with a spectacular view. Join us for cookouts on the terrace on weekends and Wednesdays (weather permitting) and family-style dinners on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Social hour starts at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. Our bountiful family-style meals include prime rib, baked ham, and herb-baked chicken; cookouts feature steaks, ribs, chicken and pork chops, to name a few. Every dinner is complemented with an assortment of seasonal vegetables, homemade breads, jellies and desserts, and we offer a fine selection of wine and beer. Breakfast is also served daily from 8 to 9:30 a.m., and lunch from 12 to 2 p.m. Please call for reservations. CHEF’S TABLE 30 Church St., Waynesville. 828.452.6210. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday dinner starting at 5 p.m. “Best of” Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine. Set in a distinguished atmosphere with an exceptional menu. Extensive selection of wine and beer. Reservations honored. CITY BAKERY 18 N. Main St. Waynesville 828.452.3881. Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join us in our historic location for scratch made soups and daily specials. Breakfast is made to order daily: Gourmet cheddar & scallion biscuits served with bacon, sausage and eggs; smoked salmon bagel plate; quiche and fresh fruit parfait. We bake a wide variety of breads daily, specializing in traditional french breads. All of our breads are hand shaped. Lunch: Fresh salads, panni sandwiches. Enjoy outdoor dinning on the deck. Private room available for meetings. CITY LIGHTS CAFE Spring Street in downtown Sylva. 828.587.2233. Open Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tasty, healthy and quick. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, espresso, beer and wine. Come taste the savory and sweet crepes, grilled paninis, fresh, organic salads, soups and more. Outside patio seating. Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly. Live music and lots of events. Check the web calendar at citylightscafe.com. CORNERSTONE CAFÉ 1092 N. Main Street, Waynesville. 828.452.4252. Open Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fresh meats purchased daily, great homemade breakfast, burgers made to order. Comfortable and friendly atmosphere, with curb service available. Make lunch easy and call ahead for to go orders. FRANKIE’S ITALIAN TRATTORIA 1037 Soco Rd. Maggie Valley. 828.926.6216 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Father and son team

tasteTHEmountains Frank and Louis Perrone cook up dinners steeped in Italian tradition. With recipies passed down from generations gone by, the Perrones have brought a bit of Italy to Maggie Valley. frankiestrattoria.com FRYDAY’S & SUNDAES 24 & 26 Fry St., Bryson City (Next To The Train Depot). 828.488.5379. Spring hours: 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wed., Thur. & Sun. 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fri & Sat. Fryday’s is known for its Traditional English Beer Battered Fish & Chips, but also has burgers, deep fried dogs, gyro, shrimp, bangers, Chip Butty, chicken, sandwiches & a great kids menu. Price friendly, $3-$10, Everything available to go or call ahead takeout. Sundaes has 24 rotating flavors of Hershey's Ice Cream making them into floats, splits, sundaes, shakes. Private seating inside & out for both locations right across from the train station & pet friendly. FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE 44 Church St. Downtown Waynesville 828.456.1930 Serving lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Sunday lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Mondays. Frogs Leap is a farm to table restaurant focused on local, sustainable, natural and organic products prepared in modern regional dishes. Seasonal menu focuses on Southern comfort foods with upscale flavors. Come for the restaurant’s 4 @ 4 when you can choose a center and three sides at special prices. Offered Wed- Fri. from 4 to 6. frogsleappublichouse.org.

J. ARTHUR’S RESTAURANT AT MAGGIE VALLEY U.S. 19 in Maggie Valley. 828.926.1817. Lunch Sunday noon to 2:30 p.m., dinner nightly starting at 4:30 p.m. World-famous prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, gorgonzola cheese and salads. All ABC permits and open year-round. Children always welcome. Take-out menu. Excellent service and hospitality. Reservations appreciated.

LOS AMIGOS 366 Russ Ave. in the Bi-Lo Plaza. 828.456.7870. Open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner Monday through Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy the lunch prices Monday through Sunday, also enjoy our outdoor patio. LUCIO'S RESTAURANT 313 Highlands Road, Franklin. 828.369.6670. Serving Macon County since 1984. Closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. Lunch Wednesday-Friday 11:30 a.m.

MAGGIE VALLEY CLUB 1819 Country Club Dr., Maggie Valley. 828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Fine and casual fireside dining in welcoming atmosphere. Full bar. Reservations accepted. MOONSHINE GRILL 2550 Soco Road, Maggie Valley loacted in the Smoky Falls Lodge. 828.926.7440. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 4:30 to 9 p.m. Cooking up mouth-watering, woodfired Angus steaks, prime rib and scrumptious fresh seafood dishes. The wood-fired grill gives amazing flavor to every meal that comes off of it. Enjoy creative dishes made using moonshine. Stop by and simmer for a while and soak up the atmosphere. The best kept secret in Maggie Valley. themoonshinegrill.com MOUNTAIN PERKS ESPRESSO BAR & CAFÉ 9 Depot St., Bryson City. 828.488.9561. Open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. With music at the Depot. Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Life is too short for bad coffee. We feature wonderful breakfast and lunch selections. Bagels, wraps, soups, sandwiches, salads and quiche with a variety of specialty coffees, teas and smoothies. Various desserts. OLD STONE INN 109 Dolan Road, off Love Lane. 828.456.3333. Classic fireside dining in an historic mountain lodge with cozy, intimate bar. Dinner served nightly except Sunday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Signature dinner choices include our 8oz. filet of beef in a brandied peppercorn sauce and a garlic and herb crusted lamb rack. Carefully selected fine wines and beers plus full bar available. Open year round. Call for reservations. PASQUALE’S 1863 South Main Street, Waynesville. Off exit 98, 828.454.5002. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Classic Italian dishes, exceptional steaks and seafood (available in full and lighter sizes), thin crust pizza, homemade soups, salads hand tossed at your table. Fine wine and beer selection. Casual atmosphere, dine indoor, outside on the patio or at the bar. Reservations appreciated.

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center 828.926.0201 Bar open Monday thru Saturday; dining room open Tuesday thru Saturday at 5 p.m. Full service restaurant serving steaks, prime rib, seafood and dinner specials. Live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday. SOUL INFUSION TEA HOUSE & BISTRO 628 E. Main St. (between Sylva Tire & UPS). 828.586.1717. Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday noon -until. Scrumptious, natural, fresh soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps and desserts. 60+ teas served hot or cold, black, chai, herbal. Seasonal and rotating draft beers, good selection of wine. Home-Grown Music Network Venue with live music most weekends. Pet friendly and kid ready. SPEEDY’S PIZZA 285 Main Street, Sylva. 828.586.3800. Open seven days a week. Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Family-owned for 30 years. Serving hand-tossed pizza made to order, pasta, subs, gourmet salads, calzones and seafood. Also serving excellent prime rib on Thursdays. Dine in or take out available. Located across from the Fire Station.

THURSDAY APRIL 18TH • 8PM Adam Bigelow & Friends

FRIDAY APRIL 19TH • 8PM

American Gonzos

SATURDAY 4/20 CELEBRATION

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plus 6 bands. Music starts at 4:20 Tues.- Fri. 11a-9p & Sat. 12 noon - ‘til

628 E. Main Street • Sylva 828.586.1717 • soulinfusion.com

TAP ROOM SPORTS BAR & GRILL 176 Country Club Dr. Waynesville 828.456.5988. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Enjoy soups, sandwiches, salads and hearty appetizers along with a full bar menu in our casual, smoke-free neighborhood grill.

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THE WINE BAR 20 Church Street, downtown Waynesville. 828.452.6000. Underground cellar for wine and beer, served by the glass all day. Cheese and tapas served Wednesday through Saturday 4 p.m.-9 p.m. or later. info@classicwineseller.com. Also on facebook and twitter. VILLAGE GREEN CAFE 389 Walnut Street, Walnut Village Plaza, Waynesville. 828.550.9489. Open Monday thru Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A fun, casual lunch spot offering fresh made salads, sandwiches, panini, and soups. All meats are allnatural and we support local growers when produce is available. Free delivery in the Waynesville area and call-in orders welcome. villagegreencafe.com. Like on Facebook to view daily specials and promos. VITO’S PIZZA 607 Highlands Rd., Franklin. 828.369.9890. Established here in in 1998. Come to Franklin and enjoy our laid back place, a place you can sit back, relax and enjoy our 62” HDTV. Our Pizza dough, sauce, meatballs, and sausage are all made from scratch by Vito. The recipes have been in the family for 50 years (don't ask for the recipes cuz’ you won't get it!) Each Pizza is hand tossed and made with TLC. You're welcome to watch your pizza being created.

6306 Pigeon Road Canton, NC

(828) 648-4546

Hours:

Smoky Mountain News

JUKEBOX JUNCTION U.S. 276 and N.C. 110 intersection, Bethel. 828.648.4193. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Serving breakfast, lunch, nd dinner. The restaurant has a 1950s & 60s theme decorated with memorabilia from that era.

MAD BATTER BAKERY & CAFÉ Located on the WCU Campus in Cullowhee. 828.293.3096. Open Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Earth-friendly foods at people-friendly prices. Daily specials, wraps, salads, pastries, breads, soups and more. Unique fare, friendly service, casual atmosphere and wireless Internet. Organic ingredients, local produce, gourmet fair trade and organic coffees.

PATIO BISTRO 30 Church Street, Waynesville. 828.454.0070. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Breakfast bagels and sandwiches, gourmet coffee, deli sandwiches for lunch with homemade soups, quiches, and desserts. Wide selection of wine and beer. Outdoor and indoor dining.

April 17-23, 2013

GUADALUPE CAFÉ 606 W. Main Street, Sylva. 828.586.9877. Open 7 days a week at 5 p.m. Located in the historic Hooper’s Drugstore, Guadalupe Café is a chef-owned and operated restaurant serving Caribbean inspired fare complimented by a quirky selection of wines and microbrews. Supporting local farmers of organic produce, livestock, hand-crafted cheese, and using sustainably harvested seafood.

until.Dinner Wednesday-Saturday 5 p.m. until. Owned and operated by Tanya and Dorothy Gamboni. Serving authentic Italian and continental cuisine including appetizers, pastas, poultry, veal, seafood, steaks and homemade deserts. Selection of wine and beer. Lunch and Dinner menus. Wednesday and Thursday nights only. 1 appetizer and 2 selected entrées with unlimited salad and Lucio’s famous garlic rolls for $24.95. Winter Special: half-off house wines, Friday and Saturday only. luciosnc.com

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MONDAY-SATURDAY: 7 A.M.-9 P.M. SUNDAY: 8:30 A.M.-3 P.M. 25

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Smoky Mountain News

Poker players from across the country gathered at Harrah’s Casino in Cherokee for a World Series of Poker tournament last week. Andrew Kasper photo

THE LUCK OF THE DRAW BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER All bets are on in Cherokee. The first major poker tournament held at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Resort has lured crowds of card sharks from the southeast and beyond, surpassing attendance expectations, and even breaking records. The 12-day event, organized by the World Series of Poker, drew hundreds of participants from big poker names to hometown mavericks. The series is a professional poker circuit that hosts tournaments around the country in top gambling spots like Atlantic City, Chicago and Las Vegas. Now, you can add Cherokee to that list. “The response was overwhelming,” said Nolan Dalla, media director for the series. “These are like Las Vegas kinds of numbers. We don’t even get these numbers in Atlantic City.” The main event last Friday, with a $1,675 buy-in, saw more than 850 participants, betting, holding and folding in the packed casino events center. Another event during the week, with a $365 buy-in saw more than 1,300 poker players. One round of play, only opened to players 50 years or older, even broke the record for the largest senior poker event held outside of Las Vegas. And with nearly

650 players, you can be sure the bingo halls were quiet that night in Cherokee. Before the Cherokee poker series had ended on April 14, the casino had already announced that it would be hosting another one next year. Dalla said the fit is a natural one, with the next closest world series tournaments being hosted in New Orleans and West Palm Beach. There was a void in the heart of the South for organized tournament poker. When the N.C. General Assembly last year finally allowed Harrah’s to host live table gambling it paved the way for an open tournament. “It’s was natural to have it here in North Carolina,” Dalla said. “There was a lot of poker being played behind the scenes.” But the participation wasn’t just limited to North Carolina. Dalla estimated that about half of the field came from within a 100-mile radius of the casino, hailing from Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky. But others made the

Empty Bowl: a meal and music with a cause The Empty Bowl fundraiser will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 26, at The Community Table in Sylva.

For a $20 donation to the soup kitchen, you get a handcrafted ceramic bowls by a local potter to take home, after partaking in a meal of

trek from places as far away as Massachusetts and California to land on the casino’s doorstep and take a seat at the green, velvet tables. Some turned out to be winner’s, other losers. A researcher from South Carolina, Christie Hightower beat out 500 or so competitors to win $33,000 in one of the first events. Others stood up and shuffled out of the room $1,675 poorer, eliminated on a gutsy call only minutes after the cards were dealt. Meanwhile, Ken Aldridge, a 61-year-old retired school teacher from Eastern North Carolina, chatted casually with the other players at his table last Friday. He was playing in the main event, which started out with some 60 tables on Friday and slowly pared down to just one winner by Monday. That winner got a pot of over $200,000 and a chance to win a seat at the national World Series of Poker tournament in New Orleans next month, as well as entrance into the world championship poker tournament in Las Vegas this summer, where the winner takes home about $8 million. But Aldridge didn’t seem the least bit affected by whether he had a bad hand or a good one. He said he was just happy to finally have the chance to play tournament poker in his home state. His jovial demeanor might also have been due to the fact that Aldridge had passed the $1 million mark in poker winnings in January, vindicating four years or competitive play. Aldridge, who is called “Teach” by the other poker players, showed off the gold World Series of Poker bracelet he won, along with $400,000, after taking a big tournament in 2009. “They all think I only wear this to the poker tournaments,” Aldridge said, showing off the bracelet. “But I never take it off.”

“They all think I only wear this to the poker tournaments. But I never take it off.” — Ken Aldridge, about his Championship Poker bracelet

But the man sitting next to Aldridge, and competing for the same chips, didn’t seem so happy about Aldridge’s gold bracelet. “I don’t know how we got so lucky to get the best player in the room at our table,” he grumbled.

soup provided by local restaurants. There will also be live music by Karen Barnes & Friends, Jessi & Chris Bassett, and The Buchannan Boys. In 2012, The Community Table served

17,087 meals and provided 4,208 food boxes. Tickets are $20 and are currently on sale now through Tuesday, April 23, at Soul Infusion and Signature Brew in Sylva. www.communitytable.org or 828.586.6782.

Mom’s Music Fest returns to Waynesville

Garret K. Woodward photo

The outdoor Mom’s Music Festival will be held from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, in Waynesville, featuring a line-up of bands and activities to celebrate moms. Put on by WOW, the Women of Waynesville, in conjunction with the Haywood Regional Medical Center Foundation, the event will raise money for the Power of Pink, which provides free mammogram screenings for underserved women. Bands include Smoke Rise, Tarnished Rose, Bohemian Jean, Cherokee Thunder and DJ Ogre of Dizzy Records. There will

be vendors, food, local breweries and a kids area with a bouncy house, arts and crafts, small petting zoo and the Waynesville Fire Department. “It’s been so fun putting this event into production again,” says Nikki White, President of WOW. “The Mom’s Music Festival is going to get bigger and better every year.” The festival offers a safe, fun area for children to play while moms kick back on a blanket. The Mom’s Music Festival will be held on behind The Herren House and Bridgets Bistro on East Street in Waynesville, one block from Main Street. It is a cash-only event. 828.545.6879 or 828.452.7837 or www.facebook.com/Womenofwaynesville.

arts & entertainment

Frogs Leap Public House prepares its classic dishes at Mélange of the Mountains.

Dramatic comedy embraces small town life

MÉLANGE PUTS CULINARY EXCELLENCE ON DISPLAY Haywood County Chamber of Commerce held their annual “Melange of the Mountains” culinary gala at Laurel Ridge Country Club on April 11. Winners included The Waynesville Inn (soup, fowl), Frogs Leap Public House (Culinary Excellence, salad, seafood, dessert), The Gateway Club (meat, vegetarian) and Harrah’s Cherokee (People’s Choice). Garret K. Woodward photo

Ingles Markets and the Asheville and Hendersonville Gluten Intolerance Groups are teaming up for their annual Gluten Free Expo and Information Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at UNC-Asheville’s Kimmel Arena. The event will feature more than 50 local and national vendors, bakeries and restaurants. A quinoa cooking demonstration by Chef and Dietitian Cheryl Forberg of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” and a baking demonstration by local Gluten and dairy free baker Dolci Di Maria will be highlights of the vendor session. There will be a panel discussion by national experts on the gluten-free diet and lifestyle. Admission is $5 for those ages 12 and over. www.ingles-markets.com/ask_leah or 800.334.4936.

We are excited to have Bill Morris, pharmacist and nutritionist here on Friday’s from 9-4. Bill focuses on a holistic approach and specializes in:

Call today and schedule your consultation with Bill.

• • • • • • • • • • •

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Smoky Mountain News

The 16th annual Greening Up the Mountains street festival will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 27, in downtown Sylva. The spring festival is named for the way spring creeps up the mountainsides — a wave of green moving in succession from lower to higher elevations as leaves pop out. It began over a decade ago as a celebration of Earth Day.

Gluten Free expo and fair

Episcopal priest in a small North Carolina town. The play takes the highlights and condenses the action into two acts, spanning 10 years. Father Tim moves from scene to scene, as the audience is introduced to over 20 characters in the town. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $10 for students and teachers. There will be a special $6 discount ticket for students and teachers for Thursday and Sundays. 828.456.6322 or www.harttheatre.com.

April 17-23, 2013

‘Greening Up the Mountains’ in Sylva

Crafters, environmental groups, nonprofits, local businesses and farms and nurseries will provide an engaging experience for this year’s attendees. More than a dozen bands will play over the course of the day. There is also a kid’s area, 5K race and demonstrations on sustainable lifestyles. Stay tuned for a more detailed line-up in The Smoky Mountain News in coming weeks. 828.506.3419 or www.greeningupthemountains.com.

Haywood Arts Regional Theater in Waynesville will kick off its 29th main stage season this month with a stage adaptation of the popular series of novels “Welcome to Mitford.” Shows will be at 7:30 p.m. April 19, 20, 26 and 27 and May 2, 3, and 4, and at 3 p.m. April 21, 28 and May 5. Adapted by Robert Inman and based on the Mitford books by Jan Karon, the series contains nine novels, all set in the fictional town of Mitford and centering on the character of Father Tim Kavanaugh, an

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arts & entertainment

Liars Bench to showcase Carolina Dusk The Liars Bench presents music group Carolina Dusk at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18, in the Mountain Heritage Center auditorium at Western Carolina University. Performances will also include musician Paul Larussi, storyteller Lloyd Arneach and writer Gary Carden who will performing “The Robert Hall Suit.” The Liars Bench was created in the early summer of 2010 by Carden, recipient of the 2008 Brown-Hudson Folklore Award and the 2012 North Carolina Award for Literature, to promote southern Appalachian storytelling, music, poetry, drama and folk arts. The group performs southern Appalachian stories, music and songs onstage. The event is free and open to the public. www.theliarsbenchgazette.blogspot.com or www.facebook.com/TheLiarsBench or 828.227.7129.

WCU Jazz Festival to feature innovative saxophonist, Slovakian drummer Donny McCaslin

The 2013 Jazz Festival will take place from April 27 and 29 at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, featuring jazz classes, concerts and open dress rehearsals. Donny McCaslin, a tenor saxophonist from New York City, will conduct a jazz improvisation masterclass at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 27, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center. The

class will be followed by dress rehearsals with the WCU Jazz Ensemble at 2:30 p.m. and with jazz faculty and guests at 4 p.m. All of these events are free and open to the public. The evening performance at the Bardo Arts Center will begin at 7:30 p.m. with McCaslin and the WCU Jazz Ensemble. It will continue at 8:45 p.m. when McCaslin performs with guests and members of the WCU faculty. Tickets for this event are $10 for the general public, $5 for WCU faculty, staff and students. There will also be a rhythm section masterclass at 1:25 p.m. Monday, April 29, in the recital hall of the Coulter Building. The class is free and open to the public. www.fapac.wcu.edu or www.events.wcu.edu or 828.227.3261.

Shinedown ready to rock Harrah’s Hard rock stars Shinedown will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center. Snapped up by Atlantic Records during the early 2000’s flurry of post Creed and Nickelback signings, the group released its debut album, “Leave a Whisper,” which went platinum aided by the single “Fly from the Inside.” Preceded by the emotionally charged first single “Bully,” their latest album, “Amaryllis,” was released in 2012. 800.745.3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.

CHORAL CONCERT TO MARK SPRING’S ARRIVAL Voices in the Laurel annual spring concert will be 3 p.m. Sunday, April 21, at Long’s Chapel in Waynesville. Voices in the Laurel is an acclaimed youth and teen choir with members from Haywood, Buncombe, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties. The performance is supported in part by a Grassroots Grant from the N.C. Arts Council awarded by the Haywood County Arts Council. Tickets are $15 per person. 828.734.9163 or www.voicesinthelaurel.org.

Private home venue to feature O’Beirne An intimate house concert featuring singer/songwriter Gerry O’Beirne will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 20, on 190 Iris Lane in Whittier. Thea & The Green Man will be opening the performance. Seating is limited and reservations are suggested. Tickets are $15 per person. 828.586.3067.

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The Asheville Symphony Orchestra will join forces with the Asheville Symphony Chorus and the Western Carolina University Concert Choir for a performance at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 21, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at WCU. The concert will consist of works by Arvo Pärt, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The performance is made possible through funds from the WCU School of Music Artist in Residence Program. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and children. 828.227.2479 or bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

Shinedown

Renowned Appalachian writer Gary Carden will perform “Madison,” a monologue about the life of Dr. Robert Lee Madison, at 7 p.m. Friday, April 26, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin. In the 1880s, Madison promoted the idea of a training school that would cultivate teachers for a network of mountain schools. There were no free public schools, only family schools or subscription schools at the time. Adding impetus to his dream was the “Normal School Movement” that was gaining momentum in the South. Normal schools are believed to have been modeled on the French ecole normale superieure, that were intended to provide a body of teachers, trained in the critical spirit and secular values of the Enlightment. Madison’s progressive idea evolved through the years from the small Cullowhee Academy to become Western Carolina University. Tickets are available at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce (828.524.3161), UU Fellowship of Franklin (828.524.6777) and at the door the night of the performance.

Smoky Mountain News

April 17-23, 2013

Carden monologue celebrates early vision of teaching college

Symphony comes to Cullowhee

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‘Dead Man Walking’ opera hits Cullowhee arts & entertainment

A concert production of “Dead Man Walking” will come to the stage at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27, in the Coulter Building at Western Carolina University. Based on the acclaimed book and film, the opera examines faith, redemption and the bonds of family as seen through the eyes of a nun who establishes a unique relationship with a convicted murderer who is an inmate on death row in Louisiana’s infamous Angola prison. Of that intimacy is born a spiritual journey that addresses the plight of the condemned and the rage of the bereaved, the needs of a crime-ridden society and the Christian imperative of love. “This opera is accessible and understandable to all. The music sounds like a merging of George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein and to me feels more like a theatrical work than an opera,” said David Troy Francis, the production’s musical director. The cast ranges from veteran performers with the Metropolitan Opera to Susan Belcher (professionally-trained opera singer and wife of WCU Chancellor Belcher) to a regional children’s chorus. Tickets range in price from $25 to $40 and may be purchased online (with a $3.50 surcharge) at www.tmamp.com or 800.595.4849.

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Susan Belcher will perform in the operatic version of ‘Dead Man Walking,’ with musical direction by David Troy Francis on April 27 at Western Carolina University. Liza Becker photo

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A “Record Store Day Celebration” will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20, at In Your Ear Music Emporium in Sylva. On this day, independent record stores across the United States collaborate with artists to give the public exclusive releases available only at small town shops. Festivities at In Your Ear will include live music performed by local indie-folk band Pearly Peach,

Mad Batter to showcase Cirque de Cullowhee Theatrical performance duo Whimzik will combine forces with other area performers to present Cirque de Cullowhee from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 19, at The Mad Batter Bakery & Café in Cullowhee.

Alongside Whimzik, Tom the Magician (also known as Professor Whizzpop) will showcase a medley of comic mayhem. Known throughout the area for her hula-hoop talents, Kelly Jewell-Timco will also debut her fire-hooping act during the performance. Cirque de Cullowhee promises to be a one-ofa-kind evening and a great way to celebrate community with family and friends. Tickets are $5 per person. The Mad Batter will also be offering a special tapas menu. www.whimzik.blogspot.com.

828-246-0880 58 Montgomery St. Waynesville joel@weaverpalaw.com

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Smoky Mountain News

The work of Linda Anderson, a prolific artist whose pieces depict her life in rural North Georgia, will be on display from April 20 through July 28, at The Bascom in Highlands. A reception for the exhibit, “A Never Ending Stream: The Art of Linda Anderson,” will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 20. Anderson will speak at 6 p.m. Born in Georgia in 1941, Anderson and her four siblings had a family life that was poor in money but rich in experiences. They shared a close community and church ties, along with a natural creative spirit. Art critic Catherine Fox called her work “keenly observed and wonderfully imagined.” Georgia Public Television named her “one of the foremost living memory painters, one of a dying breed of rural folk artists.” The Bascom is open year-round, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Art exhibitions at The Bascom are free and open to the public. www.thebascom.org or 828.526.4949.

April 17-23, 2013

Celebrate ‘Record Store Day’ in Sylva

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Smoky Mountain News April 17-23, 2013

arts & entertainment

Books

Smoky Mountain News

History of Cherokee War is top notch

Jeff Minick

We Americans sometimes forget how new we are to the history of the world. Here in Western North Carolina, for example, we live like other Americans. We drive cars on expressways, live in towns and cities, buy or build homes and apartments equipped with electricity and running water, erect schools, churches, and fast-food restaurants, build shopping malls, buy meat, vegetables and milk from large grocery stores, vacation at the coast or overseas, gather local information from papers like The Writer Smoky Mountain News, and commune with the world via the internet and television. Yet, how often do we stop to contemplate how life was lived in these mountains less than 250 years ago, that quarter of a millennium which spans about seven generations of humankind, a blink of an eye in human history? Nadia Dean’s A Demand of Blood: The Cherokee War of 1776 (Valley River Press, ISBN 978-0-9831133-0-0, $34.95) takes us back to a time when the fields and woodlands of these mountains were filled not with the noise of traffic, construction and the schoolyard shouts of children at recess, but with the explosions of musketry, war cries and the dark silence following massacre and devastation. The war of 1776 between the Cherokee and the frontier settlers occurred against the backdrop of the American Revolution. Incited both by the British and by the encroachments of the settlers on Cherokee territory, Dragging Canoe, a Cherokee chief and a supporter of Great Britain, helped organize and lead attacks against those settlers who supported

the cause of revolution. These attacks by the Cherokee on settlers, encouraged both by the English and those colonists loyal to the Crown, led in turn to the punitive expeditions

Though this war of three protagonists — those loyal to King George III, the revolutionaries, and the Cherokees aided at times by the Creeks — has received mention in other histories, A Demand of Blood gives readers the details of this conflict and reveals the personal side of this “shadow war.” Dean, a journalist intimately involved in the personalities and events of the conflicts in the Middle East, brings the acute sensibility she gained in writing of places like Israel and Jordan to these battles of the New World. Her approach to the Cherokee wars is evenhanded, her research extensive, her journalistic eye for truth and interpretation on target. A Demand of Blood should attract readers for other reasons as well. There is first the overall appearance of the book. It is a beautiful piece of work, appearing by its cover and its format like a gift book, but easily fitted to the hand for reading. Numerous illustrations, documents and maps adorn the pages, and the last hundred pages consist of additional documents, lists, summaries and an index. All of these contribute to the informative side of Dean’s work. There are Nadia Dean will read from and discuss her book at 6:30 explanations, for example, of everyp.m. April 26 at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. thing from wampum to tinderboxes, from Moravian rifles to the cabins in 1776 against the Cherokee by colonial milibuilt by the Scots-Irish. tiamen supporting the American Revolution. Dean also gives us in-depth accounts from Roused by these frontier attacks, these militia- all three of the protagonists: the Americans in men invaded Cherokee tribal lands in present- revolt against England, the loyalist and British day Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, forces arrayed against them, and the and Virginia, attacking the Cherokee warriors Cherokees. She goes to great lengths to show and their families when they could find them us the complicated relations among these and burning their villages and their vast fields three forces. According to Dean, the of corn. Cherokee, for instance, did not go to war in

1775 against the frontier settlements to implement British policy, but to recover territory taken from them by these settlements. Their attacks on these settlements certainly benefited the British, but as Dean then points out, the British were not completely responsible for instigating these battles. Here Dean’s interest in the complexities of Middle Eastern affairs come to the fore, as she uses the skills she learned there to sort out, evaluate, and judge these complicated events of 1776. One early reviewer of A Demand of Blood wrote that “anyone interested in the Cherokees and the Revolutionary War in the southern colonies will find this book a rewarding and entertaining history.” I agree wholeheartedly, but would go a step farther. Anyone interested in discovering, as Nadia Dean puts it, “that history is not an exercise in asserting who was right or wrong, but rather an endeavor to examine what causes what” will also find much of value in A Demand of Blood. Here is historical writing at its finest — an examination of the past which both connects us to that past and teaches us lessons on our present. ••• Actors’ reminiscences may rarely attract the attention of readers, but the recently published The Richard Burton Diaries (ISBN 9780-300-18010-7) deserve attention. Burton, a movie star in his prime in the 1950s and 1960s, and the husband — twice — of Elizabeth Taylor, was both a reader of books and a fine writer. Here in these diaries he not only gives us insights into the life of a “star,” but into the mind of man who, despite his enormous celebrity, remained loyal to his past, his family, his wives and his children. His crisp style, his humor, his self-effacement and his deep interest in ideas and literature make this edition of his diaries well worth a look.

Local writers collaborate on the tragic life of Nancy Silver The handful of collaborative authors of A Life for Nancy: Daughter of Frankie Silver will be discussing the regional history at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. Silver was the central figure in a fabled, real-life crime mystery of Southern Appalachian roots — she was hung in Morganton for the murder of her husband in 1833. She left behind a 13-month-old daughter named Nancy, who was kidnapped by Frankie’s family, the Stuarts, and taken to Franklin to live. Based on stories handed down through the generations and actual documents found by family members, this historical fiction is full of mystery, romance and murder. 828.456.6000 or www.blueridgebooksnc.com.

Novelist to discuss new work North Carolina native Dale Neal will present his new novel The Half-Life of Home at 7 p.m. Friday, April 19, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. “This profoundly moving, elegiac, novel gives full voice to a lost place and, in its way, a lost culture,” said Ron Rash, author of Serena and The Cove. Neal is the winner of the 2009 Novello Literary Prize. His short fiction and essays have appeared in Arts and Letters, Carolina Quarterly, Marlboro Review, and Crescent Review, as well as other literary journals. He is also a prize-winning writer for the Asheville Citizen-Times. 828.586.9449.

WNC poet focuses on phases of transformation William Everett will present his new collection of poems, Turnings: Poems of Transformation, at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. The poems range from love and delight to despair and hope for transformation. Some are expressions of humor and irony, others of questioning and gratitude. Everett taught Christian ethics for over 30 years both in the United States and abroad before turning full time to writing, woodworking and occasional teaching activities. He has also written the novel Red Clay, Blood River. 828.586.9499.

Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

Sharpening their skills HCC lands spot on the national lumberjack scene

Julie Doll (left) and Dana Dowdy (right) of the Haywood Community College timbersport team compete in the cross cut competition. The Mid-Atlantic States Intercollegiate Woodsmen’s Meet was held at HCC on April 13. Garret K. Woodward photo

Haywood Timbersports ■ Besides the collegiate events that occurred at HCC on April 13, there was also a Stihl national timbersport competition that happened at the Haywood County Fairgrounds on April 14. Both days were filmed by ESPN, with footage expected to air on the Outdoor Channel in May and on ESPNU in either June or July. ■ At the Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Competition at HCC, Penn State-Mont Alto took first place, HCC came in second and Dabney S. Lancaster CC was third. Allegany College of Maryland and Montgomery CC also competed.

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER ana Dowdy raised a razor-sharp axe above her head, let it hover a moment and then slammed into her competition with the first of many swift, deft blows. The throngs of cheering people on the sidelines became background noise. The other lumberjills looking on weren’t her concern either. Today, her beef was with the large, stubborn block of wood between her feet. “You’ve got to hit the wood as hard as you can, split it as fast as you can, and just get it done,” she confidently stated. A member of the Haywood Community College timbersports team, Dowdy is one of

HCC is one built on passion, grit and an attitude of never giving up, no matter how difficult that task at hand can be. During the water boil competition, where a team of two has to start a fire and boil a cup of water as quick as possible, the event heats up, literally. Taking first in the category, Matt Reich and Ben Kniceley are covered in soot and sweat, with a few battle scars to take home with them. “I definitely burned some eyelashes in that fire,” Reich chuckled afterwards. While it doesn’t carry the might of the axe throw or stamina of the cross cut saw, building a fire as hundreds of people yell and scream, the clock ticking towards the difference between a triumph and defeat, can be

numerous competitors who landed in the lumberjack limelight during the Intercollegiate Woodsmen’s Meet hosted at HCC last Saturday. Timbersports teams from five colleges and universities from the MidAtlantic region converged at the event. Now in its 17th year, HCC’s timbersports team started as an extracurricular pastime for students majoring in forestry, wildlife and fisheries. It has since become a legendary and storied tradition for the school’s reputable natural resources program. The annual competition not only puts students head-to-head against peers from other schools, it seamlessly weaves camaraderie and teamwork into the rich fabric of traits the college hopes to instill in its pupils. “It has definitely become a big draw for our program with the interest in it growing tremendously in the past decade,” said Blair Bishop, timbersports club advisor and professor at HCC. “The programs here are obviously more than just timbersports, but these events give the students something to get involved in and be proud of.” And proud of it they are. With a lineage of national timbersports champions, the team at

harrying in its own right — especially with more than one cook in the kitchen. “It’s a little chaotic, like a dance almost. Everything has to go together or else you’ll be stepping on everybody’s foot,” Reich said. A timbersport meet may seem like most other collegiate events: diehard fans and doting parents sporting their school colors and logos on hats and T-shirts. But, there’s one notable difference here. No matter who is up in an event, everyone — from every school — is cheering the last person to finish as enthusiastically as those who emerge champions. “The whole point of this is to have fun and show appreciation for the woods,” said Jonathan McColl, a timbersport athlete from Montgomery Community College in Troy. “It’s nice to have everyone cheering for you, helping you out and giving you tips to get better. It’s about being outdoors, having friendly competition and being aware of taking care of the environment. And I just like swinging an axe and chopping some wood.” Categories range from the water boil and team log roll, to the horizontal speed chop and axe throw, to the cross cut saw and pole climb. Each as difficult as the rest, each with

students as unique as a lone tree in the vast woods they aim to immerse themselves in and protect in their future careers. The pole climb pits competitors in a race against the clock to scale a 40-foot pole, heaving their way up with spiked boots and a leather strap. As MCC student Cameron Richmond gets ready to scramble up the towering pole, he doesn’t think about the dizzying aspect of being high in the air. For him, it’s about precision and doing his job as best he can. “It ain’t easy, that’s for sure,” he said between deep breaths following his arduous climb. “If you never practice, you’ll never make it. You have to be willing and have to practice to do this.” Richmond enjoys participating in timbersports because it offers him things to do outside of school, something worthwhile that is completely out of the ordinary. “It’s something besides schoolwork, and it keeps you out of trouble,” he said. “It keeps everybody active. We have a pretty good time practicing and cheering everybody on.” Standing on the sidelines nearby, HCC Interim President Dr. Bill Aiken is taking it all in. He sees the importance of timbersports at the school and its ultimate benefit to the health and integrity of the programs it ties into. “It’s a unique sport, not one that you see often and we’re pleased to be able to host it here at HCC,” he said. “In terms of a community college, you try and find what you think is very unique at your particular school, and one of the things unique about us is we’ve done a great job distinguishing ourselves with our top notch natural resources program.” With the hot Southern Appalachian day winding down, it’s time for the immensely popular cross cut saw competition. Kniceley and Logan Hawks are gearing up for the twoman team battle of vintage saws, strong arms and an even stronger ambition to take the title home. Dozens of spectators crowd the duo, shouting and hollering at them during their speedy cut, which, as smooth as a knife through butter, ultimately proves victorious. “This is the biggest adrenaline rush I can get and I love it,” Hawks said. “It’s just really physical, with a bunch of techniques. Once you get it down it’s something to be proud of.” Bishop points out how the origin of professional forestry management and conservation started just down the road at the Cradle of Forestry on U.S. 276 between Waynesville and Brevard. He is greatful for the support of local businesses and Stihl, who is the main sponsor of these activities alongside the contributions from fundraisers the team puts together. Though a handful of the students may end up in careers as professional timbersport athletes, all will walk away from HCC with a mindset of tradition and innovation. “There are excellent forest resources out here and having students that can wisely manage and conserve our resources is so important, not only for Western North Carolina, but also for our nation as a whole, and that’s just what we’re doing here,” Bishop said.

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

Earth Day rant

A Robbinsville man was sentenced to five months in prison last week for killing an black bear cub in Nantahala National Forest in October 2011. Tyler Colvin, 20, of Robbinsville used a .50 caliber muzzleloader to kill a black bear cub in the Wayah Bear Sanctuary in the Nantahala National Forest in Macon County, according to court records. Colvin had fired three shots at the cub, skinned it and removed the paws and some meat. He left the remainder of the carcass and the entrails in the forest. It is illegal to kill a

A guided hike involving some off-trail bushwhacking to a little-known stand of old growth forest in Graham County will be held on April 20 by the WNC Alliance. The remnant of old-growth forest that rivals Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in its grandeur and beauty but is simply lesser known. There should be good displays of wildflowers and early arrivals of migratory birds. The hike will be very difficult, mostly off-trail, and will include four very wet stream crossings. WNCA Biologist and oldgrowth expert Josh Kelly will lead this hike. To sign-up, email Rachel@wnca.org Another guided hike in the Joyce Kilmer forest itself will be held April 25 with the Benton MacKaye Trail Association to view the peak of spring wildflowers in the area along the two-mile forest loop trail. The group will then take in a second late afternoon hike to Huckleberry Knob off the Cherohala Skyway. Bring supper and stay to see the full moon rise. Sign up by contacting dick.evans@frontier.com or call 828.479.2503.

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Bottom Line.” I saw recently the cost (in 2006) to Duke Power of installing scrubbers (that would reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by around 95 percent.) That total was $425 million. Now Duke and many other industries pay lobbyists to go to D.C. and try and convince politicians that the EPA (the agency that required Duke to cut their sulfur dioxide emissions) is too onerous and that their regulations are suffocating industry. Guess the “Church of the Bottom Line” believes suffocating the planet is a preferred alternative. (Don Hendershot is a writer and naturalist. He can be reached a ddihen1@bellsouth.net.)

bear weighing less than 50 pounds at any time and killing bears within a bear sanctuary is prohibited even during bear hunting season. Forest agents then apprehended Colvin and retrieved the bear parts from his vehicle. He pleaded guilty in December 2012 to one count of transporting wildlife that had been taken in violation of federal laws and regulations. In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Dennis Howell ordered Colvin to one year of supervised release and to surrender his hunting license while he is under court supervision. Colvin was also ordered to pay $2,232 as restitution to the N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission for the killing of the bear cub and forfeit his muzzleloader rifle, a powder horn and a deer call device.

Interested in pursuing a career in public or non-profit management? Consider WCU’s acclaimed

Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program With classes offered conveniently offered in the evenings at out Biltmore Park location, the WCU MPA program can help you achieve your career goals. We are interested in both full-time and part-time students who want to pursue a career in public service.

Smoky Mountain News

Poacher gets jail time for killing bear cub

ing people about their favorite swim spots to help complete the guide, which will be made into a app. One of the most common questions received by the organization is “Is my stream clean for swimming?” The swim guide, along with the locations of the swimming spots, will include the water quality data from government agencies to

Hikes explores pocket of old-growth forest

April 17-23, 2013

Earth Day 2013 is Monday, April 22. The first official “Earth Day” occurred in 1970 and environmentalists celebrated. Environmental lawyer Chuck Dayton, who splits his time between Waynesville and the “Land of a Thousand Lakes,” pretty much summed up where we are at Earth Day, when he wrote about the 40th anniversary: “The first Earth Day was a dramatic expression of a growing awareness that corporations had been using our air and water as a free dump, and something needed to be done. It occurred at a time of anti-war protests and anti-establishment rhetoric; a time when change seemed not only possible but also inevitable …. Today, Earth Day 40, while still an important affirmation of the need to care for the planet, seems to me less optimistic than in 1970. I no longer think that the big environmental problems will be solved in my lifetime. At nearly 71, I know that we are surely passing on huge burdens to our descendants, including those that may become impossible to solve, if climate feedbacks are allowed take over …” Look at the two photos. The one with Maddie at the North Carolina Arboretum was taken last weekend (4/13) during the Mountain Science Expo, a day of programs and exhibits dedicated to the natural bounties of Western North Carolina and the people who work so hard to preserve and protect them. The other was one I searched the Internet for because just the day before the Expo, I had to go to Asheville and around Newfound Gap, looking east towards Asheville, all I could see was the gray ozone clinging to the mountainsides. Someone told me recently they were so excited about spring finally arriving and described an area of the Great Smoky Mountains Expressway that was just “vibrant” green. I knew the area they were speaking of but didn’t have the heart to tell them that the green they were seeing was a “green death” for native biodiversity. Those

roadsides are indeed thick and green with Japanese honeysuckle and multiflora rose — plants that choke native biodiversity and create deserts of non-native monoculture. If there is a religion to be feared in the 21st century it is the religion of the “Holy

Don’t be greedy and keep your favorite swimming hole for yourself. A regional environmental organization is developing a new guide for swim holes to direct locals, hikers and tourist to the closest and cleanest swim holes in the region. Western North Carolina Alliance is ask-

provide information, such as the levels of E. Coli in the water. Send your swimming holes to Erin@wnca.org.

outdoors

The Naturalist’s Corner

Share your favorite swimming holes

For more information, please contact Roger Hartley at

rehartley@email.wcu.edu 33

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MAGGIE VALLEY FESTIVAL GROUNDS SATURDAY, APRIL 20 1-7 P.M. $5 Advance/$8 Gate • Kids 12 & Under FREE Includes event admission and live music

Smoky Mountain News

April 17-23, 2013

OYSTERS Every Way Raw, Steamed & Fried, as well as Peel ‘n Eat Steamed Shrimp. If you are not a seafoodie — Food Trucks on site with Housemade Hot Dogs, Brats, Hamburgers, BBQ, Grits Bar, Funnel Cakes & more!

The Pearl of the Smoky Mountains! 184-42

www.smokymtnoysterfest.com

By Caitlin Bowling

Beginners luck, or magic touch? Fire is a life source. Without fire or some other form of heat, it’s nearly, if not impossible, to survive in the wilderness — making it arguably the most important outdoor skill. Having never started a fire on my own (at least not intentionally), I wanted to learn how to build a fire with just the basics — some wood and matches. Ideally, it would be an impressive all-night fire that I could dance around like Kevin Costner in “Dances with Wolves.” That’s why, this week, I was excited to finally learn this key and crucial outdoor skill. All I would really need after that is to figure out how to kill squirrels to roast over the fire, and I would be ready to give up everything and move into the woods. Bye, comfy bed and electric blanket. Hello, cold and dispassionate nature. Thankfully for me, Haywood Community College breeds woods experts in its Forestry Program, a number of which participated in a regional timber sports competition Saturday at the college.

If you want to raise chickens, but without a clue as to how a “Chickens 101” course at 10 a.m. April 20, at the Haywood County Library in Waynesville. Haywood County resident Jonathan Landry will lead the talk and share his experiences raising chickens with his wife in their backyard. The couple knew little about having chickens, but through research and trial by error they have become novice experts, even building their own coup. Also learn tips about how to keep the

odor down and ways to integrate chicken poop into the garden. The program is free and will be about one hour. Held downstairs in auditorium. 828.356.2507

Learn about Farmland Preservation Program Information sessions on the Farmland Preservation Program will be held in Jackson County for any landowners currently farming or interested in agriculture. For farmers, enrolling in the program can

help them secure grants for things like sustainable agriculture, agricultural agreements and conservation easements. The program also gives farm businesses further resources to reinvest in operations. The meetings are being hosted by the county’s Agriculture Advisory Board. All meetings will start at 7 p.m. and food will be provided. • Thursday, April 18, at the Qualla Volunteer Fire Department. • Thursday, April 25, at the Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center. • Thursday, May 2, at the Department on Aging in Sylva. 828.586.5465.

Elk and historic dwellings will be the highlight of upcoming eco-tour of Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 3. The tour will be led by Esther Blakely, owner of Esther Blakely photo Cataloochee Valley Tours and master naturalist. The event is in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Friends of the Smokies, which played a pivotal role in re-introducing the elk to the valley and in preserving its historic structures. Participants will have an opportunity to observe the elk as they roam the valley in the evenings and embark on a short, half-mile hike. Transportation is provided. Cost for Friends of the Smokies members is $30. For non-members the cost is $65, which includes a complimentary one-year membership to Friends of the Smokies. Space limited. Pre-registration required. outreach.nc@friendsofthesmokies.org or 828.452.0720.

Stomach bug takes to the A.T. A pesky stomach virus has turned up among hikers along the Appalachian Trail near Hot Springs, especially on a stretch of trail running north out of town toward the Tennessee border. A number of hikers fell sick to the 24hour bug last week, and it is speculated that the illness is being passed between hikers in the region. The U.S. Forest Service warns that several shelter locations have been identified as hotspots, including No Business Knob, Big Bald and Hogback Ridge.

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Smoky Mountain News

It+s That Time Of Year Again...

April 17-23, 2013

Backyard chickens ‘101’ in Haywood

HCC’s forestry club advisor Blair Bishop suggested I participate in the water boil event (unofficially, of course). Not only would I learn the fire skills I wanted, it would be under the pressure of a stopwatch. The gist of the contest is to start a good enough fire to get your can of water boiling first — thus the aptly named “water boil.” Luckily, I was paired with accomplished water boiler, Judge. I put on a pair of oversized, neon orange chaps. Judge set up on the outskirts of the competitors. We had a circular disc of wood to build our fire on, a square of wood to break into inch-thick sticks, another piece to make wood shavings, a box of matches and a tin can with about a cup of water in it. Then Judge explained the basics. He would rub a hatchet down one of the wood pieces to make shavings. (Definitely for the best. Given my propensity for accidents, I don’t trust myself with sharp objects.) I’d start a small fire with the matches and shavings as he cut thicker chunks of wood that would stack up around the can, exposing the metal to as much heat as possible. Then using long, slow breaths, we would stoke the fire until the water in the

Elk and Appalachian history converge

outdoors

AIN THE fledgling woods

can boiled over. I was in a tizzy as he explained all of this in about two minutes, right before the referee yelled, “Go!” And the competition only added to that feeling. I wasn’t actually participating, but in my mind, I was David trying to defeat Goliath. I would attempt to smoke everyone else, with considerable help from Judge. (By that, I mean Judge did most of the work. I just followed orders.) When the water boil race started, I did just like Judge had said, gathered the shavings into a mound and used a couple matches until they stayed lit, and the fire started growing. Methodically, he placed the large wood sticks around the shavings to set the can on and then started piling more around all sides. After seeing his plan, I doubled his efforts. But we still needed the fire to spread to the whole woodpile. Judge told me to start blowing air underneath the fire to get more oxygen to the flames, making them grow. As I blew air in, smoke funneled out into my lungs. Exhale slowly, Judge said. We took turns stoking the fire. The blaze swelled. I jerked my head back several times as the flames reached out for my face. Eventually, it was enough to send the water bubbling up over the edge of the can. People around us were making a ruckus, but I was too consumed with the task at hand to realize Judge and I, who weren’t competing at all, had finished first. My competitive ego danced on the inside. I’d learned to start a stable, long-lasting fire — a useful outdoor skill — meanwhile Judge and I rocked the water boil event. All in all, not too bad for a first-time fire starter.

Some restrictions apply, see optician for details. 184-39

1078 N. Main Street • Waynesville • 828.456.3211 www.smokymtneye.com

outdoors

Tour de Cashiers bike ride off and pedaling

Children participate in stream activities during one of last year’s summer camp programs in Highlands

Delve into nature with Highlands Nature Center day camps

Smoky Mountain News

April 17-23, 2013

The Highlands Nature Center is offering a lineup of summer Nature Day Camps for children. Five different camps on ecology and outdoor exploration will be offered for varying age groups. Most of the camp programs are offered more than once during the summer, and sessions run from Tuesday to Friday each week. The programs include: WOW – a World of Wonder for ages 4 to 6; Amazing Animals for ages 7 to 10; Nature Works for ages 8 to 11; Mountain Explorers for ages 10 to 13; and Junior Ecologists for ages 11 to 14. 828.526.2623 or www.highlandsbiological.org.

Riders are gearing up for this year’s Tour de Cashiers coming on Saturday, May 4. The route will feature stunning spring scenery and challenging ascents. The rides will consist of three distances: 100-mile, 50-mile, 25-mile routes. Although varying in difficulty, all three provide a challenge for cyclists wanting to test their conditioning. More than 300 riders from across the southeastern United States are expected to participate. This year’s Tour will be starting on and returning to Frank Allen Road near the Cashiers Crossroads at U.S. 64 and N.C. 107. Proceeds will support Cashiers-area community development. Participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt and a post-ride meal. Massage services and shower facilities also will be available. Individual and corporate sponsors are also needed for the event. The ride will supported by about 200 community volunteers, including help from regional fire departments, rescue squads and other law enforcement agencies. Those interested in volunteering can help with registration, SAG wagons, rest stations, course preparation, entertainment and other support activities. www.TourdeCashiers.com or 828.743.5191.

Arbor Day plantings planned for Island Park An Arbor Day flower planting will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 20, at Island Park in downtown Bryson City.

source for birds and butterflies. Students and staff from the Oconaluftee Job Corps have prepared the park for the plantings and will also be on hand during the event. The event is sponsored by the Swain County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. “This is a project that the Chamber and TDA are very proud to be involved with,” said Karen Wilmot, executive director of the chamber. “While a great deal of the work is being done to ready the Island for the ICF Freestyle Kayaking Championships events Volunteers will plant nearly 500 flowers on Island Park in Bryson that we will be hosting City to mark Arbor Day. here in Bryson City in September; it also proHarold Adams of Naturally Green vides an opportunity to improve what is an Landscaping will aid volunteers in planting asset to our town and tourism product. ” almost 500 native species of wildflowers 828.488.3681 or chamber@greatsmokthat will lend color and a natural food ies.com.

Tuckasegee River Cleanup Volunteers participating in last year’s Tuckasegee River Cleanup show off trash they helped remove from Jackson County’s primary waterway. Volunteers are needed for this year’s cleanup, which will be hosted by Western Carolina University’s Base Camp Cullowhee on Saturday, April 20. Register between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lawn of WCU’s A.K. Hinds University Center. Supplies and rafts provided. 864.906.7444.

Volunteers needed to liaison with elk viewers

information. An orientation and training will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Friday, April 26, at the Oconaluftee visitor center at the park entrance on U.S. 441. The Great Smoky Mountains National Volunteers will rove the Oconaluftee Park is recruiting volunteers to impart River Trail, Mountain Farm Museum and fields along Newfound Gap Road, which are frequented by a herd of Smokies elk. Volunteers are needed through spring, summer and fall. The volunteers will explain national park rules on disturbing wildlife and approaching wildlife. When elk are in the fields, the U.S. 441 roadside is often lined with stopped vehicles and people watching and photographing the herd. Volunteers will also assist The Smokies is recruiting volunteers to educate tourists rangers and other park staff in about elk and elk viewing in the Oconaluftee area, simi- traffic management around lar to the volunteers shown here in Cataloochee Valley. herds of elk and provide visitors with information on viewing the elk and their history in the park. They will wildlife viewing etiquette in high-traffic also provide basic park information, such as tourist areas at the N.C. entrance to the picnic spots, historical sites and hikes. park outside Cherokee, as well as interact 828.497.1904. with the public and provide general park

WNC Calendar BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Free 90-minute computer class: Intermediate Excel, 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, Jackson County Public Library. Space limited. Register at 586.2016. • Business networking lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday April 17, Anthony Wayne’s Restaurant in the Gateway Club, 37 Church St. Waynesville. No membership or meeting fees. Just order lunch. • Doing Business with the Government, 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, April 17, Southwestern Community College Jackson Campus—Bradford Conference Center, 447 College Dr. Sylva. Free, but registration requested at 339.4426. • Western Carolina University’s College of Business will host a panel of business, education and economic development officials from Western North Carolina for a discussion of the region’s business and economic opportunities, 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, conference center of Blue Ridge Hall at Western Carolina University. Seating limited. • Free seminar on business lending through the NC Rural Center Microenterprise program, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 18, first floor, Student Center, Haywood Community College. Small Business Center, 627. 4512. • Swain County Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership Banquet, 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 18, Fryemont Inn, Bryson City. Karen Wilmot, 488.3681, chamber@greatsmokies.com. • April Alive After Five, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18, Hospice House Foundation of WNC, Franklin. RSVP to 524.3161 • Free 90-minute computer class: Basic Computing, 5:45 p.m. Monday, April 22, Jackson County Public Library. Space limited. Call to register. 586.2016. • Discovery Forum, an event designed to encourage young people to share innovative ideas for making their communities better places to live, 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 22, conference center of Blue Ridge Hall on the WCU campus. Hosted by the Office of the Provost and the Honors College. WCU Honors College, 227.7383. • Responsible Alcohol Seller/Server Program class, 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, meeting room, Jackson County Recreation Center, 88 Cullowhee Mountain Road, Cullowhee. 586.2345 ext. 24 or jharrison@mountainprojects.org • Entrepreneur Networking Night III, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, Outdoor 76, downtown Franklin. Free, but registration requested at www.maconedc.com. • Drake Enterprises open house, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, new training facility, Phillips St., Franklin. • Information session on master of science degree in technology at Western Carolina University’s instructional site, 6 p.m. Thursday, April 25, room 344, WCU’s Asheville facility, 28 Schenck Parkway, Biltmore Park Town Square, Asheville. James Zhang, dean of WCU’s Kimmel School of Construction Management and Technology, at zhang@wcu.edu. Register for meeting at 654.6498 or by emailing miller@wcu.edu. • Macon County Economic Development Commission Banquet, 6 p.m. Thursday, April 25, fellowship hall of Holly Springs Baptist Church. Keynote speaker is Tony Almeida, senior advisor to N.C. Governor Pat McCrory for jobs and the economy. Seating limited. Register at www.maconedc.com or call Tommy Jenkins, 369.2306.

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • Ford Drive 4UR School, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 18, Southwestern Community College parking lot,

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted. Sylva. Drive a new Ford vehicle and $20 will be donated to the Jackson County Early College. 586.0900 or visit www.andyshawford.com for information. • Renowned storyteller Donald Davis, 7:30 p.m. April 18, Stuart Auditorium, Lake Junaluska. Free. www.lakejunaluska.com/streaming. • Live and Learn, 2 p.m. Thursday, April 18, Bethea Welcome Center, Lake Junaluska. Topic is Big Brothers Big Sisters, with Frank Wolfe. 452.7802. • Jewelry for Life, fundraiser for Relay for Life, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 20, Macon County Community Building, Franklin. 371.2545. • 14th annual Taste of Chocolate, 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 20, Maggie Valley Club. Proceeds to benefit Haywood Jackson Volunteer Center and Senior Health Insurance Information Program. Tickets at Quilters Quarters, Blue Ridge Books, Chocolate Bear, Maggie Valley Club and Dillsboro Chocolate. $12 in advance and $15 at the door. • A Day of Beauty, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday April 24, Haywood Professional Park, exit 105, adjacent to Coffee Cup Café, Clyde. • Giving Them Hope Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. Thursday, April 25, conference center in the Burrell Building at Southwestern Community College, Sylva. Free. Autumn Weil, 231.5413. • Golden LEAF Foundation and Swain County will host a public forum, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 29, Mountain View Room, Business Training Center, 45 East Ridge Road, Bryson City. Pat Cabe, pcabe@goldenleaf.org or call 684.8404. • Haywood and Jackson County Guardian Ad Litem New Volunteer Training Classes, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays beginning May 8 through June 19. 454.6394 or 454.6513. • Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation Adoptions, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, new adoption center at the Waynesville Industrial Park, off Old Asheville Highway. Pet photos available online at www.sargeandfriends.org or www.petfinder.com or 246.9050. • P.A.W.S. Adoption Days first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the front lawn at Charleston Station, Bryson City.

BLOOD DRIVES Jackson • Western Carolina University Blood Drive, noon to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 18. 800.RedCross or logon to www.redcrossblood.org. Keyword: CATS to schedule an appointment.

Smoky Mountain News

• Waynesville Community Blood Drive, noon to 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 29, Masonic Lodge, East Marshall St., Waynesville. 800.733.2767. • Hazelwood Elementary School Blood Drive, 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, 1111 Plott Creek Road, Hazelwood. 456.2406.

Macon • SCC Macon Campus Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, April 29, 149 Siler Farm Road, Franklin. Fairley Pollock, 306.7017 or logon to www.redcrossblood.org. Keyword: MACON to schedule an appointment.

HEALTH MATTERS • At the upcoming April 23, 2013 Ladies Night Out, 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Angel Medical Center cafeteria, Franklin. Topic A Healthy Life For You and Your Family. Guest speaker will be Dr. Bruno Kaldre, Macon County Public Health. The same presentation will be given at both meetings. Dawn Wilde Burgess, 349.2426. • Free hand screenings, 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 25, MedWest-Harris, with Dr. Paul Cutting of Western Carolina Orthopaedic Specialists.

THE SPIRITUAL SIDE • Parish Mission, April 17, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Sylva. 586.0463. • Healing service for families who have lost children, 4 p.m. Sunday, April 21, First United Methodist Church, Waynesville. Rev. John Rice, an Episcopal priest, will officiate. Wilson Strickhausen, 456.9475, 456.5183, or lwstrick@hotmail.com

VOLUNTEERING • Angel Medical Center Auxiliary’s Thrift Shop needs volunteers for six-hour shifts. The Thrift Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Jennifer Hollifield, director of volunteer services, 349.6688. • The Haywood Volunteer Center has many openings for volunteers. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program: If you are over 55 years of age, you can receive a limited amount of mileage coverage and supplementary insurance while you are volunteering. 356.2833. www.hjvc.org. • The Haywood County Meals on Wheels program is in need of volunteer drivers to deliver meals to Haywood County residents who cannot fix meals for themselves. Drivers are needed in the following areas: Route #9 – Beaverdam – Fridays; Route #10 – Bethel – Mondays and Tuesdays; Route #11 – Jonathan Creek – Fridays; and Route #13 – Maggie Valley – Tuesdays. Jeanne Naber, 356.2442 or jnaber@haywoodnc.net.

Haywood

• Community Care Clinic of Franklin needs volunteers for a variety of tasks including nursing/clinical, clerical and administrative and communications and marketing. The clinic will provide volunteer orientation and training for all individuals. 349.2085.

• Clyde Elementary Blood Drive, 2 to 6:30 p.m., Friday, April 19, 4182 Old Clyde Road, Clyde. Call the school office at 627.9883 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

• Catman2 Shelter needs volunteers for morning feeding and general shelter chores, especially from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. 293.0892 or hsims@catman2.org.

• American Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, MedWest Health and Fitness Center, Clyde. Participants will be automatically entered to win one of three $1,000 gift cards. 452.8080, 800.733.2767 or go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter the code MedWest-Haywood.

• The Volunteer Water Inventory Network (VWIN) is looking for people to work one to two hours every second weekend of the month at Hyatt Creek, Raccoon Creek and Jonathan Creek. Supplies provided. Volunteers pick up empty bottles, collect water samples, and return full bottles. 926.1308 or haywoodwaterways.org. Early evenings are the best time to call.

• Operation In-As-Much Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, First Baptist Church, 100 Main St., Waynesville. 800.REDCROSS to make an appointment.

• Agencies throughout Haywood County seek volunteers for many different jobs, including helping with Haywood

Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for: ■ Complete listings of local music scene ■ Regional festivals ■ Art gallery events and openings ■ Complete listings of recreational offerings at regional health and fitness centers ■ Civic and social club gatherings Christian Ministries, REACH hotline and thrift shop, the Elk Bugle Corps for the National Park and many more. 356.2833. • The Bascom in Highlands seeks volunteers to help at arts center. Volunteer opportunities include office, gallery docent, benefit events, hospitality, flowers, installation, studio, library, landscaping, parking, recycling and building. 526.4949, mshambaugh@thebascom.org or www.thebascom.org/volunteer. • The Haywood County Historical and Genealogical Society maintains a museum located in the historical courthouse in room 308. The HCHGS is seeking articles and objects of historical value to Haywood County that anyone would like to share. 456.3923. • Haywood Volunteer Center needs respite work, domestic violence hotline volunteers, meal delivery drivers, mediators, craft instruction, house building, foster grandparenting and office work. 356.2833

SENIOR ACTIVITIES • Haywood County Senior Games registration, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 15-19, Haywood County Recreation & Parks office, 1233 N. Main St. in the Annex II Building, Waynesville.

KIDS & FAMILIES • Jackson County Special Olympics, 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, April 17, Smoky Mountain High School. Abigail Clayton, 506.1035. • Summer Nature Day Camps at the Highlands Nature Center, Tuesday through Friday, June through August. 526.2623 or www.highlandsbiological.org.

Day Camps • Elementary School Summer Day Camp, ages 6 to 12, Cullowhee United Methodist, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 3 to August 2, with no camp July 45. One-time registration fee $75 (or $10 per week if less than 8 weeks) per family to reserve your spot and will help cover the cost of supplies and some activities. Cost is $650 for the whole summer, $90 per week, or $25 per day. Space is limited and filling up fast. Call 293.9215 or visit http://www.cullowheeumc.org/summer-camp-2013/. • Preschool Summer Day Camp Cullowhee United Methodist Church, ages 3 - not yet attended kindergarten, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 3 through August 2, with no camp July 4-5. Full-day program $650 for the whole summer, $90 per week, or $25 per day. Half day program $450 for entire summer, $60 per week, or $15 per day. Space limited, call 293.9215 or visit http://www.cullowheeumc.org/summer-camp2013/.

Science & Nature • The Truth About Chimps: An Ape’s View of the Congo Basin, 12:20 p.m. Friday, April 19, Western Carolina University on Friday, April 19, Natural Sciences Building auditorium, Western Carolina University. Presented by primatologists David Morgan and Crickette Sanz, co-

wnc calendar

directors of the Goualougo Triangle Ape Project. Free. Hal Herzog, professor of psychology, 227.3360 or herzog@wcu.edu.

much more. Free. Proceeds will benefit Boy Scout Troop 309. Email clydetroop309@gmail.com for entry information.

• Nature Center Summer Day Camps at the Highlands Nature Center. Filling up fast. Find complete schedules, costs, and other information, at www.highlandsbiological.org or call 526.2623.

• Hunger Games Fan Tours - Walking Tours April 20, June 8, July 6, Aug.17, & Aug. 31, DuPont State Forest (between Hendersonville and Brevard). $59 per person. www.hungergamesfantours.com.

POLITICAL GROUP EVENTS & LOCAL GOVERNMENT Dems • Haywood County Democratic Party annual county convention, 10 a.m. Saturday, April 20, Haywood County Justice Center, courtroom 2B, 285 N. Main St., Waynesville. Open to all registered Democrats. 452.9607 or visit haywooddemocrats.org. • Jackson County Democrats Executive Committee meeting, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, Democratic Headquarters.

GOP • North and South Jackson County Republicans meeting, 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 22, Ryan’s in Sylva. Ralph Slaughter, chair, 743.6391, jacksonctygop@yahoo.com or www.jacksoncountygop.com.

Others • Jackson County Patriots, 6 p.m. dinner, 6:30 meeting Saturday, April 18, Ryan’s Steakhouse, Sylva. Patriots general meeting and planning session.

April 17-23, 2013

• OccupyWNC - Working Groups. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, Jackson Justice Center, Room 246, Lucy or Bill Christopher, 743.9747

A&E FESTIVALS, SPECIAL & SEASONAL EVENTS • The Liars Bench, (an Appalachian variety show), 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18, Mountain Heritage Center auditorium, Western Carolina University. Free, and open to the public. Featuring Dusk Weaver, an upbeat storyteller and multi-instrumentalist, acoustic music group Carolina Dusk, and storyteller Gary Carden. 227.7129.

Smoky Mountain News

• 16th annual Greening Up the Mountains festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 27, Main and Mill streets in historic downtown Sylva. GreeningUpTheMountains.com or call 506.3419. • The Haywood Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for artists and crafters – as well as craft demonstrators – for the 25th annual Haywood County Apple Harvest Festival, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct.19 on Historic Main Street downtown Waynesville. Deadline for applications is August 30. Booth space assignments for the festival will be announced after October 4. Applications available at HaywoodAppleFest.com or by calling 456.3021. • Cirque de Cullowhee, 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 19, The Mad Batter, Cullowhee. • Record Store Day Celebration, Saturday, April 20, In Your Ear Music Emporium, 573 West Main St., Sylva. Indie record stores collaborate with artists to give the public exclusive releases available only at small town shops. Live music by local indie-folk band Pearly Peach, raffles, giveaways, exclusive jams and great people. 586.6404.

• Troop 309 Car Show and Craft Fair, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20, Haywood Community College. 38 Cars, crafts, Scouting demonstrations, drawings and

• Empty Bowl Fundraiser, 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 26, The Community Table, Central St., Sylva. Tickets are $20 at the door or in advance. On sale now at Soul Infusion and Signature Brew through Tuesday, April 23. • Great Decisions 2013 Edition Discussion Group, 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through May 23, auditorium Haywood County Public Library, Waynesville. $20, cost of Great Decisions, 2013 Edition. Leader, David E. McCracken, National Associate with the FPA. 550.5980 or dem32415@aol.com or www.fpa.org.

Theatre Company. Adult tickets, $15; student tickets, $10. GreatMountainMusic.com or 866.273.4615. • Grace Noon Concert Series, noon, third Thursdays of the month, April 18 – June 20, Grace Church in the Mountains, 394 Haywood St., downtown Waynesville. Featuring the Signature Winds. 456.6029. • Neil Berg’s 101 Years of Broadway, 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 19, John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee. Tickets $20 for adults and seniors; $15 for faculty and staff; $10 for groups of 20 or more; and $5 for children and students. Bardo Arts Center box office, 227.2479 or online at bardoartscenter.wcu.edu. • Welcome to Mitford, 7:30 p.m. April 19-20 and 2627, and 3 p.m. May 2-4, HART, 250 Pigeon St. Waynesville. Based on popular novels by Jan Karon. Tickets, $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $10 for students/teachers. Special $6 discount tickets for students and teachers for Thursday and Sundays. Tickets at 456.6322 or online to www.harttheatre.com.

LITERARY (ADULTS) • Coffee with the Poet, Janice Hornburg, 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 18, City Lights Bookstore, Sylva. 586.9499. • Poetic Voices of North Carolina, 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18, Macon County Public Library, Franklin. Actress and playwright Connie Clark commemorates National Poetry Month. 524.7683 or artscouncilofmacon.org. • Dale Neal will read from his new novel, The Half-Life of Home, 7 p.m. Friday, April 19, City Lights Bookstore, Sylva. 586.9449. • William Everett will read from his collection of poems, Turnings: Poems of Transformation, 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20, City Lights Bookstore, Sylva. 586.9499. • Poetry Workshop, Transforming Your Emotions Through Poetry: What You Wish You Had Always Known, 10 a.m. Saturday, April 20, Blue Ridge Books, 152 S. Main St., Waynesville. Led by Mary Ellen Phillips. Register at 456.6000. $10 suggested donation. • Meet the authors of A Life for Nancy: Daughter of Frankie Silver, 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27, Blue Ridge Books, 152 S. Main St., Waynesville. 456.6000

FOOD & DRINK • Friday Night Live, singer-songwriter, Ben Wilson, 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 19, Classic Wineseller, 20 Church St., Waynesville. Small plate fare from 5:30 to 9 p.m. $10 min. food, drink, or retail purchase. 452.6000. • CD release concert by Eve Haslam & Satin Steel Jazz, 7 p.m. Saturday, April 20, the Classic Wineseller, 20 Church St., Waynesville. $34.95, plus tax and gratuity, dinner and music. Reservations at 452.6000 or email requests to info@classicwineseller.com. Seating is limited. • Wine and Food Pairing, 7 p.m. Thursday, April 25, The Classic Wineseller. RSVP to 452.6000 or classicwineseller.com. • Sixth annual Asheville Gluten Free Expo and Information Fair, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 27, UNC-Asheville’s Kimmel Arena. www.inglesmarkets.com/ask_leah or 800.334.4936 • Gathering Table, 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, at The Community Center, route 64, Cashiers. Provides fresh, nutritious dinners to all members of the community regardless of ability to pay. Volunteers always needed and donations gratefully accepted. 743.9880.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • Annie Get Your Gun, 7:30 p.m. April 18-20, and 2:30 p.m. April 21, Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin. Presented by the Overlook

• Gerry O’Beirne, Guitar & Song, 7 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 190 Iris Lane, Whittier. $15. Limited seating. Reservations at 586.3067. • Voices in the Laurel 17th annual Spring Concert, 3 p.m. Sunday, April 21, Long’s Chapel, 175 Old Clyde Road, Waynesville. Featuring singers from grades first through twelfth from five area counties. $15. Tickets available at www.voicesinthelaurel.org or call 734.9163 or the door. • Asheville Symphony Orchestra, Asheville Symphony Chorus and the Western Carolina University Concert Choir, 3 p.m. Sunday, April 21, John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center, Cullowhee. Daniel Meyer, music director of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, will conduct. Tickets, $10 for adults and $5 for students and children. Tickets available at Bardo Arts Center box office, 227.2479 or online at bardoartscenter.wcu.edu. • Western Carolina University Wind Ensemble and the Symphony Band, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center, Western Carolina University. WCU School of Music, 227.7242. • University Chorus and Concert Choir, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, recital hall of the Coulter Building, Western Carolina University. WCU School of Music, 227.7242. • Low Tech Ensemble, 7:30 p.m. April 25, recital hall of the Coulter Building, Western Carolina University. WCU School of Music, 227.7242. • Celtic Woman, 8 p.m. Friday, April 26, Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, Cherokee. Tickets start at $35. 800.745.3000. • Madison: A Gary Carden Monologue Celebrating the Life of Dr. Robert Lee Madison, 7 p.m. Friday, April 26, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin, 89 Sierra Drive, Franklin. Tickets available at Franklin Chamber of Commerce, 524.3161, UU Fellowship of Franklin, 89 Sierra Dr., 524.6777 or at the door. • The hour-long radio show Stories of Mountain Folk airs at 9 a.m. every Saturday on its home station, WRGC Jackson County Radio, 540 AM on the dial, broadcasting out of Sylva. Stories of Mountain Folk is an ongoing all-sound oral history program produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia (CSA), a western North Carolina not-for-profit, for local radio and online distribution.

ART/GALLERY EVENTS & OPENINGS • 45th annual Juried Student Exhibition reception and awards, 5 to 7 p.m. noon Thursday, April 18, WCU Fine Arts Museum. museum@wcu.edu, 227.3591. • Candlewicking workshop, 9:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, April 18, room 234, Jackson County Community Service Center, Sylva. Taught by ECA member Diane Herring. $5. Jackson County Extension Office, 586.4009.

• Art Opening, 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 19, City Lights Café, Sylva. Meet Justin Moe and enjoy free appetizers. 587.2233 or www.citylightscafe.com. • Empty Bowl 2013 Fundraiser, 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 26, Community Table, Sylva. Your choice of a beautiful bowl made by local potters. Raffle items, soups from local restaurants and live music. Tickets, $20. 586.6782 or www.communitytable.org. • Fifth annual Spring Cashiers Arts & Crafts Fair, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 25-26, Cashiers Village Green. Spring juried event. Artisans interested in participating in this show email artsandcrafts@cashiersrotary.org. • HomeSchool/Afterschool Creativity Classes, (for children ages six to 12): 1 to 2 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m., Wednesdays, Claymates, 460 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 256.9595; Thursdays, Claymates, 31 Front St., Dillsboro, 631.3133. $10 per child if prepaid. www.claymatespottery.com/ • Downtown Waynesville Association seeks heritagethemed vendors for the third annual Appalachian Lifestyle Celebration, Saturday, June 8, Main St., Waynesville. Applications accepted until April 19. Downtown Waynesville Association, 456.3517 to request an application or visit the event calendar at www.downtownwaynesville.com. • Regional fine artists are invited to show and demonstrate their art form at ColorFest, Art & Taste of Appalachia in fall 2013. The selected artists’ artwork will be displayed in Dillsboro from Sept. 5 until the culminating art festival on Oct. 5 and on colorfestartblog.com. Applications available at spiritofappalachia.org or 293.2239 for more information. • Blue Ridge Watermedia Society exhibition, through April 27, Gallery 86, 86 N. Main St., Waynesville. www.haywoodarts.org.

CLASSES, PROGRAMS & DEMONSTRATIONS • Crafts Professor Emeritus C. James Meyer, 3 p.m. Thursday, April 18, Professional Arts and Crafts/Instructional Facility, room 7105, Haywood Community College. Meyer is professor emeritus at Virginia Commonwealth University. Free, and open to the public. 565.4240. • Tuesday Quilters, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 23 and 30, Shepard of the Hills Lutheran Church on highway 107. Bring the quilt you are working on and your machine and join us. 349.0883 or www.smokymountainquilters.org. • Raku Bead Making, 6 to 9 p.m. April 18-19, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 20, Riverwood Pottery, Dillsboro. $120, includes all material and firing. 586.3601 visit eww.riverwoodpottery.com. • Western North Carolina Carvers (WNCC) monthly meeting, 1:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 28, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Road, Asheville. Presentation on chip carving by Bill Johnson. Bring tools and something to carve. Bruce Dalzell, 665.8273.

FILM & SCREEN • Free movie, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016. • Groovy Movie Club, 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 19, HART, to see Buffy Queen in Welcome to Mitford. • Family movie, 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, Marianna Black Library, Bryson City, featuring an unlucky-inlove zookeeper who tells his romantic troubles to his zoo animals. Free popcorn. 488.3030. • 2013 Wild & Scenic Film Festival, 5:30 to 9 p.m., Thursday, April 25, Illusions Café at A.K Hinds University Center, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee. Students, $6; general public; $10 (includes general admission ticket and free raffle entry. Tickets available at the door or online at www.wnca.org. www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org/.

Rector St., Bryson City. 1 p.m. weigh-in rules and regulations; 2 p.m. competition. $10 competition fee. 488.0088. • Tour De Cashiers, Saturday, May 4, Cashiers. Register at www.TourdeCashiers.com. Volunteers needed for registration, SAG wagons, rest stations, course preparation, entertainment and other support activities. 743.5191 or email info@CashiersAreaChamber.com.

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• A Place at the Table Film Screening, 12:54 p.m. Saturday, April 20, Ruby Cinemas, Franklin. $8 admission. This film screening will help raise awareness of the hunger issue facing Macon County. In order to show the film locally we must meet a ticket sale threshold of 89 tickets by April 16. Reserve tickets at http://www.tugg.com/events/3530. Shaina Adkins at CareNet, 369.2642.

• Fourth annual Blue Ridge Breakaway, Saturday, Aug. 17, Haywood County. Pre-register online at www.BlueridgeBreakaway.com.

Outdoors OUTINGS, HIKES & FIELDTRIPS • Spring Wildflower Walk, Saturday, April 20, Chimney Rock State Park, $18 for adults, $3 for annual passholders; $9 for child (ages 5-15), $2 for Grady’s Kids Club Members (includes park admission). One to twomile walk. Led by wildflower photographer Steven Faucette. 800.277.9611 or visit@chimneyrockpark.com. • Third annual Buzz on Bees, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27, Chimney Rock State Park. Find out why they’re disappearing and what you can do to help. 800.277.9611 or visit@chimneyrockpark.com. • Shutterbugs Nature Photography Workshop, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 27, and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 28, Chimney Rock Stage Park. 800.277.9611 or visit@chimneyrockpark.com. • Sons of the American Legion Turkey Shoot, 9 a.m. every Saturday, Legion Drive, Waynesville. Benefits local charities.

• The Gorges State Park is looking for volunteers to assist in maintaining existing trails and campgrounds in the park on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., weather permitting. Bring gloves, water and tools supplied. Participants need to be at least 16 years old and in good health. Registration not required. Meet at 17762 Rosman Highway (US-64) in Sapphire. 966.9099.

PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS • Volunteers needed from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 20, Monteith Farmstead Park, Dillsboro, to clean up Scotts Creek. Register with Sae Smyrl, WATR Cleanup coordinator, at saesmyrl@hotmail.com or www.WATRnc.org, or leave a message at the WATR office, 488.8418.

COMPETITIVE EDGE • Cherokee Summer Kickoff Trout Fishing Tournament, April 26-28, Cherokee Indian Reservation. • Greening Up the Mountains 5K, 9 a.m. Saturday, April 27, Mark Watson Park, Sylva. Register at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee or at www.imathlete.com. • Second annual Bench Press Competition, 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27, Bryson City Health & Fitness, 35

• Nantahala Hiking Club based in Macon County holds weekly Saturday hikes in the Nantahala National Forest and beyond. www.nantahalahikingclub.org • Mountain High Hikers, based in Young Harris, Ga., leads several hikes per week. Guests should contact hike leader. www.mountainhighhikers.org. • Smoky Mountain Hiking Club, located in East Tennessee, makes weekly hikes in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park as well as surrounding areas. www.smhclub.org. • Benton MacKaye Trail Association incorporates outings for hikes, trail maintenance and other work trips. No experience is necessary to participate. www.bmta.org. • Diamond Brand’s Women’s Hiking Group meets on the third Saturday of every month. For more information, awilliams@diamondbrand.com or 684.6262.

FARM & GARDEN • Macon County Poultry Club meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, North Carolina Co-operative Extension Office, 193 Thomas Heights Road, Franklin. Chad McConnell, 349.6287. • Ikenobo Ikebana Society, Blue Ridge Chapter meeting 10 a.m. Thursday, April 18, First Congregational Church of Hendersonville, 1735 Fifth Ave. West, Hendersonville. 696.4103 or www.blueridgeikebana.com. • Chickens 101 with Jonathan Landry, 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20, Waynesville Library auditorium. Free. Door prizes. 356.2507. • Arbor Day planting, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 20, Island Park, downtown Bryson City. Karen, 488.3681, chamber@greatsmokies.com • Plant sale, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 27, Corneille Bryan Native Garden, junction of Ivey Lane and County Road, Lake Junaluska. Janet at 778.5938. • Volunteer workdays, Thursday afternoons until dark, Sylva Community Garden. Produce from the garden goes to the Sylva Community Table. 477.4380, e-mail seascat@ymail.com or Facebook.

FARMER’S & TAILGATE MARKETS

Smoky Mountain News

• Volunteers needed to remove trash from Tuckaseigee River during the 29th annual Tuckaseigee River Cleanup, Saturday, April 20. Register from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lawn of WCU’s A.K. Hinds University Center. Jenna White, coordinator of the Tuckaseigee River Cleanup for Base Camp Cullowhee, 864.906.7444.

• High Country Hikers, based in Hendersonville, plans hikes Mondays and Thursdays weekly. Participants should bring a travel donation and gear mentioned on their website: main.nc.us/highcountryhikers. 808.2165

April 17-23, 2013

• The local Audubon Society is offering weekly Saturday birding field trips. Meet at 7:30 a.m. in the Highlands Town Hall parking lot near the public restrooms, or at 8 a.m. behind Wendy’s if the walk is in Cashiers. Binoculars available. www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org or 743.9670.

HIKING CLUBS • Carolina Mountain Club hosts more than 150 hikes a year, including options for full days on weekends, full days on Wednesdays and half days on Sundays. Non-members contact event leaders. www.carolinamountainclub.org

• Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market opens Saturday, April 20 at HART Theater/Shelton House parking lot, 250 Pigeon Street, Waynesville. • The Jackson County Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, Bridge Park Parking lot. Jenny McPherson, 631.3033 or visit jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.wordpress.com.

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MarketPlace information: The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 every week to over 500 locations across in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties along with the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. For a link to our MarketPlace Web site, which also contains a link to all of our MarketPlace display advertisers’ Web sites, visit www.smokymountainnews.com.

Rates: ■ Free — Residential yard sale ads, lost or found pet ads. ■ Free — Non-business items that sell for less than $150. ■ $12 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2. ■ $12 — If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type. ■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad. ■ $35 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold. ■ $300 — Statewide classifieds run in 117 participating newspapers with 1.6 million circulation. Up to 25 words. ■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

ARTS & CRAFTS ALLISON CREEK Iron Works & Woodworking. Crafting custom metal & woodwork in rustic, country & lodge designs with reclaimed woods! Design & consultation, Barry Downs 828.524.5763, Franklin NC ONLINE ONLY Real Estate Auction- Oceanfront Lot in Holden Beach & 17+/- Acre Water Front Tract in Hertford, NC. Direct ICW Access, Selling Regardless of Price in Excess or $399,000 on the Day of the Auction, 4/29 at 8am to 5/9 at 3pm, Iron Horse Auction Co., Inc. 800.997.2248. NCAL3936. www.ironhorseauction.com

Classified Advertising: Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 | classads@smokymountainnews.com

WAYNESVILLE TIRE, COO

5 Estates in one location, indoors! Antiques, tools, glassware, jewelry, furniture and Much More! If you need it, it’s here! 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Located at 255 Depot St,. Waynesville, NC. ABSOLUTE AUCTION TRUSTEE Foreclosure- Danville, Virginia, Cyber Park. April 24, 2013 at 12:00 noon on site. 500 Stinson Drive, Danville, Virginia. 15,663 sf warehouse/offices. Tax Assessed Value: $1,081,700. Walker Commercial Services, Inc. VAAF#549. (540) 344.6160. www.walker-inc.com GOING, GOING, GONE! Promote your auction with a classified ad published in 100 North Carolina newspapers with over 1.3 million circulation. A 25-word ad is only $330. For more information, call NCPS at 919.789.2083 or visit www.ncpsads.com. LENOIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE In Kinston offers an auctioneering class on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning April 23. Cost is $175. To register call 252.527.6223, ext. 714.

Saturday April 20th 7:00 pm 482 W Main St. Downtown Sylva 828.226.3921

SC OV ER E

ATR

ESTATE SALE APRIL 19TH

ESTATE SALE

INC.

Serving Haywood, Jackson & Surrounding Counties

AUCTION

YOGA BY ROSE Core Strength, Tuesday 5:30 6:45 p.m. ($10); Restorative, Wednesday 4:15 - 5:15 p.m. ($7); Meditative Flow, Thursday 10:00 - 11:15 a.m. ($10). Mountain Spirit Wellness, 254 Depot Street, Waynesville. Register: rose@yogabyrose.com or 828.550.2051. Facebook.com/yogabyrose.

Estate of Helen Ramsey Stovall (Deceased) Offering:

MAJOR-BRAND TIRES FOR CARS, LIGHT & MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS, AND FARM TIRES.

Service truck available for on-site repairs LEE & PATTY ENSLEY, OWNERS STEVE WOODS, MANAGER

MON-FRI 7:30-5:30 • WAYNESVILLE PLAZA

456-5387

A unique collection will be available at auction. Partial merchandise description, Heisey and sterling silver candelabras, Silver plated coffee/tea 4 pc service, Turkish Taspinar carpet, vintage commode with chamber pot, marble top parlor table, velvet covered prayer kneeler, smoking stand, writing desk, 2 diamond rings, pictures, silver plated items, lots of unusual collectibles. You don't want to miss this one!

For complete inventory view our website at: www.dodiesales.com 184-5

Col. Dodie Allen Blaschik NCAL 3410 828-226-3921 or 828-735-4790 Come early to preview on Friday & Saturday Refreshments available

"The Sale with the Woman's Touch"

AUCTION ANTIQUES & PRIMITIVES AUCTION SATURDAY 5pm: China cabinet, 50’s baking cabinets, wash stands, clocks, pocket watches, sterling cob holders, bowfront cabinet, primitives, tree slab coffee table, cedar chest, trunks, Victorian tables, dining table, square nailed doors, military foot lockers, buffet, black memorabilia, old books, cast iron cookware, framed advertising, Rabun County art by Crawford & Poss, old Coca Cola lighted clock, Longaberger baskets, quilts, Lenox bird collection, Mistress Mary dolls, cotton scales, farm tools, hand spun pottery dishes, flatware set, counter scale and more. Preview at www.ReminisceAntiques.com Reminisce Auction, Franklin, 828.369.6999 Ron Raccioppi NCAL#7866 AUCTIONS (2) Metalworking Machinery, Equipment & Tools - Sale 1: Live Auction April 23, 10am. Selling for ABC Machine Shop, Inc. Mechanicsville, VA. Sale 2: Online Bidding AuctionBid April 16 thru April 24, Bids Close Beginning @ 1pm, April 24 Selling for J. W. Taylor Service, Richmond, VA, Motley's Auction & Realty Group. 804.232.3300, www.motleys.com. VAAL#16. CARWILE AUCTIONS INC. April 20, 10am. Danville, Va. 24541. Sign Manufacturing Equipment, Printers, Plotters, Supplies, Boom-Crane Trucks, Forklift, Advertising Memorabilia. www.carwileauctions.com. VAAR392. 434.547.9100

BUILDING MATERIALS WHITE PINE, HEMLOCK, POPLAR Lumber and Timbers, Any Size! Rough Sawn or S4S, Custom Sawing. Smoky Mountain Timber, 3517 Jonathan Creek Rd., Waynesville, NC. 828.926.4300. HAYWOOD BUILDERS Garage Doors, New Installations Service & Repairs, 828.456.6051 100 Charles St. Waynesville Employee Owned.

LEGAS ADS

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION

Project No. 2603-024

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC

NOTICE OF APPLICATION ACCEPTED FOR FILING AND SOLICITING COMMENTS, MOTIONS TO INTERVENE, AND PROTESTS

(April 8, 2013)

Take notice that the following hydroelectric application has been filed with the Commission and is available for public inspection: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j.

Project No. 2601-021

Application Type: Shoreline Management Plan Project No: 2603-024 Date Filed: August 13, 2012 and supplemented January 10, March 26, and April 4, 2013 Applicant: Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC Name of Project: Franklin Hydroelectric Project Location: The Franklin Hydroelectric Project is located on the Little Tennessee River at River Mile 113.1, in Macon County, North Carolina. Filed Pursuant to: Federal Power Act, 16 USC 791a - 825r Applicant Contact: Dennis Whitaker, Duke Energy – Lake Services, 526 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC, 28202, (704) 382-1594. FERC Contact: Mark Carter at (678) 245-3083, or email: mark.carter@ferc.gov. Deadline for filing comments, motions to intervene, and protests: May 9, 2013.

Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary.

a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h.

Application Type: Shoreline Management Plan Project No: 2601-021 Date Filed: August 13, 2012 and supplemented January 10, March 26, and April 4, 2013 Applicant: Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC Name of Project: Bryson Hydroelectric Project Location: The Bryson Hydroelectric Project is located on the Oconaluftee River in Swain County, North Carolina. Filed Pursuant to: Federal Power Act, 16 USC 791a - 825r Applicant Contact: Dennis Whitaker, Duke Energy – Lake Services, 526 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC, 28202, (704) 382-1594. i. FERC Contact: Tara Perry at (202) 502-6546, or email: tara.perry@ferc.gov. j. Deadline for filing comments, motions to intervene, and protests: May 9, 2013. All documents may be filed electronically via the Internet. See 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission’s website at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp. Commenters can submit brief comments up to 6,000 characters, without prior registration, using the eComment system at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ecomment.asp. You must include your name and contact information at the end of your comments. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or toll free at 1-866-208-3676, or for TTY, (202) 502-8659. Although the Commission strongly encourages electronic filing, documents may also be paper-filed. To paper-file, mail an original and seven copies to: Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20426. Please include the project number (P-2601-021) on any comments, motions, or recommendations filed. The Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure require all intervenors filing documents with the Commission to serve a copy of that document on each person whose name appears on the official service list for the project. Further, if an intervenor files comments or documents with the Commission relating to the merits of an issue that may affect the responsibilities of a particular resource agency, they must also serve a copy of the document on that resource agency. k. Description of Request: As required by article 407 of the July 22, 2011 license, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC re quests Commission approval of a proposed shoreline management plan (SMP) for the project. The SMP defines shoreline management classifications for the reservoir shoreline within the project boundary, identifies allowable and prohibited uses within the shoreline areas, and describes the shoreline use permitting process. l. Locations of the Application: A copy of the application is available for inspection and reproduction at the Commission's Public Reference Room, located at 888 First Street, NE, Room 2A, Washington, DC 20426, or by calling (202) 502-8371. This filing may also be viewed on the Commission's website at http://www.ferc.gov using the "eLibrary" link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field (P-2601) to access the document. You may also register online at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ esubscription.asp to be notified via email of new filings and issuances related to this or other pending projects. For assistance, call 1-866-208-3676 or e-mail FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, for TTY, call (202) 502-8659. A copy is also available for inspection and reproduction at the address in item (h) above. Agencies may obtain copies of the application directly from the applicant. m. Individuals desiring to be included on the Commission's mailing list should so indicate by writing to the Secretary of the Commission. n. Comments, Protests, or Motions to Intervene: Anyone may submit comments, a protest, or a motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.210, .211, .214, respectively. In determining the appropriate action to take, the Commission will consider all protests or other comments filed, but only those who file a motion to intervene in accordance with the Commission's Rules may become a party to the proceeding. Any comments, protests, or motions to intervene must be received on or before the specified comment date for the particular application. o. Filing and Service of Documents: Any filing must (1) bear in all capital letters the title “COMMENTS”, “PROTEST”, or “MOTION TO INTERVENE” as applicable; (2) set forth in the heading the name of the applicant and the project number of the application to which the filing responds; (3) furnish the name, address, and telephone number of the person commenting, protesting or intervening; and (4) otherwise comply with the requirements of 18 CFR 385.2001 through 385.2005. All comments, motions to intervene, or protests must set forth their evidentiary basis. Any filing made by an intervenor must be accompanied by proof of service on all persons listed in the service list prepared by the Commission in this proceeding, in accordance with 18 CFR 385.2010.

smokymountainnews.com

k. Description of Request: As required by article 408 of the September 7, 2011 license, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC requests Commission approval of a proposed shoreline management plan (SMP) for the project. The SMP defines shoreline management classifications for the reservoir shoreline within the project boundary, identifies allowable and prohibited uses within the shoreline areas, and describes the shoreline use permitting process. l. Locations of the Application: A copy of the application is available for inspection and reproduction at the Commission's Public Reference Room, located at 888 First Street, NE, Room 2A, Washington, DC 20426, or by calling (202) 502-8371. This filing may also be viewed on the Commission's website at http://www.ferc.gov using the "eLibrary" link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field (P-2603) to access the document. You may also register online at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/esubscription. asp to be notified via email of new filings and issuances related to this or other pending projects. For assistance, call 1-866-208-3676 or e-mail FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, for TTY, call (202) 502-8659. A copy is also available for inspection and reproduction at the address in item (h) above. Agencies may obtain copies of the application directly from the applicant. m. Individuals desiring to be included on the Commission's mailing list should so indicate by writing to the Secretary of the Commission. n. Comments, Protests, or Motions to Intervene: Anyone may submit comments, a protest, or a motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.210, .211, .214, respectively. In determining the appropriate action to take, the Commission will consider all protests or other comments filed, but only those who file a motion to intervene in accordance with the Commission's Rules may become a party to the proceeding. Any comments, protests, or motions to intervene must be received on or before the specified comment date for the particular application. o. Filing and Service of Documents: Any filing must (1) bear in all capital letters the title “COMMENTS”, “PROTEST”, or “MOTION TO INTERVENE” as applicable; (2) set forth in the heading the name of the applicant and the project number of the application to which the filing responds; (3) furnish the name, address, and tele phone number of the person commenting, protesting or intervening; and (4) otherwise comply with the requirements of 18 CFR 385.2001 through 385.2005. All comments, motions to intervene, or protests must set forth their evidentiary basis. Any filing made by an intervenor must be accompanied by proof of service on all persons listed in the service list prepared by the Commission in this proceeding, in accordance with 18 CFR 385.2010.

Take notice that the following hydroelectric application has been filed with the Commission and is available for public inspection:

April 17-23, 2013

All documents may be filed electronically via the Internet. See 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission’s website at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp. Commenters can submit brief comments up to 6,000 characters, without prior registration, using the eComment system at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ecomment.asp. You must include your name and contact information at the end of your comments. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or toll free at 1-866-208-3676, or for TTY, (202) 502-8659. Although the Commission strongly encourages electronic filing, documents may also be paper-filed. To paper-file, mail an original and seven copies to: Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20426. Please include the project number (P-2603-024) on any comments, motions, or recommendations filed. The Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure require all intervenors filing documents with the Commission to serve a copy of that document on each person whose name appears on the official service list for the project. Further, if an intervenor files comments or documents with the Commission relating to the merits of an issue that may affect the responsibilities of a particular resource agency, they must also serve a copy of the document on that resource agency.

WNC MarketPlace

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION

Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary.

WNC MarketPlace

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING DAVE’S CUSTOM HOMES OF WNC, INC Free Estimates & Competitive rates. References avail. upon request. Specializing in: Log Homes, remodeling, decks, new construction, repairs & additions. Owner/Builder: Dave Donaldson. Licensed/Insured. 828.631.0747 or 828.508.0316 SULLIVAN HARDWOOD FLOORS Installation- Finish - Refinish 828.399.1847.

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AUTO PARTS

EMPLOYMENT

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ADMINSTRATIVE ASSISTANT Trainees Needed! Become a Certified Microsoft Office Professional! NO EXPERIENCED NEEDED! Online Training gets you job ready ASAP! HS Diploma/GED & PC/Internet needed. 1.888.926.6057. AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for hands on Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial Aid if Qualified Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance. 1.866.724.5403. SAPA AVERITT Offers CDL-A Drivers a Strong, Stable, Profitable Career. Experienced Drivers and Recent Grads. Excellent Benefits, Weekly Hometime. Paid training. 888.362.8608. AverittCareers.com. Equal Opportunity Employer. AVIATION CAREERS Train in Advance Structures and become certified to work on aircraft. Financial aid for those who qualify. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 1.877.205.1779. www.fixjets.com SAPA

EMPLOYMENT

DRIVERS- APPLY NOW! 12 Drivers Needed. Top 5% Pay. Class A CDL Required. Call now 877.258.8782 www.ad-drivers.com

COMPANY DRIVER: Solo and Team OTR Lanes. Sign-On Incentive: Solos - $2000 & Teams $5000. Competitive Pay. Great Hometime. CDL-A with 1 year OTR & Hazmat end. 888.705.3217 or apply online at www.drivenctrans.com

FOREMEN TO LEAD Utility field crews. Outdoor physical work, many positions, paid training, $17/hr. plus weekly performance bonuses after promotion, living allowance when traveling, company truck and benefits. Must have strong leadership skills, good driving history and able to travel in the Carolinas and nearby states. Email resume to Recruiter4@osmose.com or apply online at www.OsmoseUtilities.com. EOE M/F/D/V MEDICAL CAREERS BEGIN HERE Train ONLINE for Allied Health and Medical Management. Job placement assistance. Computer and Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV authorized. Call 1.877.206.7665 www.CenturaOnline.com SAPA THE MAD BATTER In Cullowhee is hiring part-time counter help. Must be available nights & weekends. Call or come by between 2-4pm. 828.293.3096.

DRIVER Flatbed & Heavy Haul Owner Operators/Fleet Owners. Consistent year round freight. Avg $1.70 - 2.00 all miles. No forced dispatch. Apply online www.tangomotortransit.com or call 877.533.8684. DRIVER One cent raise after 6 and 12 months. $0.03 Enhanced Quarterly Bonus. Daily or Weekly Pay, Hometime Options. CDL-A, 3 months OTR exp. 800.414.9569. www.driveknight.com DRIVER $2,500 Sign-On Bonus! Hiring Solo and Team Drivers. Great Benefits Package. Excellent Home Time. CDL-A Required. 888.441.9358, www.superservicellc.com

FTCC Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Programmer/Analyst. Associate Degree Nursing Instructor. Deadline: May 6. For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal at https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com/ FTCC, PO Box 35236. Fayetteville, NC 28303. Phone: 910.678.8378. Internet: http://www.faytechcc.edu An Equal Opportunity Employer NOW HIRING! National Companies need workers immediately to assemble products at home. Electronics, CD stands, hair barrettes & many more. Easy work, no selling, any hours. $500/week potential. Info 1.985.646.1700 DEPT NC - 4152 (Not valid in Louisiana) SAPA HEAVY EQUIPMENT Operator Career! 3 Week Hands On Training School. Bulldozers, Backhoes, Excavators. National Certifications. Lifetime Job Placement Assistance. VA Benefits Eligible. 1.866.362.6497

184-13

Puzzles can be found on page 45. April 17-23, 2013

These are only the answers.

Great Smokies Storage 10’x20’

20’x20’

160

ONE MONTH

FREE WITH 12-MONTH CONTRACT

828.506.4112 or 828.507.8828

www.smokymountainnews.com

Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction

-- JOB LISTINGS -COOK JOB# 193587 PREP LUNCH FOR 50-70 CHILDREN, KITCHEN INVENTORY, CLEANING, DISHES, SERVE MEALS. MUST HAVE 6 MONTHS MIN EXP, CLEAN APPEARANCE, BE ABLE TO WORK IN HECTIC ENVIRONMENT. WRECKER DRIVER JOB# 193570 MUST BE 21 YEARS OLD FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES. WILLING TO TRAIN A GOOD CANDIDATE WITH A CLEAN DRIVING RECORD AND GOOD WORK HISTORY. WILL BE DRIVING/OPERATING ROLL-BACK WRECKER. AUTO MECHANIC JOB# 193569 HAS 2 POSITIONS OPEN- (1) FULL TIME MECHANIC AND (1) PART TIME MECHANIC. MUST HAVE AT LEAST 2 ASE CERTIFICATIONS BUT CAN BE IN ANY FIELD. HAB TECH JOB# 193554 AT LEAST 3 HAB TECH POSITIONS AVAIL, EACH W/ DIFFERENT CLIENTS ON DIFFERENT SHIFTS. MUST POSSESS VALID NCDL, VALID SS CARD, HS DIPLOMA/GED- NO EXCEPTIONS. MUST HAVE CURRENT FIRST AID/ CPR. MUST HAVE OWN VEHICLE TO TO TRANSPORT CLIENTS.

MEDICAL ASSISTANT JOB# 193093 THIS IS A CLINICAL POSITION, WORKING IN THE BACK W/ THE DOCTORSNOT AN CLERICAL POSITION. GUEST SERVICE ASSOCIATE JOB# 176974 MUST HAVE COMBO OF ED & EXP EQUIVALENT TO ASSOCIATES OR BACHELORS IN HOSPITALITY OR MIN 1 YR RELEVANT EXP. MUST HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF WIDE VARIETY OF SOFTWARE SYSTEMS. PROVEN COMPUTER, ORGANIZATIONAL & INTERPERSONAL SKILLS. KNOWLEDGE OF LOCAL AREA POINTS OF INTEREST. MUST BE ABLE TO WORK FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE.

REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL MECHANICAL ENGINEER RN&M Engineers is seeking a Registered Professional Mechanical Engineer with 7 years minimum experience in the design of HVAC systems. Healthcare/Educational/ Institutional project experience desired. Experience in energy modeling and the sustainable/ LEED design process desirable. We offer multiple health insurance options, 401K, flexible work environment, EOE, M/F. Send resume to PO Box 540, Waynesville, NC 28786, or via email to: areece@RNM-engineers.com TANKER & FLATBED Company. Drivers/Independent Contractors! Immediate Placement Available. Best opportunities in the Trucking Business. Call Today. 800.277.0212 or www.primeinc.com TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED Best Pay and Home Time! Apply Online Today over 750 Companies! One Application, Hundreds of Offers! www.HammerLaneJobs.com. SAPA

TRANSFER DRIVERS Need 20 contract drivers, CDL A or B to relocate vehicles to and from various locations throughout U.S. No forced dispatch. 800.501.3783. www.mamotransportation.com TRANSPORT SEVICE CO. Food Grade Division is hiring Class A CDL DRIVERS out of Asheville, NC for our Long Haul (5-7 days out) positions! We offer competitive pay, medical benefits for you and your family, paid training on product handling, paid uniforms, paid vacations, 401K & MORE! 1 year tractor-trailer experience, Tank Endorsement (or ability to obtain) & safe driving record required. APPLY NOW at: TheKAG.com or call 800.871.4581. WANTED: LIFE AGENTS. Potential to Earn $500 a Day. Great Agent Benefits. Commissions Paid Daily. Liberal Underwriting. Leads, Leads, Leads. Life Insurance, License Required. Call 1.888.713.6020.

FINANCIAL $$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!! Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need $500-$500,000++ within 48/hours? Low rates. Apply Now By Phone! 1.800.568.8321. wwwlawcapital.com Not Valid in CO or NC. SAPA BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

PETS HAYWOOD SPAY/NEUTER 828.452.1329

REMAINING FURNITURE LUMBER Walnut, Butternut, Cherry. Need to clear building, $3,250 Call for more info 828.627.2342 FIVE PIECE SECTIONAL Includes Ottoman, Cocca Leather/ Taupe microfiber. Excellent Cond. Retail $1,495, asking $800/obo. 828.944.0244

Prevent Unwanted Litters! The Heat Is On! Spay/Neuter For Haywood Pets As Low As $10. Operation Pit is in Effect! Free Spay/Neuter, Microchip & Vaccines For Haywood Pitbull Types & Mixes!

HAYWOOD BEDDING, INC. The best bedding at the best price! 533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

LUMBER BLACK WALNUT LUMBER AVLBLE. 15 - 4x4x10 turning stock $30 each. 10ft mantle boards available $50 each. For more info call 828.627.2342

LAWN & GARDEN HEMLOCK HEALERS, INC. Dedicated to Saving Our Hemlocks. Owner/Operator Frank Varvoutis, NC Pesticide Applicatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s License #22864. 48 Spruce St. Maggie Valley, NC 828.734.7819 828.926.7883, Email: hemlockhealers@yahoo.com

HEAVY EQUIPMENT SAWMILLS FROM ONLY $3997.00 Make & Save Money with your own bandmill. Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com. 800.578.1363 Ext. 300N.

PETS CONTROL FLEAS/TICKS/MITES & Mosquitoes & before heavy infestation with Happy JackÂŽ DuraSpotÂŽ. Patented technology. Contains NO Fipronil! At Southern States. www.happyjackinc.com

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12 Noon - 5pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville

STEEL BUILDINGS STEEL BUILDINGS Blow Out! Best savings on remaining clearance buildings. Garages, Workshops, Homes. 20x22, 25x30, 30x40, 35x56, 40x70. MAKE OFFER and LOW Payments. 1.800.991.9251 Ashley.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES $555 POOL $555 Complete New 19x31 pool w/deck, fence, liner, filter and pump. 100% financing. All credit accepted. Other models available. WE WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD. 1.888.236.4132.

ENTERTAINMENT SCOTTISH TARTANS MUSEUM 86 East Main St., Franklin, 828.584.7472. www.scottishtartans.org. Matthew A.C. Newsome, GTS, FSA, SCOT., Curator & General Manager, Ronan B. MacGregor, Business Assistant.

184-10

Ann knows real estate!

MOUNTAIN REALTY

Mieko

Thomson

Ann Eavenson

ROKER/R /REALTOR EALTORÂŽÂŽ BBROKER

Cell (828) 226-2298 Cell

mthomson@remax-waynesvillenc.com mthomson@remax-waynesvillenc.com www.ncsmokies.com www.ncsmokies.com

2177 Russ Avenue Waynesville NC 28786

CRS, GRI, E-PRO

ann@mainstreetrealty.net

REPACKING OPERATOR B JOB# 192427 RESPONSIBLE FOR FILLING, PACKAGING, INSPECTING, BOXING, AND PALLETIZING PRODUCT. MUST BE ABLE TO STAND CONSTANTLY AND LIFT 45 LBS CONSTANTLY. WILL WORK IN EXTREME TEMPS. MUST BE ABE TO WORK M-TH 10 HR SHIFTS OR FRI, SAT, SUN 13 HRS. MUST BE ABLE TO TAKE INSTRUCTION; READ AND WRITE ENGLISH. WILL CONSIDER APPLICANTS W/O GED HOWEVER, GED WOULD BE REQ W/IN 6 MONTHS OF HIRE. MUST READ FULL JOB DESCRIPTION AT DWS. PREF 24 MOS MFG & ABILITY TO WORK THE REQ HRS.

If interested go to your local Employment Security Office or call 828.456.6061

FURNITURE

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506-0542 CELL 184-11

smokymountainnews.com

FIELD SERVICE TECH JOB# 192670 WILL VISIT CUSTOMER SITES TO MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT, PERFORM PREVENTATIVE/PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE ON EQUIPMENT, PROVIDE TECHNICAL FIELD SERVICE WORK FOR FLUID HANDLING, ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL SYSTEMS. TRAVEL EXTENSIVELY IN SE US, COMPANY VEHICLE, EQUIPMENT, EXPENSE ACCOUNT PROVIDED. CLOSES 4/22/2013.

IN-HOME AIDE - HAYWOOD CO. Candidates must have a high school diploma/GED, valid NC Driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s License, available transportation, effective oral communication & listening skills, and legible handwriting skills. Flexible hours M - F, 10 to 20 hrs a week. Duties include assisting elderly in their home with light housekeeping and errands. Some benefits apply. Applications will be taken at Mountain Projects, Inc. 2251 Old Balsam Rd., Waynesville or 25 Schulman St., Sylva. Pre-employment drug testing required. EOE/AA

EMPLOYMENT TIDY NOOK NEEDS Handyman/landscaper/cleaner to service properties in area. Travel required. Will train. Must have access to internet and own tools. 888.389.8237

April 17-23, 2013

MOWING, WEED EATING, DIGGING GRAVES JOB# 193386 DOES NOT REQ NCDL BUT MUST HAVE OWN TRANSPORTATION. MOWING WEED EATING, DIGGING GRAVES, CLEAN UP. MUST BE USED TO WORKING OUTSIDE IN ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS AND USED TO DOING HARD LABOR.

EMPLOYMENT

WNC MarketPlace

EMPLOYMENT THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY OFFICE OFFERS ADDITIONAL JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE TO ANY PERSONS RECEIVING FOOD & NUTRITION BENEFITS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS (FORMALLY ESC) AT 828.456.6061, EXT. 201 OR 203 TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT.*

101 South Main St. Waynesville

MainStreet Realty

(828) 452-2227 mainstreetrealty.net 43

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS WNC MarketPlace

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Offering 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $400 Section 8 Accepted - Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

Haywood County Real Estate Agents

OFFICE HOURS: Tues. & Wed. 10:00am - 5:00pm & Thurs. 10:00am- 12:00pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

Beverly Hanks & Associates — beverly-hanks.com • • • • • • •

BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor shamrock13@charter.net McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

Equal Housing Opportunity

APT. FOR RENT FURNISHED

ERA Sunburst Realty — sunburstrealty.com Haywood Properties — haywoodproperties.com • Steve Cox — info@haywoodproperties.com

Chaco - A striking deep orange boy who likes to patrol his surroundings. He has been declawed so must be an indoor cat. Wants to come on as a tough guy but will warm up to you when given the chance!

Keller Williams Realty kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • Rob Roland — robrolandrealty.com • Chris Forga — forgarentalproperties.com

Skye - She looks mostly like a Plott hound mix but has light blue eyes!! Skye is initially a bit shy but then quickly warms up as you rub her ears. A very sweet girl who will be devoted to you.

Mountain Home Properties — mountaindream.com • Sammie Powell — smokiesproperty.com

GREAT SMOKIES STORAGE

April 17-23, 2013

McGovern Real Estate & Property Management

SPACE AVAILABLE

• Bruce McGovern — shamrock13.com

828 | 452 | 4251 Prudential Lifestyle Realty — vistasofwestfield.com

www.smokymountainnews.com

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty remax-waynesvillenc.com | remax-maggievalleync.com Brian K. Noland — brianknoland.com Connie Dennis — remax-maggievalleync.com Mark Stevens — remax-waynesvillenc.com Mieko Thomson — ncsmokies.com The Morris Team — maggievalleyproperty.com The Real Team — the-real-team.com Ron Breese — ronbreese.com Dan Womack — womackdan@aol.com Bonnie Probst — bonniep@remax-waynesvillenc.com

Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction. Available for lease now: 10’x10’ units for $55, 20’x20’ units for $160. Get one month FREE with 12 month contract. Call 828.507.8828 or 828.506.4112 for more info.

Your Local Big Green Egg Dealer

Realty World Heritage Realty — realtyworldheritage.com • Carolyn Lauter — realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/1701

TUPELO’S

BEST PRICE EVERYDAY

INDOOR & OUTDOOR

10-5 M-SAT. 12-4 SUN.

FURNITURE

184-28

ON DELLWOOD RD. (HWY. 19) AT 20 SWANGER LANE WAYNESVILLE/MAGGIE VALLEY 828.926.8778

VACATION RENTALS CAVENDER CREEK CABINS Dahlonega, GA. GAS TOO HIGH? Spend your vacation week in the North Georgia Mountains! Ask about our weekly FREE NIGHT SPECIAL! Virtual Tour: www.CavenderCreek.com Cozy Hot Tub Cabins! 1.866.373.6307 SAPA NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS Head to the mountains! Book your vacation today; even the family pet is welcome! Nightly, Weekly & Monthly Rentals. Foscoe Rentals 1.800.723.7341 or go to: www.foscoerentals.com SAPA

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ROB ROLAND

828-564-1106

RROLAND33@GMAIL.COM

Find the home you are looking for at www.robrolandrealty.com

“LIKE” MY PAGE

184-24

184-25

Talk to your neighbors, then talk to me. ®

See why State Farm insures more drivers than GEICO and Progressive combined. Great ser vice, plus discounts of up to 40 percent.* Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. CALL CALL FOR FOR QUOTE QUOTE 24/7. 24/7. ®

The Seller’s Agency — listwithphil.com • Phil Ferguson — philferguson@bellsouth.net 182-46

CALL NOW TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 44

APARTMENT FOR RENT $800/MO. 1/BR 1/BA Fully Furnished or Unfurnished; Luxury Apartment attached to large house close to downtown Waynesville and Hospital, Wooded lot, large separate entrance, Handicap Access, Quiet safe area, All new appliances: Stove, Fridge, Dishwasher, Washer/Dryer, Everything included: Internet, Direct TV, Electric, Water, Trash Service, Local & Long Distance Phone, No Application Fee. Call Mike at 828.246.8900.

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT

Main Street Realty — mainstreetrealty.net

• • • • • • • • •

EVER CONSIDER A Reverse Mortgage? At least 62 years old? Stay in your home & increase cash flow! Safe & Effective! Call Now for your FREE DVD! Call Now 888.418.0117. SAPA

HOMES FOR SALE

Phone # 1-828-586-3346 TDD # 1-800-725-2962

Michelle McElroy — beverly-hanks.com Marilynn Obrig — beverly-hanks.com Mike Stamey — beverly-hanks.com Ellen Sither — esither@beverly-hanks.com Jerry Smith — beverly-hanks.com Billie Green — bgreen@beverly-hanks.com Pam Braun — pambraun@beverly-hanks.com

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

828.452.4251 OR ads@smokymountainnews.com

Chad McMahon, A gent 3 4 5 Wa l n u t S t r e e t Waynesville, NC 28786 Bus: 828 - 452- 0567 chad.mcmahon.r v37@s t atef arm.com

1001174.1

*Discounts var y by states. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnit y Company, Blooming ton, IL

Full Service Property Management 828-456-6111 www.selecthomeswnc.com Residential and Commercial Long-Term Rentals

PERSONAL

ARE YOU PREGNANT? A childless married couple (in our 30’s) seeks to adopt. Will be hands-on mom/devoted dad. Financial security. Expenses paid. Nicole & Frank. 1.888.969.6134 WHITE MALE, NON-DRINKER, Looking for a live-in girlfriend for companionship & light housework. Any age, kids okay. 2/BR in a nice neighborhood. For more info call Donnie at 706.335.6496 or write to PO Box 411, ILA, GA 30647.

SCHOOLS/ INSTRUCTION

AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for hands on Aviation Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance. 877.300.9494. COMPUTER & IT TRAINING Program! Train for a career in Computers at CTI! No Experience Needed! Get your IT Certification! GE disclosure info at careertechnical.edu/nc. 1.888.734.6712 LENOIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE In Kinston offers an auctioneering class on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning April 23. Cost is $175. To register call 252.527.6223, ext. 714.

SERVICES * REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL! * Get a 4-Room All Digital Satellite system installed for FREE and programming starting at $19.99/mo. FREE HD/DVR upgrade for new callers, SO CALL NOW. 1.800.935.9195. SAPA DIRECTV OFFICIAL TV DEALAmerica's top satellite provider! DIRECTV Plans starting at $29.99/mo for 12 months after instant rebate. Get the best in entertainment. 800.318.5608 HIGHSPEED INTERNET Everywhere By Satellite! Speeds up to 12mbps! (200x faster than dialup.) Starting at $49.95/mo. CALL NOW & GO FAST! 1.888.714.6155

SERVICES DISH NETWORK. Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1.888.709.1546. SAPA MY COMPUTER WORKS: Computer problems? Viruses, spyware, email, printer issues, bad internet connections - FIX IT NOW! Professional, U.S.-based technicians. $25 off service. Call for immediate help. 1.888.582.8147 SAVE ON Cable TV-Internet-Digital Phone. Packages start at $89.99/mo (for 12 months.) Options from ALL major service providers. Call Acceller today to learn more! CALL 1.877.715.4515.

YARD SALES SATURDAY’S CHILD 470 Haywood Rd., Dillsboro, NC. The Big White Bldng. w/ Blue Awnings! Nice Furniture, Household, Clothing, Miscellaneous, Everything Under The Sun! Saturdays 10am - 3pm. Call for directions or more information 828.226.7993

ESTATE SALE APRIL 19TH 5 Estates in one location, indoors! Antiques, tools, glassware, jewelry, furniture and Much More! If you need it, it’s here! 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Located at 255 Depot St,. Waynesville, NC.

WEEKLY SUDOKU

Super

CROSSWORD

9 Cousin of crazy eights 78 Hash house 10 Tailless meower 79 Rearward 11 Genus of meowing 81 Immediately mammals 84 Third-largest Turkish ACROSS 12 Nibbled on city 1 Non-PC computers 13 VCR brand 87 “- Lisa Smile” 5 Refuge 14 Panhandle 89 11th mo. 11 Much more desirable 15 Sewing cases 90 Uncontrived illustra20 Kauai, e.g. 16 12th grader, e.g. 21 “Strut” singer Easton tions 17 Mine haulage tracks 22 Additional unspecified 96 Arm muscle 18 1930s-’40s serial 101 Circle bits things radio comedy 102 “Dr.” of rap 23 Speller’s clarification 19 Trio before U 103 Writer Joyce Carol 24 Mets’ division 25 - Baba 105 Part of Oceania 26 Clock’s ancestor 27 Purposes 106 Eggy yuletide drink 28 41, to Cato 29 “- humble opinion ...” 107 Former name of “PBS 31 “Alley——!’ 32 Juan’s “day” NewsHour,” with ‘’The’’ 30 Choosing wisely 33 Act human 111 Writer Emile 37 Had been 34 Frozen 113 — Tse-tung 39 See 104Down 35 Resistance units 114 12- to 14- year-old 40 “The Red Shoes” star 36 Itty-bitty bite Girl Scout Shearer 115 Webster’s lexicon first 38 Mets’ former ballpark 4 1 Greek letter X 42 Pertaining to animals published in1951 42 “The Hangover” co44 Spot 122 Hoarfrost star Galifianakis 46 Medit. nation 123 French novelist 43 Rushlike plants 47 Spanish for “very” Sagan 45 20-hourweek worker, 48 2.2 in a kg 124 River in a Stephen e.g. 50 Actor Alan Foster song 49 3 R’s gpo 53 Kimono tie 125 Skater Lysacek 51 Soapy water 54 Oahu dance 126 African living in 52 – nova (dance) 55 Uttered 53 It recalls recent things Kinshasa 56 Some rodent 127 Dogmas 61 Fast Internet svc. appendages 128 Forest lairs 62 Subtle glows 57 Ear warmer 63 “Harold & Go to White 58 First-aid pro DOWN Castle” (2004 comedy) 59 Might 1 Poisonous vapors 64 “— Te Ching” 60 Tailless ape, for short 2 Relieve 66 Writer Wister 61 Cry on “The Simpsons” 3 Sounded like bumping 70 Strip of wood 64 Dash gauge glasses 71 Sprint race 65 Go for-drive briefly) 4 Mailing out 74 Cry “Uncle!” 67 Lush 5 Hit-(get hung up) 75 Sentry’s cry 68 In a tie 76 With one flat, musical- 6 Hebrew “Hi!” 69 Dweeb’s kin 7 Despite this ly 71 Conniption 8 Luau favor 77 Racial rights org. SUPER CROSSWORD SQUARE SHARE

72 Bit of cheer? 73 “True -!” 78 Dreamed up 80 Thu.-Sat. linkup 81 Protein-making stuff 82 “Take Me as-” 83 Weep noisily 84 Persian Gulf borderer 85 Scoreless tie 86 The Pogues frontman Shane 87 Sable carmaker, briefly 88 Yoked pair 91 Recaller of faulty meds 92 Player of a game on horseback 93 Port in Papua New Guinea 94 Verb ending in the Bible 95 Sun. church oration 97 Gamboled 98 Arousing intense feeling 99 Actress Natalie 100 Lustrous cloths 104 With 39Across, spy 107 Traveler Polo 108 Comedy club host, e.g. 109 “Am - risk?” 110 Comic Martha’s family 112 Yearn 115 NY Giants’ gpo 116 Internet giggle 117 Conk out, as an engine 118 Particular mag. printing 119 Have a debt 120 Bread from a tandoor 121 Meth- or prop- ending

answers on page 42

Answers on Page 42

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April 17-23, 2013

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE From home. Medical, Business, Criminal Justice, Hospitality. Job placement assistance. Computer and Financial aid if qualified. SCHEV authorized. Call 888.899.6918. www.CenturaOnline.com

SCHOOLS/ INSTRUCTION

WNC MarketPlace

A MARRIED COUPLE Seeks To Adopt. Full-time mom & Devoted dad. Financial security. Expenses paid. Let’s help each other. Melissa & Dennis. 1.888.293.2890 (Rep. by Adam Sklar, Esq. Bar #0150789). SAPA ADOPT - HAPPILY MARRIED Couple wishes to adopt a baby! We promise love, learning, laughter, security, extended family. Expenses paid. www.DonaldAndEsther.com 1.800.965.5617 (Se habla espanol) SAPA

Win Tickets to COURTESY

SMOKY MOUNTAIN LIVING! facebook.com/smliv

Like SML on Facebook, then watch for details on how to enter on Thursday, April 11.

Smoky Mountain News

April 17-23, 2013

An official sponsor of Merlefest速 2013

The blue-grey gnatcatcher is a mighty mite

George Ellison

lizabeth and I were sitting on the deck Monday evening when a tiny bird made an abbreviated appearance — apparently just to check us out — and disappeared. It took only a fleeting glimpse for us to know that our visitor had been a bluegray gnatcatcher. There is, after all, nothing else in the avifauna of the Smokies region quite like the mighty mite. It’s a bird you’ll enjoy knowing once you learn its basic characteristics. The blue-gray body, white eyerings, and white outer tail feathers are diagnostic. The diminutive size (not much larger than a Columnist hummingbird) and the persistent calls (see below) are distinctive. The male is darker blue than the female and displays a black forehead. No bird goes about his business in quite the same energetic manner. The entry in A Natural History of American Birds (1939) reads: “The blue-gray flycatcher is a fidgety little midget. Tiny, slender and frail in appearance … its littleness and defenselessness and its air of innocence and artlessness at once enlist our sympathy and interest. It is exceedingly active and graceful and may be

BACK THEN seen dashing and skipping about (in) the topmost branches of some tall tree, from which it launches itself in pursuit of some passing insect or hovers to pick off some small creature.” The gnatcatcher is common in the Smokies region in mixed and deciduous forests below 2,500 feet from late March into early September. But many people have them nesting in their yard without realizing they are there. The quickest way to know when they’re present is to be familiar with their vocalizations. The entry in “North American Birds Online” (a subscription web site) reads: ‘Two song types may occur. Most descriptions and recordings of song are of complex, continuous, rambling jumbles of a variety of phrases (discrete collections of similar notes) including sharp chips, highpitched whistles, mewing notes comparable to calls, and trilled series of high sharp notes. These songs are of at least 10 seconds duration and are softly uttered and difficult to hear at more than 50 yards. Complex songs (and some isolated calls) appear to be mimetic. Species presumptively mimicked include Blue Jay, American Crow, Gray Catbird, Tufted Titmouse, Rufous-sided Towhee, Yellow-throated Vireo, Yellow Warbler, and Pine Siskin. Contact calls mew-

Blue-grey gnatcatcher

ing and sharp … best rendered verbally as ‘zeee’ or ‘spee’ or ‘chay.’” The mnemonic that works best for me is a softly whispered “chee-chee-chee.” For various songs and calls go to: http://musicofnature.com/category/birds/ blue-gray_gnatcatcher/. George Ellison wrote the biographical introductions for the reissues of two Appalachian classics: Horace Kephart’s Our Southern

April 17-23, 2013

With $10,000 on the line, you'll need more than just a good fish story.

Highlanders and James Mooney’s History, Myths, and Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees. In June 2005, a selection of his Back Then columns was published by The History Press in Charleston as Mountain Passages: Natural and Cultural History of Western North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains. Readers can contact him at P.O. Box 1262, Bryson City, N.C., 28713, or at info@georgeellison.com.

It's Cherokee's Summer Kickoff Trout Fishing Tournament, April 26 –28. Smoky Mountain News

The Cherokee Chamber of Commerce is getting your summer fishing season started with a big one on the line. Claim your share of the $10,000 purse in this tagged tourney by purchasing your ticket and permit at any of our 28 fishing license locations in Cherokee, or online at FishCherokee.com/license.html. Participants need an event permit and Tribal fishing permit. Enrolled members can use their enrollment card as their permit. The entry fee is $11, and prizes will be redeemed at Artist Row on Aquoni Rd. in Cherokee, NC. 47

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Dr. Mila Bruce specialties include performing minimally invasive operations, such as total laparoscopic hysterectomies, laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomies and other minimally invasive pelvic surgery. Her training in high-risk obstetrics includes treating diabetes, hypertensive disorders, endocrine disorders, twin pregnancies and cardiac conditions. “In addition to my training, I feel as though recently becoming a new mother has allowed me to connect with my patients on a more personal level,”

Our mission is to provide high quality, personalized and compassionate obstetrical and gynecological care to women beginning in adolescence and continuing through menopause. We strive to consistently exceed the expectations of all of our patients.

Anne Karner, CNM has a new baby of her own and is especially interested in being with women as they transition through motherhood. She provides prenatal care, labor and birth support, and postpartum care, including breastfeeding support and contraception. Anne is available for annual exams and well woman care as well as for management of a wide variety of gynecologic needs.

April 17-23, 2013

Cindy Noland, CNM considers contraception counseling an important part of her work. “Family planning and contraception are a huge part of a woman’s daily life. Many of us spend the majority of our lives trying NOT to get pregnant.” Cindy enjoys helping women choose the best birth control option for their lives, whether it be pills, rings, IUDs, or the new Implanon implant.

Betsy Swift, CNM, enjoys all aspects of women’s healthcare, from the first pelvic exam through menopause. “I like the first pelvic exam because it sets the stage for a positive attitude towards self-care… and it doesn’t have to be traumatic!” Betsy considers it a privilege to be a partner in a woman’s healthcare during the most significant times of her life- adolescence, pregnancy, birth and menopause.

Smoky Mountain News

Melanie Emery, CNM, has many years experience in obstetrics and gynecology. She has relocated to the mountains and is now focusing her practice on gynecological and well-woman care. Her specialties include annual exams, gynecological problem visits, menopause counseling, weight management, and management of chronic gynecological conditions. Melanie is often available for same day appointments for urgent needs.

Janine L. Keever, MD, FACOG Anton vanDuuren, MD • • • • • •

Yearly Exams and Paps Contraception/ Birth Control Hormone Replacement Therapy Specialized Gynecologic Surgery Minimally Invasive Surgery Prenatal Care for both Low and High Risk Pregnancies • Physician and Midwife Services • In Office Ablations and Essure Procedures

For informative articles, online appointments, online bill pay and more visit our website at

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Same day appointments available for urgent concerns. To make an appointment, call 828.631.1960 Sylva or 828.369.5754 Franklin

64 Eastgate Drive Sylva, NC 28779

33 Edgewood Avenue Franklin, NC 28734