Students aim to revolutionize flood prediction Page 30
Page 8
Editor’s note:
The letter to the editor published last week called “Shine the light on backdoor dealings” erroneously claims that the email referenced was sent by Fontana Regional Library board member Leah Gaston. Through its own independent reporting, The Smoky Mountain News had previously confirmed that Leah's husband, Jim, sent that email from Leah's account.
On the Cover:
As Waynesville’s rotary club turns 100 years old, The Smoky Mountain News speaks with club leadership while also diving into the organization’s rich history, but locally and worldwide. (Page 6)
News
DOGE website says Franklin’s Social Security office to close............................4 Camino Club aims to support Hispanic student body..............................................5 Waynesville police social worker paying dividends....................................................8 As budget looms, Community Care is a top priority for Sylva............................10 Jackson Community School will remain in current location..................................12 State auditor launches Helene dashboard to boost transparency....................15 Unidxs spreads message of unity................................................................................16 SBA extends deadline for disaster loans in North Carolina ................................17
Opinion
Bringing it back to center, back to home....................................................................20
Sierra Hull rolls into WNC..............................................................................................22
Outdoors
Young North Carolinians aim to revolutionize flood prediction with AI..............30
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AREA’S BEST BURGER
Ingles Nutrition Notes
written by Ingles Dietitian Leah McGrath
Question: I do a lot of driving for my job and am trying to avoid eating fast food or having to brown bag it. What are some ideas of food that I could buy at Ingles Markets if I stop by?
Answer: Let’s go by section of the store:
• it is higher in protein and lower in sugar/carbs and lactose-free. This would be a good quick drink by itself or paired with peanut butter crackers or a banana; cheese cubes and a piece of fruit.
snack packs that have nuts and dried fruit along with cheese.
• Meal replacement bars — these aren’t the same as granola bars because they are generally higher in protein. Something like a Clif bar for example would work.
• Trail mix with nuts
• Individual peanut butter or almond butter packs to have with fruit
• Pick up a salad from the Ingles Salad bar — at most stores we have pre-made ones
• Pre-made sandwiches in the deli
• Salad kits — we sell these in the Produce section that are already in bowls and contain the salad dressing and toppings.
DOGE website says local Social Security office to close
BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has been eager to propose federal budget cuts that purportedly save taxpayers money, but as the proposed cuts trickle down to the neighborhood level — like closing the U.S. Social Security Administration office in Franklin — residents are just as eager to show their disapproval.
“It would be so detrimental to everyone who lives here and is on Social Security or who needs to go in there to sign up or has a question on Social Security,” said Cathy Howman, a Macon County resident who currently receives Social Security retirement benefits. “I mean, where would they go?”
The DOGE website features a “wall of receipts” listing contract terminations, grant terminations and lease terminations totaling more than 9.5 million square feet across 748 facilities nationally. The lease terminations would supposedly save $660 million in total over the life of the leases.
In North Carolina, 20 such leases are listed, from the mountains to the coast.
Other agencies with North Carolina offices on the list include two Natural Resources Conservation Service offices, two IRS offices, two Farm Service Agency offices — including one in Hendersonville — two Equal Employment Opportunity Commission offices, an EPA office, an Employment Standards Administration office, an FDA office, a U.S. Geological Survey office and a U.S. Small Business Administration office.
Besides Franklin, additional Social Security Administration offices in Elizabeth City, Greenville and Roanoke Rapids are also listed as subject to lease termination.
For those already receiving benefits, they can update direct deposit information, request a benefit verification letter or report changes in income, marital status or other factors affecting benefits.
Offices also handle Social Security card services, such as applying for a new card, replacing a lost or stolen one, updating surnames after marriage or divorce or correcting errors.
For Medicare-related services, people can apply for coverage, replace a lost Medicare card or update their information.
While many of these tasks can be completed by phone or online at ssa.gov, internet service isn’t universally available or affordable in rural Southern Appalachia, so visiting an office in person may be the most convenient option, although it’s strictly necessary in certain cases.
For example, some disability claims require in-person interviews, and people applying for a Social Security card for the first time must show up in person.
“A lot of elderly people are better in person than on the phone or, God forbid, on a website trying to figure it out, and I am just afraid that's the first step to Musk doing away with Social Security for all of us,” said Howman, who added that she’d visited the
office maybe two years ago to correct a paperwork error and was largely satisfied with her visit.
Of the 37 pre-DOGE Social Security offices in North Carolina, Franklin’s serves North Carolina’s westernmost residents and is the only one west of Asheville’s office, 68 miles from Franklin. Another office in Toccoa, Georgia, more than 50 miles distant, may also be an option for residents of the far west.
Bob Scott, a veteran, former law enforcement officer, former journalist, former Franklin mayor, esteemed photographer and social security recipient, lamented the lack of public or private transportation that
The Department of Government Efficiency was established by executive order on Jan. 20. Whitehouse.gov photo
tions in general.
“It’s the way I feel about everything that’s coming out of Washington, D.C., right now. There is a total lack of compassion and humanity. Excuse me, but America is not Trump’s golden tower. It’s not a business,” he said. “They have completely overlooked that the government is a service.”
Betsy Baste, another Macon County resident, said her husband currently receives Social Security retirement benefits, and although she’s currently eligible, she decided a few months ago to wait to apply in order to qualify for higher payments. Her concern wasn’t as much for retirees who depend on services provided at the office
lar basis.
“You get them in the car, and their walkers or wheelchairs or whatever, load ‘em up, unload ‘em when you get there and then do it all over again when you leave,” she said. “It’s hard on people.”
The DOGE website says that the lease for the 8,995 square-foot office costs $276,309 each year, and that the termination of the lease will save just over $1 million.
Although the Social Security Administration’s website suggests the office is still operating under its usual 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. hours Monday through Friday, DOGE’s information on the Franklin office says that the listing is a “True Termination — Agency Closed Office,” which came as quite a surprise to an operator reached in the Franklin office by The Smoky Mountain News on the afternoon of March 3.
“A lot of elderly people are better in person than on the phone or, God forbid, on a website trying to figure it out, and I am just afraid that's the first step to Musk doing away with Social Security for all of us.”
— Cathy Howman
could get someone from Macon County to Asheville and back.
Macon County Transit, a limited reservation-only service, requires out-of-area rides to be scheduled a week in advance, and between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Return trips are usually scheduled at the same time, but a representative told SMN that they try to leave Asheville by 3 p.m. to get home to Macon County.
“I guess if you had to be there in person, well, I don’t know,” Scott said. “I think you would be stuck. Years ago, we had Trailways bus service, but we don’t have any commercial transport services here. If you have to leave town, you’re in trouble.”
Scott is also upset about DOGE’s opera-
but rather for those who receive benefits because of a disability and may need in-person help.
“I think about the people not who are older, but there are plenty of people who are on Social Security who are disabled or younger dependents that need that to survive," Baste said. “I don't understand how they're going to get help that they need.”
Dorie Leland is a Macon County native and the mother of two 38-year-olds who have cerebral palsy and mobility issues and cannot read or write. Leland said that beginning in the late 1980s, she began visiting the Franklin Social Security office frequently, on their behalf. Driving to Asheville, Leland said, would be extremely difficult on a regu-
The operator appeared to be shocked by the news of the closing and said they hadn’t heard anything about the possibility. An office manager subsequently directed all comment to the Social Security Administration’s regional public affairs office in Atlanta. No one answered the phone at the public affairs office, and no one has yet responded to a voicemail or email inquiry. Public records show the parcel upon which the Franklin Social Security Office is located is owned by the Urban Investment Research Corporation, which leases it to the U.S. General Services Administration. A spokesperson reached today at UIRC’s office outside of Chicago said that company policy was not to comment on aspects of its business.
Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Henderson) hasn't assured constituents that their concerns about cuts to Social Security and Medicaid are unfounded, including in 2022, when an advocacy group asked for just such a pledge. Edwards did not respond to an interview request regarding the Franklin Social Security office from The Smoky Mountain News.
Camino club aims to support Hispanic student body
BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF W RITER
Editor’s note: While it is standard SMN and AP st yle to use last names when referring to people in articles, this story refers to students by their first names.
The Spanish word “camino” means road or path in English, and according to the student leaders of a new club at Franklin High School, that is exactly what they want their group to be.
“We want to be a path for all students, not just Hispanic, but all people who are willing to learn about our culture and our art and our language,” said Camino Club coPresident Jennifer in a presentation to the Board of Education at its Feb. 17 meeting.
Camino stands for community, action, motivation, innovation and new opportunities, and the mission of the club is to raise awareness of Latino culture at Franklin High School, its impact on the school and the community at large.
“We wanted to make a club where we can all come together and know that in these times, we are united, we have each other and we shouldn’t fear,” Jennifer said.
During the early phases of language acquisition, listening to disembodied voices can be especially challenging.
“We provide that information in Spanish so they’re able to know what’s going on around our school,” said another club officer.
Because the foreign language competition is no longer taking place at Western Carolina University, the Camino Club hopes to put together a similar event to host at Franklin High School.
“The most important goal we’re trying to do is just be a support group for each other,” said one club officer. “We just want to be able to unite with each other and be there to talk about life and what’s going on around us.”
Daisy said the anticipated outcomes for the club were to gain greater respect and understanding of a diverse Latino student body, as well as to share a vision of unity with not only the Hispanic student body, but also the non-Hispanic students.
“We want to gain greater community engagement with our Latino population and, again, just be an overall support group for all Hispanic students who are struggling
The Camino Club was formed just over two months ago at Franklin High School. File photo
Co-President Daisy said that one of the club’s goals is to seek support for emerging English speakers. While about 25% of Franklin High School identifies as Hispanic or Latino, Daisy said that this section of the student body is starkly underrepresented in school activities like sports and extracurriculars.
“We just want to be a support system for them and promote greater involvement for them in the school,” said Daisy.
While the club formed just over two months ago, it has already hosted its first meeting, which garnered over 30 participants. The club also planned and hosted the Mr. and Mrs. FHS Dance, which raised over $700 for the club.
In addition, Camino Club has instituted Spanish announcements in the afternoon to help students who are still learning English.
or have any questions so they can be open to our school and know that they have safety and they have somewhere they have people to ask questions to without being scared to ask,” said Daisy.
Tyler Faetz is one of several staff advisors for the club. He said that in studying culturally and historically responsive education, he learned about the importance of visibility.
“You cannot serve us unless you see us, right? You cannot serve us unless you see us. And you see these students here, we see them, now you see them,” said Faetz. “So now we hope we can also better serve them. This is a really, really anxious time, as a lot of you know, for our Latino students, their immediate families and their extended families and they need all the support we can give them.”
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Few volunteer service organizations can claim a century of community engagement alongside world-changing influence, but as Waynesville’s Rotary club rolls into its second century, its leaders are looking to bolster the personal, professional and philosophical ties that have brought the organization to where it is today.
“It’s kind of exciting where we think we’ve come so far that 100 years from now, they’re going to think that we were ancient and we didn’t know what we were doing and that it’s going to be so much more advanced at that point,” said Bronwen Talley-Coffee, current president of the Waynesville Rotary club.
Rotary was established in 1905 by Chicago attorney Paul Harris, who was looking for a way to turn his professional relationships into a wider network of personal friendships dedicated to fellowship, goodwill and community service. Originally named for its practice of rotating meetings among members’ offices, Rotary quickly grew beyond Chicago.
In 1908, the second Rotary club was founded in San Francisco and by 1910, there were 16 Rotary clubs across the nation. To manage the growth, club representatives met that year to form the National Association of Rotary Clubs. Just five years later, Rotary had expanded to 20,000 members in six countries and 200 clubs.
Asheville’s Rotary was one of them; in late 1914 George E. Lee, who worked for the Aetna insurance company, brought eight acquaintances together to discuss forming a club after hearing from a friend about a club in Richmond, Virginia. A month later, at the club’s first organizational meeting, it had already grown to 18 members, and when the application for a charter was submitted that March, it had grown to 42. Around that same time, Rotary’s influence continued to expand by establishing clubs in the United Kingdom, Cuba, the Philippines and India.
A decade later, Haywood County was still rough, rural country well off the beaten path, but that was changing rapidly. Population was less than 25,000 people, with around 2,000 calling Waynesville home. The newly-built Lambuth Inn at Lake Junaluska beckoned visitors with its electric cross, Bell Telephone had begun connecting customers, the now-Historic Haywood Hospital was just a year old, Waynesville Country Club was about to be formed and the
Waynesville Rotary turns 100
Local service, global impact
first conversations about establishing a national park in the Great Smoky Mountains were taking shape.
It was in that moment that a group of Haywood County businessmen decided to apply to the National Association of Rotary Clubs, now called Rotary International, to form the first Rotary club west of Asheville. The Asheville club sponsored Waynesville’s application. Waynesville’s charter was issued on Feb. 21, 1925, and presented to the group on March 7 by the Rotary district’s governor G. Heyward Mahon of Greenville, South Carolina.
In attendance that day at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville was the club’s first president, FUMC’s Rev. J. Thomas Mangum, along with founding officers
Samuel H. Bushnell, a grocer, Ernest L. Withers, a real estate and insurance salesman, Hilliard B. Atkins, who was in banking and insurance and W.A. Coble, a jeweler. The board of directors consisted of clothier Theo McCracken, attorney J. Hardin Howell and Hazelwood merchant J.M. Long.
A Feb. 26, 1925, brief in the The Carolina Mountaineer and Waynesville Courier that described the meeting says that “The local club is comprised of 25 of the leading and professional men of Waynesville, and by virtue of the standards of its ideals will no doubt soon become a vital factor in the life of our community.
The list of charter members of the Waynesville club read like a who’s who of prominent residents whose names remain familiar even today — Hyatt, Killian, Medford, Plott and Stringfield, among others.
The International’s rapid expansion was briefly disrupted during World War II, particularly in Nazi-occupied Europe, where Rotary was banned or forced to align with the ruling regimes. In Germany, members were pressured to exclude Jewish members and clubs across multiple European nations, including Austria, Italy, Poland and Spain, were disbanded.
Despite these challenges, Rotary played a key role in postwar rebuilding and humanitarian efforts. It worked closely with the United Nations from its founding in 1945, promoting peace and diplomacy. Rotary also grew significantly in Africa and Asia, integrating into newly independent nations. During the Cold War, Rotary was banned in Eastern Bloc countries but returned after the fall of the Soviet Union, with Moscow establishing its first club in 1990.
Today, Rotary International has expanded into a global network of some 46,000 clubs, with 1.4 million members operating in more than 200 countries and regions, all helping to maintain its status as a leading service organization. While membership numbers have fluctuated, Rotary continues to be a major force for humanitarian work.
“When you really research the history of Paul Harris and his thoughts about not just doing business, but also having the friendship and the social atmosphere among the people you work with and see every day, that’s really what we’re trying to achieve, from a historical viewpoint, to continue that vision,” said Mike McLean, a Waynesville Rotarian and head of the club’s history team. “I think that’s a big part of it — the continuation of something that has been so successful.”
Perhaps Rotary’s most significant and successful initiative is the PolioPlus program, launched in 1985 with a $120 million pledge. The program aimed to eradicate polio through global immunization efforts. During the 1950s, polio peaked in the United States with more than 57,000 cases. After the introduction of a vaccine in the 1960s, the number of cases steadily dropped to near zero in most of the world. The last case in the western hemisphere was reported in 2000 and by 2011, Rotary International had contributed nearly $1 billion toward the cause, playing a crucial role in reducing polio cases worldwide. Only four cases were reported in 2020, and polio today remains endemic in only two nations, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Throughout the 20th century, Waynesville’s Rotary club had worked to establish its own legacy of service that would define the club’s central role in a growing community.
Waynesville Rotary held its first charity golf tournament in 1934, began support of Haywood Vocational Opportunities in 1972, sponsored an offshoot club, the Haywood Rotary Club, in 1979, and then another, the Sunrise Rotary Club, in 1987. Along the way, Waynesville’s Rotary began collecting and distributing Christmas baskets for the needy, launched its annual blanket drive and started delivering weekly backpacks of food for schoolchildren. Today, Waynesville Rotary members can be found helping organizations like the Haywood Pathways Center and Habitat for Humanity or ringing bells for the Salvation Army at Christmastime. Recently, Waynesville Rotary participated in the downtown chili cook-off and revived their annual poor man’s supper, an event open to all regardless of ability to pay.
The Waynesville Rotary club’s logo features a caricature of a mountaineer. Waynesville Rotary photo
Rotarian and Positively Haywood publisher Mike McLean headed up Waynesville Rotary’s centennial history research. Waynesville Rotary photo
Although the club will hold a 100th anniversary gala on April 5, the club’s major centennial project is the installation of a “peace pole.” Inspired by a Rotary International initiative to promote peace, the 8-foot steel structure will be a permanent symbol of the club’s commitment to community service.
“I think they’re going to laser cut it and put lights inside of it,” Talley-Coffey said. “It will be on the art walk that Haywood Community College is doing, near their rhododendron garden. That is our gift and our service project this year, for our centennial. It’s a big project but it’s going to be absolutely beautiful. It is our relationship with Haywood Community College, and they’re celebrating their 60th year this year, that is how this has come about.”
Rotary’s impact extends beyond service projects. The club’s weekly luncheons feature guest speakers from various community organizations, providing a platform for dialogue and connection.
Rotary International’s guiding principles are encapsulated in the four-way test, a set of ethical questions recited at every meeting, that should be contemplated before thinking, saying or doing anything — Is it the
truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
“Those four questions apply to everything in life, and when you’re in any difficult situation, if you have somebody trying to convince you of something, if you just go
“Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?”
— The Rotary
International
four-way test
through those four questions it pretty much gives you the direction you need as a human being,” McLean said. “Rotarians are humanitarians in many ways, and I think those four questions get right to the heart of it. If you pass the four-way test, you feel pretty safe with what you’re engaging with or who
you’re working with.”
Historically, Rotary had been a maledominated organization that didn’t allow women to join as members, because most women didn’t have professional careers outside the home. In 1991, that all changed.
shift since women were formally allowed to join and today boasts a strong record of female leadership. Talley-Coffee is the sixth female president since Kay Dossey broke the glass ceiling in 2001 and follows Patsy Rogers, Dr. Lynne Barrett, June Ray, Karen Denney and Tiffani Watts in the role.
“I don’t want to say that we’re actively recruiting women. We’re actively recruiting people that would be Rotarians at heart, however we want young women, professional women, to feel like this is a place that they can join, and they’ll get as much out of it being a Rotarian as we get having them,” Talley-Coffee said.
Shelly White, seventh president of Haywood Community College, will become Waynesville Rotary’s 101st president on July 1.
The club has also adapted to changing membership trends, focusing on engaging younger generations who prefer hands-on service over formal club meetings. Today’s membership rolls are down from historic highs around 150, but in an age where volunteerism and community engagement are down overall, their 70-person roster is still impressive. A membership drive will begin on March 28, but as Waynesville Rotary looks to its next century, McLean hopes its mission of service and fellowship will endure.
“I guess I would like people 100 years from now to view us as a continuation of what happened 100 years ago and that we not only kept it alive and kept going,” McLean said, “but that we actually found a way to grow it.”
For more information on Waynesville Rotary or to become a member, visit waynesvillerotary.com.
Talley-Coffey speaks to her group (above) during a meeting at Laurel Ridge Country Club on Feb. 28. Cory Vaillancourt photo
Waynesville Rotarians (above left) volunteer on a project for 2024’s Day of Caring. Waynesville Rotary has amassed a substantial collection of archives (above right). Club members can be found volunteering in familiar places around the county (below left) and have established a legacy of public service (below right). Waynesville Rotary photos
Here to help
Waynesville police social worker paying dividends
BY KYLE PERROTTI
N EWS E DITOR
In 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, there was significant public outcry calling for police reform. Among the reforms people wanted to see most was the use of social workers on certain calls, people with no badge and no gun who could deal with someone in the throes of a mental health crisis.
now, as she pursues her master’s degree in Social Work, she has stayed onboard in Waynesville to complete her required field work for the advanced degree.
Curcio said the first thing she did when she started with WPD was go speak with other stakeholders in the community who represent resources that could prove valuable for the people she would be trying to help, such as Pathways Center, Meridian Behavioral Health and the DSS office.
Before long, Curcio began responding to calls with officers, typically riding along in a patrol car all day. When a call came in
offenders who consistently rack up lowlevel charges like second-degree trespassing for whom jail might not be the right solution. While there are some criminals who need to be put behind bars, there are plenty who just need a way out of a deep hole.
In addition to working with people she encounters out on patrol, Curcio can also speak to someone on a referral, whether that comes from an officer or a member of the public.
However, while Curcio has been able to connect people with services and help, not all are even interested in talking. She said it was tough at first to understand that and not take it personally, but now, after seeing plenty of people come around only after several face-to-face meetings, she understands that it’s a process. That knowledge has helped her improve in one-on-one situa-
While many, including some in law enforcement, stood firmly against such a shift in the paradigm around policing and balked at the idea, initiatives that bring social workers into the fold have taken hold across the country, including in the Tar Heel state where Western Carolina University has developed a program that allows aspiring social workers to complete their required field internship with a police department.
Kasey Curcio, originally from Ashe County, graduated from WCU with a bachelor’s in social work in 2024, during which she did an internship with the Waynesville Police Department. She enjoyed her time with officers at that agency so much that
basically two-fold. One, help to deescalate a tense situation, typically with an individual who is experiencing either addiction, a mental health issue or poverty; two, connect that person with resources that might help them navigate whatever crisis they’re experiencing long-term.
“For example, this morning, there was a lady who was removed from a nonprofit, and she has nowhere to go, so I just called around to some local churches,” Curcio said. “Somebody was willing to provide one night stay at a hotel. So now, I will go and transport her and then just make sure that she’s safe in a hotel, and then my goal would be to find long term housing for her. This helps officers deal with frequent
“Now that I’ve made contacts with most of those agencies and I have a direct line, it’s a lot easier. I have a foot in the community now,” she added. “But in the beginning, it was extremely tough.”
The internship Curcio is taking part in is made possible by The Community Care Program, which began in 2021 with a partnership between WCU and the Sylva Police Department. The program was started by Katy Allen, an associate instructor at WCU who is also the director of field education in the department of social work, when she partnered with Criminology and Criminal Justice Professor Cyndy Caravelis.
The pair noticed that some agencies across the country were allowing social workers to join officers on patrol, but there was a problem.
“All of the examples were in big cities,” Allen said. “That’s why we decided to start our program.”
“Most of the time, at first, they’re like ‘No, I don’t want help. Don’t talk to me,’” Curcio said. “And then, a week later, I’ll have a missed phone call from them like, ‘I do need your help.’ It just takes time, and they have to accept the help.”
“I guess it’s just accepting that it’s not a failure if they say ‘no’ in the beginning and to keep moving forward,” she added.
Another challenge reflects the bigger issues that often leave those most in need feeling despondent after seeking help on their own.
“Navigating the system is tough,” she said. “I didn’t realize it would be so hard as a social worker … to try to seek those services.”
On calls for service, the first job for law enforcement is to secure the scene and make sure everyone is safe. However, once the threat of violence or instability has passed, if no arrests are made, that’s often the end of an officer’s involvement. Allen said she’s already seen an improvement in communities that have social workers who can step in after that initial response to start to get to the bottom of the underlying issues that may be fueling any turmoil.
Allen said that it takes about two to three years for a department to become comfortable with having a social worker around, at which point she said she typically sees a quick turn as officers come to value the support those individuals can bring.
“Kasey has felt over the last year and half she’s been working with the Waynesville Police Department, that she’s built relationships with officers,” Allen said. “They trust her, and she trusts them. They’ve made connections and they know when to use her as a resource.”
Assistant Police Chief Josh F
Social workers are able to ride along with officers on patrol as they respond to calls. WPD photo
Kasey Curcio. File photo
Schick, who spent much of his career with WPD on patrol, agreed with that assessment. He said that while some officers may have been reluctant initially to accept that a social worker has a place in policing, now, everyone loves it.
“We’re pretty accepting, so I don’t think she ever had any issues,” Schick said. “But I think at first, they were probably like … ‘What is she gonna say to somebody that we’ve been dealing with for 10 years?’ But I think when they noticed the benefit of it, they were like, ‘Wow, we’re not answering a call for so-and-so every other day.’ There’s a benefit and a need for it in the department.”
“It’s nice to be able to send [Curcio] or anyone else out in that role to speak to people. She can go speak to somebody that a police officer can’t, just because it’s not as threatening. They’re not in uniform; they’re not there judging you or saying ‘I’m gonna take you to jail.’”
— Waynesville Police Chief David Adams
Likewise, Chief David Adams said he was initially skeptical about having a social worker responding to calls when the conversation hit the mainstream in 2020; however, he admitted that he’s been “pleasantly surprised.” Despite his initial apprehension, Adams called the Sylva police chief to see how the program was working over there. When he heard how well things were going, he became intrigued and got onboard.
Now, not only is Curcio viewed as a valuable asset for the department, another social work intern from WCU, Tom Hines, is doing his internship with WPD and is also excelling.
“It’s nice to be able to send [Curcio] or anyone else out in that role to speak to people,” Adams said. “She can go speak to somebody that a police officer can’t, just because it’s not as threatening. They’re not in uniform; they’re not there judging you or saying ‘I’m gonna take you to jail.’ It’s a plus for the police department and the community. It can save the town money, it can help people, and it helps the officers. It makes sense.”
For her part, Curcio has so enjoyed the chance to serve the community through the police department that she has applied for a full-time job and hopes to work on patrol, as a school resource officer or perhaps even a detective one day. She said she is excited to have the chance to employ the same skills while in uniform that she has honed in her internship.
As budget looms, Community Care is a top priority for Sylva
BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER
ith the impending sunset of grants that have sustained the Community Care Program in Sylva Police Department, town officials have made clear that continuing the program will be a top budget priority.
“I want everybody to know right off the bat I’m in favor of us figuring out how to come up with the money to continue that [Community Care] program, and I hope the rest of the board members will feel the same way,” said Mayor Johnny Phillips during a Feb. 27 board meeting. “I think it’s very important that since we are the flagship for that program in this state that we certainly continue having it and even allow it to grow.”
just be honest. Because the police don’t have a plan for this. If you just leave it up to our given authorities, we can’t help you with it. Just homelessness is not against the law, so that’s why this is so important.”
During the last month alone, the Community Care liaison, over the course of 20 working days, was involved in 48 different police calls. Sylva Police Department and its Community Care Program were recently featured on PBS ncIMPACT, and over the next few weeks will be the subject of two video productions by the UNC School of Government to help inform police departments about how to run a Community Care Program.
“I’m getting really good reports about the things that are going on,” said Phillips. “I understand she’s got a good number of people in some homes and few of them jobs and reentering society and getting people
The Community Care Program places a social worker within the Sylva Police Department to serve in the role of community care liaison. Their functions are to follow up with citizens involved in police calls to connect them with community services. This, in turn, allows the police department to better serve people with issues related to substance use, mental health, housing and poverty by connecting them with the local resources that can help, such as Jackson County Department of Social Services, Meridian, HERE of Jackson County, Center for Domestic Peace, Jackson Neighbors in Need and Rolling Start.
The Community Care Program began in October 2021 at the Sylva Police Department. At first the program was piloted through Western Carolina University and for the past three years it has been funded by grants.
Now, it will be up to the town to continue paying for the program.
The next budget work session for the town will take place March 27, after the regular meeting, during which the board will select a new member to fill Mark Jones’ vacated seat. Department heads have already submitted their budgetary needs and administration is working to compile them ahead of the March 27 meeting.
“I don’t have to tell anybody here; anybody that knows me knows [Community Care is] something that’s close to my heart,” said Police Chief Chris Hatton during the Feb. 27 meeting. “Also, the business side, it’s very important to me too. I will be in a panic if that goes away, I’ll
on the right track with folks that she is able to help. I’m very proud of the program.”
But while Phillips has said he is in favor of continuing the Community Care Program, he also made clear that he is not in favor of constructing a homeless shelter, something that has not been on the table for the Town of Sylva.
“I’m not in favor of building a homeless shelter and letting the other counties around us come and fill it up for us,” said Phillips. “I think that would undo everything we’ve done. I think we need to continue on the path we’re on trying to help folks get situated the right way.”
In January, HERE of Jackson County went before the Jackson County Commission to request half a million dollars to purchase and renovate a facility that would become Jackson’s first permanent homeless shelter. HERE of Jackson County is the primary homeless services provider in Jackson.
While Phillips said he does not want to see a homeless shelter, he did have another idea for the county.
“I would love to see the town make the recommendation to the county that we ask them to reconsider the temperature threshold when they put people in motels,” said Phillips. “Right now, it’s 32 degrees. My personal feeling is, when I’m standing outside when it’s 37 degrees, it’s just as damn cold as when it’s 32. I’d like to see them reconsider that threshold.”
The Community Care Program began in 2021 at the Sylva Police Department. File photo
Jackson Community School will remain in current location
BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER
After weeks of consideration and input from public, students and staff, the Jackson County Board of Education has decided to keep Jackson Community School in its current location and has committed to recruiting more students to the school and revamping campus offerings.
“Overwhelmingly, the responses that I read and heard were to not move the community school to the high school campus,” said Chairman Wes Jamison during the Feb. 25 school board meeting.
Jackson Community School is Jackson County’s alternative learning center and is the most expensive school to run in the district, per pupil. Late last year, the school board decided to investigate whether it was fiscally
responsible to keep operating the school as is.
Together with staff at both Jackson Community and Smoky Mountain High School, JCPS administration had come up with a plan to relocate the community school to the high school’s campus as an option for the school board to consider.
The conversation around Jackson Community School came about in part because the building, which was constructed in the mid 1950s, is in need of a new HVAC system. The whole repair will cost the school system around $450,000.
Enrollment at the school is currently at the lowest point it has ever been, according to Superintendent Dana Ayers, with 48 students enrolled at the end of last semester. Of those, 44 were high school students and four were middle school students. Ten years ago, the
school was serving 102 students.
“That number has declined over time and we collectively as a curriculum team and a leadership team are trying to figure out why or what we can do to address that,” said Ayers. “Our board also has an obligation to consider the cost and financial benefit to operate a school with less than 50 students.”
Low enrollment has caused a reduction in the array of classes offered at Jackson Community School, especially within the Career and Technical Education Department.
The goal of Jackson Community School is to serve students who learn better in an alternate setting, or those that have been suspended or expelled from other schools.
While most middle school students attending JCS are placed there by either their Individualized Education Program (IEP) team or the superintendent, high school students can choose to attend the school.
There are currently 17 full-time staff members and three part-time staff members working at Jackson Community School, some of whom work shared positions with other schools in the system.
In addition to its regular board meeting in February, the Board of Education also held a community listening session at Jackson Community School in order to give staff and students a chance to weigh in on the issue.
Overwhelmingly, students, staff and the public were in favor of keeping Jackson Community School in its current, separate location and not integrating the school onto the high school campus.
Emily Moore, a 10th grader at JCS said she often felt overlooked in middle school and struggled with attendance.
“Before I started at JCS, I had little hope for my future. But JCS provided the resources, structure and support I had been missing for so long, helping me grow in ways I never thought possible,” said Moore. “It’s not just about having access to resources, it’s about making sure they remain effective through individualized attention and quality support. If the system that helped us grow becomes too stretched, will it still be able to create real change for the students who need it most?”
Becca Bailey is the school social worker at Jackson Community School. During the listening session she told board members that 85% of the student body at JCS lives in at-risk households. That means they’re at risk of homelessness or are living with food insecurities.
“That’s something I’ve really been focusing on this year is trying to bridge that gap with our students,” said Bailey. “We can see it every day that these students are food insecure and some of them are at fear of not having food the next day.”
In addition to normal school operations and alternative learning styles, Jackson Community School offers a host of important resources to its students — fully stocked support closet with food and supplies that is available to both students and their families, laundry and showers. Staff at the school expressed concerned about whether and how these resources could be transferred into a larger school setting.
Students and staff also addressed misconceptions around the alternative learning cen-
ter in the broader community as a hurdle to recruiting more students who could benefit from what the school has to offer.
“Whenever I was first going to come over here, I was told that this school was for all bad kids, so I was scared to come,” said Pagan Bradley. “I think that’s also a reason why there are not that many more students here is because they’re told that this is for bad children.”
The listening session involved dozens of heartfelt testimonials from current and former students about how their lives were changed by the support they received at Jackson Community School.
“We appreciate all of the feedback we received,” said Board Member Abbigail Clayton.
When the time came for the board to make a decision about the school at its Feb. 25 meeting, every board member was in favor of keeping the school where it is and making an effort to revitalize the campus.
“If the school was moved to Smoky Mountain High, there isn’t really room for growth, and the goal is for growth,” said Board Member Kim Moore. “We need to step back and maybe table this and just work on the school and the growth.”
Two board members mentioned an idea they’d heard in discussion with the community about alternative learning centers in other counties that are located on their community college campuses, and therefore have expanded access to different course offerings.
“Obviously that’s not something that would take place immediately, it’s something that would have to be looked into,” said Jamison.
Ultimately, board members did not feel like they could put JCS students back on the campus that many of them chose to leave because it was not working for them.
“It is a school of choice,” said Clayton. “We heard from several students that went there [JCS] because Smoky Mountain High School was overwhelming, so we can’t put those kids back on that campus.”
Board members did not lay out a specific plan for paying for needed upgrades to the school but expressed willingness to allocate the funds.
“Any time you have a smaller school your student expenditure goes up,” said Board Member Gayle Woody. “I think we have to be realistic and when we’re going to really meet the needs of those students who need that separate environment it will cost more, but the cost will be worth it.”
While working in Jackson County Public Schools, Board Member Lynn Dillard was part of the team that originally wrote the grant for Jackson Community School. She said that the goal from the outset was to be different from a typical school.
“We wanted to be totally different. We didn’t want it to smell like, taste like, dress like a school, we wanted it to be a loving culture with a very supportive staff,” said Dillard. “I am so impressed with those students and with the leadership in that school because today it is exactly the culture that we wanted to have in an alternative school. It’s not about discipline, it’s about supporting kids.”
State auditor launches Hurricane Helene dashboard to boost transparency
BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT
P OLITICS E DITOR
North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek has unveiled a new Hurricane Helene dashboard, an online tool designed to track relief efforts and spending in the wake of the devastating storm. The initiative aims to provide transparency regarding the allocation of funds and resources for recovery efforts in affected areas.
The dashboard, launched Feb. 11, was developed entirely in-house by the auditor’s office, meaning no additional taxpayer money was spent in its creation.
enhance the oversight function of the auditor’s office.
“One of our focuses was how can we be most impactful in the State Auditor’s Office, and one of the ways that we felt like we could be really impactful is to use not only the auditing function of the office, but to act as a true watchdog in many instances,” Boliek told The Smoky Mountain News. “We felt like disaster response, particularly with Helene in the western part of the state, was a good place to start — not just as an auditor … but as a watchdog overseeing dollars spent in recovery.”
Boliek pointed to inefficiencies in prior
“It’s all internal. Our data analytics team built it and another person on our communications team helped with the layout,” said Randy Brechbiel, public information manager for the Office of the State Auditor.
Using publicly available FEMA data, the dashboard breaks down important statistics by county.
“We pull the data directly from FEMA. We don’t edit it. We don’t change it. We put it on the website for the people to see exactly what FEMA is putting together,” Brechbiel said. “We wanted to build transparency, and this is the best way to do it — by taking data and putting it online. We hope to build it out further and will keep updating it along the way.”
The tool utilizes weekly data updates, helping policymakers and the public visualize and track relief efforts with greater ease. Brechbiel explained that while the dashboard currently lacks historical look-back capabilities for each dataset, that feature has been discussed internally.
“We don’t have it online right now, but I do believe that’s something we could pull the data for and respond if somebody asked for it,” he said.
The dashboard marks a departure from traditional retrospective auditing, shifting toward real-time financial oversight. Boliek, who assumed office in January, said this approach aligns with his intentions to
data justifies scaling back Stein’s request, Boliek was careful not to speculate.
hurricane recovery efforts, particularly in eastern North Carolina.
“The response to the previous two hurricanes through the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency had been, quite frankly, not so hot,” Boliek said. “The former director of NCORR recently appeared before the joint oversight committee requesting over $200 million to finish projects initially budgeted for much less. And they couldn’t answer a lot of questions about where the money had gone.”
With Hurricane Helene recovery still moving through the General Assembly, Boliek sees the dashboard as an opportunity to track key metrics, including total displaced, total housed, those still seeking assistance, those who have qualified for assistance but aren’t using it and the total number of state-supplied temporary housing units.
One of the early revelations from the data was the relatively low number of temporary housing units provided by the state, a total of six — one in Ashe County, one in Avery County, one in Haywood County, two in McDowell County and one in Watauga County.
As of the dashboard’s last update on March 1, more than 150 days after the storm, 427 people are still seeking assistance across the 28-county disaster area. In this case, “seeking assistance” means “Households that indicated
a housing need but were not marked eligible for rental assistance or transitional sheltering assistance specifically.”
“We felt like disaster response, particularly with Helene in the western part of the state, was a good place to start — not just as an auditor … but as a watchdog overseeing dollars spent in recovery.”
North
Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek
That figure alone stands in stark contrast to Governor Josh Stein’s Jan. 2 request for 1,000 additional units. The request came along with five executive orders from the newly-sworn governor meant to expedite recovery. The same day, Boliek’s office issued a press release vowing not only to account for “every dollar that is spent in fulfillment of these orders” but also to “report on the effectiveness and efficiency” of the initiative. Asked whether the dashboard
“I’m not really wanting to second guess the governor and the governor’s decision on the direction he’s taking in terms of recovery in Western North Carolina,” Boliek said. “Our focus right now is on tracking those dollars to shine a light of transparency on exactly what it is he is doing.”
Public reaction to the dashboard has been largely positive, according to Brechbiel.
“People think it’s heading in the right direction,” he said. “That’s what it’s about — people having access to something that can show them easily the progress being made.”
Boliek believes this project represents the future of accountability efforts in North Carolina.
“We didn’t want to wait to stand up the dashboard — we wanted to go ahead and stand it up and get our processes in place so that we could start somewhere,” he said. “As we get more data and the data stream becomes more consistent, I think that dashboard is going to be an excellent tool and it certainly will be something that we will be able to deploy in the future … and it may not be just for disaster response. It may be for other large-scale projects, for example, where taxpayers want transparency and accountability on a on a real time basis.”
While the dashboard is still a work in progress, Boliek remains committed to refining it.
“We’ve got to start somewhere,” he said, “And this was a good place to start.”
To use the Helene recovery dashboard, visit auditor.nc.gov/helene.
The Helene recovery dashboard provides a number of useful statistics. State Auditor’s Office photo
Unidxs spreads message of unity
BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF W RITER
Amid changing federal regulations regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement, one Jackson County group is making the rounds at public meetings in an effort to remind both elected officials and community members that it is there to support the Hispanic community.
“Unidxs was founded in response to the need for an organization that would represent and support the Latinx population in this region,” said Unidxs WNC Executive Director Ricardo Bello Ball in a presentation to the Sylva Board of Commissioners Feb. 27.
Founded in 2021, Jackson County based Unidxs WNC works to coordinate support programs, education and training, advocacy and community outreach for the Hispanic population in Western North Carolina.
what I’m seeing with my own eyes is anybody that comes there and needs something, they’re giving. So, kudos for all that work for sure.”
In addition to its normal operations, since Hurricane Helene Unidxs has helped more than 200 families affected by the storm get access to vital resources like generators, heaters, dehumidifiers, food, cleaning products, personal hygiene products, winter clothing, financial assistance and more.
hope to coordinate with you for the benefit of all.”
While still supporting the Hispanic community in flood recovery efforts, the group is now facing a new challenge.
“I want to briefly ask for your kindness and support in the coming months. We all know the administration has changed in Washington, D.C., and one of the declared changes will be mass deportations,” said Sarah Hirsch, who works for Unidxs, in pub-
officers may use their discretion when determining where to perform enforcement actions.
Since that order was signed, members of the public have spoken out at school board meetings across the region urging schools to do what they can to protect students while on school grounds.
Since the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, Unidxs has also served as a hub for supplies for people in need, operating a resource center in Sylva.
“You may see people coming in and out of there getting different supplies,” said Police Chief Chris Hatton of the work Unidxs has been doing since the hurricane. “It’s not any one particular population they’re helping. I’m seeing them helping everybody. So, I think their mission may say one thing, but
“Our supplies are limited, and the need is growing now that winter cold is upon us,”
Bello Ball told Jackson County Commissioners during their Jan. 21 meeting. “Unidxs would like to ask for the direct support of the county commissioners of Jackson County. It will take years, not months, for Jackson County residents to fully recover. Unidxs is committed to providing vital services to county residents and
lic comment to the county commission Jan. 21. “I am going to ask tonight and in the future for your compassion and understanding of the fear that they are facing as things start to change.”
On Jan. 20, an executive order signed by President Trump rescinded the Department of Homeland Security’s designation of schools as protected areas where ICE actions are to be avoided. The order states that ICE
“I’m here today as part of a group of stakeholders who have come together out of deep care for the Spanish-speaking and Latine population in our county to request your continued support of this population,” Erin Callahan said during a Feb. 25 Jackson County Board of Education meeting in which eight people spoke out of concern for how the executive order might impact local students. “The rescinding of the federal policy that treats schools, childcare centers, churches and hospitals as sensitive or protected locations has created a new reality for our schools and communities, including fear and instability for the families and children affected. We hope and expect that the commonsense approach to ICE deportations that has been advised will prevail in a tight kinit small community like ours where we see overwhelming deep care for all children from their teachers, principals, school staff, SROs and law enforcement.”
On Jan. 29, JCPS sent guidance to all staff regarding the executive order. It outlines that it is the practice of JCPS that a judicial order signed by a judge or magistrate of a court is required for law enforcement agencies, F
SBA extends deadline for disaster loans in North Carolina
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is extending the physical damage loan deadline for disaster declarations affected by the 2024 federal funding lapse. The new deadline to apply is April 27, 2025.
Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.
increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improve-
pants from future damage.
Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence. Applicants may also be eligible for a loan
local, state or federal, who have asked to have access to a student for investigative purposes.
“As a Jackson County Public Schools staff member, if you are approached by a law enforcement official regarding a student or a student’s family, you should direct the official to your immediate supervisor and notify your supervisor of the referral,” the guidance stated. “If a law enforcement official asks any employee to retrieve a student (from the classroom, playground, etc.), you should tell the officer that you do not have that authority and you need to contact the building administrator. Your building administrator will discuss the matter with the law enforcement officer.”
The guidance went on to say that citizenship status is not a requirement to attend school, that all students are welcome, and any claims of discrimination based upon race or national origin will be investigated promptly.
The message stated that Jackson County Public Schools is dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students and staff while respecting all local, state and federal laws.
“I am requesting that you as the school board take additional action to ensure the rights and safeties of the students in our school system,” said Becky Peshman in public comment to the Jackson County School Board Feb. 25. “I am requesting that you make it the official policy of Jackson County Public Schools that ICE is not permitted to enter schools under any circumstances that School Resource Officers and others who work within our school system will not col-
“One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s mitigation loans.”
laborate with ICE. Our students deserve this safety.”
According to Bello Ball, Unidxs has noticed a sharp decline in the number of people accessing the educational classes and resources available through Unidxs in recent months.
“It’s not any one particular population they’re helping. I’m seeing them helping everybody. So, I think their mission may say one thing, but what I’m seeing with my own eyes is anybody that comes there and needs something, they’re giving.”
— Sylva Police Chief Chis Hatton
“The fear is real,” Bello Ball said. “People don’t want to leave their homes.”
Unidxs has moved several of its offerings online but says that it is losing the personal touch it is used to having through its educational resources.
“Unidxs is an organization committed to making the region a more inclusive and equitable place for all,” said Bello Ball. “We invite everyone to join its mission of promoting inclusion and social justice, there are several ways to participate.”
Community Almanac
Peace Conference returns to Lake Junaluska
Learn to build bridges of peace, share strategies for peace and be a peacemaker at the upcoming SEJ Peace Conference set for April 4-6 at Lake Junaluska.
Formerly the InterFaith Peace Conference, this year’s SEJ (Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church) Peace Conference will acknowledge that peacebuilders must adapt to the changing landscape in the way they are called to work, including a commitment to "scale up" a younger generation of peacebuilders, said the Rev. Beth M. Crissman, director of Peace Building Ministries of the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church.
This year’s theme is Breaking Down the Dividing Walls, which recognizes that although people are surrounded by escalating division and violence, it is not their differences that divide them, but their hostility toward others.
The three-day conference will feature renowned peacebuilders and use worship, interactive plenaries, workshops, film screenings and informal conversation to strategize how to build bridges of peace across political, theological and social divides. It is open to clergy and laity of all ages, all faith traditions or no faith tradition from across the southeastern United States and beyond. Special scholarships are being offered to high school, college and seminary students to encourage participation and shared learning with younger generations.
For more information or to register, visit wnccumc.org/peace-conference-2025.
Within REACH to reopen with celebration
Within REACH is celebrating its grand ReOpening on Saturday, March 8, after a renovation and refresh of the popular resale store. Within REACH offers a wide range of gently used clothing, accessories and household items at unbeatable prices.
Profits from Within REACH support REACH of Haywood County, which provides shelter for victims of domestic violence. REACH also provides educational programs, counseling services, legal assistance and more to aid survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, elder abuse and human trafficking.
The store promotes eco-friendly shopping habits by encouraging the community to recycle and reuse items. By offering high-quality gently used goods, the store hopes to reduce waste and support a more sustainable future.
Within REACH invites everyone to join the celebration beginning at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting and fantastic shopping opportunities. The store is located at 456 Hazelwood Ave. in Waynesville.
Haywood Community College hosts fundraiser
The Haywood Community College Foundation will hold its annual gala event to raise funds for students. Innovate for Impact focuses on raising funds for tools and technology needs and showcasing the programs offered at the college. Program areas that have the greatest need for this financial support include but are not limited to automotive, welding, nursing and cosmetology. Representatives from each program will be at the event so guests can speak with and view demonstrations from students and faculty.
This enchanted and elegant event will be held at 6 p.m. on March 13 in the library on the main campus.
Innovate for Impact will feature heavy appetizers, a buffet dinner, refreshments, dancing and a cash bar. In addition to ticket proceeds benefiting student needs, there will also be a silent auction featuring various local items. The Asheville Jazz Orchestra will provide the music for the evening. Tickets are $75 each and are available for purchase givebutter.com/innovate.
For more information about the event or how to give to HCC’s Foundation, please visit haywood.edu, email hebirenbaum@haywood.edu or call 828.627.4544.
Plemmons named market vice president of operations
Stephen Plemmons has been appointed as the new market vice president of operations for Harris Regional Hospital, Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC) and Swain Community Hospital –Duke LifePoint hospitals serving the mountain communities west of Asheville.
Plemmons, a seasoned healthcare leader with a distinguished record in operational and clinical leadership, brings years of service in key leadership roles within the Western North Carolina healthcare system.
Most recently, as senior nursing officer for Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals, he oversaw inpatient, outpatient and emergency nursing services, along with emergency medical services.
A native of Haywood County, Plemmons earned both his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing Administration from Western Carolina University. He began his nursing
March 12, as notebooks and certificates will be prepared for all participants.
For information or to donate to REACH, visit reachofhaywood.org, or look for them on Facebook.
WNC Civil War Roundtable
The Western North Carolina Civil War Round Table begins its 2025 series of programs at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 10 with a presentation by Michael Zatarga. The program entitled “The Battle of Roanoke,” will take place at the Haywood County Public Library in Waynesville. The program is free and open to the public.
The talk will highlight the February 1862 Battle of Roanoke Island.
Around Roanoke Island, a battle was fought between 20,000 soldiers and sailors and over 60 ships. As an action in the Civil War, it was a small engagement, but repercussions in North Carolina and nationally far outweighed its immediate results.
career in the emergency department at Haywood Regional Medical Center before advancing into leadership.
In his new role, Plemmons will oversee operational strategies and enhance service delivery to support the region’s commitment to quality healthcare. His appointment comes as the hospitals continue to enhance their collaborative approach to ensure that residents of western North Carolina west of Asheville have access to essential services.
REACH
holds volunteer training
REACH of Haywood County (domestic violence/sexual assault/elder abuse prevention and intervention non-profit) has scheduled its Volunteer Training Day from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at the REACH office, 627 N. Main St., Waynesville.
Lunch and snacks will be provided for all participants. Volunteers can offer help in several areas, including: using their smart phone (from home) by answering general information and occasional crisis calls from the community (with staff backup) on the Helpline after hours and weekends (one or more shifts per month); able-bodied assistance at the Within Reach Resale Store in Hazelwood; and assisting as a Friend of REACH on fund raising, special events and client assistance committees.
The morning training will be general information about REACH, domestic violence and sexual assault, with DVDs and interactive scenarios. After lunch, training will be about resources. From 2 p.m. onward, training will be specifically for Helpline volunteers. Participants may be excused from the later afternoon session if not training for the Helpline. For further information and to register, contact Buffy Queen, REACH Community Educator, 828.456.7898, or BQreach@aol.com by
The WNC Civil War Round Table meetings will continue on April 14 with author and researcher Chris Meekins. His topic will be the recently published volume on the Confederate States Navy in the NC Roster Series: Confederate States Navy, Marine Corps and Charlotte Naval Yard. All of these meetings are free and open to the public. More information about programs and field trips with the Roundtable can be found at wnccwrt.com.
HRMC Lunch & Learn
Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC) will host a free Lunch & Learn seminar focused on the vital connection between nutrition and colorectal cancer prevention. The event will take place from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, at the Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center in the second-floor classroom.
HRMC’s outpatient dietitian and diabetes educator Kathryn Darsillo will lead an informative discussion on the fundamentals of nutrition, the impact of diet on gut health and how making balanced food choices can play a key role in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. Attendees will gain practical tips on incorporating fiber-rich foods, antioxidants and essential nutrients into their daily diets to promote overall well-being.
March is recognized as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common and preventable cancers, with regular screenings playing a crucial role in reducing risk. Throughout the month, healthcare providers and organizations nationwide emphasize the benefits of screening, healthy lifestyle choices and advancements in treatment to improve outcomes.
A complimentary lunch will be available to all Lunch & Learn attendees. This is a valuable opportunity to learn from an expert and take proactive steps toward better health.
Seats are limited. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Lilly Ferguson at lillian.ferguson@lifepointhealth.net or 770.776.7291.
Lake Junaluska photo
Bringing it back to center, back to home
Recently I caught up with several good friends over lunch and, within 20 minutes, we divulged huge life news that was surprising to the rest of the group. As I sat there with these ladies who I know very well, I realized how strange it is that as a society we’ve come to know more about what’s going on across the world than across the street. Similarly, if social media is meant to keep us socializing with each other, it’s no longer working.
This group of friends and I had not shared any of our news on social media because social media is becoming a volatile place. Long gone is the space for easy breezy organic content and innocently keeping up with family and friends. What’s sad is many people still pop on there to see what’s going on in the lives of people they care about only to be slapped in the face with the latest fake news or real news, both of which are stressful. What’s interesting is that even the most even-tempered folks can get emotionally charged by something they see on Facebook and spend hours crafting a rebuttal or unfriending everyone who doesn't agree with them. It’s truly toxic.
After a month taking a break from Facebook, I got back on in late January, just in time for the insanity that ended up
Partisan school board system a bad idea
To the Editor:
I was dismayed to learn that Jackson County’s all-Republican commissioners voted to approve a resolution to make local school board elections partisan. While doing so might increase voter turnout, I see some issues with it.
When there’s partisan gridlock in Washington and Raleigh, do we want to add more of it at the local level? Do we really want those making important decisions about our children’s education to be partisan in their approach? Surely we can agree that the less politics the better. This leads to another problem — voters will not only vote along party lines, but those on the board are likely to do the same when making decisions. I have to wonder if this all-Republican group of commissioners want to do this so they can promote education budget cuts, private school vouchers and anti-diversity initiatives.
This resolution can’t become law unless it’s approved by the state senator and representative for Jackson County. I urge Sen. Kevin Corbin and Rep. Mike Clampitt to put children first and vote against it.
Betty Dishman Sylva
Why should I pay my taxes?
To the Editor:
I want to let Sen. Tillis, Sen. Budd and Rep. Chuck Edwards know that it’s difficult to understand why Congress expects me to pay federal taxes.
You are certainly not doing the job you
being February. It wasn’t just political diatribes. It was post after post analyzing the Super Bowl halftime show or about Beyonce’s Grammy for “Best Country Album.” Some were thrilled, some were irate. Then, of course, the plane crashes and the wildfires and the conspiracy theories surrounding those events.
And there I was, instead of reading a book or taking my dog on a walk or engaging with an actual human, I was scrolling and getting sucked in, my lips pursed and my brows furrowed, feeling anxious and agitated by almost every post in my feed.
Driving away from that lunch date, I decided I’d had enough of all of it.
The desire to be well-informed had left my body. I currently have zero interest in reading the national news or getting on social media for other reasons than to look at pictures of flowers or inspiring quotes or my friends’ kids. Instead, I'm going to focus on local news and regional news. I’m sure enough of
LETTERS
were elected to do — pass a budget, provide checks and balances on the executive branch, make decisions in the best interests of your constituents. Never mind, Mr. Tillis and Budd, your egregious performance in confirming cabinet secretaries.
DOGE continues to use a nuclear bomb rather than a scalpel to cut government spending, which is a reasonable goal. However, I have seen nothing that legitimizes DOGE, Musk or his decisions. Most of the “justification” makes me believe the president is acting illegally and gleefully. The cruelty of Trump and Musk to basically every US citizen is unbelievable. A total of 4,300 U.S. Forest Service employees were fired. Never mind that civil service employees cannot be fired without cause. Have you considered what these firings will do to the economy of our local communities that will bear not only the brunt of increased unemployment but also the loss of tourist dollars?
Destroying USAID is insane. Are you unaware that USAID bought its food, medicine and materials from U.S. farmers and suppliers? This administration has screwed not only the poor people worldwide but also U.S. citizens, many of whom thought they were voting for an administration that would improve their lives.
The consequences are monumental and the list is long: Musking around in Energy (which is responsible not only for clean energy, and energy efficiency but also safeguarding nuclear weapons), OSHA (which protects the workforce from job-related injuries), EPA (which ensures our rivers don’t catch fire and our air doesn’t give us asthma), Interior (which fights forest fires), NIH and CDC (which fund cancer research and develop vaccines to protect our health), the CFPB (which
the national and global news will trickle in, but I don’t need to willingly dive headfirst into it day after day.
This week we honor Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, and along with giving up caffeine after 10 a.m., I’ve decided to give up posting anything on social media that comes from a place other than joy and inspiration. If I’m passionate about making a difference on a certain matter or issue, it would be more helpful to speak with people in person, call my representatives or encourage my friends and followers online to simply be good people and get off their devices in favor of giving back to their communities. I’m also giving up news channels such as CNN or Fox News in favor of local news, regional news or outlets such as BBC and Al Jazeera which are significantly more objective and less corrupt when it comes to reporting on the U.S.
I’ve learned that when life feels overwhelming, the only antidote is to come back to center, to come home. And for me, “home” includes my family, friends and community. If we all focused on taking care of our family, friends and community, what a wonderful world it would be.
(Susanna Shetley is a writer, editor and social media specialist.
protects innocent borrowers from getting fleeced by banks and loan companies) and on and on, ensures we will be less safe, less healthy and less economically secure. Every aspect of American life is being degraded by Trump and Musk.
Meanwhile, Congress is working to make life for the least of us much harder, slashing budgets for SNAP, Head Start, Medicaid and more. And to what end? To fund that $4 trillion tax break Trump promised his billionaire buddies. I bet many of your constituents do not know that Mr. Musk has more than $22 billion in government contracts. So far, none of his contracts have been cut and the several regulatory investigations against his business practices have been cancelled by DOJ.
So, Congress, have you really thought through the consequences of this administration, not only to the underserved and to me, but to your safety and well-being when your electorate realizes their government has betrayed them mightily?
It costs $6.5 billion annually to fund Congress. Give me one reason I should continue to pay your salary.
Karen Patterson Highlands
DOGE and Trump are uncovering fraud
To the Editor:
First of all, I think it’s very important for everyone in our area to do their research and fact check the information before forming their opinions. We have been misled for years. President Trump is taking measures to protect us and to save our country. There has been massive, massive fraud that has been going on in our government for years. He, Elon Musk and the DOGE team are taking
every measure to uncover the fraud and theft that Washington, D.C., and the government has been implementing using our tax dollars. Who showed up for Western North Carolina when Hurricane Helene hit. It was not President Biden. President Trump arrived three days after he was elected and redirected $2 billion to the people in Western North Carolina. Anyone who is speaking up against President Trump needs to stop drinking the ridiculous Kool-Aid the radical left has been brainwashing you with! This is why the Democrats are having kittens right now! Finally they have been caught with their knickers down around their ankles! Please educate yourself. Look at the facts. There has been a massive amount of corruption going on in our government for many years, squandering our tax dollars that should be going to U.S. citizens.
Christi Madgett Cashiers
Trump’s mantra: let’s make a deal
To the Editor:
In answer to a reporter’s question at Mar-aLago on February 18 about the war in Ukraine, President Donald Trump said, as if he was speaking directly to Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky: “You could have made a deal.” For three years now President Zelensky has been leading his country in an all-out struggle to preserve its freedom from dictator Vladimir Putin. And this is what Trump says, “You could have made a deal.” The word “deal” is Trump’s favorite term when it comes to dealing with others. He thinks deal-making is the fundamental human relation. What is a “deal?” For Trump it’s a transaction, a trade: I get this in
Susanna Shetley
exchange for that (and I want to get a lot more than I give). Trump makes deals about commodities, property, power, mammon — all those worldly things that Jesus had in mind when he asked: “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” Cunning, greed, selfishness mark the successful deal, and Trump rates himself the greatest of dealmakers. At Mar-a-Lago he mocked Zelensky: “A half-baked negotiator could have settled the war years ago.”
Here we have a free, democratic European country that on February 24, 2022, was attacked by 150,000 Russian troops, backed by tanks, artillery and aircraft. Putin’s goal? To take Ukraine’s capital, Kiev, in a Nazi-like blitzkrieg, kill Zelensky and make Ukraine a vassal state of Russia again. And what did Trump say? “It was genius …. Wonderful …. You’ve got to admit that’s pretty savvy.”
But what did Zelensky himself say? In those first desperate days of Putin’s invasion, when the U.S. offered Zelensky safe escape out of Ukraine, he said: “I need ammunition, not a ride.” I don’t know about you, my fellow Americans, but to me that’s heroism. Zelensky put his life on the line to keep his country free. And for three years now, through three freezing winters, his fellow citizens have been holding off Putin — at great sacrifice to themselves.
In our own Revolutionary War for independence from England, a war that took us seven years to win, did George Washington try to “make a deal” with King George? No. He endured his own frozen winter at Valley Forge with his ragtag army, giving him time to train his men to fight. If Donald Trump had been around in 1778, three years into that struggle, when things looked grim, he’d have mocked George Washington: “You could have made a deal.”
When Hitler overran mainland Europe at the start of WWII and tried to bomb England into submission, did Winston Churchill “make a deal” with that monster?
Or, looking back 2000 years: Did Jesus, going hungry in the wilderness for 40 days, make a deal with the Devil when he was tempted three times? He said, “Be gone, Satan!” Trump would have stared in disbelief at Jesus: "You're a loser—you could have had the whole world!” But three years later, when conspiracies were afoot to have Jesus crucified, there was a sharp-eyed dealmaker on the scene who saw his chance: betrayal for 30 pieces of silver. His name was Judas. Free and democratic Ukraine is fighting for its survival against a dictatorial beast, and our own president sees a sweet deal to be made. The devil’s own is devil-owned.
Burt Kornegay
Cullowhee
can vote Democrat in 2028. If he succeeds, you can spend your money on what you want and need, not on a $2 million sex change operation or all the deceased Social Security recipients.
Burt Crews Hampton, Georgia
GOP silence is frightening
To the Editor:
This is for Sen. Thom Tillis, Sen. Ted Budd and Rep. Chuck Edwards, Every day I continue to be saddened, dismayed, shocked and angry at the spate of executive orders being issued by Mr. Trump and the unauthorized actions being carried out by Elon Musk, who was not elected. These actions are being carried out in violation of the rule of law and our Constitution.
What is most distressing is the silence, inaction and tacit approval by each and every Republican currently serving. Mr. Trump has violated the Appointments Clause of the Constitution by creating DOGE, an unofficial government agency, without congressional approval, and by granting Elon Musk sweeping powers without seeking the advice and consent of the Senate through a confirmation hearing. Mr. Trump has delegated virtually unchecked authority to Mr. Musk without proper legal authorization from Congress and without meaningful supervision of his activities. Mr. Musk’s unsupervised hacking into personal information and national intelligence and slashing of funds and firing of employees with no notice or due process is wreaking havoc on the wellbeing of our nation. These are not actions sanctioned by law and are clearly dangerous to our national security.
I feel betrayed by your personal and collective silence as Republicans. I am dismayed by your inaction to defend the Constitution which is being assaulted daily, despite your swearing to uphold and defend it upon taking office. I am angry that you feel more allegiance to your party than you do to the people you represent.
It has been said that the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is good people doing nothing.
I am very frightened of the consequences which will flow from good Republicans saying and doing nothing in the face of such flagrant disregard of law and order and the constitution.
Lori Stephens Waynesville
Give Trump time to do the job
To the Editor:
When Bill Clinton was President, we had a balanced federal budget. Now we have trillions of dollars in deficit spending. We have a serious spending problem. Let the President complete his job. If he fails, you
vote against the UN General Assemby resolution condemning Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Notch another one for Putin.
• February 28 — Trump and Vance berate Zelensky on national television, like two third-graders on the schoolyard trying to bully another boy into giving them his lunch money. Score another hit for Putin.
• March 1 — Pete Hegseth, DOD Secretary, tells the military to stand down on all Russia related cybersecurity operational planning efforts and also on March 1, the U.S. terminates support of Ukraine energy grid restoration. That’s two more big wins for Russia.
Looks like a clean sweep for Putin.
One must conclude that Russia is actually our ally instead of the enemy state rooting for us to fail at every turn, which we thought it was! Do you hear that, Ronald Reagan and every president for the last 60-plus yers? Seems you had it wrong all along! Who knew!
Trump plays a risky and dangerous game by emboldening a hegemonic power with his many concessions and assists. Meanwhile, the Republican majorities in both houses of Congress do nothing and stand quietly by, even when the White House has the audacity to make social media posts on February 19 saying “Long live the King,” accompanied by a picture of Trump wearing a crown.
Dangerous times!
This is not how to run a
To the Editor:
Library employees are a dedicated lot
BY ANGELA-FAYE MARTIN G UEST COLUMNIST
When I worked at our Macon County library, I saw its many uses. Library workers are a special breed that come in many stripes but what unites them is that they all consider the provision of knowledge and research materials to be an over-arching goal.
This provision naturally extends itself to a place for a mechanic to research auto parts, a young actor to learn Shakespeare or a future farmer to learn animal husbandry. It also serves as a place to facilitate anything from genealogy to finding tax forms, you name it. All in a comfortable, neutral and egalitarian environment.
The staff cleans destroyed toilets when the maintenance department has gone home for the day. They get sick when you stand too close with your cold.
I treasure librarians even more after having worked there.
Maria Chasins Cashiers
business
Who likes taxes, Anyone … anyone? Right. Nobody.
So firing almost 7,000 Internal Revenue Service employees is good, right? Wait a minute, do I still have to pay taxes?
Yep. And, in fact, you still have to pay the same amount of tax as you did before all this firing.
Those of you who wanted to “run the government like a business,” this is not it! You do not fire your collections department if you’re running a business. This will hamstring the government's ability to collect the money it is owed and increase the deficit. And if you are reading this, that will hurt you.
These are dangerous times
To the Editor:
Who’s writing the script on the United States’ approach towards Ukraine and Russia? Trump or Putin?
• February 18 — Trump falsely claims Ukraine started the war with Russia. That’s a win for Putin.
• February 24 — the U.S. joins Russia to
According to former IRS commissioners, “It will shift the burden of funding the government from people who shirk their taxes to the honest people who pay them, and it will impede efforts by the IRS to modernize customer service and simplify the tax filing process for everyone.”
So, should you not pay your taxes, becoming one of the people who "shirk their taxes"? I wouldn't recommend it. They will probably focus on the W-2 employees, not the massive businesses, like Tesla, a company that made billions and billions in profit — an unbelievable amount of money — and didn't pay any taxes.
Allan Zacher Lake Junaluska
When I worked there in the 2000’s, we made displays for Pride Month, for Memorial Day and all sorts of other events. Occasionally patrons would sabotage books bearing information they found threatening or that didn’t align with their values, facing the spines inward or sometimes putting books on the Confederacy on our Dr. MLK Jr. displays in January or conversely hiding copies of Hitler’s “Mein Kampf.” But being librarians, we’d put things back in order.
I remember witnessing benign neglect of leashed foster children to out-andproud abuse of toddlers (one woman slammed her boy into a hardwood chair). There was a daily arrival of parents and guardians who’d use the facility as a social space and often where cookie-cutter moms would free-range their kids while they gossiped or stared blankly at their devices.
Everyone who’s worked at the Macon County Library has witnessed parents using the library as a day care center, which is far from its intended use. In the minority were parents who actively engaged with their kids over reading material and activities provided in children services. I felt great respect for those few, tired but mighty parents (and cleareyed grands) when most just wanted me to set their child on the provided computers so they could go off to their own, literal devices.
I wonder if it would help if our county provided those who don’t appreciate the concept of libraries with an internet lounge combo day care center. I recommend they put a steeple on top to satisfy those who want to merge church and state — maybe then, the flatlander insurgents will quit trying to mold our library in their own image.
Angela-Faye Martin lives in Macon County
‘Tip Toe High Wire’
Sierra Hull rolls into WNC
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD ARTS & E NTERTAINMENT E DITOR
Even though singer-songwriter Sierra Hull is an award-winning mandolin virtuoso — and one who’s toured the globe relentlessly for the better part of two decades — the last couple of years have been quite the whirlwind of sound and scope. Whether it’s teaming up with country megastar Dierks Bentley for a nationally-televised performance at the CMAs, collaborating with Sturgill Simpson or being the special guest at Red Rocks Amphitheatre alongside String Cheese Incident and Turnpike Troubadours, Hull even found herself recently onstage at Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium trading licks with Slash, Devon Allman, Duane Betts, Robert Randolph and Donovan Frankenreiter.
“With every opportunity comes a little bit more confidence to handle certain situations,” Hull said. “It’s trying to find ways to settle in my own space, trying to do what it is that I bring to the table.”
For the renowned artist, the Ryman billing might have seemed out-of-left-field to those on the sidelines, especially for the highly skilled acoustic background of Hull, who retains deep, lifelong roots in the bluegrass, Americana and folk realms. But, for her, it simply puts a spotlight on the sonic range of her musical abilities.
“Bluegrass has been such a good training ground for learning how to play my instrument,” the 33-year-old said. “And there’s a lot of areas you can kind of step into when you’ve learned to play your instrument.”
Cranking her amplifier to 10 in a room full of rock-n-roll legends not only showcases her vast instrumental skillset, soaring songbird vocals and unrelenting curiosity, it puts a genuine emphasis on where Hull currently stands and is quickly heading — anywhere she can find pure inspiration and spark fire within.
“I’m really proud of this record. These songs feel a little bit different than anything I’ve done before,” Hull said. “Anybody that hears this would feel like this is a natural progression for me as an artist.”
“Tip Toe High Wire.” Sierra Hull’s fourth studio album and her first independent release since departing from her longtime label Rounder Records and also changing management as of late. It’s also Hull’s first offering in five years, where she aims to now go at it alone in the studio and with a keen focus on songwriting.
For Hull, it’s this deeply held sentiment of valuing quality, nurtured content in a modern era of music where quantity seems to override the personal narrative and individual approach and artist values while properly navigating their career.
“Coming off a long-term record deal, I wanted to make some music without too many outside voices,” Hull said. “When you look at how much I’ve toured and how busy my world has been, it was important for me to just get settled — to make sure the time I released it felt like the right moment.”
That seismic shift within Hull’s professional landscape is
This must be the place
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD
Ode to the torchbearers of tomorrow, ode to why I got into this gig
Hello from Room 105 at the Holiday Inn Express in Macon, Georgia. It’s 73 degrees outside with a slight, refreshing breeze. Quite the contrast from just a couple weeks ago when I was jogging down the snowy, frozen backroads of the North Country in my native Upstate New York.
In the column photo on this page is myself holding court with two of the greatest rock guitarists on the planet, Derek Trucks (left) and Warren Haynes (right), as well as powerhouse vocal sensation Susan Tedeschi (middle). Talk about a “pinch me” moment of epic proportions, eh? Good lord. Is this real life?
I found myself in that circle of musical heroes while on assignment for Rolling Stone covering the Dickey Betts tribute showcase in Macon last Friday evening. A legendary sixstring ace on his trademark Gibson Les Paul for the Allman Brothers Band, Betts passed away last year at age 80, but not before leaving an eternal mark on rock music.
And there I was, running around backstage in search of quick on-the-fly quotes from all sorts of rock-n-roll characters, all while trying to bop around the audience itself to truly, honestly and passionately absorb the melodic beauty radiating from the stage. To note, make sure to track down that rendition of “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed.”
Truth be told, none of what transpired in that time and space was lost on me. Well, it never, ever is. I’ve never taken a single day in this journalism gig for granted, whether it be for Rolling Stone or the bedrock of my career that is my work with The Smoky Mountain News. Gratitude is always in the forefront. Respect for the craft constantly in tow.
home for the last 18 years.
Pulling up to campus, I realized it had been years since I’d stepped foot on the grounds of a college. The kids looked so young, where this weird thought popped into my head, “None of these students were alive when 9-11 happened.” Not to be morbid, but as an older millennial myself, that was the line in the sand of not only our country at the turn of the century, but also my youth and innocence in the process.
You know, I don’t remember looking or feeling that young when I was strolling the sidewalks and crosswalks of Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut. Many years ago, when I was a fresh-faced journalism student wanting to chase after society with pen, paper, camera and handheld recorder in hand. But, I was that young. And hungry. And ready to enter the “real world.” I was in search of the story, the way. Still am, too.
Entering the classroom, there were around 20 students sitting quietly and respectfully at their desks. The professor introduced me and
n’t an ego thing, not at all, but as he went through my background — who I am, where I’m from, what I’ve done — a flood of memories came across my field-of-vision. Time flies when you’re having fun, especially when you’re a writer on-the-go.
HOT PICKS
1
Folkmoot USA will present a special evening of live music with Blue Pipa Trio at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 13, at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville.
2
Beloved Southern Appalachian Americana/bluegrass act Unspoken Tradition will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at the Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center in Franklin.
3
The Haywood County Arts Council will host the opening reception for a specially curated exhibit featuring the works of celebrated visual artist and author Ann Miller Woodford from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, March 7, at HCAC’s Haywood Handmade Gallery in Waynesville.
4
Cataloochee Ranch (Maggie Valley) will host Brian Ashley Jones and Melanie Jean (Americana) 5 p.m. Sunday, March 9.
5
There will be a special stage production of “Something Rotten Jr.” at 7:30 p.m. March 7-8, 14-15 and 2 p.m. March 9 and 16 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
and always remain curious for what lies just around the corner.”
By the time the class ended, I felt this wave of inspiration wash over my body, mind and soul. These kids really sparked a new level of appreciation for the work we journalists do on a daily basis: why it’s important to the general public and why it means so damn much to the blood, sweat and tears we put into every story, every day. The future is bright with these next torchbearers of the written word. It is. I saw it first-hand on an otherwise quiet Wednesday afternoon.
The next morning, I sat down in the lobby of the Holiday Inn and, as I took the third sip of my second cup of coffee, began to dive deeply into the legend, lore and legacy of Dickey Betts. Article due in my editor’s inbox before noon. Hop to it. Get on it. Get to the point and keep it simple. And always remember what you’ve learned in this whirlwind business that is journalism: Why is this important? What did you see? How did it make you feel? What’s the takeaway?
To that, I started to reflect on a recent trip to the University of North Carolina at Asheville. I was asked to speak to journalism students who not only write for the school newspaper, but also genuinely want to pursue careers in the same field by which I live and thrive, the same industry I’ve proudly called
For the next 75 minutes, I stood there and talked at-length about a slew of topics, subjects and matter-of-fact things that I’ve either experienced over the better part of the last two decades or continually experience on a daily basis in this profession. Tales from the road. Stories from the trenches. The roller coaster ups and downs of working in media in an ever-changing digital age of knowns and unknowns.
And there were certain mantras I told them that I sincerely stick to: “There’s no such thing as a boring story. However, there is such a thing as a boring journalist.” “Sit down and honestly think to yourself, ‘What is it that I really want to say?’” “Don’t write to be purposely clever or impress the reader, actually be truthful and vulnerable with your thoughts and words.” “Everything and everyone is a story, so stay attentive to your surroundings
So, here I currently sit. Macon, Georgia. Holiday Inn lobby. The Rolling Stone article now safely submitted before noon. Right now, I’m debating whether I need (or should have) a third cup of coffee before I hit the road, merging onto Interstate 75 for the four-and-ahalf-hour drive back to Western North Carolina, back to my quaint apartment in downtown Waynesville, back to more assignments and deadlines for this newspaper.
But, no matter, for I look forward to those assignments and deadlines, this never-ending flow of people, places and things that I parachute into each day, with curiosity and gratitude in abundance, this vehicle (literally and figuratively) to have adventures, meet people and wander this big ol’ world.
Some 18 years since I first jumped into the choppy waters of journalism, I love this job as much as ever. It’s true. And I champion all of you readers for always picking up our products and supporting local, independent journalism. In this day and age? It’s as vital, crucial and important as ever. Onward.
Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.
indicative of a true creative soul in search of not only “the sound,” but also herself within the melodies conjured in real time, at her own pace.
“There’s always a new mountain to climb, in terms of becoming more proficient as a player, singer or writer,” Hull said. “And that’s where life experience in the world and the way things surround you come into the music and the storytelling — to tap into the emotion of just living, always trying to think about what good music does to me, how that makes me feel.”
Wandering into “Tip Toe High Wire,” the album quickly reveals itself as a balancing act between Hull’s musical ethos when it comes to keeping one foot firmly in tradition and the other in the progressive nature of her artistic ambitions. It’s a sincere sentiment of creative inspiration and the intimate nature of a performer offering up the most vulnerable corners of their being.
“There’s nothing like putting on a record that inspires me or going to a live show that blows my mind,” Hull said. “It makes me want to go home and write songs or get on a stage and try to be better at giving that same kind of emotion in my own way to an audience.”
“Tip Toe High Wire” seamlessly transitions from confident, towering numbers (“Boom,” “Let’s Go”) to subtle, soothing acoustic selections (“Haven Hill,” “Spitfire”) to the intricacy of fast-paced, whirlwind instrumentals (“E Tune,” “Lord, That’s A Long Way”).
“There’s the emotional side of wanting to be able to make somebody feel something beyond just the technical side,” Hull said. “You practice all these skill sets, and then you kind of figure out, ‘Well, how can I express what’s inside me with that?’”
Want to go?
Acclaimed singer-songwriter, two-time Grammy nominee and sixtime IBMA “Mandolin Player of the Year” Sierra Hull will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 6, at the Asheville Music Hall. Stephanie Lambring will open the show. The show is ages 21 and over. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 day of show. Doors open at 7 p.m.
For more information and/or to purchase tickets, click on ashevillemusichall.com.
On the stage
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host comedy legend Eddie Griffin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 15. For tickets, visit caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.
• Haywood Arts Regional Theatre (Waynesville) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. harttheatre.org / 828.456.6322.
• Highlands Performing Arts Center (Highlands) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. mountaintheatre.com / 828.526.9047.
• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. smokymountainarts.com / 866.273.4615.
Tapping some of the finest pickers and singers in Nashville and beyond, “Tip Toe High Wire” features guest appearances by Béla Fleck, Tim O’Brien, Aoife O’Donovan, Lindsay Lou, Ronnie Bowman and more. To note, Hull’s powerhouse touring band provides the steadfast foundation throughout the record.
“I’ve gotten more and more in the trenches with these guys playing music,” Hull notes about the touring group. “So, I think it’s different from some of my previous records, where we can really go out and play this music onstage — it’s having a real investment in the sound of the music, which is kind of exciting.”
Hull’s husband, dobro star Justin Moses, leaves his vibrant musical fingerprints across the recordings. “Tip Toe High Wire” was selfproduced by Hull and her longtime friend and engineer, Shani Gandhi, who was also behind the recording console for Hull’s 2020 release “25 Trips.”
“We had such a rapport and became close friends by doing 25 Trips,” Hull reflects on Gandhi. “She became very interwoven in this record — it wouldn’t be what it became without her.”
“Tip Toe High Wire” encompasses a wide palate of tones that lies at the core of this new, unwritten chapter. Perhaps subconsciously, the record radiates this culmination of everything leading up to this point for Hull. The result being an honest, candid snapshot of an artist in motion, one chasing her ultimate destiny — this endless quest of hitting the road and cultivating a fevered audience, all while constantly honing her already-legendary skillset.
“In some ways, it feels like stepping out into a different territory,” Hull said. “And leaning into that at this chapter of my career — the freedom of being able to be out on my own, to create with no walls for what feels like the first time — has helped me grow.”
• Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will have its wine bar open 4-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 828.452.6000 / classicwineseller.com.
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host semi-regular tap-takeovers from local and regional breweries on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9320 / blueridgebeerhub.com.
• “Flights & Bites” will be held starting at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. There will also be a special “Valentine Wine Dinner” at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14 ($84 per person). 828.452.0120 / waynesvillewine.com.
• “Take A Flight” with four new wines every Friday and Saturdays at the Bryson City Wine Market. Select from a gourmet selection of charcuterie to enjoy with your wines. Educational classes and other events are also available. 828.538.0420.
• “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on select dates at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first class car. Wine pairings with a meal, and more. There will also be a special “Beer Train” on select dates. 800.872.4681 / gsmr.com.
• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host a production of “Play On!” on select dates March 7-16. thepeacocknc.org / 828.389.ARTS. Are you ready for
There will be a special stage production of “Something Rotten Jr.” at 7:30 p.m. March 7-8, 14-15 and 2 p.m. March 9 and 16 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
Set in the 1590s, this riotous musical comedy follows struggling playwrights Nick and Nigel Bottom as they attempt to outshine Shakespeare by inventing the world’s first musical.
Tickets are $23 for adults, $13 for students. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit harttheatre.org or call the box office at 828.456.6322.
‘Something Rotten Jr.’ will play on select dates at HART. Donated photo
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host Doug & Lisa (acoustic) March 29. All shows begin at 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9320 / blueridgebeerhub.com.
• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. All shows are located in The Gem downstairs taproom and begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.0350 / boojumbrewing.com.
• Cataloochee Ranch (Maggie Valley) will host Brian Ashley Jones and Melanie Jean (Americana) 5 p.m. March 9. For tickets and reservations, visit cataloocheeranch.com/ranch-events/live-music.
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host Unspoken Tradition (Americana/bluegrass) 2 p.m. March 9 and “Open Mic Night” 6 p.m. March 14. 828.369.4080 / coweeschool.org/music.
• Darnell Farms (Bryson City) will host a “St. Patrick’s Day Celebration” with live music (Ghost Peppers, Darnell Family Band) and The J Creek Cloggers all day March 15. Free and open to the public. 828.488.2376 / facebook.com/darnellfarmsnc.
• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host “Jazz On The Level” 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Watkins & Yali March 7, Rich Manz Trio (acoustic/oldies) March 8, Ken Morgan (singersongwriter) 3 p.m. March 9, Marley’s Chain March 14, “Fundraiser For FLB Stage” with Andrew Scotchie (rock/blues) March 15 and Jamie Hite (singer-songwriter) 3 p.m. March 16. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 / froglevelbrewing.com.
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host Joe Bonamassa (rock/blues) 9 p.m. March 7 and KC & The Sunshine Band (rock/pop) 9 p.m. March 14. For tickets, click on caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.
• Highlander Mountain House (Highlands) will host “Blues & Brews” 6-9 p.m. Thursdays ($5 cover), Zorki (singer-songwriter) 1-3 p.m. Saturdays, “Bluegrass Brunch” 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sundays (free) and the “Salon Series” on select dates. 828.526.2590 / highlandermountainhouse.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Scott Stambaugh (singer-songwriter) March 7, Troy Underwood (singer-songwriter) March 8 and Lewendahl (R&B/soul) March 15. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 / lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host “Music Bingo” 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Seth & Sara (Americana) March 7 and Fuzzy Peppers (rock/funk) March 14. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. 828.349.2337 / lazyhikerbrewing.com.
Cowee School welcomes Unspoken Tradition
Want to join the Haywood Community Band?
The Haywood Community Band is a welcoming haven for musicians of all skill levels rekindling their love of creating powerful music.
If you played a band instrument in the past, you’re welcome to attend rehearsals and see if the community band is where you’d like to perform in a respected music group. There are no auditions. The band performs free community concerts from May through December.
Rehearsals for the 2025 season will be held from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, March 6, on the lower level of Long’s Chapel Methodist Church in Waynesville.
Stephen Razo begins his second season as the band’s conductor and director of music. He is an accomplished former Air Force military band commander and award-winning instrumental music director when in California and Arizona. He’s also a
published composer/arranger.
the foundation for continued musical growth for the organization as well as creat-
Beloved Southern Appalachian Americana/ bluegrass act Unspoken Tradition will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at the Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center in Franklin.
Unspoken Tradition is about new, original bluegrass. Inspired by their own influences and the roots of traditional and newgrass music, this Western North Carolina-based quintet brings a sound that is both impassioned and nostalgic, hard-driving and sincere.
In recent years, their singles have all charted in the Bluegrass Today top 20, including “California” (No. 1) “Irons in the Fire” (No. 2) and “Carolina and Tennessee” (#4).
A 2019 release, “Myths We Tell Our Young,” debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard Bluegrass charts and has seen five top-charting radio singles, including a #1 spot on the Bluegrass Today chart for “Dark Side of the Mountain.”
Tickets are $15 for adults, $7.50 for kids. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, call 828.369.4080 or visit coweeschool.org.
port of the local community as well as all the arts in the region.”
ing a higher level of support and enthusiasm from our listening audience,” Razo said. “I look forward to a very productive season that will continue the strong sup-
The band also has powerful outreach to Haywood County young musicians supported by audience and band members donations. Summer band camp tuition will be awarded to two band students in every middle and high school — a total of 10.
Additionally, the band plans to provide $4,000 in college scholarships for local high school graduates majoring in music, bringing the total gifts to around $10,000 for 2025.
If you’re interested, email haywoodband7@gmail.com or call band president George Kenney at 828.246.0124.
‘From Harlem to Shanghai and Back’
Folkmoot USA will present a special evening of live music with Blue Pipa Trio at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 13, at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville.
Dubbed “From Harlem to Shanghai and Back,” the performance is a dynamic fusion of jazz history and Chinese tradition. Led by Min Xiao-Fen, one of the world’s great pipa soloists, and joined by the powerhouse Asheville-based duo of guitarist/composer Jay Sanders and bassist Zack Page.
This project takes you to the Golden Age of jazz in Shanghai during the 1930s, when Buck Clayton’s Kansas City Swing intertwined with the pioneering melodies of Li Jinhui, the father of Chinese popular music.
Admission is “Pay What You Can” ($25, $15, $5). Donations welcome. There will also be a food truck onsite. Doors open at 6 p.m. All ages.
For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit folkmoot.org.
Haywood Community Band is a longtime WNC entity. File photo
Unspoken Tradition will play Franklin March 9. File photo
Blue Pipa Trio will play Waynesville March 13. Donated photo
On the beat
• Legends Sports Bar & Grill (Maggie Valley) will host an “Open Mic Night” 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday, Karaoke Thursdays (6 p.m.) and Saturdays (7 p.m.), with live music each Friday (8 p.m.). Free and open to the public. 828.944.0403 / facebook.com/legendssportsgrillmaggievalley.
• Listening Room (Franklin) will host Tret Fure (singer-songwriter) 2:30 p.m. April 6. Suggested donation $20. Located at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
• Macon County Public Library (Franklin) will host The Vagabonds (Americana) at 2 p.m. the first and third Monday, a “Song Circle” open jam from 3-6 p.m. the first Tuesday each month and “Old-Time Songfest” (for youth and families) 3:30 p.m. March 13. Free and open to the public. 828.524.3600 or fontanalib.org.
• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host “Open Mic Night” w/Frank Lee every Thursday, Zip Robertson (singer-songwriter) March 7, Mountain Gypsy (Americana) March 8 and Wyatt Espalin (singer-songwriter) 5 p.m. March 9. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 / mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.
• Otto Community Center (Otto) will host James Thompson (Americana) 4 p.m. March 7 and St. Patrick’s Day “Kickoff Concert” 7 p.m. March 14. Bring a beverage and snack of your choice. Free and open to the public. 770.335.0967 / go2ottonc.com.
• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host “Bad Company Experience” (classic rock tribute) 7:30 p.m. March 21 and Kanstyx (Kansas/Styx tribute) 7:30 p.m. March 22. For tickets, 828.389.ARTS / thepeacocknc.org.
• Scotsman (Waynesville) will host Moonshine State (Americana) March 6, Appalachian Renegades March 7, Rene Russell (singersongwriter) March 13 and “The Scotsman Three-Year Anniversary Party” March 14-17 (live music/libations). All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.6292 / scotsmanpublic.com.
• Slanted Window Tasting Station (Franklin) will host R.A. Nightingale 6 p.m. March 7, “Music Bingo” 2 p.m. March 8 and Breeze Cable 5 p.m. March 9. 828.276.9463 / slantedwindow.com.
• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host Scott Thompson and Brother Mojo “An Evening of Classic Rock” 7 p.m. March 8 ($15 per person). 866.273.4615 / smokymountainarts.com.
• Stecoah Valley Center (Robbinsville) will host a Community Jam 5:30-7:30 p.m. every third Thursday of the month and semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.479.3364 / stecoahvalleycenter.com.
• Trailborn (Highlands) will host its “Carolina Concert Series” with David Cheatham (Americana/folk) March 6 and Brooke Campbell (singer-songwriter) March 13. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.482.1581 or trailborn.com/highlands.
• Unplugged Pub (Bryson City) will host Tricia Ann Band (country/rock) March 7, Whiskey Mountain March 8, Mountain Gypsy (Americana) March 13 (free), Lori & The Freighshakers (classic rock/country gold) March 14 and Mile High Band (classic rock) March 15. All shows are $5 at the door unless otherwise noted and begin at 8 p.m. 828.538.2488 / unpluggedpub.com.
• Valley Cigar & Wine Co. (Waynesville) will host Paper Crowns (Americana/indie) 2 p.m. March 22. Free and open to the public. 828.944.0686 / valleycigarandwineco.com.
• Valley Tavern (Maggie Valley) will host Will Shephard 6 p.m. March 6, Jon Cox & Ginny McAfee (Americana/country) 6 p.m. March 7 and Contagious 6 p.m. March 14. Free and open to the public. 828.926.7440 / valley-tavern.com.
• Vineyard At High Holly (Scaly Mountain) will host Rail Town (Americana) 2 p.m. March 8. Free and open to the public. 828.482.5573 / thevineyardathighholly.com.
• Find more at smokymountainnews.com/arts
Espalin returns to Mountain Layers
Singer-songwriter Wyatt Espalin will hit the stage at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at Mountain Layers Brewing in Bryson City. Born and raised in Hiawassee, Georgia, Espalin has been entertaining audiences since he was eight years old. A blend of Americana, bluegrass and indie-roots music, he’s a beloved fixture on the Southern Appalachian live music circuit. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 828.538.0115 or click on mtnlayersbeer.com. To learn more about Espalin, go to wyattespalinmusic.com.
Wyatt Espalin will play Bryson City March 9.
On the wall
• WNC Paint Events will host painting sessions throughout the region on select dates. For more information and/or to sign up, visit wncpaint.events.
ALSO:
• Gathering Room (Waynesville) will host a “Makers Market” 3-7 p.m. March 22. All welcome to play or listen. 828.558.1333 / thegatheringroom828.com.
• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host “ArtWorks” at 1 p.m. every second Thursday of the month. Come create your own masterpiece. The materials for art works are supplied and participants are welcome to bring ideas and supplies to share with each other. Free and open to the public. 828.488.3030 / vroberson@fontanalib.org.
• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host an adult arts and crafts program at 1 p.m. every second Thursday of the month. Ages 16 and up. Space is limited to 10 participants. Free and open to the public. 828.488.3030 / vroberson@fontanalib.org.
• CRE828 (Waynesville) will offer a selection of art classes and workshops at its studio located at 1283 Asheville Road. Workshops will include art journaling, watercoloring, mixed media, acrylic painting and more. For a full list of classes, visit cre828.com. dawn@cre828.com / 828.283.0523.
• Gallery Zella (Bryson City) will be hosting an array of artist receptions, exhibits and showcases. galleryzella.com / 517.881.0959.
• Waynesville Photography Club meets at 7 p.m. every third Monday each month on the second floor of the Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center in Clyde. The club is a nonprofit organization that exists for the enjoyment of photography and the improvement of one’s skills. They welcome photographers of all skill levels to share ideas and images at the monthly meetings. waynesvillephotoclub@charter.net.
• Haywood County Arts Council (Waynesville) will offer a wide range of classes, events and activities for artisans, locals and visitors. haywoodarts.org.
• Jackson County Green Energy Park (Dillsboro) will be offering a slew of classes, events and activities for artisans, locals and visitors. jcgep.org.
• Southwestern Community College Swain Arts Center (Bryson City) will host an array of workshops for adults and kids. southwesterncc.edu/scc-locations/swain-center.
• Dogwood Crafters in Dillsboro will offer a selection of upcoming art classes and workshops. dogwoodcrafters.com/classes.html / 828.586.2248.
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host semi-regular arts and crafts workshops. coweeschool.org/events.
On the wall
Rocky Allen showcase in Macon
Collectors of paintings and drawings by Macon County resident/artist Ernest “Rocky” Harvey Allen Jr. will be exhibiting their “Rocky” pieces at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin during the month of March.
If you have art from Rocky, you’d like to share during the exhibit, please bring it by the library before March 1. You may also bring art from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, March 8, during an informal reception with refreshments, which will include a sharing of stories and art.
For more information, call the library at 828.524.3600.
HCAC to celebrate Woodford
The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) will host the opening reception for a specially curated exhibit featuring the works of celebrated visual artist and author Ann Miller Woodford from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, March 7, at HCAC’s Haywood Handmade Gallery in downtown Waynesville.
This is an exceptional opportunity to view Woodford’s artwork and experience her unique gift for storytelling in person. Woodford, a North Carolina native, has dedicated her artistic career to capturing the spirit of life and history around her. Working primarily in oils and skilled in pencil, charcoal and ink drawing, her subject matter ranges from portraits and landscapes to inspirational and still-life compositions.
Her latest portrait series, “Black in Black on Black: Making the Invisible Visible,” explores themes of emergence and empowerment, using the richness of the color black to celebrate identity and visibility.
The exhibit opening will be a celebration of artistry, history and storytelling, offering visitors the chance to engage with Woodford’s compelling visual and narrative works.
Admission is free. Light refreshments will be provided.
For more information, please contact the HCAC at director@haywoodarts.org or visit haywoodarts.org.
WCU faculty art exhibition
Featuring works from faculty artisans at Western Carolina University, the 2025 School of Art & Design Faculty Biennial Exhibition will be displayed through May 2 in the Bardo Arts Center in Cullowhee.
Outside of the classroom, faculty members in the School of Art & Design are active artists and scholars that make significant contributions to the arts. The exhibition provides students and the community with an opportunity to view recent works created by distinguished faculty members whose primary research output is studio-based.
The museum’s hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and until 7 p.m. on Thursday.
For more information, visit wcu.edu/bardo-arts-center.
File photo
Rocky Allen is a beloved WNC artist. Donated photo
Collect books, like precious pearls
When it comes to reading, I can tend to be “the bigger, the better” type reader. I search for thick novels, dive headfirst into fantasy worlds, and am never dissuaded by the word trilogy (or better yet, series). But recently I was reminded of how the right story can come in very small shapes and sizes when a thin, little book came my way and was packing a surprisingly large punch.
“The Pearl” by John Steinbeck (Penguin Books; First Edition (April 6, 2000, 90 pages) is a novella based on an old Mexican folktale, one that was popular in the Big Sur region of California, where much of Steinbeck’s works found inspiration. That old, mythical spirit lingers in his writing and it reads much as a fairytale would. As all traditional tales do, the deepest, most complex parts of the human condition get conveyed through simple means: straightforward characters, minimal dialogue or clear motives. Despite the lack of plot twists or embellished portraits, “The Pearl” captures the attention and keeps it hooked for its beauty, sorrow and wonder.
them will have new clothes and Kino himself may even be able to get a rifle. As Kino continues to imagine all of the good this pearl could bring, they begin to solidify as goals –no longer just idealistic or wishful dreams. He grows intent on making them a reality while the rest of the town grows jealous. Envy and greed bubble up and the duplicitous nature brought on by avarice
It begins with Kino, a pearl fisherman, who lives contentedly and joyfully in poverty with his wife, Juana, and their baby, Coyotito. One fateful morning, they spot a scorpion crawling down the rope from which Coyotito’s crib is hanging and before either parent can divert this misfortune, the scorpion stings the baby. Immediately, they rush the baby to town in the hopes of receiving help from the doctor. However, those are quickly thwarted when the doctor makes his bigoted dislike clear. Kino and Juana are on their own. Juana uses home remedies and natural balms to heal the scorpion sting. Meanwhile, Kino is determinedly fishing for pearls, desperately hoping to find one magnificent enough to procure a large sum of money. Money, he knows, will easily buy medical help from the doctor.
Sure enough, Kino finds this “Pearl of the World,” as everyone calls it, spreading the word rapidly and rampantly. Dreams of a greater future ensue. Kino envisions a wedding for Juana and him, finally with the funds to give to the church to bless their marriage. Coyotito will be able to attend school and learn to read and write. All of
costly specimen. Fortunately, Kino doesn’t fall for their tricks. Unfortunately, it leads to a string of thieves showing up in the night searching for the pearl. Juana begins to worry that the pearl is cursed and begs Kino to get rid of it, but Kino already has his heart set on a better future for his family.
takes over most everyone. In particular, the doctor makes a reappearance at the sound of the pearl’s size, suddenly concerned and altruistic to them. His treatment is doubtful in its effectiveness but he fearmongers Kino and Juana into believing him, of course, at a price once Kino sells his pearl. The next day, Kino heads into town to the pearl-buyers. But unbeknownst to him or his indigenous fishing community, they are a bunch of cons and have already planned ahead to downplay the value of the pearl and offer a low price for it, despite it being a very large and
Earley, Hipp to host City Lights readings
Where the theme of good and evil are riddled throughout, Steinbeck employs a unique and creative technique. Kino interiorly hears the music of the characters indicating who is good and honest, and who is not. Those characters who are simply out to trick, con, or rob Kino always have an unsettling and wicked sound to them. Interestingly enough, they lack names as well and are only referred to by their title, like “the Doctor.” Another major theme to this story is family, and a father’s perseverance to provide and protect his own. This is one of the reasons I struggle to attribute the vices of greed to Kino. While he and the envious characters share a desire for the money the pearl can bring, Kino only wants it for the sake of his family. His actions throughout the entire novella, while perhaps not perfect, are always aimed towards what would be best for them. As short as this novella is, it gives the reader plenty to ponder and discuss. What the pearl represents and why, I’ll let you consider on your own. So far, I’ve found it to be quite the contentious point among those who have read it. What this book lacks in size, it makes up for with substance; and given how short it is, it should be no problem to find a book buddy who’ll read it as well so you can argue the meaning too.
(Anna Barren is elementary school teacher and a lover of books. annab4376@gmail.com.)
Tim Earley and Max Hipp will host a reading and book signing at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. Earley will read from his chapbook “Rattle-Rib” and Hipp from his story collection “What Doesn't Kill You Opens Your Heart.” Earley, an Asheville native, has published five poetry collections and writes for the tabletop RPG Holler: An Appalachian Apocalypse. Hipp’s fiction appears in Southern Humanities Review, SmokeLong Quarterly, and more. He received a 2025 Individual Artist Fellowship from the Mississippi Arts Commission. Both teach at the University of Mississippi.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit citylightsnc.com or call 828.586.9499.
North Carolina innovators aim to revolutionize flood prediction
Ateam of students from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics has developed an artificial intelligence-based flood modeling system that could transform the way communities predict, and therefore respond, to extreme weather events.
The cutting-edge tool, called FloodGate, addresses limitations of traditional flood forecasting systems, offering a faster, more reliable and globally scalable approach to predicting floods.
Born in Georgia, George Cheng moved to North Carolina around the age of eight and was raised in Cary. While a student at the prestigious residential STEM high school, Cheng got the idea for a flood modeling tool after witnessing firsthand the devastating impact of flooding.
“Every single time heavy rainfall would happen, our dorms would get flooded,” he said. “A lot of students had to board up their rooms.”
Cheng also reflected on the experiences of both his family in China during the Yangtze River’s annual flooding as well as acquaintances in Delhi, India, where flooding killed
was trying to see if I could model flooding in the Delhi area to help out my friends and that eventually turned into FloodGate, which is basically using artificial intelligence machine learning models to try to predict flooding forecasts,” he said.
Traditional flood prediction models rely heavily on historical hydrological data and physics-based models, which, according to Cheng, have three major flaws.
“A lot of these current models are super, super slow and really, really inaccurate,” said Cheng. “So these are super impractical for emergency responses, like with flash floods.”
North Carolina currently utilizes a robust real-time tool called FIMAN, the Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network, which is generally well-regarded but has some drawbacks of its own. A network of more than 600 flood gauges provides flood stage data
“A lot of these current models are super, super slow and really, really inaccurate. So these are super impractical for emergency responses, like with flash floods.”
George Cheng
The other problem is, they’re expensive. Recently, the county purchased seven more gauges, two of which will be placed at new locations. The patent holder is the sole supplier of the equipment so the total cost, fully funded by a grant received from the Office of State Budget Management, was nearly $109,000 or more than $15,000 each.
While Cheng acknowledges the value of local flood monitoring systems like FIMAN, he believes FloodGate’s global reach sets it apart.
Unlike conventional models that can struggle with real-time adjustments, FloodGate adapts dynamically to changing weather conditions by incorporating live satellite data to provide hyper-local risk assessments tailored to specific regions.
Data scarcity remains a constraint. While places like New York City may have plentiful datasets — parameters like soil moisture, riverbed roughness and rainfall distribution — rural and less affluent areas usually don’t.
Static model architecture, as the name suggests, does not incorporate real-time data into flood prediction.
from across the state to a central processor that compiles and displays the information, as well as forecasts, on a mapping website.
The problem is, if there are no gauges, there’s no data. Currently there are 18 gauges in Haywood County, from Big East Fork in the south to Cataloochee in the north and from Newfound Road in the east to Dellwood in the
“I think what really differentiates our tool and current tools is that not only does it provide relative accuracy, it takes out the need for gauges using satellite mapping and also AI modeling, basically trying to extrapolate the current data to what would happen if another flooding event would [happen] like this,” said Cheng. “For example, flooding in Anchorage, Alaska, is probably not going to be the same as somewhere where it’s F
George Cheng explains aspects of the innovative, award-winning FloodGate tool. George Cheng photo
Waynesville looking for lifeguards
The Town of Waynesville Parks and Recreation is looking for 15 new lifeguards to train and certify at no cost.
This presents a great opportunity to develop valuable skills and enjoy a meaningful summer or year-round job, possibly at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Spots will be limited to 15 participants. Must be 16 years of age, never have been certified as a lifeguard in the past and must pass a pre-requisite swim test. The pre-requisite swim test dates will be held on Monday, April 7 and Wednesday, April 9, from 3-6 p.m.
File photo
For more information or any questions, please reach out to 828.456.2030 or email wwoodbery@waynesvillenc.gov.
below the river basins, like Louisiana.”
FloodGate also has the potential to aid emergency response teams by offering longer lead times and more precise risk assessments, including for Hurricane Helene.
“Machine learning models could have detected rainfall anomalies in the Smoky Mountain foothills 12 hours earlier than official forecasts [for Helene],” Cheng explained. “Everyone’s relying on these forecasts. Everyone’s trying to see whether they should evacuate, or they should try to stay in their home and not make a big fuss about it.”
firsthand experience of the very challenge they are solving. As flooding becomes an ever-greater threat, their technology has the potential to protect countless communities worldwide. It’s exactly this kind of bold, thoughtful innovation that makes me so excited about what young people can achieve.”
Currently, Cheng and his team are refining their model with mentorship from experts at Nanjing Technological University. Though still in development, they aim to launch a web-based application by late May, even though the team is still occupied with other pursuits.
“Machine learning models could have detected rainfall anomalies in the Smoky Mountain foothills 12 hours earlier than official forecasts [for Helene]. Everyone’s relying on these forecasts. Everyone’s trying to see whether they should evacuate, or they should try to stay in their home and not make a big fuss about it.”
George Cheng
Integrated inundation mapping could have also been used by response agencies, including FEMA, to locate survivors in areas that were cut off from the world when cellular and internet infrastructure failed.
The FloodGate tool is thought to hold so much promise that in 2024 Cheng and his teammates, Reichen Schaller, Shubhan Bhattacharya and Sumedh Kotrannavar, were awarded the $100,000 Earth Prize after winning an environmental sustainability competition for teenage students held by The Earth Foundation, a Swiss-based advocacy group that promotes young entrepreneurs with innovative ideas that focus on environmental challenges.
“FloodGate embodies everything The Earth Prize stands for—turning passion into action and real-world impact,” said Peter McGarry, founder of the Earth Foundation. “Their solution is innovative, practical and, most importantly, driven by
“I know that we’ve done a lot of steady progress on it, but a lot of our members are just like super busy to trying to get into college right now. I think with Earth Prize’s mentorship and also the monetary support to train these models, I think we’re able to develop a really great model soon,” said Cheng, who is currently a student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Originally intending to major in bioengineering, Cheng shifted his focus to artificial intelligence and cognitive science at MIT, drawn by the potential of AI to help solve pressing global issues.
“If I were to, like, name myself, I’ll probably be like a jack of all trades,” he said. “I focus on a lot of different topic areas, from abortion care access to environmental flooding to diabetes to coronary heart disease detection. I think I just see a lot of different problems that my family, my friends, people close around me face and I really want to tackle them.”
SNOW
Asheville’s wildlife park reopens March 17
after closing due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, which caused significant flooding that destroyed roads and the main bridge to the Nature Center.
Friends of the WNC Nature Center members from Monday, March 10, to Sunday, March 16. People can buy or renew memberships online at wildwnc.org/membership or at the Membership Office and still be able to take advantage of members-only week. No admission tickets will be sold during this members-only week.
NCDA&CS offers free agronomic services for WNC growers
It has been months since Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina and recovery is still ongoing throughout the region. Many residents and growers had devastating losses, but work is under way to rebuild and move forward in 2025.
To help with recovery, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Agronomic Services
Division is offering all of its services — soil testing, nematode assay analysis and analysis of plant, waste, solution and media samples — at no cost to growers in the 27 presidential disaster counties. These are helpful services as growers prepare for the upcoming season.
during the storm. Some work to physically restore productive fields has been ongoing and it is equally important to determine what fertility needs are prior to establishing a crop.
The turnaround time, from the sample arriving at the lab to having a report, is two weeks now, so results will be ready quickly. Growers should submit samples in NCDA&CS soil sample boxes along with a fully completed submission form. Information on soil testing is found at ncagr.gov/divisions/agronomic-services/soil-testing/commercialgrowers.
Fees are being paid by special state funding so essentially fees are waived to the grower through June.
The soil testing service is ready to provide lime and fertilizer recommendations to help growers establish optimum fertility in fields for the upcoming growing season. Severe erosion and deposition of soils from other aeras occurred
Growers who have crops currently growing should consider plant tissue testing to make sure plant nutrients are sufficient for optimal growth. Now is a good time to sample Fraser firs before bud break. Tissue sampling wheat or small grain sampling is also timely. Plant tissue sampling is more difficult than soil sampling since the correct plant leaf or part must be sampled. Other resources that growers have access to through the NCDA&CS is the Division of Soil and Water Conservation. Growers who still need assistance with soil management in eroded fields and stream and drainage issues are highly encouraged to seek the local expertise in each county office ncagr.gov/divisions/soil-waterconservation. The
While the Nature Center has been closed, the Friends of the
have Appalachians. From November 2024 to February 2025, their two-person outreach education team traveled one thousand miles across the region, providing affordable, hands-on
a.m. until 4:30 p.m. with last admission at 3:30 p.m.. Friends members can enter the park at 9:30am. Beginning this year, the Ticket Office will also be cashless. Tickets are available for purchase in advance online or in person using credit/debit and prepaid cash cards.
WNC Nature Center
Viola Blues
The Joyful Botanist
BY ADAM B IGELOW
WAuthor a anagemen t M lee l t M tenanceain
hen seeking beautiful native wildflowers, I often travel and hike long distances to a special spot to see a rare beauty. Other times, it’s as easy as walking into the front yard. Some flowers are infrequently found, while some are so common that the word common is in their name. You’ll commonly see common milkflower (Asclepias syriaca), common woodrush (Luzula multiflora) and common juniper even has a form of “common” in its non-common name, i.e. scientific name of Juniperus communis.
When it comes to violets (Viola spp.) there are both common and rare species. And there’s even one that has the word common in its common name, the common blue violet (Viola sororia). This species is so common that it is found blooming in most of our yards. Unless, that is, yours is the type of lawn that only has grass, and no other plants are suffered to live, and the weed killers are liberally sprayed to maintain it. If that is the case for you, dear reader, I’d like to have a deeper discussion about the fetish of the American lawn and how it contributes to biodiversity loss and ecological collapse. We’ll save that for another time.
Violets are among the first flowers to bloom in the springtime, and many of the early ones aren’t even colored violet, let alone blue. Two of the first have yellow flowers and are easy to tell apart. The early yellow violet (Viola rotundifolia) as evidenced from its specific epithet, the second word in a species name, has rounded heart-shaped leaves. The halberd-leaf violet (Viola hastata) has leaves that have a long spear-shaped point. The halberd is actually the name of an ancient spear tip used in battle.
can be found on page 38
One thing that is not common, even among violets that have it in their name, is the color blue in flowers. And I mean truly blue. Most of the flowers that we call “blue” are really purple or mauve or lavender. There are very few naturally occurring blue flowers. Even the common blue violet flower is neither blue nor even violet in color, for that matter. The flowers of common blue violet are really purple with a white throat.
Blue, it turns out, is the hardest and most energy intensive color to produce in nature, and it is rare to see a truly blue flower. Somehow flowers that are not really blue get tagged with that descriptor in their name. Flowers of wild blue indigo (Baptisia australis) Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) and blue-eyed grass (Sysrinchium angustifolium) and great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) are all shades of purple. The fruits of blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) and the blue-bead lily (Clintonia borealis) are both a dark purple. Even blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) are really purple — but purpleberries just doesn’t have the same ring.
There are white violets, like the sweet white violet (Viola blanda) whose small flowers pack a large, sweet fragrance that is anything but bland. There’s even a greenviolet (Cubelium concolor) that isn’t in the Viola genus but is in the Violaceae family. Many violets take on multiple colors and variegation, producing patterns of stripes and swirls of purple and white.
There are times when the violets’ beautiful glory shines from the forest floor, where I imagine a classical quartet of violins and violas singing out the intro to Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copeland. I may shout “Violá, spring has sprung!” And all my troubles seem to melt away, as if the violets were the cure to the blues.
(The Joyful Botanist leads weekly wildflower walks most Fridays and offers consultations and private group tours through Bigelow’s Botanical Excursions. bigelownc@gmail.com.)
People will see violets in our woods soon as they are some of the first flowers to bloom in spring. Adam Bigelow photo
Clean energy business grants available
The Mountain BizWorks Electrify Fund has launched to connect Western North Carolina businesses and nonprofits with affordable financing for clean energy and efficiency investments. The program will support healthy communities and economic growth by helping organizations reduce energy costs and rebuild with resilience.
The Electrify Fund is available to fund the following project types:
• Solar Energy and Storage to lower energy costs and provide more reliable electricity.
ects like efficient lighting, insulation, HVAC, air sealing and other technologies.
• Electric Vehicles and Equipment to reduce fuel costs for businesses reliant on fleet vehicles or mobile machinery.
• Capital for Clean Energy Businesses to provide affordable funding to help businesses scale their operations and grow WNC’s clean energy economy.
The first project funded under this new program is for Bryson City United Methodist Church, whose Finance Committee and Creation Care Committee prioritized installing a solar power system. Their plan will save over $1,000 per month in electricity costs, and pay itself off in 7 to 8 years.
Businesses and nonprofits interested in financing options available through the Electrify Fund should fill out the form at electrifyfund.org/apply-for-funding. A member of the team will reach out to discuss your project and begin the application process.
For organizations that are interested in clean energy and efficiency but don’t know where to start, the Electrify Fund also has resources to help determine the best options. Businesses and nonprofits can apply to receive a free energy assessment of their building and connect with a supportive network of knowledgeable local contractors. Connect with the Electrify Fund at electrifyfund.org today to get started.
Masa youth photography winners on display at arboretum
The George Masa Foundation announced that the winning photographs from the inaugural George Masa Foundation Youth Conservation Photography Prize are on display at The North Carolina Arboretum’s Baker Building through April 30.
This year’s competition drew 266 submissions from students in 26 states, showcasing a diverse range of talent and passion for conservation. Among the winners, three are residents of Western North Carolina, highlighting the region’s strong connection to nature and environmental advocacy.
of this
award-winning images and learn more about the stories behind each photograph. The exhibition is open to the public during the Baker Exhibit Center’s operating hours and included with the Arboretum’s regular parking fee. For more information about the Arboretum, including hours and pricing, please visit ncarboretum.org.
For more information about the George Masa Foundation Youth Conservation Photography Prize and how to support young conservation photographers, visit georgemasafoundation.org.
One
year’s winning entries, titled ‘Frog in the Water.’ Leo Richmond photo
Market PLACE WNC
MarketPlace information:
The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 copies across 500 locations in Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties, including the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. Visit www.wncmarketplace.com to place your ad!
Rates:
• $15 — Classified ads that are 25 words, 25¢ per word after.
• Free — Lost or found pet ads.
• $6 — Residential yard sale ads.*
• $1 — Yard Sale Rain Insurance Yard sale rained out? Call us by 10a.m. Monday for your ad to run again FREE
• $375 — Statewide classifieds run in 170 participating newspapers with 1.1+ million circulation. (Limit 25 words or less)
• Boost Online — Have your ad featured at top of category online $4
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• Add Photo $6
• Bold ad $2
• Yellow, Green, Pink or Blue Highlight $4
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Note: Highlighted ads automatically generate a border so if you’re placing an ad online and select a highlight color, the “add border” feature will not be available on the screen.
Note: Yard sale ads require an address. This location will be displayed on a map on www.wncmarketplace.com
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION FILE NO. 25CV000213-100
State of North Carolina County of Buncombe In the General Court of Justice District Court Division MELISSA RAINES v. UNKNOWN FATHER File No. 25CV000213-100
TO: UNKNOWN FATHER Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Child Custody. The juvenile was born on or about February 20, 2022 , in Buncombe County, North Carolina.
You must answer or otherwise respond to the pleading within forty (40) days of the date of
Notice stated below. If you fail to answer or otherwise respond within the time prescribed, an adjudication of neglect and dependency will be sought with custody vested in another person/ entity.
You are advised to IMMEDIATELY contact the Clerk of Court of Buncombe County, at (828) 259-3400, to obtain further information about this case, including a herein, the name, and the date(s) and time(s) of scheduled hearings.
First published this the 26 th day of February, 2025.
Jason Hayes Law Firm
Attorney for the Plaintiff 140 4 th Ave W, Ste 205 Hendersonville, NC 28792
Telephone (828) 4353124
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, McDOWELL COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE, DISTRICT COURT DIVISION, FILE # 22 JA 98
In Re: C. Smith, Minor Child
TO: Randall Smith, respondent father of the male child C. Smith, born February 14, 2008, in Haywood County, TN, conceived with Brittany Winchester.
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS RE: ABUSE/NEGLECT/DEPENDENCY PETITION
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a petition has been County Department of Social Services alleging that the above-named juvenile is a neglected juvenile.
You have a right to be represented by a lawyer at all stages of the proceeding. If you want a lawyer and cannot afford to hire one, the Court will appoint a lawyer to represent you. You may hire a lawyer of your choice at any time, or you may waive the right to a lawyer and represent yourself. You may con-
tact the Clerk of Court of McDowell County at (828) 655-4100 to ask for a court-appointed lawyer or for further information.
A pre-adjudication hearing was held on January 8, 2025. The adjudication and dispositional hearings are to be held at the March 5, 2025 session of Juvenile Court at the McDowell County Courthouse (21 S. Main Street, Marion, NC 28752).
You are required to answer the petition within forty (40) days of the (written below), exclusive of such date, or by March 31, 2025. Further notices of hearing, and the date, time, and place of future hearings will be mailed
answer if your whereabouts are then known. In the event a motion is later
parental rights, you must the motion within 30 days or a subsequent order may, upon proper notice
based on the criteria set out in N.C.G.S. § 7B-1111, terminate your parental rights as to the child involved:
Name: C. Smith
Date of Birth: February 14, 2008
County of Residence: McDowell County, NC
This the 19th day of February 2025.
Aaron G. Walker Attorney for McDowell County Department of Social Services PO Box 338
Marion, NC 28752
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA HAYWOOD COUNTY IN THE SUPERIOR COURT 24CVS000634-430
BARBARA PORTER (PLAINTIFF) vs. GEORGE BLACKBURN & SMOKY MOUNTAIN CONSTRUCTION GROUP, INC. (DEFENDANTS)
TO: GEORGE BLACKBURN
TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been action. The nature of the relief being sought is: breach of contract, breach of warranty of workmanship, and civil fraud, related to a construction agreement.
You are required to make defense to this pleading not later than April 14, 2025, and upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought.
This the 5th day of March, 2025.
J. Scott Taylor Strom & Taylor, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff 95 Depot Street Waynesville, NC 28786
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.25E000030-490
Jai Robert Kumar, having of the Estate of Margaret Sabrina Kumar of Jackson County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before May 19 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Executor
c/o Jay Kumar, Executor 705 W Main Street Sylva, NC 28779
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.25E000069-430
David F Kuehn, having
of the Estate of Curtis S Kuehn of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before May 12 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Executor 47 Fern St Canton, NC 28716
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.25E000028-490
Nancy Silvestri Rivera,
Executor of the Estate of Susan Silvestri aka Susie Silvestri of Jackson County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before May 12 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Executor
c/o Coward, Hicks & Siler 705 W Main Street Sylva, NC 28779
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