Cierra Crockett, who traveled to Cherokee from the eastern part of the state, gets a whiff of a fresh cannabis plant on display at the Great Smoky Cannabis Company’s dispensary. Last Saturday, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians made history by being the first place in North Carolina to allow legal adult sales and consumption of THC. (page 6) Kyle Perrotti photo
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Here’s what’s keeping America’s elections experts up at night............................4 Pigeon Center hosts farm-to-table dinner....................................................................9 Jackson aims for traditional middle school................................................................11 Another school shooting, another call for assault rifle bans................................12
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Question: Which of your pork, poultry and beef products at Ingles Markets are “hormone-free”?
Answer: Since all animals have naturally occurring hormones, no animal or poultry products are truly “hormone-free”. Animals, humans and even plants contain hormones.
If you are referring to animals that may have been given hormones to promote growth or muscle development; in the United States it is illegal to give poultry or hogs or sell poultry (turkey or chicken) or hogs (pork) that have been given hormones to promote growth. However, this certainly does not stop some brands from marketing turkey, chicken, and pork products as “hormone-free” or “no hormones added” which may be misleading or confusing to shoppers.
Some beef cattle are given an implant in their ear as calves to promote growth, but this dissipates long before they are harvested/slaughtered and enter the food supply. We routinely get more naturally occurring hormones from other foods that we eat like eggs, soy containing foods, potatoes and wheat germ.
Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN
Ingles Market Corporate Dietitian
@InglesDietitian
Leah McGrath - Dietitian
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Here’s what’s keeping America’s elections experts up at night
BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS EDITOR
“A presidential election is not a single election. It is 10,000 little elections all over the country, in every county and locality all over the country.”
— David Becker
Abipartisan panel of election law experts is largely satisfied with the integrity of the American election system, but they’re also warning about evolving threats from artificial intelligence, foreign governments and home-grown malfeasants spreading rumors and lies about the process and the outcome of the 2024 General Election.
The panel, a collaboration between the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the American Bar Association’s Task Force for American Democracy, was the first in a series of seven online discussions presented for local journalists on statespecific election law issues in battleground states.
The nonprofit Knight Foundation was created in 1950 by the Knight brothers, who had been newspaper publishers. With its multibillion-dollar endowment, the Foundation funds arts, culture and journalism. The ABA’s bipartisan Task Force for American Democracy, chaired by retired federal Judge J. Michael Luttig and former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, provides analysis of and proposes solutions to threats to the democratic process.
Another six panels will be held over the coming weeks in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Wisconsin in anticipation of tight races, but speakers during the Sept. 5 event provided an overview of the challenges and opportunities the nation will face.
“A presidential election is not a single election. It is 10,000 little elections all over the country, in every county and locality all over the country,” said David Becker, executive director of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation and Research, which provides free legal assistance to election workers threatened with frivolous lawsuits.
Becker also took a leading role in the development of ERIC, the Electronic Registration Information Center that helps states update their voter records, purging them of people who are deceased or have moved. ERIC had seen broad bipartisan appeal in the past, but recently a number of states have withdrawn from the network, cowing to unfounded conspiracy theories pushed by former President Donald Trump. North Carolina is not a member of ERIC and the General Assembly has staunchly opposed it.
“Our elections right now are secure and verifiable as they’ve ever been, and it’s not really particularly close,” Becker said, explaining that 95% or
more of voters will this year use paper ballots that can be audited with a high degree of security. “We should be very proud of our election system and cognizant of the fact that it may be that losing candidates will lie about that election system if they don’t want to accept those results.”
That’s what happened in 2020, but the results of more than 60 cases brought by Trump campaign attorneys alleging improprieties across the country showed no widespread fraud. That didn’t stop fringe groups from continuing to advance bogus voter fraud conspiracies about the 2020 and 2022 elections, including in North Carolina. According to conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation, there have been no dispositions in voter fraud cases in North Carolina since 2022, when five political operatives were convicted of absentee ballot fraud meant to help Republican congressional candidate Mark Harris in 2016 and 2018.
“I’m confident in this because [courts] did this in 2020, they’re going to hold litigants to evidentiary standards,” Becker said. “You can’t litigate these cases and make claims on social media and expect to get a court to rule in your favor if you don’t have evidence.”
Another panel speaker, Ben Ginsberg, posits that there are 12 stages to the election process — pre-election issues like registration, voting issues like the casting of early, absentee or in-person Election Day ballots and post-election issues like tabulation, certification or recounts — and that the nation’s robust, well-designed election system has checks and balances baked into each step.
“In every one of those 12 stages, there are safeguards,” said Ginsberg. “The safeguards themselves are so involved and so complex that we can’t even try to touch on them all.”
Ginsberg, a Stanford law professor and fellow at the university’s Hoover Institution, has nearly 40 years of election experience, represented four of the last six GOP presidential nominees, played a major role in the 2000 Bush/Gore recount in Florida and was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as co-chair of the bipartisan Presidential Commission on Election Administration.
He’s also a former reporter and opined that as claims of election fraud emerge, journalists should challenge those claims by referring to the safeguards in place that are designed to prevent fraud.
Becker also had some thoughts on what should happen if some of those
David Becker. File photo
Ben Ginsberg. File photo
safeguards are challenged.
“I think one of the first questions people, especially journalists, should ask, especially when lawsuits are filed is, ‘Why now? Why are you bringing this to the courts now?’” he said, suggesting that if campaigns suspect problems with election procedures or administration in particular states, they shouldn’t wait until they lose the election to argue them in front of a judge.
“You can have the best field goal kicker in the league,” Becker said, “but if you lose the Super Bowl by a point, you can’t complain that field goals weren’t worth five points.”
Even still, some folks will, and some may again attempt to interfere with the certification of election results. Supervisors in Cochise County, Arizona, were ordered by a judge to certify the results of their election in 2022 after they voted 2-1 not to, basing their votes on debunked claims about the county’s voting machines. In 2023, the two supervisors who refused were charged with felonies related to their actions. Now, Georgia is trying to make actions like theirs legal.
“I think there’s a larger point to be made here about the threat to public confidence in the electoral process that we have tried to build up since the 2000 presidential failed recount in Florida,” said Bob Bauer, a panelist who serves as co-director of New York University School of Law’s Legislative and Regulatory Process Clinic and was President Barack Obama’s White House counsel from 2009 to 2011.
“Are we going to respect professional election administration, recognizing that mistakes are made?” Bauer asked. “Or are we going to continue down a path where we have massive confusion about the roles of election officials — about the rules that they’re supposed to follow — in a way that ultimately just sort of undermines confidence in that process?”
Bauer explained that laws across the country recognize election certification at lower levels of government as a ministerial, non-discretionary duty instead of an opportunity for political grandstanding or for interference in election administration.
“They don’t have the legal authority to do it because they are not at that point in the process the ones who are authorized by law to make those determinations,” Bauer said. “Their responsibility is to take the information provided, the votes reported up, and ensure that they are certified as the accurately computed outcome of the election, setting up for others the opportunity to review and challenge if they believe there was a mistake in the process.”
Becker singled out North Carolina’s Republican-dominated General Assembly for what he called a “deeply disturbing attempt to politicize and de-professionalize election administration.”
Passed over Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto, the measure would have eliminated five-member county election boards (which always have three members from the governor’s party) and established four member-boards — two
Democrats, two Republicans. If there were ever to be a tie vote, on anything from election certification to early voting logistics, the issue would be resolved by the General Assembly.
“That is recipe for disaster, and it was passed right before a presidential election,”
Becker said. “Thankfully the appellate court enjoined that, and the state Supreme Court appears not to be willing to take that up before the election. They might take it up afterwards, but that is a great example of a legislative power grab over the nuts and bolts of election, which they are not properly qualified to handle.”
By the end of the two-hour discussion, panelists had spent a lot of time expressing confidence in the nation’s election process and administration, but in response to a question posed by moderator Tracie Potts, executive director of the Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College and former Washington correspondent for NBC News, admitted that a few things keep them up at night.
Bauer said his biggest concern wasn’t with the election process itself.
“What worries me the most are stresses that are external to the system,” he said. “We haven’t talked a lot about the role of social media and the importance of being really, really alert … to what is going to start circulating in a world in which images can be manufactured to an astonishing accuracy, or verisimilitude, to seeming reality. Claims can start circulating virally faster than we can catch up with them, and we can be certain that there will be potentially different, more innovative forms of foreign government influence than ever before.”
On Sept. 4, the Department of Justice indicted two Russian nationals employed by the Kremlin-funded Russia Today news outlet with counts of conspiracy related to the Foreign Agents Registration Act by using nearly $10 million to create and publish proRussian propaganda on social media channels. Major right-wing influencers appear to have been “duped” into participating, but their rhetoric had long been aligned with Kremlin talking points on Ukraine, Trump and the 2024 election.
As the excitement builds toward Election Day, external stressors will have an effect on voters, Bauer said, and may deter them from participating in the election, leading to a selffulfilling prophesy that the election was “disastrous.”
“That, by the way, feeds into the potential for violence, feeds into the potential of loss of confidence in the election,” said Bauer.
Ginsberg said he agreed with Bauer on loss of confidence, and added his own concern about disruptions at polling places due to natural disasters.
Becker first offered something he says doesn’t keep him up at night, but ended with a chilling reminder of what does.
“I’m about as confident as I can be that despite all of the efforts that could occur, all of the machinations, all of the lies that might occur between Nov. 5 and Jan. 20, that the person who actually wins the election is going to have their hand on the Bible on Jan. 20,” he said. “What I am very concerned about, however, is that those who oppose democracy have been organizing for four years.”
Bob Bauer. File photo
Cherokee celebrates first day of adult recreational cannabis use
BY KYLE PERROTTI NEWS EDITOR
It’s been almost a decade in the making, but anyone over 21 with a valid ID can purchase THC products in Western North Carolina.
Sales began last Saturday morning, Sept. 7, at 10 a.m. at the old bingo hall on the western end of the Qualla Boundary. The dispensary is owned by the Great Smoky Cannabis Co., operated by Qualla Enterprises, LLC, an Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians-owned company that also operates a 22.5-acre cannabis farm. The potentially lucrative venture into the cannabis industry comes amid flagging gaming revenue, a staple for a few decades now, but is also a statement some tribal members consider to be a reaffirmation of their independence.
Last Saturday, the first customer arrived at 1 a.m., and throughout the wee hours of the morning, more people came to join him. By the time the doors opened, the line had hundreds of eager customers snaking through the large parking lot. Although the line moved slow at first, the enthusiasm never waned. The people that were in the back of the line at 10 a.m. when the dispensary opened were entering the building at about 11:30 a.m., and at that point the line had grown even longer.
Inside, the atmosphere was lively as people, many of whom wore clothes adorned with neon pot leaves, perused the wide selec-
tion of cannabis products, which includes flowers, tinctures, edibles and THC-infused beverages. Throughout the day, classic stoner music was cued up by the DJ, from Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” and a bevy of Sublime hits to classic hip hop cuts like Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice” and Luniz’ “I got 5 on it,” which is itself a sort of cannabis anthem.
Saturday’s event was bigger than anyone predicted. Qualla Enterprises General Manager Forrest Parker said it was great to see so many enthusiastic people turn out but added that what’s most important is that those people get an experience that exceeds their expectations. He said he was especially proud of everyone he worked with on the ground that made that happen.
“When you wake up in the morning, you’re striving for something, and there’s people that are relying on each other … I’m just so doggone proud of all these people here,” Parker said. “I’m also humbled by the community and our tribal leaders and the support and people just working through challenges.”
THE ORIGIN
The Eastern Band showed interest in marijuana legalization in 2015, when Tribal Council unanimously approved a feasibility study that sought to determine whether medicinal or recreational cannabis use, as well as industrial hemp, would benefit the tribe. They began growing hemp, and before long, psychoactive cannabis.
In 2021, the Eastern Band approved the use of medicinal cannabis and started accepting applications for medical marijuana cards in July 2023. At that time, a tribal cannabis advisory commission was established to study cannabis-related issues and make regulatory recommendations.
Just one month before the medicinal cards were issued, on Sept. 7 of last year, EBCI voters overwhelmingly approved the legalization of adult-use recreational marijuana. The question on the ballot was simple: “Do you support legalizing the possession and use of cannabis for persons who are at least twenty-one (21) years old and require the EBCI Tribal F
The atmosphere at the event was festive, and plenty of visitors took the chance to pose for a photo in front of a big wall with the Great Smoky Cannabis Company logo. Kyle Perrotti photo
By the time people started entering the dispensary, there were hundreds of people in line. Kyle Perrotti photo
Council to develop legislation to regulate the market?” A resolution that would legalize cannabis use for adults was introduced during a Tribal Council meeting on Jan. 4 of this year.
On April 20, a sort of holiday for pot smokers, the dispensary opened its doors to people with medical cards. On July 4, sales opened up to everyone over 21 who was an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians or any other federally recognized tribe.
The process to arrive at the big day took almost a decade and at times seemed like it was dragging, leading to frustrations from some. However, ahead of the April 20 opening, a joint statement from tribal leadership published in the Cherokee One Feather sought to address questions and clear up misconceptions.
“With 70 percent of voters in favor, we acknowledge the significance of this vote,” the statement reads. “Since then, we have approached this responsibility seriously so that any legislation concerning cannabis is practical and thoughtful. This is a process that cannot be rushed; there are numerous factors to consider so that we are able to make the best decisions as these are decisions that can have significant long-term impacts on our tribe.”
AN ASSERTION OF SOVREIGNTY
Since last year’s vote to legalize adult use, the Eastern Band has endured challenges from some of North Carolina’s federally elected representatives. In a letter from North Carolina’s Republican senators, Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, several questions were raised regarding the legality and logistics of the tribe’s cultivation, processing, transportation and sales of marijuana. The questions in that letter were posed to elected and appointed leaders around the region.
“As our nation is facing an unprecedented drug crisis that is harming our communities, it is vital to learn what measures your departments and agencies are taking to uphold current federal and state laws,” the senators wrote.
In September of last year, Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Henderson) introduced the Stop Pot Act in Congress, which would have withheld federal funding from states and tribes that permit the use of recreational cannabis. In that release, Edwards specifically noted that the background of the bill was tied directly to EBCI’s vote to allow recreational adult use of cannabis and the fact that its passage would make the Qualla Boundary the only place in North Carolina to allow recreational adult use.
“The laws of any government should not infringe on the overall laws of our nation, and federal funds should not be awarded to jurisdictions that willfully ignore federal law,” Edwards said in the release. “During a time when our communities are seeing unprecedented crime, drug addiction, and mental illness, the Stop Pot Act will help prevent even greater access to drugs and ease the strain placed on our local law enforcement and mental health professionals who are already stretched thin.”
There was a room off to the side of the large event space with several marijuana plants on display and even a few
This came on the heels of a column Edwards wrote for the Cherokee One Feather that used even stronger language.
“To allow our citizens to travel only a few miles to buy and use this common gateway drug — which the CDC and the New England Journal of Medicine have said can result in short- and long-term danger of addiction, altered brain development, chronic psychosis disorders and others — would be irresponsible, and I intend to stop it,” Edwards wrote.
Former Tribal Council Rep. Teresa McCoy, who has long championed both recreational and medicinal cannabis was at the Saturday opening, had some words for Edwards.
“I want congressman Chuck Edwards to know, specifically from Miss McCoy, that he is a racist. I know that he voted in May on Bill 1702 also, which makes him an Indian hater in my opinion,” McCoy said. “I have half a mind to go before the Tribal Council and request that Chuck Edwards be ban-
The dispensary features a full-service kitchen, where various edibles containing THC are produced. Kyle Perrotti photo
ished from our Indian land forever. I’m going to give that one considerable thought. But I want him to know that the people of Western North Carolina deserve more than a sniveling congressman who doesn’t stand on my rights as a woman, who does not stand on this tribe’s rights as a sovereign, who does not stand behind the men and women of Western North Carolina who need him to do his congressional job.”
As strong as McCoy’s feelings were regarding Edwards, she said she wouldn’t forget that Saturday brought a reason to celebrate, and that’s the assertion of sovereignty in the face of outside scrutiny. She said that while there have been hurdles and plenty of disagreement, she wanted to praise everyone involved — including members of Tribal Council.
“I thank the men and women who stepped up, took a chance, reached out, went to work,” she said. “I thank the men and women who came here and taught us how to do this. I thank everyone involved. But today, this is a day that I celebrate sovereignty.”
MAKING THE JOURNEY
The Great Smoky Cannabis Company Dispensary is located at 91 Bingo Loop Drive in Cherokee. Its hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, and it’s closed Monday and Tuesday. Now that adult recreational use is legal on the Qualla Boundary, anyone 21 and over with a valid state ID can purchase products at the dispensary. Customers can also order products online at greatsmokycannabisco.com.
The cannabis control board is still accepting applications from North Carolina residents over the age of 21 for medical cards. The cost for issuance to residents is $100 and $50 for enrolled EBCI members. There are several approved conditions, including anxiety disorder, eating disorders and cancer. Applications can be submitted at ebci-ccb.org. Those with medical cards are able to receive discounts on products.
Some people traveled to Cherokee from far-flung destinations. Word Saturday was that one man came from Colorado, although The Smoky Mountain News couldn’t verify that claim. Most people interviewed by SMN had come from North Carolina or a surrounding state. Two men had driven over from Raleigh, getting only a couple hours of sleep in an overlook parking lot off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
People had all kinds of reasons for turning out. There were those who were interested in buying only legal weed from this point forward since Qualla Enterprises has an established testing protocol. There were those who wanted to take in the spectacle.
experts to talk about the growing process. Kyle Perrotti photo
Some had long treated marijuana as medicine for chronic pain, including one family that traveled hours to buy the legal, verified product for a family member with cancer.
Despite knowing the line would be long, everyone seemed to agree that it was worth going on opening day not only to get their product as soon as possible, but also to show their support for the tribe’s new venture.
Ronny Worley traveled from the Brevard area. Having fished around Cherokee for years, he’d been looking forward to the big day for a while, so much so that he showed up at the dispensary a month ago looking to buy and was told to come back Sept. 7.
“I’m really proud of the people here in Cherokee for doing this for, not only for their own people but all the citizens,” Worley said.
Dean Elkins made the short drive over from Candler. Like most people interviewed, Elkins said it was surreal to take in Saturday’s scene. While he said he likes to smoke marijuana out of a pipe and hasn’t tried the edibles, he was excited to perhaps dabble in some of the non-smokable products offered.
“I’ve been smoking marijuana all my life, so it’s cool to see a place where you can just come get it like you’re walking into a Walmart,” Elkins said.
Nathan Apodaca, better recognized by many as Doggface, was also on hand to show his support for the new venture and sell some merch of his own. Apodaca is an
HAYWOOD COUNTY
actor and musical artist best-known for the 2020 viral video set to Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” in which he rides a skateboard, carefree, drinking cran-raspberry juice straight from the bottle. In an uncertain time when a new pandemic created anxiety across society, the video became a sort of
once in the morning and once at 4:20 p.m., delivering to the crowd his song “Weed” which is similar to “YMCA” but instead the chorus uses the letters “W-E-E-D.” Apodaca is half Mexican and half Native American from the Northern Arapaho tribe. Like so many, he was happy to celebrate the Eastern
symbol for finding joy amid a hard time. Apodaca has since traveled much of the country but he said Saturday was his first time in the Smoky Mountains.
“It’s just beautiful here, man,” he said. “These are real mountains here.”
Apodaca performed twice at the event,
September 26 - 29
Band’s sovereignty. But while he recognized the significance of this moment, he also made it clear he wants to see tribes across the country take the same step toward legalizing cannabis.
“I really hope that this catches on like wildfire,” he said.
LOOKING FORWARD
Now that the tribe’s cannabis venture has been realized, there are a couple of questions that will be answered over the coming months and years.
The first question is, will there be issues with law enforcement in surrounding counties? Anyone who possesses products containing THC is subject to prosecution as soon as they leave the Qualla Boundary, and an incident like a car crash involving a driver impaired from a product purchased from the dispensary would be fuel for those who have stood against the recent legalization.
While District Attorney Ashley Welch, whose office would prosecute marijuana possession or trafficking cases, didn’t answer questions posed in an email from SMN, she did provide a statement earlier this year.
“The mission, duty and privilege of the 43rd Prosecutorial District is to enforce state laws,” the statement reads. “We do not pick certain laws to enforce and ignore others … Tribes have inherent authority as sovereign nations, subject only to federal, not state, law. We respect tribal sovereignty, and we respect the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ right to enact tribal laws. In North Carolina, the cultivation, distribution and possession of marijuana remains illegal, and we will continue to enforce state law off Qualla Boundary.”
There have also been questions surrounding Qualla Enterprises’ ability to transport its product F
Agricultural Pride County Wide
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TIME/LOCATION TBD: Professor Whizz Pop, Buford Bear & His Miniature Truck
THURSDAY 5PM-10P
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Adults $8 per day Ages 6-12 $6 per day Kids under 5 FREE
TICKETS SOLD AT THE GATE — CASH ONLY
Midway rides not included in gate admission
Ronny Worley sports a t-shirt sold at the dispensary to commemorate the historic day. Kyle Perrotti photo
Pigeon Center hosts farm-to-table dinner
Celebrate the change of seasons with your friends and neighbors at a farm-to-table dinner at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center in Waynesville.
This inaugural fall fundraiser will bring together a celebration of heritage, community, local producers, and deep kinship. The event will showcase local talents through upscale, downhome cuisine, cocktails, a silent auction and live entertainment by a multicultural band from Cherokee, Sugah & Thuh Cubes.
ty and its communities. To achieve this, PCMDC helps re-establish the long-standing tradition of the community as a family and fosters intentional inclusiveness to create a holistic quality of life.
Today, the Pigeon Center is used much as it once was — with significance on educational programming like afterschool tutoring and summer enrichment programs for local students.
The mission of the PCMDC is to strengthen harmony among the residents of the coun-
from its 22.5-acre Cooper’s Creek farm to the dispensary. Shipments must cross out of the Qualla Boundary through Swain County. Although Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran has been relatively quiet on the issue, he did provide WLOS with a statement that alludes to the fact he may try to stop those shipments.
“I have had several conversations with the chief, tribal attorney general, and others about the transportation of the cannabis from the Cooper’s Creek location back onto tribal property,” he said in that statement. “I stated that until North Carolina changes the law, that it is still illegal to possess or transport marijuana on the highway.”
One solution that sticks out that has been brought up at Tribal Council as the likely winner is the use of some form of aerial transportation — likely drones — to move product, but not many details, even potential routes, were discussed. While it’s not entirely clear what means of transportation is being used, it’s clear they’re able to move their product from point A to point B.
General admission ticket cost is $50 per person and VIP ticket cost is $75 per person. Cash bar will be available for all ticket holders. VIP ticket holders will get early access to the event and first bid on silent auction items starting at 4:15 p.m. They will also enjoy appetizers, special music, champagne toast and a private presentation with detailed descriptions of the meaningful information hidden within the recently erected mural. Doors open for general admission ticket holders at 5 p.m. at which time they can visit the cash bar, check out the auction items and find a seat at the table before dinner is served. To purchase tickets, visit pcmdc.org/events.
Rep. Tom Wahnetah, of the Yellowhill Community, Tribal Council’s liaison to EBCI’s Cannabis Control Board, said that while there were some difficulties early on in the process to legalize adult use and capitalize on cannabis sales, he’s been happy with the final result and was thrilled with
Saturday’s turnout.
The second and perhaps biggest question is, will this venture prove as profitable as the tribe is hoping? Other states that have legalized cannabis have seen growing profits and billions in tax revenue has been generated.
The tribe expects its cannabis industry to quickly evolve into a cash cow. Neither medicinal nor recreational cannabis is currently legal in North Carolina, Tennessee or South Carolina, and in Virginia and Georgia, only medicinal marijuana is legal. Qualla Enterprises anticipates hundreds of millions in profits within just a few years.
It may seem that North Carolina’s potential legalization of marijuana, which many expect to come in some form within the next few years, could create competition that would cut into the tribe’s profits, Wahnetah was excited at the notion. Given the Eastern Band’s head-start in the cannabis industry, if North Carolina decides to legalize pot, one theory is that the tribe could actually expand its total market.
“Hopefully the state can follow our model and become medical first, then go in for recreational, and we’re very willing to help them,” Wahnetah said.
When asked how the Eastern Band’s cannabis enterprise will gauge success from here on, his answer was a bit less specific.
“I guess we’ll have to wait and see,” he said. “I’m happy to be here today.”
Visitors were excited to take selfies with musician and actor Doggface. Kyle Perrotti photo
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Jackson aims for traditional middle school
BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER
Jackson County Schools is taking a stab at a traditional middle school and applying for a state grant to fund the potential project.
“It is just the right thing to do for our kids,” said Superintendent Dana Ayers in a presentation to the Jackson County Commission last week.
Jackson County has never had a traditional middle school. Instead, there are four K-8 schools, that served a total of 724 middle grade students.
At the beginning of 2023, when the school system outlined its top budget priorities and capital needs, a traditional middle school was second on the list behind expansion at Fairview School to create space for a cafeteria and additional classrooms.
With commissioners voting this summer to fund the renovations at Fairview, the school system is now setting its sights on a middle school. JCPS will apply for a needs-based grant through the North Carolina Department of Education to fund the project.
The Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund, awarded through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, draws on money from the North Carolina Education Lottery. School systems can apply for funds for construction of new school buildings, as well as additions, repairs and renovations. Counties with an adjusted market value of taxable property of less than $40 billion are eligible to apply for the grant, meaning only seven counties in the state are excluded.
school for that total of $60 million,” Ayers said. However, in addition to that estimated price tag for construction of the school, Jackson County would also need to find and purchase land for the new school.
The school system has not settled on a single location yet but has been considering a few and will narrow that search as the grant approval date approaches. Ayers did say that the preferred location for the middle school would be between Sylva and Dillsboro, around the halfway point between Smokey Mountain Elementary and Cullowhee Valley, to be central to those schools that would be losing their middle grade components.
“I don’t want to go toward Smoky Mountain High School and Fairview simply because traffic on N.C. 107 is already difficult enough, I think it would be unimaginable and not very wise to put another school along that road,” Ayers said.
The grant process is expected to move quicker this year with applications due Sept. 13 and winners announced in October. At its meeting on Sept. 3, the commission unanimously agreed to support the grant application and commit to a 15% match if the grant is awarded.
For the past three grant cycles, JCPS has applied for a grant to fund a combination of three large projects — ADA upgrades at Smoky Mountain High School, upgrades at Blue Ridge and Fairview cafeteria and classroom space. JCPS has not received any funds for those.
“Doing some research, we learned that they are really looking at projects that are addressing consolidation and new buildings, as is evidenced by what’s happening in Macon County with Franklin High School,” said Ayers.
In January, State Superintendent Catherine Truitt announced Macon County Schools had been awarded $62 million through the NeedsBased Public School Capital Fund for the construction of its new high school.
So this time around, JCPS is applying for grant funds to build a new traditional middle school.
The maximum amount awarded for a traditional middle school through the state program is $52 million. To receive the grant, the county has to commit to a 15% match, which would put Jackson County on the hook for about $8 million.
“We’re hoping to build a traditional middle
Board members also requested that school administration come back before them with a full list of the upgrades needed at Blue Ridge School, which is the only school with middle grades students that will not be impacted by a new middle school. JCPS does not plan on bussing students one hour each way to move them from Blue Ridge to a middle school down the mountain.
In recent weeks, community members have been raising concerns about needed capital improvements at Blue Ridge School. The school is already scheduled for roof replacement over the coming months and Ayers committed to continuing to address needs at the school in concert with commissioners.
If the school system receives the grant funding, it is required to break ground on the project within 24 months.
While Commissioner Mark Jones brought up some concerns about agreeing to the 15% match commitment so close to the November election, Ayers urged the board to move ahead with the application due to the impending change of state superintendent. The state superintendent has a say in how the North Carolina lottery funds are spent could choose to continue or do away with the needs-based capital grant funding opportunity. Because Truitt lost her primary to Republican Michelle Morrow, no matter who is victorious between Morrow and her Democrat opponent Mo Green, North Carolina will have a new superintendent after the election.
Another school shooting, another call for assault rifle bans
BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS EDITOR
Remarks given by Tennessee State Rep. Justin J. Pearson, stumping for the Democratic presidential ticket during a visit to Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, took on a more poignant air due to a tragic coincidence and a surprise guest — suggesting Americans remain especially divided on a controversial issue.
“We have to ban assault weapons. No one should have a weapon of war. We have to have red flag laws,” Pearson told The Smoky Mountain News. “We have to do everything that we can in our power to end the gun violence epidemic.”
Pearson, of Memphis, was first elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in a January 2023 special election to fill the seat of another Democrat who passed away shortly before being reelected the previous fall.
aftermath of a shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, when a 28-year-old former student undergoing treatment for an emotional disorder purchased seven firearms legally and used some of them to kill three nine year olds and three adults.
Vice President Kamala Harris met with the Three during their brief exile.
“There were a couple things she told us. She said the courage and the momentum that we built for this movement has to continue, and she charged us with helping to make sure that young people realize that they have a voice and power in this fight,” Pearson recalls. “The second thing was that she shared her concern for our democracy because of the authoritarian actions of the General Assembly, and her worry about people misusing and abusing their power to silence the voices of people, especially the two youngest, democratically-elected black lawmakers.”
Three months after Pearson’s election, he and fellow Democratic Rep. Justin Jones of Nashville were expelled from the Tennessee House for violating decorum rules by participating in a demonstration for gun reform at the capitol during the legislative session. A third Democratic legislator, Rep. Gloria Johnson of Knoxville, survived the expulsion proceedings by just one vote, however both Pearson and Jones were quickly reappointed to their seats. Together, Pearson, Johnson and Jones are still referred to as “the Tennessee Three.”
The Tennessee Three’s participation in the demonstration came in the immediate
When Pearson arrived at WCU on the afternoon of Sept. 4, he didn’t launch right into a campaign speech. He started instead with a prayer, because as he was making his way to campus from Charlotte — part of a five-day, five-state swing for Harris/Walz — news broke that yet another school shooting had taken place just 100 miles south of campus.
Earlier that morning in Winder, Georgia, a 14-year-old was taken into custody after allegedly bringing an AR-type rifle to Apalachee High School and using it to kill two 14-year-olds and two adults — the deadliest
Rep. Justin J. Pearson of Memphis, Tennessee, speaks to a group of college Democrats at Western Carolina University. Cory Vaillancourt photo
school shooting in the United States since the one that prompted Pearson’s protest.
The suspect in the Apalachee shooting had received the gun as a “Christmas present” from his father in 2023, just seven months after the FBI interviewed them both during an investigation into online threats of a mass shooting allegedly made by the suspect.
The suspect was charged with four counts of murder, with more charges possibly forthcoming. His father was subsequently arrested and charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of second-degree cruelty to children — similar to the parents of a Michigan school shooter, jailed in April for 10 years on involuntary manslaughter convictions after their son killed four students in a school north of Detroit in 2022.
The Apalachee incident was the 385th mass shooting of 2024, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines “mass shooting” as a minimum of four victims, not including the shooter. It was the 16th mass shooting in Georgia this year, bringing the total killed in the state so far to 18, with 67 injured. According to CNN, it was the 45th school shooting of the year. Those statistics were only accurate as of Sept. 7, as several more mass shooting incidents have been logged across the country since then.
“I think gun violence is one of the number one concerns for young people, people 18 to 36 in particular,” Pearson said. “Gun violence, climate change, and economic
opportunity are top priorities. And the [Harris/Walz] campaign, with my being here today, is an effort to show the prioritization of this issue for people across the country.”
tization of school shootings in our country because of the inaction of people in positions of power. Vice President Harris is going to be the type of leader who is going to help us to end this gun violence epidemic.”
“The campaign is going to continue to do all that it can and advocate for laws at the federal and at the state and local level to protect our communities. It doesn’t make sense that we live between the traumatization of school shootings in our country because of the inaction of people in positions of power.”
— Tennessee State Rep. Justin J. Pearson
out in the hallway conducting an interview.
“We were all just sort of mingling around after the event, and a gentleman approached the door, and first he was asking us questions about who we are, what we were doing there, what was the nature of our event,” said Zach Powell, president of the WCU College Democrats, which hosted Pearson’s visit. “I just told him that we were the College Democrats of Western Carolina University. He had a sly grin on his face and was like, ‘Well, that’s great. I’m trying to start a college Republicans chapter here on campus. I am the chair of the Jackson County Republican Party.’ And then he just kind of walked off after we chuckled a little bit.”
Harris has called for a ban on assault weapons — like the one in effect from 1994 to 2004, which produced mixed results — and has supported federal initiatives against gun violence, like the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act while also pushing for the creation of the National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center, which acts as a resource for states that have implemented red flag laws to keep weapons out of the hands of people who are a threat to themselves or others.
“The campaign is going to continue to do all that it can and advocate for laws at the federal and at the state and local level to protect our communities,” Pearson said. “It doesn’t make sense that we live between the trauma-
Former President Donald Trump’s campaign has said, through advisors, that if elected he will protect Second Amendment rights by appointing federal judges who will oppose gun reform. After an Iowa school shooting in January, Trump called the incident “terrible” but told supporters, “We have to get over it. We have to move on.” His running mate, JD Vance, recently bemoaned the fact that school shootings are “a fact of life” and suggested “hardening” schools so they’re more difficult to infiltrate.
After Pearson’s remarks at WCU had concluded, a man walked into the building and poked his head into the room where the event had been held while Pearson was
According to Powell and others who were in the room when Keith Blaine made his appearance, Blaine made no threats, and the students weren’t intimidated.
“We are entirely focused on our goal of mobilizing Democrat students on campus and getting them out to vote in November,’ Powell said. “We aren’t really worried about what College Republicans or the Jackson County Republican Party are doing right now.”
Powell said there isn’t currently a college Republican club on campus, and that the conservative grassroots group Turning Point used to have a WCU chapter, which apparently folded more than six months ago.
Blaine refused to speak with The Smoky Mountain News about the incident, saying he was “booked.”
Election fraud claims are just that — a fraud
The looming 1980 presidential election was all over the news, the unpopular incumbent Jimmy Carter facing the charismatic former actor and California Gov. Ronald Reagan. A college junior in Boone walked into the Watauga County Board of Elections sometime in September and registered to vote in his first presidential election. On Election Day of that year, Nov. 4, that same kid cast a vote for John Anderson, the Independent from Illinois who garnered 6.6% of the vote while Reagan won a landslide victory over Carter. That kid was me. At the time I was a raging independent who did not dare be aligned with any group think, a pseudo intellectual who loved campus life and the back-and-forth political banter during beer-soaked late-night get-togethers in poorly heated, dank apartments. That proud independent turned to the political left as Ronald Reagan’s eight-year presidency progressed.
More important than my political views during that era, though, was a very strong, unyielding faith in the integrity of the American system of casting ballots, counting votes and leaders assuming the office they had just won or bowing out with integrity if they lost. Nowadays, that’s unfortunately just not the case even though there has been no proof whatsoever of any voter fraud or widespread conspiracies to promote voter fraud for one candidate or another. Not a shred.
‘Who can deny what we saw?’
To the Editor:
I agree with the writer of “Democrats need to learn a lesson” in the July 17 issue, when he says that, during the June 27 presidential debate with Trump, President Biden looked “diminished cognitively …Who can deny what we saw?”
The quiet competence and steadiness Biden has shown since 2020 in leading the nation out of the worst of the Pandemic is something I have been very thankful for, as well as for his passing legislation to upgrade the nation’s infrastructure, and for his bolstering Ukraine’s defense against Putin’s murderous aggression. But after seeing him debate in June, I wrote Democratic leaders to say that I did not think he had the mental stamina to stand up to the pressures of the office for another four years and should step aside.
But I also will not “deny what we saw” on Jan. 6, 2021. That’s when thousands showed up in Washington after then-president Donald Trump, having whipped them up for weeks with lies about a “rigged” election, tweeted: “Be there. Will be wild!”
Conservative Republican Liz Cheney hit the nail on the head: “President Trump summoned the mob, assembled the mob, and lit the flame of this attack.” On that day, we saw Donald Trump trying to overturn a legitimate election and refusing for hours to call off his attacking mob. He betrayed his oath of office and our democracy. Who can deny what we saw—Donald Trump, “diminished patriotically.”
I also agree with the letter writer when he tells Democrats that if they lose in November,
But perception, as they say, is reality. Here are the findings of a just-released poll form Catawba College and YouGov: “75 percent of North Carolinians are ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ confident that their vote will be accurately counted in their county in 2024’s general election, while 71 percent are ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ confident in the integrity of the 2024 election in North Carolina.”
Those conducting the poll view these results as showing that most voters have confidence in the voting process, particularly that the count in their home counties will be correct. To me, though, the other side of this coin is much more telling. If 29% of the state’s residents don’t have confidence in the integrity of the election, that portends a potential for serious blowback after the November vote. One only need remember the chaos fueled by Donald Trump’s furious claims after the 2020 election to fear that something similar or even worse might erupt in a couple of months.
Polling numbers have consistently shown that many Americans don’t have faith that our elections are conducted
LETTERS
“take your lumps, learn to lose gracefully.” If it is a free and fair election, like the one in 2020, if Trump does not shamelessly lean on numerous election officials again, like he leaned on Brad Raffensberger of Georgia to “find” him votes, if there are not slates of fake electors set up in key states to undermine the legitimate ones, and if, in 2024, one court after another dismisses Democratic suits challenging the election’s validity — I too hope that Democrats will take their lumps. Our country cannot exist as a democracy if the losing party rejects a clear-cut defeat.
But it is billionaire rich indeed to hear the writer lecture Democrats to “learn to lose gracefully,” when his candidate, after losing in 2020, showed the opposite of “grace.” Never have I seen or heard a louder, more graceless loser than Donald Trump was then — and who by his words and actions still is that, a graceless loser.
To quote Liz Cheney again about this year’s presidential election: “We can survive bad policies [in her view, those of a Democratic president]. We cannot survive torching the Constitution.” That would be Donald Trump.
Burt Kornegay Cullowhee
Food prices are too high
To the Editor:
To establish a baseline, acknowledge that there are various factors that influence prices at the grocery store. They include production, distribution, salaries, profit for the chain and store maintenance. Having said that, some things just don’t add up.
fairly and believe Trump’s claims about voter fraud. An ABC News/Ipsos poll released Aug. 30 showed that 17% of all voters aren’t prepared to accept the outcome of the November election. More alarming, 34% — one in three — “lacks confidence” that votes will be accurately counted.
Here’s another finding of that poll: 96% of Democrats think President Joe Biden was legitimately elected; 66% of independents and just 30% of Republicans.
Look, we can argue politics until we’re red in the face but the integrity of our systems, our institutions, that isn’t something in which opinions matter. As a journalist I’ve been covering elections since my first job in Zebulon, North Carolina, in 1987. I’ve watched election officials hand count votes, watched them tally computer tabs, even seen them painstakingly scribble results on chalkboards and tally them up to make sure all was correct. I’ve seen local Republican and Democrat officials oversee the canvassing of votes and everyone agreeing that all was done according to the rules in place. I’ve seen a few votes thrown out due to voter error, inability to determine who the vote was cast for, or some other mishap, but never anything close to widespread election fraud. The system works. The mistrust of our election systems is misplaced, plain and simple.
(Scott McLeod can be reached at info@smokymountainnews.com.)
Food prices have increased by 25% since 2020, while overall income has only increased by 19%. Most of the price increase occurred in 2022. Since then, the increase was 7.4%. In 2023, prices increased by: 9% for fats/oils, 8.4% for cereals/bakery, 1.4% for eggs and pork prices declined by 1.2%. Price growth slowed across all categories from 2022. In June, average price rose for eggs (3.5%), baby food/formula and beef (5% higher than last year) and milk. Some uncertainty persists, particularly for eggs (avian flu) and beef (drought affecting herd size) prices. For beef, meat processors have improved efficiency which resulted in decreased competition in the market. Fresh vegetables/fruit and pork have fallen in price.
“Grocery prices have been running much higher than average inflation and grocery profit margins have been quite high as well.” said Lindsay Owens, executive director of Washington think tank Groundwork Collaborative. “And while the input costs come down, grocery prices are still high, and that is a problem for many families who are trying to keep food on the table.” Grocery stores and food producers have said high costs for labor and supply chain disruptions have been keeping prices high.
The percentage of household income used for food is at a 30-year high — 11%. In North Carolina, a single person spends $303 each month and a family of 4 spends $1,064. But, what about families that make less than $51,482 (averagg income Jackson County)? About 19.4% of Jackson County residents live in poverty. In their cases, food might cost 20 or 25% of the monthly expenses.
How does a person cope with elevated food prices? The most common ways are to decrease meat, cut down on snack items and
buy store brands. Also, there is an increased use of food pantries in the county. Gardens can help. There is not extra money for eating out.
Food prices depend on many factors. They are predicted to increase over the next year by 1%. Just because you choose to vote a particular way does not mean your food cost are going to decrease and you are not going to get wealthy.
Susan Bogardus Cullowhee
Trump appointed only the best
To the Editor:
It is exceedingly rare for members of a former president’s cabinet or inner circle of advisers not to support their boss for reelection. It is also highly unusual for members of the military to make political comments. Here are just a few of the comments by former appointees of President Trump .
Mike Pence served as President Trump’s Vice President — “Donald Trump is pursuing and articulating an agenda that is at odds with the conservative agenda that we governed on during our four years.”
Mark Esper served as U.S. Secretary of Defense for President Trump — Trump is not “fit for office because he puts himself first, and I think anybody running for office should put the country first.”
James ‘Jim’ Mattis, a retired four-star general who served as secretary of defense. He said of President Trump — “His use of the Presidency to destroy trust in our election and to poison our respect for fellow citizens has been enabled by pseudo political leaders
Editor Scott McLeod
Harris will be bad for the country
To the Editor:
This is in response to Cory Vaillancourt’s two articles in The Smoky Mountain News’ August 21 edition.
Mr. Vaillancourt stated that Trump is struggling to communicate effectively against Harris. Millions of voters, Republicans, independents, and yes, even Democrats, would beg to differ. The only messaging problem is countering Harris's policies because none exist. She refuses to have press conferences, unlike Trump repeatedly does, to subject herself to answering hard policy questions from the press.
This is probably because she has no actual policies to share. It also seems like a Democrat Party strategy to keep her from speaking without teleprompters because she struggles to articulate her thoughts.
I misspoke. During a recent speaking engagement, Kamala spoke about her economic plans and policies. She stated she would create a price-gouging review/oversight agency to ensure businesses price their products appropriately. This is nothing more than Marxist government price controls on services and products sold.
Under her economic policies, the federal government fixes prices based on what it feels the cost of any item should be, not on market supply and demand. Any amount
whose names will live in infamy as profiles in cowardice.”
Mark Milley served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and said President Trump was a “wannabe dictator.” He added, “We don’t take an oath to an individual. We take an oath to the Constitution, and we take an oath to the idea that is America— and we’re willing to die to protect it.”
John Bolton, served as President Trump’s national security adviser and a frequent Fox News guest. He said there will be “celebrations in the Kremlin” if Trump is elected in November, adding: “Putin thinks that he is an easy mark.” Further, he said “Donald Trump wants Americans to treat him like North Koreans treat Kim Jong Un.”
John Kelly, a former Marine Corps general, served as President Trump’s secretary of Homeland Security and White House chief of staff. Of president Trump he said, “A person who admires autocrats and murderous dictators. A person that has nothing but contempt for our democratic institutions, our Constitution and the rule of law.”
Kelly further said of President Trump, “A person that thinks those who defend their country in uniform, or are shot down or seriously wounded in combat, or spend years being tortured as POW’s are all ‘suckers’ because ‘there is nothing in it for them.”
Asked about the prospect of a second Trump White House term, Kelly added: “God help us.”
Louise Vitale Franklin
over their baseline is considered gouging.
Whether one chooses to call her the border czar or not, her open-border mindset is overwhelming our health care, education, welfare, housing and law enforcement systems, costing taxpayers over $12 billion a month nationally.
She stated that her policies would focus on ensuring equitable wealth distribution, regardless of status. She also said she would build upon the Affordable Care Act to provide government-controlled cheap health care. However, she did not limit this care to citizens-only in her statement.
She stated that she would make free education available to everyone, including a college education. Again, she expanded this to something other than citizens-only.
In other words, she intends to transform our constitutional republic into a MarxistSocialist nation, completing Barak Obama's promise to transform America fundamentally.
The few policies she has put forward are plain and straightforward: Marxist Socialism.
Her few stated policies would fuel inflation, diminish family financial stability and destroy our Republic.
LeRoy E. Cossette Waynesville
GOP becoming a fascist party
To the Editor:
I have seen banners and bumper stickers that read, “Socialism or Freedom.” I would hardly call the Republican party the party of freedom. The Heritage Foundation and Project 2025 want to take our freedoms away. They want to tell women what they can/cannot do with their bodies, what teachers can/cannot teach, what books libraries can/cannot offer, who you can/cannot love and not to mention what religion you can/cannot practice! I fail to see the freedom part.
If the GOP wants to call the Democratic party socialists, then they need to be referred to as Fascists! The Webster Dictionary definition of Fascism: “a political philosophy, movement, or regime that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition.”
I find this a radical discrepancy that Democrats are referred to as socialist but the Republicans are the party of freedom? Trump himself has said: “vote for me and you will never have to vote again!” If you do not find that horrifying, you should. Jane Finneran Cullowhee
It’s Only Fear That Makes You Run
A conversation with Melissa Etheridge
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
If there’s one word to describe singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge, it would be persistent.
From humble and hardscrabble beginnings as a performer in dive bars and back rooms throughout the Midwest in the late 1970s and early 1980s to international acclaim just a decade later, Etheridge has remained a beacon of creativity and purpose throughout the decades — where now words like “legend” and “icon” tend to precede her name in the bright lights of show business.
Amid all of those hit singles (“I’m the Only One,” “Come to My Window,” “I Want to Come Over,” to name a few) and enormous gigs, Etheridge has always used her voice as one of reason in uncertain times. A pioneering social and political activist, she’s looked upon as a bridge of love and compassion in the face of intense division and outrage.
In conversation, Etheridge is much like her beloved melodies — warm, introspective and embracing, where the fire of her intent remains as illuminating and roaring as ever.
It’s as if Etheridge is continually coming into her own, these chapters of her life opening and closing, with blank pages of possibility revealing themselves in due time. It’s something that resides at the core of her deep, intrinsic drive to connect to humanity through the universal language itself — music, especially when performed live.
Smoky Mountain News: What does the landscape of Melissa Etheridge look like these days? Where are you in your career?
Melissa Etheridge: I’m in a great place, a place where I don’t worry anymore. I’m not looking at charts or radio. I’m just concentrating on my music and that really makes me happy. I have people that will come see me [perform] that know — when they come to see me, they’re going to have an experience. They’re going to feel better. They’re going to hear the hit
songs that they love. They’re going to hear new stuff and they’re going to be entertained and that’s just gold. I keep working on that and it feels really good.
SMN: Well, I would then surmise that there’s really a conscious and subconscious effort to promote positivity and be aware of “the now.”
ME: Absolutely. You hit it right on the nose. That’s what I like to bring. You know, these are trying times, these are times that divide a lot of people and this is an opportunity to really step up and say, “Hey, that’s our strength, that we’re all different.”
It’s a blessing that we’re all different and some people are going to be rubbed the wrong way and that’s OK. You know, we can all still be in the same room and love music and enjoy things.
SMN: Then you must obviously see the importance of the platform that you stand on, in terms of the social responsibility of an artist?
ME: And I would never take advantage of that. People know my lifestyle. They know what I stand for. They know my politics and all that sort of stuff. But, I never bring that into my performance. I let my own personal spirit come through my performance. I speak of love. I speak of unity and strengthening one’s own inner self, because I think the best way to change the world is to start with yourself.
SMN: For someone as positive as yourself, who’s always been politically and socially active, are you optimistic about the future?
ME: Absolutely. And mostly because I went through a lifechanging illness. I had breast cancer about [20] years ago and that really sort of set a lot of perspective to me of [that] this is a life school and it’s a practice every day.
And my work is to get out there and create and believe. I’m hopeful and you have to be or else you’re just going to draw to
you the hopeless. I believe that we’re learning. I believe we’re all growing. I think we’re better off than we’ve ever been. And I know that the future is brighter.
SMN: Where does that old soul mentality come from within you?
ME: Well, I was born and raised in the Midwest. In Kansas, we were raised to be nice, play fair, work hard and enjoy the fruits of your labor. And I’ve always taken that with me. Then, living in California for 30 years, I’ve certainly learned about peace and love, healthy things and keeping myself healthy — [it all] really makes a big difference.
SMN: In terms of where we are in the 21st century, what is the role of the songwriter in our digital world?
ME: We can’t let go of the things that move our soul. And as writers create and speak and reach past the mind and working consciousness of problem solving stuff, we need to always have the balance of the creative, of the inspiring, of the spiritual. And that’s the job. It’s never going to go away — we’re always going to need that.
Want to go?
Legendary singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, on the outdoor stage at Salvage Station in Asheville.
The show is all ages. Doors at 7 p.m. Admission is $46 in advance, $51 day of show. VIP packages are also available. Kids age seven and under are admitted free. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, go to salvagestation.com.
Melissa Etheridge will play Asheville Sept. 14. File photo
This must be the place
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD
‘Could
have been the Willie Nelson, could have been the wine’
Hello from Room 12106 at the Fairmont Royal York in the heart of downtown Toronto, Ontario. For late summer above the Canadian Border, it’s quite warm and pleasant on this Thursday morning. Bright sunshine peeking through the window drapes of this luxury hotel in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Canada’s largest city.
I’m up here for Rolling Stone covering the premiere of The Tragically Hip documentary “No Dress Rehearsal,” which will be the official kickoff for the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival. Arguably Canada’s most beloved rock band, the film itself is a four-hour, four-episode masterpiece in cinema and in music.
But, for me, this surreal experience is an incredibly full-circle moment. Being a North Country native growing up on the border in Rouses Point, New York, the music of the Hip resides at the absolute core of my melodic heart and soul. And the same can be said for those I grew up with, for the Hip’s lyrics and songs remain a pillar of our long-gone youth and unfolding adulthood.
I think of the first time I heard the Hip. September 1998. I was in eighth grade. First period earth science class at Northeastern Clinton Central School in Champlain, New York. A friend of mine pulled out a bright yellow CD from his backpack. It was the Hip’s new album, “Phantom Power.” As a lifelong music freak, I was curious and asked him about the record.
He put the headphones over my ears and pressed play. The opening track “Poets” echoed in my head, forever shifting my musical trajectory, as all timeless and unique bands should. I was never the same after that day, nor was I after seeing the Hip live on my exact 14th birthday: Feb. 5, 1999, at the Molson Centre in Montreal, Quebec. Onward to today, once again interviewing this group of musicians whose work is eternally etched on the walls of my mind.
With the film premiere a couple of hours away, I decided to toss on some running clothes, lace up my shoes and go for a jog around Toronto. Stroll the endless, pristine hallway of the 12th floor to the shiny elevators, down to the lobby of elaborate marble floors, slick walls and cathedral ceilings. Stunning architecture and intricate antique fixtures in the Royal York, first opened in 1929.
Exiting the quiet nature of the Royal York onto Front Street, I was immediately inundated with the incessant white noise of a worldclass city in motion. Taxi cabs honking. Delivery trucks motoring by. Passerby conversations in French. Airplanes high above descending slowly into Toronto Pearson
International Airport.
Looking left, then right, then left again, I momentarily pondered what direction to trot down. Utter organized chaos in seemingly every direction. Knowing the harbor and greater Lake Ontario was just a few blocks south of my position, I headed that way. Cross the street and meander by the historic Union Station, countless faces emerging from the train onto Front Street, off to work in a hurry. Take a right onto Bay Street and by all the city buses picking up and dropping off folks from all walks of life, backgrounds, ideologies, creeds and colors. The beauty and essence of an international city. The feeling of endless possibilities when it comes to interactions, conversations and cultivation of adventures and knowledge lying just around the next corner, block or street.
Huff and puff joyously and gloriously along Bay Street, by the Scotiabank Arena, home of the Toronto Maple Leafs, a professional hockey team whose games in that venue I’ve watched over the years on CBC’s “Hockey Night in Canada.” Either as a young kid in Rouses Point or in recent years when I’m home for the holidays visiting my parents, sitting in the back den of their farmhouse. Cross Queens Quay and enter Harbour Square Park. Watch the ferries cross the water to Centre Island and commercial freighters in the distance heading into port. Seagulls floating gracefully in the cool breeze coming off the lake. Numerous houseboats tied up to the
docks along the harbor. Other joggers, walkers and bicyclists also partaking in the same sacred act of sweat and tranquility of self only found in exercise in your own time, at your own pace.
Back onto Queens Quay heading west. Finding that ideal rhythm of a brisk run, but one of consistency and endurance for the long haul of the jaunt, the long haul of life itself. Beads of sweat dripping down my forehead. A slight grin of pure happiness rolls across my face, my eyes gazing up and taking inventory of the skyscrapers, apartment buildings, boutique stores, cafes, bars and restaurants.
By the time I had decided to stop, turn around and head back to the Royal York to get ready for the film premiere, I realized I was standing next to the Toronto Music Garden. A green space of splendor and peace, I entered it and immediately found myself transported into the simple pleasures of Mother Nature.
No more white noise of traffic and the gogo-go city. I could hear crickets and songbirds, only to look up and appreciate the sheer magnificence of a lone willow tree hanging over the small summer concert stage. And towering right behind the tree, several blocks away and some 1,815 feet up in the air, was the CN Tower.
I took in the CN Tower in amazement, this colossal monument and tribute to human ingenuity and imagination. The tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere.
To note, it was the tallest free-standing structure in the world from 1975-2007. And there it was, just sitting there staring down upon little ole me while I was on my morning run.
Saying goodbye to the CN Tower, I began making my way back to the Royal York. Another maze of joggers, walkers and bicyclists. Red lights, green lights and crosswalks. Traffic and sunshine. Fresh harbor air and seagulls. Back up Bay Street to Front Street. Along Union Station to the lobby of the Royal York. Across the shiny marble floor and up the shiny elevator. Gratitude remains.
Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.
HOT PICKS
1
Americana/bluegrass act Appalachian Smoke will perform at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Swain Arts Center in Bryson City.
2
A special production of “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13-14, 19-21 and 2 p.m. Sept. 15 and 22 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
3
The Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment (CLE) will host its annual Highlands Porchfest music festival from 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, in Highlands.
4
The Natti Love Joys will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at Lazy Hiker Brewing in Sylva.
5 Valley Tavern (Maggie Valley) will host Carolina Freightshakers (classic rock/country gold) at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13.
The CN Tower in Toronto, Ontario. Garret K. Woodward photo
Ready for Highlands Porchfest?
The Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment (CLE) will host its annual Highlands Porchfest music festival from 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, in Highlands.
With 45 musicians of various styles and genres performing across 14 venues in the heart of downtown Highlands, this has
become a much-anticipated event each year.
Highlands Porchfest is free to attend. This is made possible by the generous contributions of sponsors and volunteers. For more information about Highlands Porchfest, a full schedule of artists and venues, visit highlandsporchfest.com.
Appalachian Smoke rolls into Bryson City
Americana/bluegrass act Appalachian Smoke will perform at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Swain Arts Center in Bryson City.
Appalachian Smoke is a contemporary bluegrass band grounded in the corners of North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. Its independent release, “Colder Side of Love,” received three reviews in Bluegrass Today, acknowledging their talented songwriting, melodic arrangements and smooth vocal harmonies.
According to Bluegrass Today, Appalachian Smoke brings an “edgy, modern sound” to bluegrass music and “if they stick to this formula, we will be hearing about Appalachian Smoke for a long time.”
Tickets are $10 adults, $5 students. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, go to swainartscenter.com or call 828.488.7843.
Natti Love Joys will play Sylva Sept. 13. File photo
Reggae, soul at Lazy Hiker
The Natti Love Joys will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at Lazy Hiker Brewing in Sylva.
A roots-rock-reggae band that has been playing live since 2003, the group consists of husband and wife duo Anthony “Jatti” Allen and Sonia “Marla” Allen (formerly Sonia Abel).
Jatti was previously the bassist for the reggae group The Congos, while Marla originates from the cult all female reggae group Love Joys, where she recorded two albums under the legendary Wackies label run by Lloyd Barnes (Bullwackie).
The show is free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host Doug & Lisa Sept. 21. All shows begin at 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9320 / blueridgebeerhub.com.
• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host Rossdafareye (Americana/indie) Sept. 14 and Mike Rhodes Fellowship Sept. 21. All shows are located in The Gem downstairs taproom and begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.246.0350 / boojumbrewing.com.
• Cataloochee Ranch (Maggie Valley) will host Marc & Anita Pruett (Americana/bluegrass) 4 p.m. Sept. 29. For tickets and reservations, go to cataloocheeranch.com/ranch-events/live-music.
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host Whitewater Bluegrass Co. (Americana/bluegrass) 6 p.m. Sept. 21. 828.369.4080 / coweeschool.org/music.
• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Dirty Dave (singer-songwriter) Sept. 14. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.634.0078 / curraheebrew.com.
• Farm At Old Edwards (Highlands) will host the “Orchard Sessions” w/Martin & Kelly (Americana/country) Sept. 12. All shows begin at 6 p.m. 866.526.8008 / oldedwardshospitality.com/orchardsessions.
• Folkmoot Friendship Center (Waynesville) will host Michael Fitzpatrick (cello) Sept. 27. 828.452.2997 / folkmoot.org.
• Happ’s Place (Glenville) will host Blue Jazz (blues/ jazz) Sept. 13, Rock Holler Sept. 14, Doug Ramsey (singer-songwriter) Sept. 16, 21, 23 and Charles Walker (singer-songwriter) Sept. 20. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.742.5700 / happsplace.com.
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host Jamey Johnson (Americana/country) Sept. 20-21. Tickets start at $31 per person. caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.
• Highlands Performing Arts Center will host Darren Nicholson Band (Americana/bluegrass) 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28. Tickets are $50 per person. 828.526.9047 / highlandsperformingarts.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Karaoke w/Spoon Sept. 13, Anna Victoria (singer-songwriter) Sept. 14, Bryan & Al (Americana/bluegrass) Sept. 20 and Roscoe’s Road Show (Americana) Sept. 21. 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, Natti Love Joys (reggae/soul) Sept. 13 and Anna Victoria (singersongwriter) Sept. 20. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. 828.349.2337 / lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host a “Community Music Jam” 6 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month. Free and open to
Folk/blues artist Scott Low will play Highlands Sept. 15. File photo
Appalachian Smoke will play Bryson City Sept. 14. File photo
On the beat
the public. All musicians and music lovers are welcome. 828.488.3030 / fontanalib.org.
ALSO:
• Pickin’ On The Square (Franklin) will host Two Weeks Notice (classic rock/ country) Sept. 14. All shows begin at 6 p.m. at the Gazebo in downtown. Free and open to the public. franklinnc.com/pickin-on-the-square.html.
• Pub 319 (Waynesville) will host Ginny McAfee (singer-songwriter) Sept. 12, Shane Meade (singer-songwriter) Sept. 16, Ann Coombs & Lisa P. Sept. 19 and Darren Nicholson (Americana/ bluegrass) Sept. 20. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.456.3040 / pub319socialhouse.com.
• Scotsman (Waynesville) will host Andrew Saltz (country/rock) Sept. 12, Moon Water (Americana/ jazz) Sept. 13, Bridget Gossett (singer-songwriter) Sept. 19 and The Borrowed Band (country/rock) Sept. 21. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.6292 / scotsmanpublic.com.
• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host John Schneider w/ Cody McCarver 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28. Tickets start at $29 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 The New Quintet (Americana/ roots) 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 ($15 adults, $10 students). 828.479.3364 / stecoahvalleycenter.com.
• Swain Arts Center (Bryson City) will host Appalachian Smoke (Americana/bluegrass) 6 p.m. Sept. 14. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 students. 828.488.7843 / swainartscenter.com.
• Unplugged Pub (Bryson City) will host Blue (bluegrass/jazz) Sept. 12 (free), Deep Rootz Sept. 13, Lori & The Freightshakers (classic rock/country gold) Sept. 14, Karaoke w/Lori Sept. 19 (free), Blackwater Station Sept. 20 and Macon County Line Sept. 21. 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 Connor Hunt (country/acoustic) 5:30 p.m. Sept. 13 and Dick Dickerson (indie/acoustic) 2 p.m. Sept. 22. Free and open to the public. 828.944.0686 / valleycigarandwineco.com.
• Valley Tavern (Maggie Valley) will host Carolina Freightshakers (classic rock/country gold) 7 p.m. Sept. 13, The Super 60s (classic rock/oldies) 4 p.m. Sept. 15, Blake Ellege (rock/soul) 7 p.m. Sept. 20 and Macon County Line 4 p.m. Sept. 22. Free and open to the public. 828.926.7440 / valley-tavern.com.
• Yonder Community Market (Franklin) will host Stevie Tombstone (Americana/folk) 4 p.m. Sept. 29. Family friendly, dog friendly. 828.200.2169 / eatrealfoodinc.com.
• Find more at smokymountainnews.com/arts
On the wall
Smokies Life publishes George Masa biography
Smokies Life has announced the publication of “George Masa: A Life Reimagined,” the first comprehensively researched biography of the visionary Japanese photographer whose dedication to art and conservation helped spur the national park movement in the Great Smoky Mountains, as well as the creation of the Appalachian Trail.
Coauthored by Cornell University librarian Janet McCue and documentary filmmaker Paul Bonesteel, “George Masa: A Life Reimagined” answers fundamental questions that have swirled around the man known as George Masa ever since the young Japanese immigrant stepped off a train in the mountain city of Asheville one summer day in 1915.
Despite his significant role in park history, until now, little has been known about Masa’s personal struggles and triumphs during his pre-Asheville life. McCue and Bonesteel’s biography — relying on letters, journal entries, train tickets and public records scattered from Japan to the Great Smoky Mountains — sheds light for the first time on why Masa might have been drawn to mountainous landscapes, showing him as an ambitious artist who also sought to serve a greater cause.
The book also explores the many trials Masa endured — scrutiny in 1918 from the agency now known as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, harassment from the Ku Klux Klan in 1921, the collapse of the economy, his business and his health in the early 1930s — while still choosing to devote himself to the conservation of the Southern Appalachians.
‘Youth Arts Festival’
Artisan demonstrations will be held in Dillsboro Sept. 21. File photo
The annual “Youth Arts Festival” will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro.
Children’s activities, live artisan demonstrations and much more. Food will be available for purchase. Only satellite parking will be available at Monteith Park and the Jackson County Justice Center with a free shuttle to and from the park.
The event is free and open to the public. For information, call 828.631.0271 or go to jcgep.org.
“People were touched by his dedication during his lifetime and 90 years later we still are,” McCue said. “That’s a long shadow.” McCue’s interest in Masa began years ago as she was researching his close friend Horace Kephart and writing what would become “Back of Beyond: A Horace Kephart Biography” with the late George Ellison. Soon after the 2019 release of “Back of Beyond,” which won that year’s Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award, McCue had already begun talking with Bonesteel about a new project: co-writing a full-length biography of Kephart’s companion George Masa. Bonesteel first caught the “Masa bug” after reading a 1997 essay titled “George Masa: The Best Mountaineer” by William A. Hart Jr., who also penned the introduction for this new 320-page biography. Bonesteel’s 2002 documentary “The Mystery of George Masa” revealed what was known about the photographer up until that point and helped generate renewed interest in Masa.
“George Masa arrived as a stranger to the Great Smoky Mountains, adopted them as his home and then — through his photographic artistry and untiring dedication — inspired others to preserve them as a national park,” said Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan of “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.” “But until now, much of his personal story was lost to history. Through a remarkable achievement in biographical research, Janet McCue and Paul Bonesteel have filled in the gaps and finally give this hero of the national park idea his due.”
Told with care and attention to detail, this groundbreaking biography vividly illustrates the life of an ambitious artist striving for “a great future, a castle of success” but also for a role serving a greater cause — a creative and energetic man who reimagined his life, time and time again.
Available now, the 6x9-inch paperback, which includes a 32page color photo insert, can be purchased for $28.95 in the park’s visitor center bookstores and at smokieslife.org.
The public is invited to the following free events in celebration of the book’s launch:
• ”Library Talk” with the Authors in partnership with Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café: Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2–3:30 p.m., East Asheville Library, 3 Avon Road, Asheville.
• “Book Launch Party” in partnership with Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café: Wednesday, Sept. 11, 7–9 p.m. at Citizen Vinyl, 14 O. Henry Street, Asheville.
• “Book Signing”: Saturday, Sept. 14, 1–4 p.m. at Smoky Mountain Outdoor Center, 7138 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, Tennessee.
• “An Evening with the Authors” in partnership with Highlands Cashiers Land Trust: Monday, Sept. 16, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Highlands Inn, 420 Main Street, Highlands.
For more information about Smokies Life and to join, visit smokieslife.org.
Haywood County Studio Tour
Presented by the Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC), the annual Haywood County Studio Tour will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22.
A free, self-guided event showcasing the region’s talented artists, this unique event offers art lovers the chance to visit artists’ studios. Watch live demonstrations and purchase original works directly from the creators.
To help visitors explore the diverse art across our mountainous region, some artists have been grouped into “pods” at locations like Twigs and Leaves Gallery, Folkmoot, Burlwood Gallery, Cold Mountain Arts Collective and the new Church Street Studios.
In addition to studio visits, HCAC is hosting a silent auction featuring artwork by HCAC artist members, with proceeds benefiting the HCAC. Auction items can be viewed in the gallery window at 86 North Main St. in Waynesville or online at givebutter.com/c/UBQcTO.
“The Haywood County Studio Tour has been a beloved tradition, celebrating our community’s creativity and the artists who bring beauty and inspiration to our lives,” said HCAC Executive Director Tonya Harwood. “Join us for this special weekend of art, music and community.”
Maps and artist information will be available at participating galleries and online at haywoodarts.org/studio-tour.
George Masa stands at the Biltmore Estate circa 1920s. Buncombe County Special Collections, Pack Memorial Public Library photo
On the wall
• “Kaleidoscope: An Exploration of Color & Shapes,” the latest exhibition from the Haywood County Arts Council, will be on display through Oct. 27 at the HCAC on Main Street in Waynesville. Free and open to the public. haywoodarts.org.
• 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.
• Nantahala Outdoor Center (Nantahala Gorge) will host a “Summer Artisan Market” from noon to 5 p.m. the second Saturday of the month (May-September). Free and open to the public. noc.com.
• “Art & Artisan Walk” will be held from 5-8 p.m. every third Thursday of the month (MayDecember) in Bryson City. Stroll the streets in the evening and discover handcrafted items, artwork, jewelry, pottery, antiques and more. Look for the yellow and blue balloons identifying participating businesses hosting artists. greatsmokies.com.
• “Art After Dark” will be held from 6-9 p.m. each first Friday of the month (MayDecember) in downtown Waynesville.
On the table
• “Flights & Bites” will be held starting at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. waynesvillewine.com.
• “Take A Flight” with four new wines every Friday and Saturday 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.
Main Street transforms into an evening of art, live music, finger foods, beverages and shopping as artisan studios and galleries keep their doors open later for local residents and visitors alike. The event is free and open to the public. downtownwaynesville.com.
• 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
ALSO:
• 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, go to cre828.com. dawn@cre828.com / 828.283.0523.
• Gallery Zella (Bryson City) will be hosting an array of artist receptions, exhibits and showcases. The gallery is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. 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
On the stage
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. The HCAC gallery is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. haywoodarts.org.
• Jackson County Green Energy Park (Dillsboro) will be offering a slew of classes, events and acti- vities 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/scclocations/swain-center.
• Dogwood Crafters in Dillsboro will offer a selec- tion of upcoming art classes and workshops. dogwoodcrafters.com/classes / 828.586.2248.
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host semi-regular arts and crafts workshops. coweeschool.org/events.
HART presents ‘Great American Trailer Park’
A special production of “The Great American Trailer Park
Musical” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13-14, 19-21 and 2 p.m. Sept. 15 and 22 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
Set in Armadillo Acres, Florida’s most exclusive trailer park, “The Great American Trailer Park
On the street
Fall into Darnell Farms
Darnell Farms is a popular destination in WNC. File photo
The annual corn maze and pumpkin patch will return through Oct. 31 at Darnell Farms in Bryson City.
Visit the farm for some old-fashioned fun. Walk through the corn maze ($14 admission), enjoy a hayride ($22 admission, which includes pumpkin), partake in an array of Halloween activities and/or visit the huge pumpkin patch, where you and your family choose your perfect Jack O’ Lantern. Prices vary by size.
There will also be food trucks, farm stands, apples and fall decor onsite. For more information, go to darnellfarms.com.
‘Social District of Sylva Celebration’
The Main Street Sylva Association will host its “Social District of Sylva Celebration” from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at Bridge Park and throughout downtown Sylva.
All are welcome to attend with yard games, snacks and beer vendors at Bridge Park, along with a live remote broadcast from Western Carolina University’s radio station, 95.3 FM. A chalk art competition will be held on Railroad Avenue.
Attendees who spend $100 or more that day in downtown Sylva can get a free “Friends of Main Street” thermal Social District cup valued at $25. When the Brew Hop was started in 2017, it was a ticketed event with the goal of giving locals and visitors a taste of Sylva’s breweries and providing them with great visibility. As the local breweries made a name for themselves, crowd sizes increased making the event difficult to manage.
Musical” dives into the quirky lives of its residents. When Pippi, a stripper on the run, stirs up trouble in the neighborhood, it leads to a love triangle, a kidnapping, and plenty of drama — all served with a side of laughter and a whole lot of Southern charm.
The musical, written by David Nehls and Betsy Kelso, has been a hit since it first pre-
• Highlands Performing Arts Center will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. highlandsperformingarts.com.
• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on
miered, captivating audiences with its unique blend of humor, heart and toe-tapping tunes.
Tickets start at $18 and up. To purchase tickets, call the HART Box Office at 828.456.6322 or go to harttheatre.org. HART
Box Office hours are Tuesday-Friday from noon to 5 p.m. HART is located at 250 Pigeon St. in Waynesville.
Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays unless otherwise noted. thepeacocknc.org / 828.389.ARTS.
• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host the “Who Wants To Be A Star” talent competition at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. 866.273.4615 / smokymountainarts.com.
With the addition of the Social District of Sylva and the variety of craft cocktails, wine and ciders in downtown, the association thought a new twist on the event was worth exploring to give all merchants exposure and make the event more inclusive. Hence, the “Social District of Sylva Celebration.”
The event is family-friendly with something for everyone to enjoy both at Bridge Park and throughout downtown.
For more information, contact Economic Development Director Bernadette Peters at mainstreet@townofsylva.org or 828.586.2719.
• Grumpy Bear Campground & RV Park (Bryson City) will host a “Native American Show” 6 p.m. on Saturdays. Free and open to the public. Donations encouraged. 828.788.2095 or grumpybearcampground.com.
Donated photo
A new take on an old issue
Glass half-full or glass half-empty?
erful force in human affairs.”
At about the same time, the Protestant Reformation saw Northern Europe, including Great Britain, break from the South and the Catholic Church. “It was these northern European states,” Ellis rightly notes, “that would be most prominent in the development of modern science and technology, and
For the past 20 years, we’ve heard from academics, some politicians and various commentators that America is a deeply racist society. In response, some colleges, the federal government and certain corporations require employees and students take instruction in DEI, or diversity, equity and inclusion. Aware of the destructive power contained in charges of racism, some Americans paint their political opponents as racial bigots with no evidence whatsoever.
But is America a cauldron of racial hatred? Or are those who believe so willfully mistaken, or just as likely, ignorant of the past?
In “A Short History of Relations Between Peoples: How the World Began to Move Beyond Tribalism” (Encounter Books, 2024, 176 pages), Professor John M. Ellis is having none of this pessimistic glass half-empty attitude of race today. To the contrary, he contends that for the first time in history humankind has long been moving, by fits and by starts, toward what he calls gens una sumus, Latin for “we are all one people.”
Ellis begins his history by taking us back to 1500, when “cultures didn’t admire one another, but on the contrary were suspicious and hostile, always fearing conflict. People saw safety in the protection afforded by people like themselves, and they saw only danger in contact with people beyond their own tribe.” By tribe, Ellis means ethnic groups based on a common language and culture, ranging from groups like the Cherokee in North America to the Anglo-Saxon English of Britain. In 1500 and earlier, the idea of gens una sumus was non-existent.
Over the next five centuries, three major forces came into play that are ending this tribalism in most of the world. The first was the Age of Discovery, in which exploration, led mostly by Europeans, brought into “close and sustained contact peoples who had hitherto known nothing of one another’s existence.” This outward expansion from countries like Spain, the Netherlands, and in particular, Great Britain, led to colonization, which eventually created multi-racial societies and nations.
Second on Ellis’s list is the printing press. With that invention, the publication of books, newspapers, pamphlets and magazines brought about wider literacy. These two trends fed off of each other, creating a literate public. This development meant that people could experience other peoples and cultures vicariously through print. As Ellis then points out, “that, in turn, meant that ideas concerning the rights and wrongs of human behavior could become a more pow-
bloody and horrific violence. Some nations, such as Japan, remain xenophobic, or like China, racist, but even in those places the widespread idea of gens una sumus has blunted these attitudes.
more generally of modernity itself.”
Combined with the European excursions and settlements around the globe, knowledge and use of this technology would soon spread and become an international phenomenon.
Further into his history, Ellis adds a fourth factor in lifting peoples above tribalism, the development of democratic ideas, particularly those in Britain. This transformation of government and politics gradually helped give birth to the idea, as witnessed in Britain’s eventually fierce opposition to slavery, of gens una sumus.
By means of numerous historical examples, Ellis builds his case that the last 500 years have brought about this profound transformation in how we view others. He recognizes that in many places in the world, parts of Africa, for instance, or the Middle East, the bonds and loyalties of tribalism still dominate, so much so that they result in
In the last chapter of “A Short History,” Ellis turns his attention to “the most hotly disputed issues of our time,” like racism, cultural appropriation and colonialism. By ignoring the past, indeed by applying today’s “we are all one people” idea to that past as if it was then a standard of behavior and conduct, many of the commentators about race in our day have gone offtrack. Rather than celebrating the progress made by human beings in moving away from tribalistic inclinations and ethnic prejudices, they have instead judged the past by a standard that didn’t even exist in that earlier time and have condemned today’s newly created pluralistic, multi-cultural societies as being racist. Ellis writes, “They think that modernity is riddled with racism; the truth is that modernity has rescued us from racism.”
Ellis concludes, “A look at the sweep of history from 1500 to the present ought to make us optimistic and confident. We have made enormous strides. The truth is that we’ve long since overcome the widespread fear and loathing of other cultures characteristic of 1500. We’ve progressed especially in the last seventy-five years, during which we have become a multi-racial society in which all kinds of people work well together and have valuable friendships.”
“A Short History of the Relations Between Peoples” offers a fresh perspective on race and culture in our time, one that should leave readers with hope for the future.
(Jeff Minick reviews books and has written four of his own: two novels, “Amanda Bell” and “Dust On Their Wings,” and two works of nonfiction, “Learning As I Go” and “Movies Make the Man.” minick0301@gmail.com.)
Writer Jeff Minick
Doing battle with the world’s deadliest animal
WCU researchers join the fight against mosquito-borne diseases
BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER
Sure, mosquitos are an important link in the food chain for amphibians, birds and other insects, but they’re annoying, they’re persistent and they can actually kill you. Two researchers at Western Carolina University are working on a faster, cheaper, more reliable method to identify which ones will.
“All mosquito-borne diseases are essentially preventable,” said Brian Byrd, professor of environmental health sciences supervisor of the Mosquito and Vector-Borne Infectious Disease Facility in the School of Health Sciences at Western Carolina University.
Diseases transmitted by the world’s deadliest animal are many and plague nearly the entire planet, especially the developing world. Tech titan Bill Gates has poured millions into ameliorating the threat, and a host of other nonprofits and academic institutions devote untold hours to reducing the estimated 1 million deaths mosquitos cause each year.
But not all of the 200 species in the United States or the 65 in North Carolina are disease vectors — only about a dozen or so.
Public health officials can’t afford to gamble with limited resources, so testing is crucial, albeit expensive and time consuming.
Right now, Byrd said, it’s a three-step process. Someone will go out into the field and place a trap commonly using small fans and dry ice — mosquitos are attracted to the carbon dioxide coming out of your face. Then, someone will go back out, pick up the trap, bring it into a laboratory and put some mosquitos under a microscope to determine the species.
“And that’s not easy,” Byrd said. “It takes a trained individual to do that, and that initial step just tells us what mosquito we have. We don’t know how old it is, we don’t know if it’s infected, we don’t know if it’s already taken a blood meal, we don’t know if it’s risky and that’s been really a sort of Achilles heel for this kind of work.”
Then, another trained individual uses a molecular tool to test potentially disease-carrying species for the presence of dangerous viruses that can cause severe illnesses like dengue fever, malaria, West Nile and Zika.
They may sound exotic, but six cases of dengue popped up in Mecklenburg County ear-
They’re more than an itchy irritation mosquitos kill hundreds of thousands of people across the world, every year. File photo
lier this summer, not long after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that reported cases globally this year were already double 2023’s totals. West Nile has been confirmed in Buncombe, Cleveland and Rutherford counties. La Cross encephalitis, which can produce fevers, headaches, muscle aches, stupor, disorientation, loss of vision, seizures, comas, paralysis and, rarely, death, is the most common mosquito-borne virus in North Carolina and is especially prevalent in the densely forested mountains of the west. Almost every county from Buncombe to Cherokee has confirmed multiple cases over the past two decades.
Some labs will even dissect the ovaries of these tiny insects — only females feed on blood — to see if they’ve already laid eggs. If they have, that means they’ve taken a blood meal, and it’s possible that the organism that the mosquito bit has been infected with a virus. It’s also possible that the virus has been passed on to hundreds of larvae, who days or weeks later will emerge from their aquatic nurseries and continue to transmit the virus. Mosquitos that aren’t born with viruses can also acquire them from feeding on animals that have become infected.
Decisionmakers in the public health sphere have a variety of tools to combat the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, including public education campaigns like “Tip it, toss it” and “Drain, dress, defend,” but there can come a time when interventions like spraying larvicides or adulticides is necessary.
If the testing process — which can take days or weeks and even include FedEx-ing mosquitos to labs — is still underway, it can be hard to know exactly when that time is, or if the interventions will be effective.
“The mosquitoes that transmit LaCrosse virus are what are called ‘container mosquitoes,’” Byrd said. “They’re daytime-active, so those types of approaches would not work.”
That’s the motivation behind six years of cutting-edge work by Byrd and Scott W. Huffman, a WCU chemistry professor, who have developed a novel way to improve upon existing methodology.
“The work we’re doing now is really less about a tool, but more about a process using mid-infrared spectroscopy, which is Dr. Huffman’s area of expertise,” Byrd said. “We’ve been scanning just a leg F
of a mosquito to identify what species it is, to see how old it is and to work towards understanding if it’s infected or not.”
Their new process speeds up identification of risky mosquitos by compiling a spectral library and doesn’t use consumables, like the current process does. Byrd said research suggests it works. Huffman recognized how significant the contributions by WCU students have been over the life of the project.
“Even though this is sort of our brainchild, most of the work has been done by our students, so they deserve a lot of credit,” he said. “Part of their education is to work with us in our laboratories. We’ve probably measured 10,000 mosquitoes. I’ve probably measured seven.”
Earlier this year, Byrd received a two-year research grant from NCInnovation to keep the project moving. Based in the Research Triangle, NCI funds researchers at public universities to help bridge the gap between government funding and private sector investors. The money comes from investment income on state reserves and thereby requires no recurring state appropriation. Private donations from large companies fund NCI’s overhead, freeing up even more of the investment income to be used on projects.
“NCI’s expertise from a business perspective, from a commercialization perspective, they’re lining us up with their regional directors to get us on a track so that we have the best chance for success,” Huffman said.
less expensive instrument, one that literally can sit on a benchtop at the local health department or regional health department or at a private industry,” Byrd said. “We just purchased a benchtop-grade instrument to see if what we did with the research-grade can be repeated with this more accessible, less expensive tool.”
Given that mosquito season runs from March to October in Western North Carolina, local health department officials would use such a tool eight months a year.
In addition to the upper Midwest, the mosquito-borne virus that causes La Crosse encephalitis is most common in Appalachian states like North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Smoky Mountain News graphic
One way that’s happening, according to Byrd, is that NCI also helped them refine their testing process.
“Heretofore, we’ve used research-grade instruments to do this. Huffman, as chemist, has all these amazing instruments, and we’re using one that probably cost a quarter of a million dollars. The big goal here is to use a
“One possible outcome for this sort of innovation or technology is by having more real-time knowledge, the public health people can know when and when not to have the intervention,” Huffman said. “If there’s no disease burden, because we’ve now helped with that knowledge, you don’t have to necessarily do an intervention.”
HCC to host Dahlia Ridge Trail Run
Haywood Community College will hold the second annual Dahlia Ridge Trail Run on Saturday, Sept. 14. This 5K is a timed, family-friendly walk/run event open to all levels of runners, walkers and hikers. Participants will receive a t-shirt and enjoy a post-race party with live music and food available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit Tools & Technology funding for students.
Online registration is open through Sept. 12. Haywood Community College continues to enhance the on-campus trail system and use it to support community events. The team keeps it maintained for walkers, runners and hikers throughout the year. The trail system was officially completed in May 2023, and with the trails reaching over three miles on campus, coordinating a race for the community is a great use of this trail system.
For more information about the trail race or to register, search for Dahlia Ridge Trail Run on Eventbrite.com. For more information about how to give to HCC’s Foundation, please visit haywood.edu, email hebirenbaum@haywood.edu or call 828.627.4544. The trail run will raise funds for tools and technology funding for students. Donated photo
Youth Arts Festival
Volunteers needed for the ‘Big Sweep’ stream cleanup
Haywood Waterways is calling for volunteers to take part in a county-wide cleanup event that removes tons of trash from local waterways and roadways.
Volunteers should be prepared to work in the sun, get a little dirty, and possibly wet. Please wear closed-toed shoes, long pants, and bring plenty of water. Trash bags, grabbers, and gloves will be provided.
For Canton, The event will be Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Volunteers should meet at Cold Mountain Tubing, 55 Penland
Street in Canton.
Cold Mountain Tubing will provide free shuttles around town or upstream to get volunteers started on their cleanup float. Tubes, kayaks and canoes will be provided free of charge on a first come basis.
For Maggie Valley, meet at the town hall (3987 Soco Road) at 9 a.m. Cleanup time, about an hour and a half.
For Clyde, meet at the town hall (8437 Carolina Boulevard) at 9 a.m. Cleanup time, about an hour and a half.
For Lower Jonathan Creek, meet at 9 a.m. at the pull off on U.S. 276 (Jonathan Creek Road) across from the Exxon. Cleanup time, about an hour and a half.
Please RSVP by Sept. 12 to Christine O’Brien at christine@haywoodwaterways.org or 828.476.4667, ext. 1.
Join Franklin Bird club for Macon County walks
The Franklin Bird Club leads walks along the Greenway on Wednesday mornings at 8 a.m. through September. Walks start at alternating locations: Macon County Public Library, Big Bear Park and Salali Lane.
The public is welcome. All walks are weather dependent. Additional information, including directions to each location and a bird club check list can be found at littletennessee.org/franklinbird-club.
Schedule for upcoming walks:
• Sept. 18 — Meet at Big Bear near the playground.
• Sept. 25 — Meet at Salali Lane.
Volunteers should be prepared to work in the sun, get a little dirty and possibly wet. Donated photo
Smokies spenders pump billions into local economies
A new National Park Service report shows that 13,297,647 visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2023 spent $2.2 billion in communities near the park. That spending supported 33,748 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $3.4 billion.
“People come to Great Smoky Mountains National Park to enjoy the scenic beauty and end up supporting local economies along the way,” said GSMNP Superintendent Cassius
Cash. “We’re proud to care for a national park that provides incredible opportunities for recreation but also creates jobs and positively contributes to local economies.”
The National Park Service report, “2023 National Park Visitor Spending Effects,” finds that 325.5 million visitors spent $26.4 billion in communities near national parks. This spending supported 415,400 jobs, provided $19.4 billion in labor income and $55.6 in economic output to the U.S. economy. The lodging sector had the highest direct contributions with $9.9 billion in economic output and 89,200 jobs. The restaurants received the next greatest direct contributions with $5.2 billion in economic output and 68,600 jobs.
GSMNP employees receive education award
A team of Great Smoky Mountains National Park employees was recently awarded the 2023 Excellence in Education Award at a National Park Service awards ceremony in Washington D.C. Many of the agency’s top awards were presented at the 2023 National Service Awards ceremony.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park team received the award for their development of Seeking Paths in Nature (SPiN), a curriculum project that integrates Cherokee culture and traditional ecological knowledge with park themes. Park staff and educators from Cherokee middle schools co-created the project, which was initiated and funded by the Cherokee Preservation Foundation.
Award winners including Malia Crowe Skulski, Natrieifia Miller, Kaylyn Barnes, Callia Johnson, Susan Sachs, Beth Wright and Kahawis. Smokies Life photo
SPiN was created to address a desire of the Cherokee community to provide an opportunity for non-tribal students in the region to gain a deeper understanding of the culture of their Cherokee neighbors. The project and resulting classroom units are an active way to acknowledge the park’s location within the traditional homelands of the Aniyuwiya (Cherokee).
NPS employees who have helped create and implement the SPiN project include Kaylyn Barnes, Callia Johnson, Kahawis, Erin Lamm, Jessica Metz, Natrieifia Miller, Susan Sachs, Malia Crowe Skulski, Kristina Virgil and Beth Wright. External team members include Jessica Metz, Science teacher at New Kituwah Academy; Joel Creasman, Principal, Cherokee Middle School; Beth Bramhall, Visual Information Specialist, US Forest Service; Rhonda Wise, Zone Partnership Coordinator, US Forest Service; Tinker Jenks, Senior Program Manager, Cherokee Preservation Foundation; and Laura Pinnix and Marie Junaluska, Cherokee Speakers Council members.
The award was dedicated posthumously to Julie Townsend, who served as SPiN Project Coordinator from
Moderate drought expands in WNC
Last week brought a moderate drought back to parts of Western North Carolina, and the latest state drought monitor report confirmed that the drought has expanded. Counties now in a moderate drought are Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon and Swain — southern Haywood County is also seeing a moderate drought. The report also expanded the number of counties that are abnormally dry to cover most of the
western part of the state.
Groundwater and surface water reservoirs typically see higher demand for water during the summer, and the ongoing drought conditions could result in water restrictions. Some counties have updated their water conservation status on ncdrought.org.
For areas in moderate drought, or D1, DMAC recommends water users should adhere to local water use restrictions, project water needs and available water supply for 90 days, among other recommendations.
Sorghum festival comes to East Tennessee
The 25th Annual Sorghum Festival will allow visitors to have the opportunity to observe sorghum cane being processed into molasses using a mule-powered mill on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the TiptonHaynes State Historic Site in Johnson City from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. “Maggie” the mule will be out turning the cast iron rollers squeezing out the delectable juices to be boiled down into molasses. Just to watch ‘Maggie” work is worth a visit to the site! Come early as the sorghum crew will be crushing the sorghum cane and boiling the sweet juices throughout the morning and into the early afternoon hours.
The festival will offer visitors the opportunity to see sorghum being processed. Donated photo
The sorghum breakfast from 811 a.m. will feature biscuits with gravy or sorghum, sausage, bacon, eggs, oatmeal, grits and drinks. Visitors can also enjoy touring the historic structures of the property that will take you back to the 1800s. Local bluegrass and folk music will be played within the nineteenth century barn throughout the day. The historic cave will be open for everybody of all ages to explore and find their inner spelunker. Area historic museums will be on site to help promote the region’s rich history. Local food trucks will be on site for visitors to enjoy a picnic lunch and supper. There will also be several local vendors selling homemade crafts. A handful of classic and antique cars from the Model A Mac’s group will be on display for visitors view. There will also be several hit-and-miss engines from the East Tennessee Antique Engine Association.
Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children 12 and under. Kids under 3 are free. There is an extra $2 admission fee for breakfast.
Sorghum molasses will also be available for purchase. $8 per pint and $4 per half pint. For additional information, please call 423.926.3631. Tipton-Haynes is located at 2620 South Roan Street in Johnson City.
The moderate drought now covers more Western North Carolina counties. From ncdrought.org
Up Moses Creek
BY BURT KORNEGAY
Walking the log
I’d no sooner opened my book of Robert Frost’s poetry to start the morning right when Neighbor J drove up. A wind had downed trees in his pasture, and he was sawing one up when his chainsaw had gotten pinched — “Can you help me get it out?” A “pinch” happens when the tree trunk suddenly sags or shifts, clamping the saw bar tight in the kerf like gigantic wooden jaws.
each other in the pasture. In names at least, they made a colorful assembly in the grass, still bright with morning dew, though the trees themselves showed only shades of gray bark and green leaves, some already turning brown.
I jumped into our pond to wash off the saw fumes, woodchips and poison ivy sap, then opened Frost again ... ... And read until that afternoon, when, overtired of hearing rhyme on rhyme, my right index finger suddenly itched to pull the saw trigger again. Red oak is my favorite fire-
sawing in that hot hollow, wearing earmuffs, heavy chaps, boots and gloves, I felt warm all over all at once. I could hardly see through the sweat to saw.
That’s my excuse, anyway, for felling the oak against a tall yellow poplar, where it lodged at a slant. The oak was thicker than my saw bar was long. It ran 30 feet clear to the first branch. It weighed tons. When cutting a hung-up tree under tension like that, the saw can kick back and kill you. The tree can kick like a horse but with a hoof as heavy as a barrel full of concrete. More than a saw bar can get “pinched.”
Good pinches make good neighbors, and I’d been pinched myself. I closed Frost and changed into work clothes and gassed my saw — “Be there in a pinch!” The trick is to make a tension-relieving cut in the log while keeping the “helper” saw un-pinched. It took me two relieving cuts, plus Neighbor J on a crowbar, to open that log’s jaws. I left when two other men came to help in exchange for wood.
All told, a scarlet oak, a black locust, a black cherry, a red maple and a yellow poplar had been blown down parallel to
wood, and I’d had my eye on a dying one in the hollow behind our house. The day was hot but dry, I told myself. It’d be safer now to tractor the wood up out of there than if it was wet. Plus, the tree already leaned in the right direction and my saw was sharp — all the ingredients ready-mixed to begin the felling right. I scratched the itch.
It’s said that heating with wood warms you twice: first in getting it, second when it’s in the stove. I think it warms you five times: to saw it, haul it, split it, stack it, then carry it inside, before you get to the second part of warm. But while
First, I cinched a chain to the trunk and tried to drag it down with the tractor. It didn’t budge. And tractoring on a slope has its own risks. I tried to winch it down with two come-alongs. It didn’t come along one inch, so I bucked off length after length on the log’s bottom end, making the trunk fall forward heavily with each cut. My son, a sawyer on a hotshot crew out west, calls it “walking them down.”
I walked the tree about halfway down, sweating every step, while Becky, also sweating, stood a ways off, phone in hand, her finger poised on 911 — not that there’s cell service in the hollow. We’ve gotten our wood for 45 years, and I think I’m good for 50. Becky’s pulled on a rope, winched a come-along, manned the tractor in a pinch. But when the log chomped down on my saw bar, she yelled, “You’re a stumbly old man now when you saw!” Over the engine’s idle I also heard some illogical thing about my old, hard head.
You know how it is with a word like “log”: it rolls off the tongue and you think you know it — until you wrestle with it in the flesh. In this case, with an inert, dense, tensed up, no pulse, silent thing with bark. That oak learned me “log” better than any book.
Unbolting the saw engine from the pinched bar, I lugged it out, telling Becky I planned to put my spare bar on and finish walking the log. “I won’t be gone long. — You come too?”
(Burt and Becky Kornegay live in Jackson County.)
The oak log pinched the saw bar, the hot bar branded the log. Burt Kornegay 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
• Boost in Print
• Add Photo $6
• Bold ad $2
• Yellow, Green, Pink or Blue Highlight $4
• Border $4
Note: Highlighted ads automatically generate a border so if you’re placing an ad online and select a highlight color, the “add border” feature will not be available on the screen.
Note: Yard sale ads require an address. This location will be displayed on a map on www.wncmarketplace.com
Administrator 66 Plateau Place Waynesville, NC 28786
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.24 E 001535430
Pamela A. Frederes
Executor 23 Whistle Rock Dr Clyde, NC 28721
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.24E001496430
Eric Francis Fowler
Nov 21 2024
Executor PO Box 143 Waynesville, NC 28786
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.24E001469-430
Leila Rhodarmer Harkins
Dec 11 2024
Executrix 62 Southview Meadow Whittier NC 28789
Inclined (to) 100 "The Thinning" actress
-- diagram (logic image)
102 Posting of off-topic replies on an internet forum
e.g.
"Ya get it?"
Makes evident
Went hogwild
Eleanor of kiddie lit
Erwin of early films
District outside a city
Novelist Bret Easton --
Boise-to-Fargo dir.
Golf target
ANSWERS ON PAGE 26
SUDOKU
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