One of the most talked about stories following the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene was the massive damage done to Interstate 40 in Haywood County near the Tennessee state line. While the repair efforts to reopen the highway are beginning to come into focus, there is one question perhaps overlooked by many: how can the highway be rebuilt in a manner that reduces driver encounters with wildlife? (Page 24) National Parks Conservation Association, Wildlands Network photo
News
Haywood TDA reacts to Helene problems and opportunities................................4 Jackson Commission considers increasing commissioner pay..............................5 Trump victory overshadows Stein win and gains by NC Dems............................6 Macon votes no, again, to quarter-cent sales tax....................................................10 Volunteer effort help displaced WNC residents with temporary housing........11 Green wins race for superintendent of NC schools..............................................13
Opinion
Maybe Trump’s win was about policy ........................................................................14 We will reap what we’ve sown ....................................................................................14
A&E
Hundreds of artists come together for ‘Caverns of Gold’ album........................16 HCAC hosts ‘Small Works’ exhibit..............................................................................21
Outdoors
Up Moses Creek: A Head of Streaming Hair..........................................................26 North Carolina sees drought, widespread abnormally dry conditions ............27
: Scott McLeod. .
info@smokymountainnews.com ADVERTISING D IRECTOR: Greg Boothroyd. .
ART D IRECTOR: Micah McClure. . .
D ESIGN & PRODUCTION: Jessica Murray. .
Jack Snyder. .
D IGITAL MARKETING S PECIALIST Tyler Auffhammer. . .
ADVERTISING SALES: Amanda Bradley. . .
Maddie Woodard. .
C LASSIFIEDS: Scott Collier. .
N EWS E DITOR: Kyle Perrotti. .
WRITING: Hannah McLeod. . .
Cory Vaillancourt. .
Garret K. Woodward. .
ACCOUNTING & O FFICE MANAGER: Jamie Cogdill. .
D ISTRIBUTION: Scott Collier. .
greg@smokymountainnews.com
micah@smokymountainnews.com
jessica.m@smokymountainnews.com
jack.s@smokymountainnews.com
tyler.a@mtnsouthmedia.com
amanda.b@smokymountainnews.com
maddie.w@smokymountainnews.com
classads@smokymountainnews.com
kyle.p@smokymountainnews.com
hannah@smokymountainnews.com
cory@smokymountainnews.com
garret@smokymountainnews.com
smnbooks@smokymountainnews.com
classads@smokymountainnews.com
C ONTRIBUTING: Jeff Minick (writing), Susanna Shetley (writing), Adam Bigelow (writing), Thomas Crowe (writing)
I NFO & B ILLING | P.O. Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786
Copyright 2024 by The Smoky Mountain News.™ Advertising copyright 2024 by The Smoky Mountain News.™ All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Smoky Mountain News is available for free in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain and parts of Buncombe counties. Limit one copy per person. Additional copies may be purchased for $1, payable at the Smoky Mountain News office in advance. No person may, without prior written permission of The Smoky Mountain News, take more than one copy of each issue.
WHEN FOLLOWING FOOD ADVICE MAY NOT BE THE BEST IDEA
Often we see articles in magazines, posts on social media, reels or videos that feature a celebrity talking about what they eat in a day or
in most all cases the message is, ‘Eat like me and you could look/ perform like me’. The only problem is that we may be only hearing or seeing part of the story of their food intake and meals:
1. Chances are good that this is NOT what they typically eat but something they or their publicist wants you to think they eat. Beware if
2. They may have a chef or dietitian who is designing a specialty diet and preparing it for them regularly and cost and preparation time is not an obstacle as it is for many.
3. How they look and perform may be due to their genes, training, income level, access to medical care and services, age, their ability( or requirement) to look a certain way…not to mention a fair amount of makeup and photo editing and possibly even cosmetic surgery or feature enhancing treatments.
4. You have no idea of that person’s relationship with food...they could very well have a disordered relationship that you don’t want to model.
Bottom Line: Don’t try and model your diet/way of eating on status, lifestyle, and food preferences.
can help you individually or write to me and I may be able to suggest
Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN
Ingles Market Corporate Dietitian
@InglesDietitian
Leah McGrath - Dietitian
Haywood TDA reacts to Helene problems with grants, budget cut
BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS EDITOR
Two days after Haywood Chamber President and CEO David Francis announced the creation of a small business grant recovery program for businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene, the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority jumped on board — in a big way — while tempering its own expectations of what the post-Helene landscape looks like.
“When Helene hit, it really shifted our scope of work,” said Corrina Ruffieux, executive director of the TDA.
The TDA, an entity charged with collecting and disbursing room occupancy taxes, was quick with its initial response to the Sept. 27 hurricane, when conflicting messages both encouraging and discouraging visitation to the storm-struck region made their way into the consciousness of potential visitors from across the region and across the country.
Tourism is big business in the mountain west, and the TDA’s annual collections of about $3 million a year are a testament to that. Economic planners wrung their hands at the prospect of a major economic sector collapsing at the height of the busy fall leaf season.
Once communities were ready to accept visitors, the TDA encouraged them by communicating weekly with partners, posting important travel alerts to its website, compiling a list of businesses that were open or closed, encouraging online shopping, sharing recovery resources for affected businesses and integrating all that into the regional shopwnc.com website.
A new campaign, gifthaywood.com, will go live Nov. 13 to encourage holiday shopping, in partnership with the Chamber, Canton merchants, the Maggie Valley Chamber and the Downtown Waynesville Commission.
Staff from the TDA also performed FEMA housing assistance outreach, participated in a VisitNC marketing campaign and even created driving maps for visitors unsure how to reach the area in light of closures on Interstate 40 and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
“You really stepped to the challenge,” said Commissioner Jennifer Best, the commission’s representative on the TDA board. “I appreciate what all of the staff did. You met face to face with some things I think you would never have imagined would happen and you really have stepped into being a tremendous — not that you weren’t before — but definitely a tremendous community partner. The TDA has, I think, blossomed into new life, in how you participate in the county and in moving forward.”
In reaching out to its partners that support the tourism economy, the TDA also conducted a survey in conjunction with the Chamber from Oct. 18 through Oct. 30, garnering 609 responses.
Almost 25% of respondents were in the lodging industry. Only about 10% said they were fully (90%) booked — some with recovery workers, some with displaced families, some with visitors, some with a mix of all three.
Among non-lodging respondents, the majority of which were retail, recreation, professional services or food and beverage operations, the average number of full-time employees reported was 3.8. More than 44% saw no damage from Helene, with an additional 32% reporting minimal damage. Around 25% categorized their damage as moderate or severe. As far as types of damage incurred, more than half reported disruption of communications and utilities, and well over 30% cited property and infrastructure damage.
A full 80.4% of those businesses have since reopened after
being closed an average of seven days.
Nearly 15% of respondents claimed economic losses of more than $50,000, however, the majority expect losses of $10,000 or less.
Of the businesses that have not yet reopened, 51.4% said they had no reopening date determined. A further 14% said it would take at least another month, and 10% said it would be at least two months.
Based on those figures and open-ended questions to business owners, the TDA determined what was needed most was grants — not loans.
“There’s all these loans for our businesses,” Ruffieux said. “I know you’ve heard it, but I’ve heard it too — a lot of our small businesses still have COVID loans. They have [Tropical Storm] Fred loans. They don’t want any more loans. And small businesses are the heart of Haywood County.”
The subject of small business assistance has been paramount since Helene laid waste to commercial districts in Canton, Clyde, Waynesville and other municipalities across the region. The most recent relief bill from the General Assembly included $50 million for loans to small businesses, but many businesses are not in a position to take those loans, no matter how favorable the terms. Congress has also failed to act thus far.
That’s why the Chamber, through an economic development arm called the Haywood Advancement Foundation, stepped in on Nov. 4 with a small business grant program.
Initially funded by $100,000 from the HAF and $100,000 from the Colquitts — owners of Cataloochee Ranch and The Swag — as well as private donors and even a $2,000 contribution from the tiny town of Lake Santeetlah in Graham County, the grant program can provide up to $25,000 for qualifying businesses.
On Nov. 6, the TDA chipped in with $100,000 of its own money earned from interest on its holdings. Ruffieux said the HAF partnership is working towards a goal of $500,000.
Although the grants offer a ray of sunshine amid an otherwise cloudy forecast, the TDA is bracing for the revenue loss it knows it will experience; occupancy tax revenue statistics are collected each month, but compiling and reporting them takes two months, so the true impact of October’s closures aren’t yet known.
To remain conservative in budgeting strategy, the TDA voted to lower revenue expectations for the 2024-25 fiscal year from about $3.1 million to about $2.6 million.
That revenue comes from the county’s 4% room occupancy tax. If the TDA is projecting a $500,000 decrease in room occupancy tax revenue, what it’s really projecting is the loss of more than $12 million in visitor spending on hotels, motels, shortterm rentals and campgrounds.
When those visitors don’t come, they obviously don’t spend the $48 to $158 per day they usually would on food and drink, events, excursions, tours or trinkets.
The budgetary impact will largely be limited to the TDA’s product development fund, which disburses grants for innovative and sustainable tourism infrastructure that both puts heads in beds and supports long-term economic growth and diversification.
Floodwaters flow through Waynesville’s Frog Level district, damaging a number of small businesses on Sept. 27. Cory Vaillancourt photo
Jackson Commission considers increasing commissioner pay
HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER
With the General Election over and two new members set to join the Jackson County Commission in December, the board is going to consider an increase to commissioner pay during its last meeting with the current board makeup.
“None of us got involved for the pay that we receive, but I think it’s time that there should be some consideration for changing that [pay],” said Commissioner Mark Jones. Jones, along with Commissioner Tom Stribling, did not run for reelection to their seats on the Jackson County Commission. They are set to be replaced by newly elected Jenny Lynn Hooper and Michael Jennings next month.
With his last meeting upon him, Jones decided to raise the issue of commissioner compensation. By waiting until he is about to vacate his seat, Jones was able to comfortably put forth what could otherwise be an uncomfortable topic — commissioners deciding to give themselves a pay raise. If commissioners choose to increase pay, neither Jones nor Stribling would see the effects.
“I’m leaving, it will not benefit me one bit,” said Jones.
In 2016 commissioners were paid $12,00 annually for their work, with the chairman paid $17,000. This fiscal year, commissioner salary is set at $13,295.90 and the chairman salary is set at $18,687.13. In addition, commissioners receive a $2,600 travel allotment and insurance benefits worth $14,932 — access to a county-covered medical and dental plan. They receive a stipend of $75 per day of meetings attended. They do not get the retirement benefits available to longtime county employees, such as a pension, continued health coverage or a 401k.
In the fiscal year 2024-25 budget, the county budgeted for a total of $391,282 governing body compensation, less than half a percent of the total estimated budget of $93,803,495.
As of 2016, commissioners in Haywood County were compensated $12,952.04 per
year. In Macon County, that salary was lower at $10,062.70 for board members and $11,724 for the chairman. In Swain County commissioners made $6,273 annually and the chairman made $12,545 annually.
When Jones broached the topic at the beginning of the month, he insinuated that the high time demand and low compensation rate could deter people from public service.
“Even some of our commissioners, in our conversations, might not make a decision to run again because of that pull on their personal time, and it might be time to make an adjustment, or consider it anyway,” Jones said.
While Commissioner John Smith said he “didn’t do it for the money,” he agreed that working as a county commissioner is “more pull on my time than I thought it would be.” Smith noted that in addition to board meetings and official business, there is a lot of time spent answering phone calls and listening to constituent concerns or running into people around town and having conversations about local issues.
Chairman Mark Letson said he was open for discussion on the topic.
“I’d be happy to lead that on the 19th meeting if that is the pleasure of the board,” Jones said.
The commission will take up the topic of commissioner pay at its Nov. 19 meeting.
FEMA extends deadline to apply for Helene assistance
The deadline for North Carolinians in 39 counties to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance after Hurricane Helene has been extended to Jan. 7, 2025.
Homeowners and renters in the following counties may be eligible for FEMA financial assistance for serious needs, displacement, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Forsyth, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lee, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Nash, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin and Yancey counties, along with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina, with losses from Hurricane Helene.
Disaster survivors who have not yet applied for FEMA assistance should apply online at disasterassistance.gov, which is the quickest way to apply. Survivors can also apply using the FEMA App on mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline toll-free at 800.621.3362. The Helpline is open every day, and help is available in most languages. Those who use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, should give the FEMA representative their number for that service.
Trump victory overshadows Stein win and gains by NC Dems
BY SMN STAFF
While it certainly appears that a “red wave” washed over the United States on Nov. 5, that’s not exactly the case in North Carolina, where Democrats held onto critical Council of State offices and made solid gains where it really counts — in the General Assembly.
“It was, in my mind, a pretty purple outcome in North Carolina,” said Chris Cooper, the Robert Lee Madison Distinguished Professor and Director of the Haire Institute for Public policy Institute at Western Carolina University whose most recent book, “Anatomy of a Purple State” was recently published by UNC Press. “We moved, like every state did, towards Trump at the presidential level. Yet the Democrats gained a seat on the Council of State, they broke the Republican supermajority despite the fact that the Republicans got better maps, and they held on to the only competitive congressional seat in the state.”
Former President and convicted felon Donald Trump came away with 312 electoral votes to Vice President Kamala Harris’ 226 and also won the popular vote, a first for Republicans since President George W. Bush’s 2004 effort against then-Sen. John Kerry.
“Trump performed where we would expect a generic Republican to perform under these circumstances,” Cooper said. “Inflation was rising, the incumbent president is unpopular. You put those two things together, and you would expect a generic Republican to win by about three percentage points, and that’s exactly what we saw.”
Republicans nationally swept all swing states, managed to flip the Senate and also retained the House, giving them unified control of the federal government for at least the next two years.
In North Carolina, Trump earned 50.93% of the vote, giving him a 3.35% margin over Harris and expanding on his 1.34% win over Joe Biden in 2020 but falling short of his 3.66% win over Hillary Clinton in 2016.
“I think it was his message resonated with voters across the country,” said Michele Woodhouse, NCGOP Chair of the 11th Congressional District. “I loved the margin of victory, seeing him get all the swing states and winning the popular vote. There’s just no question on any part of it. It wasn’t a close race. I just think it was a resounding victory for him on all fronts. I didn’t think it was going to be as big of a win, but his messaging connected with voters, and [Harris’] simply did not.”
CONGRESS
Western North Carolina Republican Congressman Chuck Edwards, who became a Hurricane Helene hero for debunking storm response lies spread by his own party but two weeks later stood idly by as Trump repeated some of the lies Edwards had just debunked, will return to Washington for a second term.
Edwards, a former state senator from Hendersonville, defeated Democratic General Assembly Rep. Caleb Rudow, of Buncombe County, with 56.75% of the vote. Rudow ended up 13.5 points behind
Edwards, with 43.25% of the vote.
Earning his first term by knocking off fellow Hendersonville Republican Rep. Madison Cawthorn in the 2022 Primary Election, Edwards then survived a wellfinanced challenge from Buncombe County Commissioner Jasmine Beach-Ferrara in the General Election, prevailing by 9.28%.
Nonpartisan mapping website davesredistricting.org measured Republican performance in the current 11th Congressional District from 2016 to 2022 at 53.8%.
COUNCIL OF STATE
The last time voters chose candidates for governor and the council of state in 2020, turnout was 75.35%, or 5,545,848 out of 7,359,798 registered voters. Thus far for the 2024 election, turnout has been calculated to be a bit lower, 73.1%, with 5,675,346 out of 7,763,502 registered voters casting ballots. Although some ballots are still being counted, that figure won’t change much.
In an outcome suspected long before North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s pornography scandal unfolded nearly two months ago, Attorney General Josh Stein will become the state’s second consecutive Democratic governor after posting convincing numbers on his way to a solid election night victory, 54.84% to 40.16%.
“Mark Robinson was the most uniquely bad politician we’ve seen in the last half century,” Cooper said. “He lost by 14 percentage points on the same ballot where his party carried the top of the ticket.”
Robinson had been down by as much as double digits in polling for much of the year, until a Sept. 19 story from CNN alleged that Robinson, posting on a porn website’s forum, had described himself as a “black NAZI!” and made graphic sexual comments at odds with his public persona of a deeply religious conservative. Robinson has also made frequent comments perceived as demeaning or threatening to women, Jews and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Republicans had the chance to nominate a stable moderate, Treasurer Dale Folwell, in May’s Primary Election, but instead chose the fiery Robinson, who most suspected had little chance of defeating the well-liked Stein. Robinson’s scandal-plagued but meteoric rise has now careened into an Icarus-like fall that ends his time in state government and could end his political career — pending the result of a lawsuit Robinson filed against CNN and another man who accused Robinson of frequenting Greensboro’s allnight porn shops in the 1990s.
Cooper said the numbers don’t support the assertion that Republicans simply skipped the race on the ballot, meaning plenty of Republicans ended up voting for Stein. Adding more weight to Cooper’s “purple state” argument is the fact that a number of counties, including Henderson, Jackson and Transylvania, voted for Stein and for Trump. In Haywood County, Trump won all 29 precincts, but Robinson won only 20.
Woodhouse believes it was unaffiliated women who produced those outcomes.
“They supported Donald Trump’s fiscal policies. They supported his stance on keeping men out of women’s sports. They stood with him on all of those issues,” Woodhouse said. “I think we learned that women in America buy groceries more often than they get abortions, and that was a more important issue for them. But Mark Robinson, I think, was just a little too much for those women to take.”
Stein has now become a trailblazer of sorts and will serve as the state’s first Jewish governor after running a focused campaign and raising tons of cash — so much that he was able to make substantial 11th-hour donations to other Democratic candidates on North Carolina’s ballots.
Those contributions may have made all the difference in tight down ballot races on the Council of State, as well as in breaking the Republican supermajority in the General Assembly.
“Republicans are actually going to have to work with Democrats to get legislation across, and that’s something that they haven’t had to do for the last two years,” Anderson Clayton, chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party. “We’re going to see a lot more, I think, bipartisanship. You’re also going to see a lot more of Democrats being able to fight back against bad bills in the General Assembly.”
Stein will assume office with veto power intact if all members of his party stick together, and he’ll also have a lieutenant governor who has his back.
Sen. Rachel Hunt prevailed in her race for Robinson’s job by less than two points over Hal Weatherman, a longtime behindthe-scenes politico who’s tried to shake every hand in North Carolina over the past two years.
The race for Stein’s old job pitted two congressmen against each other, with Democrat Jeff Jackson prevailing over Republican Dan Bishop by 2.7%.
“I think that it’s incredible that for the first time in 12 years, we’ve got a Democratic governor, a Democratic lieutenant governor, and a Democratic attorney general, and that is in part due to the fact that we had really good candidates and a bench that was built up from folks that came out of our legislature,” Clayton said.
Former superintendent of Guilford County Schools, Democrat Mo Green, had a slightly more comfortable Election Day margin (2.2% ) over Republican Michelle Morrow, who was in attendance at the Jan. 6 insurrection and has called for the execution of former President Barack Obama, current President Joe Biden and current North Carolina Gov. Cooper.
Morrow knocked off moderate Republican incumbent Catherine Truitt in the May Primary Election — as with Robinson, surrendering a winnable seat in favor of running a far-right candidate who would fare well in the Primary Election, but not the General Election.
Longtime Democratic Secretary of State Elaine Marshall eked out a narrow 1.92%point victory over Gaston County Commissioner Chad Brown, but that’s about where the good news for Democrats on the
Council of State ends.
Another longtime incumbent, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, came away with more votes than any other Council of State candidate save Stein. That total gave Troxler a comfortable 7.83% win over farming consultant Sarah Taber.
Orange County Republican Brad Briner will assume Folwell’s job as treasurer over Mecklenburg County Democratic Rep. Wesley Harris, following a 5.04% victory.
for his third term as the senator for a vast swath of Western North Carolina. Corbin, who served 10 years on the Macon County Commission and 20 years on the Macon County School Board, was elected to the 120th House District in 2017, served two terms there, and is about to complete his second term representing much of the rural west, including Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties, as well as much of Haywood County.
Incumbent State Auditor Jessica Holmes was appointed in November 2023 to replace fellow Democrat Beth Wood, who resigned amid scandal more than a year ago. Holmes couldn’t parlay her incumbency to a full term, losing out to Fayetteville attorney Dave Boliek by 1.9%.
An open seat, commissioner of labor, will stay in Republican hands after Raleigh Attorney Luke Farley defeated Mecklenburg County Democrat Braxton Winston II by 5.66%. The seat was held by former Republican Rep. Josh Dobson, who declined to seek reelection and resigned on Nov. 8. Gov. Roy Cooper appointed longtime DOL employee Kevin O’Barr to serve out the remainder of Dobson’s term.
Incumbent Republican Commissioner of Insurance Mike Causey will hold onto his seat after his 4.4% win over Democratic Sen. Natasha Marcus.
JUDICIARY
The lone North Carolina Supreme Court race on the ballot remains too close to call, although Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin currently holds a lead of 0.14%, or about 8,000 votes. If after certification of the vote, the race is still within 0.5%, the loser at that point can request a recount, although with a margin of thousands of votes, it’s unlikely that would change the outcome. As of now, Allison Riggs, the incumbent, is one of only two Democrats on the seven-justice body.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Macon County native Kevin Corbin just keeps on winning and will return to Raleigh
Adam Tebrugge of Cullowhee, earning 66.56% to Tebrugge’s 33.44%.
Over the past four years, Macon County native and second-term House Rep. Karl Gillespie has represented one of the most heavily Republican areas in the state. He’ll continue for at least two more years, after voters handed him an easy election victory.
Responsible for Cherokee, Clay, Graham and Macon counties — the westernmost in North Carolina — Gillespie topped his Democratic opponent, former Andrews Mayor Nancy Curtis, by more than 50 points, with 75.17% of the vote. In 2022, Gillespie was unopposed. In 2020, Gillespie’s first House contest, he earned 74.19%, besting Democrat Susan Landis by 22,778 votes. Republican performance in the district from 2016 to 2022, according to davesredistricting.org, was 71.9%.
In just a short time, Gillespie has become a rising star among the state’s Republicans, serving as House majority whip, co-chair of the agriculture appropriations committee and co-chair of the environmental committee.
Rep. Mike Clampitt, the man still known for his protracted electoral feud with former Democratic Rep. Joe Sam Queen — the two faced off five times from 2012 through 2020, with Clampitt winning three times — will continue to represent Jackson, Swain and Transylvania counties.
His electoral history has been a portrait of remarkably consistent overachievement; davesredistricting.org measured Republican performance in the 50th Senate District at 62.4% from 2016 to 2022. Corbin came away with 66.2% of the vote against Democrat Karen Burnette McCracken in 2022 and 66.7% of the vote against another Democrat, Victoria Fox, in 2020.
Clampitt’s Democratic opponent, longtime Transylvania County economic guru Mark Burrows, put up a strong fight, but in the end he lost all three counties.
After redistricting enacted for the 2022 election, Transylvania County was added to Jackson and Swain counties to form Clampitt’s new district. Previously, his district had always included Jackson and Swain, but in 2020, it also included part of
During his eight years in the General Assembly, Corbin has bucked his party on major issues important to his district — rural broadband and Medicare expansion — while remaining loyal to his conservative roots. This year, Corbin faced his most serious opponent, attorney and Democrat
Haywood County.
The redraw meant that Clampitt had to make inroads in a new community, which he accomplished effectively enough in his 2022 defeat of Brevard architect Al Platt, a
ELECTION, PAGE 8
Democrat and current North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein will serve as the state’s next governor. Jeffrey Delannoy photo
Mark Pless (left), Kevin Corbin (center) and Chuck Edwards (right) all won reelection. Cory Vaillancourt photo
Democrat, by 2,798 votes there, en route to a 7.8-point victory across the district.
But that year, Clampitt only beat Platt in Transylvania County by 2.74 points, or 443 votes — good for 51.37% of the votes in a county then-President Donald Trump had won in 2020 with 57.03% of the vote. In 2020, turnout in Transylvania County was 77.31%.
This time, turnout was 77.23% in Transylvania County, and Clampitt maintained an edge of 1,730 votes, which helped him to an 8.52% margin there and a 10.78% win districtwide. His 55.39% tally bests the 54.5% Republican performance estimated by davesredistricting.org from 2016 to 2022.
COUNTY RACES
Two Haywood County Republicans seeking to fend off a challenge by a lone Democrat have done so and will return to their seats on the Haywood County Board of Commissioners.
When Brandon Rogers, now vice chairman, first ran and won in 2016, he led all candidates with 31.97% of the vote, or 17,091 votes on 69.89% turnout.
When Rogers ran again in 2020, he again led the ticket with 34.55%, or 23,151 votes on 79% turnout.
Each time, longtime commissioner and current board Chair Kevin Ensley was right behind him, with 29.95% of the vote in 2016 and 31.92% in 2020.
This time, it was Ensley, with 23,310
In talking to voters over the past month, The Smoky Mountain News noted that the incumbents’ experience with previous disasters was a major factor in sending them back to the commission for what will certainly be a long road to recovery.
While Haywood County returned two familiar faces to its county commission, Swain County will welcome at least one political newcomer to its board of commissioners. Who will win Swain’s second seat isn’t known yet.
Republican Tanner Lawson, a local youth pastor, led the way with 29.51% of the vote, and unaffiliated candidate Bobby Jenkins, a former county employee who worked in the buildings department, had 26.16%. Republican incumbent Kenneth Parton ended up with 25.99% of the vote. Unaffiliated candidate and current Mayor Pro Tem of Bryson City Ben King ended up with 18.34%.
Notably, the difference between Jenkins and Parton is only 16 votes. According to an email from Swain County Election Director Adam Byrnes, there are still about 150 provisional ballots and 20 absentee ballots to approve.
“The Swain County Commissioners race is very close, and it is too soon to say who will win the second of the two seats. Bobby Jenkins currently leads Kenneth Leonard Parton by 16 votes,” Byrnes said in the email.
The results will be finalized and certified on Friday, Nov. 15, at the county’s canvass. No additional uploads of results will be made until that date. If the results stand, Jenkins and Lawson are set to join Commission Chair Kevin Seagle, Vice Chair Roger Parsons and Commissioner David Loftis.
votes (39.18%) to lead the ticket.
Clampitt, a retired Charlotte fire captain, serves as co-chair of the families, children and aging policy committee as well as co-chair of the federal regulations and American Indian affairs committee.
Haywood County native and Republican Rep. Mark Pless will return to the North Carolina General Assembly for a third term after voters in Haywood and Madison Counties — both hit hard by Hurricane Helene a month ago — propelled him over his Democratic opponent.
Pless earned 30,687 votes, besting Marshall nurse Evelyn Davidson, who came away with 19,393 votes. His 61.28% tally this go-round approaches his career best of 63.6% in a 2020 victory over Alan Jones, however, Pless’ district included Yancey County at the time. In his most recent win, over Josh Remillard in 2022, Pless earned 60.28%.
Republican performance in the current 118th District from 2016 to 2022 was estimated by davesredistricting.org at 60.0%.
Pless currently works in a number of leadership roles in the House that will help his district, and indeed much of the mountain west, as it embarks on a long recovery from the Sept. 27 storm. In addition to serving as co-chair of the House disaster recovery and homeland security committee, Pless also serves as co-chair of the joint legislative emergency management oversight committee.
Rogers wasn’t far behind, however, and garnered 22,633 votes, good for 38.04% on turnout of 79.42%.
Although Haywood County Democrats could have fielded two candidates to oppose Rogers and Ensley, they could only manage to find one, Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center Program Director Tausha Forney.
Voters could have selected any two candidates for the race, but didn’t have to; Forney pitched supporters the idea of voting only for her, effectively increasing the value of that vote, but it simply wasn’t enough for her to knock off either of the two popular incumbents. She finished with 13,556 votes, or 22.78%.
Rogers and Ensley have had to contend with a number of unusual, once-in-alifetime situations over just the past four years. In 2020, the Coronavirus Pandemic challenged local leaders and elected officials across the country. In 2021, deadly flooding from Tropical Storm Fred devastated the eastern reaches of Haywood County. In 2023, one of the county’s largest employers closed up shop, with little notice. Last month, Hurricane Helene dwarfed all of Haywood County’s previous catastrophes, both in scope and in the sheer scale of human suffering.
In Jackson County, Republicans have secured two more seats on the Jackson County Commission, creating a fully Republican board. In district four Republican Michael Jennings won 8,860 votes (52.13%) to Democrat Sally Jennings Hudson’s 8,136 votes (47.87%).
In district three, Republican Jenny Lynn hooper won 8,720 votes (51.18%) to Democrat Cody Lewis’s 8,257 (48.46%), but Hooper’s residency remains a question. Should Hooper be deemed unable to serve, her replacement would be chosen by the Jackson County Republican Party.
Three Macon County incumbents maintained their seats on the Macon County Board of Education. Jim Breedlove, current Chairman of the Board of Education won reelection in the only contested race to represent district four. Breedlove won 5,996 votes, or 43.37%, to Danny Reitmeier’s 4,812 (34.81%) and John DeVille’s 2,950 (21.34%). Both Hilary Wilkes, who represents district one, and Melissa Evans, who represents district three, were running unopposed in their respective races.
All results are considered unofficial until county boards of elections certify local races on Nov. 15 and the State Board of Elections certifies state and federal contests on Nov. 26.
Haywood County commissioners Kevin Ensley (above) and Brandon Rogers (below) will both return to the commission. Cory Vaillancourt photo
Macon votes no, again, to quarter-cent sales tax
BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER
For the second time in two years, Macon County voters have rejected the implementation of a quarter-cent sales tax to bolster funding for local public schools. However, the margin of defeat for the referendum is shrinking.
“Historically, this vote on the quartercent sales tax may take many times, but seems to get closer to passing each time,” said Commission Chairman and retired Franklin High School Principal Gary Shields.
When voters in Macon County went to the polls last week, the ballot included a referendum that asked whether they were in favor of a “local sales and use tax at the rate of one-quarter percent (0.25%) in addition to all other state and local sales and use taxes.”
Election results show that of the 21,905 ballots cast in the county, 10,213 voted against the referendum, about 51.22%, and 9,726 voted in favor of the referendum, about 48.78%. Just under 9% of voters chose not to pick a side on the referendum.
If it had passed, the referendum would have raised the sales tax from 6.75 to 7 cents per dollar, impacting out-of-towners and locals alike on all items sold in Macon County other than unprepared foods and gas.
In North Carolina, all counties have the option to locally levy a quarter-cent sales
tax. According to the legislation, the sales tax can be implemented on the first day of any calendar quarter as long as the county gives the North Carolina Department of Revenue at least 90 days advance notice. If a referendum is held in November during the General Election and passes, the earliest the county could begin collecting revenue would be April 1 of the following year, provided it adopts a resolution levying the tax and forwards it to the Department of Revenue prior to Dec. 31.
The failure to pass the quarter-cent sales tax represents a loss for public schools in the county, as all additional revenue from the increase would have stayed in Macon County for use in local public schools. When commissioners and county administration were creating the fiscal year 2024-25 budget, they determined the quarter-cent sales tax was projected to accrue about $2.4 million for the county annually.
Back when the county first embarked on the new Franklin High School project, county leaders had hoped revenues from the quarter-cent sales tax would help offset the costs of construction, which will total about $127 million. However, after the county was awarded a state grant to pay for $62 million of the project, the price tag nearly halved and the county is now on the hook for about $65 million.
With the county in excellent financial
condition as of last budget season, thenCounty Manager Derek Roland was able to present a budget in which Macon County maintained the lowest tax rate in the state of North Carolina, $0.27 cents per $100 of assessed property value, and was still able to achieve its capital improvement plan.
“Over the next five years, you’re able to complete $180 million of capital projects, $146 of which comes in 2025,” said Roland during the budget process. “You’re able to do this and never fall below $7 million in your capital reserve fund that has been established for capital projects and never fall below $25 million in your fund balance.”
This led commissioners to push for the quarter-cent sales tax — which would apply to anyone making purchases in the county, including visitors — as a way to lower the tax burden for residents of the county.
topic up again during the commissioners’ May meeting, the board decided to expand the use of revenues to include both capital and operating expenses in the school system.
As recently as the groundbreaking for the new Franklin High School on Oct. 18, local officials were encouraging voters to choose yes on the referendum.
“Everybody knows that there’s an election coming up pretty soon,” said Franklin Mayor Jack Horton. “The one thing on the ballot that I’m looking at is the passage of the quarter-cent sales tax which will go a long way to retiring the debt on this project.”
Macon County is alone in the seven westernmost counties of North Carolina in that it has not yet implemented the quarter-cent sales tax.
The quarter-cent sales tax was estimated to generate $2.4 million annually. File photo
“If we get the quarter-cent, we could essentially drop our mill rate by two mills,” said Commissioner Josh Young during the budget process. “I think it’s a strong point to make to the people that we could collect funds from pass-through revenue and offset our local mill rate by two cents and keep all our CIP fully funded.”
With one penny on the tax rate generating about $1.25 million in revenues for the county, the quarter-cent sales tax would generate almost as much as two pennies on the tax rate.
Mitch Brigulio, the county’s financial advisor, said that the nature of Macon County’s economy supported Young’s idea.
In March, commissioners decided to put the referendum on the ballot for the General Election.
Originally, the stated use of any income from the sales tax was for “capital projects of the Macon County School System.” In addition to the new high school the county also has ongoing capital projects at the Highlands School and Nantahala School. What’s more, there will be needs in the near future for a new East Franklin Elementary School, which is overcrowded and has several maintenance needs.
However, when Shields brought the
“I think it’s a way to reduce the burden on the property tax and let everyone participate in making this project a reality,” said Horton. Despite encouragement from local elected leaders, voters chose not to pass the quarter-cent sales tax. However, the margin of defeat was much narrower this time around, than the last time the referendum was on the ballot in 2022.
During the midterm election in 2022, the same referendum was on the ballot for Macon County and 15,124 people cast their vote on the question. Of those, 8,575, or about 55%, voted against the measure, and 6,829, or about 45%, voted in favor. That is in contrast to the 51% to 49% margin this time around.
If a referendum fails, a county can legally hold a subsequent referendum on the same question after one year. For Shields, a retired life-long educator, this might be an option for Macon County.
“I will continue to support the vote at each opportunity,” Shields said following the latest vote on the referendum. “The quartercent sales tax is a participation tax of $2 million dollars comes into our coffers meaning that the ad valorem tax can stay low by using these monies toward capital and operational expenses.”
Volunteer effort hooks up displaced WNC residents with temporary housing
BY KYLE PERROTTI NEWS EDITOR
As the recovery from the flooding disaster brought on by Hurricane Helene transitions to a different phase with more long-term priorities, housing solutions have become a major focus of volunteers still looking to lend a helping hand.
As the recovery from the flooding disaster brought on by Hurricane Helene transitions to a different phase with more longterm priorities, housing solutions have become a major focus of volunteers still looking to lend a helping hand.
Cajun Navy, Hope for Crisis and BeLoved Asheville. They have come from all over the country with volunteers spending their own time and money to drive them in. Garnes is personally vetting RVs to make sure they are habitable and functional, while also working to pair the right campers with the right families. For example, a family of four will need a much larger camper than a single adult. In addition, Garnes looks at which lots might work for camper placement.
“A lot of the land people want to donate is flat and would work fine, but there’s no sceptic and water or old septic and water,”
This truck, owned by Iowa resident Lavon Schwartz, pulled a fifth-wheel camper all the way from Chicago to Western North Carolina to be used by a family whose house was rendered uninhabitable by the flood. Kyle Perrotti photo
Such is the case for Lorelie Garnes in Haywood County. Garnes, who runs a digital marketing business, has carved out about 40 hours from her already busy weeks to connect those whose homes were rendered uninhabitable with a temporary solution in the form of a camper. Since she began the effort, campers have arrived from all over the country. As of now, 25 campers have been brought in, and Garnes said there are about 60 families that she knows of that still need a semi-permanent housing option.
Once Garnes connects a family in need with a camper, they find a lot to place it with hopes that it can be a permanent spot. An average lot rental, according to Garnes, is $550 to $900 depending on whether utilities are included.
The campers have been sourced from a number of entities, including private donors, Mountain Projects, The United
Garnes said. “In most cases, when the RV is brought in, a generator and propane provides electrical power until they can be plugged into the grid.”
Like many community recovery efforts, Garnes’ work has relied on word on mouth, but she’s also been able to tap into her professional network to raise awareness with hopes to reach both donors and families in need. Beloved Asheville has become a crucial partner, and another digital marketer out of Ohio named Jonas Troyer has leveraged his network to reach people looking to either donate a trailer or drive a donation down.
One such person was Iowa resident Lavon Schwartz, who said he’s known Troyer for years and was looking to help people in Western North Carolina. When he
HOUSING, PAGE 12
saw that Troyer was looking for drivers to deliver donated campers, he leapt at the opportunity. In Schwartz’ case, he met up with a family from Wisconsin in Chicago to transfer a camper. Schwartz hopped in the Ford F-450 he uses for his construction job and hit the road, driving clear through to the morning when he arrived in Haywood County.
“I just wanted to do what I could, and this seemed like the thing to do,” Schwartz said.
In addition to working with other nonprofits, Garnes has received donations from businesses and individuals in the area, including local realtor Michelle Moyer, owner of Hooked Properties Solutions, who donated several months’ worth of lot rent for people living in the donated campers.
Garnes is still seeking people willing to donate money for those lot rents. She said that instead of accepting money, she prefers to have someone either donate to Mountain Projects or even just pay the landlord directly.
“So far, we have almost three lots paid for for six months, and then what we're doing is applying it over the year, so when we split that cost, instead of $900 a month, people are paying $450 a month for a year,” she said. “That's not such a hard hit, but it cuts their
rent in half for the first year, which is helping a lot, because they've lost everything — clothes, everything. Plus, they spent a lot of money just trying to maneuver around through this for the last month.”
Garnes began dabbling in this kind of work after Tropical Storm Fred caused catastrophic flooding in the Canton in August 2021. Like many in Haywood County, that work helped prepare her for the complex mission still unfolding in the months after Helene. These efforts are also shaping a long-term vision born over the last few years as she’s watched the affordable housing problem get worse for local residents. She has an 18-acre lot, located in the Clyde area, in mind that she thinks could accommodate 35 affordable housing units, most likely tiny homes.
“My goal would be to have those houses rent for $500 a month,” she said.
Garnes plans on kicking off a fundraiser at some point to raise the $699,000 needed to buy that plot of land for her dream affordable housing project. She said she also hopes that after building a partnership during Helene recovery that BeLoved Asheville will also help out with that endeavor.
“We just need to have our heads screwed on straight,” Garnes said. “We have to say, ‘we’re going to really do this.’ No more excuses.”
Anyone interested in donating a camper or funds to go toward rent or RV winterization can reach out to Garnes by sending an email to lorelei@digitalbuzzmedia.com.
Lorelie Garnes, second from the right, has worked to connect families in need with campers. Donated photo
Green wins race for superintendent of NC schools
BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER
While a majority of North Carolina voters chose Republican candidate Donald Trump for president of the United States, many split their ticket to elect Democratic candidates to top state offices. One of those was Mo Green, who won the race for superintendent of North Carolina public schools.
“I am humbled and honored to be elected as North Carolina’s Superintendent of Public Instruction,” said Green following his win. “Thank you to every person across the state who believed in this campaign.”
Green will take the reins after eight years of Republican leadership at the Department of Public Instruction — Mark Johnson held the office from 2017 to 2021, and Catherine Truitt has been in office since winning election in 2021. Prior to Johnson’s election, the last Republican to hold the office was Charles Mebane from 1887-1901.
selecting Truitt to move on to the general election; she beat Morrow 55% to 44% in the county. Republicans in Haywood, Jackson and Macon counties voted for Morrow by wide margins — 55% to 44%, 62% to 37% and 53% to 46%, respectively.
But the gamble of choosing a newcomer over an incumbent didn’t pay off. In the General Election Green beat Morrow 51% to 48% statewide, with Green winning 2,806,574 votes to Morrow’s 2,687,266.
Morrow ran her campaign not only against Green, her opponent, but also against the Department of Public Instruction, the office she was seeking to occupy.
“He is an integral part of the failing, broken system,” Morrow said of Green in an interview with The Smoky Mountain News during her campaign.
In the SMN coverage area, voters went for Morrow over Green in Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties, again by wide margins.
But Republicans took a risk this year when they voted against their own incumbent in Truitt during the primary and opted instead for Michelle Morrow — a retired nurse and mother of five who had never held public office or worked in public instruction.
Morrow won the Republican primary by casting herself as more conservative than Truitt, saying at the time that she was running because she believed “the biggest threat to our constitutional republic is the indoctrination happening right now in the public education system in North Carolina.”
Morrow had a history of inflammatory social media posts, filmed herself at the Capitol on Jan. 6 and called for the public execution of elected officials including North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper.
Morrow beat Truitt 52.1% to 47.9% in the primary, winning 457,151 votes to Truitt’s 420,270. In The Smoky Mountain News coverage area, Swain Republicans were alone in
clear the 55,000-student waitlist at the cost of $463 million. It also increased the amount of funding the program will have in the future, from $625 million for the upcoming 2025-26 school year to $825 million for the 2032-33 school year. It will continue to be funded at that $825 million annual level thereafter.
Green was vehemently opposed to the bill, saying he believes “that it is taking money that could go into our public schools at a time when our public schools desperately need them.”
The bill passed a week after the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management released an analysis that estimated the new legislation would cause annual K-12 state spending to increase by a total of about $185 million, with an estimated $75 million leaving public schools and an increase to private schools of approximately $260 million.
Morrow supported the voucher funding and sees it as benefitting competition between public and private schools.
“If you have a failing public school system, and your state is responsible for ensuring the sound, basic, moral education for every student, the real problem exists with the public school system,” said Morrow. Support for such a bill may be expected in urban counties like Mecklenburg, which is home to 96 private schools where 13% of
the student population is enrolled, but it was thought to be less popular in rural counties like Macon, which has two private schools and enrolls just 1.87% of the student population. Haywood is home to five private schools and Jackson and Swain each have two.
After her defeat, Morrow released a statement insinuating she would continue her bid for office in public education.
“The closeness of this race is a testament to grass roots campaigning. And grass roots support like we have is not a campaign product, but rather the symptom of a movement,” Morrow said in a statement. “A movement like we have created together cannot be stopped by politics. It cannot be stopped by oppositional media. It cannot be stopped by smear messaging here today and gone tomorrow. A movement like ours can only be stopped by satisfying the need that created it.”
Following his victory, Green held a press conference in which he said he was looking forward to advocating for North Carolina Public Schools.
“This position is called upon to elevate public schools and to advocate for public schools and so that’s what I intend to do,” said Green. “This position is called upon to say, ‘we need to have those dollars going to support the constitutionally required public school system.’”
Morrow and Green were split over many issues, one of them included public funding for private schools.
In September, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a mini budget that included $463 million to clear the waitlist of families that had applied for the Opportunity Scholarship Grant Program and provided voucher money for those attending private schools.
Last year, the General Assembly removed the income eligibility requirement, as well as the requirement that recipients must have previously attended public schools, for the Opportunity Scholarship Grant Program — a system that reimburses families with children attending private schools to help pay the cost of tuition and fees. This led to some 70,000 new applications for private school vouchers for the current 2024-25 school year, a more than 100% increase over the 2023-24 school year.
The bill provided enough funding to
Mo Green won the race for state superintendent, beating his opponent Michelle Morrow. File photo
Maybe Trump’s win was about policy
To the Editor:
The liberal media, including TV personalities and “journalists,” were really shocked over the Trump victory. “Oh, the humanity!!” It is almost comical to see the culture elites who believe that they are endowed with wisdom and understanding to be totally dumbfounded, particularly when they tell us how we should think.
They paint with a broad of a brush, about how ill informed the electorate is and how dangerous the decision was. I heard about “internment camps” and Social Security and Medicare being destroyed and Trump sitting up all night plotting his revenge.
Jimmie Kimmel started off his show with a skit about him leaving the country because Trump was elected. He went on to say that Tuesday was a “terrible night for women and children and immigrants, and healthcare and science, for journalist, for justice, for free speech, for poor people, for the middle class, for seniors … blah , blah, blah. Whoopi Goldberg pondered about American voters, “How dumb are you? “A writer for the Guardian claimed that “women’s bodies (and rights) are of little consequence to the people who voted for Donald Trump.”
For these liberal elites it is simply not fathomable that other people could have different thoughts about what is best for the country. My favorite had to be Sonny Hostin from “The View” who insisted that the win for Trump had to be about “racism and misogyny” and it “definitely was not about policy.” That must be because the policies from Biden/Harris were so great? And incidentally, Harris said when she asked if she would change anything about the administration she said, “nothing comes to mind.”
For example, the wonderful border policy which allowed 11 million illegals to enter our country, some of which were gang members and criminals who have committed horrendous crimes including rape and murder. The plan was clear. To allow as many as possible in, and then grant them amnesty and citizenship so they could vote “blue” and the Dems could remain in control forever.
Surely, it was not the economy, with inflation peaking at over 9% just two years after Biden/Harris were in office, but it was, of course, Donald Trump’s fault. It had nothing to do with exorbitant government spending. Or how about the “Inflation Reduction Act,” which itself was inflationary and was nothing more than a “green energy deal” in sheep’s clothing. What about going over budget every year by trillions of dollars, leaving an enormous debt to our children and grandchildren. That’s inflationary.
Editor’s note: Donald Trump’s win in the Nov. 5 election will be a hot topic now and will be much-discussed in history books. Two Smoky Mountain News readers sent in their respective views about the outcome, providing a kind of point-counterpoint that seems representative of how many Americans are feeling right now.
abortions” when all they did was verify that since abortion is not mentioned in the Constitution, it is a state issue, which, by the way, is constitutional.
Could it be that the majority of Americans are sick of being told what to think and sick of politicians who swear to follow the Constitution and then ignore it when their best ideas are “price controls” and weaponizing the judicial system to go after your political opponents. Both plans have worked so well — in communist Russia and China.
Could it be that the majority of Americans envision a different America. One that rewards hard work where the leaders put America first rather than the rest of the world. One where fairtrade agreements are negotiated, where we do not give billions of dollars to our enemies so they can fund terrorists to kill us and our allies.
Is it possible that we, the majority of Americans are more than just “garbage” and we can think for ourselves without being told what to think by the enlightened culturally elite. Is it possible that we actually voted for the candidate that we believe will return The United States to its core values, and thus truly “make America great again?”
There is one thing that I did agree with Kamala about. It is time to “turn the page.” “Turn the page” to a new administration that doesn’t force its liberal agenda down our throats whether we like it or not. “Turn the page” to a new chapter in America that
How about the policy of letting the “boys” who consider themselves “girls” being allowed in the girl’s restroom or sex change surgery for those in the military or transgender (formerly males) competing in sports against young women who were female at birth. Or how about their insistence on multiple education loan forgiveness programs even after the Supreme Court overruled it. And speaking of the Supreme Court, the Democrats have lambasted the court for “robbing” women of the “right to
allows people to think for themselves and vote as they believe. Maybe that was the reason that over 73 million voted for Donald Trump, which is about 4 million more than those who wanted to stay on the same page, in the same playbook. Is it possible that the vote was not about race or hatred of women or abortion or even personalities? Maybe, it was all about policy after all. David Lawson, MD Lake Junaluska
We will reap what we’ve sown
To the Editor: I wish I could blame the outcome of the recent presidential election on yet another “misfire” (as in 2000 and 2016) of our arcane and thoroughly undemocratic Electoral College system. But, no. This time, a majority of America’s voting public, by a margin of some 4 million popular votes, have spoken clearly.
They have chosen as the leader of our republic a blatant fascist and racist who once called a neo-Nazi mob spewing antisemitic hate “very fine people.” The one they have picked is a narcissistic sociopath and pathological liar and a misogynistic serial abuser of women (“When you’re a star they let you do it.”). Our soon-to-be commander-in-chief (again) considers those who sacrifice and die in the service of their country “suckers” and “losers,” has cruelly mocked the physically challenged and unabashedly befriends and admires the worst bullies on the global stage. He once tried using American aid to an ally as a bargaining chip in his personal political machinations, which was the subject of his first impeachment.
The American people have chosen as the next president an election tamperer (“Fellas, I need 11,000 votes. Give me a break.”) and the inciter of violent insurrectionists against the legal workings of our government (“We love you, you’re very special”), this the focus of his second impeachment. He is a stealer and concealer of classified government documents, and now a convicted felon, one who calls our nation’s journalistic media “an enemy of the American people.” A demagogue who trolls the very darkest corners our national psyche, our new/old president-elect will predictably continue spreading such hatred, fear, division and chaos at every turn — all his stock-in-trade going back many years.
If these are the things you resonate to Mr. & Mrs. America, you’ve got them (again) in one convenient, deplorable package: Donald J. Trump — this time with few guardrails left in place. And, count on him to surround himself (again) with the very worst characters lurking in the undergrowth of America’s political landscape, the likes of Roger Stone, Giuliani, Steve Bannon, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Sidney Powell and Stephen Miller, just as a sampler. Beyond these, a host of lesser creeps and crazies have already begun emerging from the woodwork (check the news), re-empowered by their idol and enabler.
Trump in 2024 is a known quantity, and appropriate alarm bells were sounded for any who were paying attention, including from many of his former staff and other fellow Republicans who came to view him, and still do, as a genuine threat to American democracy. There is no excuse. So enjoy the ride, you 50.5%, until you at long last perhaps lose your stomach for it all. Meanwhile, the rest of us will “stand back and stand by,” to challenge and resist the coming outrages as best we can — and prepare to pick up the pieces when it’s all over. And, if there’s any consolation in all this, at least we’re guaranteed a peaceful transfer of power come January!
Tom Powers Haywood County
‘Rock for Relief’ raises over $32K
The recent “Rock for Relief: A WNC Flood Benefit Festival” was able to garner more than $32,000 in its one-day musical extravaganza.
Held on Saturday, Nov. 2, in Waynesville and surrounding communities, the gathering consisted of over 60 artists performing at 16 venues around Haywood County.
“It’s just incredible to see how our community came together for a great cause,” said Patrick Schneider, president of Adamas Entertainment, a Waynesville-based production company that helped organize the event. “This is what live music is all about.”
Schneider noted that plans are already in the works for another similar event this coming spring, with “Rock for Relief” expected to return for its second installment next fall.
“There will always be a call for aid to help our family, friends and neighbors here in Western North Carolina,” Schneider said. “And we want to continue to be part of the process to assist those in need.”
Proceeds will be distributed between Mountain Projects, a beloved longtime nonprofit organization helping those in need in Haywood and Jackson counties, and also be given directly into the hands of local artists heavily affected by the floods through the Rock for Relief Musicians Fund.
The Smoky Mountain News was the official media sponsor of “Rock for Relief.” For more information, go to rockforreliefwnc.com.
Mountain power
Hundreds of artists come together for ‘Caverns of Gold’ album
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, there has been numerous initiatives put forth by local Western North Carolina musicians to raise funds and provide aid to those in need in our backyard.
From benefit concerts to much-needed supply drives, backyard jam sessions and art functions, all with the same ethos in mind: “anything helps and everything counts.” Which is why this latest musical project — “Caverns of Gold” — is so impressive in nature when it comes to collaboration, camaraderie and community.
“What this project has taught me in that, even in hard times, we can find moments of joy and should allow ourselves to feel them,” said Alex Deutsch. “Art might not be all we need, but it sure is a positive force for good.”
A compilation album featuring melodies from 280 artists, “Caverns of Gold” was initially conjured by a handful of local artists and folks heavily involved in the WNC music scene, including Deutsch, Joe Hooten, Jason Bugg, Kelly Minnis and Chad Nance.
“We all play in several musical projects based out of Asheville,” Deutsch said. “[And] we had
WNC post-Helene.”
The album itself is priced at $10. Folks can also donate more that the retail cost of the record to the cause. To that, there was a “Caverns of Gold” album release and benefit show earlier this month at the Sly Grog Lounge in Asheville. Since its release, “Caverns of Gold” has raised over $10,000 and counting.
“We’re all big believers in the mutual aid model of support,” Deutsch said. “We also wanted [the album] to be accessible to most people. So, despite ending up with about 20 typical albums worth music on this compilation, we set a minimum price of $10, though people [are] welcome to donated more and many did.”
Clocking in at 19 hours, the album itself is an incredibly intricate collage of marquee acts, regional heavy-hitters and rising local artists — the sum of which being this melodic ode to the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy and despair.
“We have such a wide and diverse music scene and we wanted to showcase it,” Deutsch said specifically of the WNC musicians and groups involved. “We all have a stake in our community and think everyone deserves an equal voice in representing and supporting it.”
similar ideas to do some sort of compilation album to utilize the vast WNC music to raise money.”
Proceeds from the sales of the digital album will go to BeLoved Asheville, a storied nonprofit
In terms of national artists, R.E.M., Drivin N Cryin’s Kevn Kinney, Leftover Salmon, Steep Canyon Rangers, Milk Carton Kids, North Mississippi Allstars, Larry Keel, Tyler Ramsey, Jay Gonzalez, Dangermuffin, Dylan Walshe, Acoustic Syndicate, Papadosio, Abe Partridge and moe. each offered up a track.
“[‘Caverns of Gold’] also [exposes] a wide
Since its release, “Caverns of Gold” has raised over $10,000 and counting.
providing immediate resources to those affected by the recent natural disaster.
“We chose BeLoved Asheville because it has a wider scope,” Deutsch said. “They were supplying, feeding and housing people even before the storm and have stepped up in huge way to help
Want to donate?
A vibrant compilation of songs from over 280 acts from Western North Carolina and beyond, the “Caverns of Gold: A Benefit for WNC Hurricane Relief” album is now available for purchase.
The release seeks to raise crucial funds for those affected by Hurricane Helene, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting BeLoved Asheville, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing immediate assistance and long-term support for those affected by the disaster.
The cost of “Caverns of Gold” is $10. To obtain the digital album, go to cavernsofgold.bandcamp.com.
audience outside the region to what those of us who live here already know — we have a worldclass music scene filled with an immense amount of music,” Deutsch said.
From our neck of the woods, it’s the rich, vibrant talents of local/regional musicians: the late Malcolm Holcombe, Underhill Rose, The Get Right Band, Dulci Ellengerger, J.D. Pinkus, Andrew Scotchie, Powder Horns, Santiago y Los Gatos, The Dirty French Broads, The Moon & You, Arnold Hill, The 40-20-10s, Drunken Prayer, Planefolk and more contributed numbers.
“Many [from WNC] who [donated songs] just got power back, had their homes destroyed [or] still don’t have potable water. They enthusiastically set aside their troubles and [donated] their talents,” Deutsch said. “The beauty of that generosity is matched only by that of the music this project has gathered together.”
Underhill Rose. Sandlin Gaither photo
J.D. Pinkus. Garret K. Woodward photo
This must be the place
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD
‘Armed with will and determination, and grace, too’
In the midst of the most important and crucial presidential election in my 39 years of existence in this country and, perhaps, also that of my now elderly parents and long-gone grandparents, I decided to order a New York Strip Steak, medium with sautéed onions.
Singletree Heritage Kitchen. Depot Street. Downtown Waynesville. Mostly empty parking lot, a rarity at this fine dining establishment.
Dining area quiet, too. The bar counter had enough seats available to accommodate myself, my girlfriend, Sarah, and also one of my closest friends in this lifetime and in this universe.
No TVs on the walls blaring the latest election results from Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia around 7:30 p.m. No gregarious faces of liquor and vigor waxing poetic about either side of the political aisles. No sense of a nation riddled with anxiety as the streets outside the front window stayed silent, a lone car here and there every so often to remind you this isn’t the end of times.
engaged in the voting process these days. The early voting and day-of turnout numbers hit new records.
And that’s a good thing. I look at the high turnout as a true litmus test of where we are as an American society, for good or ill. The lens is becoming more and more focused as to where we stand as a people in the United
States in 2024 and beyond.
“There must be some big sports event tonight,” the bartender sarcastically noted, our trio finishing the last sips of a delicious California pinot noir in gusto amid this fleeting, intrinsic moment of being together — in solitude and in gratitude.
While family, friends, neighbors and strangers alike huddled around TVs, smart phones and radios listening to the unfolding democratic process of installing the next commander-in-chief in the White House, we talked about plans for the upcoming holidays — the three of us well-aware of the heaviness of the outside world awaiting our return, once the bill was paid and we headed home.
Earlier in the day, I went and voted at my local polling place. The old North Carolina National Guard Armory tucked away the Frog Level neighborhood of Waynesville. A couple of older folks manning the polls. Walked in and I was the only one there to vote. “Well, look at you, you just missed the big line earlier,” the lady smiled.
I was alone in the voting area, filling out my ballot and thinking about how incredible it is to be able to vote in a democratic election. And how many millions of Americans are also doing the same thing I’m doing in this same moment across the country.
It’s never been lost of me to have the right to exercise your political vote. And I’ve been coming to that same armory for the last 12 years to vote. Sitting there, I also kept thinking about how many folks are now politically
cause of this hate and anger in America that sometimes feels like a shiny apple with a rotted core when placed against the rest of the planet. He’s the result of years of neglect towards everyday people in often-forgotten corners of this country.
And everything you may love about Kamala Harris (inclusivity, progressive ideals, women’s rights) will still continue to be fought for in the years and generations to come — it’s just that important. America has always been a moving target of pursuit and purpose.
Since the dawn of democracy, politics is a messy, haphazard and sometimes dangerous and violent game. This presidential election won’t tie up all of those loose ends, either spiritually, politically or culturally — in my backyard or yours. North, south, east or west, we’re all in this together, come hell or high water.
I will always aim to learn more about myself and others around me. The only way to grow as a human is to connect, especially with those you may disagree with. That’s real democracy.
Regardless of politics, of yelling and screaming, of chaos and confusion (that will surely emerge and soak into the fabric of our daily lives moving ahead), what remains is what we first learned in the sandbox when we were just kids — “treat others the way you want to be treated.”
No matter what happens, “The Golden Rule” should apply within our society, especially in a modern world seemingly gone mad, with many knowns and unknowns appearing on the horizon like undulating waves in a sometimes hard-to-navigate ocean.
Some say it’s disheartening to look through that lens. But, I see it as a country in a continual work-in-progress mode. This clearer lens shows us the reality of our country and what lengths we still must go to achieve unity amongst the masses.
I’d rather have a harsh reality of our current national situation than rose-colored glasses and sugar-coating the truth of what surrounds us. Don’t forget, a fundamental pillar of democracy is compromise through disagreement. Work towards the common goal of figuring out the best option or solution to problems plaguing our country.
I also thought about how wild it was in the “old days” when you couldn’t tell political parties apart, at least not by much. Remember those Al Gore/George Bush debates from almost 25 years ago, where they looked and sounded like two sides of the same coin?
Hell, nowadays President Bill Clinton would be considered a moderate Republican based on his pro-business and anti-regulation stances, while President Richard Nixon would be considered somewhat of a moderate Democrat with his EPA bills for clean water and clean air.
Thus, everything you may hate about Donald Trump (corruption, corporate greed, environmental issues, womanizing) has, sadly, been in politics since America was founded. The same things folks point fingers at him about were the same things brought up as criticism towards other presidents going back decades.
Although he tossed gasoline onto the fire of division in this country, Trump isn’t the
I remain an eternal optimist, for the good in people and in this land of ours stretching from sea to shining sea. Lend a hand. Give a hug. Help out humanity. Work for peace. For what else can you do?
HOT PICKS
1
The 15th annual “Handmade Holiday Sale” will be held from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, in the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.
2
A special stage production of Agatha Christie’s legendary whodunit “The Mousetrap” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15-16 and 2 p.m. Nov. 17 on the Fangmeyer Stage at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
3
Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host “Free Community Art Day” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16.
4
Tim Silver will present his new book, “Death in Briar Bottom: The True Story of Hippies, Mountain Lawmen, and the Search for Justice in the Early 1970s,” at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.
5
The “Bachelor of Fine Art Portfolio Exhibition” reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, at the Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum in Cullowhee.
Military Mondays
The trees outside Garret’s front door. Garret K. Woodward photo
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host Doug & Lisa Nov. 16. All shows begin at 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9320 / blueridgebeerhub.com.
• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host Human Nip (rock) Nov. 16 and The Rhinestone Ramblers (Americana/alt-country) Nov. 23. 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 Darren Nicholson Band (Americana/bluegrass) 5 p.m. Nov. 24. For tickets and reservations, go to cataloocheeranch.com/ranch-events/live-music.
• Farm At Old Edwards (Highlands) will host the “Orchard Sessions” on select dates. All shows begin at 6 p.m. 866.526.8008 / oldedwardshospitality.com/orchardsessions.
• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Jazz On The Level 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Abbey Winters (singer-songwriter) Nov. 13, Different Light Nov. 15, Jesse Velvet (singersongwriter) Nov. 16, Phil Thomas (singersongwriter) 3 p.m. Nov. 17, Old Sapp (Americana/folk) Nov. 22, Mountain Mama Band Nov. 23 and Desi & Cody 3 p.m. Nov. 24. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 / froglevelbrewing.com.
• Frog Quarters (Franklin) will host live music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays w/Dave Stewart (singer-songwriter) Nov. 16 and Al Scortino & Greg Thomas (Americana/folk) Nov. 23. Free and open to the public. Located at 573 East Main St. 828.369.8488 / littletennessee.org.
• Happ’s Place (Glenville) will host Blue Jazz Nov. 15, Charles Walker Nov. 22 and The Remnants Nov. 23. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.742.5700 / happsplace.com.
• Highlander Mountain House (Highlands) will host “Blues & Brews” on Thursday evenings, “Sunday Bluegrass Residency” from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and B.J. Barham (of American Aquarium) 8:30 p.m. Nov. 21 (admission is $50 per person). 828.526.2590 / highlandermountainhouse.com.
• Highlands Performing Arts Center will host Darren Nicholson Band (Americana/bluegrass) 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23. 828.526.9047 / highlandsperformingarts.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Madison Owenby (soul/country) Nov. 16 and Sweet & Sourwood Honey (Americana/folk)
Scotty McCreery returns to Harrah’s
Scotty McCreery will play Cherokee Nov. 15. Jeff Ray photo
Country star Scotty McCreery will hit the stage at 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. McCreery has been a household name for nearly half his life, ever since making history in 2011 as both the first country artist and the youngest male artist of any genre to debut his first studio album, the platinum-certified “Clear as Day,” at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 Albums chart.
The 31 year old has sold more than four million albums and achieved five consecutive No.1 hits: the RIAA platinum-certified
“Damn Strait,” the RIAA gold-certified “You Time,” the RIAA gold-certified “In Between,” the RIAA platinum-certified “This is It” and the RIAA triple platinumcertified ‘Five More Minutes.”
Recently, McCreery was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and last year was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry by Garth Brooks. McCreery was welcomed into the Opry family by his heroes Josh Turner and Randy Travis.
Tickets start at $44.50 per person. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, go to caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.
Franklin welcomes Marty Haggard
The musically talented son of country star Merle Haggard, singer-songwriter Marty Haggard will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.
In 1979, Marty began touring with his own band, signing with Dimension Records in 1981. From 1983-1985, Marty toured with his dad, playing guitar and singing harmony. Marty signed with MTM Records in 1986 and released “Trains Make Me Lonesome.”
In 1999, Marty and his wife, Tessa, formed Marty Haggard Music and Marty began writing and singing spiritual songs inspired by his life spent with his Grandma Haggard after his mom and dad were divorced. Marty’s love for his dad and his music eventually inspired him to begin a new project, which he titled “A Tribute to Merle Haggard ‘My Dad.’”
In 2010, he recorded the first record of this project with a 15-song album of Hag classics. This led to a tribute show in Branson, Missouri, where he performed for two years. In 2011, Marty released “A Tribute to Merle Haggard ‘My Dad’: Volume 2.” He
Nov. 23. 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, Madison Owenby (soul/country) Nov. 15 and Val Merza (indie/pop) Nov. 22. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. 828.349.2337 / lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• Listening Room (Franklin) will host Lara Herscovitch 2:30 p.m. Dec. 8. Suggested donation $20. Located at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host “Open Mic Night” w/Frank Lee every Wednesday, Wyatt Espalin (singer-songwriter) Nov. 15, Mountain Gypsy (Americana) 5 p.m. Nov. 17, Aces Down Nov. 22, Frank Lee (Americana/old-time) Nov. 23 and Bridget Gossett (singer-songwriter) 5 p.m. Nov. 24. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 / mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.
• Otto Community Center (Otto) will host James Thompson (Americana) 6 p.m. Nov. 15. Bring a beverage and snack of your choice. Free and open to the public. 770.335.0967 / go2ottonc.com.
• Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host Karaoke 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Trivia Night 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Lisa Boone (singer-songwriter) Nov. 14, Steve Vaclavik (singer-songwriter) Nov. 15, Bo Bullman (singer-songwriter) Nov. 16, Madison Owenby (singer-songwriter) Nov. 21, “Open Mic w/Dirty Dave” Nov. 22 and R.A. Nightingale (singer-songwriter) Nov. 23. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.369.6796 / facebook.com/rathskellercoffeebarandpub.
then took the show on the road throughout the country and beyond.
Tickets start at $20 per person, with seating upgrades available. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, go to smokymountainarts.com or call 866.273.4615.
Marty Haggard will play Franklin Nov. 15. File photo
• Scotsman (Waynesville) will host Rich Manz Trio (rock/folk) Nov. 14, Random Acts Of Music Nov. 15, Bobby G. Nov. 21 and Fancy & The Gentleman (Americana/soul) Nov. 23. 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 Marty Haggard (country/folk) 7 p.m. Nov. 15. 866.273.4615 / smokymountainarts.com.
• Unplugged Pub (Bryson City) will host Mountain Gypsy (Americana) Nov. 14 (free), Macon County Line Nov. 15, Lori & The Freighshakers (classic rock/country gold) Nov. 16, Karaoke Night w/Lori Nov. 21, Blackwater Station Nov. 22 and Jon Cox Band (country/rock) Nov. 23. All shows are $5 at the door unless otherwise noted and begin at 8 p.m. 828.538.2488 / unpluggedpub.com.
• Find more at smokymountainnews.com/arts
Handmade Holiday Sale
The 15th annual “Handmade Holiday Sale” will be held from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, in the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.
This event is presented by the WCU Fine Art Museum and is located throughout the Bardo Arts Center lobby and Star Atrium. It features high-quality, handmade gifts created by students, staff and alumni. Items for sale include artwork, candles, ceramics, wearable accessories, woodwork and other handmade crafts.
The following vendors will be participating: AJM Wood Burning, Art Educations, Book Arts & Printmaking, Brooklyn Brown Creative Services, Diana Limbo, ECB Designs, Flori Studio, Flower Moon Designs, Grow by Earth Pottery, Jillian’s Canvas, localartbyjane, Mother Made Keepsakes, Mudcats Club,
Pleasantly Twisted Pottery, Purses by Mal, Rez Dog Art Studio, She’s Crafty AVL, Smoky Mountain Creations, Starre Fired Pottery, USITT, WCU Wildlife & Forestry Club and Wild Pony Studio.
In addition, the WCU Fine Art Museum will host the reception for its newest exhibition, “At the Table,” from 5-7 pm Thursday, Nov. 21.
This reception was postponed due to Hurricane Helene. The exhibition explores ideas of community, power and representation through depictions or the use of a “table.” The reception will have free snacks, refreshments and comments from the WCU Fine Art Museum’s curator and team.
To learn more about the exhibition and reception, visit arts.wcu.edu/handmadeholiday.
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host “Free Community Art Day” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 16. 828.369.4080 / coweeschool.org/music.
• 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.
ALSO:
• “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 (May-December) in downtown Waynesville. 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.
• 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 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 activities for artisans, locals and visitors. jcgep.org.
• Southwestern Community College Swain Arts Center (Bryson City) will host an array of workshops for adults and kids. southwesterncc.edu/scc-locations/swain-center.
• Dogwood Crafters in Dillsboro will offer a selection of upcoming art classes and workshops. dogwoodcrafters.com/classes / 828.586.2248.
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host semi-regular arts and crafts workshops. coweeschool.org/events.
WCU’s ‘Handmade Holiday Sale.’ File photo
On the wall
Haywood Arts to offer Helene support grants
The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) in Waynesville has announced the launch of the HCAC Helene Support Grant.
Designed to provide financial assistance to HCAC artist members who have been significantly impacted by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, the application process is currently underway. Funding will range from $300 to $1,500.
“We are deeply appreciative of the generosity shown by our community,” said Tonya Harwood, executive director of HCAC. “After the cancellation of our Smoky Mountain Bluegrass Festival, we asked ticket holders if they wanted a refund or if they would prefer to donate to our Helene Relief Fund. We were overwhelmed when more than half of them chose to donate.
Additionally, we have received private donations to support our artist members, and we couldn’t be more grateful for this outpouring of support.”
The Helene Support Grant is intended for individual artists, providing critical relief as they recover from the storm’s impact on their lives and livelihoods. Eligible artists must be active members of the HCAC as of September 2024 and must
be working in one of the following artistic fields: craft, literary, media, performing, visual or interdisciplinary arts.
Eligibility Criteria:
• Applicants must be an HCAC artist member as of September 2024 and be 18 years of age.
• Available to artists and creatives who have experienced loss due to Hurricane Helene, including loss of a studio, home, supplies or income.
• Applicants must have been affected by Hurricane Helene.
• This grant is intended for individual artists; nonprofits are not eligible for this opportunity.
The HCAC is committed to supporting local artists who contribute so much to the cultural fabric of our mountain community. With these funds, artists can begin to recover and rebuild after the storm’s devastation.
For more details about the Helene Support Grant and to submit an application, please visit haywoodarts.org/grantsfunding or contact the HCAC at director@haywoodarts.org.
Those interested in helping HCAC provide relief to local artists affected by Hurricane Helene can donate directly to the Helene Relief Fund at givebutter.com/jV0xzR.
HCAC ‘Small Works’ exhibit
The Haywood County Arts Council’s (HCAC) “Small Works” exhibit will run through Dec. 31 at the HCAC Gallery & Gifts showroom in downtown Waynesville.
The annual exhibit expands the types of work for sale in the downtown Waynesville gallery, as well as who can display their work. Other than specially curated exhibits, which occur a couple times annually, this exhibit is the only one that allows any artist within the western mountain region to participate for a small fee.
With dozens of artists participating, the exhibit promises to be eclectic. Although the only requirement is that the pieces be 12 inches in any dimension or smaller, HCAC challenged participants who are making holiday themed works to consider artistic expressions that are multicultural in nature and celebrate the many different holidays — ways of celebrating and ways of experiencing holidays.
‘Small
For more information, go to haywoodarts.org.
On the table
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host semi-regular taptakeovers from local and regional breweries on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9320 / blueridgebeerhub.com.
• “Flights & Bites” will be held starting at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. waynesvillewine.com.
• “Take A Flight” with four new wines every
WCU student art showcase
The “Bachelor of Fine Art Portfolio Exhibition” will be displayed through Dec. 6 at the Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum in Cullowhee.
Featuring the works of WCU’s graduating seniors from the School of Art & Design, this exhibition highlights their comprehensive course of study at WCU’s School of Art & Design and serves as a preface to their forthcoming careers as professional artists.
The art portfolios — which include paintings, photography, ceramics, installation art and other mediums — explore a wide range of topics including isolation, community, the intersection of faith/life and the destruction of Hurricane Helene and Maria.
The reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14. This event will include a gallery talk by the artists along with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Free parking is available.
For more information, visit wcu.edu/bardo-arts-center.
“People stop me to tell me that are beautiful.”
“Who’s my dentist? Dr. John Highsmith.”
828.634.7813
Friday and Saturdays at the Bryson City Wine Market. Select from a gourmet selection of charcuterie to enjoy with your wines. Educational classes and other events are also available. 828.538.0420.
• “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on select dates at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first class car. Wine pairings with a meal, and more. There will also be a special “Beer Train” on select dates. 800.872.4681 / gsmr.com.
From porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges to facelift dentures and dental implants, Dr. Highsmith can transform the appearance and restore the health of your smile.
It’s a smile that people will notice. But more importantly, it’s a smile that will help you look and feel your very best.
All restorations and lab work by North Carolina’s only AACD accredited lab technician.
828.634.7813
‘Young Mountain Women’ by Nikayla Glover. File photo
The
Works’ showcase will be held at HCAC. File photo
HART presents ‘The Mousetrap’
‘The Mousetrap’ will be at HART on select dates this fall. Donated photo
A special stage production of Agatha Christie’s legendary whodunit “The Mousetrap” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15-16 and 2 p.m. Nov. 17 on the Fangmeyer Stage at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
For over seven decades, this suspenseful masterpiece has captivated audiences with its gripping mystery, unexpected twists and memorable characters.
Set in a remote English manor during a snowstorm, “The Mousetrap” follows a group of strangers stranded together, whose anxieties rise when they learn a murderer is on the loose nearby. As it becomes clear the killer is among them, suspicions grow and when a second murder occurs, tensions soar.
Prices range from $18-$38, with special discounts for students, seniors, and groups. To note, 50% of profits from ticket sales for “The Mousetrap” will go to local Helene flood victims. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, go to harttheatre.org or call the box office at 828.456.6322.
• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. smokymountainarts.com / 866.273.4615.
• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. thepeacocknc.org / 828.389.ARTS.
On the street
• Highlands Performing Arts Center will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. highlandsperformingarts.com.
• Balsam Mountain Inn (Balsam) will host the “Holiday Craft Fair” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16. 828.283.0145 / thebalsammountaininn.com.
• “Polar Express” train ride will resume rides on select dates from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot in downtown Bryson City. For a complete listing of departure dates and times, call 800.872.4681 or go to gsmr.com.
An inside look at life in a Christian convent
If you ever wondered what it would be like to live as a monk or a nun, this book delves deeply into the subject. In this extremely well-written and heartfelt memoir, “Cloistered: My Years as a Nun” (St. Martin’s Press, 2024), Catherine Coldstream begins by taking us back to her life as a young woman who has many talents, is smart, well-read, is multilingual, energetic, adventuristic and living a dreamed of life in Paris after having grown up in the UK. With her artist father’s early death and her mother being more or less an absentee parent, her view of life suddenly changes from being very outgoing and social to being attracted to the idea of a more reclusive lifestyle in a Christian convent.
After exploring several possibilities, she ends up at a convent in northern England and begins the process of embracing a life of quasi-isolation with a comforting Christian marriage to Jesus Christ and God as a replacement father figure.
there was a kind of emptiness,” she writes of her earliest days in the convent. In those early days as a novitiate, she was indoctrinated into the Order where all novitiates “will be taught each afternoon with the others and those instructions will continue daily until you are deemed ready to take the final vows.”
“On the farthest horizon,” she continues, “was the beatific vision, the delightful union of the soul with God, and the happy basking in his presence for all eternity for those who were faithful to their calling.” And so she begins her long internship.
“Yes, our ways and customs may have looked insignificant, or odd, from the outside, but, if you understood them, and the
during these early days of “heartfelt searching,” as she calls it. “I lost myself in Gregorian monody, stretched out my inward arms to the invisible God, and fed on the mysterious nourishment of the scriptures. I cannot stress enough how strongly I felt this impression. How strongly I felt the pull of heaven in those days,” she exclaims.
So, these were the early days, the early years, of devotion and commitment as she embraced her newfound life. But, as we will see, over time things would change.
“We were called to live like peasants, poor, and weary, and self-sufficient. We were alone with each other, and ourselves, alone with the haunting presence of our spouse, who as time passed might prove an increasingly elusive companion. Akenside was a world apart, a place where different rules applied. Letter-writing to former sisters was not permitted.
In the first half of “Cloistered,” Coldstream describes her spartan living conditions and rigid discipline and doctrine that she takes on with youthful vigor and enthusiasm, dealing with a demanding work schedule and a mandatory psychology of non-indulgence and ambition. A tough row to hoe compared to her former life. But she’s equal to the task and dives into Christian convent life with both feet — even with a pair of used old shoes that are too big for her.
“The monastery was a silent world, one where every footstep could be heard, and where those rare things, words, were weighed like gold or precious stones. Over each of the doors the word JESUS was drawn in gothic, calligraphic print. Other than that,
thoughts behind them, you saw how they were all connected to a grand unifying vision,” she writes toward the end of her novitiate years. And then goes on to say: “Very soon it was clear that God was my true father and that the monastery was my true home.”
With ease and pleasure being the enemies of the spiritual path, as she had come to believe and embrace, the real work began
Beyond the aura of quiet and the sense of specialness, darker energies were at work,” Coldstream writes as time passes and travails ensue.
“Obedience was woven into the fabric of the order at the level of the warp and weft,” she writes. “As happens in all groups, there were hidden loves and buried antipathies. The model of the monastic life was about obedience and that of martyrdom.”
With these kinds of doctrines and group psychology “Cloistered” takes the reader forward through the adventures and the timeline of Catherine Coldstream’s legacy as a practicing nun. And it is here, with these pervading dichotomies, that she begins to question her life as part of the Carmel order.
“Independent judgement was among the worst of monastic faults, we’d learned, and you knew instinctively to suppress it. Seeking spiritual ideas of your own were something you must be very wary of. We were not meant to admit to basic human needs and that I was expected to manage without a trace of human encouragement or help. But the reality was that only certain people (in the hierarchy) were allowed to be themselves,” she writes. And then asks “Was I looking to an eternal horizon, or was I just running away from life? If the latter, was it too late to turn the clock back, to have another go at being fully human?”
These questions and others remain to be answered by the reader until the end of the book in what in this reviewer’s mind is one of the best works written on the subject of monasticism and organizational spirituality.
(Thomas Crowe is a regular contributor to The Smoky Mountain News and worked as a gardener in a cloistered Carmelite convent in Grenoble, France. He has written about this experience in his memoir “A House of Girls.”)
Writer
Thomas Crowe
I-40 rebuild offers rare opportunity for wildlife conservation
WWord from the Smokies
BY HOLLY KAYS | SPECIAL TO SMN
hen the Safe Passage coalition started working in 2017 to make Interstate 40 a safer place for people and wildlife through the Pigeon River Gorge, nobody knew that, in a few short years, entire sections of the critical roadway would vanish in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The scale of Helene’s damage was unfathomable, with 101 people confirmed dead in North Carolina alone and some survivors still lacking basic necessities like shelter, electricity and potable water. The region is in mourning — but the rebuilding process may offer a once-in-a-generation opportunity to save the lives of future travelers.
structure solutions that would prevent such crashes from happening. Thanks to the group’s partnership with the NC Department of Transportation, the designs for five I-40 bridges up for replacement were amended to include wildlifefriendly modifications, and the agency was poised to use a $2 million wildlife-crossing allotment from the North Carolina General Assembly to install fencing and evaluate Wildlands Network’s and NPCA’s research-based proposals for improving connectivity in the gorge.
Then Helene struck.
The hurricane hit the Gulf Coast as a Category 4 storm and then moved north, dropping record amounts of rain on communities across Southern Appalachia. A gauge on the Pigeon River just below the power plant at Waterville, located along the I-40 corridor, jumped from its normal level of four feet up to nearly 22 feet before the river tore the gauge out around 10 a.m. Sept. 27, as the worst of the flooding unfolded. Three of the five bridge replacements were completed, or nearly so, when the hurricane arrived, and they
stabilization and long-term repair, while the adjoining five miles in Tennessee are open only as a two-lane road for local, noncommercial traffic. Across North Carolina, about 300 road closures remained in place, and roughly 8,000 sites were damaged as of Nov. 4. Among them are at least 140 bridges in need of replacement.
“I definitely sympathize with the DOT, because they’re in a position where they feel like they need to be racing ahead to get all these things put back in place, but at the same time, I hope that the public can see the opportunity here,” said Sutherland. “We can make it so that the next time a big storm like Helene comes through, our infrastructure actually survives.”
For this, Sutherland sees Vermont as a role model. Hurricane Irene inflicted massive damage on the state in 2011 and afterward Vermont invested nearly $230 million in 130 infrastructure projects designed to withstand similar weather events in the future. The state saw another round of major flooding in 2023 and those sites were either undamaged or minimally impacted.
“If we want to look for silver linings, I think there is a chance that we could use this long pause in traffic on I-40 to create some win-wins for wildlife, driver safety and flood resilience along the road,” said Ron Sutherland, chief scientist for coalition partner Wildlands Network.
The 28-mile stretch of I-40 that passes through the Pigeon River Gorge bisects a rugged landscape that falls mostly within the Pisgah National Forest, Cherokee National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, and before Helene, the road handled about 26,500 vehicles every day — a formidable barrier to natural wildlife movement across the landscape. Between 2018 and 2020, researchers Liz Hillard of Wildlands Network and Steve Goodman of National Parks Conservation Association analyzed 304 collisions between vehicles and large animals like bear, deer, and elk. Nationwide, wildlife–vehicle collisions kill more than 200 people annually and cost over $10 billion, according to a 2023 report from the Federal Highway Administration.
Through collaboration with government agencies and efforts to secure funding for wildlife crossings, Safe Passage has been working toward infra-
came through mostly unscathed. However, other areas of the road incurred catastrophic damage. Eastbound lanes in the four-mile stretch between the Tennessee–North Carolina state line and North Carolina mile marker 4, where both eastbound and westbound lanes of traffic disappear into a tunnel, bore the brunt of the destruction. In some places, the shoulder is gone. In others, one lane crumbled, and in some, both lanes are missing. The road saw significant damage on the Tennessee side of the state line too, with the eastbound lanes damaged in multiple locations from mile 446 to the state line at mile 451.
“Because of the alignment of the river versus the road coming in from an angle, the water got in behind walls,” explained Wanda Payne, Division 14 engineer for NCDOT. “And so once it got behind those walls, it just ate out the dirt. It’s like ‘between a rock and a hard place,’ except our hard place wasn’t as hard as we thought it was, so the rock won.”
The highway between Maggie Valley and the state line has been closed since the storm as NCDOT develops plans for both emergency
Any bridge or culvert that can survive a storm like Helene will need to be “absurdly big and strong,” Sutherland said, ensuring space to install culverts or underpasses large enough for bear, deer, and other animals. Wildlands Network recently completed an analysis of North Carolina bridges damaged by Helene that prioritizes their importance for wildlife connectivity.
“If we’re able to put in better bridges that are more floodproof and stronger and bigger on even a quarter or half of those sites,” Sutherland said. “That’s going to have huge benefits for wildlife.”
But it’s a time-sensitive issue. The DOT is working to restore the state’s transportation infrastructure as quickly as possible, an undertaking expected to be extremely expensive, even without considering wildlife crossings. The Safe Passage group is working hard to offer planners its input and help secure funding for installations that could benefit wildlife for generations to come.
“If we miss this opportunity, then Hurricane Helene could have the counterintuitive result of foreclosing on the likelihood for wildlife improvements at hundreds of sites over the next 50 years,” Sutherland said. “Who will want to tear out shiny new bridges and culverts?”
NCDOT structures destroyed by Helene had an average age of 60, meaning that many of them would have been up for replacement in the coming years. Losing the opportunity to improve their utility for wildlife post-Helene would be a “serious setback,” Sutherland said.
The Pigeon River Gorge continues to be a top
for Safe Passage. The area damaged by F
priority
In the most-affected areas of I-40, entire lanes of highway were carried away, as was the soil on which they once rested. NCDOT photo
Ron Sutherland, chief scientist for Wildlands Network, stands atop Looking Glass Rock with the unbroken landscape of the Pisgah National Forest spreading out behind him. Ron Sutherland photo
The new Harmon Den Bridge on Interstate 40, which features a pair of animal-friendly paths along the creek beneath it, was unharmed during the storm. National Parks Conservation Association photo
Haywood Waterways assists EPA to perform Hazard Assessment Surveys
The day after Helene moved through the region, Haywood Waterways Association (HWA) was on the phone calling partners or visiting sites as they could to assess how they fared and if HWA could do anything to assist.
These conversations continued over the next week, and it became obvious that many water-centric business partners in the county needed support as their livelihoods were being threatened with trip cancelations, an unnavigable river or a business location no longer viable to continue operations, this fall season or down the line looking into 2025.
At the same time, HWA was coordinating with the EPA to better understand the hazards in the waterways, and the need for expert boaters to navigate the Pigeon became apparent. This need blossomed into an idea to provide a small opportunity to help our local guides.
HWA brokered contracts between the EPA, its consultants and local river guides here in Haywood County to provide trips along the Pigeon, allowing the EPA to conduct its Hazard Assessment Survey unimpeded and in a safe and expedited fashion. These findings are then directly passed along to the Army Corps of Engineers, from which they are able to extract large hazard materials from the river and to date they have removed numerous items from the Pigeon.
This model of partnering local river guides with EPA and their consultants will migrate out of Haywood County and be used in the French Broad River Basin, expanding northward up the Appalachian chain to the northernmost extent of the Helene disaster area.
Locally, Mountain Fly Outfitters in Canton owned/operated by Doug McElvy is conducting the Pigeon River assessment, aided by local guide Thomas Grimes. Mountain Fly Outfitters and EPA officials are currently assessing the French Broad River as of Nov. 4, having completed the Pigeon River assessment the week of Oct. 28 and are expected to hire many more local guides within each watershed, providing a small business opportunity during these unprecedented times.
‘All About Septic Systems’ workshop
Haywood Waterways Association and the Haywood County Environmental Health Department are hosting a workshop about septic systems from 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, at the Haywood County
Helene includes four sites in Tennessee and three in North Carolina that the research from Wildlands Network and NPCA flagged for wildlife-crossing concerns. In any highway project, rerouting traffic comprises a significant percentage of the budget — but if wildlife-crossing structures could be dropped in while the road is still closed, these improvements could be made with less hassle or expense than will likely be possible again anytime soon.
Safe Passage’s earlier efforts to coordinate with transportation planners have paved the way to make such an outcome more likely than it would have been prior to the group’s formation — Payne said that NCDOT’s plans will address wildlife concerns mentioned in the report. But what that repair might look like is still an open question. In many places, the entire bedrock on which the road rested is gone. NCDOT may decide against rebuilding I-40 exactly as it was before.
Agricultural Service Center at 589 Raccoon Road in Waynesville.
Septic systems are efficient but must be maintained for proper treatment of wastewater from toilets, washing machines, dishwashers and showers. If not, failures can occur and if the system is near a river, stream or lake, untreated wastewater can make its way into the waterway causing risks to
choose to reroute the entire corridor. However, realignment within the mostaffected area is a possibility, as are walls, viaducts, and bridges. The NCDOT award-
human health and the environment.
Staff will be on hand to discuss everything there is to know about septic systems, how they work, common problems, solutions and what financial help is available for homeowners having problems. Light refreshments will be provided. The event is free.
Please RSVP to Christine O’Brien at 828.476.4667, ext. 1 or christine@haywoodwaterways.org.
nent repair of its portion of the road, but NCDOT expects to complete that task by October 2026. It has hired Ames Construction as contractor, RK&K as designer and HNTB as project manager. Payne wants all three parties to meet with Safe Passage early in the process to discuss how wildlife crossings should factor into the design.
“If we’re going to go to the trouble of replacing all these bridges and culverts and highways, why not do it in a way that’s going to survive the next flood, because we certainly don’t know when that’s going to be,” Sutherland said. “If we build back with flood resilience in mind, we’ll also promote wildlife connectivity for species people care about.”
Due to potential difficulty in securing reimbursement from the Federal Highway Administration, it’s unlikely NCDOT will
ed Wright Brothers Construction an $8.5 million contract to perform temporary emergency repairs on the road and expects to open the westbound lanes for two-way traffic by New Year’s Day. Tennessee has not yet announced a timeline for perma-
(Holly Kays is the lead writer for the 29,000-member Smokies Life, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the scientific, historical, and interpretive activities of Great Smoky Mountains National Park by providing educational products and services such as this column. Learn more at SmokiesLife.org or reach the author at hollyk@smokieslife.org. Connect with Safe Passage at smokiessafepassage.org.)
Thomas Grimes (left) and Doug McElvy (right) going over route plans at the Canton shop. Donated photo
Up Moses Creek
BY BURT KORNEGAY
A Head of Streaming Hair
Just before sunset on Oct. 15, Becky and I left home for the Jackson County Airport, its runway laid on a flattenedoff ridge near Cullowhee named Berry Mountain. We’d read that a comet christened Tsuchinshan-ATLAS was passing close to Earth, and we’d heard that the airport parking lot was a good place to see it.
We scanned the darkening western sky from there for an hour, while a chill wind whipped across the pavement and cars came and went, most of them, to judge by the throbbing music inside, containing young people. I don’t know why the young ones were driving up there to park, but I am sure it was not to get out and look up. Then, as stars began to appear, a pole light switched on. Designed to not throw obscuring light pollution up into the sky, it cast its light down and into our eyes, polluting them. With apologies to W. B. Yeats, his poem “Crazy Jane Talks with the Bishop”: “Eye and sky are near of kin, And sky needs eye,” I cry.
I was sweeping the sky with binoculars when, as if through a porthole in Starship Earth, I spotted a fuzzy white dot with a contrail fanning out behind. The contrail made the comet look like it was hurtling westward — though from where we stood it remained frozen in place.
Another sky gazer walked up to ask for a reference point. “Look midway between Venus and that big orange star, Arcturus,” I said.
It wasn’t until I turned from the comet, however, and walked across the parking lot
to look east down Berry Mountain that I saw what struck me most: the lights of Cullowhee. They formed a mini-constellation of humanity cupped in the massive black hands of the Great Balsam and Cowee Mountains — mountains, geologists tell us, that stood there 80,000 years ago when Tsuchinshan-ATLAS last passed and long before the two-legged being that looks both up and down and names the things it sees came on the scene.
“The sun is not so central as a man,” says Thoreau. He meant it is not sunlight or any natural light that illuminates and warms the world, but it is the human heart and mind bringing the world forth to mean now in one way, now in another, that “radiate light and heat” to it, and without which the world is “simple, almost to barrenness.” The world is a kind of clay in the hands of the mind that holds it.
Then I recognized a pointed silhouette jutting up out of the blackness on the far side of Cullowhee. It was Coward Knob. Our house, I knew, lay at its base, and Moses Creek was flowing past it. I could make out the ridge that leads from our backdoor up to the summit.
At my back the twilight and stars and planets and waxing moon and TsuchinshanATLAS itself all combined to cast a pale glow on the cliff near the knob’s summit. People living in the valley in 1940 said that under the pounding rain of a “thunderspout” one pitch-black August night, the soil and forest that had been there gave way and roared down the slope. In seconds the mountain’s rock core was laid bare. Nature shapes clay in her own way.
We were almost home from the airport,
Friends of Panthertown volunteer appreciation party
Friends of Panthertown invites Panthertown volunteers, board members, partners, hike leaders, conservationists and friends to join us for an afternoon of appreciation and
Tsuchinshan-ATLAS streaked across the sky in Western North Carolina on the evening of Oct. 15.
truck heater on high, when Becky said, “I wonder if we can see the comet from Judaculla Rock?” Judaculla Rock is a large boulder at the bottom of Coward Knob, its surface covered with Cherokee petroglyphs. Even before stopping, I could see the comet through the truck window. And when we got out — Ah! — there was no cold wind, no cars coming and going, no throbbing music, no pole light — only cows grazing in a pasture below a dark sky. The cows, like the young people at the airport, did not look up.
But all those above “no’s” added up to an eye full of “yes!” We could see the comet’s bright center, as if the sun had left behind a particle of itself. And from that spark a cloud of glory streamed behind — or
celebration. This event is happening from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, in downtown Sylva at 116 Central Street. Mike Despeaux, Friends of Panthertown board member and pitmaster, will smoke meats. Participants can expect outdoor games, office tours, beverages, giveaways and community. The party will wrap up just in time for participants to enjoy a Friday evening in downtown Sylva.
strands of silver hair. Our word “comet” comes from the ancient Greek “kometes,” which means “a head of streaming hair.” Or maybe it was the streaming hair of the Cherokee’s mythical “Judaculla,” a slanteyed giant said to have leaped down from the Great Balsams to the big rock that bears his name. His nails scratched the rock when he landed. And now, 80,000 years later — what’s human time to a superhuman being? — he’d leaped again, this time toward the departed sun.
Suddenly we felt the warm muzzles of cows through the pasture fence. And Coward Knob rose beside us, a wall of black.
Tsuchinshan-ATLAS? I‘d name that comet Judaculla — or Crazy Jane.
For more information, please visit panthertown.org/events, email kaci@panthertown.org, or call 828.269.HIKE (4453). Friends of Panthertown is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that relies on grant funding and volunteers, as well as generous donors. Find out how you can help their organization continue the mission of conservation at panthertown.org/give.
Becky Kornegay photo
Most
North Carolina sees drought, widespread abnormally dry conditions
The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council has classified most of the state, or parts of 89 counties, as abnormally dry (D0 conditions), while 11 northeastern counties are now in Moderate Drought (D1), according to the latest advisory released Thursday.
The classifications follow October, a month where many rain gauges across the state recorded the top five lowest precipitation totals on record, according to the Southeast Regional Climate Center. A few locations recorded their all-time lowest rainfall amounts for the month.
Many areas, including parts of the state hit by Hurricane Helene, have seen less than one tenth of an inch of rain since the beginning of October.
“The dryness has been the result of persistent high-pressure systems and cold fronts steering wetter air away from North Carolina,” said Klaus Albertin, chair of the DMAC. “While the dryness is noticeable, impacts so far have been limited. A very wet September saturated soils and filled reservoirs. In addition, municipal demands are lower, the majority of crops have been harvested, and recreational use of rivers is declining.”
The precipitation outlook is expected to improve.
“Indications are that the weather patterns are shifting, and the first part of November will remain warm but will see increased chances of rainfall,” Albertin said.
Submit soil samples by Nov. 26 to avoid peak-season fees
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services soil testing lab is about to hit its busy season and growers and homeowners are encouraged to submit soil samples by Nov. 26 to avoid peak-season fees and to get results and recommendations sooner. Peak-season fees will be waived for the Western counties impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Peak-season fees are implemented annually to encourage growers to submit samples early to help spread out the testing time frame and to invest in equipment and temporary staff to decrease turnaround times. This year, the peak laboratory season starts Nov. 27 and runs through March 31, 2025.
Samples must physically arrive on the Agronomic Services’ loading dock by Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 5 p.m. or earlier to avoid being charged a peak-season fee of $4 per sample. Date of shipping, delivery to a local Cooperative Extension Center, or postmarking is not considered when determining the assessment of peak-season fees.
To avoid samples ending up in the “holding area,” simply follow the instructions listed below. In doing so, you will help the Soil Testing Lab be more efficient, and in turn, avoid unnecessary delays in sample processing.
1. Only use soil sample boxes provided by NCDA&CS. Soil sample boxes and submission forms are provided at local county Cooperative Extension Centers and at the Agronomic Services Division, 4300 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh, NC 27607. Fill the soil box to the red line found on the
outside of the box. Required information on the box includes the client’s name, address and sample ID.
2. With your samples, send a completed soil submission form. Needed information includes client’s name with their full address and a crop code which is critical for plant-specific recommendations. The list of codes is found on the second page of the sample submission form. Since soil test results are emailed to clients, it is extremely important that a valid email address is provided. Additionally, providing a current phone number is highly encouraged as it is helpful for faster contact if there is an issue with soil sample submission. For convenience, a form for routine homeowner samples can be found at ncagr.gov/media/3727/open.
3. Make sure that information listed on your soil submission form matches what is on your sample boxes.
4. Save a copy/photo of your sample submission form for your records.
5. Ensure that sample boxes are packed securely inside a sturdy shipper to avoid damage during transport. Do not use padded mailing envelopes. For faster delivery, private carriers such as UPS or FedEx deliver directly to the Agronomic building rather than an off-site mail center that USPS is required to use. Some Cooperative County Extension offices collect samples from homeowners for delivery to the division; clients are encouraged to make sure that delivery meets their intended expectations and needs. Following these guidelines will help the Agronomic
to customers. Contact the
soil lab deliver the best and most
at 919.664.1600 with any
of North Carolina is at least abnormally dry. ncdrought.org 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
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF HAYWOOD IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 24SP000082-430
IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST FROM NANCY REBECCA HANNAH UNMARRIED TO JANE GRAHL, TRUSTEE, DATED APRIL 12, 2002, RECORDED IN BOOK 519, PAGE 100, HAYWOOD COUNTY REGISTRY
Pursuant to an order entered September 10, 2024, in the Superior Court for Haywood County, and the power of sale contained in the captioned Deed of Trust (the “Deed of Trust”), the Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at auction (the “Sale”), to the highest bidder for cash on: NOVEMBER 15, 2024, AT 10:00 A.M. HAYWOOD COUNTY COURTHOUSE 285 N MAIN STREET, WAYNESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA the real estate and the improvements thereon secured by the Deed of Trust, less and except any of such property released from the lien of the Deed of Trust prior to the date of said sale, lying and being in Haywood County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows
(the “Property”): ALL THAT CERTAIN PARCEL OF LAND LYING AND BEING SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF HAYWOOD, STATE OF NC, TO-WIT: BEGINNING AT A STAKE IN THE WESTERLY MARGIN OF A STREET AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF S.W. JAMISON LOT, AND RUNS WITH SAID MARGIN OF SAID STREET S. 31° 30’ W. 60 FEET TO A STAKE; THENCE S. 89° 15’ W. 189-8/10 FEET TO A STAKE AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF A LOT BEING CONVEYED TO W. M. BELL AND WIFE; THENCE WITH THE LINE OF THAT N. 0° 30’ W. 50 FEET TO A STAKE AT THE CORNER OF THE CHAMBERS LOT AND THE CHAPMAN LOT; THENCE WITH THE CHAPMAN, THE KAMES GIBSON AND THE JAMERSON LOT, N. 89° E. 220 FEET TO THE BEGINNING, AS PER
SURVEY AND PLAT OF WATT JUSTICE, REGISTERED SURVEYOR. BEING THAT PARCEL OF LAND CONVEYED TO NANCY REBECCA HANNAH FROM MARY BELL JENKINS AND HUSBAND HOWARD JENKINS BY THAT DEED DATED 09/16/1994 AND RECORDED 09/19/1994 IN DEED BOOK 443, AT PAGE 1714 OF THE HAYWOOD COUNTY, NC PUBLIC REGISTRY. The record owner(s) of the Property not more than ten (10) days prior to the date hereof are the Heirs of Nancy Rebecca Hannah. Parcel ID: 8657225647 In the Trustee’s sole discretion, the sale may be delayed for up to one (1) hour as provided in Section 45-21.23 of the North Carolina General Statutes.
deposit, or a cash deposit of $750.00, whichever is greater, will be required
of the last and highest bidder. The balance of the bid purchase price shall be due in full in cash or to take place within thirty (30) days of the date of sale. The Substitute Trustee shall convey title to the property by non warranty deed. This sale will be made subject to all prior liens of record, if any, and to all unpaid (ad valorem) taxes and special assessments, if any, which became a lien subsequent to the recordation of the Deed of Trust. This sale will be further subject to the right, if any, of the United States of America to redeem the above-described property for a period of 120 days following the date when has run.
The purchaser of the property described above shall pay the Clerk’s Commissions in the amount of $.45 per $100.00 of the purchase
price (up to a maximum amount of $500.00), required by Section 7A-308(a)(1) of the North Carolina General Statutes. If the purchaser of the above-described property is someone
under the Deed of Trust, the purchaser shall also pay, to the extent applicable, the land transfer tax in the amount of one percent (1%) of the purchase price.
To the extent this sale involves residential prop-
(15) rental units, you are following:
(a) An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to Section 45-21.29 of the North Carolina General Statutes in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold; and (b) Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days’ written notice to the landlord. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
The 10th day of September 2024.
John W. Fletcher III, Substitute Trustee (NCSB No. 15503) Fletcher, Tydings, Williams-Tracy & Gott, PLLC 100 Queens Road, Suite 250, Charlotte, North Carolina 28204
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.24E001489-430
Bessemer Trust Compa-
as the Ancillary Administrator of the Estate of J. Suzanne Arroyo AKA Jessica Suzanne Arroyo of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the
Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before Jan 23 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.
All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Ancillary Administrator Johnston, Allison & Hord, P.A. c/o Holly B. Norvell 1065 East Morehead St. Charlotte, NC 28204
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.24E001589430
Susan Ferguson Mess-
the Administrator of the Estate of Jessica Elaine Edwards of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before Jan 30 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.
All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Administrator 94 Railroad St Waynesville, NC 28786
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.24e001321-490
Leslie Wickliffe Muir and J.K. Coward, Jr, having -
utor of the Estate of Mary Somerville Triplette of Jackson County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before Jan 23 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Co-Executor
c/o J.K. Coward, Jr. co-executor
705 W Main Street Sylva, NC 28779
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.24E001631-430
Anna Lee Hall, having
for the Estate of Freddy Ralph Hall of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before Feb 13 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.
All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Fiduciary 158 Substation Rd. Canton, NC 28716
Announcements
GOT UNWANTED CAR? DONATE IT TO PATRIOTIC HEARTS. Fast free pick up. All 50 States. Patriotic Hearts’ programs
start their own business. Call 24/7: 1-855-4027631
Auto Accessories
STOP
OVERPAYING
FOR AUTO INSUR-
ANCE! A recent survey says that most Americans are overpaying for their car insurance. Let us show you how much you can save. Call Now for a no-obligation quote: 1-866-472-8309
Employment
NC PRE-K TEACHERFULL TIME Are you looking for a new career? Head Start/Early Head Start program is looking for an individual who cares about their community and wants to make a difference and improve the lives of children and families.
are a four-year degree in child development from an accredited university. The preferred to Kindergarten teaching with diverse populations. Has lead responsibility for the primary care of children enrolled in the classroom. Develops and utilizes daily lesson
plans, across all domains that are developmentally appropriate for all children. Our staff support the facilitation of developmentally screenings, on-going assessments, and recording of outcome data to determine future instruction as well as participate in home visits and parentteacher conferences as requested by the teacher. Valid driver license and insurance are required. Some travel required and home visits may be necessary. Criminal background checks along with drug testing are required. We offer competitive wages based on experience and
We will give $1,000 to applicants who meet
job posting and $500 for applicants who do not meet the required
included in this position: 37 Hour work week. Health Insurance with Mountain Projects paying 85% of the monthly premium. Dental and Vision coverage. Short/ Long term disability and life insurance paid by Mountain Projects. Matching Retirement Plan 13 paid holidays a year Annual and sick leave To be considered please apply at www. mountainprojects.org AA/EOE
SOCIAL WORKER (FAMILY SERVICE ADVOCATE)-FULL Are Social Worker (Family Service Advocate)-full time you looking for a new career? Head Start/ Early Head Start program is looking for an individual who cares about their community and wants
1 Legal aide, e.g.: Abbr.
5 Livestock pen 11 Legal aide, for short 15 "Moneytalks" rock band
19 Arena area
20 Edenic locale
21 "... -- it just me?"
22 Dutch South African 23 "Help yourself!," elementally?
26 Be jealous of 27 Liqueur akin to sambuca
28 Dessert, to a Brit
30 Bro's sibling
31 Whitewater transports
32 About to receive something special, elementally?
37 Afflictions
40 Canon camera line 41 Vital vessel
42 Detective Briscoe on "Law & Order"
45 Brooks
Unpaved road surface
48 Ontarians' national anthem, elementally?
50 Bullring cheer
52 Rx requests 53 N-R linkup
54 Cyclotron bit
55 Upgrade electrically
58 Committing a basketball infraction
61 "Not gonna happen," elementally?
68 Without requiring me to change
69 Like Columbus, by
Baldwin of "It's Complicated"
ANSWERS ON PAGE 26
to make a difference and improve the lives of children and families. -
tions are a high school diploma. The preferred
Work or Human Services degree. Experience working with diverse populations. Family Service Advocates build positive relationships with children and families to assist in securing and maintaining services to help
using case management style. Serves as a liaison between families, staff, the community, and other family-related services. Valid driver license and insurance are required. Some travel required and home visits may be necessary. Criminal background checks along with drug testing are required. We offer competitive wages based on experi-
education. We will give $1,000 to applicants who
the job posting and $500 for applicants who do notin this position: 37 Hour work week. Health Insur-
ance with Mountain Projects paying 85% of the monthly premium. Dental and Vision coverage.
Short/Long term disability and life insurance paid by Mountain Projects. Matching Retirement Plan 13 paid holidays a year Annual and sick leave
To be considered please apply at www.mountainprojects.org AA/EOE
FAMILY SELFSUFFICIENCY
COORDINATOR - PT
Mountain Projects is seeking a part-time (FSS) Coordinator to administer the Family for the Section 8 department for 20 hours each week, adhering to HUD regulations. This national program helps families with Section 8 vouchers improve their own lives through individualized case management. The position requires strong communication and planning skills. The ideal candidate has the passion to help families set and meet goals, increase income, and build a more sustainable
SUDOKU
Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
living. Associate’s degree or relevant experience preferred. A pre-employment drug test, driving record and background check
included in this position: 20-hour work week, 13 paid holidays a year, Annual and sick leave, Please apply to join the Mountain Projects team and help serve our community at: 2177 Asheville Road, Waynesville, NC 28786 or at www.mountainprojects. org EOE/AA
Homes For Sale
CABIN 2BD/1 BTH CULLOWHEE, NC Older cabin on rushing creek, beautiful private property
$275K Owner Financing. Details: Craigslist Asheville, Cabin on creek, Cullowhee, NC. (828) 331-8285
Land For Sale
TINY HOME LOTS FOR SALE Tiny Home Lots for sale. $55k-$85k/ea. Each
Answers on 26
lot comes with water and power run to each lot, and septic. Located in Franklin, NC. 828-2000161 or go to our web site for directions and more info. www.TinyMountainEstates.com (828) 200-0161 TinyMountain-
Medical
YOU MAY QUALIFY For
are between 52-63 years old and under a doctor’s care for a health condition that prevents you from working for a year or more. Call now! 1-877247-6750
ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 877443-0443
HEARING AIDS!!
High-quality rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90%
less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 888-970-4637
ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 877443-0443
Pets
WHERE VETERINARY CARE IS UNAVAILABLE Or unaffordable, treat allergy scratching on dogs & cats with Happy Jack® Skin Balm®. At Tractor Supply®. www. happyjackinc.com
Rentals
WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get
rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 844-213-6711
Construction/ Remodeling
BATH & SHOWER UPDATES In as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 1-877-510-9918
Entertainment
AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-844-5886579
Home Improvement
NEED NEW WINDOWS? Drafty rooms? Chipped or
damaged frames? Need outside noise reduction? -
dows may be the answer! Call for a consultation & FREE quote today. 1-877248-9944.
WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION: A small amount of water can lead to major damage and mold growth in your home. We do complete repairs to protect your family and your home’s value! For a FREE ESTIMATE, call 24/7: 1-888-290-2264
AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Call 1-888-292-8225
NEED NEW WINDOWS? Drafty rooms? Chipped or damaged frames? Need outside noise reduction? -
dows may be the answer! Call for a consultation & FREE quote today. 1-877248-9944.
PROTECT YOUR HOME
From pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833237-1199
ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER!
LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-877649-1190
Wanted to Buy
WATCHES! PAYING
TOP CA$H FOR MEN’S SPORT WATCHES!
Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Patek Philippe, Heuer, Daytona, GMT, Submariner and Speedmaster. Call 1-855-402-7109
TOP CA$H PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 19201980 Gibson, Martin,
WE BUY HOUSES FOR CASH AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888247-1189
WATCHES! PAYING
TOP CA$H FOR MEN’S SPORT WATCHES!
Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Patek Philippe, Heuer, Daytona, GMT, Submariner and Speedmaster. Call 1-855-402-7109
