Smoky Mountain News | May 19, 2021

STAFF

On the Cover:

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, most high schools weren’t accepting foreign exchange students, but Pisgah High School welcomed three exchange students this year. The students and their Haywood County host families share what they’ve learned from each other. (Page 8) Donated photo

News

Strong start for SHARE Project recovery walk

Campaign against new Haywood jail continues ........................................................6 Auditor will evaluate Waynesville electric bills ........................................................10 Canton town manager resigns ....................................................................................11 Swain asks for 6 percent room tax ............................................................................12 Tribal Council candidates make their case ..............................................................14 Community shows support for arts education ........................................................18 Macon mulls $80 million new high school ..............................................................19 Jackson considers five new firefighting positions

D ESIGN & PRODUCTION: Jessica Murray.

ADVERTISING SALES: Susanna Shetley.

Amanda Bradley. .

Hylah Birenbaum. . . .

Sophia Burleigh.

C LASSIFIEDS: Scott Collier. . . . . . . . . . . .

N EWS E DITOR: Jessi Stone. . .

WRITING: Holly Kays. . .

Hannah McLeod. .

Cory Vaillancourt.

Garret K. Woodward. .

ACCOUNTING & O FFICE MANAGER: Amanda Singletary. .

D ISTRIBUTION: Scott Collier.

jessica.m@smokymountainnews.com

susanna.b@smokymountainnews.com

jc-ads@smokymountainnews.com

hylah@smokymountainnews.com

sophia.b@smokymountainnews.com

classads@smokymountainnews.com

jessi@smokymountainnews.com

holly@smokymountainnews.com

hannah@smokymountainnews.com

cory@smokymountainnews.com

garret@smokymountainnews.com

smnbooks@smokymountainnews.com

classads@smokymountainnews.com

C ONTRIBUTING: Jeff Minick (writing), Chris Cox (writing), George Ellison (writing), Don Hendershot (writing), Susanna Shetley (writing) Boyd Allsbrook (writing)

CONTACT

WAYNESVILLE | 144 Montgomery, Waynesville, NC 28786

P: 828.452.4251 | F: 828.452.3585

SYLVA | 629 West Main Street, Sylva, NC 28779

P: 828.631.4829 | F: 828.631.0789

I NFO & B ILLING | P.O. Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786

Copyright 2021 by The Smoky Mountain News.™ Advertising copyright 2021 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.

S UBSCRIPTIONS

SUBSCRIPTION: 1 YEAR $65 | 6 MONTHS $40 | 3 MONTHS $25

Strong start for SHARE Project

BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT P OLITICS E DITOR

If the newly-formed SHARE Project’s May 16 drug awareness march was any indication, the group can look forward to strong community support as it attempts to influence both the perception of and legislative agenda surrounding the nation’s ongoing opioid addiction crisis.

“One of the inspiring things for me is the message I got, which is that people really do want to help,” said Michele Rogers, cofounder of the SHARE project. “People really do want to make a difference and try to come up with a solution in a non-judgmental way.”

Around 200 people showed up on a cloudy Sunday afternoon to carry banners down North Main Street in Waynesville, including Mayor Gary Caldwell, Alderman Jon Feichter, Long’s Chapel lead pastor Chris Westmoreland, novelist David Joy, former Chief of Police Bill Hollingsed, Sheriff Greg Christopher and the two men seeking to replace him, Haywood Sheriff’s Office Capt. Tony Cope and former Asheville Police officer Bill Wilke.

Each of the banners displayed more than 150 faces of people lost to addiction — black and white, men and women, young and old.

Michele Rogers’ son, Clayton Suggs, was on one of them, as well as Lisa Falbo’s son, Sam Johnston. The banners read, “Can you see me now?”

“It’s personalizing the issues of substance use disorder and addiction. That’s certainly

what I take from it,” said Falbo. “Talk about impactful — seeing all those young faces. I use the word ‘normal’ loosely, but look how average they are. These are ordinary people, walking down the street.”

At the end of the march, which concluded on the front steps of the Historic Haywood County Courthouse, Rogers and Falbo both spoke of the heartbreak involved with watching a loved one die after developing an addiction to opioids.

The mission of the SHARE Project, Rogers said, isn’t to create a forum to battle it out over who’s fault an addiction is, or which treatment may or may not be best for a particular person, but rather to change the stigma surrounding addiction because lives hang in the balance.

“We are not going to say that one treatment is better than another, because everyone’s recovery is different,” Rogers said. “The message we work so hard to get across is that this is a judgment-free zone. It doesn’t really matter how they got there. The bottom line is, they got there.”

To that end, the SHARE Project will continue to be active in Haywood County’s fight against opioids, especially through hosting ongoing support groups.

“It’s actually kinda sad that we have to have this, because people are losing their loved ones every day, but we did have several people sign up for our support groups,” said Rogers.

Although plans aren’t yet set in stone, Rogers said the SHARE Project’s next major event would be in conjunction with International Overdose Awareness Day, which is Tuesday, Aug. 31.

For more information on the SHARE Project, visit www.facebook.com/theshareprojectwnc or www.theshareproject.org.

Campaign against new Haywood jail continues

BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT

P OLITICS E DITOR

Citing limited drug rehabilitation options, a lack of mental health treatment facilities, an inefficient justice system and overwhelming public opposition, a number of residents have again asked the Haywood County Board of Commissioners to rethink the county’s proposed $16 million jail expansion.

“Times have changed,” Peter Constantian, a pastor at Long’s Chapel and Cruso United Methodist Church told commissioners on May 17. “Creating the capacity to put more people behind bars is a bad idea for our county … The jail expansion, it says something about what we foresee the future to be.”

Commissioners have said that the expansion project is necessary because, at a bare minimum, the county is growing and

demographics point toward an increasing need for jail beds over the next 20 years.

Opponents like Down Home North Carolina member Victoria Castle say that a survey of more than 600 people has shown that 79 percent of them are strongly opposed to expansion and instead favor funding for other services.

“How early should we be writing off our neighbors, family and friends?” Castle asked.

Opposition to the jail expansion formed not long after a November 2020 report suggested that a major expansion of the county detention center was warranted due to routine capacity issues that will only get worse as the county grows.

Down Home, however, has provided statistics that show many of the people in the detention center shouldn’t be there in the first place — in 2018, almost a third of the jail population were pretrial detainees,

almost two-thirds were there for misdemeanors and nearly nine in 10 were more in need of mental health or drug treatment than incarceration.

Until his 2019 retirement, Dr. Steven Wall had been a pediatrician in Haywood County for 30 years, logging more than 100,000 patient visits. He served as chief of medical staff at Haywood Regional Medical Center and as president of the county medical society.

When Wall addressed commissioners, he presented a sobering picture of what the future might look like based upon his past experiences.

“Until you’ve been up in the middle of the night figuring out a micro-dose of methadone on a 7-pound baby, you really don’t know how bad this problem is,” Wall said. “I don’t want the next generation of doctors to have to go through what I went

through over the last five years of my career.”

Instead, Wall said he hopes this will be the board of commissioners that will be remembered as the group that prevented the need for a new facility.

In February, Down Home members submitted a counterproposal asking that the county redirect at least a portion of the funding for the new jail to mental health and substance abuse treatment and better police training.

Commissioners thus far have shown little sign of relenting, but the project’s ambitious timeline — the expansion was slated for a late-2023 opening — has been delayed at least in part to COVID-19, giving opponents more time to marshal forces against it. Architectural fees have not yet been awarded for the project, which will take at least 18 months to complete once ground is broken.

Cawthorn tries to succeed where state broadband bills failed

BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT P OLITICS E DITOR

The Coronavirus Pandemic has lain bare the massive digital divide between those with reliable high-speed internet access and those without, and a number of efforts by western legislators have attempted to address the issue over the past few years. With the rest of the General Assembly unwilling or unable to bring rural North Carolina parity with the state’s most populous regions, Western North Carolina’s congressman announced he’ll soon file a bill intended to provide a solution.

“I’ll be the first to say, this is not some big Republican messaging bill, this is not something that’s going to get me on Fox News, attacking the liberal agenda. This bill is just something that gets the job done,” said Rep. Madison Cawthorn, RHendersonville. “Our number one priority when writing this was speed of deployment. We were really focused on this idea of how do we get rural broadband to people in the United States, specifically in Western North Carolina, the fastest we possibly can.”

It’s called the ROBUST Act — Rural Opportunities for Broadband in Underserved Settlements and Towns. Cawthorn’s drafted the bill, which as of press time hadn’t yet been filed, with a free-market solution in mind.

According to Cawthorn, major corporations buy up portions of the electromagnetic spectrum for competitive reasons, but then fail to utilize it.

“Think of the spectrum as a solid form of land, something that you can own,” he said. “Let’s say there’s a housing crisis, and somebody owns 6,000 acres in an area and it’s not being used. We want to encourage that person — ‘Hey, what if you leased this land out so we can build some homes?’ The thing that

we’re trying to do is to encourage them to lease that spectrum out to smaller providers in local areas who are saying, Hey, I’m not just here for major profits. I’m here to serve people in Western North Carolina.”

If adopted, the ROBUST Act would require the Federal Communications Commission to determine areas where the spectrum isn’t being utilized and implement a secondary subleasing market. It would also encourage the FCC to auction off licenses in smaller sizes, levelling the playing field for smaller providers like those found in rural areas. Funding for USDA ReConnect Program loans would also be included to support bringing 25 megabit download and 3 megabit upload speeds to the mountains.

“During the General Election, a lot of parents were still trying to figure out how they were going to handle school. I heard this story from a woman that really moved me,” Cawthorn said. “She’s a single mother, she had a full-time job, she worked another job on the side, and for her kids to be able to actually complete their homework, she would have to take them to sit outside of a McDonald’s at night after she just worked a very long shift.”

Cawthorn’s proposed bill comes just as news about another state effort, called the FIBER NC Act and spearheaded by Sen. Kevin Corbin, R-Franklin, appears to lack the support needed for passage.

“Probably not,” Corbin said, when asked if the bill had a chance to become law.

Corbin’s introduced several bills, over several years, that have made an impact in the form of grants to western counties, but the FIBER NC Act’s proposal to let underserved local government units engage in the broadband business continues to receive staunch opposition from the same groups that are likely to oppose Cawthorn’s bill.

“It’s very simple, it’s the special interest groups,” Cawthorn said. “You know, these people who have large pockets. This is a big problem on both the Republican and the Democrat side. People are so indebted to these major corporations who supply almost all of their fundraising money, but you know what? I rely on small dollar fundraising. We get $5, $10, $25 donations. That’s who I answer to, the American people the everyday man and woman who wants to see Congress work for them.”

Harrah’s increases starting pay

Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos announced an increase to the starting pay rate for all nontipped positions to $15 per hour. This wage increase for new and existing team members will go into effect immediately.

Many tipped team members will also see an increase in their starting rate, which will vary by position. Other hourly and salaried positions, up to and including managers, who currently make more than $15 per hour will also receive a wage increase.

In addition to competitive wages, Harrah’s offers a full portfolio of benefits including dental, medical, life and vision, a wide variety of career development opportunities including tuition reimbursement and hiring bonuses up to $3,000.

Harrah’s Cherokee is looking to hire over 700 new team members. For more information on job openings, visit www.harrahscherokeejobs.com or visit in person at any of the many upcoming hiring events listed on the website.

PRODUCE PICKSTRY SOMETHING NEW!

Are you a creature of habit when it comes to buying produce? How about trying some new/different items!

MINI SWEET PEPPERS - High in vitamin C. You may have seen these bags of colorful mini sweet peppers at Ingles. They are great to add raw to a vegetable platter or a stir fry. Roast whole mini peppers in the oven with a little olive oil and seasoning or cut them open and stuff with cheese and crumbled bacon and roast in the oven.

SHALLOTS - Shallots are part of the allium family like garlic and onions. They are a small bulb that can be peeled like an onion but have a slightly more mild flavor. You can substitute shallots for onions in most recipes.

DATES - You can find pitted (pit has been removed) and unpitted (still have the pit) dates in the produce section at Ingles. Dates are the dried fruit of the date palm tree. Medjool are large dates that are naturally sweet. You can use them in place of raisins in baking recipes or chop them up to add to breakfast bowls. You can also fill pitted dates with peanut butter as a snack or make an appetizer by stuffing pitted date with blue cheese and drizzling with balsamic syrup.

The Joy of Discovery

Foreign students, host families relish cultural exchange

BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER

It’s easy to imagine the ways in which a foreign exchange student’s world is broadened by an experience studying abroad, but for many of the families that host foreign students, the world grows just as much.

This year, families in Western North Carolina hosted three foreign exchange students while they attended Pisgah High School. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, many schools that would normally accept exchange students decided not to this year. Pisgah, one of the few high schools that did accept students studying abroad, ended up with three of the seven students placed by International Cultural Exchange Services in North Carolina.

Each year ICES places more than 1,500 international students in high schools across the United States where they are hosted by American families. Donna Bell is the local coordinator and field manager for Western North Carolina. Bell helps find and recruit host families for international students and is there for support during the student’s stay.

Laura Falco, 17, is from Naples, Italy. She came to the United States to improve her English and experience American high school — something she’d always wanted to do. She is bright, enthusiastic and outgoing, all valuable traits for someone who is going to travel across the world, live with a family they’ve never met and learn a foreign language and culture.

But even Laura admits, things were awk-

“Other than just, you know, trips abroad, I’ve never experienced learning how to communicate with somebody from another culture. That’s been a big thing for me.”

—

ward at first. After traveling for 25 hours, she landed in Charlotte and found the welcoming hug of her new host parents, Lacey and Kyle Kilby of Sylva.

“The plane landed, and we were going to get her and me and Kyle were sitting in the airport. And it was very strange to be waiting on someone else’s kid that we’d never met. And so she got here and we were excited to see her. And I remember I went to hug her, and she just awkwardly hugged back.”

Lacey was ready with pillows and blankets in the car for Laura after the long journey. But, either due to exhaustion, nerves, excitement or some combination of the three, Laura wasn’t able to sleep. The new family unit experienced the first of many comical cultural collisions when they stopped at Cook Out for a bite to eat on the way home from the airport.

“I mean, immediately it was culture shock for all of us,” said Lacey.

When they got home, Lacey told Laura to “holler” at her if she needed anything, after which Kyle had to remind Lacey, that was not a phrase an Italian teenager would know.

Both his older cousin and his older sister had participated in exchange programs and after hearing about their experience Garam knew he wanted to study abroad too. Though Garam is self-admittedly shy, he didn’t allow his nervousness about making friends or getting the language right to stop him from this adventure.

His host parents Joe and Joanna Sayblack are both teachers at Pisgah High School and his host brother Daniel is a student at Canton Middle School. Joe and Joanna have both traveled internationally, have friends abroad and experienced a rich exchange program at the high school they attended. When they heard that Pisgah would be accepting several exchange students this year, they excitedly offered up their home.

When Garam first arrived, exhaustion from traveling, insecurity about speaking in English and trying to understand the Western North Carolina accent all made communicating difficult. Luckily Joanna is a Spanish teacher, and she understands the ins and outs of learning a new language. She made a real effort not to use colloquialisms or other terms Garam may not yet be familiar with. The whole family agrees that during his time here, Garam has improved his English tremendously.

On top of all the new norms that Garam has experienced in the United States, moving from the Urban environment of Frankfurt to the rural environment of Canton was one of the most stark. Public transportation is abundant and easily accessible in Frankfurt. Garam was used to using public transit or walking to get where he needed to go. Here, he had to rely on his host parents to drive him everywhere.

Laura on the other hand said she shut the bedroom door, after hours of traveling and straining to understand a new language, and thought to herself “what am I doing here?”

One of the main reasons Laura decided to study abroad was to improve her English. When she first arrived, she could get her point across to Lacey, Kyle and other students in her school, but it was much more of a challenge to ascertain what they were saying.

“I could not understand them. It was hard to get used to the accent,” said Laura.

“The first thing I noticed was, unless we said her name first, she was not listening. Just getting her ear to listen for English, it probably took three or four weeks before that clicked,” said Kyle.

The family agreed it only took about a week to feel completely comfortable around each other. This may seem fast for complete strangers from different parts of the world, but speaking with the Kilbys and Laura, listening to their outgoing, warm natures, it’s easy to understand how they got along so well.

Garam Kim is also 17, from Frankfurt, Germany. Studying abroad runs in his family.

American high school is a vastly different experience than what Laura and Garam knew of school back home in Europe.

“I enjoyed it much more than in Germany,” said Garam. “It’s not very hard and the best thing about here is you can do many other sports and activities after school. It’s really fun.”

Garam ran cross country and played soccer and tennis.

“American high school has been super positive,” said Laura. “I really like school here, and it is so different from the Italian one. The relationship between teachers and students, the way we take tests. Here I have lunch at school, in Italy I go back home for lunch time. It’s just super different, but in a positive way.”

Laura particularly enjoyed learning about American football. Kyle and Lacey taught her the rules, a long, comical process, but once she understood, she didn’t miss a game.

“Laura is very open-minded so she dove head first into making new friends and trying new things, it’s been really fun to watch her not only just throw her-

“I really like school here, and it is so different from the Italian one. The relationship between teachers and students, the way we take tests. Here I have lunch at school, in Italy I go back home for lunch time. It’s just super different, but in a positive way.”

— Laura Falco

self into American culture, but Western North Carolina, American culture,” said Lacey.

ICES is always looking for host families to be a part of the program. It accepts single and dual parent hosts, with or without children of their own. Both the Kilbys and the Sayblacks said they would highly recommend the experience and that they plan to do it again. These host families learned a lot from the students they hosted.

“It absolutely blew my mind that being from Italy, she had never had macaroni and cheese. I knew it was pasta, I just sort of thought it was going to be like a normal thing,” said Kyle.

Each occasion that came up, Thanksgiving, Christmas, weddings, a funeral — the Kilbys watched through Laura’s eyes as she experienced traditions of the United States for the first time, and they learned about how things are done differently or similarly in Italy.

“It was really nice to hear how odd it was for her, to be a part of it all, and just how different cultures celebrate life and weddings. It was just, it was a lot of fun,” said Lacey. “I joke a lot with people at work about Laura coming

here because it was like, since COVID is happening and we can’t travel, we got to travel through her. We really did get to experience her culture too.”

Joe Sayblack, Garam’s host father said he was impressed watching Garam navigate American culture. Garam was born to South Korean parents, making American culture the third he has become familiar with.

“I think that has been a big thing for him, he’s having to navigate all of that,” said Joe.

Joanna has extensive experience traveling and communicating with people from other cultures that speak other languages, something that helped her be a host mother to Garam. Joe says as a host father, he learned a lot about how to communicate with people of other languages and cultures.

“Other than just, you know, trips abroad, I’ve never experienced learning how to communicate with somebody from another culture. That’s been a big thing for me,” said Joe.

As for American food?

“It’s not my style,” said Garam, smiling. “But it’s still nice.”

Laura had similar sentiments. Foods like biscuits, gravy, and stuffing were brand new and a bit baffling.

Her host father Kyle joked, “Laura loves the cafeteria food.”

“Oh, no I don’t,” Laura said, laughing. “I like food from holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, but for everyday food, I prefer Italian.”

Lacey and Kyle hope to make it to Italy for Laura’s 18th birthday this January and Laura plans to return to the United States for college. The three of them visited several college campuses during their travels around the South.

Garam said he will miss the friends he has made here when he returns to Germany, in less than three weeks. He will also miss American high school, his host family and host pets.

For more information about the ICES program visit www.icesusa.org or contact Donna Bell at dbell@icesusa.org. Host families are needed in WNC for the next school year.

Independent auditor will evaluate Waynesville electric bills

BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT

Despite being the result of a confluence of factors, the true reasons behind some abnormally high electric bills for Town of Waynesville customers still aren’t clear but should soon be — after Waynesville alderman called for an independent audit.

“The most important thing, I think, is to get the right answers as opposed to getting the answers right away,” said Alderman Jon Feichter.

In early April, some customers of the Town of Waynesville’s electric service began complaining about electric bills that were far larger than normal.

Colder-than-average weather, a 5 percent rate increase last summer, a software failure, a COVID-19 outbreak, a faulty printer and an extended billing cycle all appear to be contributors to the problem, but aldermen want to be sure there’s nothing else lurking in the mix that might have contributed to the situation.

On April 27, Alderman Anthony Sutton voiced what Feichter called a “brilliant” idea — an independent audit by WithersRavenel.

“That specifically was the result of some work that we’ve done with them in the past,” Feichter said. “We knew they had the expertise to handle the tasks that we laid before them, so I’m very comfortable with them generally based on our experiences before.”

Feichter also said that the firm has a consultant on staff that’s an expert in Munis, a complicated software package used by the town for utility billing.

“I think that by hiring an independent third party to come in and dig into that for us, that’s the first step in rebuilding that trust that that folks once had in our utility billing,” said Feichter. “Obviously it’s not the best thing in the world that we have had to undertake this process, because a lot of people are staring down at some extremely high utility bills.”

A meeting between town staff and the audit firm took place last week, according to Feichter, and he characterized it as “extremely positive.”

“The consultant had met with several staff members over a several-hour period as she started her investigation and the town sent her home with all the equipment and security accesses that she needed to really investigate this thoroughly,” he said. “Now, how that shakes down in terms of the timing, I don’t know how long it’s gonna take, but I sure hope it’s not too long. I mean, obviously this is been going on for several months now.”

Assistant Town Manager Jesse Fowler confirmed Feichter’s assessment of the sixhour meeting, and said the firm was requesting $19,000 to conduct the audit.

Meanwhile, the antiquated printer that broke down — causing some bills to be

delayed — has been replaced, and a new bill format is already being rolled out. Instead of the usual “postcard” style of bill that customers had been receiving, the new bills will come in letter form and will be more detailed, and easier to understand.

the results of the audit.

“That’s kind of what I’m waiting for, and I know the staff is anxious and I know the rest of the board is as well,” he said. “It’s unfortunate that we find ourselves in this situation. This has been a hardship for a lot of

Feichter stressed that no disconnections were being made, no late fees would be assessed for the bills, and that the town would make payment arrangements available for customers, but he also said that he’d advocate for electric customers to make whatever payments they can as they await

folks, particularly the folks who are on a fixed income. I know it’s been hard on them but what we need to do is make sure that we have the right answers and that once we are certain we know what went on, we need to make sure that we take steps to ensure that this doesn’t happen again down the road.”

Canton town manager resigns

BY

Jason Burrell, an integral part of the Town of Canton’s administration for the past 12 years and town manager for the past four, has resigned.

“The board has voted unanimously tonight at our board meeting to accept the letter of resignation from Jason Burrell,” said Mayor Pro Temp Gail Mull after a meeting of the Canton Board of Aldermen/women on May 13. “Speaking for the board and in my position as mayor pro temp, we want to thank Mr. Burrell for his years of service to the town. Canton has made incredible strides during this time, and we are eternally grateful for the hard work, dedication and the sacrifices that Mr. Burrell has given for the many successes that we have seen during his tenure. We wish Mr. Burrell the very best in his future endeavors.”

The Western North Carolina native Burrell was suspended on April 8. Transparency laws in North Carolina restrict local governments from disclosing the reasons behind such personnel issues, but Mull said it wasn’t performance-related.

During his time as assistant manager, Burrell was applauded for taking the lead on economic development initiatives that have revitalized Canton’s downtown district.

“I am very thankful for the Town of Canton and the opportunity to serve this great community. There are always opportunities for each individual in any all professions. The Town of Canton has a phenome-

Performers who used to grace the stages of Ghost Town will reunite May 22. Cory

photo

nal ceiling and I am so proud of the staff first of all, and the Aldermen/women that serve,” Burrell said. “We would never have had the opportunity to do what we have done and what they will do without the local and county support we’ve been blessed with.”

Subsequent to Burrell’s resignation, Alderman Ralph Hamlett made a motion to provide Burrell $15,000 in severance pay in recognition of his contributions to the operations of the town in his capacity as town manager.

Mull said that if Burrell were to seek employment and use the town as a reference, he’d receive a good recommendation.

Mull also said that Assistant Town Manager Nick Scheuer, who’d assumed Burrell’s duties since his suspension, would be promoted to interim town manager for a term of no longer than six months. The town hasn’t yet established a process to identify Burrell’s replacement, but is expected to do so in the coming weeks.

Mayor Zeb Smathers wasn’t present at the meeting due to a previously scheduled vacation but said he supported the board’s action and lauded Burrell’s efforts during his tenure.

“Very simply put, we would not be where we are in the Town of Canton, with the amount of progress we’ve been able to make, without the time and dedication of Jason Burrell,” Smathers said. “I wish him nothing but the best in any future endeavors and we truly appreciate what he has meant to the Town of Canton and its employees.”

Elevated Mountain to host Ghost Town reunion

Meet, greet and eat with some of your favorite former Ghost Town in the Sky performers on Saturday, May 22, at Elevated Mountain Distilling Company. Personalities will be on hand — some in costume — from as far away as Missouri and Florida to swap stories, pose for photographs and relive the good old days, beginning at 6 p.m. Catered food by Pops will be available for purchase and two musical acts, Gene Pool and Tricia Ann & The Wolfpack, will perform for a $5 cover. Cash bar. Elevated Mountain is located at 3732 Soco Road in Maggie Valley.

Swain asks for 6 percent room tax

BY J ESSI STONE

DITOR

After passing a resolution at its May 13 meeting, Swain County will be asking its state representatives to introduce legislation that would allow the county to levy an additional 2 percent room tax.

With crossover week happening this week at the General Assembly — where proposed legislation will make the move from the House to the Senate or vice versa — Swain County could be too late to get local legislation through. However, commissioners decided it was worth a shot since Rep. Mike Clampitt, R-Bryson City, and Rep. Mark Pless, R-Canton, already introduced legislation to allow Maggie Valley and Canton to levy their own occupancy tax in addition to the county’s room tax. The town of Bryson City was also originally included in the bill but was later taken out.

Swain County’s room tax is currently at 4 percent, but TDA Chairman Jeramiah Wiggins told commissioners that 77 counties and/or municipalities in the state are already levying a 5 or 6 percent occupancy tax, including Jackson County and Buncombe County.

While Wiggins apologized for the last-minute notice of the request, he said representatives from the TDA, the town of Bryson City and the county recently sat down together to find a better way of “working in concert going forward in the future on planning and initiatives to benefit the county as a whole.” That’s when it was decided among all parties to move forward with Swain County asking for an increase to its room tax as opposed to Bryson City establishing its own, which would require the town to establish its own TDA board.

relationship” between the TDA and Bryson City to work together.

Wiggins said the TDA is expecting another record year of room tax collections — $1.8 million for 2020-21 fiscal year.

“That’s a huge number,” he said, adding that it could be one of the highest per capita in the state. However, experts are predicting tourism revenue will return to historic baselines in the next 18-24 months as the U.S. recovers from the pandemic.

“The Cherokee casino is under pressure — the Catawba are building a casino outside of Charlotte that could threaten their growth and our social benefits — jobs, wages, insurance, etc., so it’s incumbent upon the TDA and the board to make the resolution to raise our income from 4 to 6 percent,” he said.

County Manager Kevin King told commissioners that the TDA, town and county

nobody talks about. We’ve talked about it a lot — we have more cops because of tourism, more inspections because of tourism, more trash because more people are coming here.”

Wiggins said he agreed that the law as written makes it difficult for Swain County to spend the funds on the most pressing infrastructure needs. In his one year on the TDA board, he said he’s learned about what other counties have done with the revenue and thinks Swain could be a little more flexible with spending.

“When I see what other TDAs have done, they’ve been a little more aggressive with the interpretation and able to do a lot of things we haven’t considered in the past,” he said. “Buncombe created a tourism product development fund and had $30 million available for infrastructure and recreation projects in the county.”

Heavy marketing efforts have drastically increased the number of tourists visiting Deep Creek and other Swain County locations. File photo

Clampitt told The Smoky Mountain News back in March that he’d included Bryson City in the legislation because he heard from town officials that the county and the town weren’t working well together — or in other words the town didn’t feel like enough TDA funds were being spent on the right projects in town.

Clampitt decided to remove the town from the legislation a few weeks later following some heated correspondence from TDA Treasurer Ed Ciociola. The emails from Ciociola — who outlined the many projects the TDA has done in Bryson City — made it clear to Clampitt that the town and the county had some communication issues to work out before he would be willing to include the town in further legislation.

Wiggins said the memo sent to commissioners asking for the county to request local legislation to increase the room tax from 4 percent to 6 percent was to show “a good faith

had all agreed to work toward establishing a memorandum of understanding between the stakeholders so that there is more collaboration and communication regarding what projects need funding. Once there is a draft MOU, he said the commissioners can hold a work session with the TDA and town officials.

“We recognize that moving forward together is a good option,” King said.

Commissioner Kenneth Parton said he’d rather see the commissioners support a resolution to change how occupancy tax revenue can be spent by counties than to ask for more money under the same formula. As the law is currently written, TDAs are required to spend two-thirds of room tax revenue on marketing and advertising.

“We have no issue with marketing. The higher we raise it, the more money we’re going to spend on marketing,” he said. “I don’t see the necessity to raise more money at this time. We should change the law to spend money on the adverse effects of tourism that

While Wiggins said the TDA is worried about what its marketing budget might look like in five years, Parton said he wouldn’t mind seeing marketing efforts decline.

“I’m more concerned how it will look in five years when people move out because we’re spending this much on tourism. It impacts their properties, it’s changing the dynamic of people in this county,” he said. “I would like a slow down so I can go to Deep Creek like I used to.”

Commissioner Danny Burns said he was open to the increase because it’s a tax that is paid by tourists and not by the residents.

Commissioner Roger Parsons agreed.

“I don’t want to overburden the locals, so it seems in this way passing the need for help with infrastructure onto the tourists,” he said. “They helped create the problem so in this way they can help us to resolve the problem.”

The board approved the resolution with a 4 to 1 vote. Parton voted against the measure.

Waynesville man charged with insurance fraud

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Keith Brody Parks, 36, Waynesville. Parks was charged with insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense, both felonies.

Special agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division accuse Parks of submitting a commercial insurance claim to Auto Owners Insurance Co. for a Toro Dingo compact utility loader, along with attachments, that he said had been stolen when he never owned the compact utility loader.

According to the arrest warrant, Parks submitted photographs of a Toro Dingo and attachments, which he said were his but were not. The value of the claim items was more than $100,000. The offenses occurred between Nov. 13, 2020, and March 4, 2021.

VIRTUAL OPEN MIC FOR WRITERS

co-sponsor Friday, May 21 at 7:30PM

Haywood County deputies arrested Parks on May 7. He was given a $20,000 secured bond. He is due in Haywood County District Court on May 19.

“Insurance fraud hurts consumers; it costs North Carolina consumers nearly 20 cents on every dollar they pay in insurance premiums,” Causey said. “That’s why I’ve more than doubled the number of special agents to crack down on fraud and other types of white-collar crime.”

AG takes over sex abuse case

District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch announced the state Attorney General’s Office would take over the criminal investigation and potential prosecution of sexual-abuse allegations involving Asheville School.

Welch oversees the 43rd Prosecutorial District, made up of the state’s seven westernmost counties. In March, Buncombe County District Attorney Todd Williams requested she handle the case, citing a potential conflict of interest.

At that time, the case was confined to one student, who alleged a sexual assault had occurred involving another student, and that Asheville School failed to report the sexual-assault allegation to law enforcement.

“Since taking the case in March, several other victims have come forward with similar allegations,” Welch said. “It appears the case has become much larger than one suspect and one victim. It is my professional opinion that these cases need a devoted team of special prosecutors and the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation.”

Tribal Council candidates make their case

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER

Early voting is underway for the June 3 Primary Election in Cherokee, which will determine the final slate of candidates progressing to the Sept. 2 General Election.

This year, all 12 Tribal Council seats are up for election, as well as School Board seats for Wolfetown, Big Cove and Birdtown. Candidates seeking to represent Yellowhill, Wolfetown or Birdtown on Tribal Council will face a primary contest this year, as will all 12 School Board candidates.

The Smoky Mountain News contacted all 19 Tribal Council candidates in next month’s Primary with an opportunity to introduce themselves to voters and published the first group of responses May 12. During the weeks leading up to the Primary Election, SMN will continue to run responses as they are received.

SHANNON ROSS

Ross, 48, is seeking to represent Yellowhill on Tribal Council. His family resided in the Piney Grove and Peavine areas for more than 50 years, and he is the son of the late Mary Ross (Visage) and grandson of the late Vice-Chief McKinley (Mac) Ross and Lillie Mae Wahnetah (John). He holds an associate’s degree in American Indian stud-

ies from Haskell Indian Nations University and has more than 20 years of business-related and managerial experience, including owning a roofing company for seven years. Ross has traveled to many Indian reservations across the nation over the past 25 years and is experienced at working with native youth, having been a resident assistant at HINU for 10 years and spent two years as a social service assistant in Cherokee’s Unity Healing Center. Ross has also served as a project monitor in the Tribal Housing Department since 2017 and has sat on the Tribal Alcohol and Beverage Control Committee since 2019.

Opinion on tribal government’s current direction:

“The direction I would like to see our government head is to take care of our future. As Cherokee people we are charged with taking care of the seven generations. I would like to see diversity that would generate some income in areas other than completely relying on gaming.”

Top priority if elected:

“Not only do I believe in a strong work ethic, as shown by my previous work experiences, I believe in building a strong con-

nection with others through community service. It is within my campaign’s top priorities that I address our tribe’s needs relating to economic diversification, language revitalization efforts and a reduction in wasteful spending. With every opportunity the past has provided us with, and the room to grow in the right direction, the time is now to start making those moves that help secure our future generations with the same, if not more than what we have today. More in our tribe’s revenues, more in our tribe’s efforts of language preservation and revitalization, and more ethical spending and accountability for those in highpowered positions.”

ELVIA WALKINGSTICK

Walkingstick, 35, is running as a writein candidate to represent Yellowhill on Tribal Council. Currently a Cherokee language learner and pre-K teacher at New Kituwah Academy, she was raised with a social and environmental justice background and has been actively engaged in tribal government.

Opinion on tribal government’s current direction:

Also on the primary ballot

TRIBAL COUNCIL

Birdtown

• Albert Rose

• Boyd Owle

• Gilbert Crowe Jr.

• Gloria “Punkin” Griffin

• Robin Lambert

• Jacob George

• Cyndi Lambert

Wolfetown

• Jesse “Fonzie” Sneed

• Bo Crowe

• Bill Taylor

• Chelsea Taylor Saunooke

• Sam “Frell” Reed

Yellowhill

• Tom Wahnetah

• T.W. Price Saunooke

• Dave Wolfe

• Stephanie Saunooke French

• Christopher Reed

• Shannon Ross

• Elvia Walkingstick (Write-in)

SCHOOL BOARD

Big Cove

“I feel that our Tribe is as strong as we have ever been and we are ready for leadership that holds space for our people to heal, to be empowered by truth and who are guided by our traditional teachings. I feel that our people are ready for leadership that ensures the continuation of our ability to blend our original instructions within the modern society we have learned to thrive in. Many of our people, and people around the world, are being called to remember who we are and who we come from and with fresh leadership will have more opportunities to step into that sacred role of infusing those teachings with the resources and technology we are blessed with.”

Top priority if elected:

“As I am blessed to enter another phase of my life, my responsibilities and understanding of them have evolved and call for me to hold space to heal, teach and uplift our people through enhanced support for the revitalization of our language and ways of being. It is critical for our people to start strengthening the current language efforts and implementing new initiatives to ensure its survival.  I feel more needs to be done to reverse the years of colonization that made speaking our language an uncomfortable practice for many, but it requires each and every one of us to create this environment for our children. By reclaiming our language and the bond it requires to bring it forward with us, I feel that it can only enhance the spirit of our community. Cherokee, North Carolina should and can return to the place

• Kristina Hyatt

• Lavita Hill

• Karen French-Browning

• Lori Taylor

• Damian Solis

Birdtown

• Melanie Lambert

• Ashford Smith

• Bree Stamper

• Ray Long

Wolftown

• Isaac “Ike” Long

• Berdie Toineeta

• Bucky Squirrel

To have a profile published in an upcoming issue of The Smoky Mountain News, Tribal Council candidates can contact holly@smokymountainnews.com.

where Cherokee people of all ages, learn, practice and use our native tongue.

“Just as critical, I feel that the current climate crisis that we face as a species calls for leadership to stand up as stewards of Elohi and do all we can to ensure a green future that a healthy next seven generations require. By asking as well as educating our people, and our relatives around us, about what a just transition can look like, our tribe needs to take the lead in making the necessary changes needed to mitigate and navigate the current climate situation.”

NCWorks Career Center will host a job fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 21, at the Robert C. Carpenter Building in Franklin.

Seventeen employers will be on site, including BalsamWest, Beasley Flooring Products, Chick-fil-A, Comfort Keepers, Drake Software, Grandview Manor, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, Macon Citizens Habilities, Inc., Macon County Parks & Recreation, Macon County DSS, Macon Program for Progress, Methodist Home for Children, Old Edwards Inn and Spa, Parkdale, Skyline Lodge & Restaurant, TricornUK and WestBridge Vocational.

SRCA to start Pre-K classes

The Shining Rock Classical Academy school board voted on Wednesday, May 12, to open a new Pre-K program beginning in August 2021. The facility will be located on the existing SRCA campus on Dellwood Road.

“With our new campus opening, this has provided Shining Rock an opportunity to explore options with the current facility that can best meet the needs of the community,” said Head of School Joshua Morgan. “We have invested a lot of resources into this campus, and we have a responsibility to be good stewards of public funds.”

The Shining Rock Junior Academy will initially support up to 80 3 and 4-year-old students. The academic approach will mirror that of SRCA in that discovery and experiential learning will be cornerstones of instructional practices. In addition, the Junior Academy will follow the calendar established by SRCA.

The cost of the Shining Rock Junior Academy will be $550 a month. The timeline for opening will allow for the Junior Academy to accept subsidy assistance for those who qualify. Registration for the general public will begin on Wednesday, May 19. Applications will be accepted in the order that they are received through the school website and in person at the main office.

Mask mandates lifted amid plummeting COVID-19 numbers

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER

New COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are falling toward the lowest levels seen since the pandemic took root.

As of May 16, only 815 North Carolinians were hospitalized with COVID-19, 252 of those were in the ICU. The past week is the first time since September the daily hospitalization figure has dipped below 850.

Meanwhile, new COVID-19 cases in North Carolina rolled in at 688 May 17, the second time in a week that number has hit the lowest level since 610 new cases were reported Oct. 4, 2020. Macon County did not report any new cases May 11-17, with only two in Swain and five in Jackson during that same time period. Haywood came in significantly higher, at 28.

HEALTH OFFICIALS WORK

TO BOOST VACCINATIONS

The drastic decline in cases comes as vaccinations continue to slow, with 39.2 percent of people in Haywood, Jackson, Swain and Macon counties having received at least one dose as of May 17 — up just 0.4 percent from May 11 and a couple percentage points lower than the 41 percent partially vaccinated statewide.

That rate could pick up some in the coming weeks, though, after the May 13 authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for youth 12 and older. Previously, no vaccines were approved for people younger than 16.

“Having a vaccine for our younger teens brings us that much closer to being able to end the pandemic,” N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy K. Cohen said in a press release. “By getting more teens vaccinated they are protecting themselves from the impact of COVID, and they are protecting their families and their communities by stopping the spread of the virus.”

Haywood County Health and Human Services is partnering with Haywood Community College to host a vaccine clinic for teens 12-18 and their families, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, on the HCC campus. The mobile clinic will offer the Pfizer vaccine on a drive-up basis, with no appointment necessary, though students under 18 will need parent or guardian consent to get vaccinated.

Going forward, HCHHS will offer the Pfizer vaccine on a walk-in basis. Western Carolina University is administering vaccine to people 12 and up as well, with appoint-

ments available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Some Walgreens locations offer it too.

However, due to the Pfizer vaccine’s more stringent storage requirements as compared to other COVID-19 vaccines, many vaccine providers are not able to offer it at this time, including public health departments in Swain and Jackson counties. These vaccine

“We can take this step today because the science shows our focus on getting people vaccinated is working. But to keep moving forward — and to make sure that we keep saving lives — more people need to get vaccinated.”

— North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper

providers have ample supplies of other vaccines, however.

Even as health departments and vaccine providers work to reach this new population approved for vaccination, they’re also making an effort to reach members of the community who have long been eligible for vaccination but have thus far elected not to receive one.

“We continue to remind the community that we are here and have vaccine available,” said Haywood County Health Director Sarah Henderson. “We are doing community outreach with local churches and congregate living situations as well as offering the vaccine five days a week on a walk-in basis.”

Likewise, the WCU clinic is offering extended hours and walk-in clinics to remove scheduling barriers, and Jackson County is using a variety of tactics, including vaccine promotion through various media sources, outreach events with partners and offering the vaccine more frequently onsite and to anyone seeking health department services.

Because COVID-19 is a novel virus with evolving variants, it’s unknown how many people must be protected through vaccination or prior infection to achieve herd immunity. Experts put the number between 70 and 90 percent, and while the approximately 40 percent of Americans currently

vaccinated falls far below that threshold, it’s unknown how many unvaccinated people have previously contracted and recovered from the virus.

MANY MASK MANDATES LIFTED

Amid falling case numbers and vaccination slow-downs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made a gamechanging announcement May 13, updating its guidance to say that, with a few exceptions, fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or practice social distancing. These exceptions include healthcare settings, public transit, correctional facilities and homeless shelters, as well as anywhere they’re required by law or policy, including workplaces and businesses. The guidance also states that fully vaccinated people don’t have to take a COVID-19 test following a known exposure unless they’re residents or employees of a homeless shelter, or of a correctional or detention facility — though testing is still required for people who show symptoms.

A day later, on May 14, Gov. Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 215, which largely follows the CDC order lifting all capacity limits, social distancing requirements and mask mandates within the state, except in the same special cases laid out in the CDC order.

Cooper noted that the order was made possible by the state’s progress in vaccinating its citizens.

“We can take this step today because the science shows our focus on getting people vaccinated is working,” Cooper said in a release. “But to keep moving forward — and to make sure that we keep saving lives — more people need to get vaccinated.”

That state-level announcement prompted Principal Chief Richard Sneed to issue a May 14 executive order lifting masking requirements on the Qualla Boundary, with the exception of healthcare settings; daycares, schools, childcare facilities, day camps and summer camps; detention centers and transit services. However, the order notes, people who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a compromised immune system are still “highly encouraged” to continue wearing a mask.

Jackson County followed suit with a May 18 announcement lifting masking and social distancing requirements in county-owned facilities — with the same exceptions contained in Sneed’s order — noting that “unvaccinated people put themselves at great risk if they do not wear Face Coverings and social distance.”

Also on May 18, WCU announced that it was lifting all capacity limits and physical distancing requirements in campus facilities but that indoor mask guidelines would remain in effect “pending additional information from state and system officials.”

Other jurisdictions are still reviewing their masking policies. As of press time, Haywood, Swain and Macon counties were still requiring masks in their facilities.

Staff writer Cory Vaillancourt contributed to this report.

Community shows support for arts education

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS EDITOR

Apacked room of Macon County residents pleaded with county commissioners during a May 13 meeting to provide the school system with more funding for arts education.

The heartfelt stories and tears from students made it clear that arts education has had a tremendous impact on people of all ages whether they ended up pursuing the arts professionally or not.

Chloe Tallent just graduated from Western Carolina University with a degree in music education, but she said she never would have gone to college if it wasn’t for music. Through her tears, she told the board about the difficult time she had in school during her parents’ divorce, and how music class kept her in school.

“I hated math and science and English and history were OK, but third period was the only thing I had to look forward to,” she said. “I know there are other kids like me. I did student teaching this year at the middle school and saw the difference it made for students.”

Tawana Valentine, who has worked in mental health and as a substitute teacher, told commissioners that arts education

should be a top priority just from a mental health perspective. With students going through a tremendous amount of stress, especially during the pandemic, it’s crucial for them to also find ways to release their stress in a safe way.

“Art can be a proactive venue for assisting our children who will be the citizens of this county someday,” she said. “They are seeking to find alternate ways to stimulate their mood — this can be done through arts, music, theater and painting but it can also be done through drugs and sex.”

Sara O’Neal has been a public educator for 20 years and said she’s seen the positive impact art can have on students. She also knows that many students wouldn’t come to school if it wasn’t for the one arts class on their schedule. When looking at the statistics, O’Neal said students in art classes are 44 percent less likely to use drugs than their peers and outperform their peers by 91 points on the ACT or SAT.

“They’re excited to create and problem solve,” she said. “For many, art is the only reason they come to school. It’s been five years with no chorus at Macon Middle and 11 years with no art at Macon Middle.”

Carolyn Johnson, a member of the Macon County Arts Association, said arts education

“For many, art is the only reason they come to school. It’s been five years with no chorus at Macon Middle and 11 years with no art at Macon Middle.”

— Sara O’Neal

also has a major impact on how students perform in academics. Arts students show gains in math, science, reading comprehension and critical thinking. Music and art also improve students’ concentration and motivation.

Sarah Johnson, who attended Otto Elementary, Macon Middle and Franklin High, said music was the only class she enjoyed in school and what got her through high school. Now with a 5-year-old son of her own about to enter into Macon County

Schools, she wants to ensure his love of music is fostered through the curriculum.

Macon County Educator John deVille said arts classes were at the top of the list when they polled students and teachers to ask what they wanted to see added. He asked commissioners to consider approving the school system’s budget request, which includes funding for additional art and music teacher positions.

At one point during the public comments, Commissioner Ronnie Beale asked if speakers had contacted their state representatives about additional funding from the state to allow the school system to hire more art and music teachers.

“Coming out of COVID, students have been in isolation. It’s shown without a doubt arts helps with mental health,” he said. “The state should fund these positions. Why they cut it out 12 years ago I don’t know, but I appreciate the folks who recognize this and try to make a change.”

Commission Chairman Jim Tate said the board had not yet seen the school board’s budget request yet, but would take everyone’s comments into consideration during the budget process.

“This is my tenth year as a commissioner and most every year we have spare dollars, we’ve given it to the school system,” he said. “It’s not in our best interest as a board to dictate to another board what the school system spends it on. If we increase operational expenses for the school system, it’s up to the school board whether to use it for arts funding.”

Macon mulls $80 million new high school

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR

Plans to construct a new Franklin High School are back on the table as Macon County commissioners weigh the costs — financially and politically.

Replacing the current high school — which was built in the 1950s — has been discussed many times over the last decade. Each time it has come up, it just as quickly gets tabled and pushed aside for another more pressing need.

Commissioner Gary Shields, a liaison to the school board and a former principal at Franklin High, said it’s now time to take action.

“It’s going to cost the taxpayers some money, but it’s an investment in the young people of Macon County,” he said. “We

up to 1,200 seats, an administration building, cafeteria and a new athletics fieldhouse.

The total project would include 150,000 to 170,000 square feet of space, which is estimated to cost $75 million to $88 million — construction is estimated to cost $60-70 million; design fees $3.5-4.5 million and $350,000 preconstruction plus funds for contingency.

If approved, the new high school project would be one of the largest undertakings in county history.

“I’ve served as liaison to the schools for 15 years. We’ve talked about it and kicked it down the road but it’s time. We’ve got a good plan and good people working on it. I think the community won’t support raising taxes, but that’s what were elected for — to make decisions like this,” said Commissioner Ronnie Beale.

“It’s going to cost the taxpayers some money, but it’s an investment in the young people of Macon County.”

— Gary Shields

were all students there and we know the infrastructure — we’re sitting on a time bomb.”

The Macon County School Board presented the county with a resolution last week asking commissioners to support constructing a new facility at the current FHS location. The school board reached the decision that the current location was the best option after working with Novus Architects on a feasibility study.

Emily Kite with Novus said her team looked at various new sites and weighed all the options. The challenges with finding new property, she said, included topography in the county, creating new traffic congestion in residential areas or near the highway, limited utility infrastructure, environmental concerns like stormwater drainage, stream mitigation and archeological surveys as well as land acquisition costs.

“We pretty quickly ruled out most of those options,” Kite said about other potential locations for a new high school.

Even with the recommendation to build at the current location, Kite said there will still be challenges with topography, trying not to disturb student learning during construction, safety and a longer phasing of the project.

“But we’ve come up with an option we think will address all those concerns,” she added.

Constructing a new football stadium would be the first phase of the project and then site preparation can be done for the new building where the current practice field is currently. The new main building will be a three-story academic wing and other buildings could include an arts education building with an auditorium with

Commission Chairman Jim Tate agreed that it would be a hard sell, but it was one he was willing to take on in his district of Highlands.

“It’s probably not going to be politically savvy of me, but it’s going to be honest. I represent District 1 in this county and it’s going to be 50 percent of tax base to pay for it, but I’m ready to sell this to my district because we need it. It’s time,” he said.

Commissioner Paul Higdon said he’d like to have more discussion about it before taking on the largest debt the county has seen in a long time, especially since the county already has several big-ticket infrastructure items prioritized in the recent Capital Improvements Plan. The county also recently financed an $8 million renovation project at Macon Middle School.

“We have a $33 million debt load right now and 96 percent of it is educational debt,” he said. “We talked about needing a long-range plan for school needs and now we want to jump into this project.”

“We either need to do it or get off the pot,” Shields responded. “I know it’s going to be a lot of work, but we’ve got to start somewhere.”

County Manager Derek Roland said it would take $4.5 million just to get started with architect contracts, which would only be available in the county’s fund balance. Plus, taking more funds out of the fund balance right now may also hurt the county’s excellent credit rating that allowed the county to get such a good rate when financing the middle school project.

Tate said the board wouldn’t get too much into the weeds of the project during the meeting, but ended the discussion by saying the county would be working on it as commissioners work through the 2021-22 budget process this month.

Jackson considers five additional firefighting positions

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER

During a May 11 work session, Jackson County commissioners discussed a plan to use $400,000 from the general fund — previously allocated to the Cullowhee Volunteer Fire Department — to fund personnel and per-call pay at five other fire departments in the county.

Currently, the fire departments in Cashiers and Highlands rely on a fire tax levied on their local areas to fund operations, with the remaining six fire departments in Jackson County receiving a portion of $1 million the county reserves for their support. These departments rely on donations, grants and volunteer labor to cover their remaining expenses.

But now commissioners are considering adopting a 2021-22 budget that would add a countywide property tax of 1 cent per $100 of value specifically for the Cullowhee fire department, which due to its central location provides mutual aid to every fire department in the county. The tax would generate enough revenue to cover the department’s $1 million budget request, with the bulk of those funds going to support eight paid firefighters at the department. Cullowhee is seeing increased call volume alongside a dwindling volunteer roster, leading Chief Tim Green to advocate for a paid force.

The Cullowhee department currently commands $400,000 of the $1 million Jackson County allocates to the volunteer departments. Rather than cutting that $400,000 from the budget, commissioners are favoring a plan that would redistribute it among the five remaining departments that are not supported by a fire tax. These include the Little Canada, Balsam-Willets, Qualla, Savannah and Sylva volunteer fire departments.

At commissioners’ request, County Manager Don Adams met with the chiefs of those five departments on April 26 to get their input as to how useful the $400,000 might be to them and what it would be best used for.

“The five fire chiefs agreed that an additional administrative person at each fire house would greatly assist in their operations,” he said.

The estimated cost to pay salaries and benefits to five such employees would be $270,910, Adams said. He suggested allocating the remaining $129,090 in that $400,000 pot to offer volunteer firefighters per-call pay of $12 per call. He offered the $12 figure in order to make per-call pay universal countywide, as that’s the amount Cashiers currently offers.

Adams also told commissioners that they should be prepared for additional funding requests from the fire departments over the next year.

“As we were talking to the fire chiefs, it was becoming apparent that many of the departments have some expenses they feel are coming on them this coming year,” he said. “I believe there’s a lot of air packs and

bottles that are needing replacement, and they’re all coming at the same time.”

Much of the equipment was purchased about a decade ago using a FEMA grant, said Chairman Brian McMahan, who is also a volunteer firefighter. The gear allows firefighters to breath in otherwise unsurvivable situations, so it must be guaranteed to work — thus departments must retire equipment that has reached a certain age.

Adams suggested that commissioners plan on spending up to $50,000 per department — $250,000 total — to match other potential funding sources for personal protective equipment. The county has a healthy fund balance level, so the money could be appropriated from that account at a later date when the departments are ready to submit their requests.

Commissioners are considering adopting a 2021-22 budget that would add a countywide property tax of 1 cent per $100 of value specifically for the Cullowhee fire department, which due to its central location provides mutual aid to every fire department in the county.

“If we could get them on a grant again and cost share, then it makes it much more achievable, and if we could partner together and buy in bulk and replace several departments together out of the same purchase, it could mean we get a cheaper price by negotiating that in bulk,” said McMahan.

As the discussion about fire funding wraps up for this budget year, McMahan is asking county staff to start researching potential funding issues at the rescue squads and opportunities for the county to assist with those issues.

“I think that they also suffer from some of the same problems that the fire departments suffer from as far as recruitment and retention,” he said.

Adams presented his recommended budget for 2021-22 during the board’s May 18 meeting, which occurred after press time. Commissioners are scheduled to hear additional budget presentations and requests during a slate of work sessions beginning at 8:30 a.m. May 24, 25 and 26, in the Burrell Building at Southwestern Community College. The May 26 meeting may be canceled depending on the need for additional discussion at that time.

School of Nursing garden brings students together

To help her School of Nursing students understand the link between health and nutrition, Western Carolina University assistant professor Beth Nease takes them to the source — the nursing school’s organic garden plot where rich, black matter is the star.

“I really wanted to teach the nutrition lecture here because this is where nutrition starts,” said Nease. “I talk about microbes in your gut and how it’s the same for the soil. And unfortunately, with fertilizer and pesticides, we’re doing the same thing to the soil that we’re doing to our gut with antibiotics and poor diet.”

Nease teaches Foundations to Nursing Practice to beginning nursing students and has used the garden spot as the site for three lectures to meet the nutrition objectives for the course. She brings a flip chart with an outline of that day’s lesson, using the garden and its large bins of compost in various stages of decomposition to bring the lessons to life.

Half the food grown is donated to the Sylva Community Table and students who work the garden take the rest. There are six to 10 students involved at any given time.

HRMC to hold free skin cancer screening

Haywood Regional Medical Center, in conjunction with local providers, will host a free skin cancer screening from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 12, at The Homestead at 127 Sunset Ridge Rd., Clyde.

Walk-ins are welcomed, but RSVPs are encouraged. If you have a spot you’re concerned about or something has changed over the past year, this free screening is a great opportunity to get things checked out before summer fun in the sun. If additional care is needed post-screening, attendees will have the opportunity to make appointments for follow-up.

Call 800.424.DOCS (3627) or visit www.myhaywoodregional.com/skin-cancer-screening to register.

Harris recognized for excellence

Harris Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center was recently a recipient of the Center of Distinction award by Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services.

The Center achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including patient satisfaction rates higher than 92 percent and a minimum wound healing rate of at least 92 percent within 28 median days to heal. There were 555 centers eligible for the Center of Distinction award and 278 received the national distinction.

“We are so proud of our team for earning this award. Such national recognition speaks volumes about the talent and dedication of the team every

day in providing care to our community,” said Steve Heatherly, the CEO of Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital.

To learn more about what Harris Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center, or to schedule an appointment, visit www.myharrisregional.com/ourservices/wound-care or call 828.586.7910.

HRMC names 2021 Mercy Award Winner

Haywood Regional Medical Center recently announced that CNA Levi Henson has been recognized as the hospital’s 2021 Mercy Award winner.

The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of LifePoint Health’s hospitals who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded.

The Mercy Award is an annual recognition program established in 2002 to honor the life and contributions of Scott Mercy, LifePoint’s founding chairman and chief executive officer. The award is considered the highest honor a LifePoint employee can receive.

Henson is known for his compassionate care. Hired as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), he learned to work as a secretary and became a trainer for new CNAs. During COVID, he organized drive-through meals for his congregation and community. He cares for the elders of the church, whether they need prayer, a meal, or just a friendly smiling face. He leads funeral services, and other activities as needed.

Each hospital winner, including Levi Henson, will be considered for LifePoint’s 2021 companywide Mercy Award. The companywide winner will be announced this summer and honored during a

Centers eligible for the Center of Distinction award and 278 achieved the honor.

“2020 brought challenges that none of us could ever have imagined. I am so proud of my amazing team for always putting our patients first and maintaining clinical excellence and patient satisfaction at this high level,” said Elizabeth Earnest Camp, RN, CWS Clinical Program Director.

Harris program increases rural access

This past year, even given the pandemic, Harris Regional Hospital’s Community Paramedicine Program has seen great success. In the program, Harris Regional Hospital EMS paramedics conduct home visits with patients 24 to 48 hours after discharge from the hospital. The goal of each visit is to ensure the patient has made a successful transition from hospital to home and to check on any needs he or she may have. During the visit, paramedics check vital signs and ensure the patient understands discharge instructions. North Carolina is one of five states implementing community paramedicine programs aimed at increasing access to care in rural communities.

ceremony in August, to which Henson and all hospital winners are invited to attend.

Ledford receives DAISY Award

Haywood Regional Medical Center recently presented The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses for the second quarter winner of 2021 to Rebekah Ledford.

The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day.

Ledford works in the Progressive Care Unit (PCU). She was recognized by a former patient who commended her exemplary care. Ledford was praised for being kind, professional, hard-working, knowledgeable. Her nominator said, “Rebekah was quick to take all my stress away! She is everything you think of when you think of a nurse.”

Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues. The award recipient is chosen by a committee at HRMC to receive The DAISY Award.

HRMC recognized for wound care excellence

Haywood Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center has been honored with the Center of Distinction award for 2020 by Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services. The Center achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including patient satisfaction rates higher than 92 percent and a minimum wound healing rate of at least 92 percent within 28 median days to heal. There were 555

The community paramedicine program has served over 70 households since the official launch of the program roughly one-year ago. In that time, the team has seen great success in helping their community as they continue to grow. The Program Coordinator at Harris Regional Hospital, Cristian Mireles says, “It has been great for me to witness how this program has helped our patients stay happy health and at home.”

To learn more about the Community Paramedicine Program, visit www.myharrisregional.com/cp or call 828.507.0032.

HRMC receives ‘A’ for safety

Haywood Regional Medical Center received an “A” grade in the spring 2021 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing HRMC’s achievements protecting patients from errors, injuries, accidents and infections.

The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization committed to health care quality and safety. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade assigns a grade to all general hospitals across the country and is updated every six months. It is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospitals’ prevention of medical errors and other harms to patients in their care.

“Receiving an ‘A’ from Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade — our seventh in a row — is something our staff should be very proud of,” said Greg Caples, CEO of HRMC. “Though the pandemic has changed our world, I believe this shows that our commitment to patient safety has been and remains strong. We are always here when you need us.”

To see HRMC’s full grade details and access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org.

A bit of hypocrisy in Back the Blue

With a recent motel sign in Maggie Valley has come a collective hissy fit from the community with many businesses rushing to retort. In today’s climate, speaking out with any unpopular opinion is dangerous business so I tip my hat to the motel. Good for you.

However, seeing the social media blitz to follow has been mind-blowing. Commenters replying, “Run them out of town!” and “That’s not a mountain value!” is laughable. I do not know how many times I have been told if I do not like it around here, I can move.

Now my family has been in these parts since the 1700s. My great-grandfather on down the line founded Turpin’s Chapel (Haywood’s first church) and was the first white settler to homestead beyond the French Broad River. To tell me, with entire communities named after my family, to move, is ridiculous. I’m going to stay right here just to keep the pot stirred. You’re welcome.

After a debate on Smoky Mountain News’ Instagram, a guy told me at least we locals had wheels on our houses so we could get out of town. Thanks for your classist, ignorant feedback. Intolerance is not welcome yet many of you good Christians are quick to tell people to get on down the road if you don’t like their opinions. Many a second homeowner or second-generation resident (non-native) telling the rest of us to move? Learn to love thy neighbor, folks. You need to move if you can’t handle different points of view. But I’d wager you’ll have a hard time fitting in anywhere with that attitude. Not only are folks missing the point of the motel sign, but they have got their history all wrong. As a proud Appalachian American, I’m fairly versed in our region’s history. At no point in two centuries have mountaineers ever backed the blue. For centuries, mountain folks didn’t fancy outsiders at all. We enjoyed our isolated area. The long reach of Johnny Law was regarded outrageous. Mountain folk ran off revenuers and often got into shootouts with the law.

I can recall historically at least four mountain sheriffs who were gunned down: Sheriff Noland in Haywood and Sheriff Green in Jackson County to name a few. Sheriff Noland was killed chasing down Confederate deserters (and enforcing conscription laws) and Green was killed while eating a box meal at the Balsam Mountain Inn. Mountain people were bootleggers who had to use profits to pay high taxes to keep the family farm, especially after the Civil War when poverty was beyond rampant. Carpetbaggers moved in and bought up farms, driving up the taxes — similar to today’s gentrification. People had to find a means to feed their families and pay the rising taxes annually.

Historically, mountain people wanted to be left alone — and this included involvement with law enforcement. Around

Why do evangelicals support Trump?

To the Editor:

A recent letter writer attempted to excuse evangelicals who support Trump. She quickly got into the weeds of misinformation and exposed an ignorance about science. She acknowledged that Trump arguably is a most un-Christian, hate-filled man disdainful of the Ten Commandments and basic

1 percent of all calls for service to law enforcement are considered violent crimes. In a city like Baltimore, about .9 percent of calls are for a violent crime. Do law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way sometimes? Sure. But it is a job. It is a uniform they can take off. Unlike Black Lives Matter, the Blue Lives Matter movement fails to recognize this distinction. Black people cannot stop being black. Cops can quit the job.

In 2019, stats reported by the FBI show that 89 officers lost their lives in the line of duty. Forty-eight officers died because of felonious acts while the other 41 died in accidents. In the same year, 999 citizens were killed in fatal police shootings. In 2020, that number jumped to 1,021. Everyone wants to “back the blue” these days when all I see is our local police handing out traffic tickets.

In my experience, when I have called for police help, I am lucky if the officer even understands the law as it is written. Then they stand around treating the caller with annoyance, write up a report (maybe) and offer advisement like “Go see the magistrate” or “there’s nothing I can do.” Of the residents I have polled to ask if they have felt truly protected or served in our community, I rarely get a positive encounter. If you feel this is important work being done then OK, I guess? Enjoy your $300 traffic ticket.

Conservatives who back the blue did not seem so keen on law enforcement’s actions in January when a seditious group of traitors stormed our nation’s capital. The same people who showed up at the Maggie Valley BLM march waiving Blue Lives Matter flags were on social media praising the “patriots” who were displaying lawlessness. The same conservative ideology that preaches small government seems to be fine with the militarization of these small agencies.

For years we heard how President Obama and now President Biden are gearing up to enact martial law. So when that happens, who will enforce those curfews? Your local police officers. Who will roll through the streets with SWAT teams and tanks? Your local police officers. Some of you grown folks cannot even wear a mask in public, storm a county meeting about your rights and scream at the police (all caught on video). It is funny how you like the police when it benefits you. I do not imagine you would be backing the blue if martial law did come into effect.

When we talk about bad police officers killing unarmed American citizens people try every way within reason to justify it. Imagine your relative or your friend is fishing. A game war-

LETTERS

Christian principles. She then falsely claimed that Trump made the U.S. energy independent, brought companies back, and reduced unemployment. Energy independence and unemployment rates were largely inherited from the Obama administration. Bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. was more PR than actual change. Some of the large, overpublicized projects like the one in Wisconsin never materialized. Due to Trump’s trade war

den approaches and asks to see his/her fishing license. As your relative or friend opens their tackle box fumbling around to find the credentials, the game warden shoots and kills them. This community would be up in arms. People would be absolutely outraged that a good ole boy like so-and-so was killed when he was trying to comply with the officer’s request. So how is that any different than the killings of Breonna Taylor (who was sleeping in her bed) or Philando Castille? It is no different. And if it is different to you then we both know why.

There is a toxic police culture. The mentality among law enforcement is an “us versus them” as if they are at war with American citizens. Cops are trained to be in constant fear as if each interaction is fraught with extreme danger. They are trained to use violence as a first resort. The United States military trains service members to use force as a last option, teaching de-escalation tactics and made to adhere to the Geneva Conventions, standards for humanitarian treatment. Shooting unarmed citizens during war time will land you in the brig with a court martial. Yet we are training our law enforcement like they are joining the military — military in North Korea. Shoot first, ask questions later.

Being in law enforcement is a hard job. They work grueling shifts for low pay. Yet we as citizens complain about tax increases which would offer pay increases, recruit better candidates, and boost training. I am not saying all police officers are bad. But I would like to know where are the good cops when these “few bad apples” are running the streets like thugs? Why did three officers stand by while Derek Chauvin kneeled on George Floyd’s neck for eight minutes without intervention?

The hypocrisy and wrath are hard to keep up with these days. All these conflicting ideas wrapped up in a buzzword or catch phrase. People scream about cancel culture but are quick to attack the motel in Maggie because they do not agree with their message. Also, when is the last time any of you spent your money at that motel? This same bunch also elected a guy who thought using a campaign slogan “The Wight guy for the job” was a smart move. Same businesses and people slamming the motel praise outlaw Popcorn Sutton using his image to market the community. How can you love folk hero outlaws and then tell people to back the blue? Again, y’all are confusing.

I grew up in Maggie. My mama’s family has a mountain/road named after them. I know what my greatgranddad thought about law enforcement as he hid his still in the woods. If you do not like real mountain culture, it is time you consider moving back to wherever you came from as this is our neck of the woods.

(Heather Hyatt Packer, 8th generation Haywood county native. heatherhyattphoto@gmail.com.)

tariffs, companies like Harley-Davidson had to move some production abroad. Since when are such economic issues Christian values?

Trump’s major accomplishment was the tax cut largely benefiting the rich. Apparently, these evangelicals’ Bibles say the rich should get richer to get into heaven. The reality is that evangelicals who support Trump have sold their souls to worship the golden calf of political power.

She went on to misrepresent the basics of science, saying Dr. Fauci “flip-flopped” on

issues about COVID. Science requires following the evidence. As new information is presented, recommendations need to change to match the data. Trump tried to make data support his ego rather than adjusting his policies to address reality. As a result, hundreds of thousands of Americans died because Trump ignored practices and policies that could have saved lives while we waited for vaccines. Is this supporting Christian values? Norm Hoffman Wayneville

A time for personal growth, reorienting

My last column was about reorienting oneself after a time of loss or change. The entire world is working to do that now that the height of the pandemic has seemingly, hopefully passed. I didn’t realize how disoriented I felt during COVID-19 until now. It’s as if a veil has lifted and life is full of possibility again. With this renewed sense of energy, I’m reevaluating personal goals. I recently read a quote that said, “Get clear on who you want to be and then do everything in your power to become that person. Clear vision. Aligned action. That’s what it’s all about.”

How can we get to a destination if we don’t know where we’re going? After seeing this quote, I sat down on my porch one sunny afternoon and created a list of intentional goals.

Get in the best shape of my life: In 2018 I completed my first triathlon, but I did it cautiously. The open water swim triggered my anxiety. I had not adequately prepared to swim in a lake instead of a pool. This time will be different. I plan to compete in a late summer triathlon and swim in the lake multiple times prior to race day. I even bought a wet suit, so I have no excuse. I’ve already trained harder than I did for the previous triathlon, and it feels great to watch my stamina and strength evolve throughout the process.

Understand America’s addiction with alcohol: A friend of mine was reading a book called Quit Like a Woman – The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol. The title piqued my curiosity. I read the book myself and what I learned was eye-opening. It talks a lot about female alcoholism being steadily on the rise while male alcoholism has stagnated or is declining. It also discusses the havoc any amount of alcohol wreaks on the human body and one’s mental health, especially for females. It discusses the brainwashing of marketing companies to make consumers believe alcohol brings happiness and joy when it brings everything but. It made the point that women drink when they’re depressed or stressed while men often drink when they’re happy or relaxed. All of this bothers me. People’s dependence on alcohol bothers me. The female trends bother me. I’m not sure how this book fits into my goals, per se, but it struck a chord with me on many levels.

Travel widely: Oh, how I have missed traveling. The pandemic crated an additional layer of sadness and boredom for those of us who fuel our soul with novel places and adventures. Now that the world has somewhat opened up again, I plan to get out there and see it. I have several upcoming trips to anticipate, one of those being a big RV road trip with all the kids and another being a trip to Red Rocks with my boyfriend to see our two favorite bands. As a bonus, my two best girlfriends and I are heading to Hilton Head for a long weekend of reading books, doing puzzles and listening to the ocean.

Read voraciously: Making the time to read has not been a priority over the last several years. Although I create content every day as a writer, I do not intake enough of it. Reading a news blurb here and there is not the same as melting into the words of a great novel. My goal is to change this. With that being said, Audible has been a game changer for me. I drive a lot for work and while running kids here and there, which gives me an opportunity to listen to books. I also sometimes listen to books while walking or running. It’s not the same as holding a book in my hands, but it’s better than nothing.

Obtain financial freedom: The words “female” and “financial freedom” don’t always go hand in hand. It’s another unfortunate consequence of systemic patriarchy. According to research, women tend to be comprehensively less savvy in regard to finances. They earn less money, are more likely to be in debt, take longer to pay off debt and are less diversified in terms of retirement accounts, stocks and bonds. In short, there is a gender gap when it comes to financial literacy. Further, when moms find themselves in a single parenting situation, they struggle significantly more than single dads. Earning not only financial freedom, but also financial growth, have been personal goals since my divorce.

I have a few additional goals such as to train our puppy, attend more live music shows, learn more about baking and make a point to write every day, even if it’s simply a journal entry. My suggestion for you is to sit down with your thoughts and make your own list. We need not stumble through life lackadaisically or with minimal intent. The options are endless.

During this time of awakening and reacclimating, in what ways do you plan to reorient and grow?

(Susanna Shetley is an editor, writer and digital media specialist with The Smoky Mountain News, Smoky Mountain Living and Mountain South Media. susanna.b@smokymountainnews.com.)

Meet me where the music calls

Chuck Garvey of moe.

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD ARTS & E NTERTAINMENT E DITOR

For over three decades, moe. has remained a pillar of the ongoing and ever-evolving jam-band scene — this melodic entity blending the raw power and essence of arena rock bravado with the subtle, intricate nature of jazz improvisation.

Emerging from Upstate New York in the late 1980s, the legendary ensemble is wellregarded for its incendiary live performances and master musicianship, which includes the like of guitarists Chuck Garvey and Al Schnier, both ranked by Rolling Stone as two of the “Top 20 New Guitar Gods” in recent years.

And what started out as a casual Halloween party jam between friends in Buffalo, New York, has morphed itself this many years later into a juggernaut of sound and purpose — something not lost on Garvey and the rest of his bandmates.

Smoky Mountain News: One of things that I really love about moe. is that both sides of the microphone are just as excited about being

there, and being in that moment of musical possibility.

Chuck Garvey (guitarist, moe.): Yeah, it can be pretty magical sometimes. You strive for finding those kind of magical moments, where something brand new is happening or a connection is being made — whether it’s between the musicians onstage or between the audience and the band.

SMN: Is that something you’re still consciously chasing every night onstage?

CG: Definitely. Some of my favorite moments are [when] there’s a large amount of time my eyes will be closed and I’m just trying to concentrate on the music and that interaction — what that feels like, what you’re trying to get across.

But, the best part of what I like about being in a band are when you’re communicating really well with the whole band, [where] everybody is spontaneously working on the same idea. It’s unconscious, [where] we haven’t laid out the plan for it or talked about it, but it’s something everybody is extemporizing and you’re getting something new.

There’s a specific energy to that. There’s kind of some danger involved. And it’s not just something that you memorized, it’s not a saying that you memorize from a book — you’re

“There’s a specific energy to that. There’s kind of some danger involved … you’re trying to do something in real time that’s living and breathing.”

— Chuck Garvey

trying to do something in real time that’s living and breathing.

That’s the thing that we react to, and what everybody listening reacts to.

SMN: Right before the shutdown, moe. crossed over the 30-year anniversary. And I was curious if you reflected on that — what that number means to you, and the trajectory of the band that keeps going?

CG: Well, we kind of missed out on the 30th anniversary victory lap. But, we talked about it amongst ourselves a bit. And it was fun just to look back on where we started and everything that’s happened in the last 30 years surrounding this lifestyle that we chose, the career that we have.

Want to go?

A special intimate drive-in performance by rock icons moe. will be hosted by The Grey Eagle at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 27, at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds.

The show is all ages. Gates open at 6 p.m. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, go to www.thegreyeagle.com and click on the “Calendar” tab.

So, it’s definitely been interesting to talk about it, where we have so many funny stories we’ll occasionally circle back to and retell, to remind ourselves that we’ve definitely had a very rich life — traveling so much and meeting so many inspired people.

SMN: When you think about those early years of the band, the late 1980s and early 1990s, what sticks out most?

CG: When the band first started in 1989, it was Ray Schwartz, our first drummer, [moe. bassist] Rob [Derhak] and I. We did a Halloween party, [playing] covers of second invasion British bands, R.E.M., Elvis Costello, Jimi Hendrix.

Shortly after that, we started adding stranger stuff. So, the personalities started to go from a fun party band to what weird stuff we wanted to get into and accomplish. That became [us] curating some stranger covers, but then it turned into writing strange, original music pretty quickly.

That was really fun to just try and — without having done it before — start writing original music that made us laugh or that we were excited to play.

It was only a short time before [moe. guitarist] Al [Schnier] was in the band and eventually [moe. percussionist] Jim [Loughlin] is playing drums just a year or two later. It all happened pretty quickly.

We wrote a lot of music, and the thing was to make it as weird or interesting or funny as possible — and that’s always kind of been the idea.

SMN: What does it mean to you when, after 30 years and you’re onstage, you look over and it’s still those guys there with you?

CG: That’s the family thing. And especially with the brotherhood [side of] things, it’s always been a lot deeper than [something like a] sports team. There’s that added dimension, that added depth, of having a family to do that with for a large amount of time, and to be able to communicate with [each other] on a level that’s deeper than [anything else] — and it’s such an added bonus to be able to do that with people that you really know and [have] loved for a long time.

This must be the place

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

Ode to Albino Skunk, ode to the spirit of ‘Fes-Taa-Vul’

It was just about 8:30 a.m. when I awoke in my pickup truck last Saturday.

Although it was the backseat of the vehicle, I was warm and comfortable in the bright orange sleeping bag (with extra pillows). Reaching for the bottle of water nearby, I downed the entire container in a haste of thirst and dehydration. It was an hour and half from my apartment in Waynesville,

but I was exactly where I wanted to be in that moment.

For over 25 years, the Albino Skunk Music Festival in Greer, South Carolina, has remained a beacon of melodic light for music freaks and the curious alike. It’s a sprawling property in the rural countryside of the upstate. Acres and acres of farmland, now covered with tents and hammocks of folks from seemingly every state within a day’s drive.

And for someone like myself who covers dozens of gatherings each year, Albino Skunk was my first festival in over a year and a half since the pandemic and complete

shutdown of the music industry.

It was almost poignant that the initial gig back to “normalcy” for me was Albino Skunk, this serendipitous place of people and instruments (of campfires and interactions), almost like a “pick your own adventure book” for adults.

Packing up the truck Friday afternoon, it was an odd, yet deeply familiar, feeling, to be doing so in the name of a music festival. Toss the sleeping bag and pillows into the backseat. Fill the cooler with ice, beer and Gatorade. Fill the tank up with gas. Crank the stereo and roll down the windows, the nose of the truck aimed towards Greer.

Though it was a three-day festival, I picked Friday seeing as the entire evening lineup featured three of the finest female-led acts out there today, regardless of genre.

Encompassing powerhouse vocals and backed by rollicking chug-a-lug bands, the three groups (Kelsey Waldon, Sierra Ferrell, Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters) all represent the current state and robust, promising future for Americana, folk and country music.

Pulling into the festival grounds on Friday afternoon, it was almost immediately that I began to run into so many familiar and beloved faces, many of which I hadn’t talked to or seen since at least March 2020. When you immerse yourself and your career in the music industry, you eventually realize actually how small the social circles are within what goes on behind the scenes.

You cross paths with these same industry folks each weekend at festivals and concerts, with Albino Skunk usually the kickoff for “all of us” before we hit the road for the rest of the unknown musical adventures of the summer.

Publicists. Managers. Radio DJs. Label executives. Promoters. Other journalists. And not to mention all of those incredibly talented musicians who we gather ‘round like moths to the flame.

Standing backstage and sidestage throughout the night, I kept shaking hands and hugging old friends, that awkward moment lingering initially over whether you can and want to embrace. All of us vaccinated. Everyone eager to once again jump into hearty conversation and sincere gratitude for the moment at hand amid the sacred realm of live music and endless possibilities, onstage and off.

By the time the final note was plucked, the last echo of the voices through the microphones, all present soon filtered out into the depths of the now dark, tranquil camping areas. Shutdown the stage. Grab a couple beers from the catering area and stuff them in your jacket, for another adventure has begun. Onward.

Underneath thick canopies of trees and brush, those wandering the property would see a campfire in the distance, this light at the end of the tunnel, pulling you ever so close towards other sources of humanity and compassion. Pull the beer can out from your jacket. Crack it open and sip with gusto.

It was surreal to stroll up to the campfires and introduce yourself in a friendly tone, only to be addressed in a welcoming tone. Making friends with strangers, this thing that was once so normal and easy to do, now like trying to relearn how to ride a bike after years of not doing so.

Remember how to make genuine small talk with others. Remember what it’s like to see people smile and extend their hand towards you to make your acquaintance.

Remember what it’s like to be present, to be in “the now,” this space of eternal time and place where your soul vibrates happily, triggering the same sentiments and euphoria in those surrounding you. Kindness breeds kindness, all of which occurring in real time.

Far past the midnight hour, you slowly find your way back to the truck. The songs from onstage earlier in the evening ricocheting through your head like some adult lullabies. Your clothes smell of campfire, this comforting, mesmerizing scent you never want to wash out of the fabric of your favorite thick plaid long-sleeve.

You time at Albino Skunk has come and gone in the blink of an eye, just like it always does when you aim the truck nose in excitement and anticipation towards Greer. Hop into the backseat of the pickup truck. Unzip the sleeping bag. Take a sip of water and fall into a deep slumber in the backwoods of Upstate South Carolina.

Sleep soundly and mightily, for we’ll all do it over again the following weekend (and the weekend after that, too), at some festival in some faraway place, the faces and interactions beloved and familiar — our souls vibrating happily, once again.

Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.

‘Memorial Day Mashup’

Presented by Adamas Entertainment, the inaugural “Memorial Day Mashup” will be held from 3:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday, May 30, at Mad Anthony’s Taproom & Restaurant in Waynesville.

Live music is back with a vengeance in Waynesville. And it’s going to be one helluva barnburner. Three bands. Three genres. Onstage in the parking lot of Mad Anthony’s in downtown.

Performers will include: Brothers Gillespie (Americana/indie), J.J. Hipps &

The Hideaway (rock/blues), and J. Rex & His High Mountain Pals (jamgrass)

Music kicks off at 4 p.m. Admission is $15 at the door (card/cash accepted). All proceeds at the door goes to paying for the bands and PA system.

A wide selection of craft beer will be flowing from the Mad Anthony’s taps. Fresh gourmet pizza and wings also available onsite from Dough Boys.

Reggae,

soul at Lazy Hiker

The Natti Love Joys will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, May 21, at Lazy Hiker Brewing in Sylva.

A roots-rock-reggae band that has been playing live since 2003, the group consists of husband and wife duo Anthony “Jatti” Allen and Sonia “Marla” Allen (formerly Sonia Abel).

Jatti was previously the bassist for the reggae group The Congos, while Marla originates from the cult all female reggae group Love Joys, where she recorded two albums under the legendary Wackies label run by Lloyd Barnes (Bullwackie).

The show is free and open to the public. For more information and a complete schedule of events, click on www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host an open mic from 8 to 10 p.m. every Thursday. Free and open to the public. www.balsamfallsbrewing.com.

• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.246.0350 or www.boojumbrewing.com.

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Jay Brown (guitar/vocals) 7 p.m. May 22. Reservations required. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

ALSO:

• Elevated Mountain Distilling Company will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. www.elevatedmountain.com.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host The Never B’s May 21, AcousticEnvy May 22, Western Carolina Writers May 28 and Arnold Hill May 29. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Tea 4 Three May 22 and Woolybooger (Americana/folk) May 29. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host Natti Love Joys May 21 and Woolybooger (Americana/folk) May 28. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host Aly Jordan May 21, Somebody’s Child May 22, Kate Thomas May 28 and Granny’s Mason Jar May 29. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 or www.mtnlayersbeer.com.

• Nantahala Outdoor Center (Nantahala Gorge) will host “Bluegrass w/Blue” May 21 and 28, Natti Love Joys May 22, The Log Noggins May 29 and Granny’s Mason Jar May 30. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. www.noc.com.

• Unplugged Pub (Bryson City) will host Blackjack Country May 20 and Outlaw Whiskey May 22 and 29. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public.

• Valley Tavern (Maggie Valley) will host semiregular live music on the weekends with Bohemian Jean 3 p.m. July 24 and Scoundrel’s Lounge 3 p.m July 25. 828.926.7440 or www.valley-tavern.com.

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

the table

Sylva Sandwich Competition

• A wine tasting will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, May 24, at Balsam Falls Brewing in Sylva. Admission is $10 to join, $15 to do so with snacks. For more information, email info@balsamfallsbrewing.com.

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

Open call for vendors

Artisans, crafters and food vendors are invited to submit their application for the Greening Up the Mountains festival, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, in downtown Sylva. Sponsored by the Town of Sylva, GUTM is the premier spring festival for Western North Carolina. This year’s festival seeks artisans and crafters selling their own handmade products.

Visit www.greeningupthemountains.com to review the 2021 Vendor Policies and download your application, which will be accepted through June 30.

For more information, email greeningupthemountains@gmail.com.

Presented by the Sylva Art & Design Committee (SADC), the inaugural “Sylva Sandwich Competition” will take place during the month of May at participating restaurants around the community.

Establishments include Big Nick’s BBQ, Cosmic Carryout, Front Street Takeout, Guadalupe Cafe, K+M Seafood, Lucy In The Rye, Lulu’s, Mad Batter, South of Philly, White Moon, and Paper Mill Lounge.

Scan the QR code at participating restaurants and vote for your favorite “SADC” sandwich. All entry fees and donations from the competition will help fund a new mural at a downtown Sylva business.

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

• The “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on select dates. Full service alladult first class car. Wine pairings with a meal, and more. 800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.

‘Spring Market Day’

The annual “Spring Market Day” will kick off at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 29, in downtown Franklin.

Sponsored by the Streets of Franklin Heritage Association, the event showcases the goods of downtown merchants. Hometown Spring Market Day also features handmade arts amd crafts, small businesses (that don’t have a storefront), home based businesses, as well as nonprofits.

“Spring Market Day” will also include Airing of the Quilts, an outdoor quilt show with nearly 100 quilts displayed throughout the downtown area. www.franklin-chamber.com.

On the stage

Tuscola ‘Country Western Show’

The Tuscola High School Summit Choir (honors choir) will be hosting its 39th annual “Country Western Show” at 7:30 p.m. May 21-22 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. The performance will be in a drive-in style. The Summit Choir will be showcasing hits from The Oak Ridge Boys, Dolly, Miranda Lambert, and our local Balsam Range. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students/children. Tickets are available from THS Chorus Members or call 828.456.2408. Sponsored by the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds.

‘Unto These Hills’ outdoor drama

The “Unto These Hills” stage production will be held at 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday from May 19 through Aug. 14 at the Mountainside Theater in Cherokee. There will also be a 10:30 a.m. show on

Saturday, June 26 and all Saturdays in July. This decades-old acclaimed outdoor drama traces the Cherokee people through the eons, through the zenith of their power, through the heartbreak of the Trail of Tears, finally ending, appropriately, in the present day, where the Cherokee people continue to rewrite their place in the world. www.cherokeehistorical.org.

Botanical art workshop

Norma Hendrix, retired art professor at Western Carolina University and founder/director of the internationally recognized arts organization Cullowhee Arts, will lead a two-day botanical art workshop June 14-15 at Lake Logan Conference Center in Canton.

Participants will learn to make graphite rubbings, embellished with collage. This workshop is for any level, including beginner.

The art of frottage, or “rubbings,” is a printmaking process done without the need of a printing press. Using simple graphite sticks, an accurate impression of plant

material is “rubbed,” onto vellum paper.

These rubbings become the basis of further creative exploration using collage materials, watercolors, and dry media, such as art graf chunks, and colored pencils.

“Lake Logan Conference Center is the ideal location for a botanical workshop,” Hendrix said. “Here, students and I will have access to acres of unspoiled wilderness, filled with compelling botanical specimens. I know first-hand the supreme beauty of its campus and how its environment naturally unlocks the creative spirit.”

Overnight single, double occupancy and commuter options are available. For more information, click on www.lakelogan.org/ event/botanical-art-workshop or call 828.646.0095 for more information.

Haywood Arts celebrates Smokies flora

The exhibit: “Celebrating the Flora of the Smoky Mountains” will run through May 31 at the HCAC Gallery & Gifts showroom on Main Street in Waynesville.

The exhibit will showcase our beautiful native wildflowers, flowering shrubs, and trees, all from local and regional artisans.

Free and open to the public, for more information, click on www.haywoodarts.org.

Snowbird mural brings community together

Snowbird Cherokee artists and community members in Robbinsville recently gathered to launch the outdoor installation of a long-awaited 400-square-foot mural honoring women of the Snowbird Cherokee Community.

Originally launched in 2019, the Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team (GREAT) was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation (ZSR) for the project as part of its Inclusive Public Art initiative. Leading the artist team were Doreyl Ammons Cain, of the Appalachian Mural Trail, and TJ Holland, Cultural Resource Supervisor for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, Director of Junaluska Memorial Museum in Robbinsville, and Snowbird Cherokee Community member.

With community engagement being central to ZSRs initiative, Cain and Holland held a series of community gatherings and listening sessions to inform the final design. Once the design was complete, a series of mural painting workshops were held with seven local Cherokee artists and these artists took the lead in painting portrait panels of their ancestors, Snowbird Cherokee women,

to be installed on the mural wall.

While the project was met with delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Robbinsville community mourned the tragic death of artist team leader and Snowbird Community Liaison TJ Holland.

This great loss added an additional layer of urgency and importance to the project through honoring Holland, his love for his community, his great knowledge and his contributions as an artist.

Everyone took notice when the mural panels were placed on the outside of the old VFW building in historical downtown Robbinsville in early May and PBS-NC, in partnership with ZSR, were there to document the project.

The show of community spirit lives on in Robbinsville as Snowbird Cherokee artists and community members gather to paint and complete the installation of the Snowbird Cherokee women’s stories.

To check out the Appalachian Mural Trail, go to www.muraltrail.com, where you’ll find more than 120 magnificent murals with maps and directions to find the murals in the mountains and piedmonts of North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.

• “Spring Fling Art & Craft Walk” will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 29, in downtown Dillsboro. Live music and craft demonstrations. 828.707.2004.

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

• “Paint-N-Pour” will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, at Balsam Falls Brewing in Sylva. Cost is $20 per person. All materials provided. RSVP at Balsam Falls Brewing’s Facebook page. For more information, click on www.balsamfallsbrewing.com.

• Farmer’s Market (with artisans) will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through October at 117 Island Street in Bryson City. Stop by the old barn by the river for local, homegrown produce, as well as baked goods, jellies and preserves, authentic crafts, and more. Food truck, picnic tables and a strolling musician. Leashed pets welcome. Outdoor event. Current Covid-19 safety protocols will be followed and enforced. 828.488.7857.

• Open call for artists to sell their work in the Carriage House Gift Shop at the historic Shelton House in Waynesville. For details, call 757.894.2293.

• “Faces,” an exhibit of drawings by the late Ron Hunnicutt, who passed away in February, will be held through the end of June at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 828.524.3600.

Peterson updates his popular ‘Rules for Life’

In 2018, Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules For Life: An Antidote to Chaos became an international bestseller, and Peterson himself became a celebrity, speaking to packed auditoriums and lecture halls around the United States and other countries. He then fell ill, in large part from various legal drugs he was taking, almost died, recovered, and has now written and published a sequel to 12 Rules For Life

limit myself to just a few:

• “…if you shelter young people, you destroy them.”

• “If you fail to understand evil, then you have laid yourself bare to it.”

Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life (Random House, 2021, 402 pages) finds Peterson once again advising readers on how to live through troubled times. Though I found his first book a bit easier to follow and somehow more practical — I suspect my personal circumstances at that time had something to do with this impression — Beyond Order spoke to me as well.

Here Peterson looks at the roles of order and chaos in our lives and in the world. While he knows that most of us try to impose order on the swirl of events that often engulf us, Peterson also recognizes that attempts by society to control instability at all levels can lead to oppression and tyranny.

As in 12 Rules, Peterson titles each of his chapters with an admonition: “Do not hide unwanted things in the fog,” “Do not do what you hate,” “Try to make one room in your home as beautiful as possible,” “Be grateful in spite of your suffering.” And again, as in 12 Rules, he makes a philosophical case for each of these points, citing a host of sources ranging from the works of Nietzsche to various books of the Bible and further supporting his arguments with examples from his clinical treatment of patients and personal anecdotes of friends and family.

Two points about the way I read this book may interest readers. First, unlike 12 Rules, I didn’t read Beyond Order from beginning to end, but instead chose a chapter for the day that most interested me. Because each chapter stands alone, this approach allowed me to move back and forth through the book to tackle whatever struck my fancy at a particular moment.

In addition, as I so often do, I marked pages that interested me with torn pieces of scrap paper and passages with pencil marks. (Because I borrowed my copy from the public library, these were light pencil marks that I will erase before returning the book.)

Peterson is a fine writer and a creator of epigrams, and by the time I finished my reading the book had sprouted at least two-dozen of these markers. I could fill the rest of this review with Peterson quotations, but will

• “Strength in the face of death is better for the person who is dying and for those who remain alive.”

• “…You might love people despite their limitations, but you also love them because of their limitations.”

• “We are each more responsible for the state of the world than we believe, or would feel comfortable believing.”

• Without careful attention, culture itself tilts toward corruption.”

• “If you make what you want clear and commit yourself to its pursuit, you may fail. But if you do not make what you want clear, then you will certainly fail. You cannot hit a target if you do not take aim.”

Enough.

Peterson’s sixth rule, “Abandon Ideology” strikes me as particularly pertinent advice for our present tumultuous times. He writes, “An ideological theory explains everything: all the past, all the present, and all the future. This means that the ideologue can consider him or herself in possession of the complete truth ….”

He investigates the defects, often deadly, of ideology: its inability to address and solve complex problems, its “hostile resentment” toward opponents, the broad brush it uses to smear entire segments of a population. He tells us that people who divide human beings into saints and devils, and who claim that they and those who think like them stand on the side of the saints, have fallen into a trap of their own making. “This is an invitation,” Peterson remarks, “to both paranoia and persecution.”

At the end of this chapter, Peterson urges his readers to “begin to address and consider smaller, more precisely defined problems … trying to address them personally while simultaneously taking responsibility for the outcome.” He gives some specific examples of how to do this: “Have some humility. Clean up your bedroom. Take care of your family.

Follow your conscience … And, as the necessary beginning to that process … abandon ideology.”

Some commentators and critics wonder why Peterson’s books sell so well, why crowds of people attend his lectures or listen to him online, and why he has struck a chord in particular with so many young men.

In his foreword to 12 Rules For Life, Dr. Norman Doidge, MD, provides the answer:

“So why not call this a book of guidelines, a far more relaxed, user-friendly, and less rigid sounding term than ‘rules?’

“Because these really are rules. And the foremost rule is that you must take responsibility for your own life. Period.”

“You must take responsibility for your own life.” That’s the core of Jordan Peterson’s rules for life, and it’s a message millions of people want to hear.

(Jeff Minick reviews books and has written four of his own: two novels, Amanda Bell and Dust On Their Wings, and two works of nonfiction, Learning As I Go and Movies Make the Man minick0301@gmail.com.)

You can now get your AUDIOBOOKS LOCALLY

Go to: select Blue Ridge Books as your store and shop Libro's catalog!

Magazines - Newspapers 428 HAZELWOOD Ave. Waynesville • 456-6000 MON-FRI 9-5:30 | SAT 9-3

WEST ASHVILLE’S LARGEST OPEN AIR MUSIC & FOOD VENUE

Outdoor Stage & Dining Live Music | Amazing Eats

743 HAYWOOD RD. WEST ASHEVILLE ISISASHEVILLE.COM

828.575.2737

Made by mountains

Regional brand aims to drive entrepreneurship, stewardship in WNC’s outdoor economy

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER

The outdoor industry has for years been on an upward trajectory in Western North Carolina, and a regional branding campaign unveiled May 18 aims to boost it even further.

“It’s all about that sense of being welcomed and being encouraged and having pride of place,” said director of sector development for Mountain BizWorks, Noah Wilson, “That’s the core of it.”

A SHARED BRAND

The brand, Made X Mtns — to be read as “made by mountains” — is intended to help outdoor businesses and communities in Western North Carolina unite around a shared story about how these mountains made the region into the outdoor industry hub of the eastern U.S. Just like the letters OBX conjure images of wide beaches and

ment who work together to grow WNC’s outdoor economy, led by Mountain BizWorks and the Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC — to implement the goals of that grant.

Growing Outdoors’ core components — accomplished through myriad partnerships — include developing the outdoor industry via outdoor gear builders; putting on the Outdoor Economy Conference, which is the nation’s largest gathering of people working on the outdoor economy; creating outdoor business training opportunities; providing the Waypoint Accelerator, the first outdoor business accelerator east of the Rockies; chipping away at workforce development — and now, attacking regional branding and marketing.

representation of the region’s identity. The resulting brand anthem — a mountainscapefilled video that seeks to convey the heart of the Made X Mountains brand — speaks to the abundance of water, of greenery and of adventure.

quaint lighthouses in the Outer Banks — even to people who have never visited that beach before — the letters WNC may one day draw a similar level of recognition from people who reside far from the North Carolina mountains.

Created by Growing Outdoors, Made X Mtns aims to help the ever-growing number of small businesses that comprise WNC’s outdoor economy tell a cohesive story about who they are and what they’re all about. Ultimately, the hope is, the effort will attract new employees, businesses and visitors to the region.

“This is a shared brand that we can all leverage together,” said Wilson. “This is something that will help our communities, our companies and our people all both appreciate what we already have and find ways to have that community that economic development happen around our outdoors — to care for our places and help them care for us.”

The brand was developed using funds from the $940,000 Appalachian Regional Commission Power grant — and $787,000 in local matching funds — Mountain BizWorks landed in 2018 to grow WNC as a breeding ground for outdoor gear companies.

Mountain BizWorks created the Growing Outdoors Partnership — a collaborative of 18 different organizations spanning industry, education, finance and economic develop-

Created through a $75,000 contract with design firm Blue Ion as well as hundreds of hours’ worth of community assistance and at least 2,000 hours from the core team and branding firm Outpost, Made X Mtns aims to create a cohesive, authentically crafted identity for WNC’s outdoor industry.

BEYOND THE LOGO

It’s more than just a logo. The branding effort will include a new website containing a library of shared assets such as photos, which people and organizations across the region can use or contribute to; a robust social media presence; an email newsletter; various outreach events for the media and general public; a professionally produced video introducing the brand; and a focus on storytelling that will include one or two long-form articles per month showcasing the people whose lives are made by North Carolina’s mountains. Made X Mtns hopes to become an ongoing local movement — not just a short-term project.

Storytelling is part of the brand’s genesis, as well as its future. The development process included more than 50 interviews with people across the region to home in on an authentic

Adopt the brand

“The adventure is accessible, with ridges rising from the edge of large, diverse cities,” reads the video voiceover. “These mountains aren’t a distant, lofty goal; they’re our backyard.”

The mountains of Western North Carolina are a crucible of creativity, of community and of ingenuity, viewers learn as razor-sharp images of mountain sunsets, afternoon mountain bike adventures and gear builders’ workshops cycle by.

“They’ve made industry leaders and pioneers, individuals who build tools designed to perform in the wild,” it concludes. “Goods tested here, built here, used here. These mountains have made dreamers and doers, tinkerers and builders, athletes and caretakers. WNC is made by mountains. How will these mountains make you?”

It’s a question intended to resonate with residents, with businesses, with visitors and with dreamers who are just starting to think about what the future could be like, should they follow their passion and add their own business to the cadre of outdoor startups peppering the region.

“It’s this ‘national plus local’ campaign,” said Wilson. “And that’s because the reality is if a national person comes

Chronic wasting disease confirmed close to N.C.

A chronic wasting disease case confirmed May 12 in Virginia occurred just 33 miles from the North Carolina counties of Surry and Stokes.

The case occurred just a few miles outside the 30-mile radius that the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services identified to activate their response plan, but it’s close enough that heightened concerns triggered a proactive and integrated approach.

The state is encouraging increased surveillance at cervid farms, including testing in all animals that die for any reason and monitoring for illness and abnormal behavior. Deer hunters may be asked to submit additional samples of

their harvest this coming deer season, especially in the area closest to Virginia’s confirmed case.

North Carolina has been testing for chronic wasting disease, a fatal ailment in cervids like deer and elk, since 1999. However, the bulk of testing has occurred since 2018, when the state adopted a robust annual statewide surveillance strategy.

Farmers can report concerns to the state’s veterinary division at 919.707.3250 and the public can report sick or abnormally acting deer to the N.C. Wildlife Helpline at 866.318.2401 during business hours or email hwi@ncwildlife.org.

here and asks people here about this place, and they don’t believe this place is the East Coast outdoor industry hub, they don’t believe this place is exceptional and extraordinary, we’re not going to be successful. We need locals to understand how awesome a place this is and that really there’s opportunities to be had from embracing outdoor recreation as an economic and community development driver.”

HEADED FOR GROWTH

Looking at statewide numbers, it’s impossible to overlook the importance of North Carolina’s outdoor industry. It generates $28 billion in consumer spending each year and directly supports 260,000 jobs, supplying $8.3 billion in wages and salaries and $1.3 billion in state and local tax revenue. With more than 1.5 million acres of public land — including world-class trout streams, whitewater runs and hiking and biking trails — Western North Carolina is the nucleus of North Carolina’s outdoor

Get informed about woody ornamentals

Learn how to care for woody ornamentals during a two-hour class starting at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 27, via Zoom.

Offered by Haywood County Cooperative Extension, the class will cover choosing, planting, mulching, fertilizing, watering and identifying ornamental trees and shrubs. Cost is $10. Register by clicking on the “Gardening in the Mountains” link at www.haywood.ces.ncsu.edu or email mgarticles@charter.net by May 24.

Find local food

The 2021 edition of the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project’s Local Food Guide is now available, an essential source for finding locally grown food and farms.

The guide offers up-to-date information on farmers markets, u-pick opportunities, CSAs, grocers, farm stands and more. It also features photos and articles telling the story of the food and farms that make this region unique.

The guide is distributed for free at farmers markets, visitors centers, libraries and many other locations across Western North Carolina. An online companion to the printed guide is available at www.appalachiangrown.org.

Arboretum to host five-day plant sale

The N.C. Arboretum’s annual outdoor plant sale is back, slated for May 25-29.

On May 25, rhododendron-level members and higher will receive priority access during a special preview sale, and the general public can join in May 26-27. The collection includes annuals and perennials such as ornamental grasses, garden phlox, coneflowers, agastache, dahlias, salvias, petunias, verbenas and more.

A tailgate-style market will follow May 28-29, providing an even greater selection that will include annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, herbs, houseplants, cut flowers and natural products. Proceeds from sales May 25-27 support the N.C. Arboretum Society, boosting its year-round educational programs, facilities and exhibits.

recreation industry.

Wilson thinks it can grow even more — hence the branding effort — but he wants to see that growth happen sustainably, guided by people who live in the mountains and are invested in their future.

There’s a reason why people choose to live in the mountains, he said, and nobody wants to see unchecked growth or irresponsible use of the land erase the beauty and solitude that for so many is a major part of that reason.

“One thing we’re really recognizing in our next phase of work under Growing Outdoors is that for our companies to thrive, they need to make sure that we have communities around us that are also thriving and that really can recognize and leverage the outdoors as an asset and care for it,” he said.

The broader initiative, he said, is a strategy centered on growing together — fostering a thriving economic environment without trampling on the natural beauty that makes it all possible.

ATC resumes thru-hiker recognition

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has lifted a recommendation against long-distance hikes on the A.T. for the first time since the pandemic struck last spring.

The update was issued May 11 in light of widespread availability of effective COVID-19 vaccines and a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announcement classifying outdoor activities like hiking as low-risk for spreading the virus. The recommendation comes as thousands of hikers have already started or registered to start a thru-hike this year.

The ATC will also restart its recognition program for hikers who have completed a full thru-hike of the trail. It had paused the program during the pandemic to avoid incentivizing multi-state travel, which includes stops for resupply in dozens of trailside communities. Miles hiked on the A.T. during this pause — between March 31, 2020, and May 11, 2021 — will not be counted toward 2,000-miler recognition by the ATC.

“The ATC acknowledges the past year has required significant sacrifices both within and outside the A.T. community of volunteers, supporters and hikers,” reads a statement from the ATC. “Many of us have lost friends and family. Some have delayed lifelong plans and aspirations — including postponing attempts to thru-hike the Trail — to better ensure they and those around them are at a lower risk of contracting or spreading COVID-

19. We thank everyone who has taken, and continues to take, extra steps to help combat this pandemic.”

The ATC also announced reopening dates for two of its visitor centers. The ATC Headquarters and Visitor Center in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, will reopen with modified operations on May 27. The A.T. Visitor Center in Monson, Maine, located roughly 100 miles south of the Trail’s northern terminus on Katahdin in Baxter State Park, will open on June 2.

The ATC will also resume the distribution of A.T. 2021 backpack hangtags at these locations, which are provided to thru-hikers and eligible section hikers who have registered their hikes with the ATC via www.atcamp.org and completed a brief training course in Leave No Trace backcountry principles.

While this updated guidance is yet another sign of improved COVID-19 conditions throughout the United States, the ATC notes that precautions should still be taken to help avoid spreading the virus both on and off the A.T. In addition to receiving a vaccine, the ATC encourages all hikers to carry a mask for when social distancing can not be maintained; to pack a tent or other personal shelter system instead of using the often-crowded three-sided shelters at various points on the Trail; and to follow CDC recommendations for protecting yourself and others, including when to avoid travel.

To read the full post and learn more about the ATC’s updated guidance, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/covid-19.

Teachers train to help kids bike and walk to school safely

This spring, 17 physical education teachers from Haywood, Jackson, Swain and Macon counties joined the Western Carolina University Project Discovery Talent Search staff for training in a curriculum that aims to help children be more healthy and active.

The Let’s Go N.C.! curriculum is a pedestrian and bicycle safety skills program for healthy, active children. Each school represented was given the curriculum and a jump drive with lesson plans, materials, activities and instructional videos to teach and encourage kids to develop safe pedestri-

Learn to fish in Cullowhee

an and bicycle habits, all while promoting healthy transportation choices and active lifestyles that can be carried into adulthood. The program was developed by the N.C. State University Institute for Transpiration Research and Education for the Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation and the Safe Routes to School Program, and it is approved by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. Currently, about 16 pedestrians and three cyclists under the age of 15 are involved in fatal crashes each year in North Carolina, and hundreds more are injured.

Register by May 31 for a day of fishing Saturday, June 5, at the Jackson County Recreation Park in Cullowhee.

Open to ages 7 to 13, this learn-to-fish event is free and will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participation limited to the first 40 kids registered.

Polish up the Pigeon

Pick up the Pigeon River during a cleanup 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, May 22, in Canton.

The group will meet at Pigeon River Outfitters and disperse to pick up trash along the river, greenway and town. Pigeon River Outfitters will offer free shuttles around town or upstream to get participants started on a cleanup float, with tubes, kayaks and canoes provided free of charge

on a first-come, first-served basis. Volunteers are also welcome to bring their own boats.

Gloves, trash bags, trash grabbers and safety vests provided. Bring a towel. Participants will receive $1 off their first pint at BearWaters Brewing. Organized by Haywood Waterways Association. RSVP by May 20 to Christine O’Brien at christine.haywoodwaterways@gmail.com or 828.476.4667, ext. 11.

Scheduled trout stockings were postponed due to fuel shortages caused by the Colonial Pipeline shutdown, but resumed May 17. An updated schedule is posted at www.ncwildlife.org/trout.

Work begins on Abrams Falls

Rehabilitation of the Abrams Falls Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is now underway after kicking off May 10.

The trail and associated parking areas will be closed from 7 a.m. Monday through

Severe erosion on the trail currently presents issues for trail safety and sustainability.

improving the tread surface, reducing trail braiding and improving drainage to prevent further erosion. Crews will also perform critical trail work across the park on other trails such as the Noah Bud Ogle Nature Trail, Oconaluftee River Trail, and Fighting Creek Nature Trail.

5:30 p.m. Thursday through Nov. 10, except for federal holidays. The trail will be fully open Friday through Sunday each week.

The project, accomplished through the Trails Forever Program — a partnership between the park and Friends of the Smokies — aims to address severe erosion issues on the 2.5-mile route to Abrams Falls, one of the busiest trails in the park. The crew will focus its efforts on several targeted locations between the trailhead and the falls. The work will improve overall trail safety and protect natural resources by

“The Trails Forever partnership with the Friends of the Smokies has allowed our talented trail crews to completely transform some of the busiest trails across the park so that they can be enjoyed forever,” said Smokies Superintendent Cassius Cash. “We know that some will be disappointed by the temporary closures, but I can assure you that the longterm results are well worth the short-term inconvenience.”

The public can pitch in during volunteer workdays offered every Tuesday through August. Register to participate with Adam Monroe at 828.497.1949 or adam_monroe@nps.gov.

During the closure periods, visitors will not be able to access the falls, the trail or any associated parking areas. Trailhead access from Cades Cove to the Rabbit Creek Trail will also be closed, but the trail itself will remain open and accessible from Abrams Creek. Friends of the Smokies has donated more than $2 million to support the Trails Forever Program, in part through the generosity of the Knoxville-based Aslan Foundation. The program previously funded rehabilitation efforts on the Trillium Gap, Rainbow Falls, Alum Cave, Chimney Tops and Forney Ridge trails.

Crews replace Rainbow Falls bridge

A bridge replacement project is wrapping up on Rainbow Falls Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The trail has been closed since May 10 and is scheduled to reopen May 20 for replacement of a foot-log bridge located about 2 miles from the trailhead. Mt. LeConte is still accessible via the Boulevard, Bull Head, Alum Cave and Trillium Gap trails.

Experience the Bartram Trail

Three events next week will honor 18thcentury naturalist William Bartram and offer opportunity for outdoor adventure.

n A presentation followed by a 4-mile roundtrip hike to Martins Creek Falls will kick off the series 10 a.m. Monday, May 24, at Warwoman Dell in Rabun County, Georgia.

n An easy 7-mile kayak trip will traverse his-

toric Cowee Valley on Wednesday, May 26.

n An 8-mile hike on the Bartram Trail will start at Sandy Ford Road in Rabun County on Friday, May 28.

Bartram, who traveled through northeastern Georgia and Western North Carolina in May 1775, was a rare explorer who was highly sympathetic to the native people and their plight while also being an astute observer and describer of plant species unknown to the Old World. For information or to RSVP, contact Brent Martin at info@ncbartramtrail.org.

Base Camp on the Go returns

Base Camp on the Go is back at Waynesville Parks and Recreation.

A trailer packed with supplies for fun and interactive outdoor games — including Zorb balls, nine square and more — will be

at the All Abilities Playground in Waynesville from 4 to 6 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday, weather permitting. Colt Miller, cmiller@waynesvillenc.gov or 828.456.2030.

Fight hunger and raft for free

Raft for free from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 23, at Dillsboro River Company.

The company will offer the free rafting event to support United Christian Ministries. To participate, bring 10 cans of food per person as a donation to the nonprofit.

Dillsboro River Company is a family-owned business located at 18 Macktown Road in Sylva. UCM is a nonprofit ministry offering a food pantry and financial assistance to Jackson County residents, last year giving out more than 20,000 bags of food to residents in need.

Drought enters N.C. after long absence

Moderate drought has returned to North Carolina for the first time since November 2019, though it is currently rele-

Parts of 38 counties in eastern and central N.C. are also experiencing abnormally dry conditions and could reach drought status if dry conditions persist. No drought conditions exist in the western part of the state.

The drought map is updated at 9 a.m. every Thursday. Donated map

gated to 12 counties in the southeastern part of the state.

“While 2020 ended by becoming our state’s second-wettest year on record, and 2021 started with wet weather through the winter, we’ve seen that precipitation pattern reverse this spring, from having too much rain to suddenly not enough across much of North Carolina,” said Corey Davis of the N.C. State Climate Office.

The drought map is updated at 9 a.m. every Thursday at www.ncdrought.org.

Festival to gather community of female paddlers

A three-day paddle festival will gather female paddlers June 4-6 at Nantahala Outdoor Center.

Hosted by inspirational paddler Anna Levesque, the festival will offer activities from noon June 4 through noon June 6. Trips will be offered on different rivers suitable for a range of skill levels and are open to all women in all watercraft. The festival aims to foster community by connecting, sharing, paddling and supporting each other on the river.

$45. Register at www.noc.com/events. Donations and registration fees benefit the Shannon Christy Memorial Fund, which supports nonprofits focused on women’s empowerment as well as the Live Like Maria Fund.

WNC Calendar

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

• The Lake Junaluska Flea Market will take place from 8 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 12, at the Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym at Lake Junaluska. Special early bird shopping is available from 7:30-8 a.m. for $5 cash. Everyone is welcome to attend.

n All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

n To have your item listed email to calendar@smokymountainnews.com

collectors, military enthusiasts, quilters, fiber artists, jewelers and crafters as well as feature a variety of other vintage sewing related items. For more information contact Julie McMahon at 616.634.8823 or email jmcmahon8@gmail.com.

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

n Complete listings of local music scene

n Regional festivals

n Art gallery events and openings

F OOD AND D RINK

• The highly popular “Rockin’ Block Party” will return from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 29, on Main Street in downtown Waynesville. Free and open to the public. No animals allowed at downtown events. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

lively discussion and a prayer for God to help them see clearly, with less dogma and more honesty and love. Contact jjurban55@gmail.com for more information.

• A wine tasting will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, May 24, at Balsam Falls Brewing in Sylva. Admission is $10 to join, $15 to do so with snacks. For more information, email info@balsamfallsbrewing.com.

n Complete listings of recreational offerings at health and fitness centers n Civic and social club gatherings

• The annual “Spring Market Day” will kick off at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 29, in downtown Franklin. www.franklin-chamber.com.

• “Spring Fling Art & Craft Walk” will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 29, in downtown Dillsboro. Live music and craft demonstrations. 828.707.2004.

B USINESS & E DUCATION

• NC Works Career Center Job Fair will take place from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Friday, May 21, at the Robert C. Carpenter Community Building in Franklin. Contact Macon County NC Works Career Center for more information, 828.369.9534.

• Betty Farmer, award-winning professor of communication at Western Carolina University and workplace consultant, will be facilitating an online workshop on “Understanding Emotional Intelligence,” from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, June 11. The registration fee for this workshop is $139. For more information and to register, visit pdp.wcu.edu and click on “Workshops and Certificates for Managers and Leaders.”

• The Small Business Center at Haywood Community College will offer a free Summer webinar series covering a wealth of essential topics for small business. Session topics include getting a loan, setting and managing goals and the world of social media. Visit SBC.Haywood.edu or call 828.627.4512 for additional information or to register today.

VOLUNTEERS & VENDORS

Big Brothers Big Sisters will host a meet and greet from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, at BearWaters in Canton. Meet the staff, volunteers, and board members. For more information call 828.273.3601.

• REACH of Haywood County (domestic violence/sexual assault/elder abuse prevention and intervention nonprofit) is seeking new volunteers and will hold a Volunteer Training Day on Saturday, May 22, from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., at the REACH office, 627 N. Main Street, Waynesville. For further information and to register, contact Buffy Queen, REACH Community Educator, 828.456.7898, or BQreach@aol.com by May 20, as notebooks will be prepared for all participants.

H EALTH AND WELLNESS

• Waynesville Yoga will host a restorative session with Amber Kleid and Shutri Nadis from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23. Cost is $25 plus donations for musicians. For more information about what to bring or to register contact the Yoga Center at 828.246.6570 or hello@waynesvilleyogacenter.com.

THE S PIRITUAL S IDE

• Truth Seekers meet every second and fourth Friday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Franklin library meeting room or new picnic pavilion to have a short video or other presentation by a member followed by

A&E

• “Paint-N-Pour” will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, at Balsam Falls Brewing in Sylva. Cost is $20 per person. All materials provided. RSVP at Balsam Falls Brewing’s Facebook page. For more information, click on www.balsamfallsbrewing.com.

• Tuscola High School Summit Choir will host the 39th annual Country Western Show at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings May 21 and 22. This will be a drivein show, hosted at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased from any Summit member or at the office at Tuscola High School. Tickets are $10 for the public, and half price for Tuscola staff and students. Call 828.456.2408 for more information.

• Presented by Adamas Entertainment, the inaugural “Memorial Day Mashup” will be held from 3:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday, May 30, at Mad Anthony’s Taproom & Restaurant in Waynesville. Performers will include: Brothers Gillespie (Americana/indie), J.J. Hipps & The Hideaway (rock/blues), and J. Rex & His High Mountain Pals (jamgrass). Music kicks off at 4 p.m. Admission is $15 at the door (card/cash accepted).

• Mountain Heritage Day, the festival of cultural traditions presented by Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, is again being planned as a live, in-person event on Saturday, Sept. 25. For more information, updates and links for vendors interested in participating at the event, go to www.mountainheritageday.com.

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Jay Brown (guitar/vocals) 7 p.m. May 22. Reservations required. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host The Never B’s May 21, AcousticEnvy May 22, Western Carolina Writers May 28 and Arnold Hill May 29. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host Natti Love Joys May 21 and Woolybooger (Americana/folk) May 28. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host an open mic from 8 to 10 p.m. every Thursday. Free and open to the public. www.balsamfallsbrewing.com.

• Unplugged Pub (Bryson City) will host Blackjack Country May 20 and Outlaw Whiskey May 22 and 29. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public.

• Nantahala Outdoor Center (Nantahala Gorge) will host “Bluegrass w/Blue” May 21 and 28, Natti Love Joys May 22, The Log Noggins May 29 and Granny’s Mason Jar May 30. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. www.noc.com.

• The Western North Carolina Button Club will host the Appalachian Button Jamboree from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 22, at the Waynesville Inn Golf Resort and Spa (176 County Club Dr) in Waynesville. The free event is open to the public and will feature buttons for

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

ON STAGE & I N CONCERT

• The “Unto These Hills” stage production will be held at 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday from May 19 through Aug. 14 at the Mountainside Theater in Cherokee. There will also be a 10:30 a.m. show on Saturday, June and all Saturdays in July. For more information and to purchase tickets, click on www.cherokeehistorical.org.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS

• Ice Cream Factory class will be held at Waynesville Art School from 1-3 p.m. Friday, May 21. The class is open to ages 4 through 8. Registration is required, cost is $25. For more information and to register call 828.246.9869 or visit waynesvilleartschool.com/register-online.

• An Art Class entitles "Your Very Own Secret Place" will be taught at Waynesville Art School from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 22. Ages 6 and up are welcome. Registration is required, cost is $25. For more information and to register call 828.246.9869 or visit waynesvilleartschool.com/register-online.

• An art class entitles "Milk Carton Town" will be taught at Waynesville Art School from 1-3 p.m. on Friday, May 28. Ages four and older are welcome. Registration is required, cost is $25. For more information and to register call 828.246.9869 or visit waynesvilleartschool.com/register-online.

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES

• The exhibit: “Celebrating the Flora of the Smoky Mountains” will run May 7-31 at the HCAC Gallery & Gifts showroom on Main Street in Waynesville. The exhibit will showcase our beautiful native wildflowers,

flowering shrubs, and trees, all from local and regional artisans. Free and open to the public, for more information, click on www.haywoodarts.org.

• The Haywood County Arts Council’s “Art Works @ The Library,” a collaborative program between the Haywood County Public Library system and the HCAC, is currently showcasing works by artist Cayce Moyer at the Canton Library.

Outdoors

• Base Camp on the Go is back at Waynesville Parks and Recreation. A trailer packed with supplies for fun an interactive outdoor games — including Zorb balls, nine square and more — will be at the All Abilities Playground in Waynesville from 4 to 6 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday, weather permitting. Contact Colt Miller, cmiller@waynesvillenc.gov or 828.456.2030 for more information.

• Pick up the Pigeon River during a cleanup 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, May 22, in Canton. Gloves, trash bags, trash grabbers and safety vests provided. Bring a towel. Participants will receive $1 off their first pint at BearWaters Brewing. Organized by Haywood Waterways Association. RSVP by May 20 to Christine O’Brien at christine.haywoodwaterways@gmail.com or 828.476.4667, ext. 11.

• Raft for free from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 23, at Dillsboro River Company. The company will offer the free rafting event to support United Christian Ministries. To participate, bring 10 cans of food per person as a donation to the nonprofit.

• Learn how to care for woody ornamentals during a two-hour class starting at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 27, via Zoom. Cost is $10. Register by clicking on the “Gardening in the Mountains” link at www.haywood.ces.ncsu.edu or email mgarticles@charter.net by May 24.

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

• Legal N otices — 25¢ per word

• $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

Announcements

BANKRUPTCY RELIEF! Help stop Creditor Harassment, Collection Calls, Repossession and Legal Actions! Speak to a Professional Attorney and Get the Help You NEED! Call NOW 844-404-0601

DONATE YOUR CAR OR TRUCK To Heritage For The Blind. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. Call 1-855-869-7055

p: 828.452.4251 · f:828.452.3585 classads@smokymountainnews.com www.wncmarketplace.com Old Edwards

A-1 DONATE YOUR CAR Running or Not! Fast Free Pick-up, Maximum Tax Deduction. Support United Breast Cancer Fdn. Programs. Your car donation could save a life. 888-641-9690

Building Materials

BUYING POPLAR BARK SIDING Buying poplar bark siding. Call for details, ask for Sid or Hannah. 828-264-2464 hannah@hctfmw.com

Hospitality Group Highlands NC

NOW RECRUITING FOR:

IT Technician, IT Intern, Assistant F&B Manager, Banquet Captain, Banquet Supervisor, Banquet Server, Host, Server, Busser, Bartender, Cook, Pastry & Bread Cook, Dishwasher, Reservations Specialist, Front Desk Agent, Bellman, Night Auditor, Room Attendant, Houseman, 2nd Shift Laundry, Warehouse Associate, Retail Associate, Spa Attendant, Spa Concierge, Fitness Manager, Massage Therapist, Cosmetologist Contract Positions: Fitness Instructor (spin), Makeup Artist

& PTO for FULL TIME Apply online at oldedwardsinn.com/careers

Employment

CWS- OWNER OPERATORS CDL Class A. I year driving experience. Dedicated round trips paid weekly paid per mile, regular home time. Call 1-800-832-7036 ext 1626.

OFFICE

ADMINISTRATOR FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF SYLVA is seekingAdministrator is responadministrative operations of the church. This position directly manages and is responsible for all accounting and payroll functions, oversight of all accounts receivable and payable, maintenance of general ledger, and reconciliation of bank accounts. This position also works with support from membership database,

prepare communications such as email, newsletters, and bulletins. Degree in accounting and/or administration preferred; minimum two years’ experience required. For more information or to submit a resume, please contact Rev. Dr. Mary Brown, Senior Pastor at marybrown@sylvafumc.org. (828) 557-2773 marybrown@sylvafumc.org

FTCC - Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Part-time Surgical Technology/Sterile Processing Instructor. Parttime Respiratory Therapy Clinical Instructor. Certi-

- Curriculum 10 month.

Instructor- Continuing Ed. Division, 12months. Housekeeping Shift Leader. Grounds Tech. Groundskeeper. For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal at: https:// faytechcc.peopleadmin. com/Human Resources

7342 Internet: http://www. faytechcc.edu. An Equal Opportunity Employer

AIRLINES ARE HIRINGGet FAA approved hands on Aviation training. Fistudents - Career placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-441-6890.

ATTENTION ACTIVE DUTY/MILITARY Veterans Begin a new career and earn your degree at CTI. Online computer & medical training available for veterans & families! To learn more call 833-9703466

MEDICAL BILLING & CODING TRAINING. New Students Only. Call & Press 1. 100% online courses. Financial Aid Available for those who qualify. 833-990-0354

WORK FROM ANYWHERE You have an internet connection? 13 po-

sitions available. Start as soon as today. As simple as checking your email. Complete online training provided. Visit for details: https://bit.ly/2yewvor

EARLY HEAD START TEACHER- Jackson County- An Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education is required for this position. Candidates must have the ability to work well with families and co-workers, 2 years’ experience working with birth – 3 years and have good judgment/problem solving skills. Prefer someone with Infant/Toddler CDA credentials and basic computer skills. Full months position. Applications will be taken at: www.mountainprojects. org EOE/AA.

HEAD START FACILITY Maintenance/Sanitation Specialist: Position Summary: Provides routine and /or repairs & maintenance facilities, grounds, equipment installation.

Five years carpentry experience, working knowledge of HVAC units, plumbing & electoral experience required. Flexible work schedule up to full-time hours with to work Saturday’s if

necessary. A completed application is required. Please apply by visiting www.mountainprojects. org AA/EOE

ROTATING SUBSTITUTE TEACHER: Haywood County. Candidates must have a high school diploma/GED, Child Care Credentials I & II, be able to assume the responsibilities of teacher when absent, work well with all staff members, have good judgment/problem -

ibility to work with diverse families. Computer skills and 2 yrs. experience in child care preferred. 10 months position with

apply at: www.mountainprojects.org EOE/AA

HEAD START FAMILY SERVICE WORKERHaywood County. AA Required, in Social work, counseling, human/ family services. BA preferred. Good record keeping/ paperwork experience preferred. This position requires good time management, good judgment and problem solving skills and the ability to work well with diverse families. This is a 10 month position with full time benetaken at www.mountainprojects.org EOE/AA.

Gardens

• Carolyn Lauter - carolyn@bhgheritage.com

Beverly Hanks & Associates- beverly-hanks.com

• Billie Green - bgreen@beverly-hanks.com

• Brian K. Noland - brianknoland.com

• Anne Page - apage@beverly-hanks.com

• Jerry Powell - jpowell@beverly-hanks.com

• Catherine Proben - cproben@beverly-hanks.com

• Ellen Sither - ellensither@beverly-hanks.com

• Mike Stamey - mikestamey@beverly-hanks.com

• Karen Hollingsed- khollingsed@beverly-hanks.com

• Billy Case- billycase@beverly-hanks.com

• Laura Thomas - lthomas@beverly-hanks.com

• John Keith - jkeith@beverly-hanks.com

• Randall Rogers - rrogers@beverly-hanks.com

• Susan Hooper - shooper@beverly-hanks.com

• Hunter Wyman - hwyman@beverly-hanks.com

• Rob Roland - robroland@beverly-hanks.com

ERA Sunburst Realty - sunburstrealty.com

• Amy Spivey - amyspivey.com

• Rick Border - sunburstrealty.com

• Steve Mauldin - smauldin@sunburstrealty.com

• Randy Flanigan - 706-207-9436

Jerry Lee Mountain Realty

• Jerry Lee Hatley- jerryhatley@bellsouth.net

• Pam James - pam@pamjames.com

Keller Williams Realty - kellerwilliamswaynesville.com

• The Morris Team - www.themorristeamnc.com

• Julie Lapkoff - julielapkoff@kw.com

• Darrin Graves - dgraves@kw.com Lakeshore Realty

• Phyllis Robinson - lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com

Mountain Dreams Realty- maggievalleyhomesales.com

Mountain Creek Real Estate

• Ron Rosendahl - 828-593-8700

McGovern Real Estate & Property Management

• Bruce McGovern - shamrock13.com

RE/MAX Executive - remax-waynesvillenc.com remax-maggievalleync.com

• The Real Team - TheRealTeamNC.com

• Ron Breese - ronbreese.com

• Landen Stevenson- landen@landenkstevenson.com

• Dan Womack - womackdan@aol.com

• Mary & Roger Hansen - mwhansen@charter.net

• David Willet - davidwillet1@live.com

SUPER CROSSWORD

68More cruel

69Many a metal alloy, chemically

71See 21-Across

72Turin-to-Milan dir.

73Tendency

74Like ruled paper

75Part of ABA

7624/7 care ctrs.

77"Goodness!"

79Singer Cole

81Meat cut

83Magnetism

87Ireland's -- Lingus

88Bright blue gem

90Book before Jeremiah

92Semi engine

94-- beat (falter slightly)

95What you can hear from an audible clock

98Garbage

101Put in a tomb

102Torchiere, e.g.

103Ineffective

105Block of history

108Fashion's von Fuerstenberg

109Cakewalk

110Yoga pose with hands and feet on the floor

112Artful dodge

49"Beetle" of comics

52Jewel box contents

531986-2001 space station

54Swell out

55Lock horns

60Mauna -- Observatory

61Uncles, e.g.

62"Charlie's Angels" co-star

65Notwithstanding

67Jungle jaunts

113Son of Adam and Eve

114Fuse

115"-- Meenie" (2010 hit song)

116Floored it

117Nothing but

118Swamp critter

119Repeated musical sequence in this puzzle

DOWN

1Funny Foxx

2First-aid plant

3Make fuzzy

4Spill-catching neckwear

5Like Iran's religion

6-- Ababa, Ethiopia

7A genial mood

8Missing GI

9Really

10Overhead trains

11Magnetism

12Purse part

13Estate house

14Face part

15Place in bondage

16Devalued

17Not generic

18Emissary's residence

24Mendes of "Hitch"

29For every

30She-sheep

31Doesn't go

32Feel regret about

33Novelist Wiesel

34Truck and SUV maker

35Common painting medium

36Suitable to be bartered

38Diarist Anais

39Aviate

42Restricts

43Journalist Burnett

44Audible exhalations

45Musical symbol

49Donkey

50Writer Locke

51Swerved

54Interweave

56Big TV brand

57Bighearted

58Knives, e.g.

59To be, in Arles

60Make it

61Little buddy

62Animal life

63Succeeding

64Ethically indifferent

66Ruhr article

67More artful

70Antique, quaintly

71Lasses

75Made an intrinsic part of

76"Popeye" cartoonist Segar

78Violinist Hilary

79Step in ballet

80Oafish type

82Actress Vardalos

83People showing sympathy

84Exhausting

85Milk sugar

86Analogized

88Actor Bruce

89Electric current units

91Be televised

92Chin feature

93Bratty tot

96Small world?

97Less feral

99Oar wielder

100"This -- surprise!"

103Actress Chaplin of "Game of Thrones"

104Tease

105Saucy Aussie "Dame"

106Stir up, as waters

107"The African Queen" scriptwriter James

109He-sheep

110Used a shovel 111Yr. ender

ANSWERS ON PAGE 34

WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT (WIOA)

Specialist – FT Haywood Co. Applicant should have experience in, but not limited to: Microsoft basic word processing and data entry. Must have excellent verbal and written communications skills, demonstrated customer service skills, and familiarity with communities being serviced with knowledge and understanding of local needs and recourse. Previous experience with WIOA programs is preferred. Bachelor’s degree preferred with 1 year responsible work experience in human

Please apply by visiting www.mountainprojects. org. EOE/AA

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certainplicants. Call CTI for details! Call 833-990-0354.

ATTENTION ACTIVE

DUTY/MILITARY Veterans

Begin a new career and earn your degree at CTI. Online computer & medical training available for veterans & families! To learn more call 833-970-3466

NOW HIRING AT MUSEUM Now seeking applicants for part time Front Line Associates at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Hiring both weekday and weekend positions, starting at $10/ hr. Must be friendly and organized; previous retail experience a plus. Please come by the Museumcation.

OWNER OPERATORS AND DRIVERS NEEDED

Dedicated, roundtrip OTR lanes with regular home time. Call CWS at 800832-7036 x 1626

Home Goods

GENERAC STANDBY GENERATORS Don’t Wait! The weather is increasingly unpredictable. Be. prepared for power outages. FREE 7-yr ext. warranty ($695 value!) Schedule your Free InHome assessment today. 1-833-953-0224, special customers. Medical

LIFE ALERT. 24/7. One press of a button sends help FAST! Medical, Fire, Burglar. Even if you can’t reach a phone! FREE Brochure. 844-902-2362

OXYGEN - Don’t Wait! Anytime anywhere. No

The All-New Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! Free info kit 888-912-3728

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!

ATTENTION SENIORS

AGES 40-85 Great Deal!

Low Cost Life Insurance to help pay for funeral cost and more! Everyone 407-960-4782

Pets

BLACK NEWFOUND-

LAND DOG, ONYX

10 year old gentle giant seeking home without animals/children. Beautiful coat requires brushing. Affectionate, well behaved. Enjoy walks, naps. (828) 761-2001 publicrelations@ ashevillehumane.org

SOLID WHITE CAT, BOOBOO 10 years old; sweet, beautiful lady. Sometimes plays with toys; likes to snuggle or just hang out near you. (828) 761-2001 publicrelations@ashevillehumane.org

Real Estate Announcements

NEVER PAY FOR HOME

REPAIRS Again! Complete Care Home Warranty, Covers All Major Systems & Appliances. 30-Day Risk Free. $200 Off! 2 Free Months! 1-866-501-1596

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise ‘any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination’. Familial status includes children under 18 living with parents or legal guardians and pregnant women. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate in violation of this law. All dwellings advertised on equal opportunity basis.

GENERAC STANDBY

GENERATORS Don’t Wait!

The weather is increasingly unpredictable. Be. pre-

pared for power outages. FREE 7-yr ext. warranty ($695 value!) Schedule your Free In-Home assessment today. 1-833-953-

Entertainment

HIGH-SPEED INTERNET. We instantly compare speed, pricing,

service for your needs. Starting at $39.99/month! Quickly compare offers from top providers. Call 1-866-925-1505

CABLE PRICE INCREASE AGAIN? Switch to DIRECTV & Save + get $100 visa gift card! Get More Channels For Less Money. Restrictions apply, call now! 1-888-5202338

Home Improvement

CALL EMPIRE TODAY

To schedule a Free In-Home estimate on Carpeting & Flooring. Call 855-404-2366 Today!

ENERGY SAVING NEW WINDOWS! Beautify your home! Save on monthly energy bills with NEW WINDOWS from 1800Remodel! Up to 18 months no interest. Restrictions apply. Call Now 1-877-287-8229

Wood

LIFETIME WOOD REFINISHING

SPECIALIST/PAINTER for Hire! All Hardwoods, Floors, Doors, Kitchens & More - Brought Back to Life. Pictures Available. 863-517-8390