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August 19-25, 2026 Vol. 28 Iss. 12
Macon County moves to restrict data centers Page 9 Managing invasive wild hogs is a never-ending job Page 24
CONTENTS On the Cover:
STAFF
For the first time since Canton’s paper mill shut down over three years ago, the public was invited to tour the site. Inside, visitors saw heaps of twisted metal, dusty equipment and remnants of what was once the economic and cultural hub of Paper Town. The tour also offered insight into how the mill will be dismantled and what it may look like in the future. (Page 4) Kyle Perrotti photo
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SCC program removes barriers to entry into health care field ..............................6 Macon County moves to restrict data centers ............................................................9 The Curated Closet: Highlands boutique opens with a purpose ......................10 Highlands considers data center moratorium ..........................................................12 Community briefs ..............................................................................................................13
Opinion What Balkcom brings to 11th District race ..............................................................14 Do you have your own personal legend? ..................................................................15
ACCOUNTING & OFFICE MANAGER: CONTRIBUTING:
Scott McLeod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@smokymountainnews.com Greg Boothroyd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . greg@smokymountainnews.com Micah McClure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . micah@smokymountainnews.com Jack Snyder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jack.s@smokymountainnews.com Tyler Auffhammer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tyler.a@mtnsouthmedia.com Amanda Bradley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . amanda.b@smokymountainnews.com Maddie Woodard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . maddie.w@smokymountainnews.com Jamie Cogdill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . classads@smokymountainnews.com Kyle Perrotti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kyle.p@smokymountainnews.com Lily Levin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lily.l@smokymountainnews.com Alex Perri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . alex.p@smokymountainnews.com Garret K. Woodward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . garret@smokymountainnews.com Jamie Cogdill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . smnbooks@smokymountainnews.com Jeff Minick (writing), Susanna Shetley (writing), Adam Bigelow (writing), Thomas Crowe (writing) aand Burt Kornegay (writing)
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A&E Leftover Salmon to host ‘Brew Ridge Jam’................................................................16 HART presents ‘The Savannah Sipping Society’ ....................................................22
Outdoors
Smoky Mountain News
August 19-25, 2026
Managing invasive wild hogs is a never-ending job ................................................24 The Joyful Botanist: Cheers to the angels on the mountaintops ........................26
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August 19-25, 2026
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Tour offers look at shuttered Canton mill
Large holes remain where equipment and tanks used to sit. Kyle Perrotti photo BY KYLE PERROTTI NEWS EDITOR embers of the public had the chance to tour the ruins of Canton’s out-of-commission papermill last week for the first time since it shut down in 2023. The tour was organized by Haywood County Commission candidate Vicki Hyatt as part of a series of community events highlighting local points of interest. She advertised the tours in her newsletter and on social media and coordinated the mill tour with leadership from Two Banks Development, LLC, a subsidiary of Spirtas International, the company that purchased the property for $3.36 million. The mill had operated from 1908 until the final whistle in June 2023. It employed generations of Western North Carolinians, providing thousands of families a decent living, but it was also the subject of numerous environmental concerns regarding both air and water quality. On Aug. 13, Two Banks hosted a pair of one-hour tours that each accommodated 30 visitors. Hyatt ran the sign-up process and said there are about 40 more people still left on a wait list. In an Aug. 17 email, Hyatt said that there will be
Smoky Mountain News
August 19-25, 2026
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more tours in about a month, with additional details forthcoming on Two Banks’ social media accounts. Luke Williams led the tours. Williams worked at the mill 14 years prior to its closing as an engineer assigned to special projects. Once the property sold to Two Banks, he joined that team as the director of engineering. Williams eagerly brought the groups from room to room, offering words of caution about nearby hazards. He also talked, sometimes waxing nostalgically, about the days when the mill was operational. The first stop was a small glass case featuring an array paper products bearing well-known logos like Starbucks and Tropicana, all of which had been produced at the mill. Those products were long a point of pride for the workers who churned them out. Williams said he used to point out certain packages in the grocery store to his kids. “Like, hey kids, look, this is from where Dad works,” he said. “They’re like, ‘We don’t care,’” he said with a laugh. The tour progressed into a large room featuring machinery so dusty and disheveled that it was hard to imagine what the machines looked like in action. Williams was bemused by how quiet the large spaces were, indicating that after so
many years of constantly running equipment, he would perhaps never get used to the hollow silence. But with his explanations, the visit conjured a scene of what once was — the hum of equipment, the constant movement of workers, the backbone of a rural town’s economy and cultural heritage. Those who wished to venture into the dank basement got to see where mill workers over the years had marked water lines following floods. There were numerous black ticks up the white column. Williams point up toward the ceiling a few feet above any of the marks. “See that metal bar up there? That’s where how deep it was [during Helene],” he said. The basement floor was caked with a layer of hardened, cracked mud. Williams said that, in a sense, the fact that the mill wasn’t in operation during Helene was a blessing. Had it been up and running, the oils, gases and chemicals that would have leached into the Pigeon River would have made what was already a massive environmental disaster that much worse. Guests had plenty of specific questions about what the huge, hollow spaces looked, smelled and sounded like when they were cranking out tons of paper,
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A control room for two paper machines now sits empty. Kyle Perrotti photo
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Luke Williams points out where the Helene floodwaters hit in reference to previous storms. Kyle Perrotti photo
August 19-25, 2026
timeline for the full demolition, which will which Williams was happy to answer. There likely include some controlled implosions, is were also questions about the property’s somewhat dependent on what interest there is future. Williams wasn’t at liberty to answer from outside developers. If someone wants it many of those inquiries, often only providing done in a year so they can get to work, it’ll be vague explanations since many plans are still in development. For now, Two Banks is selling expedited. Toward the end, Project Manager Michael off individual items as they can — like a masFerguson, who also sive boiler currently worked at the mill en route to Mexico — “It’s disheartening, but it’s prior to its closure, while disposing of reality. It’s not coming joined Williams for a anything without quick interview with resale value. back. The fact that some members of the At the end of the media. Like many, tour, Williams offered of the equipment is being he’s struggled with its some insight into repurposed, that’s a shutdown and the Two Banks’ plans for resulting economic the former paper mill tremendous thing.” and cultural identity property. Prior to takquestions. ing the job in Canton, — Michael Ferguson “It’s disheartenhe’d worked on the ing, but it’s reality. It’s Riverside Drive projnot coming back,” Ferguson said. “The fact ect in Woodfin. He envisions something like that some of the equipment is being repurthat potentially being built along the Pigeon posed, that’s a tremendous thing … The other River that can mitigate future floods while thing is, the other material that doesn’t have a beautifying the property. As for dismantling what’s left after getting home is being recycled. It’s the best it can rid of what can be sold, Williams said the be.”
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SCC program removes barriers to entry into health care Health Science Scholar Lillian Rhoads prepares for her nursing classes this semester at SCC in her Jackson County home. Alex Perri photo
Smoky Mountain News
August 19-25, 2026
BY ALEX PERRI STAFF WRITER t was sometime early in 2021 when Jon Lyon rolled his IV pole down the ICU hallway in an Athens, Georgia, hospital and listened to the sounds of people dying and thought to himself, “If I get out of here, I’ve got to help other people.” At 50, Lyon began his first semester in Southwestern Community College’s nursing program on Aug. 17, and thanks to the college’s Health Science Scholars Program, Harris Regional Hospital will be paying for his schooling in exchange for Lyon’s commitment to a two-year contract after graduation. Lyon is ready for this new chapter in his life, and receiving this scholarship has been a huge win for him and his family that just five years ago was preparing for his funeral. Lyon contracted a severe case of COVID-19 in early 2021. The illness progressed rapidly, and by the time he’d made it to the emergency room, he was in active kidney failure. One of the last things Lyon remembers before going into a medically induced coma was his doctor asking him if his will was in order. In the early days, Lyon’s doctors told his family his chances of surviving were low. Friends organized and raised $20,000 in a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for his funeral expenses. About a month later, he woke up in a different hospital, paralyzed. Within that period, he’d flatlined. He had a heart attack from the stress of his lungs not working properly and was shocked back to life. He spent time in the cardiac ward on an artificial lung. As Lyon regained consciousness in his hospital 6 bed, he gazed up at everyone around him,
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and it looked like they were all wearing fallout suits. It was terrifying. He was 100% reliant on every single person in the room. His team of providers had to help him learn how to breathe, walk, eat, drink, talk — everything — again. While Lyon was in the ICU, he said two staff members retired. Most rooms in the unit had two or three patients in them at the time, and most of those patients didn’t make it. The hospital desperately needed nurses. The desire to be one of the people helping — instead of the one being helped — gave Lyon something to look forward to when his future was uncertain. He was one of the lucky ones. According to a National Institute of Health study during the early days of the pandemic, 61% of patients who’d undergone mechanical ventilation died within 28 days of intubation. He survived, but that survival didn’t come without its scars. Today, Lyon walks with a slight limp — losing 60 pounds of muscle in the hospital exacerbated an old knee problem. There’s a round, red scar on his neck from where doctors sliced it open to perform a surgical tracheostomy. Then there are the scars you can’t see. “When I was in a coma, my brain was very active, and the dreams — my wife and son were missing — so, when I became conscious, all I wanted was to give back to my wife and son,” Lyon said. “[Now] it’s been trying to figure out: I’m alive. I’m here. I’ve been given a gift. A lot of people did not survive for whatever reason. I’m here. How do I make the best of it? How do I give back? How do I help other people face other
things?” Lyon has undergone years of treatment for PTSD from the ketamine-induced nightmares he had while in a coma. He experienced depression and anxiety and survived withdrawal syndrome from the benzodiazepines he was given while hospitalized. It’s those experiences, however, that Lyon’s wife, Holly, said will make him an amazing nurse. She found out after he woke up that her husband could subconsciously understand what was happening in the room around him. He knew if someone near him died. He could tell when someone came in to clean the room. He could tell if nurses were being attentive. “He has a strong desire to be able to help people in that way because he knows what it’s like to be completely incapacitated and not even be able to get up and go to the bathroom on your own,” she said. On the day of his interview with The Smoky Mountain News, Lyon wore a hat that read, “Hard Work Pays Off.” It’s his gym hat. Lyon has been a personal trainer for many years, and it’s a mantra he says to himself and his clients when they’re at their limit and need that extra motivation to push harder. His hard work is starting to pay off. In June, Lyon, along with 13 other SCC students in the health sciences division, were recognized as the inaugural class of the Health Science Scholars Program. Membership into the program grants the scholar free tuition in exchange for a commitment to a two-year contract at one of four local hospitals (Harris Regional, Angel Medical, Cherokee Indian or Sylva Valley Health and Rehab) after graduation.
Because he lives across the border in Dillard, Georgia, Lyon did not qualify for any financial aid, and he had no plan for how to pay for the nursing program. He chose SCC because he works in Franklin and the nursing program at SCC felt right. Lyon thought it might take him five to six years to finish the two-year degree, paying piecemeal and continuing to work full time on top of his studies. When one of his advisors came to him with this opportunity, he thought it might be too good to be true. Now, Lyon said knowing his degree is paid for means everything to him and his family. And the fact that he’s committed to staying close to the community that helped him so much when he’d experienced a lifealtering medical event has given him all the more reason to celebrate. “I told [Harris Regional Hospital], ‘If you guys are willing to pay for my school, I will show up and be a very happy, motivated employee for two years,” Lyon said. “That seems like a very fair trade-off if you ask me.” There had been a partnership like the Health Science Scholars Program between SCC and Harris Regional and Swain Community hospitals for a while, said Tim Dean, dean of the SCC health sciences division. But when Dean came to the school a little over a year ago, he made it his mission to expand it. Dean said that as the program existed before his arrival, there was really no connection between the student and the hospital except for the agreement that the hospital was going to pay for their schooling. Dean has since expanded it to include an application and interview process with hospital representatives and a dinner to celebrate the achievement with students, their families and the hospitals where they’ve just been promised jobs. Dean also expanded the program from including just nursing students to all 17 career fields for which the college’s health sciences division provides training, including sonography, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapy assistants and more. Going forward, Dean said he plans to do more events with the scholars and hospitals to help deepen those connections between the two. Since the celebratory dinner in June, Dean said he’d already been contacted by other facilities that wanted in on the program. He expects more employers to join the program by next year.
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES Dean, who now has six degrees, is a strong believer in the mission of community colleges. He changed the direction of his life when he enrolled in a respirator therapy program at Alvin Community College in Texas at age 26. He’d dropped out of a tradi-
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SCC Dean of Health Sciences Tim Dean demonstrates how students practice nursing care on one of several dummies in the program’s lab. Alex Perri photo news August 19-25, 2026
at King University as a member of the women’s soccer team. As student athlete and honors student, she’d always had big dreams. Part of those dreams, she thought, meant going off to get a degree from a traditional four-year university. Those dreams were put on hold, however, when she started having heart problems. Her freshman year, Rhoads underwent two heart procedures and had to move back home to be close to her family for care. After her procedures, she found out she would no longer be able to play soccer at the competitive level again, and she suddenly had to rethink everything. “I kind of always had that little voice in the back of my brain being like, ‘You have something to prove,’” Rhoads said. “Like, I have to prove everybody wrong, and so, having that kind of pressure on myself, knowing I was coming back home after I was supposed to go play soccer for four years, essentially in my brain, I failed to do that.” It almost felt like her life was shrinking at a time when most young adults feel it rapidly expanding. When she enrolled at SCC, she thought it would be nice to save money, but she didn’t expect it to be as fun or rigorous as a four-year institution. It was purely a practical decision, but now that Rhoads is a year into her program, she says SCC has exceeded her expectations and provided her an incredible opportunity. Being close to family allowed her to
physically and mentally heal from her heart problems, and having small class sizes has meant professors are willing to go out of their way to help Rhoads fully understand the coursework. She’s also been able to expand her identity outside of just “soccer player” into a more multifaceted individual. Slowly, Rhoads is changing her stance on staying local. “My mom is from Michigan, and my dad is from Virginia Beach, and she talked to me a lot about this through high school when I mentioned, ‘I just wanted to leave, I want to get out,’ that having roots is an OK thing,” Rhoads said. “I think I’ve really realized that it’s important to me, being near family. I’ve also realized that I do enjoy this area.” Her first year in the nursing program, Rhoads worked two part-time jobs and was enrolled as a full-time student at SCC. She’s still planning to work now that she’s earned a scholarship, but the scholarship has added relief. She can take a day off if she needs to. She doesn’t have to worry so much about rent. Like Lyon, Rhoads said her experience going through a traumatic medical event has motivated her to seek out a career in nursing. At times when she was sick, she said she received great care, but she also said she felt gaslit by doctors
Smoky Mountain News
tional four-year university at 20. He’d earned an associate’s degree in radio broadcasting and communications, but by the time he was 26, with a wife and kids, he realized he needed to get serious about finding a career to support his family. At the time, he just needed a good job — any good job. By 28, he’d earned another associate’s degree and was a respiratory therapist at Texas Children’s Hospital, where he quickly moved through the ranks. Since then, he’s earned another associate’s degrees, a bachelor’s, a master’s and a doctorate and continued his work as a health care professional and educator. None of that would have been possible without his local community college, and now, he’s setting big goals for the health science programs at SCC to change as many students’ lives as he can by lowering barriers to entry into the health care field where workers are needed and there are many opportunities for growth. “We are grateful to Dr. Tim Dean for championing the healthcare scholarship initiative,” said SCC President Don Tomas. “Healthcare scholarships remove financial barriers for our students, allowing them to pursue rigorous clinical training without the burden of debt. By covering essential tuition and fees, these awards give future nurses, paramedics and health professionals the freedom to focus on their studies and launch rewarding careers right here in Western North Carolina. Ultimately, this support transforms lives by turning academic passion into immediate, local impact for both our students and the mountain communities they serve.” As a respiratory therapist, Dean said he saw the impact of his work on his patients every day. Over the years, he’s realized that impact has multiplied, almost exponentially, by training students to go out and help the people in their communities. He remembers walking into Texas Children’s Hospital one day after teaching at a local community college for a few years and joking that he’d single-handedly staffed the place. He was sort of kidding, but when he looked at the room, he noticed that most of the personnel in there had been his students at one point or another. “I would say my ‘why’ has changed over the years,” Dean said. “How it first started was very much I need a job that pays good money and a career, and now it’s turned into how can I can I help? How can I be of service?” This first year of the Health Science Scholars Program, Dean said 30 students applied, 13 of which were offered a scholarship and two-year contract after their schooling. In the future, he wants to see 50, 60, 80, 100 students apply for the program. What’s more is that by attaching the scholarship to a promise to work for a local medical provider for two years after graduation, hospitals have a guaranteed pipeline to their workforce, and patients can get a more personalized quality of care from someone who is already a part of their community. Ashley Hindman, CEO of Harris Regional and Swain Community hospitals, said he could not be more thrilled with the students who’ve committed to working at Harris Regional within the Health Science Scholars Program. “Our mission as an organization is making communities healthier, and this really gives us an opportunity to achieve that mission by providing health care as close to home as possible,” Hindman said. “And what better place to find staff that are committed to the region than where right here where they’re from?” Students like Lyon understand the value of the reciprocity that comes from forming deep roots in a community. One of the goals of the Health Science Scholars Program is to strengthen those roots for more students who choose SCC. SCC nursing student Lillian Rhoads also has deep roots in the area, but until recently she was eager to leave her hometown. She’s a nursing student in the Health Science Scholars Program, born and raised in Jackson County. After graduating from Smoky Mountain High School in 2023, she left home for Bristol, Tennessee, to begin her freshman year
SEE HEALTH SCIENCES, PAGE 8 7
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HEALTH SCIENCES, CONTINUED FROM 7 when she was first seeking a diagnosis after experiencing symptoms. “I want to be a health care provider that provides compassion and a safe space where people feel comfortable,” Rhoads said. After she graduates, Rhoads will work at Cherokee Indian Hospital. She said she’s excited to live on the Qualla Boundary and learn more about the community. “Keeping folks here, knowing they’re going to work here for the next few years, we can train them correctly,” Dean said. “We can get them in the hospital. They’ll be able to do quality work, and hopefully, they stay after their contract’s up. That’s the goal, and that’s how we’re going to have to fix the rural health care problem. We’ve got to get the folks that are living, working and coming to school here to stay here to work. That’s the way we do it.”
Jon Lyon is pursuing a career change at SCC after surviving a traumatic case of COVID-19, and thanks to the Health Science Scholars Program, his tuition is paid for by Harris Regional Hospital. Alex Perri photo
A NEW BEGINNING
Smoky Mountain News
August 19-25, 2026
This isn’t Lyon’s first try at nursing school. He’s been a care worker off and on his whole life, working as a lifeguard, EMT, physical trainer, physical education teacher and youth pastor. He first pursued a nursing degree some 25 years ago, but back then, schools offered little in the way of accommodations for students with learning disabilities. Lyon has severe dyslexia and couldn’t make it through all the memorization and spelling required for his anatomy and physi-
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ology classes. With SCC, however, Lyon cannot speak highly enough of his professors and advisors who have been eager to help him find accommodations for learning the material in a way that’s conducive to how his brain works.
Technology and advances in education following the Americans with Disabilities Act have also helped, he said. That, plus sheer determination, has made all the difference with nursing school this time around. When he fell ill, Lyon was working in
Trimont Christian Academy in Franklin and said people in the community he hardly even knew were willing to donate money to help his family pay for expenses. Making sure he repays their kindness in whatever way he can has fueled him to get here. “It’s one of the reason’s I chose SCC,” Lyon said. “I could have gone down to North Georgia, but that wasn’t the community that was really praying for me and giving and reaching out, and shoot, I’ll do anything to help out my neighbors that were doing that for me. There’s not a big enough thank you. I cannot believe you guys were that kind to me and my family. I will show up to work. I will show up to class and study and do the best job I can, and that’s my way of saying thank you.” It’s taken Lyon five years to get to this point. He had to learn to walk again, but he also had to take care of his mental health and know that he could handle the stressors of stepping back into a hospital again, into acute care settings like what experienced going through COVID. This time, he’s ready, and he knows he has the support to help him succeed. “I’m excited,” Holly Lyon said. “I feel like he has direction and motivation. He’s always had motivation, but he hasn’t always had the direction … In the past five years, he’s been in survival mode. Now we’re moving into thriving mode.” Lyon knows the next two years in SCC’s nursing program will be difficult, but there is one mantra that’s never failed him: hard work pays off.
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August 19-25, 2026 Smoky Mountain News
how to shore up their ordinances. BY KYLE PERROTTI The amendment targets “cryptocurrency NEWS EDITOR mining, data centers and server-based faciliacon County Commissioners passed ties” in the section of the ordinance disan ordinance amendment meant to cussing properties with “high-impact usage.” deter data centers from setting up shop. The county’s approach is markedly dif- While other high-impact facilities can only operate between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., data ferent from what other Western North centers are now confined to operating only Carolina local governments have done. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, they can’t Commissioners voted unanimously during their Aug. 11 meeting to amend the ordi- be operated out of cargo containers, railroad cars, semi-truck trailers or other storage connance after hearing from over a dozen resitainers, and there is a 750-foot setback dents who overwhelmingly voiced opposirequirement. tion to any such facility operating in their Ridenour considered that bans and backyard. The comments echoed those moratoria are easier for companies wishing heard throughout the country over the last to build data centers to defeat in court, renyear or so, highlighting the lack of local job dering them basically pointless in many creation, strains on infrastructure, environcases. It’s better to regulate than to outright mental concerns and quality-of-life issues. prohibit, he said, adding that he believes Later in the meeting, Commission Chair that none of the moratoria he’s seen around Josh Young mused over the fact that the the region will hold up to legal scrutiny. pushback against data centers seems to be one of the rare issues that galvanizes the community despite any other political differences. “I think this is one of the few times everyone agrees about the task at hand,” Young said. Having seen the proposed amendment, some commenters expressed skepticism that the changes wouldn’t go far enough. Any unforeseen loophole could mean game Macon County has attempted to tighten up its ordinances to prevent a over. data center from being built. File photo Following the public hearing, Commissioner John Shearl, a To satisfy the criteria for passing a moratoriman with libertarian leanings and an acute um, a local government must prove that disdain for technology, expressed how other considered alternatives proved unviimportant the issue is for him and constituents whom he speaks with. Shearl asked able and that a moratorium will “address the problem” and feature a “termination of work Planning Board Chair David Culpepper to plan.” Saying that officials will study the speak briefly to what was discussed during issue isn’t fixing the problem, he posited. that board’s meeting the prior week. “If you regulate it to the point that it’s “We looked at it and decided time was not going to happen, you’re in a better, somewhat of the essence because we were stronger legal position than if you take the told there were some vulnerabilities,” Culpepper said. “We recommended you pass moratorium or step back and study it furthe edited changes with this in mind. It is up ther,” he said. “I don’t see how they’ve complied with to you guys if you want to do a moratorium, the statute,” he added, referring to other if you want to change the ordinance comlocal governments that have enacted moratopletely, that’s totally up to you guys, but the ria. “I think they’re hung out to dry right changes probably should be made so you now if attacked.” can patch up whatever vulnerabilities there Shearl seemed satisfied with Ridenour’s are in the current ordinance.” explanation but asked whether passing a Next to speak was County Attorney Eric moratorium in addition to the amendment Ridenour, who explained the legal reasoning could provide an extra layer of protection. for choosing the amendment in lieu of a moratorium, contrary to so many other local Ridenour said he would investigate the efficacy of such a move and report back to the governments that put a pause on any data board. center development for a year to figure out
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Macon County moves to restrict data centers
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news August 19-25, 2026
The Curated Closet
Highlands-based entrepreneur Ashley Mills has given her new boutique, The Curated Closet, a green motif. She said the color is calming, and she wants shoppers to feel like they’re stepping into a closet. Alex Perri photo
BY ALEX PERRI STAFF WRITER ighlands-based entrepreneur Ashley Mills reached out to feel the soft, pebbled leather of the handbag in front of her. She turned one of the bag’s tassels over in her hands, inspecting the elegant brass hardware. It’s her favorite out of the dozens of designer bags for sale in her collection. This one’s a Chloe. It has sold out online. Mills has priced it at $1,995.00. “She’s timeless. She’s classic. You can wear her for 50 years.” Above the bag is a Chanel. Below it, a Prada. Mills has always loved purses. She doesn’t know where it came from. Her mom, a postal worker and single mother, didn’t care much for fashion. But as a little girl, Mills remembers folding up paper grocery bags like a formal evening clutch. She loved playing dress-up. She still loves it. “You get to be whoever you want to be,” Mills said. “I mean, you can be rock and roll. You can be classic Audrey Hepburn,” she added. “You get to be whatever version of yourself you want to be, and I think clothes just do that.” She might have been channeling Jane Birkin when she spoke with The Smoky Mountain News from her new luxury resale 10 shop in Highlands, The Curated Closet, with
Smoky Mountain News
Highlands boutique opens with a purpose
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her curtain bangs and mod mini dress. Mills dressed up for the occasion. And while Mills loves designer clothes, she’s anything but prissy. She and her brand manager, Ashley MacKinnon, have been grinding away getting the store ready for their grand opening for weeks. Mills had been kicking around the idea of opening a boutique for years, but actually jumping on the opportunity to begin her latest venture came to her in an instant one night when she couldn’t sleep. She’d recently attended a class at Highlands Yoga, when she noticed the retail space next door was suddenly empty. The former business had just moved, and the space had not been released yet when Mills’ gears started turning. Shortly after, on the aforementioned sleepless night, she sat down, and the mission statement for a nonprofit connected to the retail store poured out of her. Things fell into place from there. Mills signed the lease on July 2, and by July 27, she and MacKinnon were popping champagne at the boutique’s soft opening. The two worked long days to get the shop operational in just a few weeks, painting it green, wallpapering the walls and stocking the store full of racks and racks of high-end clothing. “My husband says I’m like, ‘ready, shoot, aim,’” Mills said. “I shoot first then aim later, but it’s not impulsive or anything. I’ve
always dreamed of this.” At her shop, Mills bristled at getting her photo taken. “For the past three weeks, we’ve been in it. Messy buns, no makeup. Today I was like, ‘I have to brush my hair again,’” she said. “Part of the intention behind this is I wanted to force myself to dress up again. I was in corporate, I dressed up, and then I kind of stopped. I lost myself, but I want to feel good when I leave the house again, so that was another part of this whole thing.” During COVID, when all the big box stores closed, Mills started buying and selling higher-end fashion as a hobby. At her day job, she runs a small empire of Spice & Tea Exchange franchises. She owns one on Main Street in Highlands, one in Dahlonega, Georgia and one in Bozeman, Montana, and has made a success of it in the last 15 years. When she bought her first franchise, she quit her corporate job and went back to bartending several nights a week to bootstrap herself enough to get the spice store up and running. She turned that business profitable, later purchasing her second franchise. Eventually, she expanded to Bozeman, and now Mills feels like she’s at a comfortable place with the team she’s hired to manage her epicurean babies. Business is good. It’s stable, and at 40something, Mills has the itch again to try something new and move into the next
phase of her life. With her latest venture, she wants to help boost other women into the next phase of their lives as well with her nonprofit called The Next Chapter Collective. A portion of every purchase at The Curated Closet will go toward the venture, which Mills says will help women move on from difficult chapters in their lives and into bigger and brighter pastures. Though the organization is in its infancy, The Next Chapter Collective is dedicated to “helping women move through significant life transitions with confidence, empowerment, and support.” Mills has kept the mission intentionally open to interpretation and wants to help a wide breadth of women — from those who are going through difficult divorce to those who are working their way out of a financial hole to those who are taking a gamble with their life to pursue a new career path. The Next Chapter Collective will give away grants ranging from $500-$2,500 and a new wardrobe, furnished by Mills’s growing collection of stylish garments. The idea is, if clothes can help you be the person you want to be — and Mills has racks and racks of beautiful clothes — why not help other women dress up as the next version of themselves that they want to be too? “You put on an outfit, and sometimes it makes you grow two
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connecting with one another over their shared interests. MacKinnon had experience working in consignment shops, and shortly after working at the Spice & Tea Exchange, Mills came to her with the idea of opening the boutique. Since then, the excitement and hard work of opening The Curated Closet have pulled MacKinnon into a new, happier phase of her life she said. “It brought me back to life,” she said. On a recent day off, MacKinnon went and got a manicure for the first time in years. “I washed my hands when she was done,
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Mills and her team recently worked with a woman who was recovering from an eating disorder. The woman’s clothes no longer fit, and she didn’t have the money to purchase new ones. Mills encouraged her to visit the shop. She closed The Curated Closet for a private shopping experience, and by the time A portion of ever sale at The Curated Closet will go towards the woman left, Mills the store’s nonprofit organization, The Next Chapter Collective, said she was radiating. to give out grants to women entering new chapters of their It seems like a small lives. Alex Perri photo thing — a couple new shirts, a few pants, maybe some shoes — but Mills insists the mission is about more than handbags and pretty dresses. Fashion is not some frivolous thing, she says. It’s not everything, but Mills believes in the power of a good outfit to boost a woman’s confidence. And a confidence boost can be a lifeline to a woman who’s at her lowest. Just ask MacKinnon. A year and a half ago, she lost everything. She was fresh out of an abusive relationship, and her ex drained her bank account and left her with nothing. She remembers going to countless nonprofits and government agencies looking for help and being turned away many times. At one particularly awful point, while in full-leg cast, hobbling on crutches just outside of the Social Security office in Franklin, she fell. A woman walked right past her on the and I looked at my nails, and I thought, ‘I ground and into the building. recognize these nails. I recognize these While going through such a horrible hands.’ And then I raced [back to the shop] time, MacKinnon said she stopped caring about her appearance. She was just trying to and told [Mills] what happened, and I just started crying. I think I’ve found myself.” survive. She had a closet full of beautiful Mills had no idea about any of clothes but couldn’t bring herself to wear MacKinnon’s past when she hired her, but any of them. They reminded her too much the two have since become like sisters, bondof her past. ing over how closely one another aligns with Slowly, she’s built her life back. She the mission help uplift women. began working again. It’s only been a few weeks, and The Then, in April, MacKinnon interviewed for a position at Mills’ Spice & Tea Exchange Curated Closet has already expanded the store in Highlands, and what would normal- store and added extended sizing. On a recent Saturday morning, a steady stream of ly have been a 30-minute meeting turned ladies with tennis skirts and sleek bobs into two hours of chatting, laughing and
perused the aisles of the store, thrilled with Highlands’ newest shopping destination. One pair of friends took turns in the fitting room trying on dresses and blouses for one another. “What do you think of this one?” one of the women asked. “Oh, I love that color! I think it’s beautiful on you,” her friend replied. Mills and MacKinnon flitted around the store, busy offering customers dressing rooms, checking them out, restocking clothing racks. They love it. Mills stopped to tell a group of women about how the store works and about The Next Chapter Collective, and they talked with one another about how they should bring some of their wardrobe up from Atlanta to consign. Mills wanted the store to feel like someone’s home closet, and the women lounging by the fitting rooms giggled while they tried n new outfits like girls at a sleepover. Already, Mills’ longtime dream has shown itself to have legs. Part of her strategy is the location. Since Highlands is a popular resort town for the wealthy, most of her consignment inventory comes to her new with tags. It’s also all high-end brands. The store’s racks are filled with pieces from Anthropologie, FARM Rio, Sanctuary, Nordstrom, Chanel and the like, as well as midrange brands like Talbots, J. Crew and Banana Republic. Any clothing that is outright donated to the store is sold at lower price points, and 100% of those profits go towards The Next Chapter Collection. “It’s a pretty affluent town, and people wear things one or two times,” Mills said. “Let’s recycle it. It’s cyclical. Like, let’s get it back out and let somebody else wear that. It’s good for the environment. It’s good for everyone.” Now, Mills and MacKinnon are thinking about next steps, about how they can help more women. Mills’s longtime assistant, Karen Hooker, will be moving from St. Petersburg, Florida, to Highlands soon to help grow the new business, and like MacKinnon, Hooker said Mills has played a huge part in helping her grow in her career and as a person. With this move, Hooker said she’s excited to step into a bigger role within Mills’ businesses.
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inches because your shoulders sit higher,” Mills said. “And that’s the mission of the boutique. I’m very passionate about giving women their confidence back, whether it’s a new job or if somebody is in remission from an illness.”
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Highlands considers data center moratorium BY ALEX PERRI STAFF WRITER he town of Highlands will hold a public hearing on a proposed data center moratorium ordinance at the Thursday, Aug. 20, town commissioners meeting. The ordinance comes right on the heels of Macon County Commissioners’ vote to implement a one-year moratorium on development of the resource-intensive buildings to give the county time to explore how to control the expansion of the industry within its jurisdiction. “Like many communities, we’re concerned about data centers or something similar to them being able to operate in Highlands,” said Mayor Patrick Taylor. “Although in reality, the amount of available land and space we have probably makes it unlikely that something like that would happen in our community, we want to make sure our zoning ordinances prevent those high impact uses, which would really be against what the town is about.” The moratorium outlines a number of concerns regarding data centers, cryptocurrency mining facilities and other high-intensity computing facilities such as: • The land-use impacts of intensive industrial development • The high energy and water demand strain-
ing existing resources • The need to protect water quality for downstream users • Noise and low-frequency sound pollution • Increased fire and emergency response demands • The effect of development on community character, compatibility with surrounding uses and property values Taylor said town attorney Nick Tosco recommended taking steps to plan for the future, as the industry is rapidly expanding. When it came to the proliferation of shortterm rental properties in the resort town, Taylor said Highlands was on its heels, regulating the practice after it had already gained popularity. For this issue, he said he hopes to get in front of any impacts the industry could have to Highlands before development can take place. Following Thursday’s public hearing, Highlands commissioners will vote on the moratorium, and if passed, the town will then spend the next six to 12 months studying how to update its zoning ordinances. According to the moratorium ordinance, the town will study the land-use impacts of data centers, review approaches comparable with North Carolina jurisdictions and review the permitting approval processes.
BOUTIQUE, CONTINUED FROM 11
degree. She considers one of the most important moments of her life to be when one of her managers at a restaurant job told her she was too slow. Mills said at first she didn’t believe it, but she sat with that feedback and started nearly running around the restaurant floor to prove to her boss she should keep her job. She hasn’t stopped running since. “I want everybody to win, and there’s no reason we can’t,” Mills said. “I feel like there’s enough cake for everybody. Let’s win, especially as women. Women are strong and sometimes we feel weak, but we just need that reminder. You’ve got this.”
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“She always sees the positive in things, and she’s taught me how to think like that too now,” Hooker said. “We always see the light at the end of the tunnel, and her bringing me onto this is really special because she’s like a big sister in a way. She’s taught me how to think differently and encourage other people.” It comes naturally to Mills, it seems. She’s an optimist, but not in a sunny, diminutive way. She’s like a dog with a bone. She dropped out of college and never earned a
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The Curated Closet brand manager Ashley MacKinnon, left, and owner Ashley Mills have become like sisters after working together to open the luxury resale boutique. Alex Perri photo
Community Almanac Cherokee recovery center celebrates first year Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness is marking the first year of its Cherokee Recovery Community Center while continuing to expand peer-led recovery services for people across Western North Carolina, including individuals preparing to leave Swain County Detention Center. Participants are not required to be enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The Cherokee Recovery Community Center, Tohi Edasdi, officially opened July 29, 2025, as a lowbarrier, peer-led space for people and families affected by substance use, mental health challenges and other life struggles. The center celebrated its first anniversary Aug. 5. Since opening, Tohi Edasdi has provided more than 1,000 peer support interactions. From January through June alone, the center recorded approximately 1,005 participant contacts. The center provides one-on-one peer support, recovery groups, Wellness Recovery Action Plan skills, life-skills assistance and connections to treatment and other community resources. Participants can receive help with resumes, job searches, budgeting, nutrition and communication skills, as well as transportation and basic needs including food, clothing, phones, phone minutes and heating assistance. Cultural wellness activities include pottery, Cherokee dancing and singing and traditional going-to-water practices. The program is open at no cost to anyone seeking support with recovery, mental health or overall wellness. Services are available to both enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and people who are not enrolled tribal members. Sunrise’s peer-support model is intended to help participants navigate those barriers through relationships with people who understand recovery and can help connect them with practical resources. A six-month impact report covering Jan. 1 through June 30 shows the program served 47 individuals during that period and enrolled 42 new participants. All 47 received one-on-one peer support, while 18 completed Wellness Recovery Action Plans.
Haywood church hosts annual barbecue The Annual Pat Powell Barbecue will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 22 at the Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church. Pat Powell went home to be with the Lord on June 19, 2023. The church council voted to name the fundraiser the Pat Powell Annual Barbecue in his honor. Barbecue plates are offered for $12 at 98 Elizabeth Chapel Road in Waynesville. All donations will support the local and global missions of Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church. The meal consists of barbecue pork, baked beans, coleslaw, a roll and dessert. Attendees may eat inside or use the drive-through option.
Smoky Mountain News
‘I Voted’ sticker contest winner announced Jackson County Board of Elections announced the winner of the “I Voted” sticker contest. Director Amanda Allen announced Naomi Pratt, 7, as the winner. Her design features an eagle with two red, white and blue stars, along with large lettering in red, white and blue reading,“I VOTED.” “I chose the eagle because there is an eagle at East Laporte,” said Pratt. “My favorite spot to watch him is next to the river. My brother and I named him Talon. He lives in a pine tree. Eagles
are my favorite bird!” Allen launched the contest in early May and is excited about the input from the community. In total, they received nearly 40 entries in the contest from K-8 students here in Jackson County. The top 10 entries were then submitted to the public for their vote…and vote they did. Nearly 300 folks voted to determine the winning design, Allen said.
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accepting reservations for Christmas parties, offering festive menus for groups of 25 or more, breathtaking mountain views and exceptional service that allows hosts to focus on celebrating with their guests. Whether it’s a company holiday party, nonprofit gathering, church celebration, family reunion or festive dinner with friends, Lake Junaluska’s experienced events team handles every detail, from customized menus to attentive service, creating a seamless experience from start to finish. Lake Junaluska provides a warm, inviting setting that combines elegant dining spaces with scenic winter views. Guests can choose from thoughtfully prepared holiday menus or work with the culinary team to customize menu selections for their event, creating a celebration that reflects their group’s tastes and traditions. With popular dates filling quickly, organizers are encouraged to reserve their holiday party early. To view holiday dinner menu options, visit bit.ly/LJHolidayMenus2026. To book a holiday party, call 828.454.6744.
Haywood County Fair approaches
Naomi Pratt’s winning design will be featured on Jackson County’s ‘I voted’ stickers. Donated photo For over 40 years, Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church has held a barbecue as its main fundraiser. Pat Powell, the mastermind, was always thinking of ways that he could help his church. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the food, fellowship and memories that this time together evokes.
Haywood Library seeks input for 2027-2032 strategic plan Involving the Haywood County community and engaging with local stakeholders in planning efforts is a key part of a strategic planning process. The library community includes current users and potential users, the underserved, county residents and nonresident cardholders, staff, county administrators, the Board of Commissioners, support organizations and local business owners. Completing the online digital survey helps identify areas of growth. Data will be collected and uti-
lized to define three to five high-level strategic goals, develop objectives and activities for each goal and create measurable key performance indicators to track progress through 2032. Public input will inform library staff, trustees and Haywood County administration about community needs, particularly from the unserved or underserved in the community. The survey can be found at haywoodlibrary.org/FormCenter/Library-22/HaywoodCounty-Public-Library-2026-Commu-80. Physical copies can be picked up and returned at any of the four Haywood County Public Library branches. Survey submissions must be completed by Sept. 30. For questions, call 828.452.5169.
Lake Junaluska invites groups to host holiday celebrations The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year, but planning a memorable celebration doesn’t have to be stressful. Lake Junaluska is
With over 120 years of tradition, the 2026 Haywood County Fair is returning to the mountains. Running from Sept. 24-27, there are events for everyone to enjoy. Opening ceremonies will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Apple Orchard Building to kick off the festivities. Immediately following on the stage will be a Fair-oke contest for kids and adults of all ages, with prizes for winners of each class. Other activities include a concert by the Continental Divide Band, We are Breathtaking Pageant, bluegrass music by Branded Heart Band with clogging, a classic car show by Southeast Cougar Club, a rodeo in the arena, a truck pull (pre-register online or on Sunday in the Arena) as well as livestock shows and exhibits. Enjoy a wide variety of fun fair food from a host of vendors. Take in the sunset from the ferris wheel and enjoy new rides coming this year. Bring the kiddos to enjoy a special activities area just for the little ones. Come fish at First Bite Fishing, enjoy a magic show or watch juggling and fire breathing. Professor Whiz Pop will be on hand to entertain with great balloon art. For a full schedule of events, visit haywoodcountyfair.com. The Fair Book has been updated with all the information needed to enter exhibits for display and judging. For information on how to enter, as well as qualifications for each category, visit haywoodcountyfair.com and click on “Enter the Fair.” Skip the line and pre-purchase tickets online at haywoodcountyfair.com. You can choose between day or weekend passes. Thursday night only, the fair will host its first-ever “car-load” night. Pack the seats in your vehicle and enter the fair for one low cost per car, and enjoy discounted armband rates for carnival rides, as well. Mark your calendar for a weekend filled with fun at the 2026 Haywood County Fair, held at Smoky Mountain Event Center, 758 Crabtree Road in Waynesville.
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Opinion
Smoky Mountain News
What Balkcom brings to 11th District race R
One-party rule is a disaster To the Editor: This is a Republican utopia. The President, the Supreme Court and both chambers of Congress are all dominated by Republicans. In North Carolina, the state General Assembly is controlled by Republicans, who have taken many powers away from Democratic governors since 2011. Republicans gerrymandered our state and federal districts to ensure that those who don’t vote Republican don’t get fair representation. Gerrymandering causes extremism in our lawmaking bodies. Our system of government is based on compromise, and there is no compromise between left and right extremists who know their seat is safe from the other side and therefore
party had every reason to understand the field and prepare for the general election that would immediately follow. Against that backdrop, Balkcom was a logical choice. She has represented Henderson County in the North Carolina House since 2023 and already holds leadership responsibilities in appropriations, insurance and Helene recovery, with additional responsibilities involving agriculture and economic development. Those assignments have put her inside the machinery of state spending, economic policy and the largest recovery challenge Western North Carolina has faced in generations. Her record gives Republican voters a strong case on the MAGA defender side of the equation. Balkcom was a primary sponsor of the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, one of the major conservative policy fights of the 2023 legislative session. Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed it, and Republicans returned to override him Guest Columnist in both chambers. That matters because Balkcom does not have to manufacture conservative credentials for an abbreviated congressional campaign. Republican voters can examine how she governed when a major party priority faced organized opposition and a gubernatorial veto. The mountain mover case rests on a different kind of record. Balkcom was the first listed primary sponsor of the North Carolina Farmland and Military Protection Act, which became law with overwhelming bipartisan support. That breadth of support strengthens the governing case for Balkcom: she helped advance a priority touching agriculture, national security and foreign ownership far beyond the Republican caucus. Her work closer to home is even more relevant. Balkcom helped secure $14.75 million for Hendersonville water and sewer infrastructure, demonstrating that she understands how state appropriations can be translated into practical improvements for the communities she represents. That case became even stronger after Helene. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, Balkcom helped open an aid distribution warehouse in Henderson County. She later became vice chair of the House Select Committee on Helene Recovery and was one of four primary sponsors of disaster recovery legislation that became state law.
Colton Overcash
epublicans in Western North Carolina had five days to do what normally takes months: replace a congressional nominee, assess a rapidly changing field and choose someone capable of immediately entering a general election campaign. They chose State Rep. Jennifer Balkcom. The more important question now is not how she won a Republican committee vote, but what her selection offers voters and what her record says about her ability to meet the unusually broad demands of representing Western North Carolina at this moment. For Republican voters, the first test is whether Balkcom can credibly defend the conservative agenda and the priorities that animate President Donald Trump’s coalition. For the broader electorate, the second is whether she has the experience, judgment and governing ability to deliver practical results for communities still confronting unfinished Helene recovery, infrastructure needs and persistent economic challenges. Those tests inform one another without being interchangeable. Call it the MAGA defender and mountain mover test. One is principally about political conviction and credibility with the Republican base. The other is about whether a representative can turn relationships, legislative experience and political influence into tangible results for Western North Carolina. On both counts, the district committee had a meaningful record to examine. It was not choosing among candidates with the luxury of a six-month primary campaign. Republicans needed someone whose political identity was already established, whose governing experience could withstand scrutiny and who could move immediately into a congressional race already underway. That helps explain why Balkcom emerged from a field that changed repeatedly after Chuck Edwards left the race. Several experienced Republican legislators considered running before declining or withdrawing, including Sen. Tim Moffitt, whom Balkcom initially supported before becoming a candidate herself. National Republicans were also paying close attention. Candidate information reached Rep. Richard Hudson, who chairs the National Republican Congressional Committee, and NRCC staff, while the vetting also reached senior White House political officials, including Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and the administration’s political operation. The district committee retained the authority to choose the nominee, but the national
LETTERS must out-flank competition in the primaries. Gerrymandering undermines democracy, and we deserve better. Since Republicans splintered Asheville to make sure voters there could not elect a Democrat, the 11th (far west) District has been represented by Republicans Mark Meadows, Madison Cawthorn and Chuck Edwards, and each of them violated ethics rules. In Macon County, the county commission has been run exclusively by Republicans since 2022, and nearly 70% of those who voted in the last 3 presidential elections here voted for Donald Trump. What has Republican rule brought us? The obvious answer is high gasoline, fertilizer and diesel prices. Diesel makes all goods not from this area more expensive, and we already had an
Balkcom also helped secure $5 million in state funding to rebuild ABCCM’s Veterans Restoration Quarters in Asheville after Helene. The project, which provides housing and support services for homeless veterans, recently broke ground. She also pushed for additional early voting locations after storm damage created extraordinary logistical problems for Henderson County voters. Taken together, those examples show a legislator who has used appropriations, legislation and constituent advocacy to respond to practical problems in Western North Carolina. Raleigh and Washington are not interchangeable, and every new member of Congress faces a learning curve. Balkcom’s advantage is that the learning curve will be federal, not foundational: she already knows how to operate as a legislator, work through government and represent constituents when the stakes are real. Western North Carolina needs that experience now. Helene recovery is unfinished, and many communities are still rebuilding what the storm disrupted. The next representative will need to turn those needs into action in Washington. That is what gave the committee a strong basis for its choice. Balkcom brought a conservative record and legislative leadership, along with firsthand experience in appropriations and Helene recovery. In a five-day process, Republicans chose someone who could enter the race with a governing record already in place. The NRCC, White House political operation and broader Republican infrastructure can help Balkcom build the campaign organization that the compressed timeline denied her. What they cannot manufacture is the governing record she already brings into the race. Republican voters have ample evidence that Balkcom can be a MAGA defender. Her record on infrastructure, appropriations and Helene recovery gives the broader district a strong reason to believe she can be a mountain mover, too. The committee made its choice in five days. Over the next three months, Balkcom has the opportunity to make that case directly to the voters who will ultimately decide whether she goes to Washington. (Colton Overcash is the founder of Vertex Strategies, a Charlottebased government relations and strategic advisory firm with a presence in Washington, D.C. He previously served on the staffs of U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis and U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, covering North Carolina’s 30 westernmost counties. He later held two presidential appointments at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during the Trump administration.)
affordability problem before this self-inflicted wound. The cost of housing continues to increase while wages are stagnant and we lost jobs across the U.S. in the peak of summer. Wall Street, corporations and the billionaires are raking in the dough, while we try to survive paycheck to paycheck. The Republicans’ Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) last summer cut taxes on them (again) and cut Medicaid, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act for us, leaving millions of Americans uninsured and driving up healthcare costs for all of us. The BBB also gave ICE free reign to terrorize, abuse and force our Latino and other immigrant neighbors into for-profit prison camps that we pay for, often without due process of law, which is against our constitution. The President has seriously depleted our stockpile of air defense missiles and has severely damaged our alliance system that has protected us for 80 years.
Housing, healthcare, food, gas, insurance, and electricity have all gone up under Republican control, while the President insists that the affordability crisis is a hoax. Republicans in Congress vote for just about every wacko thing the President asks them to approve, and almost every spending bill he requests. U.S. national debt just hit a record $40 trillion, 28% of it under Trump’s tenure so far. What happened to Republican backbone? I’m sure they will find it again with a Democrat in the White House. The only thing worse than a two-party system for “We the People” is a one-party system. It leads to arrogance, abuse and corruption. Our needs are no longer considered when one party’s power is deemed safe. We the people are supposed to have the power, not one group or another. Dan Kowal Franklin
Do you have your own personal legend?
Susanna Shetley
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What was it you wanted to achieve? For me, I wanted to be a writer. I used to write poetry and stories on napkins, scrap paper, anything I could find. I read constantly and loved my English classes beyond all others, but I kept getting lost along the way, following society’s path instead of my own or getting derailed by a more “normal” job or better-paying one, but nonetheless, I always find my fingers back on the keyboard or a pen in my hand. It’s who I am. I’m not even close to taking my writing career to where I want it to be or where I know it can be. Reading “The Alchemist” this summer inspired me to evaluate where I am and to keep going. “The Alchemist” was a suggested reading for my son’s entire senior class, as opposed to a required reading for a particular course so it kept getting pushed to the back burner. I encouraged him to move forward with it, and he’s very happy he did. Similar to my younger self, I doubt the book impacted him as much as it will decades from now, but he enjoyed it, and maybe, like me, he’ll read it again when he’s middle-aged and wow himself with his maturity. Another lesson in the book focuses on embracing the journey and whom you become because of it. The destination is never the ultimate goal. Typically, when we “arrive,” we don’t feel that sense of accomplishment or elation we anticipated. Every “arrival” is simply another point along the journey. As an elite distance runner, I think my son has already learned this to an extent. The person he’s becoming from being an endurance athlete and the lessons he’s learning during the process are more significant than breaking records or winning big races. Coelho highlights the concept of omens and listening to our hearts. His words remind us everything is connected, and we’re not simply isolated beings existing in a silo. We must allow ourselves to be guided by love, not fear. Fear makes us move in a controlled, constricted, small way where love guides us through life curious, brighteyed and open. So, what’s your personal legend? What was that dream you had as a child? It’s never too late, and if you need inspiration, pick up a copy of “The Alchemist” or listen to it as you drive or walk. Back to President Trump — I believe reading The Alchemist would be very good for him. Being guided by omens instead of Oman would certainly lead to a fuller, more beautiful life. In fact, maybe I’ll mail a copy to The White House and see what happens. (Susanna Shetley is a writer and editor. Susanna.b@smokymountainnews.com.)
August 19-25, 2026
’m a subscriber to The Washington Post’s daily e-newsletter, and when I opened my email this morning, I misread a headline. The words said, “Trump’s Oman threat,” but I read it as “Trump’s omen threat.” For a nanosecond, I thought the journalists at WaPo were getting metaphysical on us, and I liked it, but then just as quickly, my logical brain corrected the error and I read it for what it was. I didn’t click on the article because I’d rather read about omens than Oman. Perhaps I wouldn’t be thinking about omens had I not recently read “The Alchemist” by Paul Coelho. This was the second time in my life reading this classic text. The first time, I wasn’t old Columnist enough or wise enough to grasp its depth. I joined a book club in my early twenties, and the first book we were assigned was “The Alchemist.” I flipped through the first few pages and at first glance, found it to be boring, especially in comparison to the Dean Koontz thrillers and Jodi Picoult legal sagas I’d been devouring. When I finally sat down and gave the book some full-fledged attention, I found it to be alluring, but it didn’t grab me in the way Coelho intended. As the Buddhist saying goes, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” I wasn’t ready. Fast forward to this past June when my older son was assigned “The Alchemist” as part of his summer reading. I like to read whatever books my kids are assigned so we can have meaningful conversations about them, and as I read Coelho’s book this time around, the student was ready. Forty-sixyear-old Susanna was much more open to the lessons and wisdom than 23-year-old Susanna. That, alone, taught me a lot and was a reminder of how much we grow and heal through the years. If you’ve never read this powerful text, I encourage you to do so. It’s not long, and among the pages is a blueprint for a life well-lived. The core theme is that everyone has a “personal legend” or true destiny, and if we’re open to it, the entire universe conspires to help us achieve it. As children, we know what our personal legend is. Think back to when you were young, when you believed the world was your oyster and you could do anything when you grew up. But then we become fearful and cynical as we age and often give up on our personal legends.
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Emmitt hit it off immediately and began jamming together often. But, the duo wouldn’t form their own project until a fateful gig on New Year’s Eve 1989 in Crested Butte, Colorado. At that juncture, Emmitt still had the progressive bluegrass act the Left Hand String Band, while Herman fronted the short-lived Salmon Heads. “When I started the Salmon Heads, it was this Cajun jug band kind of thing, you know?” Herman said. “There ain’t been jug bands around since the 1970s, so I knew I wasn’t creating a mainstream thing.” On Dec. 31, 1989, a melodic whirlwind came together that still remains. When some of the members of the Salmon Heads didn’t show up for the Crested Butte gig, Herman got hold of Emmitt and asked if he and some of his band could fill in the missing spaces onstage. The chemistry was immediate. “It was something that I’d be able to find this little niche and hopefully be able to do it for a long time — like some of my role models in the bluegrass and folk worlds, [where] you don’t need a hit,” Herman said. “You don’t need to be a big mainstream success, because it’s building the culture — festival by festival, show by show, keep digging. As John Hartford said, ‘If bluegrass music was any more popular, we’d have to play for people we don’t even know.’” FloydFest 2019. It’s 2:54 a.m. in the rural backwoods of southwestern Virginia. Backstage at the Devils Backbone Leftover Salmon. Tobin Vogesser photo Brewing late-night tent. Herman hands me a shot of tequila. With an ear-to-ear grin, Herman then pours himself one, soon raising it high into the air in honor of another rollickful of minutes to chat. At that time, Salmon was on a comeback run ing performance. Within the next hour, the contents of the bottle after a hiatus of over two years, from Dec. 31, 2004, through the quickly disappear with gusto. spring of 2007. “Well, I just finished my third marriage, but the band is still “It’s always fun to get back on the bus and take it for a spin,” Herman chuckled, exhaling smoke in his usual carefree, jovial man- going,” Herman bursts into laughter. “It’s been over half of my life. It’s such a blessing to still have Drew over there [when we’re ner. “I’ve been touring with Great American Taxi and Moonalice the last few months, which has been a great experience for me. But‚ onstage]. He and I are the only ones left from the original incarnation.” I’m glad to be playing with the old boys again.” Salmon just tore up the late-night tent, tucked in the middle of Since that day in 2008 at Mile High, I’ve constantly crossed the rollicking, sprawling festival grounds atop a mountain in the paths with Leftover Salmon, whether at backwoods festivals light of the summer moon. The annual event attracts thousands around Southern Appalachia and the greater Southeast or whenevfrom every corner of America, all in search of mesmerizing er I’d find myself in Colorado, with the Rocky Mountains being the Americana, bluegrass, funk and rock acts, FloydFest itself steadily ensemble’s homebase since its formation in 1985. becoming the “gold standard” for such a mesmerizing lineup. In the mid-1980s, Herman was going to West Virginia “We knew about three or four years in [Leftover Salmon] that it University and living in Morganton, specifically in the attic of a was a totally ridiculous idea to keep doing this. But, it’s one of those house with no heat that he was trying to things, you know? It’s in our scene — in remodel. With six credits left to complete bluegrass, Americana and jam music — to graduate, Herman lost interest in school where the people doing it are doing it and wanted a change of scenery. It was the because, no matter what, they love it,” fall of 1985, and winter was closing in fast, Legendary jamgrass ensemble Leftover Herman says. “So, what it comes down to with Herman not wanting to inhabit the Salmon will perform at the Brew Ridge Jam is that at some point it circles back to the attic any longer. on Friday, Aug. 21, at French Broad River crowd because you’ve kept doing it and During that period, Herman was Brewery in Asheville. they’re still there, still showing up and still involved in several bluegrass circles and The event will run from 4-11 p.m. wanting to hear what we have to say.” groups in West Virginia, playing guitar Opening acts include Empire Strikes Brass, When asked about how, after all these and singing, but he wanted something Coyote Rodeo and JR Scarekrow, with special years and decades later, he’s still up there more. With the Telluride Bluegrass Festival guests Jon Stickley and Jonathan Scales. onstage with Salmon, cranking mightily being an incubator for progressive blueAdmission is $45 per person. VIP passes along to that signature sound they hapgrass and the fact that Herman’s musical are also available. For more information hazardly, yet meticulously, developed heroes Hot Rize were located in Boulder, and/or to purchase tickets, visit frenchbroadeach and every night, Herman paused he decided to pack up his things and head brewery.com/outdoor-concert-series. amid the chaos of the after-hours party to Colorado. swirling around him. “When I moved to Colorado [in 1985], “I’ve had a lot of jobs, man. I’ve been a roofer, cook, fisherman, I was searching for the mythical bluegrass scene [there],” Herman painter. I’ve done everything, and this is by far the most fun thing told me backstage at FloydFest 2019. “I pulled into [Boulder] and I’ve ever been allowed to do. And I know that I get away with it, there was a sign out in front of this bar: Bluegrass Tonight. My too,” Herman said. “I’m luckier than hell because every night I get buddy and I walked inside. And as soon as we literally got out of to play onstage with these cats. If I had to audition for this band, the car — after driving from West Virginia to Colorado straight I’d never get in. [Laughs]. Lucky as hell, and hopefully we’re able through — Drew’s band, the Left Hand String Band, was playing to do this a lot longer — you never want to quit when you get to that night when I walked through the door. do this.” Drew Emmitt, the virtuoso multi-instrumentalist. Herman and
Salmon Let’s party Leftover to host about it ‘Brew Ridge Jam
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR uring my formal introduction to Vince Herman, singer/guitarist for Leftover Salmon, he was driving a golf cart solo backstage at the inaugural Mile High Music Festival in 2008. Located at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado (right outside Denver), the festival property is wellknown nowadays as the same place Phish hosts its annual Labor Day Weekend blowout. To preface, Salmon is one of those true musical crossroads acts, the epitome of what it means to be an absolute melting pot of American music. A thick, vibrant thread of bluegrass wrapped around white-hot coils of blues, Cajun, folk, rock and soul, the group has always kept one foot firmly in the traditions of bluegrass, the other in whatever the hell they happily stepped in. Although I’d never interacted with Herman in person, I recognized him immediately as he slowly cruised by me. With his signature look — as if Santa Claus and the Cheshire Cat morphed into a singular creature with a craving for high-level bluegrass, highoctane tequila and high-quality weed — I knew it was him, so I yelled his name to get his attention. That moment sparked an ongoing conversation and sincere friendship that’s nearing 20 years. Herman stopped the golf cart, and I caught up to him. He smiled and extended a handshake. I told him I was a journalist based in the Jackson Hole, Wyoming area and was covering the festival for State of Mind Music. He knew of the publication from an interview he’d done back on the east coast with one of the other contributing writers at some point a couple years prior. “Do you mind if I get a couple quick quotes from you?” I asked. “Sure, no problem, brother,” Herman said. “But, you’ll have to hop on the cart and ride with me as you ask questions. I gotta head over to the sidestage for the Salmon show.” Rolling along the numerous paths backstage at the massive facility, we headed toward the staging area in the middle of the artificial soccer fields, which were toasty to walk on in the hot, dry mid-July Rocky Mountain sunshine. With the wind in our hair, Herman turned to me and grinned, “Hey, you smoke, man?” “Sometimes,” I replied. “Cool, here, get this started for us,” he said, handing me a joint and lighter from his shirt pocket. With the joint lit, we had a hand-
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‘Way back in the early days, when we were runnin’ through the maze’
Camaro, Mustang, Corvette, Chevelle, etc. — the ‘57 Bel-Air remains king. It’s just always been that way. The slick lines and sheer cool factor, like it just cruised off the set of the film “American Graffitti.” I turned to Rebecca and said, “New life goal: buy a classic car before I turn 50.” Nine years from now. Might as well prepare for the midlife crisis early, eh? At 41, I’m subconsciously sliding into this phase of life where I not only now look forward to visiting Florida, but also am thinking of where I’d park my imaginary classic car safely in front of my apartment building in downtown Waynesville. For a lifelong minimalist (me), I’ll make room for a classic ride. They say you can’t take your wealth with you when you die, so might as well floor that accelerator on a 1970s Chevy C-10 pickup until your time comes.
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A special stage production of “The Savannah Sipping Society” will take place on select dates and times through Aug. 30 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. Stecoah Valley Center (Robbinsville) will host the “An Appalachian Evening” summer music series with Seth Mulder & Midnight Run (Americana/bluegrass) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22.
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To close out its ongoing 100th anniversary celebration, there will be an array of onsite activities during the “Appalachian Heritage Week” Aug. 23-29 at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown.
SUNDAY-THURS S • 11-8 FRI-SAT • 11-9 Open for dine in or carry out
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Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual will be showcasing its “Open Air Indian Art Market” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, in Cherokee.
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We Can Cater Everything from an Intimate Get-Together to a Large, Formal Gathering & Everything In-Between!
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borhood, only to immediately snap back into the reality of “the here and now” when getting back into my rusty, musty truck. Put it in drive and head back to Rebecca’s apartment. Time to sit down at her desk and work on some articles to meet the incessant deadlines that roll in each week. Open the laptop and type away wildly in this devil-may-care of tone and intent. Toss up words, sentences and paragraphs into some semblance of coherent thought for you to hopefully consume with gusto, or at least with some sort of puzzled amusement. As per usual, my mind is restless. It never takes a day off. Existential thoughts of how the rest of this year (decade) might play out, and if we as human beings will someday come together in the name of compassion and honest truths. I remain an eternal optimist. Some say I’ve got my head in the clouds giving humanity that much credit in possibly getting our shit together. I say thinking otherwise just leads to other trap doors further and farther down the rabbit hole of every person for themselves. I mean, nobody makes it out of here alive, anyhow, might as well lend a hand to fellow man. It beats being a pessimist. This all circles back to a recent conversation I had with Rebecca, about how our generation was the last to be “real deal kids” before the internet overtook our lives. By the time the year 2000 rolled around, I was 15. That slice of time for me between middle school and graduating college (1997 to 2007), we had the Clinton and Bush administrations, Sept. 11, the war on terror in the Middle East, introduction of social media and YouTube, and the invention of the Apple iPhone. Right after, in 2008? The economic recession and election of Barack Obama. But, that’s a column for another time. Stay tuned. Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.
Catering is Our Passion!
August 19-25, 2026
ello from Jacksonville Beach, Florida. This is my third time here this year. Usually, I’m wandering and pondering through here in the spring. But, since it’s where my girlfriend, Rebecca, calls home, I continue to roll in, happily. First time in Florida in the depths of summer. Still hot, humid. Still soothing to the core of my ramblin’ soul, especially those evenings with a warm breeze from the nearby Atlantic Ocean, the ancient body of water as mysterious as ever. In a couple hours it’ll be midnight. Earlier, I sat by myself at Miller’s Taproom nearby, watching preseason NFL football and sipping inexpensive Coors Light on draft. Rebecca will soon walk into her apartment shortly following another evening serving fine culinary delights and nice bottles of wine at her place of employment. Currently, I’m sitting on her bed, watching “How I Met Your Mother” reruns and typing this column to my heart’s content. In the immediate background blasting on my work laptop? “The W.A.N.D.” by The Flaming Lips just popped onto my Spotify shuffle. Ah, one of the truly great and soul-stirring A 1957 Chevy Bel-Air. melodies of the modern era: “Time after Garret K. Woodward photo time those fanatical minds try to rule all the world/Telling us all it’s them who’s in charge of it all/I’ve got a tricked out magic Scanning the classic car gathering, I started stick that will make them all fall/We’ve got the getting flashbacks of when my father had a vinpower now, motherf *****s, that’s where it tage vehicle when I was a kid. As someone who belongs.” graduated high school in 1960, my father grew Earlier today, upon waking up to another up and came of age in the golden era of cars, morning of glorious sunshine streaming into the 1940s through 1970s. When he was a bachthe apartment, it was decided to rally ourselves elor in the mid/late 1960s, he was able to buy a and scrounge up some breakfast at Orange new Ford Mustang every year on his meager Blossoms just down the road from her complex. salary. And he did so for many years until he Onward. Eggs, toast, side of meat, hashbrowns married my mother and shifted trajectories. (with grilled onions) and cup of steaming hot By my arrival in 1985, my dad had returned coffee. Hearty conversation and banter over to his love of cars. This time, it was an MGB, a plans for the impending fall and winter small, spirited British sports car. I have many months. There is nothing like sincere conversafond memories of riding down the backroads tion over coffee at a diner enjoyed at your own and along the cornfields of my native North pace and in your own time. Country in the passenger’s seat of his orange Leaving the diner, I noticed a slew of vintage 1975 MGB convertible, the vehicle bucking automobiles in the parking lot. It was an each time he’d shift the five-speed manual impromptu classic car show. Saturday morntransmission. By the time I left for college, he’d ing. Grab some coffee, a lawn chair and sit sold the MGB, sadly. I’d be lying if I said I down to admire your dream vehicle from childhaven’t browsed Facebook marketplace lately in hood or stand up and explain to passerbys your search of a reasonably-priced MGB, maybe utter passion and obsession for said vehicle. even take the old man for a drive the next time I Like clockwork, I moseyed on over to the 1957 find myself back home. Chevrolet Bel-Air. The cream of the crop of the Who knows? Regardless, it’s nice to picture classic car world, the Babe Ruth. The “Great and envision things like that, surprising your Bambino,” you dig? No matter the others — dad with an MGB jaunt through the old neigh-
Rising singer-songwriter Alexa Rose will perform at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at Yonder Community Market in Franklin.
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‘Cherokee People and the American Revolution’
August 19-25, 2026
arts & entertainment
On the wall
‘Don’t Be Square’ at HCAC The Haywood County Arts Council’s latest exhibition, “Don’t Be Square: Art Beyond Right Angles,” will be on display through Aug. 31 at Haywood Handmade Gallery on Main Street in Waynesville. “Don’t Be Square” challenges artists to move beyond traditional square and rectangular formats by creating artwork on surfaces without right angles. While artists may still work on canvas and other familiar materials, the exhibit encourages exploration of unconventional shapes and dimensions. The result is a collection of paintings, fiber art, mixed media and other original works that invite viewers to experience art from a new per-
• Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual will be showcasing its “Open Air Indian Art Market” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, in Cherokee. General admission is free. A traditional Cherokee meal will be available for $15. For more information, visit quallaartsandcrafts.com or call 828.497.3103. • “Farmers & Artisans Market” will be every Friday morning (May-October) at 117 Island St. in Bryson City. Stop by the old barn along the river for local, homegrown produce, as well as baked goods, jellies/preserves, authentic crafts and more. Picnic tables onsite. There will also be live music. Leashed pets are welcome. This is an outdoor event. Free and open to the public. 828.488.7857.
Smoky Mountain News
• WNC Paint Events will host painting sessions throughout the region on select dates. For more information and/or to sign up, visit wncpaint.events.
A work by Jason Pierson. File photo spective. For more information, visit haywoodarts.org.
• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host “ArtWorks” at 1 p.m. every second Thursday of the month. Come create your own masterpiece. The materials for art works are supplied, and participants are welcome to bring ideas and supplies to share with each other. Ages 16 and up. Space limited to 10 participants. Free and open to the public. 828.488.3030 / vroberson@fontanalib.org.
ALSO:
• CRE828 (Waynesville) will offer a selection of art classes and workshops at its studio located at 1283 Asheville Road. Workshops will include art journaling, watercoloring, mixed media, acrylic painting and more. 828.283.0523 / cre828.com. • Three Rivers Gallery (Bryson City) will be hosting an array of artist receptions, exhibits and showcases on select dates. The gallery
On the table • “Under the Stars, On the Rocks” culinary series is currently underway at the Oak Steakhouse at the Skyline Lodge in Highlands. The events feature renowned chefs from around the Southeast on select dates through the fall: Sept. 8 and Oct. 13. Each four-course meal in the series is unique and personal to the guest chef, offering a one-of-a-kind outdoor dining experience. Dinners are $175 per person (including beverage pairings). Reservations required. For more information and/or to make reservations, call 828.526.4008 or visit skyline-lodge.com.
• Cataloochee Ranch (Maggie Valley) will host semi-regular culinary events and workshops throughout the week. For a full 18 schedule of upcoming activities, tickets and reservations,
A first-of-its-kind exhibition centering Native voices, perspectives and creativity in response to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the exhibition “Unrelenting: Cherokee People and the American Revolution” is currently being showcased at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee. Museum of the On view through Dec. 30, the exhibition Cherokee People. features historic objects in conversation File photo with works by Cherokee artists, merging cultural heritage, military history and contemporary art for a nuanced examination of a pivotal moment in Cherokee and American history. With research beginning in 2022, the exhibition’s curators — MotCP Director of Education Dakota Brown (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), MotCP Director of Collections and Exhibitions Evan Mathis and guest curator Brandon Dillard (Cherokee Nation), director of Historic Interpretation and Audience Engagement at Monticello — sought Cherokee accounts of the American Revolution (1775-1783) and the Cherokee American War (1776-1794), highlighting the complexities of memory and commemoration. As the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the curators of the exhibition aspire to spark conversation about American identity and sovereignty among visitors of all walks of life, sharing new research in the first exhibit about Cherokees in the American Revolution by Cherokee scholars. General admission tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for children ages 6-12 and free for children ages 5 and under. MotCP offers free admission to members of federally recognized tribes and museum members. Student, educator, senior and military rates available. Admission to all changing exhibitions is included in the general admission ticket price. For more information, visit motcp.org.
is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. 828.488.3638 / threeriversgallery.com. • Haywood County Arts Council (Waynesville) will offer a wide range of classes, events and activities for artisans, locals and visitors. HCAC’s Haywood Handmade Gallery is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. 828.452.0593 / haywoodarts.org. • Jackson County Green Energy Park (Dillsboro) will be offering a slew of classes, events and activities for artisans, locals and visitors. 828.631.0271 / jcgep.org. • Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center (Robbinsville) will host an array of workshops for adults and kids. 828.479.3364 / stecoahvalleycenter.com.
visit cataloocheeranch.com/ranch-event. • Balsam Mountain Inn (Balsam) will host “Wind Down Wine Flights” 6 p.m. Thursdays and a special semi-regular wine tasting. 828.283.0145 / thebalsammountaininn.com. • Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will have the wine bar and kitchen open from 4-8 p.m. Fridays/Saturdays. There will also be special wine dinners and cheese tastings on select dates. 828.452.6000 / classicwineseller.com. • Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host semi-regular craft brewery tastings. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9320 / blueridgebeerhub.com. • “Flights & Bites” will be held at 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville, a spe-
• Southwestern Community College Swain Arts Center (Bryson City) will host an array of workshops for adults and kids. 828.339.4000 / southwesterncc.edu/scclocations/swain-center. • Dogwood Crafters (Dillsboro) will offer a selection of upcoming art classes and workshops. 828.586.2248 / dogwoodcrafters.com. • Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host semi-regular arts and crafts workshops. 828.369.4080 / coweeschool.org. • Folkmoot Friendship Center (Waynesville) will host semi-regular artist gatherings and workshops. 828.452.2997 / folkmoot.org. • Bosu’s Wine Shop (Waynesville) will host a “Paint & Sip” at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25. 828.452.0120 / waynesvillewine.com.
cial “Northern Italy Wine Dinner” at 6 p.m. Aug. 19 and “Mystery Wine Dinner” 6 p.m. Sept. 15. 828.452.0120 / waynesvillewine.com. • “Take A Flight” with four new wines every Friday and Saturday at the Bryson City Wine Market. Select from a gourmet selection of charcuterie to enjoy with your wines. Educational classes and other events are also available. 828.538.0420.
ALSO:
• “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held on select dates at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first class car. Wine pairings with a meal and more. There will also be a special “Carolina Moonshine” train on select dates. 800.872.4681 / gsmr.com.
On the street
John C. Campbell Folk School.
Maximize your o rental income • Protect your o innvestment
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Bert Sm mith • Jason Kanup pp
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Folk School ‘Appalachian Heritage Week’
8228.452.1144
To close out its ongoing 100th anniversary celebration, John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown will host an array of onsite activies. While the school is known for attracting craft teachers nationwide, its AHW features Western North Carolina artists. Potters Brant and Karen Barnes, for many years operating Riverwood Pottery, will be teaching “Wheel Throwing.” Cullowhee blacksmith William Rogers, whose public sculptures grace several WNC sites, will be teaching “Copper Repousse.” The folk school’s own Helen Gibson will be teaching “Carving the Brasstown Nativity” and Nanette Davidson will teach “Pie-Making.” Anna Fariello, whose book, “Craft & Community,” documents the early history of the folk school, will be giving three illustrated talks during the week on the school’s history and the historic craft revival. As well, the folk school offers discounts to residents of WNC. For more information, visit folkschool.org.
Cherokee Bonfire. File photo
Cherokee Bonfire & Storytelling will be held from 7-9 p.m. Aug. 22 and 29 at the Old Acquani Expo Center in Cherokee. Learn about Cherokee traditions and lifestyle from educators, roast marshmallows with the kids and enjoy social dances by the river. The bonfire is free and open to the public. For more information, call 800.438.1601 or go to visitcherokeenc.com.
August 19-25, 2026
Cherokee Bonfire & Storytelling
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147 Walnut Stt • Waynesville, NC 288786
Mountaintop Art & Craft Show Smoky Mountain News
The annual Mountaintop Art & Craft Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 29 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 30 at KelseyHutchinson Founders Park in downtown Highlands. The annual event is a two-day, twoArtisans return to Highlands Aug. 29-30. File photo weekend gathering that brings over 120 artisans from the region to Highlands with demonstrations, fine art, crafts, live music, kids’ zone and more. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit highlandsartshow.com.
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arts & entertainment
On the beat • 4118 Kitchen & Bar (Highlands) will host live music 6-8 p.m. Thursdays. Free and open to the public 828.526.5002 or 4118kitchenbar.toast.site. • Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library (Cashiers) will host “Community Jam Sessions” from 2-4 p.m. the second and fourth Sunday of each month. Informal jamming. All skill levels are welcome. Free and open to the public. 828.743.0215 / fontanalib.org/cashiers. • American Legion Post 47 (Waynesville) will host an “Open Mic” 6:30 p.m. Mondays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free
open at 4 p.m. 828.452.6000 or classicwineseller.com. • Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host “Karaoke Night” 9 p.m. Wednesdays, “Trivia” 7 p.m. Thursdays, “Open Jam” 10 p.m. Thursdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows are located in The Gem downstairs taproom and begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.0350 / boojumbrewing.com.
• Concerts On The Creek (Sylva) will host Tuxedo Junction Aug. 21 and Rockabilly Roy & The Kopy Kats (rock/blues) Aug. 28. All shows are at Bridge Park and begin at 7 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. These events are free, but donations are encouraged. 828.586.2155 / mountainlovers.com/concerts-on-the-creek.
• Breadheads Tiki Shak (Sylva) will host “Tiki Trivia” at 7 p.m. every other Thursday of the month, Kieran Aug. 21 and David Cheatham & Shua Aug. 28. All shows begin at 10 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.307.2160 / breadheadstikishak.com.
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host “Open Mic” at 6 p.m. every second Friday of the month and Ritchie & Rosie (Americana/folk) Sept. 20 ($15 adults, $7.50 kids). 828.369.4080 / coweeschool.org/concert-series.
Yonder welcomes Alexa Rose Rising singer-songwriter Alexa Rose will perform at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at Yonder Community Market in Franklin. Rose was born in the Alleghany Highlands of western Virginia and raised in the tiny railroad town of Clifton Forge. Though no one in her immediate family played or sang, she’s inherited
a deep musical legacy with intricate songwriting and a captivating stage presence in the Americana realm of modern music with a timeless feel. Admission is a $20 suggested donation. Family/dog friendly. For more information, call 828.200.2169 or visit eatrealfoodinc.com.
Alexa Rose.
August 19-25, 2026
FIle photo
and open to the public. 828.456.8691. • Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host “Open Mic” 8-10 p.m. Thursdays. Free and open to the public. 828.631.1987 / balsamfallsbrewing.com.
• Bryson City Brewing (Bryson City) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0085 / brysoncitybrewing.com.
• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Somebody’s Child (Americana) 5 p.m. Sept. 26. Free and open to the public. 828.634.0078 / curraheebrew.com.
• Balsam Mountain Inn (Balsam) will host “Picking on the Porch” (open community jam) 6 p.m. Tuesdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.283.0145 / thebalsammountaininn.com.
• Bryson City Outdoors (Bryson City) will host Liz Petty & Friends (Americana/folk) 6 p.m. Aug. 29. Free and open to the public. 828.342.6444 / brysoncityoutdoors.com.
• Current Tavern (Canton) will host the “Music at the Tavern” summer series with semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.492.0249.
• Bevel Bar (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.246.0996 / bevelbar.com.
• Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Bob Zullo (guitar/vocals) Sept. 4 ($10 cover). All shows begin at 6 p.m. Reservations highly recommended. The kitchen and wine bar will
• Cut Cocktail Lounge (Sylva) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.631.4795 / thecutcocktaillounge.com. • Dancing On The Square (Robbinsville) will host Bill Pruett Aug. 21 and Darren Nicholson Band (Americana/bluegrass) Aug. 28 (with live square dancing). All events begin at 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. 704.840.8525.
• Folkmoot Friendship Center (Waynesville) will host “World Drum Classes” every Friday at 2:30 p.m. (adults, free) and 4 p.m. (family friendly, all ages, free), “Waynesville Acoustic Guitar Group” 2-4 p.m. every second and fourth Saturday of the month (free) and semiregular live music monthly. 828.452.2997 / folkmoot.org. • Franklin Town Square (Franklin) will host a “Community Drum Circle” from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 19. People of all ages are invited to participate. You may bring your own hand drums and rhythm instruments or use one of our percussion instruments. Bring a lawn chair. In case of rain, the event will be held under the gazebo stage tent. Free and open to the public. 828.524.ARTS / artscouncilofmacon.org. • Friday Night Live Concert Series (Highlands) will host Shawn Lane Trio Aug. 21 and Spare Parts Bluegrass Band (Americana/bluegrass) Aug. 28. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. highlandschamber.org. • Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host “Jazz On The Level” 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Natti Love Joys (reggae/soul) Aug. 21, The Local Chapter Aug. 22, Kevin Dolan & Paul Koptak 3 p.m. Aug. 23, Hotdog Sunrise (rock/jam) Aug. 28, Highway Companions Aug. 29 and Rick Yates (singer-songwriter) 3 p.m. Aug. 30. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 / froglevelbrewing.com. • Groovin’ on the Green (Cashiers) will host McIntosh & The Lionhearts Sept. 4. Shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. Donations encouraged. villagegreencashiersnc.com/concerts. • Happ’s Place (Glenville) will host Corey Stevenson Aug. 19, Charles Walker Band Aug. 21, Alamo Band Aug. 22, Corey Stevenson Aug. 28 and Topper Aug. 29. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public.
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Smoky Mountain News
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host “Music Bingo Night” 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, The Blue Mountaineers (bluegrass) Thursdays and semi-regular live music on Fridays and Saturdays. All music starts at 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9320 / facebook.com/brbeerhub.
• Cataloochee Ranch (Maggie Valley) will host Brian Ashley Jones (blues/country) Aug. 19 and Hill Country Band (Americana/bluegrass) Aug. 26. All shows begin at 5 p.m. and admission is $30 per person unless otherwise noted. For tickets and reservations, visit cataloocheeranch.com/ranch-event.
• Farm At Old Edwards (Highlands) will host the “Orchard Sessions” with Martin & Kelly (Americana/country) Sept. 9. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Admission is $50 per person, with discounts rates available for hotel guests and members. 866.526.8008 / oldedwardshospitality.com.
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828.742.5700 / happsplace.com.
• High Country Wine & Provisions (Highlands) will host live music during “Friday Night Vibes” at 5:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.482.4502 / highcountrywineandprovisions.com. • High Dive (Highlands) will host DJ Real Bill 9 p.m. Saturdays. 828.526.2200 / highlandsdive.com. • Highlander Mountain House (Highlands) will host “Blues & Brews” with Scott Low 6-9 p.m. Thursdays, Zorki (singer-songwriter) 1-3 p.m. Saturdays, “Bluegrass Brunch” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, the “Salon Series” with Hayes Carll (Americana/folk) 8:30 p.m. Aug. 20 ($58.93 per person, tax included). Reservations encouraged for all performances. 828.526.2590 / highlandermountainhouse.com. • Highlands Performing Arts Center (Highlands) will host Memories Of Motown (R&B/soul) 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11. 828.526.9047 / highlandsperformingarts.com. • Highlands Smokehouse (Highlands) will host live music from 1-3 p.m. Sundays. 828.526.3554 / highlandsmokehouse.com.
• Innovation Station (Dillsboro) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. All events begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.226.0262 / innovation-brewing.com. • John C. Campbell Folk School (Brasstown) will host a “Community Jam” 7 p.m. Thursdays at the nearby Crown Restaurant and semi-regular live music on the weekends. folkschool.org.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host “Board Game Night” 5 p.m. Mondays, “Music Bingo” 7 p.m. Tuesdays, “Trivia Night” 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, “Open Mic Night” 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, The V8s (rock/soul) Aug. 22 and Gavin Byrd (Americana/country) Aug. 29. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 / lazyhikerbrewing.com. • Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host “Music Bingo” 7 p.m. Mondays, “Trivia Night” 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, “Old Time Jam” 6:30 p.m.
Thursdays, Bryan & Al (pop/rock) Aug. 21, Gavin Byrd (Americana/country) Aug. 28 and Tim Akins (singer-songwriter) Aug. 29. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. 828.349.2337 / lazyhikerbrewing.com. • Legends Sports Bar & Grill (Maggie Valley) will host “Open Mic Night” 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Karaoke Thursdays (6 p.m.) and Saturdays (7 p.m.), with live music each Friday (8 p.m.). Free and open to the public. 828.944.0403 / facebook.com/legendssportsgrillmaggievalley. • Macon County Public Library (Franklin) will host The Vagabonds (Americana) at 2 p.m. the first and third Monday and a “Song Circle” open jam from 3-6 p.m. the first Tuesday each month. Free and open to the public. 828.524.3600 or fontanalib.org/franklin. • Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host “Open Mic Night” with Frank Lee every Tuesday, Woolybooger (blues/folk) Aug. 21, Shane Meade (indie/soul) Aug. 22, Liz Petty (singer-songwriter) 5 p.m. Aug. 23, Anna Victoria (singer-songwriter) Aug. 28, Mountain Gypsy (Americana) Aug. 29 and Wyatt Espalin (singer-songwriter) 5 p.m. Aug. 30. All shows begin at 6 p.m unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 / mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com. • Mountain Vibes Kava Lounge (Waynesville) will host “Trivia Night” 7 p.m. Mondays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.246.9283. • Music By The River (Cherokee) on the Kanunohi Park Stage will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Music runs 5-8 p.m. Free and open to the public. visitcherokeenc.com. • Nantahala Outdoor Center (Nantahala Gorge) will host “Music Bingo” 6 p.m. Aug. 20 (at Big Wesser), Tuck-aseegee 5 p.m. Aug. 21, Liz Nance (singer-songwriter) 1 p.m. Aug. 22, The
Hillclimbers (Americana) 5 p.m. Aug. 22, Dave Desmelik (singer-songwriter) 2 p.m. Aug. 23, “Music Bingo” 6 p.m. Aug. 27 (at Big Wesser), Dick Dickerson (singer-songwriter) 1 p.m. Aug. 29, The Get Right Band (indie-soul/rock) 5 p.m. Aug. 29 and Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs (Americana) 2 p.m. Aug. 30. Free and open to the public. 828.785.5082 / noc.com/events/2026-summer-music-series. • Old Edwards Inn (Highlands) will host live music in the Hummingbird Lounge at 5:30
• Orchard Coffee (Waynesville) will host “Open Mic Night” 6 p.m. on the first Friday of every month and semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.246.9264 / orchardcoffeeroasters.com. • Otto Community Center (Otto) will host James Thompson “Music Nights” 4 p.m. first and third Friday of each month. Bring a beverage and snack of your choice. Free and open to the public. go2ottonc.com. • Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host Free Bird (Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute) Aug. 21 and Feeling 22 (Taylor Swift tribute) Aug. 29. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For tickets, 828.389.ARTS / thepeacocknc.org. • Pickin’ In The Park (Canton) will host Rick Morris Band & Green Valley Cloggers (Americana/bluegrass) 6 p.m. Sept. 11. Free and open to the public. • Pickin’ On The Square (Franklin) will host Tribe Called Praise (Christian/rock) Aug. 22. All shows begin at 6 p.m. at the Gazebo in downtown. Free and open to the public. franklinnc.com/pickin-on-the-square.html. • Quirky Birds Treehouse & Bistro (Dillsboro)
SEE ON THE BEAT, PAGE 22
Smoky Mountain News
• Las Barricas (Franklin) will host C-Square Band 11 a.m. on the fourth Friday of each month. Free and open to the public. 828.349.4484 / lasbarricasmexicanrestaurant.com.
The “An Appalachian Evening” series will Their latest album, “In Dreams I Go Back,” continue with a performance by Seth Mulder & features “My, My, My” (SPBGMA 2023 “Song of Midnight Run at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, in the Year”) and other chart-topping songs such as Lynn L. Shields “One More Night” and Auditorium at the “Carolina Line.” Stecoah Valley Tickets are $25 for Center in adults and $10 for Robbinsville. students grade KHailing from the 12.This show will also Smoky Mountains in feature a special Gatlinburg, Seth "Back-to-School" speMulder & Midnight cial, where students Run present a highreceive free admission energy (one student per Seth Mulder & Midnight Run. File photo adult). Dinner will also Americana/bluegrass show filled be available for purwith nostalgic entertainment, tight harmonies chase in the Schoolhouse Cafe starting at 6 p.m. For more information and/or to purchase and skillful musicianship, all built around a tickets, call 828.479.3364 or visit stecoahvallcurated set list of original material and lost eycenter.com/concerts. covers.
August 19-25, 2026
• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host “Monday Night Trivia” every week, “Open Mic” on Wednesdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows and events begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.586.9678 / innovation-brewing.com.
‘An Appalachian Evening’
arts & entertainment
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host Melissa Etheridge (Americana/rock) 9 p.m. Sept. 4. For tickets, visit caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.
p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Free and open to the public. 866.526.8008 / oldedwardshospitality.com.
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arts & entertainment
On the stage HART presents ‘The Savannah Sipping Society’ Pull up a chair, pour a drink and spend an evening on the porch with a special stage production of “The Savannah Sipping Society” on select dates and times through Aug. 30 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. Directed by Annie Dragoo, this warm and witty comedy by Jones Hope Wooten celebrates unexpected friendship, fresh starts and discovering that it is never too late to find where you belong. Set on a picturesque veranda in Savannah, Georgia, “The Savannah Sipping Society” follows four Southern women who meet at moments when each could use a change. Randa Covington is struggling to adjust after an unexpected career shift. Dot Haigler is navigating life after the loss of her husband. Marlafaye Mosley is recovering from heartbreak, while the free-spirited Jinx Jenkins arrives determined to give the other women the push they need to shake things up. The story blends sharp southern humor with a heartfelt look at friendship, resilience and starting over. Beneath the laughs is a reminder that family is not always something we are born into. Sometimes it is something we find and choose for ourselves. What begins as a series of weekly happy hours soon becomes something much more. Between laughter, porch conversations, questionable decisions and a drink or two, the four women begin taking chances, rediscovering themselves, and build-
‘Community Contra Dance’ in Franklin
Smoky Mountain News
August 19-25, 2026
A contra dance will be held in Franklin Aug. 20. Cricket Woodward photo
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A “Community Contra Dance” will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Contra dance is a form of social folk dancing from which square dancing evolved, so it shares many of the same movements. As always, no partner is necessary, generations mix. All are welcome, including beginners. No dance experience or fancy clothing is necessary. Those who would like to come out just to listen to the music are welcome, too. For the uninitiated, the caller walks the dancers through the steps of the upcoming dance for a few minutes and then continues to call the moves in time to the music so the dancers know what to do next. Dances will include contras, squares, mixers and perhaps a few other types of folk dances appropriate to the level of the dancers in attendance. Beginners are strongly encouraged to arrive by 6:30 p.m. for the instruction. The dance itself will run from 7-9 p.m. Experienced dancers are quite willing to help those new to contra dance get started with the movements. A suggested donation of $10 per person goes to pay the band and caller. Kids age 14 and under are free, as are first-timers. Children over age 8, who are game to participate or sit and watch with an adult, may also attend. Bring a closed water container and a snack if you wish. Smooth-soled shoes work best for dancing on wood floors. Please do not wear perfume or other scents to the dances. For more information, visit facebook.com/franklincontra for photos and details about upcoming dances, or email contradancefranklinnc@gmail.com.
ON THE BEAT, CONTINUED FROM 21 will host “Karaoke” 8 p.m. Fridays and semiregular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.586.1717 / facebook.com/quirkybirdstreehouse. • Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host “Karaoke” 7 p.m. Wednesdays, “Trivia Night” 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, “Open Mic” 6:30 p.m. on certain Fridays, Georgie Bette (singersongwriter) 6:30 p.m. Aug. 19, Frances Eliza (singer-songwriter) 6:30 p.m. Aug. 21, Eric Leach (singer-songwriter) 6:30 p.m. Aug. 22, Jamie Rasso (singer-songwriter) 6:30 p.m. Aug. 25 and Ron D’Albora (singer-songwriter) 7 p.m. Aug. 29. Free and open to the public. 828.369.6796 / facebook.com/rathskellercoffeebarandpub. • Salty Dog’s Seafood & Grill (Maggie Valley) will host “Karaoke With Russell” on Mondays, Shane Meade (indie/soul) Aug. 21 and Rene Russell (singer-songwriter) Aug. 29. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.926.9105 / facebook.com/saltydogs2005. • Saturdays On Pine Concert Series (Highlands) will host Will Thompson Band Aug. 22. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. highlandschamber.org. • Scotsman (Waynesville) will host “Open Mic Night” every second Monday of the month with Bridget Gossett (sign-up at 6:30 p.m.), Rene Russell (Americana) Aug. 20, DJ Booshaylee (pop/electronica) 9 p.m. Aug. 22, Bratfolk (Celtic/world) 3 p.m. Aug. 23, Bridget Gossett (rock/blues) Aug. 27, Natti Love Joys (reggae/roots) Aug. 29 and Jug Tucker (Celtic/world) 3 p.m. Aug. 30. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.6292 / scotsmanpublic.com. • Skyline Lodge (Highlands) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.526.4008 / skyline-lodge.com. • Slanted Window Tasting Station (Franklin) will host Michael Kitchens (singer-songwriter) 6 p.m. Aug. 21, Alton Lane Band (Americana) 5 p.m.
ing a friendship none of them realized they needed. HART is offering a pay-what-you-can performance on the first Saturday of the production run to help keep theatre accessible to all. Paywhat-you-can tickets will go on sale one ‘The Savannah Sipping Society.’ Courtesy of HART week before show day. Standard tickets for all other performances are available now. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit harttheatre.org or call 828.456.6322.
ALSO:
• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host “Appalachian Tales: Scribes On Stage” Aug. 22. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For tickets, 828.389.ARTS / thepeacocknc.org.
Aug. 22, Tim Austin (singer-songwriter) 4 p.m. Aug. 23, Rail Town (Americana) 6 p.m. Aug. 28 and Generations (Americana) 4 p.m. Aug. 30. 828.276.9463 / slantedwindow.com. • Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host “Yacht Rock Radio Live” 7:30 p.m. Aug. 28. Tickets start at $20 per person, with seating upgrades offered. 866.273.4615 / smokymountainarts.com. • Smoky Mountain Dog Bar (Waynesville) will host “Open Mic Night” 5-7 p.m. Fridays. Free and open to the public. 828.246.0726 / smokymountaindogbakery.com. • Stecoah Valley Center (Robbinsville) will host the “An Appalachian Evening” summer music series with Seth Mulder & Midnight Run (Americana/bluegrass) Aug. 22 and Shelton & Williams (Americana) Aug. 29. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. There will also be a “Community Jam” at 6 p.m. Aug. 18 (free). 828.479.3364 / stecoahvalleycenter.com.
ALSO:
• Stubborn Bull (Highlands) will host “Live Music Monday” each week with local singer-songwriters. All shows begin at 5:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.200.0813 / the-stubborn-bull.com. • Trailborn (Highlands) will host its “Carolina Concert Series” with local singer-songwriters on select dates on the weekends. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.482.1581 or trailborn.com/highlands. • Twisted Spoke Food & Tap (Maggie Valley) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.926.1730 / facebook.com/twistedspokerestaurant. • Ugly Dog Pub (Cashiers) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.743.3000 / theuglydogpub.com. • Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host “Bluegrass Music” with Nitrograss 6 p.m. Wednesdays, “Karaoke” 9:30 p.m. Fridays, “Music Bingo” 7 p.m. Sundays and semi-regular live music on
the weekends. 828.526.8364 / theuglydogpub.com. • Valley Cigar & Wine Company (Waynesville) will host Rich Manz Trio (acoustic/oldies) 5 p.m. Aug. 21, Chris Morel (singer-songwriter) 2 p.m. Aug. 23, Michael Dunham Band (country/bluegrass) 5 p.m. Aug. 28 and Raphael Graves Trio (Americana) 2 p.m. Aug. 30. Free and open to the public. 828.944.0686 / valleycigarandwineco.com. • Valley Tavern (Maggie Valley) will host “Trivia With Tom” Wednesdays, “Music Bingo” Saturdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows and events begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.926.7440 / valley-tavern.com. • Vineyard At High Holly (Scaly Mountain) will host “Jazz Jam: A Casual Evening Of Jazz & Wine” 6 p.m. Aug. 19, Zorki (singer-songwriter) 3 p.m. Aug. 21, Madison Owenby (singer-songwriter) 2 p.m. Aug. 23, Tim Austin (singersongwriter) 3 p.m. Aug. 28 and Jordan Denton (singer-songwriter) 2 p.m. Aug. 30. Free and open to the public. 828.482.5573 / thevineyardathighholly.com. • Western Carolina Brew & Wine (Highlands) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 1 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.342.6707 / wcbrewandwine.com. • Whiteside Brewing (Cashiers) will host Seth & Sara (Americana) Aug. 21, Wollybooger (blues/folk) Aug. 22, Shane (indie/soul) Aug. 28 and Shortoff Mountain Boys Aug. 29. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.743.6000 / whitesidebrewing.com. • Yonder Community Market (Franklin) will host “First Friday Classic Country: Jim Austin & Friends” (Americana/country) 6 p.m. each month (Sept. 4, Oct. 2) and the “On the Lawn at Yonder” live music series with Alexa Rose & Josh Oliver (Americana/folk) 4 p.m. Aug. 23 and Kyle Eldridge (Americana) Sept. 6. Admission by donation. Family/dog friendly. 828.200.2169 / eatrealfoodinc.com.
sat aturday ay ay
On the shelf
Jeff Minick
I
“No Contact” has a two-fold broad purpose. First, Mering seeks to understand, and bring that understanding to readers, the causes and driving forces behind this movement. Like so many other trends these days, for example, social media has played a crucial role in the spread of this epidemic, with some podcasters advocating for the good in
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Sweatin' to THE OLDIES
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breaking with one’s family and creating instead a “chosen family” consisting of likeminded friends. From her interviews with adult children who have taken this path, Mering concludes that this option rarely ends well, in large part because a family which chooses its members retains the right to “unchoose” them. And behind the ideology which brings this splintering of relationships Mering found deeper causes. “Countless small and large failures laid the groundwork,” like a lack of generosity and forgiveness, the “affliction of hyper-individualism,” the abuse of therapeutic ideas and language, the victimhood so prevalent today and the decline of the spiritual. “All of this has created a dry landscape of
fuel and tinder ripe for a wildfire.” As promised in her subtitle, Mering devotes a good portion of the book to remedies and healing for wounded relationships. For those still in a relationship and for those who see that no contact may be the next step for someone they love, she cautions against fighting ideology with ideology, a war which on a personal level produces only losers. Instead, she advises those in such situations to look for common ground outside of politics, religion, or some other cultural battle of the moment, to rediscover the good in that person and to affirm it, to ask questions, to seek understanding even while disagreeing, to look as honestly at ourselves as we wish others to do for themselves, to keep forgiveness and love always at hand. For those who are already estranged from a family member or friend, Mering’s final chapter of the book, “Carrying On Without Closure,” offers advice gleaned from others in this same boat. Keep the door open, Mering and those she interviewed say. Work out what you yourself might have done wrong, accept it, and forgive both the person who has initiated the break and yourself. Find people with whom you feel safe and comfortable talking, and share what has happened to you. People caught up in the same ordeal can often provide great support and counsel. Finally, Mering reminds all of us of the cost of going no contact, whether that means with a family member or an entire group of Americans: “If we can’t hold fast to one another in the face of disagreement, we risk losing not only our most intimate bonds but also the architecture that makes a free, humane, and just society possible.” (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.)
‘Of Water Never Ceasing’ Kristin Entler will discuss their new poetry collection, "Of Water Never Ceasing," with Andrew Mack at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. The collection explores life with chronic illness, treatment and survival, tracing how the body endures ongoing care and how daily life adapts to medical systems, fatigue and uncertainty. Entler, a writer and educator from Alabama now living in Western North Carolina, holds an MFA in poetry from the University of Arkansas and an MA in Creative Writing from UAB. Their work has appeared in The Bitter Southerner, Gulf Stream Literary Magazine, Porter House Review, BOOTH and elsewhere. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit citylightsnc.com or call 828.586.9499.
August 19-25, 2026
n the Introduction to her new book, “No Contact: How a Seductive Ideology Broke Families and Friendships and How We Can Repair Them” (Forum Books, September 8, 2026, 288 pages), cultural commentator, author and mother of six Noelle Mering writes, “If you are in the situation of having had to cut contact over an abusive relationship, this phenomenon and this book aren’t about you.” This phenomenon to which Mering refers is the no contact movement, which has stormed social media and our Writer culture over the last decade. In particular, she addresses the cultural divides that have torn apart families and friends. To “go no contact” occurs when someone takes offense at the political and religious beliefs of a loved one and ends the relationship. No more holiday get-togethers. No more emails, texts or talks on the phone. No more anything but a line drawn in the sand and silence. Also in the Introduction, Mering provides statistics from the American Psychiatric Association demonstrating just how widespread this polarization has become. One in five Americans now reports being estranged from another family member. A clash over the Covid closures and vaccines, angry debates about contentious elections, opposite takes on cultural landmines like abortion or transgenderism, these set off explosions that have separated parents from their adult children, siblings from siblings, friends from friends. In putting together “No Contact,” Mering heavily researched the topic, spoke with numerous counselors and experts in family life, and interviewed scores of people on both sides of the no contact canyon. Of these fractured families, Mering writes: “Adult children who go no-contact are left without a safety net when met with a crisis like a job loss, a health scare, or a difficult breakup …. On the other side, estranged parents and grandparents experience a perpetual heart ache they never anticipated, which some have described to me as living with a missing limb as they mourn the loss of relationship with their children and grandchildren.”
Kristin Entller
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Outdoors
Smoky Mountain News
In a quiet forest clearing, a wild hog stands alert between the trees, surveying its surroundings with wary curiosity. Bill Lea photo
snakes and salamanders to berries and bugs. “One hog can do a lot of damage,” said Lisa McInnis, the park’s chief of resource management and science. “Sometimes you’ll roll up on an area and say, ‘Holy cow, this must be a herd.’ But it might only be one or two pigs.” They are extremely prolific animals, with sows typically producing three to eight piglets per litter and reaching sexual maturity at six to ten months. Estimates indicate that if the park were to cease all hog control efforts, the population would nearly quadruple in just six years.
EFFECTIVE AT DESTRUCTION
Word from the Smokies BY HOLLY KAYS FOR SMOKIES LIFE
Managing invasive hogs is a never-ending job hen George Gordon Moore imported the first European wild boars to Graham County, North Carolina, in April 1912, neither he nor anyone else who would later attempt to hunt them fully understood how formidable a quarry these animals would prove to be. Moore kept his boars in a 500-acre splitrail enclosure built nine rails high — but even this impressive structure was insufficient to contain them. As adults, the boar stood about three feet at the shoulder and could weigh more than 400 pounds, wielding sharp tusks and armored with a thick layer of cartilage. The animals had little trouble rooting out of their enclosure when they so desired, though for the most part they seemed content with the easy living inside. By the early 1920s, the original herd of 13 had multiplied to include 60-100 animals. When Moore’s finances deteriorated, the property’s erstwhile caretaker Cotton McGuire took ownership. Not wealthy enough to maintain Hooper Bald as a game preserve, the Graham County native sold as many of the animals as he could. But there were plenty of pigs left, so McGuire invited his friends and their dogs up for a big boar hunt. The day didn’t go quite as planned. “Only two boar were killed, and at least a
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dozen dogs were killed, or severely maimed,” Perry Jones wrote in The European Wild Boar in North Carolina, a 1959 NC Wildlife Resources Commission booklet adapted from Jones’ 1957 master’s thesis. “Some of the hunters were forced to take refuge in trees to escape the charging beasts. Overly excited by the baying of dogs and shouts of hunters, the boar simply tore their way through the fence and escaped into the nearby mountains.”
LIKE MOWING THE GRASS The boars have been expanding their range ever since and have been throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park since
Large hog wallows along Mount Sterling Ridge Trail between Mount Sterling and Pretty Hollow Gap result in visible damage to both the trail and the forest floor. Troy Abbott/Flying Squirrel Outdoors photo
the 1970s. Now hybridized with more docile domestic swine, today’s wild boars are shy and skittish, being smaller and less aggressive than their European ancestors. Despite their prevalence in the park, most visitors never see one; injuries are rare and extremely minor when they do occur. But to the ecosystems they have colonized, hogs are detrimental. To stem the damage, resource managers must partake in a neverending yet seldom-discussed chore: hog hunting. “I kind of equate it to mowing the grass,” said Bill Stiver, a now-retired Smokies wildlife biologist who spent 32 years managing hogs and other wildlife species. “You’ve just got to keep after it and keep the population as low as you can.” Barnyard pigsties are muddy for a reason: hogs are hard on the land. A herd of pigs can root up swaths of woodland and delicate habitats like wetlands and spruce-fir forest in short order, feeding on everything from
Between 1977 and 2022, the park removed an average of 271 hogs every year. But when control efforts paused in 2024 while a new hog management plan was developed, park staff saw just how quickly they can multiply. Due to the increased population, park staff were able to kill 503 hogs in 2025 without increasing staffing or other resources. “The change in damage you could see on the landscape was really obvious from one year to the next,” said Joe Yarkovich, a wildlife biologist who has spent more than two decades working on hog control in the Smokies. “If we back off and stop doing hog control, I don’t know that there would be any ground left untouched by pigs in the Smokies within a few years.” Today, the park has four permanent wildlife employees whose duties include hog control, and for half the year, seasonal hires — anywhere from two to four in recent years — increase that workforce. Park partner Friends of the Smokies currently supports two of the permanent employees and all seasonal wildlife hires. Current modeling puts the Smokies population at 1,200 to 1,500 hogs, each one eating three to five percent of their total 100–200pound body weight every day. Acorns, an important food source for many animals in the Southern Appalachians, are a favorite meal. “The mountains are a tough place to make a living,” said retired wildlife biologist Kim Delozier, who began his 32-
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Drought improves for many, but not all The recent rainy trend continued in many parts of North Carolina last week, further improving drought conditions. However, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor report released on Thursday, parts of the state remain in severe to extreme drought, including some of the Smoky Mountain News coverage area. The latest map, which includes data from Aug. 4-11, still shows many areas experienc-
ing drought conditions. Portions of Macon, Jackson and Transylvania counties continue to be in extreme drought, the second worst category. Part of Columbus County in southeastern North Carolina also is categorized as in extreme drought. More information on what the classifications mean for water systems
outdoors
From ncdrought.org
and the public is available at ncdrought.org. To learn more, visit DEQ’s drought education page.
DEQ accepting air quality permit applications DEQ is modernizing North Carolina’s environmental permitting process by allowing businesses to submit Title V air quality permit applications electronically through the AccessDEQ portal. Major sources of air emissions can now upload required application materials directly to DEQ’s Division of Air Quality, reducing paperwork and streamlining the review process. A
user guide is available on the portal. DEQ plans to expand electronic submissions later this year to non-Title V permits, including small and synthetic minor applications. The new option is available to businesses in the 97 counties regulated by the Division of Air Quality; Buncombe, Forsyth and Mecklenburg counties operate local air quality programs.
August 19-25, 2026 Smoky Mountain News
staff tasked with addressing the hog problem were hired in 1977. When Delozier came on board in 1978, there were no best practices or established protocols to follow. The park service was “stretching” to find a solution to its hog problem, and control methods were “pretty primitive,” he recalled. A more comprehensive hog control program emerged in the mid-’80s. During this time, the park’s institutional knowledge grew, trapping methods became more sophisticated and funding became available for purchases such as the boats the park service used to access hog havens bordering Fontana Lake. Improvements have continued in recent decades. Most new trap designs focus on VOLVING CONTROL MEASURES removing an entire family group — called a sounder — at once, and come equipped Resource managers didn’t always view with a camera system that notifies hog conwild hogs as a scourge. Though the federal trol team members once the pigs are government initially planned to extermitrapped. Wild hogs are quite intelligent, so if one member of the group gets trapped, the rest are unlikely to fall for the same trick, and their prolific nature means that taking out one at a time doesn’t do much to slow population growth. “If you want to make a real impact, you have to remove an entire sounder,” Yarkovich said. Due to the potential of spreading the multiple diseases wild hogs are known to carry and the resulting state laws against transporting hog carcasses, euthanized hogs are typically left in place, providing food to a menagerie of native wildlife such as black bears and vultures. The park is also working to exclude hogs from places that are especially vulnerable to their damage, deploying electric fencing to certain wetlands and cemeteries. However, fencing is not a viable solution for the entire park, whose boundary measures about 287 miles. Hog-proofing the whole perimeter would be incredibly expensive and time-consuming — especially considering how easily Hooper’s hogs were able to escape their formidable split-rail enclosure in Graham County. “Once you have wild hogs, you’re Pictured in the St. Louis Post Dispatch on June 27, stuck with them,” Yarkovich said, 1915, George Gordon Moore was responsible for “and you’re going to be dealing with importing the European wild boar from which today’s damages.” An expanded version of this hogs in the Smokies are descended. Image in public domain, courtesy of Newspapers.com. story was originally published in the spring 2026 issue of Smokies Life Journal, a twice-yearly magazine that is the nate the escaped herd “as a menace to pubprimary benefit of joining Smokies Life. To lic safety . . . sportsmen protested so vigorread more stories like this while supporting ously that it was finally decided to extend it Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the same protection given other game,” visit SmokiesLife.org/Membership and Jones wrote. North Carolina and Tennessee become a Park Keeper. both continued to protect wild hogs as a big (Holly Kays is the lead writer for the 29,000game species; 2011 was the turning point, member Smokies Life, a nonprofit dedicated to when both states launched efforts to eradisupporting the scientific, historical and intercate them. pretive activities of Great Smoky Mountains However, the national park is managed National Park by providing educational prodby the federal government, which sets its ucts and services such as this column. Learn own policy, and it has been treating the more at smokieslife.org, or reach the author at hogs as undesirable invasives since removhollyk@smokieslife.org.) ing the first one in 1959. The first wildlife
year career at the park as a boar hunter in 1978, “and when you take that much food out of it, you’re going to have less bears, less deer, less turkey, less species that depend on it as well.” Hogs can also exert a heavy toll on cemeteries, as well as archeological artifacts, which in the Smokies are typically buried close to the surface. They also complicate maintenance when they tear up the park’s rare grassy, open areas. “There are a lot of invasive species in the Smokies, but this one is just so effective at destruction that I would put them at the top,” McInnis said.
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The Joyful Botanist BY ADAM BIGELOW
Cheers to the angels on the mountaintops
useful and edible as food and medicine. The seeds have an anise-like flavor and can help settle your stomach like chewing on fennel seeds. Again, you need to be very careful to make sure your identification of carrot famany people say they see angels when ily species before consuming them. This is walking the mountains. Maybe not a good plant family for beginning forthey’re spirits of the hills or spiritual agers or wildcrafters. beings of light bringing messages and warnPeople are not the only foragers who ings of omens both ill and good. Or maybe visit the filmy angelica on the mountains. they saw an overabundance of bees, beetles The nectar of Angelica triquinata is highly and butterflies dancing not on the head of a sought out by bumblebees and other larger pin, but on the flowerhead of the filmy native bees. When the plant is blooming, its angelica (Angelica triquinata). umbel arrangement of clusters of tiny paleA member of the carrot family of plants green, whitish and sometimes pinkish flow(Apiaceae), this large and showy species ers attract bees like a honky-tonk on a Saturday night. The nectar of filmy angelica is actually an intoxicant to the bees and possibly the other pollinating insects who drink it. When blooming, the large flowerheads fill with native bees cavorting and carousing. These bees will drink their fill and get stumbly drunk on the nectar, often choosing wisely to spend the night on the flower instead of flying home and The ripening seeds of filmy risking a FWI (Flying angelica have a beautiful and While Intoxicated). intricate architecture. Sometimes they’ll even pass out and fall off the Adam Bigelow photo flower, laying at its base in a drunken stupor. I’m not here to judge — I mean, we’ve all got that only grows in the higher elevations of the uncle, right? These drunk bees will wake southern and central Appalachian and fly right back to the bar and begin Mountains and is therefore referred to as an drinking again. It’s a wonder they ever find Appalachian endemic plant. The word their way home. endemic means “found in a relatively small These dive bar-esque flowers develop or limited geographic area.” into one of the most beautiful displays of The carrot family is among the largest seedheads once pollinated. Growing larger and most studied plant families, with memby the day as they ripen, the seedheads have bers that are edible and delicious like caran intricate architecture. Individual seeds rots found in stores (Daucus carota subs. are striped with two lateral wings on either sativa): Queen-Anne’s lace (Daucus carota) side that can help them float away from the which is actually the wild parent of cultivatparent plant once viable. I have so many ed carrots: and many kitchen herbs like photos of the different developing stages of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and fennel seed ripening that it made choosing one for (Foeniculum vulgare). this article difficult. The carrot family also contains toxic and I encourage you to get up in elevation, poisonous plants as well, from the photomaybe along the Blue Ridge Parkway, as reactive sap of members like cow-parsnip this summer wanes into fall, and look for that can raise painful blisters on your skin, the large leaves, flowers and seedheads of to water hemlock, the most poisonous plant filmy angelica. But don’t be like the bees — in North America, that if consumed, can stay sober while searching. Those roads are rapidly shut your liver down. Foragers of windy and treacherous. Even your guardian wild carrot and other carrot family plants angels might have a hard time keeping up have to be careful and make doubly or with you. triply sure of their identification by check(The Joyful Botanist leads weekly wildflower ing plants in the field and at home before walks most Fridays and offers consultations preparing into food or medicine. and private group tours through Bigelow’s The filmy angelica of the mountaintops Botanical Excursions. bigelownc@gmail.com.) is a beautiful and interesting wildflower
outdoors
M
Ingles Nutrition Notes N written by Ingles Dietitian Leah McGrath M
THE COLOR OF SALMON D you ever wonder Do d about b t the th color l off salmon? l ? Why some salmon may be really dark orange, and some may ay be lighter and perhaps more of a pink hue? That’s due to a pigment called astaxanthin which is a carotenoid (the vitamin A family). Salmon need this pigment - it is like an essential vitamin for them — and it PZ ULJLZZHY` Y` MVY [OL OLHS[O VM [OL ÄZO PU ]HYPV\Z ^H`Z
August 19-25, 2026
Wild caught salmon can get this pigment when they eat micr croalgae and ZVTL ZTHSSLY ÄZO RYPSS -HYTLK ZHSTVU ^V\SK ULLK [V IL ML LK MVVKZ [OH[ JVU[HPU HZ[H_HU[OPU [V THRL Z\YL [OL` NL[ P[ PU [OLPY KPL[ -VYY MHYTLK ÄZO it may still come from microalgae or krill that is fed to them, or it may be a form of the pigment that is manufactured and added to their feed which is usually in a pellet form. This is why you don’t see gray salmon - whether it is wild caught or farmed · [OPZ ^V\SK PUKPJH[L HU \UOLHS[O` ÄZO -VY TVYL VU [OPZ ZLL! ;OL JVSV\Y VM MHYTLK ZHSTVU JVTLZ MYVT HKKPUN HU HU[PV_PKHU[ [V [OLPY MLLK ^P[O ILULÄ[Z MVY L]LY` Y`VUL +HS 5L^Z +HSOV\ZPL University — https://www.dal.ca/news/2023/03/21/farmed-salmoncolour-healthy-antioxidant.html
Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN Ingles Market Corporate Dietitian
Leah McGrath - Dietitian
Smoky Mountain News
Ingles Markets… caring about your health
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Puzzles can be found on page 30 These are only the answers.
Haywood Cub Scout pack hosts meet and greet, family fun fest
Attend the Wildlife Tracking Webinar Branch Out event on Aug. 24 and learn to identify wildlife tracks and discover what information can be gathered from the traces left behind. Smokies life photo
Smokies Life hosts tracking webinar and ‘hawk watch’ Foothills Parkway West Overlook 6, Tallassee, Tennessee. The cost for Branch Out events for Park Keepers is $45. To join and attend the cost is $85 (Park Keeper basic membership $40 and event registration $45). Participation fees are essential in helping to cover the costs associated with planning and hosting. All additional revenue supports the projects and services of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For more information and additional events, see smokieslife.org/branch-out-events or email membership@smokieslife.org.
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest recognized for beauty and biodiversity Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest was nationally recognized for its rarity, beauty and biodiversity by being formally inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network as the 350th forest during a ceremony at the trailhead on July 31, 2026. The network’s goal is to identify and ensure the preservation and recognition of at least one forest in every forested county in the United States, creating a roadmap of family-friendly hikes that showcase the beauty, complexity and diversity of our nation's oldest forests. Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is known as a gem of old-growth in the East, and recognized by many publications for its extensive history as a protected area that was spared from logging. The forest is now characterized by large tulip poplars, cucumber magnolias and basswoods, with birch and silverbell in the understory. A full list and map of OGFN forests may be viewed at oldgrowthforest.net.
CLEAR THE CLUTTTER!
It’s the perfe ect time to freshen up your y space.
Birding in Franklin
The Franklin Bird Club leads walks along the greenway on Wednesday mornings at 8 a.m. through September. Walks start at alternating locations: Macon County Public Library, Big Bear Park and Salali Lane. Walks are about two and a half hours. The public is welcome. All walks are weather dependent. Schedule for upcoming walks: • Aug. 26, meet at Big Bear parking lot near the dog park area. • Sept. 2, meet at the Salali Lane parking lot. • Sept. 9, meet at the Macon County Library parking lot. A full schedule and directions to each starting location can be found at facebook.com/groups/franklinbirdclub/ or littletennessee.org/franklin-bird-club.
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation recently welcomed Kristina Ramsey as director of engagement & external affairs for the nonprofit and Kimberly Petersen as the project coordinator for its Blue Ridge Rising program. Ramsey will lead outreach and collaboration efforts in Virginia to build relationships with community leaders, elected officials, partners, donors and supporters while expanding awareness of the organization’s mission and impact. A native of Buena Vista, Ramsey has spent a lifetime exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding mountains, where she developed a great
10X 10 = $85 5 (CANTON LOCAATTION) 828.506.4112 1
Smoky Mountain News
Parkway Foundation announces new staff
appreciation for the outdoors and the region’s communities. Petersen will help shape and advance innovative strategies that connect Parkway visitors with neighboring communities, expand economic opportunities, support local businesses and foster sustainable growth in the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. A resident of Bedford, Va., Petersen built a career in regional tourism, strategic marketing, and administrative leadership before joining the Foundation. Most recently, she served as executive assistant/chief of staff for the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission after more than a decade working in regional travel marketing. She also holds an Associate Project Manager certification from the Project Management Institute.
August 19-25, 2026
Smokies Life continues its 2026 Branch Out events over the next few weeks with opportunities to find out about wildlife tracking and hawks. Looking to learn more about the Smokies with an online session from home? The Wildlife Tracking Webinar from 6-8 p.m. on Aug. 24 teaches participants to identify animal tracks and uncover the stories they tell. Seasoned birdwatchers and casual bird enthusiasts alike can witness the spectacle of fall migration during Look Rock Hawk Watch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 17 at
Learn about Scouting America and the people starting a new Cub Scout Pack at a meet and greet 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, at Bethel Rural Community Organization at 664 Sonoma Roa, next to Bethel Middle School. Cub Scouts is for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. The existing pack meets at Long’s Chapel on Mondays and the new pack will meet on Thursdays. “As a member of the Council, we are making a commitment to the youth of Haywood County to provide opportunities that will benefit each Scout and their community. Scouting is a great foundation to teach our youth to be
responsible adults with leadership capabilities,” said Daniel Boone Council Executive Board Member Mike McLean. For more information about Pack 312, contact Blair Tormey at blairtormey@yahoo.com or Mike McLean at memclean@aol.com. The free second-annual Family Fun Fest will be open for the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, at Tanger Outlets in Asheville, in the side parking lot near Sportsman’s Warehouse. Gateways and booths will teach a skill or show memorabilia to pique kids’ interest. Experience a variety of activities like a regatta, pinewood derby races, a booth to shoot BB guns, monkey ropes to climb, a pool to paddle a canoe and even a chance to make a rope or build a campfire. Learn more on facebook.com/danielboonecouncil.
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Cantoon & Wayneesville
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF HAYWOOD IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 26SP000124-430
In the Matter of the Foreclosure of a Commercial Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing from Ashkenazic Investments LLC, a North Carolina limited liability company executed August 4, 2023, and recorded August 7, 2023, in Book 1091, Page 2251, HAYWOOD COUNTY REGISTRY AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Pursuant to an order entered July 21, 2026, in the Superior Court for Haywood County, and the power of sale contained in the captioned Deed of Trust (the “Deed of Trust”), the Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at auction (the “Sale”), to the highest bidder for cash on: August 27, 2026 AT 12:30 PM Haywood COUNTY COURTHOUSE 285 N. Main Street Waynesville, NC 28786 828-454-6501 the real estate and the improvements thereon secured by the Deed of Trust, less and except any of such property released from the lien of the
Deed of Trust prior to the date of said sale, lying and being in Haywood County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows (the “Property”): BEGINNING on a stake in the center of Chambers Mountain Road, said stake being over a culvert; and runs thence with branch served by culvert and with Milburn Brown’s line two calls as follows: N. 8° E. 84 feet to a stake; N. 1° W. 105 feet to a stake; thence leaving said branch continuing ZLWK %URZQ¶V OLQH ¿YH calls as follows: N. 43° 10’ E. 166 feet to a stake; N. 15° W. 82.5 feet to a stake; N. 2° W. 51.5 feet to a locust; N. 6° 45’ E. 87 feet to a stake; N. 40° 30’ E. 47 feet to an iron post in old road; thence N. 28° E. 109 feet to a stake; N. 49° E. 51.5 feet to a poplar; thence N. 64° 30’ E. 118 feet to a stake in the center of Chambers Mountain Road; thence with the center of said road seven calls as follows: S. 8° 30’ E. 100 feet to a stake; S. 2° W. 175 feet to a stake; S. 11° W. 100 feet to a stake; S. 22° 32’ W. 100 feet to a stake; S. 34° 58’ W. 100 to a staked; S. 43° 20’ W. 100 feet to a stake; S. 53° W. 205 feet to the BEGINNING, as per survey and plat of Watt Justice, R.L.S. made April 1953. BACK REFERENCE: Book RB 1041, Page 637; Book RB 1038, Page 1705; Book RB 1021, Page 2258; and Book 232, Page 380, all of Haywood County Registry. The record owner(s) of the Property not more
August 19-25, 2026
than ten (10) days prior to the date hereof are Ashkenazic Investments LLC. Parcel ID: 8637761435 Address: 102 Ransom Road, Clyde, NC 28721 Unless delayed by other sales held at the same place, the sale will be KHOG DW WKH ¿[HG WLPH or as soon thereafter as practicable, but not later than 3 hours after the WLPH ¿[HG DV SURYLGHG LQ Section 45-21.23 of the North Carolina General Statutes. $ ¿YH SHUFHQW FDVK deposit, or a cash deposit of $750.00, whichever is greater, will be required of the last and highest bidder. The balance of the bid purchase price shall be due in full in cash or FHUWL¿HG IXQGV DW D FORVLQJ to take place within thirty (30) days of the date of sale. The Substitute Trustee shall convey title to the property by non warranty deed. This sale will be made subject to all prior liens of record, if any, and to all unpaid (ad valorem) taxes and special assessments, if any, which became a lien subsequent to the recordation of the Deed of Trust. This sale will be further subject to the right, if any, of the United States of America to redeem the above-described property for a period of 120 days following the date when WKH ¿QDO XSVHW ELG SHULRG has run. The purchaser of the property described above shall pay the Clerk’s Commissions in the amount of $.45 per $100.00 of the purchase price (up to a maximum
amount of $500.00), required by Section 7A-308(a)(1) of the North Carolina General Statutes. If the purchaser of the above-described property is someone RWKHU WKDQ WKH %HQH¿FLDU\ under the Deed of Trust, the purchaser shall also pay, to the extent applicable, the land transfer tax in the amount of one percent (1%) of the purchase price. To the extent this sale involves residential propHUW\ ZLWK OHVV WKDQ ¿IWHHQ (15) rental units, you are KHUHE\ QRWL¿HG RI WKH following: (a) An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to Section 45-21.29 of the North Carolina General Statutes in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold; and (b) Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days’ written notice to the landlord. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. The 24 th day of July, 2026. /s/ John W. Fletcher, III John W. Fletcher, III, Substitute Trustee (NCSB No. 15503) Fletcher, Tydings,
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Williams-Tracy & Gott, PLLC 100 Queens Road, Suite 250, Charlotte, North Carolina 28204 MÀHWFKHU# ÀHWFKHUW\GLQJV FRP
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION Case No.26E000454-430 Cathy L Hodge, having TXDOL¿HG DV WKH ([HFXWRU of the Estate of Delano Dee Buchanan of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before Nov 12 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment. Executor 931 Ridgeview Dr Mt. Lookout, WV 26678
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION Case No.25E000686-430 Sandra Brown Cheek, KDYLQJ TXDOL¿HG DV the Administrator of the Estate of David Jonathan Cheek of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before Nov 05 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment. Administrator PO Box 886 Clyde NC 28721
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION Case No.26E000358-430 Casey Merrell, having TXDOL¿HG DV WKH Administrator of the Estate of Susan Marie Merrell of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before Nov 05 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment. Administrator 210 Patton Mountain Rd. Apt B Asheville, NC 28804
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION Case No.26E000385-430 Penny Rains, having TXDOL¿HG DV WKH Administrator of the Estate of BILLIE JAUDON of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before Nov 19 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment. Penny Rains, Administrator c/o Attorney Brittany Porter, NextGen Estate Solutions 101 Glen Lennox Drive, Suite 300 Chapel Hill, NC 27517
I Can Help Make Your Dreams Come True!
Lyndia Massey Broker/Realtor
Over 19 Years of Experience
828.400.0282 BuyFromLyndia@yahoo.com
MARKET SQUARE, 3457 SOCO ROAD • MAGGIE VALLEY
Margaret Cogdill Residential Broker margaret.cogdill@howardhannatate.com
(828) 269-3726
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION Case No.26E000448-430 Edmond J. Kunmann, KDYLQJ TXDOL¿HG DV WKH Ancillary Executor of the Estate of Esther B. Dance of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before Nov 19 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment. Seay Law Firm, PLLC 519 Market St. Wilmington, NC 28401
GREAT SMOKIES REALTY 38 North Main Street Waynesville
WNCHOMETEAM.COM (828) 734-3436
Announcements GIANT YARD SALE SAVE THE DATE! Sat August 22, 2026 from 7 AM-1 PM at Maggie Valley UMC, 4192 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, NC. Items include furniture, tools, clothing, toys, books, kitchen ware, home decor, and much more! Donuts and hotdogs for sale too. We look forward to seeing you there! WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS-IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Call today for your fair cash offer: 1-919-9256362.
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Hayw y ood Co. Real Estate Agents
THE #1 NAME IN HAYWOOD CO. REAL ESTATE!
RON BREESE
Broker/Realtor®
400.9029
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LANDEN K. STEVENSON
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734.3436
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landen@wnchometeam.com melissa@ronbreese.com
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SFR, ECO, GREEN
828.506.7137 Amy@IJBproperties.com 18 S Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801 August 19-25, 2026
TO ADV AD DV VE ERT RTISE
IN THE NEX XT T ISSUE
828.452.4 4251 ads@smokyymounttainneew ws.com WNC MarketPlace
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"OH, GO ON!" ACROSS 1 Classic candy with a white, gooey center 9 "Don't -- step further!" 12 Subj. for U.S. citizensto-be 15 What food is in a food fight 19 First-aid plant 20 Cyber-address 21 More lethal 23 Musical ensemble that likes taunting its audiences? 25 Brainstorming question 26 IRS form info 27 War horses 28 Identify the star of "The Godfather"? 30 Taint 31 Peripheral 33 Pistol, in slang 34 Speed of corporate employees? 39 Alexis I, e.g. 41 Move a little 45 Think ahead 46 Whale locale 47 Two-ply cotton twill fabric? 50 Outfielder Judge 52 French for "weapon" 55 -- -la-la 56 Sacred vows 57 Horse with color patches on one-fourth of its body? 60 Great delight 63 German conjunction 64 -- polloi 65 Ike's inits. 66 Yasser of Palestine 67 Popular crafts website 69 Publicity video made by 12th graders? 72 "Chiquitita" pop group
76 Pupils' places 78 Galloped 79 Daiquiri liquor 81 Lil Durk or Lil Jon's music 82 Brief, tight shorts 85 Marx brother with extreme views? 88 Mammal with striped legs 89 -- Paulo 91 Apple core bit 92 Olympic prize 93 Beatles drummer participating in a bout? 97 Tell tall tales 99 Big shopping center 100 "-- From Muskogee" 101 "Puffball" director Nicolas 102 Stringed instrument played by people in jail? 106 Water, in Vichy 107 -- salts (bath supply) 109 Pewter metal 110 Moola earned by singer Jones? 115 Adds to a film, as music 118 Response to "Are you?" 121 Boa of South America 122 Small dance club? 125 Some chewy candies 126 RV hookup org. 127 Countertenor 128 Linear, briefly 129 Colorant 130 Many an heir 131 Most strict DOWN 1 Antislip items 2 Bar brews 3 Bank offering 4 The, in Caen 5 Egg capsule
6 Middles, in London 7 Compulsion 8 Speed 9 Gets clogged with icky stuff 10 Celestial ball 11 Without help 12 Certain Dutch cheese 13 Dakar's land 14 Uncover 15 "Paper Lion" star Alan 16 Outward appearance 17 Honey wine 18 Roughly 22 Inside dope 24 Former Laker Lamar 29 Pianist Schnabel 30 Small-time 32 Beatrix Potter's "The Tale of Mr. --" 34 Not reflecting light 35 Display boldly 36 Units of capacitance 37 Most weepy 38 Sheriff Wyatt 40 Fast-food pizza chain 41 California mountain 42 A Jackson 5 brother 43 With a sharp image, briefly 44 Pinkish-red 48 Prefix with laryngology 49 Club in a Barry Manilow hit, for short 51 -- degree 53 Longish skirts 54 Prefix with skeleton or spore 58 Lab slide dye 59 On -- firma 61 Hobby with call letters 62 Into a state of conflict
66 Golfer Palmer, informally 68 Rebel like Abbie Hoffman or Jerry Rubin 70 Moniker of a loch monster 71 Paw parts 73 Of a wedding woman 74 Lauren of "The Fan" 75 Delphi deity 77 Parade ruiner 80 Roman 1,900 82 Drifting sort 83 "Enough, I get it!" 84 Cabbie's car 85 Hitter Maris, for short 86 Toon pics 87 Macho sorts 90 Make furious 94 Fine- -- wood 95 In the form of a circle 96 Photo -98 Authorize 103 Dennis of hoops fame 104 "It's my turn" 105 Remnant of a burned coal 106 Kingdom given to Esau 108 Some skin scars 110 Mexican treat 111 -- even keel 112 Filly's mother 113 Jack fish 114 Simplify 116 Comic thuds 117 "Shoo!" 118 Oahu, e.g. 119 Deeds 120 Irrelevant 123 Tic-tac-toe victory 124 Swimmer Thorpe
ANSWERS ON PAGE 26
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Employment HIRING FOR EVENT STAFF. Axis Event Services is hiring part-time event staff to work at the WCU football games as well as other regional events. Areas of operation include parking staff, stadium staff and ticket takers. Competitive pay, no experience necessary, with multiple shifts available that can be adjusted to your schedule. Opportunities to work concerts, regional sporting events, and NASCAR are also available. To apply or for more information, contact bill@axissecurityinc.com (828) 421-7452
Miscellaneous
WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get
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August 19-25, 2026
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Wanted to Buy
WE BUY VINTAGE GUITARS! Looking for 19201980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D’Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. These brands only! Call for a quote: 1-877-590-0187
Yard Sales GIANT YARD SALE SAVE THE DATE! Sat August 22, 2026 from 7 AM-1 PM at Maggie Valley UMC, 4192 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, NC. Items include furniture, tools, clothing, toys, books, kitchen ware, home decor, and much more! Donuts and hotdogs for sale too. We look forward to seeing you there!
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August 19-25, 2026
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Smoky Mountain News August 19-25, 2026