Haywood County’s newest outdoor recreation amenity isn’t even open to the public yet, and already it has drawn a world-class competition that should serve as an economic boon for the area. The new pump track is slated to be complete and ready for use by June, and in September it will host the Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championships Qualifier, which should both boost local businesses and give residents a chance to enjoy a good show. (Page 24) Fiasco Media photo
Some say new academic freedom policy an attempt at censorship....................6
New Jackson library director avoids book policy controversy................................8
National Democrats make serious play in Western North Carolina..................10 WCU economist finds $144 million ROI on local Medicaid, SNAP funding ......11
Straining for stabilization, Jackson weighs next budget ........................................12 Maggie Valley budget workshop balances growth, recovery..............................13
Opinion
It’s out there, you just gotta look ..................................................................................14 Feds don’t need voting data ..........................................................................................14
A&E
Ramblin’ woman: A conversation with Kelsey Waldon..........................................16
Pigeon Center to host ‘Soul Food Dinner’................................................................22
Outdoors
NCDA&CS expects to spray for spongy moths in seven counties....................26 Haywood to offer beginner beekeeping class..........................................................27
ADVERTISING D IRECTOR: Greg Boothroyd.
ART D IRECTOR: Micah McClure. . .
D ESIGN & PRODUCTION: Jack Snyder.
D IGITAL MARKETING S PECIALIST Tyler Auffhammer. .
ADVERTISING SALES: Amanda Bradley.
Maddie Woodard. .
C LASSIFIEDS: Jamie Cogdill. .
N EWS E DITOR: Kyle Perrotti.
WRITING: Lily Levin. .
Cory Vaillancourt.
Garret K. Woodward. .
ACCOUNTING & O FFICE MANAGER: Jamie Cogdill. . .
greg@smokymountainnews.com
micah@smokymountainnews.com
jack.s@smokymountainnews.com
tyler.a@mtnsouthmedia.com
amanda.b@smokymountainnews.com
maddie.w@smokymountainnews.com
classads@smokymountainnews.com
kyle.p@smokymountainnews.com
lily.l@smokymountainnews.com
cory@smokymountainnews.com
garret@smokymountainnews.com
smnbooks@smokymountainnews.com
C ONTRIBUTING: Jeff Minick (writing), Susanna Shetley (writing), Adam Bigelow (writing), Thomas Crowe (writing)
I NFO & B ILLING | P.O. Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786
Copyright 2026 by The Smoky Mountain News.™ Advertising copyright 2026 by The Smoky Mountain News.™ All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Smoky Mountain News is available for free in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain and parts of Buncombe counties. Limit one copy per person. Additional copies may be purchased for $1, payable at the Smoky Mountain News office in advance. No person may, without prior written permission of The Smoky Mountain News, take more than one copy of each issue.
For months, Jackson County commissioners have been making material decisions to advance a costly and widely criticized plan to pull its two libraries from the Fontana Regional Library system. Nonetheless, in 2025, the Jackson board proposed three amendments which, contingent on passage by fellow FRL-member counties Macon and Swain, might convince commissioners to change their course.
The first mandated a commissioner from each county to act as one of its three board representatives. The second opted for a separate regional director and county librarian as opposed to the current model that allowed for a dual position. The final amendment stated that after audit completion and calculations of payables, any surplus funding beyond operational costs would be reallocated to the counties.
While Swain County passed all three amendments, Macon commissioners approved two, and the FRL board only accepted one. This prompted the bodies to negotiate the changes, and repurposed amendments were brought to the Swain board Feb. 17.
According to County Manager Lottie Barker, Macon took issue with the requirement that three total commissioners sit at the table of the FRL board — because it was a redundant measure.
individuals, cannot profitably and happily exist in isolation … where common problems exist, cooperation is necessary.”
Vice Chair Tanner Lawson said he supports the amendments so long as Jackson County truly reverses its actions; otherwise the board will be stuck with “trying to figure out how to fund our library.”
FRL trustee Cynthia Womble rose to the podium to clarify some of the issues.
“Jackson County, to date, all indications are that they are pulling out, that they do not have the votes on their board … at their last meeting, they did appropriate another $350,000 towards purchasing the equipment they need in order to operate their libraries on their own,” she said, adding that the board must have a decision by the end of June and before the next fiscal year.
going to have to pay more to get the same services,” Womble added, estimating increased annual costs to range anywhere from $15,000 to $150,000.
That’s nothing compared to the expense that’ll be incurred by Jackson for operating its own library system, which Womble put at somewhere between $350,000 and half-amillion dollars and some have estimated the figure to be significantly higher. Though she admitted that even were Swain County to pull its sole library from FRL — Marianna Black in Bryson City — the decision wouldn’t be as expensive, affecting fewer employees and only a single location.
Some Swain commissioners seemed confused as to why their neighboring county would leave FRL, despite NCACC partnership recommendations and continuous cov-
pened there, that were not sponsored by the library, were not funded by the library. It was just somebody having a family reunion. But it happened to be something they didn’t agree with,” Womble said.
In August 2025, the annual Mx. Sylva Belle Pageant was subject to the group’s ire when about 20 people showed up to protest the private, ticketed event, despite its compliance with library policy. The protestors were met by a crowd of more than 120 pageant supporters facilitating a “read-in” on the lawn, SMN reported.
“The folks who come and speak at the FRL meetings are very adamant that they’re not in favor of banning books. They just want them removed from the library. As a library board member, I don’t know what the difference is between telling me that book shouldn’t be in the library and banning a book,” Womble said of the second line of reasoning, adding that Jackson commissioners want to have full control over the county’s libraries without compromise.
None of those challenged books have been removed from FRL, mainly because the system has always followed a specific and comprehensive protocol for reviewing such materials. Additionally, according to Womble, FRL doesn’t have the resources — nor an attorney — to fight a First Amendment lawsuit, which Jackson County could very well face in the future.
Lawson had a more relevant concern — what if Macon County follows suit?
“[Macon] said, as the board, you could appoint one of yourselves onto the board if you wanted to be on there. So they didn’t feel that that one was actually a needed change,” Barker said.
The second item, meanwhile, had been upheld unanimously. The third was altered so that reimbursement was not dependent on audits and payables but instead consisted of any end-of-term funding surpassing 25% of the budget for that fiscal year, she said. Barker emphasized that these amendments were not major departures from Jackson’s original three, which Swain commissioners had already passed. While they still expressed concern, that had much less to do with the proposed legislation than it did Jackson County’s uncertain plans.
The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners encourages intercounty agreements and dialogue — especially concerning shared issues — among commissioners. The first article of the NCACC constitution even reads that “Counties, like
“The folks who come and speak at the FRL meetings are very adamant that they’re not in favor of banning books. They just want them removed from the library. As a library board member, I don’t know what the difference is between telling me that book shouldn’t be in the library and banning a book.”
— Cynthia Womble, FRL trustee
“I know there’s not been any talk of this, but I just want to make sure there is no thought that Macon would do this thing next year of pulling out,” he said, further underscoring the lack of inter-county communication among commissioners.
Womble replied that she’s gotten anonymous and “not very nice” emails from known Macon County residents that match emails sent to FRL (SMN reporters also received a similar email). She speculated that some Swain commissioners may have received similar messages — raising the possibility of Macon also leaving the system.
If Jackson County chooses to leave, employment contracts of all staff it two libraries will be terminated — there’s no space for them in other Macon or Swain branches of FRL.
“But June 30 is after you have to pass your budget. So, you know that the problem is that you don’t know if they’re going to pull out or not. And obviously, sharing the overhead among four libraries instead of six libraries, two counties instead of three counties, is going to mean that Swain County is
erage by the Sylva Herald and The Smoky Mountain News.
“What was their motive for pulling out?” asked commissioner David Loftis.
Womble said the decision had to do with ideological disagreement with library LGBTQ+ content — both in programs and literature. For example, the library, as a public space, must be available to anyone who pays the rental fee.
Jackson County, however, was “not happy with some of the programs that hap-
At that point, fellow Swain FRL board member Tony Monnat noted that after all, Macon County commissioners were first to consider what later passed in Jackson.
“It was three, four years ago, Macon County Board of Commissioners did vote to stay in [the FRL system], but it was — that vote came up because of the same group of people, who tried to get that commission to remove themselves to the library. They lost the vote,” he said.
At the time, Macon County thought withdrawing from FRL would place too high a burden on taxpayers.
Swain County commissioners, hearing comment from FRL Trustee Cynthia Womble here, approved all three of the proposed amendments to the Fontana Regional Library interlocal agreement. From YouTube
Man pleads guilty to leaving used needles in local park
A Graham County man recently pleaded guilty to felony littering of hazardous waste for throwing used needles on the ground in a local park, District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch announced.
Jeffery Charles Heid, 53, of Robbinsville, also pleaded guilty to assault on a law enforcement officer and communicating threats.
On March 9, 2025, Heid rifled through a sharps-disposal container, a plastic sealed box intended for safe disposal of used medical supplies.
Caught on video, he appeared to be searching for used needles that might still contain controlled substances or pharmaceuticals.
Superior Court Judge J. Thomas Davis sentenced Heid to serve a minimum of nine months and a maximum of 20 months active in state prison for the felony littering.
On Feb. 17, 2022, Heid assaulted a detention officer. He received an additional 120 days active prison time.
On Feb. 4, 2024, he threatened to kill another Graham County resident. He received a suspended sentence of 120 days; additionally, he must serve 18 months of supervised probation after serving his active prison sentences.
Jeffery Charles Heid. File photo
Graham County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. David Moore handled the investigation. Assistant district attorneys Jessica Huskey and Paige Gilliland prosecuted the case.
Swain County has two libraries that fall under the FRL umbrella, including the Marianna Black Library. File photo
The group was undeterred — and its proposal was eventually accepted by commissioners in Jackson. But if that county pulls out by the end of June, Macon may have greater incentive to do so as well.
“[Macon commissioners] don’t get much from us with our one library in Swain County by being joined with us. I mean, there’s not a whole lot of benefit and not a whole lot of savings that’s going to be gained by that. We benefit more than they do,” Womble said.
However, all renovations to the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City have been financed by the county, so as far as that major project, it’s business as usual.
Womble also told commissioners that in the future, maybe they’ll want to cut to the chase themselves: pursue the more costly option and disaffiliate from FRL.
“I suspect the Macon County Commissioners are asking that same question: ‘Is Swain thinking about pulling out?’ And the answer is, ‘Well, you got to look at all your options.’ But have you decided now? No, you can’t decide. We don’t even know what Jackson’s going to do right now,” she said.
“Do you think if we pass this, it would help? When it comes up to Macon, they would know that we’re in?” Chair Jay Kirkland asked Barker.
“Yeah, maybe. I don’t know. I think it’s just whatever their mindset is,” she responded.
If intending to leave the system, Macon commissioners, like Jackson, would have to give one year’s notice.
In the end, the amendments passed 4-1, with all in favor but Loftis.
Some say new UNC BOG academic freedom policy an attempt at censorship
BY LILY LEVIN STAFF WRITER
The University of North Carolina Board of Governors is expected to vote on a new academic freedom policy at its Feb. 26 meeting — though to many UNCsystem professors, the proposed changes do little to encourage academic freedom and instead risk suppressing it.
Vincent Russell, assistant professor in Western Carolina University’s Department of Communication and president of the WCU chapter of the American Association of University Professors, said the policy that’ll likely be deliberated this Thursday doesn’t align with the AAUP definition — one that has been the foundation of academic freedom since 1940.
“For North Carolina to create its own [academic freedom policy] kind of casts us into the wilderness, because now we don’t have that prior legal precedent to rely on,” he added.
The new policy diverges in several key areas, all of which concern faculty.
The first: a clause that permits faculty “activities” so long as they “support the university’s mission.”
“We are concerned that that opens up the possibility for administrators or the Board of Governors or others to come in and say, ‘Well, what you’re doing does not align,’ and that opens the door for political interference,” Russell explained.
WCU Associate Professor Katerina Spasovska, who has taught journalism through the Department of Communication since 2010, finds the stakes even higher.
“If you had certain freedoms, and you’re now trying to regulate those freedoms, it looks like censorship,” she said.
The second change considers academic freedom to apply only when faculty is teaching within the confines of their expertise, noting that course content is “subject to departmental and institutional review processes.”
Russell told The Smoky Mountain News that the amendment seems reasonable — but it invites scrutiny when one truly considers classroom circumstances. For example, would discussing a novel with a backdrop of climate change in English class be off-limits because it has something to do with science? To that tune, there’s a line in the policy that explicitly excludes material “clearly unrelated to the course description or unrelated to the discipline or subject matter.”
Spasovska brought up an instance in which a professor might deviate from course content — because the classroom does not exist in a vacuum — merely to support their students. “[An] event like 911 happens, and you see your students upset, scared, in a biology class, will you start a discussion about that? Yes, because
you want to talk with your students and give them an opportunity to reflect on it,” she said, adding that this could be interpreted as a violation of the policy because it’s hasn’t been clearly explained by the syllabus.
Russell thinks no one should be deciding what’s pertinent to a course other than the creator of the curriculum.
“Our stance is that faculty are the
President, the UNC System Office, the Board of Governors,” among others — approved and sent along a revised definition.
But Russell said, “the version of the policy that the Board of Governors is currently considering has something like an extra 35 lines of limitations, and that version has not been approved by Faculty Assembly.”
tection for much of the two decades she’s spent on its soil.
“Maybe I have an ideal of what [the] U.S. stands for and represents. And in the past 20 years, that ideal was sustained,” she said.
But Russell said the catalyst of this revised academic freedom policy has been brewing for decades. The attack on higher education, he said, “has been part of a bipartisan movement since the 80s, in terms of moving away, turning higher education from a public good to a private resource, as we shifted cost burdens onto individual students.”
The student debt crisis, characterized by mass federal and state disinvestment in
“There are people in power who do not want young people thinking critically and who do not want young people exercising their democratic rights in society, because that will keep folks from questioning the status quo and the existing power structure.”
— Vincent Russell, assistant professor & president of WCU chapter of the American Association of University Professors
experts, and so we are the ones that should be making the decision about what is included in our course,” he said.
Furthermore, beyond the policy’s content, faculty have been sounding the alarm about the exclusion of a body that’s always been part of its process. In October 2025, the Faculty Assembly — “an advisory body on systemwide issues, serving the
MOMENT IS NOT UNPRECEDENTED
Spasovska was born and spent her formative years in then-communist Yugoslavia under a repressive system, so she’s dealt with political censorship firsthand. From her perspective, while the federal government is currently attempting to curb political dissent, the United States has offered ample First Amendment pro-
public education, began with Ronald Reagan a couple of decades before he reached the White House.
In the 1960s, college tuition was relatively inexpensive. But as governor of California, Reagan held the view that “taxpayers shouldn’t be subsidizing intellectual curiosity” and made significant funding cuts to the state’s university system, causing tuition to skyrocket. Eventually, a few other states took the same measure.
When Reagan ascended to the presidency, he slashed federal student aid funding by 25%. Meanwhile, the Nixon-introduced student loan industry was increasingly profitable and constantly looking for potential borrowers. Since then, a litany of bipartisan policies have exacerbated the crisis.
Consequently, working-class students, particularly students of color, tend to have greater institutional barriers and poorer educational out-
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. File photo
comes than their wealthier white peers. And those with significant student debt more often accept higher-paying jobs, rather than choosing career or graduate education options.
“There are people in power who do not want young people thinking critically and who do not want young people exercising their democratic rights in society, because that will keep folks from questioning the status quo and the existing power structure,” Russell argued. That said, Russell told SMN that in the last five years, attacks on higher education have only escalated. For one, there’s the climate of surveillance on campus. Last Monday, UNC Chapel Hill passed a policy permitting administrators to secretly record professors.
“They don’t have to tell faculty that they’re going to come to your class or record you or anything like that as part of any kind of review or investigation,” Russell said.
So far, that policy only applies to UNC Chapel Hill, though it has worried professors throughout the broader system.
In 2024, WCU made headlines for a surveillance-related incident, when a student filmed her classmate — a transgender woman — using the women’s restroom. Spasovska found it appalling that the situation was framed as “a scandal that [a student] used that particular restroom” instead of “a scandal that a student felt entitled to report it and to film it.”
In addition to surveillance, Russell said, there’s the concerted and increasingly more extreme right-wing attack on freedom of speech that’s swept college campuses. Earlier this month, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed an order terminating faculty tenure at the majority of public state institutions.
The order stated that with “public trust comes a corresponding responsibility to demonstrate continued effectiveness, relevance and alignment with institutional and state priorities.”
While Russell doesn’t think something so drastic would happen in North Carolina, he’s convinced that tactics similar to the academic freedom policy revision will continue.
“I think we will find ourselves with academic freedom in name only, or tenure in name only, where it might technically still be on the books. But, like, the wrong criticism of the genocide in Palestine is going to find you quickly dismissed,” he said.
As a result, he explained that some students might pursue education — and some professors, careers — outside of North Carolina. Those who can, might opt out of the public system, while outcomes are worsened for those who cannot.
“I think there is a climate of fear among faculty, and to some extent, among students, about speech in the classroom and it being taken out of context. And that just dampens our ability to explore topics that are important and relevant and help people become better thinkers,” he said.
The UNC BOG did not respond to a request for comment.
a s atturd a
New Jackson library director avoids book policy controversy
BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS EDITOR
When Grace Powell walks into the Jackson County Public Library on June 1 as its new full-time director, she will inherit more than a building full of books — she will inherit a community still divided.
Powell, a lifelong Sylva resident, earned her elementary education degree at Western Carolina University, taught third grade at Scotts Creek elementary school for a year and a half before earning a master’s degree in library science from East Carolina University. Subsequently, she moved into the role of school librarian, where she’s been for seven years.
Last week, Jackson County commissioners announced that Powell would become the first director of what will soon become a standalone Jackson County library, following the county’s decision to withdraw from the Fontana Regional Library system last June.
That controversy has centered on a handful of LGBTQ-themed titles in the young adult section and the process by which books may be challenged or removed. Critics have argued that certain materials are inappropriate for minors. Supporters of the existing system have cited the First Amendment, defended intellectual freedom and accused commissioners of politicizing library operations.
Now, as Jackson County prepares to operate its own library for the first time — at an estimated cost to taxpayers far above current FRL operations — Powell finds herself stepping into a role few would have described as controversial just a few years ago. But right off the bat, Powell dodged questions about the controversy, backtracked on her specific experience with book challenges and attempted to downplay concerns about bias.
“My main focus is just to come in and help lead a library that’s for all of Jackson County,” Powell said, refusing to comment on if she’d followed the controversy, the protracted debate surrounding it or the ongoing aftermath of commissioners’ withdrawal vote.
She did acknowledge that her transition from a public school setting to a countywide library system will be a significant one — both personally and professionally.
“I am moving from working with a small population of kids to working with everyone,” she said. “I’m very excited to get to work with all the adult patrons, and then work with the employees.”
sary. As director of a standalone system, Powell will likely be at the front end of that process as well.
“I will follow what the policies are,” she said. “I do not know what that policy is yet.”
Asked about her experience handling formal book challenges, Powell said she had encountered them in the school setting but reiterated that her main focus remains on the transition period. Asked again about her specific experience with book challenges, she said she’d “done it multiple times,” but later admitted that since nobody “followed through” with filing formal challenges, the issues she actually dealt with were merely informal complaints and not formal challenges.
“My main focus for this interview is to talk about what I’m excited to set up, not to focus on the book challenges,” Powell told The Smoky Mountain News Feb. 20.
According to the Herald story, written by Quintin Ellison, the church’s website included a statement on the treatment of the LGBTQ community.
“We also do not, cannot, and will not endorse condemning, hate-filled, self-righteous attitudes toward those in the gay community,” the story reads.
Asked if she endorsed that statement, Powell refused to answer directly.
“My personal beliefs are not going to affect my job. I want to focus on leading a library that’s for all of Jackson County, no matter their belief,” she said. “I’m not going to bring in my beliefs at all into the library. I want it to be for the whole public good.”
Commissioner Todd Bryson abstained from the vote to hire Powell without explanation. Powell’s husband Brady — Jeff Powell’s son — works for Bryson’s Appalachian Funeral Services.
Grace Powell steps into leadership of Jackson County’s soon-to-be standalone library system as debate over LGBTQ-themed books and challenge policies continues. File photo
Powell added that she’s already talking with county officials about the library’s transition plan, expected to be completed when the separation from the FRL system becomes official June 1, and that she wants it to be as smooth as possible. The county must now establish its own policies, administrative structure and budget ahead of the July 1 fiscal year.
“I’ve been working with the county this week after the announcement, just getting my feet wet, because I want to know what the truth is, and not just from what I’ve heard,” she said.
Powell will officially begin working part-time in March before moving into the role full-time and is planning to get in on the budgeting process that commissioners must complete before July 1.
Among the most contentious issues she will face is the formal book challenge process. Under Fontana’s existing policy, challenged materials are first reviewed by the local librarian before advancing through a committee structure if neces-
As debate over LGBTQ-themed books has intensified locally, similar battles have played out statewide and nationally. In Tennessee, lawmakers recently advanced legislation that would effectively prohibit recognition of same-sex marriages in that state, reigniting national debate over rights that were recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2015 and potentially setting up a Supreme Court challenge to Obergfell v. Hodges, the ruling that legalized same sex marriages.
Against that backdrop, Powell was also asked about her personal connections.
A 2014 article in the Sylva Herald reported that Powell’s father-in-law, Rev. Jeff Powell of Tuckasegee Wesleyan Church, resigned his position as a magistrate rather than perform same-sex marriages after Obergfell. Powell declined to discuss her father-in-law or her church affiliation, but videos of Powell as recent as 2022 show her an active member of the church.
“This has nothing to do with my job. So if this is where we’re going, I’m not going to answer questions,” she said.
For supporters of the county’s withdrawal from Fontana, Powell’s purported focus on policy and neutrality may offer reassurance that the new system will respond more directly to community concerns. For critics concerned with religious influence over collection decisions, her reluctance to address personal affiliations leaves only unanswered questions.
There are, however, some signs of Powell’s neutrality that could be encouraging — amid a debate that’s largely fractured along political lines, Powell is registered as an unaffiliated voter and has pulled just as many Republican ballots as Democrat ballots during Primary Elections, dating back to 2016.
Similarly, Powell responded positively when asked if she was familiar with the American Library Association’s code of ethics, a nine-point plan that commits librarians to providing equitable, unbiased service, protecting user privacy, respecting intellectual property, treating colleagues fairly, avoiding conflicts of interest, separating personal beliefs from professional duties and maintaining high professional standards.
The code also mandates resistance to “all efforts to censor library resources” and calls upon all librarians to “affirm the inherent dignity and rights of every person … to recognize and dismantle systemic and individual biases, to confront inequity and oppression, to enhance diversity and inclusion and to advance racial and social justice in our libraries, communities, profession, and associations through awareness, advocacy, education, collaboration, services, and allocation of resources and spaces.”
“I would take it as if the county has hired me, they trust that I’m going to follow those ethics, because I’m going to,” Powell said.
Whether that framework calms the controversy or deepens it remains to be seen.
For now, the Jackson County’s first standalone library director is signaling that her approach will be procedural, not personal — even as the personal questions continue to surface.
“I’m just really excited that right now I’m getting to serve Scotts Creek School,” she said. “It’s a very small proportion of our population of Jackson County, and I’m going to get to serve thousands of people in Jackson County, no matter who they are, and get to make it a library that everyone wants to come to.”
Penland School hosts community open house
The Penland School of Craft Community Open House will take place from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21 at the school in Bakersville.
This is an afternoon of fun and education for all ages with hands-on activities in most of Penland’s teaching studios. No admission is charged. Many activities are messy, so don’t wear your fancy clothes. Events will be held rain or shine, snow or sun.
Here are the activities for the afternoon:
• In the books studio, create a simple, blank book or cut and fold a paper hat or a wiggling paper snake.
• In clay, you can make a pot on the potter’s wheel or create a little clay sculpture and decorate it.
• Over in the drawing and painting studio, paint your own watercolor postcard to mail to a friend.
• In glass, you can use a neon torch to bend a piece of glass tubing into a silly straw. At the Ridgeway building, make decorative paper using paste-paper painting.
• In the metals studio, volunteers will assist participants in casting small files in pewter.
• In iron, work with a blacksmith to forge your own hook. Iron studio spaces are limited; time slots will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The studio will start taking names at 12:45 p.m.
• In the letterpress studio, you can use an antique press to print a two-color poster.
• In textiles, learn how to make a small woven piece you can take home and watch weaving demonstrations on the loom.
• In wood, create your own flower using a wooden dowel, plugs and veneer.
The Penland Coffee House will be open and Lil Pete’s BBQ Truck will be on hand (the truck is cash only). Many thanks to the more than 100 volunteers who make this event possible and to Mitchell County Transportation for helping move everyone around the campus.
Penland School is located near Spruce Pine in Mitchell County. For more information and directions to the school, visit penland.org or call 828.765.2359.
Lenten
worship services to be held at Lake Junaluska’s Memorial Chapel
Lenten worship services will be held each Wednesday during Lent at Lake Junaluska’s historic Memorial Chapel and include a Maundy Thursday and Good Friday service.
The services, which will include communion, will be at noon and again at 6:30 p.m. starting on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, and continue weekly until March 25. Services on Maundy Thursday, April 2, and on Good Friday, April 3, will be at 6:30 p.m. only.
Here is the schedule:
• Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18: The Rev. Jed Tate, Faith United Methodist Church, Waynesville
• Wednesday, Feb. 25: The Rev. Dianne Donald Lawhorn, Maggie Valley United Methodist Church, Maggie Valley
services
Friday: A Service of Quiet Reflection; 6:30 p.m. only
• Wednesday, March 4:
TBA
• Wednesday, March
11: The Rev. Beth Crissman, Smoky Mountain District Superintendent, United Methodist Church
• Wednesday, March 18: The Rev. Ray Hausler, Love First Community and Morning Star United Methodist Church, Canton
• Wednesday, March
25: The Rev. James Marsh, Fincher’s Chapel and Mount Zion United Methodist Churches, Clyde
• Thursday, April 2, Maundy Thursday: Rev Ben Shaeffer, Elizabeth Chapel
United Methodist Church, Waynesville; 6:30 p.m. only
• Friday, April 3, Good
The series of worship services is sponsored by local United Methodist churches and Lake Junaluska’s Program Ministry.
A Penland volunteer helping a guest in the metals studio at the Community Open House. Donated photo
Lenten
will be held at Lake Junaluska’s historic Memorial Chapel. Donated photo
Catering is Our Passion!
We Can Cater Everything from an Intimate Get-Together to a Large, Formal Gathering & Everything In-Between!
828-452-7837
294 N. Haywood Street Waynesville
National Democrats make serious play in Western North Carolina
BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER
In a move that underscores shifting political terrain in Western North Carolina, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has placed a candidate in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District on its radar — an unusual step for a district long considered safely Republican.
Calling Jamie Ager “a top-tier candidate,” a Feb. 23 press release from the DCCC notes that Ager has been added to the group’s highly selective “Red to Blue” program, a merit-based designation for Democratic challengers or open-seat candidates the DCCC believes have a real chance to flip a Republican-held district.
“Jamie Ager is the hometown fighter that North Carolinians deserve to have representing them in Congress,” DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene said in the release. “Chuck Edwards abandoned Western North Carolina when they needed him most after Hurricane Helene. Meanwhile, Ager stepped up to help his neighbors. Now, he’s ready to do what Chuck Edwards wouldn’t and fight for Western North Carolina.”
Ager still faces four Primary Election opponents but has been perceived as the frontrunner by many voters since entering the race in July 2025.
Fundraising data through Feb. 11 shows Ager raised more than $940,000 cycle-to-date, tripling the rest of the field combined. He also had $547,000 cash on hand at the end of the period, more than seven times the rest of the field combined.
“We had a conversation at the very beginning that was intentionally locally focused but still focused on fighting for the resources we need,” said Grayson Barnette, Ager’s campaign consultant. “Jamie had a great reputation coming into this, and he’s at this point because of 25 years of community engagement.”
Congressional District from “Solid Republican” to “Likely Republican.”
Cook rates the district at R+5. Data from nonpartisan redistricting site davesredistricting.org shows Republican performance in the district from 2020 through 2024 at 51.9% for Republicans. Democratic performance was lower, at 45.9%.
Recent changes in the North Carolina Republican Party’s NC-11 district leadership have also resulted in resignations that could impact the party’s traditional campaign operations.
Critics of Edwards argue that the 11th District is ripe for change not solely based on national trends, but also because of his recent legislative record — including support of Republican budget legislation, votes reducing Medicaid funding and letting key Affordable Care Act supports expire.
With early voting underway and Primary Election Day a week away, Jamie Ager looks to be
Those selected for the program are provided with hands-on strategic advice, operational assistance, staffing support and candidate training designed to bolster their campaigns and improve their prospects on Election Day. Candidates on the list also receive fundraising help that could open the door to more contributions.
The “Red to Blue” list is about as close as the DCCC ever gets to making an endorsement in a Primary Election. Currently, the DCCC believes there are 44 congressional districts in play across the nation in the November midterms. In North Carolina, that includes the 3rd (Rep. Greg Murphy) and the 11th.
Ager recently picked up an endorsement from the Young Democrats of North Carolina and is the only North Carolina congressional candidate to make the DCCC’s “Red to Blue” list, which comes as Democrats nationally and locally are sensing opportunity in places they usually don’t.
According to the DCCC, only five other districts in the country swung as hard in Democrats’ favor in the 2024 General Election as NC-11 did.
Party officials say their candidates have won or overperformed in nearly 90% of elections since 2024. Throughout 2025 and into early 2026, Democrats scored a series of notable election victories, flipping long-held, heavily Republican districts in states like Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Georgia and Texas.
The hurricane-sized elephant in the room for many voters — and candidates — remains sluggish, insufficient federal recovery funding in the aftermath of a catastrophic storm that devastated Edwards’ mountainous district in September 2024. Edwards has since been grilled by both Democrats and Republicans for his failure to deliver meaningful aid for Hurricane Helene recovery.
Edwards sits on the powerful House appropriations committee. In December 2024, he claimed to have authored a $110 billion continuing resolution that contained an estimated $9-15 billion for his district — in response to $60 billion in damage.
Four months later, an investigation by The Smoky Mountain News showed that 25 local governments in Western North Carolina reported receiving less than 4% of their estimated need.
[Today, more than 17 months after the storm, current estimates of actual federal aid distributed hover below 15% of need, but those same local governments now entering budget season are still eager to procure the huge sums of federal recovery aid and reimbursements Edwards hasn’t delivered.]
Bolstering Democrats’ hopes in Western North Carolina, the Cook Political Report recently downgraded the 11th
“The first step in this process is winning,” Ager told SMN. “You run with the system you have, not system you want, and the system we have says you need resources to fight. These resources will help amplify my message — fighting for resources for Hurricane Helene recovery, tackling the affordability crisis and helping folks get a leader in this region to re-earn people’s trust and make sure our government is functioning in a way that helps everyday people.”
sitting pretty. Cory Vaillancourt photo
WCU economist finds $144 million ROI on local Medicaid, SNAP funding
Astudy by a Western Carolina University economist indicates that Jackson County saw more than $144 million in total economic impact from the $770,000 that county government invested in the local Department of Social Services to administer Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits last year.
The findings of the study will be used to help demonstrate to county and state elected officials the importance of continuing to provide adequate funding to those programs, especially in the face of anticipated cuts at the federal level, said Cris Weatherford, director of Jackson County DSS.
said. “The basic framework used for this study is centered on Jackson County, as it is the primary service area for the Jackson County Department of Social Services.”
Ha entered dollar figures for goods and services purchased in Jackson County during the 2025 fiscal year into the software program, which then analyzed those dollars to understand the direct and secondary impacts of the Medicaid and SNAP programs on the local economy.
Direct impacts refer to the dollars spent on goods and services that are available within the regional or local economy and that are “clearly and obviously traceable” to Medicaid and SNAP, he said. Examples of direct effects include wages paid and supplies purchased by program recipients.
Those directspending impacts spin off indirect and induced spending, often referred to in economics as the “multiplier effect.” This phenomenon illustrates that every dollar received by business owners and employees is respent within the region, which then multiplies the impact of the initial sales and generates revenue in other sectors of the local economy, Ha said.
ly that are associated with these effects in the region. Total labor income and value added to the area are $67,218,477 and $87,839,638, respectively,” he said.
Ha also measured various tax impacts associated with Medicaid and SNAP benefits, looking at revenue generated for the federal government as well as state and local governments, as a result of economic activities associated with the Medicaid and SNAP programs.
Federal tax revenue generated annually was $13,987,935, while state revenue generated was $3,112,911. Tax revenue generated annually for the county was $1,714,638, with another $108,518 in tax revenue for municipalities, he said.
The study’s findings should prove useful as DSS administrators advocate for funding to maintain and even enhance Medicaid and SNAP activities for the benefit of all county residents, Weatherford said.
“We want to educate the general community on the impact of these programs,” he said. “We also want to educate our county commissioners on the return on the investment we receive in Jackson County and encourage our county commissioners to continue and increase funding to these pro-
grams and the salaries of the workers who administer these programs.”
The findings of Ha’s economic analysis should also be shared with elected officials in Raleigh, Weatherford said.
“State legislators need to understand that the state also needs to fund these programs and not just allow what funds the federal government will approve for them. These programs could be stronger and improve outcomes in people’s lives with more robust support,” he said.
Budget changes approved by Congress last year are expected to result in the federal government passing much of the cost to administer Medicaid and SNAP programs to the state, which will then, in turn, pass down additional costs to the county level, Weatherford said.
“We often think about these programs in terms of the numbers of recipients we help to access these programs, but in recent years, and as these programs become increasingly under threat, I have started to explain the total benefit of these programs,” he said.
“What Dr. Ha did was far beyond what my social work brain could have ever done. It is so important to show that these programs help all of us and also help generate tax dollars to use on other community needs,” Weatherford said. “It reminds me that WCU is such an important partner to many of us, and we should always look for ways to collaborate to make our community better.”
“It is so important to show that the Medicaid and SNAP programs help all of us and also help generate tax dollars to use on other community needs,” said Weatherford. “The study shows that the whole of our community benefits from these programs. They provide jobs, tax revenue and additional spending in our county.”
The study, titled “Economic and Fiscal Impact of Medicaid and SNAP Benefits in Jackson County, North Carolina,” was conducted by Steve Ha, professor of economics and director of the School of Economics, Management and Project Management in WCU’s College of Business.
For the study, Ha utilized IMPLAN, a popular analysis software program that examines inputs and outputs to calculate the ripple effects of economic decisions based on direct, indirect and induced effects.
“The input-output model helps estimate economic impact and understand how any impacts ripple throughout an economy,” Ha
“Indirect secondary effects are the dollars generated by expenditures necessary to replenish goods or improve services that those direct or initial impact expenditures have purchased,” he said.
“Induced effects refer to the dollars generated by local households as a result of the direct effects on them. Induced effects are the result of an increase in household spending by employees who are hired or current employees paid to work longer hours, thereby providing goods and services that are being purchased,” he said.
Based on Ha’s analysis, the $770,000 invested by Jackson County government on DSS for the administration of SNAP and Medicaid benefits resulted in a direct impact of $101,889,702 in economic benefits for the county, he said. Secondary benefits — including both indirect and induced effects of $21,467,787 and $21,018,316 — totaled $42,486,103, Ha said.
“Further analysis revealed that, in total, 1,211 jobs are created or maintained annual-
The study was conducted by Steve Ha, professor of economics and director of the School of Economics, Management and Project Management in WCU’s College of Business. Donated photo
Straining for stabilization, Jackson weighs next budget
BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS EDITOR
After last year’s property tax increase, Jackson County commissioners met Feb. 17 to begin planning next year’s budget, balancing fresh revenue growth against rising costs and lingering anxiety from property owners still absorbing the impact of escalating property values — just as a competitive Primary Election looms.
“This year is a stabilization year for people,” said Chair Mark Letson. “We need to keep that in mind.”
Letson’s reminder came as the board opened its annual budget workshop, a sprawling review of revenues, capital projects and mounting personnel pressures that will shape the fiscal year beginning July 1.
Meanwhile, outstanding debt as of July 1 is projected at $52,764,000.
Much of that borrowing funds capital projects already in motion — 18 separate endeavors including the administration building, Whittier-Qualla Park, school improvements and the Justice Center, totaling $123 million — all of which commissioners appeared reluctant to interrupt.
County Manager Kevin King walked through the administration building project, noting bids came in roughly $3 million below initial projections.
A new eight-lane track facility is budgeted at $2.5 million, with additional ADA improvements included.
Justice Center renovations and detention center programming remain in design, with estimates still fluid.
Last summer, commissioners delayed adopting the budget amid pushback over the countywide revaluation and the resulting tax bills. Property values surged in many parts of the county, particularly in Cashiers and other high-demand markets, forcing the board to recalibrate the tax rate.
Even with a greatly reduced property tax rate, some taxpayers saw double-digit percentage increases in their tax bills — for some, approaching 30%. The debate exposed tension between rising service demands and the ability of residents to afford them.
On paper, the county enters the new budget cycle with encouraging additional capacity. Finance Director Darlene Fox told commissioners that updated taxable values and revenue projections point to roughly $3.3 million in new-year capacity. Of that, $2.2 million will come from increased property values and a projected 4% increase in sales tax collections worth just over $1 million.
Payroll adjustments alone — a one-step career path increase and a 2% cost-of-living increase — will eat up more than $1.6 million of that additional revenue. Health insurance costs are projected to rise 5.3%, adding another $376,012 to the expense side of the ledger.
After those expenses, Fox estimated about $1.35 million in additional capacity remaining.
Fund balance as of fiscal year 2025 sits at just over $51 million, with roughly $15 million available above required reserves and commitments.
Perhaps the most ambitious revenue-generating concept is the new Charles R. Elders Event Center in Whittier, a substantial recreation project named for a late county commissioner who served three terms and passed away last June.
Officials project annual additional revenue from the facility, which would be a good fit for car shows, musical performances and railroad-themed events in conjunction with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, in excess of $600,000 once the facility and related improvements are complete, suggesting a potential five-year payback on roughly $3 million in county investment, not including grant support.
“We’ve got some good stuff going on, some stuff that’s, been needed for a long, long time,” said Commissioner Todd Bryson.
But even as Letson urged restraint, partner agencies described growing strain.
Harris EMS Operations Manager Matthew Burrell told commissioners that requests for service continue to climb, placing pressure on staffing and response times. While the county currently relies on an interlocal agreement with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for certain calls, the question of whether to expand county-run coverage surfaced again.
“With our call volume increasing, we are seeing consistent peak periods where our demand is exceeding our available resources during that time,” Burrell said. “Our ambulances are frequently all committed at one time.”
Burrell asked commissioners to fund an additional 12hour ambulance crew during peak call volume hours at a cost of more than $440,000.
Starting pay for paramedics in some parts of the county remains far below neighboring jurisdictions. Consequently, competition for certified personnel has intensified.
Nate Turner, Glenville-Cashiers Rescue Squad board chair, said his squad runs about 1,100 calls per year, with seasonal population swings that can swell service demand dramatically. Turner made three requests of commissioners.
The first request totals $23,875 per month to address pay disparities with surrounding counties — or about $286,000 annually.
The second seeks roughly $90,000 for a new quick response vehicle, an F-150 outfitted for advanced life support.
The third is an inflation adjustment to overall county support.
Turner said starting salaries at GCRS lag well behind regional averages, making retention difficult.
“Our starting salary right now for our EMT is $16 an hour, and our starting salary for our paramedics is $19.20,” he said, adding that comparable postings in nearby counties average around $25 per hour. “Two of our 10-year shift supervisors are making $4-an-hour less than the starting pay at the services closer to their homes.”
The disparity creates what Turner described as a pipeline problem — training paramedics only to lose them to betterpaying agencies with shorter commutes.
At the same time, development in the southern end of the county is accelerating.
Turner referenced billions in projected new construction over the next several years, arguing that investment in emergency services protects the tax base.
“These are $5 million-plus homes,” he said. “The number one — bar none — question they ask the realtors is, ‘What’s the quality of health care in this in this area?’”
He cited a recent rescue in which two ice-climbers fell 90 feet in 48-degree temperatures, a reminder that remote terrain and tourism amplify risk.
Beyond public safety, the workshop highlighted several major capital efforts.
Affordable housing infrastructure also surfaced as a looming cost driver. Three options for water system upgrades near Webster range from approximately $3.7 million to $7.5 million depending on tank size and regional integration.
“There’s going to be roughly about $25 to $30 million invested in that community,” King said.
Surprisingly, there was no discussion about the additional cost of operating a standalone library once the withdrawal from the Fontana Regional Library system becomes official on July 1.
Last summer, every commissioner on the all-Republican board — except Letson — voted to leave the eight-decade regional library partnership over objections to LGBTQ content; initial county estimates were that the withdrawal would add around $500,000 to library operating costs; however, Letson told The Smoky Mountain News earlier this month that the actual increase could be three times that figure.
Letson is currently facing a contentious four-way Primary Election on March 3, likely due to his vote against leaving the FRL.
Bryson, who is also up for reelection, has decided this will be his last term on the board, prompting four Democrats and two Republicans to fight it out in the Primary to replace him. Commissioner John Smith is also up for reelection but has no Primary opposition. Two Democrats have filed to oppose him. Commissioners Jenny Hooper and Michael Jennings aren’t up for reelection until 2028.
Department heads will meet next week to refine requests before the manager presents a formal budget proposal later this spring. By law, budgets must be passed no later than July 1.
Jackson County commissioners have begun the process of budget planning, likely to be full of difficult decisions. Cory Vaillancourt photo
Maggie Valley budget workshop balances growth, recovery
BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS EDITOR
As Maggie Valley rebuilds from Hurricane Helene and absorbs slow but steady residential growth, aldermen have begun shaping a 2026-27 fiscal year budget defined by guarded optimism, rising service costs and lingering storm obligations.
New Maggie Valley Town Manager Sam Cullen opened the workshop with a reminder that the board recently adopted a policy preventing the fund balance from dropping below 100% of annual expenditures — a common but informal goal for many of North Carolina’s smaller municipalities. Last year’s audit placed the unassigned fund balance at 109.83%, or $4,717,245, leaving roughly $422,157 above the town’s required minimum with a recommended $25,000 cushion.
Current fund balance numbers appear even stronger, but Cullen warned they are misleading without context.
“There’s so many factors that go into that number. It might change today by $100. It might change today by $400,000,” said Cullen, appointed Jan. 2 after serving in Maggie Valley’s planning department and as assistant town manager. “General practice has been to use your previous year’s balance. I think if we got on a schedule using the 109% now, we’ll be in a bit better position each audit.”
Mayor Mike Eveland pressed for more frequent tracking so the board can monitor trends rather than snapshots. Cullen agreed to provide trend updates roughly quarterly, noting that FEMA reimbursements and loan activity distort real-time totals during the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene.
Helene’s long, dark financial shadow still stretches across the town ledger. Maggie Valley initially estimated $4.7 million in storm damage to town-owned infrastructure — on an annual budget of less than $4.3 million.
Some projects were outright rejected by FEMA, lowering the estimate substantially.
Like many municipalities still waiting on sluggish FEMA reimbursements, Maggie Valley is still waiting on $1.57 million, however the town has fared better than most — more than $708,000 in reimbursement payments have already been received, although of the eight payments the town has banked, the first didn’t come until more than a year after the storm. Some came in November and December of 2025, but the bulk of the payments in terms of dollars only recently arrived in January and February, more than 16 months after the storm.
While recovery expenses remain in motion, revenue projections do show incremental growth. The tax rate remains $0.40 per $100 of assessed value — the lowest in Haywood County.
Cullen said he’s not proposing an increase in the tax rate.
“The other thing that this particular board and this town should be proud of,” said Alderman Jim Owens, “is the position
we’re in compared to our neighboring municipalities.”
Property tax revenue increased from $2,036,753 in 2024-25 to $2,107,755 in 2025-26 due to expansion of the tax base. The collection rate also rose from 97.57% to 98.6%, generating roughly $22,250 in additional realized revenue. Officials expect similar gains as new housing developments come online.
Personnel costs will rise slightly if current proposals stand. For 2025, the consumer price index rose 2.7%. That budget year, the town approved a 3% cost-of-living increase. For this year, Cullen has recommended a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment and a 1% merit increase beginning Jan. 1, 2027, with a first-year cost of approximately $9,600 as the town pilots a revised merit system.
year for five years, a Ford Explorer Police Interceptor, a storm-response UTV and additional investigative cameras. Currently, there’s one camera near the roundabout that reads license plates, but there’s room for another at the west end of the valley.
“It tracks a lot of different things,” Cullen said. “For example, in January, 1.4 million cars passed the camera that we have at the roundabout — around 45,000 a day, and we can tell you what states they’re from. We can tell you a great deal of things.”
Modest fee increases also surfaced as a likely component of the recommended budget; the town currently charges $8 per month per customer for solid waste service while actual costs exceed $12 per month. Cullen proposed raising the monthly solid waste fee to $12, an annual increase of less than $48 per customer.
workshop, with aldermen weighing whether to move immediately using available fund balance or defer the expense into the formal budget cycle. [The roughly $41,500 project would bring the facilities into ADA compliance and address long-standing maintenance concerns, but it also had raised questions about timing and reserve discipline amid ongoing storm recovery costs.]
Alderman Tim Wise heard only approval when he suggested the town vote to transfer the money from fund balance at its next meeting so the town can avoid a budget impact in the upcoming budget and begin the project next winter.
Board-level priorities include improving or replacing existing park camera installations and a potential town hall parking lot repaving estimated around $200,000 — not for this year, but within the next few. Mayor
No new staff or administration positions are requested this year, though Cullen indicated that a public services technician could be needed in the next budget cycle as internal promotions occur.
Capital equipment requests dominated much of the workshop discussion.
Public services needs include an $87,000 dump truck to be shared between public works and the wastewater treatment plant, a $30,000 salt spreader and snowplow setup, a $120,000 loader for the treatment plant, a $12,000 mower and a $53,000 F-250 replacement vehicle. It’s unlikely all will be funded.
Police department requests include a and body camera recording system for the interrogation room at approximately $11,000 per
“We can’t continue to supplement that cost,” Cullen said.
Sewer user fees would increase 3.5%, moving the minimum from $20.30 to $21.01 per month under projections tied to an expiring engineering plan.
Beyond operations, the board reviewed ongoing and strategic projects. Town Hall plantings, small equipment purchases and completion of EV charging station components remain in progress. Strategic planning items include additional EV chargers at Sweet Briar and Town Hall as well as IT upgrades to replace aging server infrastructure.
A proposed renovation of the pavilion bathrooms became a flashpoint during the
Mike Eveland balked at the cost, and asked if instead, the lot could simply be painted or resealed.
“Painting is like putting lipstick on a pig,” said Public Works Director Seth Boyd. “It’s still a pig.”
The board took some time for further discussion of a capital improvement plan for the festival grounds, which remains a ways down the road.
Cullen will meet with department heads March 16 to refine projections. His recommended budget will be presented in April. By law, budgets must be passed before July 1 each year.
Alderman Phillip Wight did not attend the Feb. 23 workshop.
Scrappy fiscal management has helped the tiny town of Maggie Valley survive sluggish FEMA reimbursements for the past 16 months. File photo
It’s out there, you just gotta look
Inever got his name, but the New Zealander who had offered to fix one of my fellow traveler’s bicycles seemingly couldn’t resist commenting on American politics.
“You Americans are always bumbling around on the big stage, sometimes good and sometimes bad, and so we’re all just kind of looking at Trump and thinking this is just another phase,” he said, smiling, a twinkle in his blue eyes.
His comment, unprompted after he learned I was American, led me back to the situation at home amid a trip halfway around the world to spend time in a country unlike any I’ve ever visited. The two of us were standing outside his bike garage, a gorgeous sunny day with blue sky and mountains all around. The ride between Arrowtown and Gibbston — on the South Island just outside of Queenstown — was just another in a string of outings in a country that’s as stunning as any on earth.
His lack of concern about what has caused me unending angst — the political situation back home — is, I guess, one of the things that makes this country so unique. Despite the reality of this interconnected world we all live in, people down here on this island country so far from everywhere seem more relaxed and more concerned about a work-life balance than
The president deserves an ‘F’
To the Editor:
Recently, President Trump said, “I don’t know how a person of faith can vote for a Democrat,” at the National Prayer Breakfast. This may surely make the Top 10 of his ridiculous statements. Likewise, if anyone stated they didn’t know how a person of faith could vote for a Republican or Independent, they too would be equally ridiculous. I must add that such an unbelievable statement coming from a sitting president is far from the expectation we should have for one in the highest office of the land.
I do not know where the president received his biblical and theological studies — maybe Trump University — but I don’t believe he was listening during sessions on theological ethics and biblical practices. I had the opportunity to serve as an adjunct professor at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta. If one of my students had made a similar statement on a major term paper, they would have received an “F,” which I never gave any young seminarian. The “F” would have been deserved because they had no concept of truth or logic.
I would be so bold as to freely say the same about our president. To be the primary speaker at the National Prayer Breakfast and to interpret a person of faith by their choice of political party is juvenile and embarrassing. Such a lack of intellect and understanding of faith at a gathering where prayer is the emphasis adds another dimension of embarrassment to the President and unfortunately our wonderful country. Shame on him for making such a horrible and insensitive statement. Even he should know better — one
what’s happening on the world stage. And it’s catchy. I’ve traveling with a group of close friends from Haywood County, and we’ve all discussed how this beautiful country so far from home seems to intensify a sense of isolation from what’s going on elsewhere. Looking out my bedroom window this morning, I’m finishing this column and hoping my wife, Lori, is making arrangements for us to rent bicycles so we can ride a local trail that she spotted yesterday. That’s my most pressing concern. Simple, day-to-day, moment-to-moment living: one more mountain pass to ascend, another lake to swim in, a mountain-to-beach hike to start and finish, a cold beer at the end of the day.
Sure, that’s what happens on vacations, but it’s also something about this country.
One huge factor in the New Zealand’s national identity and one absorbed by thoughtful travelers is the appreciation of Maori culture. Sure, the indigenous natives here were treat-
LETTERS
would hope!
P.S. Please allow me to once again state that those of us who rally at the Highlands Post Office are local residents and we have never been paid. Those who say differently are not telling the truth, regardless of their profession.
Rev. Doctor Mike Cordle United Methodist Minister, retired Highlands
Feds don’t need voting data
To the Editor:
I am writing about the Save America Act. I have seen conflicting information about this legislation, which is now awaiting Senate approval after passing the House. The more I attempt to research the proposed changes to voting eligibility, the more confused I become.
I moved to Highlands in 2019, applied for my N.C. driver’s license, and discovered that I needed a Real ID. As my given name did not match my current name, I needed to present my marriage license documenting my name change, my divorce decree and second marriage license, all documents that I had in my possession. Unfortunately, my first marriage license did not meet the necessary criteria, and I needed to return once I had acquired the proper documentation.
I was married originally in New Jersey and with investigation, I was able to find the department that could issue the original license, for a fee, and a waiting period of six weeks. Due to COVID, the driver’s license bureau was not open at that time. Several months later, and another trip to Franklin, I
ed like most others by early European settlers when they first came ashore. But today the country celebrates the Maori traditions though the preservation of its language and an overall appreciation for the relationship with nature that is such an integral aspect of indigenous cultures. So many mountains, beaches, forests, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, glaciers and such are preserved and have native names. There’s an overall embrace of the lifestyle the Maori had before white settlers.
I wonder how the entire U.S. would be different if we celebrated our indigenous cultures in a similar fashion? How different would our national identity look? Food for thought.
A few nights ago, several of us gathered outdoors in a rural area with few lights to see the Southern Cross, and we were treated to a clear view of both the constellation — only visible in the Southern Hemisphere — and the Milky Way. The song by Crosby Stills and Nash inspired my wife to drag us all out to see it, and of course the constellation is also on the New Zealand flag.
It was magical, as has been this experience in New Zealand. Here’s hoping all of you can find some moments of magic in your life. It’s worth the effort.
(Scott McLeod can be reached at info@smokymountainnews.com.)
obtained a Real ID/driver’s license. Should this bill become law I have learned that my Real ID, which presently confirms my identity, would no longer serve as valid identification at polling places.
I do not have an up-to-date passport.
acquire one? Is the government going to aid in the research and fees necessary to obtain said documents?
Family health issues make travelling out of the country ill-advised; renewing my passport seems unnecessary. I have just learned that possessing a valid passport serves as proof of my legitimacy. Another wade through bureaucracy, another fee and another wait will solve my problem. Is the government going to pay the fee, and if not, wouldn’t the fee be the equivalent of a poll tax?
My husband, who has not changed his name through marriage, can present his validated birth certificate and vote without question. Aren’t these requirements discriminatory against women? And the elderly, minorities or the disabled who may not have a valid birth certificate, passport, or the skills to
I have consistently met all necessary requirements for school, employment, military service, licenses, real estate purchases, birth certificates and other government obligations. This proposed intrusion into my life seems unnecessary based on current data regarding illegals voting. It just is not an issue. But the party who wants smaller, less intrusive government seems determined to intrude further into my life through these new requirements. In addition, it is my understanding that the law will require all voter data to become the property of the federal government, another intrusion into my privacy. With our current administration attacking Democratic cities, governors, and detractors, as a Democrat I am deeply concerned about this growing autocracy having my voting record.
I am not sure my information is correct. I have called Senators Tillis and Budd and have been unable to get answers to my questions. I hope, as the editor of this paper, you can publish clear, current information regarding this pending bill. Perhaps our senators will respond to your questions.
Margare Pickett Highlands
Editor Scott McLeod
Ramblin’ woman
A conversation with Kelsey Waldon
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
The first time I ever spoke to renowned Americana/country singer-songwriter Kelsey Waldon was in the spring of 2020. I’d only scratched the surface of her music and talent when we scheduled a phone interview. In truth, I was an instant fan from what I’d heard. And I’ve never forgotten that interaction.
Amid the pandemic, the world was (and remains) crazy. Visiting my parents in the rural countryside of Upstate New York, I was in search of proper cell service and privacy to talk to Waldon, so I hunkered down in the old barn next to their farmhouse. Soon, I found myself in this genuine, heartfelt conversation with a truly kindred, salt-of-the-earth spirit. Raised in the tiny unincorporated community of Monkey’s Eyebrow, Kentucky, Waldon radiates her down-toearth roots in every performance. She’s filled with a true, honest appreciation for rural America. Her lyrics focus on the simple things in life, which tend to be the most important — friends, family, nature, creativity and exploring everything with a childlike wonder.
Want to go?
“Absolutely. The downtrodden. People forget that. Country music was not [the] rich man’s music. Our music has always been for the oppressed, at least from the roots of it,” Waldon told me then. “Country and rural people everywhere should understand how it feels to be told, ‘You’re just one thing, you’re not this.’ How it feels to be oppressed by the government. We should at least realize why people are feeling this way and why people are hurting.”
Last summer, I crossed paths once again with Waldon, this go-round at the Under the Big Sky music festival in the Rocky Mountain outpost town of Whitefish, Montana. Backed by her band, The Muleskinners, Waldon commanded the western stage, her vocal prowess and sheer stage bravado radiating into the surrounding mountains and heavens above.
Acclaimed Americana/country act Kelsey Waldon & The Muleskinners will hit the stage at 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at the Asheville Music Hall.
To note, country/rock rising singer-songwriter Taylor Hunnicut will open the performance. The show is ages 18 and up. Doors open at 8 p.m. Admission is $21.95 per person (tax and fees included).
For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit ashevillemusichall.com.
Based in Nashville, Waldon’s latest record, “Every Ghost,” is her fifth release for Oh Boy Records, a storied label founded by the late John Prine, the iconic singersongwriter who became a real-deal mentor and kindred spirit for Waldon before his untimely passing in 2020.
When we spoke over the phone some six years ago, I asked Waldon about the social unrest and turmoil that had erupted across America and how “it really circles back to what we love about country music — it’s always been a voice for the people.”
The show was incredibly moving, which is the ultimate goal for a singersongwriter, this artist who comes from humble beginnings only to strike fire in the hearts of those souls in search of truth and purpose in the alltoo-crazy thing we call daily existence, and being a curious human in the universe.
Smoky Mountain News: What’s been the biggest takeaway of why you got into [music] and why you still believe in it so much?
Kelsey Waldon: Honestly, I’ve been singing since I could open my mouth. I’ve just always wanted to do this. Everything’s kind of been a creative process. I’ve just been lucky enough to make a living at it. It’s been a journey, even since signing with Oh Boy in 2019.
There’ve been so many records that I was like, “Oh, this is
it, this is the thing.” And it’s never it. I think really you just have to be consistent, you know? This keeps me alive. As long as I’m happy and healthy, I hope I always put out records and have something inspiring to say and not just popping them out.
I really, honestly feel I’m only just now understanding so many things that I needed to learn. I feel like maybe I always had the soul, but now I just feel like I’ve lived [that] soul.
SMN: What was kind of the vibe and ethos with this new record?
KW: You know, this era of this band getting together was really inspiring. Ever since our [2022 album] “No Regular Dog,” we really started gaining momentum on the road post-COVID, and we started seeing people finally start coming out. Then, I released [the 2024 album] “There’s Always a Song,” and it kind of continued. And then, finally, this group of people came together [for this band] and I was super inspired. People are really responding to [“Every Ghost”] in a different way, which is cool.
SMN: You’re in a good place.
KW: Right now? I think so. I am in a good place. I’ve experienced a lot of challenging stuff this past couple months, but I’m very grateful to be here.
SMN: It’s all about how you react.
KW: Yeah, you’ve just got to push through it. I was thinking about this the other day, too, [where] I remember, at the end of [late country legend] Billy Joe Shaver’s life, I saw him still playing, and he was still in a van and trailer, still doing it. And that’s so inspiring. I mean, I don’t know what else I’m going to do. [Laughs]. It’s the only thing I want to do. And we’re discovering new fans all the time. It kind of feels like only just the beginning. You know, I like to say I’m waiting for the day somebody’s going to be like, “All right, you’re a fraud, you’ve had enough fun.” And I’m like, “All right, it was a good run.” [Laughs].
Kelsey Waldon will play Asheville Feb. 27.
Alysse Gafkjen photo
This must be the place
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD
‘The sky was dull, and hypothetical, and fallin’ one cloud at a time’
Hello from “The Ice Chalet,” a hockey rink just west of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, along Kingston Pike. It’s Thursday evening and I find myself one of only three spectators in the bleachers watching some of the finest amateur skaters in this city go at it mere hours after clocking out of their day job.
I’m here for two reasons. For one, my best buddy, Andy, plays for one of the amateur teams, so I’ve swung by to cheer him on as I’m passing through town on assignment. Mainly, I’m en route to Nashville for the weekend, with Knoxville the ideal spot to land before entering Music City come Friday afternoon.
This is my third time finding myself in this rink. The sound of the puck and sticks hitting each other, players slamming up against the boards reminds me of my native Upstate New York. It’s also the smell of an old rink, where the scent of old wood and well-earned sweat conjures images cherished in my memory. It’s also the incessant buzz of the overhead lights.
memories overtakes my thoughts, especially that of the iconic “Miracle on Ice” game in the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York where the U.S. men’s ice hockey team beat the U.S.S.R. and went on to win the gold medal.
I was raised with the “Miracle on Ice” story. My family is deeply-tied to Lake Placid. It’s not only that my family hails from that region of Upstate New York, but my Uncle Craig was even the mayor of Lake Placid for 12 years. My parents attended some of the 1980 Winter Olympic events, too, with Aunt Cheryl actually in attendance for the “Miracle on Ice.” And I remember hearing so many stories about that moment in time growing up.
Those 1980 games are forever etched in
My view facing forward from the lobby is through the glass and onto the rink itself. These middle-aged men from all walks of life in the Knoxville community, coming together on a weekday night to rush up and down the ice, to slapshot and knock down, to maybe, even for a brief instant or glimpse, feel that electricity of scoring a goal just like their NHL heroes do.
Sitting on the bench with the players later on, word travels down the line to me: the U.S. women’s team won the gold medal against longtime rival Canada in the Winter Olympics today. Cheers and rowdy words of support for Team USA echo throughout the space. Speculation as to how the U.S. men’s team will fare in the coming days. Fingers crossed and God willin’.
Behind me is a chalet-style lobby. It reminds me of something from the Swiss Alps. Retro by nature and ultimately setting the mood of time and place when it comes to the old days of hockey and figure skating. Wandering around the cozy lobby, there’s all kinds of mementos and old equipment strewn about, black and white photos of winning teams now yellowed with age by those overhead lights, trophies covered in dust and a small fireplace.
On one of the walls, an aged wooden sign says “Lake Placid: Figure Skating Capitol of the World.” Soon, a flood of
HOT PICKS
1
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host Amy Grant (country/rock) at 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27.
2
The annual “Soul Food Dinner” will start at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at the Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center in Waynesville.
3
Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host Bridget Gossett (singer-songwriter) at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28.
4
Margaret Bender and Tom Belt will share their new book, “The New Voice of God: Language, Worldview, and the Cherokee Bible,” at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.
5
Cataloochee Ranch (Maggie Valley) will host A. Lee Edwards (Americana/folk) at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28.
downtown or disappearing into the surrounding Adirondack Mountains.
the North Country culture. I even spent four summers living a couple blocks away from the Olympic Center Arena, working frontdesk at my aunt and uncle’s motel. I’d walk by the arena in the morning, run past it in the afternoons, walk by it again after dinner. I remember seeing concerts there and ice skating on the outdoor oval. It’s never left my heart and soul, the beauty and magic of that place.
And I think back fondly on all those foggy memories of that period of my life. When I was a junior in high school on the Canadian Border, I was dating a girl from nearby Saranac Lake (with Lake Placid the next town over). Each weekend, we’d motor over to Lake Placid in my 1991 Plymouth Acclaim. Grab a cappuccino from the fancy café and walk the snowy streets, peering into the windows of expensive galleries and boutique stores, all while pondering our lives beyond graduation and what “real life” would look like and ultimately become.
Throughout college, I spent those lazy, hazy summer breaks behind the front desk of the (now long-gone) Northway Motel. And I was given my own hotel room to stay in, which was a pretty incredible thing to behold. My own room right on the Lake Placid strip. Whenever I wasn’t checking in guests from around the world, cleaning the pool or mowing the lawn, I was roaming
Whenever I get back to the North Country, which is about once a year at this point, I always take one day to return to Lake Placid, to soak in the beauty, legend and lore of that community. All of my family who used to call that town home have either moved away or transitioned into the next heavenly realm. All of my old cronies from there have also left and are scattered around the country, with some, sadly, also transitioning into the next heavenly realm.
Living in Western North Carolina for the last 14 years, I keep many North Country things close to my heart and soul as ways to not lose my sense of identity, these intrinsic and tangible ways to keep a tether to home: real maple syrup, poutine, skiing, winter hiking, etc. In my apartment, there’s a painting of the fall foliage in the North Country purposely placed as the main focal point when you walk into the front room. There’s the polar bear-shaped Northwest Territories license plate on a nearby shelf, as well as other trinkets.
And hockey is one of the main ways and means by which I avoid homesickness, either in-person at the Knoxville Ice Bears or simply watching my beloved Montreal Canadiens on TV in some sports bar. In truth, it’s amazing, all of the things that run through one’s mind while standing in a rink and watching a bunch of Knoxville dudes playing hockey on an otherwise quiet weekday night. It’s amazing to ponder the journey thus far. Onward.
Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.
Editor’s Note: The U.S. men’s team won the Olympic gold medal following a thrilling overtime victory against Canada on Sunday. This is the first gold for Team USA since the Lake Placid “Miracle on Ice” in 1980.
‘The Ice Chalet’ in Knoxville. Garret K. Woodward photo
Cherokee pottery exhibition
A special showcase, “Didanisisgi Gadagwatli: A Showcase of Pottery from the Mud Dauber Community Workshop,” is now on display at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee.
On view through May 2026, the exhibition features works by students of Tara McCoy (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) handcrafted during an intensive three-month workshop.
Renowned for her pottery, McCoy began making crafts at 12 years old. She honed her skills while taking arts and crafts classes with Alyne Stamper (EBCI) and has won numerous awards at the Cherokee Fall Festival and at Southwestern Association of Indian Arts (SWAIA) Santa Fe Indian Market.
others. Designed to increase and uplift pottery making among members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, McCoy’s workshop uses a hands-on approach, empowering first-time potters to bring their own personal style to ancestral techniques and methods.
Celebrating creativity at WCU
Western Carolina University’s annual “Juried Undergraduate Exhibition” will run through March 20 at the Fine Art Museum on campus in Cullowhee.
To note, an awards ceremony and reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at the museum. The exhibition and the reception are both free and open to the public.
MotCP is located in Cherokee. Donated photo
The artists exhibited include Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle (EBCI), Barbara Jones (EBCI), Paula Wojtkowski (EBCI), Marisa “Sis” Cabe (EBCI), Lisa Howell (EBCI, Pawnee Nation) Malia Crowe Skulski (EBCI), Samantha ColeDaniels (EBCI), Elvia Walkingstick (EBCI), Maggie Jackson (EBCI), Michelle Lynn Long (EBCI, Mvskoke Creek Nation) and Tara McCoy (EBCI).
This exhibition is an extraordinary opportunity for WCU undergraduate students to share their artwork with a larger public and to enhance their skills in presenting artwork in a professional gallery setting. Entries are reviewed by an outside art professional who selects the works for exhibition at the museum.
Today, she shares her knowledge with
• Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) latest exhibit “Inspired by a Song” is currently being showcased at Haywood Handmade Gallery in downtown Waynesville. The showcase explores the powerful connection between music and visual art. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit haywoodarts.org or stop by the gallery during regular business hours.
• WNC Paint Events will host painting sessions throughout the region on select dates. For more information and/or to sign up, visit wncpaint.events.
• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host “ArtWorks” at 1 p.m. every second
On the stage
• Haywood Arts Regional Theatre (Waynesville) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. 828.456.6322 / harttheatre.org.
For more information, visit motcp.org.
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.
• 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.
• Gallery Zella (Bryson City) will be hosting an array of artist receptions, exhibits and show-
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. For tickets, visit caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.
• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host semiregular stage productions on the weekends. 866.273.4615 / smokymountainarts.com.
• Highlands Performing Arts Center (Highlands) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. 828.526.9047 / mountaintheatre.com.
• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host a stage production of “Chapter Two” at 7:30 p.m. March 6-7, 13-14 and 2:30 p.m. March 8 and 15. 828.389.ARTS / thepeacocknc.org.
• Swain Arts Center (Bryson City) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. 828.488.7843 / swainartscenter.com.
Visit arts.wcu.edu/58-juried to learn more about the exhibition and reception. To see BAC’s full calendar of events, visit arts.wcu.edu/explore or call 828.227.ARTS. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.
cases. The gallery is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. 517.881.0959 / galleryzella.com.
• Haywood County Arts Council (Waynesville) will offer a wide range of classes, events and activities for artisans, locals and visitors. The HCAC gallery is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. 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.
• 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 in 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.
HART presents ‘The White Chip’
‘The White Chip’ will be presented Feb. 28-March 1. File photo
A special production of “The White Chip” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27-28 and 2 p.m. March 1 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
“The White Chip” tells the story of one man’s journey through addiction, ambition and the messy art of starting over. Based on playwright Sean Daniels’ real-life recovery, the play balances razor-sharp humor with emotional honesty, offering an uplifting and unflinching look at what it takes to rebuild a life — and a self — one honest step at a time.
Tickets are $25 per person, with group, senior, military and student discounts available. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit harttheatre.org or call the box office at 828.456.6322.
‘Visitors’ by Aster Ayer. WCU photo
Peacock Performing Arts Center in Hayesville. File photo
On the beat
• 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” 3 p.m. Tuesdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.456.8691.
• Angry Elk Brewing (Whittier) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. All shows are free and open to the public. 828.497.1015 / facebook.com/angryelkbrewingco.
• Assembly On Main (Waynesville) will host “Open Mic Night” 7-9 p.m. Mondays (sign-up at 6:30 p.m.), “Trivia Night” 6 p.m. Tuesdays and “Karaoke Night” 7 p.m. Thursdays. Free and open to the public. 828.246.0839 / assemblyonmain.com.
• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host “Open Mic” 8-10 p.m. Thursdays. Free and open to the public. 828.631.1987 / balsamfallsbrewing.com.
• Balsam Mountain Inn (Balsam) will host “Picking on the Porch” (open community jam) 6 p.m. Tuesdays, “Trivia Night” 7 p.m. Wednesdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.283.0145 / thebalsammountaininn.com.
• Bevel Bar (Waynesville) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. 828.246.0996 / bevelbar.com.
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host “Music Bingo Night” 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, The Blue Mountaineers (Americana/bluegrass) on Thursdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All music starts at 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9320 / facebook.com/brbeerhub.
• 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.
• Breadheads Tiki Shak (Sylva) will host “Tiki Trivia” at 7 p.m. every other Thursday of the month and Falspring 1 p.m. Feb. 28 (brunch show). 828.307.2160 / breadheadstikishak.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.
• Cataloochee Ranch (Maggie Valley) will host A. Lee Edwards (Americana/folk) Feb. 28 and Kelly Morris (Americana/indie) March 4. All shows begin at 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Admission is $25 per person. For tickets and reservations, visit cataloocheeranch.com/ranch-event.
• Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Reservations required. The kitchen and wine bar open at 4 p.m. 828.452.6000 or classicwineseller.com.
All shows begin at 6 p.m. Admission is $40 per person, with discounts rates available for hotel guests and members. 866.526.8008 / oldedwardshospitality.com.
• 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 semi-regular live music monthly. 828.452.2997 / folkmoot.org.
• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host “Jazz On The Level” 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Marley’s Chain Feb. 27, Crystal Fountains Feb. 28 and Paul Edelman (singer-songwriter) 3 p.m. March 1. All shows begin at 6
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host Amy Grant (country/rock) 9 p.m. Feb. 27. For tickets, click on caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.
• High Country Wine & Provisions (Highlands) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.482.4502 / highcountrywineandprovisions.com.
• High Dive (Highlands) will host “Trivia” 7 p.m. on Thursdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.526.2200 / highlandsdive.com.
• Higher Rock (Waynesville) is currently seeking singer-songwriters for the new venue, which is expected to open in April. If interested, contact Cyndi Sullivan at 704.579.0482 or email cyndisullivan1969@gmail.com.
Country, rock at The Scotsman
Regional country/rock artist Jon Cox will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at The Scotsman in Waynesville.
The Asheville singer-songwriter rolls through an array of classic country gold and rock
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host “Open Mic” at 6 p.m. every second Friday of the month and semiregular live music on the weekends. 828.369.4080 / coweeschool.org/music.
• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host “Music Bingo” on Thursdays and “Cabin Fever 70s Party” Feb. 28. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.634.0078 / curraheebrew.com.
• Farm At Old Edwards (Highlands) will host the “Fireside at the Farm” on select dates.
melodies. Known for his “high-energy outlaw music,” Cox is a rising voice in Western North Carolina.
Free and open to the public. 828.246.6292 or scotsmanpublic.com.
p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 / froglevelbrewing.com.
• Frog Quarters (Franklin) will host live music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Free and open to the public. 828.369.8488 / littletennessee.org.
• Happ’s Place (Glenville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.742.5700 / happsplace.com.
• Highlander Mountain House (Highlands) will host “Blues & Brews” with Scott Low 6-9 p.m. Thursdays ($5 cover), Zorki (singer-songwriter) 1-3 p.m. Saturdays, “Bluegrass Brunch” 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sundays (free) and the “Salon Series” with Valley James (singer-songwriter) 8:30 p.m. Feb. 26 ($41.84 per person, tax included). 828.526.2590 / highlandermountainhouse.com.
• Highlands Performing Arts Center will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.526.9047 / highlandsperformingarts.com.
• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host “Monday Night Trivia” every week, “Open Mic” on Wednesdays and semiregular 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.
• Innovation Station (Dillsboro) will host semi-regular 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.
• 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.
• 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, “Pajama Party Karaoke” Feb. 27 F
Jon Cox will play Waynesville Feb. 26. Wayne Ebinger photo
Cataloochee Ranch goes Americana
Americana/folk singer-song-
writer
A. Lee Edwards will perform at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley.
Edwards has been a singer-songwriter for over 30 years. His music holds an honesty and an authenticity not built on outward style but inner substance. He is joined by a backing band of some of the top players in the region, all with vocal harmonies reminiscent of The Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers and Buck Owens & Don Rich.
Admission is $25 per person. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit cataloocheeranch.com/ranch-event.
and Blue Jazz (soul/blues) Feb. 28. 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 and Ray Ferrara (country/folk) Feb. 27. 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 Blue Mountaineers (Americana/bluegrass) 5-7 p.m. Mondays, “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.
• Meadowlark Motel (Maggie Valley) will host a “Grateful Dead Tribute” Feb. 26. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.926.1717 / meadowlarkmotel.com.
• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host “Open Mic Night” with Frank Lee every Thursday, Liz Petty (singer-songwriter) Feb. 27 and Bridget Gossett (singer-songwriter) Feb. 28. 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.
• Old Edwards Inn (Highlands) will host live
A. Lee Edwards will play Maggie Valley Feb. 28. File photo
music in the Hummingbird Lounge at 5:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. Free and open to the public. 866.526.8008 / oldedwardshospitality.com.
• 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.
• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host Wyatt Espalin & The Riverstones (Americana) March 20. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, 828.389.ARTS / thepeacocknc.org.
• 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. Fridays and Michael Kitchens & Dirty Dave (Americana) Feb. 28. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.369.6796 / facebook.com/rathskellercoffeebarandpub.
• Salty Dog’s Seafood & Grill (Maggie Valley) will host “Karaoke Night” on Mondays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.926.9105 / facebook.com/saltydogs2005.
• Santé Wine Bar (Sylva) will host semi-regular live music on Sundays. All shows begin at 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.631.3075 / facebook.com/thewinebarandcellar.
• Scotsman (Waynesville) will host “Open Mic” the first Wednesday of every month, Jon Cox (singer-songwriter) Feb. 26, Crimson Moon (Americana) Feb. 28, Anthony Wayne (singersongwriter) March 5 and Celtic Road Jam (Celtic/world) 4 p.m. March 7. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.6292 / scotsmanpublic.com.
On the table
Ready for the ‘Soul Food Dinner’?
In honor of Black History Month, the annual “Soul Food Dinner” will start at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at the Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center in Waynesville.
The community center will be serving up delicious fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, cornbread and cobbler, all for just $15 a plate. Come eat at the center or take a plate to go. Food will be served until it’s gone.
To make the event a success, the Pigeon Center needs volunteers to help the day before and the day of the event. For those interested in volunteering, sign up for a shift at
All proceeds support community programs, including after-school care and the Summer Enrichment Program for local children. For more information, visit pcmdc.org or call 828.452.7232.
• Cataloochee Ranch (Maggie Valley) will host semi-regular culinary events and workshops throughout the week. For a full schedule of upcoming activities, tickets and reservations, visit cataloocheeranch.com/ranchevent.
• Balsam Mountain Inn (Balsam) will host “Wind Down Wine Flights” 6 p.m. Thursdays. 828.283.0145 / thebalsammountaininn.com.
• Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will have the wine bar open from 4-8 p.m. Fridays/Saturdays, with semi-regular wine tastings on the weekends. 828.452.6000 / classicwineseller.com.
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host semi-regular tap-takeovers from local and regional breweries on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9320 / blueridgebeerhub.com.
On the beat
CONTINUED FROM 21
• Slanted Window Tasting Station (Franklin) will host Blue Jazz (Americana) 6 p.m. April 18. 828.276.9463 / slantedwindow.com.
• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host Terri Clark (country/Americana) 7:30 p.m. March 14. Admission is $23 per person, with seating upgrades available. Tickets now available, with seating upgrades offered. 866.273.4615 / smokymountainarts.com.
Lavender BALL
A NIGHT OF ART, HEART & HOPE
THURSDAY, MARCH 12 6 P.M.
Join the Haywood Community College Foundation for the Lavender Ball—a heartfelt fundraising event held on the HCC campus to support students in need. Enjoy live and silent auctions, appetizers, a buffet dinner, and a four-piece jazz band. Festive lavender cocktail attire encouraged.
Scan the code to purchase tickets online. To purchase in person, contact Hylah Birenbaum at 828.627.4544 or hebirenbaum@haywood.edu
• “Flights & Bites” will be held at 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. 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.
• “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.
• 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 a Community Jam 5:30-7:30 p.m. every third Thursday of the month (free) and semiregular live music on the weekends. 828.479.3364 / stecoahvalleycenter.com.
• Stubborn Bull (Highlands) will host “Live Music Mondays” with local/regional singersongwriters. All shows begin at 5:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.200.0813 / the-stubborn-bull.com.
• 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” 6:30 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 Rene Russell (singer-songwriter) 4 p.m. Tuesdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.944.0686 / valleycigarandwineco.com.
• Valley Tavern (Maggie Valley) will host “Karaoke with Jason” Tuesdays, “Tom’s Trivia Night” Wednesdays and “Hillbilly Winter Jam” (Americana/rock) Feb. 26-28. All shows and events begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.926.7440 / valley-tavern.com.
• Veterans Of Foreign Wars Post 5202 (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.456.9356 / vfw5202.org.
• Vineyard At High Holly (Scaly Mountain) will host Shawn Hart (singer-songwriter) Feb. 28, Monica Spears (singer-songwriter) March 1, Katie & Ezra (Americana) March 7 and Tim Austin (singer-songwriter) March 8. All shows begin at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.482.5573 / thevineyardathighholly.com.
• Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host “Trivia Night” 7 p.m. Mondays, “Karaoke Night” 8 p.m. Thursdays, semi-regular DJs on the weekends and Break Cutter (rock) Feb. 27. All shows begin at 9 p.m. 828.456.4750 / facebook.com/waternhole.bar.
• Wells Events & Reception Center (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.476.5070 / wellseventcenter.simpletix.com.
• Western Carolina Brew & Wine (Highlands) will host live music 4-6 p.m. Saturdays. Free and open to the public. 828.342.6707 / wcbrewandwine.com.
• Whiteside Brewing (Cashiers) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. 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 “Country Thursdays” (Americana/country) 6 p.m. Thursdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. Family/dog friendly. 828.200.2169 / eatrealfoodinc.com.
The PCMDC is located in Waynesville. File photo
Frozen: Two survival sagas from Antarctica
In January, in the middle of the week-long subfreezing temps and the snow that froze into ice, one of my sons gave me a belated Christmas gift, Alfred Lansing’s “Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage (Basic Books, 2015, 416 pages). Originally published in 1959, this account of explorer Ernest Shackleton and his 27-man crew and their long battle for survival in Antarctica sold moderately well, then took off with the public after its reappearance in the late 1980s. Many of you readers have likely read this tale of heroism and resilience, but I was a comelately to its pages. It was a book unlike any other I’d ever read.
they possessed, telling stories, a reminder that we too possess creative powers and independence all waiting to be used.
Finally, the sheer amount of investigative work American author Alfred Lansing poured into this labor of love is breathtaking. He interviewed survivors of this epic trek as well as their family members and friends, gathered letters and newspaper accounts, and wove all these sources into a
About halfway through, I realized that every time I thought, “Well, things can’t get any worse than this,” some new disaster occurred: the crushing of the Endurance amid massive, moving islands of ice; camping out on floes and ice packs that threatened to break apart, and sometimes did; the constant worry about food; the utter misery of living cold and wet in temperatures as low as negative 40 degrees F. Much of the time, the crew’s circumstances and changes in fortune weren’t one step forward and two back, but simply back and back and back.
And there was more. I read the book slowly at first, no more than 10 pages at a time, just before falling asleep. Later, when my schedule permitted more reading, I progressed faster, but I credit the slow passages of time spent with Shackleton and crew as producing other effects on me rarely delivered by any book, mostly a sense of appreciation and gratitude. The weather outside, often in the teens, seemed less painful. The food I ate took on new meaning as I read of the men of the Endurance being thankful for blubber and penguin and seal meat. They washed, when they washed at all, with snow, which rubbed their skin raw; I showered under hot water. My apartment was toasty; they were sleeping huddled together under tarps and tents on wood slats or on the ice. They were happy when their clothing was only damp; I was wearing dry, warm shirts and sweaters.
“Endurance” also offered implicit lessons for living. With no outside contact or hope of aid, the men survived for approximately 20 months, teaching the rest of us the value of making do with whatever is at hand. Reading of all they suffered, and how they bounced back after one heartbreaking disappointment after another, their example should deepen whatever notions of resilience we might possess. They made their own entertainment through all those days and nights of frigid weather and horrible gales, singing, reading aloud from the few books
but we can surely identify with that certain something he must have felt at that moment, the pride and wonder and sorrow of what it means to be a human being.
•••
Readers looking for more adventures in Antarctica should try Admiral Richard E. Byrd’s “Alone.”
masterpiece of journalistic literature.
Near the end of “Endurance,” Shackleton and two of his men, Crean and Worsley, sail by open boat in a last desperate attempt to find help for themselves and the others. Finally they reach the Stromness Whaling Station, where they find relief and the ships that will rescue the rest of the crew. On making their first startling appearance, the foreman of a work crew, Mathias Anderson, leads these three wraiths to his supervisor, Thoralf Sorlle, whom Shackleton knew.
Lansing writes:
“When he saw the three men he stepped back and a look of disbelief came over his face. For a long moment he stood shocked and silent before he spoke.
“‘Who the hell are you?’ he said at last.
“The man in the center stepped forward.
“‘My name is Shackleton,’ he replied in a quiet voice.
“Again there was silence. Some said that Sorlle turned away and wept.”
We readers may not weep with Sorlle,
A century ago, Byrd was an American hero. He had flown over both the North and South Poles and remains the only American ever honored with three New York City tickertape parades. Congress rewarded him with the Medal of Honor and the rank of admiral, the youngest ever appointed to that position.
In 1934, the 45-year-old Byrd volunteered to man Antarctic’s Boiling Advanced Base weather station, located about 126 miles from a permanent base, Little America II. The plan was that he would spend six months alone, tracking meteorological patterns.
Here’s where bibliophiles will smile. As he later wrote in “Alone,” one reason he took on this this lonely duty post was books. His usual schedule permitted little time for reading and listening to the recorded music he loved. Sealed off in his tiny prefabricated hut would afford him plenty of time for both.
A side note: Here’s where Byrd and I part ways. If I was looking for solitude and some time to read more, I’d pack a few boxes of books into the trunk of my car, head for the coast of North Carolina, and settle into a beachfront motel room.
For two months, Byrd’s plan worked, but then his heater malfunctioned, and the gaseous carbon monoxide nearly killed him. For several weeks, this proud man refused to notify Little America II of his illness and the raw temperatures he was enduring in his quarters. When they figured out that something was wrong, they sent a rescue mission across the treacherous landscape, which eventually returned Byrd to safety.
“Alone” is a fascinating story, filled with thoughts and philosophical speculations from the notes he took.
Here are two fine adventures that will warm you up in the winter weather and cool you off in the summer. Enjoy!
(Jeff Minick reviews books and has written four of his own: two novels, “Amanda Bell” and “Dust On Their Wings,” and two works of nonfiction, “Learning As I Go” and “Movies Make the Man.” minick0301@gmail.com.)
Writer Jeff Minick
Haywood County’s newest recreational amenity is slated for a June opening, but has already garnered significant international interest. Fiasco Media photo
‘Pumped Up’ Haywood County ready for appearance on world stage
BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS EDITOR
On a quiet stretch of county-owned land once defined by grass and gravel and garbage, a ribbon of asphalt now loops, banks and swells in tight rhythmic curves — engineered not for pedaling, but for flow. Riders generate speed by pumping their bodies through rollers and berms, transforming momentum into motion without ever turning a crank. In September, that motion will carry Haywood County into the international spotlight.
Haywood County’s newest recreational amenity will host the Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championships Qualifier on Sept. 12-13, placing Waynesville among a small group of American communities selected for the global series that feeds into the world final.
The event marks the first time Haywood will appear on a competition calendar that stretches across Europe, Asia, South America and North America in a coordinated championship pathway overseen by Swiss-based Velosolutions and the Union Cycliste Internationale.
“We’re one of four cities in the whole U.S. to have this event, so we’re hoping and expecting it to draw a huge crowd,” said Dillon Huffman, Haywood County’s public information officer.
The qualifier format follows strict international standards. According to the official guidelines for the 2026 series, elite riders complete two timed solo runs in a qualification round, with the faster time counting toward advancement. The top finishers then
enter knockout heats that narrow the field through quarterfinals, semifinals and finals. The top four elite men and top four elite women at each qualifier earn spots at the world championships. The winning male and female riders receive a paid trip to the world final, which includes travel and accommodation for championship week.
Haywood’s event will be the final U.S. qualifier on the 2026 calendar, a strategic position that county officials believe could influence participation numbers. Riders who fall short at earlier stops often travel to multiple qualifiers seeking one final breakthrough. A last-chance opportunity in Western North Carolina could draw competitors who narrowly missed podium finishes elsewhere, or give qualifiers who’ve made strong runs a chance at free travel.
“We are the last competition in the U.S., and hopefully we’ll bring all of those riders here. So really good spot to be in,” said Elli Flagg, director of Haywood County Recreation and Parks.
Event structure virtually guarantees a multi-day presence in the county; official practice sessions precede race heats, and there are no alternate rain dates built into the schedule. If weather disrupts one portion of the weekend, race organizers must shift heats within the same timeframe rather than postpone the event.
That compressed schedule means athletes and their families are likely to arrive on or before Sept. 11 and remain through Sept. 14, even if racing concludes Saturday evening. Flagg is coordinating with Haywood’s Tourism Development Authority to estimate
first official practice session through the final heat. A crisis management plan must be finalized in advance, and the nearest hospital must be notified prior to race weekend.
The facility was constructed with limited direct taxpayer burden. Commissioners appropriated roughly $850,000 in excess interest earnings generated during a period of elevated rates, supplemented by a $500,000 matching grant from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund and $100,000 from the North Carolina Trails Committee.
Huffman said the broad funding mix reflects community interest in expanding recreation infrastructure without placing additional strain on residents.
economic impact using attendance projections and geographic tracking data.
Before riders roll to the start box, the county must satisfy detailed operational obligations outlined in the series guidelines. Velosolutions provides the international race director and global timing partner, manages online registration and collects entry fees before transferring proceeds to the local organizer. The local organizer must provide event production infrastructure including sound systems, power supply, riders’ areas, registration facilities and event signage. Branding standards require specific number plates, track stickers, bracket walls and podium presentation elements.
Medical staffing requirements are explicit. A minimum four-person professional medical team — including at least one doctor and three paramedics — must be on site from the
Pump track afterparty
As riders from across the United States — and their families — descend on Haywood County for the Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championships in September, local organizers are looking for businesses and community organizations who want to show off some of that Haywood County hospitality by hosting informal events, after-parties and the like. If you or your business would like to host a pre- or post-race event, contact Haywood County Recreation and Parks Director Elli Flagg at 828.452.6789 or elli.flagg@haywoodcountync.gov.
The 19-acre Raccoon Creek Bike Park site — a former landfill — was first envisioned as part of a broader recreation master plan. Early development included dirt features and trail work, before county leaders pursued a permanent asphalt pump track as the centerpiece amenity. Asphalt tracks require less reshaping and provide consistent riding surfaces suitable for sanctioned competition.
Natural terrain surrounding the track creates amphitheater-style viewing areas, with grassy hills on both sides capable of accommodating large crowds without extensive temporary seating structures. Additional fields provide overflow parking if attendance exceeds projections. Bathrooms, a pavilion and a playground round out the offerings.
The event is free and open to the public. Flagg envisions a picnic-style environment, where families can toss a blanket on the grass, bring a cooler (no alcohol) and cheer on racers.
“There’ll be plenty of room for a few hundred people,” Flagg said.
Beyond elite racing, the series allows local organizers to add youth and amateur categories to the race day. Recommended divisions include kids categories for riders under age 9 and under 11, youth divisions up through age 17 and masters categories for older competitors. Youth races typically use solo, timed runs, with finals added if the schedule permits. Combining divisions on the same day enhances atmosphere and encourages family participation.
The track is expected to open in mid-June and will remain open to the public outside official competition windows — and long after competitors have left. Officials emphasize that the facility serves not only elite athletes but also beginners seeking a safe and approachable riding environment. Unlike traditional mountain bike trails that demand technical skill and climbing endurance, pump tracks rarely require pedaling and reward balance and rhythm, making them accessible to younger riders and those new to cycling sports.
Recreation leaders view the qualifier as one component of a larger outdoor identity. Chestnut Mountain’s exceptional trail network, recreation along the Pigeon River and regional cycling clubs
have positioned Haywood County as an emerging destination for riders of all skill levels.
Hosting a globally branded event signals that the county can support not only recreational use but also sanctioned competition.
Exposure extends beyond race day attendance. Velosolutions manages international promotion through official social media channels and event pages. Qualifier winners receive symbolic “winner tickets” during the awards ceremony. Images of podium celebrations circulate through global cycling networks, linking host communities with the broader championship narrative.
National exposure places Haywood County alongside established cycling destinations and reinforces a broader strategy centered on outdoor access, youth engagement and long-term tourism diversification. That exposure compounds locally.
Flagg said local businesses are encouraged to participate through after-race gatherings and partnerships that extend the experience beyond the track itself. Restaurants, breweries, retailers or other businesses may host visiting riders and families throughout the weekend, further
embedding the event within the community — and the local economy.
“We’re just really excited for the exposure this brings to the area surrounding biking,” Flagg said.
Whether the qualifier becomes an annual benchmark or a singular milestone will depend on turnout, community engagement and measurable economic impact. Flagg plans to evaluate attendance data, hotel occupancy trends and visitor origin metrics, if possible.
Long after the final stopwatch reading is posted and elite riders depart for the world stage, the asphalt loop will remain carved into the hillside.
Brandon Rogers, a Haywood County commissioner who sits on the county’s recreation board and has advocated for the pump track, is pleased to see it already booked before it even opens.
“Since our focus has shifted to outdoor recreation, this was a huge project we worked on for years with little-to-no local tax dollars spent,” Rogers said. “Using strong partnerships, we paid for almost the whole thing. I give credit back to Elli and our grant writers.”
Ingles Nutrition N
written by Ingles Dietitian Leah M
McGrath
Spongy moth infestations found in 7 N.C. counties
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has identified infestations of spongy moth in seven counties
pheromone will only affect the spongy moth species, and Btk applications will be precisely timed to avoid non-target caterpillar species. These management tactics will not harm humans, plants or pets.
PREDIABETES:SIGNS/SYMPTOM
PREDIABETES: SIGNS/SYMPTOMS
Notes S
Prreediabetes is when your blood sugar is elevated over what considered normal, but as yet, not high enough to be a diagnosis diabetes. A HbA1C (glycated hemoglobin) test will indicate Pr the r reesult is between 5.7 % and 6.4 % (equates to average of 117mg/dl-137mg/dl).
Even before a blood test, you may notice some issues which indicate prediabetes:
• fatigue — arre re e tired than normal?
• dry skin
e you mor
• skin tags on your neck or arm pits
• blurry vision
• UTI’s (urinary tract infections) and yeast infections
• darkened patches of skin on your neck, arm pits or grrooin?
If you answerreed yes to some or many of these questions, th good to discuss with your medical provider and have your
e information on pr For morre reediabetes see: https://www.cdc.gov/ evention-type-2/prediabetes-prdiabetes/prre re reevent-type-2.html
t is gnosis of Prreediabetes if blood sugars ch may ? his may be blood glucose c.gov/ 2.html
Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN
Ingles Market Corporate Dietitian
Leah McGrath - Dietitian
After spraying for spongy moths in Haywood County in 2025, NCDA&CS announced it plans on spraying again this year. File photo
across North Carolina that it anticipates treating in 2026.
Residents within the impacted areas were notified by mail in February about these infestations as well as proposed treatments. Informational sessions will be held within these communities in March to collect public comments for consideration. Management activities will start as early as April and could continue through June.
For more heavily infested areas, low altitude helicopters will disperse Bacillus thuringiensis kurstakii (Btk), a naturally occurring bacteria used to control high populations of spongy moth caterpillars. For areas with smaller infestations, mating disruption will be conducted by a low-altitude fixed-wing aircraft dispersing SPLAT Gypsy Moth-Organic infused with the naturally occurring spongy moth pheromone. The
Puzzles can be found on page 30
These are only the answers.
The presence of the pheromone makes male spongy moths unable to follow the natural pheromone scent trails released by the females. This causes a decrease in mating success and reduces the spongy moth population. High-density populations require Btk treatment to be effectively managed. Btk applied to host trees is consumed by the spongy moth caterpillars, activating a caterpillarspecific gut protein that disrupts their ability to feed, ultimately reducing their survival.
Spongy moths feed on the leaves of more than 300 different species of trees and shrubs, predominantly oaks and hardwoods. When areas become heavily infested, trees may be completely stripped of foliage, leaving yard trees and entire forests more susceptible to attacks from other pests and severe weather disruptions. Severe infestations often lead to tree death. Spongy moth caterpillars can also pose public health concerns for people with respiratory problems. In areas with high-density spongy moth populations, the caterpillar hairs and droppings may cause severe allergic reactions.
DEQ awards $7.3M for Helene-damaged dam repairs
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources is awarding more than $7.3 million to support repairs for several high-hazard dams that were damaged during Hurricane Helene.
A high-hazard dam is defined as one where failure would likely result in loss of life or significant damage to homes, buildings, public utilities, primary highways or major railroads. These grants are funded through a $10 million allocation approved by the North Carolina General Assembly. Following this initial round, $2.7 million remains available and will be distributed through a second application period.
Following Hurricane Helene, DEMLR staff inspected more than 400 dams across mountain communities. After conducting outreach to affected dam owners, the division received approximately 20 applications, with eight proj-
ects selected for funding.
In The Smoky Mountain News coverage area, a total of about $200,000 was awarded to the Lake Junaluska dam.
After the storm, DEMLR regional staff spent several weeks in Western North Carolina assessing approximately 40 damaged dams, 36 of which were classified as high-hazard. Damage ranged from minor erosion to full failure caused by overtopping.
The second application period will open on Feb.18 and closes at 5 p.m. on June 19. Eligible dam owners may apply for funding to support design-construction plans for the repair, modification, removal or breach projects related to Hurricane Helene damage. Additional information and application materials are available at deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/energy-mineral-andland-resources/dam-safety-programoverview#tab-fundingopportunities-13107.
State announces $5.7M for flood resilience in WNC
Gov. Josh Stein announced $5.7 million in grants from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Flood Resiliency Blueprint to reduce flood risk in the French Broad River Basin. The announcement includes eight projects that will create new floodwater storage, restore and reconnect floodplains, relocate facilities and infrastructure out of harm’s way, and improve water quality.
reduce damage to adjacent roads and improve the water quality of storm runoff with native-planted zones. This project aligns with the priorities of the Town of Clyde Land Use Plan (2012) and Pedestrian Master Plan (2012).
The Flood Resiliency Blueprint previously funded $3.16 million for eight projects dedicated to long-term flood resilience in the French Broad River Basin in 2024 and 2025. Overall, the Blueprint has now funded 81 projects totaling more than $40 million.
The NC Flood Resiliency Blueprint is the state’s science-based and stakeholder-driven initiative designed to support the planning, evaluation and implementation of flood resilience strategies. It is the largest statewide flood mitigation investment in North Carolina history. The Blueprint equips local governments, the state and supporting organizations with data, tools and processes to guide strategic investments to reduce flood risk, fund priority projects and address gaps in mitigation efforts. The program will deliver a set of projects and funding strategies to reduce flooding, lessen damage and strengthen communities’ ability to recover quickly from future disasters.
RROJECTS IN THE SMN COVERAGE AREA:
Town of Clyde Downtown Floodable Riverfront Park $401,226: This project will transform 1.08 acres of Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazard Mitigation Grant Program buyout properties into a public floodable park space along the Pigeon River. This project is planned as part of an integrated suite of resilience-building projects in downtown Clyde that will support local businesses, provide new recreational opportunities and help define Clyde’s post-Helene identity. The floodable park will direct and contain flooding,
Town of Canton Park Street River Access and Stormwater Improvements $450,000: Canton’s Park Street project will provide new community amenities designed with flood resilience in mind. The Haywood Waterways Association will lead the project, located directly along the Pigeon River in Canton and the Hellbender Regional Trail. The new park will provide Haywood County’s first public river access point, along with new walking trails and flexible open space. The one-acre floodable park will be designed for stormwater treatment and flood storage, supporting the goals of the town’s Stormwater Management Plan (2020), the Canton Land Use Plan (2022) and the Upper Pigeon Flood Risk Reduction Plan (2024). This project continues the town's history of longterm investments in public access, stormwater improvements and flood resilience.
Town of Canton Chestnut Mountain Floodplain Restoration $470,000: The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy will lead the restoration of just over four acres of land in the floodway of Hominy Creek. The parcel is located directly upstream of and adjacent to the entrance to Chestnut Mountain Nature Park and along U.S. 19/23 (Asheville Highway). This property has experienced major flooding impacts four times in the past 25 years. Its restoration will protect U.S. 19/23 from flooding, reduce damage at the entrance to the public park and provide approximately six acre-feet of flood storage. The parcel will be added to Chestnut Mountain Nature Park, enhancing recreational and ecological benefits in the region, and it will support the Chestnut Mountain Master Plan (2020) and Canton Land Use Plan (2022).
Town of Canton Property Acquisition to Support School Relocation $2,000,000: Haywood County Schools has proposed to relocate vulnerable school buildings and sports facilities out of the floodway. The relocation is informed by a 2025 engineering study and an alternatives analysis in the Upper Pigeon Flood Risk Reduction Plan (2024). This award will help fund the acquisition of a suitable parcel for the school buildings and facilities relocation, supporting a safer, more flood-resilient future for the community. County school-owned parcels currently located in the floodway will be repurposed for future flood resilience efforts, including flood storage.
Take a beginner beekeeping class
Have you ever thought about keeping bees? Ever wanted to have more pollinators on your property? Do you just want to know more about it? March 7 will be your chance.
The Haywood County Beekeepers
Association is offering a one-day introductory class on beekeeping. Topics will include the life cycle of the bee, what you need to do through the calendar year to maintain a hive, what equipment you will need and the cost involved. This will be an opportunity to learn some basics about beekeeping and to meet fellow beginners and experienced beekeepers, to start a partnership on this adventure.
The class runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 7. The cost is $60 per person or $80 per couple. For that price, participants will receive a beginner’s manual (Kim
Flottum’s “Backyard Beekeeping”), a barbecue luncheon, lots of catalogues, information and door prizes. There will be a free package of bees for one lucky winner to start their apiary (to be delivered at a later date).
Application forms are online at Haywood County Beekeepers webpage.
Haywood County plant sale
The annual Haywood County Extension Master Gardener plant sale is taking place now. There are bare root strawberries, raspberries, black raspberries, elderberries, blackberries, asparagus and horseradish, along with potted blueberries at excellent prices.
This sale is pre-order only. People may order online with a credit card or download the order forms (to print and mail in with a check) at go.ncsu.edu/haywoodplantsales.
For questions, please call 828.456.3575.
Orders must be pre-paid and are due by March 6. Quantities are limited, so please order early.
Edibles orders (bare root plants) will be available for pickup on April 18.
Save the date for the Garden Extravaganza on June 8. There will be garden flea market items and hundreds of plants started or propagated by Extension Master Gardener volunteers.
For information about the plant sale and other Extension Master Gardener activities, visit haywood.ces.ncsu.edu or call 828.456.3575.
Market PLACE WNC
MarketPlace information:
The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 copies across 500 locations in Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties, including the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. Visit www.wncmarketplace.com to place your ad!
Rates:
• $15 — Classified ads that are 25 words, 25¢ per word after.
• Free — Lost or found pet ads.
• $6 — Residential yard sale ads.*
• $1 — Yard Sale Rain Insurance Yard sale rained out? Call us by 10a.m. Monday for your ad to run again FREE
• $375 — Statewide classifieds run in 170 participating newspapers with 1.1+ million circulation. (Limit 25 words or less)
• Boost Online — Have your ad featured at top of category online $4
• Boost in Print
• Add Photo $6
• Bold ad $2
• Yellow, Green, Pink or Blue Highlight $4
• Border $4
Note: Highlighted ads automatically generate a border so if you’re placing an ad online and select a highlight color, the “add border” feature will not be available on the screen.
Note: Yard sale ads require an address. This location will be displayed on a map on www.wncmarketplace.com
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CHEROKEE COUNTY DISTRICT
Court 24JT001045190. In re Doe, To: The Unknown Father of a minor male child, born on or about March 19, 2024 in Union County, Georgia. Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been special proceeding. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Petition Seeking Termination of Parental Rights. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than March 23, 2026 and upon your failure to do so the
against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. This, the 18th day of February, 2026.
for Petitioner PO Box 993, Murphy, NC 28906
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.26E000046-490
of the Estate of Terrill Rodney Burns of Jackson County, North Carolina, this is to notify against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before May 25 2026, or this notice will be pleaded
said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Limited Personal Representative c/o Harrison C. Dusek,
37 Church St., Ste. 2100 Waynesville, NC 28786
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.26E000066-430
Patricia Jones Bond
Co-Executors of the Estate of LOCKE M. JONES (A/K/A LOCKE MACARTHUR JONES) of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to
claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before May 19 2026, or this notice will be pleaded
said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Co-Executors
PO Box 3180 Asheville, NC 28802
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.26E000032-430
Earlene Rebecca Gibson Robinson,
Estate of Earl Riley Gibson of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons
Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before May 25 2026, or this notice will be pleaded
said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Administrator
89 Wild Rose Lane Canton NC 28716
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.25E000261-430
Executor of the Estate of Gwendolyn Kay Miller of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to
claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before May 04 2026, or this notice will be pleaded
said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Executor 14199 E Axle Drive Vail AZ 85641
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.26E000018-490
Jennifer B. Caywood,
Executor of the Estate of SHEILA J. HOOPER (A/K/A SHEILA JOYCE HOOPER) of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons
Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before May 19 2026, or this notice will be pleaded
said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Executor PO Box 3180 Asheville, NC 28802
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.26E000042-430
Estate of NOEL WESLEY HENSLEY of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons
Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before May 11 2026, or this notice will be pleaded
said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Limited Personal Representative
c/o Harrison C. Dusek,
Esq.
37 Church St. Ste. 2100 Waynesville, NC 28786
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.19E000461-430
James R. Queen Jr.,
-
tate of Sarah Jo Queen of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to
claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before May 25 2026, or this notice will be pleaded
said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Administrator 15 Queens Farm Lane Waynesville, NC 28786
Announcements
DENTAL INSURANCE
from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company.
procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information
1-866-430-5905 www. d ental50plus.com/can # 6258
MOBILEHELP
Premier Mobile Medical
Safety and Peace of Mind.
Free Brochure! Call Today! 1-877-667-4685
HOME BREAK-INS take less than 60 SECONDS.
family, your home, your
as 70¢ a day! Call 1-833881-2713
GOT AN UNWANTED CAR?
Fast free pick up. Patriot-
their own business. Call 24/7: 1-833-426-0086
GET DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, -
To $600 In Gift Cards.
Call Today! 1-877-9207405
DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY? -
SSD and denied, our atPay Nothing! Strong, recent work history needed. 877-553-0252 [Steppach-
Auction
SPORTSMAN SPRING ANTIQUE AUCTION
Buttermilk Farms is offering a fantastic Spring
a few items offered in this sale will be antique Thermometers, Pedal Cars, Reels, Creels, Cherokee
Crocks/Jugs and much more. Check out our full ad on our Facebook page, Buttermilk Farmstos added up to sale time.
February 24th. Plenty of seating. Plenty of park-
Concession stand on site. Cash and Credit Cards accepted. Business checks only. Join us for this packed sale with tons of beautiful antiques
366-2215 bttrmlkfarms@ frontier.com
Miscellaneous
PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES today with a Generac Home Stand-
warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-866381-0627 today to sched-
CONNECT TO THE BEST wireless home in-joy speeds from 5G andtracts, easy installation, and data plans up to 300 GB. Call 855-873-2215
DIRECTV -
tainment. Nothing on your
months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-855-606-4520
ATTENTION
high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99!
PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders
owned and affordable.
or an inspection today! 1-833-406-6971
BEHIND
ON YOUR -
MENTS? Threatened with foreclosure? Denied a help! Call the Homeowner mortgage specialist 844492-0883
ANSWERS ON PAGE 26
GET A BREAK ON your taxes! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist -
and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-855-869-7055 today!
dolins / Banjos. These brands only! Call for a quote: 1-833-641-6577
WE BUY HOUSES for
Easy process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Call today for your fair cash offer: 1-919-925-6362.
WATER DAMAGE -
of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and
SUDOKU
Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
24/7: 1-833-928-1861. location ready when you call!
Pets
BLIZZARD Medium mixed breed dog — black & white. 1.5 years old, 47 lbs. Playful, sweet boy. Loves walks/hikes; has already learned some commands. Asheville Humane Society (828) 761-2001 adoptions@ashevillehumane.org
WORKING CATS
Asheville Humane Society has adult cats available who are best suited to life in a barn/farm, warehouse, etc. Vaccinated and spayed/neutered. (828) 761-2001 adoptions@ashevillehumane.org
Real Estate Announcements WE BUY HOUSES for
of your timeshare!
888-960-1781 Services Construction/ Remodeling WATER DAMAGEof water can lead to major damage and mold growth
complete repairs to protect your family and your
1-833-880-7762
Home Improvement
NEED NEW WINDOWS? Drafty rooms? Chipped or damaged frames? Need outside noise reduction?
windows may be the answer! Call for a consulta-
1-833-890-1293
REPLACE YOUR ROOF with the best looking and longest lasting material – steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and
Guaranteed to last a life– up to 50% off instal-Roofs: 1-855-585-1815
GET A HIGH QUALITY, Modern Design bath or shower transformation in
as little as One Day. $0 Down, $0 Installation, $0 Payments for 12 months! Call: 1-877-243-7050.
NO MORE CLEANING OUT GUTTERS. Guaranby a no-clog guarantee and lifetime transferrable warranty. Call today 1-877-649-1190 to schedule a FREE inspection and no obligation estimate. Plus get 75% off installation and a bonus time only. Restrictions apwarranty and offer details.
