Over the last year, the Fontana Regional Library Board of Trustees has struggled to implement a reformist agenda that aims to change key policies and find places to cut spending. Now, conversations surrounding these crucial board decisions have become ugly, with anonymous emails threatening trustees, librarians and local media. All the while, the board continues forward without the guidance of an attorney. (Page 4) Lily Levin photo
A great leader grows roots, not weeds......................................................................14 Letter: Stripping away our humanity............................................................................14
A&E
A conversation with Bronwyn Keith-Hynes................................................................16 ‘Ice Fest’ takes over Haywood......................................................................................18
Outdoors
I-40 rebuild will affect wildlife along the Pigeon River for decades ..................24 Outhouse races return to WNC....................................................................................27
The seeds of chaos sown into the fertile soil of the embattled Fontana Regional Library system over the last few years have sprouted.
The FRL Board of Trustees has struggled to function over the last year, but things have come to a head the last couple of weeks as trustees, local media and a former librarian all received anonymous emails riddled with misinformation and threats. All the while, the board is still without an attorney, and now, that lack of representation is holding up crucial decisions. It seemed recently that FRL Director Tracy Fitzmaurice had found an attorney for the library system as Jackson County progressed toward withdrawing from the three-county agreement. However, following a mystery phone call, the attorney withdrew.
The 80-year-old library system is made up of two libraries each in Jackson, Macon and Swain counties. The counties split the burden and share resources to with the aim of providing more services and reducing expenses. It has come under scrutiny over the decades, but nothing like what is seen now.
RAISING THE TEMPERATURE
commission meeting, saying, “A person commits the offense of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor if, knowing the character and content of the material, he possesses material that contains a visual representation of a minor engaging in sexual activity.”
A month later, a group of Macon County residents addressed the FRL board, voicing more concerns about LGBTQ youth literature. At that meeting, Antoine said he was working on pulling Macon County out of the library system. He also excoriated the Fontana Regional Library Board, saying it’s “completely disgraceful” to have “pornography”
rounding the library system, it soon shifted to Jackson County when Sylva’s library hosted multiple Pride pageants — drag shows. The first such show to draw concern, a 21and-older event, was held in August 2023.
In May 2025, Jackson commissioners took up the idea of withdrawing from the library system, but unlike their neighbors to the southwest, Jackson went all the way, voting to withdraw just a month later.
In November 2024, the three counties nailed down a new interlocal agreement. At that time, county commissioners gained the ability and obligation to appoint FRL board members. The FRL board of trustees quickly turned over, leaving just Cynthia Womble and Tony Monnat, both of Swain County, as the only two members who’d served more than a year, leading them to take the helm as chair and vice chair, respectively. The new trustees are staunch supporters of the reform agenda, questioning policies and procedures across the board while also focusing on saving money. Both efforts have been slow-going.
PUBLIC RESIGNATION
A bi-monthly trustee meeting in Jackson County Jan. 13 brought the pressing issues front and center.
Opening the meeting’s comment session was Serenity Richards, a former librarian in Cashiers who’d recently quit.
“I resign due to the persistent unethical conduct of members of the governing and advisory boards, compounded by the complete lack of meaningful communication or any coherent plan from Jackson County regarding the system’s future,” she said. “The conduct of sitting board members, whether through direct participation in vitriolic slander and name-calling, or through their failure to publicly condemn such behavior, has been unacceptable and deeply damaging.”
The culturally driven debate around libraries that has played out nationally for the better part of a decade reached the FRL in 2021, when parents opposed a Pride Month display at the Macon County Public Library.
In January 2023, trustees approved a collection development policy that aimed to “acquire, organize, make accessible and actively promote materials that support the education, information and recreation needs of the community.” The collection policy approved by trustees stated “no collection materials, book club selections, story time selections, or library displays will be labeled, restricted, sequestered, or altered because of any controversy about the author, subject matter or intended or potential audience.”
At that time, frustrated Macon County Commission newcomer Danny Anotine likened books he found objectionable to child sex abuse material. He quoted state law during a
Macon commissioners decided to remain in the library system but still explored changes to the interlocal agreement that binds the three counties and the FRL board. At the direction of commissioners, then-county manager Derek Rowland investigated options and presented a letter that was favorable to the status quo.
“In this review, we found that this has provided citizens throughout the region with convenient access to informational and educational resources,” he told commissioners. “As far as the structure goes, having that coordination between counties allows for the more efficient purchase of certain services. It’s with anything, it gives you buying power, being part of this regional system, so we did feel that as far as benefits of our region, benefits to the taxpayers within each of the counties, that the regional system and the benefits that provided from an economic standpoint were certainly the way to go to provide this library service.”
While Macon County was the initial focus of scrutiny sur-
Richards said she thinks board members lack the qualifications necessary for their roles and have demonstrated an “ongoing refusal” to understand how libraries function, including applicable laws. Richards expressed fear that the trustees may be working to “dismantle” the system.
“The repeated and explicit efforts by governing and advisory board members, as well as sitting county commissioners, to circumvent First Amendment protections through soft censorship and restricted collection development are indefensible,” Richards said. “Equally troubling is the continued refusal of these bodies to listen to the clear will of the majority of the constituents they claim to represent, instead prioritizing personal, ideological, political and openly bigoted beliefs in direct opposition to community will, legal obligations and professional norms.”
“I cannot be complicit to this behavior, and thus I must leave a job that I once loved,” she concluded.
Following Richards’ comment, Fitzmaurice F
The Fontana Regional Library System, founded about 80 years ago, is facing scrutiny it has never seen before. File photo
noted that FRL won’t be able to fill that or the other two vacancies in Jackson County because of the impending withdrawal.
THE PRO SE BOARD
Richards’ concerns that the board may not fully understand the laws pertaining to library operations is noteworthy, considering policy changes and crucial personnel decisions are imminent. When former FRL attorney Rady Large took a job at Western Carolina University last year and discontinued his pro bono representation, his recommendation was to retain an attorney from a multi-partner firm that could handle these potentially complicated processes, along with lawsuits that may result from certain actions the board has considered.
holding the truth, someone else called impersonating a trustee or it was a member of a county library advisory board.
“It’s gonna be a long time before we get an attorney,” Monnat said during the meeting.
In the meantime, the nonprofit Jackson County Public Library Allies is taking donations to meet the need for an attorney. The group estimates that initial legal costs would be between $20,000 and $25,000.
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT AMENDMENTS
Nonetheless, the board moved forward to address several items. Most pressing on the agenda was the vote on three interlocal agreement amendments.
Fitzmaurice has conducted that search, something that has been challenged by some trustees. After running into dead ends, she’d succeeded and had a contract with Julia Hooten of the Asheville law firm Teague Campbell. A retainer had been paid. Things appeared to be moving forward. However, Hooten canceled the contract and refunded the retainer, telling Fitzmaurice that a board member called and mentioned that there could be a conflict of interest since Jackson County Attorney John Kubis also works for Teague Campbell. The two parties will work together as Jackson County continues toward its withdrawal from FRL.
According to the American Bar Association, attorneys from the same firm can’t represent two parties in some cases where those parties are “directly adverse,” essentially meaning that a client could have reasonable fear that their lawyer won’t represent their best interests. However, in cases where the conflict is “consentable” and the clients agree, that consent can be confirmed in writing and the process can move forward.
Hooten declined to comment for this story.
During the meeting two weeks ago, none of the trustees owned up to making the call to Hooten or having any knowledge of who did, meaning either one of them was with-
The first amendment would stipulate that one commissioner from each county would sit on the FRL board. Board members voted against adopting this amendment, expressing concern over doing so without an attorney.
Next was the amendment requiring the FRL director serve in that role only; right now, Fitzmaurice also serves as the county librarian for Jackson County. This item was passed by a unanimous vote.
The third amendment would require FRL to return all unused funds “in excess of operational costs” to the counties in proportion to their contributions. This amendment was changed to say that any funds in excess of 25% of the fund balance would be reimbursed. This passed with five trustees in favor and Monnat abstaining from the vote.
At the same time that the FRL board was discussing the amendments, Macon commissioners met and voted on the same things, shooting down the change that would place a commissioner from each county on the board while approving the other two.
The work put in ahead of the votes on the amendments was largely for naught, however. Now that two have been changed, they will have to go back to the counties for
Jackson County has voted to withdraw from the Fontana Regional Library system. File photo
another round of voting, something that requires a month’s notice.
RESTRICTED ACCESS
On Dec. 22, a librarian received a request to review a book called “This Book is Gay” by Juno Dawson and consider moving it to the adult nonfiction section. According to the book’s goodreads description, it is an “instruction manual” for coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
“This candid, funny, and uncensored exploration of sexuality and what it’s like to grow up LGBT also includes real stories from people across the gender and sexual spectrums, not to mention hilarious illustrations,” it reads.
The FRL board, seen here in front of a packed house during its July 2025 meeting at the Nantahala Community Library, has seen a good deal of turnover since county commissioners began appointing trustees. File photo
book was going to try to normalize for the target audience what many would consider unacceptable sexual activities,” he said.
Monnat took issue with moving the book, which can be considered “soft censorship,” the restriction of certain materials by moving them to less accessible areas. It was brought up during the meeting that nine library systems in the state have already made this move. Monnat said he felt like some on the board were working to make the library out to be a “scary place with monsters.”
Like some of the other board members, Monnat read the book ahead of the meeting, recommending that other trustees take into the account the totality of its message
and come with discounts on materials. The amount taken out of the over $4 million budget was $1,440.
At that time, trustees weren’t sure how much of that total came from counties — through tax dollars — and how much came from donations. During the January meeting, the board voted to return funds donated for that purpose by Jackson County Friends of the Library.
Ahead of the vote, Vice Chair Cheryl Tayor, of Swain County, questioned why the board should pay those dues when many other professionals pay for their own recertifications.
“We appreciate their generous support, but at this time, that line item is no longer
ian reviewed the request and decided not to move the book. The board had to first vote whether to approve or reject the librarian’s decision, then it could vote on whether to move it from the young adult to the adult nonfiction section.
Several board members weighed in ahead of the votes. Most at issue was the book’s explanation of how to join Grindr, a dating app geared toward the LGBTQ community that requires verification from users that they are 7 or older prior to signing up. While such age verifications can be fooled, the app is intended for and marketed toward adults. Some trustees questioned why a book made available to children would discuss how to sign up for app they shouldn’t be able to use. Concerns about the positive language used to discuss gender transition procedures and medications were also raised.
Board Chair Bill McGaha, of Macon County, said he read the book, but first he just looked at the illustrations.
“My thoughts after doing so were, this
“It provides teenagers with a safe place for answers,” he said.
Other trustees pushed back, saying that just because children are exposed to themes of sexuality doesn’t mean what they consider objectional materials should be available.
“We don’t have to be complicit,” McGaha said.
The board ultimately rejected the librarian’s recommendation before voting to move the book to the adult nonfiction section. Monnat abstained from the first vote and was the lone dissenting vote to move the book.
RETURNING DONATIONS
During the board meeting in November of last year, trustees voted to get rid of a budget line item for professional dues, which pay for staffers’ or libraries’ memberships in organizations that enhance their development in the field, provide resources
Russell were at the meeting, so Walawender provided updates during the meeting.
The emails were sent from the address drussel69@protonmail.me.
The author claimed that Russell and Lawrence were colluding with “extremists” to create a “mob response” to recent FRL board decisions.
The email contained excerpts from the texts. Messages from Walawender to the reporters criticized the adoption of the interlocal agreement amendments, calling some of the trustees “dumb.”
The email threatens legal action and calls on Russell and Lawrence to resign.
“Both Dave Russell and Beth Lawrence have proven they are not journalists and are merely activists against our libraries and against democracy,” the email reads.
“This is your only warning,” it added. “We will not respond to you.”
The Sylva Herald and SMN copublished an editorial piece on that email that also contained some original reporting. In that piece, Walawender describes alleged harassment from longtime FRL critic Jim Gaston at the FRL board meeting, which she attended with her children, and the next day from Keith Blaine, Jackson County GOP Chair and Gaston’s close ally.
Walawender told SMN that she wants to laugh at the situation — especially the accusation that she’s an “extremist.” However, having such texts released and the extreme language used is concerning.
“The words that they’re using are pretty harmful. They’ve accused librarians of grooming children,” Walawender said. “There have been comments about gay people coming for your kids. They’re calling people pedophiles and saying that our libraries are distributing child pornography.”
During the meeting, Deborah Smith, a trustee from Jackson County, spoke directly to the public to voice her frustration with local media reporting, saying coverage has created vitriol against the newer trustees who are pushing change. The criticism seemed to be directed toward The Smoky Mountain News and the Sylva Herald. Smith said she hoped that by standing up and calling out the media when they get it wrong, they “will get it right more often.”
“Absolutely do not believe everything you read,” Smith said.
While Smith spoke in a public forum, that wasn’t the case for whoever sent a series of anonymous threatening emails to FRL librarians, trustees and members of the media. The Sylva Herald was the object of ire in a couple of emails. The author focused on Jackson County Commission candidate Casey Walawender’s text messages with Sylva Herald reporters Dave Russell and Beth Lawrence. Neither Lawrence nor
The email regarding the Sylva Herald claimed that Walawender had “leaked” the text messages, implying that she voluntarily gave them to someone. That is not the case. SMN has obtained six photographs taken from over Walawender’s shoulder that depict the text messages. The individual who provided them to SMN said they received them from Gaston not long after the meeting. Walawender confirmed that the photos are accurate and that Gaston was sitting in the position to take pictures from that angle.
In the piece published by the Sylva Herald and SMN, Walawender recalls an interesting interaction with Jackson County GOP Chair Keith Blaine — a close ally of Gaston’s — that is made even more interesting in light of the photos emerging.
“As I was turning away with my back to the headquarters, Keith Blaine ran out and said, ‘Casey! Did you have fun talking to Dave and Beth at the meeting last night?’” Walawender said that implied that Blaine had knowledge of the photos before the emails were sent.
It hasn’t been confirmed that Gaston or Blaine sent the anonymous emails, but much of the language mirrors that of an email sent by Gaston from his wife’s Macon County Library Advisory Board account in February of last year.
“Leaving the FRL needs to be F
discussed by commissioners in Macon and Jackson behind the scenes with a ‘surprise’ decision to leave when the time comes just as Yancey voted unanimously to leave their regional system while the regional library director was conveniently out of town,” that email reads. “If this possibility of exiting FRL is being discussed in the open, the lunatic left will mobilize and come out in full force with all their tired lies to create huge controversy. It must be kept behind the scenes until action.”
The emails also read similar to a letter to the editor from Gaston published in last week’s edition of the Franklin Press, in which he makes sweeping claims to disparage the “leftist minority” and its “anti-American ideology,” comparing those he disagrees with to “Bolsheviks, Maoists and Nazis.”
“It’s time to have an honest discussion calling out politicians and media (even local press) to take responsibility for dividing Americans with false narratives and attempting to humiliate those who support the rule of law and consistency,” Gaston’s letter reads.
In a text message to SMN, Gaston denied sending the emails, and in a phone call, Blaine didn’t deny having knowledge of the emails but rather asked to see the emails so he could weigh in on their contents. Answering a follow-up question via text message regarding the photos of Walawender, Gaston didn’t deny taking pictures of the text messages but did note that the photos of Walawender “colluding with local press” and “mocking board members” were forwarded to a good many people. The message also featured attacks against several groups, again using language similar to the emails.
“These people have witnessed firsthand the misinformation spread by FRL staff, local media, and others (wearing yellow shirts in public) who want to control our libraries throughout 3 counties,” Gaston said in the message. “The photos and recent threats in a public email sent to commissioners by the Friends of Cashiers Library to withhold funding to libraries from community groups unless the commissioners bow to their demands are more proof of the leftist attacks on our libraries.
These attacks have extended to all who desire balance and neutrality in our cherished libraries. Libraries should never be a place of political activism as suddenly became the norm 4-5 years ago with DEI propaganda.”
Shortly after the email was sent to Sylva Herald leadership, a similar one was sent to this reporter. However, this email included a line at the bottom mentioning that other “extremists” were involved in steering a false narrative, including this reporter.
to others, but SMN hasn’t learned who all received that email. This email, which contains transphobic language, said it’s “past time” for Womble and Monnat to resign from the FRL board and “concentrate on Swain [County] where they belong.” It further describes a “political cancer” within the FRL, going on to say Womble has “obstructed intelligent dialogue” during a time that library staff has been “operating controversially with illegal actions.” The email goes on to level several accusations of hypocrisy against Womble, most of which use strawman arguments and false equivalencies.
“Her mentality is not supportive of libraries,” the email reads. “It is bureaucratic paternalism and political in nature. Obviously, Ms. Womble and Director Fitzmaurice have put their authoritarian bureaucracy ahead of the library’s mission itself.”
The email does eventually circle back to Monnat, speculating that he resigned from his position as vice chair to focus on “his new crusade of politically gaslighting the public.”
“Monnat has joined with Ms. Womble in attacking other FRL board members at meetings for asking important questions for the sake of transparency,” the email reads. “What are Womble and Monnat afraid of? The truth?”
A fourth email regarded Serenity Richards, the librarian who resigned and explained her reasoning during the meeting’s public comment period. That email was addressed to Richards, Fitzmaurice and several people at Western Carolina University, where the author was under the impression Richards had taken a job. Richards told SMN that she has not taken a job at WCU.
The author of the email erroneously calls Western Carolina University “WNC” throughout the email. “When will the announcement be made and will Ms. Richards come clean that the real reason she resigned from the FRL was to take a position at WNC and not for reasons she gave on January 13, 2026 in an unprofessional public speech?” the email reads.
The recent string of harassing emails from that address aren’t the only ones FRL staff have received. On Nov. 1 of last year, an email from drussel69@protonmail.me criticized Fitzmaurice while also questioning whether any attorney FRL might retain would be vetted for “bias,” adding that they thought Large harbored a bias that aligns with Fitzmaurice’s.
“Please share this information with your elected officials in your respected [sic] counties,” that email reads.
This email was sent to the Fontana Regional Library Board of Trustees in November of last year. From email
“Other damning text threads reveal more collusion members, such as Fontana Library staff, but shall remain unnamed to you — for now,” the email reads.
Both emails conclude with the sentence, “Thank you for your attention to this matter,” the same as Trump’s sign-off on written communications.
In September of last year, Womble and Monnat resigned from their posts as FRL chair and vice chair, respectively.
They have remained on the board and have frequently voted against the majority. Shortly after her resignation, Womble voiced frustration with the board to SMN.
“I tried to be collaborative and congenial and professional in running meetings and setting up agendas and committees, and I was pretty much thwarted at every turn when I tried to rein board members in,” she said.
On Monday, Jan. 19, Womble received an email from drussell69@protonmail.me. It appears to also be addressed
SMN reached out to all eight FRL trustees (Marsha Moxley, of Macon County, resigned from the board ahead of the last meeting) multiple times seeking comment on the threatening emails. Taylor and Trustee Lori Richards and failed to respond to these requests for comment. The other six — McGaha, Womble, Monnat, Deborah Smith, Marva Jennings and Kathy Smith — all denied having knowledge of who sent the emails and condemned them, or at least their anonymous nature.
“If I have anything to say, I will put my name and face to it,” Jennings said. “I always do that during meetings.”
“My philosophy is that if you’ve got something to say you put your name on it,” McGaha said.
This is one of the six photos taken over Jackson County commission candidate Casey Walawender’s photos obtained by the Smoky Mountain News. Walawender confirmed the authenticity of the photos. Donated photo
Library fight, taxes shape Jackson County commission races
BY CORY VAILLANCOURT P OLITICS E DITOR
Amid growing financial concerns, Jackson County’s four Republican commissioners have spent the last few years fighting a culture war. On March 3, Primary Election voters will weigh in on their priorities.
Over the past four budget cycles, Jackson County commissioners have overseen a steady expansion of county government, with the general fund growing from $71.7 million in fiscal year 2021-22 to $106.9 million in 2025-26, an increase of roughly 49% over five years. Each budget was adopted with growth driven largely by rising personnel costs, expanded public safety staffing, capital maintenance demands and inflation-adjusted operating expenses rather than major new service lines.
Much of that growth has been incremental, rather than abrupt. The general fund increased to $88.1 million in 2023-24 and $93.8 million in 2024-25 before crossing the $100 million threshold in 2025-26, with annual increases ranging from about 4% to 6%. Throughout that period, commissioners repeatedly funded across-the-board step increases and cost-of-living adjustments for county employees, committing more than $1 million per year to compensation alone in recent budgets to retain staff amid regional labor shortages.
Capital planning has also remained a consistent pressure point. Approved budgets show recurring capital and capital improvement needs ranging from about $4.1 million to $5.8 million annually, covering vehicles, equipment and deferred maintenance at county facilities, jails, recreation complexes and libraries.
Commissioners have generally relied on pay-as-you-go funding, capital reserve transfers and targeted fund balance expenditures to address those needs, keeping non-education debt as a relatively small share of overall expenditures.
Taken together, the budgets reflect a county that has grown more expensive to operate but has so far avoided sharp fiscal shocks — until last year.
During the county’s previous property revaluation, which took effect for the 202122 fiscal year, commissioners opted not to go with a revenue-neutral rate amid rising property valuations; the revenue-neutral rate was 34.47 cents per $100 in assessed value, but commissioners settled on a 36cent rate. For the next three years, that rate increased to and remained at 38 cents. For the latest revaluation, which was reflected in the current budget, the revenue-neutral rate was 26.89 cents per $100; however, commissioners went with 31 cents. Although the current rate is far lower than the previous 38 cents, the 31-cent rate
anonymous email from supporters of the withdrawal for reporting on the issue.
ment seems imminent, as commissioners voted 4-1 to leave the decades-old Fontana Regional Library system over LGBTQ content. That means that as of July 1, county government will, for the first time ever, be getting into the library business by operating Jackson County’s two existing libraries.
Initially, the county projected a $500,000 increase in operational costs attributable to the library. On Jan. 20, commissioners voted 4-1 to put the rubber on the road, transferring $350,000 from fund balance to pay for some of the equipment that will be needed to operate the library.
Commission Chair Mark Letson was the only commissioner to vote against the library withdrawal and was the only commissioner to vote against spending the $350,000.
The real cost of separation won’t become fully apparent until the formal separation takes place this summer — or until commissioners start working on the 202627 budget later this winter — however, Letson recently told SMN that he expects the true cost could be triple the initial $500,000 estimate.
actually represents a whopping tax increase, as property values have skyrocketed since the last revaluation. Before the 2025 revaluation, the total value of taxable property in Jackson County was roughly $11.45 billion. After the revaluation, the total value increased by almost $7 billion, or about 60%.
Canopy MLS said last December that the median sales price of homes in Jackson County jumped 7% year-over year to $395,000, with the average sales price climbing 64.6% to more than $745,000 — among the highest in the region.
Further expansion of county govern-
The vote to withdraw from the FRL was fueled by falsehoods, slander and spin by agitators from outside Jackson County and was made over the overwhelming opposition of people who spoke at multiple public comment sessions against withdrawal. The Smoky Mountain News and the Sylva Herald were recently threatened by an
But the library issue isn’t the first issue where most commissioners failed to heed
Further expansion of county government seems imminent, as commissioners voted 4-1 to leave the decades-old Fontana Regional Library system over LGBTQ content. That means that as of July 1, county government will, for the first time ever, be getting into the library business by operating Jackson County’s two existing libraries.
the will of the people.
Jackson County’s handling of its Confederate monument sparked intense debate and questions about transparency in government when, in April 2025, county employees removed plaques that had been added as a compromise in 2021 to cover the Confederate flag and the words “Our Heroes of the Confederacy” on the statue known locally as “Sylva Sam” — without a vote or public discussion by the commissioners.
An attorney for the North Carolina Press Association told The Smoky Mountain News that commissioners had “without question” violated the public policy of the state of North Carolina. Andy Jackson, director of the conservative Civitas Center for Public Integrity — a brand within the broader John Locke Foundation — said the move “likely violated North Carolina’s open meetings law.”
Beyond budgets, commis- F
Political upheaval over the past year is dominating campaigns in Jackson County.
File photo
sioners have also been forced to confront how cultural and governance controversies intersect with Jackson County’s economy and civic reputation.
Tourism remains one of the county’s most significant economic drivers.
According to business owners and tourism stakeholders, fights over LGBTQ inclusion and the handling of the Confederate monument risk undermining Jackson County’s appeal to visitors, second-home owners and potential employers by producing measurable downstream effects on lodging, hospitality employment and long-term investment in the county.
Governance itself has also emerged as an issue. Chronic meeting absences by commissioners Jenny Hooper and John Smith over the past two years — plus Smith’s violation of state law by skipping state-mandated ethics training — prompted questions about accountability and whether candidates view attendance as a baseline responsibility of the job.
Education, infrastructure and quality-of-life issues also surfaced during the interview process, though less prominently than fiscal and cultural disputes.
Some candidates raised concerns about school funding priorities and the county’s working relationship with the Jackson County school board, while others pointed to the importance of maintaining constructive relations with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians given the tribe’s economic and cultural ties to the county.
Broadband access in rural areas, persistent shortages of affordable housing and childcare and ongoing development pressures affecting the Tuckasegee River were likewise cited by some candidates as issues that merit greater attention from county government — even if they have not dominated recent board debates.
recovery before arriving at professional legal work, a trajectory he said gives him a grounded view of how county decisions affect people with the least margin for error.
Born in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, Herrera grew up traveling for agricultural work with his parents, who were undocumented at the time but have since rectified their status. His childhood involved frequent moves across Southern states, including extended periods working tobacco in Madison County. Stability was rare, and exposure to addiction, domestic violence and economic insecurity was common. Herrera has described that environment as one where chaos was normalized early, shaping how he learned to survive rather than plan.
As a young adult, Herrera struggled with substance abuse and was incarcerated on drug-related charges, serving roughly 16 months in “gladiator school” at what used to be called Polk Correctional Institution in Butner.
DISTRICT 1
Unlike some counties in North Carolina, Jackson elects its county commissioners by district. Currently, District 1 is represented by Todd Bryson, who has decided not to run again.
Four Democrats have filed for Bryson’s seat — John Herrera, Julie Painter, Casey Walawender and another who did not respond to a request for an interview — suggesting that Democrats sense an opportunity to reclaim the seat.
Herrera’s path to the District 1 race runs through poverty, incarceration and
After his release, he experienced a period of instability that included about a year of homelessness in Asheville. During that time, he relied on public spaces, libraries and informal networks while attempting to rebuild his life and re-enter school and the workforce. Herrera has said those experiences forced him to confront both personal responsibility and the ways institutional failures
That period became a turning point rather than an endpoint. Herrera has now worked for more than a decade as a paralegal specializing in civil litigation. He holds two degrees from Southwestern Community College, including one in paralegal technology — graduating magna cum laude. His professional work centers on statutory compliance, deadlines and procedural correctness, disciplines he argues are essential in public office.
“Procedure is everything,” Herrera said. That belief drives his criticism of how county commissioners handled the removal of interpretive plaques from “Sylva Sam.” While Herrera has said he personally opposes honoring Confederate soldiers, he argues that commissioners acted improperly by removing the plaques without a public vote or discussion, exposing the county to legal risk and eroding trust regardless of intent. He thinks the plaques should be replaced.
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Herrera said, “then I could just hold my hands up and say, ‘Hey, I didn’t do it. Y’all did it. I’m just fixing it.’”
The same process-first lens shapes his opposition to the county’s withdrawal from the Fontana Regional Library system. Herrera has said the decision saddled the county with longterm financial obligations while dismantling a regional structure that previously distributed costs and professional expertise. More than the cultural arguments surrounding the issue, he has focused on what he views as a failure to follow established norms in governance.
Looking ahead, Herrera has said that rejoining the FRL system must be approached realistically, especially in light of a now-dysfunctional FRL board.
Any attempt to reverse course, he argues, must be grounded in vote counts and timing rather than campaign rhetoric, and should focus on minimizing further financial exposure in the interim.
Beyond those controversies, Herrera has repeatedly mentioned accountability as a baseline expectation rather than a partisan issue. He has been sharply critical of Hooper and Smith, who failed to attend meetings and/or complete required ethics training.
“You’re getting paid to do a job,” Herrera said. “You’ve got to show up.”
Herrera has also tied recent governance disputes to economic risk, particularly in a county dependent on tourism, higher education and in-migration. Symbolic politics and procedural shortcuts, he argues, send signals that can deter visitors and prospective residents alike.
Voters should choose him in a crowded Democratic primary, Herrera said, because Jackson County does not need more symbolic victories or improvised decisions, but leaders who follow the law and understand that small procedural failures often produce the largest public consequences.
ainter enters the District 1 race from a markedly different starting point but with a similar insistence that county government must slow down, follow process and rebuild trust.
Born and raised on the Qualla Boundary in Jackson County, Painter is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a graduate of Cherokee High School. If she’s successful in the Primary and General elections, she’ll join the small-butgrowing ranks of Indigenous peoples winning leadership roles out-
Spending two decades running a small cosmetology business in the county, Painter describes her work as both entrepreneurial and deeply social. In 2018, she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship from Western Carolina
University, then completed a master’s degree in business administration from Florida State University in 2022.
Painter has said that her professional life — balancing payroll, overhead and customer relationships — shapes how she views public finance. She owns multiple properties in Jackson County and said she felt the impact of the recent property tax increase personally, both as a homeowner and as a business owner fielding questions from clients.
“I think it would have been better received if people were able to see the impact of that tax increase,” Painter said. “They need to be able to see that tax increase benefiting their everyday life.”
Rather than framing budgeting as an exercise in cuts or slogans, Painter has emphasized deliberation and data. She has said that rushing financial decisions increases the risk of overshooting or undershooting actual needs, particularly for a county juggling competing priorities.
“I don’t think that for anyone coming into public office, especially if it’s their first time in public office, making rash decisions is prudent,” Painter said. “I believe you need to take a consistent, steady approach to leadership, and you have to consider the data.”
That philosophy informs her opposition to Jackson County’s withdrawal from the FRL system.
“I do not believe that it is socially or financially responsible at this point in time to withdraw from the regional library system,” Painter said. “It’s going to cost us more to run the library by ourselves, and it is a shared community resource.”
Looking ahead, Painter has said that if the withdrawal proceeds, her priority would be damage control rather than entrenchment. She has framed rejoining the system — if possible — as preferable to doubling down on a mistake.
“I do not believe there is value in committing oneself to a mistake, even if you spend a F
Julie Painter. File photo
lot of money and time making it,” Painter said.
Questions of transparency also shape Painter’s views on “Sylva Sam.” While she stopped short of making legal judgments, she has criticized the decision to remove interpretive plaques without public input, arguing that secrecy undermines legitimacy regardless of outcome.
“I think anytime you do something under the cloak of darkness and without public input, you are hiding that for a reason,” Painter said.
Painter has also linked cultural disputes to economic consequences in a county heavily dependent on tourism. She has said that controversies surrounding LGBTQ inclusion and Confederate symbolism risk making visitors feel unwelcome.
“I think one of the best parts about being a tourist town is being welcoming to everyone,” Painter said.
Beyond headline issues, Painter has focused on governance basics, including attendance and reliability. Drawing from her experience running a business for 20 years, she has emphasized consistency as a non-negotiable trait for elected officials.
public health settings — experience she has described as giving her a practical understanding of how county government, schools and informal support networks intersect. Previously, she worked for Jackson County Public Schools in a countyfunded position created after students successfully lobbied commissioners for expanded mental health services.
“They used their voices,” she said. “They were heard.”
Walawender’s public engagement expanded during the FRL controversy, even before she was labeled an “extremist” in a threatening anonymous email and harassed on the street by Jackson County GOP Chair Keith Blaine.
At a recent FRL board meeting, Macon County Republican Jim Gaston left Walawender and her children feeling unsafe, an episode she has cited as underscoring the real-world risks of civic participation in the county and placing her family at the center of a broader campaign of intimidation.
sonal views on the monument, she has argued that bypassing lawful procedure undermines public trust.
Rather than withdrawing from public life, Walawender has said the experience clarified the stakes of civic participation. She has argued that fear thrives when people disengage and that public officials have a responsibility to reject intimidation, regardless of who employs it.
Beyond the library and monument disputes, Walawender has tied recent governance decisions to broader economic and civic consequences in a county dependent on tourism, higher education and immigration. She has warned that symbolic conflict and rushed policymaking risk making Jackson County appear unstable to visitors and prospective residents who encounter those controversies without local context.
Fiscal issues also figure prominently in her critique. Walawender has said the recent tax increase highlighted a breakdown in communication between commissioners and the public, arguing that residents deserve a clearer explanation of how additional revenue will be used and whether spending decisions meaningfully improve daily life for working families.
She has also emphasized accountability as a baseline obligation of public office, criticizing lapses in attendance, ethics training and engagement with advisory boards. In her view, transparency begins with showing up, being prepared and answering questions publicly.
“I built my business over the last 20 years by being consistent in showing up,” Painter said. “If something is on my schedule, that is what I do.”
She has identified affordable housing and childcare as intertwined challenges for working families, arguing that infrastructure decisions must support moderate-density housing not geared exclusively toward students and that the county must expand early childhood educational options that serve working families.
“A lot of government has forgotten that we need to lead from a place of service,” she said.
That argument about whether county government serves the public or entrenched interests carries directly into the candidacy of Casey Walawender, whose run for the District 1 seat reflects years of civic engagement rather than a sudden turn toward politics.
Walawender grew up moving frequently as part of a military family, before settling in Charlotte and attending Western Carolina University, where she earned a degree in philosophy with a minor in social work and later completed a master’s degree in social work focused on rural communities.
Her professional background includes managing a group home for teenage boys in Cullowhee and working in nonprofit and
Walawender characterized the FRL withdrawal less as a cultural dispute than as a failure of governance. She has criticized commissioners for moving forward without sharing information, dismissing public opposition and committing money before fully accounting for the consequences.
“Our current commissioners aren’t being fully transparent about what they know or don’t know. And so now they’re spending $350,000 that didn’t need to be spent.”
— Casey Walawender
“Our current commissioners aren’t being fully transparent about what they know or don’t know,” Walawender said. “And so now they’re spending $350,000 that didn’t need to be spent.”
Her critique of process extends to the county’s handling of “Sylva Sam.”
Walawender has questioned the removal of interpretive plaques added as part of a 2021 compromise, noting that the action occurred without a public vote or discussion by commissioners. Regardless of per-
Concerns about voting access, housing and childcare round out her platform. Walawender has questioned whether costsaving arguments justify changes that could discourage participation by students and working voters, and she has argued that long-term growth cannot be sustained without addressing workforce housing and early childhood support.
Taken together, Walawender has framed these issues as symptoms of a governing culture that moves too quickly, listens too little and underestimates the downstream effects of its decisions — a culture she has said must change if public trust is to be rebuilt.
Two Republicans are competing for the right to face the Democratic nominee and save Bryson’s District 1 seat for the Republicans. Only Steven Sutton responded to SMN’s request for an interview.
Sutton’s candidacy is anchored in a long career in law enforcement and a selfdescribed commitment to fiscal restraint rather than ideological battles. His background includes military service and local policing experience which he said shapes how he evaluates county priorities and spending.
Born in Gaston County in 1972, Sutton moved to Jackson County as a child, with family roots in both Jackson and Haywood counties. He attended Smoky Mountain High School and graduated in 1990 before enlisting in the U.S. Army, where he served about five years. S EE JACKSON, PAGE 12
Casey Walawender. File photo
After returning home, Sutton worked with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for roughly four years before joining the State Highway Patrol, from which he retired in October 2019. He currently works security at the local hospital.
Sutton said the recent property tax increase was unwelcome but not entirely surprising, framing it as an unfortunate reality rather than a political betrayal.
ed state law. Once informed that the plaques were removed without a public vote or discussion, he said the lack of process concerned him more than the outcome. Sutton stopped short of calling for the plaques to be reinstalled, saying he would need to learn more before taking a definitive position. He described himself as open to discussion rather than entrenched, particularly on issues that have generated prolonged controversy.
familiar name.
Bridgers was born in Chapel Hill and moved to Jackson County when he was three, growing up in Sylva after his father accepted a job there. He spent most of his childhood in Jackson County’s public schools, with a brief detour to a small Episcopal boarding school in Tennessee, an experience he has said reshaped how he understood education and classroom scale.
I don’t see that getting better. I actually worry that we’re heading into tougher times.”
On the county’s withdrawal from the FRL system, Bridgers was unequivocal. He opposed the decision on fiscal grounds and criticized both its cost and the way it was carried out.
“Well, I’m like most people, I wasn’t crazy about it, but at some point, taxes are opinion on it.”
Looking ahead to future budgets, Sutton said his focus would be less on reversing taxes already imposed and more on how the county manages the additional revenue. He repeatedly emphasized restraint and the importance of not treating new revenue as money that must immediately be spent.
Sutton described himself as fiscally conservative but not rigid, acknowledging that emergencies arise while arguing that departments should be expected to stay close to their approved budgets. He said county government sometimes moves too quickly from one capital project to the next without adequate pause or prioritization.
On the FRL issue, Sutton expressed uncertainty rather than a firm ideological stance. He said he does not have a problem with the regional system itself but expects accountability when county leaders make requests of outside partners.
“I don’t have a problem with Fontana Regional Library,” Sutton said. “But I do think if you’re going to pay them as much as they’re getting paid, if you ask them to do something, they should do it.”
The FRL is an independent board governed by its own bylaws that serve as guardrails against legal exposure.
Asked about the removal of interpretive plaques from Sylva Sam, Sutton said he supports keeping the statue and was initially unaware that the action may have violat-
Questions about whether cultural flashpoints like the library dispute and Confederate monument affect Jackson County’s tourism economy drew a skeptical response. Sutton said he does not personally feel unwelcome in the county and does not view those issues as central to how residents or visitors experience the area.
Concerns about commissioner attendance and accountability produced one of Sutton’s clearest responses. He said showing up and doing the job is a basic obligation of public service, citing his own work history as an example.
“In almost 30 years, I’ve never used a sick day,” Sutton said. “If you’re going to take on a job, you need to do it.”
Sutton identified growth, infrastructure and affordability as longer-term challenges, expressing concern about rapid development and the pace of county construction projects. He also acknowledged the severity of the affordable housing and childcare crises but said solutions are limited and often driven by market forces rather than county action.
“I’m a big fan of the market,” Sutton said. “But sure, help out where you can.”
DISTRICT 2
Republican Commissioner John Smith has come under scrutiny, like Hooper, for failing to attend meetings of at least one advisory board he was appointed to — the Jackson County Public Library board. He also violated state law by failing to complete state-mandated ethics training within the statutory 12month period after his election.
Regardless, he’ll advance uncontested to the November General Election, where he’ll face one of two Democrats who have filed for the seat. Between the elections for chair, District 1 and District 2, Democrats could flip the board’s 5-0 Republican majority into a 3-2 Dem majority and start calling the shots.
After a short, unfocused year in Atlanta, he enrolled at WCU with plans to transfer elsewhere but stayed, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a minor in
“Fiscally it’s foolish,” Bridgers said. “That dispute is the reason I’m here. I heard about it, and I went to a few meetings and was surprised with the decision, based on the overwhelming support from the community for that library for months
“We need to be very, very clear and specific on what we’re spending tax dollars for. First and foremost, it needs to go to help the people of Jackson County. Some of them are struggling a lot. I don’t see that getting better. I actually worry that we’re heading into tougher times.”
English.
While still in college, Bridgers began working professionally as an actor, an opportunity he has said demystified the industry and convinced him he could make a living in it. His career took him to California in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including work on major television productions such as Deadwood, where he starred for 36 episodes as Johnny Burns, an impulsive dimwit who served as both enforcer and comedic foil.
Between jobs, Bridgers maintained Jackson County as his base. In 2012, he moved back full time after his father Ben, formerly the tribal attorney for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, fell ill.
That pattern of leaving for work and returning by choice underpins Bridgers’ case for local roots.
and the fact that the commissioners went ahead and made the decision they made.”
Bridgers also addressed the cultural dimensions of the library dispute, particularly concerns raised by LGBTQ residents. Drawing on personal relationships and professional experience, he rejected arguments that portray LGBTQ representation as harmful and criticized what he called the political use of fear.
His comments extended to the removal of interpretive plaques from Sylva Sam, an issue he has engaged with publicly since 2020, including in a documentary called “A Monumental Project.”
Bridgers supported the earlier compromise that added historical context to the monument and expressed concern that removing the plaques without a public process prioritized symbolism over practical governance.
“Governing needs to be kind of boring and practical,” he said.
Only Sean Bridgers responded to an SMN interview request. For dedicated television viewers and film buffs, his is a
But those local roots bore a bitter fruit; Bridgers described the county’s recent property tax increase as jarring. Rather than calling for cuts without context, he emphasized the need to understand where new revenue is going and whether spending decisions clearly benefit county residents, particularly those facing economic strain.
“We need to be very, very clear and specific on what we’re spending tax dollars for,” Bridgers said. “First and foremost, it needs to go to help the people of Jackson County. Some of them are struggling a lot.
Questions about availability and attendance drew a direct response to scrutiny faced by other commissioners. Bridgers acknowledged that acting work could require travel but said he has already begun preparing to manage the role responsibly, emphasizing preparation, communication and accountability over physical presence alone.
On voting access, Bridgers criticized the decision to close the early voting site at WCU, calling the cost argument disingenuous in light of the county’s overall budget and recent spending decisions.
Bridgers’ most expansive commentary came when discussing North Carolina’s film industry incentives, an area where he brings direct professional experience. He said the state’s former tax credits played a decisive role in launching his career — he was an extra in “Last of the Mohicans,” filmed in Western North Carolina — and argued that eliminating them ceded economic opportunity to F
Steven Sutton. File photo
Sean Bridgers. File photo
Sean Bridgers
WNC infrastructure repair grants announced
Gov. Josh Stein announced nearly $50 million in grants to support local governments in western North Carolina in their Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. The grants, which are administered by the Office of State Budget and Management, provide critical funding to repair, renovate, or replace storm-damaged
infrastructure. “Local governments are on the frontlines of Hurricane Helene response and recovery, strengthening their communities and keeping people safe,” said Stein. “These grants will help local governments repair or replace critical infrastructure that they lost, restoring Helene-impacted towns and rebuilding them stronger.” The Helene Local Government Capital Grants Program was established earlier this year after the North Carolina General Assembly provided nearly $50 million in state funds to local governments in FEMA-designated disaster areas. Projects eligible for the recently announced program were ineligible for or denied FEMA Public Assistance (PA) reimbursement, and priority is given to communities under 300,000 in population.
Visit osbm.nc.gov/grants/helene-localgovernment-capital-grants/helene-localgovernment-capital-grant-recipients to learn more.
AREA’S BEST BURGER
competitors like Georgia.
Although county commissioners do not control state film subsidies, Bridgers argued that such policies represent an influx of outside money and that he would use his platform to advocate for renewed incentives and to promote Western North Carolina as a filming destination.
“I have this career that sends me all over the place where I meet all kinds of people, and I can tell you this,” Bridgers said. “I bring Jackson County wherever I go.”
File photo
A great leader grows roots, not weeds
Even After
All this time
The sun never says to the earth, “You owe me.”
Look What happens With a love like that, It lights the Whole Sky.
This poem by the 14th century Persian poet, Hafiz, was cited in Wayne Dyer’s book “Change Your Thoughts — Change Your Life.” It was one of those passages that made me pause and look up from the page, needing a beat to process the depth of the words. This powerful message transcends time, place and culture. Every human throughout history can relate to the sun and its never-ending, unconditional nourishment of Mother Earth.
When the New Year dawned, I made a personal commitment to avoid the news and instead spend time reading, journaling, exercising, doing good work and being fully present with the people around me. I stay off my phone as much as possible unless it’s a functional task like responding to a text, checking my bank account, taking a call and so forth. Every day in January, I’ve written a journal entry, made a plan for the day, walked 10,000 steps, enjoyed a short morning tai chi routine and spent time reading. I don’t say this to boast because nothing I’m doing has been overly challenging or time-consuming, but these few consistent habits have been
More voters are choosing “independent”
To the Editor:
In response to guest columnist Walter Cook’s recent article, “Don’t expect better results with the same choices,” (Dec. 31 edition of SMN) Mr. Cook accurately describes a political reality in Western North Carolina: for far too long, many voters have cast ballots strictly along party lines — then wondered why so little changes, or why things get worse.
But I have hope that’s changing.
As I visit with neighbors and voters from both parties, I’m meeting more and more folks who are questioning the “party line” and the politicians who seem to follow it blindly. Here in the mountains, unaffiliated voters outnumber Republicans and Democrats. I believe that’s a reflection of who we are: independent by nature. Folks here have been growing our own food, cutting our own wood and working our own land for generations. And now, many of us are determined to pick our own candidates, too.
When voters look beyond the label, the things that truly matter rise to the top: a candidate’s experience, record of service and positions on real issues. People are tired of the emptiness of culture-war politics and the donothing results of divisive rhetoric. Folks are no longer choosing simply because there’s an
monumental in my mood and overall sense of well-being. I’ve heard that the first month of the year is for “rooting,” performing grounding activities that set us up for success the rest of the year. This could be anything from long-range planning to cleaning out a couple rooms to making financial changes to taking a small step in the direction of a different career.
For some, January can be a cold, bitter month with a haze of malaise after the hoopla of the holiday season. I love January since it’s the month both my boys were born, but even for those who don’t have a celebratory reason, I encourage you to view it as a time to rest, regroup and root.
Despite consciously staying away from major news outlets and social media, it trickles in through comments from friends and family, a glance at a headline or a news brief on NPR while I’m listening to 88.7 WNCW. As I read the poem by Hafiz and considered the concept of rooting, it made me heartbroken for the ways our president is wasting his time in office on selfish efforts and ego-fueled shenanigans. To be a privileged leader in a high, honorable position and to squander the potential is hard to watch.
In this metaphor, the leader would be the sun and the people would be the earth. We’ve all known or know people in leadership positions — parents, bosses, pastors — who effortlessly shine light on those they serve through unconditional love and selfless service. In these situations, the people being served rise to the occasion, become the best versions of them-
LETTERS
R or D behind a name.
Here in Swain County, four unaffiliated candidates have filed petitions to get on the November ballot. We are taking on the extra hurdle of collecting hundreds of signatures just to qualify. And encouragingly, people from both parties — along with independent voters — are signing those petitions because they want voters to have a real choice.
We need leaders focused on what actually matters to everyday life — schools, infrastructure, and local economies that grow.
Perhaps it’s time to choose candidates who will deliver better results.
Fred Crawford Swain County
Stripping away our humanity
To the Editor:
The attitude of “I get up in the morning and go to work, come home tired and hope for the best” just isn’t going to work anymore. Especially if you are a three-time Trump voter. This country is being ripped apart by a man who has intentionally divided the American people for his own gain and that of his wealthy friends. Take a close look at the Big Beautiful Bill and who it favors. We’ve
selves and do incredible work. The sun does not brag, seek attention, or need “Sun” engraved on every music hall, tower or plaque. In fact, the sun likes it the way it is. Good leaders don’t want the attention. They want their people to shine. They want their people to feel as if they did it on their own.
Rooting is also a relevant metaphor here. In the early days of a presidential term, the person in the Oval Office should spend some time laying the groundwork and building relationships for the good changes to come. Instead of rooting, the current occupant of the White House has been growing weeds, more issues and problems that will grossly multiply as time goes on if something significant doesn’t change. A botanist may argue that weeds are helpful, and while that can be true, weeds mostly just get in the way of the main plant’s goals. Roots are always focused on long-term growth, while weeds are typically eyeing short-term gain.
I’ve always loved Ghandi’s quote, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” We may not have control over presidential decisions, but we have control of our day-to-day choices and habits. We have agency over our words, actions and the amount of time we spend serving others versus serving ourselves. Journaling, reading, walking outside, mindful time with others, staying away from online media seem like small things on the surface, but they’re helping me shine brighter, be more energized to give back and feel grounded. Your habits may be different from mine, but I hope you take time to self-assess and figure out what it takes for you to feel more like the sun, then honor those actions like your life depends on it, because it does.
(Susanna Shetley is a writer and editor who lives in Haywood County. susanna.b@smokymountainnews.com.)
seen the January 6 attack on the Capitol with our own eyes. We’ve seen two American citizens shot and killed by an ICE agent with our own eyes. We’ve heard the lies and propaganda 24/7 on cable news and social media.
In George Orwell’s novel, “1984,” he writes: “The party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final and most essential command.” This is being played out in our country right now.
The time of getting up and burying your head in the sand and pretending everything is alright is over. It’s time to think about the
losing our democracy or republic, whatever you prefer to call it, to an authoritarian power that will strip away our freedom and humanity.
Eric Young Glenville
Military retiree decries Trump’s actions
To the Editor:
This will be the shortest letter to the editor I have ever written because a retired U.S. Army paratrooper major says it better than I ever could. So I challenge anyone reading this who still thinks that Donald Trump is a decent, honorable man who deserves to be president to watch this video.
Susanna Shetley
I built a world
A conversation with Bronwyn Keith-Hynes
ARTS & E NTERTAINMENT E DITOR
Whirlwind. Virtuoso. Rollicking. Heartfelt.
Those were some of the sentiments I had ricocheting around my mind watching Bronwyn Keith-Hynes perform earlier this winter at The Orange Peel in Asheville. A renowned fiddler/singer, Keith-Hynes is headlong into a solo career with the recent disbanding of her former band, the Grammywinning Americana/bluegrass act Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway.
This new, unknown horizon for KeithHynes provides a blank canvas to use whatever sonic tones and lyrical hues she sees fit for her music. Alongside the material from KeithHynes’ acclaimed 2024 album “I Built a World,” she also dips deep into a wide array of covers while onstage and under the bright lights — renditions ranging from “Axilla” (Phish) to “That’s All” (Genesis), “Pepper” (Butthole Surfers) to “The Chain” (Fleetwood Mac) and beyond.
And what’s interesting with where KeithHynes stands. She’s part of this latest generation of young bluegrass musicians — including Tuttle, Sierra Ferrell, Billy Strings, Sierra Hull, etc. — who are not only incredibly talented but are also taking the traditions/techniques they were taught and bringing this sacred music into the modern era, ultimately into new realms of possibility and purpose. In essence, these artists are just as rebellious as the “Father of Bluegrass,” Bill Monroe, was when he broke down the walls of musical influence and intent over 80 years ago.
Catching up with The Smoky Mountain News while traveling to a gig in Salt Lake City, Utah, Keith-Hynes looks back at where it all began, what the “high, lonesome sound” of bluegrass means to her, and what the future holds for this immensely talented artist forging her own path forward, head held high.
Smoky Mountain News: Where does it all
musical journey?
Bronwyn Keith-Hynes: I guess music’s always been a big part of my life. Music always came a little easier to me than other things, and I think that was one of the reasons that whenever people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always said I was going to be a fiddler. When I was a kid, what I really liked about playing music was the social aspect. That was a huge part of it. I was homeschooled my whole childhood, and I loved the freedom that came with it. But I think I also really [needed] ways to connect with other people, since a big part of my time was spent at the house with my family, so music provided that way to make friends.
SMN: The fiddle. Why is that the instrument you find you can best express yourself, both musically and creatively?
BKH: It’s funny, I kind of feel like I never had a choice. I’ve just always played the fiddle since before I can remember. I know I did have a choice, because apparently when I was three [years old] — I don’t remember this — but I guess I saw some girls busking on the street and asked my dad for violin lessons. And I guess I never considered picking up another instrument, I don’t really know why. So, I’ve always viewed music through the lens of the fiddle, until recently when I started singing a few years ago. That’s been a big shift, but I feel like there are a lot of parallels between the two. They’re both all about nuance, expression, pitch, tone. I know what sounds good and what doesn’t, but now I’m just having to learn how to control my voice.
SMN: You went to Berklee [College of Music in Boston]. When you were there, how did that experience inspire you to realize you could perform music as a career, and ultimately take it anywhere you wanted to?
BKH: Going to Berklee was incredibly hard and humbling, and also probably the most important period of musical growth I’ve had. I
musicians pulling off really challenging solos at insanely fast tempos, pushing themselves to improvise something beyond what they played the night before, and you’re cheering them on.
One thing that drew me to listening to bluegrass originally was also the attitude in it, the bluesy, kind of angsty, rebellious but playful vibe. I feel like I have a lot of that kind of energy inside, and bluegrass feels like the most natural vehicle that fits my skill set.
SMN: In your artist bio, you say, “My favorite bluegrass musicians today are the ones who are rooted in traditional music, but don’t really see any boundaries. It’s as if they draw from a traditional bluegrass vocabulary, but use it to say what they want to say.” What do you see when you look at the current landscape of bluegrass?
showed up as a 17-year-old who mostly played Celtic fiddle, but wanted to learn how to improvise, and I thought I was going there to study jazz.
When I showed up, I met all these amazing kids who’d grown up playing bluegrass their whole lives and were already playing it at a professional level. Somehow, that made me decide that instead of learning jazz, what I really wanted to learn was bluegrass. It didn’t come easily at first, especially since I was comparing myself to kids who’d been improvising their whole lives and knew this whole genre inside and out.
Even though I was only in my late teens, I worried I’d missed the boat and started playing bluegrass too late. I remember crying on the phone to my mom, telling her I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be able to play bluegrass, but it was the only thing I wanted to do now.
[At Berklee] I worked so hard, came up with spreadsheets of bluegrass songs I needed to learn, made lists of weak spots in my playing, spent hours and hours every day practicing and tried to jam as much as possible, and eventually it started to get easier.
I don’t think I ever considered another option for a career other than music, because I’d always played local gigs, busked and taught fiddle lessons as a teenager, so I always had this feeling that I could make some kind of living with music. But it was more like, “What kind of living did I want to be making?” I realized at Berklee that what I really wanted was to make my living touring with a bluegrass band.
SMN: Bluegrass music. What is it about the “high, lonesome sound” that really sets it apart from other genres?
KBH: For one thing, the standard of musicianship that it takes to play bluegrass well is just so high, and I think that’s intriguing to both musicians and to audience members. That’s part of what a lot of bluegrass fans love about it; it’s almost like the Olympics of folk music or something. You get to watch these
BKH: We’re at an amazing place with bluegrass. I see a community where more types of people are welcomed than ever before, and I think because of that more people can identify as bluegrass fans and musicians. It’s incredible to see what Billy Strings is doing at the arena level and how many new fans he’s bringing to the genre. It goes to show how strong this music is, that so many new people are resonating with it.
Want to go?
Grammy-winning fiddle virtuoso Bronwyn Keith-Hynes and her band will hit the stage at 11 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Revival on Asheland Avenue in Asheville.
To note, the performance will be a special after-party following the Billy Strings gig earlier in the evening taking place at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center in downtown Asheville.
Admission for the Keith-Hynes concert is $24.29 per person (tax included). For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit revivalavl.com.
Also, I think artists like Tyler Childers and Sturgill Simpson, who grew up with bluegrass in Kentucky and are fusing elements of it directly into their country music, are playing an important role right now in expanding what bluegrass can mean to people. It’s probably just going to continue to expand, and hopefully more bluegrass artists will break through to the arena level. Bluegrass was built on innovation, and I think because it’s a relatively new folk genre. Some people are protective of it and concerned with “preserving it,” while maybe forgetting that keeping it evolving might be kind of the point of the whole thing.
We all love traditional bluegrass; that’s what we jam on. That’s never going to go away. But, when I hear a younger artist, to me it’s a lot more interesting if they play their own bluegrass music, as well as the traditional stuff.
Bronwyn Keith-Hynes will play Asheville Feb. 10. Michael Weintrob photo
This must be the place
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD
‘Sitting in my beater, dead of winter, busted heater’
Hello from Room 322 at the Fairfield Inn, located in Binghamton, New York. Exactly one year ago, I stayed in this same room. No joke, this is where I was placed. And, oh, how much has changed and, well, come to pass in this last calendar year since I laid down in this bed, since I opened up the drapes and looked out the same window onto the interstate traffic below.
A year ago, I checked into this hotel. I was extremely sad and very distraught. I was a couple weeks away from my 40th birthday and, in essence, I was alone or, at the very least, felt very alone. I just went through one of the biggest breakups of my entire life, and I didn’t really know what the future held. In all honesty, I still don’t. But, that’s the best part, so long as you have gratitude intact within, all while hoisting up your dreams into the morning light.
And yet, I was willing to lean into life, to really take charge and figure my shit out, to approach the unknown future, with my head held high and with a real sense of free will to be able to do so, for being able to wake up each day is a true gift in itself. It reminds me of a conversation I had yesterday in Abingdon, Virginia, en route to my native north country that is Upstate New York.
Her name was (is)
Shirley Kaiser, age 78, and I met her in the bar at a local Mexican restaurant, Puerto Nuevo, on the outskirts of Abingdon. I’d been to the spot a handful of times before, happily stumbling upon it a few years back while I was in search of a quesadilla and a well-made margarita (housemade sour mix is the only way to go, y’all know what I mean) following a gloriously sweaty three-mile jog down the nearby Virginia Creeper Trail.
• Me: “I wanted to talk to you, but you were talking with your friends.”
• Shirley: “Well, I guess we both can talk to each other now.”
She told me about growing up in Abingdon, only to get married and follow her husband to Detroit, Michigan, where he got a job at a car factory. They happily called Detroit home for 43 years. He passed away not long ago, with Shirley soon returning to southwestern Virginia. When I crossed paths with her, she was cheering on her beloved Detroit Red Wings on the TV above the bar, a hockey organization she fell in love with decades ago for obvious reasons.
At the end of our conversation, I bid farewell to Shirley, only to ask “How does one maintain such a vibrant sense of self as they get older in an uncertain world?”
Shirley turned to me and said poignantly, “Well, I woke up today, and I knew who I was.” That profound statement struck me deeply, and on so many levels, whether literally or figuratively or spiritually. Right on, Shirley.
Merging back onto Interstate 81 North, the road was now enveloped in evening darkness. Headlights and taillights to destinations unknown. The sounds of Ryley Walker’s “Age Old Tale” radiating out of the stereo. Hands firmly on the wheel. The nose of the vehicle aimed for the North Country. Eventually, a peaceful hotel slumber was
HOT PICKS
1
“Ice Fest Weekend” will take place Jan. 29-Feb. 1 at various places around Haywood County.
2
“Burns Night Supper” will be held from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at The Scotsman Public House in Waynesville.
3
Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host Andrew Thelston Band (rock/jam) at 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31.
4
Singer-songwriter Wyatt Espalin will hit the stage at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at Mountain Layers Brewing in Bryson City.
5
Meadowlark Motel (Maggie Valley) will host Tricia Ann Band (southern rock) at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31.
roaming around the North Country to know how to drive safely.
The lonely trek back to the starting line of my existence. The long road home to the North Country. The dead of winter. The ice and snow of my youth. Of pickup hockey games on Lake Champlain. Of ice skating around the Olympic Oval in Lake Placid. Of skiing the slopes of Jay Peak, Mad River Glen, Titus or Whiteface. Of hot chocolate within your hands, the sounds of laughter and of wonderment only found in the innocence of time and place, of you and me.
Initially, I noticed this feisty and fiery older lady holding court at the bar, giving joyous hell to the locals and friends alike. My kind of old soul, devil-may-care folk. Our interaction started immediately after I had already finished my meal, already finished my drink, had already signed and paid my bill:
• Shirley: “I wanted to talk to you, but you were eating your meal.”
the midnight hour.
Wednesday morning. Complimentary hot coffee, hardboiled eggs and oatmeal in the hotel lobby. Weather forecasts and local news on the TV in the corner. Temperatures expected to drop sharply the further north I drive. Possible snow flurries a good chunk of the route above the Mason-Dixon Line. No matter, the trusty, musty Tacoma has fourwheel drive and I’ve spent enough winters
The steering wheel remains steady and true in my hands. Restless thoughts bounce across the dashboard, each sentiment or memory now a dot connecting my heart and soul to the never-ending universe swirling around me, the past and present of chance and happenstance. The cold, unforgiving ground of mid-January in the northeast. The warmth of fireplaces in old farmhouses in the distance, but close enough to be noticed from the fast-paced highways of America, a timeless beacon of light on the horizon of our intent.
January 2026. Oh, where does the time go, eh? My 41st birthday is a little more than two weeks away. Shit, I was just getting used to the idea of turning 40, and another lap around the sun is impending? I remain thankful, in truth, for getting older is a privilege, especially if you’re able to retain mobility and keep your wits about you. The vision is clear and focused. The body is still willing to climb mountains, either physically or emotionally. The mind is still a sponge to peel back the layers of whoever or whatever stands in front of me.
Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.
I-87 in Upstate New York.
Garret K. Woodward photo
On the street
Ready for the ‘Outhouse Races’?
A beloved winter spectacle in Western North Carolina, the 19th annual “Outhouse Race” will return to the slopes at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at Sapphire Valley Ski Area.
wood, cardboard, plastic or any other homemade items. There are three people on a team, and outhouses are secured on a set of skis. These skis are pushed by two team members, while one team member “sits”
Fun? Without a doubt. Dozens of outhouses race to compete for the throne. Spectators come from throughout the southeast to line the course and cheer on those brave enough to see if the outhouse crashes and burns or sails across the finish line.
The “Outhouse Races” have been named a “Top 20” event in the southeast for February by Southeast Tourism Society. Homemade outhouses can be made of
On the wall
• “Rotunda Show Reception” will be showcased at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. This group exhibition features work from regional artists working across a variety of mediums, highlighting the depth of artistic expression within our Western North Carolina community. The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular library hours. All work is juried by the Jackson County Arts Council. For more information, visit jacksoncountyarts.org.
• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host “ArtWorks” at 1 p.m. every second Thursday of the month. Come create your own masterpiece. The materials for art works are supplied, and participants are welcome to bring ideas and supplies to share with each other. Ages 16 and up. Space limited to 10 participants. Free and open to the public. 828.488.3030 / vroberson@fontanalib.org.
• 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-
Outhouses are equipped with a seat with at least one hole and a roll of toilet paper or alternative wiping source. The race course is a twolane track on packed snow (or on ice), with two teams racing each other headto-head over a length of approximately 120 feet (40 yards), the first 30 feet being propelled by the pushers and the last 90 feet under its own gravitational power.
‘Outhouse Race’ will be Feb. 7 in Sapphire. File photo
Admission is $5 per person, with guided parking $5 per car. Check-in is at noon, with the “Potty Parade” at 2:45 p.m. Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be served by the Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley. Limited internet, bring Cash.
For more information, visit sapphirevalleyresorts.com or call 828.743.1163.
‘Ice Fest’ takes over Haywood
Celebrating the beauty of winter in the mountains on Western North Carolina, “Ice Fest Weekend” will take place Jan. 29-Feb. 1 at various places around Haywood County.
• “Ice Fest” will kick off with a “Cool Jazz Concert” featuring the Ben Rosenblum Trio at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. A second performance with the Walter Smith Trio will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, at HART.
Valley Festival Grounds. This event will feature live ice carving demonstrations, ice games, light features and a variety of local vendors. Other local activities include an ice rink at Sorrells Street Park in downtown Canton, which will run 4-8 p.m. Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Sponsored by Haywood Community College and the Town of Clyde, the “Frosty 5K” will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at HCC.
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.
Block Party” from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, in downtown Waynesville. With ice sculptures lining the streets, downtown will come alive as businesses stay open late and offer cozy treats.
• The “Ice Extravaganza” will take place from 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Maggie
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 Santa Fe Indian Market.
Today, she shares her knowledge with 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.
“The Didanisisgi Gadagwatli pottery workshop is an example of how museums can support and uplift great work already happening in the community,” said MotCP Director of Education Dakota Brown (EBCI). “Tara’s dedication to gadugi (community working together for the common good) and intensive approach to teaching has been hugely successful and is a powerful example of reconnections and resurgence. Connection and practice to our material culture is a continuation of our shared Cherokee identity and perpetuates Cherokee pride.”
The artists exhibited include Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle (EBCI), Barbara Jones (EBCI), Paula Wojtkowski (EBCI), Marisa “Sis” Cabe (EBCI), Lisa Howell (EBCI, Pawnee Nation)
For more information, visit motcp.org.
Malia Crowe Skulski (EBCI), Samantha Cole-Daniels (EBCI), Elvia Walkingstick (EBCI), Maggie Jackson (EBCI), Michelle Lynn Long (EBCI, Mvskoke Creek Nation) and Tara McCoy (EBCI).
MotCP is located in Cherokee. Donated photo
‘Ice Fest’ will be in WNC Jan. 29-Feb. 1. Courtesy of Haywood TDA
On the beat
• 4118 Kitchen & Bar (Highlands) will host live music 6-8 p.m. Thursdays. Free and open to the public 828.526.5002 or 4118kitchenbar.toast.site.
• Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library (Cashiers) will host “Community Jam Sessions” from 2-4 p.m. the second and fourth Sunday of each month. Informal jamming. All skill levels are welcome. Free and open to the public. 828.743.0215 / fontanalib.org/cashiers.
• American Legion Post 47 (Waynesville) will host an “Open Mic” 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 (signup at 6:30 p.m.). Food and drink specials. 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.
grass) 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 Andrew Thelston Band (rock/jam) Jan. 31. 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 semi-regular live music on the weekends. 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 Kelly Morris (soul/indie) Jan. 28 and Feb. 4. All shows begin at 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For tickets and reservations, visit cataloocheeranch.com/ranch-event.
• Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will Dulci Ellenberger (singer-songwriter) 7:15 p.m.
Rock rolls into Boojum
Asheville rock group The Andrew Thelston Band will hit the stage at 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at The Gem downstairs taproom at Boojum Brewing in Waynesville.
In terms of musical ambassadors within the melodic melting pot of a scene that is Western North Carolina, you’d be hardpressed to find an artist as dedicated and inclusive as Andrew Thelston.
Throughout his exploration of these mountains and its inhabitants, Thelston has remained a sponge of sorts, always soaking in the knowledge and wisdom of astute musicians, the sacred act of performance and the ancient craft of creation — either in collaboration, in passing, through a recording or in the presence of live music.
The culmination of these vast, ongoing experiences and interactions remains the fire of intent within Thelston to hold steady and navigate his own course, which currently is The Andrew Thelston Band — a rock/soul ensemble of power and swagger.
• 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 semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.246.0996 / bevelbar.com.
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host The Blue Mountaineers (Americana/blue-
lar live music on the weekends. 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. 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 “Line Dancing Workshop” with the J. Creek Cloggers 6 p.m. Feb. 6 ($15 per person). 828.452.2997 / folkmoot.org.
• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host “Jazz On The Level” 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Justin Brown (singer-songwriter) Jan. 30 and Frances Eliza (singer-songwriter) 3 p.m. Jan. 31. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 / froglevelbrewing.com.
• Frog Quarters (Franklin) will host live music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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.
Andrew Thelston will play Waynesville Jan. 31.
Free and open to the public. 828.246.0350 or boojumbrewing.com. For more on Thelston, visit andrewthelston.com.
Jan. 30. There is a $15 per person retail minimum. Reservations highly recommended. The kitchen and wine bar open at 4 p.m. 828.452.6000 or classicwineseller.com.
• 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 semi-regu-
person). 828.456.6322 / harttheatre.org.
• 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.
• Highlander Mountain House (Highlands) will host “Blues & Brews” with Scott Low 6-9 p.m. Thursdays ($5 cover), Zorki (singersongwriter) 1-3 p.m. Saturdays, “Bluegrass Brunch” 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sundays (free) and the “Salon Series” on select dates. 828.526.2590 / highlandermountainhouse.com.
• Highlands Performing Arts Center will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.526.9047 / highlandsperformingarts.com.
• Highlands Smokehouse (Highlands) will host live music from 1-3 p.m. Sundays. 828.526.3554 / highlandsmokehouse.com.
• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host “Monday Night Trivia” every week, “Open Mic with Phil” on Wednesdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows and events begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.586.9678 / innovation-brewing.com.
• 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.
• J.R. Chophouse (Franklin) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.369.3663 / jrchophouse.com.
• 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.
828.742.5700 / happsplace.com.
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. For tickets, click on caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.
• Haywood Arts Regional Theatre (Waynesville) will host the “Cool Jazz” showcase with the Ben Rosenblum Trio 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29 (tickets start at $19 per person) and the Walter Smith Trio 2 p.m. Feb. 1 ($39 per
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host “Music Bingo” 7 p.m. Tuesdays, “Trivia Night” 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, “Open Mic Night” 6:30 p.m. Thursdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 / 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 semi- F
File photo
regular live music on the weekends. 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
Espalin returns to Mountain Layers
Singer-songwriter Wyatt Espalin will hit the stage at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at Mountain Layers Brewing in Bryson City.
Born and raised in Hiawassee, Georgia, Espalin has been entertaining audiences since he was eight years old. A blend of Americana, bluegrass and indie-roots music, he’s a beloved fixture on the Southern Appalachian live music circuit.
Free and open to the public. For more information, call 828.538.0115 or visit mtnlayersbeer.com. To learn more about Espalin, go to wyattespalinmusic.com.
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 Tricia Ann Band (southern rock) Jan. 31. All shows begin at 7 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, Wyatt Espalin (singer-songwriter) Jan. 30 and Mountain Gypsy (Americana) Jan. 31. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 / mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.
• Old Edwards Inn (Highlands) will host live 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.
• Otto Community Center (Otto) will host “Music Nights” with James Thompson from 4-6 p.m. first and third Friday of the month. Free and open to the public. go2ottonc.com.
• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, 828.389.ARTS / thepeacocknc.org.
• Quirky Birds Treehouse & Bistro (Dillsboro) will host Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.586.1717 / facebook.com/quirkybirdstreehouse.
• Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host “Karaoke” 7 p.m. Wednesdays, “Trivia Night” 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, “Open Mic” 6:30 p.m. Fridays, Joe Munoz (singer-
songwriter) Jan. 30 and Bo Bullman (singersongwriter) Jan. 31. 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 with Russell” on Mondays and Rene Russell (singer-songwriter) 6 p.m. Jan. 26. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.926.9105 / facebook.com/saltydogs2005.
• Scotsman (Waynesville) will host “Open Mic” the first Wednesday of every month, Bobby G. (singer-songwriter) Jan. 29 and Mike Yow Band (rock/jam) Jan. 31. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.6292 / scotsmanpublic.com.
• Slanted Window Tasting Station (Franklin) will host Generations (Americana) 6 p.m. Jan. 30. 828.276.9463 / slantedwindow.com.
• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Tickets now available, with seating upgrades offered. 866.273.4615 / smokymountainarts.com.
• Smoky Mountain Dog Bar (Waynesville) will host “Open Mic Night” 5-7 p.m. Fridays. Free
S EE ON THE BEAT, PAGE 22
Wyatt Espalin will play Bryson City Jan. 30.
On the table
Scotsman celebrates Robert Burns
Robert Burns was a Scottish literary hero. File photo
The annual “Burns Night Supper” will be held from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, at The Scotsman Public House in Waynesville.
Scots all over the world celebrate the birth of Robert Burns, national poet of Scotland, largely known for saving the old melodies by adding new words to well-known tunes. Burns was beloved by many common folk for writing his poetry in Old Scots language that everyday people used.
The evening will consist of a five-course dinner, whiskey, craft ales, poetry and bagpipes. Tickets are $75 per person.
For more information and/or to reserve your spot, call 828.246.6292 or click on scotsmanpublic.com.
• Scotsman (Waynesville) will host its annual “Burns Night Supper” from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, March 4. Five-course meal, live music, poetry and more. Tickets are $75 per person. 828.246.6292 / scotsmanpublic.com.
• 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 Flight” 6 p.m. Thursdays. 828.283.0145 / thebalsammountaininn.com.
• Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will have a special “Ice Fest” wine tasting 5:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 (reservations recommended, $30 per person), and its wine bar will be open 4-8 p.m. Fridays/Saturdays, with semi-regular wine tastings on the weekends. 828.452.6000 / classicwineseller.com.
On the beat
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and open to the public. 828.246.0726 / smokymountaindogbakery.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.
• “Flights & Bites” will be held starting at 4 p.m. on 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 Saturdays at the Bryson City Wine Market. Select from a gourmet selection of charcuterie to enjoy with your wines. Educational classes and other events are also available. 828.538.0420.
• “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on select dates at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first class car. Wine pairings with a meal and more. There will also be a special “Beer Train” on select dates. 800.872.4681 / gsmr.com.
Night” Wednesdays and Sweetlife Jan. 30. 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.
SNOW
WREPO REPO
• 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.
• Trailborn (Highlands) will host its “Carolina Concert Series” on semi-regular dates on the weekends. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.482.1581 or trailborn.com/highlands.
• Ugly Dog Pub (Cashiers) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.743.3000 / theuglydogpub.com.
• Vineyard At High Holly (Scaly Mountain) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 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 “Open Mic Night” 8 p.m. Mondays and Breakcutter (rock/jam) Jan. 23. 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.
• 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 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.
• Whiteside Brewing (Cashiers) will host semi-regular 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.
• Valley Tavern (Maggie Valley) will host “Karaoke with Jason” Tuesdays, “Tom’s Trivia
Close the screens, leave home, enjoy an adventure
Ordering some item from a company like Amazon — a smock, a special coffee, cotton swabs, whatever — is quick, simple and easy. You place the order, and two or three days later, the package appears on your front porch. The same ease and speed apply when ordering your groceries from Walmart or the local food mart. You make a list, tap a key, arrive at the delivery time, put the groceries in the car and brush your hands off as a job well done. These online shopping excursions save both time and money and can be done from the comfort of your living room. What’s not to like?
Well, for one thing, there’s adventure. Approach that excursion with the attitude of an anthropologist, and with your eyes and heart unprejudiced by familiarity, and you can make that excursion to the shopping mall or to Main Street as picturesque and romantic as a trip to Spain, minus the hassle and the expense. You encounter real people rather than a screen, and you’ll bump into all sorts of things in a store you’d have missed by shopping online for one specific object.
pushing a cart stuffed with necessities and you’ve dealt with a surly cashier at the checkout counter by being as polite as possible. By dint of stepping into that store, you’ve become a warrior in the battle against the increasing isolation that marks our age.
The same dynamic marks your visit to a library or a bookstore. A friend raves about a newly published novel, you order it online, and, Presto! You’ve got the book in hand three days later. But visit a library or a shop crammed with paper and print, and you’ve opened yourself to random escapades you would have never encountered on your laptop.
Recently, for instance, I entered the library looking for Herman Wouk’s “War and Remembrance,” the sequel to “The Winds of War,” which I’d reviewed for the paper. The book was checked out, but as always, I spent a bit of time browsing the
The Best Writing from the Pages of American Heritage.” My dad had subscribed to American Heritage magazine back in the 1950s and ‘60s — this “magazine” actually came in hardcover — and I’d loved reading these volumes, so this find was a sentimental treasure. Moreover, like Masur’s story, “A Sense of History” contained several excellent pieces from which I could draw ideas for the historical and biographical articles I write.
Throughout my years of writing reviews for the SMN, a trip to the library or a bookshop has brought to my attention a vast multitude of books I’d never dreamed of reading, much less ordering online. Dolly and Rachel Parton’s “Good Lookin’ Cookin’” would never have appeared on my radar.
Gretchen Rubin’s best-selling “The Happiness Project” would have passed me right by if it hadn’t snagged my attention in
Hit up a library or bricks-and-mortar mom-and-pop shop for a richer, more expansive experience.
If you swing by the grocery store, for instance, and you enter with the mind set of an ethnographer setting out on a field study, you’ll find you’ve traveled to a grand emporium of food, drink and dry goods never imagined until quite recently, even by the greatest kings and potentates of the globe. You arrived intending to buy sugar and condensed milk to make snow cream, and you leave with those goods plus cherries from Chile, shrimp from Vietnam, a bottle of French wine, a birthday card for your seven-year-old nephew and a pack of Post-It notes that you’ve been meaning to pick up for two months.
In addition, you’ve helped out an elderly woman by reaching to a top shelf and snagging a box of Cheerios for her, you’ve sent a smile to a mom supervising three kids while
Forging of a Friendship.” While I may not read Rosiak, Masur’s history of a 1791 trip to New England taken by Jefferson and Madison was a real find, useful for some other writing I do.
The second-hand bookshop across the street from where I now live is positively brimming with such possibilities and surprises. Here I did locate “War and Remembrance” and bought this 1000-page plus mega-novel for a song compared to what I’d have paid online. But the real gold I dug up that day was a compendium of articles from 40 years ago, “A Sense of History:
list goes on and on, and the headwaters of this stream never go dry.
Emily Dickinson wrote the poem that many remember from their school days, which begins: “There is no Frigate like a Book/To take us Lands away.” Shut down those screens, go to a bookshop, go to your local library, and you’ll find an entire fleet of books to take you lands and lands away.
(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
Gorge, promising that the rebuilding effort would be a top priority for the NC Department of Transportation in the years ahead. The agency has spent the past year exploring potential solutions, and now the plans are reaching their final form. The $2 billion project calls for a massive concrete wall — intended to stabilize the slope and protect it from erosion — that will run alongside the road for most of the 4.5-mile rebuild area.
Engineers see the plan as an innovative approach that will create a safe and stable roadway capable of standing strong against future storms. But members of the Safe Passage coalition, a group of organizations and individuals working since 2017 to reduce wildlife–vehicle collisions on the road, fear it will represent a generational loss for wildlife connectivity in the gorge — unless the plans are amended before implementation.
“It took 10 years to get here, and it is a setback,” said Wanda Payne, Safe Passage’s liaison with NCDOT and a former Division 14
Passage’s wish list would fall under the latter category.
NCDOT engineers worked with FHWA representatives “every step of the way” to understand how various approaches might fare, said John Jamison, head of NCDOT’s Environmental Policy Unit. But even within that guidance, NCDOT has an incentive to act cautiously. The project isn’t slated for completion until late 2028 at the earliest, and federal reimbursements can take years or even decades to come through. Final approval for the funds could easily fall into the hands of someone who had no part in today’s conversations.
“You don’t want to risk Federal Highways saying, on a billion-dollar project, ‘Well, you didn’t dot that ‘i,’ so you’re just out,’” said Payne. “And that’s what they could do, theoretically. So it’s a big gamble.”
These considerations led the design team to conclude that a massive retaining wall would be “the only viable option” for I-40, said Division 14 Construction Engineer
the gorge section, and we said, ‘What can we do to offset this?’” said David McHenry, NCDOT liaison for the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.
An agreement between NCDOT and the US Forest Service helped answer that question. NCDOT is taking road fill material for the project from nearby USFS land, and as a result NCDOT has agreed to several actions offsetting the resulting negative environmental impacts. The agreement includes four wildlife crossing projects on I-40, two of which — the double tunnel, and Groundhog Creek — fall within the rebuild area.
Under the agreement, NCDOT pledges to install wildlife fencing at Wilkins Creek and build a ramp at the double tunnel allowing wildlife to again access the river where Helene had created an impassable cliff. The agreement also includes constructing wildlife passage facilities at Groundhog Creek and Cold Springs Creek “where practical and functional at locations proposed” in an unfunded 2024
grant proposal. Both sites contain multiple culverts, and the proposal called for adding benching or other material to create a dry crossing in one of them suitable for animals unable to navigate wet pipes, such as skunks, shrews and snakes.
However, a 2022 research report funded by Safe Passage and created by Wildlands Network and National Parks Conservation Association wildlife biologists had recommended a different solution for Groundhog Creek: replacing the three smaller culverts installed there with one big culvert that even large animals like antlered deer could use. The report also recommended adding a dry crossing and creating a natural creek bottom in the culvert suitable for aquatic creatures.
“That has yet to be determined whether they will be replaced,” said Marissa Cox, western regional team lead for NCDOT’s Environmental Policy Unit. “My understanding is they are currently under investigation right now, and no final decisions have been made as to any replacement or repairs or extensions of those pipes.”
The road design team, together with NCDOT and NCWRC officials, recently visited the gorge to review potential sites — which include “any tributary where dry passage may be possible” — with a follow-up meeting scheduled soon, Cox said.
Replacing the culverts would be extremely expensive, said Division 14 Engineer Wesley Grindstaff. They’re too deep to be replaced through a cut to the road’s surface, and the boulders used to fill the slope in the 1960s would complicate a horizontal approach. Because the culverts remained intact during Helene, federal funds would not cover their replacement.
The NCDOT–USFS agreement also includes several projects outside the I-40 corridor: a new bridge at Buzzard Roost Road to replace an existing concrete structure, which creates a barrier for aquatic species and is impassable to vehicles during high water; 8.86 miles of stream improvements to offset 1.3 miles of streams that will be “lost or permanently altered” due to quarry operations; and acquiring more than 1,000 acres of land, to be conveyed to USFS.
“We’re going to do what we can to do improvements where we can, and I think we’ve got a pretty good plan,” McHenry said. If all goes as anticipated, the wall will remain part of the landscape for generations to come.
“The expectation is that whatever repairs we do this time, it will be permanent,” said Burch. “We don’t expect any other failures at that point.”
Without culvert replacements, Ron Sutherland, chief scientist for Wildlands Network and Safe Passage coalition member, is skeptical. During Helene, the gorge saw significantly less rainfall than other parts of the region, so the culverts running under I-40 weren’t put to the test like those in other areas.
“If we get a good strike from a F
A still-raging Pigeon River flows past I-40 in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. NCDOT photo
hurricane that hits the Pigeon River Gorge local watershed, as steep as it is, it’s going to overwhelm those culverts,” Sutherland said.
NCDOT did design the new road with strengthening storms in mind, Grindstaff said. The agency typically builds new infrastructure to withstand a 100-year flood event, but Helene — in the gorge, considered a 500-year event — was used as the baseline comparison for the rebuild.
However, in much of the region, Helene brought on a 1,000-year flood or worse — though that term is a misleading moniker. It describes probability, not frequency. A
Grindstaff said.
The issue of wildlife crossings has come a long way since Safe Passage began. Despite Canada and Europe having made wildlife mitigation part of road building for the past half-century, as recently as a decade ago the issue barely received a passing consideration from road planners in the Southern Appalachians. But now — despite the unique constraints influencing the I-40 rebuild — road ecology is becoming a standard topic of discussion.
And, increasingly, funds are available to address it. In 2023 the NC General Assembly appropriated $2 million for wildlife fencing and related projects in the Pigeon River Gorge, and the body is considering an additional $10 million in its next
A trail camera captures a herd of white-tailed deer along I-40. Some animals try to cross the road, risking being hit by a car, while others see the obstacle and turn around, giving up access to resources on the other side.
In 2021, Congress authorized $350 million for the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program — to be distributed as grants in fiscal years 2022–2026 — and a bipartisan bill has been introduced seeking to extend the program. At both the state and federal level, the issue is gaining momentum. Payne likens the change to the rise of bicycle lanes and pedestrian features. Once seen as optional add-ons, they’re now integral parts of road planning.
Helene’s arrival in 2024 has no bearing on the probability that a similar flood might occur in any subsequent year.
Especially in a warming climate, unlucky dice rolls are increasingly common. Parts of Western North Carolina saw a 100-year flood in 2004 after Hurricane Ivan came close on the heels of Hurricane Frances, and again in 2021 from Tropical Storm Fred. Then Helene landed in 2024.
“These weather events, as far as the intensity, seem to be greater over the last many years,” Burch said. “The intensities of the storms are greater, and they’re more frequent. So working with our federal partners, the decision was made: ‘Let’s try to build something back that’s going to withstand the next Helene.’”
But the planned wall would be a loss for wildlife that can’t be replaced by improvements elsewhere, Safe Passage advocates say, maintaining optimism that additional mitigations can be incorporated before it’s too late.
“We’ve got a window of opportunity,”
NCDOT crews remove excess rock and debris deposited by the storm. Most of it has been repurposed to create temporary structures needed for the road project.
Holly Kays/Smokies Life photo
Regardless of whether the DOT meets that goal, the finished road will be a complex structure that won’t offer much opportunity for wildlife-oriented retrofitting once complete — though opportunities remain in other parts of the gorge. The 2022 report listed multiple priority projects outside the 4.5-mile stretch slated for reconstruction, and NCDOT “depends on and appreciates and utilizes” those recommendations,
said Jeff Hunter, NPCA’s Southern Appalachian director, “and I would hate to see that window close.”
Smokies Life is a member of the Safe Passage coalition.
(Holly Kays is the lead writer for the 29,000member Smokies Life, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the scientific, historical and interpretive activities of Great Smoky Mountains National Park by providing educational products and services such as this column. Learn more at smokieslife.org or smokiessafepassage.org, or reach the author at hollyk@smokieslife.org.)
National Parks Conservation Association and Wildlands Network photo
29 counties unite to support Blue Ridge Parkway future
The boards of county commissioners and county supervisors in the 17 counties in North Carolina and 12 counties in Virginia that host the Blue Ridge Parkway have passed resolutions of support calling for funding to repair the national park and implement the Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan.
On Jan. 12, Yancey County in North Carolina became the 29th county in the national park’s corridor to adopt the resolution.
Through Blue Ridge Rising, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is working with a wide variety of partners representing tourism, economic development, education, workforce training, natural resource conservation, cultural heritage, nonprofits and government agencies to implement strategies that unite the region.
counties are working together to implement travel, tourism and outdoor recreation strategies that will have wide-ranging benefits throughout the parkway corridor.
In 2025, the foundation secured a threeyear, $5.13 million matching grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to support regional strategies to advance cultural and recreational tourism. This grant was made under the Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies, which is an ARC initiative that aims to drive largescale, regional transformation through multistate collaborative projects across Appalachia. Additional funds secured will go toward the required match for the ARISE grant.
The Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan, created through more than three dozen local and re-gional listening sessions, marks the first time in the national park’s history that these
The parkway is the most visited unit of the National Park System, with 16.7 million visitors in 2024 — more than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Yosemite combined. In the same year, visitors spent $1.5 billion and supported 15,700 jobs, creating a total annual economic output of $1.9 billion.
DEQ releases data from preliminary PFAS study
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources has released data from a preliminary study that found per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances present in soil, wastewater and biosolids, the nutrient-rich organic material that remains after wastewater has been treated. The study is the agency’s first investigation assessing PFAS concentrations in biosolids across the state.
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals widely found in commercial, industrial and consumer products. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment and can build up in humans and animals. More information about PFAS can be found on DEQ’s website.
DWR staff began gathering samples in 2023
for the study, which evaluated PFAS concentrations in wastewater and biosolids from 37 municipal, industrial and domestic wastewater treatment facilities. Staff also tested soil collected from 19 fields that are regulated under non-discharge permits.
The study found PFAS compounds present in wastewater, biosolids and soil samples. Estimates found the majority of PFAS entering wastewater facilities on an annual basis is discharged into waterways, as compared with the amount entering the environment through land application of biosolids. An overview of the study, including background information and a summary of the results, is available online.
There are currently no federal or North Carolina state regulatory requirements for PFAS in biosolids. The study will inform future study design and identify opportunities for further data collection and analysis. Researching the movement of these chemicals in
ment was beyond the scope of the study.
| Ma lubDr. y C
Outhouse races return
A beloved winter spectacle in Western
Learn how to become a master gardener
Crazy? Maybe. Dangerous? Perhaps. Fun? Without a doubt. Dozens of outhouses race to compete for the throne. Spectators come from throughout the Southeast to line the course and cheer on those brave enough to see if the outhouse crashes and burns or sails across the finish line.
The “Outhouse Races” have been named a “Top 20” event in the southeast for February by Southeast Tourism Society.
‘Outhouse Race’ will be Feb. 7 in Sapphire.
of approximately 120 feet (40 yards), the first 30 feet being propelled by the pushers and the last 90 feet under its own gravitational power.
Admission is $5 per person, with guided parking $5 per car. Check-in is at noon, with the “Potty Parade” at 2:45 p.m. Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be served by the Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley. Limited internet; bring cash.
For more information, visit sapphirevalleyresorts.com or call 828.743.1163.
The North Carolina State Extension Office in Haywood County is calling on anyone interested to learn how to become a master gardener.
Extension master gardener volunteers are an essential component of the extension office and assist local county horticulture agents in various aspects of home horticulture, from answering gardening questions to becoming involved with and teaching in school and community gardens. Volunteers are involved in a wide variety of activities throughout Haywood County and receive ongoing advanced training throughout the year.
Master Gardener Information Booth at Haywood's Historic Farmers Market. Donated photo
If this sounds interesting, here's what you need to do to be considered for the next Extension Master Gardener (EMG) class:
• Fill out our volunteer interest form at docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1faipqlsdggjrkrxtvpoxiyyqz5ns2bzivizkxf8lf7u4tcw6283evw/viewform.
• Attend at least three of Learn to Grow classes.
• Attend an informational session.
• Complete a volunteer application. Starting in March, applications will be accept-ed for the next class and will be due by April 15. Once accepted the class fee of $150 will be due by May 30.
• Attend an orientation session on June 18 to become an official EMG stu-dent. Participate in several Master Gardener activities as a student prior to attending training classes.
• Attend training classes every Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon in October through mid-November. After completing 40 hours of course work, EMG students become official EMG interns.
Market
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
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE
HAYWOOD COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
DIVISION
FILE NO. 25JT000075430
IN RE:PRESNELL, A minor child
JOSIE L. PRESNELL, Petitioner,
v. NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION
CALEB M. HOLLAND Respondent,
Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against
above entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows:
Petition to Terminate Parental Rights
You are required to make defense to such pleading no later than 26 th day of March, 2026 and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought.
This 20 day of January, 2026
NIELSEN LAW, PLLC
Joshua D. Nielsen
Attorney for Petitioner 413 Walnut St Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 246-9360 (828) 229-7255 facsimile
Publication Dates: January 28, February 4, February 11, 2026
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE
HAYWOOD COUNTY DISTRICT COURT
DIVISION
FILE NO. 25JT000074430
IN RE: HOLLAND, A minor child
JOSIE L. PRESNELL, Petitioner,
v. NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION
CALEB M. HOLLAND Respondent,
Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against
above entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows:
Petition to Terminate Parental Rights
You are required to make defense to such pleading no later than 26th day of March, 2026 and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought.
This 20 day of January, 2026
NIELSEN LAW, PLLC
Joshua D. Nielsen
Attorney for Petitioner 413 Walnut St Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 246-9360 (828) 229-7255 facsimile
Publication Dates: January 28, February 4, February 11, 2026
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF JACKSON File No: 25SP000584-490
NOTICE OF SALE
TAKE NOTICE THAT: William Richard Boyd, Jr., Substitute Trustee, has begun proceedings to FORECLOSE under the Deed of Trust described below, and under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in such Deed of Trust, and an Order entered by the Clerk of Superior Court of the above County, will sell the below described property at public auction as follows:
1. The instrument pursuant to which such sale will be held is that certain Deed of Trust executed by Wolf Lake Development LLC, original mortJuan Fernandez (“Noteholder”) and recorded in
County Register of Deeds in Deed of Trust Book 2311, at Page 1160 (the “Deed of Trust”). The record owner of such prop-
records of the Register of Deeds not more than ten (10) days prior to posting this Notice of Sale, if not the original mortgagors, is: N/A
2. The property will be sold by the Substitute Trustee at 11:00 a.m. on February 5, 2026 at the Jackson County Courthouse door in the City of Sylva, North Carolina.
3. The real property to be sold is generally described as 117.17 ac +/Tannassee Creek Road and .431 +/- ac Vess Owens Road, Tuckaseegee, NC* and is more particularly described as
follows (the “Property”): Being all of that property described in that certain Deed of Trust recorded in Book 2311 , at Page 1160 of the Jackson County, North Carolina Registry. Any Property described in the Deed of Trust which is not being offered for sale is described as follows: Subject to any and all Release Deeds of Record in the Jackson County, North Carolina Registry. *The general description of the Property is provided for convenience but is not guaranteed; the legal description in the Deed of Trust controls.
4. Any buildings located on the above-described Property are also included in the sale.
5. The Property will be sold by the Substitute Trustee to the highest bidder for CASH . The highest bidder will be required to deposit IN CASH with the Substitute Trustee at the date and time of the sale the
(5.0%) of the amount of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty and no/100 Dollars ($750.00).
6. The Property is being sold “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Substitute Trustee, Noteholder, nor attorneys, employees, or authorized agents or representatives of either Substitute Trustee or Noteholder make any warranty relating to title, possession, quiet enjoyment, or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the Property and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or
in any way related to such conditions are expressly disclaimed. The Noteholder has reserved the right to withdraw the sale up to and until the deed is delivered by the Substitute Trustee.
7. The Property will be sold subject to all unpaid taxes and special assessments.
8. The Property being sold is all of that Property described in the Deed of -
ly set forth above. It is the intention to extinguish any and all rights or interests in the Property subordinate to the Deed of Trust.
9. An order for possession of the Property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the County in which the Property is sold.
10. Additional Notice
Where the Property is Residential with Less Than 15 Rental Units, including single-family residential real property: Any person who occupies the Property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the Notice of Sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination.
11. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statues Section 45-21.8, the sale of the Property may be made by whole or by tract in the discretion of the Substitute Trustee. Further, the Substitute Trustee may offer for sale any and all personal property as permitted by the Deed of Trust in accordance with North Carolina General Stat-
utes Sections 25-9-604, 25-9-610, and 25-9-611, in whole, as individual items, or together with the Property as the Substitute Trustee determines is appropriate in the Substitute Trustee’s sole discretion. This notice is intended to comply with the requirements of North Carolina General Statutes Sections 25-9-607 and 25-9-613 providing for the disposition of personal property in connection with a foreclosure of real property. Mortgagor is entitled to and may request an accounting of the unpaid indebtedness secured by the Deed of Trust.
12. Any successful bidder shall be required to tender the remaining balance of the successful bid amount in cash or the Substitute Trustee tenders to such bidder, or attempts to deliver to such bidder, a deed for the Property. Should such successful bidder fail to pay the full balance of the successful bid at that time, that bidder shall remain liable on the bid as provided by North Carolina General Statutes Section 45-21.30.
13. The purchaser of the Property shall pay the Clerk’s Commissions in the amount of $0.45 per $100.00 of the purchase price (up to a maximum of $500.00), required by Section 7A-308(a) (1) of the North Carolina General Statutes. If the purchaser of the Property is someone other than the Deed of Trust, the purchaser shall also pay, to the extent applicable, the land transfer tax in the amount of one percent (1.0%) of the purchase price.
14. If the Substitute Trustee is unable to convey title to the Property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are of a bankruptcy petition of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the Substitute Trustee. If the validity of the sale is
challenged by any party, the Substitute Trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.
15. The Property is being sold subject to all prior and superior: (i) deeds of trust, (ii) liens, (iii) unpaid taxes, (iv) restrictions, (v) easements, (vi) assessments, (vii) leases, and (viii) other matters, if any, which, as a matter of law, survive the foreclosure of the Deed of Trust, provided that the inclusion of this clause in this Notice of Substitute Trustee’s Sale of Real Estate shall not be deemed to validate or otherwise effect to any such matter or other right which, as a matter of law, does not survive the foreclosure of the Deed of Trust.
16. Any person who occupies the Property puror tenancy may have additional rights pursuant to the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act.
17. This is a communication from a debt collector. The purpose of this communication is to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose, except as stated below in the instance of bankruptcy protection. If you are under the protection of the Bankruptcy Court or have been discharged as a result of bankruptcy proceedings, this notice if given to you pursuant to statutory requirement and for informational purposes and is not intended as an attempt to collect a debt or as an act to collect, assess, or recover all or any portion of the debt from you personally. THIS the 3rd day of December, 2025.
William Richard Boyd, Jr.
Substitute Trustee
474 Mountain Cove Road Waynesville, NC 28786
828-646-7308
Dates: January 28, 2026 and February 4, 2026
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.26e000003-490
John Leopard, havingistrator of the Estate of Tina Anne Leopard of Jackson County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before Apr 14 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Administrator c/o John Leopard 705 W Main Street Sylva, NC 28779
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.25E000725-430
GRADY MICHAEL GED-
as the RECEIVE AND ADMINISTER ASSETS OF ESTATE of the Estate of GWENDOLYN FAYE GEDDINGS NASH of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before Apr 14 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
RECEIVE AND ADMINISTER ASSETS OF ESTATE 3027 HIGHWAY 545 CONWAY, SC 29526
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.26E000002-490
Hannah C. Artman, hav-
lary Administrator of the Estate of Sanford Preston Artman of Jackson County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before Apr 14 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.
All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Ancillary Administrator c/o Hannah C. Artman
705 W Main Street Sylva, NC 28779
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.25E000191-490
Ginger Lovelace, hav-
DustBuster, for short
1 Go to
7 Stooge who sometimes replaced Curly
12 Sauna locale
15 Defeater of Gore
19 Time: Prefix
20 On the briny
21 Retained
23 Old foxtrot dancer makes a two-in-one chess move?
25 Makes lively
26 Flow blockers
27 Oct. preceder
28 “All I Wanna Do” singer boasts?
30 Prefix with propyl
31 Winter hrs. in Philadelphia
33 Lawman Wyatt
34 Falsehood
35 “The Finest Hours” costar yearns deeply?
40 America’s first female astronaut takes a bus?
45 Top-secret U.S. org.
46 Starting on
48 Sanaa locale
49 “Samson and Delilah” co-star develops fully?
55 Conductor
59 Big 20th-cen. conflict
60 Actress — de Armas
61 Universal rule
63 “Eww, mice!”
64 Harry Potter’s skill
68 “Play It as It Lays” costar does a fusing job?
72 “Middle Child” rapper
73 In the past
75 Spain’s El —
76 Really annoy
77 “Broadcast News” costar feels sore?
80 Dirt Devil or
“Jerry Maguire” star goes sailing?
Miami Heat great walks in water?
Executor of the Estate of Steven W. Sunderland of Jackson County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before Apr 07 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment. Ginger Lovelace, Executor c/o Stone & Christy, P.A. 110 N Dougherty Street Black Mountain, NC 28711
NOTICE
OF
ADMINISTRATION
Case No.26E000003-430 Joseph Riccardi, having
of the Estate of Thresia Moody of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before Apr 14 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.
Executor Joseph Riccardi
ANSWERS ON PAGE 26
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