Smoky Mountain News | July 15, 2026

Page 6

Franklin approves data center moratorium Page 12

CONTENTS

On the Cover:

Cade’s Cove has grown to become perhaps the most popular attraction in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, allowing visitors the chance to explore the region’s rich history while also viewing wildlife and the breathtaking surrounding mountains. However, with that popularity comes long lines of cars on the 11-mile loop road. The park is allowing some visitors the chance to take more time and explore the area without vehicle congestion through its “vehicle-free” days. (Page 24) Holly Kays/Smokies Life photo

News

IOLTA provision reduces indigent civil, criminal pro bono representation ........4

Swain grapples with landfill closure, transfer station concerns............................6 Amid data center moratorium, Swain considers zoning alternatives....................7

Fontana Regional Library System holds annual meeting..........................................8

Jackson commissioners, school board spar over bond referendum....................9

Jackson County looks to restrict library community room use............................10

Franklin approves data center moratorium................................................................12

Community briefs..............................................................................................................13

Opinion

Shenanigans galore from local elected leaders........................................................14 GOP official has it all wrong..........................................................................................15

A&E

Meet Sugar Bomb, WNC’s premier instrumental trio............................................16 Cashiers hosts plein air festival......................................................................................19

Outdoors

The Joyful Botanist: Goodbye Cullowhee..................................................................26

Conservation organizations host forum on proposed roadless rule changes ......27

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C ONTRIBUTING: Jeff Minick (writing), Susanna Shetley (writing), Adam Bigelow (writing), Thomas Crowe (writing)

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IOLTA provision reduces indigent civil, criminal pro bono representation

BY LILY LEVIN STAFF WRITER

Many Americans can recite the two-sentence phrase verbatim, thanks to a true crime flick or a legal procedural TV show. “You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided to you.”

The reality is a little more complicated. State-funded, court-appointed public defenders who represent low-income defendants in criminal cases are often underpaid and “dangerously” overworked. Despite the fact that in small- to mid-sized jurisdictions, public defenders are supplemented by private panel attorneys selected to represent an indigent client, 41% of U.S. counties are considered legal deserts, with less than one attorney per 1,000 residents. Inadequate access to representation causes prolonged pretrial detention and increases the likelihood of wrongful convictions and procedural errors.

With this year’s budget, the General Assembly has rerouted up to $15 million annually to the North Carolina Office of Indigent Services Private Assigned Counsel Fund, enabling PAC to raise hourly compensation for panel lawyers. But that money doesn’t come from the state as a fulfillment of its constitutional obligation to fund public defense. It comes from IOLTA, or interest on lawyers’ trust accounts, a 43-year program that has provided more than $134 million in grants to civil legal aid offices — which also provide pro bono representation for people without the means to hire an attorney.

nor is it enshrined by the law.

PLS Executive Director Jackie Kiger said her organization is there to remedy that gap.

“We exist … to make sure that there is access to justice in life-changing basic needs areas where poverty is a big issue and someone cannot afford an attorney to access or protect their rights. And it’s important because we believe that everybody should have access to justice,” she said.

Pearl Phillips was referred to PLS Attorney Becca Eden after a life-altering traumatic experience.

of her son. “The court system is not set up to help victims,” she said. “[PLS] step[s] in and they take all of that burden and effort off of the survivors and the people that they serve.”

Phillips said that because one does not have the right to an attorney in civil matters, her ex-husband chose to represent himself in court.

“The biggest way that Pisgah helped me, aside from doing the paperwork and all that, is being a buffer between me and my abuser,” she said.

tics is largely to blame — as well as how IOTLA funding is interpreted. IOLTA is interest earned on certain client funds pooled into a lawyer-managed trust. These funds tend to be short-term and small-sum. When not part of a trust, the value of interest accrued does not satisfy the fee for collecting it.

While IOLTA is policy nationwide, it was established in 1983 upon authorization by the North Carolina State Bar Council and state Supreme Court. Initially a voluntary program, it became mandatory in 2007. The Office of State Auditor Dave Boliek conducted a comprehensive performance audit of IOLTA and the results, released April 2026, reported all-around grant-eligibility compliance. Still, the auditor had choice words about the program.

“Attorneys in North Carolina have no choice but to allow the North Carolina State Bar’s IOLTA program to take interest from their trust accounts,” Boliek said, adding that organizations funded by IOLTA have “clearly partisan, political agendas.”

Yet to lawyers, that money is already off-limits and subject to strict rules of governance. According to the American Bar Association, “it is unethical for attorneys to derive any financial benefit from funds that belong to their clients.”

Civil legal aid entities like Pisgah Legal Services and Legal Aid of North Carolina that previously received IOLTA funding offer services just as important as public defense. But the right to counsel for matters like housing, employment or healthcare, unlike public defense, is not funded by the state,

“Three years ago … my husband at the time held me and our son hostage for about six-and-a-half weeks, and mentally and emotionally and physically abused me,” she told The Smoky Mountain News.

Through PLS, Phillips obtained an emergency protective order and a domestic violence protective order. Eden litigated her divorce case and helped her to gain custody

THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM

IOLTA is not taxpayer money, which left some questioning the Republican-led General Assembly’s authority to determine grant recipients. Regarding legislators’ decision to divert money from legal aid organizations across North Carolina, it seems poli-

IOLTA funds are mandatory in every state except for Alaska, Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming. Nonetheless, the Republican-led General Assembly first challenged the program in 2025, when it froze funding for a year due to concerns about money directed to progressive organizations. Legal aid organizations across the state were forced to terminate staff positions and close county offices.

Though the recent state budget does authorize the distribution of a few million dollars in pre-freeze money earmarked for the program, any office that advocates for policy or community organizing, provides assistance to migrants, or offers services to help access gender-affirming care — the vast majority of major NC legal aid organizations — is barred from F

Canton hosts open house to unveil comprehensive plan

The town of Canton is seeking inputs from residents as it unveils its new comprehensive land use plan.

The draft plan has been in the works for months, and now the public will have the chance to learn more and weigh in. According to a release about the event, feedback will help the town “refine” the plan and “prioritize” actions going forward.

The open house will be held at 6 p.m. on July 16 at the town library’s conference room.

receiving those dollars. But legal aid provides a service to everyone, even those who might want to defund it.

“When we can prevent unnecessary evictions, unnecessary foreclosures, or get victims’ protection, or get a senior income, we are keeping people from being homeless, needing shelters, using more safety net resources, calling the police. We are helping the community overall too,” said Kiger, calling the loss of IOLTA funding “devastating.”

Indeed, PLS must cut 14% of its budget.

“It’s a huge chunk of money to lose outright and with very little notice since the freeze,” Kiger said, adding that this could mean losing the capacity to serve thousands across Western North Carolina. “[That funding] allowed us to meet people’s needs where they were.”

vision, Phillips posited, “I would want them to know that they’re doing a huge disservice to this population and a community that is already isolated.”

Phillips, a mom of five, is doing far better than three years prior — and that’s in no small part because of pro bono legal services. She’s enrolled as a full-time student in Southwestern Community College’s transfer program. She plans to later attend Mars Hill University to pursue her bachelor’s degree in social work. But she’s not stopping there.

“I want to go for my master’s in social work as well,” she said.

In the meantime, one thing is certain: as the case continues, Eden will be right beside her.

When asked if there was anything she’d say to legislators about this state budget pro-

“I have to renew my protective order, and so [PLS is] still helping me,” Phillips said. “They’re going to help me Thursday in court.”

The Republican-led General Assembly first challenged the program in 2025, when it froze funding for a year due to concerns about money directed to progressive organizations. Legal aid organizations across the state were forced to terminate staff positions and close county offices.

Stumped by the dump

Swain grapples with landfill closure, transfer station concerns

BY LILY LEVIN STAFF WRITER

Swain County’s municipal land-clearing inert debris landfill has been closed since July 2 while the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality investigates allegations of illegal dumping.

“We are currently dumping brush over the spot, and requirements of the landfill will further complicate the DEQ job of investigating the allegation,” said County Manager Tommy Dills. But while the landfill is closed, no waste placement is available, meaning residents must hold onto their land-clearing debris.

It’s a fair assumption that some may dump elsewhere in the duration. The Smoky Mountain News in 2017 reported that after the county’s waste transfer station cut its hours, illegal dumping directly outside of the facility became a “serious problem.”

County officials also said there was no word as to when the LCID facility would reopen, as it is dependent upon the investigation’s timeline.

Meanwhile, Dills cautioned against playing into rumors about what went on.

“I promise you, when this whole thing’s done, we’ll have a clearer picture of what has actually happened, and I will report it in its entirety,” he said.

within 500 feet of the Tuckasegee River. According to agency-provided documents, the USFS in late April 1994 issued a special use permit requiring the site be used as a sanitary, or solid waste, landfill until Oct. 31 — and as a demolition, or sanitary-turned-LCID, landfill until Dec. 31, 1997.

A 1998 permit authorized operations until Dec 31, 2002.

The county’s 2001 landfill operations manual allows the site to accept land-clearing waste while prohibiting the following types of waste: liquid, municipal solid, construction/demolition, PCB, asbestos and white goods.

“Solid waste disposed of at the facility shall be restricted to the smallest area feasible that provides a safe operation. The waste shall be compacted as densely as practical,” the document reads.

to her, King had left his post several months earlier to take the same position in Jackson.

“If possible, I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss this permit in more detail,” Sparks wrote. Woodard didn’t respond.

In May 2026, Clerk to Commissioners Cyndi Jenkins also requested a copy of the permit.

Sparks noted that the document had expired, and the county needed to pursue a reissuance process, attaching a blank application to the email. Jenkins forwarded the correspondence to former County Manager Lottie Barker.

Barker said she’d reviewed the attachments and asked a second question: “Also if we are wanting the site to be considered for another use, currently the thing in question is a shooting range, do we use that same form to ask for that?”

Sparks said she’d be happy to meet Barker onsite to discuss its current status.

“Regarding the shooting range, I believe the next best step would be to arrange a time to meet to discuss what Swain County has in mind in terms of a shooting range. These types of endeavors are typically complicated and require significant planning and coordination with state and federal entities,” she wrote.

The case takes on additional weight because the LCID site is located on a pre-regulatory landfill disposal area in operation from 1967 to 1998.

A “pre-regulatory landfill” designation applies any North Carolina land area that accepted municipal solid waste prior to 1983. Often, landfills were unlined and contained harmful materials such as lead and asbestos. The state’s Pre-Regulatory Landfill Program began in 2007 and still conducts site assessment and remediation. Swain County’s preregulatory dump is ranked 251 on an April 2026 state priority list of 625 hazardous landfills.

The LCID, sitting atop the old disposal area, is located on U.S. Forest Service land

WNC delegates travel to legislative conference

In 2003 and again in 2013, Swain County received two decade-long use authorizations. Though the facility’s NCDEQ permits are currently up to date, starting Jan. 1, 2024, its USFS permit was not. Ironically, that fact emerged due to inquiries from county officials obtained through a USFS public records request.

“I am looking for the [memorandum of understanding] between Swain County and Forest Service for our landfill. I can’t seem to find a signed copy. Can you please send me one?” wrote former Clerk to Commissioners Cyndi Woodard to Forest Service Realty Specialist Julia Sparks in June 2024.

Sparks replied that the permit had expired at the end of 2023 but that her colleagues were working with former Swain County Manager Kevin King to reissue another. Unbeknownst

At its 33rd June 2026 General Session, the North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature highlighted its broad advocacy agenda, with sessions focused on turning civic engagement into action and advancing practical policy solutions for senior citizens across the state.

Presentations explored pressing issues such as housing affordability, aging in place, property tax relief and workforce development. Together, the sessions emphasized NCSTHL’s commitment to empowering older adults, shaping public policy, and promoting livable, inclusive communities for North Carolinians of all ages.

annual waste tonnage was 200 then and, over the life of the facility, would likely rise to 335. Either the authors overcalculated or didn’t factor in future state regulations.

NCDEQ approved a 2025 permit dictating an annual disposal rate of approximately 300 cubic yards, or 120 tons. And just two years earlier, the landfill had a promising 5,400 cubic yards of waste-placement airspace available.

Indeed, the facility most struggling with space is the waste transfer station neighboring the landfill.

On July 7, Jenkins outlined the scope of the problem.

To remain compliant and prevent the site from becoming a leachate pond, he said, the transfer station must store filled trailers within a small shed that can only fit three at a time. “I mean, [leachate] eats concrete; it’s some bad stuff, and if the state ever catches any of it on the ground, they’ll make you dig it up, contaminate the dirt. You’d have to go through and go through a big process with that,” he explained.

The mandatory storage has resulted in periodically turning away commercial haulers, though Jenkins said a site contractor had purchased another trailer to store in his yard, allowing the transfer station to accept more garbage.

Discarded ammunition from outdoor shooting ranges routinely causes leadbased contamination requiring years of remediation. These effects would be compounded by pre-regulatory landfill heavy metals that have corrupted the soil.

Plus, a February 2026 USFS monitoring report made the following LCID-area observations: “Gate cannot be accessed by forest service. Signs on forest land. Lots of debris along the entrance, needs to be cleaned up. Vehicles being stored on forest land, skid steer and bulldozer.”

It noted that, despite excessive amounts of kudzu posing a “fire safety hazard,” the landfill was generally in compliance with special use provisions.

CAPACITY PROBLEMS

The LCID landfill should be already out of commission, according to the 2001 operations manual.

“Assuming a compacted density of 800 pounds per cubic yard, this results in a total capacity for the LCID Landfill of approximately 25 years,” it noted, adding that the average

Established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1993, the North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature is a nonpartisan body representing all 100 counties. Its mission is to identify issues affecting older adults and propose policy solutions that improve quality of life statewide. Delegates are supported by North Carolina’s Area Agencies on Aging across 16 service areas.

From left, delegates Lisa Bradley (Haywood County), Pat Hedrick (Macon County), Beverly White (Cherokee County), Lisa Allen (Southwestern Commission), Shelley Carraway (alternate for Jackson County), Gayle Woody (Jackson County) and Fred Crawford (Swain County). Donated photo

Even still, the county faces a larger problem.

“We’re going to outgrow that site. We basically have already,” said commissioner Bobby Jenkins.

Jerry Jenkins suggested that some trash was coming from outside the area. While he couldn’t prove this claim, he said, that the Swain landfill has lower fees than neighboring counties makes it an attractive option.

Another culprit could be the county’s notso-distant tourists.

“There are 157 boat houses in Swain County. Only 20 of them are billed to 28713 The rest of them are billed to people who are out of here. They’re not bagging up their trash on Sunday evening and driving it back to Haywood County. They’re getting rid of it at the dump here in Bryson,” said one member of the audience.

The county might be due for an expansion — and there’s no clear way to finance such a project.

Commissioners suggested modifying the fee schedule both to prepare for future growth and dissuade out-of-county dumpers.

“You can’t fund something from nothing,” Dills said.

Amid data center moratorium, Swain considers zoning alternatives

BY LILY LEVIN STAFF WRITER

At a July 7 Swain Commissioners’ meeting data center moratorium committee representative Celia Baker presented commissioners with ongoing first-stage research, including legally preventative options. “You either do zoning and you come up with the types of things that are or are not allowed within the zoning boundaries, or you create a shotgun blast of multiple targeted restrictive ordinances, one covering noise, one covering light, one covering water,” she explained.

“I don’t like the thought of telling somebody what they can do with their own property,” said Commissioner David Loftis.

He was joined by other commissioners in advocating to maintain the county’s long-held zoning-free status.

Unsurprisingly, commissioners went with the “shotgun blast.” With that choice, Swain County is faced with an unusual task: blocking high-impact industrial users in an unincorporated area.

exclusion from the special exception model and the relative simplicity of permitting.

In fact, zoning is least common in rural areas, planned to host 67% of future data centers. But even as it is billed as the solution, zoning can facilitate a host of data center-related problems. To untangle this contradiction, one needs only to look to the past.

Single-family residential districts have long caused urban sprawl, segregating neighborhoods and boosting white wealth at the expense of Black renters and homeowners. Exclusionary zoning also produces environmental justice zones, where heavy industry is located beside low-income, typically minority-occupied housing. This crisis continues to grow as data center developers scout already polluted areas bordering communities historically denied political and social capital.

Zoning and land use ordinances nonetheless share a central theme: each is strongest before a project is authorized.

Something as targeted as a ban on data centers would violate North Carolina law, Baker said, because it constitutes “zoning without calling it zoning.” A zoned municipality cannot ban data centers either — though it can employ one of two strategies that apply extra regulations to applicable projects.

The first is a conditional use permit process.

Weaverville, for example, recently classified high-impact industrial facilities as “noxious uses,” which may only be permitted in certain zones and generally require a public hearing along with zoning board approval. Although conditional permitting can be effective, some community planning organizations describe it as reactive.

A second, special exception model provides the strongest data center deterrent. It designates hyperscale facilities as “special land-use.” Permitted projects under this designation must meet stringent criteria and pose no risk to the surrounding environment. So places like Swain County get the shorter end of the stick — both through

Carolina — and it is not immune to legal challenges.

In a nation where most towns have zoning ordinances, Bryson City is an even rarer phenomenon. A stalled 2025 Universal Development Ordinance would’ve added various districts, but Bryson City remains unincorporated pending its passage.

Although Swain County’s data center moratorium doesn’t apply within town limits, Alderman Tim Hines spoke of other naturally restrictive factors.

“People ask, ‘Well, what are you going to do if, someone wants to build [a data center]? Me, personally, I don’t know where they could. It’s not like there’s a large enough tract of land in town for sale,” he said, adding that Bryson City would not approve a facility’s request to tap into its water and sewer system.

“If we can’t provide water and you can’t legally drill a well inside city limits without town approval, you have no water. And this is true for any business that wanted to come in,” Hines noted.

The Smoky Mountain News asked about the feasibility of housing a hyperscale facility atop the former airport strip, which is currently for sale and considered within Bryson City limits. Hines explained that the property didn’t have enough water to sustain heavy industry operations, though he admitted some data centers have switched to chemical-based coolants. Electricity

would pose the most significant barrier. But even that might not be prohibitive.

“Currently, is there enough power up there? No. Can that be remedied by Duke Power? I’m sure,” he said.

It’s unclear if Duke’s planned Almond Transmission Line Project would increase the town’s power reliability.

When considering the layout of Swain County, commissioners’ words paralleled Hines’ argument. Since around 87% of county land is owned by the federal government, data center construction would be limited to a relatively small area.

Loftis suggested crafting ordinances that mandate a certain distance between public lands and data centers.

“I know right there in Marble they’re a long way from any Forest Service,” he said, referencing Cherokee County’s Core Scientific in-progress AI renovation.

But according to the county’s GIS viewer, the data center is within a half mile of a voluntary agricultural district, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians land trust acreage and territory owned by the Forest Service. Furthermore, the Marble facility is taking actions likely to disturb the water table.

“They weren’t allowed to continue using the municipal water supply, so for this one facility, they had to then drill three different wells on the property to start drawing groundwater to support this new expan-

Facilities often expand post-approval. And some, like Elon Musk’s Colossus 2 in Southaven, Mississippi, introduce unpermitted air-polluting gas generators and continue to operate despite community lawsuits.

Baker also addressed this phenomenon at the meeting.

“Even things that have been approved and seemed like it went through the proper channels during the permitting and the buildout and the approvals process, more and more things are coming to light … Communities are finding out they did a lot more infrastructure buildout than they told us they were going to,” she said.

At the end of Baker’s presentation, audience members suggested a referendum, another legal data center-blocking avenue. But in Swain County, such a measure requires signatures from 10% of registered voters and must submitted by the end of July to appear in the General Election. While several referendums have successfully banned data centers, there is no precedent for this ballot initiative in North

Fontana Regional Library System holds annual meeting

BY KYLE PERROTTI

AEDITOR

fter a turbulent year, Fontana Regional Library trustees gathered at the Nantahala Community Library for their annual meeting.

Attendees may have noticed that the board seemed a bit light. This was the first trustee meeting with just six board members since three departed on July 1 when Jackson County left the system.

On May 12, the board passed a measure to provide member counties, including Jackson, with a reimbursement of “surplus funds.” The plan was to nail down the exact numbers and answer some questions FRL attorney Austin Von Henner had before finalizing the distribution and getting that money out the door.

However, on July 1, a superior court judge granted a preliminary injunction on the behalf of Swain County that barred the library system from taking any action on the distribution pending litigation. Swain County’s claims are that the fund distribution runs counter to the interlocal agreement that bound the three counties and the library system, which would “unjustly enrich” Jackson County. A third claim maintains Swain County is entitled to “a declaration that the Defendant lacks authority to distribute the funds authorized by its formal Board action on May 12, 2026,” as well as “a declaration of the parties’ obligations and rights under the Interlocal Agreement.”

During public comments, Swain County resident Fred Crawford recommended that the board set aside its May 12 vote to give money back to Swain, Jackson and Macon counties in light of the lawsuit and potential increased operating expenses with Jackson County’s withdrawal from the system.

“Instead, direct staff to prepare what Fontana Regional Library needs to operate successfully as a two-county system, and preserve these assets until the board has a clear understanding of its long-term financial obligations,” he said. “As trustees, your responsibility is not only to yesterday’s decisions, but today’s realities and tomorrow’s needs.”

FRL Board Chair and Interim Director Bill

McGaha addressed the matter briefly, essentially just letting the public know that he would not comment on pending litigation and the board would take no action pending the court’s final ruling on the matter.

McGaha also spoke to the search for a new library system director in the wake of the departure of former director Tracy Fitzmaurice earlier this year. With Jackson’s exit and Macon’s expected withdrawal, getting a director willing to serve for just a year has been a tough task, but McGaha noted that there have been two applications that have come in for the position. He added that those individuals requested their applications be held until Macon County makes its decision. He also said there are two prospects for interim director with whom he was hoping to schedule interviews soon.

Because July 13 was the board’s annual meeting, it appointed new committee members and elected new officers, something that was much easier when the board had nine members. To

make the numbers work, those committees now have just two members each instead of three, with McGaha in his interim director role serving as an ex officio member of each committee, or as he put it, a “referee.”

Finally, the board chose to keep its officers the same — Kathy Smith, of Macon County, will serve as secretary; Cheryl Taylor, of Swain County, will be the vice chair and McGaha, of Macon County, will stay on as chair.

McGaha also introduced a new board member, Justin Greene. Greene was appointed by Swain County commissioners to replace former Trustee Cynthia Womble on the board.

In a brief introduction, Greene, a sitting district court judge originally from Swain County, said he believes that “everybody is and should be welcome at the library.” He made it known that he doesn’t want to see any major action taken by the board, as Macon County is slated to leave in July of next year. He said he’s generally opposed to any “grand sweeping gestures.”

“FRL has tended to govern itself, and it ought to govern itself the same way,” Greene said. “If it’s going to die, it ought to die like it lived, with some dignity.”

Jackson commissioners, school board spar over bond referendum

BY ALEX PERRI STAFF WRITER

Jackson County Commissioners are considering moving forward with a $105 million bond referendum to fund capital projects for Jackson County Public Schools after a joint meeting with the Jackson County Board of Education last Thursday. At their June 24 meeting, Board of Election members approved a resolution to request Jackson County commissioners to issue the bond, which will address capital needs throughout the school district.

County Manager Kevin King said the county has been through several iterations of site plans for school system capital project thus far and that a public hearing will take place at the Aug. 4 commissioners meeting.

King is working on preparing the bond referendum for commissioners to review at their July 21 meeting, which will include finalized numbers on how the funds will be appropriated. Based on initial numbers, the $105 million will be appropriated for the following school system needs:

• $48 million to go toward funding a new middle school. This is intended to combine with the $52 million the state awarded to the county in grant funds to move the project, which has been stalled by budget issues, forward.

• $23 million for Blue Ridge School for a new gym, new classrooms and a new kitchen and dining room addition.

• $34 million to go toward a new bus garage, renovations at the Smoky Mountain High School stadium and several renovation and repair projects in school facilities throughout the county.

Commissioners and school board members clashed at Thursday’s meeting over whether the county could afford the capital projects.

Commissioner Jenny Lynn Hooper said despite the $52 million already awarded to the county for the middle school project, with the project’s total costs rising to over $110 million, she did not support spending county money to make up that difference.

“I think we all want what’s best for our kids, and we want them to have the best

thing possible, [like] everybody else’s kids, but it’s of my opinion that we ought to put this middle school project on hold and fix what we got,” she said at Thursday’s meeting.

School Board members disagreed.

“It don’t really make a lot of sense to say ‘Thanks, but no thanks’ to $52 million,” said Board member Wes Jamison. “The costs are only going to continue to increase down the road.”

School Board Member Kim Moore was adamant in insisting the money the board has requested with the bond resolution was desperately needed to support the next generation of learners.

Hooper erred on the side of austerity, suggesting repairing existing facilities like unused trailers at Fairview Elementary could provide a thrifty alternative to what the school board has requested in funding.

“Growing up in Cullowhee, we had two trailers, and we learned the same sitting in those trailers as we did sitting inside one of the classrooms in Cullowhee High School,” Hooper said.

Moore pushed back.

“I understand that because I grew up very poor,” she said. “I was coming in with dirty shoes. Everybody’s coming in with dirty shoes. But then, after a while, you start seeing everybody around you is getting new shoes and you still got dirty shoes.”

That disparity between neighboring school districts is damaging to children, Moore insisted, especially when other counties throughout the state are choosing to invest comparatively more money in their school systems.

“At the end of the day, if we throw all the money back, I just hope the kids of the county can look at this meeting and know I care enough,” Moore said. “You can raise my taxes. I’ll sign the referendum and all my kids have already been through school ... I have nothing in the game other than I know that when I was a child and I moved into Rutherford County, my parents moved to a certain part of the county just so that I could go to Harris Elementary School. It opened its doors the year they moved there. My par-

ents took a cross being burned in their yard to get me to the newest, nicest school in the county. I got the best education.”

North Carolina State Rep. Anna Ferguson (R-Swain) attended the meeting and said she did not anticipate the state would penalize the county if it chose to pause on moving forward with the middle school project, leaving the $52 million in limbo until it agreed on a funding plan. Even so, school board members do not want to wait.

However hesitantly, commissioners did agree to consider letting voters have a say in

Jackson County Public School’s capital needs shortfalls.

“If we’re going to do this with a bond, let’s get everything we need instead of getting part of what we need and then raising taxes every year to get this need or that need taken care of,” said Commissioner Michael Jennings. “Let’s just do it and get them everything they need … If people vote against it, then we’ll have to do something different. But if we’re going to do it, you don’t want any kid left behind, right? Nobody does.”

Jackson County looks to restrict library community room use

BY ALEX PERRI STAFF WRITER

Public use of the Jackson County Public Library’s community room could be significantly restricted under a proposed policy presented to county commissioners last week.

The new policy states the room would be limited to library and county government uses only. The move is a part of the larger effort by Jackson County officials to establish new policies for the county’s two public libraries since its official exit from the Fontana Regional Library system that went into effect July 1.

“Policies that make people feel unwelcome don’t just discourage room reservations, they discourage community participation,” said community member Rachel Huffman during the public comment period at last week’s commissioners meeting. “If business is taken elsewhere because the library community room is not seen as something for everyone, the cost will be measured in far more than dollars.”

$7 million needed to renovate the historic 1914 courthouse.

“That’s something that’s been, really, a point of pride for this community that we were able to raise that much money,” MacWatt said. “It feels a little bit like a slap in the face.”

Commissioners agreed to table a vote on the new policy to allow for more time to review the changes, but Chairman Mark Letson said he expects the board will pass the new room usage restrictions.

The Smoky Mountain News has reached out to Jackson County’s four other commissioners for comment on the policy change, and none, apart from Letson, responded before this article’s publication.

Huffman was one of several community room advocates who spoke during the public comment period, urging commissioners to allow the public to continue to rent out the space.

The large community room was touted as one of the new JCPL Complex highlights during the capital campaign for the project between 2007 and 2009. Friends of the JCPL volunteer and retired school librarian Antoinette MacWatt said the room restrictions sting particularly hard given how integral the community was in fundraising for it. In total, community members raised over $1.8 million for the JCPL Complex project, while the county provided the remaining

Commissioners did not comment on the new policy at last week’s meeting, and the county has not publicly explained the proposal. However, Letson, along with many attendees at Tuesday’s commissioners meeting, believes it is part of a broader cultural backlash against LGBTQ+ materials and events at the library.

“I’m opposed to it. I think it’s a public space, and everyone should have access to that,” Letson said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a church, if it’s an LGBTQ event, if it’s a band, if it’s a high school group, I don’t care. We’re here to provide services for the community, and those services may vary.”

Part of what is so puzzling about the new restrictions proposed at the JCPL is that no such restrictions are proposed in the draft policy for the community room at the Albert Carlton Cashiers Community Library that was also presented to commissioners at last F

Daniel is a WNC local who specializes in NMT, Trigger Point Therapy, and Deep Tissue Massage. In his continuing education journey he has studied various modalities including traditional Thai techniques, Reflexology and Myofascial Release. He believes massage can be a powerful tool in a holistic approach to healing and self care.

week’s meeting.

In the proposed Carlton Cashiers library policy, there are no restrictions on who can rent out the community room for any permitted uses, including meetings, private celebrations, art shows and “other similar and appropriate uses approved by the county manager,” though library and county government employees would be prioritized over other groups.

Sylva resident Chris Hamlet spoke during the public commenting period at last week’s meeting and raised questions as to the legality of the proposed policies.

legal risks if the policies are accepted, especially given that a recent FRL decision to disburse some $1.3 million in surplus funds to Swain, Jackson and Macon Counties is being held up in court following a June Superior Court temporary enjoinment restraining order.

The uncertain future of the $1.3 million surplus FRL funds, along with the larger uncertainty surrounding the additional costs the county will incur as a result of managing the library outside the FRL system, make the new policy all the more puzzling.

“Jackson County has underestimated the

view from the

“Counties are not legally allowed to geographically discriminate access to public meeting spaces within a county, which includes public library meeting rooms,” he said. “Banning local groups from using the local library meeting room in one part of the county while allowing it in another part of the county crosses into discrimination at the state level.”

William Shelton, former Jackson County Commissioner who championed the JCPL Complex project during his tenure in public office, called the county’s move to exit the FRL and its subsequent consequences a travesty. He said the proposed policy change for the JCPL community room contradicted its intended use.

“It should be there for the public, and whatever group or whatever people, if they book it and pay whatever they pay to use it, they should be allowed to do it,” he said. “That is America. That’s the First Amendment. That’s freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and that’s a public space that’s there for public use, and that’s my feeling.”

Letson said the proposed library policies are a rough draft and starting point modeled after similar policies in place at the Department of Aging. He’s weary of possible

financial cost of separating from the FRL, and there is uncertainty about whether we will receive any funds through the dissolution process,” Huffman said in her public comment. “At a time when every taxpayer dollar matters, it makes no sense to impose restrictions on a public space that should be serving as many community members as possible.”

Though the JCPL community room isn’t a large revenue source for the library, room rental fees, which range from $12 to $400, total to around $34,000 from 2012 to 2025 according to library data.

To MacWatt, who has volunteered at the Friends of JCPL bookstore raising funds for the library since 2004, that is no small amount, and she and other library lovers have united around the community room issue.

“It makes me hopeful and proud that there are people that care about a public entity that serves everybody and should serve everybody without restriction,” she said. “We’re all different people. We all react differently. I, for one, can have a pretty foul mouth, and some people get upset when I do, and none of that seems to be important when we can be galvanized around supporting a library.”

Franklin approves data center moratorium

BY KYLE PERROTTI NEWS EDITOR

Franklin’s town council has approved a one-year moratorium on the development of any new data centers.

The town follows in the footsteps of a growing number of local governments, including those in The Smoky Mountain News coverage area like Canton, Swain County and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

data centers, so the best bet is to make them as “low impact as possible.”

Public commenters overwhelmingly supported the moratorium, listing the oft-repeated problems data centers can cause in rural areas, from using an inordinate amount of water and power to generating constant noise to how they compromise pastoral or wild landscapes and the very rural character that has come to define Franklin.

The moratorium was passed following a public hearing during the regularly scheduled meeting held July 6 at Town Hall and posted to YouTube by Macon Media — a meeting that drew a massive crowd that spilled into the hallways.

Michael Scarborough, who said he has worked in the IT industry for over 40 years, noted that any data center built now will likely be rendered obsolete by future technological advances within 10 years. In the meantime, it wouldn’t do much for the people who call

The hearing began with Town Attorney John Henning, Jr., explaining that as zoning regulations were written, there was no way to safeguard against development of a data center. In fact, there was no way to even regulate such a facility should one be planned. He noted at one point that there are a couple of parcels in town limits that could appeal to a company wishing to build a data center.

“We would have been in a tough spot to prevent that from happening,” Henning said.

“We should all be thankful we’re not dealing with a live issue,” he later noted.

The one-year moratorium is intended to serve as a stop gap to allow the board time to explore how to control data centers, including possibly requiring that developers find ways to power and cool the facilities without stressing local utilities and infrastructure.

“That’s the one way you can explore how you can control and ideally discourage that kind of development in this town,” Henning said.

During Henning’s explanation, several people in the audience expressed concern that the town may still not being doing enough to regulate potential data centers, especially since they can’t entirely eliminate the possibility of one coming to Franklin.

“That’s scary,” one person repeated several times before the crowd came back to order.

Vice Mayor Mike Lewis noted that the town is not allowed by law to outright ban

Franklin home.

“They don’t employ anybody,” he said. “The jobs that will be there will be security and routine maintenance.”

The board ultimately voted unanimously to approve the moratorium.

Prior to public the public comment period, Mayor Stacey Guffey spoke, reiterating details outlined by Henning. He also expressed frustration with the lack of a municipal government’s ability in North Carolina to take action to prevent data center development.

“It’s really disappointing when you run for office and get in this seat that you find that almost every time you turn around, the state legislature is passing laws that limit the kind of power we have to protect you from things like data centers. So you need to be reaching out to them,” the mayor said.

Many who offered public comment called on county and state officials to act. Matt Jackson asked members of the public to reach out to those elected officials who represent the county to encourage data center restrictions, reminding everyone that the next meeting of the Macon County Commission was Tuesday, July 14.

“I would love to see half of you there,” he said.

The Macon County Commission meeting was held after the SMN press deadline. Read the July 22 edition for more details.

Community Almanac

“I Voted” sticker contest down to 10 finalists

Ten finalists are now in the running in the “I Voted” sticker contest that will be used as the special sticker for Jackson County residents when they cast their ballots in this fall’s elections at the county’s voting sites.

Nearly 40 entries from local K-8 students entered the “I Voted” sticker contest. The designs incorporated Jackson County symbols, landmarks, voting centric themes or reflected their perspective of Jackson County’s values.

Now residents get to decide who the final winner will be.

Pick your favorite design at forms.gle/K8GZ3fHen8cr3nNSA and vote by July 31 – one vote per person. Winners will be announced in early August, and the top three vote-getters will receive prizes.

Here are some of the finalists for Jackson County’s “I Voted” sticker contest. Donated photo

Local hospitals invest in 11 SCC students preparing for heathcare careers

Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital recently joined Southwestern Community College and other regional healthcare partners to celebrate students taking an important step toward careers in healthcare and service to western North Carolina.

The special signing banquet recognized healthcare discipline students who have committed to employer agreements in exchange for educational support. At Harris and Swain, the opportunity is known as the Scholars Program, which helps students earn their degree while preparing to serve patients close to home.

A total of 11 students signed with Harris and Swain through the Scholars Program, representing healthcare fields that are essential to maintaining strong local access to care, including nursing, sonography, radiography and emergency medical services.

Through the program, Harris and Swain are helping local students pursue meaningful careers while also supporting the continued need for skilled health care professionals in rural communities.

A news release stated that Harris and Swain are grateful for SCC’s significant role in developing the local healthcare workforce and preparing students for meaningful careers in service to western North Carolina. Through high-quality education, hands-on training, and a deep understanding of the region’s needs, SCC helps ensure students are ready to move confidently into clinical settings and make an immediate difference for patients and families. Through this continued partnership, Harris and Swain are proud to support these scholars as they continue their education, begin their careers, and become part of the next generation of caregivers helping keep quality care close to home.

For more information about the Scholars Program or careers at Harris and Swain, visit myharrisregional.com/careers.

Leadership Haywood applications open

The Haywood Chamber of Commerce will open applications for the 2026–2027 class of Leadership Haywood on July 15. For more than 25 years, the program has given residents a behind-the-scenes look at how Haywood County works while helping them grow as leaders.

Over nine months — from an orientation in late August through graduation at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner the following fall — participants meet one full day a month to explore the areas that shape the county: government, economic development, education, health, the environment and more. Each session is guided by the local leaders and professionals working in that field.

The program is open to anyone who lives or works in Haywood County, whether they are new to leadership or well established in it; a Chamber membership is not required to apply. The class is kept small at 18 participants. Tuition is $900 for a non-Chamber member or $800 for a Chamber member and covers all sessions, materials and meals.

Applications open July 15 and close Aug. 19, and space is limited. Applicants will be notified by Aug. 21. Prospective participants can apply or learn more at Haywood Chamber of Commerce or by contacting the Haywood Chamber of Commerce at 828.456.3021 or info@haywoodchamber.com.

Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend expands festival experience at the Shelton House

The Shelton House-Museum of North Carolina Craft and History invites the public to celebrate the creativity, craftsmanship and cultural heritage of the Southern Appalachians during the 2026 Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend Arts & Crafts Fair, taking place Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 8–9, on the historic Shelton House campus in Waynesville.

Now in its eighth year, Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend continues to grow as one of Western North Carolina’s highly anticipated arts and crafts festivals. This year’s event introduces several exciting new attractions while celebrating the 150th anniversary of the historic Shelton House.

More than a traditional arts and crafts fair, Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend offers visitors a weekend-long celebration of art, history, music and community.

One of the most anticipated additions is the Haywood Market, a new indoor marketplace located in the historic Shelton Barn. The Haywood Market features artists and makers from Haywood County, providing visitors with the opportunity to discover handcrafted work created by local artisans while supporting the county’s thriving creative community.

Guests are also invited to explore the museum through free selfguided tours of both the Shelton House and barn. Visitors will experience newly installed exhibitions highlighting North Carolina’s rich traditions of craft and history, including decorative arts, Appalachian culture, regional history and contemporary craft.

Throughout the weekend, skilled artisans will present live craft demonstrations, allowing visitors to observe traditional techniques, ask questions and gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that continues to define the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Adding to the festival atmosphere, bluegrass music will fill the front porch of the Shelton House, creating a welcoming gathering place where visitors can relax and enjoy one of the region’s most treasured musical traditions while overlooking the festival grounds. We encourage you to bring a chair or blanket and clap along.

Admission to the festival and museum tours is free. Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend will be held rain or shine on the historic Shelton House campus at 49 Shelton St., Waynesville.

The museum is still accepting requests from organizations interested in participating in the festival as vendors, volunteers, demonstrators, food vendors, or community organizations. Those interested are encouraged to submit an inquiry to info@shelton-house.org.

For additional information, festival schedules, and event updates, visit shelton-house.org.

Macon Friends of the Greenway holds ‘Christmas in July’ sale

Friends of the Greenway invites all to a Christmas in July sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 22-25. Do some Christmas shopping early with 20% off everything in the gift shop. On Saturday, have a Christmas cookie and enjoy music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Greenway Visitor Center/FROG Quarters, 573 E Main St., Franklin.

Summer Mountain Street Dances return to downtown Waynesville

Joe Sam Queen is filling his bucket with corn meal and getting ready for one of Waynesville’s most beloved summer traditions as Summer Mountain Street Dances bring live bluegrass music, square dancing and family fun back to Main Street.

Held in front of the Historic Haywood County Courthouse on Main Street, the free community events will take place from 6:30-9 p.m. on three evenings throughout the summer. Residents and visitors are invited to gather in the heart of downtown to enjoy authentic mountain music and dance traditions that have entertained generations for decades. Events will take place July 17 and Aug. 7.

In addition to performances by some of the Appalachia’s finest bluegrass musicians and clogging teams, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in traditional public square dances led by renowned caller Joe Sam Queen. Everyone is encouraged to join in the fun. No experience is necessary.

Admission is free.

For more information about Mountain Street Dances and other downtown events, visit downtownwaynesville.com/events.

Shenanigans galore from local elected leaders

Sometimes local leaders forget that they work for taxpayers, that they are in office thanks to the votes of their neighbors. A couple of incidents our reporters are covering right now are proof that political agendas too often override common sense.

In Jackson County the costs and unforeseen problems associated with the decision to leave the Fontana Regional Library system continue to mount. Over in Swain County, bureaucrats are taking it upon themselves to alter the public record, an act that is very likely a misdemeanor. Geez.

Jackson commissioners are considering passing a revised policy for the use of the “community room” in the Jackson County Library that would, in effect, block the community from using the space. The new policy says the room would be available for “library and county government uses only.”

When the library was moved to the old courthouse in the late 2000s and the building renovated, public donations totaled $1.8 million. Part of the allure of that capital campaign was the potential for citizens to finally use what many of us consider the most scenic courthouse in North Carolina. The once-shuttered courthouse would become a beautifully refurbished meeting place for all kinds of groups, which is exactly what has happened.

Now, for the community to use and visit. Since then, that’s exactly what it has become, one of the most scenic public spaces in the state.

Former county commissioner William Shelton, who while

Reflections on America’s 250th

To the Editor:

Like many people, I’ve been thinking about our country’s 250th birthday and what it means. The other day I listened to a podcast conversation between Ezra Klein and Bryan Stevenson, the founder of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. My wife and I visited both of these places a few years ago, and I was moved to tears. The exhibits on slavery, Jim Crow and the Civil Rights struggle were devastating, but what struck me hardest were the everyday signs: “Colored” bathrooms, water fountains, swimming pools and signs that stated, simply “Coloreds not admitted.” These weren’t distant historical artifacts — they existed during my lifetime. I’m 74. I saw some of them myself growing up. I’m ashamed of that.

I grew up in the North, where those signs were much less common, but racism and bigotry were not. Like most people, I’ve always liked to think I’m not bigoted. But I’m not sure that’s completely true. Over the years I’ve come to think of myself like an alcoholic who’s been through the 12Step program: I need to remind myself, daily, that I have biases. That honesty has kept me “sober” for 40 years. Stevenson made an important point: those signs didn’t just tell Black Americans where they couldn’t go — they told them who they were supposed to be as a people. Lesser. Not equal. And because of that, like many people,

in office championed the library move to the old courthouse, says what’s being proposed is a travesty.

“It should be there for the public, and whatever group or whatever people, if they book it and pay whatever they pay to use it, they should be allowed to do it,” said Shelton. “That is America. That’s the First Amendment. That’s freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and that’s a public space that’s there for public use, and that’s my feeling.”

But a majority of the current commissioners somehow think walling off that space is somehow an effective volley in their petty and embarrassing culture war against LGQBT+ books and gatherings. This is as bad as it gets.

Over in Bryson City, Former Swain County Manager Lottie Baker ordered a county employee in charge of IT to delete a portion of a YouTube video of a public county commissioners’ meeting. In other words, county employees — bureaucrats — altered a public record, which an attorney for the N.C. Press Association says may be illegal.

“I do not think a county manager’s request to delete something recorded by the county during a county meeting that was deleted before it ended meets any of the criteria for preservation and protection of public records under North Carolina’s public records law,” said Mike Tadych, the press

LETTERS

I’ve come to believe our country wasn’t fully “born” until 1965, when the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act finally codified equality under the law. Even then, it has taken decades for behavior and attitudes to catch up. That work is still ongoing.

I think the United States is the best country in the world in many ways, but not in all ways. I’m a proud, patriotic American. I get choked up when we succeed at the Olympics, the Ryder Cup or the World Cup. But pride doesn’t mean pretending we’re perfect. The healthiest families acknowledge their flaws and work to improve. I see our country the same way — a work in progress, just as the Founders intended. Most of them knew slavery was wrong, but also knew the nation wasn’t ready to confront it. They understood America would always be evolving. They never would have said, “Make America Great Again!” They might simply have said, “Make America Great.”

Glenn Duerr Waynesville

My hope is that the GOP implodes

To the Editor:

The Democrats do not hate America. This is red meat fodder that the right-wing media promotes to keep us all divided and distracted. Right-wing media is financed by ultra wealthy people who want to take complete

association attorney.

What was deleted is not what’s important here. The issue is that the public’s business must remain public. Elected officials and those employed by public entities can’t choose what the public — the taxpayer — has access to. To the contrary, North Carolina has a public records law and a public meetings law where the responsibilities of those who create and hold public records are clearly laid out.

Baker has since been relieved of her duties, but anyone who takes time to attend a Swain meeting or watch then on YouTube can see that there are some serious trust issues going on between voters and their elected county leaders.

As I watched those videos and listened to citizen complaints about how commissioners are handling local issues, I couldn’t help but think about how important it is to have local journalists covering local events. Smoky Mountain News Staff Writer Lily Levin has been covering the shenanigans in Swain County closely, but often we are the only outlet reporting on those meetings. Over in Jackson County, SMN Staff Writer Alex Perri is reporting as that county board does its best to ignore all voters except those who share their same prejudices.

There’s really not a lot more to say except to stay tuned. We’ll keep up the reporting, but taxpayers might have to wait until the next election before much will change.

(Scott McLeod can be reached at info@smokymountainnews.com.)

control of our country and indeed the world. Their Project 2025 lays it out in black and white.

Newt Gingrich began the process of demonizing Democrats. Consequently, there is very little cooperation across the aisle in state or federal houses. Right-wing media uses fear, hate and anger, some of the worst impulses of human nature, to fire up their base against the Democrats. That 30% of the American public has fallen for their trickery is both sad and pathetic.

Our only hope as a nation is that, like the reflecting pool, the Republican Party will implode when it becomes unavoidably obvious that they are on the path of the ultra rich to gain more at the expense of the rest of us.

David Stearns, Otto

New district plan Is a travesty

To the Editor:

As a 20-year resident of Macon County, I am concerned by how many county government programs and structures have been changed without clear justification.

Most boards are now closely overseen by an assigned county commissioner, despite no prior malfeasance or mismanagement warranting that level of involvement. Many county employees have also left, taking valuable institutional knowledge with them.

I want to focus on the latest effort to fix what is not broken: our county commission

voting districts. The commissioners have now directed the planning board to recommend a redistricting plan likely to be voted on at the July 14 commission meeting. At its last meeting, the Planning Board supported a three-district, two at-large plan, despite most public comments favoring a five-district structure.

Commissioner John Shearl, the board’s liaison, has said in both commission and planning board meetings that redistricting is needed to bring fairness to candidates. Mr. Shearl, fairness should be provided to the people of Macon County; more specifically, their representation should be protected.

Currently, Nantahala and Highlands have one commissioner, while Franklin and the surrounding areas have three, based on population. If we are changing the district structure and the way commissioners are elected, would it not make sense to divide Franklin and the surrounding areas into three districts, for a total of five, and elect one commissioner from each district? I challenge the commissioners to explain how a 3-2 system improves representation for each district in Macon County.

Mr. Shearl’s concern about candidate fairness appears to stem from one person who wants to run for commission but would have to challenge Shearl for the seat. In other words, Mr. Shearl wants to change the district structure to allow that one candidate to run. In all my years here, I have never seen this kind of self-serving behavior gain such traction in government. Rather than face a fair challenge from within his own party, he appears willing to alter the county’s representation to avoid that race.

GOP official has it all wrong

To the Editor:

I have to respond to the letter from the Highlands Precinct Chair of the Macon County Republican Party in your July 8 publication.

He attacks Democrats for believing that there is a place in our great country for socialist programs — like Social Security and Medicare. He attacks the 65% of Democrats who sympathized with the Palestinians whose homes in Gaza and the West Bank have been systemically destroyed by the Israel military with bombs supplied by the United States. In the process, they have killed over 100,000 men, women and children. Israel continues the slaughter today, even though Trump claims he brought peace to the region in October 2025. That's not anti-Semitic. That's believing in the sanctity of human life. I'm actually surprised that it's only 65% of Democrats who oppose the war crimes being committed by Israel with support from the United States.

Mr. Catlin attacked House Democrats in Congress for not supporting a resolution to honor the life of Charlie Kirk. Although his assassination was a tragedy, his beliefs were not viewed favorably by many. He did not believe in the separation of church and state — even though that is a main tenet of our Constitution. He said he believed in free speech but encouraged college students to report their professors for speaking about ideas they disagreed with.

He said mass killings was the price our society had to pay for the right of everyone to own guns — any type of gun. He believed the United States is a Christian nation, and that “Islam is the sword the left is using to slit the throat of America.” He supported Israel but believed American “Jewish donors have been the number one funding mechanism of radical open border, neoliberal, quasi-Marxist policies, cultural institutions and non-profits.” And he was anti-LGBTQ. It was unfortunate he was killed, but he was not an American hero to most.

Instead of attacking Democrats, Mr. Catlin should take a closer look at what his party has become under President Trump. Trump began his term pardoning those people who stormed the Capitol in 2021, at his urging, in an attempt to stop the peaceful transfer of power to Joe Biden. That’s something that has never happened in our history. He's rolled back environmental laws that protect the air we breathe and the water we

I have heard concerns that a five-district plan could create conflict between districts, but I find that hard to believe. Here in Macon County, our needs are not so divided that fair representation would lead to political warfare. What would we truly disagree about: clean water, reducing crime, fighting substance abuse, saving our forests and recreation areas, animal control, supporting our farmers or helping our citizens stay healthy?

Am I the only one tired of seeing political gerrymandering reach all the way down

drink, damaging people's lives. His Big Beautiful Bill has caused millions to lose their health insurance and SNAP benefits in order to pay for his tax breaks, which gave the wealthiest 10% of the population 90% of the tax savings.

He has tried to erase our history by eliminating any information that reflects badly on us as a people in our national parks and government websites. As if not talking about slavery, Jim Crow laws or the Japanese internment camps will make them go away. He has disavowed climate change even though the world is getting hotter every year, bringing droughts, floods, extreme heat, tornadoes and hurricanes. To this end, he has canceled all renewable energy projects and is doing everything he can to increase the use of fossil fuels, including coal, all of which are driving climate change.

He appointed a vaccine skeptic, Robert Kennedy Jr., a lawyer, as the head of Health and Human Services, who recently cut funding for contraception for the poor. He appointed the former head of World Wrestling Entertainment to lead the Education Department with the express purpose of dismantling it. His Department of the Interior's new policy has significantly weakened protections for 1,700 threatened and endangered species from extinction by rolling back protections for their habitats.

Trump has weaponized DOJ and the FBI to go after anyone who criticizes him. He's cut funding for cancer research. He pardons convicted felons who have donated millions to his campaign fund, while canceling the restitution they owe their victims. He bulldozed the East Wing of White House without authority. He attacked Iran, killing thousands and driving up gas prices all over the world even though he eliminated Iran's nuclear threat last summer.

But Mr. Catlin III doesn't want to talk about any of that. He just wants to label Democrats socialists, or even worse, communists to scare people while his party is making Americans poorer and less healthy each passing day. Let’s hope the American public is smarter than that and will vote in candidates this November who will put a stop to Trump's madness.

P.S. Graham Platner is no longer a candidate for the Senate in Maine. The Democratic Party, unlike the Republican Party, doesn't tolerate sexual predators.

Steven Berner Franklin

to our quiet county? I do not believe this is what Macon voters want. Regardless of the vote on July 14, I believe there will be continued opportunities for public comment on this plan, including through our legislators in the North Carolina Senate and House. If you agree that any redistricting should improve representation of the people rather than serve individual political agendas, please call or write to Karl Gillespie and Kevin Corbin.

Karen Smith Macon County

Sweet and explosive

Meet Sugar Bomb, WNC’s premier instrumental trio

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

When it comes to band formations, there is no equal to the shock and awe, the timing and structure of a power trio. It’s the holy trinity and the triangle of terror, where sheer musicality and the intricate nature of live performance swirls around three talented individuals wandering the endless sonic landscape and doing so together.

Originating in 2023, Asheville-based Sugar Bomb is an instrumental trio covering a wide swath of genres, from jazz fusion to prog-rock, trip-hop to jamtronica. They do so with a seamless ease of stage presence and style only cultivated when true ability and genuine trust emerges between bandmates in search of a common objective: musical exploration in the name of discovery.

And with its unique musical pedigree, Sugar Bomb can happily stand out in a city and region greatly known for its Americana and bluegrass history, where the band offers up a different avenue of experience for the listener. The outfit contributes to the large melting pot of artistic tones right here in our backyard, as heard on its acclaimed 2025 album “Sweet + Explosive.”

The Smoky Mountain News caught up with Sugar Bomb — Jacob Bruner (keyboards), Eli Kahn (bass) and Joe Enright (drums) — in preparation for the ensemble’s upcoming gig on July 17 at New Belgium Brewing in Asheville.

Smoky Mountain News: The power trio. What is it, both musically and intrinsically, about that setup?

influences to the table [and] we’d get bored doing just one genre.

Joe Enright: The lack of genre barriers is just what happens when Eli, Jacob [and myself] collide. Jacob brings some jazz and classical and a lot of his strange harmony influence, and Eli and [myself] both bring a lot of electronic and hip-hop production influence to the table.

JB: Music is a deep experience beyond words, and asking to describe it and categorize it in one or two words is a pretty steep challenge. We all know what “rock” or “jazz” is, but both of those now have endless subcategories because those descriptions needed further specification as music changes — maybe our genre is “further specification required.”

SMN: The live realm. What does that space mean to you, as a musician in regards to the band itself, but also in those beautiful spaces of collaboration with others, whether planned or merely by happenstance?

Want to go?

A rising indie-rock/jazz-fusion instrumental act, Sugar Bomb will be hitting the stage at 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 17, at New Belgium Brewing in West Asheville.

Eli Kahn: I’ve been working in small format ensembles for the better part of 20 years. It always seemed too challenging to deal with more personalities and musical information coming from more than three people, not to mention financial and touring logistics. The ability to pivot and go in almost any musical direction is what really appeals to me. If any one of us decides to go somewhere, the other two follow along, and that’s what is so fun about this band — the sense of play and adventure.

EK: For me, it’s all about the live realm. A studio album is like a hyper-realistic, superdetailed painting, and the live realm is more like a speed-painting that’s created in the moment. It may never have as much detail as the studio project, but it’s much more reflective of the moment and who we are as musicians in that moment. As far as collaboration, that’s another piece of the magic — when you add more people to the ensemble, it opens up more doors sonically and also energetically. It’s sort of like a choose-yourown-adventure vibe, where we’re all following along to ultimately serve the music as much as possible.

The show is free and open to the public.

For more information on Sugar Bomb and a full schedule of upcoming gigs around our region, visit sugarbomb.band.

JE: The live realm is the most important realm — it’s where music connects people to others. When you listen to music by yourself, you connect inward in a very special way. But, when you, and however many other people experience the same show at the same time, that’s where the true power lies.

Jacob Bruner: Many moments have the drums and bass acting as a foundational canvas for storytelling, and it’s up to me to create a coherent picture within that frame. At the same time, since it’s a small ensemble, we can still interact and change that story together, as opposed to the full stability drums and bass would be required to offer a larger group.

SMN: Is that lack of genre barriers by design or how things unfolded as the group has evolved and moved along?

EK: The lack of genre-barriers is definitely intentional. I want us to be able to play big hype jamband festival sets, and then the next day be able to play a chill jazz club set. Both for musical fulfillment purposes, but also because it makes it easier to find work when you can be versatile. We each bring so many different

JB: The live moment is paramount. With music, it’s about showing up and actually being there. Some nights are special and you can try to plan it, but the very best ones usually weren’t planned down to every last detail. It’s a residency of a group at the local spot and, for whatever reason, everyone came out that night, and the band was on fire, and it was someone’s birthday who requested a song they tried for the very first time, and it was amazing, because, in the wake of not-knowing, everyone discovered something new, together, for the first time. You simply cannot get that type of novel experience any other way besides actually being there in the moment. Being a co-creator in a space like that is something I truly cherish about being a musician, and I love the notknowing. I actually find great comfort in that feeling, sometimes even more-so than playing planned music — the knowing is almost dreadful.

This must be the place

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

‘It’s so noisy at the fair, but all your friends are there’

Hello once again from Niantic, Connecticut. This is the last day of this current chapter of the “Great American Road Trip.” It’s been a pretty special and meaningful visit to the Long Island Sound and coast of New England.

To preface, I went to college not far from here, about an hour west along Interstate 95 and up I-91 to Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut. I graduated 19 years ago, which is insanely wild to even comprehend. And I fondly remember those four years that I called The Constitution State home, even if some of the details have become blurry and frayed at the edges.

Yesterday, my girlfriend, Rebecca, and I went for a walk around the neighborhood where her folks live, just outside of Niantic. These elegant seaside abodes. Ocean waves lapping the shoreline beaches. The faint scent of salty air amid a warm July sun. Sizzling pavement and the sound of lawnmowers in the distance. Plans for an afternoon dip in the cold waters.

Congress, and whatever else to keep you up at night, whether we realize that stress and impact or not.

As stated in previous columns (and in daily interactions), I remain an eternal optimist, even if I’ve, perhaps purposely, ignored looking at my smart phone on this recent excursion. The silencing of the electronic device in my pocket has been quite pleasant this past week, especially leaving it on the charger in the guest room, only to then walk out of the house and towards the beach.

Once at the shoreline, Rebecca and I pull the kayaks away from the stone wall and flip them over, sliding the plastic vessels into the water. Don’t forget to pack a couple cold beers for the journey across the cove to the “Jumping Rock,” a natural formation with deep waters to leap happily from. Paddle across the harbor and head for the rocks. Haul the kayaks up onto the small white sand beach behind “Jumping Rock” and unbuckle the lifevests. Crack open the cold Narragansett Lager and salute one another, then a salute to the heavens above.

Stroll over to the nearby pavilion hidden inside Rocky Neck State Park, the grandeur of the stone structure not lost on me. The plaque on the side of the building stated its construction in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal. I stood there and reflected on the beauty of the New Deal, and how it rescued our country in the throes of the Great Depression. I thought of my grandparents and what they went through in those days, and how it built their immense character.

Thoughts about where we as a country, and a people, stand at this current juncture of history, this recent 250-year marker of democracy and the unknowns of tomorrow, all rolled up into a wild, violent cacophony of firework celebrations, backyard barbecues and sunburns. Switching between Wimbledon and World Cup matches, sporadic live news coverage of the war in Iran, rising gas prices, uncertainty within

HOT PICKS

1

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Tyler Ramsey will perform at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at Yonder Community Market in Franklin.

2

A special stage production of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” will be held on select dates and times through Aug. 2 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

3

The Warrior’s Way Cancer Fund will host a benefit concert from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at Currahee Brewing in Franklin.

4

Concerts On The Creek will host Arnold Hill (rock/jam) at 7 p.m. Friday, July 17, at Bridge Park in Sylva.

5

The exhibition “Unrelenting: Cherokee People and the American Revolution” is currently being showcased at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee.

topped with a meaty sauce, generally referred to as ‘Michigan sauce,’ and is a specialty in and around Plattsburgh, New York” (my hometown). That about sums it up, even though one cannot truly appreciate the delicious work of art that is a “Michigan” until they’ve cruised on up to Clare & Carl’s hot dog stand on Route 9 in Plattsburgh and devoured a few (pro move: a side order of onion rings).

Traverse the rocks to the exact jumping spot, all while Rebecca and her siblings telling me stories of going there as kids many years ago. They marvel with a jovial laugh at how much higher the “Jumping Rock” seemed back then in elementary school, and how “there was this insanely cool Black Lab that would always jump off the rock, swim back, climb up and jump again.” The pure reflection and nostalgia of the moment at-hand isn’t lost on us.

This morning it was German pancakes prepared by Rebecca’s brother-in-law covered in maple syrup I brought down from my native North Country of Upstate New York, the Parker’s sugarhouse located not far from my parent’s farmhouse. Memories conjured easily with each bite, the taste of the syrup bringing back images of myself being a kid and eagerly awaiting my mom to make us French toast with Parker’s liquid gold spilled across the plate.

Pictured in this week’s column is the world-famous “Michigan” hot dog, a staple of the Champlain Valley and greater North Country. According to Wikipedia, it “is a steamed all-beef hot dog on a steamed bun

And as I’m typing away, it just dawned on me the erratic, wayward nature of this column, where it shifts from cherished old memories of summer and a perpetual sense of chaos and confusion in our universe today. Maybe that’s the essence of this time of the year? This subconscious yearning for innocence and peace as an adult, only to be found happily over a hot fudge sundae at a Dairy Queen celebrating its 74th season of operation immediately after a serene sitdown dinner with family at the local lobster shack in the fading sunset.

It’s all so wondrous and surreal, this thing called existence. Where to from here, eh? Just hold steady and keep your wits about you. Hold your loved ones close, too. Kindness breeds kindness. And like it was stated in Jack Kerouac’s seminal 1957 novel “On the Road”: “Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.”

Fourth of July has come and gone, now just a final streaking firework across the rearview mirror, at least until next year. What’s ahead, you might ask? Who knows? Definitely more swimming and grilling out. More endless miles traveled down that ole lost highway of America, the sounds of Hank Williams and Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys echoing from the truck speakers, the windows rolled down, a cool breeze swirling around the cab of the vehicle. Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.

On the wall

‘Weaving Our Heritage’ exhibition

An exhibition entitled “Weaving Our Heritage: Cherokee Baskets” will open on July 18 at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum.

The showcase will be on view through Feb. 13, 2027. The exhibition will be celebrated with a reception and curator’s talk from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at the museum.

More than a year in the making,

• “Makers Market” will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 25, in The Lineside at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. Dozens of local/regional arts and crafts vendors and more. Beer, wine and mimosa bar. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 or froglevelbrewing.com.

• “Farmers & Artisans Market” will be every Friday morning (May-October) at 117 Island Street in Bryson City. Stop by the old barn along the river for local, homegrown produce, as well as baked goods, jellies/preserves, authentic crafts and more. Picnic tables onsite. There will also be live music. Leashed pets are welcome. This is an outdoor event. Free and open to the public. 828.488.7857.

• WNC Paint Events will host painting sessions throughout the region on select dates. For more information and/or to sign up, visit wncpaint.events.

“Weaving our Heritage” is curated by Anna Fariello, who has organized numerous exhibitions in Western North Carolina. The exhibition includes the work of 15 Eastern Band Cherokee basket makers with several families represented across multiple generations.

For more information, visit blowingrockmuseum.org/see/weavingour heritage or call 828.295.9099.

• 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.

• Three Rivers Gallery (Bryson City) will be hosting an array of artist receptions, exhibits and showcases. There will be a special exhibition featuring the work of Tom Szewc from 6-8 p.m. Friday, July 17.

HCAC presents ‘Threads’

Celebrating the beauty, creativity and versatility of fiber art, “Threads,” the latest exhibition at the Haywood County Arts Council, will be on display through Aug. 3 at HCAC’s Haywood Handmade Gallery on Main Street in downtown Waynesville.

“Threads” showcases the many ways artists use fiber, thread and fabric to create meaningful works of art. From traditional quilting, weaving and embroidery to contemporary pieces inspired by textiles, the exhibition highlights texture, pattern, craftsmanship and innovation. Each artwork demonstrates how simple materials can be transformed into compelling artistic expressions. For more information, visit haywoodarts.org or call HCAC at 828.452.0593.

The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. 828.488.3638 / threeriversgallery.com.

• Haywood County Arts Council (Waynesville) will offer a wide range of classes, events and activities for artisans, locals and visitors. HCAC’s Haywood Handmade Gallery is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. 828.452.0593 / haywoodarts.org.

• Jackson County Green Energy Park (Dillsboro) will be offering a slew of classes, events and activities for artisans, locals and visitors. 828.631.0271 / jcgep.org.

• Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center (Robbinsville) will host an array of workshops for adults and kids. 828.479.3364 / stecoahvalleycenter.com.

‘Cherokee People and the American Revolution’

A first-of-its-kind exhibition centering Native voices, perspectives and creativity in response to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the exhibition “Unrelenting: Cherokee People and the American Revolution” is currently being showcased at the Museum of the Cherokee People (MotCP) in Cherokee.

On view through Dec. 30, the exhibition features historic objects in conversation with works by Cherokee artists, merging cultural heritage, military history and contemporary art for a nuanced examination of a pivotal moment in Cherokee and American history.

With research beginning in 2022, the exhibition’s curators — MotCP Director of Education Dakota Brown (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), MotCP Director of Collections and Exhibitions Evan Mathis and guest

• Southwestern Community College Swain Arts Center (Bryson City) will host an array of workshops for adults and kids. 828.339.4000 / southwesterncc.edu/scclocations/swain-center.

• Dogwood Crafters (Dillsboro) will offer a selection of upcoming art classes and workshops. 828.586.2248 / dogwoodcrafters.com.

ALSO:

• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host semi-regular arts and crafts workshops. 828.369.4080 / coweeschool.org.

• Folkmoot Friendship Center (Waynesville) will host semi-regular artist gatherings and workshops. 828.452.2997 / folkmoot.org.

Brandon Dillard (Cherokee Nation), director of Historic Interpretation and Audience Engagement at Monticello — sought Cherokee accounts of the American Revolution (1775-1783) and the Cherokee American War (1776-1794), highlighting the complexities of memory and commemoration.

As the nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the curators of the exhibition aspire to spark conversation about American identity and sovereignty among visitors of all walks of life, sharing new research in the first exhibit about Cherokees in the American Revolution by Cherokee scholars. General admission tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for children ages 6-12 and free for children ages 5 and under. MotCP offers free admission to members of federally recognized tribes and museum members. Student, educator, senior and military rates available. Admission to all changing exhibitions is included in the general admission ticket price. For more information, visit motcp.org.

On the street

Cashiers Plein Air Festival

The Cashiers Plein Air Festival will run through July 18 on The Village Green in Cashiers.

Every two years, the event transforms the Plateau into an open-air studio as a distinguished group of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists gather to paint the landscapes of Cashiers and the surrounding mountains.

Derived from the French phrase “en plein air” (meaning “in the open air”), plein air painting is the practice of creating artwork outdoors, allowing artists to capture the fleeting light, atmosphere and spirit of a place in real time.

munity, translating the beauty of the Plateau’s forests, streams, architecture and mountain vistas onto canvas, painting the spirit of the Plateau.

Artists converge this week on the Plateau.

Jackson County TDA photo

Throughout the week, festival artists can be found painting at scenic locations across the com-

The week culminates in a public gallery exhibition and sale at Lewis Hall at The Village Green, where visitors have the rare opportunity to view and collect freshly completed works created during the festival.

Proceeds from the sale of artwork support The Village Green, the nonprofit organization that preserves and stewards this treasured public green space known as The Heart of Cashiers.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit cashierspleinartfestival.com.

• “Waynesville First Friday: Shop, Sip, Stroll” will take place from 5-8 p.m. the first Friday of each month. The downtown merchant corridor transforms into a lively celebration of local art, music and community. Stroll the streets, explore galleries, meet artists, enjoy live music and discover local shops and delicious restaurants. Free and open to the public. For more information, visit facebook.com/waynesvillefirstfriday.

• Balsam Mountain Inn (Balsam) will host an “Appalachian Heritage Afternoon” from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, July 18. Join the BMI for a presentation about foodways and historic recipes led by historian Paula Rhodamer. This community event will provide guests with a chance to learn more about the connections between foodways and regional memory and identity in Appalachia. Admission is $14.99 per person. 828.283.0145 / thebalsammountaininn.com.

On the table

• 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/ranch-event.

• Balsam Mountain Inn (Balsam) will host “Wind Down Wine Flights” 6 p.m. Thursdays and a special semi-regular wine tasting. 828.283.0145 / thebalsammountaininn.com.

• Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will have the wine bar and kitchen open from 4-8 p.m. Fridays/Saturdays. There will also be special wine dinners and cheese tastings on select dates. 828.452.6000 / classicwineseller.com.

• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host semi-regular craft brewery tastings. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9320 / blueridgebeerhub.com.

Ready for dinner ‘Under the Stars’?

The popular “Under the Stars, On the Rocks” culinary series is currently underway at the Oak Steakhouse at the Skyline Lodge in Highlands.

The events feature renowned chefs from around the Southeast on select dates through the

• “Flights & Bites” will be held at 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville and special semiregular wine dinners. 828.452.0120 / waynesvillewine.com.

• “Take A Flight” with four new wines every Friday and Saturday at the Bryson City Wine Market. Select from a gourmet selection of charcuterie to enjoy with your wines. Educational classes and other events are also available. 828.538.0420.

• “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held on select dates at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first class car. Wine pairings with a meal and more. There will also be a special “Carolina Moonshine” train on select dates. 800.872.4681 / gsmr.com.

fall: Aug. 11, Sept. 8 and Oct. 13. Each four-course meal in the series is unique and personal to the guest chef, offering a one-of-a-kind outdoor dining experience.

Dinners are $175 per person (including beverage pairings). Reservations required. For more information and/or to make reservations, call 828.526.4008 or visit skyline-lodge.com.

On the beat

• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host “Music Bingo Night” 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, The Blue Mountaineers (bluegrass) Thursdays and semi-regular live music on Fridays and Saturdays. All music starts at 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9320 / facebook.com/brbeerhub.

• Bryson City Outdoors (Bryson City) will host Liz Petty & Friends (Americana) 6 p.m. July 18. Free and open to the public. 828.342.6444 / brysoncityoutdoors.com.

• Cataloochee Ranch (Maggie Valley) will host Brian Ashley Jones (Americana) July 15 and July 22. All shows begin at 5 p.m. and admission is $30 per person unless otherwise noted. For tickets and reservations, visit cataloocheeranch.com/ranch-event.

Vaughn & The Rick Morris Band July 24. All events begin at 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. 704.840.8525.

• Farm At Old Edwards (Highlands) will host the “Orchard Sessions” with Erick Baker Trio (Americana) July 22. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Admission is $50 per person, with discounts rates available for hotel guests and members. 866.526.8008 / oldedwardshospitality.com.

• First United Methodist Church (Waynesville) will host the live series by the Chamber Music Society of the Carolinas at 4 p.m. on Sundays (through Aug. 2). For more information and/or to purchase tickets, call 828.400.6465 or visit cms-carolinas.org.

• Folkmoot Friendship Center (Waynesville) will

Tyler Ramsey returns to Yonder

Acclaimed singer-songwriter and former member of Americana/indie juggernaut Band of Horses, Tyler Ramsey will perform at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at Yonder Community Market in Franklin. Praised by NPR, Stereogum, WNYC and The Huffington Post, Ramsey is a multi-instrumentalist equally at home playing guitar, piano, keyboards, bass and percussion, but is best known as a talented finger-style guitarist and singer-songwriter.

A well-established and acclaimed guitar player and singer in the burgeoning Western North Carolina music scene, where he calls home, Ramsey first learned to play music on piano before moving to the guitar. Ramsey grew up listening to and studying country-blues guitar players like Mance Lipscomb and Mississippi John Hurt, and American finger pickers like John Fahey and Leo Kottke — absorbing their sound and making it all his own. Admission is by donation ($20 suggested). Lawn chairs and blankets allowed. Family/dog friendly. For more information, call 828.200.2169 or visit eatrealfoodinc.com.

• Concerts On The Creek (Sylva) will host Arnold Hill (rock/jam) July 17 and Natti Love Joys (reggae/roots) July 24. All shows are at Bridge Park and begin at 7 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. These events are free, but donations are encouraged. 828.586.2155 / mountainlovers.com/concerts-on-the-creek.

• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host “Open Mic” at 6 p.m. every second Friday of the month, a “Community Contra Dance” 2:30 p.m. July 19 and Asheville Mountain Boys (bluegrass/classic country) 5 p.m. July 24 ($15 adults, $7.50 kids). 828.369.4080 / coweeschool.org/concertseries.

• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host “Music Bingo with DJ Mox” Thursdays and “Warrior’s Way” concert fundraiser from noon to 11 p.m. July 18. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.634.0078 / curraheebrew.com.

• Current Tavern (Canton) will host the “Music at the Tavern” summer series with Sweetlife July 25 and The Borrowed Band Aug. 8. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.492.0249.

• Dancing On The Square (Robbinsville) will host Kevin Tuck & Tuckaseegee July 17 and Betty

The Mug Band July 25 and Dave Desmelik (singer-songwriter) 3 p.m. July 26. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 / froglevelbrewing.com.

• Groovin’ on the Green (Cashiers) will host Gotcha Groove July 24. Shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. Donations encouraged. villagegreencashiersnc.com/concerts.

• Happ’s Place (Glenville) will host Steel Creek July 16, Charles Walker July 17, Alamo July 18, Corey Stevenson July 22, James Gang July 23, Stone Echo July 24 and Corey Stevenson July 25. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.742.5700 / happsplace.com.

• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host Grand Funk Railroad (classic rock) 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1. For tickets, visit caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.

host “World Drum Classes” every Friday at 2:30 p.m. (adults, free) and 4 p.m. (family friendly, all ages, free), “Waynesville Acoustic Guitar Group” 2-4 p.m. every second and fourth Saturday of the month (free) and semi-regular live music monthly. 828.452.2997 / folkmoot.org.

• Franklin Town Square (Franklin) will host a “Community Drum Circle” from 6-8 p.m. July 18, Aug. 15 and Sept. 19. People of all ages are invited to participate. You may bring your own hand drums and rhythm instruments or use one of our percussion instruments. Bring a lawn chair. In case of rain, the event will be held under the gazebo stage tent. Free and open to the public. 828.524.ARTS / artscouncilofmacon.org.

• Friday Night Live Concert Series (Highlands) will host Foxfire Boys (Americana/bluegrass) July 17 and Byrds & Crows July 24. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. highlandschamber.org.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host “Jazz On The Level” 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Frances Eliza (singer-songwriter) 5:30 p.m. July 15, Cam Norton & Kass Blount July 17, Rick Yates 1 p.m. July 18, PhunXue July 18, Marley’s Chain 3 p.m. July 19, The Young Ones 5:30 p.m. July 23, Asheville Junction Band July 24,

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host “Music Bingo” 7 p.m. Mondays, “Trivia Night” 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, “Old Time Jam” 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Bryan & Al (rock/pop) July 17 and Highway Companions (classic rock) July 24. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. 828.349.2337 / lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Macon County Public Library (Franklin) will host The Vagabonds (Americana) at 2 p.m. the first and third Monday and a “Song Circle” open jam from 3-6 p.m. the first Tuesday each month. Free and open to the public. 828.524.3600 or fontanalib.org/franklin.

• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host “Open Mic Night” with Frank Lee every Thursday, Mountain Gypsy (Americana) July 17, Liz Petty (singer-songwriter) 5 p.m. July 19, Shane Meade (indie/soul) July 24, Sunny Rae Click & Joshua Grant (Americana/folk) July 25 and Mountain Gypsy (Americana) 5 p.m. July 26. All shows begin at 6 p.m unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 / mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.

• Music By The River (Cherokee) on the Kanunohi Park Stage will feature Moody Lite July 17-18 and Craig Vaughn Experience July 24-25. Music runs 5-8 p.m. Free and open to the public. visitcherokeenc.com.

• High Country Wine & Provisions (Highlands) will host live music during “Friday Night Vibes” at 5:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.482.4502 / highcountrywineandprovisions.com.

• Highlander Mountain House (Highlands) will host “Blues & Brews” with Scott Low 6-9 p.m. Thursdays, Zorki (singer-songwriter) 1-3 p.m. Saturdays, “Bluegrass Brunch” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, the “Salon Series” with Iris Copperman (singer-songwriter) 8:30 p.m. July 23 ($41.84 per person, tax included). Reservations encouraged for all performances. 828.526.2590 / highlandermountainhouse.com.

• Highlands Performing Arts Center will host Three American Troubadours (singer-songwriter) 7:30 p.m. July 17. 828.526.9047 / highlandsperformingarts.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host “Board Game Night” 5 p.m. Mondays, “Music Bingo” 7 p.m. Tuesdays, “Trivia Night” 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, “Open Mic Night” 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, The V8s (rock/oldies) July 18 and Anna Victoria (singer-songwriter) July 25. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 / lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Nantahala Outdoor Center (Nantahala Gorge) will host “Music Bingo” 6 p.m. July 16 (at Big Wesser), Rudy’s Bluegrass Revue (Americana/bluegrass) 5 p.m. July 17, Andy Ferrell (singer-songwriter) 1 p.m. July 18, Beer & Loathing (rock/honky-tonk) 5 p.m. July 18, Hillside Ramblers (Americana) 2 p.m. July 19, “Music Bingo” 6 p.m. July 23 (at Big Wesser), Tuck-aseegee 5 p.m. July 24, Liz Nance (singersongwriter) 1 p.m. July 25, Log Noggins (southern rock) 5 p.m. July 25 and Blue (Americana/blues) 2 p.m. July 26. Free and open to the public. 828.785.5082 / noc.com/events/2026-summer-music-series.

• Otto Community Center (Otto) will host James Thompson “Music Nights” 4 p.m. first and third Friday of each month. Bring a beverage and snack of your choice. Free and open to the public. go2ottonc.com.

• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host “Songwriters Showcase #62” July 18. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For tickets, 828.389.ARTS / thepeacocknc.org.

• Pickin’ In The Park (Canton) will host Hill Country Band (Americana/bluegrass) and Balsam Mountain Cloggers 6 p.m. Aug. 7. Free and open to the public.

• Pickin’ On The Square (Franklin) will host Alton Lane Band (classic rock/country gold) July 25. All shows begin at 6 p.m. at the Gazebo in downtown. Free and open to the public. franklinnc.com/pickin-on-the-square.html.

• Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host “Karaoke” 7 p.m. Wednesdays, “Trivia Night” 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, “Open Mic” 6:30 p.m. on certain Fridays, Ray Ferrara (singer-songwriter) 6:30 F

Chamber music in Waynesville

Hosted by the Chamber Music Society of the Carolinas, the annual series will be held at 4 p.m. on Sundays through Aug. 2 at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville.

The series will continue with the following themes: “Parlor to Pub” (July 19), “Today’s Voices” (July 26) and “Equality” (Aug. 2). Single tickets are $40 per person and $140 for a season pass. Students/youth tickets are $10.

“Chamber music connects to our souls. It is like a thrilling, intimate party of your closest friends and family,” said violinist/co-artistic director J Freivogel. “Each performer is a solo voice who contributes, listens, interrupts, supports and reacts through the performance. There is a sonic range to the instruments beyond what microphones can record. Hearing live classical music is entirely distinct from listening on headphones or radio.”

p.m. July 17, Steve Vaclavik (singer-songwriter) 7 p.m. July 18, Joe Cat (singer-songwriter) 6:30 p.m. July 21 and Dirty Dave & Friends 7 p.m. July 25. Free and open to the public. 828.369.6796 / facebook.com/rathskellercoffeebarandpub.

• Salty Dog’s Seafood & Grill (Maggie Valley) will host “Karaoke with Russell” Mondays, DJ KO July 17, Amos Jackson (R&B/soul) July 18, “Music Bingo” July 21, Riyen Roots July 24 and Shane Meade (indie/soul) July 25. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.926.9105 / facebook.com/saltydogs2005.

• Saturdays On Pine Concert Series (Highlands) will host Moon Dance July 18 and Bourbon Sons July 25. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. highlandschamber.org.

• Scotsman (Waynesville) will host “Open Mic Night” with Bridget Gossett 7 p.m. second Monday each month (6:30 p.m. sign-up), Hannah & Madge (pop/rock) July 16, Brian Ashley Jones & Melanie Jean (Americana/country) July 18, Mooncoin (Celtic/world) 3 p.m. July 19, Raphael Graves Duo (rock/blues) July 23, Fancy & The Gentlemen (Americana/alt-country) July 25 and Bratfolk (Celtic/world) 3 p.m. July 26. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.6292 / scotsmanpublic.com.

‘Concerts on the Creek’

The Town of Sylva, Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce will continue its 17th season of the annual “Concerts on the Creek” music series.

Popular Jackson County rock/jam act Arnold Hill will hit the stage at 7 p.m.

Friday, July 17, at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva.

Formed in 2011, the Jackson County band is named after a road in Sylva where the musicians lived and practiced. In method, Arnold Hill adheres to the playful nature and cre-

For more information and/or to purchase tickets, call 828.400.6465 or visit cms-carolinas.org.

• Slanted Window Tasting Station (Franklin) will host Madison Owenby (singer-songwriter) 6 p.m. July 17, Harvest String Duo (Americana) 5 p.m. July 18, Tim Austin (singer-songwriter) 4 p.m. July 19, Generations 6 p.m. July 24 and Valley View 4 p.m. July 26. 828.276.9463 / slantedwindow.com.

• Stecoah Valley Center (Robbinsville) will host a Community Jam 5:30-7:30 p.m. every third Thursday of the month (free) and “An Appalachian Evening” summer music series with Caroline Owens (Americana/bluegrass) July 18 and House Of Hamill (Americana/folk) July 25. 828.479.3364 / stecoahvalleycenter.com.

• Trailborn (Highlands) will host its “Carolina Concert Series” with local singer-songwriters Trevor Darden July 16 and David Crisp July 23. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.482.1581 or trailborn.com/highlands.

• Valley Cigar & Wine Company (Waynesville) will host Rich Manz Trio (acoustic/oldies) 5 p.m. July 17, Raphael Graves Trio (Americana) 2 p.m. July 19 and Kid Billy (Americana) 2 p.m. July 26. Free and open to the public. 828.944.0686 / valleycigarandwineco.com.

SEE ON THE BEAT, PAGE 22

ative possibilities that reside in the rock quartet.

“Concerts on the Creek” are held every Friday night from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Everyone is encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. These events are free, with donations encouraged. Dogs must be on a leash. No smoking, vaping, coolers or tents are allowed. Bring a chair or blanket. There will be food trucks on select nights.

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For more information, call the chamber at 828.586.2155, visit mountainlovers.com/concerts-onthe-creek or go to the “Concerts on the Creek” Facebook page.

On the stage

‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ at HART

A special stage production of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” will be held on select dates and times through Aug. 2 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

Welcome to the glamorous French Riviera, where suave con artist Lawrence and small-time swindler Freddy battle it out in a hilariously high-stakes game of deception. Their target? A seemingly naïve heiress with $50,000 (and a heart) up for grabs.

Tickets are now available. For more information, call the box office at 828.456.6322 or visit harttheatre.org.

ALSO:

• Overlook Theatre Company will host its 30th anniversary gala from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Enjoy an evening of stories, songs, memories and more from the past three decades of plays, variety events and Broadway-caliber musical productions. Each ticket includes a reception onstage with the cast and crew following the performance. Tickets are $13 per person (plus taxes and fees). For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit smokymountainarts.com.

• Valley Tavern (Maggie Valley) will host “Trivia With Tom” Wednesdays, “Music Bingo” Saturdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows and events begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.926.7440 / valley-tavern.com.

• Vineyard At High Holly (Scaly Mountain) will host Madison Owenby (singer-songwriter) 2 p.m. July 18, Adam & Joe 2 p.m. July 19, Lucas Smith (singer-songwriter) 3 p.m. July 24 and Jordan Denton (singer-songwriter) 2 p.m. July 26. Free and open to the public. 828.482.5573 / thevineyardathighholly.com.

• Western Carolina Brew & Wine (Highlands) will host Mick Mayer (singer-songwriter) July 18 and David Lloyd (singer-songwriter) July

Warrior’s Way concert fundraiser

The Warrior’s Way Cancer Fund will host a benefit concert from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at Currahee Brewing in Franklin.

All proceeds will be donated to Ryan Bilbrey, a member of the Franklin community who is currently battling brain cancer.

The event will feature seven bands, a cold plunge challenge, dunk tank, corn hole tournament, raffle items and cake walk with DJ Mox. Lunch and dinner by Little Stingrays. The low country boil will be served from noon to 3 p.m.

PAARKING

25. All shows begin at 1 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.342.6707 / wcbrewandwine.com.

• Whiteside Brewing (Cashiers) will host Eric Congdon (singer-songwriter) July 17, Shane Meade (indie/soul) July 18, Shortoff Mountain Boys (Americana) July 24 and Kid Billy (Americana) July 25. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.743.6000 / whitesidebrewing.com.

• Yonder Community Market (Franklin) will host “First Friday Classic Country: Jim Austin & Friends” (Americana/country) 6 p.m. each month (Aug. 7, Sept. 4, Oct. 2) and the “On the Lawn at Yonder” live music series with Tyler Ramsey (singer-songwriter) 4 p.m. July 19 (admission by donation). Family/dog friendly. 828.200.2169 / eatrealfoodinc.com.

and barbecue from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Live music will begin with Jason Passmore (noon to 1:15 p.m.), followed by Drew Clingan (1:30-2:45 p.m.), Bo Bullman (3-4:15 p.m.), Dustin Martin (4:30-5:45 p.m.), Roberto Obregon (6-7:15 p.m.), Ashes of Past (7:30-8:45 p.m.) and Grizzly Mammoth (9-10:15 p.m.). Sound will be provided by Sonny’s Music Lounge.

The Warrior’s Way Cancer Fund is a nonprofit organization founded by Franklin native Braulio Fonseca that raises money to help individuals facing cancer diagnoses. Fonseca is a veteran and two-time cancer survivor.

For more information visit thewarriorswaycancerfund.org.

On the shelf

Connecting with the old West through books

Unlike many people, I didn’t grow up watching Westerns. Sure, the occasional John Wayne film may have passed by me, but it was a genre my family never got all that into. While I didn’t know what I was missing out on then, I do now and am making up for lost time with Western novels. And I have to admit, the literature has not disappointed.

Filled with beautiful archetypes and snapshots into American history, this genre holds raw, timeless truths and inspires the reader towards goodness, courage and resilience. Not to mention, there is often high-paced action, gritty reality and the thrill of adventure that keeps it incredibly gripping. The book that most recently captivated me was “Lonesome Dove” by Larry McMurtry. Written in 1985, it’s no wonder “Lonesome Dove” won a Pulitzer Prize, became a best-selling novel and got adapted into a mini-series, all before 1990.

McMurtry’s writing is one of those rare styles that bring stories to life and swallow you whole. You can’t put it down and you don’t want it to end. Even more than that, the plot is well-constructed and the characters are lovable and dynamic.

Dove, where they run a cattle and livery company. Life is predictable there, and both Call and Gus seem content with that. That is, until an old friend arrives in town, on the lam for accidentally killing an Arkansas dentist. Jake Spoon, another former Ranger, hasn’t settled down like Gus and Call, and instead is still traveling and gambling throughout the West. He tells of the untouched Montana territory, rich and ripe for the taking, and Call is soon determined to stake a claim out there with his cattle. If they make it, they will be one of the first herders in the region and could make a fortune. Gus is not so keen on the idea until he realizes their route will pass through Nebraska, where his old lover, Clara, lives. Soon, they’ve got a company gathered and head north. The journey that follows paints a beautiful, wild picture of the chang-

feel like another character in the scene. A theme that continues to surface throughout the novel is, what I believe to be, a uniquely American one: risk and responsibility. The free, adventurous spirit that founded our country and expanded the West confronted much intensity and danger. It took great strength, bravery, perseverance, and belief in goodness. Like Call and Gus, many men left behind the comfort and security of towns for the unknown frontier, where they could embark on a new venture and embrace their pursuit of property and happiness.

Of course, not all the decisions made in their journey are prudent or good, and the fallout from bad or unwise decisions can never be totally avoided. The more the characters develop, the more the reader sees the weight of decision, and even simply the weight of reality. Characters face extremes like losing limbs, sudden deaths or the ruthlessness of nature, and each must make decisions. The best of intentions, and even their good choices, don’t always protect them from negative consequences.

“Lonesome Dove” was such a hit, McMurtry continued to write a sequel (which I’m currently reading), and two prequels. Set in the days when the Wild West was getting tamed, the novel follows the lives of many characters, but primarily two Texas rangers: Woodrow Call and Gus McCrae. Though known throughout the land for their famous adventures, Call and Gus have retired in the small Texan town, Lonesome

ing environments of American states and the life of a cowboy. Detailed descriptions of cattling techniques, surviving on the land and maintaining justice and order in lawless areas bring this era to life, making the reader

Yet, the characters with integrity embrace the effects. While some take responsibility and others shirk it, what remains unavoidable is consequences, and I find this to add a refreshingly realistic note to the novel. There are times in life when decisions may not yield the wanted results, but that doesn’t make it wrong nor should it be a deterrent from doing the right thing. Any decision comes with risk, and with that comes responsibility. What is so inspiring about the West is their refusal to let risk mitigation determine their choices, while also taking personal responsibility for the outcomes.

“Lonesome Dove” didn’t just keep my attention, it took over my life for a couple weeks. Having read this alongside my friends for book club, I know I’m not alone in that either. All 10 of us were caught up in McMurtry’s story: taken out of daily life and cast into a cattle drive headed for Montana.

Join the cowboys this summer. If you’re like me and my friends, you’ll immediately order the sequel and prequels of this saga once you finish the first. And then lament over the fact you don’t have a horse.

(Anna Barren is teacher and a lifelong lover of books.)

Word from the Smokies

BY HOLLY KAYS FOR SMOKIES LIFE

Vehicle-free days offer a unique way to experience Cades Cove

At 7 a.m., the air is full of birdsong and morning cool, the heat of the day still a distant worry. I drive on empty roads through slumbering Townsend, Tennessee, and into Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

There, I find that Cades Cove is already wide awake. It’s vehicle-free Wednesday, and people from hours away have hustled to arrive early, hoping to snag a coveted parking spot near the entrance to scenic Cades Cove Loop Road. The road is closed to vehicles today, which means that it’s open to a uniquely magical experience for cyclists and pedestrians.

“It’s such a different way to experience Cades Cove,” said Lisa Nagurny, supervisory park ranger for the Cades Cove district. “It also slows people down. I think people are more likely to see a flower they wouldn’t have before or get a different sense of the place that they’re in when they’re able to do it a little bit slower.”

Though it’s far from flat, the cove is one of the few areas in the Smokies with terrain gentle enough for most cyclists to enjoy. Elevenmile Cades Cove Loop Road is extremely popular with motorists, too, but for more than 40 years park managers have set aside times for cyclists and walkers to enjoy the loop without

the loop as safely as possible. Barb Roberts, a retired nurse finishing up her first month as a volunteer, calls the Smokies her happy place as she manages parking in the camp store lot. Tammy May patrols the gravel overflow lot, explaining that she started volunteering a year ago after a life-changing road trip to 36 different national parks. And Ken Voorhis, a resource education volunteer and former executive director of park partner Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, typically spends the day out on the loop, helping visitors learn more about the birds, bears and blooms around them.

“To me vehicle-free day is the best,” he said. “You’re not having to deal with cars, and it’s just a different feel. People aren’t as stressed.”

Preventative Search and Rescue rangers like Joanna Leach are also an important component of the vehicle-free day workforce. The PSAR crew, created in 2023 using Park It Forward parking tag funds, aims to avert potential emergencies by educating visitors on safety and preparedness before they set out.

cars. The current vehicle-free schedule, all day Wednesdays from May through September, has been in place since 2020.

Previously, the park had offered vehiclefree access on both Wednesdays and Saturdays, but only until 10 a.m. — at which point cars re-entered the road, creating a sense of urgency for vehicle-free users to finish their adventure. The all-day Wednesday closure allows visitors to enjoy the loop during any time of day they please, and at their own pace. But most still choose morning. Sometimes, more than 1,000 people will use the loop at once, with 35-40 park staff and volunteers on hand to help them.

“I definitely make sure as much of my staff as possible is available, because it does take a lot of people,” said Nagurny.

BEHIND THE SCENES

This Wednesday, I find Nagurny directing cars at the intersection of Laurel Creek Road and Campground Drive. The parking lots often fill well before 8 a.m.; when that happens, she’ll have to turn people away until earlier arrivals depart. Many weeks, hundreds of people discover they’re too late for a morning ride.

I find a spot in the picnic area, where volunteer Doris Drulard is in seemingly constant motion. She encourages visitors to park efficiently and fold up their bike racks after unloading, answers questions about trailhead locations and water availability, offers tips on

safety and preparedness and watches for the bear that often frequents nearby Abrams Creek.

She also keeps a close eye on the number of open parking spots; Nagurny depends on updates from Drulard and volunteers monitoring the four other parking lots to guide her decisions. All volunteers must arrive in Cades Cove in time for the 6:45 a.m. meeting where they receive their final assignments. For Drulard, who lives more than 50 miles away in Tellico Villiage, Tennessee, that means waking up at 3 a.m. every Wednesday.

“I do it because I love the park,” she said. “This is my park. This is my home. I grew up here, and I want to give back as a retiree.”

That sentiment seems to be universal among the formidable volunteer force that shows up each week to ensure visitors enjoy

“I like to go where people are packing up to head out into the loop, because I find that to be the most effective place to get folks to bring water, wear helmets, and all the preparedness things they need to know,” Leach said. “I’m just trying to prevent things before they start and get people on the same page about what they’re going to encounter if they haven’t been on the loop before.”

Most people finish their excursion in a few hours a bit sweaty and ready for a cold drink but otherwise none the worse for the wear. But sometimes things go wrong, and when they do both the PSAR crew and members of the bike patrol — yet another volunteer cadre instrumental to executing vehicle-free day — stand ready to spring into action.

“Our volunteers are the heart and soul of the operation,” said Leach.

Vehicle-free days see about two or three emergency incidents on aver-

Exhibit explores legacy of George Masa

A free exhibit celebrating the life and work of renowned Japanese photographer George Masa is on display through Oct. 1 at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center north of Cherokee, North Carolina. From his arrival in Asheville in 1915 until his death in 1933, Masa ardently explored the Southern Appalachians, and — with a special passion for the Smokies — created images that were instrumental in the efforts to establish Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Recent research and interest in Masa’s remarkable life serve as welldeserved, posthumous acclaim for his many contributions. The abundance of recent recognition, coming almost a century after his many accomplishments, ranges from a new historical marker in downtown Asheville to an award-winning and comprehensive historical biography, “George Masa: A Life Reimagined,” coauthored by Janet McCue and Paul Bonesteel, to an inspiring 2026 film, “A Life Reimagined: The George Masa Story,” also by Bonesteel that premiered May 12 on PBS North Carolina.

George Masa sets up for a shot at Shining Rock, a natural feature that is now part of Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina, in 1931.

age, ranging from serious to mild injuries. However, because first responders don’t have to fight traffic to reach the scene, help tends to arrive faster than when cars are on the loop.

JOURNEY AROUND THE LOOP

I top off the air in my tires and the water in my bottle, and by 7:45 a.m. I’m pedaling into the exhilarating freedom of the gentle downhill coast that begins the loop. The morning air slides past me, cool and fluid. Clouds of fog hang low over the mountains, shrouding the sun and imbuing an air of intimate mystery over the rolling landscape. I’m not alone — groups of other travelers move along the road, occasionally congregating in clusters to admire a view or rest after a challenging climb — but a feeling of space pervades.

It’s easy to smile, even if it isn’t always easy to breathe.

“It’s ‘flat’ compared to going up to Kuwohi, but there are still some good hills,” said Nagurny. “It’s not an easy ride, so it takes longer than some people would expect.”

But it’s no hardship to take a break. Historic buildings and overlooks dot the road, tempting even the most athletic cyclist to look for excuses to stop, sip some water and take in the view. At the halfway point is the Cable Mill area. In addition to the historic mill, the area has a restroom with flush toilets and drinking water as well as an air-conditioned visitor center — the perfect pit stop. Typically, the visitor center, operated by Smokies Life, doesn’t open until 9 a.m., but on vehicle-free days it starts welcoming visitors at 7 a.m. Assistant Store Manager Lori Oliver greets me as I enter to browse the inventory and enjoy the air conditioning.

“It’s a really peaceful day,” she says of these summer Wednesdays. “The folks are happy and really pleasant. It’s a very calm and relaxing day.”

Vehicle-free days attract a diverse crowd — locals and out-of-state travelers, walkers and e-bikers, young families and retirees.

Every person has their own reason for coming, and their own preferred way to enjoy the loop.

Michael and Laura Totten of South Bend, Indiana, often visit the Smokies with their children, but today they’re here alone,

“You see more on your bike,” said Pam. “It’s wonderful.”

Lisa Nagurny, supervisory ranger for the Cades Cove district, comes to work prepared to pedal to wherever her presence might be required. Holly Kays/Smokies Life photo

walking the loop side-by-side to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary.

Pennsylvania residents Craig and Trista Everhart chose to bike the loop and make it a family experience — their two daughters, ages 13 and 15, loved the wildlife sightings and the morning ice cream cones their parents purchased afterwards. For Pam and James Shope, who live two hours away in Athens, Tennessee, Cades Cove on vehiclefree days is a frequent destination. They use e-bikes to make multiple circuits, pulling their eight-year-old chihuahua Minnie in a small trailer behind them.

Life feels clean and simple on the bike, wind on my face and harmonizing birdsong in my ears. Out here, I can’t see the full parking lots, the continual motion of the park service staff and volunteers, or the alarm clocks set for 3 a.m. that make this experience possible. My focus is on the blooming elderberry trees, the cathedral shade of early summer and the beauty of the moment in which I’ve found myself.

Cades Cove Loop Road is free of motor vehicles Wednesdays through Sept. 30 this year. Parking and bicycle rentals are available on a firstcome, first-served basis, and are most likely to be available in the afternoon.

Visitors should be aware there is little to no phone service on the loop and come prepared with food and water. Cyclists should always wear a helmet and pull off the road if they see or hear an emergency vehicle. Learn more at nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cades-covevehicle-free-days.htm.

(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 reach the author at hollyk@smokieslife.org.)

The Joyful Botanist

BY ADAM BIGELOW

Goodbye Cullowhee

In 1984, Ronald Reagan was the President, Mary Lou Retton won gold at the Olympics, I was a 13 year old who hated yardwork and the number one pop song of the year was Prince’s “When Doves Cry.” This was also the year that the Cullowhee Native Plant Conference was born.

Forty-two years ago, visionary founders who saw a need to bring together a diverse group of people to celebrate plants native to

It is this mixture of people from diverse backgrounds and the resulting cross pollination (pun fully intended) of ideas and information that makes this event unlike any other. We gather and celebrate summer in the Southern Appalachian Mountains with people from all over the Southeast.

Since 1984 the Cullowhee Native Plant Conference Has Helped Change The World.

For the past 42 years, we have gotten together in July and share a week of lectures, workshops, field trips and social gatherings. Each year’s conference is attended by a mixture of returning participants and first-time attendees. Many people come each year, planning their summers around it. This year will be the 21st anniversary of my first time attending Cullowhee. I’ll never forget that year or the first lecture heard. I had no idea what they were talking about and felt that I had been allowed in by accident.

I also had no idea that Cullowhee would help guide and inspire my life so deeply, such that most everything that I do year-round for a living these days replicates the Cullowhee Conference. I lead walks (field trips), give lectures and teach classes and workshops around native plant horticulture, and I owe it all to Cullowhee and the friends and connections that I have made there over the years.

These

the Southeast began the native plant movement. They aimed to promote those plants’ use in landscaping and horticulture. Where most academic and professional conferences are specific to one field of study, a component of industry or a business, the Cullowhee Native Plant Conference, or just “Cullowhee” as attendees affectionally call it, brings in people who love native plants. Cullowhee is attended by landscape architects and designers; commercial nursery operators and workers; garden club members; botanists; horticulturists; land managers; university professors and researchers; native plant society members; botanical garden and arboretum volunteers, workers and directors; home gardeners with no formal training; educators; herbalists; and just about anyone who has an interest in plants that have evolved in the Southeast.

This summer will be the last time that Cullowhee will be held in its namesake town. To maintain the culture and impact of the conference, it will find a new home and start a brand-new conference under a brand-new name. As a member of the steering committee for this transition, we are inspired and dedicated to keep up the good work of Cullowhee, to help nurture and create an annual event that will continue to inspire and connect people and native plants for another 42 years or more.

So, dream if you can, a conference. An ocean of violets in bloom. And while the culture of Cullowhee and its impact and inspiration to the world around us will continue and live on in the creation of a new annual event to celebrate native plants, that new event will have a new name and location. This will be the last year of the Cullowhee Native Plant Conference.

This is what it sounds like, when the plant nerds cry.

(The Joyful Botanist leads weekly wildflower walks most Fridays and offers consultations and private group tours through Bigelow’s Botanical Excursions. bigelownc@gmail.com.)

Zahner lecture highlights French botanical pioneer

The Highlands Biological Foundation will continue its 2026 Zahner Conservation Lecture Series, a long-running summer tradition that connects the community with leading voices in science, conservation and the natural world.

On Thursday, July 23, the series will feature Dana Beach, founder and former executive director of the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League and board member of Butler Parklands, presenting “André Michaux in North America: Revealing the Botanical Treasures of the Carolinas.”

Beach will explore the remarkable legacy of André Michaux, the pioneering 18thcentury French botanist whose expeditions across the Carolinas and Southern Appalachians laid the foundation for much of what we know about North American plant life today. Blending science, history and adventure, the talk will trace Michaux’s travels from the Carolina coast to the mountains while highlighting his contributions to botanical discovery and exploration. Attendees will also learn about the fascinating story of the rare Oconee bell (Shortia galacifolia), one of the region’s

most celebrated native plants, whose discovery and eventual rediscovery became one of the great mysteries in American botany. Through Michaux’s story, Beach will reveal how early scientific exploration continues to shape our understanding and appreciation of the Carolinas’ rich botanical life.

HBF welcomes all to join the Zahner Conservation Lecture Series, an opportunity to learn, engage and be inspired by the natural world. Lectures are held on Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. at the Highlands Nature Center (930 Horse Cove Rd). Admission is free.

Organizations host forum on proposed roadless rule changes

The U.S. Forest Service is proposing to roll back the 25-year-old Roadless Rule to make way for road building, logging and mining. Meanwhile, the federal government has reduced transparency requirements, making it more difficult for forest advocates to speak up.

In response, MountainTrue, with support from The Wilderness Society, is hosting a People’s Public Hearing in Franklin July 23 to allow the public a chance to learn more and submit their opinions on the proposed rescission.

This event is a chance to learn more and share your perspective.

In 2001, the U.S. Forest Service adopted the Roadless Area Conservation Rule to protect nearly 59 million acres of national forest lands from road building, logging and industrial development. Supported by over-

Hunting opportunities may help manage deadly deer disease

In efforts to control the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is announcing new deer hunting regulations that will offer hunters increased deer harvest opportunities in counties where CWD has been confirmed.

New regulations for the 2026-2027 deer hunting season include:

• The introduction of a Special Early Season for antlered deer Aug. 22-23, 2026, in all CWD Management Areas using any lawful weapon. These areas include Cumberland, Forsyth, Sampson, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes and Yadkin counties. Baiting is still prohibited in these areas before September 1.

• A one-week-earlier start to the blackpowder season (Oct. 31) and gun season (Nov. 14) in the Northwestern CWD Management Area (Forsyth, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes and Yadkin counties).

• The restrictions on transporting deer car-

Birding in Franklin

casses from CWD Surveillance and Management Areas have been removed and replaced with statewide requirements for disposing of deer carcasses. The final disposal (either directly by a hunter or indirectly when hunters use a processor, taxidermist or trash service) of non-edible portions of deer carcasses and carcass parts originating from anywhere inside North Carolina shall be in one of the following methods:

• In a lined landfill.

• Buried 3 feet below ground and 300 feet from a waterbody.

• Lawfully left on the ground within the county of origin.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), to date, there have been no reported cases of CWD infection in people. While there is no current scientific evidence confirming that CWD can infect humans, the possibility cannot be ruled out, so the CDC recommends not eating a deer that tests positive for CWD.

Visit ncwildlife.gov/CWD for updates and to learn more about the agency’s management of CWD in North Carolina.

The Franklin Bird Club leads walks along the greenway on Wednesday mornings at 8 a.m. through September. Walks start at alternating locations: Macon County Public Library, Big Bear Park and Salali Lane.

Walks are about two and a half hours. The public is welcome. All walks are weather dependent. Additional information, including directions to each location and a bird club checklist can be found at littletennessee.org/franklin-bird-club.

whelming public input, the rule has safeguarded clean drinking water, wildlife habitat and backcountry recreation opportunities for more than two decades.

Now, that protection is under serious threat. In June 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced plans to rescind the Roadless Rule.

About 15% of Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests are Inventoried Roadless Areas — places like Linville Gorge, Craggy Mountain, the Black Mountains and the headwaters of the South Mills River.

More resources, maps and information about the roadless rule can be found at roadless.org. If you can’t make the event, comments can be submitted at roadless.org/contact-representatives.

For more information on this event and to register, please visit mountaintrue.org/event/peoples-publichearing-on-roadless-rule-repeal-nearfranklin-nc-2.

The event will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on July 23 at the Cowee School Arts and Heritage Center.

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Legals

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF Macon File No: 26SP000028-550

AMENDED 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 Amy C. Kovach and husband, Rodney Kovach, original mortof First American Bank & Trust, successor to Mountain Heritage Bank (“Noteholder”) and re-

Macon County Register of Deeds in Deed of Trust Book CRP A-32, at Page 1048, subject to that recorded in Book CRP I-35, at Page 989, subject Amendment of Deed of Trust recorded in Book CRP V-37, at Page 1664, subject to that Notice of Maturity Date recorded in Book CRP D-42, at Page 387 and re-recorded in Book CRP F-42, at Page 1508 of the Macon

County, North Carolina Registry (the “Deed of Trust”). The record owner of such property, as re-

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 10:00 a.m. on July 24, 2026 at the Macon County Courthouse door in the City of Franklin, North Carolina.

3. The real property to be sold is generally described as Lots 12 and 13 Nantahala Harbor Subd., Little Choga Road, Topton, NC 28781* and is more particularly described as follows (the “Property”):

Being all of that property described in that certain Deed of Trust recorded in Book CRP A-32 , at Page 1048 , subject to that recorded in Book CRP I-35, at Page 989, subject

Trust recorded in Book CRP V-37, at Page 1664, subject to that Notice of Maturity Date recorded in Book CRP D-42, at Page 387 and re-recorded in Book CRP F-42, at Page 1508 of the Macon 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 Macon 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 -

cally 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 Statutes 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 pursuor 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 16th day of June, 2026.

William Richard Boyd, Jr. Substitute Trustee

474 Mountain Cove Road Waynesville, North Carolina 28786

(828) 646-7308

Dates: July 15, 2026 and July 22, 2026

35574-11

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Dying rebuke from

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

Case No.26E000146-490

India Bateman, having

of the Estate of Samuel Pearce Bateman 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 Sep 24 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.

Executor c/o India Bateman 705 W Main Street Sylva, NC 28779

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

Case No.26E000302-430

Sales target number

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 26

immediate payment.

Executrix

Hines Davis, PLLC 95 Depot Street Waynesville, NC 28786

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

Case No.26E000291-430

Jacquelyn Manning,

Administrator CTA of the Estate of Clyde Medford Beasley 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 Sep 24 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.

Carolyn H. Davis, having

of the Estate of Robert Steve Davis 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 Oct 15 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make

Administrator CTA c/o DSR Legal, PLLC PO Box 51596 Durham, NC 27717

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

Case No.26E000353-430

Mary Jan Metcalf, having -

istrator of the Estate of Richard Joe Metcalf, Jr of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons hav-

SUDOKU

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ing claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before Oct 01 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 Coward, Hicks & Siler 705 W Main Street Sylva, NC 28779

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Cherokee Water & Sewer Department, will receive sealed bids until 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at the Cherokee Water & Sewer Department, 1840 Paint Town Road, Cherokee, NC 28719 to furnish labor, materials, and equipment to repair Acquoni Rd. and Big Cove Rd. following replacement of water and sewer lines. Proposed work

asphalt paving, sidewalk construction, and curb & gutter construction per

PDF plans and bidding documents may be obtained by emailing Joel Setzer, PE, at jbsetzer@

Answers on 26

jmt.com. Documents will be available no later than July 13, 2026. A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at 10:00 a.m., August 5, 2026, at the Cherokee Water & Sewer Department. jbsetzer@ jmt.com

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Business Opportunities

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS The Eastern Band

of Cherokee Indians, Cherokee Water & Sewer Department, will receive sealed bids until 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at the Cherokee Water & Sewer Department, 1840 Paint Town Road, Cherokee, NC 28719 to furnish labor, materials, and equipment to repair Acquoni Rd. and Big Cove Rd. following replacement of water and sewer lines. Proposed

grading, asphalt paving, sidewalk construction, and curb & gutter construction per NCDOT

and bidding documents may be obtained by emailing Joel Setzer, PE, at jbsetzer@jmt. com. Documents will be available no later than July 13, 2026. A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at 10:00 a.m., August 5, 2026, at the Cherokee Water & Sewer Department. jbsetzer@ jmt.com

Employment

HIRING FOR EVENT

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Pets

WORKING CATS

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