Remember the Removal riders prepare to saddle up Page 24
On the Cover:
Rolf Kaufman gave everything he could to Western North Carolina. Following his passing last month, The Smoky Mountain News looks back at his decades of service, particularly his instrumental guidance that turned Folkmoot into an international attraction that drew visitors from far and wide for the better part of this century. (Page 12) Donated photo
News
Rogers upsets Pless in NC House primary................................................................4 Teachers’ arrests expose abuse of EC students........................................................5 Primary Election results shake up Western North Carolina....................................6 Donors provide Haywood family mortgage-free home..........................................10
Opinion
An ode to Folkmoot and to Rolf....................................................................................14 Don’t sacrifice Swain’s future........................................................................................14
A&E
Old Crow Medicine Show celebrates early years, returns to WNC................16 Haywood Community College hosts Lavender Ball..............................................22
Outdoors
Remember the Removal: a 950-mile bike ride, and so much more..................24 Introduction to fly fishing classes held this month..................................................26
Two counties hit hard by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina will soon have a new representative in the General Assembly, after Republican Primary Election voters backed a challenger who won by nearly 10 points.
Haywood and Madison counties comprise the 118th House District and together tallied more than $200 million in losses from the Sept. 27, 2024, storm, which caused $60 billion in damage statewide.
push, were introduced without consulting local officials. Pless also threatened to defund the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority but ultimately relented, earning more criticism from local leaders who argued he often challenged municipal authority rather than collaborated with it.
More recently, Pless introduced bills that would remove county control over emergency medical services and shift certification standards to a national registry, leading local EMS officials, including in Haywood County, to voice concerns about accountability and service quality.
Since 2020, the district has been represented by Haywood Republican Mark Pless, a former county commissioner with a proven history of bringing big appropriations back to where they’re needed most — including the Town of Canton, which also suffered the loss of substantial municipal infrastructure during Tropical Storm Fred in 2021 and in 2023 had to cope with the loss of a major employer.
But Pless often found himself at the center of conflict; In 2022 and 2023, bills he backed would have stripped towns like Maggie Valley and Waynesville of extra-jurisdictional zoning authority. Maggie Valley did indeed lose its ETJ, and Pless lent his support to residents who sought deannexation from the town.
Other proposals, like Pless’ partisan municipal election
In his three state elections, Pless had never faced a Primary opponent; longtime Haywood County Schools board member Jimmy Rogers prevailed over Pless districtwide by a total of 855 votes, or 9.5 points. Official results won’t be certified until March 13, but for now, Rogers appears to have come away
“I believe the people really wanted a change, to be honest,” Rogers said. “I think people may not have felt they were getting the results they wanted
Both Pless and Rogers are from Haywood County and have long histories in the community — making Madison somewhat foreign turf for both. Pless, known to voters there since his 2020 election, performed well. He more than doubled Rogers’ numbers (1,007 to 459) and won every precinct except Hot Springs, although Pless and
and Waynesville attorney Danny Davis in November. Davis, a former prosecutor and district court judge, served as chair of the Haywood County Board of Elections fox six years until Republicans in the General Assembly stripped incoming Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, of the power to appoint board members, giving that power instead to the state auditor, a Republican. Davis still serves on the board, just not as the chair. Now, Davis steps into a tough partisan race against Rogers in a pair of counties that have been remarkably consistent in their support for Republican candidates. Through Donald Trump’s three most recent presidential campaigns, Haywood County supported Trump at a 62% clip, each time. Madison County voters supported Trump in 2016 with 60% of the vote, and then 61% in both 2020 and 2024.
“Democrats have kind of lost their way, in my opinion, and I’m pulling it back to where it needs to be,” Davis told The Smoky Mountain News. “We’ve got to be for things, not just against things.”
There are a few factors that may play in Davis’ favor; he’s widely respected across partisan lines for his decades of experi-
It wasn’t enough to ward off Rogers, who outpaced Pless in their home county 4,506 to 3,103. The 1,400-vote differential gave Rogers nearly 60% of the vote in Haywood, erasing the margin provided by Pless’ largely happy Madison County base. Rogers won every Haywood County precinct except Pless’ home precinct, Center Pigeon. Districtwide, Rogers prevailed by 340 votes in Election Day balloting, but a strong early voting effort earned him a surplus of 493 votes. Rogers said it wasn’t the result of any organized effort — just good old-fashioned handshakes and chats at early voting sites.
“I was at the polls, mainly at the senior center, also the Canton library,” he said. “I don’t think there’s anything special about it. I was there to answer questions if they needed answers, but mainly to say hello to people.”
Rogers also took issue with the tens of thousands in independent expenditures made by a PAC tied to online gambling and meant to help Pless.
“I think the biggest thing was that mine was a grassroots campaign,” said Rogers. “I didn’t take special interest money. I think a lot of people were upset about that.”
The race isn’t quite over for Rogers. He’ll face Democrat
Jimmy Rogers’ Primary victory over Mark Pless sets up the first real race in the 118th District in years. NCGA photo
Jimmy Rogers. File photo
Teachers’ arrests expose abuse of EC students
BY LILY LEVIN STAFF WRITER
On Feb. 16, one teacher and three teacher’s assistants were transferred from the Exceptional Children’s program at Swain West Elementary to the exceptional children program at Swain East following authorization by the county school board. By the end of the second day there, two of these TAs had already allegedly witnessed multiple instances of nonsexual child abuse of several East students.
One assistant decided to disclose what had allegedly happened.
Within hours, as noted in a Swain County Schools press release, “a report concerning the conduct of a classroom teacher.” In this case, Donita Waldroup Guest, a seasoned educator who currently faces four misdemeanor and three felony charges, was sent to district administrators.
mentary school’s website as of March 9. The superintendent’s office said because the investigation is still ongoing, no disciplinary action has been taken against Guest in the interim. According to documents provided by the school system, the educator has never been subject to disciplinary measures. In December 2025, Guest was even given the Exceptional Children Educator of Excellence award.
Swain East Elementary honored her on its Facebook page, writing that “Donita pours so much love, strength, and dedication into her students, even in the midst of deep personal loss. This recognition is so well-deserved.”
Records show that Shaver was on probationary status for the first two years of employment and subsequently was offered a 4-year contract in 2022. Guest, on the other hand, had a 4-year probationary period before career employment. According to North Carolina statute, the school board is required to hold a vote to elevate a teacher to career status after four consecutive years, though it can also do so earlier.
alleged
The superintendent notified the sheriff, who called on the State Bureau of Investigation for help. Guest, along with fellow teacher Kathryn Shaver and teacher assistant Melody Stroupe Cloer, were arrested March 2 for allegedly participating in assaults that targeted five students in one EC classroom. Both Cloer and Guest were charged with felonious assault of an individual with a disability for a forcefeeding incident; Guest, employed by Swain County Schools since 1998, also racked up other misdemeanor and felony charges, including second degree kidnapping for alleged acts ranging from physical restraint to slapping. Shaver is accused of misdemeanor assault on an individual with a disability.
Because of the General Assembly’s November 2025 passage of ‘Iryna’s Law,’ limiting pre-trial release for violent offenses including first or second-degree kidnapping, in Guest’s case, bail terms are set by the judge. While Guest had no prior criminal charges, she was held without bond pending her initial March 9 court appearance. She’s required to provide fingerprints and a DNA sample, and she has waived court-appointed council and hired an attorney.
Shaver received a $3,000 bond. She’s also waived her right to court-assigned council in favor of other representation. Cloer received a $25,000 bond. She’ll also appoint her own council.
All three were still listed as
Court documents claim the crimes occurred on Feb. 17, but when SMN asked if law enforcement is looking into the possibility of previous abuse, Sheriff Brian Kirkland said, “That’s what our investigators are doing now.”
“We’re taking every allegation of anybody that comes forward seriously. My investigators and SBI are talking to people, and it’s just a matter of whether there’s evidence there that supports whether another crime has happened or not,” he added.
Kirkland praised the superintendent and HR director for their help during the investigating process.
“The schools are involved in making sure that things are done the right way too,” he said.
Cases resembling Swain East Elementary have occurred in other EC classrooms in the state and in some instances, parents and advocates have sued school systems, alleging coverups on the part of educators and administrators. In 2025, teachers were arrested for assaulting students with disabilities at elementary schools in Iredell-Statesville, New Hanover, Wake and Edgecomb counties.
Some North Carolina disability rights groups see these incidents as part of a larger problem. According to the most recent data from Civil Rights Data Collection Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education, 190 students with disabilities in the state experienced physical restraint during the school year.
Kathryn McKenna Shaver, Melody Stroupe Cloer and Donita Waldroup Guest are all facing charges related to the
abuse of special needs students in Swain County. Swain County Sheriff’s Office photos
Primary Election results shake up Western North Carolina
SMN STAFF
Aturbulent primary season has already reshaped Western North Carolina’s political landscape, toppling incumbents, elevating new contenders and setting the stage for a consequential General Election.
Across the region, voters delivered decisive verdicts in races for Congress, the General Assembly and key county offices, while several high-profile contests reflected deeper tensions over taxes, disaster recovery and divisive social issues.
From Jamie Ager’s commanding win in the 11th Congressional District Democratic Primary to the defeat of longtime Republican Rep. Mark Pless and sweeping changes in several county governments, Tuesday’s results reveal both voter frustration and an appetite for new leadership that just might reverberate across the mountains all the way into November.
U.S. S
2024 State Superintendent of Schools race.
CONGRESS
Fairview farmer Jamie Ager has prevailed in an 11th Congressional District Democratic Primary Election that drew unusual national attention and substantial investment — setting up a marquee contest
needs more aggressive advocacy in Washington.
Ager outpaced his four Primary Election opponents with 65% of the vote. Perceived as the frontrunner since his July 2025 entry into the race, Ager cemented that status with healthy fundraising that tripled the rest of his four opponents combined.
His campaign gained further momentum
criticism over his response to Helene.
Under Edwards, less than 15% of the $60 billion needed for full recovery has been delivered in the 17 months since the storm, despite Edwards’ position on the House appropriations committee.
Republicans have also complained of an enthusiasm gap with Edwards, which has been apparent since his first reelection campaign in 2024, but it wasn’t enough to propel former Green Beret Adam Smith, of Black Mountain, to victory.
Smith did garner 30% of the vote, which compares favorably to Edwards’ 2024 Primary Opponent, Cherokee County Republican Christian Reagan. Reagan, who didn’t have much of a public profile before taking up a Primary challenge to Edwards that year, pulled an astonishing 31% of the Primary vote against the incumbent Edwards despite being badly outraised.
Libertarian Travis Groo, of Greensboro, did not have a Primary Election opponent and will join Ager and Edwards on the ballot in November.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Three-term incumbent Mark Pless (RHaywood) will not be returning to Raleigh next year after his
Results from the March 3 Primary Election have set up several high-profile contests for November. Cory Vaillancourt photo
Rogers earned a solid 55% of the vote to Pless’ 45% and will go on to face Haywood County Democrat and former district court judge Danny Davis in November.
“I feel like I can serve the people in a better capacity as far as listening to their issues and taking them to Raleigh,” Rogers told The Smoky Mountain News. “I believe I can better serve this district and get the results people need, and let local government have local control and let the citizens of this district be heard. I will be held accountable to the people.”
The 118th District contains Haywood and Madison counties — both aching for Helene relief; although Pless did bring home more than $200 million in appropriations, Rogers says there’s work yet to completed.
“There’s still a lot of disaster relief funding for infrastructure, for municipalities, for small businesses,” Rogers said. There’s so much money out there, I feel like I can work with our local, state and federal government for the funding that’s owed to WNC.”
Farther west, Mike Clampitt will advance to the November General Election with a convincing victory over a pair of challengers.
First elected in 2016, Clampitt lost his reelection bid in 2018 to Waynesville Democrat Joe Sam Queen but rebounded to win in 2020, 2022 and most recently 2024. His district, which has changed over time, now includes Jackson, Swain and Transylvania counties.
A Swain County native and retired Charlotte fire captain, Clampitt has focused on public safety, disaster recovery and leveraging seniority in the legislature. He highlighted his record of securing substantial infrastructure funds, his anti-drunk driving crusade and his accessibility by constituents. Despite battling serious illness, Clampitt had missed very few voting sessions, and earned support from 57% of voters.
Anna Ferguson, born and raised in the Qualla Community and an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, has business experience in family electrical contracting and retail but came up short with 38% of the vote. Mike Yow, a first-time candidate positioning himself as a grassroots conservative outside Raleigh’s power structure, secured 6% of the vote.
Clampitt will go on to face Transylvania County Democrat Mark Burrows in November. Burrows lost to Clampitt by 10
points in 2024.
There were no Primary Elections in Karl Gillespie’s 120th House District, which includes Cherokee, Clay, Graham and Macon counties. Gillespie, now House majority whip, will face Highlands Democrat Caleb Brown in November.
Likewise, Sen. Kevin Corbin (R-Macon) did not face a Primary opponent. He’ll see Cullowhee Democrat Tom Downing this fall.
HAYWOOD COUNTY
Earning 17% in a six-way Primary, Ramey finished fourth, just ahead of newcomer Tiffany Collins (13%) and Canton restauranteur Howard Knepper (6%). With only three slots available, Ramey missed the cut, but his problems may not be over — complaints have been filed with the State Board of Elections over the mysterious tax payment. Two-term
retired Waynesville Public Works director Jeff Stines (20%) will advance to November.
“I love the process,” said Long, who serves as a district leader for the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. “Fair and free elections. You put candidates up before the people and the people decide. It’s that simple. I think the three people who had leadership skills, integrity and qualities that Haywood County people were looking for advanced to the General Election.”
Burnette, Long and Stines will face Democrats Carly Pugh and former Commissioner Mike Sorrells. could have fielded up to three candidates for the November ballot, but were only able to locate two, so there was no need for a Primary Election. In November, voters may choose any three candidates — including qualified unaffiliated candidates.
With a rare open seat on the Moore to follow announced her retirement ear-
The decisive win — 69% for Moore, 31% for Kristina Watson — came in
over a marriage license denial that exposed
propel him to the win with 57% of the vote.
Now that
Mease has won the Primary Election, he’s set to square off against Democrat Tyler Howell, currently with the Waynesville Police Department. Mease said he is keeping the same team to work his General Election campaign, adding that the strategizing has already begun.
“I’m honored and humbled that we won the primary and excited about what’s coming up,” Mease said.
Haywood County remains the only North Carolina county to elect its tax collector, which comes with pros and cons. The office has survived periods of instability in the past, but that wasn’t the issue in this year’s
Moore, a Haywood County native with more than a decade working in the register’s office and nearly two more in related roles, emphasized her deep familiarity with statutory duties, indexing standards and realworld record-keeping complexities.
No Democrats filed for the race, so Moore will take office later this year.
JACKSON COUNTY
Candidates in Jackson County — Democrats and Republicans — ran some of the most spirited campaigns in the west this year, largely attributable to serious fiscal and social issues that divided residents and boosted turnout.
Over the past four years, Jackson County’s general fund had grown substantially, fueling voter concern about rising property taxes and long-term sustainability.
qualifications during what became at times a heated contest.
inflation, staffing costs, expanded services excessive — including a spike last summer that saw some property owners staring down
The all-Republican Jackson County Board Macon and Swain counties in the Fontana tent also became a cultural and fiscal flashpoint, raising questions about censorship,
Haywood County will also have a new sheriff by years’ end. Following a heated
West easily prevailed over challengers Andrew Ferguson (25%) and Emily Sapp (23%) with 52% of the vote. As no Democrat
reflected deeper tensions over growth, ideology and the overall direction of county govMark Letson, the incumbent Republican only commissioner to vote against leaving the Fontana Regional Library system — will not be returning to that role. Although property taxes were a major issue, his library vote Letson defended recent budgets as necessary to maintain services amid inflation and growth and argued that stability, transparen-
PAGE 8
Mark Pless. File photo
cy and measured fiscal management were critical during a politically turbulent period.
David Rogers, the challenger who emphasized and tighter fiscal discipline, ended up with 39.8% of the vote to Letson’s 31%. Two other candidates totaled about 29% together.
Rogers criticized recent budget growth and supported withdrawing from the Fontana Regional Library system, framing the move as restoring local control. He argued county government had grown too quickly and needed stronger oversight, clearer priorities and spending restraint.
“I think I had a good support group behind me, and I stayed true to my faith and beliefs,” Rogers said of his win.
Marcia Almond, former mayor of the tiny village of Forest Hills, is about to take on a big challenge — beating Rogers to flip the county commission chair from red to blue. Almond came away with 74% of the vote in her Primary. Fellow Democrat Bobbi Hopp, who emphasized transparency and fiscal accountability, ended up with 26%.
During her campaign, Almond criticized recent tax increases and opposed withdrawing from the FRL, arguing the decision created unnecessary financial risk and deepened political division in Jackson County.
supporters of the withdrawal and was one of several people mentioned in an anonymous email that threatened proponents of the FRL partnership as well as employees of the Sylva Herald and The Smoky Mountain News. The identity of the sender hasn’t yet been determined — although there are some clues — nor has the so-called “damning” information the sender mentioned been released.
Republican Steven Sutton will face Walawender in November after defeating Anthony Sequoyah in the Republican Primary Election. Sutton, with local roots, law enforcement experience and a focus on fiscal accountability, argued for better constituent responsiveness while criticizing the county’s growing budget.
Two seats on the Jackson County commission are also up this year, meaning Democrats could take control of the commission if Almond and Democratic nominees from districts 1 and 2 all prevail.
Casey Walawender will advance to November after a decisive win over three solid Democratic candidates for Jackson County Commission’s District 1 — Julie Painter (35%), John Herrera (21%) and German “Worm” Vivas (4%).
Todd Bryson, the incumbent Republican representing District 1, decided not to run again this cycle, making his seat the Democrats best hope for a flip — although Jackson Dems are also excited about the chance to unseat John Smith in District 2 in November.
Smith has come under scrutiny for failing to attend meetings of at least one advisory board he was appointed to — the Jackson County Public Library board. Smith also violated state law by failing to complete state-mandated ethics training within the statutory 12-month period after his election.
Democrat Sean Bridgers is a Western Carolina University graduate who built a career as an actor after growing up in Sylva. Bridgers opposed the county’s withdrawal from the Fontana Regional Library system and criticized rapid deliberation and responsible fiscal Bridgers’ Primary nent, came away vote, not nearly
to reelection, winning the Republican primary against Brandon Elders. Farmer, who first took office four years ago, ended up with more than 72% of the vote.
Because no Democrats filed for Jackson County Sheriff, Farmer’s win in the Primary gives him another four-year term, which will start at the beginning of next year.
MACON C
As in Jackson County, Macon County voters issued a seal of approval for incumbent Republican Sheriff Brent Holbrooks to serve a second term. Holbrooks, a Republican, won his first election in 2022 following the retirement of Robbie Holland. In that election, Holbrooks faced several challengers. Among those challengers was Bob Cook, who was the lone opponent for Holbrooks this year. This time, Holbrooks came away with almost 70% of the vote.
Because there is no Democrat running for the office, there will not be a General Election contest, meaning Holbrooks is set to be sworn in for his second term.
the General Election.
COUNTY
Walawender, who earned 40% of the vote, has been threatened and harassed by
In the sheriff’s race — the only race not directly
Kellie Burns and Dylan Castle have emerged from a crowded Republican Primary field to advance to November’s General Election. Burns and Castle were running to represent District 2 in Macon County, which includes the Franklin area. While Commissioners Gary Shields and Danny Antoine currently hold those seats, neither chose to seek reelection.
Burns led the five-candidate field with 31% of the vote, while Castle received 26%.
Swain County is facing monumental transition at the very top of its political and administrative structures. Voters are hoping the November General Election will help solve some of that and took major steps in the Primary to get there.
Republican commissioners Phil Carson and Bobby Jenkins are out; Carson sought re-election but came in third of three contenders, while Jenkins threw his hat in the ring for chair but finished second of four.
Seeking to fill those two empty seats are Democrats Erika Smith and Chris Reed, who won their commission contest with 42% and 34% respectively. Republicans Jason (Jay) Kirkland and Lisa Stevenson Barker, with 44% and 30%, respectively, won theirs, setting up a four-way race where voters may choose any two in November.
Smith, a real estate agent with 12 years of experience, said her work has opened her eyes to some of the county’s most pressing issues, such as faulty sewer and water infrastructure, a lack of communication between the county and its partners and bringing back manufacturing positions.
“I don’t know that there’s really any one thing,” Castle said, of his victory. “I went into it, it was a door that He opened for me, and Tuesday night we got to see the fruit of His favor. At the end of the day, when God calls you into favor, that’s what we were trusting in.”
Trailing Burns and Castle were former Franklin Town Council Member David Culpepper with 19%, Macon County
Reed is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and said his ties to the Qualla Boundary are important, given that many in Cherokee are Swain County residents. He’d like to build more pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods and do more to support small local businesses.
Kirkland is currently the chair of the Swain County Board of Commissioners; he was appointed on Oct. 28, 2025 following the abrupt resignation of Kevin Seagle. Kirkland declined to run for chair and is instead seeking a seat on the board.
David Rogers. File photo
Steven Sutton. File photo
Casey Walawender.
Dylan Castle. File photo
Kellie Burns. File photo
As the sole Republican to speak to SMN, Kirkland cited the experience he’s gained since his appointment as proof of how he’ll continue to serve the county’s constituents. He acknowledged a need to improve communication on the board while committing to funding public services, like education and law enforcement.
Hoping to follow Kirkland as chair are Republican Robbie Brown and Democrat Jeramy Shuler, who won their Primaries and will face each other on the November ballot.
restraint and solicitation of prostitution, along with separate charges from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. A later indictment added a second-degree forcible rape charge.
Brown swore he never saw himself as a politician but said some issues in Swain County are too hard to ignore — like the need to fund the public school system, to collaborate with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians as well as neighboring boards of county commissioners and to improve county infrastructure.
Shuler, a small business owner and a captain with the Bryson City Fire Department, said strengthening public safety, building out more resilient infrastructure and cooperating with regional officials would be among his first actions if elected chair.
Together, the new commission and chair will have to navigate yet another transition — a new county manager. Current County Manager Lottie Barker is working part time until a replacement is named, but it’s unclear when that might happen.
In what will be perhaps the most closely watched Swain County contest this fall, sheriff candidates David Southards, a Democrat, and Brian Kirkland, the incumbent Republican, both swept their field and will face off in November.
Southards beat out Douglas “Tank” Anthony with 71% of the vote, while Kirkland surpassed Wayne Dover with 87%.
Kirkland pointed to the reforms he’s brought to his department over a few short months and said he’d like to continue conducting community outreach to strengthen residents’ ties with law enforcement and updating antiquated technology and proce-
Prioritizing community policing above all else, especially in light of events with Cochran, Southards thinks highly of investing a majority of the office’s resources toward rehabilitation and treatment rather than strictly punitive measures.
In the lone board of education Primary in The Smoky Mountain News coverage area, Republicans Lisa Loftis, with 42%, and Jason Lambert, with 31%, will advance to November, when they’ll face Democrats Brandy Monteith and Dannie Shuler in a bid for two seats — currently held by Loftis and fellow Republican Robert Taylor, who is not seeking reelection.
Loftis said she values parental rights and bridging the gap between teachers and parents. She drew on her previous board experience and the successful Community Eligibility Provision child nutrition program as evidence of her strength as a candi-
Lambert’s priorities are afterschool enrichment programs and more funding for schools and teachers, noting that his deep ties to the Qualla Boundary would better guide communication between the Swain County and Cherokee Central school
All results in this story were current as of March 6 but are considered unofficial until county board of elections meet to certify the results on March 13.
AHEAD
The General Election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3, when voters will get to weigh in on these races as well as several others — but they may find a few more names on the ballot than there were this go-round.
Kirkland was appointed sheriff in shortly after the departure of longtime Republican Sheriff Curtis Cochran, who was arrested for sexual battery and resigned in July 2025. Cochran currently faces state charges including sexual battery, assault on a female, felonious
Unaffiliated voters and candidates have been playing a growing role in state politics, especially on the local level, but unaffiliated candidates face different ballot qualification standards than do candidates from major parties.
For most county offices, nominating petitions filled with signatures must be filed with the county board of elections by noon on the day of the Primary Election. Once the petition is validated and the statutory requirements are met, the candidate’s name is certified for placement on November’s General Election ballot.
Be sure to check back with The Smoky Mountain News in the coming weeks and months for full coverage of the races leading up to November’s General Election.
Curtis Cochran. File photo
Shelter from the storm
After having their Haywood County home destroyed by three separate floods, Michelle Lee, her husband Roger and their son Cheyenne have found new digs on higher ground.
The land they had lived on was in the Lee
Ivan arrived; in 2021, Fred; and in 2024, Helene.
“I lost three homes in 20 years,” Roger said. “Same thing [each time].”
Last month, the Lees were handed the keys to their new house up Utah Mountain,
In 2025, Michelle’s supervisor, Teresa Allison, shared, “Michelle is intelligent, dependable and confident — but beyond those qualities is a person who is generous, loyal, caring and deeply respectful. She is her team’s biggest advocate and leads by example. She’s not only an outstanding employee — she’s an inspiration. We’re all better for knowing her.”
Mountain Projects Executive Director Si Simmons handed the keys over to Michelle in front of a small group of friends, family and Mountain Projects employees. He considered the moment, a celebration of success, to reflect not only the hard work of employees and volunteers but also the greater spirit of generosity seen in the region even before the floodwaters receded.
“A lot of people from all over the United States looked for ways to help this community, help this region,” Simmons said. “I’ve never seen the outpouring of generosity that we all saw.”
Michelle admitted she has has a heart for service but also acknowledged that, as some have told her, sometimes you have to “put on your own oxygen mask before helping others.” That simply meant accepting the help Mountain Projects staff and donors were offering so that she could back to serving the community she loves so much.
no financial burden. This was made possible
The folks who helped welcome the Lees home all sang Michelle’s praises. Michelle was named the 2025 Haywood County Employee of the Year for her work as the Food and Nutrition Supervisor at Health and Human Services. Despite all the turmoil her family endured in the wake of Helene, she still showed up to work, putting others before herself to ensure people received vital
She said the process to get from a point of desperation to finally again enjoying stable housing has been difficult. But while a year and a half may seem like a while, it’s nothing compared to what others are experiencing as they seek government aid. Michelle marveled at the difference between the 120 pages she had to review and fill out to receive FEMA aid and the four-page form she had to fill out for Mountain Projects.
Maggie Leftwich has been with Mountain Projects almost six years and serves as the Affordable Housing Manager. She echoed what Michelle said, noting that after the frustration of dealing with the cumbersome FEMA buy-out process, getting faster results from an organization rooted in these mountains brings solace. That’s something Leftwich is F
After losing three houses in three floods on the same property, the Lees have found a home on higher ground. Kyle Perrotti photo
From left, Si Simmons, Michelle Lee, Roger Lee, Cheyenne Lee and Maggie Leftwich, shortly after Simmons handed the Lee family the keys to their new home. Kyle Perrotti photo
“We’re excited because they would have had an opportunity with the slow process of the traditional buyouts’ navigation processes. This is speeding up something that could have taken years,” she said.
Leftwich said that several people applied for the program that was able to provide a safe haven for the Lees, others whose property was destroyed by Helene. In some cases, like the Lees, land that had belonged to families for generations was deemed uninhabitable. Mountain Projects staff considered applicants’ financial situations, responsibility with previous home ownership and references.
The Lees had reached out to Mountain Projects more recently than some who expressed interest in that program, but while others weren’t quite a good fit for one reason or another, Leftwich and others at Mountain Projects felt they’d found the perfect match.
In a job that brings employees face-toface with people suffering hardships and requires absorbing some of that stress, moments like when the Lees finally set foot in their new home can create a renewed commitment of the mission. Leftwich said that occasion reminded her why she got into that field.
“It really reenergizes us,” she said. “It gets the juices flowing in the brain. You start to think, ‘Okay, well, how were able to creatively problem solve this? What else can we gear those partnerships or that theory to.’”
The destruction of the homes on Roger’s land was bad enough, but it becoming basically uninsurable was the death blow. The Lees had planned to pass it on to their son, the same Roger inherited it after his grandmother passed away in 2003 — just a year before Ivan and Frances hit. This new property replaces that lost feeling of generational security. For that, the Lees wished to thank the hundreds of donors. Roger said they’ve even asked for a list of everyone involved, noting that many contributed “a lot of things people will never know.”
The new home, built on donated land, is already stocked with appliances, and any extra furniture the family needs can also be provided. The house has a master bedroom, a room for Cheyenne and an office where Michelle can focus on the work she does to help so many others. However, most importantly it provides a sense of safety and security.
“Oh my gosh. It’s a home. It’s freedom,” Michelle said.
And yet with the trauma endured, Michelle said sometimes it’s hard to accept that something so good is actually happening. Even in the wake of such a great thing, a fight-or-flight response can still dominate the central nervous system.
“I cried for the first week after they told us this was even a possibility,” she said. “We wanted to start moving, and I still wouldn’t hardly pack the box … when’s the next shoe going to drop?”
But now what was once a dream has become a reality.
“It’s much more than just a home,” she said. “It’s the mental ease it presents.”
Bringing the world to Western North Carolina
Rolf Kaufman was instrumental to Folkmoot’s success
BY B ILL G RAHAM S PECIAL TO THE S MOKY MOUNTAIN N EWS
In 1983, when Rolf Kaufman attended a small meeting at the Waynesville home of his neighbor Dr. Clinton Border, he couldn’t have known that he was stepping into his life’s work. He’d simply said yes to an invitation, but not long after, Folkmoot USA would become inseparable from his name.
Kaufman, who passed away on Feb. 15 at age 95, was more than a founding board member. Over four decades, he became the festival’s ambassador, diplomat, fundraiser, strategist and quiet guardian. To many, he was simply “Mr. Folkmoot.”
Beyond his integral role in helping Border launch Folkmoot — North Carolina’s International Festival — in the North Carolina mountains, Kaufman built an enduring presence for Folkmoot and himself in the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFF), where he built alliances and friendships that spanned decades.
It’s hard to overestimate Folkmoot’s impact on regional tourism and the arts during its early years. An old English term meaning “meeting of the people,” Folkmoot historically referred to a gathering of citizens to discuss community affairs. Here in the mountains, in its festival form, it promoted inclusivity, cultural exchange and peace
through arts and community engagement.
During two magical weeks each summer troupes or folk dancers and musicians from across the globe performed at dozens of regional venues and in street festivals and parades. At its height, the festival attracted as many as 150,000 visitors to the mountains, and its impacts remained extensive until the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in 2020.
Kaufman was at the center of it all.
A LIFE DEVOTED TO CONNECTION
Jackie Bolden, Folkmoot’s first full-time Executive Director, worked alongside Kaufman for many years.
“Folkmoot was a gift of a lifetime for me,” Bolden said. “I was there for 18 years, and Rolf was there every single one. I learned a tremendous amount from this brilliant man. He was my sounding board — on cultures, on groups, on decisions. He gave of himself financially, personally, in every way a person could give. It’s just who he was.”
“I can’t think of Folkmoot without thinking of Rolf,” she added. “Folkmoot is not a way to make a living — it’s a way of life.”
After retiring from Wellco in 1996, Folkmoot became Rolf’s full-time calling. For two decades, he traveled the world, attending
Angeline Schwab, Executive Director for the six years before COVID closures, experienced Rolf’s dedication firsthand.
“Never have I known someone so driven — gently, thoughtfully and with such specificity — in his goals for the community as Rolf Kaufman,” Schwab said. “He offered me and many others related to Folkmoot the joy of international travel. Because of Rolf’s investments, I visited Indonesia, Russia, Canada and Italy to build relationships with groups and CIOFF partners.”
“So many of us worked to create this opportunity for our region,” she added. “There were a hundred loyal staff, dozens of families, tens of thousands of ticket buyers, devoted sponsors, a few dozen board members — and one Rolf Kaufman. I’ve never worked so hard for a person and felt so grateful in doing it.”
the CIOFF World Congress, building the international relationships that sustained the festival — and often paying his own way without recognition.
Jayme Sheppherd, who became Executive Director in 2004, remembers his unwavering dedication.
“He gave me a crash course in cultural exchange,” she said. “He never stopped believing in the power of it. He was completely dedicated to Folkmoot and to CIOFF. That international network meant everything to him.”
When mounting visa restrictions threatened the participation of international groups — especially after the 9/11 tragedy — he refused to give up.
A TITAN FOR PEACE
Those who knew Kaufman speak first of his kindness.
The organization was notable for its incorporation of high school students from the community as “guides” for the international groups. Many of those young people’s lives were formatively shaped by the experience.
Chase Smith, a former guide and eventual board member, recalled Kaufman as ”an incredibly kind man who genuinely loved meeting new people and connecting the world with one another. Over the years he worked so very hard to bring together thousands of people to see beyond the things that divide and to unite us all together as one humanity.”
“When we started having trouble with visas, he would do anything he could to make it happen,” said Sheppard. ”The minute one festival ended, he was already working on the next year. It was his life.”
She credits him with sustaining the organization after Dr. Border’s death.
“If it weren’t for Rolf, I don’t think Folkmoot would have continued as long as it did. No one was as dedicated as he was.”
“He was an absolute titan for peace, and I miss him. Rolf was a real gem.”
Vivian Poppas — bus driver for 10 years, guide for 15, volunteer for 36, staff member for six, and now a board member — reflected:
“I’ve always admired and respected Rolf. I’ve thought of him as a peacemaker at home and throughout the world. He was a true gentleman and we are going to F
Rolf Kaufman was a staple in Haywood County, a man who proved his commitment to his community through his tireless efforts with Folkmoot. File photo
miss him.”
She added simply, “Rolf deserved a lot more recognition than he ever got.”
Investing in Young People Kaufman’s investment in young people was extraordinary.
He believed youth in Western North Carolina needed opportunities to see beyond their immediate surroundings. Folkmoot created those openings — through hosting performers, volunteering and building friendships that stretched across continents.
Former guide Gracie Feichter said, “At a very young age, Folkmoot instilled in me the importance of being a global citizen. I was traveling the world before I even really knew what that meant — watching wide-eyed as dancers paraded down Main Street.”
Now preparing to graduate from a master’s program at the University of Michigan, she connects her work in international health and humanitarianism to those early experiences.
“Rolf Kaufman’s vision gave Western North Carolina a living bridge to the world. Because of that gift, I remain committed to shaping a future rooted in peace, kindness, and human connection.”
THE WORK BEHIND THE CURTAIN
Marion Ferguson, the organization’s last Bus Driver and Transportation Manager, has been part of Folkmoot since its inception, and said, “Rolf has been there every minute. The man-hours he put into this organization are unbelievable.”
His financial contributions were equally extraordinary.
Harper Schwab, another former guide, reflected similarly.
“In Western North Carolina, Folkmoot was the only opportunity to broaden my perspective and experience global cultures in middle and high school. Rolf helped me realize that the world was much larger and more diverse than the community that surrounded me.”
That perspective led him to lead Model United Nations at the University of Chicago and into work with the World Bank.
“Rolf’s work starts in Western North Carolina, but its impact is far beyond the place we call home. His belief that cultural understanding can positively impact the world created a launching pad for all of us who knew him.”
Heather Davidson started volunteering at 10 years old and became a Guide at 17. She worked for the festival until COVID hit.
“Working at Folkmoot USA was one of the greatest experiences of my life and so much of that is thanks to Rolf Kaufman. He always had a way of making people feel like they belonged, like they were a part of something bigger than themselves. Folkmoot wasn’t just an event. It was a community, a family, and a celebration of humanity. Some of my very best memories were made there. Friendships I will carry with me forever. The joy, the chaos, the beauty of cultures sharing their traditions. None of it would have been the same without Rolf‘s heart and dedication behind it.”
Guide Avery Schwab added:
“Rolf stood as a vanguard for Folkmoot’s international Festival. The experience with the organization has made a positive impact on thousands of young people in Haywood County. It’s expanded our worldview and created connections with people we never expected to know. From what I understand, that’s exactly what Rolf wanted to achieve. I hope he knew he was successful in his mission.”
“What we know about — there are no words. You just can’t put a price tag on that — and he just wanted people to get along with one another.”
Doug Garrett, long-time operational staff and Volunteer Coordinator worked with Kaufman for over 30 years. Garrett, teams of volunteers and sometimes even Kaufman moved hundreds of beds every year.
He recalled traveling with him to a CIOFF meeting in Arequipa, Peru. When a meeting was scheduled for an upper floor with no elevator, Kaufman was hoisted up the stairs in a chair by a group of stout men.
“He was a well-respected, communityminded person,” said Garrett. “He was so loved and respected by people from so many countries.”
A FESTIVAL PAUSED, A LEGACY CONTINUING
Like many cultural institutions, Folkmoot paused its traditional international festival at the onset of COVID-19. The organization had been transforming its facility at the old Hazelwood School, and growing in new directions. And although Kaufman was still very involved, he was having a hard time traveling and was beginning to slow down.
Plans to honor his contributions were underway when COVID struck. At that time, the staff was deep in preparation for the 2020 festival. Performer visas were in process, staff had traveled extensively and logistics planning was underway. It all came to an unceremonious halt.
”We didn’t know it at that time,” said Angeline Schwab, “but what many of us loved as the Folkmoot experience was over.”
Since then, changing cultural landscapes and financial challenges have shifted the Folkmoot organization’s focus away from yearly festivals and more toward live performances and development of the Folkmoot Center. But Kaufman’s influence is still all around.
He believed people in Western North Carolina needed a way to meet the world, and he helped give it to them.
“Rolf’s vision built thousands of lifelong friendships, and he facilitated culture in this community,” said Schwab. ”What a legacy.”
(Bill Graham is a longtime WNC journalist and writer who now works for Buris Chalmers Communications, which develops communications and fundraising for nonprofit and governmental organizations.)
Rolf Kaufman. File photo
An ode to Folkmoot and to Rolf
Iwas in New Zealand when Rolf Kaufman passed away a couple of weeks ago. The Folkmoot international dance festival that Rolf and many others made a signature event for 30 years in Western North Carolina helped feed in me what was already an intense interest in foreign travel, always searching for the shared compassion and humanity that is often the bedrock of international connections.
In fact, we have some great family photos of my son, Liam, when he was around 7 or 8 years old — he’s 27 now — hanging out on the Haywood courthouse lawn with a young member of the Waiata dance group from New Zealand when that Màori heritage group came to Waynesville around 2005 to take part in Folkmoot.
A New Zealand connection to Folkmoot goes even deeper. Baili Francis, a Tuscola graduate who hung out with my girls when they were teens, now lives in New Zealand with her Kiwi boyfriend. Baili was a Folkmoot guide, and she has told me that being a part of the international festival helped spur her interested in foreign travel. So it is for legions of young people from this region, and Rolf Kaufman’s singular dedication to the festival (see story page 12) and exposing the youth of this region to the world beyond these mountains played a huge role in making that happen.
Just to be clear, I’ve been involved with Folkmoot since soon after I moved to the mountains in 1992, and I’m on the board of Folkmoot right now. Folkmoot has changed, and
Trump’s lies lead to war
To the Editor:
How did President Trump (and his rubber stamps in Congress) get us into this war? The way he manages everything — he lies, and his worshippers in Washington silently nod their heads in obedience. Congressman Edwards, shame on you. Was this dangerous conflict justified because Iran was about to attack the United States with guided missiles and nuclear weapons?
Of course not. Back in June, Trump himself bragged that he had totally destroyed Iran’s nuclear capability for years to come and crippled their missile forces.
Now he says that Iran’s supposedly destroyed military was on the verge of attacking America. Lies. This reminds us all of the weapons of mass destruction that led us into the disastrous war in Iraq. Those weapons of mass destruction never were found because they didn’t exist.
now our focus has switched to cultivating an arts center that has monthly entertainment in the auditorium. COVID, visa challenges and economic factors ended the international festival, but Folkmoot is thriving as it embraces a new mission.
But for nearly 30 years, starting in 1984, Folkmoot was an extraordinary cultural and international event for this region and especially for Haywood County. Events like it don’t last forever, and instead of bemoaning its loss I favor remembering it for its unique and astounding impact. We would bring 10 to 12 international dance groups and their musicians from all over the world, house all 200 to 300 of them in one location for two weeks, bus them to dozens of performances throughout the region, feed them four times a day (which included a late-nite meal after they got back from their evening performances that was served at around 10 p.m.), and finally make sure they could visit sites in our mountains while here. It took hundreds of volunteers and dozens of paid part-time guides, cooks, bus drivers, office personnel and others.
When I moved here, Ken Wilson, who was the publisher of The Mountaineer and hired me to be editor, was on the Folkmoot board and told me I’d fall in love with the festival.
LETTERS
What a coincidence. Netanyahu is facing criminal corruption charges and is battling with the Israeli Supreme Court, and Trump is facing the Epstein coverup, threatened with his guilt being exposed. So the two of them decide to wreak havoc in the Middle East. The ultimate distraction — war.
Do we need to go over all the lies that this
man has told with complete consent of his allies in Congress? One despicable falsehood occurred during his State of the Union speech. He lied that the young Ukrainian woman horribly murdered on a train in Charlotte was a
He was right, and in a few short years I was on the board and giving it my all to make sure we could pull it off each summer. As time went on people came on and off the board, but not not Rolf. He stayed, became the international ambassador, traveled the world looking for qualified groups who were true to the heritage of the region of the country they represented.
Rolf’s importance to the international festival and its impact on a couple of generations of young people — and their parents — was immense. “Rolf was the epitome of leadership for many years as he guided the organization locally and represented Folkmoot internationally,” said Wilson when I reached out him about Kaufman’s legacy.
Rolf was self-effacing, but he believed mightily that promoting international interactions could create good will and educate the young people of this region. As a child he fled from the Nazis in Europe, so he knew what happens when people don’t show compassion toward those who may seem different. After his retirement from his own business, Folkmoot became his passion. He was a unique person who helped create and perpetuate this unique event.
I don’t usually use quotes found in books and on the internet, but a line from Dr. Seuss seems appropriate regarding both Rolf and his ties to this one-of-a-kind festival that lasted for more than 30 years in a small town in the Smoky Mountains: “Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened.” (Scott McLeod can be reached at info@smokymountainnews.com.)
victim of someone who “came in through open borders.” Lies. The murderer was born and raised in Charlotte and was a diagnosed schizophrenic, hearing terrible voices that led him to this horrible crime. Trump knew it had nothing to do with open borders. He used the suffering mother of the victim as a tragic prop, to justify his cruel border policies.
Remember Haitians eating pets in Springfield, Ohio? Or “Little Johnny goes to school in the morning, and comes home in the afternoon little Jane?” Who did the sex change operation? The school nurse or the principal? Or “illegals vote by the millions.”
All lies.
And now an unconstitutional war with no end in sight. How much blood will be spilled?
Pray — and vote.
Don’t sacrifice Swain’s future
To the Editor:
Steve Wall Waynesville
ural beauty and character of our town and poses severe risks to our environment, resources, and quality of life.
My opposition is based on the following significant, long-term concerns: Strain on local resources and utility bills: These facilities demand massive amounts of electricity and water for operations and cooling, often exceeding the capacity of small towns. The necessary upgrades to the power grid and water infrastructure are frequently passed on to local residents, leading to higher electricity rates.
Persistent noise pollution: Cryptocurrency mines and server farms produce non-stop, loud, low-frequency humming from industrial cooling fans. This noise can be heard for miles, creating a constant disturbance that lowers property values and affects the mental health of nearby residents.
In a current notice, the Swain County Commissioners have asked for public input on March 17 at 5:30 p.m. concerning a moratorium on permitting of high-impact facilities, including but not limited to data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations, server farms and similar uses within the unincorporated areas of Swain County. While I understand the importance of technological infrastructure, this specific type of high-impact industrial project is inconsistent with the nat-
Environmental degradation and low employment: Unlike traditional development, these facilities provide very few permanent jobs to the local community. In exchange, they threaten our community with increased noise, light, and air pollution, along with potential water contamination and excessive electronic waste.
Our town should not be treated as a “sacrifice zone” for industrial, high-intensity technology projects. I urge you to support a moratorium on any such high-impact facilities in our community facilities and instead focus on development that aligns with the safety, health and rural character of our residents.
Mary K. Buranosky Swain County
Editor Scott McLeod
‘Back to the Roots’
Old Crow Medicine Show celebrates early years, returns to WNC
year-old college student on my first solo road trip from my native North Country of Upstate New York — in search of the sound, the way.
In truth, Old Crow simply didn’t sound like any other artist on the bill that weekend, the performance itself this live-wire affair of acoustic instrumentation. And that raw and real sentiment of talent and timelessness has remained steadfast, this melodic, artistic testament to a wild-n-out Grammy-winning string band who formed from humble origins in 1998.
At the core of Old Crow is its ringleader, Ketch Secor, who remains the only consistent member of the band since its inception. A sponge for knowledge and experience, Secor is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to American music and the history behind it — the sonic realms of country, rock, folk, blues, gospel, bluegrass, jazz and whatever may branch off from there.
Talking with The Smoky Mountain News over the phone from Glasgow, Scotland, while traveling with his partner, Molly Tuttle, as they provide the opening act for country megastar Tyler Childers on his current European tour, Secor spoke at length about what it means to be an entertainer, why he’ll always root for the underdog, and how the music of Old Crow Medicine Show is as vibrant now as it was the day it came to fruition those many years ago.
Smoky Mountain News: For someone like yourself, a musicologist who’s interested in the origins of all kinds of genres of music, what’s it like for you to go back to Europe?
Ketch Secor: It’s like thumbing through the index of the is now.
KS: Well, that’s a testament to the power of this American music that we play. This roots music? It’s rich. Anytime anybody discovers it, it’s like gold. It’s not better or worse; you just dig it out of the ground and it’s as good as it’ll ever be, but it can be made anew for the next generation.
You know, there’s just something about the skinny white boy who learns to play the blues and how it makes you feel invincible when you’re 18 years old. It’s like you found the Holy Grail and you just want to drink from it and see the cup replenish.
SMN: Do you still feel that way?
KS: I do feel that music is the fountain of youth and that it’s an elixir of the gods that must be shared. And I feel a little bit like I’m in the service industry, [where] I’m supposed to fill everybody’s cup full to the brim. And I’m still just as on fire for music. I see it as a Rosetta Stone to understand the world.
Want to go?
Showcasing its classic albums “O.C.M.S.” (2004) and “Big Iron World” (2006), legendary Americana/folk act Old Crow Medicine Show will bring its “Back to the Roots” tour to the stage at 8 p.m. Sunday, March 22, at The Orange Peel in Asheville.
General admission is $49.50 per person with VIP passes also available. Doors open at 7 p.m. The show is for ages 18 and over. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit theorangepeel.net.
Right now, before you called, I was learning an old Scottish ballad called “Loch Lomond.” It’s a really popular melody that made its way into a number of American songs. It’s about a place that I’m just trying to buy a train ticket to.
And I love how the landscape can be both physical and metaphysical, where a song can transport you to a place or you
SMN: And I would surmise that you’ve never lost that childlike wonder of discovery and curiosity. You always have come across as someone willing to just look around the corner and see what’s there.
KS: Yeah, I definitely haven’t lost [that]. If anything, I’ve just become more excited and impassioned about that spirit of discovery, old records, and the mythology of the music maker. I always like that music maker that only made three or six records. I always tend to gravitate to some unsung hero, some ball player that only played in a couple of games. I always liked to root for the underdog.
I mean, I like Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family. I love the legends, you know. But I always like to think about the 25 versions of Elvis [Presley] that never made it to Sun Studio [in Memphis, Tennessee]. There might have been 250 of ‘em, to be honest. It’s really a rich art. We’re a funny sort, us music makers. You find one and then you find 15 more just like, and it couldn’t be more different than the next. There’s just something in the [musical] waters, and there’s still something in the water. And every generation has a new opportunity to put forth its best and brightest.
This must be the place
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD
‘Seen so many places, still don’t know where I’m bound’
Hello from the Dallas/Fort Worth airport. It’s Monday evening and I’m currently sitting at a TGI Fridays in the BTerminal wing. The Miller Lite draft is both overpriced and oversized. “Welcome to Texas,” the server (named Lolo) says to me when I admire the size of the large glass and hearty pour.
This morning, I woke up in a Holiday Inn Express in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, after spending the better part of a week covering and hanging out at the Winter WonderGrass music festival on the slopes of the nearby ski resort. Live music and fellowship. Late-night shenanigans and organized chaos.
There’s a little more than an hour left before I must hustle my way down the long, seemingly never-ending corridors towards the gate for the Asheville flight, aiming to land back in Western North Carolina before midnight. Tomorrow morning? I’ll be back at my desk in the newsroom putting out this newspaper you’re currently holding or reading on your electronic devices.
friend decided to join me on the road, the two of us moseying into the depths of the city for a weekend of moments and memories, the culmination of which being the celebratory shows at the ballroom, which included the likes of Asleep at the Wheel, Old Crow Medicine Show, Lucero and Morgan Wade.
I must say, it was a time to be had in good ole Dallas back then. Huge steaks and Lone Star beer. Honky-tonk jukeboxes and hearty laughter with strangers who became fast friends. Those visions now dance across the bar counter of the TGI Fridays, even if they’re a little fuzzy on the edges in hindsight. What remains is this evolution of self, of time and place and what it means to roam and chase after the unknown horizon of my intent, my spirit.
HOT PICKS
1
Country star Terri Clark will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.
2
“Scotsman’s Fourth Anniversary Party” will be held from noon to midnight Saturday, March 14, in Waynesville.
3
Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Grizzly Mammoth (rock/jam) at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 14.
4
“Community Contra Dance” will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.
5
Museum of Haywood County History will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the museum in Clyde.
unknown. The world is crazy (always has been, always will be). There’s a lot of deep sadness and utter tragedy happening in every corner of the planet. And I remain an eternal optimist. All of this plays into the wandering and pondering aspect of being a journalist, where, regardless of the assignment, I’m seeking out genuine conversation with other human beings.
Stepping off the plane in Dallas, the landscape was a far-contrast from when I left Steamboat. Walking across the tarmac to the plane in Colorado, I gazed in awe at the surrounding Park Range Mountains, with some of the desolate snowy peaks hovering around 12,000 feet. Exiting into the Dallas airport, the heartland of “The Lone Star” state was flat and a balmy 75 degrees outside, the only point of reference of elevation being the tall hotels in the distance.
Walking through the terminals, a sense of familiarity wafted through my thoughts. Images of the last couple of times I’ve found myself at DFW. Most recently June 2025, following an assignment for Rolling Stone at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. To that, I befriended a woman (also from WNC) at the bar near the Asheville gate, our flight delayed as we ordered some Coors Light and swapped life stories. We became instant friends and remain so.
The time before that? March 2023. Once again on assignment for RS, but this goround attending the reopening of the Longhorn Ballroom in Dallas. My then-girl-
All of this Dallas reminiscing has been carefully placed on the shelves of my memory. So now, here I currently sit DFW, reflecting on what transpired in Steamboat. Backstage interviews with Americana and bluegrass stars. Late-night shows at The Grand Lodge and the Old Town Pub. Midday lunch with music industry colleagues at the top of the mountain, each of us saying how much it meant to once again cross paths and connect (and to also make sure it wouldn’t be much longer under the next rendezvous).
The winter is quickly fading into the rearview mirror. Plans for the impending spring and summer are slowly and steadily coming into focus. One’s mind runs wild thinking about maybe another loop around the Rocky Mountains once June and July appear on the wall calendar in my kitchen. Maybe this is the year I’ll finally venture up into Alaska? It’s the last state I’ve yet to visit, whereas I’ve been sitting on 49 states for the last 16 years.
Who knows? Who cares? Kindness breeds kindness and I’m trying my hardest to radiate sentiments of empathy and truth to others around me, either known or
You see, throughout this past weekend of live music and fellowship, it’s not lost on me what’s going on in society, whether here or abroad. For every wild-n-out live performance onstage, there’s conversations, either in passing or in-depth, about where we stand as a people, where we might go, and what “it all means” for you and me (and you, too). Everyone is paying attention and all of us are at a true loss for words as much as the next kind soul we each encounter. As Crosby, Stills & Nash sang in the Vietnam War anthem “Long Time Gone”: “The darkest hour is always, always just before the dawn.”
Well, it’s time to finish up this “Texassized” Miller Lite draft and head for my gate. The lazy, hazy sun is long gone below the Texas prairie, with the last of today’s rays somewhere over Arizona or California at this point. Who knows what tomorrow will bring for any of us? But, if anything, I remain a vessel for honest human interaction and trying to take care of my backyard that is Southern Appalachia. The hope is that others do the same elsewhere, with everything adding up into a country and a universe of peace and purpose.
I’m not naïve. And I never will be. Simply put, I was raised by parents who believed you should always do the right thing and that what really matters in life isn’t success and money, it’s friendship and a sense of purpose that ideally complements the true values of what it means to exist in the here and now — compassion, honesty, integrity, authenticity and the will to transcend.
Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Garret K. Woodward photo
‘Celebrating Creativity’ at WCU
HCAC’s ‘Little Hands, Big Imagination’
The latest exhibit, “Little Hands, Big Imagination,” will be showcased through April 13 in the Haywood Handmade Gallery at the Haywood County Arts Council in downtown Waynesville.
Join the HCAC for a joyful exhibit of large-scale collaborative artwork created by elementary students across Haywood County. Each school contributes one piece, made with many little hands and big imaginations. All works will be auctioned off to support each school’s art program.
In celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, HCAC is also partnering with the Friends of the Library for a children’s book exchange, so bring a book and take a new story home. Free and open to the public.
Western Carolina University’s annual “Juried Undergraduate Exhibition” will run through March 20 at the Fine Art Museum on campus in Cullowhee.
This exhibition is an extraordinary opportunity for WCU undergraduate students to share their artwork with a larger public and to enhance their skills in presenting artwork in a professional gallery setting. Entries are reviewed by an outside art professional who selects the works for exhibition at the museum.
‘Cardinal Dreams’ by Clyde Elementary, Donated photo
• Dillsboro Makers Market will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at 31 Front Street in downtown. Hosted every first Saturday of the month (April-November), the market features an array of local artisans. For more information, email jcgep@jacksonnc.org.
• “Didanisisgi Gadagwatli: A Showcase of Pottery from the Mud Dauber Community Workshop” is now on display at the Museum of the Cherokee People in Cherokee. On view through May 2026, the exhibition features works by students of Tara McCoy (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) handcrafted during an intensive three-month workshop. For more information, visit motcp.org.
On the stage
HART presents ‘Honk! Kids’
For more information, visit haywoodarts.org or stop by the gallery during regular business hours.
• WNC Paint Events will host painting sessions throughout the region on select dates. For more information and/or to sign up, visit wncpaint.events.
• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host “ArtWorks” at 1 p.m. every second 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
A special stage production of “Honk! Kids” will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 13 and 2 p.m. March 14-15 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
Featuring book and lyrics by Anthony Drewe and music by George Stiles, “Honk! Kids” is a charming 30-minute adaptation of “Honk! Jr.,” specially designed for young performers and family audiences.
Based on the classic tale of “The Ugly Duckling,” the story follows one very different duck on a journey filled with humor, heart and self-discovery. It’s a heartwarming reminder that sometimes the thing that makes you different is the very thing that makes you shine.
Billed as a tale that proves it’s cool to be you, “Honk! Kids” celebrates courage, friendship and the joy of embracing
Visit arts.wcu.edu/58-juried to learn more about the exhibition and reception. To see BAC’s full calendar of events, visit arts.wcu.edu/explore or call 828.227.ARTS. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.
will include art journaling, watercoloring, mixed media, acrylic painting and more. 828.283.0523 / cre828.com.
• Gallery Zella (Bryson City) will be hosting an array of artist receptions, exhibits and showcases. The gallery is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. 517.881.0959 / galleryzella.com.
• Haywood County Arts Council (Waynesville) will offer a wide range of classes, events and activities for artisans, locals and visitors. The HCAC gallery is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. 828.452.0593 / haywoodarts.org.
ALSO:
• Jackson County Green Energy Park (Dillsboro) will be offering a slew of classes, events and activities for artisans, locals and visitors. 828.631.0271 / jcgep.org.
• Southwestern Community College Swain Arts Center (Bryson City) will host an array of workshops for adults and kids. 828.339.4000 / southwesterncc.edu/scclocations/swain-center.
• Dogwood Crafters in Dillsboro will offer a selection of upcoming art classes and workshops. 828.586.2248 / dogwoodcrafters.com.
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host semi-regular arts and crafts workshops. 828.369.4080 / coweeschool.org.
• Haywood Arts Regional Theatre (Waynesville) will host a production of “Ethnically Ambiguous” at 7:30 p.m. March 20-21, 27-28 and 2 p.m. March 22, 29. 828.456.6322 / harttheatre.org.
what makes each of us unique. Along the way, audiences will meet a flock of colorful characters and enjoy catchy songs that make this musical adventure both entertaining and uplifting.
Under Annie Dragoo’s direction, this production showcases the energy, creativity and talent of HART’s young performers. With playful storytelling and a message that resonates across generations, “Honk! Kids” offers a welcoming theater experience for first-time audiences and seasoned patrons alike. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit harttheatre.org or call the box office at 828.456.6322.
• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. 866.273.4615 / smokymountainarts.com.
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. For tickets, visit caesars.com/harrahscherokee.
• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host a stage production of “Chapter Two” at 7:30 p.m. March 13-14 and 2:30 p.m. March 15. 828.389.ARTS / thepeacocknc.org.
• Swain Arts Center (Bryson City) will host a special production of “Into the Woods” at 6 p.m. March 20-21 and 27-28, and 2:30 p.m. March 22 and 29. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students in advance ($12 for adults, $8 for students at the door). 828.488.7843 / swainartscenter.com.
• Highlands Performing Arts Center (Highlands) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. 828.526.9047 / mountaintheatre.com.
‘Folk Book’ by Charlie Stuckey. Courtesy of WCU
‘Honk! Kids!’ will be at HART on select dates. Donated photo
On the beat
• Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library (Cashiers) will host “Community Jam Sessions” from 2-4 p.m. the second and fourth Sunday of each month. Informal jamming. All skill levels are welcome. Free and open to the public. 828.743.0215 / fontanalib.org/cashiers.
• American Legion Post 47 (Waynesville) will host an “Open Mic” 3 p.m. Tuesdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.456.8691.
• Assembly On Main (Waynesville) will host “Open Mic Night” 7-9 p.m. Mondays (signup at 6:30 p.m.), “Trivia Night” 6 p.m. Tuesdays and “Karaoke Night” 7 p.m. Thursdays. Free and open to the public. 828.246.0839 / assemblyonmain.com.
• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host “Open Mic” 8-10 p.m. Thursdays. Free and open to the public. 828.631.1987 / balsamfallsbrewing.com.
(Americana/bluegrass) March 14, Hill Country Band (bluegrass) March 18 and Alan Edwards (Americana/indie) March 22. All shows begin at 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Admission is $25 per person. For tickets and reservations, visit cataloocheeranch.com/ranch-event.
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host “Open Mic” at 6 p.m. every second Friday of the month and Kaira Ba (world) 4 p.m. April 12 ($15 adults, $7.50 kids). 828.369.4080 / oweeschool.org/music.
• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host “Music Bingo” Thursdays and Grizzly Mammoth (rock/jam) 6 p.m. March 14. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.634.0078 / curraheebrew.com.
• Farm At Old Edwards (Highlands) will host the “Fireside at the Farm” on select dates. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Admission is $40 per
Country star rolls into Franklin
Marquee country star Terri Clark will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.
From paying her dues at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge in Nashville to holding the honor of being the only Canadian female member of the Grand Ole Opry, Clark continues to build an unforgettable legacy primed for the history books of country music.
The multi-JUNO Award winner boasts over five million albums sold; three RIAA Platinum and two RIAA Gold-certified albums; Canadian Gold, Platinum, Double Platinum and Triple Platinum-certified albums; 13 Top 10 singles including six No. 1s in Canada and the U.S.; 19 CCMA Awards and multiple ACM and CMA “Female Vocalist of the Year” award nominations.
semi-regular live music monthly. 828.452.2997 / folkmoot.org.
• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host “Jazz On The Level” 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jacob Donjam (singer-songwriter) March 13, Rich Manz Trio (acoustic/oldies) March 14, Abby Winters (singer-songwriter) 3 p.m. March 15, Jim Cook (singer-songwriter) March 20, David Cheatham (singer-songwriter) March 21 and Kevin Dolan & Paul Koptak 3 p.m. March 22. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 / froglevelbrewing.com.
• Frog Quarters (Franklin) will host live music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays with Shifty Sisters (Americana/blues) March 14 (11 a.m.), Cricket Woodward & Budding Hollies (Americana) March 14 (noon) and Jim Austin’s Classic Country Band (Americana/country gold) March 21. Free and open to the public. 828.369.8488 / littletennessee.org.
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee)
nominated radio show, “Country Gold with Terri Clark,” which can be heard on radio stations across the U.S. and Canada.
Clark will
Clark also hosts the internationally syndicated, CMA and ACM Award-
• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host “Karaoke Night” 9 p.m. Wednesdays, “Trivia” 7 p.m. Thursdays, “Open Jam” 10 p.m. Thursdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows are located in The Gem downstairs taproom and begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.0350 / boojumbrewing.com.
• Breadheads Tiki Shak (Sylva) will host “Tiki Trivia” at 7 p.m. every other Thursday of the month, Patrick Campbell (singer-songwriter) 1 p.m. March 14 (brunch show) and Woolybooger (blues/folk) 10 p.m. March 20. 828.307.2160 / breadheadstikishak.com.
• Bryson City Brewing (Bryson City) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0085 / brysoncitybrewing.com.
• Cataloochee Ranch (Maggie Valley) will host Marc & Anita Pruett (Americana/bluegrass) March 11, Darren Nicholson Band
• Highlander Mountain House (Highlands) will host “Blues & Brews” with Scott Low 6-9 p.m. Thursdays ($5 cover), Zorki (singer-songwriter) 1-3 p.m. Saturdays, “Bluegrass Brunch” 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sundays (free) and the “Salon Series” with Logan Ledger (singer-songwriter) 8:30 p.m. March 26 ($41.84 per person, tax included). 828.526.2590 / highlandermountainhouse.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, “Karaoke” March 13, Cody Marlowe (singer-songwriter) March 14, Hammock Theory (reggae/funk) March 20 and Grizzly Mammoth (rock/jam) March 21. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 / lazyhikerbrewing.com.
In 2018, Clark was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, and most recently she was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame — joining the likes of Joni Mitchell, Sarah McLachlan, Alanis Morissette, Neil Young and Shania Twain in one of Canada’s highest honors.
Clark has performed for sold-out audiences in both Canada and the U.S., headlining her own shows and joining George Strait, Toby Keith, Brooks & Dunn and Brad Paisley.
In 2022 and 2023, Clark hit the road with Reba McEntire, continuing to captivate audiences as she took command of the iconic stages of Madison Square Garden, Hollywood Bowl and more.
Admission is $23 per person, with seating upgrades available. Tickets now available. 866.273.4615 / smokymountainarts.com.
Lazy Hiker welcomes Russ
Rising singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Alma Russ will hit the stage at 8 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Lazy Hiker Brewing in Sylva.
Based out of Western North Carolina and with her unique brand of “patchwork music” (country, folk and Appalachian styles pieced together), Russ
Alma Russ will play Sylva March 13. File photo
person, with discounts rates available for hotel guests and members. 866.526.8008 / oldedwardshospitality.com.
• Folkmoot Friendship Center (Waynesville) will host “World Drum Classes” every Friday at 2:30 p.m. (adults, free) and 4 p.m. (family friendly, all ages, free), “Waynesville Acoustic Guitar Group” 2-4 p.m. every second and fourth Saturday of the month (free) and
enjoys playing guitar, banjo and fiddle.
Russ was also a contestant on “American Idol” Season 16. Her most recent album, “Fool’s Gold,” was recorded in an abandoned church in the West Texas desert while Russ was on a national tour. The event is free and open to the public. For more information on Russ, visit facebook.com/almarussmusic.
828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com.
will host Clay Walker (country) 9 p.m. March 13. For tickets, visit caesars.com/harrahscherokee.
• Higher Rock (Waynesville) is currently seeking singer-songwriters for the new venue, which is expected to open in April. If interested, contact Cyndi Sullivan at 704.579.0482 or email cyndisullivan1969@gmail.com.
• 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, Alma Russ (Americana/folk) March 13, “Karaoke” 8 p.m. March 14 and Shane Meade & Rob Masten (indie/soul) March 20. 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, Somebody’s Child (Americana) March 13, Scott James Stambaugh (singersongwriter) March 14, Bridget Gossett (singer-songwriter) 5 p.m. March 15, Heidi Holton (Americana/blues) March 20, Shane Meade (indie/soul) March 21 and Alma Russ (Americana/folk) 5 p.m. March 22. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 / mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.
• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host Wyatt Espalin & The Riverstones (Americana) March 20. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, 828.389.ARTS / thepeacocknc.org.
• Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host “Karaoke” 7 p.m. Wednesdays, “Trivia Night” 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, “Open Mic” 6:30 p.m. Fridays, Michael Kitchens (singer-songwriter) March 14, Rusted Melody (Americana) March 17, Joe Munoz (singersongwriter) March 20 and Justin Brown (singer-songwriter) March 21. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.369.6796 / facebook.com/rathskellercoffeebarandpub.
• Salty Dog’s Seafood & Grill (Maggie Valley) will host “Karaoke Night” on Mondays, Wayne McAllister & Eric
Terri
play Franklin March 14. File photo
‘Community Contra Dance’ in Franklin
A “Community Contra Dance” will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.
Contra dance is a form of social folk dancing from which square dancing evolved, so it shares many of the same movements. As always, no partner is necessary, generations mix. All are welcome, including beginners. No dance experience or fancy clothing are necessary. Those who would like to come out just to listen to the music are welcome, too. For the uninitiated, the caller walks the dancers through the steps of the upcoming dance for a few minutes and then continues to call the moves in time to the music so the dancers know what to do next. Dances will include contras, squares, mixers and perhaps a few other types of folk dances appropriate to the level of the dancers in attendance. Beginners are strongly encouraged to arrive by 6:30 p.m. for the instruction. The dance itself will run from 7-9 p.m. Experienced dancers are quite willing to help those new to contra dance get started with the movements.
A suggested donation of $10 per person goes to pay the band and caller. Kids age 14 and under are free. Children over age 8, who are game to participate or sit and watch with an adult, may also attend.
Bring a closed water container and a snack if you wish. Smooth-soled shoes work best for dancing on wood floors. Please do not wear perfume or other scents to the dances. For more information, visit facebook.com/franklincontra for photos and details about upcoming dances or email contradancefranklinnc@gmail.com.
Bluegrass legend at Cataloochee Ranch
Americana/bluegrass act the Darren Nicholson Band will hit the stage for an intimate performance at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley.
A Grammy-nominee and winner of 13 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards, Nicholson has taken his own brand of mountain music around the world.
A regular for years on the Grand Ole Opry and a founding member of acclaimed bluegrass group Balsam Range, Nicholson now spends his time recording, writing new songs and performing as a solo act.
Admission is $25 per person. For tickets and reservations, visit cataloocheeranch.com/ranch-event.
March 13, Bridget Gossett (singer-songwriter) March 14, Ginny McAfee (singer-songwriter) March 20 and Riyen Roots (Americana) March 21. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.926.9105 / facebook.com/saltydogs2005.
• Scotsman (Waynesville) will host “Open Mic” the first Wednesday of every month, Phil Thomas (indie/folk) March 12, “Scotsman’s Fourth Anniversary Party” noon to midnight March 14 (Celtic Road (Celtic/world) 4 p.m. and Smashing Mouths (rock/pop) 8 p.m.), Jenny & The Weazels 3 p.m. March 15, Bratfolk 5 p.m. March 16, “St. Paddy’s Day Celebration” noon to midnight March 17 (Holler & Crow (Americana) 12:30 p.m., Celtic Road (Celtic/world) 4 p.m. and An Tir Nua (Celtic/world) 8 p.m.), Alma Russ (Americana/folk) March 19, Brian Ashley Jones & Melanie Jean (Americana/classic country) March 21 and TC Costello (Celtic/world) 3 p.m. March 22. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.6292 / scotsmanpublic.com.
• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host Terri Clark (country/Americana) 7:30 p.m. March 14 and Mark Lowry (Christian) 7:30 p.m. March 26. Tickets now available, with seating upgrades offered. 866.273.4615 / smokymountainarts.com.
• Valley Cigar & Wine Company (Waynesville) will host Rene Russell (singer-songwriter) 4 p.m. Tuesdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.944.0686 / valleycigarandwineco.com.
• Valley Tavern (Maggie Valley) will host “Trivia With Tom” Wednesdays, “Music Bingo” Saturdays, “DJ KO 80s Party” March 13, “St. Patrick’s Day Karaoke Party” March 17 and Will Shepherd (singer-songwriter) March 20. All shows and events begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.926.7440 / valley-tavern.com.
• Slanted Window Tasting Station (Franklin) will host Rail Town (Americana) 6 p.m. March 13, “Music Bingo” 2 p.m. March 14 and Ray Ferrara (singer-songwriter) 4 p.m. March 15. 828.276.9463 / slantedwindow.com.
File photo
Darren Nicholson will play Maggie Valley March 14. File photo
On the street
HCC’s ‘Lavender Ball’
The Haywood Community College Foundation will hold its annual gala event, the “Lavender Ball,” at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 12, in the HCC Library on campus in Clyde.
Each year, the event supports the area in the most need for HCC. This year, support for the event will benefit the Lavender Fund. These funds are available for HCC students who face an unexpected financial hardship during their time at the college.
Many HCC students are balancing work, family and school, and when an unexpected event or expense arises, the HCC Foundation is able to support their needs to ensure they can stay on track with their coursework.
An HCC student that has received support from the Lavender Fund recently shared, “Thank you so much for all the assistance. My family is going through a new chapter, and being able to find kindness in this struggle is truly a blessing. We can’t thank you enough.”
In support of the impactful work of the Lavender Fund, the gala promises an unforgettable evening with a purpose. Proceeds from the event, including live and silent auctions, will directly support the Lavender Fund, expanding resources that benefit HCC students.
Tickets are $75 and include an elegant evening of appetizers, a buffet dinner, live jazz entertainment and exciting auction opportunities, all in celebration of community, generosity and student success.
Guests will hear firsthand from students who have benefited from the Lavender Fund to gain a better understanding of the true impact this support can make in the lives of students and their families.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the door the evening of the event. Additionally, guests can purchase a special swag bag (limited quantity) of lavender-themed gifts. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit givebutter.com/lavenderball.
Museum of Haywood County open house
The Museum of Haywood County History will host an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the museum located at 178 Morgan Street in Clyde.
“The open house will be an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the museum exhibits, while also learning about several events that will be held at the museum during 2026,” said Sharon Hinshaw, president of the Haywood County Historical & Genealogical Society. “We welcome everyone’s feedback and suggestions as we fine-tune our plans for celebrating Haywood County history in the coming months.”
Admission to the open house is free. Donations are always welcome and will be used to help with ongoing maintenance of the Historic Shook-Smathers House where the museum is located.
For more information, call 828.564.1044 or email hchgsociety@gmail.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/ranchevent.
• Balsam Mountain Inn (Balsam) will host “Wind Down Wine Flights” 6 p.m. Thursdays. 828.283.0145 / thebalsammountaininn.com.
• Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will have the wine bar open from 4-8 p.m. Fridays/Saturdays, with semi-regular wine tastings on the weekends. 828.452.6000 / classicwineseller.com.
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host semi-regular tap-takeovers from local and regional breweries on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9320 / blueridgebeerhub.com.
On the beat
• “Flights & Bites” will be held at 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. 828.452.0120 / waynesvillewine.com.
• “Take A Flight” with four new wines every Friday and Saturday at the Bryson City Wine Market. Select from a gourmet selection of charcuterie to enjoy with your wines. Educational classes and other events are also available. 828.538.0420.
• “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held on select dates at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first class car. Wine pairings with a meal and more. There will also be a special “Carolina Moonshine” train on select dates. 800.872.4681 / gsmr.com.
• Vineyard At High Holly (Scaly Mountain) will host Mountain Muse (Americana) March 14, Rail Town (Americana) March 15 and Zorki (singer-songwriter) March 22. All shows begin at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.482.5573 / thevineyardathighholly.com.
• Whiteside Brewing (Cashiers) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.743.6000 / whitesidebrewing.com.
• Yonder Community Market (Franklin) will host “Country Thursdays” (Americana/country) 6 p.m. Thursdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. Family/dog friendly. 828.200.2169 / eatrealfoodinc.com.
Mountain Layers goes Americana
Regional Americana act Somebody’s Child will perform at 6 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Mountain Layers Brewing Company in Bryson City.
For more than a decade, Ashley Claxton and Cola Williamson have been filling the venues of Western North Carolina with their intrepid sounds. While minimalistic, these Smoky Mountain troubadours seamlessly blend both acoustic and electric melodies with renowned vocal harmonies.
By melding a variety of sounds, which are often described as “alternative folk” or “Americana,” the duo offers dynamic, high-energy performances that are calculated, organic and compelling.
The show is free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 or mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com. Somebody’s Child will play Bryson City March 13. File photo
HCC Library. File photo
Museum of Haywood County History in Clyde. File photo
Indigenous wisdom through the ages
“All things are bound together. All things connect.”
— Chief Seattle
We will be known forever by the tracks we leave. — Dakota
In maybe one of the most alluring covers I’ve ever seen for a book of poems, John C. Mannone’s book “Sacred Flute” (Iris Press, 2024, 77 pgs.) — with a photo of an indigenousYuma musician taken sometime around 1900 — makes you want to turn the page and see what’s on the inside. And what’s on the inside is “a collection of poems infused with and inspired by Native American Indian culture, history and legend which focuses on Native American nations on the North American continent.”
Section headings include “Land & Nature,” “Identity,” “Love,” “Dark History,” “Apocalyptic,” “Spirituality & Healing” and “Afterlife,” featuring Indian nations including AbenakiPassamaquoddy, Mohawk, Pueblo, Oglala Sioux, Hopi, Dakota and Shawnee — a broad band of subject matter as well as many Native cultures and locations on the North American continent.
As a professor of physics and nuclear safety, Mannone has written a book far afield from his academic base and in this reviewer’s opinion has succeeded in what he has set out to do, which is to encourage and inspire readers to not only pay more attention to Native attributes, but to maybe become “new natives” themselves in a world of changing demographics and consciousness. In his back cover endorsement,
J.P. Dancing Bear writes: “This book is a celebration. It is not mired in politics, technology, economy, or other artificial social frames. It is not just for one people, but has truth for all people.” So this book is not an academic exercise, but a collection of intelligent and heart-felt poems in honor of peoples who have been overlooked, murdered and misplaced by white European cultures. After reading this book from cover to cover what stood out to me as much as the poems themselves — which in large part are love poems to an unidentified person, or persons — were the many quotes and epigrams that appear throughout the book. On their own, they would comprise a small volume in themselves as wisdom teachings all coming from Native Americans from individual tribes. For instance, in the beginning section on “Land & Nature,” in the poem “The Trees Wave Their Branches,” is the epigram from a Cherokee prayer: “O Great Spirit, help me to always speak the truth quietly, to listen with an open heart and to remember the peace that may be found in silence.”
And then on the next page as a postscript for the poem “After the Felling of Trees,” Mannone includes a passage from Cree prophecy: “When all the trees have been cut down, when all the animals have been hunted, when all the waters are polluted, when all the air is unsafe to breathe, only then will you discover you cannot eat money.” In the section on “Identity” we are given words written on the back of a Native American painting in the Koshare Indian Museum in La Junta, Colorado: “I saw myself/I saw myself singing/I saw myself living/I saw myself happy.”
Moving on to one of my favorite subjects, the poetic chapter on “Love,” has one of my favorite quotes from this section — this one from a Pueblo prayer: “Hold on to what is
Upcoming events at City Lights
The following readings will be held at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.
good,/Even if it’s a handful of earth./Hold on to what you believe,/Even if it’s a tree that stands by itself./Hold on to what you must do,/Even if it’s a long way from here./Hold on to your life,/Even if it’s easier to let go./Hold on to my hand,/Even if someday I’ll be gone away from you,” which is followed by the poem “The Uncovering” where Mannone writes: “I will toss her a plumstone and see,/then tempt her with sugary, red plums/growing in the green field by the lake/that catch the crimson from the sky.” How could anyone refuse such an offering?
In the poem “On a Quiet Walkway” which depicts a place off Laurel Mountain Road here in the Great Smoky Mountains, Mannone adds the postscript to his poem that is from the Ute peoples: “Don’t walk behind me;/I may not lead./Don’t walk in front of me;/I may not follow./Walk beside me that we may be as one.” Love it!
In the section “Dark History,” which begins with an Oglala quote that declares: “There can never be peace between nations until it is first known that true peace is within the souls of men.” Amen. Also in this section is the poem “Ayuhwasi,” which is the Cherokee word for “large meadow, “ which Mannone wrote at the site of the Cherokee Indian Removal Memorial and Museum in Birchwood, Tennessee, where he saw sandhill cranes flying over the Hiawassee River: “hundreds of them,/thousands, wings/raised in prayer/as they fly over the trail/of tears; they shed/feathers. And respect/falls from heaven/like an ever gentle/wisp of mercy.” Lovely image!
As we near the end of this book, we can’t forget the “Apocalyptic” section and the Hopi quote: “Don’t be afraid to cry. It will free your mind of sorrowful thoughts.” In this section there is a poem titled “Staurolite” that is inspired by the Cherokee legend of fairy stones, and there is also the poem “Ant Hill People” which is inspired by Hopi legend.
But we have to end on a positive note from the section on “Spirituality & Healing,” which begins with the quote from an American Indian Legend: “If anyone desires a wish to come true, they must first capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it.” And, finally, I leave you with words from an Indigenous elder named Walking Buffalo: “Do you know that trees talk? I have learned a lot from trees: sometimes about the weather, sometimes about animals, sometimes about the Great Spirit.”
(Thomas Crowe is a member of the Tuckasegee
• Poet Donovan McAbee will read from his new collection, “Holy the Body,” with a musical per-formance by Grammy-nominated songwriter and guitarist Thomm Jutz at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 12. McAbee’s poems explore faith, doubt and dark humor. Jutz, based in Nashville, has had songs recorded by John Prine, Del McCoury, Billy Strings and The SteelDrivers and teaches songwriting at Belmont University.
• Author and cultural historian Anna Fariello will present the expanded edition of “Craft & Com-munity: John C. Campbell Folk School 1925-1945” and discuss “North Carolina Women: Their Lives and Times, Volume 2” at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14. Both events are free and open to the public. For more information, call 828.586.9499 or visit citylightsnc.com.
Writer
Thomas Crowe
‘Remember the Removal’ aims to keep Cherokee history alive, both physically and intellectually. Lily Levin photo
Athe ride, “your head feels like it’s going to pop off your shoulders,” said 2026 Remember the Removal mentor Freida Saylor.
Saylor participated in RTR in 2025, a three-week, approximately 950-mile bike ride that traces the northern route of the Trail of Tears — one path of forced removal of the Cherokee people to Oklahoma from their Southern Appalachian homelands — following the 1830 Indian Removal Act signed by President Andrew Jackson.
It is estimated that around 4,000 of the 16,000 Cherokee that set out on the trail died along the way.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has participated since 2011; RTR was founded by the Cherokee Nation in 1984, though it wasn’t held annually until 2009. In the Qualla Boundary, RTR is housed under Cherokee Choices, a part of Public Health and Human Services.
“We take in the applications and do marketing and promotion for the applications for the ride and serve on the interview panel for that to select the riders,” said Cherokee Choices Program Director Robin Callahan.
RTR itself aims to keep Cherokee history alive both physically — by taking the trip on two wheels and visiting some of the sites
nate, who will be offered a spot the following year upon fulfilling RTR training requirements.
This year, candidates’ ages range from 16 to 45. Callahan said it’s not typical to have a high school-aged EBCI rider; the program on the boundary isn’t specifically geared toward adolescents. Instead, it takes a holistic view of health, emphasizing physical, mental, emotional and cultural aspects — including developing resilience and managing stress — hence its position under Cherokee Choices. But one couldn’t say the same for the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma, which brings 12 participants, as part of a youth leadership program, between the ages of 15 and 25.
Together, the two groups create the 18-person cohort that sets off on an 18-day journey, after six months of training and skill improvement, from Georgia to Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas and finally, Oklahoma.
TRAINING
While the ride will start in early June, the journey truly begins with a question: “Why RTR?” Candidates Rachel Bruneel and Sara Ferguson both are Cherokee through their
brand of choice is Specialized, so RTR works with Motion Makers in Sylva to provide bike fittings and roadside maintenance instruction. Staff also begin planning early, discussing logistics alongside the Cherokee
“Along with Jake [Stephens], me and him have been handling both [training and coordination] roles together — the coordination logistical piece. Really staying involved with Cherokee Nation. It’s constant communica-
Lambert’s role in facilitating training involves a combination of approaches and experiences, like pairing candidates with second-language learners to practice speaking Cherokee. Soon after the program starts on the Qualla Boundary, candidates “go right into genealogical research for their own ancestors learning about their entire family history,” he told The Smoky Mountain News. Often, the cohort will discover that two or more members are related — even to citizens of the Cherokee Nation. RTR 2026 candidates have already found ties to previously
“I knew I was a Washington, but I didn’t know I was related to Reeds and Rattlers and Blythes,” said candidate Bruneel.
Fellow team member Ferguson learned of ancestors that were a part of — and ancestors that resisted — the Trail of Tears removal. She has ancestors who moved out west and ances-
“I’ve learned that I was just obviously distantly related to Yonaguska, who was part of one of the removals, of one of the detachments that went out west and then came back to the boundary. I have Tsali somewhere in
“Being a mom myself, I wanted to take the opportunity to learn more about our culture and history and why we are here today and learn some of the language and be able to pass it down to my daughter so she’s not wondering, ‘Who am I?’ or ‘What is our native side?’” she said.
Ferguson said growing up, White Western, patriarchal ideals were the dominant culture. On the other hand, the EBCI is matriarchal. Women were war leaders, powerful and important. So, like Bruneel, Ferguson’s decision to join RTR is about immersing herself in Cherokee traditions and knowledge. It’s also about learning who she is as a Cherokee woman. And she’s making that process. Material preparations and cross-training began in early January, over a month before candidates’ feet hit the pedals.
Cherokee Choices supplies nutrition and conducts body scans for riders. Cherokee Recreation offers free 24/7 access to its facilities during RTR training months.
“We also work with the Cherokee Fitness Complex. They have certified spin instructors and muscle-building coaches,” said Nelson Lambert, RTR 2023 alum and current training coordinator.
The EBCI’s bike of choice is gravel and its
Finally, candidate Kamiyo Lanning shared that she’s a direct descendent of someone born on the Trail of Tears who had to petition to enroll in the tribe.
While SMN didn’t hear about any familial revelations among the candidates interviewed, the close-knit nature of the Qualla Boundary was amplified when each said they’d already known at least one member of the cohort. And regardless of riders’ connections coming into the program, they’re all part of the same team.
“I feel like every day that our team is together, you know, we just get closer and build a bond even stronger … They’re some of the coolest people I’ve ever met, and I’m glad that this program has given me the opportunity to hang out with them and learn more about them, grow from them, grow with them,” said Steven Smith, 2026 RTR candidate.
Indeed, the team spends 12 hours per week together through classes, cross-fit and rides. To make the benchmark, however, candidates can and do train on their own, ensuring that RTR takes up at least those 12 weekly hours — and likely several more. That’s a hefty addition to anyone’s schedule, let alone a caretaker or parent or anyone with a full-time job. F
However, candidates said their loved ones are supportive and employers accommodating, which has alleviated the burden significantly. For example, when Ferguson completes the ride, she knows her cats will be safe in the custody of her mom.
Bruneel, a single mother of a four-yearold, said because her parents and grandparents recently passed away, she has only a sibling and cousin to rely on. Before accepting the RTR position, both committed to being part of her support system. What’s more, Bruneel said it’s easy to navigate conflicts between her practice and workplace schedule. After all, she is employed by the tribe, and the tribe manages RTR.
Similarly, Smith, director of the EBCI Communications Department, said his workplace has been nothing but supportive. One coworker also completed the program.
Ferguson works as a therapist for Behavioral Health Services at the Cherokee Indian Hospital; Saylor, 2025 alum and current mentor, is her “boss’ boss” — in other words, the clinical director.
“She left a Rice Krispie treat on my desk, and I knew exactly who it was from. I was like, ‘That’s from Freida [Saylor]’ because she had told me before, she’s like, ‘Right before I would be going to our practice rides, I’d be inhaling a Rice Krispie just for that little burst of sugar,’” Ferguson recounted with a chuckle.
On Feb 17, riders finally hopped on the saddle.
“We really take into consideration the level of which our riders are at. We assume that they don’t know how to ride a bike at all. They don’t know how to clip in, so we start on an old high school track here in Cherokee and just start doing laps,” Lambert said.
riders came to a stop, mentors assured them that scrapes are natural, that nearly everyone falls at least once or twice when first using clipless pedals. Teammates remained unfazed, shouting words of encouragement and laughing it off.
SEND-OFF AND RIDE
This year, RTR sendoff is May 29; every year, it’s held at the Kituwah mound, a sacred place dating back nearly 10,000 years that originally hosted the council house at the center of the “Cherokee Mother Town.”
“The riders themselves have a private ceremony piece where they actually go onto the mound,” Lambert said.
Then they’re introduced to the crowd — community members, supporters, family members, friends. It’s a testament to the
2015 RTR participant, said.
Cherokee Nation brings its marshal, or law enforcement service, that activates its lights and trails the riders to guard safety and direct traffic. If only a few cars line up behind riders, the marshals will direct the vehicles to go around the bicycles when it’s safe to pass. In the event of many cars, “the riders will pull off to the side of the road, let all the cars go by, and then get back on the road and go,” Stephens said.
There’s a lead and caboose with in-ear radio communication that connects to the lead van in front of the group and the marshal behind it.
“If there’s a rider that’s struggling, that’s falling back, the caboose has to stay back. And so with that, we’ve incorporated that kind of radio communication training into what we do here for safety.” Lambert said.
enced in The Journal of Rev. Daniel S. Butrick. Butrick accompanied the Cherokee and bore witness to many of the atrocities committed along the trail. At certain landmarks, riders will even read passages of his corresponding account.
Of the sites, Stephens thought Mantle Rock and Rattlesnake Springs to be especially powerful. A Cherokee detachment was forced to spend two weeks at Mantle Rock after the Ohio River froze and became impassible, braving freezing temperatures in anticipation of its thaw. Rattlesnake Springs, on the other hand, was an encampment that housed a group of Cherokees after the U.S. Army carried out its removal and before setting out on the trail.
Stephens recounted an ancestor who was part of this encampment but escaped and returned to his land. During his RTR experience, Stephens became emotional at the site. When he learned of this ancestor one year later, he understood why.
people come out for the sendoff. I feel like it gets bigger and bigger every year,” Callahan said.
On June 1, the team will hit the road.
SMN attended that first session, and it was as he described: cyclists circled the track one-by-one, instructed to prevent a gap in the line, and practiced clipping in and out of their pedals. Staff told the team to start in an easy gear so the bike could gain momentum quickly, lowering fall risk and ensuring a smoother clip-in of the unattached foot.
Topics of discussion ranged from recommended massagers to proper nutrition. Candidates asked training coordinators if they could record the journey. Stephens said a GoPro is fine, but livestreaming can undermine safety by revealing the exact location of the group.
Staff also told team members that when training on two wheels, they’ll want to keep a vigilant eye on cars. Some will take the chance and get in between two cyclists.
While there were a few tumbles as the
Riders line up in rows of two to ensure no one is left behind. They’re accompanied by Cherokee Nation mentors and EBCI support volunteers and staff.
RTR takes about three weeks — 16 cycling days, two rest days. Each day averages 50-60 miles. Every night but one is spent at a hotel along the route; the exception is a campout at Fall Creek Falls in Tennessee.
At the beginning of a typical day, riders will meet in the lobby at 6:30 a.m. and are out on the road by no later than 8. Time spent on the saddle, though, depends on the group and can be influenced by weather conditions.
“Some years, they’ve gotten done fairly early, to where they’ve got plenty of time to kind of relax at the hotel. Other times it’s been get to the hotel, change clothes, go eat, get back to the room, get a good night’s sleep and back to riding the next morning,” Stephens, fellow training coordinator and
Lambert said he often makes sandwiches on the side of the road; it’s important that the riders are not responsible for the logistics of the ride.
“All they need to focus on is riding and what the journey means to them,” he told SMN.
Logistics aside, there are many moments each coordinator looks forward to year after year along the route. For one, the Trail of Tears organizations, or TOTAs — which “promote awareness of” its legacy, “including the removal stories” of the Cherokee and other tribes affected by Jackson’s 1830 policy — are always excited to meet the riders and show their support. “There is a little group of old ladies” at the Kentucky TOTA chapter that Stephens said he annually encounters.
“They’ve got photo albums and pictures that I take with them every year when I do get to see them. It’s fun getting to meet those people and see them year after year,” he recounted.
Of course, the group also visits the historic sites themselves, mainly those refer-
While the ride is abundant with connection and meaning, it is not without its challenges. Stephens said there’s one full day climb at Cumberland Plateau — upon exiting the mountains, everyone assumes the rest of the ride is flat. That’s “never the case, because it’s constant rolling hills once you’re in Missouri, or ‘misery,’ that we call it” he said.
Either way, Stephens added, “We’ll be there as a team and help each other through it, because you’re only as fast as your slowest rider, and you got to get there as a team when it’s not a race. We got to work together to endure just like our ancestors did.”
INAL REFLECTIONS
Although it’s been over a decade since his RTR ride, Stephens still texts his teammates from both the Cherokee Nation and EBCI “at least weekly.” For Lambert, three years have passed, but he meets up regularly with fellow cohort members on the Qualla Boundary.
“We do Christmas gift exchange; we meet at least once every other month to just catch up and stay in each other’s lives. Someone on my team is a judge for tribal court. Another member my team … she’s a tribal council member,” he said.
And it might not be mere coincidence that RTR has such accomplished alumni.
“I feel like, for some people, this is a catalyst for improving themselves more and more. They did this; it’s life, changing their perspective on life,” Callahan said.
After everything is said and done, however, others might need a little more support. Stephens said after putting in the work for so many months and cycling every day for three weeks, it can feel like whiplash to suddenly return to life without RTR. In other words, post-ride depression is real — and it can get a little lonely, especially for younger riders. Stephens told SMN that over the years, he’s incorporated a debriefing into the program about a week after the ride “to see how everybody’s doing and help with that mental aspect of things.”
“[Post-RTR] can touch everybody differently,” he said.
The 950-mile ride traces the northern route of the Trail of Tears.
Donated photo
at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, with the exception of one Monday walk, March 30. Participants should meet at the top of Stuart Circle.
The dates of the wildflower walks are
Introduction to fly fishing classes
The Waynesville Parks & Recreation Department will host instructors from the Cataloochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited conducting an Introduction to Fly Fishing Class, on three evenings in March. Intended for first-time fly fishermen and fisherwomen wanting to learn the basics, the class will also appeal to anglers looking for some expert tips.
Classes will meet on March 19, 24 and 26, from 6-8 p.m. in Classroom B of the Waynesville Recreation Center.
On March 19, Class 1 will cover the fundamentals of fly fishing, the essential equipment and how the flies and various artificial attractants are used. On March 24, Class 2 students will learn knot tying, casting techniques and then will practice fly casting. On March 26, Class 3 will outline trout characteristics of the three species in the area and how to read the water to find them.
Among the many flowers and plants visitors might see are flame azaleas, wood ferns, pink turtleheads, big leaf magnolia and woodland phlox.
Registration is required and can be made at the Waynesville Recreation Center, 550 Vance Ave. in Waynesville.
Students must register for all three classes. Class cost is $20 and free for members of Trout Unlimited (any c-hapter). Classes are open to ages 16 and older although those under 18 should come with a registered adult.
own fly fishing gear to the March 19 class. All required equipment (rods, reels, practice flies) will be provided. For more information contact the Cataloochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited at tucataloochee427@gmail.com.
The Corneille Bryan Native Garden features an array of native wildflowers. Donated photo
John Hargraves teaching fly fishing at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Donated photo
Trail association celebrates legislative victory
H.R. 2768 Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2025, as amended, has passed out of the House Committee on Natural Resources. The amendment requires the feasibility study to be completed within two years. (The Senate version required a oneyear study.)
This is another step forward towards permanent protection for the 288-mile Benton MacKaye Trail. The bill, sponsored by Reps. Chuck Fleischmann (RTennessee), Steve Cohen (DGeorgia), Chuck Edwards (R-North Carolina) and Lucy McBath (D-Georgia) passed the committee by unanimous consent. The Senate now will need to approve
the amended version of the bill. Nearly one-third of the Benton MacKaye Trail lies within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it the
longest continuous trail within the park. It connects numerous wilderness areas including the Cohutta, Big Frog and JoyceKilmer/Slickrock Wildernesses.
Haywood Farm Bureau scholarship deadline nears
High school seniors in Haywood County who have a degree of need coupled with a serious commitment to agriculture and community service are encouraged to apply for the Haywood County Farm Bureau’s scholarship program by April 15.
Students must have a GPA of at least 2.5, be residents of Haywood County, be currently enrolled in a Haywood County school or a two or four-year school, planning to enroll in an approved post-secondary program (technical/community, junior college, or a four-year institution.) The applicant must be studying some form of agriculture. Haywood County Farm Bureau members will have first priority.
Application forms may be acquired at Haywood County Farm Bureau, 1520 Asheville Rd, Waynesville NC 28786. Applications may be submitted by email to Amanda.Stasi@ncfbssc.com on or before April 15. Applications may also be mailed or delivered to the Haywood County Farm Bureau, Attention: Scholarship Committee Chair.
Cost-saving energy program now available
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Energy Saver North Carolina program is now available in all 100 counties, helping eligible households lower energy bills. Residents can check eligibility and apply for rebates to improve home efficiency, with more than $200 million available for upgrades.
Households may receive up to $16,000 for improvements such as heat pumps and insulation, with potential annual savings of nearly $1,000. Additional rebates of up to $14,000 are available for high-efficiency appliances like water heaters and electric cooktops.
Launched in select counties last January, the program has expanded statewide. So far, $777,000 in rebate-eligible projects have been installed in 51 homes. Energy Saver NC has received more than 4,800 applications, with over 1,700 approved and moving through the rebate reservation process.
Rebates are based on income and projected energy savings. Low-income households earning under 80% of Area Median Income may qualify for full rebates covering up to 100% of costs, while moderate-income households earning 80–150% of AMI may receive rebates covering up to 50% of project costs.
For a breakdown of income eligibility, visit the AMI Income Summary. To learn more about Energy Saver NC, visit energysavernc.org.
MarketPlace information:
The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 copies across 500 locations in Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties, including the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. Visit www.wncmarketplace.com to place your ad!
Rates:
• $15 — Classified ads that are 25 words, 25¢ per word after.
• Free — Lost or found pet ads.
• $6 — Residential yard sale ads.*
• $1 — Yard Sale Rain Insurance Yard sale rained out? Call us by 10a.m. Monday for your ad to run again FREE
• $375 — Statewide classifieds run in 170 participating newspapers with 1.1+ million circulation. (Limit 25 words or less)
• Boost Online — Have your ad featured at top of category online $4
• Boost in Print
• Add Photo $6
• Bold ad $2
• Yellow, Green, Pink or Blue Highlight $4
• Border $4
Note: Highlighted ads automatically generate a border so if you’re placing an ad online and select a highlight color, the “add border” feature will not be available on the screen.
Note: Yard sale ads require an address. This location will be displayed on a map on www.wncmarketplace.com
LOCKE M. JONES (A/K/A LOCKE MACARTHUR JONES) May 19 2026
Limited Personal Representative
Co-Executors
PO Box 3180 Asheville, NC 28802
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.26E000032-430Earl Riley Gibson May 25 2026, or Administrator
89 Wild Rose Lane Canton NC 28716
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.26E00136-430
BETTY LEATHERMAN ROSS Jun 11 2026, or
SHEILA J. HOOPER (A/K/A SHEILA JOYCE HOOPER) May 19 2026, or
Executor
PO Box 3180 Asheville, NC 28802
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.26E000090-430
Mary L. Burgin Jun 04 2026
Executor
570 Elbert Burnett Rd Canton, NC 28716
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.26E000018-490
Executor PO Box 45 Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.19E000461-430
Sarah Jo Queen, aka Jo Lohr Queen -
1 Lack of vitality
7 Neighbor of Florida
14 Garlicky sauces
20 In a rational manner
21 Unexpired driver's license, e.g.
22 Well-spoken
23 Whole bunch of baby felines?
25 Regions, weatherwise
26 Some reddish deer
27 Sex educator Shere
28 Jokester Jay
30 Viscous stuff
31 DVD- -- (data holders)
32 Make angry
33 Dogs that hunt egrets?
37 Fade away
38 B.A., e.g.
39 Corp. exec in charge of ads and branding
41 Locale
42 "Oh, gotcha"
43 Snacks that help physicists build atomic bombs?
47 Campus digs
50 French for "the king"
51 Head up
55 Back of an overseas ship?
59 Entrepreneur Bezos who cooks sheep delicacies?
63 Tan-colored 64 "Ich bin -- Berliner"
Kind of parrot
81 Refrigerator brand
82 Reluctant to be filmed 83 Glass edge 85 Latin "I love"
86 Non-Jewish
87 Comparable (with) 90 Robin's wear 94 "Son of," in Arabic 95 Al who drew Li'l Abner 96 Patella 98 Natural gifts 99 England-to-France connector 100 Envoy's residence
-- Angeles
Authors 105 David of "NYPD Blue"
Justice Kagan
Niche sects
Buenos --
Capital of South Korea 117 Existed
118 Meg Mallon's gp.
119 Wok, e.g.
120 Greek vowel
WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP,
BLIZZARD Medium
mixed breed dog — black & white. 1.5 years old, 47 lbs. Playful, sweet boy. Loves walks/hikes; has already learned some commands. Asheville Humane Society (828) 761-2001 adoptions@ashevillehumane.org
WORKING CATS
FUN 'N' GAMES ACROSS
66 Actors Momoa
121 Light beam
123 Notes before tis
124 Sis, e.g.
125 Swirly letter
ANSWERS ON PAGE 26
Asheville Humane Society has adult cats available who are best suited to life in a barn/farm, warehouse, etc. Vaccinated and spayed/neutered. (828) 761-2001 adoptions@ashevillehumane.org
SUDOKU
Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
