Smoky Mountain News | May 13, 2026

Page 6

sought to ID suspect in illegal vulture dumping Page 25

On the Cover:

Renovations have just begun on the 70-year-old Bobby N. Setzer Hatchery on the Davidson River. As state officials and contractors promise a more reliable design with a greater capacity including about 2.5 miles of large pipes to circulate water anglers and outfitters are eager to see Western North Carolina streams again fully stocked with Brook, Brown and Rainbow trout. (Page 24) Kyle Perrotti photo

News

EBCI march raises awareness for missing, murdered indigenous people........4 ‘The River’ aims to set the story straight for Patrick Lambert..................................6 Tribal council supports environmental protections....................................................8

Swain commissioners talk county budget ..............................................................10 Strive Not to Drive Week returns for 2026................................................................11 Haywood property tax increase: 54% for jail, 21% for education......................12 North Carolina tourism hits record $37.2 billion in 2025......................................13

Opinion

Lady, you just made my day............................................................................................14 Letter to the Editor: Why can’t I trust my leaders?..................................................14

A&E

J & The Causeways to play Bear Shadow Music Festival....................................16 Balsam Range rolls into Highlands..............................................................................20

Outdoors

Smokies seeks tips to identify suspect in illegal vulture dumping......................25 Mountain View Garden Club marks 75th anniversary............................................26

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march to raise awareness for missing, murdered indigenous people

BY LILY LEVIN STAFF WRITER

Friends, family and allies dressed in red, some with signs like “no more stolen sisters” and “gun violence is on the rise,” gathered on May 5 at Oconaluftee Island Park. They’d shown up for the Qualla Boundary’s seventh annual missing and murdered Indigenous relatives/people march, coinciding with national week of action events across the country in communities impacted by what some scholars describe as a “a modern form of genocide.”

MMIR/P is a movement in response to the disproportionate rate of murders among Indigenous people — usually, but not always, women and girls — which on some reservations is about 10 times the national average. When cases do happen, they’re often ignored; 95% of those tracked by the Urban Indian Health Institute were not reported by mainstream outlets. And according to the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, 56.1% of Indigenous women are victims of sexual violence.

North Carolina in 2025 was one of 10 states with the greatest proportions of those missing and murdered. Specifically, the Qualla Boundary sits alongside a major interstate highway, and in recent years human trafficking rates have skyrocketed. Meanwhile, the Trump administration in early 2025 removed a comprehensive report tracking and responding to MMIR/P cases from every federal website.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee event was first organized in 2020 by enrolled member Loretta Bolden after losing a friend and her brother and amid her own grieving process.

“We just had so many [missing and murdered community members]. After I started looking into it, there were so many that I was like, ‘How are we not doing anything here?’” said Borden of that time.

She decided to take on the cause.

— she attended the protest and is still passionate about helping others heal.

For seven years, the annual event has told the stories behind the statistics, raised public awareness, facilitated community grieving, platformed sound policy and ensured that missing and murdered relatives are collectively remmbered and loved.

Carla Neadeau and Principal Chief Michell Hicks — and movement advocates like Qualla Boundary MMIW co-chair Maggie Jackson.

Several speakers noted that the MMIR/P crisis is a result of long-standing systems of oppression — and that it needs to be addressed through various tactics.

Jackson spoke passionately about the former.

“What we are facing here on the Qualla Boundary does not exist in isolation,” she said. “Since first contact, colonizing systems have repeatedly sought to remove Indigenous people from our homelands through violence, forced assimilation and the erasure of our lives and stories. The missing and murdered relatives we carry today are not separate from that history. They are an extension.”

The MMIR/P list in 2020, now filled with 66 names after painstaking, comprehensive research, recognized fewer than half.

Though Bolden is now less involved with the movement — “I’m getting tired of working,” she said with a chuckle

ADDRESSING THE CRISIS

The May 5 march began with speeches from public officials — such as tribal council members Shennelle Feather (Yellowhill) and Venita Wolfe (Big Cove), Chief of Police

Neadeau, in accordance with her line of work, highlighted potential solutions — which she said are not limited to reactive measures. To address something as complex as MMIR/P, one must get ahead of the problem.

“[Today] serves as a call to action, reminding us that we must do more than just investigate F

crimes. We must educate through awareness campaigns, collaboration with local leaders and new intervention programs,” she told the audience.

“But we cannot do this alone. It takes all of us — families, leaders, educators and allies — to bring justice, healing and hope,” she added.

One person in a unique position to promote policy at the state level is Anna Ferguson. Appointed mid-April to replace the late representative Mike Clampitt, Ferguson is the first enrolled tribal member to serve in the state House. Hence, she brings a unique perspective to the legislature, especially when it comes to understanding tribal jurisdiction within county lines.

“There’s a child advocacy bill where we’re working on making sure that the Eastern Band is included as well as counties, because the language reads now that you fall under county jurisdictions, but the Eastern Band is a sovereign nation,” she said, adding that she’d also like to see the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people be awarded state recognition.

Jackson grounded addressing MMIR/P through increased access to domestic violence prevention education, which she said can have an acute impact in small communities like the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. And if violence does occur, she said, survivors should have more robust protections.

“At a national level and at a state level, I would just like to see domestic violence be taken more seriously,” she said.

Like Ferguson, Jackson mentioned how jurisdictional complexities can influence legal outcomes and decisions.

each representing one Qualla Boundary MMIR.

Some listed the individual’s name and explained that “researchers found limited personal information to honor [her/his] memory by,” urging viewers to contact organizers with any potential findings.

Others included a photo and blurb submitted by loved ones. Many of these descriptions included specific personality traits or memories — “‘she was spitfire,’” “she was an avid fan of Duke Basketball,” “[she] had the softest, sweetest laugh,” “her story is about more than how we lost her” — underscoring the movement’s message to remember who someone was instead of what happened to them.

At times, a family would stand beside a banner of whom they had lost. Erin Shuler volunteered for the event because her sister was murdered in 2025. She’s still waiting for the case to go to trial.

“It’s hard, because across the Indian country, especially out west, there’s a lot of people that go missing. No one ever asked questions … These people were people. They had families and they were somebody, regardless [of] if their cases are done or not,” said her husband, Stephen Shuler.

Speakers addressed the pain present that day, emphasizing that when even one person is hurting, everyone is touched. Feather, for example, analogized the collective experience of losing someone through the inner workings of river cane, a bamboo sacred to the EBCI.

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“If domestic violence happens [on the Qualla Boundary], you might have to go to the neighboring county for court and for prosecution,” she said. “And although here we try really hard to protect our people, you may not get the same experience at another court system.”

“[River cane] exists from a mother plant, and it goes off of those ribosome shoots, and they’re all connected … So, whenever that mom sends those shoots out to grow, it trusts that it’s going to be safe as far away as it goes,” she said, adding that “as indigenous people, as Cherokee people, the nature where we live, it reflects who we are.”

What’s more, said Jackson, a case must rise to a certain level to be deemed worthy of federal investigation.

Incorrect case records have also complicated attempts at cohesive database creation.

“One of the root causes that scholars have attributed to the MMIP and MMIR issue is data misclassification — data erasure. A lot of times, these people will be classified as Hispanic or Asian, Black, White,” said Jackson.

A 2023 study identified significant discrepancies in reporting between the official North Carolina MMIR/P database and a publicly available MMIR/P bulletin.

HEALING TOGETHER

The “march” portion of the event, encompassing a few blocks of Tsali Boulevard, did not involve chanting nor shouting nor song. If anyone spoke, it was to communicate softly with the person beside them. The sounds of the Oconaluftee River carried the crowd.

Standing banners lined park walkways,

While the councilwoman has two cousins on the MMIR/P list, she said her heart hurts as much for them as anyone honored by a banner in the park.

“Just because those two are my blood relatives, it doesn’t mean that I don’t feel what you guys all feel from your relatives. And I just want to say that I offer that feeling. We all feel a void. We all feel that loss,” she said.

Feather also commended the audience for attending the march.

“I just want to thank you all for your heart, your intentionality and just showing up today, even if that’s the only thing you feel that you can do,” she said.

Jackson encouraged non-Indigenous allies to participate and demonstrate their support.

“You don’t have to know someone who’s fallen victim to violence to come here to honor them,” she said.

Similarly, collective gathering is a central aspect of the march because organizers understand that in isolation, the MMIR/P crisis cannot be adequately addressed nor confronted.

“We’re a small community, but we love one another, we care for one another, and I think that’s how you heal as a community from something so significant,” said Jackson.

In a passage he described as “reflective and self-deprecating,” Lambert admitted that his sweeping reforms created friction when confronting the slow-moving machine of politics, which required strict bureaucracy and adherence to tradition.

“I hadn’t listened. I had twenty-one years of knowing what needed to be fixed, and I had four years to fix it. The math felt simple: Move fast, get it done, let the results speak for themselves. But politics doesn’t work that way … I also failed to share the spotlight. In regulatory work, credit doesn’t matter, results matter. But in politics, recognition is currency,” he wrote.

His personnel decisions might have also been part of the problem. From the beginning, Lambert terminated six deputy-level employees and demoted eight others, though the former group typically sees turnaround with a new administration. Some praised his follow-through on a promise to ‘clean house,’ while others criticized the actions as political payback.

His ‘clean house’ strategy continued with a request for an independent forensic audit of the EBCI budget. Some things, he noted in the book, were not quite right — namely “weak internal controls,” unrelated credit card expenditures and EBCI reimbursement of personal finances.

“The problems were systemic enough that I knew immediately what had to happen next,” he wrote.

He immediately informed the FBI.

The Bureau sent a letter to the Qualla Housing Authority to notify the director of an investigation. According to “The River,” following that move, tribal council members went to Washington, D.C., to attend USET Impact Week with a secondary goal in mind: hiring an attorney to impeach him.

“I came to believe the decision to remove me had been made long before the first charge was ever written. I cannot prove this conclusively, but the sequence of events — attorney meetings in January, formal charges months later — led me to that conclusion,” the book states.

Following a four-day trial, nine tribal council members voted to remove Lambert, finding him guilty on eight of 12 counts of impeachment. According to the former chief, however, several of the nine were motivated by a fear of exposure; six council members sat on the QHA board.

“I think there are some people that were genuinely concerned about what could be uncovered in a full-on FBI investigation,” said Lambert.

He describes the impeachment as especially brutal.

Rob Saunooke, the attorney arguing for impeachment, faced allegations of unlicensed practice of law, an ethical and criminal violation. One council member did not recuse himself from the vote and still testified for the opposition. So did then-Vice Chief Richard Sneed; Lambert claimed there was a secondary motivation behind “Richie’s” action. There were some “that were sitting there able to gain from [the impeachment],” Lambert recounted.

Sneed would go on to become principal chief following Lambert’s removal.

All nine pro-impeachment members lost resoundingly in the subsequent elections, though it was clear from an earlier 1,140strong grand council meeting, when 84% of EBCI members voted to halt impeachment proceedings, that they were not aligned with the vast majority of voters.

Were an impeachment to happen again, the statutes dictating its procedure — implemented directly after he was removed from office without a rulebook, he said — are a start. But he’d also like the tribe to enlist a second independent body.

the EBCI Supreme Court upheld the authority of tribal council to remove Lambert through impeachment and ruled that the Grand Council lacked the power to halt the process. It did, however, concede that tribal members have a “substantial right” to a lawful impeachment.

AFTER THE VOTE

“I woke up the morning after the vote and did something I hadn’t done in years, maybe decades. I stayed in bed,” Lambert wrote, adding that it felt alien to have nothing to do and nowhere to go.

He said the period immediately following the trial was filled with both immense relief and mourning. He was relieved the impeachment was over and he no longer had to watch council members interrogate his position. He grieved the past — and what had yet to come.

“Part of my feeling was not only sad and grief over the loss of the whole thing, but the worry of the tribe’s future, because it’s

proven out to be a real, true worry. Because look what happened to us in the post 10-year period,” he told SMN, referencing what he said was tribal debt “north of $200 million” along with certain LLCs that have come under fire for being unaccountable to tribal citizens. Lambert remarked that even Sneed — who he claimed was a huge proponent of LLCs — could not hold Qualla Enterprises to a forensic audit.

As far as QHA goes, he prefers to stay out of it. This attitude applies to many causes for which he was once the fiercest advocate.

“I spent my whole life, my whole career … [in] a political fight, or a fight to get this across the finish line … one thing I learned with my family is we don’t fight,” he said, adding that these days he prefers quality time with his loved ones.

However, he isn’t done fighting for his legacy. “The River” is a large part — though not the only part — of that process.

In 2025, he approached the EBCI Supreme Court to challenge a policy dictating that impeached public officials could never again run for office.

“I hadn’t listened. I had twenty-one years of knowing what needed to be fixed, and I had four years to fix it. The math felt simple: Move fast, get it done, let the results speak for themselves. But politics doesn’t work that way … I also failed to share the spotlight. In regulatory work, credit doesn’t matter, results matter. But in politics, recognition is currency.”

— Patrick Lambert

“I just didn’t want that legacy being stuck out there as impeached. And here’s the charges that are sitting out there, and everybody can see them. It needed to be addressed,” he said. Lambert represented himself pro se. The opinion came back in his favor.

The Supreme Court’s ruling carried weight, though he has no immediate intentions to re-enter politics. Now that the book is finished — which he said has consumed his life over the past year — he’d like to reinvest time in his small businesses. Either way, Lambert said, he’s been slowing down — and getting to know his grandchildren.

“For the past few years … whenever I woke up that morning [after the impeachment], I’ve spent quite a few days never even leaving the house, just staying in my sleep pants,” Lambert chuckled. “It’s a different life for me.”

Tribal council supports environmental protections, votes against extraction

BY LILY LEVIN STAFF WRITER

Tribal council on May 7 took multiple steps to protect Qualla Boundary rivers and forests, both through supporting land management practices and standing against environmental harm. Among those was a resolution “supporting the removal of Ela Dam and the restoration of Longperson” — which called the dam “obsolete” and noted that it “impairs our watershed.”

The dam was built as part of the Bryson Hydroelectric project, spearheaded by the town of Bryson City in 1925 to introduce power to rural parts of Appalachia. In 1988, dam operations were acquired by Duke Energy, and in 2019, it was purchased by Northbrook Energy. The U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service noted that “Ela Dam is the only thing keeping the Oconaluftee River from being a completely free-flowing river ... physically and symbolically reconnecting the Cherokee with ancestral waters downstream.”

related initiatives such as protecting the elktoe mussel and eastern hellbender.

In November 2023, Tribal Council formally endorsed the Elohi Dinigatiyi (Earth Keepers) and their mission, and in March 2026 endorsed the group’s principles of stewardship and collaboration. Both actions provided a foundation for the May 7 resolution.

Additionally, in January of this year, the North American Indian Women Association Daughters led the passage of a resolution recognizing the rights of nature and Long Person, which legally established water as a living relative and prohibited its obstruction.

However, the dam removal conversation gained traction years prior, following an accidental sediment release in fall 2021.

Pending demolition, the structure is currently owned by partner organization Mainstream Conservation Trust.

Half the room was filled with the resolution’s supporters — members of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, EBCI natural resources department, Center for Native Health, Elohi Dinigatiyi, NIAWA Daughters and advisory board.

To the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the Oconaluftee is a being known as Long Man — and Long Person — whose head starts in Appalachia and feet end in the Atlantic.

Removal also advances conservation-

While EBCI Forest Resource Specialist Tommy Cabe noted that the coalition is “lacking about $15 million to carry out the projects in town” — the FWS expects removal to cost $16 million, despite earlier estimates set at 50% of that total — he emphasized that the resolution was not a commitment to produce that additional funding. That said, he F

told tribal council, “We’re not going to turn down any money to get this thing torn down.”

But Council Member Michael Stamper (Painttown) thought the resolution might be too vague when it came to finances.

“If this is a monetary thing, I think that needs to be spelled out a little bit more in detail with the resolution, just so everyone’s clear as to what the roles and responsibilities are,” he said.

Cabe didn’t find it necessary to have such a breakdown.

Principal Chief Michell Hicks asked if utility companies have offered to assist the removal project.

“What is the role of Duke Power here, and how much have they stepped up to the table? They created this scenario, and have benefited from this scenario,” he said.

Holding these larger entities accountable was exactly the point of the resolution, explained Elohi Dinigatiyi leader Mary Thompson.

“We need the help and the assistance of our elected leaders to get to some of these other programs — Duke Power — that we haven’t been able to bring to the table,” she said.

After the resolution’s unanimous passage, Jasmine Smith, chair and founder of the youth-led NAIWA Daughters, approached council with a few remarks.

“Every choice we make today is the future we will inherit as EBCI youth. We will be sitting in these seats in the future … We can build those partnerships and relationships, and we can reconnect with culture; we also have the opportunity to reconnect to aquatic relatives,” she said.

Smith told The Smoky Mountain News that NIAWA Daughters became involved with this project around the same time the group introduced the rights of nature/Longperson. She also explained why the removal is so important.

“I think as Kituwah people, as Cherokee people, even though we didn’t put in these challenges in our waterways, it’s our responsibility to advocate and be those protectors of our Longperson,” she said.

Another environmental-related topic was that of hyperscale data centers. These high impact facilities were a focal point twice during the tribal council session. The initial instance involved council member Venita Wolfe (Big Cove) directing a question at Jamie Ager, Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. When Ager approached the tribe that morning to discuss his candidacy, he presented himself as a humble farmer who understood the various issues — Helene recovery, affordability, the rising cost of childcare and healthcare — plaguing everyday people in Western North Carolina. Council members then took turns gauging his position on things that would affect EBCI citizens.

Quick to admit he hadn’t done his research on tribal sovereignty in response to a related question, Ager said it absolutely takes priority over federal attempts at deregulation — without exception. When asked about data centers, Ager focused on the “good neighbor” principle.

“I’m hearing a lot of scenarios where those data centers aren’t very good community members, use a lot of water in the community — which is a big deal — use a lot of energy and a lot of infrastructure. And when demand on that energy goes up, then everybody’s rates go up. And that’s not really fair to the people in that community that are subsidizing, essentially a big tech AI company,” he responded.

Nonetheless, Ager added, there’s the reality of the AI boom happening right now.

“We got to wrestle with how those things are going to work and how does this all go, and to me, this could be one of the biggest challenges of our lifetimes,” he said.

Later, an ordinance mandating an indefinite data center moratorium — submitted by Wolfe and fellow council members Shennelle Feather (Yellowhill), Shannon Swimmer (Painttown) and Lavita Hill (Big Cove) — entered the floor for discussion. Hicks was supportive but wanted to know how the tribe’s digital sovereignty would be impacted by the legislation.

“I understand the concern around water, electricity, things of that nature. We need to protect those things. But [we] also would like to make sure that we have captured all the movement around data and where it’s being currently stored at and make sure there’s not any type of interference,” he said.

Council Member Mike Parker (Wolftown) clarified the parameters of the ordinance. It would only concern hyperscale facilities, he said — like the stuff of Elon Musk’s Colossus xAI in Memphis — and wouldn’t impact regular data storage.

A move to pass, then a second, was made on the floor, but before council could vote, Indigenous Environmental Network organizer Mary “Missy” Crowe rose to the podium. While she’s in favor of banning big tech facilities, she said the right call might be to have a work session — and that she’d invite the speakers from a prior EBCI data center town hall. She also thought an ordinance wasn’t the best avenue for a moratorium.

“I feel that something this big needs to come to all the people,” she said.

In response, Feather, expressing gratitude to Crowe for organizing the town hall, said she already knew how her community felt about data centers.

“I represent Yellowhill and my constituents with putting a ban on data centers on tribal land,” Feather said, urging a vote.

Kevin Jackson from the office of Information technology asked a question mirroring what Hicks had previously mentioned.

“I couldn’t hear the clarification about the data center, and I just wanted to make sure that the language didn’t prevent the tribe from an off-site storage, smaller scale facility,” he said.

Parker and Swimmer reiterated previous statements, but Council Member Adam Wachacha (Snowbird) requested the OIT employee affirm that the ordinance wouldn’t get in the way of planned data sovereignty.

It passed unanimously after Jackson gave his word.

Swain commissioners talk county budget

BY LILY LEVIN STAFF WRITER

Even ahead of calculating the budget, Swain County’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 costs are likely to be higher, said County Manager Lottie Barker.

Commissioners balked at raising property taxes to fund increased county expenditures. File photo

“It’s across the board, different depending on what the department has asked for, as well as special appropriations. So, of course, the library has asked for more due to the expectation of Jackson leaving the Fontana Regional [Library system],” she said at the May 5 meeting of county commissioners.

Swain County will incur an additional $15,000 to $150,000 with Jackson’s withdrawal from the FRL system.

To make matters worse, inflation rates have reached 3.3% as of April 30, despite stagnant wages.

Chair Jay Kirkland said even if an increase were to happen, the county’s prob-

eral government, they’re forced to turn to their two primary sources of revenue: sales and property tax.

Swain County received $4.4 million of sales tax revenue for fiscal year 2025-2026. Property tax revenue is more lucrative by

Its five-cent property tax increase — which passed through a 3-2 majority with Loftis among the two opposed — was the first of its kind in over a decade.

But the one department put at perhaps the greatest disadvantage by this conflu-

lems would remain unresolved.

“You’ve got a $26 million budget. Taxes — property taxes — bring in about $7 million. That’s not enough, and that’s the reason I keep saying you’re gonna have to tap into the tourist dollar. Raising taxes ain’t gonna get you where you gotta go. Not for us,” he said.

Swain County does face unique circumstances. Property taxes, equal to about 32% of revenue, comprised less of its budget compared to all but one North Carolina county. However, as municipalities and counties await a state budget while taking on costs of care typically covered by the fed-

“I’m afraid we’re going to have to raise taxes,” said commissioner David Loftis, who criticized such a decision. The people’s money, he said, is not a free-for-all in the hands of commissioners.

comparison, totaling $7.8 million. And unfortunately, it’s not possible to take money specifically out of the tourists’ pockets. Any tourism-related revenue, such as occupancy tax, goes back to the Tourism Development Authority to fund its operations.

As the North Carolina General Assembly looks to cap property taxes, some counties have already passed resolutions that assert commissioners’ opposition. But Swain, which enjoys one of the lowest property tax rates in the state along with a meager tax base, has been historically opposed to raising rates.

ence of variables — cuts from state and federal sources and an unequal funding formula dependent on property tax supplementation — is public education. The recent Leandro ruling, wherein the majority Republican opinion slashed a lower court order mandating the state to spend millions more on public education, particularly in low-wealth districts, has denied the school system funding that would exceed one-third of its budget.

County commissioners will have had one meeting after press time on May 12 and will have another May 26 to finalize the county budget.

Strive Not to Drive Week returns for 2026

Strive Not to Drive envisions a Western North Carolina where communities have less traffic congestion, better air quality and safer streets for all.

This year’s annual celebration is taking place May 15-22. The purpose is to encourage people to use sustainable transportation for one week. That includes making virtual engagements, walking, biking, riding public transit or even carpooling.

Residents and visitors can take part in over 20 events across five counties for a chance to win prizes, including a one-month household membership at the YMCA of WNC, one of five Go Local Asheville cards for local business discounts, swag from the Asheville Tourists, a $25 gift certificate to Woodfin Coffee Dept, Hendersonville Downtown Dollars and other items.

Residents can also become eligible for prizes by signing this year’s pledge to strive not to drive during the week.

This year, events will take place across Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties. Communities involved this year that didn’t take part last year include Brevard, Mars Hill, Marshall and Clyde.

The schedule includes free transit days across four of the five counties, social bike rides and bike-to-work breakfasts, free bike valet at three different community events and opportunities to learn new bike-related skills. The events also include opportunities to learn more about local transit services through engagement at breweries, farmers markets and trivia nights. The week wouldn’t be complete without social walks and walk audit trainings, which teach participants how to identify infrastructure needs to inspire pedestrian-friendly streets.

Everyone is welcome to take part, whether they’re a seasoned bus rider, an experienced cyclist or trying out a new mode of transportation for the first time. Each person who chooses not to drive reduces the burden on our transportation system and lessens traffic congestion for those who still need to drive.

Strive Not to Drive is coordinated by Go Mountain Commuting, and events are hosted by a variety of regional partners. This year’s partners include AARP, Asheville Bike Polo, Asheville on Bikes, Apple Country Public Transit, Bike Walk HVL, Brevard Bike Alliance, the City of Asheville, City of Hendersonville, Haywood Public Transit, Henderson County Government, Madison County Transportation Authority, Mountain True, On Your Bike, Pigeon River Bikes, Town of Clyde, Transylvania in Motion and Waynesville Development Services.

Visit strivebeyond.org/strive for a full list of events and giveaways, and make a pledge to strive not to drive in 2026.

Haywood property tax increase: 54%

BY LILY LEVIN STAFF WRITER

Historically, Haywood County Schools has run a tight ship in the face of slim county appropriations. Last year, it pulled from its own fund balance to finance operations; in 2022, it cut 36 positions.

But for the coming academic year, Superintendent Trevor Putnam made a dire case for additional funding. Any further cuts, he said, would deny HCS students a quality education. The extra $3 million he’d requested from commissioners wouldn’t finance anything new or fancy — instead, it would be a lifeline.

“There’s lots of ways to save money, but at what cost?” he asked commissioners at an April 20 meeting.

On May 4, HCS received less than half of what it had requested. Commissioners, however, didn’t fully embrace frugality with their 7-cent property tax hike, most of the revenue from which will have little to do with education. Instead, of those seven cents, 3.8 — about the equivalent needed to fully fund the district — will go toward expanding the Haywood County Detention Center.

Indeed 2.3 of those 3.8 cents have been specifically appropriated to paying back county debt from the expansion. Another 1.7 cents have been allotted to Medicaid and SNAP in the face of a litany of federal funding cuts. For example, Haywood County will be forced to pay an added $411,472 to administer SNAP benefits. Finally, 1.5 cents were reserved for the school system.

EMS, emergency management, library, 911 emergency operations center and school system. Only 17 were approved across two departments: nine for health and human services agency social services — and eight for the detention center.

Former HCS parent and current Haywood County taxpayer Angie Schwab said her kids benefited immensely from music and art programs like band, which are at risk of being gutted. More generally, she explained why education is so important.

ment, and people choose this community over surrounding communities because the rating of Haywood County Schools and the workforce program,” she said.

Empirical evidence points to a direct connection between education and the economy. Citing multi-state and state-specific studies, the North Carolina Association of Educators asserts that “sustained investments in public education are associated with improved academic outcomes, higher graduation rates, and greater long-term economic mobility, with the largest gains from low-income backgrounds and communities of color.”

Additionally, 43 new positions were requested among 10 departments, including but not limited to the wellness clinic,

“I think that sometimes people forget that having strong public schools is directly connected to economic develop-

While Schwab considers herself “pro-law enforcement,” she said disinvesting in education in favor of a larger jail harms the wider community.

“And really,” she said, “schools are the best form of public safety.”

Many economists agree that crime reduction is one outcome of comprehensive investment in public education. A University of Michigan study documenting two student groups from elementary school into adulthood found that “students who attended better-funded schools were 15% less likely to be arrested through age 30.”

Schwab said she’s far from the only parent or taxpayer up in arms about the commissioners’ funding prioritization.

“People are thinking about that past decision to build a jail and criticizing that,” she said. As for supporting educational opportunities for future generations, she said “that’s [the commissioners’] job, and if they don’t want to do it, then I’m sure other counties would be happy to.”

North Carolina tourism hits record $37.2 billion in 2025

Gov. Josh Stein announced that North Carolina set a record for tourist spending in 2025, with travelers spending more than $37.2 billion on trips to and within the state, surpassing the previous record of $36.7 billion set in 2024.

The state’s tourism-supported workforce increased 0.3% to 230,997 jobs in 2025. Tourism payroll increased 3.5% to $9.8 billion. Also as a result of visitor spending, state and local governments saw tax revenues of more than $2.7 billion.

impact-studies, which also links to archived reports dating to 2005.

North Carolina ranks No. 7 in domestic visitation. In addition to 2025’s spending by domestic travelers, it also saw spending of more than $1.1 billion from international markets (down 2.8% from 2024).

NC tourism facts:

• Total spending by domestic and international visitors in North Carolina reached $37.2 billion in 2025. That sum represents a 1.3% increase over

The figures are preliminary findings from research commissioned by Visit North Carolina, part of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), and conducted by Tourism Economics. In measuring the economic value of the travel sector, the research incorporates a broad range of data sources to ensure that the entire visitor economy is quantified in detail. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the U.S. Bureau of Labor

2024 expenditures.

• Domestic travelers spent a record $36.1 billion in 2025. Spending was up 1.5% from $35.6 billion in 2024.

• International travelers spent $1.1 billion in 2025, down 2.8% from the previous year.

• Visitors to North Carolina generated more than $4.7 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2025. The total represents a 2.5% increase from 2024.

Statistics, OmniTrak visitor profiles, the U.S. Census, STR, AirDNA, and KeyData lodging reports and the North Carolina Department of Revenue are among the sources included in this comprehensive model. More information about the study can be found online at visitnc.com/industry/research/economic-

• State tax receipts from visitor spending rose 2.0% to nearly $1.4 billion in 2025. Local tax receipts grew 2.6% to more than $1.3 billion.

• Direct tourism employment in North Carolina increased 0.3% to 230,997.

• Direct tourism payroll increased 3.5% to $9.8 billion.

• Visitors spend more than $101 million per day in North Carolina. That spending adds $7.5 million per day to state and local tax revenues (about $3.8 million in state taxes and $3.7 million in local taxes).

• Each North Carolina household saved $605 on average in state and local taxes as a direct result of visitor spending in the state. Savings per capita averaged $244.

Lady, you just made my day

Anagging albeit minor plumbing issue on our 46-year-old Canadian-made sailboat, Tranquilo, sent me to Mitchell’s Hardware in downtown New Bern. It’s one of those throwback hardware stores, brass doorknobs, endless bins of screws and washers and plumbing fittings, creaky hardwood floors and friendly employees to help you locate what you need. The woman who rang me up told me to have a good day and then asked where I was from.

“The mountains,” I told her.

“My son went to school there, Haywood Community College. We love the mountains” she replied.

My curiosity was piqued, especially since I’ve spent nine years on the HCC Foundation Board. Because of that service and through the 33 years I’ve spent in Haywood County, the college holds a special place in my heart. HCC is a unique institution, and its employees, students, graduates and supporters are a family of sorts.

“What program was he in?” I asked.

That opened the floodgates.

“Wildlife Management, and he loved it. Now he is the disaster management director at Croatan National Forest. And it’s all because of the experience he got and the connections the made at HCC,” she said. “That’s why I’m here in New Bern, to be close to him.”

The foundation supports many programs at the school, but I wanted to find out if somehow the work I’ve helped sup-

Why can’t I trust my leaders?

To the Editor:

As a semi-retired resident of Western North Carolina, I never expected to spend this stage of life focused on whether I can trust my decision makers to act in the best interests of our community, our region and our country.

Years ago, while working with the United Nations, I was struck by how closely people around the world follow U.S. governance. They often understood our institutions better than we understood theirs. Someone told me,

port as a member of that board had perhaps helped this young man, this woman’s son. And I suspected the connection was about to be made.

“Did he participate in the timbersports team?” I asked. “Oh my God, he loved it. They competed against great big schools and beat them,” she gushed. “Crazy that a small community college does that.”

Crazy, but I know that story well, as do many who live where we live.

The HCC Timbersports team, the Lumberjacks, are among the best in the nation, every year. I couldn’t help it. I beamed with a broad smile. The foundation has given that group lots of support, including helping build its practice facility.

Here I was, about as far away from Haywood County as one could be and still be in North Carolina and this young man whom I’ve never met was direct beneficiary of the work done by our foundation board.

I’ll admit it: often I see those dates marked on my calendar and think about how much real work I could get done if I didn’t have to attend that meeting. But at some point during almost of those meetings, I sit back and feel pretty good about what I get to do, to help in some small way to provide a vari-

LETTERS

I worry whether Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security will still be there for this and future generations? Why should I fear that public health protections against dangerous diseases are being chipped away? Why do your constituents have to crowd fund to pay constantly increasing health care costs? Why do we see vast detention centers instead of affordable housing and mental health care?

Second, justice, rights and democracy. Why do I have to question whether people in our communities could be detained without due process, or whether our constitutional rights will be treated as optional? Why are racist, homophobic and misogynistic policies tolerated while voting rights are weakened and elections made harder — not easier — for ordinary citizens?

“It’s easy for Americans to be apathetic because things work.” That stayed with me — because today, things are not working, and for that I hold our representatives in Washington from North Carolina’s 11th District, and in our state, accountable.

First, health and basic security. Why must

Third, priorities and the future. Why are we pouring staggering sums into a war without full, honest debate, while allowing our national debt to outpace our GDP? Why do so many here struggle with increasing basic living costs such as groceries and fuel? Why are our natural resources not being protected with urgency?

So I ask again: why can’t I trust you? I call, I write, I visit, and there is no adequate response or accountability. For the sake of our mountains, our communities and our children’s future, I will be supporting alternative candidates who are committed to protecting the people they serve, defending democracy, encouraging the strength that comes from our diversity of peo-

ety of opportunities to young people just getting started in life, for instructors to get better at what they do.

Many years ago, I was one of those kids. I was fortunate enough to earn a scholarship to Appalachian State when my parents could in no way have paid for my university education. I learned so much about hard work and discipline while there, because I had to make “A’s” to keep that scholarship. I was invited to a dinner hosted by the foundation board at ASU, and I remember being uncomfortable and nervous stuffed into the only suit I had, all those old people on the board smiling as we talked about our backgrounds and such.

And now I’m one of those old people, the one smiling when students come to our HCC Foundation meetings and tell us about how a scholarship, money for traveling abroad, or helping with living expenses are an inspiration to them as they navigate their way through college and early adulthood.

I had my hand on the old brass doorknob of that hardware store, the mother of that HCC grad finishing her story. I told her about my connection to HCC, and she just smiled.

But her smile was nowhere near as big as mine.

“You just made my day,” I told her. I twisted that old brass doorknob and walked across to my truck with a renewed enthusiasm about, well, everything. Even that damned plumbing problem couldn’t dampen my mood or wipe the smile off my face.

(Scott McLeod can reached at info@smokymountainews.com.)

ple and skills, and carrying forward what America stands for while helping us grow into the best version of who we can be as a nation.

Constance Neely Scaly Mountain

Same story, different wording

To the Editor:

When is The Smoky Mountain News going to stop taking “letters” from David Snell? All of his letters follow the same format and include the same elements.

• Trump is damaging our country.

• January 6th.

• A reminder Trump is a felon.

David made his point clear in his first letter, and now his monthly regurgitation of his disdain for Trump is tiresome. There is no point to continuing to publish his letters on the same topics when there are some many other things going on in the world.

How about something new for a change?

Bob Schnittman Macon County

We need property tax reforms

To the Editor:

The following item is a version of one that has been making the rounds on social media. It is illustrative of the rising tide of resentment and protest against the way property taxes are being assessed and administered by

local governments. There needs to be a major reform of this iniquitous system, if not an outright replacement of it.

• I’m being taxed on money I never made. Let that sink in.

• Suppose, hypothetically, that I bought my property outright for $60,000 in 2009. Now the county says it’s worth $246,000.

• Did I sell it? No.

• Did I make a profit? No.

• Did I get a check for $246,000? No.

• But my taxes jumped like I did.

• That’s the problem. This isn’t income. This isn’t cash. This is a number someone decided on paper — and now I’m being billed for it.

• If my stock portfolio doubles, I don’t pay taxes until I sell.

• If my income doesn’t increase, I don’t magically owe more income tax.

• So why does owning a home work differently? Why am I being taxed on unrealized gains?

• A house isn’t just an investment — it’s where people live. And this system means you can do everything right, pay off your home and still get squeezed harder every year because of a number you never turned into money.

• You don’t truly own something if you can be taxed out of it.

• This isn’t about “services” or “inflation.” It’s about being charged for value you never received.

• And people are starting to notice. For now, this will serve as a definition of the problem. Soon, I plan to propose a way to deal with it.

Try another day

J & The Causeways to play

Bear Shadow Music Festival

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

In a modern world seemingly gone mad, one of distraction and white noise, what emerges from J & The Causeways’ latest album, “Motions,” is this universal theme of togetherness and compassion — melodies conjured and cultivated with a keen understanding of reaching one another through healing and transcendence.

“This album is about getting the listener to tap into their own inner power and inner beauty,” said Jordan Anderson. “Stop searching outward for those answers. Start searching inward. And then, maybe we can raise ourselves up and out of our sadness and problems.”

Lead singer/keyboardist of New Orleans soul/R&B powerhouse ensemble J & The Causeways, Anderson has remained a magnetic presence in the city’s vast, storied live music scene for the better part of the last decade.

“It’s that breath of fresh air that is New Orleans,” Anderson noted. “There are no bounds for music, food, art, people and culture — everything is enriched here.”

A Louisiana native, Anderson was raised in a rural community, one where music was a welcomed constant, whether it be listening and absorbing the sounds of his family members playing and singing or simply diving down the rabbit hole of a nearby record collection — Aretha Franklin, Al Green and Otis Redding all within reach.

Captured by famed musicians/producers Robert Mercurio and Ben Ellman (both members of NOLA cosmic funk outfit Galactic) at their studio, and also at Esplanade Studios, “Motions” is a record soaked in the freewheelin’ ethos, culture and sonic tones of a vibrant city that Anderson proudly calls home.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel like this album was some sort of creative burst,” Anderson said. “There were no compromises made on this. This is absolutely the closest version of who I really am that I’ve been trying to record and put out.”

Closing in on nine years together, J & The Causeways have come a long way from those early days trying to secure footing, not only in their sound and purpose but also that of Anderson exploring and discovering his voice and identity as a rising artist in an often hard-to-navigate music industry filled with seemingly endless unknowns.

“At first, it was so stressful, because you’re finding your sound and you’re gritting it out, trying to find something that is you,” Anderson recalled. “But now, when we got into the [recording] process and started putting these songs on record, I can’t believe what I was hearing back — it was what I wanted and more.”

Diving into the melodic depths of J & The Causeways, one is immediately struck by the staggering vocal talents of Anderson, this soaring voice radiating from the stage — a level of octave prowess and sonic range akin to that of other renowned funk-n-soul acts like St. Paul & The Broken Bones or JJ Grey & Mofro.

“It’s that vulnerability of going around your house and being real goofy with your voice,” Anderson said of finding his towering, soulful tone. “And that really does factor into learning how to get a boastful and unique voice, by being vulnerable and trying things — finding the value of looking inside yourself.”

attention, because — up until that point — I’d only really loved the unique tonalities of Janis Joplin or Al Green.” Whether onstage or in the studio, Anderson aims to be a conduit into that universal energy of self. It’s this sacred, ancient space by which a human being is able to channel the essence of the magical ether surrounding all of us at any given time.

Want to go?

The annual Bear Shadow Music Festival will return May 29-31 in Highlands.

With world-renowned artists appearing onstage, the lineup will include Charley Crockett, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Mavis Staples, Margo Prince, The Infamous Stringdusters, Kashus Culpepper, Pony Bradshaw, Marc Broussard and J & The Causeways.

For more information, a full schedule of performances and/or to purchase tickets, visit bearshadownc.com.

Another influence that looms large over Anderson is that of Brittany Howard. Anderson initially came across the marquee singer during her work with her storied band Alabama Shakes.

“Hearing [Brittany] for the first time? It unlocked a lot of things in my brain,” Anderson said. “Her tonality caught my

“A lot of people call it God, others call it a muse, but [whatever it is], it’s something in there that’s divine and uplifting,” Anderson said. “And when you can tap into that calm, meditative state and listen, you can truly sing how you want to sing.”

At the core of “Motions” is the concept of cymatics, which are the visual representations created by sound vibrations. Leading up to the recording sessions, Anderson became utterly fascinated with how visible patterns were formed by specific frequencies and tones.

“I was in that mind frame of how everything can be connected through an energetic field and not seem so material,” Anderson said. “At any point, and at any time in your life, you have the power to change those vibrations with your decisions and the vibes you put out into the world.”

Anderson also is a keen observer and longtime subscriber to the idea of “the now,” where one is always aware and present in any moment you may be currently inhabiting or participating in. “There’s no other true time. The past and the future? It’s all just made up,” Anderson said. “All we have are these moments that we’re having right now. This album is about vibrations and helping people put their own energies out into the world.”

This must be the place

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

‘There are things you can replace, and others you cannot’

Hello from the depths of Panacea Coffee Company in the Historic Frog Level District of Waynesville. At the moment, I’m sitting at the prized table. If you’ve ever been to Panacea, you know which one I’m talking about, the one on the second tier, next to the big window looking down upon Richland Creek.

Today is the ideal writing weather. Perfect, actually. Dimly-lit café with natural light pouring in from cloudy skies overhead, steady raindrops trickling down the big ole windows. A sugarfree vanilla cappuccino within reach, soon to be accompanied by a breakfast sandwich and fruit cup on this lazy, drizzly Wednesday morning. This exact scene is my zen zone for the written word.

We just finished our weekly editorial meeting in the newsroom, and now I’m able to slip my collar until next Tuesday when we kick the paper out the door to the printer. Sure, I have an “office,” but mostly it’s a lonely desk where my mail gets placed, usually picked up later in the week when I roll by to see if my publisher has anything urgent for me to work on before the weekend.

and the tourists), this go-round is for more somber, sorrowful reasons. You see, my best friend from home recently passed away and I’ll be back in town for the memorial service. Not really the situation I had anticipated when I was initially planning out a visit home earlier this year. But, here we are, and such is life, eh? Currently, my thoughts are drifting towards the service and who may or may not show up. Faces not seen in years, many not in decades, some since high school graduation some 23 years ago. Faces of my youth now adorned with well-earned wrinkles and spots of evergrowing grey hair (myself included).

HOT PICKS

1

Legendary bluegrass act Balsam Range will hit the stage at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 17, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center in Highlands.

2

Acclaimed storyteller Donald Davis will spin some yarns at 7 p.m. Monday, May 18, at the Wells Event Center in Waynesville.

3

Americana/folk duo Falspring will perform a special “Brunch Show” at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at Breadheads Tiki Shak in Sylva.

4

Ron Rash, Rhonda White, David C. Dickson, Tim Peeler and Patty Thompson will share their new short story anthology, “Appalachian Grit Lit,” at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

5

Carolina Quiroga will join the “Conversations with Storytellers’ series at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center in Waynesville.

The rest of the week? Like clockwork, I’m in Panacea typing away. This mood and setting is what I need to get stories done. You couldn’t pay me a million dollars to sit in an office under fluorescent lighting to conjure words and sentiments from the depths of my mind and memory. I need space to breathe, both physically and emotionally. God bless all those great, local coffee shops. And yet, my mind is heavy today. In truth, it usually is. The heaviness doesn’t drag me down, it’s more about trying to hold onto life as best I can and be able to make sense of it all, the nothing and everything of daily existence. Lately, the heaviness is coming from people, places and things around me, the planets and comets of humanity that orbit my current position in this universe.

To that, two weeks from today, I’ll be packing up the rusty, musty pickup truck and making the 1,002-mile trek above the Mason-Dixon Line to my native North Country of Upstate New York. As much as I truly enjoy returning to the Adirondack Mountains this time of year (before the bugs

A lot of those faces and dusty memories have been jogged in my head as of late, especially with The Wallflowers show recently at The Orange Peel in Asheville. The 1990s rock darlings tore through a raucous set of hit melodies from a seemingly simpler time and place, in my long gone teenage life and probably yours, too. And it was “6th Avenue Heartache” that really tugged at my heartstrings: “I got my fingers crossed on a shooting star, just like me, just moved on.”

Walking out of the venue towards the parking garage on Biltmore Avenue, the streets were silent. Not many folks around, either. Restless thoughts about my late friend, about my aging parents back home in the old farmhouse, about my continued work for the newspaper and what that might look like moving forward, and about the unknown state of this country and the greater planet.

The late morning rain showers have slowed up. The brush along Richland Creek is bright green and bushy, a sign that spring is transitioning to summer. It’s also a sign that my summer travel plans are quickly appearing on the horizon. Head up to New England next month to work on this current bluegrass book project? Another loop around the Rocky Mountains in July to wander and ponder and cleanse my soul as only that region can offer?

Who knows? Who cares? It’s all about

pushing forward with your head held high. Keep it simple stupid (KISS), as they say. Be kind and know that kindness breeds kindness. Pet all dogs (especially the not-so-nice ones). Help your neighbor, the same goes for strangers in need. Immerse yourself in art and see live music. Touch grass and disappear into the depths of Mother Nature often. Oh, and call your parents if you’re lucky enough to still have them around.

It reminds me of this tune by Strangefolk, a beloved jam-rock act from the North Country. They were musical gods growing up in the Champlain Valley. All of us music freaks would blast their albums cruising the backroads of Clinton County and beyond. Especially the number “Roads”: “People come and people go, winds that howl and winds that blow, and you, you got to let it go…time and time and time again, circles break and lines they bend.”

It’s like that journal entry of mine from Dec. 25, 2007, when I was 22 years old and leaving my hometown of Plattsburgh, New York, the next morning for my first reporting gig in Driggs, Idaho:

“I was standing alone on the farmhouse balcony. The distant cellular-towers blinked in their own red-light rhythms. Railroad tracks in the adjacent field glistened under the moonlight. The frozen landscape of Clinton County remained silent. All were in for the night with bellies full from dinner. All was quiet save the occasional barking dog, left outside a few houses down. The sound of a speeding car echoed down Route 22. I watched the vehicle. It zoomed by my field of vision. I wondered where it was heading. Who was in it? But, soon, someone would be wondering the same when I crossed theirs in the coming hours and days. The road was silent again…”

Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.

On the street

Seven Clans Rodeo

The 13th annual Seven Clans Rodeo will be held May 23-24 at 181 Tsali Blvd. in Cherokee.

sanctioned event.

Gates open at 5 p.m. Rodeo starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $20 per person. Children

Between the broncos that will be busted, the bulls that will be bucking and the rodeo clowns looking to avoid getting stomped in the head, there will be all sorts of skills competitions and top-name riders in this SRA-

On the stage

ages five and under are free. Organized by the Cherokee Welcome Center.

For more information, call 828.359.6490 or visit facebook.com/sevenclansrodeo or visitcherokeenc.com.

‘Conversations with Storytellers’ series

Prominent Latina storyteller Carolina Quiroga will join the “Conversations with Storytellers’ series at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center in Waynesville.

Quiroga delivers bilingual tales designed to bridge cultural gaps, drawing on myths, fables and personal stories. Her work aims to foster empathy and understanding through multicultural narratives.

She is a dynamic bilingual storyteller who captivates audiences with enchanting tales from the vibrant landscapes of Latin America, stretching from the Río Grande to the breathtaking expanse of Patagonia.

Through live storytelling, readings, music and focused questions, the series examines the purpose and power of storytelling in underrepresented communities. Types of storytelling to be explored are written, traditional, musical and spoken word poetry and will reflect Appalachia’s diversity of talent.

The series is appropriate for all community members. Everyone is welcome to attend. Tickets are $10 for community members, $7 for seniors 65+ and $5 for students. Children 12 and under may attend free of charge.

Tickets can be purchased in advance and can be purchased at the door of each performance. Reduced price $50/$40/$30 series passes are also available. Refreshments are available for purchase.

For more information, visit pcmdc.org/events.

• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. 866.273.4615 / smokymountainarts.com.

• Haywood Arts Regional Theatre (Waynesville) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. 828.456.6322 / harttheatre.org.

Swain County Heritage Festival

The 30th annual Swain County Heritage Festival will be held May 22-23 at Riverfront Park in Bryson City.

Live music, clogging, heritage demonstrations, artisan vendors and much more. There will also be sack races and kids’ activities. Bring a lawn chair if need be. The festivities will run from 6-9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The event is free and open to the public. For more information and a full schedule of activities, visit facebook.com/swaincountyheritagefestival.

ALSO:

• “Railfest” will be held May 22-24 at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Watch the return of steam engine No. 1702, as well as historic programs, live music, vendors and more. 800.872.4681 / gsmr.com.

Donald Davis to spin yarns

Legendary North Carolina storyteller Donald Davis will hit the stage at 7 p.m. Monday, May 18, at the Wells Event Center in Waynesville.

Growing up in Waynesville, Davis has fond memories of spending time with his relatives and running around the hills of Western North Carolina.

“All of the stories are original and about growing up. They’re about trouble because those are the events in which we learn from. It’s all about learning and things that move us forward,” Davis said. “They’re all funny, even if they may be sad. They’re all set in the mountains of North Carolina. Some of the stories I tell have come through my family, but it can be a double story because I’ll tell you about

that person and then the story.”

After earning a B.A. in English at Davidson College, Davis graduated from Duke University Divinity School. For over 20 years, he was a minister in the United Methodist Church. In 1989, Davis became a full-time storyteller, traveling across the country, returning each year to the storytelling festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee. When not traveling, Davis makes his home on Ocracoke Island.

Donald Davis will be in Waynesville May 18. File photo

Tickets are $34.74 per person (tax included). Doors open one hour before showtime. A cash bar is available. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit wellseventscenter.com/event-options/upcoming-events or call 828.476.5070.

• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host comedy legend Jeff Dunham at 9 p.m. Friday, May 22. For tickets, visit caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.

• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host “It Runs in the Family” 7:30 p.m. May 15-16 and 2:30 p.m. May 17. 828.389.ARTS / thepeacocknc.org.

• Swain Arts Center (Bryson City) will host semi-regular stage productions on the weekends. 828.488.7843 / swainartscenter.com.

• Highlands Performing Arts Center (Highlands) will host a stage production of “Blithe Spirit” with the HighlandsCashiers Players on select times between May 14-24, Tickets start at $27.50 per person. 828.526.9047 / mountaintheatre.com.

ALSO:

On the beat

• Breadheads Tiki Shak (Sylva) will host “Tiki Trivia” at 7 p.m. every other Thursday of the month, Ryles Monroe (singer-songwriter) 10 p.m. May 15, “Brunch Show” with Falspring (Americana) 1 p.m. May 16 and “Brunch Show” with Bird In Hand (Americana/indie) 1 p.m. May 23. Free and open to the public. 828.307.2160 / breadheadstikishak.com.

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 “Orchard Sessions” with The Tennessee Bluegrass Band (Americana/bluegrass) May 20. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Admission is

Balsam Range rolls into Highlands

Legendary Haywood County bluegrass act Balsam Range will hit the stage at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 17, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center in Highlands.

Since its inception in 2007, Balsam Range has become one of the most decorated and award-winning acts in the wide world of bluegrass music.

The band has taken home the following International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) honors: “Entertainer of the Year” (2014, 2018), “Album of the Year” (2013, 2017), “Song of the Year” (2011, 2015), “Vocal Group of the Year” (2014, 2015), “Male Vocalist of the Year” (2014, 2018) and “Bass Player of the Year” (2018).

Tickets start at $57.75 per person, with seating upgrades available. For more information, call 828.526.9047 or visit highlandsperformingarts.com.

• Bryson City Brewing (Bryson City) will host Landon Nations (country/acoustic) 6:30 p.m. May 15. 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 Darren Nicholson Band (Americana/bluegrass) May 13, Hill Country Band (bluegrass) May 20 and Marc & Anita Pruitt (Americana/bluegrass) May 27. All shows begin at 5 p.m. and admission is $25 per person unless otherwise noted. For tickets and reservations, visit cataloocheeranch.com/ranch-event.

• Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Reservations highly recommended ($10 per person minimum food purchase). The kitchen and wine bar open at 4 p.m. 828.452.6000 or classicwineseller.com.

• Concerts On The Creek (Sylva) will host The 80s Rewind Band (rock/pop) May 22 and TLQ+2 (rock/oldies) May 29. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. These events are free, but donations are encouraged. 828.586.2155 / mountainlovers.com/concerts-on-the-creek.

• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host “Open Mic” at 6 p.m. every second Friday of the month and Paper Wings (Americana) 4 p.m. June 28 ($15 adults, $7.50 kids). 828.369.4080 / coweeschool.org/concert-series.

• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host “Music Bingo with DJ Mox” Thursdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows

play Highlands May 17.

$50 per person, with discounts rates available for hotel guests and members. 866.526.8008 / oldedwardshospitality.com.

• Friday Night Live Concert Series (Highlands) will host Foxfire Boys (Americana/bluegrass) May 15 and Silly Ridge (Americana/bluegrass) May 22. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. highlandschamber.org.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host “Jazz On The Level” 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Chris Caruso (singer-songwriter) 5:30 p.m. May 13, Len Graham & Paul McIntire 5:30 p.m. May 14, Asheville Junction May 15, Lori & The Freightshakers (classic rock/country gold) May 16, Adam & Joe 3 p.m. May 17, Andy Ferrell (singer-songwriter) 5:30 p.m. May 20, Bridget Gossett (singer-songwriter) May 22, Long Way Ramblers (Americana) May 23 and Justin Moyar (singer-songwriter) 3 p.m. May 24. 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 Mary Beth Campbell & Friends (Americana/folk) May 16 and Paul Linser & Al Scortino (Americana/folk) May 23. Free and open to the public. 828.369.8488 / littletennessee.org.

• Happ’s Place (Glenville) will host Ernest Bonilla (singer-songwriter) May 15, Zac Kellum (singer-songwriter) May 16, Joe Munoz (singersongwriter) May 21, Charles Walker (singersongwriter) May 22 and Nero & The Sun Setters 7 p.m. May 23. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.742.5700 / happsplace.com.

• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host Earth Wind & Fire (soul/funk) 7:30 p.m. May 16. For tickets, visit caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.

• Highlander Mountain House (Highlands) will host “Blues & Brews” with Scott Low 6-9 p.m. Thursdays, Zorki (singer-songwriter) 1-3 p.m. Saturdays, “Bluegrass Brunch” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays and the “Salon Series” with Candi Jenkins (singer-songwriter) 8:30 p.m. May 14 ($30.45 per person, tax included). Reservations encouraged for all performances. 828.526.2590 / highlandermountainhouse.com.

• Highlands Performing Arts Center will host Balsam Range (bluegrass) 4 p.m. May 17 (tickets start at $57.75 per person with seating upgrades available). 828.526.9047 / highlandsperformingarts.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host “Board Game Night” 5 p.m. Mondays, “Music Bingo” 7 p.m. Tuesdays, “Trivia Night” 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, “Open Mic Night” 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Brian & Al (rock/pop) May 15, Lillie Syracuse (singer-songwriter) May 16, “Karaoke” May 22 and Shane Meade & The Sound (indie/soul) May 23. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 / lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host “Music Bingo” 7 p.m. Mondays, “Trivia Night” 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, “Old Time Jam” 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, The V8s (rock/oldies) May 15 and Johnny Holiday (Americana/blues) May 22. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Free and open to the

‘Community Contra Dance’ in Franklin

A “Community Contra Dance” will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 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.

A suggested donation of $10 per person goes to pay the band and caller. Kids age 14 and under are free, as are first-timers. Children over age 8, who are game to participate or sit and watch with an adult, may also attend.

Bring a closed water container and a snack if you wish. Smooth-soled shoes work best for dancing on wood floors. Please do not wear perfume or other scents to the dances.

For more information, visit facebook.com/franklincontra for photos and details about upcoming dances or email contradancefranklinnc@gmail.com.

public unless otherwise noted. 828.349.2337 / lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Legends Sports Bar & Grill (Maggie Valley) will host “Open Mic Night” 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Karaoke Thursdays (6 p.m.) and Saturdays (7 p.m.), with live music each Friday (8 p.m.). Free and open to the public. 828.944.0403 / facebook.com/legendssportsgrillmaggievalley.

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

• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host “Open Mic Night” with Frank Lee every Thursday, Mountain Gypsy (Americana) May 15, Jared “Blue” Smith (singer-songwriter) 5 p.m. May 17, Heidi Holton (blues/folk) May 22, Bridget Gossett (singer-songwriter) May 23 and Liz Petty (singer-songwriter) 5 p.m. May 24. All shows begin at 6 p.m unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 / mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.

• Music By The River (Cherokee) on the Kanunohi Park Stage will feature Derek Galarza May 15-16 and Sabella May 22-23. Music runs 6-9 p.m. Free and open to the public. visitcherokeenc.com.

• Nantahala Outdoor Center (Nantahala Gorge) will host “Music Bingo” 6 p.m. May 21, Shane Meade Duo (indie/soul) 5 p.m. May 22, Mike Hollon (singer-songwriter) 1 p.m. May 23, Log Noggins (southern rock) 5 p.m. May 23, Jackson Grimm (Americana/folk) 1 p.m. May 24 and Beer & Loathing (rock/jam) 5 p.m. May 24. Free and open to the public. 828.785.5082 / noc.com/events/2026-summer-music-series.

• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host Chi-Town Transit Authority (Chicago tribute) May 22 and “Songwriters Showcase 60” May 23. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For tickets, 828.389.ARTS / thepeacocknc.org.

• Pickin’ On The Square (Franklin) will host Low Tide (classic rock/country gold) May 23. All shows begin at 6 p.m. at the Gazebo in downtown. Free and open to the public. franklinnc.com/pickin-on-the-square.html.

• Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host “Karaoke” Wednesdays, “Trivia Night” 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, “Open Mic” 6:30 p.m. on certain Fridays (May 22), Diana New (singersongwriter) May 15, Dirty Dave & Ed May 16, Jamie Rasso (singer-songwriter) May 19, R.A. Nightingale (singer-songwriter) May 20 and Erik Hendrix (singer-songwriter) May 23. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.369.6796 / facebook.com/rathskellercoffeebarandpub.

• Salty Dog’s Seafood & Grill (Maggie Valley) will host “Karaoke with Russell” Mondays and Bridget Gossett F

Mountain Roots Bluegrass Festival

The Mountain Roots Bluegrass Festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at the Highlands Riverbend RV Resort & Cabins in Franklin.

Celebrating the musical, artistic and cultural heritage of Western North Carolina, the gathering will feature over 50 vendors, food trucks and bluegrass music onstage. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 678.858.8033 or visit highlandsriverbend.com.

(singer-songwriter) May 29. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.926.9105 / facebook.com/saltydogs2005.

• Saturdays On Pine Concert Series (Highlands) will host Lazrluvr (1980s pop/oldies) May 16 and The Parks Brothers (classic rock/country gold) May 23. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. highlandschamber.org.

• Scotsman (Waynesville) will host “Open Mic” 7 p.m. Mondays, Alma Russ (Americana/folk) May 14, Bo Bullman Band (classic country) May 16, Au Tir Nua (Celtic/world) 3 p.m. May 17, Keith Nathan Smith (country/rock) May 21, Mike Yow Band (rock/jam) May 22 and Trippin’ Up The Stairs (Celtic/old-time) 3 p.m. May 24. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.6292 / scotsmanpublic.com.

• Slanted Window Tasting Station (Franklin) will host Adrianne Blanks (singer-songwriter) 6 p.m. May 15, Tim Austin (singer-songwriter) 4 p.m. May 17, Generations (Americana) 6 p.m. May 22 and “We’ll Sing In The Summertime” (benefit concert) 4:30 p.m. May 24. 828.276.9463 / slantedwindow.com.

• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host Brothers Of The Heart (country/gospel) 7 p.m. May 18 (tickets start at $35 per person with seating upgrades available). Tickets now available, with seating upgrades offered. 866.273.4615 / smokymountainarts.com.

• Swain Arts Center (Bryson City) will host Double Helix (Steely Dan tribute) 6 p.m. May 21 ($10 adults, $5 students). 828.488.7843 / swainartscenter.com.

• Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host “Bluegrass Music” with Nitrograss 6 p.m. Wednesdays, “Karaoke” 9:30 p.m. Fridays, “Music Bingo” 7 p.m. Sundays and semi-reg-

ular live music on the weekends. 828.526.8364 / theuglydogpub.com.

• Valley Cigar & Wine Company (Waynesville) will host Rich Manz Trio (acoustic/oldies) 6 p.m. May 15, Simple Folk 2 p.m. May 17 and Rene Russell (singer-songwriter) 4 p.m. May 18. Free and open to the public. 828.944.0686 / valleycigarandwineco.com.

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

• Vineyard At High Holly (Scaly Mountain) will host David Crisp (singer-songwriter) 3 p.m. May 15, Rail Town (Americana) May 17, Zorki (singer-songwriter) 3 p.m. May 22, Cecil Thompson (singer-songwriter) May 23, Katie & Ezra (Americana) May 24 and Adam & Joe (Americana) May 25. All shows begin at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.482.5573 / thevineyardathighholly.com.

• Western Carolina Brew & Wine (Highlands) will host David Lloyd (singersongwriter) 1 p.m. May 23. Free and open to the public. 828.342.6707 / wcbrewandwine.com.

• Whiteside Brewing (Cashiers) will host Andy Ferrell (singer-songwriter) May 22 and Charles Walker (singer-songwriter) May 23. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.743.6000 / whitesidebrewing.com.

• Yonder Community Market (Franklin) will host “First Friday Classic Country: Jim Austin & Friends” (Americana/country) 6 p.m. each month (June 5, July 3, Aug. 7, Sept. 4, Oct. 2) and the “On the Lawn at Yonder” live music series with Ed Snodderly (singer-songwriter) 4 p.m. May 24 (admission by donation). Family/dog friendly. 828.200.2169 / eatrealfoodinc.com.

Breadheads welcomes Falspring

Americana/folk duo Falspring will hit the stage for a special “Brunch Show” at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at Breadheads Tiki Shak in Sylva.

The Bryson City-based act is known to “create soulful music with infectious chemistry and buzzing harmonies.” The show is free and open to the public. For more information, call 828.307.2160 or visit breadheadstikishak.com.

Falspring will play Sylva May 16. File photo

HCAC gets ‘Weird & Wacky’

The Haywood County Arts Council latest exhibit, “Weird & Wacky” is currently being showcased at HCAC’s Haywood Handmade Gallery in downtown Waynesville.

This imaginative and playful exhibition will be on display through June 1, inviting visitors to explore art that celebrates the unusual, the quirky and the wonderfully unexpected.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, visit haywoodarts.org or call 828.452.059.

A work by Julie Kessinger. Donated photo

• “G&LW Wholesale Gem Show” will be held May 15-17 at the Watauga Festival Center in Franklin. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday/Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. 601.879.3282 / franklinchamber.com.

• 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.

• Gallery Zella (Bryson City) will be hosting

ALSO:

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. HCAC’s Haywood Handmade Gallery is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. 828.452.0593 / haywoodarts.org.

• Jackson County Green Energy Park (Dillsboro) will be offering a slew of classes,

On the table

• “Under the Stars, On the Rocks” culinary series is currently underway at the Oak Steakhouse at the Skyline Lodge in Highlands. The events feature renowned chefs from around the Southeast on select dates through the fall: June 9, July 7, Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Oct. 13. Each four-course meal in the series is unique and personal to the guest chef, offering a one-of-a-kind outdoor dining experience. Dinners are $175 per person (including beverage pairings). Reservations required. Guests can also purchase a “season pass” to the series. For more information and/or to make reservations, call 828.526.4008 or visit skylinelodge.com.

• Cataloochee Ranch (Maggie Valley) will host semi-regular culinary events and workshops throughout the week. For a full schedule of upcoming activities, tickets and reservations, visit cataloocheeranch.com/ranch-event.

events and activities for artisans, locals and visitors. 828.631.0271 / jcgep.org.

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

• Southwestern Community College Swain

• 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 and host semi-regular tastings on the weekends. 828.452.6000 / classicwineseller.com.

• “Flights & Bites” will be held at 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. There will also be a special French wine dinner 6 p.m. May 19-20. 828.452.0120 / waynesvillewine.com.

• “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.

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

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

A spy story worth infiltrating

One of the reasons I love writing book reviews is it keeps me from getting stuck in a loop of predictable reads. While I still read what I enjoy, I learn to enjoy what I read, especially when it isn’t a genre I would’ve picked up on my own. The book this time was a military fiction: Harry Crocker III’s “Kruger’s Korps” (Knox Press, 2026, 224 pages).

Just released this month, “Kruger’s Korps” is an adventure story set in World War II. While it’s a common setting, the plot brings fresh light to this time as the reader is thrown into Africa instead of the usual mainland Europe. Then, adding espionage into the mix, characters from all over the map are brought together, making it even more unique for a WWII novel.

At the outset, we’re introduced to a soldier in the U.S. Navy, Rolf Kruger, who was born in Germany but raised in America. Having a father who worked making sets for Paramount studios, Kruger grew up helping him and even worked as an extra in different films. For these two reasons, he’s selected to go on a top-secret mission — one that superior officers know full well is a Hail Mary pass, but if successful, could change the outcome of the war.

The Allies have set Operation Torch in motion and it’ll involve sending troops to northern Africa. The Germans know this, and a secret unit is already there. The Allied forces don’t know this unit’s purpose, but fears of uniting with Islamic forces or with Vichy France impel a group of military generals and higher-ups to send Kruger on a mission to impersonate a German officer, infiltrate them, and discover their plans.

Far from feeling like a familiar story in a familiar time, “Kruger’s Korps” has a distinction and authenticity in plot and also in voice. While it’s action-packed and intense, Crocker’s subtle humor is not lost in the novel. Managing to incorporate comedy in serious subject matter without being flippant is not only an impressive skill but also it aids the reader in reaching a deeper message. The lightness of a story prevents one from getting too bogged down in the plot’s drama, and what lies under the surface becomes more apparent.

This glimpse is into the lesser-shown reality of war in the 20th century. The one where regardless of sides, life became dispensable and was often too callously discarded in large swathes under the command of a singular leader with a tunnel-visioned, idealistic goal. The intricate twists of plot drive this point home, with the characters ending up in a situation very different from where their original intentions should’ve landed them.

apple cider with a bunch of farmers who work for a living.”

That’s my favorite quote in the book. When it comes to politics, it’s easy to get so caught up in striving for a better future that we overlook all the good that exists in life as it is now and don’t embrace it. Too often, we’re missing the forest for the trees and forget that perfection is the enemy of the good. Utopias lead to dystopias, and if the 20th century didn’t teach us that, I don’t know what it did.

Why this happens is highlighted in a conversation with a U.S. Army general. As the characters reflect on war and the mass death inflicted on so many people, the general points out that the revolutionaries and intellectuals come up with absurd ideas and then push them onto everyone else. He says they can’t leave well enough alone “because they can’t sit on the front stoop of Joe’s Hardware store in Burlington, Vermont, and be satisfied playing checkers and drinking hot

Upcoming events at City Lights

The following readings will be held at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

This quote is also one of the many moments that capture the delightful (but difficult) balance of depth and humor in Crocker’s writing. When humor is used well it adds a strikingly realistic note to the story, as well as deepening its originality. Between the WWII setting, different characters, and comedic relief, I found this book very reminiscent of Joseph Heller’s “Catch-22.” So if you enjoyed that classic as much as I did, I think you’ll enjoy this new book as well.

One last reason I found “Kruger’s Korps” a very refreshing read: there’s no agenda, and it’s not about making a political statement. Instead, it’s a well-written story with an entertaining plot, amusing characters and enough thought-provoking depth to be more than simply a wartime thriller.

Not only am I glad to have read this because I enjoyed it and it broadened the reach of my literary arm but also with Father’s Day coming up, I know exactly what I’ll be gifting my dad.

(Anna Barren is a teacher who loves reading. annab4376@gmail.com.)

• Rick Maxson will read from his new poetry collection, “Under the Pearl Moon,” at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 16.

The poems in “Under the Pearl Moon” are accompanied by interludes of evocative memoir, where the reader travels with Maxson from Ohio to Spain, California to Carolina, Texas to Florida and more.

• Ron Rash, Rhonda White, David C. Dickson, Tim Peeler and Patty Thompson will share their new short story anthology, “Appalachian Grit Lit,” at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 21.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, call 828.586.9499 or visit citylightsnc.com.

Rebuilt for the Future

Setzer Hatchery project emphasizes reliability, flood protection

BY KYLE PERROTTI NEWS EDITOR

Construction has begun on the longplanned renovations to the Bobby N. Setzer Hatchery near Brevard, and contractors are saying the project is on schedule for a full-reopening early next year.

During a tour for local media last week, contractors and state officials provided an inside look at the construction. Stacks of piping, totaling about 2.5 miles line the site of future trout raceways, heavy equipment moves rock and laborers dig and survey. Right now, there are about 40 workers on-site, but at its peak, that number will balloon to about 125.

Design work for renovations to the hatchery, originally built in 1950, began in 2018 and construction was supposed to start in January 2025. However, when Hurricane Helene hit in September 2024, plans changed. While the Setzer hatchery didn’t sustain heavy damage from Helene, as it had during Tropical Storm Fred in 2021, the Armstrong State Fish Hatchery in Marion was all but destroyed. This meant that until repairs on that facility were completed, the Setzer hatchery had to remain operational in whatever capacity was available to ensure some conti-

nuity of stocking. Work on Armstrong was completed late last year, and demolition of the old Setzer raceways began in February.

The state Fish Production Supervisor David Deaton told media on-hand that the original timeline for completing the renovations was 18-24 months from beginning work, and that still tracks.

“This is a very extensive project, and there’s been a lot of work going on. We always run into hiccups here and there, but so far, we’ve been really good,” Deaton said.

Sitting on 44 acres of national forest land, the hatchery operates through a special use permit and stocks about 600,000 trout every year in Western North Carolina counties, a significant proportion of the nearly 1.1 million stocked statewide every year. A 2023 report released by the N.C. Wildlife Commission put the economic impact of the recreational fishing industry in the state’s western 26 counties at $1.38 billion, a 360% percent surge since the 2015 report. Many local outfitters and other businesses rely on anglers to keep the doors open.

To mitigate stocking reductions amid the Armstrong and subsequent Setzer projects, the Wildlife Resources Commission has purchased trout from private hatcheries, an avenue it continues to pursue, and bought the formerly private Glady Fork Hatchery in Transylvania County.

Deaton said the new facility will greatly improve Setzer’s stocking capacity to keep up with the rising demand. In addition, it will

feature enhanced infrastructure meant to improve reliability and minimize corrective maintenance. Previously, raceways were out in the open, meaning herring and other birds of prey could pluck fish out of the water, but the new design provides the protection of gates on the side and a roof to protect trout from avian predators.

Senior Project Manager Cameron Jones, with the general contractor Cooper Tacia out of Raleigh, said that because the 400-foot raceways are gravity-fed via a 30-inch intake line from the Davidson River, there is no need for bulky pumps that can fail and require costly fixes. In addition, instead of featuring valves that can be operated remotely, valves are all operated manually, which also

As

improves reliability and reduces repair headaches.

“The way that the system was designed is such that there’s as few moving parts as possible on the system, because parts break. They’re expensive to maintain. They’re expensive to fix,” he said. “So with everything being mostly gravity, you’re letting mother nature do the work for you,” Jones said.

Jones added that in the wake of Fred and Helene, the likelihood of future floods was also factored into the design.

“Essentially, what we’re rebuilding into this is flood resiliency. It could happen again,” he said. “Hopefully we never see anything like that happen again, but it certainly could happen, so what we’re going to do is, as we’re building it, it stays basically the same, but there are more resilient items.”

Jones said Cooper Tacia hasn’t built a hatchery, but the company does have experience on projects featuring similar elements, such as wastewater treatment plants. The company is trying to be conscientious of sustainability throughout the construction process, both with the environment and economy in mind. For example, workers are repurposing old concrete collected during the demolition in the new construction. In addition, he noted that local subcontractors are being used where possible, such as Teraflex, which has an office in Waynesville.

Crews have used ground-penetrating radar to make sure they know what’s under the earth they’re working, things like old pipes that could create problem for construction. However, Jones noted that something else working in their favor is that the hatchery built in the 1950s was constructed atop a fill site, meaning they are building on non-native soil unlikely to feature hidden obstacles below the surface.

“It’s actually been brought in and built up. So the ability for us to work through that is a lot better than getting in native soil, because it’s already been moved around. It’s already been broken off. It’s just easier to work,” Jones said. F

Smokies seeks tips in illegal vulture dumping

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is requesting tips from the public to aid in an ongoing investigation of 33 black vultures (Coragyps atratus) dumped on the Foothills Parkway.

On April 6 at approximately noon, Great Smoky Mountains National Park rangers reported a large number of dead birds along the side of the road on Foothills Parkway West. Park wildlife rangers identified that 33 black vultures had been dumped.

Black vultures are a federally protected species under the Migratory Bird Treaty

The media visit last week, coincided with Construction Safety Week, something that Jones highlighted in his conversation with reporters. Throughout the week, workers had received extra training.

“Wednesday, we had excavation and shoring training. Today, we had equipment training. Tomorrow, we’re going to have electrical training, hazard training … And then Friday, we’re actually going to have an evacuation drill for the entire site. We’ll time it. And the reason that we’re doing that is if we have adverse weather environments, or there were to be some kind of a catastrophic incident on site, we want to be able to make sure that we can gather everyone in one spot — count all their heads, make sure that everybody moves to one place — so that if there is any rescue or anything like that needs to happen, we’re out of their way and we can get them there quickly,” Jones said.

While construction should be completed by early 2028, the part of the facility that fosters eggs and raises fish up to the fingerling stage will be operable ahead of that date, meaning the Setzer hatchery will be ahead of the game and should be ready to start populating the raceways once they’re up and running. While the new facility features an increased capacity, it

Act, and it is illegal to harm or kill them without a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Dumping of anything in a national park is illegal.

Information from park visitors is often helpful to NPS investigators. Contact the park if you were in the area of the Foothills Parkway between Chilhowee and Walland on April 6, have dash camera video or photos, or if you have information that could help. You may choose to keep your identity private, but sharing information may be beneficial for NPS investigators.

isn’t clear whether that will immediately translate to stocking numbers higher than

Digging it for decades

Garden Club marks 75th anniversary

When the members of the Mountain View Garden Club started researching when the club was formed, old newspaper clippings made it difficult to determine whether it was 1950 or 1951. So, appropriately enough, they had to do a little more digging to find the answer — which turned out to be 1951.

“The article was from an April 1951 edition of The Mountaineer, and it said, ‘Next month will be an initial meeting of a potential new garden club,’” said Julia Bruijn, the club’s current president.

Which means that this month — just in

“The reason why that garden club even came together is they were trying to get women in Waynesville interested in actually developing gardens at their own house. So it wasn’t about public projects back then,” Bruijn said.

Today, 40 or so members of the MVGC maintain five public gardens:

• The Shelton House Cottage Gardens at the historic Shelton House.

• Mib Medford Garden and Library Gardens/Topiaries at the Waynesville Library.

• Serenity Garden along the Richland Creek Greenway (close to the skate park).

• Maggie Valley Rathbone Rich Garden by the pavilion on Jonathan Creek.

Ingles Nutrition

IlNtitiN

Notes

written by Ingles Dietitian Leah

WHAAT T TO DO WITH....

A head of cabbage (purple or gree

1.Grate or use a mandolin for thin slices and make colesla

2. Cut into wedges, drizzle with olive oil and r rooast in the ov T browned. Toop with crispy bacon and blue cheese crumbl of balsamic syrup.

3.Dice cabbage and use in a stir fry.

4. water for about 10 seconds. Remove and use to make c and put into a baking dish T Toop with grated blend of par mozzarreella cheese.

5.Make a soup with cabbage, potatoes, onions, and a can Use chicken or vegetable brrooth as a base. (Optional, ad grroound beef or turkey).

*Note: using purple cabbage may cause other foods/in turn pink.”

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time for the club’s May 16 annual fundraising plant sale at the historic farmers market at the HART theater parking lot — will mark the organization’s 75th anniversary. Talk about roots that run deep.

Among that original group was Mib Medford (who passed away in 2012), a wellknown community cheerleader and passionate champion for public beautification. Through the Phil and Mib Medford Endowment Fund, her legacy continues to support local streetscapes and parks, including a memorial garden at the Waynesville library. The catalyst for the club’s formation was to encourage women to start gardens and beautify their surroundings.

• Maggie Valley McCracken Corner Park at the corner of U.S. 19 (Soco Road) and Moody Farm Road.

Members also educate children about gardening through after-school programs at Junaluska and Riverbend elementary schools.

“If we can get them started early, it’s fantastic,” said Cynthia Lindberg, the club’s vice president and programs chair.

The club also donated an old-school sign board outside the Waynesville Library where people can post messages and community events. After Helene wiped out internet access, members saw the value in having an analog backup.

“If it’s ever needed, it’s there as a source of where to get information and where to find help,” said Bruijn.

“I like to dig, to work, to get out there and do what it takes,” said Edie Straka. “We get out there, get dirty and get the job done.”

The annual plant sale on May 16 is the organization’s largest event, with proceeds funding all its community projects. Those interested in joining are encouraged to attend and talk to club members.

— Scott McLeod,

The family-friendly celebration will take place on the Recreation Center Green Space. File photo

Macon County bird walks

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

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

• May 27, meet at the Macon County Library parking lot.

• June 3, meet at Big Bear parking lot near the dog park area.

‘Spring Fling’ returns to Waynesville

The Waynesville Recreation Center announced the return of its annual free “Spring Fling” community event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 16. This family-friendly celebration will take place on the Recreation Center green space.

This rain-or-shine event is completely free and open to families, children and community members of all ages.

“Spring Fling” offers a full day of fun and entertainment, including:

• Bounce houses and inflatables

• Dunk tank

• Free hot dogs, sides, and drinks

• Family-friendly games and activities

• A welcoming, community-centered atmosphere

Attendees will receive vouchers for access to the Waynesville recreation pool. Vouchers may be used during designated free swim sessions on May 16 or saved for a future visit.

Free Swim Times:

• 11 a.m. to noon

• 1-2 p.m.

This event is designed to bring the community together for a safe, enjoyable and engaging day of recreation. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to attend and celebrate one of Waynesville’s favorite annual events.

For more information, please call 828.456.2030 or email ckanetzke@waynesvillenc.gov or afuller2@waynesvillenc.gov.

The last birdwalk of the year is scheduled for Oct. 15.

Schedule for upcoming walks: • May 20, meet at the Salali Lane parking area.

A full schedule and directions to each starting location can be found at facebook.com/groups/franklinbirdclub/ or littletennessee.org/franklin-bird-club.

Free sports physicals for student-athletes

Haywood Regional Medical Center will host its annual free sports physicals event for local student-athletes from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at the Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center in Clyde.

Open to middle and high school students, this event provides a convenient, no-cost opportunity to complete required physicals ahead of the upcoming sports season. Students will be seen based on their school’s designated time: Canton Middle and Bethel Middle from 3-4:30 p.m., Waynesville Middle from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and Tuscola High School from 5:30–7 p.m. Fifth grade students should attend during the time slot for the school they will attend next year.

During the event, students will complete multiple screening stations, including basic health checks and provider evaluations, led by clinical staff from Haywood Regional Medical Center and Haywood Regional Sports Medicine.

Families should contact their child’s school to obtain and complete the required registration packet prior to arrival. No appointments are necessary.

3,000+

Market

MarketPlace information:

The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 copies across 500 locations in Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties, including the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. Visit www.wncmarketplace.com to place your ad!

Rates:

• $15 — Classified ads that are 25 words, 25¢ per word after.

• Free — Lost or found pet ads.

• $6 — Residential yard sale ads.*

• $1 — Yard Sale Rain Insurance Yard sale rained out? Call us by 10a.m. Monday for your ad to run again FREE

• $375 — Statewide classifieds run in 170 participating newspapers with 1.1+ million circulation. (Limit 25 words or less)

• Boost Online — Have your ad featured at top of category online $4

• Boost in Print

• Add Photo $6

• Bold ad $2

• Yellow, Green, Pink or Blue Highlight $4

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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

p: 828.452.4251 · f:828.452.3585 classads@smokymountainnews.com www.wncmarketplace.com

PLACE WNC

Legals

PUBLIC NOTICE To all persons claiming an interest in 1998- 20’ALUMINUM- GODFREY - GDY5235CF798 1998 -40HP-YAMAHA -6H4L920772. ANGELA GARDNER will apply to SCDNR for title on watercraft/outboard motor. If you have any claim to the watercraft/outboard motor, contact SCDNR at 803-734-3699. Upon thirty days after the date of the last advertisement if no claim of interest is made and the watercraft/outboard motor has not been reported stolen, SCDNR shall issue clear title. Case No 20250915950728

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

Case No.26E000085-490

Wendy Martucci, having

the Estate of Carolyn Havens Whitman of Jackson

County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before Jul 22 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.

Executor

C/O Wendy Martucci 705 W Main Street Sylva, NC 28779

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

Case No.26E000098-490

Deborah T. Stewart/ Elizabeth N. Townsend,

Estate of Nancy Gay Townsend of Jackson County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before Jul 29 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to

said Estate, please make immediate payment.

Co-Executors

C/O Nancy Townsend Estate 705 W Main Street Sylva, NC 28779

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

Case No.26E000185-430

Stephen Kaufman, having

of the Estate of Rolf Kaufman of Haywood County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before Jul 29 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment.

Stephen Kaufman, Executor

Estate of Rolf Kaufman c/o Bailey A. Humphries McGuire, Wood & Bissette, P.A. PO Box 3180 Asheville, NC 28802

NOTICE

Need review began for Smoky Mountain Health and Rehabilitation Center Proj A-12796-26 Relo 39 NF bds. Written comments are due to the Agency by 6/1/26. The Agency will hold a public hearing on 6/19/26 at 10 am Haywood County Public Library-Waynesville Branch, Conference Room, 678 S. Haywood Street, Waynesville, NC 28786

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 26

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