07/06/2019
This must be the place: Ode to Jeff Austin, ode to the power of music
This week's column from A&E Editor Garret K. Woodward
Coverage of music and the arts plus upcoming events in western North Carolina.
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The Smoky Mountain News distributes 16,000 papers per week, comes out every Wednesday, and is distributed free at more than 600 locations in Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties, and on the Cherokee Reservation. There are also stops in downtown Asheville. Smoky Mountain News has offices in both Waynesville and Sylva.
07/06/2019
Educators are indeed professionals
Letter to the Editor Myrna Campbell of Maggie Valley.
Opinion, commentary and letters from readers.
07/06/2019
Independent redistricting is the only answer
This week's opinion from SMN Publisher Scott Mcleod
Opinion, commentary and letters from readers.
07/05/2019
Few surprises on first day of candidate filing
Here's the lowdown on the first day of municipal candidate filing.
News, issues, and events from Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties in western North Carolina.
07/05/2019
This week's Hot Picks from A&E Editor Garret K. Woodward
1 The “An Appalachian Evening” summer concert series will continue with Buncombe Turnpike at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 6, at the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville.
2 The annual “Week of Rock” will continue through July 6 at Nantahala Brewing in downtown Bryson City.
3 Boojum Brewing Company (Waynesville) will host The Get Right Band (rock/soul) at 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 5.
4 The 22nd annual Sweet Corn Festival will be held from 11 a.m.to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 6, at St. Cyprian’s Church on 216 Roller Mill Road in Franklin.
5 The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host Humps & The Blackouts (psychobilly) at 10 p.m. Friday, July 5.
07/05/2019
‘Musication Nation’ festival returns to Franklin
Celebrate Independence Day with The Issacs at the fourth annual “Musication Nation” festival, which will be held from July 4-7 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.
Coverage of music and the arts plus upcoming events in western North Carolina.
07/05/2019
HART to present ‘Oliver!’
The Broadway classic “Oliver!” by Lionel Bart will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. July 5-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27 and at 2 p.m. July 7, 14, 21 and 28 at Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
Coverage of music and the arts plus upcoming events in western North Carolina.
07/05/2019
‘Week of Rock’ returns to Bryson City
The annual “Week of Rock” will continue through July 6 at Nantahala Brewing in downtown Bryson City.
Coverage of music and the arts plus upcoming events in western North Carolina.
07/05/2019
‘An Appalachian Evening’ in Stecoah
The “An Appalachian Evening” summer concert series will continue with Buncombe Turnpike at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 6, at the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville.
Coverage of music and the arts plus upcoming events in western North Carolina.
07/04/2019
Hike Mt. Cammerer
A 13-mile adventure will use the Low Gap and Appalachian Trails to access the only stacked-stone fire tower in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during a hike led by the Great Smoky Mountains Association, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 6.
Outdoors news, events, adventure and dispatches from naturalist Don Hendershot.
07/04/2019
Frustrations mount over health care access
“The last doctor I saw was a 70-year-old man — an ear, nose and throat specialist — who gave me five minutes of his time before telling me he didn’t know what was wrong and that he could send me to the hospital for more tests. I was just floored,” Carrie McBane said.
News, issues, and events from Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties in western North Carolina.
07/04/2019
Medicaid: what it is and what it does
In North Carolina, Medicaid is available to people under 21 or over 65 years of age, and to those who are blind, have a disability or are in need of long-term care. Eligibility is also determined by household income as it relates to the federal poverty level.
News, issues, and events from Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties in western North Carolina.
07/04/2019
Why Medicaid expansion is not the answer
“Expanded coverage doesn’t necessarily mean expanded care,” Sen. Jim Davis said. “Expanding Medicaid’s caseload by 25 percent puts traditional program enrollees at risk. Low-income parents, children, pregnant women, the elderly, the blind, and the disabled would have to compete for access to health care with able-bodied, childless adults.”
News, issues, and events from Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties in western North Carolina.
07/04/2019
Rural WNC fights for Medicaid expansion
“I grew up very, very poor, and have multiple disabilities. I’m legally blind. I’ve also got cerebral palsy. I was very fortunate that the New Jersey Commission for the Blind gave me a great deal of support and sponsored my education, but Social Security and Medicaid is what I survived on while I was going to school,” Kathleen Wood said. “It’s so critical to give people the basic support that they need so they can move toward self-sufficiency.”
News, issues, and events from Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties in western North Carolina.
07/04/2019
Small-town sequel: Waynesville’s Smoky Mountain Cinema reopens
Consisting of three auditoriums with varied seating (200, 90, 50), Israel gutted the old theater and installed brand new high-definition screens and 7.1 surround sound. In terms of aesthetics, fresh curtains and modern seating were also added, and with extra leg room.
Coverage of music and the arts plus upcoming events in western North Carolina.
07/03/2019
Canton board seat will remain open, for now
“I think everybody felt at the end of the day, just leaving it open for the voters to decide who gets that seat was the best choice,” said Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers.
News, issues, and events from Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties in western North Carolina.
07/03/2019
Chief candidates square off in debate
Principal Chief Richard Sneed and challenger Teresa McCoy will face off at the ballot box this September as Cherokee voters decide who should be their chief for the next four years, but last week they met onstage at the Joyce Dugan Performing Arts Center for a debate hosted by The Cherokee One Feather.
News, issues, and events from Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties in western North Carolina.
07/03/2019
07/03/2019
Women’s History Trail opens in Franklin
The Women’s History Trail of Macon County will join Franklin’s Fourth of July festivities to commemorate the official opening of phase two of the Women’s History Trail, a project of the Folk Heritage Association of Macon County.
The lives of esteemed Macon County women/groups of women will be celebrated by adding six new sites/plaques to the existing trail to honor their accomplishments. In conjunction with the American Legion Post 108’s 100th anniversary, a brief patriotic ceremony will begin at noon at the downtown gazebo. Additional sites/plaques being dedicated that day include Elinor “Nellie” Cleveland West Cook; Laura Jones; early beauticians; and librarians and their supporters. The remaining site/plaque for Rebecca Morris will be added at the Nikwasi Mound in the near future.
At the close of the ceremony, everyone is invited to pick up a map of the Women’s History Trail and go “walk in her steps” to experience history in a deeper, more personal way.
07/03/2019
Teacher resigns following alleged sexual activity with student
A math teacher at Jackson County Early College has surrendered his teaching license following an investigation into alleged sexual activity with a student at the school.
News, issues, and events from Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties in western North Carolina.
07/03/2019
Gerrymandering ruling leaves NC districts in place
A June 27 Supreme Court decision not to get involved with politically gerrymandered congressional districts in Maryland and North Carolina means it’s unlikely Asheville Republican Congressman Mark Meadows’ Western North Carolina district will change before his presumed reelection campaign in 2020.
News, issues, and events from Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties in western North Carolina.
07/02/2019
Walk with a guide on the historic Kelsey Trail
Hike the historic Kelsey Trail from Whiteside Mountain to the Highlands Recreation Park at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 5.
Outdoors news, events, adventure and dispatches from naturalist Don Hendershot.
07/02/2019
Hemp Farm expands operations in Macon
“They are licensed through the state’s industrial hemp program and they organically produce wholesale materials and CBD oil,” said Macon County Economic Development Director Tommy Jenkins. “The hemp industry is expected to grow from $668 million in 2016 to over $1.8 billion in 2020 and that’s primarily driven by two factors.”
News, issues, and events from Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties in western North Carolina.
07/02/2019
Garden Club hosts plant sale
The Mountain View Garden Club of Waynesville once again will be at the Historic Farmers’ Market from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 6, for their annual plant sale, which raises money for beautification projects around Waynesville.
Outdoors news, events, adventure and dispatches from naturalist Don Hendershot.
07/01/2019
From the U.S. Forest Service:
Construction on the South Toe trailhead parking area across from Black Mountain Campground on the Pisgah National Forest has been completed and the parking area is now open for use.
The South Toe trailhead is an access point for five different trails, including the Mt. Mitchell and Mountains to Sea trails. This project expanded the previous parking area from 9 spaces to 31 and paved the previously gravel lot. In addition to new parking spaces the project includes accessible parking sites and an information kiosk.
The trailhead improvement project was funded in cooperation with the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Recreation Trail Program (RTP) Grant and the USDA Forest Service.
"It is difficult to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for recreational access on the National Forests, but this is certainly a big improvement that triples parking capacity at one of our most heavily used trailheads. We are very thankful for the RTP grant that helped make this possible," said Richard Thornburgh, Appalachian District Ranger.
To ensure emergency services and the public will be able to safely access the area, parking is not allowed along South Toe Road (FSR 472) leading into the trailhead parking area and the Black Mountain campground. This policy will be enforced.
Neal's Creek Road (FSR 2074) and South Toe Road (FSR 472), remain closed to vehicles. Storm damage in the fall of 2017 and spring of 2018 left the roads impassable. The Federal Highway Administration for Emergency Road Funding has approved funding to repair these roads and the Forest Service is awaiting the receipt of this funding to begin the design and contracting of repair work.
07/01/2019
Waynesville Judo Club brings home awards
The Waynesville Judo Club recently competed in the South Carolina State Championship, coming away with 11 medals.
Outdoors news, events, adventure and dispatches from naturalist Don Hendershot.
07/01/2019
Recovery community looks for new meeting space
The Triangle Club, a nonprofit corporation that provides affordable meeting space for any 12-step recovery groups that need it, needs the community's help to find a forever home after being displaced from its clubhouse on Miller Street.
News, issues, and events from Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties in western North Carolina.
07/01/2019
Lumberjack ‘family’ to get a home: Construction underway on new HCC timbersports building
By November, work is expected to be complete on a 2,800-square-foot timbersports practice facility located at the front of campus. HCC leaders believe that the project will likely make them the only college in the country to have a dedicated facility for its timbersports team.
Outdoors news, events, adventure and dispatches from naturalist Don Hendershot.
07/01/2019
From the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department:
The Cullowhee Recreation Center and the Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center will be closed on Thursday,
July 4, 2019.
07/01/2019
Revolutionary War monument
Revolutionary War monument being installed at the Haywood County Courthouse.
06/30/2019
The Naturalist's Corner: Windy City peregrines
The Naturalist's Corner with Don Hendershot
Outdoors news, events, adventure and dispatches from naturalist Don Hendershot.
06/30/2019
Get your tickets!!
06/30/2019
Impeachment is worth the risks
Letter to the Editor from David L. Snell of Franklin
Opinion, commentary and letters from readers.
06/30/2019
The dog’s eating our daughter’s college fund
This week's column from Chris Cox
Opinion, commentary and letters from readers.
06/29/2019
This must be the place: Scribbled notebooks and wild typewritten pages for your own joy
This week's column from A&E Editor Garret K. Woodward
Coverage of music and the arts plus upcoming events in western North Carolina.
06/29/2019
Right-wingers spread fake news
Letter to the Editor from Myrna Campbell of Maggie Valley
Opinion, commentary and letters from readers.
06/29/2019
Leveraging the best requires better broadband
Guest column from Bob Scott of Franklin.
Opinion, commentary and letters from readers.
06/28/2019
Cherokee recognized for leadership in healthcare
In a ceremony held at the Cherokee Indian Hospital today, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians was awarded the Redefining American Healthcare award from the Healthcare Leadership Council.
News, issues, and events from Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties in western North Carolina.
06/28/2019
‘Musication Nation’ festival returns to Franklin
Celebrate Independence Day with The Issacs at the fourth annual “Musication Nation” festival, which will be held from July 4-7 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.
Coverage of music and the arts plus upcoming events in western North Carolina.
06/28/2019
This week's Hot Picks from A&E Editor Garret K. Woodward
1 The annual “Week of Rock” will take place June 28-July 6 at Nantahala Brewing in downtown Bryson City.
2 Billingsley (rock) will perform as part of the “Brews & News” series at 9 p.m. Saturday, June 29, in The Gem downstairs taproom at Boojum Brewing Company in Waynesville.
3 “Stecoah Arts & Crafts Drive About Tour” will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 28-29 in Bryson City, Stecoah and Robbinsville.
4 Medieval, renaissance, baroque and contemporary music will be performed on early and folk instruments at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 4, in the recital hall the Coulter Building at Western Carolina University.
5 The 30th annual Mountain Artisans “Summertime“ Arts & Crafts Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 29-30 in the Ramsey Center at Western Carolina University.
06/28/2019
Fourth of July in the Smokies
List of July 4 celebrations in WNC! Make plans now!
Coverage of music and the arts plus upcoming events in western North Carolina.
06/28/2019
Lake Junaluska celebrates Independence Day
Independence Day Celebrations will feature fireworks, a parade, a cirque-style circus show, family-friendly activities and concerts, including a performance by internationally acclaimed bluegrass group Balsam Range.
Coverage of music and the arts plus upcoming events in western North Carolina.
06/28/2019
Groovin’ on the Green
The Groovin’ on the Green summer concert series will host Andalyn (rock/Americana) at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 28, at The Village Green in Cashiers.
Coverage of music and the arts plus upcoming events in western North Carolina.
06/28/2019
Take a trip back to a 1940s nightclub
Transforming the new Fangmeyer Theatre into a 1940s nightclub in honor of the classic song by Hoagy Carmichael, “Stardust” will hit the stage at 6 p.m. June 20-22, 27-29, and at 12:30 p.m. June 23 and 30 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
Coverage of music and the arts plus upcoming events in western North Carolina.
06/28/2019
Visit NC Smokies
The weather is perfect for a Blue Ridge Parkway cruise, and we've got 46 of the best miles on the Parkway!
https://visitncsmokies.com/blue-ridge-parkway/
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Videos
Revolutionary War monument
Revolutionary War monument being installed at the Haywood County Courthouse.
Haywood County Special Olympics now underway!
Riley Howell's funeral will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday at Stuart Auditorium - Lake Junaluska will provide a livestream video of the service. Check back Sunday at 5 p.m. for a link to the live feed or visit Lake Junaluska's page directly.
Riley Howell procession back to his hometown from UNC Charlotte .
Rockslide-I-40
A NCDOT contractor has already started removing debris from the area of Friday night's rock slide on I-40 near the Tennessee state line. The Pigeon River Gorge will be closed about one week. Many roadways in the mountains are closed due to flooding. Visit DriveNC.gov for the latest travel conditions. Video courtesy of A Shot Above - Aerial Photography/Videography of Western North Carolina
The rain may be over, but Jonathan Creek is still flowing swiftly at Maggie Valley’s Parham Park.
Drone flyover of North Main St. Waynesville
This drone footage from A Shot Above - Aerial Photography/Videography of Western North Carolina shows the area the town of Waynesville has designated as a redevelopment area in hopes of securing tax credits that would allow the old hospital to be renovated into affordable housing units. Read more at https://www.smokymountainnews.com/news/item/26251-waynesville-steps-up-to-address-affordable-housing-crisis
The Pigeon River at Waterville in Haywood County was running high and fast on Saturday. Holly Kays video.
The dam at Lake Junaluska.
Richland Creek in Frog Level.
Flooding in Clyde.
Live from the Waynesville Apple Harvest Festival
Western Carolina University's "Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band band is a big draw for prospective freshmen, with more than 10 percent of that class joining the band each year. Pick up next week's issue of SMN to find out why, and in the meantime enjoy this video from band practice Oct. 5.
This cascade is one of many beautiful places on the 912-acre property in Jackson County that The Conservation Fund and Mainspring Conservation Trust are working to conserve, but a state-level dispute is causing a delay in grant award decisions vital to the project. Pick up The Smoky Mountain News tomorrow to learn more.
Standing on a 5,462-foot peak in Jackson County, you can see Bryson City, Cherokee, Waterrock Knob and Sylva, as well as mountain waves far beyond those towns. If requested grant funding from The Clean Water Management Trust Fund comes through, the 441-acre property and likely the 471-acre tract adjoining it will be conserved. Pick up SMN on Wednesday to learn more.
Flooding near Charlie’s Corner in Hazelwood.
Flooding during the storm at Charlie’s Corner in Frog Level.
Cherokee storyteller Kathi Littlejohn is on a mission to record the places and stories important to Cherokee history through a series of videos she's creating through a grant from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation. Read more next week in the Aug. 22 issue of The Smoky Mountain News, and in the meantime watch Littlejohn tell the story behind Soco Gap, today located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Her completed videos are on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLhmpuYfZ8pw9NWXINQATTQ.
Smoky Mountain News is at Elevated Mountain Distilling Company tonight watching an amazing performance from Thailand. 🇹🇭 Folkmoot USA The "Official" North Carolina International Folk Festival
A pair of elk out for a Tuesday evening stroll in Maggie Valley. Probably getting ready to head over to Folkmoot.
After a long journey away from his herd in Maggie Valley, this young male elk was spotted browsing backyards in Henderson County earlier this summer, but he met his match when a vehicle hit him when he wandered onto I-26 July 1. Pick up the July 11 issue of The Smoky Mountain News to learn more. Video courtesy of Bradley Jones.
One and a half years after wildfire swept through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the effects are still visible along various trails near Gatlinburg, as shown in this video taken on Rainbow Falls Trail. Pick up the May 23 issue of The Smoky Mountain News to learn more.
After two trips up the steep trail to Rainbow Falls, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's mule team descends the trail for a well-earned rest. Pick up the May 16 issue of SMN to learn more.
Ever wondered how huge logs and other building materials make it miles up the trail in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Pick up the May 16 issue of The Smoky Mountain News to get the inside scoop on the park's mule packing program.
Appalachian dinner at Elevated Mountain Distilling Company featuring Ol’ Dirty Bathtub to raise funds for Folkmoot USA The "Official" North Carolina International Folk Festival
Be sure to pick up tomorrow's paper for a story about an alternative view of kudzu, "the vine that are the South." Here kudzu enthusiast Zev Friedman smashes up freshly harvested kudzu for processing.
Did you know that the much-hated kudzu plant actually has many culinary and medicinal uses? Here Kudzu Camp organizers Justin Holt and Zev Friedman are using it as a thickener for sumac honey tea. Learn more in the March 28 issue of SMN.
Richland Creek is looking more like a river after all this rain!
Richland Creek in Waynesville flows between snow-covered banks for a few more hours Jan. 18 before warmer temperatures melt the white stuff away. Video by Holly Kays
The first falls on the Cullowhee Falls Trail is pure ice right now! Holly Kays video.
These weeks of extra-wintery weather have gone a long way toward freezing up Cullowhee Falls below Lake Glenville! It's a chilly hike but definitely worth the experience. Holly Kays video
Frozen Lake Logan
A quick video of a frozen Lake Logan this afternoon. Footage by Liam McLeod.
Icy Tuckasegee River in Bryson City this morning!
The view from Thunder Struck Ridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway was nothing short of amazing this morning! Though, as evidenced by the whining in the latter part of the video, a certain dog was eager to stop looking and continue adventuring. Video by Holly Kays.
Have you been to Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville? The display is open nightly through Dec. 31!
Swain County commissioners held a dedication ceremony to rename the Old NC 288 Park after David Monteith. Monteith passed away this March and served as a commissioner for over 20 years. He was a adamant activist for the needs of his community. The park project was something he was very proud of.
A great time was had at Folkmoot USA The "Official" North Carolina International Folk Festival Scottish Dinner event last night. Great food from Absolutely Yummy Catering and Scottish music and dance!
If you heard seven loud cannons going off in Bryson City don't be alarmed - it was just the dedication ceremony for the Swain County Charters of Freedom. Now you can view a replica of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights outside the County Administration building.
Time lapse of the eclipse from Andrews, NC
Haywood County's own Flea Bitten Dawgs close out the solar eclipse event at Clingmans Dome with a well-chosen song. What surprised you the most about the solar eclipse experience?
Nearby media companies
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Smoky Mountain Living Magazine
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Asheville
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Immaculate Assumptions, Publishers
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Atlanta
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007 Constitution Drive, Dallas
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Mental Health News Radio Network
PO Box 1608, Lake Junaluska
