1/8/03
Flicks - 'Gangs of New York'
The Great Gordo’s Damn Fine Discs List Part Three
Peter Jackson, like Tolkien, could care less about the critics
‘Losing Season’ marred by overt self-pity and exaggeration
Gary's Top 10 for 2002
Macon greenway group hopes grants will pay for major improvements
Outcome hinges on voter turnout, say Canton groups
Many of our words came from Native Americans
Trailers parks — the best of the rest of Florida
Breaking skin, finding meaning
Jackson’s abrupt changes lead to many questions
Remembering the legacy of Hank Williams
Award-winning project fosters environmental stewardship while boosting economic opportunities
Nature Notebook
The Naturalist's Corner
Missing teen found in park
Cataloochee Ski Resort buys ski area property from owners

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1/15/03
'Picture Show' - Dario Argento: An Eye for Horror
Tracing Muddy’s legacy
A sharp commentary on life and a humorous approach to aging
Clever writing abandons character development for raw action
White snakeroot was long a problem for settlers
Macon, REACH hope to add housing options
Jackson works on new planning model
What are we doing, Mr. President?
Taylor has opportunity to reach out to adversaries
Keep repeating: Take the stairs
The goal of good planning is the public good
Confusing government aid and economic stimulus
Taylor chosen to head Interior Appropriations
Walkingstick claim for Cherokee National Forest land filed with U.S. Forest Service
The Naturalist's Corner
Fish advisory lifted on section of Pigeon

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1/22/03
‘Eleemosynary’ to open HART’s studio season
Flicks — 'About Schmidt'
Wilco’s ‘YHF’ is a chaotic masterpiece
Faces of peace emerge in the face of war
Time and place take a convoluted path in stream of consciousness masterpiece
Mangham’s wordcrafting apparent in latest offering
Hogs had valuable role in Appalachian culture
Alexander worried about jail safety
Political action group wants to be a voice of the people
Organized opposition to prison takes root
Franklin group eyes Canton’s success
Canton restaurants preparing for beer, mixed drink sales
Washing away the excess with a dose of minimalism
Familiar sound of war drums drowns out larger problems
A good beginning toward restoring trust
Affirmative Action for the rich
A life lived on the bright side
Smokies again makes list of endangered parks
The Naturalist's Corner
WCU grad studies, champions protection for chimps of the Goualougo Triangle

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1/29/03
Piano icon Dave Brubeck leads jazz weekend at the Grove Park
Arts, crafts sought for exhibit, sale at summer music festival
Zoro's Field: Life at the End of the Road
The paradox of American domestic and foreign policy
A profound factual account rethinks the cross-cultural implications of medical treatment
Gannett awards $3,270 to WCU theater ensemble
Summit panels call bullies biggest school safety factor
Wood-burning cookstoves take you out of the fast lane
WCU, Sylva combat alcohol problems
Downtown Waynesville leaders continue to reshape, adapt vision for Main Street area
Jackson moves toward long-term land-use plan
Doing business on Main Street
Adjusting to the unsettled nature of life as a student
Prison seems a poor fit for Haywood County
“This is credit card security ...”
Relevant facts lost in emotion of Affirmative Action debate
The Naturalist's Corner
Grassroots groups convene at Lake Logan for annual conference
Federal monies earmarked for WNC projects
Runners ready for annual 21-mile Bartram Trail run
Cycle North Carolina 2003 route and dates announced

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2/5/03
The Great Gordo’s Slap-Happy Jamboree
Montgomerey Gentry to perform at WCU
'Flicks' — Confessions of a Dangerous Mind
Horror and sci-fi find a much deserved place in the halls of knowledge
An objective account on the merits of the Crusades
The life and history behind Jimmy Carter
SCC experiences record enrollment increases
Pro-prison group appeals to county
Peace group forms in Franklin area
Jail project takes shape
Growth pressures spark Cashiers incorporation debate
Clean businesses win awards
Living in the soft, luminescent glow of lamp light
The fantasy world at The Mall
Eli, mom and dad get ready for Cloudydoo
Honeymoon used to cement justice center, jail project
Organic growers school to celebrate 10th anniversary
The Naturalist's Corner
Option to preserve Dillsboro Dam garners the most support
Achievements, goals of WATR to be covered at annual meeting

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2/12/03
The Great Gordo’s Slap-Happy Jamboree — A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Baker’s subject proves to be a man of his own time
A poor attempt at fact, and a fictional account of a holy roommate
Faith: A mainstay of the Carter presidency
Duke donates photos of rural electrification to WCU
State begins study of Cashiers incorporation
Latino Council wants to create resource list
Mitchell County fought off prison in 1990, welcomed it in 1997
Prison’s effect at heart of debate in Haywood
Tracing the convoluted etymology of ‘Appalachian’
Referendum is only way to settle the issue
Perhaps prison jobs are not what we need
Look for facts about prison proposal
Project brings active management to the Little Tennessee
Goals, priorities important in structuring Sustainable Forestry
The Naturalist's Corner

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2/19/03
The Great Gordo’s Slap-Happy Jamboree — A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Flicks — 'The Pianist'
HART to resurrect Eleemosynary before theater festival
Western to hold Creative Industry Career Fair
Meaningful growth in a dorm room
Carter reflects on faith, aging and the outdoors
Shallow characters shun morality, embrace selfishness
Lansdale weaves old-style storytelling with thoroughly modern material
Swain project gets grant
Prison debate rages on in Haywood
Haire one of four Democratic whips
CCC and award recipients praised
Tribe wants live dealers at Harrah’s
Ashe again asks for more personnel
Online and free, a cultural cornucopia
The small joys of back sliding
Sound the alarm, the sky is ...
The road may not go on forever
Lights, camera action; televise the meetings
Swain commissioners turn attention towards cash settlement instead of completed road
Construction to limit Cades Cove Road traffic
The Naturalist's Corner

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2/26/03
Conservancy preserves Rough Creek Watershed
Stewardship organizations recognized
The Naturalist's Corner
Land parcel renamed in honor of Rep. Clarke
WCU, Taylor help position region for economic growth
Dreams amid a shifting world
Just tell the truth about growing old
Be prepared, because children will suffer if we attack
Strappin’ on for a ride on the war machine
Haire undecided about incorporation proposal
Major grant for WCU
Sequoyah professor a link between Tribe, WCU
Youths cope with violence, intimidation
Mountain living and a true mountain book
The insatiable need for distraction
Drake finds success in the field of military sci-fi writing
A sampling of quality and content from The Bookheap
Zoro's Field: Life at the End of the Road
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Music that aims for the outlandish
Spring Street plans art retrospective to mark third anniversary

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3/5/03
Open Door plans second Empty Bowl Dinner
Flicks — The Rules of Attraction
A lurid journey abreast the energy of color and sound
The Carters’ contributions to early country
An honest, unembellished take on the Middle East situation
Opposing viewpoints voiced, accepted at Peace Initiative
Sincerity, lack of propaganda characterize WCU peace rally
The quiet grandeur of the butternut walnut
Taylor, Swain leaders at odds over road
Meetings and issues related to Northshore
South Loop study delayed
Workshop to focus on violence against seniors
Haywood puts prison debate on hold
Human Race will benefit all non-profits
New DA will have to run in 2004, again in 2006
Taylor: Build road first, then seek compensation
Rough Creek’s Treasures — Newly-protected, diverse tract has long history of use
The Administration’s other war
Endangered elktoe mussel topic of next WATR meeting
A soldier’s morale depends on the homefront
Hipps’ public service career is a lasting tribute and a model for others
Life at The Chili Festival with No Chili
Be careful what you wish for — you may get it

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3/12/03
Funk lives on in this 22-song compilation
The Great Gordo’s Slap-Happy Jamboree
Acceptance of things the way they are
It’s difficult, yes, but there is real value in learning Latin
Colleges participate in rural schools initiative
Lusky, Luker honored with statewide award
Master of the green thumb
Scoping meetings on North Shore Road begin
Railroad plans hotel, restaurant in Bryson
Prison opponents bring in speakers
Easley proposal cuts mediation budget
County support may aid referendum bid
Prison decision too vague to mean much of anything
The danger in learning to fly
GOP’s environmental apathy must end
The Naturalist's Corner
A new model of conservation
What exactly is a land trust?
Educational programs offered to schools

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3/19/03
Carden’s ‘Birdell’ plays in libraries
Canton fiddler Jimmy van Cleve to play at HCC
The Great Gordo’s Slap-Happy Jamboree
Steel guitar master Robert Randolph and Family thunder into Asheville
Sportsmanship: Saving the best for last
Constantine’s characters struggle with morality and impulse
WCU hosts annual Odyssey of the Mind tourney
MacNeill named to WCU trustees board
Waiting could spoil prison chances
Super 8 hotel going on site by Lowes
Land-use plan process enters final stages
Greenwood: Counties forced to ‘bail’ out state
Forum speakers say prisons harmful to communities
Elder Abuse awareness
Rapid growth in senior population reveals cracks in caregiver system
The many and varied early uses of tobacco
The trouble with my girl’s rose-colored world
Budget woes no excuse for going backward
The media’s evolving mission
Taylor, Deal want TVA to keep lake levels up
Management paradigm shifts from fire supression to prescribed burns
The Naturalist's Corner
Alliance presents work of George Masa
Hatchery-supported trout waters to open April 5

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3/26/03
Leigh Hilger finds success at juggling music, a job and a life
HART opens 2003 season with “Oh, Coward!”
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
‘Eleemosynary’ wins big at regional festival
ZORO’S FIELD: Life at the End of the Road
Characters rely on resourcefulness to overcome bleak surroundings
An author’s passion preserves a crumbling part of history
Summit to focus on jail safety
Western students seek stories, photographs on Cullowhee Valley history
Brevard College Hosts the Banff Mountain Film Festival
Waynesville tosses out traditional zoning
Reaping benefits
New property values sent out in Macon
Marketing cuts worry tourism leaders
Historical museum focuses on the art of hat-making
Haywood, Macon to consider land-use plans, say leaders
Counties continue to struggle with rising Medicaid costs
Cashiers incorporation bill introduced
Cashiers incorporation calendar
Accusations mar work of task force
The rich etymology of the serviceberry
Taking steps to prevent abuse of the elderly
You can’t have it both ways
How about racing as a WNC industry?
Rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic
Cruzan defends department’s activities
A funeral befitting Charlie’s life, personality
N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission working with private landowners to preserve trout stream access
NOC Rhinos sponsor whitewater event
The Naturalist's Corner
AmeriCorps volunteers lend a helping hand

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4/2/03
Ry Cooder and Manuel Galban — Mambo Sinuendo
Artists to create one-hour pieces for Quick Draw art auction April 12
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Carden’s ‘Birdell’ continues to show are regional libraries
The simple pleasures of earnest knowledge
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Maxine Kumin comes to WCU Literary Festival
A pilgrimage of saintly proportions
Engineering programs to be offered at WCU
Hinson says recruiting manufacturers should remain his focus
School officials tackle Bethel air problems
Preservation Foundation helps pay for financial literacy organization
Managing minors’ money concerns Tribe
Macon Airport Authority wants longer runway
Industry reps discuss working relationship with Hinson
Grading Hinson made difficult due to confidential nature of work
Developers block subdivision rules
The sacred history of the wild bear
Wind energy may have a future in WNC
Despite the controversy, good suggestions are already surfacing
Waynesville’s success could help others
Late snow, mixed emotions
Smokies travel remains flat in January, February
Dam malfunction, snowstorm place no hindrance on NRC whitewater event
The Naturalist's Corner
Haywood Chamber plans hikes to benefit Friends of the Smokies

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4/9/03
Acoustic Syndicate reaffirms ties to the land
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Appalachian farming exhibit plows into Canton
WCU to host annual high school math contest
Attorney General calls for increased use of DNA testing
Frank’s writing shines brightest when describing police work
Beauty and brutality balance Erdrich’s epic novel
Huge Bear Lake development planned
Attracting venture capital to WNC a challenge
Do reported numbers actually reveal impact of tourism?
Outstanding volunteers sought by center
Mountain Home board, Haywood leaders clash
Cherokee consider starting an arts college
Cashiers residents discuss county planning proposal
The old barn — an endangered species
Children of war don’t deserve their fate
An up-and-down affair with Mother Nature
New rules are apparently made to be broken
Runoff: State considers tougher rules
The Naturalist's Corner
Need for cyber crime specialists increases

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4/16/03
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Mofro’s swampy sound gains exposure with non-stop touring
Broadway actor Rudy Roberson joins WCU’s communication and theater arts department
You can never go home again: The adage rings true in Simmons’ chilling tale
Gatsby: Fine craftsmanship in an American original
Children’s poster contest highlights recycling
Nine from SCC recalled to active duty
Yarborough to lead Maggie Visitors Bureau
Wade considers Ghost Town purchase
SCC students from Macon look forward to local campus
Rapp, Queen plan live video-teleconference
Macon leaders focus on planning topics
Houseboat discharge law stalls as boating season approaches
Foundation seeks grant applicants, philanthropists
Edwards tops fund-raising list; Senate hopefuls begin jostling
Bonfoey gets nod from Gov. Easley for DA’s job
Mountain lion facts hotly debated
Teens learn skills that build great leaders
Matching start-ups with capital should be a focus of economic development
In search of media credibility
New EPA proposal would weaken Clean Air Act
Enough of the info-tainment
Good values may not mean that much
WCU schedules cleanup on Tuck
Private Macon forest provides testing ground for active forest management
The Naturalist's Corner
Cradle of Forestry announces upcoming programs

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4/23/03
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Jazz duo to perform Friday nights at Lomo
Artists raise money for students and to promote Waynesville as arts destination
Sugarman Three digs up new 45s, soulful funk
WCU to offer swim programs
Destiny, love and fate play into this thoughtful novel
Reece’s prose touches on the beauty of human frailty
Why women won’t talk; why churches don’t listen
Treading carefully toward planning
Subidivision rules key task for Smart Growth Task Force
State gives less than expected for Needmore
Greening Up kicks off WNC festival season
Foundation will help Blue Ridge School
Few aware of upcoming jail vote
The buzz on fermented honey
Purchase Knob: The gift that keeps on giving
The Naturalist's Corner
Taylor’s role in fraud case raises troubling questions
School debate misses the point
Ruminating on higher education and other myths
With pizza and friends, I can fix anything

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4/30/03
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Hightower brings thunder to WNC
UNCA to hold student photography exhibition
Uptown Gallery holds exhibits, schedules workshops
Blighted lives hanging in the balance
Cherokee guides lead heritage excursions
Insubstantial backbones betray well-intentioned books
ZORO’S FIELD: Life at the End of the Road
Duke relicensing talks include enhancement fund
EPA to release orchard contaminant study
Macon to celebrate greenway’s first birthday
Quota cuts strangle burley tobacco crop
The passing of a way of life
The common yet exotic princess tree
The same ol’ hillbilly is born again
Haywood’s indicators alone won’t entice executives
Isabel ushers forth, all peachy and quiet
Living with members of the other tribe
The monster of our own creation
A dirty Fontana Lake bad news for WNC
Nature provides the show, and the views, on a spectacular journey
Rare 2-foot species found only in Hiwassee, Little Tennessee watersheds
The Naturalist's Corner

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5/7/03
Waynesville unveils 2003 outdoor sculptures
Razzle Dazzle includes wide array of arts activities
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Flicks
Dillsboro Heritage Fest seeks crafters for juried show set for June 14
Delbert McClinton, Collective Soul headline WCU festival
Ruminations on college and the joy of graduation
Foundations extend financial planning seminars to public
Wildflower guide sold at Junaluska
A likeable character grows and seeks to discover herself
Bailey’s cast of characters cope with abandonment
Old-time uses for birch
Shelter board criticizes county’s ‘cavalier’ attitude
Frog Level efforts come to fruition
Foundation information now online
Cherokee proposal would mandate balanced budget
News in brief
Wetlands installation planned at Lake Junaluska
Needmore efforts to be celebrated May 17
The Naturalist's Corner
8-hour Adventure Race returns to NOC
Mixed mitigation best scenario for Duke relicensing
Queen gets his bill – and a scare
We need to figure out what we are selling

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5/14/03
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Wilco takes a windy road to the top
Western taps Miller to lead fund-raising efforts
Entrepreneurship degree to be offered at WCU
Keneally’s characters are imbued with a dose of humanity
Marlette’s provocative tale not far removed from reality
A look back at old-time dentistry
SBI asked to look into Haywood EMS activities
Jackson opens new $6 million jail
Heavy rains reveal flaws in erosion laws
Duke’s Alexander asks elected leaders not to weigh in on fund
Counties to consider some type of land-use plans
Symbols – like flags – do mean something
Haywood Home problems raise important issues
The road is a fitting place to renew a friendship
Shut up, damned beast!
Orphaned cub given second chance with foster mother
The Naturalist's Corner
Greenway Roundup
Over 3,000 new species of organisms recorded by ATBI

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5/21/03
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Music festival will raise money for high school landscaping project
Widespread’s new disc not their best, but worth a listen
Words and artistry wed as characters move through the dark kingdoms of dreams
PC invaders: The railroading of Jack Perdue
Battle lines drawn over location of new library
Bush, EPA air proposals discussed in WNC
e-NC Initiative puts Internet sites in Webster
Franklin best WNC site for proposed clinic, says VA
Jeffords criticizes Bush plan
Some say no to Duke’s relicensing proposal
Davy Crockett a marketing marvel
Swain readies for ninth Heritage Festival May 23-24
Worlds Apart: Two towns, one business — Maggie Valley and Highlands
Labor housing scarce
Dredging up the heroes of Bataan
Growth makes it harder to keep streams clean
Dam serves valuable role in Jackson County
Bad decisions often a result of a flawed process
‘Ridgerunners’ take NOC Adventure Race
Plate sales generate additional elk funds
Needmore: Progress made, obstacles still lie ahead
The Naturalist's Corner
Mountain Farm Museum celebrates 50th anniversary

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5/28/03
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Flicks
ZORO’S FIELD: Life at the End of the Road
Vietnam helicopter pilot’s memoir recounts war experience
After 120 years, Mary Todd Lincoln remains a lightning rod for controversy
Forest Service says it is looking at Walkingstick’s claim
Speakers reject library plan
Schools struggle as Macon drops tax rate
Mountain Discovery Charter School completes first year
Jail bond vote barely registers with voters
HCC to raise $1 million for model child development center
Cherokee election draws crowded field
Keeping things sweet in Appalachia
Don’t rush library decision
A simple prognosis for decision making
Each of us reacts uniquely to cultural symbols
Answer to library woes raises lots of questions
The joy of thinking about camping
Heavy spring rains bring litter to critical mass at Fontana
Public comment sought for Cades Cove plan
The Naturalist's Corner

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6/4/03
Artist brings Highway 64 inspiried paintings to Asheville gallery
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Highlands Playhouse hosts professional troupes for summer performances
Modern adaptation of ‘Rope’ works in today’s society
Canton’s own Fred Chappell creates ordinary characters with extraordinary traits
Jesse James’ forgotten history and fame at the point of a gun
Rudolph’s capture ends WNC saga
Clues sought from campsites
Task force proposes new EDC structure
Peculiar mountain weather
Why live within our means – just borrow
Camping fun left out of children’s literature
Few sales, no signings, who cares – I’m published
The hero deserves the reward
HCC project will benefit WNC in many ways
Land trusts to be celebrated at Mast Store
Local farmers markets
The Naturalist's Corner
Summer tailgate markets bring hope for a better day

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6/11/03
Flicks
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Mountain Heritage Center quilt exhibit goes worldwide
Cinque creates a cast that treads lightly on the reader
Conroy’s kindly consideration and some summer pastimes
Turnout extremely low for jail bond referendum
Chief Leon Jones loses chances for second term
Cherokee primary results
DOT follows through on Needmore promise
Edwards seeks cash instead of Fontana Road
Haywood budget would lower tax rate by 1 cent
Jackson, Macon leaders at odds over waste pact
Two plans on table for Cashiers’ future
Some on task force critical of proposals
Trout research at WCU to be terminated due to budget cuts
Poison hemlock is not the species found in WNC
Progress Energy, state set example for cutting pollution
An anniversary and a changing industry
Most teachers do their job quite admirably
The message in this bottle doesn’t taste so good
Perseverance, ingenuity pay off for trout farmers
The Naturalist's Corner
Growers prepare to welcome annual Mountain Farm Tour
Environmental management focus of lecture

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6/18/03
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
HART brings award-winning “Eleemosynary” to stage in Waynesville
Live music and summer street dances in Waynesville
Cullowhee Arts Fest continues in its second year with a strong array of talent
Delbert McClinton | Nanci Griffith
Carefree hedonists get a sobering wakeup call
Mr. Manners sets the matters straight on teenage behavior
Jackson moves to pull out of waste agreement
Jobless speak out about needs
New EDC plan gains support
Small business owners say their needs ignored
A straight course on the North Shore debate
Employee contract fight idles Verizon workers
Dragging Canoe, Cherokee war chief
WCU must remain true to its mountain roots
Structure, and staff, are critical
A migrating soul in search of a nest
Fate of public library deserves public dialogue
Endurance climber takes on the tallest of the Southern Appalachians
Peaks
The Naturalist's Corner

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6/25/03
Concerts and Cumberland in 10 days
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Picture show — 'Audition'
ZORO’S FIELD: Life at the End of the Road
Joachim’s cookbook for men relies on commanding the can
A colorful cast rounds out Joyce’s latest
Revamped recycling program requires less of citizens
Mountaineer Antique Auto show planned for July 4 weekend
Maggie to embark on planning effort
Hornbuckle death fuels speculation about home life
Haywood loses initial battle with DOT over land
Cumberland Plateau and Fall Creek Falls
My 32-year-old self, from the eyes of a 17-year-old
Tax windfall for tourist businesses a bad idea
Stay away from the specialty plate money
An aging tent, an enduring trip
Round and round the issue of job creation
YES camp gives environmental insight to eighth-graders
‘Raspberry Fest’ returns to Pomme de Terre
Park seeks public comment for proposed land exchange
$1 million donated for Needmore preservation
The Naturalist's Corner
Firecracker 5K planned for July 4 in Bryson City
Cave Dog sets climbing record
Bike tour in NC mountains set for Labor Day weekend
Alleged abduction ends as hoax

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7/2/03
Asheville bluegrass group sows their path into music success
Picture Show — 'Frida'
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Burgess’ novels provide readers an eye-opening experience
A hunter’s perspective on the nature he loves
Humanity has gone awry in Atwood’s futuristic purgatory
Advocates seek incentives for alternative fuels
Macon commissioners hear from disgruntled asphalt plant neighbors
Budget beats fiscal deadline
Deal to purchase Ghost Town falls through
Hikers wanted to participate in air quality study
Macon schools train for healthy air
With the closing of Ghost Town, Maggie looks for new ways to bring in visitors
Phone scammers take final shot
A blundering discovery
Terrorist act hits where it hurts – your truck
Georgia looks ahead as NC lags behind
Women’s group aids foreign sisters
Professional sports — a dead passion
Fruited plains, purple mountains and waterparks
Flying is believing
Non-profits launch effort to support wind power
Saw-whet owl stalls trail status
The Naturalist's Corner
Fledgling NC trail proves challenging for hikers, volunteers

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7/9/03
Go! Go! See! See! Bye Bye Birdie
Folkmoot prepares to get underway
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Kane’s songwriting continues to win praise
HART brings ‘The King and I’ to the local stage
Local writer combines historical fact and fast-paced fiction in this well written novel
Despite shortcomings, Cornwell creates a great tale
Canton adjusts to on-premise alcohol
Commissioners delay vote on Cashiers plan
County still debating EDC proposal
Leaders disagree on Dayco’s potential
New tags could help parkway; FOS worries about price hike
Region’s hospitals growing, adding jobs
Road opponents plan series of meetings
State budget woes trickle down
Origin of some balds remains a mystery
A frenzied encounter with a creature of the deep
When the messenger, when the story?
Cullasaja residents deserve better from Macon leaders
Southern Loop needs more study
Myriad of issues surrounds proposed placement of wind farms in the region
Students sift through centuries at mound site on WCU campus
The Naturalist's Corner

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7/16/03
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
The King takes stage
Yeehaw Industries exhibit on display at Western
Radiohead — A darker side of things
Mounce says life ‘coming into focus’
Boys’ special needs not met in current education model
Unexplained forces play central role in Hopkinson’s compilation
Things change in Cashiers on Aug. 12
Plott Creek residents fear taxes, not land-use planning
Cherokee unanimous in support of Ravensford trade
How best to spend room tax money?
A lost bridge, a missing sense of place
Success of Folkmoot depends on funding
Bringing the world to the mountains
Folkmoot at a Glance
Folkmoot USA celebrates 20th year in Western NC
The Naturalist's Corner
Good Will Running
The virtues of sleeping around
Our future welfare depends on alternative energies
Pitiful, painful and all places in between
An old liberal on conservative talk radio

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7/23/03
In the lonely, forgotten bin ...
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
A touching account of losing a spouse — and a sinister one
A motley cast of characters pays the price for mankind’s transgressions against the Earth
WCU wants old Cullowhee Valley photos
Prison once again under consideration
Road is catalyst for intense debate
November town elections attract candidates
Macon planners ready to get back to work
Hinson retires from EDC post
Businesses watch out – county wants its tax money
Caves served many purposes for Native Americans
Friendship reigns at Folkmoot
County may get opportunity to help Cashiers residents
Passing the torch, or at least the popcorn
Discrimination is never right
Caves served many purposes for Native Americans
Bele Chere 5k expecting a strong field
Cool waters sizzle as youth train for races
Crews work on Nantahala rapid
Will Harlan completes Smokies run for clean air
The Naturalist's Corner

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7/30/03
Appalahian Dance and Folk Festival continues in its 76th year
Days of live radio broadcasts brought to life in Highlands play
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
ZORO’S FIELD: Life at the End of the Road
Collins’ latest leaves readers feeling used
Bryan’s concept solid, yet leaving something to be desired
The remarkable life and biography of Thomas Picklesimer
Relicensing dissenters want more from Duke
Mobile home rules upset park owners
Mental health facility riles neighbors
MAIN creates community-based Latino website
Maggie Valley mulls long-term planning
Those were the days: When the Oval Office lifted Appalachia
System’s loopholes help bigotry hang around
Tax proposal is no way to fix a problem
Mississippi as an unlikely vacation spot
You want generica viagra? Try a Styx show
Consensus important when it comes to land use
Sometimes, children can act just like dogs
Where I ran, and what I ran for: Great Smokies End-to-End Run
Ozone more hazardous than ever in Smokies
NRC members fare well in whitewater nationals
NOC recognized as one of the best by magazine
The Naturalist's Corner
Moonlight Race returns to Maggie

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8/6/03
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Sam Phillips gave us the best of rock-and-roll
Some ‘Wit’ for everyone
Evil spawns from spiteful hearts and forked tongues
Despite shortcomings, Esquith teaches a lot about teaching
Macon deputies to get Tasers
Commissioners reverse county attorney’s opinion
Clasby named to interim EDC post
Cashiers incorporation vote under way
Tomato growers face changing market
Traffic guru preaches community building
Appalachian herbalist — Tommie Bass
Who are those people? Just look in the mirror
Coughing up the hard truth about our mountain air
The right road is in sight
Race problems – and solutions – must cut both ways
TVA, local residents debate economic, environmental impact of altering lake drawdown dates
The Naturalist's Corner
Elk reproducing at a healthy rate

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8/13/03
Music festival looks to help West Asheville revitalization
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
WCU theater group takes African-American evangelist, Father Divine, to New York stage
Broome’s Journal a must-read for GSMNP visitors
War heroes pass on stories of courage and sacrifice
WCU announces staggered arrival times for freshmen
WCU anticipating record enrollment for fall semester
Fiske Guide names UNCA a best buy
Local tax bills and foreign competition compound challenges for Canton papermaker
Staying competitive
Cashiers incorporation defeated
Council wants to impeach Jones, Blankenship
Duke-Nantahala launch website for customers
Group tries to lure foreign tourists to Southern Appalachians region
Foundation’s status questioned by media
Pegeon River Board prepares for grant cycle
How the Blue Ridge Parkway came to be
Support local farmers by buying local produce
Distrust leads to larger problems
Remembering a caring, loving father
Iraq is not about oil, rather strategic interests
Crouping across the Delta
Dissecting the Clear Skies Initiative
The Naturalist's Corner
Emile Elias selected as new director of LTWA
Duke toll free number helps lake, river recreation planning

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8/20/03
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Lake Trout takes a new/different direction
Local Cuban band, Son de Cuba, continues success across WNC
A skewed take on Appalachia still yields an entertaining read
On shopping where you live — and homekeeping
Flicks
Campus construction, growth bring changes for runners, walkers
Fontana drawdown delay included in TVA options
Haywood still divided over prison
Board scrutinizes Horton’s contract
Maggie gears up for annual Moonlight Race
Narrow majority of commissioners supports zoning for Cashiers
Staff attorney should save money, say Macon officials
Mountain tales often found in unusual places
A 5-year-old’s take on politics, religion and war
Victims of our own prosperity
Cherokee tribal politics remain a messy affair
At least tell the truth about the lies
Apple Country Bike Tour kicks off in Henderson
National park educational program offered to schools
The Naturalist's Corner
Predatory beetle release to combat Hemlock Woolly Adelgid infestation

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8/27/03
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Traditions that abide
Latest ‘New Stories’ an incredible anthology of Southern literature
A pilgrimage — portraits of four souls seeking truth
ZORO’S FIELD: Life at the End of the Road
WCU music department launching new ‘Catamount Concert Series’
Cashiers gets zoning
DOT warms to to new ideas, says former employee
Hicks, Crowe both think they have skills to lead Cherokee
Howell Mill expansion presents challenges and opportunities
Keep cameras rolling at meetings, citizens say
Local officials, public bend legislators’ ears
Murder suspect finally sent back to Wisconsin
Prison site not for sale, says Maddox
A timeline: The on-again, off-again prison search
Sewage expansion could spur growth
The unique beauty of the much-maligned vulture
The frightening truth about giving up control
Learning to live with my demons
Moore steps way over the line
Two decisions that could build a lot of good will in Haywood
Southern Loop could help traffic
Researchers examine mystery of Appalachian heath balds
Learn to grow and market heirloom tomatoes
The Naturalist's Corner
Preserve research aims to provide avian, human gains
New Smokies book offers hikers a step back in time

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9/3/03
‘Oh, Buckeye’ meets ‘Open Spaces’
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Funding available for emerging artists
A story of redemption for a man twice wronged
An account from the early days of backpacking
Nobel prize-winning novel an allegorical take on life itself
Nitty-gritty history stuffed inside Strutin’s book
Waynesville may build new fire station
Vice chief candidates are experienced public servants
Study will assess Dayco contamination woes
As tests results assume all-important role, educators struggle amid changing demands
About the tests
Haywood to get graded industrial site
Georgia bridge project irks Highlands residents
Arnold reveals sorry state of U.S. electorate
Bushies act arrogantly – and illegally – toward Clean Air Act
Business group focuses attention on entrepreneurs
The Naturalist's Corner
Triathlon reconfigured to include a greater number of competitors
Unlimited fishing allowed on Bear Creek prior to brook trout restoration

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9/10/03
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Boys will be boys and Ween will be Ween
Architectural firm selected for SCC Macon campus
A new breed of bigotry
Cash settlement wins Gov. Easley’s backing
Clean air proposals should eventually help WNC
Conservation group issues legislative scorecards
Firefighters concerned about new driving tests
Justice center furnishings contract goes to Tenn. firm
Greenwood must get board OK for pay hikes
Hicks elected chief, but voting challenges still not settled
HRMC officially begins campaign for $5 million ER expansion
Road rumors prompt DOT to bring all parties to the table
SCC, Drake to build fiber network
Unusual litter find could be valuable
Plants provide remedy for vengeful animals
Since 9/11, very few questions have been answered
Taking time to water the garden
Kids in the Creek teaches students real-life lessons
Tuckasegee East Fork Reservoir levels to be lower in September
The Naturalist's Corner
Webcam provides up-to-minute view of visibility problems

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9/17/03
A solemn farewell to the Man in Black
Penumbra Gallery opens in Sylva
John McFall and company bring progressive blend of dance and song to the mountains
Cynicism, truth characterized Zevon’s career
Thompson’s latest walks a fine line between the true and the bizarre
More hearings show road is still divisive
Local firms to get chance for interior design work
Wallace claims Fields is not a town resident
A checkered past: Maggie’s recent elections
Annexed voters could tip Maggie’s balance of power
Watch out for the aggressive hoop snake
State workers bear brunt of budget woes
‘Unringing the bell’ by taking some control
In search of a noble exit strategy
Banquet honors philanthropy of Rockefellers, Vanderbilts in creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Naturalist's Corner

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9/24/03
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Ween: Tongue-in-cheek rock served with a bit of irony
Photo contest to focus on historical burial sites
Ralph Lewis and sons infuse mountain music with contemporary influences
Three young horror writers showcased in Brown’s latest
Frog Level listed on National Register of Historic Districts
Election board to hear election dispute Oct. 6
Summer's last hurrah
Bethel, HCC building projects supported by commissioners
DWA to honor longtime merchant Wilma Sease
Waynesville rewarded for land-use plan
State’s second woman police chief honored
Images of Appalachia revisited
Recalling the days when conservation was not so partisan
The enduring mystique of WNC’s fire towers
Are you an enthusiast?
With increased usage, solutions sought for natural resource stewardship
Nation’s oldest continuous triathlon tackles the Little Tennessee River
The Naturalist's Corner

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10/1/03
Harmonic Convergence — moving to a common point
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Alexie’s characters preserve their roots in modern times
ZORO’S FIELD: Life at the End of the Road
Land swap moves closer to completion
Election controversy all the talk in Maggie Valley
DOT wants to enlarge loop study area
Angel pays $1.1 million in overbilling settlement
Romance that lines the ballad for Kidder Cole
Data shows benefits of attracting retirees
Cherokee woes are a long time coming
Are we giving up our freedoms?
Hanging on to Asheville’s coattails
Waynesville is steadily moving forward
Fundamental transportation changes necessary
Fontana houseboat users mull options for dealing with solid waste
The Naturalist's Corner

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10/8/03
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Bryson City art walk is Oct. 11, 18
Photo gallery features original work of owners
Theater company to offer classes for kids
Virtue in patience
Host of titles available from WCU professors
Atwood’s fantasy future draws uncomfortable parallels to current events
WCU seeks public opinion on economic outlook
Blood line disputes a lingering problem
Hearings reveal divisions within tribe
The 20th year of Church Street Festival
Looking for clean businesses
Fields cleared by Board of Elections
Franklin hosts gathering of Scots
Haywood businesses to face tax audit
Wright Brothers centennial celebrated in Macon County
Sylva opposes EPA clean air revisions
Noise pollution targeted in Highlands
League forum will allow citizens to hear candidates
Jackson board gets subdivision proposal
Highlands may terminate cable agreement
Finding common ground on the Southern Loop
Southerners a disappearing breed
The same old idiot he’s always been
Boneset believed best for bone breaks
Efforts begin to preserve Francis Mill
Rutting season begins for Cataloochee elk
Pittillo: Fall color season less vibrant due to lack of rainfall
The Naturalist's Corner
5-cent CCC coin returned to park officials

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10/15/03
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Good and evil take stage at HART
‘Speculative fiction’ retains relevance in 35th year
Rauschenberg’s photography on display at WCU gallery
Kiwanis kick off travelog season
Franklin candidates speak out at forum
Coburn says Harper again interested in Ghost Town
Rising land costs challenge preservationists
Logging the dangers of a lumberman's life
Waynesville OKs $15,000 for EDC director’s salary
Students sought for leadership training
Back in action: Macon planners reconvene
Sylva correct to oppose gutting of Clean Air Act
Pondering a changing universe
Get me back to the woods — now
It’s playoff time, when Yankee-hating is vogue
History unearthed at Western dig
The Naturalist's Corner
Delayed-Harvest Trout Waters Open on Oct. 1
Park seeks public comment on proposed horse stables
Watch groups organize to stop sedimentation

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10/22/03
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Classes for children offered by Highlands theater company
Flicks
JAM program provides music lessons for Haywood students
A journey of crime and resolution
John Sebastian’s music featured in stage comedy ‘Jimmy Shine’
New program at WCU offers Master of Fine Arts degree
Cable firm tries to turn tables on Highlands board
Land line calls to some cells will face long distance charges
County wants sheriff to move into jail
Swain makes plans for community-built playground
No opposition voiced to new cell towers
Revised mobile home rules gain support
Haywood worried about fate of industrial site
Exchange centers to open in WNC
What different providers are doing
Sharing the cost of economic development
It’s English, but right now it’s still a foreign language
Franklin leaders need to address growth
Choking on the hypocrisy of the self-styled moralists
Fraser’s mark on the home garden
In autumn’s twilight, Gorge workers weigh options for winter
Where to go, what to do
A river guide’s life
The Naturalist's Corner

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10/29/03
Carrying on Cherokee tradition
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
A gritty tale with the flavor of Central America
Growth, community are election issues in Highlands race
Forest Hills candidates unopposed
Five challengers want Sylva seats
Clyde to carry on with same mayor, board
Plan for Christian theme park at Ghost Town emerges on election’s eve
Mayoral candidates offer clear differences
New burner cuts asphalt plant noise
One challenger on ballot in Canton
Residents, DOT uncertain where road is going
Thirty years later, newcomers fight for share of power in Maggie
Two challengers face united Waynesville board
Write-in candidates jump into Maggie fray
Sassafras a forgotten remedy of old
Adapting to the reality of divorce
Righting the woes of college athletics
Balsam Mountain Preserve, NCSU researchers work through challenges to provide more thorough erosion control
Preserve employs simple solutions for erosion control
The Naturalist's Corner
Monarchs migrate

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11/5/03
Film takes Asheville
Asheville director documentary to show
Arts Council names scholarship recipients
Soundcheck: Album Review
The Great Gordo's Celebrated Slap-Happy Jamboree
Breakdown of facts detracts from a timely novel
First Medford scholarship recipients named at WCU
Conceptualizing to begin for Western’s Millenial Campus
Malpractice reform stalls in North Carolina
Jackson Sheriff’s Office moves into new jail
Insurance costs drive doctor out of health care
Franklin voters choose new faces
Final push on to meet Needmore deadline
Congress approves land swap
Business owners get chance to speak up about tax audit
Swain relies on venerable voting machines
Spuds spawn growth debate in Franklin
Proposed dam removal angers Dillsboro leaders
Pinter, Aldrige and Higel win
Needmore grows by 160 acres
Two newcomers, one incumbent win in Highlands
Waynesville returns incumbents
Fall flowering found in its prime
A love story on film without the cliches
Media has done poor job reporting on wireless changes
Republican Party has forsaken its populist roots
In the end, public shut out of Ravensford debate, decision
Time for children and special adults
The rigors of getting there
Anglers, boaters reach compromise
Tuckaseegee home to first ‘Natty Slalom’ kayak race
The Naturalist's Corner

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11/12/03
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
PictureShow
Sodom Laurel exhibit on the walls at Waynesville library
Realistic characters flesh out a tale long overdue for telling
Bardo seeks to place WCU at helm of local growth
CAT ushers in expanding opportunities for students
25 western counties deemed Blue Ridge Heritage Area
Breathing life back into Macon’s planning process
Smart Growth in the region
WestCare attempts to change perceptions in Swain County
Haywood to relocate call center
Smart Growth: A Working Definition
Delicacy found in fall greens
Desperately seeking health care
Leveling the field for the locals
HCC volunteer trail crew performs maintenance of trails in Cataloochee
Want to help?
Grants available for research in Park
The Naturalist's Corner
Segment of Parkway to close for construction
Sachs honored for educational development at Purchase

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11/19/03
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Film festival finishes
HART’s ‘The Price’
Director Peter Weir brings Patrick O’Brian’s novels to the silver screen
A Master Guide
Q&A with Pat Hingle
Making the (nut)case for American zealotry
WCU celebrates renovation of buildings
City of Asheville, WCU plan special programs
New director planning for Maggie’s 2004 centennial
Local traffic creates up to 20 percent of Smokies’ bad air
Highway safety not always a priority
One woman’s crusade
Haywood business likely to face audit
13,000-square-foot ER expansion at HRMC begins
Superintendent sent packing
Sediment leads to $750,000 award
It’s a parking deck
Moratorium stops new signs in Franklin
Connection to mountain waterways
Duke could make many happy by building greenway
Bush and GOP need to stop whining about judges
Contemplating what’s already done
Creating an ‘Anywhere, USA’ justice center
What cure for Cade’s Cove?
Possible solutions
The Naturalist's Corner
Duke to continue releasing Nantahala through November

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11/26/03
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Voices in the Laurel travels to Dollywood for Christmas
Record wreath setter
Protagonist seeks distraction in a corrupt world
Genealogy database now available at FRL
ZORO’S FIELD: Life at the End of the Road
Summit lauds WNC entrepreneurship
UNC-TV to air mountain culture documentary
Ghost Town rezoning passes first hurdle
Outcome of referendum over off-reservation voting rights will affect tribe’s future
Bryson City shop has trains great and small
Affordable housing roundtable set for Dec. 9
Commissioners ask for N.C. 107 study
Hill resigns from chamber
Schulman legacy looms large in Sylva
New owner likes the feel of downtown Sylva
Book about Schulman to benefit downtown
Jackson County woman contracts West Nile virus
Where a horse might call home
Drive for mass transit picking up speed
Aging and a youth-obsessed culture
Please, come back in from the dark
Making do with an $18 million justice center
Presence and purification in Colombia
WNC searches for its new economy niche
Holding out hope amid the holiday madness
Guide foregoes text to teach canoeing basics
Haywood soil survey available to public
Michigan Scout troop contributes to woolly adelgid prevention
The Naturalist's Corner

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12/3/03
Swain diner serves up local artist
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Judging Jud — a misfit who gave status quo the finger
Friends of Macon Library honored for volunteer work
Playing by the rules yields a great horror tale
Greek Village to house fraternities, sororities in 2004
Board clamps down on letter writing
County may claim a spot in new justice center
Flooding in jail basement troubles Swain officials
Franklin board delays alderman appointment
Legislature OKs new districts
Septic failures plague Swain neighbors
Tax listing 101 – learning the rules
Visions for Peace plans holiday events in Franklin
Tribe breaks ground on new hotel tower
Granitic domes of western Carolina
Americans have irrational affinity for fallen heroes
Sacrificing for the survival of Gaelic
Decisions that should bear fruit
Haywood makes wise choice on tax audit
NOC wraps up kayaking season with Jiffy Slalom
The Naturalist's Corner
Christmas Trees galore
Park improves safety on Pigeon Forge Spur
Ski season kicks into gear as winter arrives
Area ski slopes

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12/10/03
Dance academy brings a grandmother’s Christmas story to life
Audience acts up, but Cosby still funny
The Great Gordo's Celebrated Slap-Happy Jamboree
Southern gothic with a twist
Facelift should spur retail growth
Wall Street
Sylva turns attention to Mill Street changes
Private money flows into downtown Canton
New projects energize Bryson City
Dillsboro makes plans for heritage museum, trail and theater
Cherokee restrict absentee voting
Theater group, town butt heads over lease
MMS wants space in new justice center
As the worm turns
The hard lessons learned through art
GOP should concede drawn out redistricting battle
Gift ideas from (and for) the great outdoors
Overuse prompts discussion of limitations in Panthertown
The Naturalist's Corner
Land Trust pledge seals Needmore purchase

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12/17/03
The man with the golden sticks
A Week's Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
A young mother comes of age; books good for more than reading
Work progresses on new WCU Greek Village
Western’s tuition increase approved
SCC gears up for increased teacher demand
County won’t relent on justice center space
Goodman responsible for anonymous mailing
Pawn shop owners offer eyewitness account of local economy
Highway design a mix of three, four and five lanes
Macon hires library consultancy group
New Eckerd store for Sylva enters into planning process
Proposed annexation would hike Little Blue Ridge tax bill
Resignations splinter library task force
Waynesville could extend ETJ to Lowe’s
Saddam! That’s hot!
Finding what is best for all in library debate
Garbage on the ground, garbage on two legs
How will we mine WNC’s heritage?
Sad truths should not dampen our faith
A sure bet to help the local economy
Panthertown: Discussion pits useability against preservation
The Naturalist's Corner
Grandma finishes Mountains-to-Sea trail
Friends license plate income increases by 27 percent in ‘03
Experts work for sustainable bike trails in DuPont

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12/24/03
Bus route will run betwen Sylva, WCU
Canton to ban some signs while studying ordinance
Georgia DOT may keep Highway 28 open
Haywood EDC to interview six for director’s job
Macon tweaks rules, keeps nativity
A mountain of publicity
Sadness prevails; much else falls short
What others are saying about “Cold Mountain”
Soundtrack has its highs and lows
Haywood County could profit from combined popularity of movie, book
Namesake brew finds success in WNC
Songs From the Mountain is a fitting companion
A Week’s Worth of Previews, Reviews, and Musical Notes
Return of the King
Regional writers comment on the direction and the future Appalachian literature
Dear Charles Frazier ....
William Bartram was Inman’s constant companion
The real Cold Mountain
Visitors make Cold Mountain pilgrimages
A long, tough hike to an unmarked summit
Finding Cold Mountain
Annexation discussion raises important issues
A future with more games, fewer books

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12/31/03
The most rocking compilation of Top 10 Lists Ever
Gary’s Top Ten for 2003
Dumbing down the common denominator
2003: News in review
Staking out Appalachia
Resolutions we would like to see
A BOLD request
Black bear population returns to historic numbers
Funding sought for foot trails and bike ways
The Naturalist's Corner
Smokies mark 35th year of bear research
Supporters needed to sign on to specialty plate proposal
Tobacco growers wanted for truffle growing project
Toyota hybrid wins Car of the Year

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