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7/07

7/4/07
Courthouse – again – slated as possible library site
Money vs. quality of life an easy choice for some
Seven western counties share land-use ideas
Swain sets hearing on North Shore Road
Maggie studies potential growth, regulations
Counties struggle to recruit teachers
Mill buyer amasses large share of juice carton market
Commissioners weigh in
Preserve’s sediment woes pre-date dam break
Labor unions slowly losing power in U.S.
A pack rat’s nightmare – a yard sale
An artist for life
Celebrating a jazz guitar legend
Recommended diversions
A Frank look back
Boaters at odds with those who don’t want Chattooga boating ban lifted
The Naturalist's Corner
Scrap indoor pollutants
Court upholds work of agencies in protecting bat habitat
Thunder in the valley

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7/11/07
Homeowner hassles
Parking problems plague downtown Bryson City
Haywood wades into bidding wars for two properties
Foy, Brown vying for mayor of Waynesville
Waynesville alderman’s race
Macon considers floodplain moratorium
Jackson adds finishing touches to regulations
LWCF has been a great resource for this country
Tomatoes really can save the world
Lottery could help solve state’s teacher shortage
A family’s painful ordeal with early onset Alzheimer’s
To be young and in love
I played in a classic rock cover band and lived to tell about it
A smashing residency in Asheville
Recommended diversions
Summertime and the reading’s hazy
Keeping the wheels spinning
The Naturalist's Corner
A man’s got to work and fish

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7/18/07
Ingles announces expansion, gas station for Waynesville store
Regulations may prompt lawsuits
The defense rests
Dam removal process faces stiff opposition
Sediment build-up causes environmental concern
Police: Cherokee voting results not affected by break-in
Macon wants to use incentives to foster responsible development
Meeting, no meeting
Road supporters not giving up
In my neighborhood, I’m proud to say, the cows are homies
The truth about the ‘Three R’s’ of conservatism
Al Gore to ride to the Democrats’ rescue
North Carolina side of park needs bigger, better visitors center
Steep Canyon Rangers sharpen their bluegrass skill set
Recommended diversions
Author’s bias shows through
Climate Change vs. National Park
The Naturalist's Corner
Great Smokies Park ends ban on native brook trout fishing
The thrill of new discoveries

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7/25/07
Reaching out
Sylva hopefuls square off
Waynesville mayor candidates
Crowded field likely to ramp up election interest in Waynesville
Town elections attract long list of candidates
Haywood pulls out after bid for recreation land tops $1 million
Moratorium gives Macon time to develop floodplain rules
Town elections are important for future of WNC
It’s not about the trees at all
Here’s what is wrong with the debates
A new tax by any other name
Fresh tunes, new faces
Recommended diversions
Deer hunting in the twilight of American culture
Pinnacle Park
Hike to Pinnacle Peak
Conserving Fisher Creek
The Naturalist's Corner
Sicklefin redhorse and the Cherokee

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8/07

8/1/07
Feeding the need
Waynesville searching for Russ Avenue fix
Room tax will pay for visitor center
Haywood pitches unique tomato
Dayco deal finally closes
Deal underway to preserve Dean Island from development
Swain seeks more input on road regulations
Two bite the dust
Macon takes a stand, and developer is OK with it
Give me a deck of cards and no sand
Is anyone counting the losses?
Book a trip to Waynesville
An interview with Masha Hamilton
And now for something completely different...
Recommended diversions
Book Mania
Slithery study
Alternative ramblings
Care and feeding of a healthy septic system
Hollyhocks and reminders of the past

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8/8/07
Passing school bonds in Macon could prove a tough sell
Cherokee candidates square off at forum
Housing industry, county leaders stage battlefield as tax debate heats up
Jackson gives final OK to new development regulations
Maggie Valley sways vote on recreation site
Health services building marks beginning of Millennial Campus
Dayco deal finalized after three-year process
County leaders must decide what options to offer voters
The nuts and bolts of the property transfer tax
HRMC eliminates 36 jobs as patient volume drops
Q&A with David Rice
Energy bill weak, but a good start
For teachers, success is in smell
Poo by any other name is still...
Use the ‘front porch’ barometer for politicians
Broadway comes to WCU
One for the kiddies; one for the fans
Recommended diversions
Harry — The boy who lived
Slaying the coal dinosaurs
The Naturalist's Corner
The golden season

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8/15/07
Sustainability at HCC
Profile: Rose Johnson
How-to of dam removal still a source of debate
Fontana boat dock owners losing money as TVA lowers lake
Macon leaders ask voters for property transfer tax
Orthopedist shortage costs HRMC patients, revenue
Vice Chief candidates address a broad range of issues
Haywood records highest-ever room tax collections
Hats off to Jackson County commissioners
Is summer over already?
Bury Ed in Appalachia
A tale of two Smiths
I attended a classic rock concert and lived to tell about it
Recommended diversions
Heading Home waffles but New Stories shines
See you in the Moonlight
The Naturalist's Corner
LTLT to protect more of the Little Tennessee
Ginkgo — a living fossil

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8/22/07
Clean-up slow in wake of dam break
Muddy math plays into sediment calculations
Dam escaped state permit threshold
Macon leaders finally address animal shelter crisis
County wins bidding war for Jonathan Creek land
Duke tries to get out of dredging behind dam
TDA changes ramrodded by county manager
Swain appoints members to re-configured TDA
New TDA make-up leaves questions unanswered
Canton bridge project to cause delays
Many in Macon excited about rec center prospects
Duke just hasn’t offered much to the region
It’s always somebody’s fault, isn’t it
Nature inspired art
Beach Boys coming to Canton
Recommended diversions
Put your money on Saratoga Fleshpot
Park friends
The Naturalist's Corner
Remarkable red cedar

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8/29/07
Shuler goes to Washington
On being Heath Shuler
Deed faux pas gives animal shelter to airport
Case between McClure, Jackson County rages on
Republicans to Taylor: Make up your mind
HRMC announces $16.5 million expansion
Hospital defends timing of expansion
Voter rolls in Swain get house cleaning
Voting in North Carolina just got easier
Vick a poster child for depraved stars
Passion for pewter
Truth is, Sloe Gin fizzed
Recommended diversions
Burning down the house
Mussel shoals
The perilous world of mussels
The Naturalist's Corner
Jackson cyclist continues on his journey across US
All in a day’s work

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9/07

9/5/07
When to teach, when to tell?
Childcare center’s closing surprises community
Fontana Lake businesses close for the season
Bond hearings planned in Macon
Jackson’s Green Energy Park undergoes expansion
SCC ranks fourth among all U.S. community colleges
Blue Ridge Paper Products changes name, moves headquarters
Swain to put land transfer tax on November ballot
Mills new owners have a strong legacy to live up to
When did the need for AC move up the mountain?
Roll the credits, please – ASU 34, Mich. 32
Osama, this is George: I need you, man
Heaven in a bucket, a hillside and some blueberries
Exploring every angle
Notes from a waitress
Recommended diversions
A taste for noir
Disc golf course proves popular in Waynesville
Naturalist's Corner
Chickens and fall garden chores
What’s up with these fall webworms?
Enchanting the summer evening

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9/12/07
Making the grade
Duke seeks permit for new coal plant
Incumbent Hicks wins in tight Cherokee election
Voter interviews reflect close race
EDC says marketing study not worthwhile
What Sylva is and isn’t: you be the judge
Group forms to bring about revitalization of Cullowhee
Maggie mayor’s zoning request still up in the air
Recreation plan attracts mostly supporters to bond hearing
SCC ranking a sign of the high quality of community colleges
For gays, desperation too often a way of life
Is oil like a mineral, vegetable or animal?
A potter’s calling
All aboard!
Fresh voices gain ground
Recommended diversions
Life in the midst of change
Tellico trails
Defending their turf
The Naturalist's Corner
Walnut toxicity

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9/19/07
Fair scenes
Courthouse site doable for new Jackson library
How it might work
Swain nearly ready to vote on road rules
Haywood to create farmland protection plan
Waynesville seeks solutions to Russ traffic problems
Swain voter fraud investigation sent to feds
WATR tries to stay active
Arrests made for soliciting at park
Waynesville PD net 6 arrests in Internet sex sting
Southern Loop on priority list, committee says it wasn’t them
Time to fix NCLB to better reflect the real world
School gets scant attention out in the jungle
Dillsboro Dam important part of Jackson’s heritage, economy
Turning the tables
Balsam Range redefines regional bluegrass
Recommended diversions
Intersection of American minds
Giving nature a helping hand
The Naturalist's Corner
Saying farewell to summer

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9/26/07
The Super Wal-Mart land rush
Mumpower first to formally challenge Shuler
From Africa to Appalachia: Celebrating the history of the banjo
Future big-box stores, strip malls to face scrutiny in Franklin
Maggie Valley mayor’s race pits long-time foes
Changing electorate could shake up Sylva election
State says mill discharge does not require public notification
Vote on Southern Loop postponed
Cherokee Foundation grants aimed at economic development
Preservation is good for the economy; time for all to get on board
The menagerie grows by one well-trained possum
What I don’t know about parenting
Ending the curse of Babel may be our only, best chance
Funny guise
Blessed, demented genius
Recommended diversions
Chick lit, chauvinism and modern Ireland
What is wrong with teaching in the US?
Ain’t no mountain high enough
The Naturalist's Corner
Tellico trail closure
Volunteers help with elk viewing in Cataloochee
Sweet bubby bush

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10/07

10/3/07
The new face of Waynesville
Hicks declared winner in contested Cherokee vote
Jackson library to go atop courthouse hill
How it might work
Dillsboro dam debate rages on
What’s in a permit?
Southern Loop opposition mounts
Swain urged to tap into motorcycle tourism
What magazines would work best for Swain?
Waynesville candidates make their cases
Haywood’s League of Women Voters fosters non-partisan involvement
DOT needs to hit the brakes on Southern Loop
It’s all over but the texting
In the wake of death, new life
In the heat of summer, it’s every tomato for itself
Where pots (and a cat) are thrown
Hoss: clawing their way to the top
Giant Van Halen rock lands in NC
Recommended diversions
Not such a safe place
The Naturalist's Corner
Taking stock of our local treasures
Shrills in the night

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10/10/07
Crowded field seeks Canton seats
Growth a major concern for Highlands hopefuls
Tourism change could cost chambers
UNC system goes on the road to discuss future
Growth roundtable has guidelines, but now must decide how to use them
New owners cut 150 jobs at paper mill
Most Waynesville candidates support Russ Avenue fix
Candidates reveal their take on land use plan
Canton banks, businesses prepare for buyout infusion
Candidates: Review necessary to keep land use plan viable
In local elections, support those who embrace planning
Drive-thru decision-making is maddening
Where do postage stamps come from?
Art for all ages
Happy to be here
Recommended diversions
An undefined culture gets its own guide
Angling for attention
The Naturalist's Corner
Verdict out on the North Shore Road
Sandy Mush land owners receive conservation grant
Beauty of the cardinal flower

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10/17/07
Community hopes relief from Fontana drawdown is in sight
Jackson library group needs to raise up to $1 million
The BCCCP Program
The Power of Pink
Chief’s newspaper decree leads to free speech debate
Tax opponents organize in Macon, Swain
Two more seek 11th District GOP nomination Armour Campbell
Bryson City’s mayoral hopefuls support land-use initiatives
The right too often hides behind the children
Sharing the moments as time marches on
Breaking the made in China addiction
A labor of love
Ex Tempore: Impromptu excellence
Recommended diversions
A Storm in the Big Easy
Wildland etiquette: The right and wrong way to view wildlife
The Naturalist's Corner
Uncovering winter’s delight

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10/24/07
Residents debate motives behind proposed road
Siler Road timeline
Four options considered for the new road
Candidates vie for Maggie seats
Elections board investigates school bond activities
Sylva candidates put growth issues at top of agenda
Franklin candidates stake out positions
Watershed logging remains election issue
A health care fix is needed
Free press and tribal politics
Days like these can go on forever
Something Pumpkin this way rolls ...
Sharon Jones conjures up the heart of soul
Recommended diversions
Forgotten poetry illuminated by Dark Horses
Escape for a good cause
The Naturalist's Corner
New observation tower to crown Mount Mitchell
The gall

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10/31/07
Bryson City, Canton, Clyde, Maggie Valley & Waynesville
Franklin, Highlands & Sylva
Shelter plan irks Hall Top residents
Decision expected soon on quarry permit
Ample options, no decision yet on Franklin Town Hall relocation
Transfer tax would help Swain schools
Who’ll pay the price?
Macon citizens deserve better from DOT on Siler Road project
The nice ones are all red and shiny
Some people really can work miracles
Burmese need our voices our courage
Highlands sets the table for a fall feast
Halloween Ramblings, 2007
Recommended diversions
Lessons from the jungle
Bear frenzy over acorns attracts a crowd
What to do when you meet a bear
The Naturalist's Corner
Land trust branches out, helps preserve community store
Overnight hibernation

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11/07

11/7/07
Sex offenders and civil liberties
Smart Roads Alliance seeks answers on Southern Loop
Brown unseats Foy in mayor’s race
Incumbent Moody, newcomer Graham win in Sylva
McElroy, Edwards and Aldridge victors in Maggie Valley
Two incumbents, one newcomer win in Franklin
Newcomers take Canton seats
Martin removed as editor in Cherokee
Franklin takes steps to fix sewage woes
Jackson Airport study OK’d
Transfer tax goes down in Swain, Macon
Macon makes mistakes in quest to pass school bonds
Some memories just spell T-R-A-U-M-A
Island music in the mountains
Recommended diversions
Ever-evolving, always surprising
Paging all book lovers
A life in the rapids
Watershed to be clearcut – planted in tobacco
Saving rain makes sense
When litter is good

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11/14/07
Studying the future
Haywood TDA shakeup underway
New mayor embraces new face of Bryson City
Highlands prepares for mixed drinks, beer
Courthouse on track for bicentennial festivities
Tuckasegee quarry permit denied
Election shows counties they have work to do before new funding OK’d
Gauging a country’s greatness
Filling up a room with more than a table
Faces of Neighbors
Krauss and Plant deliver no less than expected
Recommended diversions
Carter through the eyes of a friend
Snow blows at Cataloochee
The Naturalist's Corner
Lawsuit threat prompts erosion study in Tellico
Winter preparation

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11/21/07
Huge development planned for Haywood County
Businessman’s past local projects failed to materialize
Drought devastates local farmers, businesses
Macon looks for alternative funding for school projects
Cherokee asks for input into corridor planning
Allen ends bid for re-election
Horton returns to WNC as Macon county manager
Charlotte voters make tough, smart choice
How the cookie crumbles
Dark and empty night skies — a thing of the past
Films that change the world
Surreptitious sounds
Recommended diversions
Of Fathers and Wardrobes
The last syrup of makers
The Naturalist's Corner
Quiz time

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11/28/07
Finding his calling
Burrell, Setzer plug plan for Southern Loop
Sarge’s scraps plans for Hall Top shelter
WNC job outlook: Manufacturing out, entrepreneurship in
Macon likely to approve $40 million in school projects
Jonathan Creek project is just not a good fit
Making a list, forgetting to check it
Today’s youth are missing in action
Even Grinch knows Christmas isn’t in the store
All aboard!
Trischka doubles the pleasure with modern banjo greats
Recommended diversions
An English breakdown
The Naturalist's Corner
Bear Care
Smokies plates lead to annual sales record
The essential nature of winter

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12/07

12/5/07
Canton’s saga continues
Haywood County Arts Council celebrates 30
Mapping the future
Vandals strike Macon greenway
Maggie Valley asks TDA for more money
New TDA Board appointed
Jackson may put an end to Wal-Mart dog mart
Grant should help Bridge Park get framed up in summer 2008
Haywood County Arts Council marks 30 successful years
Community colleges should admit children of all immigrants
Christmas past is what we’re aiming for
An artist’s journey
Our secret places
Sounds like Christmas ...
Recommended diversions
Reading for the holidays
Local author pens best hikes with dogs
The Naturalist's Corner
Christmas Past
Ingles’ “go bagless” campaign a success in Bryson
Haywood water quality a mixed bag
The winter song of the great horned owl

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12/12/07
The law of attraction
Bryson halts sewer connections outside town limits
Canary Coalition aims for the airwaves
WCU forges ongoing relationship with Canton
Two GOP governor hopefuls campaign in mountains
State gives dam removal a go
Macon County explores TDA options
Patient load goes up at free Highlands-Cashiers clinic
Canton gains ground as mill’s dominance recedes
The maples face an emotional buzz saw
Rankings show quality health care is available in Haywood County
Getting close to the food you eat
Hand-made history for the Christmas tree
It’s Grammy season ... do you care?
Recommended diversions
The way of the sword
A look at the dark side of the season
Preserving the giant’s rock
A year from the Naturalist’s Corner
Rocking out

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12/19/07
Getting connected
Online shopping not taking a big byte yet, say store owners
Maggie Valley gets new police station
Foundation helps families who lose babies to birth defects
Macon seeks solution to animal woes
Swain’s subdivision ordinance tabled after stiff opposition
Kirshinger donates root canals to dental clinic
Smathers aims for state’s second-highest political job
Jackson ponders the merit of continuing dam debate
Foy’s influence will endure
Ten yers after Harrah’s, Cherokee is a better place
You cats dressed in blue, this is for you
Disappearing fringes threaten national forests
Forging Ahead
Warren Haynes’ 19th Annual Christmas Jam — mostly
Recommended diversions
Christmas traditions from the Moravians
Gifts that keep giving
The Naturalist's Corner
A honey of a locust

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12/26/07
2007 | 2007: A year for development news
Fed OKs $6 million for North Shore Road payment
On Cataloochee Wilderness
TWASA waits for capacity expansion go-ahead
Why he rode
Mining company appeals decision; quarry’s future remains uncertain
Parkway views from Waynesville overlook protected
Mountain protections gained wide support in 2007
Blessed be the tin-eared hymn singer
A little moss, hopefully, is forever
The honesty of a cat’s purr opens my eyes
In WNC, voters showing support for Edwards, Huckabee
Home again
A Christmas Day playlist
Recommended diversions
When Florida was wild
Pinnacle Park's future | Hike to Pinnacle Peak
The Naturalist's Corner
Park contracts with local company to aid hemlocks
A plant’s purpose

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